The Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) of Huntingdonshire District Council met to discuss the Corporate Peer Challenge Update, the Corporate Performance Report for Quarter 1, a report on Planning Enforcement, the Local Government Outcomes Framework Initial Consultation Response, and the Commercial Investment Strategy. The panel reviewed reports and provided comments to be passed on to the cabinet for consideration.

Corporate Performance Report 2025/26 (Quarter 1)

The Overview and Scrutiny panel reviewed the Corporate Performance Report for the first quarter of 2025/26.

Corporate Peer Challenge Update 2025/26 Q1

The Overview and Scrutiny Panel reviewed the Corporate Peer Challenge Update for the first quarter of 2025/26. Councillor Ross Martin, Group Leader, Conservative, expressed his appreciation for the report, and enquired how the cabinet fit into the structure of the restructuring that was underway. The panel heard that there have been no changes yet but could possibly look at a further review over the next year but it may be prudent to wait until the next administration to do this.

In response to a question regarding communication and engagement, the panel heard that this is more of a document rather than a strategy and officers would be coming back with the internal communications document via an update which will help reinforce the Corporate Plan and consolidate the messages included.

Councillor James Roger Catmur commented that it would be appreciated if the Original Actions and the Linked Actions could be traceable for ease of reading. The panel heard this could be actioned.

After a question from Councillor Ann Blackwell, Chair, Employment Committee, the panel heard that there could be updates on particular actions but they would be back next Quarter for the full update to the Panel. It was also confirmed that they are trying to be more mindful in their reports and not to give overwhelming amounts of pages for the Panel to review and encouraged the Panel to feed back through the Chair moving forward.

The comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel were passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations within the Corporate Peer Challenge Update for Q1 2526.

Local Government Outcomes Framework Initial Consultation Response

The Overview and Scrutiny Panel were invited to comment regarding the proposed feedback submission in the government's initial engagement period which will be submitted by 22nd September 2025.

Commercial Investment Strategy

The Overview and Scrutiny Panel were invited to comment on the revised Commercial Investment Strategy document appended to the report for consideration by Cabinet when approving the strategy.

Planning Enforcement

The Panel were recommended to note the explanation provided in the amended report.

Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme

The Panel received the Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme and the notices of Key Executive decisions 1st August 2025 to 30th November 2025. Members discussed future planning of items for the Work Programme.

Outstanding Responses From Previous Meetings

The Panel noted the responses outstanding from previous meetings.