Major investment plans to be considered for social housing in West Northants

15 December 2025

Major investment plans for social housing in West Northamptonshire will be discussed next week as part of proposals for the 2026/27 Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget, outlining significant investment in council housing and key steps in the transition to bring housing services back under direct Council control from April 2026.

The HRA is the ring-fenced budget that funds the management, maintenance and improvement of more than 11,000 council homes. The draft budget sets out how WNC will continue to invest in safer, better-quality housing, strengthen compliance, and support the long-term sustainability of the service as responsibilities transfer back into the Council.

The proposed investment includes £78.6 million through the HRA capital programme, supporting new build housing, estate improvements, heating upgrades and disabled adaptations. By 2031, the Council will have delivered £359.6 million in housing investment, ensuring sustained improvements to homes, estates and community facilities across West Northamptonshire.

As part of the housing services transition, Cabinet will also consider the proposed management fee for Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH) for the final year of the current arrangements, ensuring funding is in place to support the move of enabler services back in-house. This includes investment in new systems, strengthened oversight and the foundations needed for a modernised, directly delivered housing service.

“We are entering an important period as we move housing services back under the direct control of the Council. This draft budget ensures that we can continue to invest substantially in our homes, meet our responsibilities to tenants, and strengthen the long-term resilience of the service. Delivering safe, high-quality and sustainable homes remains a fundamental priority for West Northamptonshire.”Cllr John Slope, Cabinet Member for Finance

The draft budget also includes a planned £2.7 million contribution to HRA reserves to support future investment and maintain financial stability during this period of transition.

In line with the Government’s Rent Standard, the proposals include a 4.8% increase to average social rents from April 2026, alongside a 4.8% rise in service charges, garage rents and commuter surcharges. These increases ensure continued investment in essential housing services and help maintain a sustainable long-term financial position for the HRA.

If approved for consultation, the proposals will be open for public feedback from 23 December 2025 to 3 February 2026. Cabinet will then consider the final budget in February, before it goes to Full Council for approval. Full details and consultation information will be available on the WNC website.