The County Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, with a packed agenda covering a range of important council business. Key discussions are expected to include the Berwick Maltings Transformation Project, proposed changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2027, and the annual reports from various Cabinet Members.

Berwick Maltings Theatre Transformation Project

A significant item on the agenda is the Berwick Maltings Transformation Project, which seeks approval for an additional capital funding allocation. This project, already supported by a £28.5 million grant from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal and £2.05 million from the Strategic Regeneration Projects Budget, requires further funding to progress into its construction phase. The report highlights the project's aim to revitalise the Maltings Theatre in Berwick-upon-Tweed, transforming it into an enhanced cultural and visitor destination. The proposed additional funding of £2.625 million, to be funded through prudential borrowing, would bring the Council's total contribution to £7.512 million. The report details the project's strategic objectives, including accelerating regeneration, establishing Berwick as a visitor destination, generating wealth, and creating jobs. The transformation aims to provide a new theatre auditorium, two cinema screens, a studio space, improved backstage facilities, a destination café/bistro, and enhanced accessibility, all within an energy-efficient building. The project is noted to be complex due to the historic nature of the building and its sensitive heritage setting.

Council Tax Support Scheme (CTSS) 2027

The Council is also scheduled to consider proposed changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2027-28, with effect from 1 April 2027. This forms a crucial part of the Council's budget-setting process. The report outlines the outcomes of a public consultation on these proposed changes, which include disregarding 100% of the Housing Cost Element of Universal Credit, and reducing the discount levels for bands 2, 3, and 4 from 90% to 85%, 70% to 65%, and 40% to 35% respectively. The report details the rationale behind these changes, including addressing an anomaly in the current scheme related to Carer's Allowance and Employment & Support Allowance, and ensuring the scheme remains within the available financial envelope. The consultation feedback indicates a mixed response, with significant concerns raised about the impact of reduced discounts on low-income households, particularly those with disabilities or caring responsibilities.

Annual Portfolio Reports

Several Cabinet Members are scheduled to present their annual reports, providing an overview of their portfolio's context, achievements over the past year, and areas of focus for the coming year. These include:

• Deputy Leader - Councillor Richard Wearmouth: Covering economic growth, tackling inequalities, and achieving value for money.
• Cabinet Member for Finance and Value for Money - Councillor Nick Oliver: Summarising the context for delivery of the portfolio, highlighting achievements, and outlining current areas of focus.
• Cabinet Member for Children and Young People - Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson: Showcasing progress in delivering high-quality services, supporting vulnerable residents, and investing in future generations.
• Cabinet Member for Environment, Rural and Farming - Councillor John Riddle: Detailing the context for delivery of the portfolio, achievements, and key areas of focus.

Other Key Discussions

The agenda also includes the Annual Report from the Audit and Standards Committee to Council, presenting the committee's work for 2025/26. An Interim Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees 2026-2027 will be presented, offering updates from various scrutiny committees including Corporate Services and Economic Growth, Communities and Place, Family and Children's Services, Health and Wellbeing, and Housing.

Additionally, the Council will consider Political Proportionality following recent by-elections, which will inform the allocation of seats on committees. The Returning Officer will also submit the return of persons elected as County Councillors for the Amble and Hirst divisions. Finally, a Motion on Tackling Misogyny – Leading by Example, proposed by Councillor S. Dickinson, is scheduled for discussion.