The Corporate Services and Economic Growth Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) was scheduled to consider updates on the council's financial performance, property transformation initiatives, and the Housing Revenue Account. The committee was also scheduled to review its own work programme.

Property Transformation

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the progress of the Property Transformation programme, which aims to deliver value for money by rationalising the council's estate. This initiative was scheduled to be undertaken in accordance with the Asset Management Framework 2023-26, approved by the cabinet on 30 June 2023. The report was expected to detail progress on property reviews, including the consolidation of office accommodation in South East Northumberland, and the ongoing work in other areas of the county. It was also scheduled to outline the benefits realised through these changes, such as reduced operating costs and improved service delivery. The report was not a decision-making document, and the committee was asked to note the progress made.

Financial Performance 2026-27 - Position at the end of June 2026

A report was scheduled to inform the committee about the council's financial position for the 2026-27 financial year, as of the end of June 2026. This report was intended to provide an overview of the projected revenue outturn across various service areas, including the General Fund and the Dedicated Schools Grant. Key variances were scheduled to be highlighted, with particular attention to the Adults, Ageing & Wellbeing directorate, which was forecasting an overspend due to the cost of complex care packages and external residential care for children. The report was also scheduled to detail movements in the council's reserves and provide an update on the capital programme, including significant reprofiling of schemes.

Housing Revenue Account Financial Performance 2026-27 - Position at the end of June 2026

The committee was scheduled to review the financial position of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for the 2026-27 financial year, as of the end of June 2026. The report was expected to detail the projected outturn for both the HRA revenue and capital budgets. It was also scheduled to provide information on capital receipts, treasury management, housing rent and other debt, in-year rent collection rates, and void properties. The report was not a decision-making document, and the committee was asked to note the information presented.

Corporate Services and Economic Growth Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme and Monitoring Report 2026-27

The committee was scheduled to review and note its work programme and monitoring report for the 2026-27 council year. This report outlines the committee's responsibilities, which were scheduled to include maintaining an overview of the council's annual budget and budgetary management, scrutinising policies, and reviewing the performance and financial position of the council. The work programme details specific items scheduled for discussion throughout the year, including updates on regeneration projects, economic growth initiatives, and the annual workforce report.

Forward Plan of Cabinet Decisions

The committee was scheduled to note the decisions made by the Cabinet since the previous meeting of the OSC, as well as the latest key decisions listed in the Forward Plan. Any further changes to the Forward Plan were to be reported to the committee.

The meeting was scheduled to take place in Conference Room 2 at County Hall.