Agenda and minutes

Councillor Eldred declared a personal non pecuniary interest in Item 4 as he was employed by HMRC.

Apologies were received from Councillors Larratt and Culbard.

Mr Tony Clarke addressed Council and stated that he was grateful to the opposition in calling the special Council meeting as there was limited time to address the issue. He commented that there had been various meetings with the Football Club, the Council and owners and questioned why the supporters or the club staff had not been involved. He further stated that if no action was taken, the club would be wound up within two weeks and asked the Council to leave the supporters with some hope. He further noted that whilst the Council had lodged an objection with the high court, it would be wrong of HMRC to wind up the club whilst the Council was still owed £10.25million. He further remarked that NTFC could be saved and that the Supports Trust were prepared to work with any new purchasers of the club and all other parties involved including the Council.

Councillor Stone to propose and Councillor G Eales to second:

“This Council notes that Northampton Town Football Club owes this local authority £10.25 million and as yet has not repaid the debt. The club has missed three repayment deadlines and has been asked for the full amount to be repaid.  This has not been forthcoming.

This Council further notes that HMRC has issued a winding up petition against Northampton Town Football Club for unpaid taxes. This case will be heard in the High Court in London on November 16^th 2015.

This Council resolves to,

1.     Do whatever we can to help Northampton Town Football Club and the Supporters Trust.

2.      Retrieve the £10.25 million of public money.

3.    Ask Audit committee to review our policies and procedures and make recommendations necessary for implementation in business arrangements of this nature. The Audit Committee would then present any recommendations to Full Council.

The Mayor proposed a suspension of standing orders under Rule 25 of the Constitution that limited the length of each speaker, to be given a maximum of three minutes each which was agreed.

Councillor Stone proposed and Councillor G Eales seconded:

“This Council notes that Northampton Town Football Club owes this local authority £10.25 million and as yet has not repaid the debt. The club has missed three repayment deadlines and has been asked for the full amount to be repaid.  This has not been forthcoming.

This Council further notes that HMRC has issued a winding up petition against Northampton Town Football Club for unpaid taxes. This case will be heard in the High Court in London on November 16^th 2015.

This Council resolves to,

1.     Do whatever we can to help Northampton Town Football Club and the Supporters Trust.

2.      Retrieve the £10.25 million of public money.

3.    Ask Audit committee to review our policies and procedures and make recommendations necessary for implementation in business arrangements of this nature. The Audit Committee would then present any recommendations to Full Council”.

Council debated the motion:

Upon a vote, the motion was carried.