The Cabinet meeting of Northumberland Council was scheduled to discuss the council's Corporate Plan for 2026-2030, the budget for 2026-27, and the 30-year business plan for the Housing Revenue Account. Other key items included the notification of estimated collection fund balances for Council Tax and Business Rates, an update on corporate risk management, and proposed amendments to the capital programme.

Corporate Plan 2026-2030

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider and comment on a refreshed Corporate Plan for 2026-2030. This plan builds on the progress of the previous Corporate Plan and outlines Northumberland Council's vision and three corporate priorities: Value for money, Driving economic growth, and Tackling inequalities. The plan was developed with input from members, residents, and stakeholders, following an extensive consultation process. The report looked back at achievements from the 2023-2026 Corporate Plan and set out future ambitions, including how accountability and delivery against the priorities will be monitored. The Cabinet was recommended to endorse the draft Corporate Plan and, subject to revisions and ongoing engagement, recommend its adoption to the County Council in March.

Budget 2026-27, Medium Term Financial Plan 2026-30 and 30 Year Business Plan for the Housing Revenue Account

A key item on the agenda was the approval of the updated Budget for 2026-27, the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for 2026-30, and the 30-year Business Plan for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The report sought approval for a 4.80% increase in housing rents and service charges from 1 April 2026, in line with the Government's rent standard. It also detailed proposed non-recurrent growth items to address issues such as damp and mould following the introduction of Awaab's Law, council tax on void properties, and electrical testing. Additionally, the report outlined expenditure plans for the Affordable Housing Investment Programme and the Major Repairs Programme, aiming to invest in the HRA housing stock.

Notification of Estimated Collection Fund Balances 2025-26 – Council Tax and Business Rates

The Cabinet was to be advised of the estimated year-end balances on the Collection Fund for Council Tax and Business Rates for the year ending 31 March 2026. The report indicated a forecast surplus of £0.446 million on the Council Tax Collection Fund, largely due to an increase in the Council Tax Base. For Business Rates, a forecast surplus of £5.785 million was anticipated, primarily due to a reduction in the level of appeals. The report detailed the distribution of these estimated surpluses to Northumberland County Council, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, and the Secretary of State.

Corporate Risk Management

This report aimed to inform the Cabinet of the latest position of the County Council's corporate risks, following reviews by the Executive Management Team and Cabinet portfolio holders. It also provided an update on the Council's risk management arrangements. The report detailed ten corporate risks, including Financial Sustainability, OD/Workforce, Emergency Response & Business Continuity, Corporate Compliance, High-profile Capital Projects, Response to Climate Change, Wholly-owned Companies, Cyber Security, BEST, and Social Housing (Regulations) Act 2023. The current and target risk scores for each were presented, with a summary of notable changes to the risk documentation.

Summary of New Capital Proposals Considered by Capital Strategy Group

The Cabinet was presented with a summary of proposed amendments to the capital programme, considered by the Capital Strategy Group on 25 November 2025. These included proposals for the Bedlington Town Centre Regeneration Scheme, Willowburn Leisure Centre Boiler Replacement Works, and Main Hall Acoustic Panel Installation Works at the Lindisfarne Centre in Alnwick. The report outlined the proposed spend, funding sources, and background information for each project.

Setting the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) 2026-27

The Cabinet was to be updated on the funding arrangements for the 2026/27 financial year for Northumberland schools. The report sought approval for the continued implementation of the National Funding Formula (NFF) for 2025/26, as agreed by the Schools Forum. It also requested approval for the transfer of up to 0.5% of funding from the Schools' Block to the High Needs Block, and delegated powers to the Executive Director for Children, Young People and Education and the Cabinet Member for Inspiring Young People to set the final formula values and transfer amounts once the Department for Education's final budget allocations were released. The report highlighted the financial pressures on the High Needs Block due to the rise in Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

Newcastle International Airport - Governance Arrangements

A report was scheduled to provide delegated authority to the Leader of the Council to formally consent as a Director of the Newcastle Airport Local Authority Holding Company Limited (NALAHCL) to the sale of shares from the existing private sector partner. This item was scheduled to be considered in private.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The Cabinet was invited to consider passing a resolution to exclude the press and public from the meeting during the consideration of specific agenda items, as these were expected to involve the disclosure of exempt information relating to financial or business affairs.