The North Northamptonshire Executive met on Tuesday 12 May 2026, making key decisions on the Capital Programme, the Corby Innovation Hub, and the Empowerment Fund Review. The meeting also addressed the Annual Delivery Plan, the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy, and the Empty Homes Strategy, alongside the Keyways Housing Allocations Scheme Review and the Local SEND Reform Plan submission. Further decisions were made regarding the Performance Management Framework, the Council's Constitution, and the North Northamptonshire Enforcement Policy.

Capital Programme Update 2025/26

The Executive noted changes to the capital programme for 2025/26, following approvals from Directorate Capital Boards, the Chief Finance Officer, and the Strategic Capital Board. These changes, detailed in tables 1 and 2 of the public reports pack Public reports pack 12th-May-2026 10.00 Executive.pdf, help meet the Council's corporate plan objectives of Family, Community, Prosperity, and Smarter, Faster, Fairer Public Services. Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, proposed the report, highlighting its role in delivering visible improvements for residents. Councillor Elizabeth Wright, Executive Member for Children, Education and Families, seconded the report, emphasizing the importance of capital investment in improving residents' everyday lives, including local projects like Warrants Library and investment in education and SEND provision. Councillor Kirk Harrison welcomed the inclusion of Section 106 investment in Warrants Library, noting its importance as a community asset. The report was unanimously approved.

Corby Innovation Hub - Stock Condition Works

The Executive approved the commencement of the procurement process for Stock Condition Works at the Corby Innovation Hub. This key decision delegates authority to the Assistant Director of Assets & Environment, in consultation with the Executive Member for Assets, Waste and Environment, to oversee the project and award the contract. Councillor Ken Harrington, Executive Member for Assets, Waste and Environment, proposed the report, highlighting the hub as a vital income-generating asset for the Council, currently bringing in approximately £760,000 per annum. The works are necessary to replace end-of-life mechanical and electrical systems and fire safety elements, ensuring the facility remains operational and attractive to tenants, with several leases expiring in the next 12-18 months. Councillor Jeanne O'Hara seconded the proposal, emphasizing the investment in local businesses, communities, and people. The Executive unanimously approved the recommendations.

Empowerment Fund Review

The Executive resolved to withdraw the discretionary Ward Member Empowerment Fund with immediate effect. Of the £136,000 allocated for 2026/27, £68,000 will be allocated to the Grants team to develop a Youth Empowerment Grant Scheme in partnership with the Youth Advisory Council, with a target launch date of September 2026. The remaining £68,000 will be designated to the general revenue fund as an in-year saving. Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, proposed the recommendations, acknowledging the positive impact of the Ward Member Empowerment Fund but emphasizing the need to refocus funding for greater impact aligned with corporate priorities, particularly for the next generation. He noted the evidence of consistent underspend in the fund over the past five years. Councillor Kirk Harrison seconded the report, highlighting the need for wider questions of governance, oversight, and financial stewardship, and framing the reallocation as a move towards a more strategic and better-governed approach to supporting young people and communities. Councillor Elizabeth Wright, Executive Member for Children, Education and Families, spoke in support of the youth empowerment grant scheme, emphasizing the importance of giving young people a voice and trusting them to contribute meaningfully. Councillor Chris Kellett also supported the decision, seeing it as an opportunity to empower young people and develop their leadership skills. The recommendations were unanimously approved.

Annual Delivery Plan and Enabling Strategies

The Executive endorsed the Annual Delivery Plan and enabling strategies appended to the report, noting the actions taken to strengthen the linkages between strategic ambition and day-to-day service delivery. Councillor Martin Griffiths, Leader of the Council, proposed the report, emphasizing its role in turning the Council's Corporate Plan into practical actions that residents can see and feel. Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, seconded the report, highlighting its focus on delivering promised improvements and its joined-up approach across the organisation. Councillor Brian Benneyworth, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Leisure, commended the workforce strategy as particularly comprehensive and integrated. The report was unanimously approved.

Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-2030

The Executive approved the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-2030 for adoption and implementation by the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership Board, on behalf of the Community Safety Partnership. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director, Communities and Leisure, in consultation with the Executive Member for Communities, to take necessary actions for implementation. Councillor Gregory Wilcox, Executive Member for Communities, proposed the strategy, thanking Scrutiny and public speakers for their powerful contributions to its development. He acknowledged Scrutiny's challenge to improve outcomes and the need for trauma-informed practice, particularly within housing. Councillor Ken Harrington seconded the motion, emphasizing the importance of listening to victims and acting decisively. Jane Bethea, Director of Public Health, introduced the strategy, highlighting its vision to make North and West Northamptonshire a place where abuse is not tolerated, victims are believed, and perpetrators are challenged. The strategy was unanimously approved.

North Northamptonshire Enforcement Policy

The Executive approved the North Northamptonshire Enforcement Policy, delegating authority to the Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer) to make minor consequential changes in consultation with the relevant Executive Member. Councillor Kirk Harrison, Executive Member for Regulatory Services, proposed the report, highlighting the policy's graduated approach to enforcement and the move towards a single, unified policy across the authority. Councillor Chris McGiffen, Executive Member for Highways and Travel, seconded the report, emphasizing its wide scope and welcoming specific provisions related to highways. Councillor Emily Fedorovich and Dorothy Maxwell addressed the meeting, raising concerns about resource levels and the consistency of enforcement. Councillor Benneworth provided assurance regarding the Council's serious approach to illegal cigarettes and tobacco. The recommendations were unanimously approved.

Empty Homes Strategy

The Executive approved the Empty Homes Strategy and the operational approach for its implementation by Officers in Private Sector Housing. Councillor Kirk Harrison, Executive Member for Regulatory Services, proposed the report, acknowledging the work of the Private Sector Housing team and highlighting the strategy's aim to address residents' deep frustration with long-term empty properties. Councillor Brian Benneyworth, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Leisure, seconded the report, emphasizing its timeliness and necessity given the high number of empty homes and the pressures on housing services. He welcomed the balanced approach, starting with engagement and support before resorting to enforcement. The strategy was unanimously approved.

Keyways Housing Allocations Scheme Review

The Executive approved the implementation of the proposed Keyways Housing Allocation Scheme following a completed six-week consultation. They also approved Option 2 regarding the priority given to care-experienced young people, prioritizing care leavers accommodated by Northamptonshire Children's Trust and corporate children of either North or West Northamptonshire Council equally in Band A, with others awarded Band D. Councillor Brian Benneyworth, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Leisure, proposed the report, emphasizing its evidence-based nature and the need to refocus the scheme on genuine housing need amidst growing housing register numbers. Councillor Elizabeth Wright, Executive Member for Children, Education and Families, seconded the report, highlighting the enhanced support for care leavers as a key aspect of the Council's corporate parenting responsibilities. Councillor Kirk Harrison also spoke in support, endorsing Councillor Wright's points. The recommendations were unanimously approved.

Local SEND Reform Plan Submission

The Executive approved delegated authority to the Executive Director of Children's Services, in consultation with statutory officers and the Executive Member for Children, Education and Families, to finalise and submit the Local SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education. Councillor Elizabeth Wright, Executive Member for Children, Education and Families, proposed the report, acknowledging the significant frustration and anxiety experienced by many families and emphasizing the plan's focus on co-production, partnership, and rebuilding confidence. Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, seconded the report, highlighting its importance in improving support for vulnerable children and young people and its role in unlocking significant funding. The recommendations were unanimously approved.

Performance Management Framework and 2026/27 KPI Set

The Executive approved the updated Performance Management Framework and KPI set for 2026/27, noting that these are the result of consultation and review by management teams and are aligned with the Corporate Plan. Councillor Simon Fairhall addressed the meeting, expressing concerns about the correlation between the Annual Delivery Plan and the KPI set, and the lack of clarity on certain metrics. Libby Caulfield, Director of Transformation and Strategy, introduced the report, highlighting the reduction in formally reported KPIs to Executive and Scrutiny from 160 to 61, and the move to a more accessible dashboard-based reporting framework. Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, proposed the report, emphasizing its role in ensuring the Council knows how well it is performing and where improvements are needed. Councillor Chris McGiffen, Executive Member for Highways and Travel, seconded the report, welcoming the focus on objectively measurable outcomes and the improved Power BI reporting. The recommendations were unanimously approved.

Constitution Review 2026

The Executive noted the proposed changes to the Constitution, which will be presented to Council for approval, and approved the changes relating to the functions of the Executive. Councillor Simon Fairhall addressed the meeting, welcoming the emphasis on public participation and specific adjustments to the Planning Committee and petition scheme. Lynne Buckingham also spoke, welcoming the focus on public participation but suggesting areas for improvement in accessibility and the petition thresholds. Kamila Coulson-Patel, Director of Law and Governance, introduced the report, outlining the review process and the focus on clarity, consistency, and legal compliance. Councillor Chris Kellett seconded the proposal. The recommendations were unanimously approved.

The meeting concluded with the Leader of the Council, Councillor Martin Griffiths, thanking everyone for their time and contributions, noting it as a long but worthwhile meeting.

The North Northamptonshire Executive met on Tuesday 12 May 2026, approving updates to the Capital Programme, the Corby Innovation Hub stock condition works, and the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy. The meeting also saw the withdrawal of the Ward Member Empowerment Fund in favour of a new Youth Empowerment Grant Scheme, alongside the adoption of an Empty Homes Strategy and a revised Keyways Housing Allocations Scheme. Decisions were also made regarding the Local SEND Reform Plan submission, the Performance Management Framework, the Council's Constitution, and the North Northamptonshire Enforcement Policy.

Capital Programme Update 2025/26

The Executive noted changes to the capital programme for 2025/26, which have been approved by Directorate Capital Boards, the Chief Finance Officer, and the Strategic Capital Board. These updates, detailed in tables within the public reports pack Public reports pack 12th-May-2026 10.00 Executive.pdf, align with the Council's corporate plan objectives of Family, Community, Prosperity, and Smarter, Faster, Fairer Public Services. Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, proposed the report, emphasizing its role in delivering tangible improvements for residents. Councillor Elizabeth Wright, Executive Member for Children, Education and Families, seconded, highlighting the importance of capital investment in everyday life, including libraries and SEND provision. Councillor Kirk Harrison welcomed the inclusion of Section 106 investment for Raunds Library. The report was unanimously approved.

Corby Innovation Hub - Stock Condition Works

The Executive approved the commencement of the procurement process for stock condition works at the Corby Innovation Hub. This key decision delegates authority to the Assistant Director of Assets & Environment, in consultation with the Executive Member for Assets, Waste and Environment, to manage the project and award the contract. Councillor Ken Harrington, Executive Member for Assets, Waste and Environment, proposed the report, stressing the hub's importance as an income-generating asset for the Council, currently providing approximately £760,000 annually. The works are essential to replace end-of-life mechanical and electrical systems and fire safety equipment, ensuring the facility remains operational and attractive to tenants, particularly as several high-value leases are due to expire within the next 12-18 months. Councillor Jeanne O'Hara seconded, highlighting the investment's benefit to local businesses, communities, and people. The Executive unanimously approved the recommendations.

Empowerment Fund Review

The Executive resolved to withdraw the discretionary Ward Member Empowerment Fund with immediate effect. Of the £136,000 allocated for 2026/27, £68,000 will be allocated to the Grants team to develop a Youth Empowerment Grant Scheme in partnership with the Youth Advisory Council, aiming for a September 2026 launch. The remaining £68,000 will be returned to the general revenue fund as an in-year saving. Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, proposed the recommendations, acknowledging the fund's past benefits but emphasizing the need to refocus investment for greater impact, particularly for young people, citing evidence of consistent underspend. Councillor Kirk Harrison, Executive Member for Regulatory Services, seconded, highlighting governance and financial stewardship considerations and framing the reallocation as more strategic. Councillor Elizabeth Wright, Executive Member for Children, Education and Families, supported the youth scheme, stressing the importance of empowering young people. Councillor Chris Kellett also spoke in favour, seeing it as an opportunity to build trust and leadership skills. The recommendations were unanimously approved.

Annual Delivery Plan and Enabling Strategies

The Executive endorsed the Annual Delivery Plan and enabling strategies, noting actions taken to strengthen the link between strategic ambition and service delivery. Councillor Martin Griffiths, Leader of the Council, proposed the report, emphasizing its role in translating the Corporate Plan into tangible actions for residents. Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, seconded, highlighting the plan's focus on visible improvements and its joined-up approach. Councillor Brian Benneyworth, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Leisure, commended the workforce strategy. The report was unanimously approved.

Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-2030

The Executive approved the Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-2030 for adoption and implementation by the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership Board. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director, Communities and Leisure, in consultation with the Executive Member for Communities, to take necessary actions for its implementation. Councillor Gregory Wilcox, Executive Member for Communities, proposed the strategy, thanking all contributors and acknowledging the need for trauma-informed practice. Councillor Ken Harrington seconded, stressing the importance of listening to victims. Jane Bethea, Director of Public Health, introduced the strategy, outlining its vision for a safer Northamptonshire and highlighting the significant number of domestic abuse incidents reported daily. The strategy was unanimously approved.

North Northamptonshire Enforcement Policy

The Executive approved the North Northamptonshire Enforcement Policy and delegated authority to the Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer) to make minor consequential changes in consultation with the relevant Executive Member. Councillor Kirk Harrison, Executive Member for Regulatory Services, proposed the report, emphasizing the policy's graduated approach and the move towards a unified framework. Councillor Chris McGiffen, Executive Member for Highways and Travel, seconded, highlighting the policy's broad scope and welcoming specific provisions related to highways. Councillor Emily Fedorovich and Dorothy Maxwell addressed the meeting, raising concerns about resource levels and consistency. Councillor Benneworth provided assurance on the Council's approach to illegal tobacco sales. The recommendations were unanimously approved.

Empty Homes Strategy

The Executive approved the Empty Homes Strategy and the operational approach for its implementation by Officers in Private Sector Housing. Councillor Kirk Harrison, Executive Member for Regulatory Services, proposed the report, acknowledging the strategy's importance in addressing residents' concerns about long-term empty properties. Councillor Brian Benneyworth, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Leisure, seconded, emphasizing the strategy's timeliness and necessity given the number of empty homes and housing pressures. He welcomed the balanced approach, prioritizing engagement before enforcement. The strategy was unanimously approved.

Keyways Housing Allocations Scheme Review

The Executive approved the implementation of the proposed Keyways Housing Allocation Scheme following a six-week public consultation. They also approved Option 2 regarding priority for care-experienced young people, granting Band A priority to care leavers accommodated by Northamptonshire Children's Trust and corporate children of either North or West Northamptonshire Council, while others are placed in Band D. Councillor Brian Benneyworth, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Leisure, proposed the report, highlighting its evidence-based approach and focus on genuine housing need. Councillor Elizabeth Wright, Executive Member for Children, Education and Families, seconded, emphasizing the enhanced support for care leavers as part of the Council's corporate parenting responsibilities. Councillor Kirk Harrison also supported the proposals. The recommendations were unanimously approved.

Local SEND Reform Plan Submission

The Executive approved delegated authority to the Executive Director of Children's Services, in consultation with statutory officers and the Executive Member for Children, Education and Families, to finalize and submit the Local SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education. Councillor Elizabeth Wright, Executive Member for Children, Education and Families, proposed the report, acknowledging the challenges faced by families and emphasizing the plan's focus on co-production and partnership. Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, seconded, highlighting the plan's importance for improving support for children with SEND and unlocking significant funding. The recommendations were unanimously approved.

Performance Management Framework and 2026/27 KPI Set

The Executive approved the updated Performance Management Framework and KPI set for 2026/27, noting that these reflect consultation and review by management teams and align with the Corporate Plan. Councillor Simon Fairhall addressed the meeting, raising points about the correlation between the Annual Delivery Plan and KPIs. Libby Caulfield, Director of Transformation and Strategy, introduced the report, highlighting the reduction in KPIs reported to the Executive and Scrutiny and the move to a dashboard format. Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, proposed the report, emphasizing its role in measuring performance and driving improvement. Councillor Chris McGiffen, Executive Member for Highways and Travel, seconded, welcoming the focus on measurable outcomes and improved reporting. The recommendations were unanimously approved.

Constitution Review 2026

The Executive noted the proposed changes to the Constitution, which will be presented to Council for approval, and approved the changes relating to the functions of the Executive. Councillor Simon Fairhall spoke, welcoming the emphasis on public participation and specific amendments to the Planning Committee and petition scheme. Lynne Buckingham also spoke, supporting public participation but suggesting improvements to accessibility. Kamila Coulson-Patel, Director of Law and Governance, introduced the report, outlining the review's focus on clarity, consistency, and legal compliance. Councillor Chris Kellett seconded the proposal. The recommendations were unanimously approved.

The meeting concluded with Councillor Martin Griffiths, Leader of the Council, thanking attendees and speakers for their contributions, noting it as a long but productive meeting.