The Corporate Scrutiny Committee of North Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 20 October 2026 to discuss the Consultation and Engagement Strategy, the Equality Strategy and Objectives, and the T20 Portfolio Development. Key outcomes included the approval of the minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record, noting progress made in implementing the T20 portfolio, and reviewing the draft Equality Strategy and Objectives.

Consultation and Engagement Strategy 2027-2031

The committee reviewed the initial findings from the pre-consultation engagement for the Council's first Consultation and Engagement Strategy. Councillor Simon Fairhall, representing Aundle Ward, highlighted concerns that the strategy focused too much on the mechanics of consultation rather than the why, emphasizing the need for genuine influence and a closed feedback loop. Councillor Martin Griffiths, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council, presented the strategy, noting a strong appetite among residents to be involved but also identifying challenges with awareness, accessibility, trust, and transparency. The committee discussed how to increase participation, particularly among younger residents and those less digitally engaged, with suggestions including using social media, engaging with schools and colleges, and involving the Youth Council. The importance of demonstrating how feedback influences decisions was also stressed. The committee resolved to note the purpose, scope, and current status of the engagement, consider the initial findings, provide views on the questions in section 5 to inform the development of the draft strategy, and identify communities, service areas, or perspectives requiring further targeted attention. Members' comments were requested to be recorded to inform the draft strategy.

Equality Strategy and Objectives 2026-2030

Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, introduced the draft Equality Strategy and Equality Objective 2026-2030. Councillor Simon Fairhall expressed disappointment that the strategy appeared compliance-focused rather than a priority for the Council, questioning previous progress and the clarity of the strategy. Councillor Cheatley explained that the strategy aligns with the Local Government Association's Equality Framework for Local Government and the Equality Act 2010, emphasizing its focus on understanding the community and ensuring fair access to services. The committee discussed the single objective of understanding our community and whether it was sufficient. Councillor Ben Jameson suggested rephrasing the opening to focus on positive outcomes rather than legal requirements. Councillor Dennis McLean questioned why there was only one equality objective and what tangible benefits were expected. The committee resolved to review the draft strategy and objective, consider the issues and key questions raised, and provide comments and recommendations to the Executive. A briefing on the strategy and its monitoring was also agreed.

T20: Portfolio Development and Transition to Delivery

Libby Caulfield, Director of Transformation and Strategy, presented an update on the T20 portfolio, highlighting the transition from design to delivery. She noted that the current portfolio is transitional, with a mix of legacy and new projects, and that the aim is to increase the financial value of the portfolio to £15 million by March, aiming for an 8:1 return on investment. Councillor Lee Duffy praised the T20 project as the biggest improvement he had seen on the council in his time as a councillor. Councillor Dennis McLean inquired about the list of new projects and the reasons for the projected increase in portfolio value. Claire Edwards, Executive Director for Finance, emphasized the importance of transformation in addressing financial pressures and ensuring a robust budget. The committee resolved to note the progress made in implementing the T20 portfolio, the transitional nature of the current T20, the increased financial value, and to consider and comment on the current direction of travel, including the application of the T20 prioritisation framework, the progressive improvement expected in the strategic alignment of the portfolio, and the arrangements for overseeing delivery and benefits. They also identified areas where further assurance would be welcomed through future reporting.

Corporate Scrutiny Work Programme 2026/27

Raj Sohal, Scrutiny Officer, presented the Action Log, Recommendation Tracker, and Work Programme for the Corporate Scrutiny Committee. The committee noted the contents of these documents and commented on the Work Programme, with members encouraged to propose additional items for future inclusion. The committee resolved to note the contents of the Action Log and the progress reported against the recommendation tracker, consider the Work Programme, and identify any additional items for inclusion in the future Work Programme.