The Overview and Scrutiny Commission met on 4 September 2025, and discussed the Council Plan Overview Report, an update on adult and public health, and the commission's work programme. The commission requested a briefing note on the Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document, and further information on measures to stop people taking up vaping. They also agreed that the Environment and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel should undertake a review into social housing.

Council Plan Overview Report

The commission reviewed the Council Plan Overview Report (CPOR) for the first quarter of 2025/26. The report detailed the council's performance against its strategic priorities.

The report highlighted several achievements during the first quarter, including:

• The establishment of the Communities Partnership Delivery Group, chaired by Involve Community Services.
• The formal adoption of the council's 2025–2030 Climate Change Strategy.
• The adoption of the Unison Anti-Racism Charter by Bracknell Forest Council.
• The completion of extensive refurbishment works at the temporary site of Hawthorn Academy, a specialist school for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
• The approval of the Local Transport Plan 4 (2025–2037) by the cabinet in April, following public consultation.
• The enhancement of bus services across the borough network.
• Cabinet approval of a kerbside glass recycling scheme.
• Bracknell Forest Council was the only local authority in Berkshire to declare an underspend against its approved budget for the 2024/25 financial year.
• Adoption of the Asset Management Plan by the cabinet in June.

The report also identified several challenges, including:

• Delays to the delivery of the Forest View School (Bucklers Park site) pending an update from the Department of Education (DfE).
• Increased complexity in need across Children's and Adult's services, testing the resilience of both systems and workforce and adding budget pressures.
• Significant recruitment efforts for the Corporate Procurement team have only been partially successful.

The commission made the following observations and recommendations to the cabinet:

Distribution of 'Your Bracknell Forest' Magazine

Concerns were raised regarding the distribution of the council's annual publication, Your Bracknell Forest, with some councillors and residents reporting that they had not received a copy. It was suggested that a snapshot survey be conducted to assess distribution coverage and identify any gaps.

Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

The commission queried the change in approach regarding the Biodiversity Net Gain SPD, which was now being broadened to a more general Biodiversity SPD.

It was RESOLVED that a briefing note be provided to the Commission outlining the scope, rationale, and intended direction of the revised Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), following the decision to broaden the original Biodiversity Net Gain SPD.

Performance Indicators – Red Ratings and Trends

Specific indicators rated red and trending negatively were discussed, including progress on improving the indicator related to the completion of new homes in line with the housing trajectory, and concerns about the percentage of care leavers not in education, employment, or training (NEET), which had increased slightly.

Cabinet Member Portfolio Update - Adults and Public Health

The cabinet member for adults and public health, Councillor Wright, gave an account of performance within the Council Plan Overview Report (CPOR) related to this portfolio.

Adult Social Care

Key updates included:

• The Bridgewell facility at Birch Hill was nearing completion and scheduled to begin accepting residents with learning disabilities from October.
• A new Supported Living Framework was introduced to provide more tailored support for individuals with learning disabilities and autism residing in council-contracted housing.
• A new Carers Strategy was launched, developed following consultation with over 1,000 unpaid carers.
• The Intermediate Care Service was improved to support hospital discharge and early intervention.
• Work continued on refreshing both the dementia and autism strategies.
• The Bracknell Forest Community Network saw increased referrals and uptake of both one-to-one and group mental health support, including initiatives such as the Happiness Hub.
• Forestcare, the council's emergency out-of-hours service, continued to operate successfully and was being explored as a potential income-generating service through external contracts.
• The Commission was informed of the outcome of the most recent CQC inspection, which rated the service as Good.

Following the presentation, questions from councillors were addressed:

• Forestcare digital transition: Concerns were raised regarding the transition of Forestcare from analogue to digital systems, particularly around service resilience in the event of power loss.
• Transition from children's to adult services: Practical support measures were outlined, including travel training and drop-in centres to assist with form-filling and life skills.
• Forestcare awareness and public engagement: A question was raised about public awareness of Forestcare services.
• Bridgewell Centre and mental health provision: Clarification was provided regarding the Bridgewell Centre, which was confirmed to be for adults with learning disabilities and autism.
• Happiness Hub: Further detail was provided on the Happiness Hub, described as a mobile drop-in service offering activities, peer support, and access to mental health professionals.
• Staff Recruitment and Retention: It was noted that there were ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified social care staff.

Presentation on Public Health

An overview was provided of recent and ongoing public health initiatives, highlighting areas of collaboration with adult social care and broader community engagement. Key updates from the public health work plan included:

• Community Map: An interactive online resource showing available services across the borough.
• Making Every Contact Count: A training initiative encouraging staff to use everyday interactions to promote health and wellbeing.
• Targeted Smoking Cessation Support: Focused on priority groups including pregnant women and individuals with mental health or addiction issues.
• Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA): Undergoing a refresh in partnership with the LGA, assessing borough-wide health and care provision and system integration.
• Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment: Scheduled for publication in autumn, reviewing pharmacy service coverage.
• Healthy Weight Programme: A new adult weight management model was being developed following evaluation of the previous programme.
• Healthy Workplace Alliance: Supporting local employers to improve workplace wellbeing, including training and mental health support.
• Commissioning of Sexual Health Services: A new service was out to tender, with oversight from the Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel.
• Public Health Nursing Service: Meeting most key performance indicators.
• NHS Health Checks: Uptake remained low; communications were being reviewed to improve awareness.
• The Council had received funding from the Institute of Public Health Research to embed evidence-based practice across the system.
• A new public health dashboard was launched, offering up-to-date data on key indicators, with some metrics available at ward level.
• The thriving Communities Programme, which aligned with the NHS's 10-year plan to improve neighbourhood health through targeted local interventions.

Following the presentation on public health, questions from councillors were addressed:

• The Commission received an update on performance within the 0–19 Public Health Nursing Service.
• Concerns were raised regarding the potential impact of reduced uptake of dual COVID and flu vaccinations in the upcoming season.
• The Commission also discussed the rise in vaping among young people.

It was RESOLVED that the Director of Public Health provide further information about measures to stop people taking up and also give up vaping.

Work Programme Update

Health and Care Panel

Councillor Caroline Egglestone, Chair of the Health and Care Overview & Scrutiny Panel reported that no further meetings had taken place regarding the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC), although an update was expected in October. The panel had agreed to undertake a review into Health in All Policies, and scoping work was also underway for a future review into GP access, which would be aligned with monitoring the NHS 10- Year Transformation Programme.

Environment and Communities Panel

The social housing review had commenced, building on a previous report to assess the effectiveness of affordable and social housing provision in the borough.

It was RESOLVED: Commissioners agreed the environment and communities overview and scrutiny panel should undertake a review into social housing as set out in the scope.

Education Skills and Growth Panel

Councillor Jodie Watts, Chair of the Education, Skills and Growth Overview and Scrutiny Panel reported that the SEND engagement and communication review was ongoing. The next meeting was scheduled for 15 September, with representatives from the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Berkshire Healthcare in attendance.

Update from the Chair

Councillor Georgia Pickering, Chair of the Overview & Scrutiny Commission provided an update on recent engagements with Peter Swallow MP regarding the proposed new special needs school, relating to the previous open letter sent to the Department for Education.

The commission discussed the importance of continued pressure and collaboration, including engagement with both local MPs. It was agreed that notes from the MP's response would be circulated to the commission to inform next steps.