Councillor Andy Simms was elected as the new Chair of North Northamptonshire Council at a meeting held on Thursday 16 July 2026. The council also approved a revised Constitution and rejected three motions on notice.

Election of Chair

Councillor Andy Simms was elected as the Chair of North Northamptonshire Council for the 2026-2027 municipal year.

Constitution Update 2026

The council approved and adopted a revised Constitution. This update, presented by Councillor Jonathan Gavetta, Chair of the Democracy and Standards Committee, aimed to improve clarity, accessibility, and consistency, ensuring the document reflects current legislation, organisational arrangements, and established practices. Changes included improved formatting and navigation, clearer delegation, updated protocols, strengthened governance arrangements, and amendments to deadlines and procedures. Councillor Simon Fairhall spoke in support, particularly endorsing proposals regarding the petition scheme, which would adjust the requirements for the number of signatures needed and clarify that signatures from across borders may be considered legitimate. Councillor Jim Hakewill welcomed the updates but looked forward to further work on increasing the number of members on corporate scrutiny to allow all groups to be members. Councillor Ben Williams raised a concern about the deadline for members of the public to register to speak being brought forward, potentially reducing public participation, and asked for this change to be reviewed. Councillor David Brackenbury noted that planning committee structures were not included in the review, anticipating mandated changes from central government. Councillor Emily Fedorowycz thanked officers for their work and reiterated concerns about the reduced time for public participation, suggesting technological solutions. Councillor Helen Howell raised questions about safeguards for rejected motions on notice, the removal of the petition scheme from the constitution, and the procedure for filling a vice-chair vacancy. Councillor Martin Griffiths, in closing the debate, acknowledged the points raised and confirmed that the review of scrutiny and public participation timings were on the forward plan.

Motions on Notice

Three motions were considered and subsequently rejected by the council:

• Motion 1: Flying the Ukrainian Flag on Ukraine Independence Day. Proposed by Councillor Helen Harrison and seconded by Councillor Wendy Brackenbury, the motion sought an exception to the council's flag-flying policy to fly the Ukrainian flag on 24 August 2026. Supporters argued it was a worthy exception to show solidarity and honour Ukraine's sacrifice. Councillor Chris Munday, however, stated that while the administration supported Ukraine, they could not support setting aside a clear council policy for a one-day exception, emphasizing practical support over symbolic gestures. Councillor Kirk Harrison agreed, stating that the policy was clear and deliberately did not include exceptions, and that making exceptions would lead to ad hoc decisions. Councillor David Brackenbury argued for amending the flag policy, stating the issue was more than political and demonstrated solidarity. Councillor Gardner expressed concern about veering outside the legal competency of a unitary authority and opening a Pandora's box of foreign policy issues. Councillor David Baker fully supported the motion, stating that not flying the flag would mean not fully supporting Ukraine. Councillor James Towns highlighted the council's support for Ukrainian refugees and the symbolic importance of flying the flag. Councillor Ash Hall voted against, stating councillors were elected to tackle local issues, not conduct foreign policy. Councillor William Cohoon questioned the logic of the flag policy and advocated for flexibility. Councillor Kelly Duddridge expressed disappointment that the motion was called a political statement and argued for its moral support. Councillor Mark Pengelly thanked Reform UK councillors for their support for Ukraine, suggesting flying the flag as a way to show it. Councillor Lee Gibbs hoped the next two motions would receive similar animation. Councillor Vinnie Whitrow corrected the start date of the war in Ukraine. Councillor Helen Harrison, in closing, expressed disappointment at the debate descending into political points and requested a recorded vote. The motion was lost with 21 votes for, 32 against, and 4 abstentions.

• Motion 2: High Street Revival Policy. Proposed by Councillor Kelly Duddridge and seconded by Councillor William Colquhoun, the motion called for the development of a High Street Revival Policy, the establishment of a High Street Renewal Taskforce, and the creation of a public register of long-term empty commercial properties. Supporters argued for a proactive approach to utilising new government powers to regenerate town centres. Councillor David Brackenbury supported the motion, acknowledging the step-change in town centres and the need for evidence-based work. Councillor Kirk Harrison argued against, stating the work was already underway, citing the council's participation in the government's high street rental auction early adopter program and the Wellingborough Town Master Plan. Councillor Emily Fedorowycz supported the motion, highlighting the decline of town centres and the potential of the proposed taskforce. Councillor Ken Harrington questioned why the motion was being voted on if the work was already in operation, stating that 16 months ago the council did not have the money and that swift action was needed but must be spent wisely. Councillor Jim Hakewill expressed concern about the creation of another taskforce and suggested a business improvement district model. Councillor Denis McLean spoke about the long-term decline of shopping and the difficulty in bringing properties back to life. Councillor Martin Griffiths stated that this administration had done more in 18 months than the previous one in four years and could not support the motion as the work was already underway. Councillor Ben Williams stated that voting for motions already underway gives a firm commitment to the public and that setting up a policy strategy prevents overspending. Councillor Wendy Brackenbury supported the motion but expressed disappointment at the leader's dismissal of the previous administration's work. The motion was lost with 22 votes for, 35 against, and 2 abstentions.

• Motion 3: Engagement with Independent Highways Experts for Local Plans. Proposed by Councillor Simon Fairhall and seconded by Councillor Scott Brown, the motion urged engagement with independent highways experts to quantify and understand the impact of proposed developments on highways and public rights of way infrastructure, and to ensure open and transparent engagement with neighbouring authorities. Supporters argued for greater assurance to local communities and the need for robust, evidence-based plans. Councillor David Brackenbury supported the motion, highlighting the government's housing targets and the need for robust evidence for local plans. Councillor Chris McGiffen stated that the council already undertakes much of this work, including engaging experts and considering cross-boundary issues, and offered to share detailed documentation. Councillor Martin Griffiths expressed total trust in the officers and the plan, suggesting ambition for motions on things not already being done. Councillor Jim Hakewill disagreed, stating that independent highways advice was crucial and that the current process relied too heavily on developers. Councillor Darren Rance argued against the motion, stating that everything it asked for was already a statutory requirement and happened, questioning what the motion would actually change. Councillor Ben Williams supported the motion, stating that voting for items already underway gives a firm commitment to the public. The motion was lost with 23 votes for, 30 against, and 6 abstentions.

Minutes of Previous Meetings

The minutes of the Special Council and Annual Council meetings held on 21 May 2026 were approved.

Chair's Announcements

Councillor Barbara Jenny was congratulated on receiving the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her distinguished service to the community in East Northamptonshire. The Chair announced his chosen charities for the year would be Wicksteeds and Two Wheels for Life.

Leader's Announcements

Councillor Martin Griffiths acknowledged the significant achievement of children's services for their positive Ofsted inspection outcome, with services rated good overall and leadership and governance judged as outstanding. He also reported on the reopening of Kettering Library, which was delivered ahead of schedule and under budget. He thanked staff for their diligent work during hot weather and highlighted the importance of their role in prioritising the safety of vulnerable people. Councillor David Brackenbury raised a point of order regarding the flying of the VJ Day commemoration flag, stating it was not mandated by policy and was an exception. The Chair confirmed the point of order stood and would be reflected in the minutes.

Councillor Questions

Several supplementary questions were asked by councillors on various topics including parking in the Old Village, the future of bonfire night, financial assurances for children's services, effectiveness measures for police targets, support for the voluntary sector, changes to tip usage, water companies' retention rates, funding for grassroots projects, and the Jobs Yard saga in Kettering. Responses were provided or promised in writing within specified timescales.

The meeting concluded with no urgent items of business.