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Summary
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The Cabinet of West Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 9 June 2026, approving several key strategies and policies. Decisions included the adoption of the Active Travel Strategy, Rail Action Plan, and Mobility Hub Action Plan, alongside the approval of a Private Rented Sector Discharge Policy and the commencement of a public consultation on the future of internal adult social care services.
Revenue Monitoring Outturn - Financial Year 2025-26
Cabinet noted the provisional outturn position for the financial year 2025-26, which showed a £7 million overspend against a £431.8 million budget. This overspend, equating to 1.6% of the net budget, was after utilising £11.4 million from contingency funding. Significant pressures were identified in Children's Services, with a £17.4 million overspend, and Adult Social Care, with a £12.1 million overspend, both attributed to increased demand. Treasury management also reflected reduced cash balances due to national funding pressures. Cabinet recommended that Full Council approve a £1.2 million General Fund Capital budget for additional capitalisation identified in 2025-26 and delegated authority to the Executive Director for Resources to manage budget virements.
General Fund and Housing Revenue Account Capital Provisional Outturn 2025-26
The provisional capital outturn for 2025-26 for both the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was noted. Cabinet approved proposed capital carry forwards for the General Fund capital programme, amounting to £61.085 million, required due to rephasing of projects into 2026-27 and future years. Similarly, proposed capital carry forwards for the HRA capital programme, totalling £12.163 million, were also approved due to rephasing. The report detailed significant expenditure on Temporary Accommodation, including the provision of relocatable temporary accommodation (£10.235 million carry forward) and zero-emission buses (£8.391 million carry forward).
Smartphones in Schools - Consultation Response
Cabinet noted the findings of a public consultation regarding smartphones and similar devices in schools. The consultation revealed significant engagement from residents across West Northamptonshire, reflecting the importance of the issue. The findings indicated concerns about the impact of smartphone usage on bullying, mental health, and educational focus. Cabinet also noted the new Department for Education (DfE) guidance, which sets expectations for schools to maintain mobile-free environments, with exceptions only where justified. The Council will focus on supporting schools in implementing this national guidance.
Adoption of West Northamptonshire Council Active Travel Strategy, Rail Action Plan and Mobility Hub Action Plan
Cabinet endorsed and approved the adoption of the Active Travel Strategy, Rail Action Plan, and Mobility Hub Action Plan. These strategies support the Local Transport Plan adopted in March 2025 and aim to deliver the Council's transport vision to 2045. The Active Travel Strategy focuses on promoting walking, wheeling, and cycling, while the Rail Action Plan seeks to strengthen rail connectivity and accessibility. The Mobility Hub Action Plan outlines the development of integrated transport interchanges to encourage modal shift from private cars. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, to agree the final versions for publishing.
Private Rented Sector (PRS) Discharge Policy
The Cabinet approved the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Discharge Policy, aimed at helping the Council meet its statutory homelessness duties more effectively by utilising suitable private rented accommodation. This policy is intended to promote timely access to settled housing, reduce reliance on temporary accommodation, and support a more sustainable use of housing resources. Cabinet also noted that the policy may require amendments during implementation or future review, with authority delegated to the Director of Housing and Communities for such changes.
Review of Internal Provider Services
Cabinet approved the commencement of a formal public consultation on the future of the Council's internal adult social care services. This review will explore options including service remodelling, alternative delivery models, and potential decommissioning, where necessary, to ensure services are sustainable and meet resident needs. A further report analysing the consultation feedback and presenting recommendations is to be brought back to Cabinet in October 2026.
Procurement of a New Framework Agreement for Goods and Services associated with Temporary Accommodation
Cabinet approved the procurement of a multi-supplier framework for Temporary Accommodation supplies and services, with an estimated total value of £900,000 over three years, potentially extendable by one year. This framework aims to ensure properties are prepared to a suitable standard for occupation, introducing clear service standards and strengthening financial control. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Housing & Communities to undertake the procurement process and award contracts.
Affordable Housing Acquisition - Malabar site in Daventry
Cabinet noted and approved the use of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital New Build Pool Budget for the acquisition of 47 new affordable homes at the Malabar development in Daventry. This acquisition will contribute significantly to the Council's housing delivery targets and prevent the loss of 24 Section 106 affordable homes. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Place, Economy and the Environment to enter into agreements with Crest Nicholson, subject to due diligence and valuations.
Exclusion of the Press and Public
The Chairman moved, and it was resolved, that the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business to allow for the disclosure of exempt information.
Affordable Housing Acquisition - Malabar site in Daventry (Private Session)
This item was discussed and the recommendation agreed during the private session of the meeting.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Smartphones in Schools - consultation response
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of West Northamptonshire Council decided on 09/06/2026 to approve recommendations. They noted the level of engagement from residents, the findings of the public consultation regarding smartphones in schools, and the new Department for Education guidance expecting mobile-free school environments.
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Exclusion of the Press and Public
Recommendations Approved -
General Fund and Housing Revenue Account Capital Provisional Outturn 2025-26
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of West Northamptonshire Council decided to note the provisional capital outturn for the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account for 2025-26 and approved proposed capital carry forwards for both programmes due to rephasing. This decision was made on 09 June 2026. The approved carry forwards are detailed in appendix C of the report.
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Affordable Housing Acquisition - Malabar site in Daventry
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of West Northamptonshire Council on 09 June 2026 approved the use of the Housing Revenue Account Capital New Build Pool Budget for the Malabar Affordable Housing Opportunity. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Place, Economy and the Environment, in consultation with others, to enter into agreements with Crest Nicholson subject to due diligence and valuations. The decision agreed to note and approve budget use and delegate authority for agreements.
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Procurement of a New Framework Agreement for Goods and Services associated with Temporary Accommodation
Recommendations ApprovedWest Northamptonshire Council Cabinet approved the procurement of a multi-supplier framework for temporary accommodation supplies and services on 09 June 2026. The framework will have an estimated value of £900,000 over three years with a possible one-year extension. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director Housing & Communities, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing & Communities, to undertake the procurement and award contracts.
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Adoption of West Northamptonshire Council Active Travel Strategy, Rail Action Plan and Mobility Hub Action Plan
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of West Northamptonshire Council approved the adoption of the Active Travel Strategy, Rail Action Plan, and Mobility Hub Action Plan on 09 June 2026. The decision maker delegated authority to the Executive Director for Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, to agree the final versions for publishing.
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Revenue Monitoring Outturn - Financial Year 2025-26
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of West Northamptonshire Council approved recommendations regarding the revenue monitoring outturn for the financial year 2025-26 on 09/06/2026. The Cabinet noted the provisional outturn position, deliverability assessment of savings, reserve creation and carry forward requests, HRA surplus contribution, flexible use of capital receipts, reserve balances, and the Treasury Management Update. They also recommended that Full Council approve a £1.2m General Fund Capital budget for additional capitalisation and delegated authority to the Executive Director - Resources to apply any necessary budget virements.
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Private Rented Sector (PRS) Discharge Policy
Recommendations ApprovedWest Northamptonshire Council's Cabinet approved the Private Rented Sector Discharge Policy on 09/06/2026. The policy was approved to ensure the Council can meet its statutory homeless duties more effectively by making appropriate use of the private-rented sector. Authority for amendments during implementation or future review is delegated to the Director of Housing and Communities in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities.
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Review of Internal Provider Services
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of West Northamptonshire Council on 09/06/2026 approved the commencement of a formal public consultation on the future of the Council's internal adult social care services. The consultation will explore options including service remodelling, alternative delivery models, and potential decommissioning. A further report will be presented in October 2026 with analysis of feedback and recommendations.
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