The County Council of Northumberland Council met on Wednesday 18 February 2026 to discuss a range of significant financial and operational matters. Key topics included the Council's budget for 2026-27, the medium-term financial plan, and the appointment of key senior officers.

The Budget and Financial Planning

A substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Council's financial planning for the upcoming years. This included a review of the Budget and Priorities Engagement report, which summarised the outcomes of a wide-reaching consultation with members, residents, and partners to inform the Council's Budget and Corporate Plan for 2026-2030.

The Council was scheduled to consider the Budget 2026-27, Medium Term Financial Plan 2026-30 and 30 Year Business Plan for the Housing Revenue Account. This comprehensive report detailed proposed rent increases, growth items for areas such as damp and mould remediation following new legislation, and expenditure plans for affordable housing and major repairs programmes.

Furthermore, a report under Section 25 of the Local Government Act 2003 was presented, providing the Section 151 Officer's assessment of the Council's financial standing and the robustness of its budget estimates. This report also addressed the adequacy of the proposed financial reserves.

The Council was also set to review and approve the Revenue Budget for 2026-27, including proposed efficiencies totalling £18.539 million for that year. This was linked to a proposed increase in the general Council Tax by 2.99% and a 2.00% increase for Adult Social Care services. The Capital Strategy 2026-27 to 2028-29 and the revised Capital Programme 2026-27 to 2028-29 were also scheduled for approval, outlining planned investments across various service areas, funded through a combination of capital receipts, external grants, revenue contributions, and borrowing.

Finally, the Revenues and Benefits Policies for 2026-27 were to be updated, including changes to policies governing council tax discounts, empty homes premiums, and second homes premiums. A new Council Tax Support Exceptional Hardship Fund Policy for 2026-27 was also presented for approval.

Appointments

The meeting agenda included the scheduled consideration of recommendations from the Staff and Appointments Committee regarding the appointment of senior officers. This included the proposed appointment of Jon Ritchie to the role of Executive Director – Transformation and Resources and Section 151 Officer, and the recommendation for Alison Elsdon to act up as Deputy S151 Officer prior to Mr Ritchie's start date. Additionally, the appointment of Keith Carruthers to the role of Chief Fire Officer was scheduled for consideration.

Other Discussions

The agenda also included the Pay Policy Statement 2026-2027, which outlines the Council's approach to workforce remuneration, particularly for Chief Officers and the lowest paid employees. The statement detailed pay structures, incremental progression, and governance arrangements for senior appointments.

The Council was also due to set the Council Tax for 2026-27, providing the financial information necessary for this calculation. This included details on the aggregate amount of gross expenditure and income, the Council Tax requirement, and the basic amount of Council Tax per Band D household. The report also noted the Police and Crime Commissioner's recommended precept.

Finally, the Treasury Management Strategy 2026-27 was to be presented, detailing the expected activities of the Treasury Management function, including borrowing strategies, investment policies, and risk management. This included the proposed Annual Minimum Revenue Provision Policy 2026-27.