West Northamptonshire County Council

As part of our independent research and policy scrutiny work, Blackwood Analytics conducted a detailed review of West Northamptonshire Council’s Final Budget and Fiscal Plan for FY2025/26. This analysis focused on the financial sustainability of the Council’s medium-term strategy, the credibility of proposed savings, and the alignment between capital investment and fiscal risk.

Our findings highlight a projected cumulative funding gap of £57.5 million by 2029/30, growing pressures in Adult Social Care and Temporary Accommodation, and a lack of tangible, outcomes-driven transformation initiatives. We also raised concerns about the Council’s dependence on reserves and one-off funding, as well as the strategic risks posed by an underdeveloped capital programme. This work reflects our commitment to enhancing transparency, accountability, and strategic clarity in local government finance.