The Cabinet of Northumberland Council met on Tuesday 9 June 2026, approving a series of financial adjustments, capital expenditure proposals, and strategic updates. Key decisions included the appropriation of land for the Blyth Relief Road, the endorsement of a new Food Action Plan, and the commissioning of an Integrated Sexual Health Service.

Q3 & Q4 Corporate Performance Report

Cabinet noted the progress made against the Corporate Plan priorities as summarised in the report. This report provided a summary of the Council's performance indicators and supporting narrative for quarters 3 and 4 of the financial year, aligning with the Corporate Plan's priorities of achieving value for money, driving economic growth, and tackling inequalities.

Blyth Relief Road - Appropriation of Land

Cabinet accepted that the NCC Open Space Land, identified in the Land Appropriation Background Report, is no longer required for its current purpose as open space. They authorised the publication of notices required by section 122(2A) of the Local Government Act 1972, indicating their intention to appropriate the land for planning purposes to facilitate the construction and operation of the Chase Farm Link, part of the Blyth Relief Road Scheme. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director – Place and Regeneration to undertake the statutory advertising process, consider any objections, and decide whether to proceed with the appropriation for highway use. This decision is a crucial step in delivering the Blyth Relief Road, which aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve journey times, enhance road safety, promote walking and cycling, and support economic development and planned housing growth in Blyth. The scheme is a key intervention identified in the Northumberland Local Plan and the North East Transport Plan.

Advance Northumberland Update

Cabinet agreed to use the Strategic Management Reserve to fund specialist advice, up to a maximum of £0.130 million, to review the objectives of Advance Northumberland Limited. This review will ensure optimal alignment with the Council's interests and objectives, considering the current economic environment, corporate structures, and financing opportunities. Advance Northumberland is the Council's wholly-owned property investment and development business, focused on driving economic growth and community regeneration. The need for this review was prompted by a volatile economic outlook, changes in senior leadership, and government grant pressures.

Financial Performance 2025-26 - Provisional Out-turn

Cabinet approved several financial measures for the 2025-26 provisional out-turn. These included the creation of new earmarked reserves for the Northumberland Children and Adults Safeguarding Partnership (NCASP) and for demolition costs within the Housing Revenue Account. They also approved the drawdown of funds from reserves to cover voluntary redundancy and severance costs associated with the Ways of Working restructure, and from the Homes for Ukraine Scheme reserve. Additionally, a transfer was approved to the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Deficit reserve, and amendments were made to the funding package for the Northumberland Line and Newsham Railway Bridge. Authority was delegated to the Section 151 Officer to authorise the utilisation of any remaining balance in council reserves. Cabinet also noted the projected breakeven position on services, projected overspends on the DSG and Housing Revenue Account, and the re-profiling of the Capital Programme.

Summary of New Capital Proposals considered by the Capital Strategy Group

Cabinet approved capital expenditure for several projects. This included £0.076 million for a new kitchen at Holywell Village First School, funded by Council resources and a school contribution. They also approved £2.134 million for the purchase and development of Fairwinds in Ulgham as a complex needs main home for children, funded by Council resources and Department for Education grant. Delegated authority was granted for the purchase of this property. Additionally, £0.044 million was approved for phase 2 of the Hartford Bridge Travellers Site Kitchen Refurbishment project, funded from Council resources.

Integrated Sexual Health Service for Northumberland

Cabinet noted the contents of the report and authorised the Executive Director of Public Health, Stronger Communities and Inequalities to proceed with the commissioning and procurement exercise for an Integrated Sexual Health Service via the Public Sector Regime Direct Award C. Authority was also delegated to the Executive Director to approve the award of the contract. This decision ensures the continuation of a comprehensive open-access sexual health service, commissioned by the Council as part of its statutory public health functions, with a contract duration of four years, extendable for a further two years. The incumbent provider, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, has a strong performance record.

Update on the delivery of Sustainable Visitor Economy Growth : Visit Northumberland.

Cabinet noted the progress made in growing the volume and value of Northumberland's visitor economy, which generated £1.58 billion in 2025. They also endorsed the development and direction of the refreshed Northumberland Destination Management Plan and its resulting 2026/27 Action Plan. This plan aims to strengthen Northumberland's profile as a high-quality, year-round destination, support business growth, and promote sustainable tourism. The integration of the Visit Northumberland function into the Council's Economic Development and Growth service has strengthened governance and regional collaboration.

Northumberland Food Strategy - Food Action Plan Update

Cabinet noted the progress made in promoting Northumberland's local food story through the Taste of Northumberland initiative and wider activities related to the Northumberland Food Strategy. They also endorsed the Northumberland County Council Food Action Plan and its proposed governance arrangements. The Food Action Plan, developed by a task and finish group, outlines four workstreams: Access to Good Food, Development of the Food and Drink Sector, Healthier, More Sustainable Public Sector Food, and a Place-based Approach. The Council will establish an internal Food Action Plan Management Group in the short term, with the ambition to launch a wider Northumberland Food Partnership by Autumn 2026.

Land acquisition in South East Northumberland

Cabinet approved the recommendations detailed in the confidential report regarding land acquisition in South East Northumberland. This acquisition aims to consolidate Council land holdings and accelerate the delivery of the Northumberland Strategic Investment Site (NSIS). The details of the recommendations were contained within a confidential report.