Agenda and minutes

Councillor Hadland declared a personal non-pecuniary interest in Item 7 – Cabinet Member Reports and Motion x) as former Member of WNDC and a current Member of the WNDC Audit and Risk Committee.

Councillor Capstick declared a personal non-pecuniary interest in Item 7 – Cabinet Member Reports and Motion x) as former Member of WNDC and a current Member of the WNDC Audit and Risk Committee.

Councillor Strachan declared a personal non-pecuniary interest in Motion vi) as a member of credit Union.

Councillor King declared a personal non-pecuniary interest in Motion vi) as a member of credit Union.

To approve the minutes of the proceedings of the Meeting of the Council held on 10^th March 2014 and the adjourned meeting of the 24^th February 2014.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 10^th March 2014 and the minutes of the adjourned meeting of the 24^th February 2014 were agreed and signed by the Mayor.

Apologies were received from Councillors Davies, Eales, Gowen, Palethorpe, Wire, Subbarayan, Yates and Conroy.

The Mayor announced that during the last year he had spent time with his Chaplain and explained that he had been made aware that the Chaplain and congregation had been collecting 5 pence pieces which had been used to put towards the purchase of rehydrating salts for children affected by, and dying from, diarrhoea and dehydration in parts of the world where treatment was insufficient.  The Mayor noted that in the past year there had been numerous charitable activities money raised for good causes around the town and further afield.

Mrs Sibley addressed Council and stated that she thought it improper for dogs to be allowed to be kept in Council owned flats. She noted that a number of residents had let their dogs out and had subsequently not cleared up after them, which was against the law and asked the Council to address the issue.

Mr Leach addressed Council and stated that the recent chalk event on Abington Street had demonstrated that there was major opposition to de-pedestrianisation.

Mr Nichols addressed Council and noted that there was a need to make the town centre more desirable to tourists and residents and urged that the Council re-install the fire baskets that were formally in place at the top of Abington Street, the Central Library be cleaned up and empty shops made to look more aesthetically appealing.

Mr Townsend addressed Council and commented that he was concerned about a potential increase in road accidents once Abington Street was opened. He noted that it was a Health and Safety concern and suggested that it would result in people shopping elsewhere and driving tourism out of the Town Centre.

Mr Wishart addressed Council and urged the Administration to reconsider de-pedestrianising Abington Street as it would impinge on the accessibility for disabled people, wheelchair users and children and commented that the findings of the recent study undertaken by the University of Northampton had found that the opening up of the street to traffic would have no positive significant economic or environmental impact on the Town Centre.

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The Mayor advised that 8 questions had been received from members of the public and Councillors and that the answers had been tabled in accordance with the Constitution.

Questions and answers given were as tabled (included in an updated agenda on the website) unless where stated, supplementary questions were asked – details below.

In response to a supplementary question relating to Question 2, Councillor Hallam explained that the Council had no jurisdiction over fly tipping in private alleyways but that the Council worked with residents to resolve such issues.

Councillor Mason asked a supplementary question as to how the mistake of the Guildhall Office had ceased supplying Fair Trade products, to which Councillor Mackintosh declined to comment.

In response to a supplementary question relating to Question 8, Councillor Mackintosh commented that the de-pedestrianisation of Abington Street would bring life and vitality back to the Town Centre to ensure that it is prosperous in the future.

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At this point, each of the Cabinet Members made a presentation of their respective portfolios that had been circulated with the agenda.

Councillor Mackintosh submitted his Cabinet Member report and commented that the free parking had made a positive difference to the number of visitors to the town. It was noted that 100 new Council houses were going to be built and explained that over the Easter weekend, work had begun on the demolition of the Greyfriars building with a bridge connecting to the Grosvenor Centre having been removed. It was further reported that the restoration project of Delapre Abbey was underway and that the Administration were committed to the protecting heritage assets in Northampton.

In response to a question, Councillor Mackintosh confirmed that the removal of the Virgin Media cables would not result in extra cost and that the relocated site of the Francis Crick statue would be revealed at a later date. With regards to the old Greyfriars building and future developments, Councillor Mackintosh noted that there was continuing work with the Grosvenor Centre but that they were awaiting the outcome of the Rushden Lakes hearing before any announcements would be made. Responding to a further question, it was noted that some progress had been made with regards to the domestic violence and that the administration recognised the terrible situation faced by victims of domestic violence.

Councillor Markham submitted her Cabinet Member report and explained that Cabinet had recently agreed to the creation of an ALMO Shadow Board and noted that Cabinet had also agreed to the additional Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation. She explained that the Decent Homes Programme was on-going and that whilst there had been a number of issues, these were being dealt with and were inevitable due to the size of the programme. In response to a question asked, Councillor Markham commented that a review board comprised of Councillors was not necessary as a Service Improvement Board had already been established.

In response to further questions, it was confirmed that there were currently 20 people in Bed and Breakfasts, 3 of whom had made themselves intentionally homeless, three-quarters of the budget for Discretionary Housing Payments had been spent, but that there had been no appeals in the past 3 months.

Responding to a further question, Councillor Markham clarified that more residents were being offered housing affordable to their individual circumstances, so that those who could afford to pay, would do so. With regards to a question asked relating to HIMOs, she commented that she envisaged that there would be few problems collecting the licence fee.

Councillor Hadland submitted his Cabinet Members report and noted that the free parking scheme had been well received and that there had been an overall increase in usage which was a success. It was noted that hundreds of jobs had been created within the Enterprise Zone which largely as a function of the rate relief scheme which had been implemented in the zone. In response to a question  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Councillor Stone to make a statement on ‘Women’s Issues’.

Councillor Stone commented that recent events, including the 1 Billion Rising for Justice, International Women’s Day, Mothering Sunday and the upcoming election should be a reminder of important role that women in society play. She noted that only one third of elected Councillors were women and stated that there was a democratic deficit which continued to affect women. She noted that changes bought to Welfare Reform had massively affected women and had resulted in women having lost out both in their employment and in the home and stated that the impact of this had resulted in the number of children living in poverty in Northampton increasing. She stated that it was a huge issue and that it was within the gift of the local authority to empower and support women.

Councillor Mackintosh commented that the administration had introduced a number of women-centric events, which included the women’s forum and that support had been given to events that supported women’s issue including the 1 Billion Rising for Justice and International Women’s Day.

Councillor Stone commented that it was the Labour Group who had asked for the Women’s Forum to be re-instated and that the administration had voted against a recent motion from Labour requesting people be paid the living wage.

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Councillor Mackintosh submitted a report that sought the approval of the Calendar of Meetings for 2014/15.

Councillor Markham seconded adoption of the report.

RESOLVED:

That the calendar of meetings for 2014/15 be approved.

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Councillor Hadland submitted a report that sought to devolve the Council’s decision making authority as local planning authority to South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) with regards to the cross boundary outline planning application for the development Pineham Business Park.

Councillor Mackintosh seconded adoption of the report.

RESOLVED:

That the Council’s decision making authority as local planning authority be devolved to South Northamptonshire Council as set out in the report. 

i)             Councillor Eldred to propose and Councillor Larratt to second that:

“This Council recognises the importance of the town's three sports clubs and celebrates having cricket, football and rugby teams in Northampton.

Despite years of delays under the Liberal Democrats, this Council is pleased that, under Conservative control, we have now seen developments agreed at Sixfields Stadium, Franklin's Gardens and the County Ground.

This Council welcomes the positive attitude demonstrated by all the clubs and their help in promoting the town and wishes them every success for the coming seasons”.

ii)            Councillor Hadland to propose and Councillor Nunn to second:

“This Council welcomes the announcement by leading financial company Experian that Northampton is the number one place in Britain to do business.

The company released its findings in March outlining the four key areas it measured with the number of start-ups, rate of insolvencies, level of financial health and business turnover.

Council recognises that Northampton achieved top marks for turnover, start-up and insolvency rates and dropped just one point for financial strength.

Council welcomes this report which recognises the important partnerships with leading businesses, public authorities and the local enterprise partnerships as part of the Northampton Alive programme”.

iii)           Councillor Markham to propose and Councillor Oldham to second:

“This Council recognises the benefit of Tenant Engagement which, which has been absent for many years.

This Council has benefited since opening the doors and introducing not only the Tenant Panel but also the additional six service improvement panels.

This Council is committed to continue to engage with tenants and recognises the added value it brings to the authority”.

iv)           Councillor Markham to propose and Councillor Bottwood to second:

“Council congratulates this administration’s commitment to the creation of new council houses in Northampton, and welcomes the announcement that this Conservative administration will be building 100 new council houses at Dallington Grange.

This project will bring the first significant development of new council homes in our town for two decades, and as one of the largest in the country, will put Northampton at the forefront of the creation of new council homes.

Council also welcomes the Government’s efforts to address the national housing shortage, increase the supply of affordable housing and to help people get on the housing ladder”.

v)            Councillor Beardsworth to propose and Councillor Glynane to second :

The Conservative election manifesto of 2011 made several pledges, including “Northampton needs a Council that listens and delivers what the people want; not one that is out of touch.”

Council therefore calls upon the administration to deliver on this manifesto promise as a priority.

vi)           Councillor Eldred to propose and Councillor King to second:

‘Council welcomes the opening of the new Northamptonshire Credit Union access and information point at the Guildhall One Stop Shop. The new access point will make it easier for people in Northampton to use the services offered by the Credit Union and help those experiencing financial difficulties.

‘Council supports the work of Northamptonshire Credit Union and their efforts to  ...  view the full agenda text for item 11.

i)             Councillor Eldred proposed and Councillor Larratt seconded that:

“This Council recognises the importance of the town's three sports clubs and celebrates having cricket, football and rugby teams in Northampton.

Despite years of delays under the Liberal Democrats, this Council is pleased that, under Conservative control, we have now seen developments agreed at Sixfields Stadium, Franklin's Gardens and the County Ground.

This Council welcomes the positive attitude demonstrated by all the clubs and their help in promoting the town and wishes them every success for the coming seasons”.

Council debated the motion.

Upon a vote, the motion was carried.

ii)            Councillor Hadland proposed and Councillor Nunn seconded:

“This Council welcomes the announcement by leading financial company Experian that Northampton is the number one place in Britain to do business.

The company released its findings in March outlining the four key areas it measured with the number of start-ups, rate of insolvencies, level of financial health and business turnover.

Council recognises that Northampton achieved top marks for turnover, start-up and insolvency rates and dropped just one point for financial strength.

Council welcomes this report which recognises the important partnerships with leading businesses, public authorities and the local enterprise partnerships as part of the Northampton Alive programme”.

Councillor Stone proposed and Councillor Mason seconded an amendment:

That the last paragraph be removed and amended, so that the motion now reads:

“This Council welcomes the announcement by leading financial company Experian that Northampton is the number one place in Britain to do business.

The company released its findings in March outlining the four key areas it measured with the number of start-ups, rate of insolvencies, level of financial health and business turnover.

Council recognises that Northampton achieved top marks for turnover, start-up and insolvency rates and dropped just one point for financial strength.

However, this Council is concerned that being number one for business as quoted by Experian relies on

i)             Under-employment in the town where employees work on zero hour contacts.

ii)            The proliferation of jobs in warehousing and low wage local economy

iii)           Employment for many workers being subsidised by the state where employers paying less than the minimum wage are forcing workers to apply for benefits.”

Council debated the amended motion.

Upon a vote the amended motion was lost.

Council debated the original motion.

Upon a vote the original motion was carried.

iii)           Councillor Markham proposed and Councillor Oldham seconded that:

“This Council recognises the benefit of Tenant Engagement which, which has been absent for many years.

This Council has benefited since opening the doors and introducing not only the Tenant Panel but also the additional six service improvement panels.

This Council is committed to continue to engage with tenants and recognises the added value it brings to the authority”.

Council debated the motion.

Upon a vote, the motion was carried.

iv)           Councillor Markham proposed and Councillor Bottwood seconded:

“Council congratulates this administration’s commitment to the creation of new council houses in Northampton, and welcomes the announcement that this Conservative  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

None.