The Executive of North Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 09 June 2026 to discuss the council's financial performance, housing asset management, and strategies for preventing radicalisation and extremism. Key decisions included approving the Finance and Performance Report for 2025/26, adopting the Housing Services Asset Management Strategy, and endorsing the Northamptonshire Prevent Strategy 2026-2029.

Finance and Performance Report

The Executive reviewed the council's draft financial outturn position for 2025/26, noting a General Fund overspend of £13.775 million, a Housing Revenue Account underspend of £75,000, and a Dedicated Schools Grant deficit of £21.784 million. Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, presented the report, highlighting that the General Fund overspend was largely driven by demand-led services in children's services and adults, health, and housing. He also noted that savings delivery was at 86% of the target. Councillor Elizabeth Wright, seconding the report, acknowledged the significant pressures within children's services and emphasised the council's commitment to investing in preventative services. The Executive resolved to note the draft outturn positions, approve transfers to and from General Fund reserves, and delegate authority for non-material changes to the draft outturn.

Care Quality Commission North Northamptonshire Local Authority Assessment - Improvement Plan

Councillor Chris Kellett, Executive Member for Adults and Health Partnerships, presented the improvement plan in response to the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) assessment of adult social care services, which rated the council as 'Requires Improvement'. The plan focuses on improving timeliness of assessments, consistency and equity of access, support for carers, information accessibility, data management, and partnership working. The Executive approved the improvement plan and supported the development of an Adult Social Care Improvement Board, which will be co-chaired by Councillor Kellett and an expert by experience.

Housing Services Asset Management Strategy

Councillor Brian Benneyworth, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Leisure, presented the council's first Housing Services Asset Management Strategy. The strategy outlines how the council will manage, maintain, and invest in its over 8,000 homes to ensure they are safe, compliant, energy-efficient, and fit for the future, while remaining financially sustainable. Councillor Steve Geary raised questions about the comprehensiveness of stock condition assessments, tenant feedback, and the strategy's approach to decarbonisation. Councillor Benneyworth committed to addressing these points outside the meeting. The Executive approved the draft strategy.

Procurement for the Supply of Parts and Materials for the Housing Maintenance and Development Service

Councillor Brian Benneyworth also presented a report on the procurement for the supply of parts and materials for the Housing Maintenance and Development Service. This procurement is considered critical for the delivery of the Asset Management Strategy. The Executive delegated authority to the Executive Director for Adults, Health Partnerships and Housing to procure, negotiate, and award contracts for these essential supplies. Councillor Ken Harrington seconded the report, highlighting the importance of exploring the open market for such services.

Department for Education Additional Skills Fund Pilot to Devolution Programme

Councillor Gregory Wilcox, Executive Member for Communities, introduced the Additional Skills Fund Pilot to Devolution Programme, which will provide an additional £990,000 of government funding over 9-12 months for skills training for 19+ year olds not in employment. This pilot aims to devolve decision-making for skills delivery to a local level, allowing provision to be designed around community needs and targeting specific skills gaps. Councillor Chris McGiffen welcomed the proposal, highlighting the Adult Learning Service's track record of supporting learners and generating economic value. Councillor Elizabeth Wright emphasised the council's duty to equip young people with the skills they need for adulthood. The Executive approved the proposed delivery model and delegated authority for commissioning agreements.

Northamptonshire Prevent Strategy

Councillor Gregory Wilcox also presented the Northamptonshire Preventing Radicalisation and Extremism Strategy 2026-2029. He stressed the seriousness of the issue and the council's legal duty to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. The strategy focuses on challenging extremist ideology, intervening early to support those at risk, and enabling disengagement and rehabilitation. Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, seconded the report, sharing his personal experience of the positive impact of Prevent work. The Executive approved the strategy for adoption and implementation.

Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area Guidance and Mitigation Strategy

Councillor Jan O'Hara, Executive Member for Planning and Economic Growth, introduced the guidance and mitigation strategy for the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area (SPA). This strategy aims to assist the council in meeting its responsibilities to ensure that development does not adversely affect the integrity of the SPA. New evidence has led to an extension of the Zone of Influence for recreational impacts to 5.9km, requiring new developments within this area to contribute to mitigation measures through a Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM) payment. Councillor Chris Kellett seconded the report, thanking the team for their work. The Executive adopted the guidance and revoked previous supplementary planning documents.

Zero-emission Bus Scheme

Councillor Chris McGiffen, Executive Member for Highways and Travel, presented the Zero-emission Bus Scheme proposal. The council agreed to provide grant funding of up to £1.2 million towards the purchase of ten electric buses and associated depot infrastructure for services on the Northampton – Earls Barton – Wellingborough – Rushden – Higham Ferrers – Raunds corridor. This is a revised proposal from an earlier plan for Kettering due to match funding availability. Councillor Elizabeth Wright, ward councillor for Raunds, expressed particular pleasure that residents in her ward would benefit from the investment. The Executive agreed to the grant funding and delegated authority for the funding agreement.

Election Printing and Mailing Services and Procurement Project

Councillor Graham Cheatley presented the report on the Election Printing and Mailing Services and Procurement Project. This project aims to secure a resilient and compliant printing and mailing solution for electoral registration and election services, as current contracts expire in March 2027. The Executive approved an open market procurement approach for these specialist services, with a contract structure of 3+1+1 years. Councillor Ken Harrington seconded the report, emphasizing the need to explore the open market for such services. The Executive authorised the Director of Law and Governance & Monitoring Officer to procure and award the necessary contracts.

Finance and Performance Report

Councillor Graham Cheatley also presented the Finance and Performance Report for Quarter 4, detailing the draft outturn position for 2025/26. The report highlighted a General Fund overspend of £13.775 million, an HRA underspend of £75,000, and a DSG deficit of £21.784 million. Councillor Steve Geary, speaking as a member of the public, raised concerns about the use of climate change reserves for general reserves, arguing that funds should be used for their intended purpose. Councillor Cheatley acknowledged the pressures facing local government nationally and locally, stating that the council remained financially stable but under pressure. The Executive resolved to note the draft outturn positions, approve transfers to and from General Fund reserves, and delegate authority for non-material changes.

Care Quality Commission North Northamptonshire Local Authority Assessment - Improvement Plan

Councillor Chris Kellett presented the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Improvement Plan, following the council's 'Requires Improvement' rating for adult social care services. The plan outlines actions to address the CQC's findings, focusing on timeliness of assessments, consistency and equity of access, support for carers, information accessibility, and data management. The Executive approved the improvement plan and supported the development of an Adult Social Care Improvement Board.

Housing Services Asset Management Strategy

Councillor Brian Benneyworth presented the draft Housing Services Asset Management Strategy, which sets out how the council will manage, maintain, and invest in its over 8,000 homes. The strategy aims to ensure homes are safe, compliant, energy-efficient, and fit for the future, while remaining financially sustainable. Councillor Geary sought reassurance on specific aspects of the strategy, including mould, insulation, and tenant feedback. Councillor Benneyworth committed to discussing these points further. The Executive approved the draft strategy.

Procurement for the Supply of Parts and Materials for the Housing Maintenance and Development Service

Councillor Brian Benneyworth also presented the procurement report for parts and materials for the Housing Maintenance and Development Service. This is seen as a critical companion to the Asset Management Strategy, ensuring the means to deliver repairs and improvements. The Executive delegated authority to the Executive Director for Adults, Health Partnerships and Housing to procure, negotiate, award, and enter into contracts for these supplies. Councillor Benneyworth highlighted the importance of these contracts as delivery enablers.

Department for Education Additional Skills Fund Pilot to Devolution Programme

Councillor Gregory Wilcox, Executive Member for Communities, introduced the Additional Skills Fund Pilot to Devolution Programme, which will provide an additional £990,000 in funding for skills training for adults aged 19 and over. This pilot aims to devolve decision-making for skills delivery to a local level, allowing provision to be tailored to community needs and address local skills gaps. Councillor Chris McGiffen welcomed the proposal, highlighting the Adult Learning Service's track record and the economic benefits generated. Councillor Elizabeth Wright emphasised the council's duty to ensure young people have the skills and confidence needed for adulthood. The Executive approved the proposed delivery model and delegated authority for commissioning agreements.

Northamptonshire Prevent Strategy

Councillor Gregory Wilcox also presented the Northamptonshire Preventing Radicalisation and Extremism Strategy 2026-2029. He stressed the seriousness of the issue and the council's legal duty to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. The strategy focuses on challenging extremist ideology, intervening early to support those at risk, and enabling disengagement and rehabilitation. Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, seconded the report, sharing his personal experience of the positive impact of Prevent work. The Executive approved the strategy for adoption and implementation.

Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area Guidance and Mitigation Strategy

Councillor Jan O'Hara, Executive Member for Planning and Economic Growth, introduced the guidance and mitigation strategy for the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area (SPA). This strategy aims to assist the council in meeting its responsibilities to ensure that development does not adversely affect the integrity of the SPA. New evidence has led to an extension of the Zone of Influence for recreational impacts to 5.9km, requiring new developments within this area to contribute to mitigation measures through a Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM) payment. Councillor Chris Kellett seconded the report, thanking the team for their work. The Executive adopted the guidance and revoked previous supplementary planning documents.

Zero-emission Bus Scheme

Councillor Chris McGiffen, Executive Member for Highways and Travel, presented the Zero-emission Bus Scheme proposal. The council agreed to provide grant funding of up to £1.2 million towards the purchase of ten electric buses and associated depot infrastructure for services on the Northampton – Earls Barton – Wellingborough – Rushden – Higham Ferrers – Raunds corridor. This is a revised proposal from an earlier plan for Kettering due to match funding availability. Councillor Elizabeth Wright, ward councillor for Raunds, expressed particular pleasure that residents in her ward would benefit from the investment. The Executive agreed to the grant funding and delegated authority for the funding agreement.

Election Printing and Mailing Services and Procurement Project

Councillor Graham Cheatley presented the report on the Election Printing and Mailing Services and Procurement Project. This project aims to secure a resilient and compliant printing and mailing solution for electoral registration and election services, as current contracts expire in March 2027. The Executive approved an open market procurement approach for these specialist services, with a contract structure of 3+1+1 years. Councillor Ken Harrington seconded the report, highlighting the importance of exploring the open market for such services. The Executive authorised the Director of Law and Governance & Monitoring Officer to procure and award the necessary contracts.

The meeting concluded with the confirmation that no urgent items of business were to be considered.