The Cabinet of West Northamptonshire Council met on Wednesday 15 April 2026, approving an improvement plan for Adult Social Care following a critical Care Quality Commission (CQC) report, authorising new leases for temporary accommodation to address homelessness, and adopting new policies on the use of Council property.

Care Quality Commission Outcome and Improvement Report

Cabinet approved the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Improvement Plan, which aims to address the findings of a recent inspection that rated West Northamptonshire Council's Adult Social Care services as requiring improvement. The plan, developed in collaboration with stakeholders including service users, carers, and staff, outlines a structured approach to tackle issues such as waiting times, capacity pressures, data quality, and inequalities in access and experience. Councillor Laura Couse, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services, presented the report, highlighting that several improvements have already been implemented. The plan will be submitted to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) by 24 April 2026.

During the discussion, Councillor Hayley Adkin, Vice-Chair of the Adult Social Care, Health and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, noted the plan's people-centred approach and alignment with the SEND Improvement Plan. Councillor Bob Purser, Chair of the same committee, acknowledged the scale of improvement required and expressed scrutiny's commitment to partnering in delivering these changes. Councillors raised concerns about identified gaps in mental health provision, culturally responsive care, and rural access, and questioned the reliance on overseas workers within the care sector. Councillor Couse assured 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, with ongoing revisions based on feedback from teams and partners.

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, stating that the proposals represent sound commercial practice and a financially beneficial decision, with projected savings of approximately £150,000 per annum compared to current nightly let costs. Councillor Charlie Hastie, Cabinet Member for Housing, emphasised the Council's statutory duty to provide temporary accommodation and the ongoing search for more permanent solutions.

The two properties will provide a total of 31 flats. The leases are for a minimum of ten years plus one day, with one property having a break clause at year five. Cabinet also granted standing authorisation for the Assistant Director Assets & Environment to take leases of properties for service delivery, not exceeding ten years and six months, provided costs are covered by existing service budgets. This delegation requires consultation with the Executive Director Resources and the Cabinet Member for Finance for leases exceeding £100,000 in total consideration or a committed term of over five years.

During the discussion, concerns were raised about the limited capacity provided by these new leases, the potential for damages under full repair contracts, and the need for hands-on management. Questions were also asked about rent increases, Council Tax implications, and the breadth of delegated authority. The Executive Director Place & Economy confirmed that leases were negotiated in line with best practice and that property acquisitions are still under consideration. The Director of Communities & Opportunities assured members of hands-on management and proactive work on rent arrears.

Policies on the Use of Council Property

Cabinet approved an updated Policy on the Voluntary, Community, Social Enterprise, and Faith (VCSE) group use of property and adopted a new policy on community gardening on Council land. Councillor John Slope presented the report, explaining that these policies aim to ensure the Council's property estate is used effectively and provides value for money while meeting community needs.

The updated VCSE policy introduces a 'continuity presumption', meaning existing groups that have served the community effectively will normally be offered the opportunity to continue using a building when their current term ends, unless there are specific reasons to the contrary. A guide and flowchart have been added to help VCSE groups understand the policy. The new community gardening policy aims to enable individuals and groups to garden suitable open spaces for health, community pride, and cohesion, aligning with the Parks Development Strategy. While food growing is a focus, other forms of gardening will also be supported.

During the debate, councillors raised concerns about insufficient evidence, a lack of clear, measurable criteria, and the absence of prior scrutiny for the policies. A formal 12-month review was requested, and questions were raised about management arrangements and the involvement of Parish Councils. The Executive Director Place & Economy confirmed that the VCSE policy has been in operation for five years and that the community gardening policy is part of the Parks Strategy, resulting from extensive consultation. He acknowledged that there would be lessons learned and stressed the importance of working collaboratively with community groups. Councillor Nigel Stansfield highlighted the availability of land and the potential for community gardens to address issues like fly-tipping and foster community cohesion.