See answers to previous information requests

I am investigating demand for Community Equipment Services (CES), Clinical Wheelchair Services (WCS), and Home Improvement Agency (HIA), across the UK. Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000/2002, I would like to request the following information relating to the usage of each of these types of service in your Local Authority.

1. Community Equipment Services (CES)
a) How is funding and contracting for CES structured in your Local Authority – which body leads on contracting and what proportion of funding is supplied by the local Integrated Care Board vs from your own budgets: We're in a Section 75 agreement with health and social care partners in Berkshire. Contracting is led by West Berkshire Council on behalf of all Berkshire LAs under the Berkshire Community Equipment Store.
b) What is the total budget allocated for CES services for the current financial year, and what is the planned budget for the next financial year - if this is not known, can you provide a percentage estimate of whether it will be higher, lower, or unchanged compared with the current budget: We do not have a split between CES & TEC, total budget
2025/26 £915,750
2026/27 £946,250.
c) What was the total expenditure (£) on CES services in your Local Authority for each of the last three financial years: We do not have a split between CES & TEC,
2022/23 £596,863.17
2023/24 £717,356.78
2024/25 £887,903.19.
d) What proportion of expenditure was on outsourced (i.e. independent sector) service providers for each of the last three financial years: 100
e) Which independent providers did you use for CES services in the last financial year, and what value of total spending was with each provider? For example, NRS Healthcare, Millbrook Healthcare, Ross Care, Medequip; Previously NRS Healthcare, currently Millbrook Healthcare.
f) Is your local CES service shared with other local authorities? If so, please provide a list of these authorities: Yes, as above (question 1)
g) When was the service last tendered, and to when is the current contract expected to run until: Expires March 2029

2. Clinical Wheelchair Services (WCS)
a) How is funding and contracting for WCS structured in your Local Authority – which body leads on contracting and what proportion of funding is supplied by the local Integrated Care Board vs from your own budgets: This is managed by the NHS, further info here: https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/children-families-and-young-people/send-local-offer/health-and-wellbeing/wheelchairs-and-specialist-seating
b) What is the total budget allocated for WCS services for the current financial year, and what is the planned budget for the next financial year - if this is not known, can you provide a percentage estimate of whether it will be higher, lower, or unchanged compared with the current budget: Not applicable
c) What was the total expenditure (£) on WCS services in your Local Authority for each of the last three financial years: Not applicable
d) What proportion of expenditure was on outsourced (i.e. independent sector) service providers for each of the last three financial years: Not applicable
e) Which independent providers did you use for WCS services in the last financial year, and what value of total spending was with each provider? For example, NRS Healthcare, Millbrook Healthcare, Ross Care, AJM Healthcare, Blatchford, Opcare: Not applicable
f) Is your local WCS service shared with other local authorities? If so, please provide a list of these authorities: Not applicable

3. Home Improvement Agency/Home Adaptation Services (HIA)
a) How is funding and contracting for HIA structured in your Local Authority – which body leads on contracting and what proportion of funding is supplied by central government vs from your own budgets: Wokingham Borough Council do not contract a Home Improvement Agency Service.
b) What is the total budget allocated for HIA services for the current financial year, and what is the planned budget for the next financial year - if this is not known, can you provide a percentage estimate of whether it will be higher, lower, or unchanged compared with the current budget: Not applicable
c) What was the total expenditure (£) on HIA services in your Local Authority for each of the last three financial years: Not applicable
d) What proportion of expenditure was on outsourced (i.e. independent sector) service providers for each of the last three financial years: Not applicable
e) Which independent providers did you use for HIA services in the last financial year, and what value of total spending was with each provider? For example, Medequip, Millbrook Healthcare: Not applicable
f) Is your local HIA service shared with other local authorities? If so, please provide a list of these authorities: Not applicable
g) When was the service last tendered, and to when is the current contract expected to run until: Not applicable