The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee was scheduled to consider updates on the council's financial position, including revenue budget monitoring and potential overspends. The committee was also scheduled to review proposals for establishing a new framework for learning and skills provision and to commence the procurement process for future waste disposal and treatment contracts.

Executive Director of Corporate Resources Update

The Executive Director of Corporate Resources was scheduled to provide an update on service, policy, or strategy developments that fall within the committee's remit. This was with a view to the committee potentially including these in its future work programme.

Provision of Learning, Skills and Training – PA23 Establishment of Light Touch Open Framework

The committee was scheduled to undertake pre-decision scrutiny of proposals to establish a light touch framework for the provision of learning and development services, in line with the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23). This framework was intended to replace the current learning and training dynamic purchasing system and would be open for eight years. The report indicated that this would provide a proportionate, transparent, and flexible mechanism for commissioning education and skills-based services. The proposed framework was designed to support a diverse range of providers and would be structured into five lots: Adult Skills Fund and Free Courses for Jobs; Skills Bootcamps (with sub-lots for specific sectors); 16-19 Study Programme Provision; Internal Training and Workforce Development; and Emerging Programmes and Specialist Skills. The report recommended approving the establishment of this framework, which was anticipated to contribute to economic growth and skills development, improve organisational capability, and deliver value for money.

Waste Disposal and Treatment Contracts 2030

The committee was scheduled to undertake pre-decision scrutiny regarding the commencement of a procurement process for waste disposal and treatment contracts on behalf of Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council. These contracts were proposed to run for an initial 10-year period from April 2030 to March 2040, with options to extend for two further five-year periods. The current contracts were due to expire on 31 March 2030, with no further extension options available. The proposed procurement would cover four core service elements: Residual Waste Treatment (black bin), Organic Waste Processing (brown bin), Material Recycling Facility (blue bin), and Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) and Transfer Loading Station (TLS). The projected total contract cost for the maximum 20-year period was estimated at £412 million. The report highlighted that a joint procurement approach with East Riding of Yorkshire Council was the preferred option to achieve economies of scale and greater market engagement. The committee was also to be made aware of separate work exploring the potential benefits of an independent Transfer Loading Station (TLS) in Hull.

Revenue Budget Monitoring 2026-27 – Second Formal Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the revenue budget monitoring position as at period 5 (August 2026). The report indicated a projected year-end General Fund overspend of £8.3 million, representing a negative movement from the previous reporting period. Key pressures were identified in Adult and Children's Social Care, driven by increased client numbers and higher package costs. The report also detailed the projected in-year deficit for the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) of £17.9 million and a £1.3 million pressure on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget. The report outlined management actions being taken to mitigate these pressures and bring expenditure back within budget. The committee was asked to note the projected General Fund overspend, approve variations to the Children's and Adult services budgets, and note the forecast deficits for the DSG and HRA.

Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to consider and agree its work programme for the upcoming period. This would involve reviewing scheduled items and potentially identifying new areas for scrutiny.

Outstanding Actions

The committee was scheduled to review a list of outstanding actions from previous meetings to ensure they were being addressed in a timely manner. This would involve checking the progress and status of actions assigned to various council departments and officers.