The West Northamptonshire Council meeting on Monday 13 July 2026 addressed a wide range of issues, including the council's annual performance report, senior officer remuneration, and a review of the council's constitution. Key decisions included the approval of the annual report, the remuneration packages for two senior director roles, and amendments to the council's constitution.

Annual Report 2025-26

Councillor Mark Arnull, Leader of the Council, presented the West Northamptonshire Council Annual Report for 2025-26. The report detailed the council's performance against the priorities of the One West Northamptonshire Plan and the Administration Delivery Plan. Councillor Arnull highlighted achievements in boosting business growth and prosperity, such as hosting the Women's Rugby World Cup, which generated an estimated £47.6 million in economic benefit. Regeneration schemes in town centres, including improvements on Abington Street and demolition work at the former M&S and BHS site, were also noted. Significant investment was attracted through partnerships, including Marks & Spencer's distribution centre in Daventry and Amazon's fulfillment centre in Crick. The report also detailed progress in creating stronger and safer communities, with a 3.9% reduction in overall crime, and improvements in children's services, which received a good rating from Ofsted with outstanding leadership. The council also tackled financial challenges, identifying nearly £30 million in efficiency savings through IT modernisation and contract reviews.

Councillor Daniel Lister, Leader of the Conservative Group, moved a motion concerning the support of local businesses and high streets. He expressed disappointment that the administration's amendments had removed key commitments from the motion, such as rates discounts for businesses taking on empty units, reinvestment of developer contributions, and mentoring and grants for struggling businesses. Councillor Lister withdrew the motion, stating that the administration had shown itself to be anti-business, anti-high street.

Councillor Andrew Simpson raised concerns about the council's customer service performance, specifically the fact that 18% of calls were not being answered, which he described as appalling and far below industry benchmarks. He also highlighted that 26.3% of customers were not satisfied with the service they were receiving, with an increase in escalated complaints.

Councillor Dan Lister, speaking on the annual report, stated that the report was built around the One West Northamptonshire plan, which his Conservative group had designed. He welcomed the fact that the new administration had kept the plan, but argued that the report was, in truth, reporting progress against Conservative ambitions. He pointed to several projects initiated under the Conservative administration, including the Women's Rugby World Cup, regeneration plans, Tiffield School, and Family Hubs. Councillor Lister also raised concerns about a net revenue budget deficit of £7 million, stating that the administration had set and delivered balanced budgets every year, while the current administration had produced an overspend in their first year.

Councillor Farzana Aldridge commended the Thriving People section of the annual report, acknowledging the work done to support vulnerable children and adults and improve health and wellbeing. However, she expressed concern about the lack of measurable improvements for residents and value for taxpayers in many areas. She also highlighted the absence of meaningful discussion in the report regarding the continuing financial position of the Northamptonshire Children's Trust, which had recorded substantial overspends, representing a significant financial and strategic risk.

Councillor Christine Ware questioned the absence of outturn information on the percentage of waste sent for reuse, recycling, or composting, and the percentage of waste treated, noting that this information had been available in the previous year's report. She also expressed concern about the metric for carers' assessments completed, which indicated results were only 50% of last year's figures, despite an increase in Care Act assessments.

Councillor Ian McCord described the annual report as a self-congratulatory slap on the back and suggested that the administration should also acknowledge achievements from the prior year, such as the MPH project, Market Square improvements, and the Mortuary. He also called for the inclusion of national figures for comparison in future reports to better assess the council's performance.

Councillor Bob Purser, speaking for the Labour group, stated they would be supporting the approval of the annual report and thanked the staff and all who contribute to running the services. He also made a sarcastic remark about the Reform UK administration's ability to stop boats coming up the River Nen and their performance as cryptocurrency and metal traders. He believed the council was still working too much in silos and had not fully grasped the meaning of prevention.

Councillor Andrew Last, introducing the remuneration report, explained that the report sought council approval for two senior officer remuneration packages exceeding £100,000, as required by the Localism Act 2011. He detailed the roles of Service Director, SEND and Inclusion, and Executive Director of Place, Economy and Environment, explaining the rationale for the proposed pay bands and noting that funding was available within the existing budget.

Councillor Sally Keeble moved an amendment to the remuneration report, aiming to increase transparency and accountability to the public regarding high salaries. She expressed concern about public perception, especially when median earnings in West Northamptonshire are significantly lower. She argued that the report in September, which would discuss temporary staff, would be a more appropriate time to provide assurances about value for money and delivery of local services.

Councillor Hack, seconding the amendment, acknowledged the challenge of attracting and retaining talented senior officers but stressed the significant responsibility that comes with salaries exceeding £100,000, emphasizing the need for value for money and accountability to taxpayers.

Councillor Arnold replied to the amendment, stating that accountability and scrutiny were important and that the administration was exercising due diligence. He noted that processes were already in place to reassure the public.

Councillor Slope, seconding the main proposal on remuneration, stated that attracting and retaining good people required paying the right rates and that the council had seen a dramatic shift in temporary staff costs, which had come down.

The Council voted on the amendment, which was lost. The main proposal on remuneration was then carried.

Review of the West Northamptonshire Council Constitution

Councillor Silas Hayes, Chair of the Democracy and Standards Committee, presented recommendations from the Constitution Review Task and Finish Group. The review aimed to ensure the Constitution remained fit for purpose, reflected the council's values, and supported effective decision-making. Recommendations included improvements to council procedure rules, budget meeting arrangements, the planning protocol, officer employment procedure rules, and member attendance arrangements.

Councillor Ian McCord seconded the proposal, thanking the working group members and highlighting the pragmatic approach taken. He noted that the budget arrangements would be a suck it and see approach and that the planning protocol, while a step forward, did not go far enough for his personal liking.

Councillor Arnold moved an amendment to the constitution review, proposing a standing item at every cabinet meeting from September to allow for questions to cabinet members. He stated that this would take effect in September when the council returned from the summer break. Councillor Hastie seconded the amendment.

Following discussion and clarification on the timing of the amendment's implementation, Councillor Hayes accepted the amendment.

Councillor Zoe Smith expressed concern that the amendment had undermined the work of the Democracy and Standards Committee without debate. She commended the original recommendations to contain cabinet member question times within standard political forums, arguing that removing cabinet member speaking time and extending questioning time would allow for greater democracy.

Councillor Harris echoed these concerns, questioning the point of working groups if their recommendations were undermined by last-minute amendments. He urged the council leader to remain unfettered by responsibility and allow full and proper scrutiny.

Councillor Keeble stated that the Labour Group would not support the proposals as amended, arguing that the amendment affected the opposition's ability to hold the administration to account and worsened their rights. She criticised Reform UK's approach to consultation, stating it involved setting up a working group and then ignoring its results.

Councillor Tolley expressed shock and dismay at the amended item, stating that the administration had hastily inserted amendments that overrode the group's proposals without reference to the Democracy and Standards Committee. He recommended that the review be binned.

Councillor Clive stated that the public had voted for Reform UK to deliver their agenda and that the council was not there to make the opposition feel good about their failed policies.

Councillor Irving-Swift asked Councillor Slope to look at YouTube recordings to confirm that she had asked a question, expressing concern that the leader of the council was not answering questions.

Councillor Chauhan stated that the Reform UK speaker had mentioned responsible financial management, but reminded them that their party leader was fighting an election amidst scandal and needed to be accountable for a £7 million overspend.

Councillor Harris corrected Councillor Slope regarding the council's reserves, stating that £95 million was the total amount of reserves, not the general reserve.

Councillor Arnold replied to the debate, thanking Councillor Keeble for her comments on youth provision and stating that a paper would be brought forward in the autumn. He also addressed Councillor McCord's point on national comparisons, acknowledging the difficulty but welcoming the suggestion. He defended the administration's approach to the waste call-in and pothole repairs. He also responded to Councillor Aldridge regarding the NCT overspend, reminding members that the Children's Trust existed due to past issues and was under statutory direction. He addressed Councillor Ware's concerns about waste figures, stating Councillor Stansfield would respond. He concluded by expressing hope for fair funding from the new Prime Minister and further devolution.

Councillor Slope summed up, thanking those who provided positive comments and addressing points raised by other councillors. He argued that the Conservatives were arguing that the budget they set was sound, but failed to explain why the outturn differed from their assumptions.

The Council then voted on the motion, which was carried.

Motions

Motion 1: Pavement Parking

Councillor Andy Kilbride moved a motion calling for the council to be ready to act promptly and effectively on pavement parking once secondary legislation and guidance are in force. He highlighted the dangers and unfairness of pavement parking, particularly for vulnerable pedestrians. Councillor Kilbride expressed disappointment with the administration's proposed amendment, describing it as woeful and too fluffy, and ultimately withdrew the motion.

Motion 2: Private Rented Sector (PRS) Discharge Policy

Councillor Sally Keeble moved a motion calling on the Cabinet to reconsider its policy on discharging homeless duties into the private rented sector. She argued that this policy undermined homelessness legislation, raised concerns about security of tenure, affordability, and the impact of out-of-area placements. Councillor Ashraf seconded the motion.

Councillor Hasty, speaking for the administration, stated that no one in the chamber wanted to see anyone homeless and that preventing and relieving homelessness was a key responsibility. He defended the scrutiny process, stating that questions raised and clarifications sought had strengthened the policy. He argued that the motion was unnecessary and that the policy was being properly tested and strengthened.

Councillor Arnold stated that the administration was facing significant pressures, including rising housing demand and increasing temporary accommodation costs. He argued that moving households into settled accommodation was a benefit and a consequence of success, not the purpose of the policy. He also criticised the opposition for storming out of scrutiny meetings.

Councillor Aldridge supported the motion, arguing that the portfolio holder had acknowledged gaps in the policy, including the description of PRS as the primary route for housing homeless households and inadequate financial content. She stated that when fundamental weaknesses were identified, the cabinet should be prepared to think again.

Councillor Ismail urged members to support the motion, emphasizing that housing was more than just a roof over someone's head and that homelessness policies must be fair, robust, and centred on residents' needs. He argued that implementing a PRS discharge policy would not reduce homelessness in the long term and risked moving households into another form of insecure housing.

Councillor Chauhan expressed concerns about the motion, stating that the opposition had walked out of scrutiny because of pre-prepared speeches and that the administration had no idea what democracy is.

Councillor Harris echoed these comments and supported the motion, emphasizing the importance of good scrutiny, constructive challenge, and amplifying public voices. He criticised the administration for not consulting with the opposition on the amendment.

Councillor Arnall raised a point of order, proposing that Councillor Harris be no longer heard. Councillor Hasty seconded this proposal. The motion to no longer hear Councillor Harris was put to a vote and carried.

Councillor Owens urged members to bring the discussion back to reality, stating that they were trying to have democracy and that the opposition was showing disrespect. He argued that the motion was important and that the council had a legal and moral responsibility to ensure its homelessness policies were fair, transparent, and robust.

The motion was put to a vote and lost.

Motion 3: Disabled People

Councillor Farzana Aldridge moved a motion calling for the council to support the re-establishment of a Disabled People's Forum and create disability champions within all service directorates. She highlighted the barriers faced by disabled people and the extra costs they incurred. Councillor Smith seconded the motion, emphasizing the importance of meritocracy and inclusivity.

Councillor Last, speaking for the administration, argued that the council already had a comprehensive diversity, equality, and inclusion framework and that the motion proposed unnecessary bureaucracy. He stated that the administration supported equality of opportunity and removing barriers but did not believe every challenge required new champions or structures.

Councillor Arnold, speaking for Reform UK, strongly opposed the motion, calling it box-ticking bureaucracy and woke bureaucracy. He argued that disabled residents needed practical help, not more forums or champions.

Councillor Clive echoed these sentiments, arguing that the opposition wanted to divert finite officer time and public money into more EDI bureaucracy. He stated that Reform UK rejected this approach and supported strict compliance with the Equality Act and reasonable adjustments.

Councillor Holland-Delamere provided a practical example of where a disability champion could have prevented issues, such as the accessibility of the One Angel Square one-stop shop.

Councillor Humphreys criticised the administration's proposal to charge blue badge holders, stating it was why their current framework didn't work. She argued that forums and lived experience were needed and that the administration was bound by the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Councillor Simpson echoed these points, stating that the motion should be non-party political and aimed at making citizens' lives better. He shared his experience of a successful Disabled People's Forum on the Borough Council.

Councillor Ware supported the motion, highlighting the practical examples given and the importance of lived experience. She argued that the motion was about re-establishing an existing forum and strengthening processes for engagement and scrutiny.

The motion was put to a recorded vote and lost.

Motion 4: Planning Reforms

Councillor Mark Arnull moved a motion opposing the loss of local democratic oversight in government planning reforms. He argued that the reforms shifted power away from elected councillors towards unelected officers and that this eroded local democracy. Councillor Manning seconded the motion.

Councillor Ian McCord moved an amendment, proposing an informal member review (IMR) system to operate similarly to a call-in, to be established by the Democracy and Standards Committee. He argued that this would help restore some checks and balances to the system. Councillor Blythe seconded the amendment.

Councillor Arnold, for the administration, stated they were happy to accept the amendment. Councillor Ware moved a further amendment, seeking to reword the motion to be more objective and precise, and to avoid undermining planning officers. Councillor Rosie Humphries seconded this amendment.

Councillor Arnold rejected the amendment moved by Councillor Ware. The Council then voted on Councillor Ware's amendment, which was lost.

The Council then voted on Councillor McCord's amendment, which was carried.

Councillor Smith expressed concern that the amendment had undermined the work of the Democracy and Standards Committee. Councillor Harris echoed these concerns, questioning the point of working groups if their recommendations were undermined. Councillor Keeble stated that the Labour Group would not support the proposals as amended, arguing that it affected the opposition's ability to hold the administration to account. Councillor Tolley expressed shock and dismay at the amended item. Councillor Clive stated that the public had voted for Reform UK to deliver their agenda. Councillor Irving-Swift asked Councillor Slope to confirm that she had asked a question, expressing concern about unanswered questions. Councillor Chauhan stated that the administration had no idea what democracy is. Councillor Harris corrected Councillor Slope regarding the council's reserves. Councillor Arnold replied to the debate, thanking Councillor Keeble for her comments on youth provision and stating that a paper would be brought forward. He also addressed Councillor McCord's point on national comparisons and defended the administration's approach to the waste call-in and pothole repairs. He also responded to Councillor Aldridge regarding the NCT overspend. Councillor Slope summed up, thanking those who provided positive comments and addressing points raised by other councillors. He argued that the Conservatives were arguing that the budget they set was sound, but failed to explain why the outturn differed from their assumptions. The motion was then put to a vote and carried.

The meeting then moved to other agenda items, including remuneration, revenue monitoring, and the review of the council's constitution.

Remuneration

Councillor Andrew Last introduced a report seeking approval for two senior officer remuneration packages exceeding £100,000. These were for the Service Director, SEND and Inclusion, and the Executive Director of Place, Economy and Environment. Councillor John Slope seconded the proposal. Councillor Sally Keeble moved an amendment to increase transparency and accountability to the public regarding these high salaries. Councillor Hack seconded the amendment. Councillor Last replied to the amendment, stating that accountability and scrutiny were important and that the administration was exercising due diligence. Councillor Slope stated that attracting and retaining good people required paying the right rates. The amendment was voted on and lost. The main proposal was then voted on and carried.

Revenue Monitoring Outturn Financial Year 2025-26

Councillor John Slope presented the provisional outturn for 2025-26, which showed a net overspend of £7 million after using £11.4 million of general budget contingencies. He highlighted pressures in adult and children's social care, while noting underspends in other directorates. Councillor Arnold responded, defending the administration's financial management and criticising the opposition's previous budget setting. Councillor Aldridge expressed concern about the financial position of the Northamptonshire Children's Trust. Councillor Ware questioned waste figures. Councillor McCord called for national comparisons in future reports. Councillor Purser supported the report but made a sarcastic remark about the administration. Councillor Irving-Swift questioned Councillor Slope's answers. Councillor Chauhan criticised the Reform UK party's financial management. Councillor Harris corrected Councillor Slope on reserve figures. Councillor Arnold provided closing remarks, addressing various points raised. Councillor Slope summed up, defending the administration's actions and criticising the previous Conservative administration's budget. The vote on this item was carried.

Review of the West Northamptonshire Council Constitution

Councillor Silas Hayes presented recommendations from the Constitution Review Task and Finish Group. Councillor Ian McCord seconded the proposal. Councillor Arnold moved an amendment to include a standing item at every cabinet meeting for questions. Councillor Hastie seconded the amendment. Councillor Hayes accepted the amendment. Councillor Smith expressed concern that the amendment undermined the work of the Democracy and Standards Committee. Councillor Harris echoed these concerns. Councillor Keeble stated the Labour Group would not support the proposals as amended. Councillor Tolley expressed shock and dismay. Councillor Clive stated the public had voted for Reform UK's agenda. Councillor Irving-Swift asked Councillor Slope to confirm she had asked a question. Councillor Chauhan criticised the administration's understanding of democracy. Councillor Arnold replied, addressing various points. Councillor Slope summed up. The amendment was carried. The main motion, as amended, was then voted on and carried.

Motions

Motion 1: Pavement Parking Councillor Andy Kilbride moved a motion concerning pavement parking, highlighting its dangers and unfairness. He expressed disappointment with the administration's amendment and withdrew the motion.

Motion 2: Private Rented Sector (PRS) Discharge Policy Councillor Sally Keeble moved a motion calling on the Cabinet to reconsider its PRS Discharge Policy, citing concerns about security of tenure, affordability, and out-of-area placements. Councillor Ashraf seconded. Councillor Hasty defended the policy, stating it was being strengthened. Councillor Arnold argued for the policy's benefits in reducing temporary accommodation reliance. Councillor Aldridge supported the motion, highlighting acknowledged gaps in the policy. Councillor Ismail urged support for the motion, emphasizing the need for fair and robust homelessness policies. Councillor Chauhan criticised the administration's approach to democracy. Councillor Harris echoed these criticisms and supported the motion. Councillor Arnall raised a point of order to propose Councillor Harris be no longer heard, which was seconded and carried. Councillor Owens spoke, urging a return to reality and defending democracy. The motion was put to a vote and lost.

Motion 3: Disabled People Councillor Farzana Aldridge moved a motion to re-establish a Disabled People's Forum and create disability champions within directorates. Councillor Smith seconded. Councillor Last opposed the motion, arguing it created unnecessary bureaucracy. Councillor Arnold strongly opposed the motion, calling it woke bureaucracy. Councillor Clive echoed these sentiments. Councillor Holland-Delamere provided a practical example of why such roles were needed. Councillor Humphreys criticised the administration's stance and highlighted the Public Sector Equality Duty. Councillor Simpson supported the motion, sharing positive experiences of a Disabled People's Forum. Councillor Ware supported the motion, emphasizing its moral and ethical basis and the need to listen to all residents. The motion was put to a recorded vote and lost.

Motion 4: Planning Reforms Councillor Mark Arnull moved a motion opposing the loss of local democratic oversight in government planning reforms. Councillor Manning seconded. Councillor Ian McCord moved an amendment proposing an informal member review system. Councillor Blythe seconded. Councillor Arnold accepted the amendment. Councillor Ware moved a further amendment to reword the motion. Councillor Rosie Humphries seconded. Councillor Arnold rejected the amendment. The amendment was voted on and lost. Councillor McCord's amendment was carried. The main motion, as amended, was then voted on and carried.

Cabinet Member Reports

Councillor Mark Arnull (Leader of the Council) reported on communications and engagement activities, including promoting the West Northants Food Plan, the opening of the Northamptonshire County Mortuary, and community cohesion events. He also highlighted the launch of the Queen Elizabeth Digital Memorial and preparations for the expansion of the Legal Duty under the Armed Forces Covenant.

Councillor Charlie Hastie (Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities) provided updates on landlord services for council housing stock, noting progress on the Regulatory Improvement Programme and the phased transfer of housing management services back in-house. He reported reductions in homelessness approaches and temporary accommodation usage, driven by strengthened governance and proactive interventions. He also detailed progress on the Housing Allocation Policy and rough sleeping initiatives.

Councillor Richard Butler (Cabinet Member for Highways & Transport) reported on bus services, including the delivery of additional electric buses and new routes. He detailed progress on highway maintenance, traffic enforcement, and active travel schemes. He also provided updates on the Northampton North-West Relief Road, NGMS, and the Abington Active Travel Scheme.

Councillor Laura Couse (Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Public Health) reported on Shared Lives carers, the CQC Improvement Plan, and hospital discharge activity. She highlighted progress in Occupational Therapy and Equipment Services, and the Learning Disability Improvement Plan. She also detailed work on safeguarding, technology and digital solutions, and the review of in-house provider services. Public Health updates included progress on the Stop Smoking Service, the Good Food Plan, and community-based approaches.

Councillor Kamala Guliyeva (Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture & Leisure) reported on Skills Bootcamps, Connect to Work delivery, and the success of employability events. She highlighted tourism achievements, including the Northamptonshire Tourism Business Awards and partnerships with Wilson Browne and London Northwestern Railway. Updates were provided on town centre regeneration, market trader initiatives, and the Brackley Business Grants Scheme. She also detailed progress on the A5 Towcester Relief Road, regeneration projects at 24 Guildhall Road, 35-45 Abington Street, and Greyfriars.

Councillor Andrew Last (Cabinet Member for HR, Corporate & Regulatory Services) reported on Human Resources activities, including local pay bargaining and senior recruitment. He detailed progress on Digital, Data and Technology initiatives, including IT disaggregation and cyber security enhancements. He also provided updates on Business Intelligence & Population Insights, Organisational Change, and Shared Services Programme Team activities.

Councillor Nigel Stansfield (Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling & Waste) reported on household waste collection and disposal services, noting continued good performance with low numbers of issues. He detailed progress on the textiles and bric-a-brac collection service and the success of the food waste caddy liner sales. He also provided updates on street cleansing, flood and water management, and environmental crime initiatives.

Councillor Michael Stratton (Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education) reported on the ILACS inspection of local authority children's services, progress with the Families First Partnership, and Foster Care Fortnight activities. He detailed updates on the Fostering Friendly Pledge, Volunteers' Week, and the Northamptonshire Care Experienced Pledge. He also provided information on workforce training and development, SEND progress, and school admissions and place planning.

Councillor Thomas Manning (Cabinet Member for Planning) reported on the West Northamptonshire Local Plan, neighbourhood plans, and the Developer Contributions SPD. He noted that the council could not evidence a five-year housing land supply. He also provided updates on Development Management performance, planning enforcement, and building control.

Councillor John Slope (Cabinet Member for Finance) presented the financial update, reporting a net overspend of £7 million for 2025-26 after using £11.4 million of general contingencies. He highlighted pressures in adult and children's social care, while noting underspends in other directorates. He also provided an update on the capital programme, with £62.7 million of schemes completed and £61.1 million reprofiled into future years. He also detailed procurement activity and the performance of Revenues & Benefits.

The meeting was confirmed as having been held and decisions made.