The Overview and Scrutiny Board of Middlesbrough Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 16 September 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a discussion on the council's financial performance and integrated performance forecast for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. Additionally, the Board is set to receive an update on the Development portfolio and an overview of the council's Marketing and Communications functions.

Quarter One 2026/7 Integrated Performance and Finance Forecast Year End Outturn

The Board is scheduled to consider the council's performance and financial position at the end of the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. This report, titled Quarter One 2026/7 Integrated Performance and Finance Forecast Year End Outturn Agenda frontsheet 16th-Sep-2026 16.30 Overview and Scrutiny Board.pdf, will provide an integrated overview of the council's performance, financial standing, and strategic risks. It represents the first reporting cycle under the refreshed Council Plan 2026-29 and the Council's Integrated Performance and Financial Management Framework. The report aims to enable the Executive to oversee the delivery of Council Plan priorities, financial sustainability, and strategic risk management. The documents indicate that the council's net revenue budget for 2026/27 is £200.840m, and at Quarter One, a forecast year-end pressure of £8.479m (4.22%) is anticipated if no further action is taken. The most significant pressures are identified within Children's Social Care (£8.472m), Environment, Communities and Culture (£1.342m), Regeneration & Housing (£0.488m), and Adult Social Care & Health (£0.199m). These pressures are partially offset by favourable positions within Finance, Central Budgets, and the Chief Executive's Department. The report also notes progress against the Council Plan 2026-2029 and the Strategic Risk Register.

Executive Member Update - Development

The Board is scheduled to receive an update from the Executive Member for Development regarding their portfolio. The report, Executive Member Update - Development Agenda frontsheet 16th-Sep-2026 16.30 Overview and Scrutiny Board.pdf, will provide an overview of the scope of the portfolio, relevant services and key officers, progress made in the last 12 months, and plans for the next 12 months. The Development portfolio aligns with the Mayor's priorities, focusing on housing growth, town centre renewal, economic development, transport improvements, and public infrastructure investment. Specific projects mentioned include the Nunthorpe Community Centre, the Southlands MFC Foundation, the Employment & Skills Hub, and investment in neighbourhood hubs. Future developments include over 2,000 new homes at Middlehaven and the construction of a new theatre on the Civic Centre site.

Marketing and Communications - Overview

A discussion is scheduled regarding the council's Marketing and Communications functions. The report, Marketing and Communications - Overview Agenda frontsheet 16th-Sep-2026 16.30 Overview and Scrutiny Board.pdf, will outline the aims of the team, its structure, and how it engages with residents, businesses, visitors, and staff. The presentation will cover various channels used, including social media, email newsletters, and print communications, and will highlight successes in media relations and the promotion of strategic initiatives, such as the UK City of Culture 2029 bid. The team aims to increase understanding of council services and how Council Tax is spent, demonstrating value for money and improving perceptions of Middlesbrough to attract investment.

Executive Forward Work Programme

The Board is also scheduled to consider the Executive Forward Work Programme. This item, detailed in the Executive Forward Plan document Agenda frontsheet 16th-Sep-2026 16.30 Overview and Scrutiny Board.pdf, allows the Overview and Scrutiny Board to review forthcoming decisions scheduled for the Executive and identify areas where scrutiny can add value before a decision is made. The Board has delegated powers to manage the work of scrutiny and can either undertake the work itself or delegate it to individual scrutiny panels.

Scrutiny Chairs Update

Updates are expected from the Chairs of the Adult Social Care and Health and Children's Place Scrutiny Panels. This item, listed as Scrutiny Chairs Update Agenda frontsheet 16th-Sep-2026 16.30 Overview and Scrutiny Board.pdf, will provide an opportunity for the Board to be informed of the ongoing work and findings of these panels.

The meeting will also include the formal reception of minutes from the previous Overview and Scrutiny Board meeting held on 29 July 2026 Minutes of Previous Meeting.pdf.