North Northants Council (NNC) has forecast a £23m overspend as it continues to face 'significant financial pressures' – an increase from the £13.8m for the previous year.

The council has promised to focus on identifying ‘alternative mitigations and efficiencies wherever possible’ to balance the books.

NNC provided the update on its financial position for 2026/27, outlining the challenges facing local government services while highlighting the action being taken to safeguard services and improve long-term financial sustainability.

North Northamptonshire Council reports £13.8m overspend for year end

Leader of North Northants Council Cllr Martin Griffiths/IMG

A report to the council's executive next week shows a forecast general fund overspend for 2026/27of £22.988m based on latest information.

Cllr Martin Griffiths, leader of NNC, said: “Local government continues to operate in an extremely challenging financial environment, but we are determined to address these issues whilst continuing to support our communities and deliver the services residents rely on every day.

“Alongside managing immediate financial pressures, we are investing in transformation and modernisation programmes that will help improve services, make better use of technology and deliver better value for taxpayers in the years ahead.

“The council is taking a responsible and measured approach to financial management and we will continue to work closely with partners, government and our communities as we plan for the future.”

According to the council, NNC’s overspend is driven largely by continued pressures in services including adult social care and children's services.

As well as the overspend, three areas have an underspend – the housing revenue account forecast underspend of £932,000, general fund capital programme forecast underspend of £6.187m and the housing revenue account capital programme forecast underspend of £8.429m

Council tax and business rates collection remain ‘on target’.

Continued delivery of savings programmes across the organisation

The council says it is continuing to take ‘active steps’ to manage in-year budget pressures and improve its long-term financial resilience.

This includes ongoing work to identify further efficiencies during the year, and investment in transformation programmes designed to modernise services and reduce costs over time.

Cllr Graham Cheatley, NNC's deputy leader and executive member for finance, efficiency and change, said: “Like councils across the country, North Northamptonshire continues to face significant financial pressures, particularly in demand-led services such as adult social care and children's services where costs continue to rise and demand remains high.

“While the current forecast position is challenging, we have a clear focus on managing these pressures responsibly. Services will continue to identify efficiencies, spending continues to be closely monitored and we are taking action through our transformation programme to ensure the council becomes more efficient and financially sustainable.

“We remain committed to protecting essential frontline services for residents while ensuring public money is used as effectively as possible.”

The executive will meet at Corby Cube from 10am on Tuesday, November 10 with the meeting broadcast live on YouTube.