The North Northamptonshire Council Executive met to discuss a range of issues, including approving a revised carbon neutral target of 2050, implementing traffic enforcement measures, and procuring a framework contract for local bus services. They also approved a new Anti-Social Behaviour Policy and made decisions relating to the council's insurance program and the Education Improvement Framework.

Here's a more detailed look at the key discussion points:

• Carbon Management Plan Review
  • The Executive voted to reset the council's carbon neutral target from 2030 to align with the UK's target of 2050, while continuing to deliver the ambitions set out in the Carbon Management Plan (CMP) at a sustainable pace and cost.
  • Councillor Emily Fedorovich spoke against the proposal, saying: pushing our council's net zero target from 2030 to 2050 will shape not just the years ahead but decades to come.
  • Councillor Trevor Conway argued for the change, stating that the decision to accept the recommendation of council officers was based on their latest annual progress report that stated the council did not meet its annual reduction targets.
  • The Executive approved the publication of the CMP Annual Report, noting the work undertaken.
• Traffic Enforcement Options
  • The Executive approved the review and consolidation of the existing Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for Newland Street in Kettering and Arnsley Road in Corby, restricting access to buses, Hackney Carriages, and cyclists only, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm.
  • They approved the introduction of enforcement using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras on Newland Street to improve pedestrian safety, and on Arnsley Road to improve bus service reliability.
  • The Executive also approved the implementation of ANPR cameras within designated School Streets to improve safety and reduce congestion.
  • Councillor James Towns spoke about the need for camera enforcement along Newland Street, highlighting safety concerns for pedestrians.
• Local Bus Framework Contract
  • The Executive agreed to procure a framework contract for local bus services for up to eight years, offering a more efficient basis for contracts than individual tenders. The value of these contracts may be up to £36 million.
  • Councillor Chris McGiffen said the new framework contract would streamline how the council works with operators, making it easier and more cost-effective to deliver services.
• Zero Emission Bus Schemes
  • The Executive agreed to use external capital funding from the Department for Transport to provide grant funding of £1.8 million towards the purchase of eight electric buses for the Kettering, Rothwell, Desborough, Corby and Market Harborough corridor.
  • Councillor Trevor Conway said the Place Environment Security Committee fully supported the purchase of the new electric buses.
  • Councillor Jim Hakewell looked forward to travelling on the electric buses through his home village of Braybrook.
• Review Of Waste Policies
  • The Executive approved the updated Waste and Recycling Policy, the Strategy for Tackling Litter and Fly-tipping, and the Environmental Crime Enforcement Policy.
  • Councillor Ken Harrington said the council aimed to attack those who believe it is OK to fly-tip.
• Anti-Social Behaviour Policy And Procedures
  • The Executive approved the new Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Policy.
  • John Padwick addressed the meeting to say that antisocial behaviour is blighting too many parts of Kettering.
  • Councillor Gregory Wilcox said the new policy would help residents understand what they can expect from the council when they report ASB.
• Integrated Community Equipment Service
  • The Executive approved an eight-month contract variation to the current contract, and the procurement of a new Integrated Community Equipment Service contract.
  • Councillor Eddie McDonald said the provision of equipment is one of the many tools in the toolbox that are used to provide holistic support to people.
• North Northamptonshire Council Insurance Programme Procurement
  • The Executive approved the extension of existing insurance contracts for a further 12-month period from 1 April 2026, and delegated authority to procure insurance contracts to the Executive Director for Finance and Performance.
  • Councillor Graham Cheatley said the approach was about prudence and preparedness, taking the time to collect the data and make a better informed decision.
• Education Improvement Framework 2025-2028
  • The Executive approved the Education Improvement Framework 2025–2028 as the council's strategic approach to education improvement.
  • Councillor Kirk Harrison said the framework is a structured and rigorous approach to drive improvements in schools.