Subscribe to updates
You'll receive weekly summaries about West Northamptonshire Council every week.
If you have any requests or comments please let us know at community@opencouncil.network. We can also provide custom updates on particular topics across councils.
Summary
Open Council Network is an independent organisation. We report on West Northamptonshire and are not the council. About us
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 a new framework agreement for temporary accommodation goods and services. The Cabinet also noted the provisional financial outturn for the 2025-26 financial year and approved proposed capital carry forwards for the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account.
Revenue Monitoring Outturn - Financial Year 2025-26
The Cabinet noted the provisional financial outturn for the 2025-26 financial year. The Cabinet recommended that Full Council approve a £1.2 million General Fund Capital budget for additional capitalisation identified in 2025-26. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director - Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, to apply any necessary budget virements to manage the overall budget effectively.
General Fund and Housing Revenue Account Capital Provisional Outturn 2025-26
The Cabinet noted the provisional capital outturn position for the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for the 2025-26 financial year. They approved proposed capital carry forwards for both the General Fund and HRA capital programmes, which are necessary due to the rephasing of scheme expenditure. The provisional outturn expenditure for the General Fund was £109.5 million against a budget of £173.2 million, with proposed carry forwards totalling £61.085 million. For the HRA, provisional outturn expenditure was £56.6 million against a budget of £68.6 million, with proposed carry forwards of £12.1 million.
Smartphones in Schools - Consultation Response
The Cabinet noted the findings of a public consultation regarding smartphones and similar devices in schools. They also noted the new Department for Education (DfE) guidance, which expects schools to ensure mobile-free environments, with exceptions only where justified. The Council will now focus on supporting schools in implementing this new guidance, in addition to the existing support already offered for online safety.
Adoption of West Northamptonshire Council Active Travel Strategy, Rail Action Plan and Mobility Hub Action Plan
The Cabinet endorsed and approved the adoption of the West Northamptonshire Council Active Travel Strategy, Rail Action Plan, and Mobility Hub Action Plan. These documents, developed in line with the Local Transport Plan, aim to promote sustainable travel choices. The Active Travel Strategy focuses on connecting people and places, collaboration, and promotion. The Rail Action Plan seeks to strengthen rail services by improving connectivity, accessibility, and environmental sustainability, including addressing the re-opening of former railway lines. The Mobility Hub Action Plan outlines the creation of integrated transport interchange points 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 Discharge Policy, which sets out how the Council will discharge its homelessness duties through the use of suitable accommodation in the private rented sector. This policy aims to ensure timely access to accommodation, reduce reliance on temporary accommodation, and promote the sustainable use of housing resources. Authority was delegated to the Director of Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, to make any necessary amendments during implementation or future review.
Review of Internal Provider Services
The Cabinet approved the commencement of a formal public consultation on the future of the Council's internal adult social care services. This consultation will explore options such as service remodelling, alternative delivery models, and potential decommissioning. A further report will be presented to Cabinet in October 2026 with an analysis of feedback and recommendations for the future service model. The review aims to ensure services remain aligned with best practice, meet resident needs, and support the Council's transformation objectives and financial strategy.
Procurement of a New Framework Agreement for Goods and Services associated with Temporary Accommodation
The Cabinet approved the procurement of a multi-supplier framework for Temporary Accommodation supplies and services, and approved a total estimated framework value of £900,000 over three years, with a possible one-year extension. This framework will provide a compliant and structured approach to procuring essential goods and services, ensuring properties meet suitable standards for occupation and improving quality and consistency of delivery. 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 process and award contracts.
Affordable Housing Acquisition - Malabar site in Daventry
The 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 to the Council's Housing Strategy and Affordable Homes Delivery Plan, preventing the loss of 24 Section 106 affordable homes and securing an additional 23 homes eligible for Homes England Grant funding. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Place, Economy and the Environment, in consultation with relevant officers and the Cabinet Member for Housing, to enter into the necessary agreements with Crest Nicholson, subject to due diligence and valuations.
Exclusion of the Press and Public
The Cabinet resolved to exclude the press and public from the meeting for a specific item of business on the grounds that exempt information would likely be disclosed.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Attendees
Topics
Meeting Documents
Reports Pack
Additional Documents