Agenda item

i)             Councillor Markham to propose and Councillor Mackintosh to second

 

‘Council notes the important changes in housing in Northampton in the last four years.

 

‘The Council’s housing stock transfer to Northampton Partnership Homes in January was a major step forward for Council tenants and the quality of services provided to the town’s tenants.

 

‘Council commends the Housing Stock Options Review process which started in April 2012 with a Tenants’ Panel, an Employee Focus Group, and a Housing Options Panel to look at the potential options for the future ownership, funding and management of the Council’s housing stock, to examine which option would best deliver long term improvements needed to both homes and estates.

 

‘Council thanks the tenants, employees and councillors who took part in the Housing Stock Options Review and the officers involved in the process to create the Arms Length Management Organisation, Northampton Partnership Homes, and wishes the organisation best wishes for the future.

 

‘Council also notes important changes in housing policy with changes in the Allocation Policy, structure of the Housing Revenue Account and work done with private sector housing, and Decent Homes and Empty Homes improvements.

 

‘Council welcomes the work done to combat homelessness and the achievements of organisations working in Oasis House which opened in May 2012 as a partnership between the Council and Midland Heart consisting of 48 accommodation units including 39 self-contained apartments, nine emergency units and four have dog kennels attached. There is also accommodation at Acorn House and the day-time drop in facilities at the Hope Centre. The scheme also includes the base for Northampton Association for Accommodation for Single Homeless (NAASH), a day centre, IT suite, arts and crafts centre, housing advice service and training facilities.

 

‘Council recognises the increase in the last decade of Houses of Multiple Occupation and the negative impacts and concerns around the conversion of family homes this can cause in residential areas. Council welcomes work done by the Administration to introduce an online register of HMOs, new rules on the conversion of properties and additional licensing to help protect tenants from unscrupulous landlords by bringing smaller properties into the licensing regime that were previously not included.

 

‘Council notes that the Landlords Forum, established by this Administration, has improved relations between the Borough Council and local landlords, and has made it easier for this authority to help protect private tenants in the town, particularly those living in houses of multiple occupancy.

 

‘Council welcomes the Administration’s decision to build 100 new council homes at Dallington Grange as the largest social housing development in Northampton for more than 20 years. This major development will be built on land owned by the Council and will be financed by selling a parcel of land in the area or with money received from ex-council houses sold under ‘Right To Buy’ legislation. Council is committed to increasing the number of council houses available for rent, and welcomes this scheme to provide 100 new homes for families in our town.’

 

‘Council notes that in 2012 this authority was awarded £1.9 million government funding from the Empty Homes scheme to help meet the demand for affordable housing, enabling the Council to lease empty homes from their owners and help house those on the waiting list. Owners who take part in the scheme receive an interest free loan to help with the initial refurbishment costs and the continued maintenance of the property, both of which will be carried out by the Council. By bringing empty homes back into use, it contributes to the housing supply to meet local needs and help tackle homelessness.

 

‘Council also notes that the Borough Council’s Planning department has introduced incentives to encourage developers who have taken on commercial properties to create new one and two bedroom apartments.’

 

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

 

‘Council recognises the important steps forward for our town with the Northampton Alive regeneration programme which has delivered real change for Northampton. 

‘The many projects include:

 

·         The new Northampton Castle Railway Station

·         The North Gate Bus Station

·         The Innovation Centre

·         Opening up part of Abington Street to traffic

·         The University relocation

·         The St John's Halls of Residence

·         The Skatepark

·         Restoring Delapre Abbey

·         The Ark restaurant

·         Supporting The Saints, The Cobblers and The Cricket Club with development plans

·         Helping major companies like Cosworth, Church's Shoes and Carlsberg

·         Developing the Enterprise Zone to create 900 new jobs

·         Supporting our Market Traders

·         Demolishing Greyfriars

·         Developing Abington Park Museum

·         Supporting the restoration of St Edmund's

·         The introduction of the Cycle CoNNect bike hire scheme

·         Developing the Cultural Quarter by supporting The Royal and Derngate

·         Theatres and The Errol Flynn Filmhouse, a new boutique hotel, expanding

·         The Museum and Art Gallery, improving Guildhall Road, supporting the NN Arts Collective and bringing forward plans for the Vulcan Works creative industries hub with a new hotel on Albion Place

 

‘Council also recognises the work done through the Business Incentive Scheme to support local businesses to help fill empty properties and support small businesses through a range of grants, helping to create hundreds of new jobs and unlocking over £1.6 million of private sector investment.

 

‘Council welcomes the increase in visitors by 40% to the town's car parks following the introduction of the free car parking offer for the town's four multi-storey car parks which are free at weekends and for two hours on weekdays.

 

‘Council notes the national recognition for Northampton. In March 2014, Experian called Northampton 'top for business' and The Centre for Cities in January 2015 called the town one of the best places in the country for new business start-ups. The Government also named Northamptonshire as the most enterprising place in Britain in 2012.

‘Council recognises the support of Government, the local enterprise partnerships, Northamptonshire County Council, the town's Members of Parliament and other partners to achieve this regeneration to ensure Northampton has a bright future alive with ambition, enterprise and opportunity.’

 

iii)           Councillor Bottwood to propose and Councillor Mackintosh to second:

 

‘Council recognises the big challenges faced in local government finance in recent years but commends the Administration's budgets since 2011 which have balanced the need to invest in the future of Northampton with supporting the hardworking people of the town and protecting the Council's frontline services.

 

‘This Council's share of Council Tax has been frozen since 2011 and savings have been made through back office savings and changes.

 

‘Council's decision in May 2013 to share the back office through Local Government Shared Services with Northamptonshire County Council and other authorities will enable savings of over £9 million to the taxpayer and has allowed further investment to frontline services across the Council.

 

‘The Administration has kept its manifesto commitment of reducing the number of senior managers and the costs has been reduced by 50% over the last four years. Since 2011, the number of senior managers has fallen from 21 to 10 and the Administration has cut the wage bill for senior management by over £800,000.

 

‘Council notes that this Conservative Administration has not increased any councillor allowances unlike the previous Liberal Democrat Administration who increased councillor allowances by up to 63% whilst they were in power.’

 

iv)           Councillor Eldred to propose and Councillor Mackintosh to second:

 

‘Council notes the important contribution made to its work by the Forums for Disabled People, Diverse Communities, LGBTQ, Pensioners, Women and Youth and recognises the role played in key events in the Council's annual calendar including World AIDS Day, Holocaust Memorial Day, Chinese New Year, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, International Coming Out Day, International Women's Day and the introduction of the Inspirational Woman’s Award. Council congratulates the Youth Forum for winning the National Diversity Award in 2012, and thanks the co-chairs of all the Forums for their hard work and support.

 

‘Council notes the many events which have been staged in Northampton over the last four years including HM The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the Olympic Torch relay, Games Time at Delapre Park and Godiva Awakes in 2012, On The Waterfront in 2013, and the Women's Cycling Tour and Firework's Display in 2014 which have all attracted visitors to the town and increased footfall in Northampton.

 

‘These are in addition to annual events such as the Christmas light switch-on and partner events like Carnival and Diwali which continue to be popular and this year Chinese New Year has been included.

 

‘Council recognises that the Administration saved the Delapre Beer Festival in 2013 by stepping in to run the event for two years and looks forward to the event this year being run by CAMRA and Phipps Brewery.

 

‘Council commends the Administration for reinstating the popular St Crispin's Fair in 2012 which has now become a regular annual event for the town.

 

‘Council also notes this Administration introduced the Alive at Delapre music concerts in 2013 which bring world class music acts like Paul Weller, The Wanted, James Morrision, Simple Minds, the best of the 80s, Boyzone, Jessie J and Alfie Boe to Northampton.

 

‘Council welcomes the introduction of the Love Northampton website, app and tourism brochure to promote events and businesses in Northampton which continue to attract people into the town.

 

‘Council notes the important work done to recognise our commitment to an Armed Forces Community Covenant for Northampton and the many events that have been held for military anniversaries including Armed Forces Day, Remembrance Sunday, the sixtieth anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War, the seventieth anniversary of D-Day, the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War and other events including the homecoming and Freedom of the Borough award for 9th/12th Royal Lancers. This Council remains committed to The Armed Forces Community Covenant for Northampton and continuing to recognise the dedication and service of the military, their families and veterans.

 

‘Council notes that £2.2 million has been awarded in Partnership Grants to 96 organisations since 2011.

 

‘Council recognises the introduction of the Councillor Community Fund where over£374,000 of funding has been allocated by councillors to more than 600 organisations to make a difference.

 

‘Council welcomes the Administration's plans for expanding the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery and Abington Park Museum after the successful sale of the Sekhemka statue in July 2014 with the Borough Council's share of around £8million which was ring-fenced for the Museum Service.

 

‘Council also recognises the Administration increased opening hours for the museums despite the challenging financial situation.’

 

v)            Councillor Hallam to propose and Councillor Mackintosh to second:

 

‘Council notes that this Administration re-introduced Neighbourhood Wardens from 2011 when there were 9 wardens. There are now 15 wardens.

 

‘Council also notes that three Park Rangers were introduced in September 2011 and the number was increased to 4 Park Rangers in 2012. The number was further increased in 2013 and there are now 6 Park Rangers.

 

‘The Administration has invested over £250,000 additionally to the Neighbourhood Wardens and Park Ranger schemes since 2011 with a further investment planned in the next financial year.

 

‘Council has continued to invest in Northampton in Bloom each year and was awarded 1^st out of 62 towns, cities and villages for most improved area in 2014, and has extended this now through winter, spring and summer.

 

‘Council recognises Northampton is blessed with beautiful parks and green spaces, and welcomes the Green Flag status awarded to Abington Park and Delapre Park.

 

‘The Administration has maintained a zero tolerance approach to littering and fly-tipping. During the last four years, a total of 79 fixed penalty notices were served and 30 people were prosecuted.

 

‘The Administration has taken environmental health matters seriously and 96 Noise Abatement Notices have been issued since 2011.

 

‘The Licensing team has undertaken enforcement work with 229 vehicles receiving cautions, 371 vehicles were suspended until defects were rectified including 262 that were prohibited by VOSA since 2011.

 

‘In keeping with a manifesto commitment, the Administration introduced Park Management Committees for Delapre Park, Abington Park, The Racecourse and Eastfield Park to allow park users and local groups to have a say in the management and future plans for the town’s parks and green spaces.

 

‘The Council has also taken the commitment to reducing Carbon emissions and the Carbon footprint has been reduced by 2,650 tonnes of CO2 since May 2011. Under this Administration, 118,713 tonnes of waste has also been recycled plus 8,306 tonnes of food waste.’

 

 

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

 

This Council agrees that over the past four years the Conservative administration has failed to live up to all of the “5 pledges” in their 2011 manifesto.

1. Put Northampton Back on Track.

2. Reduce waste to protect public services

3. Invest in safer, cleaner neighbourhoods.

4. Demand better homes for the future

5. Empower communities with pride in Northampton

 

 

vii)         Councillor Glynane to propose and Councillor Ford to second:

 

This Council notes the failure of both the Borough and County Council administrations to properly engage and integrate Northampton into this year’s Magna Carta celebrations.

 

viii)        Councillor Glynane to propose and Councillor Ford to second

 

This Council notes the national and international interest in the War of the Roses, and the benefits to the town and the County to a proper understanding and celebration of our history.

Council further notes Northampton’s pivotal role in this war, including the battle of Northampton fought at Delapre Abbey.

Recent discoveries, such as a cannon shot that may be the oldest found in England, highlight the potential for developing the historical and cultural offer of our town.

Council resolves to develop a ‘National Centre’ for the war of the Roses at Delapre Abbey.

 

 

 

 

ix)           Councillor Mason to propose and Councillor Stone to second:

 

This Council notes that a recent study showed that nearly 1 in 4 children in Northampton are living in poverty. Based on the old Borough Council Wards (pre May 2011) both Lumbertubs and Castle have child poverty rates of around 37 per cent. 

 

This Council further notes the Discretionary Housing Payment will not meet demand and many people are being harmed by the ‘bedroom tax’.

 

This Council believes the high child poverty rates are the result of welfare reform changes such as the benefit cap, the austerity agenda and stagnant wages. 

 

This Council asks the Cabinet, as a matter of urgency, to increase financial help to food banks and to local voluntary sector organisations that work with the most vulnerable people in poverty. 

 

 

Craig Ryan addressed Council on Motion i) and explained that the change in allocation policy was causing untold problems to many people, with couples who are expectant, being entitled to one bedroom flats and referred to figures provided by the Office of Statistics that stated that 36% of residents in Spring Boroughs do not have enough room in their property but would not be offered another property until they were found to be legally overcrowded. He further commented that this was exacerbated by the number of HIMOs which he argued both Officers and Councillors were supportive of.

 

i)             Councillor Markham proposed and Councillor Mackintosh seconded:

 

‘Council notes the important changes in housing in Northampton in the last four years.

 

‘The Council’s housing stock transfer to Northampton Partnership Homes in January was a major step forward for Council tenants and the quality of services provided to the town’s tenants.

 

‘Council commends the Housing Stock Options Review process which started in April 2012 with a Tenants’ Panel, an Employee Focus Group, and a Housing Options Panel to look at the potential options for the future ownership, funding and management of the Council’s housing stock, to examine which option would best deliver long term improvements needed to both homes and estates.

 

‘Council thanks the tenants, employees and councillors who took part in the Housing Stock Options Review and the officers involved in the process to create the Arms Length Management Organisation, Northampton Partnership Homes, and wishes the organisation best wishes for the future.

 

‘Council also notes important changes in housing policy with changes in the Allocation Policy, structure of the Housing Revenue Account and work done with private sector housing, and Decent Homes and Empty Homes improvements.

 

‘Council welcomes the work done to combat homelessness and the achievements of organisations working in Oasis House which opened in May 2012 as a partnership between the Council and Midland Heart consisting of 48 accommodation units including 39 self-contained apartments, nine emergency units and four have dog kennels attached. There is also accommodation at Acorn House and the day-time drop in facilities at the Hope Centre. The scheme also includes the base for Northampton Association for Accommodation for Single Homeless (NAASH), a day centre, IT suite, arts and crafts centre, housing advice service and training facilities.

 

‘Council recognises the increase in the last decade of Houses of Multiple Occupation and the negative impacts and concerns around the conversion of family homes this can cause in residential areas. Council welcomes work done by the Administration to introduce an online register of HMOs, new rules on the conversion of properties and additional licensing to help protect tenants from unscrupulous landlords by bringing smaller properties into the licensing regime that were previously not included.

 

‘Council notes that the Landlords Forum, established by this Administration, has improved relations between the Borough Council and local landlords, and has made it easier for this authority to help protect private tenants in the town, particularly those living in houses of multiple occupancy.

 

‘Council welcomes the Administration’s decision to build 100 new council homes at Dallington Grange as the largest social housing development in Northampton for more than 20 years. This major development will be built on land owned by the Council and will be financed by selling a parcel of land in the area or with money received from ex-council houses sold under ‘Right To Buy’ legislation. Council is committed to increasing the number of council houses available for rent, and welcomes this scheme to provide 100 new homes for families in our town.’

 

‘Council notes that in 2012 this authority was awarded £1.9 million government funding from the Empty Homes scheme to help meet the demand for affordable housing, enabling the Council to lease empty homes from their owners and help house those on the waiting list. Owners who take part in the scheme receive an interest free loan to help with the initial refurbishment costs and the continued maintenance of the property, both of which will be carried out by the Council. By bringing empty homes back into use, it contributes to the housing supply to meet local needs and help tackle homelessness.

 

‘Council also notes that the Borough Council’s Planning department has introduced incentives to encourage developers who have taken on commercial properties to create new one and two bedroom apartments.’

 

Upon a requisition for a recorded vote:

 

There voted for the motion: Councillors Ansell, Aziz, Begum, Bottwood, Eldred, Golby, Hadland, Hallam, Hibbert, Hill, King, Lane, Larratt, Lynch, Mackintosh, Malpas, Markham, Mennell, Nunn, Oldham, Parekh, Patel and Sargeant.

 

There abstained Councillors: Beardsworth, Ford, Glynane and Meredith.

 

The motion was carried.

 

 

 

 

 

ii)            Councillor Hadland proposed and Councillor Mackintosh seconded:

 

‘Council recognises the important steps forward for our town with the Northampton Alive regeneration programme which has delivered real change for Northampton. 

‘The many projects include:

 

·         The new Northampton Castle Railway Station

·         The North Gate Bus Station

·         The Innovation Centre

·         Opening up part of Abington Street to traffic

·         The University relocation

·         The St John's Halls of Residence

·         The Skatepark

·         Restoring Delapre Abbey

·         The Ark restaurant

·         Supporting The Saints, The Cobblers and The Cricket Club with development plans

·         Helping major companies like Cosworth, Church's Shoes and Carlsberg

·         Developing the Enterprise Zone to create 900 new jobs

·         Supporting our Market Traders

·         Demolishing Greyfriars

·         Developing Abington Park Museum

·         Supporting the restoration of St Edmund's

·         The introduction of the Cycle CoNNect bike hire scheme

·         Developing the Cultural Quarter by supporting The Royal and Derngate

·         Theatres and The Errol Flynn Filmhouse, a new boutique hotel, expanding

·         The Museum and Art Gallery, improving Guildhall Road, supporting the NN Arts Collective and bringing forward plans for the Vulcan Works creative industries hub with a new hotel on Albion Place

 

‘Council also recognises the work done through the Business Incentive Scheme to support local businesses to help fill empty properties and support small businesses through a range of grants, helping to create hundreds of new jobs and unlocking over £1.6 million of private sector investment.

 

‘Council welcomes the increase in visitors by 40% to the town's car parks following the introduction of the free car parking offer for the town's four multi-storey car parks which are free at weekends and for two hours on weekdays.

 

‘Council notes the national recognition for Northampton. In March 2014, Experian called Northampton 'top for business' and The Centre for Cities in January 2015 called the town one of the best places in the country for new business start-ups. The Government also named Northamptonshire as the most enterprising place in Britain in 2012.

‘Council recognises the support of Government, the local enterprise partnerships, Northamptonshire County Council, the town's Members of Parliament and other partners to achieve this regeneration to ensure Northampton has a bright future alive with ambition, enterprise and opportunity.’

 

Upon a requisition for a recorded vote:

 

There voted for the motion: Councillors Ansell, Aziz, Begum, Bottwood, Eldred, Hadland, Hallam, Hibbert, Hill, King, Lane, Larratt, Lynch, Mackintosh, Malpas, Markham, Mennell, Nunn, Oldham, Parekh, Patel and Sargeant.

 

There abstained Councillors: Beardsworth, Ford, Glynane and Meredith.

 

The motion was carried.

 

iii)           Councillor Bottwood to propose and Councillor Mackintosh to second:

 

‘Council recognises the big challenges faced in local government finance in recent years but commends the Administration's budgets since 2011 which have balanced the need to invest in the future of Northampton with supporting the hardworking people of the town and protecting the Council's frontline services.

 

‘This Council's share of Council Tax has been frozen since 2011 and savings have been made through back office savings and changes.

 

‘Council's decision in May 2013 to share the back office through Local Government Shared Services with Northamptonshire County Council and other authorities will enable savings of over £9 million to the taxpayer and has allowed further investment to frontline services across the Council.

 

‘The Administration has kept its manifesto commitment of reducing the number of senior managers and the costs has been reduced by 50% over the last four years. Since 2011, the number of senior managers has fallen from 21 to 10 and the Administration has cut the wage bill for senior management by over £800,000.

 

‘Council notes that this Conservative Administration has not increased any councillor allowances unlike the previous Liberal Democrat Administration who increased councillor allowances by up to 63% whilst they were in power.’

 

Upon a requisition for a recorded vote:

 

There voted for the motion: Councillors Ansell, Aziz, Begum, Bottwood, Eldred, Hadland, Hallam, Hibbert, Hill, King, Lane, Larratt, Lynch, Mackintosh, Malpas, Markham, Nunn, Oldham, Parekh, Patel and Sargeant.

 

There abstained Councillors: Beardsworth, Ford, Glynane, Mennell and Meredith.

 

The motion was carried.

 

iv)           Councillor Eldred to propose and Councillor Mackintosh to second:

 

‘Council notes the important contribution made to its work by the Forums for Disabled People, Diverse Communities, LGBTQ, Pensioners, Women and Youth and recognises the role played in key events in the Council's annual calendar including World AIDS Day, Holocaust Memorial Day, Chinese New Year, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, International Coming Out Day, International Women's Day and the introduction of the Inspirational Woman’s Award. Council congratulates the Youth Forum for winning the National Diversity Award in 2012, and thanks the co-chairs of all the Forums for their hard work and support.

 

‘Council notes the many events which have been staged in Northampton over the last four years including HM The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the Olympic Torch relay, Games Time at Delapre Park and Godiva Awakes in 2012, On The Waterfront in 2013, and the Women's Cycling Tour and Firework's Display in 2014 which have all attracted visitors to the town and increased footfall in Northampton.

 

‘These are in addition to annual events such as the Christmas light switch-on and partner events like Carnival and Diwali which continue to be popular and this year Chinese New Year has been included.

 

‘Council recognises that the Administration saved the Delapre Beer Festival in 2013 by stepping in to run the event for two years and looks forward to the event this year being run by CAMRA and Phipps Brewery.

 

‘Council commends the Administration for reinstating the popular St Crispin's Fair in 2012 which has now become a regular annual event for the town.

 

‘Council also notes this Administration introduced the Alive at Delapre music concerts in 2013 which bring world class music acts like Paul Weller, The Wanted, James Morrision, Simple Minds, the best of the 80s, Boyzone, Jessie J and Alfie Boe to Northampton.

 

‘Council welcomes the introduction of the Love Northampton website, app and tourism brochure to promote events and businesses in Northampton which continue to attract people into the town.

 

‘Council notes the important work done to recognise our commitment to an Armed Forces Community Covenant for Northampton and the many events that have been held for military anniversaries including Armed Forces Day, Remembrance Sunday, the sixtieth anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War, the seventieth anniversary of D-Day, the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War and other events including the homecoming and Freedom of the Borough award for 9th/12th Royal Lancers. This Council remains committed to The Armed Forces Community Covenant for Northampton and continuing to recognise the dedication and service of the military, their families and veterans.

 

‘Council notes that £2.2 million has been awarded in Partnership Grants to 96 organisations since 2011.

 

‘Council recognises the introduction of the Councillor Community Fund where over£374,000 of funding has been allocated by councillors to more than 600 organisations to make a difference.

 

‘Council welcomes the Administration's plans for expanding the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery and Abington Park Museum after the successful sale of the Sekhemka statue in July 2014 with the Borough Council's share of around £8million which was ring-fenced for the Museum Service.

 

‘Council also recognises the Administration increased opening hours for the museums despite the challenging financial situation.’

 

Upon a requisition for a recorded vote:

 

There voted for the motion: Councillors Ansell, Aziz, Begum, Bottwood, Eldred, Hadland, Hallam, Hibbert, King, Lane, Larratt, Lynch, Mackintosh, Malpas, Markham, Mennell, Nunn, Oldham, Parekh, Patel and Sargeant.

 

There abstained Councillors: Beardsworth, Ford, Glynane, and Meredith.

 

The motion was carried.

 

v)            Councillor Hallam to propose and Councillor Mackintosh to second:

 

‘Council notes that this Administration re-introduced Neighbourhood Wardens from 2011 when there were 9 wardens. There are now 15 wardens.

 

‘Council also notes that three Park Rangers were introduced in September 2011 and the number was increased to 4 Park Rangers in 2012. The number was further increased in 2013 and there are now 6 Park Rangers.

 

‘The Administration has invested over £250,000 additionally to the Neighbourhood Wardens and Park Ranger schemes since 2011 with a further investment planned in the next financial year.

 

‘Council has continued to invest in Northampton in Bloom each year and was awarded 1^st out of 62 towns, cities and villages for most improved area in 2014, and has extended this now through winter, spring and summer.

 

‘Council recognises Northampton is blessed with beautiful parks and green spaces, and welcomes the Green Flag status awarded to Abington Park and Delapre Park.

 

‘The Administration has maintained a zero tolerance approach to littering and fly-tipping. During the last four years, a total of 79 fixed penalty notices were served and 30 people were prosecuted.

 

‘The Administration has taken environmental health matters seriously and 96 Noise Abatement Notices have been issued since 2011.

 

‘The Licensing team has undertaken enforcement work with 229 vehicles receiving cautions, 371 vehicles were suspended until defects were rectified including 262 that were prohibited by VOSA since 2011.

 

‘In keeping with a manifesto commitment, the Administration introduced Park Management Committees for Delapre Park, Abington Park, The Racecourse and Eastfield Park to allow park users and local groups to have a say in the management and future plans for the town’s parks and green spaces.

 

‘The Council has also taken the commitment to reducing Carbon emissions and the Carbon footprint has been reduced by 2,650 tonnes of CO2 since May 2011. Under this Administration, 118,713 tonnes of waste has also been recycled plus 8,306 tonnes of food waste.’

 

Upon a requisition for a recorded vote:

 

There voted for the motion: Councillors Ansell, Aziz, Begum, Bottwood, Eldred, Hadland, Hallam, Hibbert, King, Lane, Larratt, Lynch, Mackintosh, Malpas, Markham, Mennell, Nunn, Oldham, Parekh, Patel and Sargeant.

 

There abstained Councillors: Beardsworth, Ford, Glynane, and Meredith.

 

The motion was carried.

 

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

 

This Council agrees that over the past four years the Conservative administration has failed to live up to all of the “5 pledges” in their 2011 manifesto.

1. Put Northampton Back on Track.

2. Reduce waste to protect public services

3. Invest in safer, cleaner neighbourhoods.

4. Demand better homes for the future

5. Empower communities with pride in Northampton

 

Upon a requisition for a recorded vote:

 

There voted for the motion: Councillors Ashraf, Beardsworth, Eales, Ford, Glynane, Gowen, Marriott, Mason, Mennell, Meredith and Stone.

 

There voted against the motion: Councillors Ansell, Aziz, Begum, Bottwood, Eldred, Hadland, Hallam, Hibbert, Hill, King, Lane, Larratt, Lynch, Mackintosh, Malpas, Markham, Nunn, Oldham, Parekh, Patel and Sargeant.

 

The motion was lost.

 

vii)         Councillor Glynane proposed and Councillor Ford seconded:

 

This Council notes the failure of both the Borough and County Council administrations to properly engage and integrate Northampton into this year’s Magna Carta celebrations.

 

Councillor Mackintosh proposed and Councillor Eldred seconded an amendment:

 

The amended motion read:

 

This Council recognises the importanceto both the Borough and County Council administrations to properly engage and integrate Northampton into this year’s Magna Carta celebrations.

‘Council recognises the events being planned to mark the anniversary in Northampton working with the Friends of Northampton Castle and the Battlefield Trust.

‘The events include a talk on Magna Carta by one of the UK’s foremost experts on the subject, Professor Nicholas Vincent, at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery on 9th May and a family event at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery on 26th May include making a Magna Carta Scroll.

‘On 20th June, Northampton Battlefields Society and Friends of Northampton Castle will take a stall at the annual Spring Boroughs Festival and conduct tours from the nearby Hazelrigg House, taking in the importance of Northampton in the development of the Magna Carta and the siege of Northampton Castle in 1264.’

 

The proposed amendments were accepted and became the substantive motions:

 

Council debated the motion.

 

Upon a vote, the substantive motion was carried.

 

viii)         Councillor Glynane proposed and Councillor Ford seconded:

 

This Council notes the national and international interest in the War of the Roses, and the benefits to the town and the County to a proper understanding and celebration of our history.

Council further notes Northampton’s pivotal role in this war, including the battle of Northampton fought at Delapre Abbey.

Recent discoveries, such as a cannon shot that may be the oldest found in England, highlight the potential for developing the historical and cultural offer of our town.

Council resolves to develop a ‘National Centre’ for the war of the Roses at Delapre Abbey.

 

Councillor Mackintosh proposed and Councillor Hadland seconded an amendment:

 

Amended motion to read:

 

‘This Council notes the national and international interest in the War of the Roses, and the benefits to the town and the County to a proper understanding and celebration of our history.

 

‘Council further notes Northampton’s pivotal role in this war, including the battle of Northampton fought at Delapre Abbey.

 

‘Recent discoveries, such as a cannon shot that may be the oldest found in England, highlight the potential for developing the historical and cultural offer of our town.

 

‘Council reaffirms its commitment to develop a “centre” for the War of the Roses at Delapre Abbey.

 

‘Council notes that Cabinet agreed on 9th July 2014 to "the development of a Battlefield Visitor Centre to showcase the Registered Battlefield, the results of any further survey work and any associated archaeology and local history in association with interested parties and the community.’

 

The proposed amendments were accepted and became the substantive motions:

 

Council debated the motion.

 

Upon a vote, the substantive motion was carried.

 

The Chair advised that the guillotine had been reached and advised that the remaining motion ix) could not be debated. A vote was put before Council and motion ix) was rejected.