Minutes:
Members were provided with updates from the Chairs of each Select Committee. Areas highlighted included:
ADULT SOCIAL CARE AND HEALTH SELECT COMMITTEE
Scrutiny Review - Reablement Service: The final report was presented and endorsed by Cabinet. A draft Action Plan in relation to the report’s recommendations was to be considered for approval at the Committee meeting in February 2026. Members noted that an annual report was presented by the SBC Director of Public Health at the last Committee meeting in November 2025.
Scrutiny Review - Stockton-on-Tees Adult Carers Support Service: The last evidence-gathering session had taken place in November 2025, featuring contributions from Eastern Ravens Trust and Mobilise, an external online business working with SBC. A final evidence session was planned to include feedback from carers, external scrutiny of SBC carer-related provision, and other approaches outside the Borough. An informal session was scheduled to consider a summary of all information received.
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE SELECT COMMITTEE
Monitoring - The December meeting would receive updates on the progress and impact of recommendations 6, 7, 10 and 13 following the Committee’s Appreciative Inquiry into Narrowing the Gap in Educational Attainment.
Scrutiny Review - Children Not in School: Evidence was received in relation to children educated through Home and Hospital provision, Elective Home Education and Children Missing from Education.
COMMUNITY SAFETY SELECT COMMITTEE
Scrutiny Review - Children Affected by Domestic Abuse: Submissions from Cleveland Police were scheduled for consideration and further partner input planned for January 2026. The meeting in January 2026 was to include contributions from the Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees Safeguarding Children Partnership, alongside local Housing Services, with representatives from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Thirteen Housing Group.
PEOPLE SELECT COMMITTEE
Scrutiny Review - Partnership Working in Early Help: The Committee had agreed its final report and recommendations in December. Evidence had been heard from partner organisations, service users, and the Parent and Carer Forum. The review highlighted the need for partners to be supported in delivering Early Help, with improvements in communication, governance, and joint training. The report was scheduled for submission to Cabinet in January, with an executive summary to be shared with Executive Scrutiny.
Scrutiny Review - Post 16 Provision: A tripartite meeting had considered a draft scope and project plan for the review. The review aimed to assess current provision within the Borough and inform the Post 16 enrichment strategy. The scope and project plan would be presented for discussion and agreement at the January meeting.
PLACE SELECT COMMITTEE
Scrutiny Review - Capital Projects: Evidence highlighted that regeneration held the largest budget share, Community, Environment and Culture had the most programmes, and Transportation managed the highest number of projects, with most of the funding coming from grants and contributions. The review was scheduled to report to Cabinet in May 2026.
Monitoring: Implementation of recommendations from the Domestic Waste and Recycling review were reported to be on track, with ongoing engagement and implementation planned from January 2026. The first update on the Affordable Housing review noted progress on a hybrid delivery model, participation in national programmes, and engagement with Government on empty homes and Local Housing Allowance rates.