The Cabinet of Northumberland Council met on Tuesday 8 September 2026, discussing significant reforms to bus services, a redesign of library and customer services, and the Council Tax Support Scheme. Key decisions included approving the submission of a response to the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority's statutory consultation on bus franchising, agreeing a new operating model for libraries and customer services, and authorising a public consultation on the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2027-28.

Bus Reform - Statutory Consultation

Cabinet received and acknowledged the Franchise Scheme Assessment Consultation document published by NEMSA¹. 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. Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Deputy Leader, highlighted the need to retain links with bus operators and support rural bus services, noting an increase in passenger numbers in the county. Councillor Nick Oliver supported this, mentioning the council's contribution to rural bus services, and Councillor John Riddle commented on service improvements in the Bellingham area. Councillor Mark Mather stressed the importance of empowering the Public Transport officers to respond to rural community needs.

Service Redesign - Libraries and Customer Services

Cabinet agreed to a new operating model that will combine and future-proof the Library Service and Customer Experience to create a combined Library and Information Service, set to go live in January 2027. The costs associated with this new model will be met from the existing Library Services and Customer Experience base budget. The decision includes the introduction of a revised operating model for the 21 statutory libraries across Northumberland, the adoption of a Community Led Library model for Seaton Sluice and South Beach Libraries from April 2027 with financial support for up to three years, and an enhanced model of ongoing Council support for the existing Community Led Libraries in Heddon and Haydon Bridge. Additionally, Cabinet agreed to the introduction of Smart Lockers or Smart Bookshelves to 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 a £491,000 investment from Arts Council England (ACE) through the Libraries Improvement Fund to support the transformation project. 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 minor amendments during implementation. Councillor Wendy Pattison, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, presented the report, highlighting the need for the service to adapt to changing public reading habits and thanking officers for their work. Councillor Oliver, Cabinet Member for Finance and Value for Money, also thanked officers, and Councillor Eve Louise Chicken, Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services and Health, commented on the value of libraries for community connection. Councillor Hugh Glen Howard Sanderson, Leader of the Council, thanked all involved, particularly library staff.

Council Tax Support Scheme (CTSS) Review

Cabinet agreed to authorise 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 be authorised to 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. Councillor Nick Oliver, Cabinet Member for Finance and Value for Money, presented the report, reminding members that a review of the scheme had been included when it was last agreed and that an all-party working group had met to discuss the scheme's impact.

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 to reflect the revised timeline for the capital programme. They also noted a projected overspend on services of £7.960 million and the assumptions outlined in the report. Councillor Oliver noted that the projected overspend was similar to the same point in the previous year and detailed the key challenges and areas of activity. Councillor Sanderson, Leader of the Council, expressed pride in the achievements despite the government settlement, thanking Councillor Oliver and staff, and acknowledging that challenging decisions lay ahead. Councillor Oliver commented that while a three-year settlement aided planning, it was not adequate and did not cover inflation.

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

Cabinet noted the projected outturn on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue and capital budgets, the use of reserves, and the details of capital project reprofiling. Councillor Oliver presented the report, and Councillor Colin William Horncastle, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, reminded members that the HRA is a ring-fenced account, financed by tenant rents.

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 Property Stewardship Fund. Revenue expenditure of up to £1.477 million was also approved for compliance staffing, contractor management, and ongoing inspection and maintenance, funded from the Estates Rationalisation Reserve. Cabinet approved the procurement and appointment of Solar PV contractors and 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 also approved grant funding of up to £1.191 million to Haltwhistle Swimming and Leisure Centre for plant improvements, funded from the Borderlands Place Programme. Delegated authority was granted to the Executive Director of Place and Regeneration to approve the issuing of the Grant Funding Agreement. Finally, Cabinet approved expenditure of up to £0.450 million for design and delivery activities for a new-build vehicle workshop at Hexham Tyne Mills, funded from the Tyne Mills Depot budget, and delegated authority to the Executive Director of Place and Regeneration to enter into a contract for the appointment of a multi-disciplinary team.

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 policy. Councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet Member for Public Safety, presented the report. Councillor Eve Louise Chicken, Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services and Health, welcomed the report, noting the public health implications of gambling. Councillor Stewart assured members that he would work with officers and relevant associations to secure the best outcomes.

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

Cabinet resolved to adopt the draft Management Plan as the North Pennines AONB Management Plan 2026-2031. Councillor John Robert Riddle, Cabinet Member Environment, Rural and Farming, presented the report, advising members that the Plan detailed best practice and thanked officers and farmers for their work.