The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 16 September 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the council's Q1 2026-27 performance, an overview of the upcoming Corporate Peer Challenge, and scrutiny of a draft policy on tackling hardship and building resilience. The committee will also consider annual reports and a draft strategy for the Wokingham Borough Safer Communities Partnership, alongside reviewing the council's forward programme and the committee's own work programmes.

Q1 2026-27 Performance Report

The committee is scheduled to consider the corporate performance report for the first quarter of 2026-27. This report will scrutinise the council's Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across various service areas. The summary of the report indicates sustained performance despite ongoing challenges, including increased demand and complexity of needs, alongside the impact of the Local Government Finance Settlement. The report details a RAG status for KPIs, with 48 Green, 15 Amber, and 4 Red KPIs noted for Q1 2026/27. Specific areas highlighted as Red include the number of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) service requests, the percentage of homes not meeting the Decent Homes Standard, and the percentage of mothers receiving a first face-to-face antenatal contact with a health visitor at 28 weeks of pregnancy or above. Actions to improve performance in these areas are outlined within the report.

Corporate Peer Challenge - Overview

An overview of the upcoming Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge is scheduled for discussion. This process, undertaken by experienced councillors and senior local government officers, provides independent challenge and support to councils by examining leadership, governance, financial management, organisational effectiveness, and capacity for improvement. The review, scheduled for 3-6 November 2026, aims to provide independent assurance regarding the council's governance, leadership, financial sustainability, and organisational performance, identifying opportunities for further development. The report highlights that this process forms part of the sector-led improvement framework and assists councils in demonstrating compliance with their statutory Best Value Duty under the Local Government Act 1999. The peer team will examine five core themes: local priorities and outcomes, organisational and place leadership, governance and culture, financial planning and management, and capacity for improvement.

Tackling Hardship & Building Resilience Policy

The committee is set to scrutinise the draft Tackling Hardship and Building Resilience Policy. This policy aims to provide a whole-system response to hardship, recognising that health, wellbeing, and financial security are influenced by broader societal conditions, as well as access to effective services. It proposes a prevention-led model that combines action on fundamental aspects of a healthy life with targeted support for residents facing significant challenges. The policy aligns with the council's strategic focus on prevention and partnership working, and is built around key building blocks for healthy, safe, and rewarding lives, such as adequate income, good work, education, safe housing, accessible transport, community support, and clear information. The report recommends the adoption of this policy approach, emphasising partnership working, evidence-based prioritisation, early help, and practical delivery through existing strategies.

Wokingham Borough Safer Communities Partnership Annual Report

An annual update report on the Wokingham Borough Safer Communities Partnership is scheduled for review. The report details the partnership's adherence to its statutory responsibilities and local priorities throughout 2025/26. It highlights that the partnership aims to build safer, stronger, and more resilient communities, help people live free from abuse and fear, reduce inequalities, and provide clear leadership. The report notes a 2.7% decrease in overall crime compared to the previous year, with reductions in shoplifting, theft from vehicles, and theft from the person. However, slight increases in ASB, drugs, robbery, and shoplifting are also mentioned, with the report stating it is unclear if this is due to increased reporting or criminal activity. The report also details the development of a new Wokingham Borough Safer Communities Strategy for 2026-31, which aligns with the council's plan and incorporates feedback from extensive public and stakeholder consultation.

Wokingham Borough Safer Communities Partnership Strategy 2026-31

The committee will scrutinise the final draft of the Wokingham Borough Safer Communities Partnership Strategy for 2026-31. This strategy follows the establishment of the WBSCP on 1 April 2026, which integrates the statutory responsibilities of the previous Community Safety Partnership and Safeguarding Adults Board. The strategy aims to ensure Wokingham Borough remains one of the safest areas in the country by focusing on assurance, outcomes, and impact. It has been developed following co-production, public consultation, and stakeholder engagement, with strong support from residents who identified anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol-related crime, visible policing, public safety, safeguarding, and victim support as key concerns. The strategy's six priorities are Antisocial Behaviour and Hate Crime, Safeguarding, Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls, Serious Violence and Exploitation, Drug and Alcohol Related Activity, and Online Safety.

Consideration of the Current Executive Forward Programme

The committee is scheduled to consider the current published version of the Executive Forward Programme. This programme outlines items scheduled for decision by the Executive in the coming months, providing an overview of key decisions planned by the council's executive leadership. Topics include the Local Transport Delivery Plan, Optalis Contract renewal, Resident Enquiry System, Children's Sufficiency Strategy, Council Housing Acquisition and Investment Programme, the Wokingham Borough Safer Communities Partnership Strategy, the Sonning Neighbourhood Plan, the Health & Safety Annual Report, the Tackling Hardship and Building Resilience policy, Revenue Monitoring, the Employment and Skills Strategy, and the Customer Relationship Management and Telephony Combined Contract.

O&S Committee Work Programmes

The committee will discuss the work programme of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee and other Overview and Scrutiny Committees. This agenda item allows for the review and potential adjustment of planned scrutiny activities for the upcoming municipal year, ensuring that the committees are focusing on key areas of council activity and resident concern. The draft work programmes for the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee, Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Climate Emergency Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee are included for consideration.

Action Tracker

The committee will consider the regular Action Tracker report. This report provides an update on actions arising from previous meetings and their current status, ensuring that agreed actions are being progressed and implemented by the council. The Action Tracker for the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee details actions from meetings held on 17 June 2026 and 6 July 2026.