Agenda item
Cabinet Member Presentations
(Copy herewith)
Minutes:
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 report and expressed his appreciation to the people who welcomed the return of the Lancers and noted that to mark Armed Forces Week, flags had been flown outside of the Guildhall. It was noted that it had been a busy month specifically in relation to regeneration projects and noted that there had been numerous successful events held, including the Delapre Beer Festival and the Grand Prix event.
In response to questions asked, the Leader confirmed that it had been agreed that a new heating and air conditioning unit would be installed in the Northgate Bus Station in mid-October 2014 and that he would not be attending a meeting with the Meridian Bus Service representative and suggested that issues relating to the bus Service be directed to County Council. It was further noted that Northampton had been nationally recognised in a report as one of the best places in the UK for new small and medium sized businesses. Responding to a statement that footfall in the town centre had fallen by 16% in 3 years, the Leader commented that since the Administration had introduced free parking, there had been a 37% increase in car park usage, and that Business Incentive Scheme had been introduced to assist in improving the business environment in the Town Centre. Responding further to concerns raised about the charging for toilet facilities in the Bus Station, Councillor Mackintosh explained that there were numerous free toilet facilities in the town centre and that charging for such amenities was standard at most public transport centres.
Councillor Markham submitted her Cabinet Member report and noted that the designation for additional licensing of houses in multiple occupation (HMO) had been made on the 3rd July 2014 and that the public notice would run for a 6 week period. It was noted that a pre ALMO team had been established and as part of the Decent Homes contract, Savills had been bought in to pre-survey all properties that had yet to be started. Responding to a question, it was explained that the number of families using their living room as a bedroom was currently unknown but that those figures could be collated and sent to Councillor Stone as requested. It was confirmed that the Decent Homes helpline had been set up and there had been a dramatic decline in the number of calls being made to the number which was indicative of an improved situation. In response to further questions it was confirmed that the number of people in B & B’s was 28, 3061 on the waiting list for Council housing and 161 in overcrowded accommodation and 96 voids. Councillor Markham stated that in order to implement the additional licensing, it was necessary to follow the correct legal process which would be lengthy and time consuming but essential. Responding to concerns expressed, it was confirmed that anyone claiming to be homeless would need to present themselves at the One Stop Shop and this advice should be given by all Councillors who deal with homelessness cases. Responding to a request made by Councillor Lane, it was noted that updated information with regards to homelessness issues, could be circulated to members in the future.
Councillor Hadland submitted his Cabinet Member report and noted that significant and dynamic changes had been made to allow for small and medium sized enterprises (SME) to flourish in the town centre which had been reflected in the local survey undertaken by a Think Tank that rated Northampton in the top ten. It was explained that Cosworth were expanding and was just one of a number of companies that were developing people through training and development.
Supporting documents:
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Report of the Leader of the Council 14.07.14, item 7.
PDF 74 KB
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Cabinet Member Report for Housing 14.07.14, item 7.
PDF 76 KB
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Cabinet Member Report for Regeneration, Enterprise and Planning 14.07.14, item 7.
PDF 84 KB
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Cabinet Member Report for Community Engagement 14.07.14, item 7.
PDF 84 KB
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Cabinet Member Report for Environment 14.07.14, item 7.
PDF 82 KB
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Cabinet Member Report for Finance 14.07.14, item 7.
PDF 22 KB
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