The Executive of North Northamptonshire Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to consider a range of important policy updates and procurement decisions. Key discussions are expected to include the Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy, the procurement of a Garden Waste Disposal Contract, and updates on the Housing Revenue Account.

Highway Asset Management Policy and Highway Asset Management Strategy Updates

The Executive will be presented with the annual update to the Council's Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy. These documents, first approved in January 2025, outline the Council's commitment to managing its highway maintenance services through an asset management approach. The proposed updates aim to align the policy and strategy with the Council's revised Corporate Plan priorities, ensuring consistency for residents and communities. The report also seeks delegated authority for the Assistant Director – Highways & Waste, in consultation with the Executive Member for Highways and Travel, to make future minor and technical updates to these documents from 2027 onwards, provided such changes are recorded and do not alter the fundamental approach to highway maintenance.

Procurement of Garden Waste Disposal Contract

A report will be presented seeking delegated authority to commence a procurement exercise for a four-year garden waste disposal contract. This contract, set to begin on 1 June 2027, will cover the disposal of garden waste collected kerbside from residents within North Northamptonshire. The procurement will be conducted via an open procedure, aiming to secure suitable local delivery points for the material to ensure economies of scale and competitive bids. The contract is also intended to provide a disposal route for organic waste generated by the Council's own activities.

Housing Transfer from General Fund to Housing Revenue Account

The Executive will consider a proposal to transfer eight larger properties from the Housing General Fund (GF) to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). This transfer, valued at £1.644 million, is intended to make better use of resources, improve flexibility in how these units are let, and meet local demand for long-term housing solutions for large families. Currently, properties held in the GF can only be let on a non-secure, interim basis for homelessness applications. Transferring them to the HRA would allow for them to be let on a long-term basis through the Council's housing register, 'Keyways', addressing the significant demand for larger homes in North Northamptonshire.

Annual Inflationary Uplifts Adult Social Care and Support 2026/27

This report seeks approval for proposed uplifts in fees paid to adult social care providers for 2026/27. These uplifts are intended to help providers manage increased financial pressures, including the National Living Wage increase and broader inflationary pressures. The report details proposed uplifts for various services, including home care, older persons residential and nursing care, and day opportunities, with a total net increase in cost estimated at £3.287 million. Targeted uplifts are proposed, with a specific focus on ensuring working-age adult accommodation-based services align with national benchmarks, potentially involving a review and delayed uplifts for these services.

Income Management System Procurement

The Executive will be asked to approve the procurement approach for a new Income Management System (IMS) contract via the CCS G-Cloud framework. The current contract, which is critical for income collection, allocation, reconciliation, and compliance across West Northamptonshire Council and its partners (Cambridgeshire County Council, Milton Keynes City Council, and North Northamptonshire Council), expires on 31 July 2026 and cannot be extended. The G-Cloud framework is recommended as a rapid, low-risk, and compliant procurement route. The proposed contract term is three years with an optional one-year extension, with indicative costs of £0.5 million per annum across the shared service.

Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) Annual Report 2024-2025

The Executive will receive and consider the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) Annual Report for 2024-2025. This report details the work undertaken by SACRE over the past year, including the development and launch of the revised Northamptonshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education in May 2025. The report highlights achievements such as the creation of teaching units, ongoing training for educators, and communication efforts through a termly RE newsletter. SACRE's role in advising the local authority on Religious Education and collective worship, as mandated by the Education Act 1996, is also outlined.