The Executive of North Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to discuss several key issues, approving a new four-year contract for garden waste disposal, transferring eight properties to the Housing Revenue Account, and agreeing inflationary uplifts for adult social care providers. The council also updated its Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy, approved the procurement of a new Income Management System, and received the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education's annual report.

Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy Updates

The Executive approved updated versions of the Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy. These documents, originally approved in January 2025, have been revised to align with the Council's updated Corporate Plan priorities. The Strategy outlines how the Council will maintain its highway network to maximise funding and achieve long-term aims, while the Policy sets out a high-level commitment to an asset-management-based approach. The Executive also delegated authority to the Assistant Director – Highways & Waste, in consultation with the Executive Member for Highways and Travel, to make minor and technical changes to these documents from 2027 onwards, provided such changes are recorded and do not alter the fundamental way the Council maintains its highway assets. This delegation aims to ensure the documents remain agile and compliant with national best practice.

Procurement of Garden Waste Disposal Contract

A new four-year contract for garden waste disposal was approved, with the procurement process to commence shortly. This decision aims to provide a clear, contractually binding pricing structure to support the Council's financial planning for the next four years. It also ensures secure and reliable delivery points within North Northamptonshire and supports householders in recycling their garden waste. The Executive delegated authority to the Executive Director of Place and Economy, in consultation with the Executive Member for Assets, Waste and Environmental Services, to manage the procurement process, including the final contract award. Alternative options, such as landfill arrangements, were considered but rejected due to non-compliance with the Environment Act 2021.

Housing Transfer from General Fund to Housing Revenue Account

The Executive approved the transfer of eight larger properties from the Housing General Fund (GF) to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). This move is intended to make better use of council resources, improve flexibility in how these properties are let, and meet the local demand for long-term housing solutions for large families. The properties, valued at £1.644 million, will be subject to accounting adjustments, with authority delegated to the Director of Finance and Performance. This transfer is expected to address the significant demand for four-bedroom homes, with 435 households on the housing register needing such properties.

Annual Inflationary Uplifts Adult Social Care and Support 2026/27

The Executive approved inflationary uplifts for adult social care providers for 2026/27, aiming to support providers in meeting increased financial pressures, including the National Living Wage and broader inflationary costs. The decision reflects the Council's statutory duty under the Care Act 2014 to ensure a sustainable market of care. While most services will receive uplifts, accommodation-based services for working-age adults will not receive an immediate uplift pending a targeted review, with potential increases considered in December 2026. The total net increase in cost for these uplifts is £3,286,905. This approach aims to balance provider sustainability with the Council's budgetary constraints.

Income Management System Procurement

The Executive approved the procurement approach for a new Income Management System (IMS) contract via the CCS G-Cloud framework. This system is critical for income collection, allocation, and reconciliation across West Northamptonshire Council and its shared service partners. The current contract expires in July 2026, and a compliant procurement is necessary to ensure service continuity. The proposed contract will be for three years with an optional one-year extension, with an indicative cost of £0.5 million per annum across the shared service. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Finance to oversee the award of the contract.

Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) Annual Report 2024/25

The Executive received and approved the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) Annual Report for 2024-2025. The report details SACRE's work, including the successful launch of a revised locally agreed syllabus for Religious Education, which was attended by over 120 schools. The report highlights the development of new teaching units, training provided to governors and teachers, and ongoing advisory support to schools. SACRE's role in advising the local authority on RE provision and training, and considering complaints, was also outlined. The report confirmed no complaints or withdrawals regarding religious education or collective worship were recorded during the period.

Other Decisions

The Executive also approved the procurement of a new four-year garden waste disposal contract, with delegated authority for the procurement process and contract award. They also approved the transfer of eight properties from the General Fund to the Housing Revenue Account, with delegated authority for accounting adjustments. Additionally, the Executive approved inflationary uplifts for adult social care providers for 2026/27, totalling £3,286,905, and approved the procurement approach for a new Income Management System via the CCS G-Cloud framework, with delegated authority for contract award. The Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education's annual report for 2024/25 was also received and approved.