The Economic Prosperity Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to discuss the performance of the council's business centres, review the Adult Skills and Employment Strategy, and consider its work programme for the upcoming year. The committee will also be presented with the Executive's Notice of Key Decisions.

Business Centres Performance

A report is scheduled to be presented detailing the performance of the council's three business centres: Evolve Business Centre, Sunderland Software Centre, and Washington Business Centre. The report will provide an update on occupancy levels and the financial position of each centre, as well as outlining the introduction of a new delivery model involving a Managing Agent, the North East Business & Innovation Centre (BIC). The BIC was appointed in May 2026 to manage the centres and is responsible for strategic management, marketing, business development, ICT services, and maintenance. The report will also highlight ongoing challenges, such as low occupancy at the Sunderland Software Centre, and increasing building maintenance and energy costs.

Adult Skills and Employment Strategy 2026-2030

The committee is set to review the Sunderland Adult Skills and Employment Strategy 2026-2030. This strategy outlines the council's long-term approach to improving adult skills, increasing employment, and supporting inclusive economic growth across the city. It aims to align skills provision with labour market needs, address economic inactivity, and strengthen partnerships. The strategy identifies six key priorities: boosting opportunity and tackling barriers, increasing the productive workforce, improving opportunities for young adults, supporting businesses, creating clear progression pathways, and delivering a collaborative and responsive skills and employment system. The report will include case studies illustrating the impact of various initiatives and partnerships.

Scrutiny Committee Work Programme 2026/27

The committee will consider its work programme for the 2026/27 municipal year. This programme is designed to set out the key issues the committee will address throughout the year and provide a timetable for its work. It is intended to be a flexible document that can be adapted to respond to emerging issues. The report includes the current work programme as an appendix, detailing planned discussions on topics such as the Glass Centre, regulation of the private rented sector, Section 106 agreements, highways maintenance, environmental services, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Notice of Key Decisions

The committee will have the opportunity to consider the Executive's Notice of Key Decisions for the 28-day period commencing 6 October 2026. This allows scrutiny members to review forthcoming decisions by the Executive and identify any areas where the committee could add value before a decision is made. The notice lists several key decisions scheduled for Cabinet on 4 November 2026, including proposals for funding and procurement for the Sheepfolds Millennium Way Car Park, compulsory purchase orders for land in the Sheepfolds Neighbourhood, and the granting of an option to purchase land at Pallion Industrial Estate. Other decisions relate to works at Unit 9, Mercantile Road, Houghton-le-Spring, the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Programme, public transport improvements in the Sunderland South Growth Area, affordable homes delivery, and the disposal of council-owned sites for new food stores and residential development. Decisions regarding the Feed and Food Law Service Plan, disposal of Hendon Health Centre, and capital programme planning are also listed.