Enforcement Policy to be considered by North Northamptonshire Council
Housing01 May 2026
A revised Enforcement Policy setting out how North Northamptonshire Council will carry out regulatory and enforcement activity is due to be considered by the council’s Executive this month.
The proposed policy has been reviewed and updated to ensure it reflects current legislation, national guidance and best practice. If approved, it provides a clear, consistent framework for enforcement activity carried out across the council in areas including:
- Animal welfare
- Anti-social behaviour
- Council tax, benefit and Blue Badge fraud
- Environmental Health
- Highways
- Housing services
- Licensing
- Parking services
- Planning, Development and Building Control
- Private Sector Housing
- Trading Standards
- Unauthorised Traveller Encampments
- Waste management and street/environmental services including fly-tipping
The revised policy is intended to explain clearly how and when enforcement action may be taken, ensuring it is fair, transparent, proportionate and consistent across all services. It brings together all enforcement activity under a single council-wide approach, whilst acknowledging areas with specialist powers such as environmental crime, planning enforcement and private sector housing.
If adopted, the policy would help improve compliance with the law, reduce confusion for residents and businesses across North Northamptonshire, and reduce the risk of inconsistency by setting out clearly the principles that guide enforcement decisions.
The revised Enforcement Policy supports the council’s Corporate Plan priorities, including building safer and cleaner communities and supporting a strong and sustainable local economy.
Having a clear and up-to-date Enforcement Policy is essential for setting out how we carry out our regulatory responsibilities. This policy is designed to ensure our approach is transparent, proportionate and consistent, giving residents and businesses confidence in how enforcement action is considered, while allowing us to take firm action where it is necessary to protect communities and support lawful businesses.Cllr Kirk Harrison, the council’s Executive Member for Regulatory Services
The policy will be published on the council’s website if it is approved by the Executive.
North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive will meet on Tuesday 12 May at 10am at the Corby Cube and the papers are now available online. The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube.