The Cabinet of Northumberland Council met on Tuesday 09 June 2026, approving a series of financial adjustments and capital expenditure proposals, and noting progress on corporate performance and strategic initiatives. Key decisions included the appropriation of land for the Blyth Relief Road, the allocation of funds for school kitchens and residential children's homes, and the approval of a new integrated sexual health service contract.

Q3 & Q4 Corporate Performance Report

Cabinet noted the progress made against the Corporate Plan priorities for the third and fourth quarters of the financial year. The report, presented by Councillor Glen Sanderson, Leader of the Council, summarised achievements across the Council's three key priorities: Achieving Value for Money, Driving Economic Growth, and Tackling Inequalities. The report highlighted ongoing efforts in digital connectivity, community safety, and investment in recycling infrastructure under the Value for Money priority. Driving Economic Growth was evidenced by significant inward investment projects, the launch of the new Economic Strategy, and progress on transport infrastructure like the Northumberland Line. Tackling Inequalities was addressed through preventative health strategies, expanded community support, and targeted programmes for education, skills, and housing.

Blyth Relief Road - Appropriation of Land

Cabinet resolved to accept that the NCC Open Space Land, identified in Appendices A and B of the Land Appropriation Background Report, is no longer required for its current purpose as open space. This decision authorises the publication of notices required by section 122(2A) of the Local Government Act 1972, with the Council minded to appropriate the land for planning purposes to facilitate the construction and operation of the Chase Farm Link, part of the Blyth Relief Road Scheme. This appropriation will engage the statutory override mechanism under section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016, subject to the section 122 process and consideration of any representations received. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director – Place and Regeneration to undertake the statutory advertising process, consider objections, and decide whether to proceed with the appropriation, and to take all necessary steps to implement the recommendations, including settling compensation claims.

The report detailed the significant benefits of the Blyth Relief Road Scheme, including reduced traffic congestion, improved public transport access, enhanced road safety, promotion of walking and cycling, support for economic development, and enabling planned housing and employment growth. The Council's view was that the implementation of the Scheme is in the public interest and justifies the appropriation of the land. The financial implications outlined a total estimated scheme cost of £59,929,484, with Northumberland County Council seeking £50,940,061 in funding from the Department for Transport and contributing a local match funding of £8,989,423 (15% of the total cost).

Advance Northumberland Update

Cabinet agreed to use the Strategic Management Reserve to fund specialist advice required for a review of Advance Northumberland Limited's (AN Ltd) current arrangements. This review aims to ensure AN Ltd's objectives remain optimally aligned with the Council's interests and objectives, and will include due diligence on the current economic environment, corporate structures, and financing opportunities. The decision to commission this review, up to a maximum of £0.130 million, was prompted by a volatile economic outlook, changes in the Council's member and senior officer line-up, and government grant pressures. The review is expected to conclude in the autumn, with a report to be presented to Cabinet thereafter.

Financial Performance 2025-26 - Provisional Out-turn

Cabinet approved a series of financial adjustments and noted the provisional out-turn for the Council against the budget for 2025-26. Key approvals included the creation of new earmarked reserves for the Northumberland Children and Adults Safeguarding Partnership (NCASP) and for demolition costs within the Housing Revenue Account. Drawdowns from reserves were approved to cover costs associated with voluntary redundancies and severance as part of the Ways of Working restructure, and for the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. A significant transfer of £2.000 million was approved for the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Deficit reserve, representing the Council's 10% contribution to the cumulative deficit. Amendments were also made to the funding package for the Northumberland Line and Newsham Railway Bridge. Cabinet noted projected breakeven positions, potential changes to the provisional out-turn, projected overspends on the DSG and Housing Revenue Account, and significant re-profiling within the Capital Programme.

Summary of New Capital Proposals considered by the Capital Strategy Group

Cabinet approved several new capital expenditure proposals. For Holywell Village First School, £0.076 million was approved for a new kitchen, funded by Council resources and a school contribution. For the Residential Homes for Children Programme, £2.134 million was approved for the purchase and development of Fairwinds in Ulgham, funded by Council resources and Department for Education grant. Delegated authority was granted to the Executive Director of Children, Young People and Education to purchase the property. Additionally, £0.044 million was approved for phase 2 of the Hartford Bridge Travellers Site Kitchen Refurbishment project, funded from existing Council resources.

Integrated Sexual Health Service for Northumberland

Cabinet authorised the Executive Director of Public Health, Stronger Communities and Inequalities to proceed with the commissioning and procurement exercise for an Integrated Sexual Health Service via the Public Sector Regime Direct Award C route. Authority was also delegated to the Executive Director to approve the award of the contract. This decision allows the Council to continue its established relationship with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, who have provided the service since 2013, ensuring service stability, retaining a skilled workforce, and avoiding risks associated with transferring patient records. The contract will be for four years, with an option to extend for a further two years, with an estimated annual value of £2,543,293.

Update on the delivery of Sustainable Visitor Economy Growth : Visit Northumberland.

Cabinet noted the progress made in growing the volume and value of Northumberland's visitor economy and endorsed the development and direction of the refreshed Northumberland Destination Management Plan and its resulting 2026/27 Action Plan. The report highlighted that the visitor economy reached a record high in 2025, with a value of £1.58 billion, driven by increased visitor numbers and spend per trip. The integration of Visit Northumberland into the Council's Economic Development and Growth service was noted as strengthening delivery and efficiency. New governance arrangements, including the Northumberland Visitor Economy Board and the Visit Northumberland Ltd Board, were detailed, alongside the Council's active role in the regional body, Experience North East England. The refreshed Destination Management Plan focuses on five priority programme areas: Visitor Intelligence and Performance, Destination Infrastructure & Visitor Management, Destination Positioning & Marketing, Product & Experience Development, and Business, Skills & Workforce.

Northumberland Food Strategy - Food Action Plan Update

Cabinet noted the progress made in promoting Northumberland's local food story through Taste of Northumberland and endorsed the Northumberland County Council Food Action Plan and its proposed governance arrangements. The report detailed the launch of the Taste of Northumberland scheme, which aims to strengthen the identity of the county's food and drink sector and support business growth. Wider Council activities in response to the Northumberland Food Strategy were also highlighted, including business support programmes, the Good Food Local Benchmark process, and work with the farming community on sustainable production. The proposed Food Action Plan is structured around four workstreams: Access to Good Food, Development of the Food and Drink Sector, Healthier, More Sustainable Public Sector Food, and a Place-based Approach. A governance structure involving an internal Food Action Plan Management Group and the future establishment of a Northumberland Food Partnership was also outlined.

Land acquisition in South East Northumberland

Cabinet approved the recommendations detailed in the confidential report regarding land acquisition in South East Northumberland. This decision, made under Part II of the agenda, involved exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of the authority. The specific details of the recommendations and the land acquisition were not publicly disclosed.