North Northamptonshire Council seeks approval to buy new properties or land to boost its supply of council homes
North Northamptonshire Council is seeking approval to utilise £18 million of capital funding over the next four years to boost its supply of council homes, as its housing waitlist now exceeds 7,000 applicants.
A report going to executive next Tuesday (April 14) asks to delegate authority to senior council officers so they are able to purchase land and/or properties to provide additional council homes within North Northamptonshire.
The authority says it will use Right to Buy (RTB) capital receipts to invest in new affordable housing and increase the supply of suitable, good‑quality homes.
As of March 2026, North Northants Council (NNC) reported that its Keyways housing waiting list was made up of almost 7,300 applicants.
According to a breakdown, the highest levels of housing need are in Corby and Kettering, with the greatest pressures for up to three-bed properties.
NNC went out to consultation last year on proposals to cut the waiting list in half by removing all applicants in the lowest band and other changes to its qualification criteria.
It is anticipated that a report on the changes will go to the executive in May 2026 for the final scheme to be considered and approved.
The council has noted that the current housing pressure it is facing underpins the importance of expanding its supply of council homes. It will also reduce NNC’s reliance on costly temporary accommodation.
The report adds: “New homes also bring clear operational and financial benefits. By balancing an ageing stock profile with the acquisition of high-quality new homes, the council can reduce future capital liabilities, provide better homes for tenants, and improve regulatory assurance.”
The council’s Housing Revenue Capital Programme for 2026 to 2030 was approved in February this year and allocates £4.5 million each year to be put towards the delivery of new housing.
If the executive approves the report next week, NNC will start work to identify properties and or land in North Northamptonshire to support the delivery of the new housing.