The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of West Suffolk Council met on Thursday 5 March 2026 to discuss several key items, including an update on the West Suffolk Local Plan and Place Services, reports from Suffolk County Council committees, and the Cabinet Decisions Plan. The committee also reviewed its work programme.

West Suffolk Local Plan Update & Place Services

Councillor Frank Stennett, Portfolio Holder for Planning, provided a presentation and led a discussion on the West Suffolk Local Plan and Place Services. The committee engaged in a discussion regarding the plan's progress and its implications for local development and services.

Suffolk County Council Health Scrutiny Committee: Meeting of 21 January 2026

The committee received a report (OAS/WS/26/005) detailing the proceedings of the Suffolk County Council Health Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 21 January 2026. This report served as an update on health-related matters across the county, particularly in the absence of a West Suffolk Council representative on that committee.

Suffolk County Council Suffolk Police and Crime Panel: Meeting of 30 January 2026

A summary of the Suffolk Police and Crime Panel meeting held on 30 January 2026 was presented to the committee (OAS/WS/26/006). Councillor Mike Chester, a West Suffolk Council representative on the panel, provided an update on the discussions, which included the Police and Crime Commissioner's proposed precept for 2026/27 and recent decisions made by the Commissioner.

Cabinet Decisions Plan: 1 March 2026 to 31 May 2026

The committee reviewed the Cabinet's Decisions Plan for the period of March to May 2026 (OAS/WS/26/007). Members were invited to identify any items within the plan that they wished to receive further information on or that they felt would benefit from the committee's involvement. It was noted that one item, National Lottery Heritage Fund Abbey of St Edmunds – Stage 2 Bid, had been removed from the plan and would instead be included in the overall budget report to Council.

Scrutiny Work Programme Update

The committee received an update on its rolling work programme for 2026/2027 (OAS/WS/26/008). The Chair highlighted that the item concerning appointments to the Suffolk Health Scrutiny Committee would be postponed to the September meeting, and the update on strategic property site projects would be moved to the January meeting. These changes were noted by the committee.