The Place Scrutiny Panel was scheduled to consider the terms of reference for a review into the licensing of private rented properties and landlords. The panel was also scheduled to receive an update on how recurring property-related issues are identified and addressed, and to hear further evidence regarding Middlesbrough's Bicentenary celebrations.

Terms of Reference for Selective Landlord Licensing Review

The panel was scheduled to consider and agree the terms of reference and official title for a scrutiny review focused on the licensing of private rented properties and selective landlord licensing. The proposed title for this review was Selective Landlord Licensing, Private Rented Housing and Neighbourhood Quality. The terms of reference were scheduled to cover how the council identifies private rented properties and landlords, how data and intelligence on these properties and associated neighbourhood issues are shared and used, how poor housing standards are addressed in areas without selective landlord licensing, and how these licensing schemes and other interventions could improve private rented housing and neighbourhood quality in Middlesbrough.

Identification of Recurring Property-Related Issues

The Neighbourhood Manager North was scheduled to provide a presentation on the identification and management of recurring property-related issues. This presentation was scheduled to cover how issues are reported by residents, elected members, and partner agencies, as well as intelligence gathered by officers. It was also scheduled to outline the intelligence available across various council services, including Neighbourhood Safety, Community Safety, Environmental Enforcement, Public Protection, Environmental Health, Housing, and Selective Landlord Licensing (SLL). The presentation was expected to detail existing information-sharing arrangements and referral processes, and to discuss the challenges of identifying landlords outside of SLL areas. Potential improvements to the council's coordinated response, such as a shared problem-property database and enhanced intelligence sharing, were also scheduled to be explored.

Middlesbrough's Bicentenary - Further Evidence

The Director of the Creative Factory was scheduled to attend to provide further evidence concerning the review of Middlesbrough's Bicentenary. The Creative Factory, established in 2022 with £4.25 million in investment, aims to anchor creative economies in the Tees Valley and has developed creative spaces and partnerships. The Director was scheduled to offer insights into how the Bicentenary programme could engage local communities, contribute to the town's cultural aspirations, and support the creation of a lasting legacy. The presentation was expected to cover the organisation's origins, mission, achievements since 2019, and its contribution to regeneration and economic development.

Chair's OSB Update

Councillor David Branson (Chair) was scheduled to provide an update from the Overview and Scrutiny Board meeting held on 29 July 2026. This update was expected to cover matters such as the Executive Forward Work Programme, the Forward Plan Actions Update, Scrutiny Chairs' updates, Service Area Overviews, and the setting of the Overview and Scrutiny Board Work Programme. The Board had also considered the final report of the Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Panel concerning Violence Against Women and Girls, alongside the Prudential Indicators and Treasury Management Outturn for 2025/2026.