The Cabinet of West Northamptonshire Council met on Monday 16 February 2026 to discuss a range of financial and service-related matters. Key topics included the monitoring of revenue and capital expenditure for the 2025-26 financial year, the finalisation of the 2026-27 budget and medium-term financial plan, and the admission arrangements for primary schools for the 2027 intake. The Cabinet was also scheduled to consider the Adult Social Care Local Account, which outlines the council's strategy for this vital service.

Revenue Monitoring - Period 9 2025-26

The Cabinet was scheduled to receive an update on the council's financial performance against its approved 2025-26 budget, incorporating key financial risks, issues, and opportunities identified up to Period 9. This report aimed to provide an assessment of the council's financial position for both the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). It was intended to inform members on the forecast outturn position for the financial year and associated risks, as well as the deliverability of savings requirements and an update on treasury management.

Capital Monitoring - Period 9 2025-26

The meeting agenda included a report on the monitoring of the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programmes for the period up to Period 9 of the 2025-26 financial year. This report was intended to outline the latest capital monitoring positions and identify any changes to the capital programme since the previous report in December 2025. The Cabinet was asked to note the latest capital monitoring positions and any new capital schemes or changes to the existing Capital Programme.

Final Revenue and Capital Budget 2026-27

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the finalisation of the 2026-27 revenue and capital budget and the medium-term financial plan. This comprehensive report was intended to set out the council's financial plans for the upcoming year and the subsequent four years, outlining how corporate priorities would be resourced. The report was expected to detail the net revenue budget, average Band D Council Tax, proposed fees and charges, the dedicated schools grant budget, and additions to the capital programme. It was also to include the Medium-Term Financial Strategy, the Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy, and the Treasury Management Strategy. The Cabinet was asked to approve these plans and recommend them to Full Council.

Final HRA and Capital Budget 2026-27

The Cabinet was also scheduled to consider the final budget for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2026-27, including proposals for rent and service charge increases, garage rents, and commuter surcharges. The report was also to present the HRA Capital Programme for 2026-27 to 2030-31. The Cabinet was asked to approve these proposals and recommend them to Full Council.

Admission Arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools for 2027 Intakes

The meeting was set to discuss the admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools for the 2027 academic year intake. This included proposals for changes to Published Admission Numbers (PANs) for Boothville Primary School and Roade Primary School, an increase in the PAN for Harlestone Primary School, and the addition of Harlestone Manor parish to the linked area for Harlestone Primary School. The Cabinet was asked to approve these arrangements.

Adult Social Care Local Account (Adult Social Care Strategy)

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider a report on the Adult Social Care Local Account, which serves as the council's strategy for this service area. The report aimed to seek approval to launch a Big Conversation to gather feedback from individuals who use care and support services and their carers. This feedback would inform the co-production of the Adult Social Care Strategy and a set of annual priorities, which would then be presented to Cabinet for approval in the autumn.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, confirmation of previous minutes, chair's announcements, and consideration of urgent business. A report from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee was also scheduled to be presented. The agenda indicated that a private session would be held for the exclusion of the press and public.