The County Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, with a number of key items on the agenda. These include the election of a new Chair and Deputy Chair for the Council, the establishment of a dedicated Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and the appointment of members to various committees and outside bodies.

Establishment of a Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee

A proposal is to be considered for the establishment of a new Overview and Scrutiny Committee specifically focused on Housing. This committee would provide oversight of the Council's landlord services, ensuring compliance with regulations from the Regulator of Social Housing and the Building Safety Act 2022. The committee would also monitor the delivery of a Housing Improvement Plan, address findings from regulatory inspections, and review tenant satisfaction measures. The establishment of this committee is seen as a key part of improving governance and assurance arrangements for the Council's landlord function, particularly following an inspection in November 2025.

Establishment of Committees and Appointment of Chairs and Vice-Chairs

The Council will be making arrangements for the discharge of its non-executive functions through the appointment of various committees and working groups. This process involves determining the political proportionality of registered political groups on the council and allocating seats accordingly, in line with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The agenda outlines the proposed committees, their sizes, and the proportional allocation of seats to different political groups, including the Conservative, Reform, Labour, Independent, Liberal Democrat, and Green parties. The appointment of Chairs and Vice-Chairs for these committees and working groups will also be addressed.

Nominations to Outside Bodies

The Council is being asked to agree its nominations to a range of outside bodies. These nominations are a requirement of the Council's constitution and ensure representation on various regional and national organisations. The list of bodies includes the Environment Agency's Northumbria Regional Flood & Coastal Committee, the FPS Local Pension Board, the Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, and the North of England Combined Authority. The process for appointing members to these bodies, including considerations of political balance and geographical representation, is detailed within the report.

Appointment of the Chair and Independent Members to Audit and Standards Committee

Approval is sought for the reappointment of the Chair and Independent Members of the Audit and Standards Committee. Peter Topping is proposed for reappointment as the independent chair for a two-year term, along with Stuart Green, Simon Openshaw, and James Hannah as independent co-opted members. These appointments are crucial for ensuring the committee's independence and effectiveness in overseeing the Council's financial and ethical standards.

Constitution Update

Proposed updates to the Council's constitution are to be considered, following review by the Constitution Working Group. Specifically, amendments to the terms of reference and membership of the Health and Wellbeing Board are to be discussed. These changes aim to ensure the Board's terms of reference remain up-to-date and relevant to its business, including its role in transforming health and social care services, promoting integration, and improving democratic accountability.

Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees

The Council will receive the annual reports from its four Overview and Scrutiny Committees: Communities and Place OSC, Corporate Services & Economic Growth OSC, Family and Children's Services OSC, and Health and Wellbeing OSC. These reports summarise the work undertaken by each committee during the past municipal year, highlighting key achievements, areas of focus, and any recommendations made. The reports provide an opportunity for the Council to review the effectiveness of its scrutiny function and its contribution to policy development and service improvement.

Timetable of Meetings for 2026-27

The Council is being asked to approve the annual timetable of meetings for the upcoming municipal year, 2026-27. This includes setting the dates and times for full Council meetings, Cabinet meetings, and various committee meetings. The proposed timetable takes into account factors such as daylight hours during winter months and the need for meetings to align with the Council's work programmes.

Return of the Person Elected as a Councillor to the Cramlington South West Electoral Division

The Returning Officer is to submit the return of the person elected as a Councillor to the Cramlington South West Electoral Division on 16 April 2026. This item formally confirms the outcome of the recent election for that division.