The Place and Environment Scrutiny Committee of North Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 3 March 2026, endorsing a new Speed Management Policy for submission to the Executive and providing feedback on the draft Housing Services Asset Management Strategy. The committee also agreed to add a joint scrutiny panel on highways to its work programme.

Speed Management Policy

The committee reviewed and endorsed the North Northamptonshire Council Speed Management Policy, which formalises current practices for setting, signing, and managing speed limits across the local highway network. The policy aims to improve road safety, support vulnerable road users, and enhance community wellbeing by adopting an evidence-led approach based on the three Es : Education, Engineering, and Enforcement. It prioritises mean speed as the primary metric for assessing limits and sets out a framework for 20mph limits and zones, particularly near schools. The policy also supports initiatives like Community Speed Watch and a self-purchase Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) scheme for Town and Parish Councils. The committee requested additional data on speed management policies and asked that its members be invited to observe meetings of the speed management panel. They also recommended that ward members be notified and invited to provide representation when applications affecting their wards are considered.

Draft Housing Services Asset Management Strategy 2026

The committee considered the draft Housing Services Asset Management Strategy, which outlines how the Council will manage, maintain, and invest in its housing stock of over 8,000 homes. The strategy aims to ensure homes meet statutory requirements, including the Decent Homes Standard, energy efficiency targets, and the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS). It also supports the long-term sustainability of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan. Members raised concerns about gaining access to all council properties for stock condition surveys and the increasing trend of major voids requiring significant investment. The strategy's commitment to improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon impact was noted, with a target for all council housing stock to achieve a minimum EPC rating of C.

Place & Environment Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee noted its current work programme and agreed to the addition of a joint scrutiny panel with the Corporate Scrutiny Committee focusing on highways, including the Kier Highways contract. Further details regarding the arrangements for this panel will be communicated once finalised.