Two new unitary councils in Northamptonshire

Two new councils in Northamptonshire have begun operations, replacing the previous district councils and county council.

As of 1 April, North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council will start providing services to the residents and businesses of Northamptonshire.

North Northamptonshire Council covers the local areas of Corby, East Northamptonshire, Kettering and Wellingborough, whilst West Northamptonshire Council covers the local areas of Daventry, Northampton Borough and South Northamptonshire.

Anna Earnshaw, chief executive of West Northamptonshire Council, said: "Today is Vesting Day for the new West Northamptonshire Council. It’s a significant day for the county and a fresh start for local government in Northamptonshire.

“At West Northamptonshire we are excited to be bringing together the services our communities rely on. This gives us new opportunities to develop and improve services and work in a joined-up way. Our aim put simply is to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive.

“Today also marks the culmination of a great deal of hard work from everyone in Northamptonshire County Council, Daventry District Council, South Northamptonshire Council and Northampton Borough Council to ensure a smooth transition to the new West Northamptonshire Council. We have tried to ensure that the change happens without any disruption to services. Of course going forward we will also continue to work closely with colleagues at the new North Northamptonshire Council as our neighbour and partner in a range of services that will still be delivered as shared services across the county, such as public health or highways.”

Simon Edwards, director of the County Councils Network, said: “The official formation of North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council is an important day for the county and an opportunity to look to a brighter future – delivering high-quality services for residents and spearheading the local recovery from the pandemic.

“That they are in this position today is testament to the hard work from councillors and officers of the shadow authorities during a difficult financial period and a global pandemic. We look forward to welcoming them both into membership and working with them over the coming years.”