North Northamptonshire Council convened on Thursday 16 July 2026, electing Councillor Andy Simms as its new Chair and approving updates to its Constitution. The meeting also saw the rejection of three motions on notice, including one to fly the Ukrainian flag on Ukraine Independence Day, a motion to develop a High Street Revival Policy, and a motion urging the engagement of independent highways experts in local plan development.

Election of Chair

Councillor Andy Simms was elected as the new Chair of North Northamptonshire Council for the 2026-2027 municipal year.

Constitution Update 2026

The Council approved and adopted the revised Constitution, following a review undertaken by the Monitoring Officer. The updates aim to improve clarity, accessibility, and consistency, reflecting current legislation and organisational arrangements. Key changes include adjustments to the petition scheme, bringing forward deadlines for public participation, and formatting enhancements.

Motions on Notice

Three motions were debated and subsequently rejected by the Council:

• Flying the Ukrainian Flag: A motion to make an exception to the Council's flag-flying policy to fly the Ukrainian flag on Ukraine Independence Day (24 August 2026) was rejected. The recorded vote was 21 in favour, 32 against, and 4 abstentions. Arguments against the motion centred on the need to adhere to the existing flag policy to avoid making ad-hoc decisions on national and international causes, with some councillors emphasizing practical support for Ukrainian residents over symbolic gestures. Supporters highlighted Ukraine's ongoing struggle and the importance of showing solidarity.

• High Street Revival Policy: A motion proposing the development of a North Northamptonshire High Street Revival Policy, the establishment of a High Street Renewal Taskforce, and the creation of a public register of long-term empty commercial properties was rejected. Councillors opposing the motion argued that the proposed actions were already underway or were not adding value to existing initiatives.

• Independent Highways Experts: A motion urging the engagement of independent highways experts in the development of the Local Plan and Local Transport Plan, and for transparent engagement with neighbouring authorities on infrastructure impacts, was also rejected. Opponents argued that existing council processes and statutory requirements already addressed these concerns, questioning what tangible change the motion would bring. Supporters emphasized the need for greater public confidence and robust evidence, particularly regarding cumulative development impacts.

Councillor Questions

A series of councillor questions were addressed, covering topics such as parking provision in Corby Old Village, the future of the Corby bonfire event, the potential return of Children's Services to direct council control, education and safeguarding programmes in schools, and the ongoing situation at the Job's Yard demolition site in Kettering. Responses indicated ongoing work on parking enforcement and exploration of new provisions, the financial unsustainability of the Corby bonfire without external support, the conditions for bringing Children's Services back under direct council control, a comprehensive safeguarding programme for schools, and continued efforts to progress the Job's Yard demolition while ensuring public safety.

The meeting concluded with the Chair thanking councillors, officers, and members of the public for their attendance.