The Executive of North Northamptonshire Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday 12 May 2026, with a packed agenda covering a range of significant council functions. Key discussions are anticipated around the Capital Programme Update, the Corby Innovation Hub's stock condition works, and the review of the Empowerment Fund. The meeting will also address the Annual Delivery Plan and Enabling Strategies, alongside crucial policies concerning Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence, North Northamptonshire's Enforcement Policy, and the Empty Homes Strategy. Further items include a review of the Keyways Housing Allocations Scheme, the Local SEND Reform Plan submission, the Performance Management Framework and KPI Set for 2026-27, and a review of the Council's Constitution.

Capital Programme Update 2025/26

The Executive is set to receive an update on the Capital Programme for 2025/26. This report, presented by Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, and authored by Claire Edwards, Executive Director of Finance and Performance, will detail changes to the capital programme. These changes have already been approved by Directorate Capital Boards and Departmental Management Team meetings, and where applicable, the Strategic Capital Board (SCB). The Executive will be asked to note these adjustments, which include additions to the approved capital programme such as the Queensway Calisthenics Rig, Hazelwood Neighbourhood Centre Kitchen, and Rothwell Community Centre CCTV, funded by external contributions, grants, and Section 106 contributions. Budget adjustments are also noted for the Rural England Prosperity Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Furthermore, drawdowns from block budgets for the Corby Innovation Hub condition works and Irchester Primary School SEND provision will be presented for noting. The report highlights potential risks associated with the programme's deliverability, including the impact of inflation on material prices and interest rates for borrowing, which may necessitate scope reductions in the future.

Corby Innovation Hub - Stock Condition Works

Councillor Ken Harrington, Executive Member for Assets, Waste and Environmental Services, will present a report concerning stock condition works at the Corby Innovation Hub. The Hub, acquired in 2016, is a 73,000 sq. ft facility with a high occupancy rate, providing lettable office and light industrial spaces. The report highlights that the building's service systems, essential for its operation, are reaching the end of their serviceable life and are at risk of failure. Planned preventative maintenance has extended their lifespan, but replacement and upgrade of mechanical plant, fire protection systems, electrical systems, and LED fixtures are now necessary to maintain service, performance, and business continuity. The Executive is asked to approve the commencement of the procurement process for these works, with authority delegated to the Assistant Director of Assets and Environment to award the contract. Alternative options considered, such as reducing the scope of works or disposing of the asset, were discounted due to legal and contractual obligations, potential financial claims, and the loss of rental income and local business support.

Empowerment Fund Review

Kamila Coulson Patel, Director of Law and Governance, will present a report on the Empowerment Fund. The report outlines proposals to withdraw the Ward Member Empowerment Fund and establish a Youth Empowerment Grant Scheme. The Ward Member Empowerment Fund, adopted in June 2025 with an annual budget of £136,000, has seen varying levels of utilisation across wards. The proposal is to withdraw this fund with immediate effect. Of the allocated budget for 2026/27, £68,000 is proposed to be allocated to devise and develop a Youth Empowerment Grant Scheme, co-designed with the Youth Advisory Council, with a target launch date of September 2026. The remaining £68,000 would be designated to the general revenue fund as an in-year saving. This aligns with the Corporate Priority of 'Family' and aims to empower young people, strengthen communities, and reduce harm.

Annual Delivery Plan and Enabling Strategies

Councillor Martin Griffiths, Leader of the Council, will present the Annual Delivery Plan and Enabling Strategies. This report seeks endorsement of the Council's first Annual Delivery Plan and its supporting strategies, which are designed to drive the delivery of the Council's Corporate Plan. The Annual Delivery Plan details specific actions and activities, while the enabling strategies outline 'how' the Council will support this delivery, covering workforce, technology, customer experience, and communications. These documents follow the adoption of a new Corporate Plan in December 2025 and are intended to strengthen the link between high-level strategic aspirations and day-to-day activities. The plan is a living document, designed to be responsive to progress and environmental changes. The report also notes that the Corporate Scrutiny Committee has indicated a desire to focus future scrutiny work on the key thematic areas of the enabling strategies.

Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-2030

Councillor Gregory Wilcox, Executive Member for Communities, will present the Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-2030. This strategy, developed by the North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership, outlines five priority areas for collaborative action. It addresses the statutory duties placed on Tier One Authorities by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which mandates the provision of accommodation-based support to victims of domestic abuse and their children. The strategy aims to reduce domestic abuse and sexual violence, support victims and survivors, and meet legal obligations for safe accommodation. The report highlights significant local statistics, including an average of 22 domestic abuse incidents reported to the police daily in North Northamptonshire between March 2025 and February 2026. The strategy has been developed with input from key partners, service providers, and victims/survivors, and will be overseen by the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership Board. The Executive is asked to approve the strategy for adoption and implementation, and to delegate authority for its implementation.

North Northamptonshire Enforcement Policy

Councillor Kirk Harrison, Executive Member for Regulatory Services, will present an updated North Northamptonshire Enforcement Policy. The original policy was approved in June 2022, and this revised version incorporates updates to ensure all enforcement work is covered, with service-specific details provided in schedules and appendices. The review, conducted by the Corporate Enforcement Group, aims to ensure an efficient, proportionate, consistent, and effective approach to regulatory activity. The policy addresses standards for enforcement officers, proportionality, available actions, evidence gathering, charges, and equality and diversity. Schedules detailing specific enforcement powers for Environmental Crime, Local Planning Enforcement, and Private Sector Housing are included. The Executive is asked to approve the revised policy and delegate authority to the Director of Law and Governance to make minor consequential changes.

Empty Homes Strategy

Councillor Kirk Harrison, Executive Member for Regulatory Services, will also present the new Empty Homes Strategy. This strategy outlines North Northamptonshire Council's approach to identifying, managing, and bringing long-term empty homes back into use. The strategy aims to reduce the number of empty homes, improve housing standards, increase affordable housing supply, support community regeneration, and maximise income through council tax premiums and enforcement. Nationally, approximately 700,000 private sector properties are empty, and in North Northamptonshire, around 400 properties have been empty for over two years. The strategy details a graduated approach, starting with informal engagement and escalating to formal enforcement options such as Enforced Sales, Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs), and Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs). Council Tax premiums are already in place, with plans to introduce a premium on second homes from April 2027. The report notes that the strategy carries no direct financial cost implications, as existing resources will be used, though tougher enforcement sanctions may require separate business cases.

Keyways Housing Allocations Scheme Review

Councillor Brian Benneyworth, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Leisure, will present a review of the Keyways Housing Allocations Scheme. Following a six-week public consultation, the report analyses responses and seeks Executive approval for the implementation of the proposed scheme. The consultation showed majority agreement for ten proposed changes, including tightening eligibility to focus on those with defined housing need, clarifying homeowner qualifications, and adjusting priority banding for care leavers and victims of domestic abuse. A key decision point is the proposed priority for care leavers: Option 2, recommended by officers, would prioritise care leavers accommodated by either North Northamptonshire Council or West Northamptonshire Council equally in Band A, with others in Band D. This aligns with the Northamptonshire Joint Housing Protocol for Care-Experienced Young People. The report also details data on housing demand, waiting times, and projected future demand from care leavers.

Local SEND Reform Plan Submission

Councillor Elizabeth Wright, Executive Member for Children, Education and Families, will present a report on the Local SEND Reform Plan Submission. This plan is a requirement of the government's SEND reform programme and must be submitted to the Department for Education (DfE) by 19 June 2026. The plan outlines actions to drive system reform for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) over the next three years. It is crucial for eligibility for the High Needs Stability Grant, which covers 90% of the High Needs-related Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit accrued up to March 2026. The report seeks delegated authority for the Executive Director of Children's Services, in consultation with statutory officers and the Executive Member, to finalise and submit the plan, allowing for prompt responses to DfE feedback and adherence to national timescales.

Performance Management Framework and 2026-27 KPI Set

Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, will present an update on the Performance Management Framework and the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) set for 2026-27. The review aims to ensure the framework and KPIs remain fit for purpose and aligned with the newly adopted Corporate Plan. Minor changes have been made to the framework, including updating CIPFA Near Neighbour and LAIT benchmarking lists. A new Local Outcomes Framework (LOF) from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will also be reported quarterly. The KPI set has been revised, with a reduction in the number of indicators reported to Executive and Scrutiny to focus on strategic discussions. The report proposes 39 monthly Corporate KPIs and 22 quarterly Organisational Health KPIs, organised by Corporate Plan Priority Theme and Directorate.

Constitution Review 2026

Councillor Martin Griffiths, Leader of the Council, will present a report on the Constitution Review 2026. The Council's Constitution, adopted in 2021, has undergone a review by the Monitoring Officer to identify areas for update. Proposed changes include administrative updates, formatting improvements for readability, and the amalgamation of the Summary and Explanation sections. Public participation rules are being revised, with the deadline for requesting to speak at meetings brought forward to 12 noon two clear working days prior. The Petition Scheme is being updated to clarify categories and thresholds, and an e-petition facility is available. Minor amendments to Planning Committee delegations are proposed to ensure consistency. The report also notes that the Corporate Parenting Board will be formally recorded as a council body. The Executive is asked to note the proposed changes to the Constitution and approve those relating to the Executive's functions.