The Executive of North Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 14 October 2025 to discuss several key issues, approving changes to the Keyways Housing Allocation Scheme, the Local Transport Plan project plan, and the Scrutiny-Executive Protocol. The meeting also saw the approval of a new management funding agreement for Kettering Leisure Village and the adoption of the North Northamptonshire Statement of Community Involvement.

Keyways Housing Allocation Scheme Review

The Executive approved the proposed Keyways Housing Allocations Scheme and the commencement of a six-week public consultation on the changes. The proposed amendments aim to ensure the scheme remains legally compliant and fit for purpose, addressing the significant increase in demand for social housing. Key changes include removing applicants with no housing need or those who are homeowners from the housing register, introducing new banding criteria for care-experienced young people, adults in adult social care, and domestic abuse victims. Additional criteria for severe overcrowding will be introduced, and single and couple households will only qualify to bid on one-bedroom properties. The number of autobid areas will increase, and autobid will be enabled for households in supported accommodation. Weekly bids will also increase from three to five for all applicants.

Local Transport Plan Project Plan and Baseline Report

The Executive agreed the stages and timetable for producing the North Northamptonshire Local Transport Plan (LTP) and noted the findings of the public consultation for the LTP Baseline Report. The current LTP, adopted in 2012, is considered outdated and does not reflect current or future needs. The new plan will be developed over several stages, including establishing the context, building consensus, developing the vision and strategy, policy development, identifying interventions, and finally, agreement and adoption. The process will involve extensive public and stakeholder engagement.

Kettering Leisure Village – Ongoing Management Funding Agreement

The Executive approved a new Management Agreement with Phoenix Leisure Management Limited for the operation of the Arena Sports element of Kettering Leisure Village. This agreement, spanning 10 years from 2025 to 2035, includes a funding commitment and aims to align the facility's operation with the Council's Active Communities Strategy. The agreement also introduces a cap on annual inflation increases at 5% RPI and requires Phoenix Leisure to develop and maintain a capital investment plan to ensure the facilities remain fit for purpose. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director for Communities and Leisure to finalise and oversee the delivery of the agreement.

North Northamptonshire Statement of Community Involvement

The Executive adopted the North Northamptonshire Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), a statutory requirement for planning authorities that outlines consultation parameters for development plans and significant planning applications. While the government intends to abolish the requirement for SCIs, the Council has reviewed and updated its current SCI to provide clarity and reaffirm its commitment to community engagement in planning matters. The SCI details consultation processes for local plans, planning applications, and provides advice for Neighbourhood Plans.

Scrutiny - Executive Protocol 2025

The Executive approved the draft Scrutiny-Executive Protocol, a framework designed to guide the conduct of business between the Scrutiny and Executive functions. Built on principles of transparency, accountability, and collaboration, the protocol aims to enhance the effectiveness of the Council's decision-making structure, promote mutual respect, support focused decision-making, and enable the training and development of scrutiny councillors. The protocol was developed in collaboration with scrutiny committee chairs and vice-chairs and aims to foster a positive working relationship between the two functions.

Zero-emission Bus Scheme

The Executive agreed to provide grant funding up to £1.8 million towards the purchase of eight electric buses and associated depot infrastructure for the Kettering – Rothwell – Desborough – Corby/Market Harborough corridor. This initiative utilises Department for Transport capital funding from the Bus Services Improvement Plan and aims to improve bus services, increase patronage, and lower carbon emissions in North Northamptonshire. The funding is subject to detailed advice confirming compliance with the Subsidy Control Act, and authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Place & Economy to finalise the funding agreement.

Traffic Enforcement Options

The Executive approved a series of measures to enhance traffic enforcement across the borough. This includes the review and consolidation of existing Traffic Regulation Orders for Newland Street in Kettering and Arnsley Road in Corby, with restricted access for most vehicles between 8 am and 8 pm, Monday to Saturday. Enforcement using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be introduced on these roads to improve pedestrian safety and bus route reliability. Additionally, ANPR cameras will be implemented within designated School Streets to improve safety, access, and reduce congestion during school operating hours.

Parking Enforcement Processing System Procurement

The Executive approved a model for in-house processing of specific elements of Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) back-office functions. This decision aims to reduce revenue pressures and improve efficiency by bringing functions such as CCTV reviews, vehicle ownership searches, and PCN administration in-house. The move is expected to result in annual savings of £77,548 and allow for greater control over the PCN process, with retained revenue reinvested in highways and environmental services.

Local Bus Framework Contract

The Executive agreed to procure a Local Bus Framework Contract for a period of up to eight years. This framework aims to provide a more efficient and effective basis for procuring local public bus services, streamlining the process for both the Council and bus operators. The framework will allow for flexibility in awarding call-off contracts and is expected to lead to cost savings, improved services, and greater innovation. The potential maximum spend through the framework is estimated at up to £36 million over eight years.

Review of Waste Policies

The Executive approved the North Northamptonshire Waste & Recycling Policy and the Strategy for Tackling Litter and Fly-tipping, along with the Environmental Crime Enforcement Policy. These policies aim to ensure harmonised waste and street cleaning services across the borough, promote responsible waste disposal, and strengthen the Council's ability to tackle environmental crime. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Place and Economy to make minor amendments to the policies as necessary.

Anti-Social Behaviour Policy and Procedures

The Executive approved the North Northamptonshire Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Policy, which aims to ensure a consistent, transparent, and evidence-based approach to investigating and addressing ASB complaints. The policy emphasises early intervention, partnership working, and outlines enforcement procedures. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director for Communities and Leisure to make any amendments required prior to publication, and the Executive endorsed proposals for further engagement with stakeholder groups to develop accessible versions of the Policy.

Integrated Community Equipment Service

The Executive approved a contract variation of eight months to the current Integrated Community Equipment Service (ICES) contract to allow for the development and procurement of a new model. A new five-year contract, with potential for three one-year extensions, will commence on 1st April 2027, in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council and the Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board. The new model aims to introduce self-assessment for low-level equipment, allow care homes to purchase from the ICES catalogue, and extend service delivery to Saturdays and bank holidays.

North Northamptonshire Council Insurance Programme Procurement

The Executive approved the extension of existing insurance contracts for a further 12 months from 1st April 2026, and the disaggregation of certain covers for separate arrangements from 1st April 2026. This decision was made due to increased information demands from the insurance market, preventing a timely tender for 2026/27. The delay will allow the Council to collate the necessary data to secure more favourable insurance terms. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for Finance and Performance to procure and sign new contracts effective from 1st April 2027.

Education Improvement Framework 2025-2028

The Executive approved the Education Improvement Framework 2025–2028 as the Council's strategic approach to education improvement. This framework introduces a locality-based model with four-tiered setting profiles to tailor support and emphasises early intervention. The continued development of locality hubs to support collaborative improvement was endorsed, and authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Children's Services to implement and monitor the framework. The framework aligns with national legislation and statutory guidance and supports the Council's Corporate Plan priorities.