The Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board (OSPB) met to discuss the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership's (WLEP) annual report, noting its progress against the Plan for Growth (2020-2040) and agreeing to transfer WLEP activity into the Economy Overview & Scrutiny Panel's work programme from 2026/27. The board also reviewed and updated its work programme and the Cabinet Forward Plan, and considered suggestions for a new Scrutiny Task Group.

Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (WLEP) Annual Report 2025/26

The OSPB reviewed and noted the progress made by the WLEP against the Plan for Growth (2020-2040). They also noted the successful closure of Worcestershire's Local Growth Deal, which was delivered by WLEP. The key delivery priorities for WLEP in 2025/26 were noted, as was the risk around the lack of clarity of future revenue funding from 2026/27. The OSPB agreed to recommend that WLEP activity transfers into the Economy Overview & Scrutiny Panel's work programme from 2026/27, now that LEP responsibilities have formally transferred into Worcestershire County Council (WCC).

The report highlighted several achievements over the past year, including:

• Events, Data and Intelligence: The WLEP held its annual conference, The BIG Conversation, and published the Worcestershire Economy Report 2025 and the Worcestershire Commercial Property Market Report 2025.
• Capital Programme Delivery and Reporting: The Green Technology Centre at Kidderminster College was formally launched, and confirmation was received that no further government monitoring is required on the Local Growth Fund programme.
• Innovation: The WLEP established an innovation sub-board, secured funding for a feasibility study into a Business Angel investment network, and launched the inaugural Worcestershire TechFest. BetaDen, a tech accelerator, has also significantly increased its delivery.
• Skills: Delivery of an expanded Primary STEM challenge, the Worcestershire Careers Hub is now ranked in the top 4 in England, and the Annual Skills Show was delivered in March 2025. The Worcestershire Apprenticeship team celebrated its 10th year.
• Business Support: The Growth Hub has continued to act as the gateway for business engagement and support in Worcestershire.
• Energy Strategy: The Energy Strategy refresh commenced, and several community energy projects are underway.

Looking ahead to 2025/26, the WLEP's key priorities include:

• Innovation: Developing a Worcestershire-wide innovation ecosystem, delivering the BetaDen Incubate and Accelerate programmes, and establishing a Business Angels network and a Women in Tech forum.
• Skills: Delivering the Skills Boost programme and targeting local employers with vacancies to recruit young people.
• Business Support: Delivering the Worcestershire Growth Hub business engagement service, establishing a locally-funded business support programme, and supporting the implementation of the new national Business Growth Service.

The report also noted the risk of a lack of clarity concerning future revenue funding to support economic growth beyond 2025/26. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) has been allocated to District Councils in Worcestershire across two tranches, with a 2025/26 extension via the current Labour government. The lack of an extension to UKSPF or any successor funding into 2026/27 risks Worcestershire being left behind.

Scrutiny Chairmen (and Lead Member) Update, Work Programme and Cabinet Forward Plan

The OSPB received updates from the Scrutiny Chairmen and Lead Members on the work of their respective panels and task groups. The board also reviewed its work programme and the Cabinet Forward Plan, and considered suggestions for a new Scrutiny Task Group.

The Board discussed potential topics for a new Scrutiny Task Group, including:

• Section 38s (adoption of developer constructed roads by the local authority)
• Public health promotional activity including the use of social prescribing¹, keeping active and other prevention work
• 'Are we a listening council?' including consultations and responses, and hearing the views of hard to reach groups
• Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)