The Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 19 October 2026 to discuss the draft West Northamptonshire Housing Strategy, the SEND and Inclusion Strategy, and the West Northamptonshire Youth Strategy. The committee also reviewed its work programme and discussed the membership of a task and finish group.

West Northamptonshire Housing Strategy

The committee received a pre-decision scrutiny briefing on the draft West Northamptonshire Housing Strategy for 2027 onwards. The strategy aims to ensure everyone in West Northamptonshire has access to a safe, suitable, affordable, and sustainable home. It is built around four themes: delivering homes, becoming a high-performing landlord, supporting independent living, and strengthening the private rented sector. Key challenges identified include a shortage of affordable homes, rising housing costs, increasing homelessness pressures, and the need to maintain safe, quality homes. The strategy outlines priorities such as increasing affordable housing supply, improving landlord services, preventing homelessness, and strengthening the private rented sector. The consultation on the draft strategy runs until 29 November 2026, with final adoption scheduled for February 2027.

During the discussion, councillors raised concerns about the achievability of the 650 affordable homes target per year, the definition of affordable housing, and the provision of accessible and adaptable properties. The issue of approximately 800 empty homes was also highlighted, with a need for a dedicated officer and business case to address this. Councillors welcomed the strategy's ambition and detail but stressed the importance of sufficient resources for implementation. The committee noted the importance of addressing long-term empty homes and bringing them back into use safely. The committee discussed a thematic approach to scrutiny of the strategy's progress over the coming year.

SEND and Inclusion Strategy

The committee provided pre-decision scrutiny on the draft SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2027-2030. This strategy aims to create a system where children and young people receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time, fostering inclusion and enabling them to thrive. The strategy is co-produced with children, young people, families, and professionals, and is built around six priorities: voice, information, trust and co-production; earlier help and inclusive education; joined-up specialist support; local sufficiency, alternative provision and stability; transitions and preparation for adulthood; and whole-family wellbeing and community inclusion.

Key discussion points included the need for better training for teachers on SEND, the importance of multi-sensory learning approaches, and the challenges of funding for high-need blocks. The strategy's focus on early intervention and prevention was welcomed, as was the emphasis on ensuring children and families feel heard and supported. The committee also discussed the potential renaming of the strategy to better reflect its inclusive aims, with belonging and belonging strategy being suggested. Concerns were raised about the capacity of schools to meet diverse needs and the impact of budget constraints. The importance of robust data and measurable outcomes was stressed, alongside the need for a clear focus on post-16 provision and transition planning for young people with learning disabilities. The committee also discussed the role of specialist schools and alternative provision, and the challenges of ensuring sufficient provision for children with complex needs.

West Northamptonshire Youth Strategy

The committee received an update on the progress of the West Northamptonshire Youth Strategy 2026-2030. This four-year strategy aims to ensure young people can access the support and opportunities they need to achieve their potential. It is built around six priorities identified by young people themselves, including physical wellbeing, emotional health, belonging, safety, confidence, and readiness for adulthood. The strategy is being delivered through a youth offer board and various workstreams, with current focuses including the development of teen clinics in family hubs, a 11-19 health and wellbeing model co-delivered by youth workers and school nurses, and the recruitment of a participation lead.

The committee heard about initiatives such as Cake and Debate events, the Young Inspectors and Youth Bank programme, and the Dr Bike event. The Anchor Network, focused on employment opportunities for young people, including those with SEND, was also highlighted. The governance structure for the youth offer was explained, feeding into the Family Health Partnership Board and the Health and Wellbeing Board. A key concern raised was the need for better information and accessibility regarding available youth provision, particularly for young people in specific areas like Moulton. The committee requested a follow-up update on how the council is identifying and publicising existing provision. The diversity and representation within the Youth Council were also questioned, with a request for further information on how it reflects the wider youth population.

Review of Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for 2026/27. The next meeting on 30 November 2026 will include pre-decision scrutiny on a new rent and service charge setting policy and a private sector enforcement policy. The committee also noted that information on the statutory responsibilities of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) had been provided, and they would consider if further action was needed. A potential future item on the NEAT (Not in Education, Employment or Training) review was discussed, with the committee noting that their next meeting after November would be in January 2027.

Task and Finish Group Membership

The committee discussed a request to add Councillor Rufia Ashraf to the Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH) In-housing Task and Finish Group. The group currently has seven councillors and is halfway through its work. After discussion, the committee voted to maintain the current membership of the task and finish group, with one abstention.

The meeting was live-webcammed, and attendees were reminded to speak clearly into their microphones and turn off or silence mobile devices. Apologies were received from Jane Carr, Corporate Director, Housing and Communities. No declarations of interest were made. The minutes of the previous meeting on 8 September 2026 were confirmed as a true record.