This week in North Northamptonshire:

Council Boosts Capital Programme by £30 Million, Creates Development Impact Fund

North Northamptonshire Council's Executive has significantly increased its Capital Programme, approving an additional £30.6 million for the period 2026/27 to 2029/30, bringing the total to £308.6 million. This investment aims to drive forward the Council's corporate plan objectives, focusing on family, community, prosperity, and efficient public services.

A key initiative born from this expanded programme is the creation of the Magna Park (Corby) Development Impact Fund. This fund, seeded with £894,914.56 from Section 106 (S106) agreements, is designed to directly address the impact of the Magna Park development on the local community. It will support a range of projects including community facilities, public realm improvements, and ecological initiatives, with applications open to local organisations, community groups, and parish councils. This fund represents a tangible effort to ensure that large-scale developments contribute positively to the areas they affect, particularly for residents living closest to the development.

The Executive also approved the procurement of works for essential refurbishments of several council properties, including Swanspool House (and Annex), Croyland Hall, and Abbey in Wellingborough. The total budget for these refurbishments is £3.848 million. These works are crucial to ensure these heritage assets meet modern standards for accessibility and safety, supporting their continued use for council services and staff accommodation.

In a move to modernise operations, the council will also begin the procurement process for a new Property and Land Management ICT system. This system is vital to replace the current outdated K2 system and will consolidate all property and land data, managing approximately 1,800 sites valued at around £980 million. This investment in technology is expected to improve asset management and service delivery.

For those who enjoy staying active, the council has approved the procurement of replacement gym equipment for Corby East Midlands International Pool and Lodge Park Sports Centre. This decision addresses the age and condition of existing equipment, aiming to enhance health outcomes and customer satisfaction.

The Executive also approved the write-off of £1,147,094.32 in outstanding National Non-Domestic Rates, deemed irrecoverable due to business insolvencies. While these debts are written off, the council retains the right to pursue recovery if circumstances change.

Link to the Executive meeting

Children's Services Praised in Ofsted Inspection, SEND Reform Plan Endorsed

North Northamptonshire's children's services have received a significant boost following a positive Ofsted inspection. The Children's, Young Persons & Education Scrutiny Committee endorsed the SEND Reform Plan, which aims to improve early intervention and inclusive mainstream provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This plan is crucial for ensuring that children with SEND receive the support they need within their local communities, reducing reliance on high-cost placements and improving their educational experiences. The plan's success is also linked to securing the High Needs Stability Grant, vital for addressing the council's significant Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit, which stood at an estimated £45.144 million as of March 2026.

The Ofsted Inspection of Local Authority Children's Services (ILACS) awarded Outstanding for the impact of leaders on practice with children and families, and Good across all other service areas. This marks a substantial improvement since the previous inspection in 2022, highlighting strong leadership, investment, and partnership working. Key strengths identified include effective early help services, robust child protection, stable placements for children in care, and good support for care leavers.

However, Ofsted did identify two areas for improvement: the consistency of support and planning for some children in need, particularly disabled children, and the clarity of communication regarding the local offer for care leavers over 21. The council is developing plans to address these specific concerns, ensuring that all vulnerable children and young people receive the best possible support.

Link to the Children's, Young Persons & Education Scrutiny Committee meeting

Council Constitution Review and Key Motions on the Agenda

The Council is set to convene and consider a significant update to its Constitution, the document that underpins all council operations. The proposed changes, detailed in a report by the Monitoring Officer, include administrative updates and adjustments to meeting procedures. Notably, the deadline for public statements and questions will be brought forward to 12 noon two clear working days before a meeting, and the deadline for submitting motions will be extended to seven clear days before a meeting. The Council will also consider removing the Petition Scheme from the Constitution, with information to be made available online. The terms of reference for the Health Scrutiny Committee are proposed to be expanded to include Adult Social Care, renaming it the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee.

Three important motions are also scheduled for debate:

• Ukraine Independence Day Flag Raising: A motion proposed by Councillor Helen Harrison seeks an exception to the Reform UK party's flag flying policy to allow the Ukrainian flag to be raised on Ukraine Independence Day, 24 August 2026. This highlights the ongoing international solidarity with Ukraine.
• High Street Revival Policy: Proposed by Councillor Kelly Duddridge, this motion calls for a new policy and taskforce to address long-term empty shops and declining high streets. It aims to revitalise commercial areas and support local businesses.
• Impact of Developments on Highways: Councillor Simon Fairhall's motion urges the council to engage independent highways experts to assess the impact of proposed developments on infrastructure, ensuring transparency and collaboration with neighbouring authorities.

The Council will also elect a new Chair.

Link to the Council meeting

Highways Maintenance Contract Delivery Under Scrutiny

A joint meeting of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee and the Place & Environment Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to review the delivery of the Highways Maintenance Contract. The discussion was expected to focus on the performance of highway maintenance activities, the effectiveness of pothole repairs, business processes, the scope of the maintenance schedule, and the overall governance of the contract. This scrutiny is vital for ensuring that residents' concerns about road conditions are being effectively addressed and that public funds are being used efficiently.

Link to the Joint meeting of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee and the Place & Environment Scrutiny Committee

This week in North Northamptonshire:

Schools Face Funding Scrutiny as Forum Reviews Financial Health

The Schools Forum met on Thursday, 9 July 2026, to review the financial health of local schools and discuss the future direction of the forum itself. A key concern highlighted was the significant pressure within the High Needs Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), with a forecast overspend for the 2025-2026 financial year. This overspend could have a direct impact on the resources available for supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), potentially leading to reduced services or longer waiting times for crucial support.

The forum also noted that maintained schools are increasingly using their reserves to manage in-year costs, as detailed in the 2025-2026 Schools Outturn Update. This trend suggests that many schools are facing financial challenges, relying on savings to balance their budgets rather than having surplus funds for development or unexpected needs.

In a positive development, a revised DSG allocation for 2026-2027 includes an additional £62.8k, secured through a successful business case to the Department for Education regarding premature retirement costs. This injection of funds, while welcome, underscores the complex and often precarious nature of school funding.

The forum also discussed its own membership and Terms of Reference, with a view to ensuring effective representation and governance. A draft agenda and Terms of Reference for a proposed High Needs Reference Group were agreed to be circulated, indicating a commitment to further scrutinise and address the challenges within the high needs funding block.

Link to the Schools Forum meeting

Council Faces Delays as Key Meetings Postponed

Two important council meetings, the Children's Trust Joint Committee and the Shared Services Joint Committee, scheduled for Thursday, 9 July 2026, and Wednesday, 8 July 2026, respectively, were both cancelled.

The postponement of the Children's Trust Joint Committee means that discussions on matters critical to the welfare and development of children in North Northamptonshire have been delayed. Similarly, the cancellation of the Shared Services Joint Committee pushes back decisions that could impact the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of services delivered through collaboration between local authorities. The reasons for these cancellations were not detailed.

Link to the Children's Trust Joint Committee meeting Link to the Shared Services Joint Committee meeting

This week in North Northamptonshire:

Suicide Prevention Strategy Gets Green Light Amidst Adult Social Care Concerns

The Health Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 2 July 2026, to endorse a vital new strategy aimed at reducing suicide rates across the county. The Northamptonshire Suicide Prevention Strategy 2026-2031 and its accompanying action plan were formally approved. This strategy, developed with input from over 50 stakeholders, including individuals with lived experience, focuses on a multi-pronged approach. It aims to improve data collection, provide targeted support, address risk factors, enhance crisis support, and promote suicide prevention as a shared responsibility. This is a critical step in supporting vulnerable residents and addressing a significant public health challenge.

However, the committee also received a sobering update on the state of Adult Social Care services. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment, published in March 2026, rated services as Requires Improvement. While strengths were noted in person-centred care and preventative services, significant concerns were raised about the timeliness of assessments, consistency of access, and support for carers. The council has developed an improvement plan, and a new Adult Social Care Improvement Board will oversee its implementation. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring adequate and timely support for some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

The committee also reviewed the Health Scrutiny Work Programme for 2026/27, which includes ongoing monitoring of these critical areas, as well as public health reports and the performance of local NHS trusts.

Link to the Health Scrutiny Committee meeting

Council Faces £13.775m Overspend: Children's Services Under Pressure

The Corporate Scrutiny Committee met on Monday, 29 June 2026, and received a stark report on the council's financial performance for the fourth quarter of 2025/26. A significant General Fund overspend of £13.775 million was revealed against a budget of £406.302 million. The report identified Children's Social Care as a major pressure point, with a contract overspend of £29.776 million. Home to School Transport also contributed to the deficit, with a £3.049 million overspend.

This substantial overspend, particularly in children's services, raises serious concerns about the resources available to support vulnerable children and families. The committee resolved to note the performance and requested senior representatives from the North Northamptonshire Children's Trust to attend their next meeting to provide a detailed update on the Trust's financial position and mitigation actions. This indicates a need for greater transparency and accountability in how funds are managed to protect the well-being of children.

The committee also discussed the development of the T20 methodology, a framework designed to focus transformation efforts on critical priorities. While this aims to improve efficiency, the significant financial pressures suggest that careful consideration must be given to how transformation efforts are implemented to avoid impacting essential services.

Link to the Corporate Scrutiny Committee meeting

Licensing Sub-Committee Grants Premises Licences Amidst Resident Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, to consider three applications for new premises licences. Licences were granted for The Lamb Inn in Little Harrowden and Higham Local in Higham Ferrers. However, the decision for Higham Local followed significant public objection, with 53 representations received from residents and Higham Ferrers Town Council. Concerns centred on potential public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the impact on the character of the historic conservation area. Residents voiced worries about increased noise, litter, and anti-social behaviour, particularly given the premises' proximity to residential properties, including sheltered housing.

The committee amended the requested hours for Higham Local, reducing them from the proposed 6am to 2am daily to 11pm on most days and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. This decision reflects a balancing act between business interests and the need to protect the quality of life for local residents.

A licence was also granted for The Lamb Inn, with an amendment to reduce Christmas Eve hours. Four resident objections were received, focusing on noise and potential anti-social behaviour. An application for Asda Express in Rushden was withdrawn as all issues had been resolved prior to the meeting.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Other matters

The Licensing and Appeals Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 30 June 2026, was cancelled.

This week in North Northamptonshire:

Council Constitution Review Postponed Amidst Key Policy Debates

A crucial meeting of the Council, scheduled for Thursday, 25 June 2026, was postponed. The agenda was set to include a significant review of the Council's Constitution, the foundational document that governs how the council operates. This review, led by the Monitoring Officer, proposed updates to key procedural rules, public participation rights, and committee terms of reference.

The postponement means that proposed changes, such as adjustments to the deadline for requesting to speak at meetings and modifications to the petition scheme, will be delayed. These changes are important for ensuring transparency and public engagement in council decision-making.

The meeting was also due to consider three important motions:

• Support for Ukraine: Councillor Helen Harrison proposed flying the Ukrainian flag on Ukraine Independence Day, a motion that sought an exception to the Reform UK party's flag-flying policy. This highlighted the ongoing international solidarity with Ukraine and the UK's commitment to its cause.
• High Street Revival: Councillor Kelly Duddridge put forward a motion calling for a new policy and taskforce to address the decline of high streets and long-term empty shops. This initiative aimed to utilise powers to revitalise commercial areas, which are vital community hubs.
• Impact of Development on Highways: Councillor Simon Fairhall's motion sought to ensure independent highways experts are consulted on the impact of new developments, particularly in relation to the Local Plan and Local Transport Plan. This is a critical issue for residents concerned about traffic congestion and infrastructure strain.

The postponement means these important discussions, which directly affect how residents can engage with the council and how key local issues are addressed, will be rescheduled.

Link to the Council meeting

Licensing Panel to Consider Driver Licence Fitness

The Licensing Panel met on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, to review the fitness of individuals to hold private hire and Hackney Carriage driver licences. These licences are essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of public transport for residents. The panel was scheduled to consider four applications, including one for a dual Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Licence.

The reports for these agenda items were not for public consumption, indicating sensitive personal information was to be discussed. This is a common practice when dealing with individual licensing matters to protect privacy, as permitted under the Local Government Act 1972. The decisions made by the panel have a direct impact on public safety, ensuring that those driving passengers are deemed fit and proper to do so.

Link to the Licensing Panel meeting

Health and Wellbeing Board Addresses Financial Resilience and SEND Reforms

The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, tackling crucial issues impacting the health and well-being of North Northamptonshire residents. A key focus was the Financial Resilience strand of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The Board received an update on a co-produced Theory of Change report, developed with community groups and residents with lived experience. This report identified systemic challenges like income insecurity and poor health as barriers to financial resilience. The findings have already informed the new Crisis and Resilience Fund, aiming to provide better access to support for those most in need. This initiative is vital for vulnerable individuals and families struggling with rising costs, directly impacting their ability to manage daily life and avoid crisis.

The Board also received an update on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Priority Action Plan and Local SEND Reform Plan. This plan aims to improve inclusive practice and early intervention for children with SEND. A significant focus is the Experts at Hand offer, designed to upskill mainstream schools and provide specialist outreach. This is crucial for ensuring children with SEND receive timely and appropriate support within their local communities, preventing them from facing unnecessary barriers to education and development. The plan's success will directly influence the educational outcomes and overall well-being of a significant number of young people.

Furthermore, the Board explored Digital Innovation in Adult Social Care, showcasing AI-powered tools like Magic Notes and Nora. These tools aim to improve efficiency in assessments and information gathering, allowing professionals to focus on more complex cases. While promising for service delivery, the integration of AI raises important questions about accessibility and the human element in care, particularly for those less digitally connected.

The Board also approved the Better Care Fund plans for 2025-26 and 2026-27, which are vital for integrating health, social care, and housing services to support independent living. A new process for reviewing the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment was also adopted, ensuring that access to essential pharmacy services remains adequate across the county.

Link to the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting

Employment Subcommittee Meets to Appoint Executive Director of Children's Services

The Employment Subcommittee convened on Friday, 26 June 2026, with a primary focus on appointing an Executive Director of Children's Services. This is a critical leadership role responsible for the strategic direction and oversight of services that protect and support the borough's children. The position was established by the Employment Committee on 18th June 2026.

The interviews for this role were conducted in exempt session, meaning the press and public were excluded. This is standard practice for appointments involving sensitive personal information, as outlined in the Local Government Act 1972. The appointment of a permanent Executive Director is vital for ensuring stable leadership and effective decision-making in children's services, which directly impacts the safety and welfare of vulnerable young people.

Link to the Employment Subcommittee meeting