The Executive of North Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 11 November 2025, approving a range of key decisions including the introduction of council tax premiums on second homes and long-term empty properties, a new electoral services printing and mailing contract, and updated cemetery regulations. The meeting also saw the adoption of a new Housing Fire Safety Policy and a Salary Sacrifice Scheme for pension contributions.

Finance and Performance Report - Quarter 2

The council's financial position for the 2025/26 financial year was reviewed, with the General Fund forecast to overspend by £15.311m. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) is projected to underspend by £942k, while the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) faces a deficit of £19.390m. The Executive noted these figures and approved a budget re-profiling of £24.4m across the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Capital Programme. Additionally, £511k from the Corporate Contingency will be used to cover a higher-than-budgeted pay award, and £150k will fund a review of Adult Social Care transformation for older person pathways. The report also detailed treasury management activities and the assessment of the deliverability of 2025/26 General Fund savings proposals.

Council Tax Premiums - Second Homes and Long Term Empty Properties

The Executive endorsed proposals to introduce a council tax premium on long-term empty properties, reducing the period they are considered empty from two years to one year, effective from 1 April 2026. A premium for second homes will be introduced from 1 April 2027, with taxpayers being given 12 months' notice of these changes. These measures aim to encourage owners to bring properties back into use more quickly to address housing shortages, aligning with the council's Corporate Plan commitments to improve housing standards and meet demand. The Executive recommended these proposals to Full Council for formal adoption.

Electoral Services Printing and Mailing Contract Procurement

Approval was given to procure specialist electoral print and mailing services for the period of 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, with a budget of £500,000. The Director of Law and Governance, in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, was authorised to procure and award the necessary contracts. This decision is crucial to ensure the continued provision of essential election and electoral registration services, avoiding potential legal challenges and maintaining public confidence in the electoral process. The report highlighted that failure to secure a new contract would adversely impact service provision, as the council's in-house printing service lacks the specialist equipment, resources, and capacity required for the high volumes and tight deadlines involved.

North Northamptonshire Cemetery Regulation

A consolidated set of regulations for all 13 North Northamptonshire Council-owned cemeteries was approved. This harmonises regulations across different memorial types and areas within cemeteries, aiming to provide a consistent and clear framework for families and visitors. The decision also includes approving the digging of only single-depth new graves in areas with challenging soil conditions and aligning the opening hours of Wellingborough cemeteries with those across the rest of the council's grounds. This alignment is intended to enhance safety by reducing the risk of accidents in low-lit environments, deter antisocial behaviour by securing sites before dark, and simplify communication with users.

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, as well as enhance recruitment and retention. Earnings-related payments, such as overtime and pay increases, will be calculated on the notional salary before the salary sacrifice reduction. The council's LGPS Discretionary Pension Policy Statement will be amended to allow staff participation in this scheme, and an external provider will be partnered with to deliver a fully managed service.

Future Fleet Strategy and Contract Procurement

The procurement of contracted fleet services, exceeding £500,000 per annum, was approved. This includes the procurement of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) powered vehicles, with an assessment of lease or purchase options. The decision acknowledges that the current lease arrangements expire in September 2027, and the owned fleet will also require renewal. While Electric Vehicles (EVs) were considered, the report indicated that ICE vehicles, utilising Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) for reduced carbon emissions, currently provide better value for money due to the significant additional financial pressures associated with EV infrastructure and purchase costs. A further report will detail the findings of the initial procurement stage.

Travellers Temporary Stopping Site – Update Report

The project to provide a Travellers Temporary Stopping Site will progress at a revised preferred site on council-owned land off Junction 11 of the A14, near the village of Woodford, known as 'Generals Corner'. The previous decision to provide a site adjacent to Junction 3 of the A14 near Rothwell was revoked. The site will be developed as an emergency stopping site with associated facilities. This decision addresses the strategic need for temporary stopping places in North Northamptonshire, as identified in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA). 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.

Corporate Plan 2025-2029

The Executive endorsed the draft Corporate Plan for 2025-2029, subject to any amendments arising from feedback received from the Corporate Scrutiny Committee. The Corporate Plan is a key component of the council's budget and policy framework and will be presented to Full Council in December for formal adoption. The alternative of not having a Corporate Plan was rejected as it would leave a significant gap in the council's policy framework, making future decision-making more difficult and less transparent.

Great Addington Neighbourhood Plan

The Great Addington Neighbourhood Plan was formally adopted (made ) by the Executive following a successful referendum held on 9 October 2025. This action 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 prior to publication. The council is legally required to adopt a neighbourhood plan within eight weeks of a successful referendum, provided it is compatible with assimilated law and Convention Rights.

Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2026/27

The Executive endorsed a proposed Local Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27, which will maintain the current 2025/26 scheme. Annual upratings of allowances and premiums, along with statutory base legislation changes, will be incorporated. The scheme is designed to meet statutory requirements and was recommended for adoption by Full Council. 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.

Adult Social Care Direct Payments Policy

The Executive approved the proposed Adult Social Care Direct Payments Policy, which provides a defined framework for the provision and use of direct payments in line with the charging regulations set out in the Care Act 2014. This policy aims to give individuals greater clarity on the expectations for managing direct payments and will benefit both the council and those 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, has been delegated authority for future reviews and updates to the policy.

Draft Housing Fire Safety Policy

The Executive adopted the new Housing Fire Safety Policy. This policy aligns the council's services with government legislation and ensures a consistent approach across the council's housing stock, fulfilling the council's obligations as a landlord. The alternative of revising legacy policies from the former Corby Borough Council and Kettering Borough Council was rejected as it would have maintained different approaches rather than establishing a unified North Northamptonshire Council standard.

Finance and Performance Report - Quarter 2

The Executive noted the council's forecast outturn position for 2025/26 as at Quarter 2. This included a projected overspend of £15.311m for the General Fund, an underspend of £942k for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), and a deficit of £19.390m for the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). The provisional capital outturn position and indicative funding for both the General Fund and HRA Capital Programmes were also noted. The Executive approved a budget re-profiling of £24.4m across the MTFP Capital Programme. Furthermore, £511k of the Corporate Contingency will be allocated to the pay award, and £150k will fund a review of Adult Social Care transformation for older person pathways. The report also covered treasury management activities and the assessment of the deliverability of General Fund savings proposals for 2025/26.

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

The Executive noted the council's performance as measured by available indicators at Period 6 (Q2) of the 2025/26 financial year. The report, which includes data previously presented in the Finance and Activity Report, allows for performance management as necessary. The council's reporting frequency for performance data is quarterly, with monthly core KPI reports provided to all members, a schedule deemed appropriate for adequate oversight of council services.