The Cabinet of West Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 10 March 2026, approving several key policies and frameworks designed to improve services for residents. Decisions included the adoption of a new Housing Adaptations Policy, the approval of a Non-School Alternative Provision Framework, and the adoption of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan for Northampton. The Cabinet also agreed to a fee uplift for adult social care providers and approved the proposed local delivery model for the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Non-School Alternative Provision Framework

Cabinet approved the procurement of a Non-School Alternative Provision framework, establishing a contract term of three years with an option to extend for up to two further years. Delegated authority was given to the Director of Children's Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, to finalise contractual documentation. This framework aims to ensure compliance with procurement regulations, implement robust quality assurance processes meeting Department for Education standards, provide a stable pricing structure, and align with the West Northants SEND and AP strategy. The framework will be procured as a multi-supplier open framework, reopening twice a year to allow new providers to join. The expenditure on non-school alternative provision was £2,116,056.88 between April 2025 and November 2025, funded through the Designated Schools Grant.

Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) 2026–2029: Proposed Local Delivery Model for West Northamptonshire

The Cabinet approved the proposed local delivery model for the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) for 2026–2029. This fund replaces the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments and requires the delivery of four mandatory strands: Crisis Payments, Housing Payments, Resilience Services, and Community Coordination. Authority was delegated to the Head of Community Safety, Engagement and Resettlement, in consultation with the Director of Communities and Opportunities, to make operational decisions. The Communities Team, Public Health, and Revenues & Benefits will collaborate on operational and strategic oversight, ensuring alignment with the Anti-Poverty Strategy. Any unassigned CRF funds will be reallocated according to Department for Work and Pensions guidance. The estimated total allocation for the three years is over £13 million, with a significant portion dedicated to Resilience Services.

Adult Social Care Provider Fee Uplifts

Cabinet approved a 3.47% fee uplift for all framework and non-framework adult social care providers, including out-of-area placements, for the financial year 2026/27. This uplift aims to support market sustainability and reflect inflationary pressures, ensuring compliance with the Council's duties under the Care Act 2014. A new hourly rate of £22.89 was introduced for extra care providers to ensure equity across the framework. The total estimated cost of this uplift is £5.245 million for 2026/27, to be funded through the Adult Social Care revenue budget and savings from the Adults Sustainability Programme.

Housing Adaptations Policy, April 2026

The Cabinet approved an updated Housing Adaptations Policy, designed to modernise service delivery and ensure fair, consistent, and responsive support for residents needing adaptations to remain safe and independent at home. The policy introduces new discretionary grants, including a Service Fees Grant and an Armed Forces Grant, and aims to maximise the use of available funding. It also addresses historical gaps in service access and ensures tenure-neutrality, aligning with guidance from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. Delegated authority was granted to the Head of Private Sector Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing, to make minor amendments to the policy. The policy is expected to reduce demand for higher-cost care packages and improve overall value for residents.

Connect to Work and Skills Bootcamp Delivery in West Northamptonshire

Cabinet acknowledged the acceptance of Department for Education Skills Bootcamp grant funding of up to £1,500,000 for April 2026 to March 2027. Delegated authority was given to the Executive Director of Place, Economy and Environment to oversee the procurement and contract award for delivery partners for both the Connect to Work and Skills Bootcamp programmes. The Connect to Work programme aims to support 1,565 participants in West Northamptonshire, with the Council needing to procure external partners for 547 starts. Skills Bootcamps will focus on logistics, hospitality/tourism, and construction, with targets for learner starts and job outcomes.

Adoption of Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan for Northampton

Cabinet approved and adopted the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan for Northampton. This plan, developed in collaboration with stakeholders, identifies prioritised proposals to enhance the town's cycling and walking networks over the next ten years. It aligns with the Council's Local Transport Plan and the One West Northamptonshire priorities, aiming to improve accessibility, public health, and environmental quality. The plan outlines ten priority urban corridors and seven routes to surrounding settlements, with proposed interventions ranging from segregated cycle tracks to quieter on-carriageway cycling and improved walking routes. The adoption of this plan is expected to strengthen the Council's position in securing future funding for active travel schemes.

Corporate Parenting Strategy for West Northamptonshire

Cabinet considered and approved the adoption and implementation of the Corporate Parenting Strategy for West Northamptonshire 2026–2029. This strategy, co-produced with children in care, care-experienced young people, and partners, sets out the Council's commitment to acting as an ambitious and responsible corporate parent. It prioritises four areas: Develop Resilience, Enjoy Good Health and Wellbeing, Fulfil Potential, and Live Safe, Be Safe. The strategy aims to provide consistent, high-quality support, improve outcomes, and ensure children and young people feel safe, heard, and supported to achieve their aspirations. Delivery will be overseen by the Corporate Parenting Board.

Income Management System Shared Services Contract

Cabinet approved the procurement process for the Income Management System contract via the GCloud software framework. Delegated authority was given to the West Northamptonshire Council Chief Finance Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for HR & Corporate Services, to award the contract on behalf of West Northamptonshire Council and its Shared Services partners to the best-fit supplier. This procurement is necessary as the current contract expires on 31 July 2026 and cannot be extended. The G-Cloud framework was identified as the most proportionate, low-risk, and cost-effective route to ensure continuity of this business-critical service. The indicative cost for the four-year contract is £2 million, shared among the partner councils.

Landlord Services Q3 Performance Report 2025/26

Cabinet noted the content of the Landlord Services Q3 Performance Report 2025/26, which provided an update on the performance of the Council's housing landlord services, primarily delivered by Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH). While acknowledging improvements in tenant satisfaction and income collection, the report highlighted areas for focus, including anti-social behaviour handling, non-decency rates, void relet times, and Stage 2 complaint handling. Progress on the Business Improvement Action Plan following a C3 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing was also noted.

One West Northamptonshire Plan – Performance Report Q3 2025-26

Cabinet noted the content of the One West Northamptonshire Plan – Performance Report Q3 2025-26. The report provided an overview of performance metrics against the priorities set out in the plan. Councillors raised questions regarding pothole reporting, temporary accommodation costs, planning application extensions, alternative provision spend, excluded children with SEND assessments, contingency reserves, adult drug treatment targets, newborn visits, immunisation rates, social housing waiting lists, fly-tipping incidents, and enforcement policies. Officers provided responses and offered further detailed briefings.

The meeting also included declarations of interest from Councillor Mark Arnull, Councillor Thomas Manning, and Councillor Nigel Stansfield concerning PWC Building Control Services Ltd.