Agenda item

Councillor Nunn, as the Leader of the Council submitted his report and elaborated thereon. He commented that he had not received much encouragement or reassurance on debt provision following the section 114 notice served on the County Council. He explained that Leaders of District and Borough Councils and Chief Officers had been in joint discussions on future proposals regarding Unitary status and noted that a solution was needed to best serve the residents of Northampton. He noted that none of the district leaders were content with the prospect of taking on the County Council debt. He updated Council that the first round of interviews for the Independent Chair of Audit Committee had taken place and the shortlisted candidates would be interviewed in May 2018.

In response to questions asked, Councillor Nunn stated that whilst he was not against a public campaign on the matter of Unitary Councils there was a need to ensure that the best option be put together in order to submit a coherent and supported report to Government. He stated that he had some concerns about the limited time and welcomed any cross party support that was offered in order to achieve the best outcome for the residents and agreed with the suggestion that the Government steer on 2 Unitary Councils both having a minimum population of 300,000 was arbitrary. However there was a need for NBC to actively contribute to proposal being prepared which followed the Government’s Inspector recommendation of a 2 unitary option and noted that the Borough Council represented 42% of the Northamptonshire County Council Social Care. Councillor Nunn commented that there would be further Councillor briefing sessions on the topic and asked that there be unity between all of the groups in support of future proposals.

Councillor Larratt submitted his Cabinet Member report and elaborated further and noted that a date had been set for the Constitution Working Group meeting. He reported that he had been on a site visit to Norwich Market and noted that it had been transformed following a significant public survey and referred to a proposal to have a customer-driven survey and consultation to establish what provisions the customers would want in order to improve the market square in Northampton.  

In response to questions asked, Councillor Larratt explained that he would look at options with regards to having heaters outside the market food vans. He further reported that there was a need to revamp the market and commented that it would be necessary for traders and trailer owners to be on board; English Heritage would need to be consulted prior to any material changes and noted that the responsibility of each stall would be down to the market holders.

Councillor Eldred elaborated on his Cabinet Member report and explained that there was a need to ensure that the correct financial package with regards to unitary status would be provided. He explained that he had attended the LGSS Joint Revs and Bens Committee which had gone very well and congratulated the Revs and Bens team on being a leading force.

In response to questions asked, Councillor Eldred explained there had been a few minor errors still outstanding and noted that the accounts were with the auditors and that he was waiting for their response. He further explained that staff were working hard on getting the 2017/18 accounts completed and noted that whilst the County Council financial position had affected the residents of Northampton, it had not had an adverse impact on the Borough Councils budgets. He reported that there had been ongoing work to attract and entice people to work at the Borough Council which included a 2% increase in pay.