Agenda item

(Copy herewith)

Councillor Markham, as Leader of the Council, submitted her Cabinet Member report and elaborated thereon. She spoke of the administration’s commitment to supporting sports clubs in Northamptonshire and spoke of the recent loan that had been approved to the Northamptonshire Cricket Club. She commented that whilst there had been a Cabinet report, as referred to by County Councillor Glynane, at no point after the decision had been made, did he attempt to ‘Call –In’ the Cabinet decision. It was noted that the Council had undergone rapid changes recently and that consequentially there would be a review into the culture of NBC to ensure that staff are working in a positive and a productive environment. She congratulated the Customer Services Team who had achieved Customer Excellence Accreditation as part of the National Customer Service Week. Councillor Markham explained that she had been out on the Night safe operation on Friday 16^th October to experience the challenges faced by officers; she noted that there was a consultation on Public Spaces Protections Orders approved at the previous Cabinet meeting. She thanked those who had participated in the Landlords Forum and thanked officers and the Cabinet Member for Housing for their hard work.

In response to questions asked, Councillor Markham stated that the administration had delivered what the electorate had asked for and with regards to the Football Club, the only person whose integrity should be questioned was Mr David Cardoza. She also stated that the she was aware that there were still numerous bad landlords, but that licensing of HIMOs alongside establishing a Social Lettings Agency and exploring Planning Policy had reduced the numbers of bad landlords in the Town.

Councillor Hallam submitted his Cabinet Member report and commented that the Council currently had a balanced financial position for the next financial year. It was noted that the Revenues and Benefits departments was entering into a busy period as preparation was underway to prepare for a consultation on the 2016-17 Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS).

In response to questions asked, Councillor Hallam commented that the Football Club had missed 3 payments, but that they were in a good financial position to cushion the backdrop of the financial situation as they had been putting the finances in good order over the past 4 years. Councillor Hallam also stated that he would continue to assist Councillor Meredith with his bid for play equipment in Talevera. He also state that there were a number of consultation events were being to be held with regards to the CTRS, but that it was too early to report any of the findings from that as they had yet to be published. He also stated that it was encouraging that there were a number of other people who were approaching NBC with regards to becoming more involved with LGSS.

Councillor Hadland submitted his Cabinet Member report and noted that the exercise of expression of interest had been extended slightly the first phase of which would need to be submitted by 6^th November 2015. He also mentioned that the judges from Great British High Street had visited as St Giles Street had been shortlisted alongside two other locations from 230 applications from around the country. In response to questions asked, Councillor Hadland commented that it was not the intention for Council staff to occupy any of the office spaces being built. He also noted that with regards to Dallington car park, he was still waiting to hear from the contractors for a start date. It was also noted that there would possibly be a referendum on the neighbourhood plan for Springboroughs.

Councillor King submitted her Cabinet Member report and elaborated thereon. She explained that the engagement events at the University of Northampton had been successful and well attended. She also commented that a consultation was also being undertaken to consider proposals to adopt a Public Order Protection Order. She further elaborated on the work of the various forums.

In response to questions asked, Councillor King explained that there had been instances of homeless people being barred from Oasis house, which was as a result of unwelcomed behaviour. She explained that there were multi agencies working with some of the problem street drinkers.

Councillor Hibbert submitted his Cabinet Member report and noted that Cabinet had approved establishing a Social Lettings Agency. In response to questions asked, he explained that the 100 new Council Houses would be let by the Council. He also commented that he would look at exploring the possibility of establishing a leaseholder’s forum.