Agenda item

The Committee considered the updated Work Plan for the 2026/27 civic year.

Members of the Committee were advised that Inspector Head's annual attendance had been scheduled for the meeting on 20 October 2026 and that Futures 4 Me had confirmed attendance at the meeting on 23 February 2027. It was also noted that preparation sessions ahead of both visits had been included within the Work Plan. It was also noted that Scrutiny of Thematic Business Plan Progress Updates had been scheduled for September, November and February in line with the Council's reporting arrangements.

The Committee was advised that several potential scrutiny topics had been identified for consideration following suggestions from the Head of Paid Service. These included:

·         an update on West Lindsey District Council's approach to Local Government Reorganisation;

·         the food waste service rollout;

·         attendance by the Chairman of the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board;

·         progress relating to the Asset Management and Community Asset Transfer Policy.

In discussing the proposed topics, Members expressed support for the inclusion of updates relating to Local Government Reorganisation and Pride in Place. Whilst recognising the importance of the food waste service, Members noted that the rollout had been successful and was already subject to consideration elsewhere. It was therefore suggested that further scrutiny may not be necessary at the present time.

A Member queried how the additional items would be accommodated within the existing meeting schedule. Officers advised that the proposals would need to be reviewed alongside reporting timescales and officer work programmes before being incorporated into the Work Plan.

In relation to the Asset Management and Community Asset Transfer Policy, the Chairman suggested that any scrutiny activity be scheduled later in the civic year to allow sufficient time for the policy to become established and its effectiveness to be assessed.

The Chairman also highlighted several items for inclusion within the Work Plan. These comprised scrutiny of the Warm Homes Grants and consideration of the Homelessness Action Plan, particularly in relation to the use and performance of temporary accommodation provision. Members indicated their support for these topics being added to the Work Plan. It was also noted that the previously received Good Homes Alliance paper had been presented to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee where it had been suggested that a future review may also be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Chairman noted that Everyone Active did not currently appear on the Work Plan and queried whether it should be included. During discussion, Members acknowledged that oversight of Everyone Active formed part of the remit of the Leisure, Culture, Events and Tourism Working Group. It was agreed that the matter should continue to be considered through that Working Group and that any issues requiring further examination could be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for scrutiny if necessary.

The Committee noted that the Work Plan remained a live document and could be amended throughout the year as further matters arose, it was therefore

RESOLVED that:

a)    the Work Plan be noted; and

b) the following topics be added to the Work Plan:

·         West Lindsey District Council's approach to Local Government Reorganisation;

·         Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board;

·         Asset Management and Community Asset Transfer Policy;

·         the Homelessness Prevention Strategy, including temporary accommodation provision.