The Corporate Services and Economic Growth Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) meeting was scheduled to discuss the Northumberland Economic Strategy and Investment Framework, and receive a presentation from Advance Northumberland. The committee was also set to review the findings of a Members Enquiry Task and Finish Group and its own work programme.

Northumberland Economic Strategy and Investment Framework

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to be dedicated to the Northumberland Economic Strategy and Investment Framework. This report sought endorsement for a new 10-year strategy aimed at driving economic growth across the county. The strategy outlines an approach to economic development, key components, priorities for intervention, and performance indicators. Additionally, the report was to seek approval for the mobilisation approach for the Northumberland Investment Fund (NGF), previously known as the Growth and Investment Endowment Fund, which is intended to support the delivery of the Economic Strategy.

The strategy itself, detailed in the Northumberland Economic Strategy document¹, presents a vision for inclusive and sustainable growth. It identifies five priority sectors for economic development: the Foundational Economy, Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, Digital and AI, Life Sciences, and Offshore Renewable Energy. The strategy also outlines four macro-forces shaping Northumberland's economy: Technology and AI Disruption, Energy Security and Decarbonisation, Demographic Change, and Geopolitical Uncertainty and De-globalisation. It details established and emerging assets and capabilities within the county, such as its coastline, ample land, investment incentives, skilled workforce, and innovation heritage. The framework aims to foster enterprise, support thriving people, attract investment, and enhance the county's places.

The report also detailed the proposed investment framework for the Northumberland Growth Fund (NGF). This fund is intended to be deployed through direct council allocations, grants, and a recyclable fund managed externally. The proposed structure includes a Northumberland Economic Infrastructure Programme and a Business Northumberland Investment Fund. Governance arrangements for the NGF were also scheduled for discussion, with Cabinet having decision-making authority and the NCC Programme Board responsible for delivery.

Advance Northumberland Presentation

The committee was scheduled to receive a presentation from Advance Northumberland². Steven Harrison, CEO of Advance Northumberland, along with William Thompson (ED Governance and Sustainability), Alexandra Wiley (Head of Marketing & Communications), and Richard Mansel (Director of Finance), were expected to be in attendance to provide an update on the organisation's activities.

Members Enquiry Task and Finish Group Report

Sarah Green, Head of Customer Experience, was scheduled to present the report from the Members Enquiry Task and Finish Group³. This group was established to review the effectiveness of the online process for logging and tracking councillor enquiries, which was launched in April 2025. The report was expected to include recommendations for improving the system, such as encouraging the use of a specific email address for submitting enquiries and ensuring customisable feedback reports for councillors. The group's recommendations included that councillors should use the email address Members.feedback@northumberland.gov.uk for enquiries, that performance data from the system should be presented annually to the OSC, and that councillors could raise concerns with the appropriate Cabinet Member if unsatisfied with responses.

Corporate Services and Economic Growth OSC Work Programme and Monitoring Report 2025-26

The committee was asked to review and note the Corporate Services and Economic Growth Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme and Monitoring Report for the 2025-26 council year⁴. This report typically provides an overview of the committee's activities, decisions made, and progress on ongoing scrutiny work.