The Executive of North Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 15 September 2026, approving a series of key decisions including the Capital Programme Update for 2026/27, the indicative budget timeline and scrutiny process for 2027/28, and the draft Car Parking Strategy for public consultation. The meeting also saw the adoption of the Northamptonshire Suicide Prevention Strategy 2026-2031, the approval of the Strategic Asset Management Plan, and the procurement of a new Travel to School service contract.

Capital Programme Update 2026/27

The Executive approved changes to the General Fund Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2029/30. This included an additional £850,000 of government funding for the Warm Homes Local Grant Scheme, aimed at improving energy efficiency in homes and reducing energy costs for residents. The Executive also approved the reprioritisation of £2.2 million from existing capital allocations to address increased costs for the Haylock House refurbishment and workspace transformation programme. Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, highlighted that these changes were necessary due to identified additional building works, updated fire safety requirements, and ongoing construction cost pressures. He assured that value engineering had been undertaken and that funding was being reallocated from projects that had been deferred or reduced.

Indicative Budget Timeline and Scrutiny Process

The Executive approved the proposed process and timeline for setting the budget for 2027/28. Councillor Jim Hakewell, Chair of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee, explained that the scrutiny process would continue to focus on high-risk aspects of the budget, including the Children's Trust budget, adult social care, and home-to-school transport, which together account for around two-thirds of the Council's general fund budget. Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, emphasised that this report was about agreeing the process, not making budget decisions, and highlighted the significant projected budget gap of £13.7 million for 2027/28. He noted the ongoing pressures in key service areas and the uncertainty surrounding government funding, stressing the need for a robust process that could react to changing circumstances.

North Northamptonshire Council Draft Car Parking Strategy

The Executive approved the delegation of authority to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Highways and Travel, to finalise and approve the publication and public consultation on the draft North Northamptonshire Council Car Parking Strategy. The strategy aims to create a fair, consistent, and transparent parking framework across the Council's 49 car parks, providing over 3,500 spaces. Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, stated that the decision was about starting a conversation, not finishing one, and that residents, businesses, and communities would have the opportunity to have their say during the consultation. He highlighted the strategy's alignment with national guidance and its aims to address congestion, improve consistency, and facilitate investment in parking infrastructure. Several members of the public spoke against the introduction of parking charges, citing concerns about the impact on local businesses, residents, and volunteers, and referencing previous election pledges.

Northamptonshire Suicide Prevention Strategy 2026-2031

The Executive approved and adopted the Northamptonshire Suicide Prevention Strategy 2026-2031 and its accompanying action plan. Councillor Brian Benneyworth, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Leisure, presented the strategy, noting that an average of 77 people die by suicide each year across Northamptonshire, with around 40 deaths occurring in North Northamptonshire. He emphasised that the strategy provides a coordinated, evidence-based, and partnership-led approach to reducing suicide and self-harm, building on the success of the previous strategy. The Health Scrutiny Committee had already endorsed the strategy, and extensive engagement had been undertaken with partners, including those with lived experience.

Strategic Asset Management Plan

The Executive approved the Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP), which provides a framework for managing, reviewing, and developing the Council's land and property assets over the next five years. Councillor Ken Harrington, Executive Member for Assets, Waste & Environmental Services, stated that the plan aims to create a smaller, smarter, greener and more financially sustainable estate. The plan introduces a robust asset appraisal scoring metric to ensure decisions are driven by evidence and data, rather than subjective judgments. Councillor Gregory Wilcox, Executive Member for Communities and Rural Affairs, welcomed the plan's focus on community asset transfer and the early involvement of ward members in decisions regarding assets in their areas.

Procurement of Travel to School Service Contract

The Executive authorised the commencement of procurement for an Open Framework for Travel to School and Social Care travel services. Councillor Elizabeth Wright, Executive Member for Children's Education and Families, explained that this was necessary due to changes in procurement legislation that meant the current Dynamic Purchasing System could no longer continue indefinitely. The report also sought approval to increase the value of the existing Dynamic Purchasing System contract by up to £34.5 million to ensure sufficient contractual capacity while the new framework is established. Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, clarified that this increase was an accounting correction with no net impact on the travel to school budget.

High Street Rental Auctions

The Executive approved the designation of a defined High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) area within Wellingborough Town Centre and authorised the progression of the implementation of HSRA powers within that area. Councillor Jan O'Hara, Executive Member for Planning and Economic Growth, presented the report, highlighting that Wellingborough Town Centre had the highest concentration of eligible vacant premises, making it the most appropriate location for a pilot. She emphasised that this was a measured, evidence-led approach, focusing on a small number of units to test the process. Councillor Greg Wilcox, Executive Member for Communities and Rural Affairs, supported the pilot, stating it was an important tool for regenerating Wellingborough and restoring confidence in the town centre. Several members of the public and the local MP, Jen Kitchen, spoke, generally welcoming the initiative but also raising concerns about the potential impact of parking charges and the need for a diverse range of businesses.

Extension of Existing Contract - Warm Homes Local Grant Energy Scheme Delivery Partner

The Executive approved the extension of the existing contract with Aran Insulation Ltd for the delivery of the Warm Homes Local Grant Energy Scheme for one year, at a value of £849,098.00. Councillor Brian Benneyworth, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Leisure, stated that the extension would ensure uninterrupted delivery of energy efficiency improvements to eligible households, helping to reduce fuel poverty and energy costs. He confirmed that the scheme was funded by government grant and that Aran Insulation Ltd had established the necessary systems and expertise for effective delivery.

Urgent Items

Councillor Martin Griffiths, Chair, announced that Councillor Ken Harrington had stepped down from the Executive due to ill health. Councillor Graham Cheatley would take on responsibility for Assets, Councillor Chris McGiffen for Waste, Environmental Services and Country Parks, and Councillor Kirk Harrison for Climate and Sustainability and Environmental Enforcement. Councillor Gregory Wilcox's title would also change to Executive Member for Communities and Rural Affairs. The Chair wished Councillor Harrington well.

The meeting concluded with the Chair thanking attendees and officers.