This week in Northumberland:

Council Tax Hike Looms: Residents Face Tougher Financial Decisions

Northumberland residents are bracing for potential increases in their council tax bills as the council prepares to set the Council Tax base for the upcoming year. The Northumberland County Council meeting on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, was set to tackle this crucial financial decision, which directly impacts household budgets across the county. Read more about the Northumberland County Council meeting.

The council is also reviewing its Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026-27. While the aim is to improve support for the lowest-income families and reduce administrative burdens, any changes could still mean that some vulnerable households face difficult choices between paying their council tax and meeting other essential living costs. The proposed scheme aims to simplify the system, but the exact impact on individual households will depend on their specific circumstances.

Safeguarding Our Most Vulnerable: Annual Updates on Protection Measures

Protecting children and adults remains a top priority, with annual reports on safeguarding, public safety, and adult services and health presented at the Northumberland County Council meeting on Wednesday, 14 January 2026. These reports offer a vital insight into how the council is working to keep its most vulnerable residents safe. Read more about the Northumberland County Council meeting.

Annual Safeguarding Update

The council's Corporate Safeguarding Policy, implemented in April 2024, was up for its second annual review. The report was expected to detail progress in safeguarding practices, including updates to referral processes and the status of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for elected members. This focus on safeguarding is crucial, as robust policies and training are essential to prevent harm and ensure the well-being of those who rely on council services.

Public Safety and Adult Services: A Year in Review

Councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet Member for Public Safety, was set to present an annual report highlighting achievements and future priorities for services including fire and rescue, public protection, and safer communities. Simultaneously, Councillor Eve Chicken, Cabinet Member for Adults' Services and Health, was scheduled to present her portfolio's annual report, covering the transformation of care and support teams, progress on Extra Care Housing schemes, and public health initiatives. These reports are critical for understanding how services designed to protect and support residents are performing and where improvements are needed.

Corporate Plan and Budget Setting: Shaping Northumberland's Future

The Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, focused on the council's strategic direction, with discussions on the Corporate Plan for 2026-2030 and the budget for the upcoming year. Read more about the Cabinet meeting.

The Corporate Plan, developed with significant resident and stakeholder input, outlines three key priorities: Value for money, Driving economic growth, and Tackling inequalities. The budget is the financial engine that will drive these priorities, and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) business plan was also reviewed. This plan includes a proposed 4.80% increase in housing rents and service charges from April 2026, a decision that will directly affect tenants. The plan also details significant investment in the HRA Capital Programme, including affordable housing and major repairs, which are vital for maintaining safe and decent homes for residents.

Other Matters

• The Staff and Appointments Committee met on Monday, 12 January 2026, to consider the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 and proposed changes to senior management positions. These decisions, while internal, can impact the efficiency and effectiveness of council services. Read more about the Staff and Appointments Committee meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of meetings scheduled for the next 7 days:

• The Health and Well-being Board is scheduled to meet on Thursday 22 January 2026 to discuss health protection, tobacco control, and health impact assessments.
• The North Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 22 January 2026 to consider planning applications and receive an update on Section 106 agreements.
• The Employment Appeals Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 19 January 2026 to consider an employment matter.
• The Firefighters' Pension Scheme Local Pension Board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 20 January 2026 to review pension scheme updates and discuss the Pension Dashboard Programme.
• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 13 January 2026 to discuss the Corporate Plan 2026-2030, the Budget 2026-27, and the 30-year Business Plan for the Housing Revenue Account.
• The Northumberland County Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 14 January 2026 to discuss the Council Tax Support Scheme 2026-27, the Council Tax base 2026-27, and annual reports on Public Safety and Adults' Services and Health.

This week in Northumberland:

Safeguarding Children and Adults: A Closer Look at Protection Measures

The Health and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to review the Northumberland Children and Adults Safeguarding Partnership (NCASP) annual report. This report, covering October 2024 to April 2025, provides crucial insights into how the council is working to protect its most vulnerable residents. The committee also discussed the state of dentistry provision in the county and the progress of the Heart of Blyth project. Read more about the Health and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

• NCASP's Commitment: The report highlights NCASP's dedication to safeguarding children and adults in line with national guidance, including Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 and the Care Act 2014. It details the work of various subgroups focused on improving safeguarding practices.
• Dentistry Access: The committee was set to receive an update on dentistry provision, a topic that often causes concern for residents struggling to access NHS dental appointments.
• Heart of Blyth Project: This initiative aims to tackle public health challenges by considering the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health. The discussion was expected to cover lessons learned in building community capacity.

Education for Vulnerable Youth: A Focus on Cared-For Children and Care Leavers

The Family and Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed reports on the education of Northumberland's post-16 residents, with a particular focus on cared-for children and care leavers. The committee also discussed the progress of installing sprinkler systems in schools. Read more about the Family and Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

• Virtual School Headteacher's Report: This report detailed the educational journey of children in care and those who have left care. It emphasized that longer periods in care can correlate with better educational outcomes, and highlighted the importance of strong relationships for a sense of belonging. The report also detailed the use of Pupil Premium Plus funding to support these young people.
• Sprinklers in Schools: The committee received an update on the installation of sprinkler systems in schools. While not mandatory in England, the report noted that all new build schools in Northumberland since 2007 have included sprinklers, exceeding national averages. The council is exploring a formal policy to mandate sprinklers in all new schools.
• Northumberland Skills: The committee also reviewed the Northumberland Skills Annual Self-Assessment Report, which focuses on post-16 education and training, particularly for learners with high needs.

Council Tax and Budget Setting on the Horizon

The full council is set to discuss crucial financial matters, including the approval of a revised Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026-27 and the setting of the Council Tax base for the same year. These decisions will directly impact household finances across Northumberland. Read more about the Northumberland County Council meeting.

• Council Tax Support Scheme: The proposed scheme aims to improve support for the lowest-income families and reduce administrative burdens. It includes provisions for exceptional hardship, with a £1 million fund allocated for 2026-27.
• Council Tax Base: The calculation of the council tax base is a fundamental step in determining the council tax amount for the upcoming year.
• Public Safety and Adult Services: Annual reports on Public Safety and Adults' Services and Health will also be presented, outlining achievements and future priorities in these vital areas.

Other Matters

• The Cabinet met to consider a refreshed Corporate Plan for 2026-2030, outlining the council's vision and priorities. They also reviewed the Budget for 2026-27 and the 30-year business plan for the Housing Revenue Account. Read more about the Cabinet meeting.
• The Staff and Appointments Committee met to consider the council's Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 and proposed changes to senior management positions. Read more about the Staff and Appointments Committee meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of meetings scheduled for the next 7 days:

• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 13 January 2026 to discuss the Corporate Plan 2026-2030, the Budget 2026-27, and the 30-year Business Plan for the Housing Revenue Account.
• The Staff and Appointments Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 12 January 2026 to review the Pay Policy Statement 2026/27 and proposed senior management changes.
• The Northumberland County Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 14 January 2026 to discuss the Council Tax Support Scheme 2026-27, the Council Tax base 2026-27, and annual reports on Public Safety and Adults' Services and Health.
• The Employment Appeals Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 19 January 2026 to consider an employment matter.

This week in Northumberland:

Rights of Way Under Review: Access Changes Considered for Rothbury, Wallington, and Alnwick

The Rights of Way Committee met to discuss potential changes to public rights of way in several areas, impacting access for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and drivers. The committee considered evidence and submissions related to these routes to determine whether modifications to the definitive map¹ are warranted. Read more about the Rights of Way Committee meeting.

Newton Common Scheme in Doubt

Newton-by-the-Sea Parish Council has requested to withdraw from a previously agreed Commons Scheme for Newton Common. The Parish Council had intended to manage the Commons Scheme on behalf of the County Council, but raised concerns about their obligations. Without the scheme, the County Council would still have an obligation to maintain the common. The report pack notes that if the committee does not agree to the withdrawal, the County Council would take responsibility for the Commons Scheme, which was not the intention for which Schemes were set up .

Rothbury and Tosson: Vehicular Rights Under Scrutiny

The committee considered evidence regarding public vehicular rights over part of the U4061 road between the B6341 Rothbury to Thropton road and the C181 road at Newtown. Northumberland Estates stated that the route is not suitable as a bridleway or a byway open to all traffic, citing issues with turning and crossing points. However, Rothbury Parish Council fully support the proposals within the Rothbury parish , and The British Horse Society support its addition to the definitive map, stating that it provides a through route for horse riders using the riverside bridleway from Rothbury and connects to Simonside Forest.

Wallington: Bridleway Proposal Faces Objections

The committee reviewed evidence concerning the existence of public vehicular rights over a route in the Parish of Wallington, beginning on the B6343 road, south-east of Hartburn Grange, and proceeding south-easterly to join the C158 road, east of Middleton. Residents of Greenside Farm objected to the application, stating: We do not believe that any public access has existed from the north side of Greenside through to the southern boundary of the farm and object to the application. However, Wallington Demesne Parish Council would support the proposals for a Restricted Byway on the B6343 road, 235m south-east of Hartburn Grange.

Alnwick: Bridleway Extension Considered

The committee reviewed evidence regarding a proposed 10-metre southern extension to the existing Public Bridleway No 1 in Alnwick Town, between its junction with Footpath No 29 and Taylor Drive, east of The Duchess Community High School. Northumberland Estates stated that they believe the application to be non-contentious and would have no objection to the proposal. Councillor Martin Swinbank would fully support the intention of adding a Bridleway from the point marked X to the point marked Y and that This will complete the route which is currently well used by pupils of the DCHS and many local residents.

Infrastructure Spending Under the Microscope: Millions Allocated to Local Projects

The Communities and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee received an update on the council's Infrastructure Funding Statement (IFS) for 2024-25, detailing how developer contributions are being used to fund local projects. The IFS provides a summary of all financial and non-financial developer contributions within Northumberland for the financial year. Read more about the Communities and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

• £9 Million Received: The total amount received from planning obligations during the year was £9,002,514.40.
• Affordable Housing and School Places: These contributions are intended to deliver affordable housing, infrastructure, and mitigation measures, including education, healthcare, sport and play, and coastal mitigation. The delivery of 93 affordable homes and 28 school places have been agreed in the reported year.
• £24 Million Retained: The total amount of money retained at the end of the reported year is £24,831,318.83, and the council intends to ensure that the money is effectively and lawfully spent.
• Past Projects: Section 106 funding has been used in the past to support projects such as the relocation of Isabella Skate Park in Blyth, the creation of the Borderline Greenway Project, and the purchase of play equipment for Stocksfield Parish Council.
• Coastal Mitigation: The Northumberland Coastal Mitigation Service, known as Space for Shorebirds, is funded entirely by developer contributions.

Committee Sets Priorities for 2026: Public Safety, Housing, and the Environment in Focus

The Communities and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee also reviewed its work programme for the coming year, outlining the key areas it will be scrutinizing. The committee aims to maintain an overview of the management agreements in place between the council and providers of leisure and tourism services. They also plan to review or scrutinise the impact and effectiveness of any policy proposed or adopted by the council or cabinet in the following areas:

• Public Safety
• Culture, Leisure and Tourism
• Roads and Highways
• Environment, Rural and Farming
• Housing and Planning

Other Matters

• The Communities and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee noted the schedule of decisions made by Cabinet since the last meeting, along with the latest Forward Plan of key decisions. The Forward Plan includes items such as the Council Tax Base for 2026-27, the Environment Policy Statement Action Plan Update, and the Budget for 2026-27.

This week in Northumberland:

Ashington Residents Object to Late-Night Music at The Tipsy Bean

The Northumberland Council Licensing Hearing convened to consider an application for a premises licence for The Tipsy Bean in Ashington. The application, submitted by Michelle Henderson, sought permission for the supply of alcohol and regulated entertainment. Read more about the Licensing Hearing.

• Objections: A local resident of Langwell Crescent objected to the application, raising concerns about noise, traffic, anti-social behaviour, and the impact on residential amenity.
• Amended Application: Following initial objections, Ms Henderson proposed amendments to the timings for the supply of alcohol and regulated entertainment, and removed live and recorded music from the application.
• Resident Concerns: The resident's letter of objection cited concerns about noise from late-night music, customers, taxis, and deliveries, as well as traffic congestion, anti-social behaviour, and the unsuitability of the location due to the area's primarily residential character.
• Council Policy: The report noted that in considering the application, the members should have regard to the council's statement of licensing policy, specifically the introduction (3.1 – 3.1.6), premises licences applications (schedule 2), decision making process (schedule 5) and prevention of public nuisance (appendix C).

The decision highlights the tension between supporting local businesses and protecting the quality of life for residents.

Affordable Housing Plan for Hexham Green Belt Sparks Controversy

The West Planning Committee was scheduled to consider an outline planning application for the construction of up to 21 dwellings on green belt land north of Red Lion House in Hexham. The application has drawn objections due to its location on green belt land, but is supported by the council due to the provision of 100% affordable housing. Read more about the West Planning Committee meeting.

• Green Belt Concerns: The planning officer's report acknowledged that the development would encroach into the countryside and impact on the Green Belt¹.
• Affordable Housing Need: The report also noted that the site is adjacent to the built-up area of Hexham, and that existing development extends further east. The report also stated that the development would not impact on the historic setting of Hexham, or cause neighbouring towns to merge.
• Local Objections: Hexham Town Council objected to the proposal, arguing that it was on green belt land, and unsustainably distant from the town centre compared to brownfield sites² within the town.
• Financial Contributions: The applicant had agreed to make contributions towards healthcare (£15,246), education (£48,000), highways infrastructure (£30,800) and open space (£29,005.05).
• Planning Officer Recommendation: The planning officer's report recommended that the application be granted permission, subject to a Section 106 agreement³ securing the contributions and affordable housing, and subject to relevant planning conditions. The decision raises questions about the balance between protecting green spaces and addressing the need for affordable housing.

Council Approves Changes to Council Tax Support Scheme, Impacting Low-Income Families

The cabinet approved a new income banded/grid scheme for working age applicants for Council Tax Support, effective from 1 April 2026. The aim is to improve support for the lowest income families and reduce the administrative burden caused by the introduction of Universal Credit. Read more about the Cabinet meeting.

• New Income Grid: The proposed scheme replaces the current means-tested system with a simpler income grid model.
• Passported Benefits: Claimants receiving a 'passported benefit' such as Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance (Income Based), and Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related) will receive maximum discount.
• Increased Earnings Disregards: The scheme includes increased earnings disregards for single persons and couples.
• Capital Limit: A capital limit of £8,000 will be in place, with no tariff income being applied.
• Hardship Scheme: The new scheme will also include provisions to protect vulnerable claimants who experience exceptional hardship, with a hardship scheme created for this purpose, with funds available of £1m in 2026-27.
• Efficiency Savings: The report also stated that a simplified banded scheme brings the potential for significant savings in claims administration, with estimated annual efficiency savings of up to £374,000.

The changes aim to simplify the system and provide more support to those most in need, but the impact on individual households will depend on their specific circumstances.

Other Matters

• The cabinet formally adopted the Northumberland Coast National Landscape Management Plan 2025-2030 for the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The plan sets out a vision for the management of the designated area and formulates the council's policy for carrying out its functions in relation to it. Read more about the Cabinet meeting.
• The cabinet agreed to adopt the proposed new Housing Allocation Policy, ensuring it remains fair, transparent, and fit for purpose. The revised policy reflects statutory requirements and addresses current housing pressures by prioritising those in greatest need, making best use of limited social housing stock, and aligning with the council's wider homelessness prevention objectives. Read more about the Cabinet meeting.
• The cabinet endorsed the approval of the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) and Lease for the Northumberland Hall, Alnwick to Bailiffgate Museum & Gallery (BMG). They also delegated authority to the Executive Director of Place and Regeneration to approve the CAT and Lease, subject to compliance with subsidy control requirements. Read more about the Cabinet meeting.
• The cabinet noted the progress made against the Corporate Plan priorities as summarised in the Q1/Q2 Corporate Performance Report. The report provided a summary of the progress against the council's three Corporate Plan priorities: Achieving Value for Money, Driving Economic Growth, and Tackling Inequalities. Read more about the Cabinet meeting.
• The cabinet noted the education achievements of children, young people, and residents across Northumberland in 2024-25, as well as the valuable support provided to all learners within early years settings and schools, special education needs support and service, the Virtual School, the Skills Service, and school organisation and resources. Read more about the Cabinet meeting.
• The cabinet approved the spend of £0.150 million in 2025-26 for the replacement of the existing sewer and septic tank at Allenheads Public Toilets. This spend will be funded from council resources from the existing Property Stewardship Fund project in the capital programme. Read more about the Cabinet meeting.
• The cabinet also approved the spend of £0.450 million (£0.110 million in 2025-26 and £0.340 million in 2026-27) to undertake the full replacement of three boilers in plant room one and three boilers in plant room two in County Hall. This spend will be funded from council resources from the existing Property Stewardship Fund project in the capital programme. Read more about the Cabinet meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of meetings scheduled for the next 7 days:

• The Rights of Way Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 17 December 2025 to discuss a request from Newton-by-the-Sea Parish Council regarding a Commons Scheme, and reviews of the definitive map and statement of public rights of way for routes in Wallington, Alnwick, Tosson and Rothbury.
• The Communities and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 17 December 2025 to discuss the Infrastructure Funding Statement, and to review its work programme for the coming year.