The Cabinet of Northumberland Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, with a packed agenda covering a range of significant local issues. Key discussions are expected to include updates on the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, the expansion of regional fostering services, and new policies for housing enforcement.

Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal - Update

Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Business, Growth and Regeneration, will present an update on the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. This initiative, a joint effort by the UK and Scottish Governments and the Borderlands Partnership, aims to generate economic growth over a 10-year period through significant investment. The report details progress on Northumberland's three major programmes: the Northumberland Borderlands Place Programme, the Northumberland Borderlands Inclusive Growth Programme, and the Borderlands Energy Programme. Cabinet is being asked to note the progress made, support the ongoing development of investment propositions, and agree to several recommendations. These include the appropriation of Council land at The Maltings Theatre in Berwick-upon-Tweed for planning purposes, the submission of the Northumberland Hadrian's Wall Visitor Exploration Project Full Business Case for appraisal, and confirmation of the approval of the Borderlands' Energy Programme Business Case and Hadrian's Wall Programme Business Case by the Borderlands Partnership Board. Authority will also be delegated to undertake necessary procurement activities for the Hadrian's Wall Visitor Exploration Programme. The report also outlines changes to the accountable body arrangements, with Northumberland County Council continuing in this role for the English element of the Deal, gaining greater autonomy in managing funding flows and assurance requirements.

Expansion of the Regionalisation of Mainstream Fostering and Development of Regional Care Cooperatives

Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, will present a report seeking Cabinet approval to participate in the expansion of the Regional Fostering Hub, aligning with the Department for Education's (DfE) expansion programme. This initiative builds upon the Foster with North East (FwNE) pathfinder, which has been operational since 2023 and includes all North East councils. The proposed expansion involves moving to an 'End-to-End' model encompassing all aspects of the fostering process. The report highlights that children's social care sufficiency is a significant risk and financial pressure for local authorities. The DfE's policy paper, 'Renewing Fostering: homes for 10,000 more children', published in February 2026, emphasises regional working. Cabinet is recommended to agree to the Authority entering into an agreement to be part of the expanded North East Regional Fostering Hub and to support a North East Regional bid to become a 'Wave 2' Regional Care Cooperative national pathfinder.

Housing Enforcement and Civil Penalty Policies

Councillor Colin Horncastle, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, will present a report seeking approval and adoption of a Housing Enforcement Policy, a Civil Penalty Policy, Mandatory Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licensing Conditions, and Selective Licensing Conditions. These policies are relevant to the Housing Act 2004, the Housing and Planning Act 2016, and in accordance with statutory guidance and the Renters' Rights Act 2025. The Renters' Rights Act introduces an expanded civil penalty framework and new duties for the Council to enforce a broader range of landlord obligations, including new compliance requirements and enhanced penalties for non-compliance. The report details the Council's approach to enforcement, investigatory powers, and formal actions such as statutory notices, work in default, prosecution, and civil financial penalties. It also outlines the process for imposing civil penalties, including the right to make written representations and the possibility of a discount for prompt payment.

Adult Social Care - Progressing our Next Steps and Commissioning Intentions

Councillor Eve Chicken, Cabinet Member for Adults' Services and Health, will present a report seeking Cabinet approval to publish key strategic documents that support the continuous improvement of Adult Social Care services. These documents include the Adult Social Care Next Steps – One year Update addendum, Adult Social Care Commissioning Plans 2025-27, and the Northumberland Market Position Statement. The report highlights the Council's commitment to prevention and early intervention, supporting people to live independently for longer, and shaping the external care market to ensure sufficiency, diversity, and sustainability. The Market Position Statement provides an overview of the current social care market and commissioning intentions, aiming to guide providers and identify opportunities for service development. The Commissioning Plans detail specific intentions for various service areas, including older persons care homes, care at home, specialist services, supported living, day services, and direct payments. The report also references the Council's positive Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating of 'Good' and outlines priority next steps, including embedding the 'Communities First' approach, refreshing website content, and developing digital and assistive technology strategies.

Summary of New Capital Proposals considered by the Capital Strategy Group

Councillor Nick Oliver, Cabinet Member for Finance and Value for Money, will present a summary of proposed amendments to the capital programme that were considered by the Capital Strategy Group on 24 March 2026. The primary proposal for Cabinet's consideration is the approval of expenditure of £0.485 million in 2026-27 for capital works on the heating system for Seahouses Primary School and Busy Bees Nursery. This expenditure will be Council funded, reallocating £0.350 million from the Estate Decarbonisation Allocation project and £0.135 million from the Estate Energy Efficiency project within the capital programme. The report details the background to the ongoing operational issues with the current heating system, the recommended works, and an options appraisal. The preferred option is a full project approach, which involves improving the building's thermal performance, decentralising the nursery onto a separate Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) system, and improving the existing Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) system for the school.

Nominations to Outside Bodies

Councillor Glen Sanderson, Leader of the Council, will present a report to agree Cabinet's nominations to various outside bodies. These nominations are intended to ensure the Council maintains effective partnerships with organisations that have an impact on its service areas. The report details the bodies for which nominations are required, the number of representatives needed, and any specific requirements for those nominations, such as portfolio holder inclusion or specific roles like Chair.

Urgent Business

The agenda also includes an item for urgent business, to consider any other matters that, in the opinion of the Chair, should be dealt with by reason of special circumstances.