Samantha Morris

Adult Care and Well Being Overview and Scrutiny Panel Committee Officer

Adult Care and Well Being Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Monday, 29th September, 2025 10.00 am

The Adult Care and Well Being Overview and Scrutiny Panel met to discuss mental health social care services, NHS continuing healthcare, budget monitoring and performance, and to refresh their work programme. Councillors heard that adult social care was facing financial challenges, with demand-led services increasing and putting pressure on budgets. The panel agreed to scrutinise the Integrated Care Board's (ICB) contribution to continuing healthcare and to schedule a session with partners and the community to discuss how they can support adult social care.

Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board Committee Officer

Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board - Wednesday, 24th September, 2025 10.00 am

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.

Economy Overview and Scrutiny Panel Committee Officer

Economy Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Monday, 22nd September, 2025 1.00 pm

The Economy Overview and Scrutiny Panel met to discuss tourism in Worcestershire, government policies to support the Worcestershire economy, and the performance and budget for 2025/26. The panel also discussed and agreed to revisions to its work programme for the coming year. A recommendation was made for Worcestershire County Council to consider a plan to improve accessibility at Alvechurch Station.

West Mercia Police and Crime Panel Committee Officer

West Mercia Police and Crime Panel - Thursday, 18th September, 2025 11.00 am

The West Mercia Police and Crime Panel met to discuss the Police and Crime Commissioner's activity and performance, and to review the budget metrics. Councillor Barry Durkin, Chairman of the Panel, expressed disappointment that the panel had not been informed of budget issues in a timely manner. The panel agreed to set up working groups to look at the budget and digital services, and to invite the Chief Constable to future meetings.

Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee Committee Officer

Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 8th September, 2025 2.00 pm

The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss community engagement in health improvement, review the committee's work programme, and identify priorities for the future. Councillors heard about several initiatives aimed at empowering local communities to take an active role in improving their health and wellbeing, including the Priority Neighbourhood Development Programme, school grants, and the use of green spaces. The committee agreed to continue its focus on reviewing the 2022-2032 health and wellbeing strategy and empowering the new council formed after local government reorganisation to continue and build on current work.