The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to review the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority's (MSA) Annual Performance Report and to discuss its work programme for the upcoming year. Key discussions included the MSA's progress against its five core missions: delivering opportunities, improving the region as a place to live, fostering economic growth, advancing the green energy revolution, and enhancing global trade. The committee also considered its work programme for the next year, identifying key areas for scrutiny.

Delivering for the North East: Annual Performance Report

Mayor Kim McGuinness and Chief Executive Henry Kippin presented the Annual Performance Report for 2025/26, outlining the MSA's achievements and priorities across its five core missions: Home of real opportunity, A North East we are proud to call home, Home to a growing and vibrant economy for all, Home of the green energy revolution, and A welcoming home to global trade.

Home of Real Opportunity: Progress was reported in tackling child poverty through the Child Poverty Action Plan and the Child Poverty Reduction Unit. Initiatives like Baby Boxes and the Mayor's Childcare Grant pilot were highlighted. The Excellence in Education programme supported schools and pupils, aiming to improve educational outcomes and reduce the number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET). The New Deal for North East Workers initiative was progressing with investment in adult skills programmes and health and employability support.

A North East We Are Proud to Call Home: The MSA has made progress in housing development through its Brownfield Housing Fund, aiming to unlock over 4,000 new homes, and is working with Homes England on social and affordable housing. The Rural Growth Programme supports rural businesses, and the High Streets Commission is developing an action plan for high street regeneration, with Stanley and Gateshead as priority areas. The Mayor's Local Transport Plan has been published with significant investment. The Mayor's Fares initiative has been extended, and bus usage has increased. Progress is being made towards bringing buses under public control, with a draft Bus Franchising Scheme Assessment completed. Safety on the transport network is also being addressed.

Home to a Growing and Vibrant Economy for All: The North East Local Growth Plan, Creating Real Opportunity, has been finalised. Investment has been announced for the creative industries, and the MSA is investing in innovation through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund. Mayoral Development Zones are designated in Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, and Durham to accelerate regeneration. The North East Growth Hub has supported over 2,500 businesses, and the SHINE accreditation scheme promotes exemplary workplaces.

Home of the Green Energy Revolution: The MSA is investing in the North East Offshore Wind Infrastructure Programme and has launched the Mayor's Plan for Green Jobs with the aim of creating 25,000 new green jobs by 2035. Investments have been made in green skills facilities. The North East Warm Homes service supports households with energy efficiency, and a regional retrofit strategy is being developed. The region is also increasing access to greener transport options.

A Welcoming Home to Global Trade: The region has secured the UK's first AI Growth Zone, expected to create over 5,000 new jobs and attract significant investment. The Mayor led a trade mission to Japan, resulting in agreements with Hitachi. The North East hosted the Invest North East: Energy & Innovation Summit. The North East Fund has invested £70m in local businesses.

Work Programme 2026/27

The committee reviewed and discussed the proposed outline work programme for the year ahead. Key areas identified for scrutiny included:

• Bus Reform: Examining the progress and implications of bringing buses back under public control.
• Transport Integration: Scrutinising the development of a fully integrated transport network for the North East.
• Economic Inactivity: Investigating the causes and potential solutions for high levels of economic inactivity.
• High Streets: Supporting the work of the High Street Commission in revitalising the region's high streets.
• Spatial Development Strategy: Contributing to the development of a long-term strategy for land use and investment.
• Mayoral Development Zones: Examining proposals for Mayoral Development Zones in Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, and Durham.
• Child Poverty: Continuing to scrutinise the delivery and impact of the Child Poverty Action Plan.
• Energy Plan for the Region: Investigating the region's future energy needs.
• Periodic Budget Reporting: Ensuring transparency and accountability in budget monitoring.
• Skills Retention: Exploring opportunities to collaborate with universities to develop and retain talent.
• AI Growth Zone and Data Centres: Examining the energy requirements and infrastructure.
• Municipal Asset Commercialisation and Park Monetisation: Investigating opportunities to generate income from council-owned assets and parks.

The committee discussed the need for a more structured approach to scrutiny, suggesting that topics be organised around the five core missions. Several members expressed interest in forming sub-groups to delve deeper into specific areas. The committee noted the date and time of the next scheduled meeting.