The Place and Environment Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 3rd March 2026, endorsing a new Speed Management Policy and providing feedback on the draft Housing Services Asset Management Strategy. The committee also agreed to add a joint scrutiny panel on highways to its work programme.

Speed Management Policy

The committee endorsed the North Northamptonshire Council Speed Management Policy for submission to the Executive. This policy formalises the council's approach to setting and managing speed limits across the highway network, aiming to improve road safety, protect vulnerable road users, and enhance community wellbeing. The policy aligns with national guidance and promotes self-explaining speed limits. The strategy for achieving safer speeds is based on the three Es : Education, Engineering, and Enforcement, in partnership with Northamptonshire Police and the Northamptonshire Safer Roads Alliance (NSRA). The policy prioritises 20mph limits in areas where vulnerable users are most at risk, such as near schools, and outlines clear processes for reviewing and changing speed limits through the Speed Limit Review Panel.

During the discussion, members sought clarification on the criteria for amending speed limits, particularly for 20mph zones, and the enforcement capabilities of Northamptonshire Police, which currently operates with six mobile speed camera vans across the county. The committee requested additional data and statistics on speed limits impacting local highways and vehicle movements. They also asked to be invited to observe meetings of the speed management panel to better understand the processes involved. A key recommendation was made to ensure ward members are notified and invited to provide representation to the speed management panel when applications affecting their wards are being considered.

Draft Housing Services Asset Management Strategy 2026

The committee considered the draft Housing Services Asset Management Strategy 2026, which outlines how North Northamptonshire Council will manage, maintain, and invest in its housing stock of over 8,000 homes. The strategy aims to ensure all homes meet statutory requirements, including the Decent Homes Standard, energy efficiency targets, and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Key objectives include maintaining and improving existing homes, balancing responsive repairs with planned investment, improving energy efficiency, delivering value for money, ensuring compliance with building safety regulations, and supporting sustainable neighbourhoods.

A registered speaker, Lyn Buckingham, raised concerns about improvements following recent regulator inspections, the elimination of non-decency and fuel poverty, and the reinvestment of any surplus from on-street parking enforcement into transport and environmental improvements, such as garages, estate access, EV readiness, and secure cycle storage.

Members questioned why officers had been unable to access 12% of the council's housing stock and what measures were in place to ensure access. It was explained that cultural and support needs, as well as potential issues like sub-letting and hoarding, contributed to access difficulties, and that statutory powers were available to gain entry. The committee was informed that an accelerated programme had allowed the council to assess the condition of 88% of its housing stock. Enquiries were also made regarding void properties, with the committee noting that between 80 and 90 properties were typically void at any one time, representing around 1% of the stock. A recent trend of increasing major voids, requiring significant investment, was highlighted. Regarding energy performance certificates (EPCs), it was stated that all new council housing was built to current building regulations, with a benchmark EPC rating of C.

Place & Environment Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its current work programme and agreed to the addition of a joint scrutiny panel with members of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee. This panel will focus on highways, including the Kier Highways contract. Members will be notified of the arrangements for this joint panel once they are finalised.