Cllr Mark Ashwell

The Executive of Wokingham Council decided on 24/09/2026 to recommend to Council the approval of a procurement business case to renew the contract with Optalis for adult social care services. The Executive also recommended delegating authority to the Executive Director of Adult Services, in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Adult Services, to approve and complete the contract with Optalis for approximately £15.2 million for 2027-28 and the associated Shareholders Agreement. Additionally, authority was recommended to be delegated to the Executive Director of Children’s, Adults, Housing & Health to approve additions or removals of individual services from the Optalis contract, subject to budget approval, business case demonstration of value for money, and consultation with specific Executive Members.

The Executive of Wokingham Council decided on 24/09/2026 to approve the Council's response to Council Motion 529, noting that a full single customer account is not currently viable. They endorsed a phased approach focusing on the Front Door Programme, customer accounts where there is a business case, website search improvements, and future business cases for additional investment.

The Executive of Wokingham Council on 24 September 2026 resolved to approve recommendations. Councillor David Hare declared a prejudicial interest in agenda item 50 and would leave the room for its entirety.

The Executive of Wokingham Council decided on 24/09/2026 to accept modifications to the Sonning Neighbourhood Plan and allow it to proceed to a referendum. The Executive agreed that the modified plan meets basic conditions and complies with relevant legislation. The Interim Executive Director of Place and Growth, in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Housing, Partnerships and the Local Plan, was authorised to agree minor factual and consequential modifications.

The Executive of Wokingham Council approved the Children's Social Care Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2029 on 24 September 2026. The strategy was endorsed to improve placement sufficiency, stability, and outcomes for children in care and care leavers. It noted a forecast requirement for an additional 51 placements over the strategy's life.