The Cabinet of Northumberland Council met on Tuesday 6 October 2026. The meeting saw decisions made regarding the Berwick Maltings Theatre project, Cambois Quay, education transport policy, the NCC Telecare Service, the Food & Feed, Safety & Standards Service Plan 2026/27, and market testing arrangements for renewable electricity. The Cabinet also noted an inspection report for Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service and progress on the Northumberland Communities First Approach.

Berwick Maltings Theatre: Project Status

Cabinet approved recommendations to accept £28.5 million in grant funding from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal for the Berwick Maltings Theatre project. This funding, along with an additional £2.05 million from the Council's Strategic Regeneration Projects Budget, will contribute to the project's transformation. Cabinet also recommended that the full Council approve an additional capital funding allocation of £2.625 million, funded by prudential borrowing, to cover increased costs. This brings the Council's total contribution to the project to £7.512 million. Subject to Council approval, Willmott Dixon Construction Limited will be appointed to undertake the construction work, valued at £28.575 million. The project aims to regenerate Berwick-upon-Tweed and establish it as a cultural and visitor destination, with the transformed theatre expected to attract 115,000 visitors annually and support 61 new full-time equivalent jobs. The project is part of the wider Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal¹ and aligns with the Council's priority of Driving Economic Growth.²

Cambois Quay - Dock Operator Appointment

A revenue grant of up to £3.744 million was approved for Advance Northumberland (Commercial) Limited to support the operation of Cambois Quay Dock during its establishment period. An initial allocation of £1.301 million will come from the Strategic Management Reserve, with the remaining £2.443 million to be funded by future business rate retention income generated through the Blyth Energy Central Investment Zone Site. This funding aims to enable Cambois Quay Dock to operate as strategic, multi-user infrastructure supporting offshore energy, advanced manufacturing, and other growth sectors. The grant will reduce as dock utilisation and commercial contributions increase, with a formal mid-programme review to assess continuing need and value for money. This initiative supports the Council's Corporate Plan priorities of Driving Economic Growth, Tackling Inequalities, and Achieving Value for Money.³

Education Transport Policy

Cabinet approved the commencement of a six-week consultation on a proposal to remove the discretionary policy of providing free school transport for children attending a school outside their transport priority area due to parental preference for a school with a particular ethos based on faith or belief. This decision was made in recognition of the significant financial challenges in delivering the Home to School transport service, which has seen costs rise substantially. The consultation aims to gather views on this proposed policy change, with a further report to be presented to Cabinet in February 2027 to consider the outcomes and potential policy changes. This aligns with the Corporate Plan priority of Achieving Value for Money.⁴

NCC Telecare Service

Cabinet approved changes to the operating model of the Telecare service, which will now provide a monitoring-only service with charges set to recover the full cost of operation. The Mobile Warden Response element of the service, currently operating in a limited area in the South East of Northumberland, will cease. This decision follows a public consultation aimed at making the service financially sustainable and equitable across the county. The changes are intended to address inconsistent charging structures and the Council's subsidy of the service. Delegated authority was given to the Executive Director of Adults Ageing & Wellbeing to undertake staff consultation and develop an implementation plan for the new operating model and charges. This aligns with the Corporate Plan priorities of Achieving Value for Money and Tackling Inequalities.⁵

Food & Feed, Safety & Standards Service Plan 2026/27

Cabinet approved the Food and Feed: Safety and Standards Service Plan for 2026-27. This plan outlines the regulatory activities to ensure the safety and standards of food and animal feed within Northumberland, in line with requirements from the Food Standards Agency⁶. The plan details interventions at food and feed establishments, complaint handling, sampling programmes, and promotional activities. The service has achieved high compliance rates, with 99% of food businesses achieving a satisfactory to very good food hygiene rating. The plan supports the Council's Corporate Plan priorities of Achieving Value for Money, Tackling Inequalities, and Driving Economic Growth.⁷

HMICFRS Inspection Report - Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service

Cabinet noted the report from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) concerning Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS). The report identified areas for improvement in governance, leadership, and workforce development, leading to NFRS entering the Engage enhanced monitoring regime. Cabinet resolved to strengthen the Assurance and Challenge Panel (ACP) to provide oversight and constructive challenge regarding NFRS's performance, improvement activities, and strategic direction, including responses to HMICFRS recommendations. This action supports the Corporate Plan priorities of Achieving Value for Money, Tackling Inequalities, and Driving Economic Growth.⁸

Northumberland Communities First Approach – Progress Update

Cabinet noted the progress made in embedding the Communities First approach across Northumberland. This approach focuses on building on community strengths, empowering residents, and fostering collaboration between communities and public services to improve outcomes and reduce demand on statutory services. The report highlighted initiatives such as the Northumberland Volunteer Passport, community micro-grants, and the use of data and predictive modelling to target support. The approach is integrated into the Council's Planning, Performance, and Accountability Framework and supports the Corporate Plan priorities of Achieving Value for Money, Driving Economic Growth, and Tackling Inequalities.⁹

Market Testing Arrangements - Sale of Renewable Electricity from the Integrated Waste Management Contract EfW for 2027/28

Cabinet authorised the Council's Waste PFI Contractor, Suez, to enter an online energy auction to sell electricity generated at the Line 3 Energy from Waste Facility (EfW) for the 2027/28 period. The aim is to secure the most competitive fixed price for a one-year agreement. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Place and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, Rural and Farming, to set the reserve price and negotiate terms. This aims to maximise income for the Council and achieve at least a breakeven position in the Medium Term Financial Plan, supporting the Corporate Plan priority of Achieving Value for Money.¹⁰