The County Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, with a number of key items on its agenda. These include the election of a new Chair and Deputy Chair for the ensuing year, the establishment of a dedicated Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and the appointment of members to various committees and outside bodies.

Establishment of a Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee

A significant item on the agenda is the proposed establishment of a new Overview and Scrutiny Committee specifically dedicated to Housing matters. This move is intended to provide enhanced governance and assurance arrangements for the Council's landlord function, particularly in light of an ongoing improvement plan following an inspection by the Social Housing Regulator. The committee would initially operate on a task and finish basis until the regulator's requirements are met, with a view to providing oversight of the improvement plan and tenant engagement. The report outlines the draft terms of reference for this committee, which will focus on ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, monitoring the Housing Improvement Plan, and reviewing tenant satisfaction measures.

Establishment of Committees and Appointment of Chairs and Vice-Chairs

The Council is set to make arrangements for the discharge of its non-executive functions through the appointment of various committees and working groups. This process involves determining political proportionality across the Council's registered political groups and allocating seats on these committees accordingly, in line with Sections 15 and 16 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The agenda includes proposals for the establishment of committees, their sizes, and the appointment of Chairs and Vice-Chairs for the upcoming year. This includes the formation of a new Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee, as well as the reappointment of members to existing committees and working groups.

Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees

The Council will receive the annual reports from its four Overview and Scrutiny Committees: Communities and Place OSC, Corporate Services & Economic Growth OSC, Family and Children's Services OSC, and Health and Wellbeing OSC. These reports, presented by their respective Chairs – Councillor David Bawn, Councillor Mark Swinburn, Councillor Wayne Daley, and Councillor Georgina Hill – will provide an overview of the work undertaken by these committees during the past municipal year. The reports are expected to detail key areas of scrutiny, including financial performance, service reviews, and policy developments, offering insights into the committees' contributions to accountability and service improvement.

Timetable of Meetings for 2026-27

The Council is being asked to approve the annual timetable of meetings for the 2026-27 Municipal year. This includes setting the dates and times for full Council meetings, as well as those for Cabinet and various Overview and Scrutiny Committees. The proposed timetable aims to facilitate the transaction of business throughout the year, with adjustments to meeting times between October and March to account for shorter daylight hours.

Nominations to Outside Bodies

The Council is to agree its nominations to a range of outside bodies. This includes appointments to organisations such as the Environment Agency's Northumbria Regional Flood & Coastal Committee, the Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, and the North East Combined Authority. The process for these nominations involves considering political proportionality and geographical representation where applicable, ensuring the Council's continued engagement with regional and local partnerships.

Appointment of the Chair and Independent Members to Audit and Standards Committee

The Council is being asked to approve the reappointment of the Chair and Independent Members to the Audit and Standards Committee. This includes the reappointment of Peter Topping as independent chair and Stuart Green, Simon Openshaw, and James Hannah as independent co-opted members. These appointments are crucial for ensuring the committee's continued independent oversight of the Council's financial and ethical standards.

Constitution Update

Proposed updates to the Council's constitution are scheduled for consideration. These amendments, following review by the Constitution Working Group, primarily concern the terms of reference and membership of the Health and Wellbeing Board. The proposed changes aim to refine the board's focus on integrated health and social care, strategic vision setting, and democratic accountability, as well as to reflect evolving partnership arrangements.

Return of the Person Elected as a Councillor to the Cramlington South West Electoral Division

The Returning Officer is scheduled to submit the return of the person elected as a Councillor to the Cramlington South West Electoral Division on 16 April 2026. This item formally confirms the outcome of the recent election for that specific division.