The Communities and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 28 September 2026 to discuss the outcomes of an inspection of the Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, review the annual service report from Places Leisure, and consider initial proposals for the refresh of the Gambling Licensing Policy. The committee will also review its work programme for the upcoming year.

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service Inspection Report

The committee is scheduled to consider the findings of the 2025-27 HMICFRS¹ inspection of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS). The report aims to present the inspection's outcome, provide assurance on the actions being taken in response, and allow the Scrutiny Committee to offer comments or recommendations to the Cabinet. The inspection assessed the effectiveness, efficiency, and people functions of the service. The report notes that HMICFRS identified areas where NFRS needs to strengthen governance, leadership, and workforce development. The improvement plans are intended to ensure NFRS uses resources efficiently and effectively, aligning with the Council's Corporate Plan priorities of Achieving Value for Money, Tackling Inequalities, and Driving Economic Growth. Councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet Member for Public Safety, and Councillor Glen Sanderson, Leader of the Council, are expected to attend for this item.

Places Leisure Annual Service Review

An overview of the 2025-2026 Annual Service Review by Places Leisure is scheduled for presentation. Places Leisure operates the county's leisure centres under a contract with Northumberland County Council. The report provides background to this review, which is a requirement of the Leisure Operating Contract (LOC). The LOC, which commenced on 1 April 2024 and runs for 10 years with an optional 5-year extension, sets out the required standards and reporting for Places Leisure. The review will cover various aspects of the service, including customer satisfaction, usage, membership levels, energy management, financial performance, workforce, and health and safety. Councillor Wendy Pattison, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, is expected to attend for this item.

Gambling Act 2005: Initial Proposals for Refresh of Licensing Policy

The committee is scheduled to consider initial proposals for the refresh of the Gambling Licensing Policy. The Gambling Act 2005 requires local authorities to publish a licensing policy outlining the principles they will apply when exercising their functions related to regulating gambling activity. This policy needs to be periodically refreshed and republished at least every three years. The report outlines that the refreshed policy aims to move beyond a procedural statement to a more modern, evidence-led public protection framework, with a greater emphasis on gambling-related harm, deprivation, safeguarding, and public health. The committee will be asked to consider these initial proposals before they are put forward for public consultation. Councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet Member for Public Safety, is expected to attend for this item.

Communities and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee is scheduled to consider its work programme for the 2026/27 council year. This involves reviewing the committee's terms of reference, which cover areas such as public safety, culture, leisure and tourism, roads and highways, environment, rural and farming, and housing and planning. The committee will also consider items to be timetabled or considered for inclusion in the work programme, and review what the committee has examined in the previous year.