The Cabinet of West Northamptonshire Council met on Monday 12 October 2026, approving a draft Housing Strategy for public consultation and agreeing to continue a modified scheme that fully disregards War Pensions for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction assessments. The meeting also saw the endorsement of the next phase of the Becoming Better Together Improvement Programme for Adult Social Care and the agreement to procure a new contract for elections stationery and printing services.

Housing Strategy Consultation Draft

Cabinet approved the draft Housing Strategy 2027-2032 for public consultation, authorising officers to undertake a six-week consultation period. The strategy aims to address significant housing challenges in West Northamptonshire, including affordability pressures, rising homelessness, and the need for increased affordable housing delivery. It is structured around four key themes: delivering homes communities need, becoming a high-performing landlord, supporting independent living and resilient communities, and strengthening the private rented sector. The strategy acknowledges the need for 2,512 new homes per year, with a focus on increasing the supply of genuinely affordable homes, particularly social rent properties. The consultation will gather feedback from residents, tenants, partners, and stakeholders before the final strategy is presented for adoption.

War Pension Disregard (Modified scheme) for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction

The Cabinet approved the continuation of West Northamptonshire Council's modified scheme, which fully disregards War Disablement Pensions and War Widows/Widowers Pensions in the assessment of Housing Benefit and local Council Tax Reduction. This scheme, previously adopted by predecessor councils and continued since April 2021, ensures that veterans and their families are not financially disadvantaged by these pensions. The cost of the scheme is modest, around £8,600 per year, and its continuation maintains existing support, avoiding any loss of benefit for affected residents. The policy will be reviewed every three years.

Care Quality Commission – Becoming Better Together Improvement Programme

Cabinet endorsed the next phase of the Becoming Better Together Improvement Programme for 2026-2027, noting the progress made since the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated Adult Social Care as Requires Improvement and the Council's Improvement Plan was approved in April 2026. The programme, comprising four workstreams, has shown emerging evidence of improved operational performance, including reductions in waiting times for Occupational Therapy support and Adult Social Care assessments, and an increase in timely reviews. Actions have also been taken across safeguarding, workforce development, hospital discharge, and partnership working. The next phase will focus on demonstrating the impact of these changes on practice, performance, and resident outcomes, supported by a strengthened Adult Social Care assurance framework.

Elections Print Contract

The Cabinet agreed that the Council should proceed with the procurement of a contract for election stationery and printing services for a maximum of five years, including extensions. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director for Law and Governance to conduct the procurement process and award the contract. This specialist service is essential for the Council to comply with its statutory duties relating to the conduct of elections and maintaining the electoral register. The estimated contract value over its lifetime is approximately £1.8 million, with costs met through existing budgets, government reimbursement, and recharge arrangements. The procurement process will prioritise quality, resilience, and experience alongside price, acknowledging the limited market for such specialised services.

Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2027-2028

Cabinet noted the report and recommended to Council that no changes be made to the existing Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme (LCTRS) for the financial year 2027-2028. The current scheme, which requires a minimum contribution of 20% of the Council Tax bill for working-age claimants, provides targeted support for vulnerable residents. Maintaining the scheme unchanged is recommended due to anticipated major changes in Council Tax legislation from April 2027, which will make collection more challenging. Continuing the current scheme avoids adding further risk for residents and the Council's income. The Council also maintains an exceptional hardship fund of £100,000 to support taxpayers struggling with payments.

NPH In-house Transition Report

Cabinet noted the report from the Overview and Scrutiny Task and Finish Panel regarding the in-housing of Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH). The panel, having reviewed the programme at its midpoint, found no overall concerns regarding the transition, while acknowledging that more complex processes, including data transfer and staffing transition, remain to be addressed. The panel has provided oversight and constructive challenge throughout the process, ensuring focus on staff integration, communications, governance, and data quality. The transition aims to bring housing services back into West Northamptonshire Council by April 2027, creating a single, accountable housing service.