The Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee is scheduled to discuss updates on the council's cyber security and IT systems. The committee will also consider a request for delegates to attend the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny Annual Conference and review the annual scrutiny work programme for 2026/27.

Cyber Security Update

The committee is scheduled to receive an update on the council's cyber security position. Paul Armstrong, Assistant Director of Smart Cities and ICT, is expected to provide a presentation on the current situation, protections in place, and ongoing developments. This discussion is prompted by a request from the committee, acknowledging cyber security as a significant threat.

Replacement of IT Systems Update

An update on the replacement of the IT system that supports Finance, Procurement, People Management, and Payroll Services is scheduled for discussion. Paul Armstrong, Assistant Director of Smart Cities and ICT, will present information regarding the rationale behind the decision, the current progress, preparatory work, and the upcoming procurement process. This item was also requested by the Chair of the Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee.

Request to Attend Centre for Governance and Scrutiny Annual Conference

The committee is set to consider sending delegates to the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny's Annual Conference, which is scheduled to be held on Wednesday 10th February 2026, in Birmingham. The conference, themed 'People, Places, Lives', will focus on governing with purpose amidst change, exploring how to seize opportunities, maintain rigour, and build adaptable institutions. The report suggests nominating up to four scrutiny members, potentially the chairs of the four scrutiny committees, to attend. The cost per ticket is £230+VAT, with an early bird discount available until 30th November 2026, bringing the price down to £184+VAT. Travel and accommodation costs would also be funded from the dedicated scrutiny budget.

Annual Work Programme 2026/27

The committee will review its own work programme for the upcoming year, 2026/27, and the thematic Scrutiny Committee work programmes. The report outlines that the Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee's role includes coordinating business across scrutiny committees and managing the overall scrutiny work programme, as well as considering corporate policies, performance, and financial issues. The work programme is described as a living document that can be amended throughout the municipal year. A dedicated scrutiny budget of £15,000 per annum is available, with no expenditure recorded as of 23rd October 2026.

Notice of Key Decisions

The committee is scheduled to consider the Executive's Notice of Key Decisions for the 28-day period commencing 6th October 2026. This allows the committee to review forthcoming decisions by the Executive and determine if scrutiny can add value before decisions are made. The report highlights that this process does not preclude non-executive members from calling in a decision after it has been made. The Notice of Key Decisions lists several items scheduled for Cabinet consideration on 4th November 2026, including proposals related to the Sheepfolds Millennium Way Car Park, land appropriation and compulsory purchase orders in the Sheepfolds Neighbourhood, and the granting of an option to purchase land at Pallion Industrial Estate. Other items include works to Unit 9, Mercantile Road, Houghton-le-Spring, the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Programme, public transport improvements in the Sunderland South Growth Area, proposals for affordable homes delivery, the lease of space at the Athenaeum Building, and the disposal of council-owned sites for new food stores and residential development. The Feed and Food Law Service Plan for 2026-2029, the disposal of Hendon Health Centre and funding for affordable homes in Hendon, funding for third sector organisations providing social care services, and capital programme planning for 2027/2028 to 2030/2031 are also listed. Finally, the procurement and award of a flexible multi-provider solution for homeless supported accommodation and associated support services is on the notice. Some of these decisions are marked as potentially requiring private meetings due to containing information relating to the financial or business affairs of particular persons.