Agenda item

(Copy herewith)

The Leader, submitted his report and elaborated thereon and noted that included in his report was an update on the governance procedures and commented that there was emphasis on ensuring that his was engrained on the Council. He noted that the new Interim Chief Executive had a background in Monitoring and Governance and would be undertaking a review of this. With regards to the History and Heritage projects he recognised the need for progress and promotion of the historical assets of Northampton. He noted that there had recently been a number of issues with illegal traveller encampments and noted that there had been ongoing work undertaken by the Council and the Police to address the issue.

In response to questions asked, Councillor Nunn explained that the Council was well prepared, with regards to infrastructure, for the relocation of the University of Northampton. He commented that there was a necessity for some Houses in Multiple Occupation (HIMOs) to accommodate some of the student community and reported that there was a need to ensure that the Town remained attractive and prepared for students. Responding to further questions, Councillor Nunn explained that there was a delay to the building of the 100 new homes due partly to the Polices opinion that there should not be all grouped in one specific area and that there were ongoing sensitive with them and the developer to addressed concerns. He stated that under the current administration, there had been 97 homes either built or refurbished. In response to a further question, he confirmed that in relation to Unitary status, he had been in discussion with the Leaders, local MP’s and Chief Executives of District and Borough Councils and urged members to attend the workshops especially during the time of the financial issues that were faced by the County.

Councillor Larratt submitted his Cabinet Member report and noted that there had been excellent training sessions for Councillors held including ones on Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy. He mentioned that there were further ones organised on Universal Credit and also debt management.

In response to questions asked, Councillor Larratt explained that training would be made available for Councillors on enforcement issues once the Environmental Services contract was in place.  He further commented that a representative of the Council would be appointed to the East West Rail Consortium which would promote the needs of Northampton with regards to the impact and invest of the new Rail links.

Councillor King submitted her Cabinet Member report and noted the work of the Forums and commented on the success of the Diwale Lights and parade held on the 14^th October 2017 which had been attended by over 14,000 visitors. She referred to the success of the Councils Firework display held on the 4^th November 2017which had also been extremely well attended.

In response to questions asked, Councillor King confirmed that she was aware of the problems with regards to motorbikes being used irresponsibly in the Eastern District and noted that she had been working with the Police who were examining different sections of enforcement to tackle the problem and hoped to discuss the issue with the Police Crime Commissioner`. Responding to further questions, Councillor King commented that the Museums project board minutes had not been requested from any Councillors and she would check as to whether they were private before sending them to Councillors on request. She stated that delays with the museum were due to the need to check that the project was being carried out to a good standard and noted that the work was expected to be completed by Autumn 2018, with money already provided for the project in the budget. Councillor King explained that there was a need to check whether the business case was commercially sensitive and noted that any moves to transfer it to a trust would be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. She further commented that there had been a decrease in reports of Anti-Social Behaviour and Hate crimes.

Councillor Hibbert submitted his Cabinet Member report and noted that recently 20 homeless women had been helped to get into either supported housing or temporary accommodation. He noted that a rough sleepers count was soon to be undertaken and that arrangements were being put in place to provide homeless people with emergency shelter when the temperatures is forecast to fall below freezing for at least 3 consecutive nights.

In response to questions asked, Councillor Hibbert reported that there were currently 500 HIMOs in Council stock. He explained that there were very few older people on the housing register waiting for homes; he further noted that attempts were made to house couples together who presented themselves as homeless but explained that it was not always a feasible option.

Councillor Hallam submitted his Cabinet Member report and elaborated thereon. In response to questions asked, Councillor Hallam explained that the tree programme would be implemented by the end of the financial year and explained that they were investing £500,000 over 5 years to look at tree issues that were facing residents. Responding to further questions he reported that the Air Quality Management areas were published on the Council’s website and commented that the final Environmental Services Contract would be awarded in January 2018.

At this juncture of the meeting, the Mayor informed Council that the allocated time had been met and that no further Cabinet Member reports would be heard.