The Cabinet of Northumberland Council met on Tuesday 8 September 2026 to discuss several key issues, approving plans for bus reform, a redesign of library and customer services, and new capital proposals. The meeting also addressed financial performance, the Housing Revenue Account, and the adoption of the North Pennines National Landscape Management Plan.

Bus Reform - Statutory Consultation

Cabinet received and acknowledged the Franchise Scheme Assessment Consultation document published by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (NEMSA). They delegated authority to the Executive Director for Place and Regeneration, in consultation with the Deputy Leader, to submit Northumberland County Council's response to NEMSA's statutory consultation on the proposed franchising of the North East bus network. Further reports on the outcome of the consultation and subsequent decisions will be presented to Cabinet.

Service Redesign - Libraries and Customer Services

A new operating model was agreed to combine and future-proof the Library Service and Customer Experience, creating a combined Library and Information Service set to go live in January 2027. This new model will be funded from the existing Library Services and Customer Experience base budget. Cabinet agreed to the introduction of this revised operating model across Northumberland's 21 statutory libraries. A Community Led Library model will be progressed for Seaton Sluice and South Beach Libraries from April 2027, with financial support for up to three years, funded from the existing base budget or the Library Service Improvement Fund grant from Arts Council England. Enhanced Council support will be provided for the existing Community Led Libraries in Heddon and Haydon Bridge. Smart Lockers or Smart Bookshelves will replace current library provision in Kielder Village, Astley Park Pavilion, East Bedlington Community Centre, and Guidepost. The new operating model for Library community outreach, including the mobile and home library services, will be enhanced by wider Council preventative and support capabilities. Cabinet noted the £491,000 investment received from Arts Council England (ACE) through the Libraries Improvement Fund to support the Council's drive to increase engagement and reach through improving digital infrastructure. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Public Health, Inequalities and Stronger Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Value for Money, to approve and implement any minor amendments required during the implementation phase, provided they do not materially alter the strategic intent, scope, or outcomes.

Council Tax Support Scheme (CTSS) Review

Cabinet authorised the Executive Director of Transformation and Resources to undertake a consultation exercise with the public and Major Precepting Authorities on the development of the Council Tax Support Scheme for working-age applicants for 2027-28. Following the consultation, the Executive Director of Transformation & Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Value for Money, will finalise a new draft Council Tax Support Scheme. Any final draft scheme will be presented to Cabinet on 27 October 2026 before being presented to Full Council for approval on 4 November 2026.

Financial Performance 2026-27 - Position at the end of June 2026

Cabinet approved the net re-profiling of £75.964 million to the Capital Programme from 2026-27 to 2027-28 to reflect estimated expenditure levels in the current financial year, deferring capital budget into 2027-28. Cabinet noted the projected overspend on services of £7.960 million and the assumptions outlined in the report. They were informed that the financial monitoring process is continuous and that predicting an overspend in the first formal monitoring report is not unusual as pressures are recognised. Services are taking action to balance the budget, and corporate work is underway to explore treasury management opportunities. An updated position for the six months to September will be presented to Cabinet on 8 December 2026. Cabinet also noted supplementary estimates, the required budget changes, the delivery of approved savings, the use of contingency and reserves, the detailed savings schedule, and the details of capital project reprofiling.

Housing Revenue Account Financial Performance 2026-27 - Position at the end of June 2026

Cabinet noted the projected outturn on the HRA revenue budget, the projected outturn on the HRA capital budget, the use of reserves, and the details of capital project reprofiling.

Summary of New Capital Proposals considered by the Capital Strategy Group

Cabinet approved capital expenditure of up to £3.5 million for the Solar photovoltaic (PV) Estate Building Safety and Compliance Programme and the Fire Risk Assessment Remedial Actions Programme across the Council's commercial and domestic estates, funded from the existing Property Stewardship Fund. Revenue expenditure of up to £1.477 million was also approved for compliance staffing, contractor management, and ongoing inspection and maintenance activities, funded from the Estates Rationalisation Reserve. Cabinet approved the procurement and appointment of suitably qualified Solar PV contractor(s) and granted delegated authority to the Executive Director of Place and Regeneration, in consultation with the Executive Director of Transformation and Resources, to award delivery contracts. Cabinet noted that initial survey work, staff costs, and routine maintenance will be funded from the Estates Rationalisation Reserve.

Grant funding of up to £1.191 million was approved for Haltwhistle Swimming and Leisure Centre for swimming and plant room improvements, funded from the existing Borderlands Place Programme. Delegated authority was granted to the Executive Director of Place and Regeneration to approve the issuing of the Grant Funding Agreement to Haltwhistle Swimming and Leisure Centre. Cabinet noted that match funding options will be explored, and any secured funding will reduce the capital grant request from the Council.

Expenditure of up to £0.450 million was approved for design and delivery activities for a new-build vehicle workshop at Hexham Tyne Mills, funded from the existing Tyne Mills Depot budget. Delegated authority was granted to the Executive Director of Place and Regeneration to enter into a contract for the appointment of a multi-disciplinary team, subject to funding confirmation and compliant procurement processes.

Gambling Act 2005: Initial proposals for refresh of licensing policy

Cabinet noted the nature of the licensing scheme for gambling activity, endorsed the initial proposals for the refreshed licensing policy, and approved the consultation outlined on the refreshed licensing policy.

Adoption of the North Pennines National Landscape Management Plan 2026-2031

Cabinet resolved that the draft Management Plan be adopted by Northumberland County Council as the North Pennines AONB Management Plan 2026-2031.