The Council of North Northamptonshire Council met on Thursday 22 January 2026, approving a revised scheme for members' allowances and a new municipal timetable for the upcoming year. The council also accepted the findings of a Corporate Peer Challenge progress review and agreed to a single Planning Committee structure.

Corporate Peer Challenge - Progress Review

The Council accepted the findings of the Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) Progress Review report, noting the ongoing progress detailed in the council's action plan. Recommendations and further actions from the review will be incorporated into the Council's Annual Delivery Plan. The CPC process is a valued improvement and assurance tool, with councils expected to undergo a challenge at least once every five years. North Northamptonshire Council's first CPC was in September 2024, with the progress review visit taking place on 13 October 2025. The review found strong evidence that the Council has made real and meaningful progress in all seven of the recommendations set out in the CPC, noting this was particularly impressive given recent political changes, including a new administration and 47 newly elected members. The report highlighted significant improvements in governance, planning, and service delivery, while also acknowledging that there is still more to do. Key areas for future focus include embedding strategic priorities in all plans, enhancing the council's regional and national presence, and improving financial transparency.

Independent Remuneration Panel - Review of Members Scheme of Allowances

The Council rejected the Independent Remuneration Panel's (IRP) recommendation for a 1.5% increase and backdating of allowances for members from 23 May 2025. Instead, the Council approved several changes to the Members' Scheme of Allowances. These include: only one Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) payable per member; a limit on the number of SRAs payable at any one time to not exceed 50% of council members (34 members); and setting the SRA for the Chair of the Planning Committee at the same level as the Chair of the Licensing and Appeals Committee. Mileage and subsistence allowances will remain unchanged, as will the childcare and dependants' carers allowance, capped at £15,383.80 per annum. The LGA model parental leave policy will be adopted. Co-opted Members and Independent Persons' allowances will remain at £400 per meeting but will be uncapped and paid only on attendance. Basic allowances and SRAs will be subject to annual indexation in line with the NJC national pay award for officers. No changes were made to the approved duties outlined in the Members' Allowance Scheme. The IRP's role is to advise on the terms and conditions of councillors' allowances, considering factors such as workload, responsibilities, and comparability with other authorities.

Review of Planning Committee Arrangements

The Council approved the adoption of a single Planning Committee with a membership of 13 councillors. This decision aligns with best practice identified by the Planning Advisory Service (PAS). The report noted the Planning Infrastructure Act 2025 and anticipated subsequent regulations that may prescribe mandatory parameters for committee size and composition. Previously, the council operated with two strategic area planning committees, but data indicated underutilisation and a desire for greater cost-effectiveness. The PAS review in 2024 commended the council for progress in implementing a revised scheme of delegation and committee structure, but suggested revisiting the data to consider the efficiency of two committees. Following this, a decision was made in May 2025 to move to a single authority-wide Planning Committee.

Municipal Timetable 2026/27

The Council approved the Municipal Timetable for 2026/2027. This timetable sets out the proposed dates for Council, Executive, committees, and other standing bodies. Approving a wider date range up to December 2027 provides certainty for members, officers, and the public, enabling timely venue bookings and effective planning. The timetable includes a framework for the municipal year, with flexibility for extraordinary meetings or adjustments as needed. The Constitution requires Full Council to approve a timetable of meetings before the start of each municipal year.

Councillor Questions

The Council received questions from councillors as part of the meeting's agenda.