North Northamptonshire Council Praised for strong progress in LGA Review
15 January 2026
North Northamptonshire Council has welcomed a progress report which says it is improving services for residents as well as how services are run.
The review, carried out by the Local Government Association (LGA) in October 2025, follows an earlier assessment of the council in September 2024, known as a Corporate Peer Challenge.
The LGA team found that the council has made real and meaningful change across all seven recommendations made at that time, with 100% of the 31 agreed actions either completed or being taken forward.
Despite major political changes earlier this year, including the arrival of a new administration and 47 newly elected Members, the council has continued to move forward positively.
The review highlighted:
- Clearer Direction - A new strong overall plan of action, known as the Corporate Plan as well as an annual delivery plan. The One Council initiative has improved technology, given better access to office buildings, a boost to productivity and better services.
- Looking after finances better - Looking after budgets has been made simpler, and a new Budget, Performance and Risk Board now meets monthly. Members and officers are working together to keep spending in check and plan.
- Stronger Member-Officer Relationships - An induction for the new 47 new councillors has helped make roles clearer and officers and Members work together more in Council meetings. Members have backed key projects such as BIG50 and the Corporate Plan.
- Leadership in Children and Young People’s Services - The council is working more closely with the Children’s Trust to improve support for young people and a new committee now oversees this work. Training is planned to help staff better support children with special educational needs and disabilities. The Care Leavers Hub was seen as a great example of how innovative ideas are making a real difference.
- Better Scrutiny and Oversight - Councillors have received extra training, and dedicated officers now support scrutiny work, making it more effective. A Scrutiny Management Board helps keep things organised and avoids duplication.
- A Council That Looks Outward - Projects like the BIG50 board, the economic strategy, and a residents’ survey show the council is listening and working with the community. Over 1,000 volunteers have signed up to help in the future. The council also aims to share its vision more widely to attract investment and build strong partnerships.
- Supporting Our Workforce - A new team is focused on staff development, and initiatives like staff awards, quick feedback surveys, and IT upgrades have boosted morale and reduced staff turnover. Work is underway on a new workforce strategy to make sure the council has the right skills and enough people for the future.
We are proud that the LGA has recognised the progress we’ve made since the Corporate Peer Challenge.Cllr Martin Griffiths, Leader of the Council
This reflects the hard work of our Members and officers and our shared determination to deliver for our communities.
We know there is more to do, and we remain committed to working collaboratively to achieve our ambitions for North Northamptonshire.
This review shows the great progress we’ve made as a council.Adele Wylie, Chief Executive
We’ve focused on building strong foundations – from managing finances and supporting staff to working with partners.
We’re ambitious for North Northamptonshire, and our new Corporate Plan sets out a clear path to deliver even better services for residents.
The Local Government Association (LGA) praised the council for being honest about areas that need improvement, noting that this openness showed maturity and would help drive progress.
The team said the council should keep working with staff and councillors to find solutions together, so changes last and work well.
The report will be considered at a meeting of Full Council next week.