The Place and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee of West Northamptonshire Council was scheduled to meet on Monday 26 January 2026 to review the council's performance, discuss the communications plan for the Local Plan, and receive updates on the budget and financial strategy. Other topics scheduled for discussion included the findings of the Budget Scrutiny Task and Finish Panel, and the membership of a review panel for Section 106 Agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Corporate Plan Performance Report

The committee was scheduled to consider the Corporate Plan Performance Report for the second quarter of 2025-26. This report provides an overview of the council's performance against key indicators aligned with the priorities of the One West Northamptonshire Plan 2025-2030. The plan, adopted on 4 March 2025, serves as a strategic framework for the council's ambitions. The report details performance metrics across various areas, including economic growth, housing delivery, education, adult social care, and council efficiency. It also notes changes to reporting indicators, such as the removal of metrics related to mothers known to be smokers at delivery and older people at home after hospital discharge due to data availability. The report also outlines amendments proposed by the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee in June 2025 regarding key performance indicators, with updates on their implementation status.

Local Plan Communications Plan

A key item on the agenda was the communications plan for the West Northamptonshire Local Plan. This plan outlines the strategy for engaging stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and community groups, during the consultation period for the updated Local Plan. The plan details objectives such as informing stakeholders about changes since the previous draft, explaining the benefits of the Local Plan, and encouraging feedback. It highlights significant changes to the plan, including an increased housing requirement, an extended plan period to 2043, and updated evidence bases for strategic employment land. The plan also details specific engagement activities, such as public meetings in various locations across West Northamptonshire, targeted outreach to young people and rural communities, and communication strategies for businesses and elected members.

Budget Scrutiny and Financial Updates

The committee was scheduled to receive a draft report from the Budget Scrutiny Task and Finish Panel, detailing its findings. Additionally, a verbal update was expected from the Corporate Director of Finance & Procurement regarding the council's latest revenue monitoring position and the progress of the Medium Term Financial Strategy. The report pack indicated that the forecast outturn for 2025-26 was an overspend of £10.5 million, after utilising £11.4 million of general budget contingencies. This overspend represents 2.4% of the net budget. The report also detailed the amount of debt owed to the council that was overdue by at least 90 days, which had decreased to £30.7 million by the end of the second quarter.

Section 106 Agreements / Community Infrastructure Levy Scrutiny Review

The committee was to consider the membership of a Scrutiny Review Panel for Section 106 Agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Section 106 agreements are legal obligations entered into by developers to mitigate the impact of their developments, often involving contributions towards local infrastructure or affordable housing. The Community Infrastructure Levy is a charge that local authorities can levy in certain circumstances on new developments to help fund infrastructure. The review aims to provide scrutiny input into these areas.

Review of Committee Work Programme

The committee was also scheduled to review and note its work programme for the year. This includes a list of topics identified for scrutiny, their proposed purpose, and the scheduled dates for their consideration. The work programme indicated that the Budget Scrutiny Task and Finish Group had scheduled meetings in January 2026, and that the Waste Collections and Cleansing Review was ongoing with updates provided at committee meetings. The Regeneration and Asset Management topic was also scheduled for updates. The committee's work programme also highlighted the Local Plan for West Northamptonshire as a topic for scrutiny, with an initial report considered in September 2025 and the communications strategy to be discussed at this meeting.