The County Council meeting scheduled for 16 September 2026 was set to cover a range of important council business, including a review of corporate performance, annual updates from Cabinet Members on key portfolios, and a detailed treasury management report. The agenda also included discussions on significant policy matters such as road safety, housing and planning, and the reintroduction of species.

Corporate Performance

The meeting was scheduled to receive a report from Councillor Glen Sanderson, Leader of Council, summarising progress against the Council's three Corporate Plan priorities: achieving value for money, driving economic growth, and tackling inequalities. This report, covering the period up to the end of quarter 4 2025/26, was intended to present key performance indicators and supporting narratives to demonstrate the council's activities in delivering these priorities. The report highlighted achievements in areas such as digital connectivity, community safety, recycling infrastructure, and economic development projects like the QTS data centre at Cambois and the regeneration of towns including Blyth, Ashington, and Hexham. It also detailed efforts to tackle inequalities through health and wellbeing strategies, community support programmes, and improvements in education, skills, and housing.

Annual Portfolio Updates

Roads and Highways Councillor Mark Mather, Cabinet Member for Roads and Highways, was scheduled to present an annual report outlining the context for his portfolio's delivery. The report was expected to highlight achievements over the past year and detail areas of focus for the coming year. Key achievements mentioned included the completion of the Mitford Landslip project, progress on improvements to the crossroads at Swinhoe, and extensive carriageway surfacing and structural patching works. The report also detailed plans for future work, including continued trials of innovative maintenance methods, delivery of a fleet replacement programme, and improvements to accessibility and car parking capacity. The report also emphasised a commitment to road safety through engineering, enforcement, and education, including the implementation of new speed camera sites and the continuation of active travel infrastructure projects.

Housing and Planning Councillor Colin Horncastle, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, was due to present his annual report. This report was set to detail achievements in housing delivery, including the addition of social and affordable rented homes and the negotiation of affordable housing from private developers. It was also to address improvements made to the Housing Service following an inspection report, and progress on the Renters' Rights Act and the Selective Licensing Scheme in Croft Ward, Blyth. The report was expected to highlight the strong performance of the Local Planning Authority, despite significant legislative changes and pressures. Future plans included commencing formal review stages of the Local Plan, rolling out advice on legislative changes, and supporting Town and Parish Councils. The report also covered the restructure of the Building Control service and the implementation of the Building Safety Levy.

Treasury Management Annual Report for the Financial Year 2025-26 Councillor Nick Oliver, Cabinet Member for Finance and Value for Money, was scheduled to present the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2025-26. This report was to provide details of performance against the Treasury Management Strategy Statement approved in February 2025. It was intended to review borrowing and investment performance within the context of prevailing economic conditions, including persistent inflation and subdued economic growth. The report was expected to detail borrowing activity, noting an increase in external borrowing to £898.468 million, and investment activity, with external investments increasing to £64.900 million. Overall net Treasury Management costs were reported as being £11.494 million lower than budgeted. The report also reviewed Prudential Indicators and Treasury Management Limits for 2025-26, confirming compliance with authorised limits and prudent management of borrowing and investment activities.

Motions

Motion No. 2: A1 Dualling Councillor Hugh Glen Howard Sanderson, Leader of Council, was scheduled to move a motion concerning safety on the A1, particularly where it transitions between dual and single carriageways. The motion highlighted recent fatalities and called for further correspondence to the Secretary of State for Transport to reconsider the cancellation of the dualling scheme for the A1 in Northumberland. It also requested an urgent, cross-party meeting with the Secretary of State and engagement with key partners to make a strong case for A1 dualling.

Motion No. 1: Eurasian Lynx Reintroduction Councillor Steven Christopher Bridgett was scheduled to move a motion formally opposing any proposals to reintroduce the Eurasian lynx within Northumberland. The motion proposed writing to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Natural England, detailing the council's opposition and the concerns of rural communities. It also called for open and transparent engagement with the council and local stakeholders before any decisions are made, and reaffirmed the council's support for locally led conservation initiatives. The motion also stated that the council would not provide financial assistance or endorsement to organisations supporting lynx reintroduction projects in Northumberland.

Other Agenda Items

The agenda also included standard council business such as apologies for absence, confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting, and disclosures of members' interests. Additionally, there was a slot for announcements by the Chair, Leader, Cabinet Members, and other senior officers, followed by opportunities for public and member questions.