The Cabinet of West Northamptonshire Council met on Wednesday 15 April 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the improvement plan for Adult Social Care following a critical Care Quality Commission (CQC) report, the leasing of new temporary accommodation to address homelessness, and the adoption of new policies for the use of Council property. Key decisions included the approval of the CQC Improvement Plan, the authorisation of new temporary accommodation leases, and the adoption of updated policies for voluntary, community, social enterprise, and faith (VCSE) group use of property, as well as a new policy for community gardening.

Care Quality Commission Outcome and Improvement Report

The Cabinet approved the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Improvement Plan for Adult Social Care, which aims to address the requires improvement rating received following an inspection in August 2025. Councillor Laura Couse, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services, presented the report, highlighting that the plan had been co-produced with stakeholders and that several improvements had already been implemented. The plan focuses on six priority areas: Workforce Development and Practice Framework, Communication and Information Sharing, Leadership Development and Team Support, Data and Performance Management, Partnership Working, and Equity and Experience in Outcomes.

Councillor Hayley Adkin, Vice-Chair of the Adult Social Care, Health and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, noted that the plan was developed in partnership, aligned with the SEND Improvement Plan, and had a people-centred approach. Councillor Bob Purser, Chair of the same committee, added that the plan was a fair representation of the challenges and that Scrutiny was keen to act as a partner in delivering improvements.

Concerns were raised by councillors regarding significant gaps in mental health provision, culturally responsive care, and rural access, as well as the sector's reliance on overseas workers. Councillor Couse acknowledged these points, stating that access to care is a priority and that the ambition is for services to be outstanding. The Director of Strategic Commissioning confirmed that the improvement plan is a working document and that significant investment is being made to support internationally recruited staff, though future recruitment via this route is uncertain due to Home Office requirements. The Council will submit the CQC Improvement Plan to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) by 24 April 2026.

Temporary Accommodation Leases

The Cabinet authorised the Assistant Director Assets & Environment to take leases on two properties to provide additional temporary accommodation for homeless individuals and families. Councillor John Slope, Cabinet Member for Finance, presented the report, emphasizing that the proposals represent a sound financial decision with CPI-indexed rents and assessed risks. Councillor Charlie Hastie, Cabinet Member for Housing, highlighted the Council's statutory duty to provide temporary accommodation and the ongoing need for more permanent solutions.

The two properties will provide a total of 31 flats, with an estimated annual saving of £150,000 compared to the current cost of using nightly lets. The leases are for a minimum of ten years, with one property having a break clause at year five. The Cabinet also granted standing authorisation to the Assistant Director Assets & Environment to take leases of properties for service delivery, provided costs are covered by existing budgets and do not exceed a ten-year and six-month commitment. Decisions exceeding £100,000 in consideration or a five-year term will require consultation with the Executive Director Resources and the Cabinet Member for Finance.

Concerns were raised by councillors regarding the limited impact of the new accommodation on total need, potential damages under full repair contracts, the breadth of delegated authority to officers, and the need for oversight of accommodation quality. The Executive Director Place & Economy confirmed that property acquisitions are still under consideration and offered a separate briefing. The Director of Communities & Opportunities assured members of hands-on management by the Housing team and proactive work on rent arrears.

Policies on the Use of Council Property

The Cabinet adopted an updated Policy on the Voluntary, Community, Social Enterprise, and Faith (VCSE) group use of property and a new policy on community gardening on Council land. Councillor John Slope presented the report, stating that the policies provide a fair and consistent framework for managing Council property effectively and delivering value for money.

The updated VCSE policy introduces a continuity presumption, meaning existing VCSE tenants will normally be offered the opportunity to continue using a building when their current term ends, provided they have served the community effectively. This aims to provide greater security for these groups. The new community gardening policy seeks to enable individuals and groups to garden suitable open spaces for health and community benefits, aligning with the Parks Development Strategy.

Councillors raised concerns about insufficient evidence, a lack of clear, measurable criteria, and the absence of prior scrutiny for the policies. The Executive Director Place & Economy confirmed that the VCSE policy has been in operation for five years and that concerns have been discussed over that period. He also stated that the Community Garden Policy is part of the Parks Strategy and the result of extensive consultation. It was agreed that lessons would be learned from the practical application of the policies. Councillor Nigel Stansfield highlighted the availability of land across Northampton and suggested community gardens could help address fly-tipping and build local pride.

The Cabinet approved the amended VCSE use of property policy and adopted the proposed policy on community gardening on the Council's land.