The North Northamptonshire Executive met on Tuesday 14 April 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, approving new frameworks for highway maintenance and speed management, and a new policy for crisis and resilience support. The Executive also agreed to recommission lifestyle services, education outreach, and housing IT systems, and to proceed with new housing property and land acquisitions.

Highway Maintenance Inspection and Response Framework

The Executive approved the adoption of the new Highway Maintenance Inspection and Response Framework (HMIRF) from 1 May 2026. This framework replaces the previous 2019 manual and sets out a risk-based methodology for inspecting and responding to highway defects, aiming to improve safety, consistency, and repair times. Key improvements include clearer investigatory triggers, faster response times for certain defects, and a broader scope beyond safety defects to include obstructions and encroachments. Councillor Chris McGiffen, Executive Member for Highways and Travel, proposed the report, highlighting that the framework formalises existing practices and supports the Council's corporate plan by improving safety and delivering efficient services. Councillor Kirk Harrison, seconding the report, emphasised the move towards a data-led approach and the benefits of coordinating works more effectively. Councillor Eddie McDonald supported the report, noting that visible repairs were already being undertaken and stressing the importance of getting repairs right the first time. The Executive unanimously approved the recommendations, including delegating authority for future minor technical updates to the HMIRF.

Speed Management Policy

A new Speed Management Policy was approved by the Executive, establishing a clear, evidence-led approach to setting and managing speed limits across North Northamptonshire. The policy aims to improve road safety, support vulnerable users, and enhance community wellbeing, aligning with national guidance and the Council's corporate plan. Delivery will be based on the three Es : Education, Engineering, and Enforcement, in partnership with Northamptonshire Police and the Northamptonshire Safer Roads Alliance. Councillor Chris McGiffen, proposing the policy, highlighted its focus on vulnerable road users and its alignment with national guidance. Councillor Kirk Harrison, seconding, praised the balanced approach combining education, engineering, and enforcement, and the emphasis on community involvement. Councillor Ken Harrington, speaking as a ward councillor, welcomed the policy's focus on schools and its transparent approach to decision-making. The Executive unanimously approved the policy, with a minor amendment to delegate authority for future technical changes.

Crisis Resilience Fund

The Executive approved the local delivery model for the new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which replaces the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments from April 2026. The CRF is a three-year national programme designed to provide fast financial assistance to households experiencing financial crisis, while also strengthening longer-term financial resilience. The model integrates four strands: Crisis Payments, Housing Payments, Financial Resilience Services, and Community Coordination. Councillor Gregory Wilcox, Executive Member for Communities, proposed the report, stating that the fund is essential for communities facing unprecedented pressures. He thanked officers for their swift work in securing £13.8 million over three years. Councillor Brian Benneyworth seconded the report, highlighting the Council's commitment to supporting residents in crisis and the voluntary sector. The Executive unanimously approved the recommendations, including delegating authority for mobilisation and in-year adjustments.

Commissioning of the North Northamptonshire Lifestyle Services

The Executive approved the recommissioning of three adult health improvement services: an integrated Healthy Lifestyle Service, GP-delivered NHS Health Checks, and GP-delivered Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) services. These contracts will commence from 1 April 2027. Councillor Brian Benneyworth, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Leisure, proposed the recommendations, emphasising the strong prevention focus and support for corporate plan priorities. He highlighted the simplification of access and reduction of fragmentation. Councillor Simon Fairhall and Lynne Buckingham raised concerns about the potential loss of trusted local providers and the reliance on digital services, respectively. Jane Bethea, Director of Public Health, addressed these concerns, assuring members that the model would not be solely digital and would work with local providers. The Executive unanimously approved the recommendations, delegating authority for procurement and contract awards.

Re-commissioning Education Outreach & Inclusion Support Services

The Executive approved a two-stage approach to recommissioning Education Outreach and Inclusion Support Services. Stage one will involve a short-term (one year plus one year extension) recommissioning of current arrangements to strengthen quality assurance and monitoring. Stage two will be a full recommissioning process, co-produced with parents, carers, children, young people, schools, and providers, to design future services. Councillor Elizabeth Wright, Executive Member for Children, Education and Families, proposed the report, stating the Council's responsibility to support children with special educational needs and disabilities at the earliest opportunity. Councillor Jen O'Hara seconded, emphasising the importance of consistent, joined-up support. The Executive unanimously approved the recommendations, delegating authority for the recommissioning process and contract awards.

Housing ICT Harmonisation Project

Approval was given to procure and implement a single Housing and Property case management system to replace multiple legacy systems. Councillor Brian Benneyworth, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Leisure, proposed the report, stating it was a key enabling project for the Council's housing services and directly supported corporate plan priorities. Councillor Kirk Harrison seconded, highlighting the importance of harmonising the organisation and improving resident experience. The Executive unanimously approved the recommendations, delegating authority for the procurement and implementation.

New Housing Property and Land Acquisitions

The Executive approved a proactive programme of housing, property, and land acquisitions to support the delivery of affordable housing and meet local housing needs. Councillor Brian Benneyworth, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Leisure, proposed the report, stating it went to the heart of the Council's corporate plan commitments. Councillor Graham Cheatley seconded, emphasising the financially responsible and forward-looking investment. The Executive unanimously approved the recommendations, delegating authority for the approval of schemes and acquisitions to the Strategic Capital Board.

Empowerment Funding Review

Agenda Item 12, the Empowerment Fund review, was deferred. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Martin Griffiths, stated that the report would be taken to corporate scrutiny on 27 April for consideration before a final decision by the Executive on 12 May 2026. He apologised to speakers who had attended to address this item, but assured them that the funding would be committed to the Youth Advisory Council.

The meeting concluded with the Leader thanking the executive team and senior management for their support.