The Communities and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 28 September 2026 to discuss the outcomes of an inspection into Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, review proposals for a refreshed Gambling Act licensing policy, and receive an annual service review from Places Leisure. The committee recommended that Cabinet accept the HMICFRS report and proposed improvement plan for the fire service, endorsed the initial proposals for the refreshed Gambling Licensing Policy and consultation process, and noted the annual review of Places Leisure's operations.

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service Inspection

The committee considered the findings of His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) 2025-27 inspection of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS). Councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet Member for Public Safety, stated that while the report acknowledged NFRS's effective fire protection and prevention services, it also highlighted areas requiring improvement and organisational strengthening. The service has been placed under an Engage monitoring regime, which is an enhanced support system and not special measures.

Keith Carruthers, Chief Fire Officer, detailed the five causes of concern identified by HMICFRS: Site Specific Risk Information (SSRI), Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership and Accountability, Training, Competence and Workforce Development, and Values, Culture and Confidence to Raise Concerns. He confirmed that five action plans have been developed to address these concerns, with significant progress already made on the SSRI plan. The committee resolved to recommend to Cabinet that the HMICFRS report and the proposed improvement plan be accepted.

Gambling Act 2005: Refresh of Licensing Policy

The committee reviewed initial proposals for the refresh of the council's licensing policy under the Gambling Act 2005. Councillor Stewart emphasised the council's role in overseeing gambling activities, with a focus on protecting vulnerable individuals and young people. Colin MacDonald, Head of Public Protection, explained that the refreshed policy aims to strengthen public protection and harm prevention, and that work is underway with Public Health on a separate Gambling Harm Strategy. The committee endorsed the initial proposals and the consultation process, which had been approved by Cabinet on 8 September 2026.

Places Leisure Annual Service Review

Councillor Wendy Pattison, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, introduced the annual service review for Places Leisure's operation of leisure centres in Northumberland for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. Simon Churchman, Area Manager for Places Leisure, and Leanne Beattie, Assistant Contract Manager, presented a detailed review highlighting an 8% membership growth, positive customer engagement scores, and strong performance in various assessments, with five sites rated Very Good and Berwick rated Excellent. The review also detailed investments in facilities and a comprehensive Healthy Communities programme. The committee noted the annual review.

Work Programme

The committee also considered its work programme for the 2026/27 council year. Provisional confirmed items included the North East Transport Plan for the meeting on 26 October 2026, and a focus on planning for Regulation and Enforcement on 25 January 2027. The committee resolved to note the work programme.