The Place and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the council's financial position, including revenue monitoring and the medium-term financial strategy. The committee also reviewed the communications plan for the introduction of three-weekly residual waste collections and discussed the committee's work programme.

Revenue Monitoring and Medium Term Financial Strategy Update

The committee received a verbal update on the council's financial position, which indicated a projected deficit of £13 million. James Edmunds, Corporate Director of Finance and Procurement, explained that significant mitigations were already in place to reduce this figure, with further plans to identify more savings within the current financial year. He also highlighted that £20 million of the £29 million savings requirement for the year had been delivered or was expected to be delivered, representing 68% of the budget delivery in the first quarter.

The council is now focusing on the 2027-28 budget setting and medium-term financial planning. This process involves star chambers where services discuss potential savings, with these meetings commencing imminently. The exact financial gap for 2027-28 remains uncertain due to ongoing work on Children's Trust contract sums and the rebasing of the Children's Trust contract split. A new financial sustainability strategy is also being developed and is expected to be presented to Cabinet in October. This strategy will outline key themes for financial sustainability, with an underpinning delivery plan detailing accountability, financials, and the journey so far.

Stuart Timmiss, Executive Director Place, Economy & Environment, added that all directorates are working to achieve a balanced budget, with efficiency reviews and spending reviews underway. He acknowledged the particular demand-led pressures in adult and children's services, which differ from the place services.

Councillor Sally Keeble raised concerns about the lack of input from members outside the Cabinet into the financial sustainability strategy, questioning if it would be presented as a finalised document. James Edmunds assured that feedback from members and other interested parties would be welcomed, and the strategy was close to finalisation. Councillor Fiona Cole inquired about the provision for investment to achieve longer-term cost reductions, to which Edmunds responded that investment is part of the strategy, including investor save initiatives.

Councillor Rajana questioned how a medium-term financial strategy could be developed with unknown figures from demand-led services, particularly the Children's Trust. She expressed concern about the robustness of financial data provided to the council and the lack of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to the Children's Trust finances. Councillor Ian McCord, Chair of the committee, suggested that a scrutiny proposal previously put forward might need reconsideration in light of this information.

Councillor Sally Keeble highlighted the need for assurances on the accuracy of projected figures from the Children's Trust, given the recent implementation of a new financial monitoring system. She also stressed the importance of funding preventative work and developing in-house services over relying on private sector providers. A point was raised about potential issues with funding for adult social care where payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) were not being transitioned to the council, leading to debts.

Councillor Jonathan Harris emphasised the need for transparency in the financial strategy, stating that it is about making choices and that the council needs to be realistic about funding. He urged caution, referencing past difficult choices made by the county council that continue to have repercussions. Councillor Ronald Firman questioned whether efficiency savings were genuine or simply reductions in service levels.

James Edmunds clarified that the financial plan would be based on service intelligence, projections, interest rates, and demographic trends. The sustainability strategy aims to provide a framework for making informed annual budget decisions and looking at longer-term possibilities. He assured that a detailed delivery plan would follow the strategy, outlining how priorities would be achieved, including financial implications and accountability. He also committed to facilitating member input into the strategy.

Councillor Jonathan Harris questioned how the new strategy would align with the existing One West Northamptonshire Plan. Edmunds confirmed that alignment would be sought.

Councillor Sally Keeble requested a committee brief before the financial sustainability strategy papers were published, and James Edmunds agreed to make arrangements for this. The committee also discussed the budget scrutiny review process, agreeing to schedule a Teams meeting in late July to identify areas for scrutiny, with detailed work commencing in the autumn.

Three Weekly Residual Waste Collections: 1,2,3+ Service Communications Plan

The committee reviewed the communications plan for the introduction of three-weekly residual waste collections in Northampton and the former South Northamptonshire areas. Fiona Unett, Assistant Director for Waste, presented the plan, which aims to ensure residents understand the changes, feel supported, and have their concerns addressed. The plan outlines primary and secondary objectives, key messages, target audiences, and a phased approach to engagement over approximately 11-12 months. A budget of £100,000 has been allocated for the communications campaign.

The plan details themes such as bin capacity, consultation, council tax fairness, fly-tipping risks, and health concerns. It also outlines strategies for reputational management and evaluation metrics, including pre-launch indicators, early operational measures, and behavioural outcomes. The committee noted that the decision to move to three-weekly collections had been made by Cabinet on 5th May 2026, and this communications plan was developed to support its implementation.

Review of Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for 2026/27. Several items were discussed and added or confirmed for future meetings. These included:

• Waste Collections and Cleansing Review communications plan: To be added to the work programme.
• Highways Winter Preparedness: Scheduled for the October meeting.
• Capital funding for children's care homes: The committee will scrutinise progress on the £20 million capital funding.
• Governance of capital projects: A referral from the Audit and Governance Committee will be scrutinised, potentially combined with the capital funding item.
• Adult Social Care Sustainability Plan: The committee will gain oversight of this plan, with a joint oversight group to be established.
• Planning Service Review: Councillor Fiona Cole proposed a review of the planning service due to its current performance issues and the impact of national government changes. This was agreed to be considered for the work programme.
• Project Governance: Councillor Sally Keeble raised concerns about the lack of communication and progress on good project governance, requesting an update on actions taken.

The committee also discussed the timing of budget scrutiny sessions, confirming a plan for sessions in October, December, and January 2027, with a focus on the Children's Trust and Adult Social Care.

The committee agreed to receive an update on the planning improvement plan by 15th October, with advance sight of the information within two to three weeks. The portfolio holder for planning was also requested to attend the meeting.