This week in North Northamptonshire:

Council Executive Approves Fuel Card Procurement and ERP Strategy, Reviews RIPA Policy

The North Northamptonshire Executive met on Tuesday 13 October 2026, making key decisions on essential services and strategic planning. The meeting saw the approval of a new fuel card procurement to ensure efficient fuel supply for council vehicles, a strategic review of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, and an update to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) policy. The Executive also moved forward with plans for housing development at Glenvale Park and addressed land disposal at Stanton Cross in a closed session.

Ensuring Fuel Security for Essential Services

The Executive approved the procurement of a new fuel card supplier, a move vital for maintaining the operational resilience of frontline services. This decision will ensure a secure, efficient, and cost-effective fuel supply for vehicles and equipment that cannot access the council's bunkered fuel facilities. With an annual fuel card spend of approximately £973,000, this procurement aims to secure best value, benefit from commercial fuel pricing, and enhance expenditure controls. Councillor Chris McGiffen, Executive Member for Highways and Travel, highlighted the necessity of this step, noting the significant monthly fuel usage. Councillor Brian Benneyworth, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Leisure, seconded the report, emphasizing it as a sensible and pragmatic step for continued essential service delivery.

Link to the Executive meeting

ERP System Strategy: Prioritising Stability and Efficiency

A strategic review of the council's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, Unit4, has led to a decision to continue with the current system until its end of life in 2032. This approach avoids a significant investment of an estimated £6 million to £15 million+ and the high risks associated with a major replacement programme in 2029. Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, explained that identified issues are primarily with operational processes rather than system limitations. The council will focus on optimising the existing platform and developing a robust business case for future ERP arrangements beyond 2032. Councillor Chris McGiffen supported the recommendation, drawing on his experience with ERP replacements and noting the complex statutory framework local authorities operate within.

Link to the Executive meeting

Revised RIPA Policy Strengthens Governance and Accountability

The Executive approved a revised policy and guidance for the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) and the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA). This updated policy strengthens governance and accountability, clarifies officer responsibilities, and improves record-keeping. Councillor Kirk Harrison, Executive Member for Regulatory Services, reported positive assurance from the Investigatory Powers Commissioner following a recent review. Councillor Elizabeth Wright, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Leisure, emphasized the council's responsibility to protect residents while upholding the law and respecting privacy rights. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Law and Governance to make minor amendments, with annual oversight reporting to the Audit and Governance Committee.

Link to the Executive meeting

Glenvale Park Phase 3 Promotion Agreement Approved

The Executive approved the declaration of land at Glenvale Park Phase 3 as surplus and delegated authority to enter into a promotion agreement with Glenvale Park LLP. This agreement aims to secure planning permission for up to 800 new homes on approximately 40 hectares of council-owned land. Councillor Graham Cheatley highlighted that this approach minimises financial risk to the council, with costs recovered from land sale receipts. This initiative builds on the successful delivery of Phases 1 and 2, ensuring a coordinated development of much-needed housing.

Link to the Executive meeting

Planning Committee Grants Permissions for Fishing Lakes, Care Homes, and Takeaways

The North Northamptonshire Planning Committee met on Wednesday 14 October 2026, granting planning permission for several applications, including fishing lakes, children's care homes, and a hot food takeaway. The committee also considered a change of use for a priest's dwelling and approved advertisement consent for a fascia sign.

Fishing Lakes Development Approved at Birchfield Springs

Planning permission was granted for a retrospective application at Birchfield Springs¹ for fishing lakes and ancillary buildings. The application sought to regularise existing development against a 2010 permission. Despite objections from local councils regarding highway access and contamination, the committee approved the application subject to conditions covering landscaping, biodiversity, and drainage.

Change of Use for Priest's Dwelling at Local Polish Catholic Mission

Permission was granted for a change of use at the Local Polish Catholic Mission² in Corby, allowing a hospitality suite for visiting priests to be used as a dwelling for a resident priest. The application also included regularising an enlarged balcony. While local residents raised concerns about overlooking and privacy, officers concluded the changes were minor and acceptable with proposed screening and an occupancy condition restricting use to a priest serving the mission.

Children's Care Home Approved in Rushden

Planning permission was granted for the change of use of a residential dwelling at 38 Sunningdale Drive³ in Rushden to a children's care home for up to three looked-after children. Despite 16 neighbour objections concerning parking, highway safety, and noise, the committee approved the application with conditions limiting staff numbers and the number of children. The applicant assured the committee of a good neighbour policy and identified nearby parking solutions.

Hot Food Takeaway Approved in Corby

The committee granted planning permission for the conversion of a former betting shop at 81 Occupation Road⁴ in Corby to a hot food takeaway. Although the application conflicted with National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Policy HC5 due to its proximity to a primary school, officers recommended approval, citing the re-use of a vacant unit and the absence of demonstrable harm. The committee approved the application with conditions on extraction systems and opening hours. Advertisement consent for a fascia sign at the same location was also granted.

Other Matters

An application for a children's care home at 7 Chamberlain Way⁵ in Raunds was removed from the agenda and not discussed.

Link to the Planning Committee meeting

Schools Forum Discusses Funding Transfers, SEND Reforms, and Financial Monitoring

The North Northamptonshire Schools Forum met on Thursday 15 October 2026 to address critical financial and policy matters affecting local schools. Discussions included a proposed transfer from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block, updates on SEND reforms, and detailed financial monitoring reports.

Proposed 0.5% Transfer to High Needs Block for Consultation

The Forum supported consulting schools on a proposed 0.5% transfer from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block for 2027/28. This transfer is intended to help manage the growing deficit in the High Needs Block and support the SEND Reform Plan. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on schools' overall funding, particularly in light of changes to employer pension contributions. Officers explained that the Department for Education (DfE) has not yet released the national funding formula, making detailed modelling difficult. The consultation will provide full details on how the transferred budget will be spent and the potential consequences if the transfer does not proceed.

SEND Reform Plan Approved, High Needs Deficit Remains a Concern

The Forum was informed that the SEND Reform Plan had received approval from the DfE, highlighting a positive trajectory and the need for continued partnership work. However, questions were raised about the current year's deficit and potential future deficits. Officers confirmed that the DfE had not yet outlined next steps for the 2026-27 deficit, but assured the Forum that £38.4 million would be received by the end of November for the high needs stability grant for 2025-26.

Financial Monitoring and De-delegation Proposals

Updates were presented on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), highlighting an overspend in the High Needs Block, largely due to the consolidation of previously separate grants. The Forum agreed to consult schools on the de-delegation of funding for the School Effectiveness Service for 2027-28, with a proposed 3.5% inflationary increase. Discussions also touched upon the de-delegation of Trade Union Facilities Time, which was deferred, and the process for redetermining budgets following permanent exclusions.

School Balances and Financing Scheme Policies Noted

The School Balances Policy and the Scheme for Financing Schools for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 were presented. Concerns were raised about changes to clause 4.8 regarding the reversion of balances upon school closure, with officers confirming the policy aligns with DfE guidance. The Forum noted the scheme, with suggestions for administrative corrections and clarifications.

Pupil Growth Fund Update and Policy Consultation

An update on the Pupil Growth Fund indicated a significant reduction in expenditure for 2026-27 due to sufficient capacity forecasts, with a contingency amount of £139,000 proposed. The Forum agreed to consult schools on a proposed Growth Fund Policy, aiming to align with DfE guidance and the National Funding Formula.

Link to the Schools Forum meeting

Licensing Sub-Committee Grants Licence Variation for Grendon Hall

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Monday 12 October 2026 and resolved to grant a variation to the premises licence for Wellness Locations Ltd at Grendon Hall. The application sought to modernise the licence to reflect the estate's use as a multi-use hospitality, wellness, leisure, and events destination.

Despite representations from the Planning Department and Grendon Parish Council raising concerns about ongoing planning enforcement cases, noise, and the impact of outdoor entertainment, the Sub-Committee granted the licence. The decision was made subject to conditions agreed by the Sub Committee, which will be detailed in the minutes. These conditions are intended to address the licensing objectives, including the prevention of public nuisance and crime and disorder.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

North Northamptonshire Youth Advisory Council Meeting Scheduled

The North Northamptonshire Youth Advisory Council was scheduled to meet on Tuesday 13 October 2026. The agenda included preparations for an upcoming Youth Summit, focusing on venue selection, running order, speeches, and timings. The meeting was also scheduled to address the election of new members for the Youth Advisory Council's next term.

Link to the North Northamptonshire Youth Advisory Council meeting

This week in North Northamptonshire:

Safeguarding Adults Board Report Highlights Growing Complexity and Need for Better Outcome Measurement

The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 29 September 2026 to review crucial reports on public health and adult safeguarding. A key focus was the Northamptonshire Safeguarding Adults Board's (NSAB) Annual Report for 2025-26. The report, presented by David Watts, Executive Director of Adults and Health Partnerships, painted a picture of an increasingly complex safeguarding landscape, with a growing need to measure the real-world impact of interventions.

The NSAB's report detailed efforts to strengthen governance, develop a new strategic plan, and improve workforce development, with a particular emphasis on self-neglect. However, councillors raised concerns about the timing of the report, given that the strategic plan for 2026-2029 had already been developed. Mr. Watts explained that the report covers the financial year and that the board's plans are agile.

A significant point of discussion was the challenge of measuring outcomes. While the board can track activity, such as training attendance or reviews completed, demonstrating the direct impact on people's lives remains a challenge. This is particularly true for individuals who have experienced safeguarding interventions and may not wish to revisit their experiences. The board is working to strengthen its performance framework and multi-agency dashboard to better evidence the impact of its work.

Concerns were also raised about the limited reference to the voluntary sector's role in safeguarding adults. Mr. Watts clarified that while the voluntary sector is crucial for community support, the NSAB's statutory duty is to assure itself that statutory partners are fulfilling their safeguarding roles.

The committee resolved to note the report and requested an update on the delivery of the NSAB Strategic Plan 2026-2029 by September 2027, including performance against the multi-agency safeguarding dashboard and evidence of improvements from learning reviews. This focus on measurable outcomes is vital to ensure that safeguarding efforts are truly making vulnerable adults safer.

Link to the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee meeting

Director of Public Health's Annual Report: Focus on Mental Health, Financial Resilience, and Children's Wellbeing

The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee also reviewed the Director of Public Health's Annual Report for 2025-26. The report highlighted the Health and Wellbeing Strategy's priorities: Mental Health and Wellbeing, Children and Young People, and Financial Resilience.

Significant work has been undertaken in mental health, including a co-produced male suicide prevention campaign and support for individuals with severe mental illness to reduce smoking. For children and young people, the focus is on a compassionate, weight-inclusive approach to childhood obesity and improvements in oral health initiatives. Financial resilience efforts centre on developing a Theory of Change model to identify gaps and barriers in support.

Councillors raised questions about the financial details of the report, seeking clarity on how public health grant funding is allocated. Officers explained that the report's financial overview provides broad categories of spending, influenced by national reporting requirements. They acknowledged the difficulty in quantifying the long-term financial impact of public health interventions and committed to providing more detailed financial information.

The committee resolved to note the report and requested an update on progress against its recommendations by September 2027, including measurable evidence of changes in health and wellbeing outcomes and progress in reducing health inequalities. This ensures that the council remains accountable for delivering on its public health commitments and demonstrating tangible benefits for residents.

Link to the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee meeting

Licensing Panel Considers Driver Licence Fitness in Private Hearings

The Licensing Panel met on Thursday 1 October 2026 to consider the fitness of three individuals to hold Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Licences. These hearings were held in private, in accordance with exemptions under the Local Government Act 1972, to protect the personal details of the individuals involved.

The panel was scheduled to review the cases of KS, LF, and MK. For KS, the fitness to hold both Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Licences was considered. LF's fitness to hold a Private Hire Driver Licence was reviewed, and MK's fitness to hold a Hackney Carriage Licence was assessed.

The outcome of these private hearings is not publicly detailed, but the process ensures that drivers meet the necessary standards to operate safely and professionally, protecting the public who rely on these services.

Link to the Licensing Panel meeting

Other matters

This week in North Northamptonshire:

Council Rescinds Climate Emergency Declaration Amidst Heated Debate

The Council met on Thursday 24 September 2026, making a significant decision to rescind the declaration of a Climate and Environment Emergency. This move, proposed by Councillor Leon Gibbs, replaces the emergency declaration with a commitment to Environmental Consideration Assessments. The debate was passionate, with strong opinions voiced from all sides.

Councillor Gibbs argued that the continued declaration of an emergency was no longer appropriate, stating, An emergency is urgent, immediate, and exceptional. 24 years is none of those things. He proposed that a permanent state of declared crisis invites symbolism at the expense of substance, and that caring for the environment does not require indefinite emergency language, but rather common sense, sound finance, and visible work.

However, the decision faced considerable opposition. Councillor Helen Harrison argued that the administration had already effectively declared no climate emergency by changing the carbon neutrality target to 2050, calling the motion a rubber stamp. Councillor Ben Williams questioned the need for the motion if the administration could make decisions directly, suggesting it was a performance. Councillor Emily Fedorowycz highlighted that nearly nine out of ten UK councils have declared a climate emergency, and that rolling this back was characteristic of Reform councils, also noting the impact of climate change on healthcare services.

The motion was carried, with the Council opting to replace Climate Change Impact Assessments with Environmental Consideration Assessments. This change could impact how environmental factors are weighed in future council decisions, potentially affecting the depth of scrutiny for environmental impacts.

Link to the Council meeting

Scrutiny Annual Report Approved, Focus on Measurable Outcomes

The Council also approved the draft Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025-26. Councillor Trevor Conway, Chair of the Scrutiny Management Board, presented the report, emphasizing that effective scrutiny is one of the cornerstones of good local governance. The report details the work of various scrutiny committees and highlights key recommendations made.

However, the discussion revealed a strong desire for more tangible evidence of scrutiny's impact. Councillor Helen Harrison questioned the effectiveness, asking, how many scrutiny recommendations were made? How many were accepted by the executive? How many have actually been implemented? And how many remain outstanding? She stressed the need to see measurable improvements for residents, services, or taxpayer.

Councillor David Baker suggested improvements to the process, including allowing greater time to consider papers in advance of meetings and enabling members to request additional information. The commitment to measuring recommendations made, accepted, and implemented, along with their outcomes, was welcomed as a step towards demonstrating the real value of scrutiny.

Link to the Council meeting

Audit and Governance Committee Report Approved Amidst Financial Governance Concerns

The Council approved the Annual Report of the Audit and Governance Committee for 2025/26. Councillor Brendon Lovell-Moore, Chair of the Committee, presented the report, noting that while the Statement of Accounts received a disclaimed audit opinion for the second successive year, progress is being made.

Councillor Vicki Jessop raised critical questions about the Council's financial governance, asking, which of the weaknesses identified by the external auditor have now been fully resolved, which remain outstanding? What the deadline is for resolving each of them, and who at officer level is accountable for delivering them? She also questioned the realistic pathway for the 25-26 accounts to move beyond another disclaimed audit opinion. The report acknowledges ongoing financial sustainability pressures, particularly in social care and the Dedicated Schools Grant, and outlines an action plan to address these issues.

Link to the Council meeting

Director of Public Health Report Noted

The Council noted the contents of the annual Director of Public Health (DPH) statutory report for North Northamptonshire for 2025-2026. The report, presented by Councillor Brian Benneyworth, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Leisure, focused on the delivery of the North Northamptonshire Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2024-2029. It highlighted progress in key areas including Mental Health and Wellbeing, Children and Young People, and Financial Resilience, with updates also provided on Smoking and Vaping and Keeping Active. This report provides valuable insight into the health challenges and initiatives impacting residents across the borough.

Link to the Council meeting

Other matters

Planning Reforms Mandated by New Regulations

The Council approved revisions to its Constitution regarding the planning scheme of delegation, to come into effect on 31 October 2026. These changes are mandated by the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026. These regulations introduce a national scheme of delegation, requiring councils to amend their constitutions to align with new rules on which planning functions are delegated to officers and which must go to planning committees. The changes remove the ability for ward councillor requests, town and parish council objections, or a set number of public objectors to automatically trigger a referral to the Planning Committee. Instead, referrals for Schedule 2 applications will be based on whether they raise economic, social, or environmental issues of significance, and require agreement between the nominated officer and member. This reform aims to streamline decision-making but may reduce the direct influence of local representatives and public objections on planning decisions.

Link to the Council meeting

Motions on High Streets and Highways Infrastructure Rejected

Two motions were rejected by the Council. The first, proposed by Councillor Kelly Duddridge, sought to develop a North Northamptonshire High Street Revival Policy and establish a High Street Renewal Taskforce. The second, proposed by Councillor Simon Fairhall, urged engagement with independent highways experts to quantify the impact of proposed developments on infrastructure. The rejection of these motions means that current strategies for high street regeneration and infrastructure planning will continue without these proposed additional measures.

Link to the Council meeting

Councillor Questions Addressed

During the meeting, various councillor questions were addressed, covering topics such as parking enforcement, the future of Corby bonfire night, Children's Services, drug misuse education, VCFSE strategic grants, household waste recycling centres, Kier Highways contract safeguards, community group funding, and issues related to a condemned building in Kettering. These questions highlight the diverse range of concerns residents bring to their local representatives.

Link to the Council meeting

This week in North Northamptonshire:

Council Approves Car Parking Strategy Consultation Amidst Strong Public Opposition

The Executive met on Tuesday 15 September 2026, a meeting marked by significant public concern over the proposed draft North Northamptonshire Council Car Parking Strategy. While the Executive approved the commencement of a public consultation on the strategy, many residents and local representatives voiced strong opposition, citing broken election pledges and the potential negative impact on businesses and vulnerable groups.

The strategy aims to create a fair, consistent, and transparent parking framework across the council's 49 car parks. However, the proposal to introduce charges, even with a concession of up to two hours of free parking for blue badge holders, sparked considerable debate. Numerous speakers, including councillors and local representatives, highlighted that previous election pledges from some council members promised to keep parking free.

Councillor Vinnie Whitrow, an Executive Member, argued that parking is already funded through council tax, stating, Parking in NNC is not free, nor has it ever been free. The cost is borne by us, the residents through our council tax. He suggested that a 24-hour car park at Wellington Swansgate multi-storey car park could be a solution, but acknowledged it would require a charge.

Conversely, Councillor David Baker, a local representative, vowed to fight tooth and nail against car parking charges in Wellingborough, reminding the Executive of past promises. He argued that free parking is essential to help local businesses to survive and to improve our town centres.

Concerns were also raised about the impact on workers and volunteers. Speakers highlighted that introducing parking charges could add significant financial burdens, potentially making employment in town centres less viable and deterring volunteers from supporting vital local charities. Jen Kitchen MP, MP for Wellingborough and Rushton, urged the council to honour its pledges, stating that introducing charges could have a catastrophic impact on our town centres.

Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, clarified that the decision was to consult, not to approve charges. He noted that the current system is inconsistent and that doing nothing would not solve existing challenges. The Executive ultimately approved the delegation of authority to finalise and approve the publication and public consultation on the draft strategy.

Link to the Executive meeting

Suicide Prevention Strategy Adopted to Tackle Growing Public Health Challenge

The Executive also adopted the Northamptonshire Suicide Prevention Strategy 2026-2031 and its accompanying action plan. This strategy aims to address the significant public health challenge of suicide, which results in an average of 77 deaths by suicide each year across Northamptonshire, with around 40 occurring in North Northamptonshire.

Councillor Brian Benneyworth, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Leisure, presented the strategy, emphasizing a coordinated, evidence-based and partnership-led approach. The strategy builds on previous successes, including a male suicide prevention campaign, and focuses on improving data, providing targeted support for vulnerable groups, tackling risk factors like financial hardship and isolation, and strengthening crisis and bereavement support.

The adoption of this strategy is crucial for ensuring a unified approach to suicide prevention across the county. Without it, there is a risk of fragmented delivery and missed opportunities to support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, according to Councillor Benneyworth. The strategy aligns with national priorities and aims to reduce health inequalities and improve mental wellbeing.

Link to the Executive meeting

Strategic Asset Management Plan Approved to Optimise Council's Property Portfolio

A new Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) was approved by the Executive, providing a framework for managing the council's extensive property and land portfolio over the next five years. The council's estate is valued at nearly £981 million and includes approximately 1,800 sites.

The SAMP aims to ensure that the council's assets are managed effectively, transparently, and consistently. It introduces an asset appraisal scoring metric to assess properties based on strategic importance, social value, economic value, and environmental performance. This evidence-based approach is intended to guide decisions on retaining, investing in, repurposing, or disposing of assets.

Councillor Ken Harrington, Executive Member for Assets, Waste & Environmental Services, highlighted that the plan supports corporate priorities by creating a smaller, smarter, greener and more financially sustainable estate. The plan also emphasizes the importance of community asset transfer, allowing local town and parish councils to take ownership of non-strategic assets where they can demonstrate a sustainable future for them. This approach could empower local communities and reduce the number of sites directly managed by the council.

Link to the Executive meeting

Other matters

Chelveston Renewable Energy Park Access Road Approved

The Planning Committee met on Wednesday 16 September 2026 and granted planning permission for a new access road to serve the Chelveston Renewable Energy Park. This development aims to improve transport connections and support economic growth by redirecting traffic away from smaller local roads. While concerns were raised by objectors regarding highway safety and environmental impacts, the committee concluded that the benefits of improved access and support for the Energy Park outweighed these adverse effects, subject to a comprehensive list of conditions.

Link to the Planning Committee meeting