The Public Accounts Select Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 10 March 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the council's financial monitoring for Period 9, an update on the IT and Digital Programme, and a look back at the committee's scrutiny activities and change work from 2022 to 2026. The committee will also discuss the end of the administration's work programme.

Period 9 Monthly Monitoring

The committee is scheduled to review the financial monitoring position for Period 9 of the current financial year. The report indicates a projected overspend of £0.7 million on the General Fund, which represents a worsening of £2.2 million since the previous reporting period. This overspend is largely attributed to increased demand and associated care costs within the Children and Young People Directorate. The Dedicated Schools Grant is also projected to overspend by £4.1 million, primarily in the High Needs Block, and the Housing Revenue Account shows a small projected overspend of £0.1 million. The report will provide details on the financial forecasts for the year ending 31 March 2026 across various directorates, including Children and Young People, Adult Social Care and Health, Place, Housing, Corporate Resources, and Chief Executive. It will also highlight areas of risk that could lead to further financial pressures.

IT & Digital Programme Update

This report will provide an overview of the current status of the IT & Digital Programme. It is expected to cover the effectiveness of the programme's governance arrangements, the overall health of the project portfolio, and key programmes currently underway. The update will also highlight significant risks and issues that may affect delivery, as well as strategic priorities that require ongoing oversight. The report aims to identify areas for improvement and outline actions being taken to strengthen delivery and assurance across the organisation. The committee is asked to note the progress in governance, the portfolio health, and the key risks and mitigations.

Review of PASC Scrutiny Activity and Change Work 2022-26

This agenda item involves a review of the Public Accounts Select Committee's (PASC) work over the period from 2022 to 2026. The report is expected to cover both the regular, planned items discussed by the committee and any focused, standalone reviews or task and finish group activities undertaken. The committee members are invited to note the report and consider any recommendations for the future work programme of the committee, particularly in light of the upcoming new administration. The report details the committee's scrutiny of the Council's financial plans, including the Medium Term Financial Strategy, financial monitoring, savings and budget pressures, and the Treasury Management Strategy. It also highlights specific scrutiny items such as CYP finances, capital programme management, social value, temporary accommodation, Housing Revenue Account pressures, commissioning and contracting, the IT&D strategy, customer services, Council Tax, and income collection.

End of Administration Work Programme Report 2022-26

This report marks the final scheduled meeting of the 2022-26 administration for the Public Accounts Select Committee. It will present the completed work programmes for the current cycle and invite committee members to suggest priority topics for the incoming committee to consider as part of its future work programming. The report outlines the criteria for strong scrutiny suggestions, encouraging members to be specific about the desired outcome, timing, and evidence required for any proposed item. The suggestions from the current committee are intended to inform the discussions of the incoming committee, which will ultimately decide its own work programme. The report also includes the committee's terms of reference, which detail its general functions, policy development role, scrutiny responsibilities, community representation duties, financial oversight, and work programme development.