The Cabinet of West Northamptonshire Council met on Wednesday 15 April 2026, approving an improvement plan for Adult Social Services following a critical Care Quality Commission report and authorising the leasing of two new properties to provide temporary accommodation. The council also adopted new policies regarding the use of council property and community gardening.

Care Quality Commission Outcome and Improvement Report

The Cabinet approved an improvement plan for Adult Social Services in response to a critical report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC's onsite visit in August 2025 found that Adult Services required improvement and faced significant challenges. Councillor Laura Couse, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services, presented the report, highlighting that the improvement plan had been co-produced with stakeholders and that collaborative working would continue. Several improvements have already been implemented, with ongoing efforts focused on strengthening Adult Social Services.

Councillor Hayley Adkins, Vice-Chair of the Adult Social Care, Health and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, noted that the plan was developed in partnership, aligned with the SEND Improvement Plan, and adopted a people-centred approach. She added that staff wellbeing was addressed and that positive outcomes were expected in the coming months, with the plan aligning with the Care Act 2014.

Councillor Bob Purser, Chair of the Adult Social Care, Health and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, stated that the plan was a fair representation of the challenges and recognised the scale of improvement required. He expressed the committee's keenness to act as a partner in delivering improvements and questioned whether the council aimed for a good or outstanding rating. He also emphasised the critical role of health partners, including the new Integrated Care Board (ICB) arrangements, and the need for improvements to be delivered within ongoing budget pressures.

Councillors expressed disappointment with the CQC findings, particularly regarding gaps in mental health provision, culturally responsive care, and rural access. They acknowledged that while the findings related to the previous administration, the current administration was responsible for addressing them. Concerns were raised about the impact of cuts to bus routes and high public transport costs on rural communities, and the sector's reliance on overseas workers.

Councillor Couse assured members that access to care was a key priority and that there was a clear ambition for services to be outstanding. The Director of Strategic Commissioning confirmed that the improvement plan was a working document, with revisions made based on ongoing discussions and feedback from care and health partners. A finalised version was expected the following week. The director also addressed concerns about the workforce, noting the commitment of staff and the significant investment being made to support internationally recruited staff, while acknowledging uncertainties regarding future recruitment due to Home Office requirements. The Director of Children's Services confirmed ongoing work on transitional safeguarding in collaboration with Adult Services.

The Cabinet approved the CQC Improvement Plan and noted that the Council would submit the plan to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) by 24 April 2026.

Temporary Accommodation Leases

The Cabinet authorised the Assistant Director Assets & Environment to take leases on two properties to provide additional temporary accommodation. Councillor John Slope, Cabinet Member for Finance, presented the report, stating that the proposals reflected sound commercial practice and provided a clear framework to protect the Council. Councillor Charlie Hastie, Cabinet Member for Housing, emphasised the Council's statutory duty to provide temporary accommodation and noted that current provision was insufficient to meet demand.

Concerns were raised about the limited capacity provided by the new accommodation, potential liabilities under a full repair contract for one property, and the need for hands-on management by NPH. Questions were also asked about how rent increases would operate, the potential for retrospective increases, and the Council Tax position. Some councillors expressed concern about the breadth of delegated authority to officers and the reduction in Cabinet oversight, stressing the need for oversight of accommodation quality and standards. The prioritisation of property acquisition was questioned, and information was sought on the engagement with the landlord incentive scheme.

The Executive Director Place & Economy confirmed that property acquisitions were still under consideration and offered a separate briefing to members. He assured that leases had been negotiated in line with best practice and highlighted improved governance and financial management. The Director of Communities & Opportunities confirmed that the service provided hands-on management, including needs assessments and site visits, and that proactive work was being done to address rent arrears. She also noted that property acquisitions were being explored, including the use of grant funding.

The Cabinet authorised the Assistant Director Assets & Environment to take leases of the two properties on the terms set out in the report. They also gave the Assistant Director Assets & Environment standing authorisation to take leases of properties for service delivery, provided the cost is covered by existing budgets and is reasonably expected to be covered during the lease term, with leases not exceeding ten years and six months. Decisions where the total consideration exceeds £100,000 or the committed term exceeds five years will require consultation with the Executive Director Resources and the Cabinet Member for Finance. The Council's Constitution will be amended accordingly.

Policies on the use of Council property

The Cabinet approved an amended policy on the use of property by voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations and adopted a new policy on community gardening on council land. Councillor John Slope presented the report, clarifying that these policies do not abandon the principles of value for money or meeting community needs and do not confer allotment rights.

Councillors raised concerns about insufficient evidence to support the proposals, the absence of clear, measurable criteria for assessing property utilisation, and the lack of prior scrutiny. A formal 12-month review of the policy was requested, and concerns were raised regarding management arrangements and the perceived urban perspective of the policy. Questions were posed about the involvement of Parish Councils and the need for land to be identified in advance, with a pilot approach suggested.

The Executive Director Place & Economy confirmed that the VCSE policy had been in operation for five years and that concerns raised by community groups had been discussed. He explained that the Community Garden Policy was part of the Parks Strategy and the result of extensive work and consultation. He acknowledged the validity of management points raised and confirmed ongoing work with Town and Parish Councils to identify suitable land, citing the Racecourse community garden as a positive example.

Councillor Nigel Stansfield highlighted the availability of land across Northampton and suggested that community gardens could help address fly-tipping and bring communities together, describing the proposals as a win-win . He cautioned that too many procedural barriers could discourage community participation.

The Cabinet approved the amended VCSE use of property policy and adopted the proposed policy on community gardening on the Council's land.