Agenda item

(Copy herewith)

Councillor Markham submitted her Cabinet Member report and elaborated thereon. She noted that since the 1^st April 2015 the Council had implemented the Living Wage for employees of the Council. She expressed her thanks and appreciation to the Elections Team who had undertaken the most complex combined election ever. In response to questions asked, the Leader commented that it would be impossible for the Council to control whether the Living Wage would be paid to contracted staff. She explained that Councillors would be in receipt of the plans for the Greyfriars site once a full consultation has been conducted. Councillor Markham further explained that traffic in Northampton was an issue, but there were numerous reasons for it, including an increase in visitors to the Town Centre and a reduction in costs of parking, attracting people into the Town. It was noted that whilst additional costs had been incurred due to the creation of the seventh Cabinet Member position, the role of the Assistant to the Administration Political Assistant had been deleted and therefore a saving had been made. Responding to an invitation, Councillor Markham confirmed that she would gladly listen and meet with any Councillors wishing to address poverty in their areas.

Councillor Hallam submitted his Cabinet Member report and elaborated noting that the Council was preparing its account for the 2014/15 financial year which would be passed on to the Council’s external Auditors in late June, before being reported to the Audit Committee in July. Councillor Hallam confirmed that there were no particular increases in the number of people claiming a single person discount, but that he was ensuring that those entitled to support and assistance would be in receipt of it and noted he would email to clarify his points and findings following the project being completed. Responding to questions asked Councillor Hallam explained that there were numerous measures in place to assist people in poverty, including the Credit Union.

Councillor Hadland submitted his Cabinet Member report and commented that there had been a burst water main in the Town Centre which had caused recent problems. He further noted that the restoration work at Delapre Abbey continued to progress and welcomed the commitment of Travis Perkins who had submitted a planning application to redevelop their headquarter buildings in Lodge Farm. In response to questions asked, Councillor Hadland confirmed that there was still some signage to be erected on Abington Street and stated that officers and Members had received very positive feedback. He further commented that he would inform Members of the percentage of Affordable Homes that would be built in the new Dallington application for 3000 homes.

Councillor Eldred submitted his Cabinet Member report and highlighted that the CEFAP panel had met in late February 2015 to assess 49 applications received for the Partnership Grant 2015/16. In response to questions asked, he explained that it would be up to CEFAP to decide on where the funding would be allocated.

Councillor Bottwood submitted his Cabinet Member report and thanked the work of his predecessor, Councillor Hallam, for the work he carried out during his time as the Cabinet Member. He commented that a new Town Centre route had been introduced for Neighbourhood Wardens who were engaging with street drinkers and beggars. In response to questions asked, Councillor Hallam confirmed that whilst he was concerned about the welfare of chickens on Council owned allotments, he had received a number of complaints about cockerels. Responding to further questions, Councillor Bottwood stated that the number of street wardens had been increased, but noted that there was limited funding. He noted that further consideration would be given in tackling the chewing gum problem and explained that whilst there had been issue with some recycling being blown away, the contract with EMS would last for another 3 years and that they had to continue to work within the constraints of the contract. 

Councillor King submitted her Cabinet Member report and commented that she had been working hard on tackling crime within the Town Centre and noted that there would be an introduction of Street Watch areas. Responding to questions asked, she reported that the increased rise in overall violence was due to a change in the way that the crimes are reported to the Police and their recording practices. It was further noted that there had recently been a report completed for Scrutiny, the recommendations from which will be reported to Cabinet. She confirmed that she would attend a meeting with the Police about the decreased number of PCSOs in the Kingsheath and Spencer Wards.

Councillor Hibbert submitted his Cabinet Member report and elaborated thereon. He explained that a funding bid, made by multi-agencies resulted in the Government awarding a one off sum of £434,000 to help improve services that provide refuge for victims of domestic abuse. It was also noted that there were 223 three storey Houses in Multiple Occupation (HIMOs) had been licensed under the Northampton’s Mandatory licensing scheme. It was explained that there were no budget pressures on the Disabled Facilities Grant and the money had not been diverted elsewhere. In response to questions asked, Councillor Hibbert confirmed that they were looking at options to restrict the number of HIMOs in an area and that any future updates and information sharing would be brought to Council once the landlords forum had met.