The Cabinet of West Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 05 May 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including future waste collection and street cleansing services, a new youth strategy, and a domestic abuse and sexual violence strategy. Other key topics on the agenda included the proposed process for a Local SEND Reform Plan, a review of the Housing Allocations Policy, the adoption of a Contaminated Land Strategy, and the Council's Asset Management Plan.

WNC Waste Collection and Street Cleansing Services from 2028

The meeting was scheduled to consider proposals for the future delivery of waste collection and street cleansing services across West Northamptonshire from 2028. The report outlined the outcomes of a review into current services, which are delivered through a mix of inherited arrangements including a joint venture with Norse, a contract with Veolia, and an in-house team in the South area. The report recommended bringing these services in house to be delivered by a directly employed team from June 2028. This approach was favoured to achieve consistent services, greater control, and flexibility. The report also proposed harmonising residual waste collection frequency for properties with individual wheeled bins from fortnightly to every three weeks across the former Northampton and South Northamptonshire areas by Spring 2027, aligning with the service in the Daventry area. This change was projected to increase recycling performance and generate estimated savings. The adoption of updated specifications for waste collections and street cleansing services, along with the procurement of supporting contracts for fleet, maintenance, fuel, and waste haulage and treatment, were also recommended.¹

West Northamptonshire Youth Strategy (2026–2030)

A report was presented seeking approval for the adoption and implementation of the West Northamptonshire Youth Strategy 2026–2030. 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 identifies six key priorities: delivering against an outcomes framework aligned to the 0–19 model, integrating the Youth Offer into communities and Family Help arrangements, improving awareness and accessibility of the Youth Offer, helping young people stay safe online and build digital resilience, better coordinating services and delivering more effective monitoring, and refreshing and embedding the Local Youth Offer Plan and developing a Youth Work Curriculum. The strategy aligns with the Council's ambition to be a child-friendly place and supports the outcome of having a vibrant youth offer that engages young people in positive activities, reducing anti-social behaviour and youth crime.²

Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-2030

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026–2030. This strategy, developed by the Joint North and West Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership Board, aims to provide a unified countywide approach to preventing and addressing domestic abuse and sexual violence. It is built on victim and survivor experience, local needs assessments, and extensive multi-agency 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 to Account. The strategy aims to ensure all residents can live safely and experience healthy relationships without the threat of domestic abuse or sexual violence.³

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

A report was presented seeking approval to delegate authority to the Director of Children's Services, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, the Leader of the Council, and the Portfolio Holder for Children's Services, to approve and submit the Local SEND Reform Plan and Maturity Matrix by 19 June 2026. This plan is a requirement from the Department for Education (DfE) and NHS England to improve standards, strengthen inclusion, and ensure every child and young person with SEND can achieve and thrive. The plan is underpinned by a Local Partnership Maturity Assessment and is crucial for strengthening inclusive practice, improving early intervention, delivering financial sustainability, and securing improved outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Approval of the plan is also linked to eligibility for the High Needs Stability Grant.⁴

Review of the Housing Allocations Policy

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider proposed amendments to the West Northamptonshire Council Housing Allocation Policy. The updated policy aims to provide a clearer, more robust, and legally compliant framework for allocating social and affordable housing, ensuring fairness, transparency, and consistency. Key proposed changes include adjustments to succession of tenancy rules, local connection eligibility requirements, employment criteria, provisions for homeless applicants, and the introduction of income thresholds. The amendments also seek to improve the process for direct offers and auto-bidding, and to ensure offers to domestic abuse survivors are made at a safe distance from the risk area. The policy aims to prioritise households with the greatest and most urgent needs, including vulnerable residents, while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.⁵

Adoption of Contaminated Land Strategy, Cost Recovery and Hardship Policy

The meeting was scheduled 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 implement the contaminated land regime, replacing previous strategies from former district and borough councils. It details the approach to inspecting the area for contaminated land, identifying it, and managing the collected information, with a focus on a risk-based, 'suitable for current use' approach. The Hardship Policy, required by statutory guidance, aims to guide the decision-making process for recovering costs associated with remediation of contaminated land, ensuring transparency and demonstrating eligibility for potential financial assistance from central government.⁶

Asset Management Plan

A report was presented seeking approval for the proposed Asset Management Plan (AMP). This plan builds on the Estates Strategy and provides an evidence-based approach for managing the Council's approximately 1,000 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 for implementation. The plan covers operational and non-operational assets, excluding highways and Housing Revenue Account stock, and sets out a five-year programme of actions to deliver the five priorities of the Estates Strategy: A Fit for Purpose Estate, A Well-Managed and Maintained Estate, Collaboration with Partners, Optimising Revenue Generation, and Empowering Future Growth and Development.⁷