The Cabinet of West Northamptonshire Council met on Wednesday 15 April 2026, approving an improvement plan in response to a critical Care Quality Commission (CQC) report on Adult Social Care, and authorising the leasing of two properties to provide temporary accommodation for those experiencing homelessness. The meeting also saw the adoption of updated policies regarding the use of council property by voluntary, community, social enterprise, and faith groups, and the introduction of a new policy to encourage community gardening on council land.

Care Quality Commission Outcome and Improvement Report

Cabinet approved the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Improvement Plan for Adult Social Care, which was developed in response to a recent inspection that rated the service as Requires Improvement. The plan, co-produced with stakeholders including service users, carers, and staff, outlines a comprehensive strategy to address identified challenges. These include improving workforce development and practice frameworks, enhancing communication and information sharing, ensuring stable leadership and team support, strengthening data and performance management, and fostering robust partnership working. A key focus is on improving equity of experience and outcomes for all residents, particularly those in rural areas or with protected characteristics. The Council will submit this plan to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) by 24 April 2026.

Councillor Laura Couse, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services, presented the report, acknowledging that while the CQC findings related to the previous administration, the current administration is responsible for addressing them. Councillor Hayley Adkins, Vice-Chair of the Adult Social Care, Health and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, highlighted the plan's alignment with the SEND Improvement Plan and its people-centred approach. Councillor Bob Purser, Chair of the same committee, noted the plan's fair representation of challenges and the committee's keenness to act as a partner in delivering improvements. Concerns were raised about significant gaps in mental health provision, culturally responsive care, and rural access, as well as the sector's reliance on overseas workers. The Director of Strategic Commissioning confirmed that the plan is a working document, with revisions being made based on ongoing discussions and feedback.

Temporary Accommodation Leases

The Council authorised the Assistant Director Assets & Environment to take leases on two properties to provide additional temporary accommodation for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This decision is expected to provide 31 flats and result in an annual saving of approximately £150,000 compared to the current cost of using nightly lets. Cabinet also granted standing authorisation for the Assistant Director Assets & Environment to take future leases for service delivery, provided costs are covered by existing budgets and do not exceed a ten-year and six-month commitment, with specific consultation requirements for decisions exceeding £100,000 or a five-year term.

Councillor John Slope, Cabinet Member for Finance, and Councillor Charlie Hastie, Cabinet Member for Housing, jointly presented the report, emphasising the Council's statutory duty to provide temporary accommodation and the ongoing need for more permanent solutions. Councillors welcomed the additional accommodation but noted it represented only a fraction of the total need. Concerns were raised about potential damages under full repair contracts, the need for hands-on management by NPH, and the operation of rent increases. Questions were also posed regarding the breadth of delegated authority to officers and the prioritisation of property acquisition. The Executive Director Place & Economy confirmed that property acquisitions are still under consideration and offered a separate briefing.

Policies on the Use of Council Property

Cabinet approved an amended VCSE use of property policy and adopted a new policy on community gardening on council land. The updated VCSE policy introduces a continuity presumption, aiming to provide existing groups with a preference for renewing their tenancies, provided they have served the community effectively. The community gardening policy aims to enable individuals and groups to garden suitable open spaces, offering benefits for physical and mental health, community pride, and cohesion, aligning with the Parks Development Strategy.

Councillor John Slope, Cabinet Member for Finance, presented the report, clarifying that the policies do not abandon principles of value for money or meeting community needs and that the community gardening policy does not confer allotment rights. Councillors raised concerns about insufficient evidence, the absence of clear, measurable criteria, and the need for prior scrutiny. A formal 12-month review of the policy was requested, along with concerns about management arrangements and an urban-centric perspective. The Executive Director Place & Economy confirmed that the VCSE policy has been in operation for five years and that the community garden policy is part of the Parks Strategy, resulting from extensive work and consultation. Councillor Nigel Stansfield highlighted the availability of land and the potential for community gardens to address fly-tipping and build local pride.

Other Discussions

The meeting also included discussions and decisions on:

• Care Quality Commission Outcome and Improvement Report: Cabinet approved the CQC Improvement Plan and noted its submission to the DHSC.
• Temporary Accommodation Leases: Cabinet authorised the Assistant Director Assets & Environment to take leases on two properties and granted standing authorisation for future leases.
• Policies on the use of Council property: Cabinet approved the amended VCSE use of property policy and adopted the community gardening policy.