The Executive of North Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 17 February 2026 to discuss and approve several key strategies and plans. Decisions made included the approval of the Corporate Parenting Strategy, the Community Safety Partnership Plan for 2026-2029, and the commencement of procurement for a new Geographic Information System (GIS). The Executive also approved the disposal of several surplus council assets and the progression of future options for leisure service management.

Corporate Parenting Strategy

The Executive approved the Corporate Parenting Strategy, recommending its adoption by the Council in March 2026. This strategy aims to ensure the Council fulfils its statutory duties in supporting children in care and care-experienced young people by providing a clear, whole-council framework. The strategy will be incorporated into the Council's Policy Framework to ensure political prominence and oversight. An implementation plan and resource considerations are being developed.

Community Safety Partnership Plan 2026-2029

The North Northamptonshire Community Safety Plan for 2026-2029 was approved for adoption. This plan outlines five priority areas for the Community Safety Partnership to focus on, including preventing serious harm from violence, knife crime, and exploitation; protecting and supporting victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and exploitation; protecting and supporting women and girls; fostering cohesive and stable communities; and ensuring safer neighbourhoods and towns for everyone. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director for Communities and Leisure, in consultation with the Executive Member for Communities, to take necessary actions for the plan's implementation.

Future Options for the Management of Leisure Services - Phase One

The Executive agreed that several management models for leisure services would not be progressed further, including Asset Transfer, a Local Authority Trading Company, a new NNC-owned Charitable Leisure Trust, and outsourcing all services through an external contract. The remaining options to be further appraised are: bringing all services in-house; a mixed model where Active Communities, Leisure Management functions, and capital programmes remain in-house with leisure centres and facilities outsourced to a single external contractor; or a mixed model where these functions remain in-house, with leisure facilities in more deprived areas also managed in-house, and the rest outsourced. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director for Communities and Leisure, in consultation with the Executive Member for Health and Leisure, to extend existing contracts to align with an implementation date of 1st April 2028 and to further develop the remaining options for a future report.

Pride in Place Programme

The Executive agreed that the Council would take on the Accountable Body responsibilities for the government's Pride in Place Programme for three local communities: Avondale Grange in Kettering, Kingswood and Hazel Leys in Corby, and Queensway in Wellingborough. These areas will receive significant funding over the next decade to support community-led regeneration. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for Adults, Health Partnerships & Housing, in consultation with other relevant officers and the Leader of the Council, to sign funding agreements and contracts. The Executive also agreed that the Leader of the Council would nominate a local Ward Councillor for each of the three Neighbourhood Boards that will be established.

Surplus Asset Disposal

The Executive declared five sites surplus to requirements and approved their disposal in accordance with the Council's Asset Disposal Policy. These sites are Jackson's Lane Car Park in Wellingborough, Saunders Close Land in Kettering, Land at the corner of Rectory Rd in Rushden, Phase 2 Glenvale Park in Wellingborough, and Beech Close in Desborough. An ongoing review of Saunders Close and Beech Close for potential Council housing was noted. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director for Assets and Environment to progress the disposal and agree sale terms. Additionally, authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Finance to approve the appropriation of Saunders Close and Beech Close from the General Fund to the Housing Revenue Account, subject to financial appraisal.

Admission Arrangements for Local Authority Maintained Schools

The Executive determined the admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools in North Northamptonshire for the 2027 intakes, as detailed in Appendix A. They also agreed the Co-ordinated Schemes for Primary and Secondary school admissions for 2027 intakes, as outlined in Appendices B and C, and approved the setting of the Relevant Area for schools within the authority as the North Northamptonshire Council area. A key change to the waiting list process was approved, whereby children refused a place will be automatically added to the waiting list and remain on it until the end of the academic year, simplifying the process for parents and saving administrative time.

Procurement of a Geographic Information System (GIS)

Approval was given to commence the procurement process for a new, unified, cloud-based Geographic Information System (GIS) for North Northamptonshire Council. This move aims to consolidate fragmented existing systems, improve data integration, enhance service delivery, and support the Council's digital transformation and data-driven objectives. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant Executive Member, to manage the procurement and implementation process. The revenue and capital implications of this transition were also noted.

Apprenticeship Training Purchasing

The Executive delegated authority to the Assistant Director of Human Resources, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to tender for an Apprenticeship Services Framework. This framework aims to streamline the procurement of apprenticeship training, making better use of the Council's apprenticeship and skills levy funding. It is expected to deliver greater value for money, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance with legislation. Authority was also delegated to award contracts through the framework, should they exceed the key decision threshold.

Procurement of Enforcement Agent Services

Approval was granted to commence the procurement process for Enforcement Agent services. This is to ensure the Council has a compliant service for the collection of outstanding debts, such as Council Tax, Business Rates, and Penalty Charge Notices. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Finance & Performance, in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency & Change, to conclude the procurement. This move is intended to improve efficiency and maximise income collection for the Council.