The Council of North Northamptonshire Council met on Thursday 22 January 2026, approving recommendations from a Corporate Peer Challenge progress review, a revised scheme for councillors' allowances, and the municipal timetable for 2026/27. The council also approved changes to its planning committee arrangements.

Corporate Peer Challenge - Progress Review

The Council accepted the findings of the Local Government Association's (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) Progress Review report, noting the ongoing progress detailed in the associated action plan. These recommendations and further actions will be incorporated into the Council's Annual Delivery Plan. The CPC, a tool for improvement and assurance, found that North Northamptonshire Council had made real and meaningful progress across all seven of its original recommendations, despite significant political changes including the election of 47 new members. The peer team commended the council for its commitment to improvement, good governance, and service delivery, highlighting strengthened corporate planning, improved financial governance, and better member-officer relationships. Key areas for continued focus include embedding the strategic priorities across all service plans, enhancing the council's regional and national presence, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. The council's commitment to learning from external feedback and adapting positively was also noted.

Review of Planning Committee Arrangements

The Council approved the adoption of a single Planning Committee with a membership of 13 councillors. This decision aligns with best practice identified by the Planning Advisory Service (PAS). The review considered the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning committee structure, noting that previous arrangements with multiple committees had experienced cancellations and short meetings, with an excessive number of minor applications being considered. The move to a single committee aims to ensure that planning committees focus on the most significant applications and improve cost-effectiveness. The Council also noted the Planning Infrastructure Act 2025 and anticipated subsequent regulations that may prescribe mandatory parameters for committee size and composition.

Independent Remuneration Panel - Review of Members Scheme of Allowances

The Council rejected the Independent Remuneration Panel's (IRP) recommendation for a 1.5% increase and backdating of allowances for members from 23 May 2025. Instead, the Council approved several other recommendations from the IRP's review of the Members' Allowances Scheme. These include: only one Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) payable per member; a limit on the number of SRAs payable at any one time to not exceed 50% of Council Members (34); and setting the SRA for the Chair of the Planning Committee at the same level as the Chair of the Licensing and Appeals Committee. Mileage and subsistence allowances will remain unchanged, as will the childcare and dependants' carers allowance, capped at £15,383.80 per annum. The LGA model parental leave policy will be adopted. Co-opted Members and Independent Persons' allowance will remain at £400 per meeting but will be uncapped and paid only on attendance. Basic allowances and SRAs will be subject to annual indexation in line with the NJC national pay award for officers. No changes were made to the Approved Duties outlined in the Members' Allowance Scheme.

Municipal Timetable 2026/27

The Council approved the Municipal Timetable for 2026/2027. This timetable provides the schedule of meetings for the upcoming municipal year, including dates for Council, Executive, committees, and other standing bodies. Approving the timetable allows for timely planning of meeting dates for members, officers, and the public, in accordance with the Council's Constitution. The timetable includes advance draft dates up to December 2027 to provide certainty, while retaining flexibility for extraordinary meetings or adjustments based on business needs. The timetable aligns with the Council's priority of 'Smarter, Faster, Fairer Public Services' by ensuring efficient and accessible services.