This council: flagship · Adult Social Care · Asylum and Migration · Children's services and safeguarding · Climate · Council Spending and Efficiency · Devolution and local government reorganisation · Heritage · Housing, planning and local plans · Outsourcing of public services · Renaming and rebranding · Roads, highways and potholes · SEND and home-to-school transport · Support for (or hostility to) women · Waste, recycling and bins
Reform UK has led West Northamptonshire Council since May 2025 (source).
West Northamptonshire Council is run by a Reform UK administration.[1] In July 2025 its Cabinet withdrew the council's declared net-zero targets.[2] The Leader invited a Reform Department of Government Efficiency team to audit council spending.[3] Full Council adopted a flag protocol restricting which flags fly on council buildings.[4] Full Council carried a motion opposing the use of local hotels for asylum-seeker accommodation.[5] The administration set its first full-year budget in February 2026, identifying over £8m of efficiency and income savings.[1]
On 16 July 2025 Cabinet approved a Sustainability Strategy Review that withdrew the council's declared net-zero targets and replaced them with a non-target Sustainability Project.[2] The withdrawn targets were net zero in the council's own operations by 2030 and for residents and businesses by 2045.[2] Councillor Nigel Stansfield presented the report and recommended withdrawing from the targets, and Councillor Charlie Hastie proposed and seconded the recommendations.[2] The published decision recorded that the targets would no longer be retained, in line with the policy position of the new administration.[6] Councillor Stansfield argued that the 2030 target had not been funded and that pursuing it would divert money from essential services.[6] The decision also had the council's Estate Climate Strategy read as amended, with sustainability projects such as home energy improvements and solar generation pursued where the business case supports cost savings rather than as of right.[7]
A call-in of the decision was heard by the Place and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 19 August 2025.[8] A proposition to refer the decision back to Cabinet was lost by four votes to five, so the withdrawal stood and took effect immediately.[8]
The same resolution kept the council's voluntary annual carbon reporting, continuing the Investors in the Environment accreditation and the annual Sustainability Report.[9] No climate committee, portfolio or officer team was abolished, and one Cabinet report heading was relabelled from Climate Impact to Environmental Impact.[10]
In June 2025 the Pensions Fund Committee was told the Northamptonshire Pension Fund's policy was non-divestment with a 2050 net-zero decarbonisation target, in response to a member question challenging why the fund held environmental investments.[11] At the Investment Sub-Committee on 1 July 2025 members questioned whether pursuing net zero was compatible with fiduciary duty, but the committee only noted the report without changing the target.[12] At Full Council on 27 November 2025 members criticised the fund's prioritisation of non-financial objectives, and were told a shift toward lower-cost global equities was being explored to improve returns.[13] At the Investment Sub-Committee on 2 March 2026 the Chair questioned the pool's practice of voting against oil and gas resolutions, and the Head of Pensions described continued LAPFF membership as an ideological rather than financial decision.[14] The committee took no vote to change its voting policy or to leave LAPFF.[14] On 16 March 2026 officers said the Committee would decide on its responsible investment strategy in the summer, a review that could change future investments.[15] No published minutes to April 2026 record that review having taken place or any target having been weakened.[15]
On 27 May 2025 the Strategic Planning Committee approved a ground-mounted solar farm at Land East of Crockwell Hill, despite officers identifying harm from the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land.[16] The approval was carried unanimously.[16] On 30 September 2025 the committee considered the Green Hill Solar Farm, a nationally significant project on which the council is a consultee.[17] Members raised concerns including the loss of agricultural land equivalent to 15 farms and food security, but the committee did not formally object, instead delegating authority to respond during the consenting process.[17] On 19 March 2026 the Non-Strategic Planning Committee refused a battery energy storage project on a roadside verge at West Haddon, against the officer's recommendation, on landscape and amenity grounds.[18]
At Full Council on 26 June 2025 the Leader announced he had invited the Reform Department of Government Efficiency to set out the framework for a comprehensive audit of council spending, at no cost to the taxpayer.[3] He said the aim was to redirect identified efficiencies toward frontline services such as SEND, social care and highway maintenance.[3] Early meetings with the DOGE team were described as formative and centred on a data protection agreement, with the team expected to use council software and to look at investments.[19] On 16 July 2025 Cabinet resolved to approve sharing council financial information with the DOGE team, subject to due diligence by the Chief Executive and completion of legal agreements.[20] The Chair said the initiative was part of a Reform campaign pledge to improve council efficiency.[21] Councillors raised concerns about the DOGE members' lack of local government experience, officer workload and the need for legal clarity.[21] The Place and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee noted in June 2025 that DOGE had visited the council but had not yet been given any information, and later added scrutiny of DOGE activity to its work programme alongside the budget process.[22]
Cabinet recommended the administration's first full-year budget on 16 February 2026, identifying over £8m of efficiency and income-generation savings.[1] The budget adopted a Medium-Term Financial Strategy for 2026-27 to 2030-31.[1] Full Council approved the 2026-27 budget on 26 February 2026.[23]
On 26 June 2025 Full Council adopted an updated Flag Protocol restricting flag-flying on council buildings, moved by Councillor Arnull and seconded by Councillor Hastie.[4] The protocol provides that flags should not be raised for groups with no connection to the UK, and Council resolved to note and endorse it.[4] A member of the public speaking for the Windrush Organisation objected, characterising the protocol as banning flags on public buildings and warning it would send a message of exclusion.[24]
On 25 September 2025 Full Council carried an amended motion opposing the use of hotels in the district for asylum-seeker accommodation, proposed by Councillor Lister and seconded by Councillor Bignell.[5] The motion cited the pressure that hotel use without proper consultation placed on local communities.[5] As carried, the council resolved to write to the Home Secretary expressing concern and requesting consultation on future decisions.[25] It also resolved to pursue the Planning Contravention Notices already issued against three hotels and to call on Government to end reliance on hotels for housing asylum seekers.[25]
For 2026/27 the council set an average Band D council tax rise of 4.95%, made up of a 2.95% core increase and the maximum 2% adult social care precept.[26] Full Council approved the budget on 26 February 2026, with one councillor recorded as abstaining.[26] Cabinet member Laura Couse defended the adult social care element of the increase, telling members the service is means-tested rather than a free universal service like the NHS and that the council has a legal duty to fund it.[27] Opposition members criticised cuts and increased charges in adult social care, warning of the impact on vulnerable residents, especially in rural areas.[28] A scrutiny committee heard in April 2026 that most adult social care complaints concerned assessment, care planning and care charging, and identified a review and update of policy as an action, with no charging policy change itself recorded as decided.[29]
Cabinet approved a standardised 3.47% fee uplift for 2026/27 to all framework and non-framework adult social care providers, including out-of-area placements, and introduced a new hourly rate of £22.89 for extra care providers.[30] Officers said the uplift was set to meet the council's statutory duties under section 5 of the Care Act 2014.[30] The report considered a 0% do-nothing option but rejected it, warning it would cause provider failure as services became unsustainable and would put the council in breach of its statutory duties.[31]
Cabinet on 9 June 2026 approved the start of a formal public consultation on the future of the council's directly-run in-house adult social care services, naming Obelisk House, Southfields, Eleanor Lodge and Day Services.[32] The consultation would explore options including remodelling, alternative delivery models and potential decommissioning, with a further report on the future service model due back to Cabinet in October 2026.[32] Councillors raised concern about potential decommissioning and reliance on an already-pressured voluntary sector, and officers confirmed day support services would continue during the consultation.[33]
Cabinet approved the adoption of the Family Help Strategy on 13 October 2025, with three central family hubs and teams to be developed in Northampton, Daventry and Towcester.[34] The March 2026 annual review of the Children's Trust contract recorded expansion of family hubs and enhanced early help.[34]
A SEND local area inspection in March 2024 found 'widespread and systemic failings' and put a SEND Priority Action Plan in place.[35] At a 16 March 2026 scrutiny meeting, a member noted that only around one-third of EHCPs were being completed within the statutory 20-week timescale.[35] Officers said the next anticipated Ofsted/CQC visit would be a monitoring inspection of the action plan and the wider SEND partnership rather than of the Council itself.[35] At the same meeting, officers reported that performance against the 20-week timescale had improved from about 2% compliance a year earlier to over 30%, against a national average itself below 50%, with a trajectory to reach only about 74-75% compliance by October 2026, still short of the 100% target.[36]
At the 8 December 2025 Schools Forum, officers reported a cumulative Dedicated Schools Grant deficit of about £56.7m across all four blocks, with the high-needs block deficit alone at £65m, held under the government's statutory override, extended earlier in 2025 to end in March 2028.[37] At the 3 February 2026 Schools Forum, officers set the 2026-27 high-needs budget at an immediate deficit of £65.4m and forecast West Northamptonshire's cumulative DSG deficit could reach around £200m by March 2028, with a further £15m lost investment income hitting the general fund.[38]
Cabinet's Capital Monitoring Period 9 report (16 February 2026) recorded £7.1m of changes to the Capital Programme concentrated in the Highways and Waste programmes, with members raising continuing concern over the state of the road network.[39] A General Fund and HRA Capital Provisional Outturn report to Cabinet on 9 June 2026 recorded a £2.4m capital overspend mainly linked to highways work, with some highways investment phased into 2026/27.[40] At Full Council on 19 January 2026, the Leader cited the Department for Transport's 'red' rating on West Northamptonshire's highways and said a significant share of highways funding was going to SEND transport, reducing the money available for road repairs.[41] No council-approved figure for an increase to the 2026/27 pothole or carriageway resurfacing budget appears in the published minutes; the Capital Strategy and Capital Pipeline additions in the Final Revenue and Capital Budget 2026-27 report were held in unpublished appendices, and Cabinet members pressed for clarity on how highways maintenance money already allocated would be spent.[42]
At Cabinet on 10 March 2026, members noted that the performance report did not show how many reported potholes remained unallocated, and officers said repair times were measured only from when contractor KIER received the job; no quantified maintenance backlog figure was published.[43] The Audit and Governance Committee (11 March 2026) discussed whether potholes and general road condition should be added as a formal strategic risk; officers said the suggestion would be taken to the leadership team, indicating no such risk had yet been adopted.[44] Scrutiny (Place and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, 27 April 2026) found a mismatch between reported pothole data and residents' experience, with a member briefing on highways and potholes scheduled for May 2026 rather than a published backlog figure.[45]
At Full Council on 26 February 2026, a Conservative amendment to the Reform administration's 2026-27 Final Budget that included 'additional investment in highways repairs' was put to a recorded vote and lost, 15 votes for to 52 against with 1 abstention.[46]
West Northamptonshire kept a garden waste charge in its 2026-27 budget: at Cabinet on 16 February 2026 the budget presenter noted that consultation feedback had resulted in a reduction to green waste charging, and Cabinet approved the budget's fees and charges, removing only the proposed car parking charges for Daventry, Towcester and Brackley.[47] At Full Council on 26 February 2026, a public speaker objected to proposed increases in council tax, garden waste charges and parking-related charges in the final budget, and a Conservative amendment including a lower garden waste charge went to a recorded vote after the administration stated it would not support it.[48]
On 26 June 2025 a backbench motion reaffirming West Northamptonshire's commitment to a South Midlands Strategic Mayoral Authority, spanning North Northamptonshire, Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and confirming support for a directly elected regional mayor, was moved by Councillor Lister and seconded by Councillor Cole.[49] The Reform administration said it would not support the motion while awaiting the Secretary of State's response to the Bedford/Luton/Milton Keynes proposal, and the motion was lost on a vote.[49] West Northamptonshire's Leader told the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel on 4 December 2025 that a July 2025 motion at Milton Keynes Council had precluded the Northamptonshire authorities from the Bedford/Central Bedfordshire/Luton/Milton Keynes devolution deal, and that West Northamptonshire had not made an alternative submission before the deadline.[50]
On 13 March 2026, Council resolved to agree with the principle of devolution and to submit an Expression of Interest to become a Foundation Strategic Authority; it said a South Midlands or South Midlands Plus geography remained its preferred option but, absent consensus among the constituent authorities, expressed interest instead in a Northamptonshire Foundation Strategic Authority with North Northamptonshire Council, while remaining open to widening the footprint later.[51] The Expression of Interest was formally noted as not a legally binding acceptance of establishing the authority, and by 13 March 2026 West Northamptonshire had not secured a mayoral or combined authority.[52] As of 30 April 2026, the Leader told the Police, Fire and Crime Panel that both Northamptonshire authorities preferred a Foundation Strategic Authority based on the wider South East Midlands area rather than the separate East Midlands Combined County Authority geography, and that not proceeding with devolution in 2025 was estimated to have lost the region £300m of funding; no mayoral or combined authority had been agreed for West Northamptonshire by this date.[53]
West Northamptonshire's emerging Local Plan progressed on timetable: on 19 January 2026 Full Council agreed to issue the draft West Northamptonshire Local Plan for Regulation 18 public consultation with a call for sites, following the Planning Policy Committee's recommendation of 8 January 2026.[54]
On 5 May 2026 Cabinet approved bringing waste collection and street cleansing services in-house, ending reliance on external contractors.[55] An eight-option appraisal had considered extending the existing arrangements with contractors Norse and Veolia, but the in-house option scored highest and was preferred by 5 of the 7 scorers, with delivery transferring to a directly-employed Council team from June 2028.[55]
West Northamptonshire took a phased decision to bring management of its social housing stock back in-house from Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH), the arm's-length management organisation that had run the service under a contract due to run to 2030.[56] Cabinet approved a 'minded-to' Option 3 on 24 June 2025 to develop an implementation plan, then confirmed Option 3 as the preferred phased approach on 11 November 2025, with the remaining services transitioning to the Council no later than April 2027 and a £490k budget delegated to fund the transition.[56]
On 10 March 2026 Cabinet approved re-procuring the Council's Income Management System, a revenues-related shared-services IT system used jointly with partner councils, via the CCS GCloud framework, because the incumbent contract expires on 31 July 2026 and cannot be extended further under the Public Contracts Regulations 2023.[57] On 16 July 2025 Cabinet approved re-procurement of the Council's corporate Customer Records Management system, then supplied by JADU, by direct award on the GCloud 14 framework; officers clarified this approved the start of the procurement process rather than a direct award to JADU, and that alternative providers would be considered if JADU did not meet requirements.[58] On 24 June 2025 Cabinet's award of new Facilities contracts, prompted by the expiry that year of the Council's existing term-maintenance and cleaning contracts, authorised officers to procure cleaning-services contracts that could include outsourcing cleaning then delivered in-house, while simultaneously authorising officers to in-source cleaning services in whole or in part, leaving the delivery model open to the ensuing procurement process.[59]
The Cabinet's published attendance list from its 9 June 2026 meeting recorded nine members: Councillor Mark Arnull (Chair, Leader), Councillor Charlie Hastie (Vice-Chair), Councillor Richard Butler, Councillor Laura Couse, Councillor Kamala Guliyeva, Councillor Andrew Last, Councillor Thomas Manning, Councillor John Slope and Councillor Nigel Stansfield.[60] Elsewhere in the corpus, minutes refer to five of those nine, Arnull, Hastie, Butler, Last and Slope, with the pronouns 'he'/'his', and two, Couse and Guliyeva, with 'she'/'her', so the nine-member Cabinet is majority male as the minutes record it.[61]
Cabinet resolved on 16 July 2025 to begin a joint procurement with North Northamptonshire Council for a new Safe Accommodation (refuge) and Support Services contract for domestic abuse victims and survivors, replacing the prior grant-funded arrangement, to meet the council's statutory duties under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.[62] The same decision recommissioned support for domestic abuse victims and survivors beyond accommodation, explicitly extending to those living in their own homes, as part of the jointly procured contract with North Northamptonshire Council, replacing an existing grant-funded arrangement that Cabinet found did not deliver a whole-system model.[63]
Full Council resolved on 25 September 2025 to note the new Reform administration's 'West Northamptonshire Administration Delivery Plan 2025-2030' as the Council's corporate strategic plan.[64] A councillor's floor comment recorded in the same minutes described the document as a rebranded version of the outgoing administration's plan, carrying over the previous 'One West Northamptonshire Plan' content under a new name.[64] At Cabinet on 18 September 2025, the Council approved renaming its community equipment service to the Integrated Community Equipment Loan Service (ICELS), as part of a re-procurement of the equipment contract run jointly with North Northamptonshire Council and the Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board.[65]
“Efficiency and income generation totalling more than £8 million have been identified, with many cuts impacting services.” Minutes, 16 February 2026 ↗
“Approves the 2026-27 Budget for West Northamptonshire set out in this report, and recommends the Budget to the Full Council meeting on 26 February” Decisions, 16 February 2026 ↗
“the Medium-Term Financial Strategy from 2026-27 to 2030-31 as set out in Appendix D” Decisions, 16 February 2026 ↗
“At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Nigel Stansfield presented the report” Minutes, 16 July 2025 ↗
“Approved the proposal to no longer retain the current targets for achieving net zero carbon emissions: to be net zero in its own operations by 2030 and for residents and businesses by 2045.” Decisions, 16 July 2025 ↗
“He recommended Option 4 listed within the report, which involved withdrawing from current targets” Minutes, 16 July 2025 ↗
“He had extended an invitation to the Reform Department of Government Efficiency to lay out the framework and legal basis of a comprehensive audit of Council spending, at no cost to the local taxpayer, in order to identify previously unidentified efficiencies and redirect funds where they were needed most; in frontline services such as SEND provision, social care and highway maintenance.” Minutes, 26 June 2025 ↗
“Flags should not be raised for groups with no connection to the UK.” Minutes, 26 June 2025 ↗
“RESOLVED: Council: a) Noted and endorsed the Flag Protocol.” Minutes, 26 June 2025 ↗
“Councillor Arnull proposed and Councillor Hastie seconded the report which sought Members’ consideration and endorsement of the Council’s updated Flag Protocol, to ensure that there was a clear and consistent approach to the flying of flags on Council buildings.” Minutes, 26 June 2025 ↗
“Councillor Lister proposed and Councillor Bignell seconded:” Minutes, 25 September 2025 ↗
“The pressures faced by local communities where hotels are designated for use as migrant accommodation without proper consultation or local authority input.” Minutes, 25 September 2025 ↗
“Upon a vote, the substantive motion was carried.” Minutes, 25 September 2025 ↗
“The 2030 target had not been funded, and pursuing it would require diverting funds from essential services.” Minutes, 16 July 2025 ↗
“In line with the policy position of the new administration, the decision has been made to no longer retain the 2030 and 2045 net zero targets.” Decisions, 16 July 2025 ↗
“Councillor Charlie Hastie proposed the recommendations Councillor Charlie Hastie seconded. Cabinet approved the recommendations, making West Northamptonshire the first UK council to formally withdraw from its net zero data commitments.” Minutes, 16 July 2025 ↗
“Withdraw the current 2030 and 2045 net zero targets and focus on sustainability projects to provide tangible benefits for residents; for example, home energy improvements, increased biodiversity, and solar power generation where the business case supports cost savings.” Decisions, 16 July 2025 ↗
“Provided that all the Council’s existing strategies on these subjects (notably the Climate Change Strategy, Estate Climate Strategy and Construction & Maintenance Climate Strategy) be read as amended in line with this decision.” Decisions, 16 July 2025 ↗
“no further action is taken, in which case the original Executive decision detailed below is effective immediately” Minutes, 19 August 2025 ↗
“The proposition was seconded by Councillor Jonathan Harris and on being put to the meeting was declared lost with four Councillors voting in favour and five voting against.” Minutes, 19 August 2025 ↗
“Continued to progress the Investors in the Environment accreditation and publish the annual Sustainability Report to evidence the Council’s continued commitment to action on the environment through sustainability.” Decisions, 16 July 2025 ↗
“RESOLVED: That no further action is taken, in which case the original Executive decision detailed below is effective immediately.” Minutes, 15 October 2025 ↗
“Councillor Charlie Hastie proposed the recommendations Councillor Charlie Hastie seconded.” Minutes, 18 September 2025 ↗
“Continued to progress the Investors in the Environment accreditation and publish the annual Sustainability Report” Decisions, 16 July 2025 ↗
“Changed the Cabinet report heading within the Implications section from Climate Impact to Environmental Impact, giving a more rounded approach to this section.” Decisions, 16 July 2025 ↗
“There was never a dedicated budget for net zero 2030.” Minutes, 19 August 2025 ↗
“The Fund does not divest from any sector, it takes a measured approach not to overweight specific investments. The policy at present considers the net zero target date of 2050 for its decarbonisation pathway.” Minutes, 3 June 2025 ↗
“Sustainability of the fund was key, rather than achieving net zero.” Minutes, 1 July 2025 ↗
“Global discussions about whether net zero was achievable could undermine whether ESG provided the best long-term outcomes for the fund.” Minutes, 1 July 2025 ↗
“Members criticised the prioritising of non-financial objectives beyond statutory requirements.” Minutes, 26 February 2026 ↗
“Members were advised that a shift towards global equities and lower-cost investments was being explored to improve returns” Minutes, 26 February 2026 ↗
“The Head of Pensions stated that the cost of LAPFF membership was very low, and thus the decision would be ideological rather than financial.” Minutes, 2 March 2026 ↗
“The Chair noted that BCPP had consistently voted against oil and gas proposals. Was this a sectoral policy position rather than neutral management?” Minutes, 2 March 2026 ↗
“There would be decisions to be made by the Committee when the responsible investment strategy was discussed in the summer, which could drive changes to future investments.” Minutes, 16 March 2026 ↗
“It was important to understand the legal minimum requirements around climate reporting. Current plans might exceed statutory obligations.” Minutes, 16 March 2026 ↗
“the loss of the land for the period that the arrays would be in situ would not harm the agricultural industry” Minutes, 27 May 2025 ↗
“The Committee considered the application for the installation of a ground-mounted solar farm to export electricity, comprising photovoltaic panels and associated infrastructure and works.” Minutes, 27 May 2025 ↗
“Councillor Bob Purser proposed the application be approved, the proposal was seconded by Councillor Rosie Humphreys and on being put to the meeting was declared carried unanimously.” Minutes, 27 May 2025 ↗
“The proposition was seconded by Councillor Sally Keeble on being put to the meeting was declared carried with 9 voting in favour and 1 abstention.” Minutes, 30 September 2025 ↗
“Green Hill Solar Farm Agreed the position as set out in the officer’s report subject to additional comments” Decisions, 30 September 2025 ↗
“The loss of significant quantity of agricultural land, equivalent of 15 farms, and the impact on food production/food security and tenant farmers” Minutes, 30 September 2025 ↗
“The motion was put to the vote with six votes cast in favour of the proposal, no votes cast against with two abstentions, therefore the motion was carried, and the application was refused.” Minutes, 19 March 2026 ↗
“It was proposed by Councillor Adrian Cartwright and seconded by Councillor Phil Bignell that application 2025/3758/FULL be refused contrary to the Case Officer’s recommendation” Minutes, 19 March 2026 ↗
“for the construction and operation of a micro energy storage project at verge to the south of Northampton Road and opposite Scarff Way, West Haddon” Minutes, 19 March 2026 ↗
“Meetings between the Leader, senior officers and the Reform DOGE team were currently formative but one of the initial discussion points was around a data protection agreement to protect all of the information held by WNC.” Minutes, 26 June 2025 ↗
“the DOGE team would likely be using Council software to ensure maximum security, and they would be looking at investments as part of their review” Minutes, 26 June 2025 ↗
“Councillor Andrew Last proposed the recommendations Councillor John Slope seconded. The Cabinet agreed the recommendations. RESOLVED: a) Noted the information contained at Appendix A that reflects requests from Reform UK but is information that is already in the public domain and accessible to all interested parties. b) Subjected to the satisfactory completion of all due diligence checks considered necessary by the Chief Executive Officer and completion of the relevant legal agreements referred to in recommendation C, approve the sharing of information detailed within Appendix Two” Minutes, 16 July 2025 ↗
“The Chair introduced the report and explained the initiative had been part of a campaign pledge aimed at improving council efficiency.” Minutes, 16 July 2025 ↗
“The involvement of non-elected DOGE members was questioned, and it was suggested many would lack local government experience.” Minutes, 16 July 2025 ↗
“It was noted that the Doge (Department of Government Efficiency) had recently visited the Council. So far no information has been provided to the team.” Minutes, 16 June 2025 ↗
“Councillor Harris’s request for the inclusion of scrutiny of the DOGE activity was noted, and agreed to run alongside the budget process, with further consideration at the November meeting of the committee.” Minutes, 3 September 2025 ↗
“Approved the 2026-27 Budget for West Northamptonshire set out in this report, as recommended by Cabinet at the meeting held on 16 February 2026” Minutes, 26 February 2026 ↗
“the Medium-Term Financial Strategy from 2026-27 to 2030-31 as set out in Appendix D” Minutes, 26 February 2026 ↗
“the Windrush Organisation were saddened by the Council’s proposed Flag Policy; various flags were statements of solidarity and respect for communities that added to the vibrancy and progress of the nation, and banning flags on public buildings undermined efforts to build bridges across cultures and would send a troubling message of exclusion.” Minutes, 26 June 2025 ↗
“3. To address the new Home Secretary in writing to express this Council's concerns about the ongoing use of hotels in the area for asylum seeker accommodation, and to request full consultation with this Council on any future decisions.” Minutes, 25 September 2025 ↗
“1. To respond in a timely manner once responses to the Planning Contravention Notices issued against the three hotels in West Northamptonshire are received.” Minutes, 25 September 2025 ↗
“5. To call on the Government to develop a sustainable, properly planned and community-consulted approach to housing asylum seekers.” Minutes, 25 September 2025 ↗
“an average Band D Council Tax of £1,959.40 for West Northamptonshire Council, which represents an average increase of 4.95%. (2.95% increase in ‘core’ Council Tax and 2% Adult Social Care Precept)” Minutes, 16 February 2026 ↗
“Councillor Thomas Manning recommended the report, Councillor Richard Butler seconded.” Minutes, 16 February 2026 ↗
“There abstained: Councillor McCord.” Minutes, 26 February 2026 ↗
“Councillor Laura Couse reminded members that Adult Social Care was not a free universal service like the NHS it is means-tested and WNC had a legal duty in this area. This budget increase is essential and ensured that those in need and their carers continue to receive the help they rely on.” Minutes, 16 February 2026 ↗
“Several Members criticised cuts and increased charges, particularly in adult social care, warning of impacts on vulnerable residents, especially in rural areas.” Minutes, 26 February 2026 ↗
“A review of outcomes from complaint investigations has identified the following areas for improvement or action: • Improve practice – i.e. professional curiosity • Review and update of Policy” Minutes, 23 April 2026 ↗
“The Committee heard that a significant majority of complaints related to assessment and care planning, and financial issues around care charging.” Minutes, 23 April 2026 ↗
“RESOLVED: Cabinet; i. Approved the proposed uplift of 3.47% to all framework and non-framework providers including out-of-area placements, excluding those contracts which specify an alternative indexation mechanism.-of-area placements. ii. Introduced a new hourly rate of £22.89 per hour for extra care providers to enable equity across the framework.” Decisions, 10 March 2026 ↗
“REASONS RESOLVED: i. Enabled WNC to meet its statutory duties under section 5 of the Care Act 2014” Decisions, 10 March 2026 ↗
“Councillor Nigel Stansfield recommended the report, Councillor Charlie Hastie seconded.” Minutes, 10 March 2026 ↗
“1. Do nothing (0%) – this would result in a high incidence of provider failure as inflationary pressures result in services becoming unsustainable and placing the Council in breach of its statutory duties (Not recommended).” Decisions, 10 March 2026 ↗
“Approved the commencement of a formal public consultation on the future of the Council’s internal adult social care services, including Obelisk House, Southfields, Eleanor Lodge, and Day Services.” Decisions, 9 June 2026 ↗
“Councillor Butler recommended the report; Councillor Slope seconded.” Minutes, 9 June 2026 ↗
“Noted the consultation would explore a range of options, including service remodelling, alternative delivery models, and potential decommissioning, where evidence suggests this may be necessary to ensure services are sustainable and meet resident needs.” Decisions, 9 June 2026 ↗
“Concern was expressed about potential decommissioning of services and” Minutes, 9 June 2026 ↗
“It was confirmed that day support services will continue.” Minutes, 9 June 2026 ↗
“Three central hubs and teams will be developed in Northampton, Daventry and Towcester.” Minutes, 10 June 2025 ↗
“expansion of family hubs, enhanced early help, and increased practical support for families” Minutes, 26 March 2026 ↗
“Cabinet considered the Family Help Strategy and approved its adoption and implementation.” Decisions, 13 October 2025 ↗
“The SEND local area inspection in March 2024 identified widespread and systemic failings that resulted in five priority areas for action, which were collectively owned and delivered through the SEND partnership through a structured improvement plan, underpinned by partnership governance and regular monitoring.” Minutes, 16 March 2026 ↗
“A member recognised the significant reduction in average EHCP assessment times but expressed concern that only around one-third of EHCPs were being completed within the statutory 20-week time scale.” Minutes, 16 March 2026 ↗
“The next anticipated inspection was to be a monitoring inspection of the priority action plan and the Partnership rather than of the Council.” Minutes, 16 March 2026 ↗
“The performance against the 20-week statutory timescale was noted as unacceptable, but the overall target was to achieve 100% compliance. The national average for EHCP timeliness was below 50%, and the Council’s position reflected a wider national challenge. Performance had improved from a baseline of approximately 2% compliance to over 30% within a year, with the current trajectory aimed to reach approximately 74–75% compliance by October 2026.” Minutes, 16 March 2026 ↗
“The cumulative position was about £56.7m across all four blocks of the DSG with a HNB deficit making up £65m cumulative” Minutes, 8 December 2025 ↗
“The government have a statutory override in place which was extended earlier this year to end in March 2028.” Minutes, 8 December 2025 ↗
“The gross budget requirement against this would be approximately £153m, resulting in an immediate deficit budget of £65.4m, which was in line with medium term financial planning.” Minutes, 3 February 2026 ↗
“The statutory override was due to end in March 2028 but no details were yet available about deficits up to that point. The cumulative deficit for WNC was estimated to be around £200m by then.” Minutes, 3 February 2026 ↗
“highlighting changes totalling £7.1 million to the Capital Programme, which include both new initiatives and adjustments to existing schemes. He noted that the most significant movements since Period 7 are within the Highways and Waste programmes.” Minutes, 16 February 2026 ↗
“There was concern that highways continued to be in poor condition.” Minutes, 16 February 2026 ↗
“investment has supported new roads and housing, with some projects continuing into 2026/27 as part of planned phasing.” Minutes, 9 June 2026 ↗
“An overall overspend of £2.4 million was reported, mainly linked to highways work” Minutes, 9 June 2026 ↗
“Department for Transport “red” rating on highways” Minutes, 19 January 2026 ↗
“a significant portion of highways funding was allocated to SEND transport, which limited the funds available for road repairs.” Minutes, 19 January 2026 ↗
“Significant funding allocated to highways maintenance; clarity was requested about how this money would be spent and whether it represented effective use of resources.” Minutes, 16 February 2026 ↗
“Pothole reporting was required. It was noted the report did not show how quickly potholes were reported or how many remain unallocated.” Minutes, 10 March 2026 ↗
“In response to how quickly potholes were fixed, it was explained that repair times were measured from when KIER received the job.” Minutes, 10 March 2026 ↗
“Could an infrastructure-related risk be added, covering areas such as potholes and the general condition of roads?” Minutes, 11 March 2026 ↗
“The suggestion of adding an infrastructure risk would be taken to the leadership team.” Minutes, 11 March 2026 ↗
“It was considered that there was a mismatch between data and the experience of residents with regards to potholes.” Minutes, 27 April 2026 ↗
“was scheduled in May regarding highways and potholes.” Minutes, 27 April 2026 ↗
“The amendment was lost.” Minutes, 26 March 2026 ↗
“additional investment in highways repairs, and support for local communities through the councillor empowerment funding and planning support for parishes.” Minutes, 26 March 2026 ↗
“proposed Fees and Charges as detailed in Appendix E, Subject to the removal of proposals relating to the introduction of car parking charges for Daventry, Towcester and Brackley” Minutes, 16 February 2026 ↗
“It was noted that consultation feedback had been listened to, resulting in a reduction to green waste charging.” Minutes, 16 February 2026 ↗
“It also proposed three hours of free parking at the Mayorhold car park, protection of free parking for Blue Badge holders, and a lower garden waste charge.” Minutes, 26 February 2026 ↗
“The administration stated it would not support the amendment” Minutes, 26 February 2026 ↗
“He also raised objections to proposed increases in council tax, garden waste charges and parking-related charges, stating that these measures would place additional financial pressure on” Minutes, 26 February 2026 ↗
“Upon a vote, the motion was lost.” Minutes, 26 June 2025 ↗
“Councillor Lister proposed and Councillor Cole seconded: “1. That this Council: a) reaffirms its commitment to regional devolution as a means of securing enhanced powers, resources and investment for the benefit of West Northamptonshire residents; b) confirms that the South Midlands geography, comprising West Northamptonshire, North Northamptonshire, Bedford, Central Bedfordshire,” Minutes, 26 June 2025 ↗
“The administration would not be supporting the motion while it waited for the Secretary of State’s response to the BLMK proposal.” Minutes, 26 June 2025 ↗
“In July 2025 a motion was passed at Milton Keynes Council which precluded the Northamptonshire authorities. West Northamptonshire had not made an alternative submission before the deadline.” Minutes, 4 December 2025 ↗
“RESOLVED: Council: a) Agreed with the principle of devolution and its benefits and to progress towards establishing a Foundation Strategic Authority. b) Agreed to submit an Expression of Interest to become a Foundation Strategic Authority expressing a view that a South Midlands / South Midlands Plus is the best geography for a Foundation Strategic Authority.” Minutes, 21 May 2026 ↗
“that the Council should express an interest in establishing a Northamptonshire Foundation Strategic Authority - working with North Northamptonshire Council to formally respond to the EOI outlining the additional caveat of being open to opportunities to expand this footprint should the right opportunity subsequently become available.” Minutes, 21 May 2026 ↗
“Noted that an expression of interest is not a legally binding acceptance of establishing a Foundation Strategic Authority” Minutes, 21 May 2026 ↗
“Both authorities preferred a foundation strategic authority based on the wider South East Midlands area. Devolution needed to be pursued. Not proceeding in 2025 was estimated to have lost the region £300m funding.” Minutes, 30 April 2026 ↗
“Councillor Manning proposed and Councillor Arnull seconded the report which sought approval to consult on the Regulation 18 version of the West Northamptonshire Local Plan (WNLP) following the recommendation of the Planning Policy Committee on 8 January 2026.” Minutes, 19 January 2026 ↗
“RESOLVED: Council: a) Agreed that the draft West Northamptonshire Local Plan be issued for public consultation in accordance with the requirements set out in the Council’s adopted Statement of Community Involvement. b) Agreed that a call for sites be undertaken as part of the public consultation.” Minutes, 19 January 2026 ↗
“Approved the recommendation to commence the processes necessary to bring the delivery of waste collections and cleansing services” Decisions, 5 May 2026 ↗
“to be delivered by a team employed by West Northamptonshire with a start date of June 2028.” Decisions, 5 May 2026 ↗
“including extending the current contractual arrangement with Norse and Veolia.” Decisions, 5 May 2026 ↗
“The option which scored the highest in this appraisal was to bring both Collections and Cleansing in house. The in-house option was preferred by a majority of 5 of the 7 scorers.” Decisions, 5 May 2026 ↗
“Approved a minded-to decision to pursue Option 3 to develop a robust implementation plan before bringing NPH services under direct Council management.” Minutes, 24 June 2025 ↗
“followed by the remaining services with a completion date of no later than April 2027.” Decisions, 11 November 2025 ↗
“Delegated authority to the Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with the Director of Communities and Opportunities, to approve the budget of £490k from the appropriate Housing Revenue Account Reserves to cover the estimated costs of implementation of the transition of services from NPH back into WNC.” Decisions, 11 November 2025 ↗
“Councillor James Petter proposed the recommendations, Councillor Thomas Manning seconded.” Minutes, 24 June 2025 ↗
“Councillor Thomas Manning recommended the report, Councillor Laura Couse seconded.” Minutes, 11 November 2025 ↗
“Approved Option 3 as the preferred phased approach for bringing management of its housing services from NPH back into the Council,” Decisions, 11 November 2025 ↗
“Approved the procurement process for the Income Management System contract via GCloud software framework” Decisions, 10 March 2026 ↗
“Expiry of the incumbent contract - The current Income Management System contract expires on 31 July 2026 and cannot be extended further under the Public Contracts Regulations 2023.” Decisions, 10 March 2026 ↗
“Delegated authority to the WNC Chief Finance Officer in consultation with Cabinet Member for HR & Corporate services to award the contract on behalf of West Northamptonshire Council and its Shared Services partners to the best fit supplier.” Decisions, 10 March 2026 ↗
“this was not a direct procurement of the JADU system, but rather an approval to begin the procurement process. All options remain open, and if JADU did not meet the council’s requirements, alternative providers will be considered.” Minutes, 18 September 2025 ↗
“Approved the process for re-procurement of the corporate CRM system (direct award via the GCloud 14 framework)” Minutes, 18 September 2025 ↗
“Councillor Thomas Manning proposed the recommendations, Councillor Nigel Stansfield seconded.” Minutes, 18 September 2025 ↗
“RESOLVED: Cabinet authorised the Assistant Director Assets & Environment, in consultation with the Executive Director Resources and Cabinet Member for Finance, to:” Decisions, 24 June 2025 ↗
“Cleaning services (including outsourcing in whole or part of services currently provided in-house).” Minutes, 24 June 2025 ↗
“2. In-source cleaning services, in whole or part.” Minutes, 24 June 2025 ↗
“Facilities contracts - Approval for Term Maintenance and Cleaning Contracts” Decisions, 24 June 2025 ↗
“Present: Councillor Mark Arnull (Chair) Councillor Charlie Hastie (Vice-Chair) Councillor Richard Butler Councillor Laura Couse Councillor Kamala Guliyeva Councillor Andrew Last Councillor Thomas Manning Councillor John Slope Councillor Nigel Stansfield” Minutes, 9 June 2026 ↗
“Councillor Butler was unfortunately ill when the last HS2 Liaison Group meeting took place but he had been in contact” Minutes, 26 June 2025 ↗
“Councillor Charlie Hastie, speaking in his capacity as a local ward member for Woodford and Weedon” Minutes, 4 June 2026 ↗
“Councillor Arnull advised that he could provide an update on devolution to a future Panel meeting” Minutes, 30 April 2026 ↗
“Councillor John Slope, speaking in his capacity as a local ward member for Moulton” Minutes, 7 May 2026 ↗
“She advised that she had met with the Interim Director of Public Health and the Director of Adult Social Care to form a plan to tackle health inequality” Minutes, 26 June 2025 ↗
“Councillor Kamala Guliyeva advised that she was personally acquainted with one of the appointed individuals” Minutes, 26 March 2026 ↗
“He assured Council that Reform UK was an inclusive political party and no member of any group should feel afraid or worried to come to work.” Minutes, 25 September 2025 ↗
“Approved the commencement of a competitive procurement process, jointly with North Northamptonshire Council to tender for a Safe Accommodation (refuge) and Support Services to start 4th April 2026 for a period of 3 (plus 1 plus 1) years.” Decisions, 16 July 2025 ↗
“To ensure West Northamptonshire Council fulfil its responsibilities under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and to provide enhanced support in safe accommodation which includes refuges and support, safe move-on accommodation as well as victims/survivors living in their own homes.” Decisions, 16 July 2025 ↗
“Councillor Nigel Stansfield proposed the recommendations, Councillor Andrew Last seconded. The Cabinet agreed the recommendations.” Minutes, 16 July 2025 ↗
“Councillor Thomas Manning presented the report, highlighting its significance in addressing both statutory and moral obligations.” Minutes, 16 July 2025 ↗
“The existing commissioning arrangements fail to deliver a whole system model of safe accommodation (refuge) and support service for victims/survivors of domestic abuse that addresses demand and need.” Decisions, 16 July 2025 ↗
“To ensure West Northamptonshire Council fulfil its responsibilities under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and to provide enhanced support in safe accommodation which includes refuges and support, safe move-on accommodation as well as victims/survivors living in their own homes.” Decisions, 16 July 2025 ↗
“Councillor Arnull proposed and Councillor Petter seconded the report which set out the priorities of the new administration” Minutes, 25 September 2025 ↗
“The plan contained little reference to rural areas and felt repetitive of the previous administration’s One West Northamptonshire Plan.” Minutes, 25 September 2025 ↗
“The plan was described as a rebranded version of the Conservatives’ existing strategy” Minutes, 25 September 2025 ↗
“Council noted the West Northamptonshire Administration Delivery Plan 2025-2030 in Appendix A of the report as the strategic direction of the Council’s corporate objectives and priorities.” Minutes, 27 November 2025 ↗
“Rename the service to the Integrated Community Equipment Loan Service (ICELS) to serve as a reminder to people that they do not own this equipment and it should be returned when no longer needed.” Decisions, 18 September 2025 ↗
“The Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Public Health introduced the report and summarised the salient points.” Minutes, 18 September 2025 ↗