The Cabinet of Northumberland Council met on Tuesday 6 October 2026, approving significant funding for the Berwick Maltings Theatre and Cambois Quay projects, and initiating a consultation on changes to the Education Transport Policy. The meeting also addressed the HMICFRS inspection report for Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, updated the Food & Feed Safety and Standards Service Plan, and approved changes to the NCC Telecare Service operating model.

Berwick Maltings Theatre: Project Status

Cabinet approved a £28.5 million grant from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal for the Berwick Maltings Theatre project. This includes an allocation of £2.05 million from the Council's Strategic Regeneration Projects Budget. A further capital funding allocation of £2.625 million, to be funded by prudential borrowing, was recommended to Council to cover increased costs, bringing the Council's total contribution to £7.512 million. Subject to Council approval, Willmott Dixon Construction Limited will be appointed to deliver the construction works at a value of £28.575 million. Councillor Wendy Pattison, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, highlighted the theatre's vital role for the economic prosperity of Berwick and North Northumberland.

Cambois Quay - Dock Operator Appointment

A revenue grant of up to £3.744 million was approved for Advance Northumberland (Commercial) Limited to support the operation of Cambois Quay Dock. An initial allocation of £1.301 million will come from the Strategic Management Reserve, with the remainder to be met from future business rate retention income generated through the Blyth Energy Central Investment Zone Site. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Transformation and Resources (Section 151 Officer) and the Executive Director of Place and Regeneration to finalise the grant agreement, subject to satisfactory independent appraisal and due diligence. Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Deputy Leader, stressed the Council's commitment to this growth project, which is expected to benefit the entire county.

Education Transport Policy

Cabinet approved the commencement of a six-week consultation on a proposal to remove the discretionary policy of providing free school transport for children attending a school outside their transport priority area due to faith or belief ethos. Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, noted the significant financial challenges in delivering the Home to School transport service, with costs for SEND transport rising by 129% over five years. The current policy costs nearly £977,000 annually for 425 pupils. A further report will be presented in February 2027 following the consultation outcomes.

HMICFRS Inspection Report - Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service

Cabinet noted the report from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) concerning Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS). The report identified areas for improvement in operational risk information, equality, diversity and inclusion, leadership, workforce development, and values and culture. As a result, NFRS has been placed in an Engage monitoring regime. Cabinet resolved to strengthen the Assurance and Challenge Panel (ACP) to provide oversight of performance, improvement activity, and responses to HMI reports and recommendations. Councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet Member for Public Safety, highlighted that Engage is an enhanced monitoring regime, not special measures, and that public safety is not compromised.

Food & Feed, Safety & Standards Service Plan 2026/27

Cabinet approved the Food and Feed: Safety and Standards Service Plan for 2026-27. The plan outlines the regulatory activity to ensure the safety and standards of food and animal feed in the county, aligning with the Food Standards Agency's framework agreement. Councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet Member for Public Safety, noted the positive compliance rates, with 99% of businesses achieving satisfactory to very good food hygiene ratings. The plan details interventions for food safety, food standards, feed hygiene, port health, and promotional activities, including the Taste of Northumberland verification scheme.

NCC Telecare Service

Changes to the operating model of the NCC Telecare Service were approved, with the council providing a monitoring-only service and setting charges to recover full costs. The Mobile Warden Response element of the service, currently operating in a geographically limited area in the South East of Northumberland, will cease. Cabinet delegated authority for staff consultation and the development of an implementation plan to the Executive Director of Adults Ageing & Wellbeing. Councillor Eve Louise Chicken, Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services and Health, stated that the changes aim to create a fair, equitable, and financially sustainable service. The consultation revealed that 91% of respondents wished the Council to continue providing the service, with 76% of monitoring-only users indicating they would continue to subscribe.

Northumberland Communities First Approach – Progress Update

Cabinet noted the progress made in embedding the Communities First approach, which focuses on building on community strengths and supporting residents to live well and independently. Councillor Eve Louise Chicken, Cabinet Member for Adults' Services and Health, highlighted findings from behavioural insights research showing strong community involvement in Northumberland, with 85% of residents already supporting their communities. The report detailed progress in areas such as volunteering through the Northumberland Volunteer Passport, community capacity building via micro-grants, data and predictive modelling for targeted support, and embedding the approach within statutory services.

Market Testing Arrangements - Sale of Renewable Electricity from the Integrated Waste Management Contract EfW for 2027/28

Cabinet authorised the Council's Waste PFI Contractor, Suez, to enter an online energy auction to sell electricity generated at the Line 3 Energy from Waste Facility for the 2027/28 period. The sale will be for a one-year fixed price, with the first auction date set for 14 October 2026. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Place and Regeneration, in consultation with Councillor John Robert Riddle, Cabinet Member Environment, Rural and Farming, to set and amend the reserve price. The aim is to maximise income secured by the Council and achieve at least a breakeven position.