The Wokingham Borough Council Executive is scheduled to convene on Thursday 29 October 2026, with a key focus on the council's financial health and strategies for supporting residents. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on tackling hardship and building resilience, the procurement of essential support services, and the development of employment and skills initiatives. Additionally, the Executive will consider plans for expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure and addressing homelessness and rough sleeping within the borough.

Tackling Hardship and Building Resilience Policy

A significant item on the agenda is the proposed Tackling Hardship and Building Resilience Policy Public reports pack 29th-Oct-2026 19.00 Executive.pdf. This policy aims to provide a comprehensive, prevention-led approach to hardship across Wokingham Borough. It is based on the principles of the Marmot framework, focusing on improving the fundamental conditions necessary for residents to live healthy, safe, and rewarding lives. The policy acknowledges that factors such as housing, education, employment, transport, and community support all shape wellbeing and contribute to hardship. The report seeks endorsement of this policy, with a recommendation that the Executive approves it as the strategic framework for tackling hardship, guiding decisions, activity planning, and commissioning. This initiative aligns with the council's commitment to prevention, early intervention, and reducing inequality, as outlined in the Wokingham Communities Vision 2035 and the Council Plan.

Procurement of Rough Sleeping Outreach and In-reach Support Service

The Executive will consider the procurement of a specialist Rough Sleeping Outreach and In-reach Support Service for the period 2027-2029 Public reports pack 29th-Oct-2026 19.00 Executive.pdf. The proposed service aims to identify and engage individuals sleeping rough, assist them in accessing accommodation, support tenancy sustainment, and prevent repeat homelessness. This initiative supports the council's objectives to prevent and relieve homelessness and improve outcomes for vulnerable residents. The recommendation is to approve an open competitive tender for this service, with a contract term from 1 January 2027 to 31 March 2029. The estimated annual contract value is £275,000, excluding VAT.

Customer Relationship Management and Telephony Combined Contract

A report will be presented regarding the procurement of a combined Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and telephony contract Public reports pack 29th-Oct-2026 19.00 Executive.pdf. This consolidation aims to improve customer contact, case management, and digital service delivery. The proposed approach is to award a five-year contract via a call-off from the Back Office Software 2 framework. This strategy is expected to enhance customer experience, streamline internal operations, reduce failure demand, and support the council's productivity and financial sustainability goals. The annual contract value is estimated at £329,709, with a total value of £1,648,545 over the five-year term.

Wokingham Borough Employment and Skills Strategy 2026–2031

The Executive will consider the adoption of the Wokingham Borough Employment and Skills Strategy 2026–2031 Public reports pack 29th-Oct-2026 19.00 Executive.pdf. This strategy aims to foster a fair and inclusive local labour market by removing barriers to employment, reducing economic inactivity, and creating sustainable work opportunities. It recognises the importance of business engagement and seeks to develop stronger local skills pathways to support employers in recruiting and developing local talent, thereby driving inclusive economic growth. The strategy adopts a holistic approach, bringing together issues such as educational disadvantage, transitions into adulthood, economic inactivity, disability, caring responsibilities, gender inequality, access to training, employer recruitment pressures, and the skills needed for technological change and the transition to net zero. The report seeks approval for the strategy and its proposed priorities and actions for the first 18 months of delivery.

Borough-wide Electric Vehicle Charging Strategic Infrastructure Partnership Procurement

A report will be presented seeking approval to procure a single Strategic Infrastructure Partner for the development, operation, and expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the borough Public reports pack 29th-Oct-2026 19.00 Executive.pdf. This initiative is a key component of the borough's future transport network and supports the council's climate action, air quality, and sustainable transport objectives. The proposed model is a concession-style strategic partnership, involving council investment alongside private sector expertise and finance. The aim is to establish an accessible, reliable, and financially sustainable network over an initial 15-year term, with an option to extend. The council is proposing an investment of up to £5 million from the capital programme, with the selected partner expected to match this investment.

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-31

The Executive will consider the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-31 Public reports pack 29th-Oct-2026 19.00 Executive.pdf, along with supporting documents including the Year 1 Action Plan and the Temporary Accommodation Policy. This strategy outlines the council's five-year approach to preventing homelessness and supporting individuals experiencing rough sleeping. It is based on a statutory Homelessness Review and extensive consultation. The strategy is organised around six priorities: working together to prevent homelessness, increasing access to settled housing, reducing reliance on temporary accommodation, strengthening support for those with multiple challenges, ensuring rough sleeping is rare and brief, and providing consistent support with clear accountability. The report seeks approval for the strategy and its supporting documents.

Revenue Budget Monitoring FY2026/27 - Quarter Two

The Executive will receive an update on the council's revenue budget position for the financial year 2026/27 as at the end of Quarter Two Public reports pack 29th-Oct-2026 19.00 Executive.pdf. The report indicates a projected overspend of £2.5 million across the council's services, an improvement of £0.7 million from Quarter One. Notable pressures are identified within Adult Social Care and Children's Services. The report also highlights the significant long-term financial challenge posed by the Fair Funding Review, which is expected to result in a substantial reduction in government funding. The Housing Revenue Account is forecasting an adverse position of £498,000, which will be covered by reserves. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) faces a significant cumulative deficit of £77 million by March 2027, primarily due to pressures within the High Needs Block.

Capital Budget Monitoring – Q2

The Executive will be updated on the progress of the council's capital programme for the financial year 2026/2027 as at the end of Quarter Two Public reports pack 29th-Oct-2026 19.00 Executive.pdf. The report indicates savings of approximately £5.7 million across the capital programme. Several budget amendments are also proposed, including additional capital budgets for Family Hub facilities, Finchwood Park Project Development, Spencers Wood New School, Drainage at Stanlake Park for Natural Flood Management, and the Riverside Park Footbridge. The report also details proposed reprofiling of budgets to future years.

Health & Safety Annual Report 2025-26

The Executive will receive the annual report on Health and Safety performance for the period April 2025 to March 2026 Public reports pack 29th-Oct-2026 19.00 Executive.pdf. The report indicates that overall incident reporting has fallen, partly due to school academisation reducing the council's direct responsibility. However, incidents within council services have increased, reflecting improved reporting and a stronger safety culture. The report highlights a rise in verbal abuse incidents, attributed to increased staff confidence in reporting. The council's health and safety performance is viewed positively, with a low number of serious incidents requiring notification to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Key priorities for 2026/27 include strengthening governance, improving reporting, and enhancing organisational safety culture.

The meeting will also address apologies for absence and confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 24 September 2026 Minutes of Previous Meeting.pdf. There will also be a statement from the Leader of the Council and an opportunity for public questions.