The Council met on Thursday 5 March 2026 and approved a new Corporate Parenting Strategy, a Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26, and changes to political balance on committees. The Council also noted the Northamptonshire Children's Trust Business Plan and Annual Report, and rejected a motion concerning contaminated land.

Corporate Parenting Strategy Approved

The Council has approved a new Corporate Parenting Strategy, which aims to ensure the Council fulfils its statutory duties to support children in care and care-experienced young people. The strategy will be incorporated into the Council's Policy Framework to ensure it receives appropriate political prominence and oversight. An implementation plan and resource considerations are currently being developed. The decision to approve the strategy was made to provide a clear, whole-council strategic framework, as not approving it would leave the Council without an up-to-date framework and would not reflect best practice guidance from the Local Government Association.

Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26 Approved

A Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26 was approved by the Council. This is a statutory requirement under the Localism Act 2011¹. The Council also delegated authority to the Chief Executive to make any in-year amendments to the statement that may be necessary after 1 April 2026, once national pay awards are agreed.

Political Balance on Committees Revised

The Council approved changes to the political balance of its committees, ensuring a revised allocation of seats for recognised political groups in accordance with statutory proportionality requirements and the Council's Constitution. This decision is a legal requirement to ensure the governance structure of the Council reflects its overall political composition.

Northamptonshire Children's Trust Business Plan and Annual Report Noted

The Council noted the Northamptonshire Children's Trust Business Plan for 2026/27 to 2028/29. This plan was completed in line with the Service Delivery Contract and Articles of Association. Additionally, the Council noted the 2024/25 Annual Review of the Service Delivery Contract between the Northamptonshire Children's Trust and West and North Northamptonshire Councils, which included the 2024/25 Annual Report. These actions are necessary for the Council to discharge its functions as owners of the Trust and meet contractual obligations.

Motion on Contaminated Land Rejected

A motion proposing that the Council formally support the principles of Zane's Law – the Clean Land (Human Rights) Bill was rejected. The motion highlighted concerns regarding the legacy of the Corby toxic waste scandal and potential contamination in Kettering, referencing the death of seven-year-old Zane Gbangbola in Surrey due to suspected hydrogen cyanide exposure linked to a historic landfill site. The proposed bill aimed to establish registers of contaminated land, require local authorities to inspect and remediate such sites, and ensure government funding for these measures under the polluter pays principle. The motion was defeated by 29 votes to 24, with 4 abstentions.