Draft Adult Social Care Strategy 2026-2030

Background

Our Adult Social Care Strategy ('the strategy') explains how we will help adults who need care and support. It shows how we will help people live safely, stay healthy and be as independent as they can. It links to our Council Strategy priorities and explains how services will work and how support will be provided. The strategy helps make sure support is right for each person and focuses on what they can do. It also helps the council use its money and resources in a careful and sensible way. It means that:

• staff will understand the principles they are expected to demonstrate 
• service users will understand the standards they can expect 
• partners will understand our role in relation to them

Our current Adult Social Care Strategy that covers the years 2022 to 2026 is now due for review.

How we developed our draft strategy

Our draft strategy has been developed by the Adult Social Care Department. It is based on our understanding of the law, the main areas of work that are planned or already happening, and the data we have about our activity and performance.

The new priorities reflect changes that are, or have been, made nationally, which include the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Assurance Framework, the Adult Social Care National Priorities, and the Fit for the Future: 10 Year Health Plan for England. They also reflect the activity undertaken by Adult Social Care in West Berkshire and our local demographics. 

The draft strategy illustrates the people we have supported, and the type of support they receive, and recognises the areas that we need to improve.

Why we want your views

We welcome all comments on the draft Adult Social Care Strategy 2026-2030 [1MB] . In particular, we'd like to know your views on our priorities and whether you think these are:

• written clearly
• are important to adults with care and support needs

We're asking for the views of people we support, staff, partners and other stakeholders to help shape and improve the strategy. We'll also be talking with relevant groups and organisations, including the Learning Disability Partnership Board, the Autism Partnership Board, the Locality Integration Board, and independent provider organisations. 

You can read/download the draft strategy from the links below:

• full version of the draft Adult Social Care Strategy 2026-2030 [1MB]
• easy-read version of the draft Adult Social Care Strategy 2026-2030 [3MB]

How to take part

If you'd like to comment on our draft strategy, please click on the green 'Take Part' button below. This will take you through to our survey, which should take about 10 minutes to complete.

Take Part 

We want to make sure that people who aren't able to get online or who may struggle to participate for other reasons have the chance to take part. If you'd like a paper copy or a PDF version for printing, for yourself or someone else, please email the Adult Social Care Consultation Team.

All responses must reach us by midnight on Monday, 22 June 2026 if they are to be considered.

If you have any questions about our consultation, please email melanie.orourke1@westberks.gov.uk

For general information on our Adult Social Care Services, please visit our webpage.
 

What happens next

Your feedback will be used to inform the final strategy, which will be considered by elected members at the Executive meeting on Thursday, 24 September 2026.

Anyone can watch councillors discuss items at council and committee meetings or ask a question. Residents can attend public meetings in person at the Market Street Offices. If you'd like to ask a question at a public meeting, find out what can and can't be asked, and how to submit your question here.

If approved, the final strategy will be published on our Strategies, Policies and Plans and Adult Social Care webpages.