31 January 2025

Residents with the greatest need for social housing in West Northamptonshire continue to be prioritised following a rise of almost double in the number of applications for council houses.

Like many councils, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is facing significant demand for social housing due to national factors including a rise in homelessness and no-fault evictions and as a result of more family break-ups because of an increased pressure from things like the cost of living and rising rents.  

The Council introduced its new Housing Allocations Scheme in April last year, replacing three separate ones in Daventry, South Northants and Northampton areas in order to harmonise the differences and make it fairer, clearer and more consistent for all residents. It was a legal requirement for the Council to also have a new single Housing Allocations policy across West Northamptonshire within three years of becoming a new unitary authority in April 2021. As part of that process and in line with good practice all those previously on the housing register and hoping to bid for a Council property were asked to reapply under the new policy and because of the new criteria.

The new scheme recognises people in greatest need for help including those experiencing homelessness, with complex health and welfare needs, victims of domestic abuse, Care Leavers, Armed Forces veterans, and those subject to exploitation.

While the Council expected some of the previous applicants to drop off the register due to a change in circumstances, it did expect an initial surge in applications as some people reapplied.  However the Council has also seen a rise in applications generally and is now receiving an average of 700 applications a month, compared with an average of around 335 the previous year, highlighting the significant scale of demand. On average, approximately 5,000 people are on the social housing system at any given time, with numbers constantly fluctuating as individuals secure alternative housing or leave the system for other reasons. The register covers West Northants’ population of around 430,000, and with only around 1,500 homes on average becoming available over a 12-month period, only those in the greatest need and highest priority bands are likely to be housed by West Northamptonshire Council.

The application process also requires many supporting documents to evidence each resident’s needs and checking and validating these is a significant task with both a rise in applications and the re-registering of previous applicants. In many cases the Council may not receive what is required and will then need to chase residents for these before an assessment can be completed.

The increase in applications and the workload to screen, assess and verify each application including all those for residents reapplying to the register has resulted in a backlog and a significantly longer wait for people to see if they are eligible for the housing allocations scheme. WNC has therefore put in place a number of measures to help people pre-assess their eligibility to get an early indication of whether they are likely to be successful and identify people in immediate priority need of housing and ensure they are prioritised whilst staff work through completing all the outstanding assessments. The Council is also working to improve its systems and processes to speed up some steps in the process.

“This huge rise in applications for social housing in our area is a local reflection of the issues we are seeing nationally around homelessness, no fault evictions and shortage of suitable private sector homes.

“Everyone in West Northants deserves a decent place to live and we are sorry some people are currently having to wait significantly longer to find out if they qualify for our housing allocations scheme.

“We’re working really hard to clear the backlog as quickly as possible and have put in place new measures to speed up the process as staff assess all applications fairly and in line with our legal duties. We would also encourage people to use the pre application questionnaire to better understand their chance of getting on the register or seeking help for finding alternative accommodation. We would also ask all applicants to make sure they provide the right documents when they apply.”

“The scheme we introduced last April not only ensured our approach to social housing was harmonised across our area and made fairer for all residents but its criteria was more inclusive of those in the greatest need within our communities.

“Although we are working to increase affordable homes in our area, our social housing offer is still very limited compared to the high demand for it, so we must look at other ways to reduce this demand and improve people’s wellbeing. In the months ahead we will focus on how we can work closer with private landlords to increase rental opportunities and make tenants more aware of their rights.

“We’re also developing a support programme to help people stay in their homes and prevent the risk of homelessness, including debt and money advice initiatives, family mediation or helping them find new employment.”

Councillor Rosie Herring, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Housing

Cllr Herring added that a full review of the Housing Allocations Scheme will also take place this year following its first year of operation.

In November 2024, the Council launched its Affordable Housing Delivery Plan underscoring its commitment to addressing the urgent need for more and better-quality homes. The plan outlines ideas for accelerating the delivery of affordable housing with a goal to deliver a minimum of 650 affordable homes per year by 2029/30, and a potential increase to 750 homes annually if market conditions and funding improve.

More information about the Housing Allocations Scheme and applications process is available on the Council’s website.

Further information, help and advice for residents is available on the West Northamptonshire Council’s Cost of Living Support Hub. 

30 January 2025

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is progressing further plans to support Northampton town centre by working with the owners of the Grosvenor Shopping centre.

This includes a loan to the centre owners, Evolve Estates, to revamp the former New Look unit at its Market Square entrance, which will help keep high-street retailer H&M in town.

Councils are able to access funding at lower rates than commercial lenders, making the scheme more viable and potentially preventing a loss to the town’s retail landscape.

WNC is also working through changes to a lease for former offices at Belgrave House on Greyfriars, which is earmarked to be part of one of the biggest regeneration schemes in the town in decades.

“We are seeking to support the shopping centre’s owners, Evolve Estates, on several schemes which will improve its sustainability while also bringing in some revenue for the taxpayer.

“Councils up and down the country are having to invest millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money into their high streets just to stop decline.

“We have managed to attract significant Government funding for our schemes in recent years, including the Market Square redevelopment, a new NN Contemporary Art gallery, an extension to 78 Derngate , and a revamped Abington and Fish Street.

“All of these are attracting significant private sector investment in new housing and leisure schemes such STACK moving into the former Market Walk.

“The loans we will facilitate are backed with guarantees which will ensure we will get the investment back at no cost to the Council or taxpayers. That feels like a win-win for the area.

“We would like to be clear that the loans are to the owners of the shopping centre, rather than H&M itself.

“Alongside this, we have been working with Evolve to renegotiate a lease which is currently blocking our plans for the wider redevelopment of Northampton town centre through the Greyfriars scheme.”

Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure

Borrowing for companies of any size has become increasingly challenging, and this arrangement provides immediate certainty to Evolve and confidence to H&M to progress the deal at speed, realising the opportunity of an enhanced H&M offer in the town.

Councils have two types of funding available - revenue and capital. Revenue can be used on services such as road repairs or social care, capital on the other hand can only be spent on assets like land and buildings but returns from those assets can also be used to support services. Loans are a form of capital funding.

The national retail climate is such that some high-profile high street brands such as H&M and Primark can require, as part of any lease, that fit-out costs are covered and rent free periods are in place. The wider benefits to the town are significant – increased footfall raises its profile to other investors and increases confidence with new and existing tenants.

“It is so important for the sustainability of the town that we continue the momentum that has started with Market Square. This loan should always be seen in the context of the overall ambition that provides a town centre which offers the best possible shopping experience, supported by an increasing leisure offer.”Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure

In addition to increasing footfall in the area, the plan would continue work to consolidate the high street which was identified several years ago as being too large for the current retail climate.

Loan to Evolve for H&M unit

One of the proposals is for the Council to provide a loan to Evolve Estates to create a large, modern unit for H&M which is seeking to relocate from its store in Abington Street.

This would involve further significant due diligence including legal and financial checks before any loan agreement is signed, along with significant safeguards to protect the Council in the unlikely event of a failure to repay.

Lease changes to Belgrave House

The Council currently holds the lease for Belgrave House, which only allows development for key worker housing. That was its planned use by one of WNC’s predecessors, Northampton Borough Council, but this is no longer financially viable nor does WNC believe the building is suitable for this type of renovation.

With no change to potential use, WNC would be left maintaining a building which would otherwise remain undeveloped for the long term, at significant expense to taxpayers.

Proposed changes to the lease would remove the restrictions, allowing the Council to adapt the building to current needs and market demands. They would also allow sub-letting, offering more commercial options for the property.

This would support the wider plans to create direct links through from the area into the rest of Northampton town centre.

Additional proposals include:

• A further loan to Evolve to create flexible workspaces on the upper level of the centre, supporting remote working
• A period of free parking for a new leisure operator in the former Sainsbury’s unit, making it easier for visitors to enjoy the new facilities
• Investment of £375,000 to convert a disused large unit into micro shops on the centre's first floor, supporting new business startups and providing the council with income through profit-share

The plans were initially agreed at the Council’s cabinet on 10 December 2024 and, following call-in, were also approved by its Overview & Scrutiny Committee in January 2025.

31 January 2025

The British Cycling Evaluation Report for the 2024 Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men has revealed significant economic benefits in West Northamptonshire and highlighted the area’s impressive contribution to the overall event as one of six host stages. 

The event’s fifth stage, held on Saturday, 7 September 2024, showcased West Northants as a hub of excitement and community pride, seeing thousands of residents line the streets to cheer on the world-class cyclists, contributing significantly to the race’s overall success.

The report highlights how West Northants’ stage delivered the highest economic benefit of the entire Tour, with an impressive total impact of £5.69 million, driven by £3.6 million in attendee spending.

Over 85% of attendees expressed pride in their local area following the event, with 83% recognising the positive boost to the economy. Attendees from across the UK flocked to enjoy the race, with visitors spending an average of 2.4 nights in the area, further boosting the local hospitality sector.

The stage also garnered significant media coverage, valued at £635,698, promoting West Northamptonshire to national and international audiences.

“The Tour of Britain brought tremendous benefits to West Northamptonshire, showcasing our area as a prime destination for world-class sporting events. This report further highlights our dedication to boosting tourism, attracting inward investment, and supporting local businesses while promoting a strong sense of community pride and spirit.

“Hosting this event has not only delivered an incredible economic boost but has also inspired countless residents and visitors to embrace cycling and active lifestyles. The Council remains committed to building on this momentum and we can’t wait to host more major events like this including the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup.”

Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture, and Leisure

The West Northants stage started at the University of Northampton’s (UON) Waterside Campus which included a day of entertainment for families, a chance to watch the entire stage on big screens and the University hosted the race media centre. 

“Of the six stages, our stage generated a quarter of the economic impact of the total race (£21.1million) with more money spent locally by attendees than anywhere else in the country.

“The University has at its heart the strategic goal of having a positive impact on its community and successes like this show together we can make a real difference and extract even more potential from our town and county.”

UON Vice Chancellor, Prof Anne-Marie Kilday

“We are really encouraged to see the huge impact the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women and Men is having across England, Scotland and Wales.

“The figures from the report demonstrate the huge social and economic impact these events have on communities across the UK. Not only do travelling spectators and local residents have the opportunity to experience high quality racing on their doorstep, but the lasting legacy is apparent. It is encouraging that so many more people have been inspired to be active and cycle more often - allowing more people to experience the joy of cycling.

“2024 was a huge success and we are excited to see the impact the 2025 Lloyds Tour of Britain has, and many more editions in the future.”

Jonathan Day, British Cycling Events Managing Director

29 January 2025

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has demonstrated substantial progress following last year’s Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge. 

Professionals from a range of local authorities across the country visited the area in March 2024 to assess the Council’s performance. 

This highlighted a strong start since the WNC’s launch in 2021 and identified a series of actions which would take that work to the next level. 

During a return visit in November, the team reviewed all of these areas and in their report just published they noted that “the council has made tangible progress since March 2024 and should be commended for that progress and its renewed optimism and confidence for the future”. 

They recognised a number of advancements since the initial challenge, including: 

Vision and Ambition 

• The council launched its One West Northamptonshire draft vision for the area, focusing on ‘Thriving People’, ‘Thriving Place’, and an ‘Efficient and Enabling Council’ - they commented that this had created a palpable buzz across partners
• A Housing Delivery Board has been established to drive delivery of the Council’s Affordable Homes Delivery Plan

Customer Engagement and Reputation 

Budget Sustainability and Risk 

• The Medium-Term Financial Plan has been updated, addressing a £53m budget gap for 2025/26
• The council resolved technical issues related to the former Northamptonshire County Council’s balance sheet, finalising its accounts and avoiding arbitration
• Investments in property development and town centre support are under way to bolster the council’s revenue budget

As noted in the report “members and officers are noticeably buoyant and energetic about the challenges ahead and how they are tackling or planning to tackle them”. 

“Of course we’re pleased with the latest update from our peer challenge group, though we’re clear that it’s by no means ‘job done’.

“Now we have taken these incredibly positive steps forward, we will be building on that work with further activity including the launch of our Family Hubs and delivery of our Economic Growth Strategy.

“The One West Northamptonshire plan is our approach to delivering on our aspiration of making West Northants ‘a great place to live, visit and thrive’, and we will be working with partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors to bring that to life over the next five years.

“We are currently seeking feedback on the plan and I would encourage everyone to read though and fill out the survey.”

WNC Leader, Cllr Adam Brown

Details of the One West Northamptonshire plan and how to get involved can be found on the Council’s website. The full peer review progress report is also available on the website. 

30 January 2025

Public Health West Northamptonshire are encouraging parents and guardians to ensure their school aged children take up the free flu jab this year, during the colder winter months.

Flu is a highly contagious infection which can be caught by anyone and can have serious health implications. As well as being an unpleasant illness, in some cases it can lead to more serious problems such as bronchitis, pneumonia, middle ear infection, sepsis, and can prove fatal.

When infected with flu, young people pose a risk of transmission to anyone they come in to contact with. Some people are more at risk of developing complications if they catch the virus, including the elderly, very young and people with pre-existing health conditions.  

“This year 53% of primary school children and 61% of secondary school children in Northamptonshire remain unvaccinated, increasing the likelihood of catching and spreading the flu infection.

I urge parents to give consent and get their children vaccinated as soon as they are invited.”

Dr Annapurna Sen, Consultant in Health Protection for West Northamptonshire Council

By getting vaccinated children are protected from catching the virus and can help to protect others.

School aged children will be invited for their flu jab through one of the following routes:

• If your child attends school, they will be invited to attend a clinic held at their school
• Home schooled children and those who do not attend school will be invited to attend one of the school age immunisation service community clinics
• For parents or children who do not want their child to be vaccinated in either of the above settings, they can contact their GP directly and book a flu jab appointment

“It is important that as parents we look after our children and protect our loved ones, especially during the colder months when we know illnesses spread more easily.

I am appealing to all parents to ensure their children are vaccinated to help protect them from the virus and its complication, the flu vaccine is free to all children from reception to year 11.”

Cllr Fiona Baker, cabinet member for Children, Families and Education

For further information: Immunisation | West Northamptonshire Council