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SEND failings, mental health overhaul, & council's vision

This week in North Northamptonshire:

Mental Health Services Face Overhaul Amid Staffing Shortages

The Shared Services Joint Committee met to discuss significant changes to the delivery of mental health services in North Northamptonshire. The committee approved proposals to consolidate the Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) service and the out-of-hours Emergency Duty Team (EDT) under a single lead authority, North Northamptonshire Council (NNC). Link to the Shared Services Joint Committee meeting

  • The report pack highlighted a national shortage of qualified AMHPs, raising concerns about the service's ability to function effectively without these changes.
  • Northamptonshire Children's Trust (NCT) requested that NNC and West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) take over the out-of-hours services for adult social care, allowing NCT to focus on children's services.
  • The committee approved the implementation of an EDT Enhanced Call Care service proposal.
  • An increase in the AMHP team staffing cohort would increase the cost of delivering the service by an estimated £163,000 per year, and that service costs would be shared proportionately between NNC and WNC based upon the respective volumes of workload.

This decision could lead to a more streamlined and efficient mental health service, but the success of the consolidation hinges on NNC's ability to recruit additional AMHPs and manage the increased workload. The Mental Health Act 1983 places a legal responsibility on AMHPs, making their availability crucial for those in crisis.

SEND Services Under Scrutiny After Damning Inspection Report

The Children's, Young Persons & Education Scrutiny Committee met to address the challenges and opportunities related to Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) in North Northamptonshire. The meeting was prompted by a highly critical Local Area SEND Inspection in January 2024, which found widespread and/or systemic failings in the local area partnership. Link to the Children's, Young Persons & Education Scrutiny Committee meeting

  • The inspection report stated that not enough is known about children and young people with SEND in North Northamptonshire, because their needs are not always accurately identified and assessed right from the start.
  • The report also found that services are disjointed across education, health and social care, and that poor information-sharing means that important knowledge of children, young people and their families is not connected across services efficiently and effectively.
  • The committee reviewed the North Northamptonshire SEND Partnership Priority Action Plan, which outlines steps to address the weaknesses identified in the inspection.
  • The committee also reviewed the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, which revealed that there are 10,865 children and young people in North Northamptonshire with SEND needs.

The committee agreed to monitor the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block performance, acknowledging the significant budgetary pressures caused by the increasing number of children and young people being identified with SEND. This scrutiny is crucial to ensure that children with SEND receive the support they need and that the council addresses the failings identified in the inspection report.

Executive Outlines Vision for the Future in New Corporate Plan

The Executive met to discuss the development of a new Corporate Plan 2025-2029, which will set out the council's vision, ambitions, and priorities for the next four years. The plan is intended to serve as a contract with residents, businesses, and stakeholders. Link to the Executive meeting

  • The Executive approved the proposed timeline for developing the plan, which includes public consultation and detailed scrutiny.
  • The Executive also discussed capital funding allocations from the Department for Transport (DfT), with the council expected to receive £16.330m per year.
  • The Executive approved spending the Active Travel Fund 5 and Consolidated Active Travel Fund grants on priority schemes from the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans.

The Corporate Plan will shape the direction of the council and its services for the next four years, making it a crucial document for residents to understand and engage with.

Other Matters

  • The Executive approved a revised Home to School Transport Policy for Students of Statutory School Age 5 to 16 Reception to Year 11, with minor textual changes to improve accessibility and clarity. The Council is required to arrange free, suitable, home to school transport for children of compulsory school age who are eligible, to their nearest suitable qualifying school in line with section 508B of the Education Act 1996.
  • The Executive approved the procurement of contracts for housing maintenance functions, including the supply and fit of external doors and windows, clearance and cleaning of waste from void properties1, and repairs to major void properties. North Northamptonshire Council owns and manages over 8,000 council homes in Corby and Kettering, and is responsible for their repair and maintenance.
  • The Executive approved the North Northamptonshire Cultural Masterplan, which aims to align focus, energy, and resources to ensure culture becomes a cornerstone of community cohesion, economic development, and placemaking.
  • The Executive approved a joint procurement process with West Northamptonshire Council for safe accommodation (refuge) provision for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, funded by the government's Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation grant. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 places a statutory duty on local authorities to undertake a domestic abuse safe accommodation needs assessment.
  • The Executive received an update on The Avenue Infants School Extension project, and approved the procurement of a contractor for the project. The project aims to create additional SEND teaching and ancillary space to meet increasing demand for SEND provision.
  • The Executive approved several changes to the Capital Programme Update 2025/26, including approving the Local Transport Grant budget for £54.6m.
  • The Licensing Panel considered an application for a Hackney Carriage Driver Licence and an application for Street Trading Consent. Link to the Licensing Panel meeting
  • The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider a review of the premises licence for Corby Europe Shop, located at 62 George Street, Corby, NN17 1QE. The review was requested by Northamptonshire Police due to concerns about the sale of illicit tobacco products. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

Here are some of the upcoming meetings scheduled for next week:

  1. A void property is a property that is not currently occupied. ↩

Health Strategy & School Deficits: NNC Council News

This week in North Northamptonshire:

Health and Wellbeing Strategy Aims to Tackle Inequalities

The North Northamptonshire Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss a range of health priorities, with a focus on reducing inequalities and improving the overall health of residents. Key topics included the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, SEND Priority Plan, Better Care Fund, Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment, Dental Commissioning Plan, Family Drug and Alcohol Court, and Healthwatch North Northants. Link to the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting

Schools Forum Tackles Growing Deficits and Pupil Growth

The Schools Forum met to discuss critical financial challenges and strategies for managing pupil growth in North Northamptonshire. Key topics included the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) outturn, maintained school balances and licensed deficits, and a pupil growth fund update. Link to the Schools Forum meeting

  • The draft outturn position for the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) revealed a significant deficit of £14.503 million for 2024/25, adding to a carried-forward deficit of £6.869 million from the previous year, bringing the total cumulative deficit to £21.372 million. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) is a ring-fenced grant allocated by the government to support education-related services.
  • The High Needs Block, which supports children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), is a major driver of the deficit, with a forecasted overspend of £10.634 million.
  • The forum was informed of the 2024-25 maintained school balances, which showed a decrease in total balances from £4.9 million to £1.5 million. The number of schools in deficit increased from five to ten.
  • The Schools Forum received an update on the allocation of the Pupil Growth Fund (PGF) for 2025/26 and a proposed revision to the Growth Fund Policy to align with Department for Education (DfE) guidance. The Pupil Growth Fund (PGF) provides funding to schools to employ staff to provide new school places.

Planning Committee Considers Tourist Accommodation, Employment Park, and HMO

The Planning Committee convened to discuss several planning applications, including a tourist accommodation development at Rockingham Forest Park, a hybrid application for a storage and distribution unit and employment park in Thrapston, and a change of use in Wellingborough. Link to the Planning Committee meeting

  • The committee was scheduled to discuss a planning application for tourist accommodation at Rockingham Forest Park, proposing 64 caravan lodges, a facilities building, and associated infrastructure.
  • A hybrid planning application for land adjacent to Haldens Parkway in Thrapston was also on the agenda, seeking full planning permission for a storage and distribution unit and outline planning permission for an employment park.
  • The committee was scheduled to discuss a planning application for a change of use at 1 Great Park Street, Wellingborough, seeking permission to convert a retail unit and residential property into a 6-bedroom HMO1.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Here are some of the upcoming meetings scheduled for next week:

  1. A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a property rented out by at least 3 people who are not from 1 'household' (for example, a family) but share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen. ↩

Illicit Tobacco Sales, Waste Policy & Cultural Masterplan

This week in North Northamptonshire:

Police Raise Concerns Over Illicit Tobacco Sales at Kettering Newsagent

The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider an application from Northamptonshire Police to review the premises licence for Braces News, a newsagent in Kettering. The police requested that the sub-committee consider revoking the licence, arguing that the premises were being used for the sale or storage of illicit tobacco products, undermining the licensing objectives of the Licensing Act 2003, specifically the prevention of crime and disorder.

According to Police Constable Bryan of Northamptonshire Police, the review relates to the premises being used for the sale or storage of smuggled tobacco and alcohol, which is a serious offence under Section 144 of the Licensing Act 2003.

The police provided evidence including:

  • Seizure of illicit tobacco from a vehicle associated with the premises.
  • Discovery of UK non-duty paid cigarettes under the counter, mixed with UK duty paid cigarettes.
  • Illicit cigarettes, tobacco and vapes seized from the ceiling of a storeroom.

The sub-committee was reminded that it could modify the licence conditions, exclude licensable activities, remove the designated premises supervisor, suspend the licence, or revoke it entirely. This decision could significantly impact the business and the local community, as the sale of illicit tobacco can have serious health and economic consequences. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Council Reviews Waste Policies Amid Environmental Crime Concerns

The Place and Environment Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss a review of waste policies, covering waste collection, recycling, street cleansing, and enforcement against littering and fly-tipping. The review included the North Northamptonshire Waste and Recycling Policy, the North Northamptonshire Litter and Fly Tipping Strategy, and the North Northamptonshire Environmental Crime Enforcement Policy.

The North Northamptonshire Environmental Crime Enforcement Policy outlines the council's approach to dealing with environmental crime, including littering, fly-tipping, and commercial waste offences. The policy outlines specific offences, including:

  • Littering
  • Fly-tipping
  • Domestic waste offences
  • Commercial waste offences
  • Waste transfer offences
  • Failure to comply with Community Protection Notice

The council takes a robust proactive approach in respect of environmental crime. Fly-tipping in particular has been a recurring concern in North Northamptonshire, with residents frequently expressing frustration over its impact on the environment and local amenity. This review could lead to changes in how the council tackles these issues, potentially affecting residents and businesses across the area. Link to the Place and Environment Scrutiny Committee meeting

Cultural Masterplan Aims to Boost Community Cohesion and Economic Development

The Place and Environment Scrutiny Committee was also scheduled to discuss the North Northamptonshire Cultural Masterplan, which aims to align focus, energy, and resources to ensure culture becomes a cornerstone of community cohesion, economic development, and placemaking.

The vision of the masterplan is:

As North Northamptonshire's places and population grows, arts, culture and creative expression will be at the heart of shaping a successful, happy community, integrating its past identities and successes with new opportunities and interests.

The masterplan identifies five strategic priority themes:

  • Placemaking
  • Sector advocacy and leadership
  • Community engagement
  • Developing cultural skills
  • Building capacity and evidencing impact

The masterplan also defines the role of North Northamptonshire Council in its delivery as to lead, manage, facilitate, broker, advise and support, or strategically 'get out of the way' of better-placed partners. It was proposed that the recently established [Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP)]1 for the county becomes the lead body to oversee the process of creating a new delivery body for cultural collaboration in North Northamptonshire.

This plan could have a significant impact on the cultural landscape of North Northamptonshire, potentially leading to increased investment in arts and culture, more community events, and a stronger sense of local identity. Link to the Place and Environment Scrutiny Committee meeting

Licensing Panel Considers Taxi Driver Fitness

The Licensing Panel met to consider the fitness of two individuals to hold private hire licences, an appeal against penalty points, and a request for dispensation from the council's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy. Due to the nature of the information discussed, the press and public were excluded from the meeting. These decisions directly affect the livelihoods of taxi drivers and the safety of passengers in North Northamptonshire. Link to the Licensing Panel meeting

Upcoming Meetings

Here are some of the upcoming meetings scheduled for next week:

  1. The Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) is a public-private sector partnership that aims to improve the visitor economy in a specific area. ↩

Taxi Policy Overhaul, Social Care Upgrade: North Northants Council

This week in North Northamptonshire:

Taxi Policy Overhaul Aims for Public Safety Amidst Environmental Concerns

North Northamptonshire Council was scheduled to vote on adopting the draft Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2025-2028 at its meeting this week. The policy aims to balance the interests of licence holders and the public, with a primary focus on public safety.

Key points of the proposed policy include:

  • Stricter Driver Requirements: Renewal applications must be made 12 weeks in advance, with stricter rules for applicants with DVLA licence points.
  • Vehicle Age Flexibility: Removing the maximum age limit for purpose-built wheelchair accessible hackney carriage vehicles and fully wheelchair accessible private hire vehicles presented for first licensing.
  • Emission Standards: Removing the prohibition on licensing petrol or diesel fuelled vehicles, instead requiring all newly licensed and replacement vehicles to meet at least Euro 6 emission standards.
  • Signage Restrictions: Prohibiting commercial signage on private hire vehicles, limiting signage to council-required information.

The council was also scheduled to consider removing the existing hackney carriage zones of Corby, East Northants, Kettering and Wellingborough, and adopt new Hackney Carriage Byelaws.

This policy could significantly impact taxi drivers and passengers, balancing environmental concerns with accessibility and safety.

Social Care System Upgrade Seeks to Improve Services for Vulnerable Adults

The council was expected to consider a proposal to invest £2.2 million in a new Adult Social Care Case Management System. The aim of the new system is to streamline processes, reduce administrative burdens, improve data management, and support better decision-making in adult social care services.

This investment could lead to more efficient and effective support for vulnerable adults in the community.

Motions on Local Business Rates and Community Support

The council was scheduled to discuss three motions:

  • A motion regarding the removal of £1.3 million from the capital program related to the Gypsy & Traveller Local Plan.
  • A motion calling for the council to initiate an Everyone Matters Campaign to reaffirm that all residents and council staff are valued and respected.
  • A motion urging the council to write to local Members of Parliament and the relevant Government Minister to call for an urgent review of business rates for local businesses within town centres.

These motions reflect concerns about community support, equality, and the local economy.

Unfortunately, no video was provided of the Council meeting, so it is not possible to say what was decided.

Planning Committee to Discuss Housing, Energy Storage, and Mixed-Use Development

The North Northamptonshire Council Planning Committee convened to discuss three planning applications:

Land at Stanton Cross, Wellingborough

The committee was scheduled to consider a full planning application for the construction of 47 residential dwellings at Land Area 26A Stanton Cross, Mill Road, Wellingborough. The application includes communal amenity space, associated car and cycle parking, and waste/recycling storage.

Battery Energy Storage System at Grendon Lakes

The committee was scheduled to consider a full planning application for the development of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Grendon Lakes, Main Road, Grendon. The application includes access, drainage, and landscaping.

Glenvale Park Phase 2, Wellingborough

The committee was scheduled to consider an outline planning application for a residential-led mixed-use development at Glenvale Park Phase 2 Development Site, Niort Way, Wellingborough. The application seeks approval for up to 1,000 homes, employment uses, a children's day nursery, a sports pitch and changing rooms, green infrastructure, and associated infrastructure.

Unfortunately, no video was provided of the Planning Committee meeting, so it is not possible to say what was decided.

Upcoming Meetings

Here are some of the upcoming meetings scheduled for next week:

Northants Council: Housing Plan, School Funding Crisis, Taxi Policy

This week in North Northamptonshire:

Council to Decide on Controversial Housing Development Amid Heritage Concerns

The Planning Committee is set to decide on a major planning application for a residential-led mixed use development at Glenvale Park Phase 2 Development Site, Niort Way, Wellingborough next week. The application, NW/24/00138/OUT, seeks approval for up to 1,000 homes, employment spaces, a nursery, a sports pitch, and green infrastructure.

  • The development has drawn objections from Little Harrowden Parish Council, citing concerns about traffic, flood risk, and hazardous materials.
  • The council's own heritage consultant believes the development would cause medium-high levels of less than substantial harm to the Grade II listed Wellingborough Grange Farmhouse and its barn.
  • The council's Housing Development Officer has objected, stating that affordable housing should be provided in accordance with policy 30 (d) of the Joint Core Strategy (JCS).

This decision could have a significant impact on the character of the area and the availability of affordable housing.

Council Faces £14.5 Million Deficit in Schools Funding

The Executive 1 of North Northamptonshire Council met this week to discuss a range of issues, including a concerning budget forecast for 2024-25.

  • The report pack revealed a projected overspend of £400,000 in the general fund.
  • While the housing revenue account is forecasting an underspend of £523,000, the dedicated schools grant (DSG) is facing a significant deficit of £14.504 million.

This shortfall in funding for schools could lead to difficult decisions about resource allocation and potentially impact the quality of education for children in the area.

Council to Review Taxi Licensing Policy Amid Public Safety Concerns

North Northamptonshire Council is preparing to vote on adopting the draft Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2025-2028 at its next meeting. The proposed policy aims to balance the interests of licence holders and the public, with a primary objective of public protection, as recommended by the Department for Transport (DffT).

  • Key changes include a transition to a single hackney carriage zone across North Northamptonshire.
  • Updated driver licensing requirements, including advanced application renewals and medical fitness assessments, are also proposed.
  • Vehicle age considerations, with proposed relaxations for wheelchair-accessible and low-emission vehicles, are being considered.

The council will also consider a resolution to apply section 171(4) of the Public Health Act 1875 throughout North Northamptonshire, which would remove existing hackney carriage zones.

Audit Committee Examines Council Finances and Performance

The Audit and Governance Committee reviewed the council's financial performance and internal controls.

  • Grant Thornton, the council's external auditor, presented their audit plan for 2024/25, highlighting key risks such as the valuation of land and buildings, pension fund liabilities, and Section 106 agreements 2.
  • The committee noted that the council's 2023-24 accounts have been disclaimed due to a backlog in local government accounts.
  • The Internal Audit Annual Report 2024-2025 gave a moderate assurance level, citing limitations related to IT systems hosted by West Northamptonshire Council.

These discussions highlight the importance of robust financial management and oversight to ensure the council is using public resources effectively.

Other Matters

  • The Scrutiny Management Board was scheduled to meet to discuss its work programme for the coming year and to review training for scrutiny members, but no video was provided of the meeting.
  • The Executive was scheduled to discuss the North Northamptonshire Housing Strategy 2025-2030, but no video was provided of the meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

Here are some of the upcoming meetings scheduled for next week:

  1. The Executive is the part of the council that is responsible for implementing the council's policies and decisions. It is made up of councillors who are appointed to specific portfolios, such as finance, education, or social care. ↩

  2. Section 106 agreements are legal agreements between local authorities and developers, used to mitigate the impact of new developments on the community and infrastructure. ↩

Recent meetings
Committee

Constitution - Thursday 31st July, 2025

The meeting of North Northamptonshire Council on 31 July 2025 was scheduled to focus on approving updates to the council's constitution. The report pack for the meeting included the constitution itself, as well as a glossary of terms, and various procedure rules and codes of conduct.

July 31, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 29th July, 2025 11.25 am

The Licensing Sub-Committee of North Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 29 July 2025 to review the premises licence of Sam's Xpress. Councillors were also scheduled to elect a chair and make any declarations of interest.

July 29, 2025
Licensing Panel

Licensing Panel - Tuesday 29th July, 2025 10.00 am

The Licensing Panel of North Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 29 July 2025 to consider the fitness of two individuals to hold private hire driver licences. Councillors were reminded of their duty to abide by the Member Code of Conduct. The agenda also included the election of a chair.

July 29, 2025
Corporate Scrutiny Committee

Corporate Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 29th July, 2025 7.00 pm

The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.

July 29, 2025
Shared Services Joint Committee

Shared Services Joint Committee - Wednesday 16th July, 2025 2.00 pm

The Shared Services Joint Committee met to discuss the Inter Authority Agreement (IAA) performance and to decide on the future of the Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) service. The committee approved the AMHP service becoming a permanent countywide service for adults, with North Northamptonshire Council named as the lead authority. They also approved the transfer of responsibilities for the out of hours AMHP service and adult social care response from Northamptonshire Children's Trust (NCT) to North Northamptonshire Council.

July 16, 2025
Executive

Executive - Tuesday 15th July, 2025 10.00 am

The North Northamptonshire Council Executive met to discuss a range of issues, including approving the commencement of a review of the council's financial management, procurement and governance arrangements, and to adopt the North Northamptonshire Cultural Masterplan. Councillors also approved a revised policy for home to school transport and accepted additional capital funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) for highways and transport improvements.

July 15, 2025
Health Scrutiny Committee

Health Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 15th July, 2025 7.00 pm

The Health Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to meet to welcome new members, review its work plan, and receive introductory presentations from the Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT), and Kettering General Hospital (KGH). The presentations were intended to inform the committee about potential areas for future scrutiny.

July 15, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Monday 14th July, 2025 10.00 am

The Licensing Sub-Committee convened to review the premises licence for Corby Europe Shop, and ultimately decided to revoke the licence. The review was prompted by concerns raised by Northamptonshire Police regarding the prevention of crime and disorder, specifically related to the sale of illicit tobacco products at the shop. Councillor Barbara Jenney was appointed Chair for the sub-committee.

July 14, 2025
Children's, Young Persons & Education Scrutiny

Children's, Young Persons & Education Scrutiny - Monday 14th July, 2025 7.00 pm

The Children's, Young Persons & Education Scrutiny Committee met to discuss Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) in North Northamptonshire, including challenges, opportunities, and budgetary pressures. The committee also reviewed its purpose, responsibilities, and forward work programme. They recommended a future paper to monitor the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block (HNB) performance and requested an update on readiness for the Ofsted/CQC re-inspection due by November 2025.

July 14, 2025
Licensing Panel

Licensing Panel - Monday 14th July, 2025 11.15 am

The Licensing Panel of North Northamptonshire Council met on 14 July 2025, and appointed Councillor Barbara Jenney as Chair for the meeting. The panel refused an application for a Hackney Carriage Driver Licence and approved an application for Street Trading Consent, subject to the condition that the pavement is not obstructed.

July 14, 2025
Upcoming meetings

Planning Committee - Wednesday 6th August, 2025 7.00 pm

August 06, 2025
Scrutiny Management Board CANCELLED

Scrutiny Management Board - Thursday 7th August, 2025 7.00 pm

August 07, 2025
Employment Committee

Employment Committee - Thursday 7th August, 2025 7.00 pm

August 07, 2025
Executive

Executive - Tuesday 12th August, 2025 10.00 am

August 12, 2025
Joint Children's Trust Committee

New Date, Children's Trust Joint Committee - Tuesday 12th August, 2025 2.30 pm

August 12, 2025
Shared Services Joint Committee CANCELLED

Shared Services Joint Committee - Wednesday 13th August, 2025 2.00 pm

August 13, 2025