The Health and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) convened to discuss an overview of the NHS from the Integrated Care Board (ICB), and an overview of public health services from the Director of Public Health. The committee also reviewed its work programme for the 2025/26 council year and noted the latest Forward Plan of key decisions.

Overview of NHS

Colleagues from the Integrated Care Board (ICB) attended the meeting to provide an overview of the NHS and its various branches. The presentation aimed to give the committee members a clearer understanding of the structure, functions, and current priorities within the NHS.

Overview of Public Health Services

The Director of Public Health presented an overview of public health services in Northumberland, highlighting key priorities for the upcoming year. The presentation covered the scope of services provided, ongoing initiatives, and strategies to address public health challenges in the county.

Health and Wellbeing OSC Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for the 2025/26 council year¹. Councillors considered upcoming issues and potential topics for future meetings, including:

• The NHS 10 year plan, which was initially published without a detailed delivery plan.
• Proposed changes to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), including budget cuts and a refocusing of their role to 'strategic commissioning'.

The committee agreed to note the work programme and the comments made.

Forward Plan

The committee reviewed the latest Forward Plan of key decisions. The plan outlines upcoming decisions to be made by the cabinet, providing the committee with an overview of potential future developments and policy changes. The committee agreed to note the report.

The Forward Plan included discussion of the following topics:

• Adopting a new constitution for the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE).
• A report relating to the financial restructure of Advance Northumberland (Ltd) (AN Ltd).
• An update on key regeneration projects in Ashington.
• Procurement of care and support contracts to operate in Extra Care Housing Schemes across the county.
• The Council's financial performance for 2025-26.
• The Food and Feed, Safety and Standards Service Plan for 2025/26.
• A Levelling Up Deep Dive into a Town Centre Living Extra Care Facility.
• An update on the Northumberland Line programme.
• Proposed amendments to the Capital Programme considered by the Capital Strategy Group on 29 July 2025.
• An updated on the Energising Blyth Programme regarding the new 'Plan for Neighbourhoods' UK Government initiative.
• Future kerbside recycling collections under simpler recycling.
• Integrated Domestic Abuse Services for Northumberland.
• An integrated approach to health and work in Northumberland in relation to Connect to Work, Economic Inactivity Trailblazer and Health and Growth Accelerator programmes.
• The Outline Business Case (OBC) to provide new school buildings for Berwick Academy.
• The Council's contribution to Northumberland's Local Employer Commitment.
• Market Testing Arrangements - Sale of Renewable Electricity from the Integrated Waste Management Contract EfW for 2026/27.
• The Corporate Plan 2026-2030.