West Northamptonshire Council to consider next steps on devolution

West Northamptonshire Council is set to discuss the options available for the area to progress towards becoming part of a Foundation Strategic Authority.

The discussion follows the Government’s recent invitation for areas which are not already part of its Devolution Priority Programme to formulate proposals that would give more power and decision making to local leaders.

Becoming a Foundation Strategic Authority would allow West Northamptonshire and neighbouring areas to take an important first step towards greater control over key issues such as jobs, transport, housing, skills and long-term investment.

WNC has a long history of working closely with other authorities across the South Midlands and partnered with North Northamptonshire Council to submit an expression of interest to the Government’s 2025 priority programme to form a wider strategic partnership across that area. The South Midlands Business Board also supports this approach.

West Northamptonshire sits at the heart of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor, one of the UK’s most important economic regions. This position offers major opportunities for research and development‑intensive business growth, innovation and highly‑skilled jobs, building on sectors that already have a strong foothold locally.

Partnership across the South Midlands remains the preferred option, which could help unlock further Government support and investment to accelerate this growth. It also provides a clearer platform to prepare for future developments such as the proposed Universal Studios theme park in Bedfordshire, which will have significant economic and infrastructure implications for our area and the wider region.

If full agreement cannot again be reached at this stage, West Northamptonshire Council would work with North Northamptonshire Council to put forward a joint proposal so the county maintains a strong voice and does not miss out on the opportunities of devolution. They would still remain open to a wider geographic approach for a strategic authority if the right opportunity arises in the future.

The report going to Council explains that early engagement with Government is important to ensure the area does not miss out on future funding or investment. It also stresses that any expression of interest submitted by the Council would not be legally binding at this stage.

West Northamptonshire Council Leader, Cllr Mark Arnull, said:“Devolution is about giving local people a stronger voice in the decisions that shape their lives. We want to make sure West Northamptonshire is not left behind.

“It is clear that areas which move early can secure long-term investment and greater control over things that matter to residents, including good jobs, skills, transport and housing.

“By exploring the option of becoming part of a Foundation Strategic Authority, we can work with Government to secure the best possible future for our area while keeping our options open as the picture develops.

“This is an important moment for our communities and I look forward to discussing the next steps with colleagues at Full Council.”

The English Devolution White Paper sets out the Government’s aim for most of England to be covered by new devolved arrangements by the end of this Parliament, currently scheduled for 2029. Councils interested in taking part in the next phase of work must make submissions by 20 March.

An extraordinary meeting of Full Council will take place on Friday 13 March 2026 from 4.30pm in the Great Hall at Northampton Guildhall to consider options and next steps. The meeting will be livestreamed and available as a recording on the Council’s YouTube channel.