The Cabinet of Northumberland Council met on Tuesday 8 September 2026, discussing significant reforms to bus services, a redesign of library and customer services, and the Council Tax Support Scheme. Key decisions included approving the council's response to the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority's (NEMSA) bus reform consultation, agreeing a new operating model for libraries and customer services, and authorising a public consultation on proposed changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme.

Bus Reform - Statutory Consultation

Cabinet received and acknowledged the Franchise Scheme Assessment Consultation document published by NEMSA. They delegated authority to the Executive Director for Place and Regeneration, in consultation with the Deputy Leader, to submit Northumberland County Council's response to the statutory consultation on the proposed franchising of the North East bus network. Further reports on the outcome of the consultation and subsequent decisions will be presented to Cabinet.

Service Redesign - Libraries and Customer Services

Cabinet approved a new operating model that will combine and future-proof the Library Service and Customer Experience to create a combined Library and Information Service, set to go live in January 2027. This new model will encompass 21 statutory libraries, a mobile library, and new arrangements for provision across six further sites. Costs associated with the new model will be met from existing Library Services and Customer Experience budgets. Cabinet also agreed to progress the adoption of a Community Led Library model for Seaton Sluice and South Beach Libraries from April 2027, with financial support for a transition period of up to three years. Enhanced ongoing Council support for existing Community Led Libraries in Heddon and Haydon Bridge was also agreed. The introduction of Smart Lockers or Smart Bookshelves managed through the new service to replace current library provision in Kielder Village, Astley Park Pavilion, East Bedlington Community Centre, and Guidepost was also approved. A new operating model for library community outreach, including the mobile and home library services, enhanced by wider Council preventative and support capability, was agreed. Cabinet noted a £491,000 investment from Arts Council England (ACE) through the Libraries Improvement Fund to support the Council's drive to increase engagement and reach of the Library Service through improving digital infrastructure. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Public Health, Inequalities and Stronger Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Value for Money, to approve and implement any minor amendments required during the implementation phase, provided such changes do not materially alter the strategic intent, scope or outcomes of the operating model.

Council Tax Support Scheme (CTSS) Review

Cabinet agreed to authorise the Executive Director of Transformation and Resources to undertake a consultation exercise with the public and Major Precepting Authorities on the development of the Council Tax Support Scheme for working age applicants for 2027-28. Following the conclusion of the consultation, the Executive Director of Transformation & Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Value for Money, will be authorised to finalise a new draft Council Tax Support Scheme. Any final draft scheme will be presented to Cabinet on 27 October 2026, before being presented to Full Council for approval on 4 November 2026.

Financial Performance 2026-27 - Position at the end of June 2026

Cabinet approved the net re-profiling of £75.964 million to the Capital Programme from 2026-27 to 2027-28 to reflect estimated expenditure levels in the current financial year. This will defer capital budget into 2027-28 to reflect the revised timeline for the capital programme. Cabinet also noted a projected overspend on services of £7.960 million and the assumptions outlined in the report. They were informed that the financial monitoring process is continuous and that it is not unusual to predict an overspend in the first formal monitoring report. Services are taking action to bring the budget back into balance, and corporate work is underway to ascertain if treasury management opportunities could improve the position further. An updated position for the six months to September will be presented to Cabinet on 8 December 2026. Cabinet also noted the supplementary estimates at Appendix A and the required changes to the budgets, the delivery of the 2026-27 approved savings and savings from previous years at Appendix B, the use of the contingency shown at Appendix K, the use of reserves shown at Appendix L, the detailed savings schedule shown in Appendix M, and the details of capital project reprofiling shown at Appendix N.

Housing Revenue Account Financial Performance 2026-27 - Position at the end of June 2026

Cabinet noted the projected outturn on the HRA revenue budget, the projected outturn on the HRA capital budget, the use of reserves shown at Appendix A, and the details of the capital project reprofiling shown in Appendix B.

Summary of New Capital Proposals considered by the Capital Strategy Group

Cabinet approved capital expenditure of up to £3.500 million (£1.500 million in 2026-27, £1.000 million in 2027-28 and £1.000 million in 2028-29) for the inclusion and implementation of the Solar photovoltaic (PV) Estate Building Safety and Compliance Programme and the Fire Risk Assessment Remedial Actions Programme across the Council's commercial and domestic estates. This expenditure will be funded from the existing Property Stewardship Fund in the capital programme. Approval was also given for revenue expenditure of up to £1.477 million (£0.505 million in 2026-27, £0.559 million in 2027-28 and £0.413 million in 2028-29) on compliance staffing, contractor management and ongoing inspection and maintenance activities, funded from the Estates Rationalisation Reserve. Cabinet approved the procurement and appointment of suitably qualified Solar PV contractor(s) and delegated authority to the Executive Director of Place and Regeneration, in consultation with the Executive Director of Transformation and Resources, to award the necessary delivery contracts.

Cabinet approved the grant funding of up to £1.191 million (£1.092 million in 2026-27 and £0.099 in 2027-28) to Haltwhistle Swimming and Leisure Centre for a comprehensive programme of swimming and plant room improvements. This expenditure will be funded from the existing Borderlands Place Programme in the capital programme. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Place and Regeneration, in consultation with the Council's Legal and Finance Teams, to approve the issuing of the Grant Funding Agreement to Haltwhistle Swimming and Leisure Centre. Cabinet noted that match funding options will be explored with the project sponsor, and any funding secured will reduce the capital grant request from the Council.

Cabinet approved the expenditure of up to £0.450 million (£0.200 million in 2026-27, £0.145 million in 2027-28 and £0.105 million in 2028-29) to undertake design and delivery activities for a new-build vehicle workshop on the former fire station site at Hexham Tyne Mills. This expenditure will be funded from the existing Tyne Mills Depot budget in the capital programme. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Place and Regeneration to enter into a contract for the appointment of a multi-disciplinary team, subject to confirmation of funding and compliant procurement processes.

Gambling Act 2005: Initial proposals for refresh of licensing policy

Cabinet noted the nature of the licensing scheme for gambling activity, endorsed the initial proposals for the refreshed licensing policy, and approved the commencement of the consultation outlined on the refreshed licensing policy.

Adoption of the North Pennines National Landscape Management Plan 2026-2031

Cabinet resolved to adopt the draft Management Plan as the North Pennines AONB Management Plan 2026-2031.