This week in West Northamptonshire:

Council Faces Significant Financial Pressures as Budget Overspends Continue

West Northamptonshire Council is grappling with substantial financial challenges, with a projected overspend of £14.1 million for the current financial year. This figure has worsened from £13.1 million at Period 4, primarily driven by a £2 million increase in the forecast for children's social care. The escalating demand for residential placements through the Children's Trust is placing immense pressure on the council's budget, with its share of the Trust's overspend now standing at £20.7 million.

While there have been some positive movements, such as stabilisation in social care costs and underspends in areas like IT and holding staff vacancies, these are not enough to offset the rising demand for services for vulnerable children. The council is also struggling to deliver on its savings targets, with £5.5 million of the £29 million required savings deemed undeliverable. This precarious financial situation highlights the difficult choices the council faces in balancing its budget while meeting the needs of its residents.

Dedicated Schools Grant Deficit Soars to £70 Million

The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit continues to be a major concern for West Northamptonshire Council, with a projected cumulative deficit of £70 million by the end of the current financial year. This figure is expected to balloon to approximately £300 million in the medium term if current trends continue and no further government support is provided.

While the council has received provisional approval for £49.9 million from the High Needs Stability Grant, contingent on the acceptance of its SEND reform plan, this only partially addresses the deficit. The government has indicated it will take over SEND funding from 2028-29, but details remain scarce. The council's SEND reform plan has been approved, which is a positive step, but the lack of clarity on how the remaining 10% of the deficit and the current year's growth will be managed leaves a significant funding gap. The ring-fencing rules for DSG blocks, which prevent surpluses in one block from offsetting deficits in another, exacerbate the problem, meaning that even if other blocks have underspends, they cannot be used to alleviate the pressure on the High Needs Block.

Children's Care Homes Programme Faces Delays and Financial Scrutiny

The council's ambitious £20 million capital programme for children's care homes is facing significant delays and scrutiny. To date, only £2 million has been spent on approved schemes, with a further £2.6 million on mixed-use schemes. While the programme has delivered 20 additional beds for children, the pace of progress is considered too slow.

The committee is questioning the financial viability of some proposed projects, with concerns that the high cost of independent sector placements, ranging from £2,500 to £30,000 per week, is unsustainable. The council is exploring options for purchasing properties on the open market and working with the housing team to identify suitable voids, as converting existing council assets has proven less financially viable. The high cost of placements, particularly for unregistered provisions, underscores the urgent need for the council to develop its own capacity to manage costs and improve outcomes for children.

Highways Winter Preparedness: A Constant Challenge

West Northamptonshire Council is preparing for the upcoming winter season, managing a vast network of 2,500 kilometres of carriageway and nearly 100,000 gullies. Recent winters have presented significant challenges, with the 2024-25 winter being particularly wet and warm, leading to an unprecedented number of repairs. The 2025-26 winter was described as wet and cold, resulting in a 20% increase in defects and up to 5,000 reports per month, far exceeding the council's capacity.

Despite these challenges, the council has implemented a no defect left behind policy and a focus on preparing the network during the summer months. This approach has reportedly improved the network's resilience for winter. Investment in various repair methods, including the Pothole Pro and Thermal Road Repairer, is ongoing. The council's approach now considers adverse weather more broadly, including floods, not just cold and snow. Funding for highways maintenance has seen a slight increase and stabilisation, allowing the service to be maintained at current levels for the next three years. However, the estimated cost to address roads scoring amber or red is £230 million, against a total backlog of £400 million, highlighting the ongoing financial challenge.

Planning Services Transformation Programme Shows Progress Amidst Data Concerns

The Planning Services Transformation Programme is making progress, with significant improvements in determining planning applications within statutory timescales. The service has seen a 95% success rate for Major applications and 92% for non-major applications in 2025. The programme focuses on three pillars: Communication, Investing in our People, and Performance. Digital transformation efforts are underway, including piloting AI software (Valon) for application validation and report compilation, which could lead to significant time savings.

However, concerns have been raised about the lack of measurable targets and concrete evidence of progress in the reports presented to the Place and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee. While the programme is halfway complete, some members feel that the current reporting does not adequately address the issues raised in previous Councillor Calls for Action, particularly regarding measurable targets and a full scrutiny review. The committee has requested further updates on specific metrics and KPIs, and a commitment to providing more robust data in future reports.

This week in West Northamptonshire:

Council Approves Housing Developments Amidst Planning Policy Shifts

The Non-Strategic Planning Committee met on Thursday 8 October 2026 and made decisions on several planning applications, including the approval of new housing developments in Deanshanger and Middleton Cheney. These decisions come at a time when the council is navigating national planning policy changes and its own housing land supply challenges.

Deanshanger Developments: Balancing Housing Needs and Policy

Outline planning permission was approved for up to 190 dwellings on land north-east of Buckingham Road, Deanshanger. This decision was made despite the proposal conflicting with the adopted spatial strategy. The council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply was a key factor in this approval. The development includes affordable housing and associated highway works, contingent on a Section 106 agreement to secure contributions towards education, healthcare, and open spaces.

However, a separate application for up to 174 dwellings on land west of Buckingham Road, Deanshanger, was refused. This refusal was contrary to the Case Officer's recommendation and was based on the site's location outside settlement confines and its conflict with the adopted spatial strategy. Similarly, an application for 67 dwellings on land at Stratford Road, Deanshanger, was also refused for the same reasons, despite the council's housing land supply shortfall. These contrasting decisions highlight the complex balancing act the committee faces when considering development proposals.

Link to the Non-Strategic Planning Committee meeting.

Middleton Cheney Housing Growth

Outline planning permission was also approved for up to 165 houses on land at Banbury Lane, Middleton Cheney. This development, which includes affordable housing, public open space, and sustainable drainage measures, was granted despite the site being outside settlement confines. The council's housing land supply shortfall and the site's proximity to Middleton Cheney, a Primary Service Village, were key considerations. A Section 106 agreement will secure contributions for affordable housing, education, healthcare, and open space.

Affordable Housing Boost in Boughton

Full planning permission was approved for up to 21 dwellings on land to the west of Welford Road, Boughton. This development is notable for consisting entirely of affordable housing. While located in open countryside, its proximity to the Northampton SUE and the significant benefit of 100% affordable housing provision led to its approval. A Section 106 agreement will secure affordable housing contributions and other fees.

Residential Conversion in Northampton

In a smaller decision, full planning permission was approved for the conversion of a dwellinghouse at 52 Nicholls Court, Northampton, into three one-bedroom flats. This conversion was deemed acceptable due to its retention of residential use, lack of external alterations, and negligible impact on the area's character and neighbour amenity. Conditions were imposed regarding refuse storage and cycle parking.

Pension Fund Committee Scheduled to Review Governance and Policies

The Pensions Fund Committee was scheduled to meet on Monday 5 October 2026 to review a range of reports concerning the fund's governance, administration, and future planning. While the meeting was scheduled, there is no confirmation that it took place or that any decisions were made.

The committee was expected to consider:

• Internal Audit Update: An overview of findings for the 2025/26 financial year and planned audits for subsequent years, with a proposed audit plan cost of £23,040.
• Governance and Compliance Report: Updates on the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), including responses to consultations and guidance on local government reorganisation, as well as updates from regulatory bodies and a focus on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Personal Data Retention Policy: A proposed updated policy to ensure compliance with data protection legislation.
• EDI Report: An update on progress against the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan.
• Training Strategy: A proposed updated strategy to meet strengthened expectations around the knowledge and skills of those responsible for LGPS governance, with a cost of £2,625 for the National Knowledge Assessment.
• Administration Report: A performance update for April to July 2026, detailing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and business plan activities.
• Forward Agenda Plan: A review of planned agenda items for upcoming meetings.

The committee was also scheduled to review private minutes and discuss exempt items related to the Independent Person, AVC Review, Funding and Risk Monitoring, and Pooling.

Link to the Pensions Fund Committee meeting.

Senior Appointments Committee Scheduled to Discuss Key Leadership Roles

The Senior Appointments Committee was scheduled to meet on Wednesday 7 October 2026 to discuss the shortlisting of candidates for the role of Executive Director Resources and the recruitment process for the Executive Director Housing and Community. As with the Pensions Fund Committee, there is no confirmation that this meeting took place or that any decisions were made.

The committee was expected to consider these senior leadership appointments, which are crucial for the council's operational effectiveness and strategic direction. The agenda also included a procedural item regarding the potential exclusion of the press and public from discussions involving exempt information, as permitted under Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Link to the Senior Appointments Committee meeting.

This week in West Northamptonshire:

Council Extends Key Resourcing Partnership for Five More Years

The Shareholder Cabinet Sub-Committee met on Thursday 1 October 2026 and approved the continuation of the OPUS People Solutions (East) Limited arrangement for another five years, starting in January 2027. This decision ensures the ongoing provision of a vital service for managing temporary and agency staff, which the council uses to maintain workforce resilience, ensure value for money, and uphold compliance.

The council's Corporate Director - Workforce, Technology and Change, in consultation with key officers and the Cabinet Member for HR, Corporate and Regulatory Services, has been authorised to finalise updates to the shareholder and service agreements. These updates will be reviewed to ensure they meet the conditions for an exemption under the Procurement Act 2023, allowing the arrangement to continue without a full re-tender.

The committee also considered allowing other public sector bodies to access OPUS services. This horizontal access could be included in the updated documentation, provided it doesn't compromise the council's governance rights or introduce unacceptable risks.

The alternative of ending the arrangement and conducting a new procurement was deemed less favourable due to potential service disruptions and increased costs. This decision directly impacts the council's ability to efficiently staff essential services, particularly during periods of high demand or staff shortages.

Link to the Shareholder Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting.

Investigation into Council-Owned Companies Uncovers New Shareholding

The Shareholder Cabinet Sub-Committee also received an update on the ongoing investigation into the council's wholly-owned companies. A survey sent to senior managers identified one previously unknown company: Border to Coast Pensions Partnership Limited. The council became a shareholder in this investment management firm earlier this year. This company manages pooled assets for partner Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) funds. A governance health-check will be conducted for Border to Coast Pensions Partnership Limited, with the findings to be reported back to the sub-committee.

This investigation is crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability in how council assets and investments are managed, particularly for the benefit of residents and the long-term financial stability of the council.

Link to the Shareholder Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting.

Management Action Plan Addresses Governance of Council Companies

As part of the ongoing investigation into council-owned companies, the Shareholder Cabinet Sub-Committee reviewed a management action plan. This plan aims to address issues identified in a previous internal audit report concerning company governance. Key actions include:

• Establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for companies like TDECL.
• Filling vacant director positions on company boards.
• Implementing board evaluation policies and ensuring ongoing professional training for board members.
• Ensuring companies present annual reports to the Shareholder Cabinet Sub-Committee.
• Formally adopting financial policies.

The investigation into additional companies is ongoing, with a questionnaire being distributed to senior managers. These actions are vital for ensuring that council-owned companies operate efficiently, ethically, and in the best interests of the public.

Link to the Shareholder Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting.

This week in West Northamptonshire:

Council Pushes Forward with Local Plan Despite Ministerial Intervention

The Council met on Thursday 24 September 2026, where a significant decision was made regarding the West Northamptonshire Local Plan. Following a previous rejection by the Planning Policy Committee, the Minister of State for Housing and Planning has issued formal directions mandating the Council to proceed with the existing draft plan. This intervention means the Council must now commence a Regulation 19 consultation by 5 October 2026 and submit the plan for examination by 31 December 2026. This directive overrides the Council's previous intention to prepare a new plan under the updated 2026 National Planning Policy Framework. The implications of this are far-reaching, potentially impacting the pace and nature of future development across the borough.

The Council also approved updates to its Constitution to align with new national planning regulations coming into effect on 31 October 2026. These changes, driven by the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026, will shift more decision-making power for planning applications to planning officers. The call-in process, which allowed councillors to bring applications before a committee, will be removed. An alternative Application Referral Process will be introduced, involving a nominated officer and a nominated member to determine if an application should be referred to committee. This change could reduce the direct influence of local councillors on planning decisions within their wards.

Link to the Council meeting.

New Recycling Facility and Housing Development Approved

The Strategic Planning Committee met on Tuesday 22 September 2026, approving two major planning applications. Permission was granted for an inert waste recycling and aggregate manufacturing facility at Claridges Barn, Kislingbury. This facility will process up to 24,000 tonnes of inert waste annually, contributing to the local construction market. Concerns were raised by local parish councils regarding traffic and dust, but the Environment Agency and other consultees raised no objections, with environmental impacts deemed manageable through planning conditions.

Additionally, the committee approved a reserved matters application for 237 new dwellings at Malabar Farm, Daventry. This development includes 63 affordable homes, comprising social rent, shared ownership, and affordable rent properties. While some consultees raised concerns about the affordable housing mix and parking provision, the development was found to be consistent with the approved Daventry South West Design Code. The impact on the setting of the Grade II listed Badby House was assessed as less than substantial harm.

Link to the Strategic Planning Committee meeting.

Alcohol Licence Hearing for New Restaurant and Lounge

The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee met on Friday 25 September 2026 to consider a new premises licence application for Ahenfie Restaurant and Lounge. The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol, late-night refreshment, and various forms of regulated entertainment. Initial proposed opening hours until 03:30 daily were revised following discussions with Environmental Health.

The hearing was subject to representations from the public and the Environmental Protection team, raising concerns about potential noise nuisance, littering, and impacts on crime and disorder. The sub-committee was tasked with determining the application in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003, considering the promotion of licensing objectives. The report pack did not indicate whether a decision was made at this meeting.

Link to the Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee meeting.

Other Matters

Audit and Governance Committee Reviews Risk Register and Internal Audit Progress

The Audit and Governance Committee met on Wednesday 23 September 2026. The committee was scheduled to review the Strategic Risk Register, which outlines current risks with residual red ratings, including those related to Adult Social Care and St Andrew's Hospital. An update on the internal audit service's progress against its plan and key observations was also presented. The committee was also set to review the Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme for internal audit and receive an update on the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), noting no applications for RIPA powers had been made since the last update.

Link to the Audit and Governance Committee meeting.