The Cabinet of West Northamptonshire Council met on Thursday 16 July 2026, approving strategies for Technology Enabled Care and Childcare Sufficiency, and noting the Landlord Services Annual Performance Report. Significant decisions were also made regarding asset transactions, including the disposal and leasing of various council properties.

Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Strategy 2026–2031

The Cabinet approved the Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Strategy 2026–2031, which aims to promote a proactive and preventative approach to adult social care through the use of technology. This strategy supports the Council's ambition for a modern, preventative, and sustainable adult social care system, aligning with the Care Act 2014¹ and the Council's corporate priorities. The strategy endorses a TEC First approach, encouraging the development and expansion of TEC solutions to support independence and prevent the need for formal care. TEC has been evidenced to improve outcomes, delay or reduce the need for formal care, and reduce pressure on health and social care services. Alternative options considered, such as maintaining the current approach, were rejected as they would limit innovation, increase pressure on services, and continue to escalate care costs. The approved strategy aims to embed a TEC First approach, modernise the current TEC offer, tackle digital exclusion, and increase the use of predictive analytics and AI.

Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2025

The Cabinet approved the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2025, fulfilling the Council's statutory duty under Section 6 of the Childcare Act 2006² to review childcare provision. The assessment identifies gaps in childcare sufficiency, particularly for children under two and two-year-olds, and will inform future forecasting and the consideration of Section 106³ contributions. The Council will proceed with the publication and implementation of the assessment, with ongoing monitoring of equality impacts. A key priority will be the development of inclusive childcare places for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) through locality-based approaches that address demographic needs. The assessment highlights that while overall childcare provision for three- and four-year-olds is sufficient, there are significant shortfalls for younger age groups. The Council plans to address these gaps through targeted capital funding and working with schools and providers.

Landlord Services Annual Performance Report 2025-26

The Cabinet noted the content of the Landlord Services Annual Performance Report 2025-26. The report indicated a positive direction of travel with improvements across most key performance measures, including property standards, safety compliance, and income collection. Customer satisfaction has increased, particularly regarding repairs, with faster completion times. However, challenges remain in complaint handling, re-letting empty properties, and lift safety compliance. The report also detailed progress in regulatory compliance following a C3 grading, with key improvement actions completed and oversight arrangements embedded. The transition of services back into the Council from Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH) is also underway.

Asset Transactions

The Cabinet authorised a series of asset transactions, including disposals and leases, aimed at managing the Council's estate to deliver the best outcomes for residents. These transactions include:

• Surrender and re-grant of the lease on Land at Browns Road, Daventry to Daventry Town Football Club to facilitate the installation of a new 3G pitch. This is expected to enhance local sporting provision.
• Freehold disposal of Long Buckby Library, Long Buckby to Long Buckby Parish Council. This aligns with the principle of local assets being managed by the communities they serve and will be subject to a restrictive user clause ensuring its continued use as a library and hub facility.
• Freehold disposal of Milton Malsor Village Park to Milton Malsor Parish Council for nil value. This transfer aims to enhance community ownership and management of the park, with retained rights for the Council for infrastructure and pre-emption.
• Freehold disposal of 44a Chalcombe Avenue and Land Adjacent to the sitting tenant. This disposal, subject to a restrictive covenant for commercial use on the ground floor, aims to generate a capital receipt and reduce estate management costs.
• Grant of a 125-year lease to Creating Tomorrow Academy Trust for the provision of play space and a MUGA on the Eastern Way Field, Daventry for nil value. This will improve facilities for students with special educational needs and support the sustainability of SEND places.
• Freehold disposal of land at Ladybridge Drive, Northampton to Bellway Homes Limited via an Option Agreement. This is to facilitate access to a housing development site allocated in the Local Plan Part 2, with a minimum capital receipt of £1.5 million.
• Freehold disposal of Albion House and acquisition of East Island. This land swap aims to support the Greyfriars regeneration scheme and dispose of a building requiring significant investment, while acquiring a strategically important site for the development.
• Grant of a lease for Nordis Signs at Cornhill Close, Northampton at less than best consideration. This concessionary lease aims to support Nordis Signs, a business focused on employing people with disabilities, to continue its valuable work.

The Cabinet also approved a revised approach to retained rights over land transferred to town and parish councils, aiming to balance public interest with community confidence in managing local assets.