The West Northamptonshire Council Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 5 May 2026 to discuss a range of important issues affecting the local area. Key topics include the future of waste collection and street cleansing services, a new youth strategy, and a review of the housing allocations policy.

Waste Collection and Street Cleansing Services from 2028

The council is considering proposals for how waste collection and street cleansing services will be delivered from 2028, when current contracts expire. The report pack suggests bringing these services in house to be delivered by a directly employed team. This approach is favoured to achieve consistent services and greater control and responsiveness. It is also proposed that residual waste collection frequency for properties with individual wheeled bins in the former South Northamptonshire and Northampton areas be changed from fortnightly to every three weeks by Spring 2027, aligning with the service in the Daventry area. This change is anticipated to generate savings and increase recycling performance.

West Northamptonshire Youth Strategy (2026–2030)

A proposed West Northamptonshire Youth Strategy for 2026-2030 is scheduled for discussion. This strategy, co-produced with young people, aims to provide a framework for supporting young people aged 11-19 (and up to 25 for those with SEND or care experience) to feel safe, included, confident, and able to thrive. The strategy focuses on making the local youth offer easier to find, more consistent across communities, and better integrated between education, health, and voluntary services. Six strategic priorities are outlined, including delivering against an outcomes framework aligned to the 0-19 model, integrating the youth offer into communities and Family Help arrangements, and improving awareness and accessibility of services.

Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-2030

The Cabinet will consider the adoption of the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-2030. This multi-agency strategy, developed by the Joint North and West Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership Board, aims to transform the response to domestic abuse and sexual violence across the county. It is built on victim and survivor experiences, local needs assessments, and extensive consultation, with a deliberate shift towards prevention and early intervention. The strategy is structured around five strategic objectives: Early Intervention and Prevention; Support and Protection for All Victims and Survivors; Building Trust and Confidence in Services; Coordinated Community Response and Partnership Working; and Holding Perpetrators Accountable.

Approval of the proposed process for the completion and submission of the Local SEND Reform Plan

The report pack indicates that the Cabinet will be asked to approve the proposed process for completing and submitting the Local SEND Reform Plan. This plan is a requirement from the Department for Education (DfE) and NHS England, with a deadline of 19 June 2026. The plan is underpinned by a Local Partnership Maturity Assessment and aims to strengthen inclusive practice, improve early intervention, deliver financial sustainability, and secure improved outcomes for children, young people, and their families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Approval of the plan is also linked to eligibility for the High Needs Stability Grant.

Review of the Housing Allocations Policy

A review of the West Northamptonshire Council Housing Allocation Policy is scheduled for discussion, with proposed amendments to the existing policy. The updated policy aims to ensure a clearer, more robust, and legally compliant framework for allocating social and affordable housing, prioritising households in the greatest need. Proposed changes include adjustments to succession of tenancy rules, local connection eligibility, employment criteria, and banding for various applicant groups, including homeless applicants, victims of domestic abuse, and those with specific welfare needs. The policy also addresses income thresholds, housing debt, and the process for offers and bidding.

Adoption of Contaminated Land Strategy, Cost Recovery and Hardship Policy

The Cabinet is expected to consider the adoption of a new West Northamptonshire Contaminated Land Strategy and an associated Hardship Policy. The Contaminated Land Strategy outlines how the Council will inspect its area for contaminated land, identify it, and manage the information gathered. The Hardship Policy is intended to guide decision-making regarding the recovery of costs associated with cleaning up contaminated land, ensuring transparency and considering potential financial hardship for those responsible. These documents replace previous strategies from the former district and borough councils.

Asset Management Plan

The approval of a proposed Asset Management Plan (AMP) is on the agenda. This plan builds on the Estates Strategy and provides an evidence-based approach for managing the Council's land and property assets. The AMP aims to ensure assets are fit for purpose, financially sustainable, and aligned with corporate and service priorities. It details governance arrangements, resources, tools, policies, and systems required to implement the Council's objectives for its approximately 1,000 properties, which include operational buildings, non-operational assets, parks, and land holdings. The plan covers the period 2025–2030 and will be reviewed and updated annually.