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Housing Management Scrutinised + Police Reform Discussed

This week in West Northamptonshire:

Social Housing Management Faces Scrutiny Amidst Tenant Concerns

The Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee is set to discuss a call-in regarding the Cabinet's decision to bring housing management services from Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH) back into the council. This decision, made on November 11th, could significantly impact the lives of over 11,500 households who rely on council housing, particularly vulnerable residents who need affordable and secure accommodation.

  • Call-in Concerns: Councillors are calling for greater financial transparency, citing a lack of detailed information provided to the scrutiny committee regarding the costs and benefits of the transition.
  • Tenant Consultation: While the council reports that 60% of tenants and leaseholders who responded to the consultation favored bringing services back into the council, the low response rate of 22% raises questions about how representative these views are.
  • Regulatory Issues: West Northamptonshire Council referred itself to the Regulator of Social Housing in September 2024 after identifying issues with data quality and landlord health and safety compliance provided by Northamptonshire Partnership Homes, and an investigation by the regulator resulted in the council being issued with a C3 judgement for non-compliance with the Safety and Quality Standard.

The committee will meet on December 1st to discuss the call-in and scrutinize the effectiveness of the Housing Allocation Scheme. This scrutiny is crucial to ensure that the transition is managed effectively and that tenants' needs are prioritized.

Link to the meeting.

Police, Fire and Crime Panel to Discuss Governance Reform and Public Safety Plan

The Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel were scheduled to meet on December 4th to discuss proposed reforms to police governance and the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner's (PFCC) Safe and Sound Plan. The reforms, outlined in a letter from Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State for Policing and Crime, include abolishing the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) model at the end of the current term in 2028.

  • Police Governance Reform: The panel were scheduled to discuss the implications of these reforms for Northamptonshire, including the potential transfer of police governance functions to Mayors of Strategic Authorities or elected local council leaders.
  • Public Safety Plan: The panel were scheduled to discuss the delivery of the PFCC's Safe and Sound Plan, which focuses on visible community services, professionalism, and strong partnerships.
  • Financial Oversight: The panel were scheduled to receive updates on fire and police finances, including a consultation on precept intentions. Early financial modelling indicates that an uplift of £5 per year for a Band D property1 will be vital to provide sufficient funding to the fire service to balance budgets, maintain resources and make necessary improvements, and that an uplift of £14 will be vital to provide sufficient funding to the police force to balance budgets, maintain resources and make necessary improvements.

These discussions are critical for ensuring effective police governance and public safety in Northamptonshire. No video was provided.

Link to the meeting.

Health and Wellbeing Board Focuses on Migrant Worker Support and SEND Improvement

The West Northamptonshire Health and Wellbeing Board convened on December 4th to discuss the Better Care Fund, support for migrant workers, and updates to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Improvement Plan.

  • Ethical Migrant Worker Charter: The board was scheduled to note the West Northamptonshire Ethical Migrant Worker Charter, which sets minimum standards for employer support of international recruits in the health and social care sector. This charter aims to address concerns about the mistreatment of migrant workers, such as a lack of support with cultural adaptation and exploitation by private landlords.
  • SEND Improvement Plan: The board was scheduled to receive an update on the SEND Improvement Plan, noting that following an Ofsted inspection in March 2024, the Board agreed to make this a standing agenda item. The Local Area SEND Partnership is responsible for implementing the reforms in the Children and Families Act 2014 relating to children and young people with SEND2.
  • Better Care Fund: The board was asked to approve the Better Care Fund (BCF) 2025-26 Q2 submission, and note the BCF update. The report noted that emergency admissions for those over 65 were on track, but discharge delays were not.

These discussions highlight the board's commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and improving health and wellbeing outcomes across West Northamptonshire. No video was provided.

Link to the meeting.

Planning Decisions Approved for Developments in Long Buckby Wharf, Kislingbury, Hellidon and Northampton

The Non-Strategic Planning Committee met on December 4th to discuss several planning applications, approving developments in Long Buckby Wharf, Kislingbury, Hellidon and Northampton, while also rejecting one application in Northampton.

  • Kislingbury Development: The committee approved the erection of 48 dwellings in Kislingbury, including affordable housing, vehicle access, pedestrian links, public open space, car parking, landscaping, and drainage, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement.
  • Northampton HMO: The committee approved the change of use from a dwelling house to a house in multiple occupation (HMO) for seven occupants in Northampton, including a single-storey rear extension, subject to conditions.
  • Hellidon Livestock Building: The committee approved the retention of a livestock building in Hellidon, subject to conditions.
  • Northampton Balcony Refused: The committee refused the application for exterior alterations at 9 Woodland Avenue, Northampton, including the removal of a porch canopy, the addition of a walk-on balcony, external insulation finished with render and stone tile, and a garden wall finished in stone tile.

These decisions will shape the future development of West Northamptonshire, balancing the need for housing and economic growth with the protection of local character and the environment. No video was provided.

Link to the meeting.

Taxi Licensing Sub-Committee Addresses Private Hire Applications

The Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee met on December 3rd to consider applications for new private hire driver licences. Due to the confidential nature of the information discussed, the press and public were excluded from the meeting. No video was provided.

Link to the meeting.

Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee Discusses Housing, Education and Youth Services

The Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on December 1st to discuss a range of issues, including a review of the Housing Allocation Scheme, the future management of council housing stock, and services for children and young people.

  • Housing Allocation Scheme: The committee was scheduled to scrutinise the effectiveness of the Housing Allocation Scheme implemented by WNC from 2024/25.
  • 0-19 Services: The committee was scheduled to receive an overview of services supporting the Healthy Child Programme, including priorities, challenges, and risks. The Healthy Child Programme is a national programme of screening, immunisation, health promotion and guidance, and developmental reviews to support the health and wellbeing of children and families from pregnancy to age 19.
  • West Northamptonshire Youth Offer: The committee was scheduled to provide pre-decision scrutiny input and challenge on the development of a new WNC Youth Strategy.

These discussions are crucial for ensuring that the council is providing effective and responsive services to children, young people, and families in West Northamptonshire. No video was provided.

Link to the meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

  1. Council tax in England and Wales is calculated based on the valuation band of a domestic property. Band D is the 'middle' band, and is used as the standard when comparing council tax levels across different areas. ↩

  2. The Children and Families Act 2014 is an Act of Parliament that reformed the law relating to children and families in England. It covers a wide range of issues, including special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), child protection, and family justice. ↩

Council to Decide on Affordable Housing Scheme Amidst Crisis

This week in West Northamptonshire:

Council to Decide on Harlestone Road Affordable Housing Scheme Amidst Housing Crisis

West Northamptonshire Council is set to decide on a budget for the Harlestone Road Affordable Housing Scheme at its meeting on November 27th. This decision comes as the council faces increasing pressure to address the growing need for affordable housing in the area. The council will discuss a report from Councillor Charlie Hastie, Cabinet Member for Housing, regarding the Harlestone Road Affordable Housing Scheme Budget. The report seeks approval to acquire land at Harlestone Road from Vistry Group Limited, enter into a Development Agreement with Vistry, and enter into a Grant Agreement with Vistry to transfer Homes England Strategic Partnership funding.

  • Affordable Housing Shortfall: A recent report to the Place and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee highlighted that the council needs to build an additional 1,225 affordable homes each year for households unable to rent through the market, and 505 new affordable homes for households able to rent but not buy.
  • Housing Register: As of October 2025, there were 2,125 households with live applications on the Housing Register and a further 3,105 awaiting assessments.
  • Council Targets: The council's Affordable Homes Delivery Plan, launched in November 2025, sets a target of delivering 650 affordable homes per year by 2029/30, with a stretch target of 750 per year.

The Harlestone Road scheme could provide much-needed affordable housing for families and individuals struggling to find suitable accommodation in West Northamptonshire.

Link to the meeting.

Council Faces Call-in Over Housing Stock Management Decision

The Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to consider a call-in of the cabinet's decision from November 11th regarding the future management of West Northamptonshire Council's housing stock at its meeting on December 1st. This decision could significantly impact the lives of thousands of tenants, particularly vulnerable residents who rely on council housing for affordable and secure accommodation.

  • Call-in Grounds: The grounds for the call-in, as put forward by multiple councillors, relate to a lack of detailed financial information provided to the Scrutiny Committee.
  • Cabinet Decision: The cabinet approved a phased approach for bringing the management of housing services from Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH) back into the council, with completion by April 2027.
  • Financial Concerns: Councillors requesting the call-in state that a full financial appraisal and cost-benefit analysis has been conducted, but no detailed or transparent financial information has been presented to the Scrutiny Committee or all Councillors.

The outcome of this call-in could delay or alter the council's plans for managing its housing stock, potentially affecting the quality of services tenants receive.

Link to the meeting.

Council to Debate Rural Road Safety Plan Amidst Collision Concerns

The Council is scheduled to debate a motion regarding the development of a comprehensive rural road safety plan at its meeting on November 27th. This motion comes in response to concerns about the high proportion of serious and fatal collisions occurring on rural roads in West Northamptonshire.

  • Collision Statistics: Rural roads in West Northamptonshire carry a substantial proportion of serious and fatal collisions, with speed and driver behaviour as major contributory factors.
  • Motion Request: The motion requests that the Cabinet and relevant officers investigate the development of a comprehensive rural road safety plan, prioritising villages and stretches of road with high collision rates or reported non-compliance at crossings.
  • Community Safety: The implementation of a rural road safety plan could help to reduce the number of collisions and improve the safety of residents and visitors in rural areas.

The debate on this motion highlights the council's commitment to addressing road safety concerns and protecting the lives of residents in West Northamptonshire.

Link to the meeting.

Other Matters

  • The Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on November 24th to discuss adult social care performance, workforce planning, and preventative measures. The committee reviewed the Adult Social Care performance for the 2025-26 financial year, and noted that performance was below expectations in the areas of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards waiting list, Therapy service waiting times, Support for Carers, and Making Safeguarding Personal Outcomes. No video was provided. Link to the meeting.
  • The Senior Appointments Committee met on November 24th. The press and public were excluded from the meeting. No video was provided. Link to the meeting.
  • The Place and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on November 26th to discuss budget monitoring, regeneration and asset management, Section 106 agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy, waste collection and the committee's work programme. The meeting included a discussion of a report on the council's housing delivery pipeline. No video was provided. Link to the meeting.
  • The Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel met on November 27th to discuss the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner's response to a Court of Appeal judgement. No video was provided. Link to the meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

Canal Changes, Harpole Developments, Complaint Heard Behind Closed Doors

This week in West Northamptonshire:

Council Approves Canal Conservation Area Changes Amidst Braunston Concerns

The Planning Policy Committee approved updates to the Grand Union and Oxford Canal Conservation Area, including boundary changes that shift a section of the canal from the Braunston Conservation Area to the canal conservation area. This decision, made at the meeting on November 19th, has raised concerns about the potential impact on Braunston's heritage and tourism.

  • Boundary Shift: A section of the canal between Braunston Wharf and Lock 3 will now be part of the canal conservation area, effectively removing it from the Braunston Conservation Area.
  • Conservation Area Review: The committee agreed to the updated Grand Union and Oxford Canal Conservation Area Review, which included the designation of a new Conservation Area boundary as outlined in Appendix C of the report, superseding the 1995 designation.
  • Community Involvement: The committee also adopted the West Northamptonshire Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) 2025, outlining how the council will engage with the community on planning matters.

While the council aims to protect the canal's heritage, residents in Braunston may be concerned about the potential impact of this decision on their village's identity and tourism.

Link to the meeting.

Planning Committee Greenlights Harpole Developments Amidst Infrastructure Worries

The Strategic Planning Committee approved two major planning applications in Harpole on November 18th, raising concerns among residents about the potential strain on local infrastructure and services.

  • Norwood Farm Development: The committee approved the application for development on land at Norwood Farm, Sandy Lane, Harpole (reference number 2025/2236/MAR).
  • Upper High Street Development: The committee also approved the application for development on land north west of Upper High Street, Harpole (reference number 2024/0672/MAO).

These developments could lead to increased traffic, pressure on schools and healthcare facilities, and a loss of green space, impacting the quality of life for existing residents.

Link to the meeting.

Complaint Against Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Heard Behind Closed Doors

The Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel - Complaints Sub-Committee met on November 18th to consider a non-criminal complaint against the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner of Northamptonshire. The Sub-Committee was also scheduled to consider whether to exclude the press and public from the meeting.

  • Complaint 03/2025: The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider a non-criminal complaint (reference 03/2025) regarding the conduct of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner of Northamptonshire.
  • Exclusion of Press and Public: The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider whether to exclude the press and public from the meeting.

The decision to potentially exclude the press and public raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the handling of complaints against public officials.

Link to the meeting.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Council to Decide on Social Housing Future & Pension Fund Review

This week in West Northamptonshire:

Council to Decide on Social Housing Future

The Cabinet is scheduled to discuss the future management of the council's housing stock at its meeting on November 11th. This decision could significantly impact the lives of thousands of tenants, particularly vulnerable residents who rely on council housing for affordable and secure accommodation. The Cabinet will consider options such as keeping housing under council control, transferring it to a housing association, or establishing an arms-length management organisation.

  • Tenant Impact: The chosen management model will directly affect the quality of services tenants receive, including repairs, maintenance, and tenancy support.
  • Financial Implications: The decision will also have significant financial implications for the council, influencing its ability to invest in new housing and maintain existing properties.
  • Previous Discussions: The Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee previously discussed the future delivery of social housing services currently run by Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH) in October.

The outcome of this discussion will shape the future of social housing in West Northamptonshire for years to come.

Link to the meeting.

Pension Fund Performance Under Scrutiny Amidst Economic Uncertainty

The Pensions Fund Committee - Investment Sub-Committee met on November 10th to review the fund's performance and discuss current investment topics, including the UK debt situation. With rising inflation and economic uncertainty, the decisions made by this committee have a direct impact on the financial security of current and future pensioners.

  • Investment Strategy: The committee reviewed the fund's performance for the period ending 30 September 2025, noting an increase in assets but underperformance against the benchmark.
  • Stewardship and Engagement: The committee received an update on stewardship and engagement matters, including voting activity and engagement with investment managers.
  • UK Debt Situation: The committee discussed the UK debt situation and the attractiveness of gilts as an investment opportunity, considering factors such as global bond sell-offs and concerns about the UK fiscal position.

The decisions made by the committee will determine the long-term financial health of the pension fund and the security of retirement incomes for thousands of residents.

Link to the meeting.

Democracy and Standards Committee to Review Council Constitution

The Democracy and Standards Committee met on November 13th to discuss proposed amendments to the council's constitution and review the committee's work programme. These discussions are crucial for ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance within the council.

  • Constitution Amendments: The committee considered proposed changes to the council's constitution, including changes to the order of business at council meetings and revisions to the Planning Protocol.
  • Constitution Review: The committee discussed a review of the West Northamptonshire Council's constitution, aiming to ensure it remains fit for purpose and reflects the values and culture of the council.
  • Work Programme: The committee reviewed its work programme for 2025/2026, outlining topics for future meetings, including the Register of Members' Interests and ethics and standards.

The decisions made by this committee will shape the way the council operates and the standards of conduct expected of its members.

Link to the meeting.

Other Matters

  • The Children's Trust Joint Committee met on Wednesday 12 November 2025. No video was provided. Link to the meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

West Northants: Health cuts, business park plan, EV chargers

This week in West Northamptonshire:

Integrated Care Partnership Focuses on Neighbourhood Health and Cost Cuts

The Northamptonshire Integrated Care Partnership met to discuss key strategies for improving local health services, including a focus on neighbourhood-level care and significant cost-cutting measures. The partnership is grappling with how to deliver more integrated and proactive care while facing pressure to reduce running costs.

  • Neighbourhood Services: The partnership explored new models of care delivered at the neighbourhood level, aiming to create more coordinated and accessible services for residents. This includes multi-disciplinary teams working with children, young people, and adults, connected to general practices.
  • System Transition: The NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board is facing a national mandate to cut running costs by 50% by December 2025. This decision aims to free up resources for frontline services by reducing duplication and clarifying roles within the healthcare system.
  • Proactive Care: The partnership discussed evolving models of proactive care, focusing on preventing illness and promoting well-being within the community.
  • Anchor Institutions: The partnership reviewed the progress of anchor institutions, which are organizations like hospitals and universities that can play a key role in improving the social and economic well-being of their communities.

The discussions highlight the challenges of balancing ambitious goals for integrated care with the reality of budget constraints. The success of these initiatives will depend on effective collaboration and innovative solutions to deliver quality services with fewer resources.

Link to the meeting.

Planning Committee Considers Business Park Redevelopment and EV Charging Infrastructure

The Non-Strategic Planning Committee reviewed several planning applications, including a major redevelopment of a business park and the installation of EV charging infrastructure for electric buses. These decisions reflect the council's efforts to support economic growth and promote sustainable transportation.

  • Compass Business Park: The committee considered an application for the redevelopment of Compass Business Park in Northampton, proposing flexible employment space suitable for various industrial and office uses. The planning officer's report recommended granting permission, subject to conditions and a legal agreement to secure employment training contributions.
  • Stagecoach EV Charging: The committee reviewed an application for the installation of EV chargers and supporting infrastructure at the Stagecoach depot in Far Cotton, to support the operation of 24 electric buses. The planning officer's report recommended granting permission, subject to conditions.
  • Other Applications: The committee also considered applications for a self-build dwelling, conversion of a garage into a dwelling, and the use of woodland for domestic purposes.

These decisions will shape the future of economic development and transportation in West Northamptonshire, balancing the need for growth with environmental considerations and community interests.

Link to the meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

Pensions Fund Committee

Pensions Fund Committee - Tuesday 9th December 2025 6.00 pm

The West Northamptonshire Council Pensions Fund Committee was scheduled to meet on 9 December 2025 to discuss governance and compliance, the adoption of a new conflict of interest policy, a pension dashboard update, the effectiveness of the committee, the final statement of accounts, and the administration strategy.

December 09, 2025
Senior Appointments Committee

Senior Appointments Committee - Monday 8th December 2025 9.00 am

The Senior Appointments Committee of West Northamptonshire Council convened to discuss the appointment of a new Chief Executive, who also holds the statutory role of Head of Paid Service. The meeting was scheduled to take place over two days.

December 08, 2025
West Northamptonshire Schools Forum

West Northamptonshire Schools Forum - Monday 8th December 2025 2.00 pm

The West Northamptonshire Schools Forum met to discuss school and early years funding for the 2026-27 financial year, agreeing to increase the amount of funding passed directly to early years providers, and to continue transferring 0.5% of funding from the schools block to the high needs block. The forum also reviewed and approved the updated West Northamptonshire Council Section 19 Policy Statement, which outlines the council's duty to provide education for children unable to attend school. The Schools Forum also noted updates on the Schools White Paper, the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) monitoring for 2025-26, and high needs provision.

December 08, 2025
West Northamptonshire Health and Wellbeing Board

West Northamptonshire Health and Wellbeing Board - Thursday 4th December 2025 1.30 pm

The West Northamptonshire Health and Wellbeing Board meeting included discussion of the Better Care Fund, the Ethical Migrant Worker Charter, and updates on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Improvement Plan. The board was also scheduled to discuss winter preparedness and the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy Delivery Plan.

December 04, 2025
Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel

Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel - Thursday 4th December 2025 12.30 pm

The Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel met to discuss finance updates for both the Fire and Rescue Authority and policing, as well as the delivery of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner's Public Safety Plan for Northamptonshire 2025-30. The panel also reviewed the operation of enabling services and received an update on police governance reform. The panel endorsed the latest version of its outline work programme, with the addition of topics relating to street drug dealing and the implementation and impact of police governance reform proposals.

December 04, 2025
Non-Strategic Planning Committee

Non-Strategic Planning Committee - Thursday 4th December 2025 6.00 pm

The Non-Strategic Planning Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met to discuss several planning applications, approving applications for developments in Long Buckby Wharf, Hellidon, Great Holme Court, and Kislingbury, while refusing an application in Woodland Avenue. A prior decision on the Hellidon application had been deferred to allow for a site visit.

December 04, 2025
Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee

Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee - Wednesday 3rd December 2025 10.00 am

The Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee of West Northamptonshire Council was scheduled to convene on 3 December 2025, to consider several applications for private hire driver licences. Councillor Adrian Cartwright, Councillor Rosie Humphreys, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, and Councillor Debra King were listed as the members of the sub-committee. The meeting was to be held at One Angel Square, Angel Street, Northampton.

December 03, 2025
Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday 1st December 2025 6.00 pm

The Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss a range of issues, including a review of the Housing Allocation Scheme, the future management of council housing stock, and services for children and young people. The committee was also scheduled to review its work programme and consider proposals for future scrutiny reviews.

December 01, 2025
Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel

Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel - Thursday 27th November 2025 10.00 am

The Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel met to discuss the response of Danielle Stone, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) to a recent Court of Appeal judgement regarding the Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police. The panel scrutinised the PFCC's discharge of her statutory functions in response to the judgement. A recommendation was made and approved that the panel should have the opportunity to see and comment on the scope and terms of reference for the PFCC's independent review before they are finalised.

November 27, 2025
Council

Council - Thursday 27th November 2025 5.00 pm

The council of West Northamptonshire Council was scheduled to meet on 27 November 2025, in The Great Hall at The Guildhall, Northampton.

November 27, 2025
Strategic Planning Committee

Strategic Planning Committee - Tuesday 16th December 2025 2.00 pm

December 16, 2025
Planning Policy Committee

Planning Policy Committee - Wednesday 17th December 2025 6.00 pm

December 17, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Monday 22nd December 2025 6.00 pm

December 22, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Tuesday 10th March 2026 6.00 pm, PROVISIONAL

March 10, 2026