The Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss proposals for a Council Housing Acquisition and Investment Programme, a draft Employment and Skills Strategy, and an update on Flood Risk Management. The committee was also set to review the Local Transport Delivery Plan and consider its Work Programme and Action Tracker.

Council Housing Acquisition and Investment Programme

The committee was scheduled to scrutinise proposals for a Council Housing Acquisition and Investment Programme. This programme is intended to increase the supply of affordable, temporary, and specialist housing within Wokingham Borough. The report outlined that the programme has the potential to facilitate the delivery of between approximately 127 and 165 homes through direct property acquisitions and investment in the Council's Local Housing Company. The programme aims to increase affordable housing supply, reduce pressure on the Housing Register, and decrease reliance on temporary accommodation. The report recommended that the committee note the increasing housing need and temporary accommodation pressures, and the proposed programme, before it is considered by the Executive.

Employment & Skills Strategy

The committee was scheduled to consider the draft Employment and Skills Strategy for 2026-2031. This strategy has been developed in response to local labour market evidence, economic data, and engagement with employers, education providers, community organisations, and residents. Its aim is to create a more coordinated employment and skills system to help residents access opportunities, assist employers in addressing workforce challenges, and contribute to inclusive economic growth. The report highlighted that while Wokingham Borough has a strong economy, inequalities exist, with some residents facing barriers to employment and skills development. The strategy's vision is A fair, inclusive and future-ready labour market where everyone who wants to work is supported to do so, and every employer can access the skills and talent they need to thrive. The committee was asked to provide comments and early feedback on the initial findings.

Flood Risk Management Update

An update on the activities of the Flood Risk and Drainage Team during 2025/26 was scheduled for discussion. This included their duties as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and the maintenance of the highways drainage network. The report noted a prolonged period of rainfall over the autumn and winter of 2025/26, with September 2025 and January 2026 experiencing above-average precipitation. Despite this, the LLFA was reported to have managed surface water flooding competently and progressed strategic work on the highways drainage network and flood alleviation projects. The report also detailed the condition of the drainage network, progress on capital drainage schemes, ongoing revenue drainage works, and the team's response to planning applications related to flooding and drainage.

Local Transport Delivery Plan

The committee was scheduled to scrutinise the draft Local Transport Delivery Plan prior to its consideration by the Executive. This plan outlines the strategic challenges and opportunities facing the Council's Highways and Transport Services and describes key workstreams. It seeks endorsement of the strategic approach being pursued, which is consistent with the Council's Local Transport Plan (LTP) adopted in 2025. The report detailed the allocation of new Department for Transport funding for 2026/27 to 2029/30, totalling £41 million in capital and £4.59 million in revenue. The plan aims to encourage greater use of cycling and walking, improve bus services, and maintain the highway network. The committee was asked to review the paper and provide feedback ahead of its submission to the Department for Transport.

Work Programme and Action Tracker

The committee was scheduled to consider its Work Programme for the 2026/27 Municipal Year and review the regular Action Tracker report. The Work Programme outlines the topics scheduled for discussion in future meetings, including the Budget Scrutiny process. The Action Tracker provides an update on actions arising from previous meetings.