The Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board of Worcestershire Council was scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, to discuss the council's updated budget position for 2026-27 and its Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP). The board was also set to receive updates from Scrutiny Chairs and Lead Members, review its work programme, and consider the Cabinet Forward Plan.

Scrutiny on Updated Budget Position 2026-27 and Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP)

A key item scheduled for discussion was the council's updated budget position for the upcoming financial year, 2026-27, and its Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP). This discussion was to follow a Cabinet report from 24 February 2026, which considered the response from the Central Government regarding the council's application for Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) in the form of a capitalisation direction. The report pack indicated that the government had approved additional Council Tax flexibility, allowing for an increase above the maximum limit of 4.99%, which was described as critical for the council financial sustainability. Following this discussion, the Board was expected to agree on comments to be considered by the Full Council on 26 February 2026.

The report pack highlighted that Scrutiny Panels had been engaged in quarterly performance and financial monitoring throughout the year. Members had also attended a Budget Briefing on 9 December 2025, and the draft Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) outlook was presented to Cabinet on 18 December 2025. The draft budget for 2026/27 and the draft MTFP, including proposals for savings and potential capital amendments, were considered by the Board on 6 January 2026. Subsequent meetings of Cabinet (13 January 2026) and Full Council (15 January 2026) had also reviewed the draft budget and MTFP. Overview and Scrutiny Panels had met again following the Full Council meeting, with their comments considered by Cabinet on 5 February 2026. The purpose of this agenda item was for the Board to determine any comments to highlight to the Leader of the Council, Chief Executive, and Deputy Chief Financial Officer for consideration by Full Council, and to identify if any further scrutiny was required.

Scrutiny Chairs and Lead Member Update, Work Programme and Cabinet Forward Plan

The Board was also scheduled to consider updates from Scrutiny Chairs and Lead Members, review its own Work Programme, and examine the Cabinet Forward Plan. This agenda item aimed to ensure that members were informed about scrutiny activities across Worcestershire. Members were invited to provide feedback on recent Scrutiny meetings, Task Groups, and emerging issues within their remits, which could help identify potential future agenda items.

The report outlined the areas of responsibility for various Scrutiny Panels, including Adult Care and Well-Being, Children and Families, Corporate and Communities, Economy, Environment, and the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC). Members leading scrutiny task groups were also expected to provide updates on their progress.

The Board was asked to consider its 2025/26 Work Programme, which is agreed annually by Council. The main responsibilities of the Board include commissioning work for Scrutiny Panels, establishing Scrutiny Task Groups, advising on the Council's Policy Framework (such as the Corporate Plan and Local Transport Plan), handling call-ins of decisions, and acting as the statutory Crime and Disorder Committee. A set of criteria was provided to guide the prioritisation of the scrutiny programme, including whether an issue is a priority for the Council, of key interest to local people, practical to implement outcomes, likely to result in improvements for local people, examines a poor-performing service, or will improve Council operations, and is related to new Government guidance or legislation.

Finally, the Board was to consider the Council's Cabinet Forward Plan, which lists key decisions to be taken by Cabinet. The Forward Plan indicated upcoming decisions on topics such as the future use of Vale Lodge, admission arrangements for schools, changes to Early Years funding, the delivery of the Severn Stoke Flood Risk Management Scheme, and the adoption of an Advertising and Sponsorship Policy. The Board was asked to agree whether any issues from the Cabinet Forward Plan should be added to the Scrutiny Work Programmes.