The Democracy and Standards Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Wednesday 3 June 2026 to discuss proposed updates to the Council's Constitution. Key agenda items included a review of the existing Constitution, proposed changes related to the Local Government Pension Scheme, and revised recharges for parish councils concerning uncontested elections.

Review of the West Northamptonshire Council Constitution

The committee was scheduled to consider a report from the Task and Finish Panel regarding a review of the West Northamptonshire Council Constitution. This review aimed to ensure the Constitution remained legally compliant, reflected the council's character and culture, and supported efficient decision-making. The report detailed the work of the panel, which had identified specific areas for review, including Council Procedure Rules, the Planning Protocol, Officer Employment Procedure Rules, member absence policies, and free speech provisions.

The report outlined proposed changes to the Council Procedure Rules, such as clarifying rules around petitions and public speaking, and revising procedures for questions to portfolio holders. Recommendations were made to limit motions to 400 words and one per group, and to update rules for budget meetings.

Significant revisions were proposed for the Planning Protocol, aiming to clarify the roles of members and officers, provide more detail on report requirements, and outline procedures for decisions contrary to officer advice. A new section was to be added concerning conduct after a planning committee decision.

For Officer Employment Procedure Rules, a new section was proposed to address interim appointments. Regarding member absence, recommendations included granting the Monitoring Officer authority to approve absences beyond the statutory six-month period, up to twelve months, subject to consultation with an Independent Person.

The report also detailed suggested amendments to the Constitution concerning freedom of speech, which had been discussed in detail by the task and finish group. However, the group was unable to reach a consensus on these proposals.

Proposed Updates to the Constitution - Local Government Pension Scheme

The committee was set to consider proposed changes to the Council's Constitution stemming from the council's decision to join the Border to Coast Pension Partnership (BCPP). The report explained that the Northamptonshire Pension Fund had previously been part of the ACCESS asset pool but, following government requirements for LGPS pools to become FCA-regulated entities, BCPP was selected as the preferred new pooling partner. The constitutional amendments were necessary to reflect this significant change in the council's Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) pooling arrangements.

The report detailed the history of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund's involvement with asset pooling, including its time with ACCESS and the process that led to the selection of BCPP. The proposed constitutional updates were attached as an appendix and were intended to ensure the council operated lawfully and efficiently in its new pooling arrangement.

Election Recharges to Parish and Town Councils

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on revised recharges for parish and town councils concerning uncontested elections. The report highlighted that the current model resulted in the council subsidising election costs for parishes. Significant increases in costs, particularly for printing and postage, had made the existing recharging model unsustainable.

The report outlined three proposed options for recharging uncontested elections:

• Option A: An administrative fee of £225 per parish, plus £50 per parish ward, with no share of poll card costs.
• Option B: An administrative fee of £90 per parish, plus £30 per parish ward, with parishes paying 10% of the poll card cost.
• Option C: Retaining the current Returning Officer fee (£28 per parish, £16 per parish ward) and recharging 15% of the poll card cost.

Consultation with the parish sector indicated significant support for Option C, which distributes costs proportionally to council size, ensuring smaller parishes are not disproportionately burdened. The report noted that while some parishes suggested moving to electronic nominations for efficiency, this was not currently permitted by law.

Review of Committee Work Programme 2026/2027

The committee was also scheduled to review and note the draft Work Programme for 2026/2027. This programme outlined the topics anticipated for discussion at future meetings, including updates on the Register of Members' Interests, national changes in ethics and standards, and member development.

The meeting was scheduled to take place at One Angel Square, Northampton. Attendees included councillors such as Councillor Silas Hays (Chair), Councillor James Petter (Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure, Deputy Leader of the Council), and Councillor Alison Eastwood (Chairman of the Council), alongside council officers.