The Executive of North Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 17 February 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the Council's financial performance, strategies for children in care and community safety, and the future management of leisure services. Key decisions were made regarding the approval of the Corporate Parenting Strategy, the Community Safety Partnership Plan, and the commencement of procurement processes for a new Geographic Information System (GIS) and Apprenticeship Training services. The Executive also agreed to further appraise options for the future management of leisure services and to proceed with the disposal of several surplus Council assets.

Finance and Performance Report - Quarter 3

The Executive received an update on the Council's financial performance for Quarter 3 of the 2025/26 financial year. The report indicated a forecast General Fund overspend of £15.442 million, with significant pressures identified in Children's Services, Adult Social Care, and Home to School Transport. Offsetting improvements were noted in Corporate Services, and positive positions within the Housing Revenue Account and capital programmes. However, concerns were raised about a £4.36 million increase in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit, projected to exceed £45 million by March 2026. Despite these challenges, 60% of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were reported as being on or exceeding target. The Executive noted the financial position and approved a budget re-profiling of £12.5 million across the Medium-Term Financial Plan Capital Programme.

Corporate Parenting Strategy

The Executive approved the Corporate Parenting Strategy for 2025-2028, recommending its adoption by Full Council in March 2026. This strategy sets out the Council's vision, priorities, and commitments to children in care and care-experienced young people, aiming to ensure they are safe, supported, and empowered to thrive. Developed with input from young people, the strategy focuses on four pillars: Belonging and Resilience, Health and Wellbeing, Support to Fulfil Potential, and Feeling Safe and Secure. An implementation plan, including resource considerations, is being developed.

Community Safety Partnership Plan 2026-2029

The North Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership Plan for 2026-2029 was approved. This three-year plan outlines five priority areas for joint working to reduce crime and disorder: preventing serious harm from violence, knife crime and exploitation; protecting and supporting victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence and exploitation; protecting and supporting women and girls; fostering cohesive and stable communities; and improving safety in neighbourhoods and towns. The plan emphasises a person-centred, prevention-focused approach, with effective partnership working and data-led activity.

Future Options for the Management of Leisure Services - Phase One

The Executive agreed to not progress further with Asset Transfer, Local Authority Trading Company, or a new NNC-owned Charitable Leisure Trust models for the management of leisure services. Instead, further detailed appraisal will be undertaken on three remaining options: all services brought in-house; a mixed model with in-house Active Communities and Leisure Management functions and outsourced leisure centres; or a mixed model with in-house delivery for facilities in more deprived areas and outsourcing the rest. Contract extensions for existing leisure operators in East Northamptonshire and Kettering will be pursued to align with a proposed implementation date of April 2028 for any new management model.

Pride in Place Programme

The Council agreed to take on the Accountable Body responsibilities for the Government's Pride in Place Programme, which will provide funding and support to three neighbourhoods in North Northamptonshire: Avondale Grange in Kettering, Kingswood and Hazel Leys in Corby, and Queensway in Wellingborough. The Council will manage the £20 million per neighbourhood funding, with resident-led Neighbourhood Boards responsible for developing 10-year Regeneration Plans. The Executive delegated authority to the Executive Director for Adults, Health Partnerships & Housing, in consultation with other relevant officers and the local MPs, to appoint Chairs and form these Neighbourhood Boards.

Surplus Asset Disposal

The Executive agreed to declare several Council-owned sites surplus to requirements and approved their disposal in accordance with the Council's Asset Disposal Policy. These sites include Jackson's Lane Car Park (Wellingborough), Saunders Close Land (Kettering), Land at the corner of Rectory Rd (Rushden), Phase 2 Glenvale Park (Wellingborough), and Beech Close (Desborough). Authority was delegated to progress the disposal of these sites and agree sale terms. Additionally, the Executive delegated authority for the appropriation of Saunders Close and Beech Close sites from the General Fund to the Housing Revenue Account, subject to financial appraisal, with the potential for these to be developed for Council housing.

Admission Arrangements for Local Authority Maintained (Community and Voluntary Controlled) Schools in North Northamptonshire for the 2027 intakes

The Executive determined the admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools for the 2027 intakes, approved the Co-ordinated Schemes for Primary and Secondary intakes, and approved the setting of the Relevant Area for schools within the authority. A key change to the waiting list process was agreed, whereby children refused a place will be automatically added to the waiting list and remain on it until the end of the summer term, simplifying the process for parents and saving administrative time.

Procurement of a Geographic Information System (GIS)

Approval was given to commence the procurement process for a new, unified, cloud-based Geographic Information System (GIS). This decision aims to consolidate the Council's multiple legacy GIS platforms, addressing inefficiencies, fragmented data, and increased costs. The new system is expected to enhance service delivery, support statutory obligations, and align with the Council's digital transformation and data-driven objectives. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive to conclude the procurement and implementation.

Apprenticeship Training Purchasing

The Executive delegated authority to the Assistant Director of Human Resources, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to tender for an Apprenticeship Services Framework. This framework will streamline the procurement of apprenticeship training, rationalise the number of contracts, and standardise terms and conditions, ensuring high-quality training can be sourced efficiently and effectively, making better use of the Council's apprenticeship and skills levy funding.

Procurement of Enforcement Agent Services

Approval was granted to commence the procurement process for Enforcement Agent services. This move aims to consolidate the eight existing providers inherited from predecessor authorities into a reduced number of providers (two) to improve efficiency, oversight, and income collection for Council debts such as Council Tax, Business Rates, and Penalty Charge Notices. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Finance & Performance to conclude this procurement.