The North Northamptonshire Executive met on Tuesday 13 October 2026, approving key decisions on fuel card procurement, the ERP strategic review, a RIPA policy update, and land disposal agreements for Glenvale Park and Stanton Cross. The meeting also addressed the promotion of Phase 3 of the Glenvale Park development.

Fuel Card Procurement

The Executive approved the procurement of a new fuel card supplier to ensure a secure, efficient, and cost-effective method of purchasing fuel for vehicles and equipment that do not have routine access to the Council's bunkered fuel facilities. This decision is essential for maintaining operational resilience across North Northamptonshire, supporting key frontline services such as waste collection and street cleaning. The competitive procurement exercise aims to secure best value for money, benefit from commercial fuel pricing, and provide comprehensive management information and expenditure controls. The annual fuel card spend is approximately £973,000, with around 45,000 litres of fuel purchased monthly through this arrangement. Councillor Chris McGiffen, Executive Member for Highways and Travel, presented the report, highlighting the necessity of replacing the current provision as it approaches the end of its contractual life. Councillor Brian Benneyworth seconded the report, emphasizing the sensible and pragmatic nature of the procurement for continued essential service delivery.

ERP Strategic Review

A strategic review of the Council's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, the Unit4 platform, was presented, leading to the decision to continue with the current system until its end of life in 2032. Replacing the system in 2029 was deemed a high-cost, high-risk transformation, estimated to cost between £6 million and £15 million. The review indicated that identified issues were primarily related to operational processes rather than system limitations. The decision to extend the current contractual arrangements avoids significant upfront investment, maintains service continuity, and allows for the development of a robust business case for a future replacement by 2028. Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, explained that this approach offers the lowest cost, lowest risk, and most stable option for maintaining critical services. Councillor Chris McGiffen supported the decision, drawing on his experience with ERP replacements, and stressed the importance of treating 2029 as a continuity milestone rather than a transformation point.

RIPA Policy Review

The Executive approved the revised Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) and Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA) Policy and accompanying guidance. These updated documents strengthen governance and accountability, clarify officer responsibilities, and improve record-keeping procedures. The Council received positive assurance from the Investigatory Powers Commissioner following a 2026 review, confirming ongoing compliance. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Law and Governance to make minor amendments to the policy and guidance. Annual oversight and assurance reporting will be delegated to the Audit and Governance Committee. Councillor Kirk Harrison, Executive Member for Regulatory Services, presented the report, noting that the Council has not used directed surveillance or covert human intelligence source powers since adopting its current policy in 2022, preferring overt methods of investigation. Councillor Elizabeth Wright seconded the recommendations, emphasizing the importance of protecting residents' rights and privacy while upholding the law.

Promotion Agreement: Phase 3 Glenvale Park

The Executive approved the declaration of land forming Phase 3 of Glenvale Park as surplus and delegated authority to the Director of Assets, Growth & Regeneration to enter into a promotion agreement with Glenvale Park LLP. This agreement will facilitate the promotion and acquisition of a new planning consent for up to 800 new homes on approximately 40 hectares of Council-owned land, alongside 14.5 hectares owned by Glenvale Park LLP. This approach minimizes financial risk to the Council, as significant upfront investment for obtaining planning consent is avoided, with costs recovered from eventual land sale receipts. Councillor Graham Cheatley highlighted that this would contribute to the Council's housing and growth targets and ensure a coordinated development of the Glenvale Park site. The decision was seconded by Councillor Brian Benneyworth, who noted the success of Phases 1 and 2 of the development.

Stanton Cross Land Disposal

The Executive delegated authority to the Director of Assets, Growth & Regeneration to agree market terms and progress the sale of the Council's land and interest in Stanton Cross. This decision, considered in a closed session, relates to the disposal of Council land within the Stanton Cross development.

Fuel Card Procurement

The Executive approved the procurement of a fuel card supplier via a compliant process. This decision ensures the Council maintains a secure, efficient, and cost-effective method for purchasing fuel for vehicles and equipment that do not have routine access to the Council's bunkered fuel facilities. Access to fuel cards is deemed essential for supporting key frontline services and maintaining operational resilience. The procurement exercise aims to secure best value for money, benefit from commercial fuel pricing, and ensure comprehensive management information and expenditure controls. Councillor Chris McGiffen, Executive Member for Highways and Travel, presented the report, emphasizing the necessity of replacing the current arrangements. Councillor Brian Benneyworth seconded the report, highlighting its sensible and pragmatic approach to ensuring continued service delivery.