The Council of West Northamptonshire Council was scheduled to meet on 25 September 2025, to discuss a range of issues including the West Northamptonshire Administration Delivery Plan, the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, and updates to the constitution. Councillors were also expected to discuss motions relating to smartphone use in schools, regeneration plans for Northampton, and support for vaccine programmes.

Opposition Priority Business

Councillor Daniel Lister, Leader of the Conservative Group, proposed a motion concerning the increase in small boat crossings, the pressures on local communities accommodating migrants in hotels, and the planning enforcement process related to these hotels. The council was scheduled to consider a resolution to:

• Respond promptly to Planning Contravention Notices issued to three hotels in West Northamptonshire.
• Request that the Leader of the Council and Chief Executive monitor planning enforcement progress and explore options to strengthen the council's position.
• Write to the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to express concerns and request consultation on future decisions regarding asylum seeker accommodation.
• Call on the government to clarify that asylum hotels require planning permission and to develop a sustainable approach to housing asylum seekers, as well as tackle the causes of illegal immigration.

Motions

Smartphone Use in Schools

Councillor Fiona Baker proposed a motion, seconded by Councillor Pinder Chauhan, regarding smartphone use in schools. The motion noted the statutory duty of schools to safeguard children, the inconsistent application of current Department for Education (DfE) guidance, and the safeguarding risks associated with smartphones and other internet-enabled devices. The council was scheduled to consider a resolution to:

• Ask the Director of Children's Services to develop guidance for schools, referencing DfE policy models and encouraging the adoption of the most effective model where smartphones are not brought to school.
• Request the Director of Children's Services to run a formal public consultation involving schools, parents, pupils, safeguarding leads, and inclusion officers.
• Encourage all schools in West Northants to have smartphone and device restrictions in place from September 2026 and encourage monitoring of academic performance, behaviour, and wellbeing.
• Share the motion and supporting evidence with relevant parties, including the Secretary of State for Education and local MPs.

Northampton Regeneration Plans

Councillor Keith Holland-Delamere proposed a motion, seconded by Councillor Rufia Ashraf, concerning the regeneration of Northampton. The motion acknowledged the masterplanning efforts to regenerate the town centre and welcomed the inclusion of areas outside the inner core, as well as the envisioning of the River Nene as a key asset. The council was scheduled to consider a request to the Cabinet to include the following in the regeneration plans:

• A community sounding board or sub-group with local councillors' involvement.
• Redesign and upgrading of gateways to the town centre, especially Kettering Road, St James/Weedon Road and Wellingborough Road to strengthen small business opportunities and improve first impressions.
• Careful consideration of the housing mix, improvement of urban walking and cycle routes, and more sustainable facilities for community and faith-based groups.
• A realistic timetable.

Support for Vaccine Programmes

Councillor Christine Ware proposed a motion, seconded by Councillor Andrew Simpson, recognising the importance of the role of the Director of Public Health (DPH) and the support and promotion of vaccine programmes. The council was scheduled to consider a resolution to:

• Welcome the new Director of Public Health, David Johns.
• Actively support objectives for public health in the local area based on evidence and scientific principles.
• Commit to fully support the DPH in their statutory role.
• Drive vaccination penetration levels for relevant groups.
• Dismiss ill conceived, unscientific rhetoric linked to anti-vaccination conspiracy theorists spreading misinformation.
• Ensure that all councillors play their role in advocating for policies that promote well-being and reduce health inequalities within our communities.

West Northamptonshire Administration Delivery Plan 2025-30

The council was scheduled to discuss the West Northamptonshire Administration Delivery Plan 2025-2030. The plan outlines the priorities of the new administration and how the council will allocate resources and investments. The Delivery Plan is designed to align with the One West Northamptonshire Plan and focuses on:

• Boosting Business Growth and Prosperity
• Creating Stronger and Safer Communities
• Caring for People
• Delivering Efficient Public Services

The report pack stated that the plan includes key areas of focus, actions to be taken, and measures of success for each theme, and is supported by corporate strategies and service plans.

Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2026-27

The council was scheduled to discuss the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme (LCTRS) for 2026-2027. The report pack noted that the LCTRS must be approved and in place by 31 January each year and applies to working age claimants only, as the government prescribes the scheme for those of pension age. The council was scheduled to consider a proposal to keep the LCTRS the same for 2026-2027, which officers believed could be contained within existing budgets.

Revenue Monitoring - Provisional Outturn 2024-25

The council was scheduled to discuss the Revenue Monitoring - Provisional Outturn 2024-25. The report pack stated that the Council's Provisional Revenue Outturn position for 2024-25 is a small underspend of £0.4m. The council was scheduled to consider approving:

• Amendments to the General Fund capital programme of £8.0m for additional capitalisation identified in 2024-25.
• Additions to the 2024-25 Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy.

Approval of Agency Spend >£100k

The council was scheduled to discuss and approve a proposed remuneration package in excess of £100,000 for an interim worker engaged to deliver the recommissioning of Drug and Alcohol Misuse Services and oversee the implementation of a new delivery offer. The report pack stated that the role of a Drug and Alcohol Commissioner is a specialist position due to the complex and multifaceted nature of substance misuse and its impact on individuals, families, and communities.

Updates to the Constitution

The council was scheduled to discuss proposed updates to the Constitution. These included:

• Terms of Reference of the Pensions Fund Committee and Local Pension Board
• Council Procedure Rules
• Planning Protocol

Harlestone Road Affordable Housing Scheme Budget

The council was scheduled to discuss a proposal to acquire land known as the former Petrol Station site at Harlestone Road, Northampton from Vistry Group Limited (Vistry). The council was scheduled to consider a proposal to:

• Approve the establishment of the Capital budget as outlined in the Private Appendix A, including Capital expenditure for acquisition, build, fees and interest.
• Note the decision of Cabinet to authorise the Director of Communities and Opportunities, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer, Monitoring Officer and Cabinet Member for Housing, to conclude the terms of the acquisition from Vistry Group Limited and enter into the Land and Development Agreement and associated documents to appoint Vistry Group Limited as the Council's development partner for the Harlestone Road housing site.

The report pack stated that the scheme is due to have its planning application determined shortly and comprises 31 homes for Affordable Rent, 26 homes for Shared Ownership and 25 homes for Social Rent in this offer.