The Executive of North Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 11 November 2025, approving a new Corporate Plan for 2025-2029, adopting the Great Addington Neighbourhood Plan, and making key decisions on the council's future fleet strategy and financial performance. Several policy updates and contract procurements were also approved, including changes to Council Tax premiums and a new Housing Fire Safety Policy.

Corporate Plan 2025-2029

The Executive endorsed the draft Corporate Plan for 2025-2029, subject to amendments following feedback from the Corporate Scrutiny Committee. This plan is a crucial part of the council's budget and policy framework. The council could have chosen not to have a Corporate Plan, but this would have made future decision-making harder and less transparent. The plan will now be presented to Full Council in December for formal adoption.

Finance and Performance Report - Quarter 2

The Executive received a comprehensive update on the council's financial position for the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The General Fund is forecasting an overspend of £15.311 million, while the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) is projecting an underspend of £942,000. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) faces a significant deficit of £19.390 million. The report also noted that £511,000 of the Corporate Contingency will be used for the higher-than-budgeted pay award, and £150,000 will fund a review of Adult Social Care transformation for older person pathways. The Executive approved a budget re-profiling across the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Capital Programme amounting to £24.4 million. The report also detailed treasury management activities and the assessment of the deliverability of the 2025/26 General Fund savings proposals.

Council Tax Premiums - Second Homes and Long Term Empty Properties

A decision was made to introduce a premium for long-term empty properties, reducing the period they are considered empty from two years to one year, effective from 1 April 2026. Additionally, a premium for second homes will be introduced from 1 April 2027. These measures aim to encourage owners to bring properties back into use more quickly, addressing housing shortages and aligning with the council's Corporate Plan commitments to improve housing supply. The proposals will be recommended to Council for formal adoption. The alternative of maintaining the existing two-year premium for empty properties and not introducing a second home premium was rejected as it would not help utilise these measures to increase available housing.

Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2026/27

The Executive endorsed the proposed Local Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27, which will maintain the current scheme from 2025/26. Minor adjustments will be made to reflect annual uprating of allowances and premiums, as well as statutory legislative changes. This scheme is designed to meet statutory requirements. The alternative of increasing or decreasing the minimum contribution payable by customers was considered; decreasing it would create a budget pressure, while increasing it would cause the scheme to exceed its breakeven requirement. The proposed scheme will be recommended to Council.

Future Fleet Strategy and Contract Procurement

The Executive approved the procurement of contracted services exceeding £500,000 per annum to replace expiring leased vehicles and the current owned fleet, which are nearing the end of their operational life. The decision was made to procure Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) powered vehicles, assessing both lease and purchase options. The report highlighted that the infrastructure requirements for Electric Vehicles (EVs) would increase financial pressures, and ICE vehicles, particularly when utilising Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO), currently provide better value for money while offering a medium-term reduction in carbon emissions. The Executive delegated authority for procurement to the Assistant Director for Assets and Environment. A further report will be submitted detailing the findings of the first stage of the procurement process. The alternative of extending current leases was not possible, and deferring the replacement of the owned fleet was deemed too risky due to potential vehicle failure and service disruption. Procuring an EV fleet was also considered but presented significant additional financial pressures.

Great Addington Neighbourhood Plan

The Executive formally adopted the Great Addington Neighbourhood Plan following a successful referendum held on 9 October 2025. This adoption is in accordance with the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012. The Executive Director of Place and Economy has been authorised to publicise the decision and make any minor typographical or formatting amendments to the plan prior to publication. The council is legally required to adopt a neighbourhood plan within eight weeks of a successful referendum, provided it does not conflict with assimilated law or Convention Rights.

Travellers Temporary Stopping Site – Update Report

The Executive noted an update on the progress of establishing a Travellers Temporary Stopping Site and recommended that the project proceed at a revised preferred site on land owned by North Northamptonshire Council off Junction 11 of the A14, near the village of Woodford, known as ‘Generals Corner’. The previous decision to establish a site near Junction 3 of the A14 close to Rothwell was revoked. The site will be progressed as an emergency stopping site with associated facilities. The Executive Director for Place and Economy, in consultation with the Executive Member for Regulatory Services, has been delegated authority to submit a planning application and procure the necessary works. The strategic need for such a site is supported by the 2019 Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA), with a revised assessment due in October 2025 expected to confirm the ongoing need. The option to do nothing was rejected as it would not address the strategic need or allow for better management of unauthorised encampments (UEs).

Electoral Services Printing and Mailing Contract Procurement

Approval was granted for the procurement of specialist electoral print and mailing services for the period 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, with a value of £500,000. This is essential for the Electoral Registration Officer and Returning Officer to fulfil their statutory duties and deliver successful elections and referenda. Failure to secure a new contract would adversely impact service provision and could lead to legal challenges and reputational damage. The council does not possess the in-house specialist printing equipment or capacity to handle the volume and tight deadlines required. Extending the existing contract is not possible, and while using an existing framework via direct award was considered, it was deemed less preferable due to limited competition. Procuring a longer-term contract was rejected to align with future proposals for a coordinated procurement of all electoral services contracts from 2027 onwards.

Pension Policy update – Salary Sacrifice Scheme

The Executive approved the implementation of a Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) pension arrangement for members of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). This new employee benefit aims to improve pension education and financial well-being, enhance recruitment and retention, and deliver budget savings for the council. Earnings-related payments will be calculated on the notional salary before the salary sacrifice reduction. The council's LGPS Discretionary Pension Policy Statement will be amended to permit participation in the Shared Cost AVC scheme. The council will partner with an external provider for a fully managed service, as managing the scheme in-house carries resource and compliance risks.

Adult Social Care Direct Payments Policy

The Executive adopted the proposed Adult Social Care Direct Payments Policy, which provides a defined framework in line with the Care Act 2014 and associated guidance. This policy aims to offer greater clarity on the expectations for the use and management of direct payments for individuals receiving adult social care services. The Executive Director of Adults, Health Partnerships and Housing, in consultation with the Executive Member for Adults and Health Partnerships, will be responsible for future reviews and updates. The alternative of not implementing a specific policy was rejected due to potential ambiguity regarding the acceptable use of direct payment funding.

Draft Housing Fire Safety Policy

The Executive adopted the new Housing Fire Safety Policy. This policy is designed to ensure the council aligns its services with government legislation and delivers a consistent approach across its housing stock, fulfilling its legal obligations as a landlord. The alternative of revising legacy policies from Corby Borough Council and Kettering Borough Council was deemed unsuitable as it would have maintained different approaches across the former council areas.

North Northamptonshire Cemetery Regulation

The Executive approved a consolidated set of North Northamptonshire Cemetery Regulations to be applied across all 13 cemeteries managed by the council. This harmonisation aims to provide a consistent standard for memorials and grave types, removing confusion and offering equal opportunities to all families. The regulations also stipulate that only single-depth new graves will be dug in areas where soil conditions make double-depth digging unsuitable, ensuring compliance with health and safety practices. Furthermore, the opening hours of Wellingborough cemeteries will be aligned with those of other North Northamptonshire cemeteries to enhance safety, reduce antisocial behaviour, and simplify messaging to users. The alternative of leaving differing regulations in place was rejected as it would not align with the harmonisation of service standards and fees and charges for bereavement services.

Performance Indicator Report 2025/26 (Period 6 – September / Q2)

The Executive noted the council's performance as measured by available indicators for Period 6 (September/Q2) of the 2025/26 financial year. The report provides an overview of performance to enable necessary management. The council currently reports performance data quarterly to the Executive and Scrutiny, with monthly 'core KPI' reports to all members. Reporting less frequently than quarterly is not recommended due to insufficient oversight, while more frequent reporting was not chosen to align with financial and performance reporting timetables.