The Council has approved the submission of an Expression of Interest to create a Foundation Strategic Authority for Northamptonshire, in collaboration with West Northamptonshire Council. This decision was made to ensure the area benefits from devolution and secures greater powers and investment.

Devolution and Foundation Strategic Authorities

The Council considered a report on the Government's devolution agenda and the opportunity to create a Foundation Strategic Authority (FSA) for Northamptonshire. Councillor Martin Griffiths, Leader of the Council, introduced the report, highlighting the strategic importance of pursuing devolution to gain greater powers, long-term investment, and locally driven decision-making.

While a wider South Midlands arrangement remains a long-term ambition, the report indicated that current circumstances and time pressures made a joint Expression of Interest with West Northamptonshire Council for an FSA the most practical immediate step. This approach was seen as preserving future opportunities for broader partnerships, strengthening the Council's influence on regional growth, and ensuring North Northamptonshire remained competitive as devolution progressed nationally.

Members broadly supported the recommendations, viewing the proposed approach as a pragmatic response to the current situation. They agreed that any initial step should serve as a starting point rather than a definitive boundary, with a continued focus on maintaining strong relationships with neighbouring areas. The importance of actively participating in the process to influence outcomes, rather than having decisions imposed, was strongly emphasised.

Councillor Martin Griffiths moved, and Councillor Jim Hakewill seconded, the motion to adopt the recommendations. The motion was carried with 56 votes in favour, with no abstentions or votes against.

As a result, the Council resolved to:

• Write to the Secretary of State to express its belief that a Foundation Strategic Authority should be based on the wider South Midlands area, as this presents the best opportunity for economic growth for both Northamptonshire and the wider region.
• Agree to submit an Expression of Interest, alongside West Northamptonshire Council, to create a Foundation Strategic Authority for Northamptonshire.
• Delegate authority to the Executive Director for Place & Economy (Deputy Chief Executive), in consultation with the Executive Director for Finance & Performance and the Leader of the Council, to make the submission to the Government in liaison with West Northamptonshire Council.
• Agree that the Council would welcome the opportunity to join with other authorities and work towards the creation of a larger Strategic Authority, should such an opportunity become available in the future and be deemed right for the people of North Northamptonshire.

The reason for these decisions was to confirm the Council's support for the creation of a Foundation Strategic Authority between North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council. The alternative of not submitting an Expression of Interest was considered, which would mean the area would continue to miss out on the additional funding and benefits associated with devolution. Other potential geographies for a Strategic Authority had been considered, but none could be agreed upon within the timescale required by the Government for the submission of an Expression of Interest.

Councillor Questions

The Chair confirmed that no councillor questions had been received for this meeting.