The Communities and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the implementation of the Regulation and Enforcement Plan, a discussion on the committee's work programme, and an update on Cabinet decisions.

BEST Review of Regulation and Enforcement

A key item on the agenda is the BEST review of Regulation and Enforcement, which will examine the implementation of the plan. The report pack indicates that this will include a review of the first year of operation of the Northumberland Model, which aims to align the council's regulation and enforcement functions. The presentation is expected to cover the governance arrangements, including strategic, tactical, and operational tiers, and the use of the Local Authority Regulatory Excellence Framework. Structural changes within the council's services, such as the relocation of Environmental Health Private Housing Standards to Housing Services and Building Control to Housing and Planning, will also be detailed. The report will provide an update on the progress made in various service areas, including Private Housing, Building Control, Environmental Enforcement, Animal Welfare, Community Safety, Licensing, Pollution Control, Food Standards, Trading Standards, and Animal Health. The aim is to ensure that risks are managed effectively and that a preventative and proactive approach to regulation and enforcement is embedded within the council's culture. The committee will be asked to consider a proposal for a more formal assurance report on an annual basis regarding the council's regulation and enforcement role.

Forward Plan of Cabinet Decisions

The committee will receive an update on decisions made by the Cabinet since its last meeting, along with the latest Forward Plan of key decisions. This will provide an overview of upcoming significant decisions that Cabinet is expected to make.

Communities and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee is scheduled to consider its work programme for the 2025/26 council year. This will involve 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 discuss items that are scheduled for future meetings, including updates on the Library Service Review, the Community Risk Management Plan, and the Grounds Maintenance Review. The report pack also outlines what the committee looked into during the previous year, including detailed examinations of highways maintenance, the North East Local Transport Plan, and the Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service's annual performance.