Agenda item

Cabinet Member Presentations

(Copy herewith)

 

Minutes:

Councillor Nunn, as the Leader of the Council, submitted his report and elaborated thereon. In response to questions asked Councillor Nunn explained that with regards to Greyfriars, the arrangement with the developers had ceased and although disappointing, it would provide the council with the opportunity to drive a new project through which could include the provision of much needed housing. He further responded to questions asked by explaining that during the rough sleepers count, 13 rough sleepers had been identified and noted that homelessness was an extremely complex issue and noted that some of those people who were sleeping rough did not always engage with services offered by the Council.

 

Councillor Larratt submitted his Cabinet Members report and elaborated thereon and thanked the Councillors who had participated in the IT ‘Casework’ training. He further reported that the installation of the heritage lighting on St Giles Square, George Row, Mercers Row, Wood Hill and Fish Street had been installed and the project completed.

 

In response to questions asked, Councillor Larratt explained that analysis of attendance was being undertaken for the Councillor Development Briefings. He noted that he was working hard to improve relations with all market traders.

 

Councillor Hibbert submitted his Cabinet Member report and thanked those who had participated in the borough-wide count of rough sleepers. He commented that there would be an expansion to the Housing Enforcement Team and further noted that the Government had confirmed that from April 2018, the definition of Mandatory HIMOs would be extended to include all properties that are occupied by at least 5 people who are unrelated. In response to questions asked, he confirmed that dogs were not allowed at the Hope centre. He further reported that the Social Lettings Agency would be going ‘live’ and suggested that questions asked about Right to Buy be directed to Northampton Partnership Homes. Councillor Hibbert acknowledged that during the Liberal Democrat leadership of the Council, 8 Council houses had been built.

 

Councillor Hallam submitted his Cabinet Member report and elaborated thereon and noted that due to the adverse weather conditions there may be a delay in bin collection services. IN response to questions asked, Councillor Hallam noted that an action plan for Air Quality Management would be produced and further noted that environmental enforcements would be Borough-wide.

 

Councillor Eldred submitted his Cabinet Member report and in response to questions asked he explained that under the current Government, Northampton had the lowest unemployment rate since the late 1970’s and noted that as such, less people were claiming through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme. He further reported that the administration were considering ways to put extra money into the Discretionary Housing Payment fund in the future.

 

Councillor Hill, as the Assistant Cabinet Member of Regeneration, Enterprise and Planning, in the absence of Councillor Hadland, elaborated on the report and commented on the success of the ‘Small Business Saturday’ event that had recently been held. In response to questions asked, the Leader stated that comparable footfall figures would be produced in the future to ensure deeper meaning to the figures provided. The Leader also reported that since the University of Northampton had pulled out of the Vulcan Works project, an application had been made to the EU. The Leader further explained that the area around the proposed St James Mill Link Road was currently being cleared and that process would be evident in the next few months.

 

Councillor Nunn, as the Leader of the Council, in the absence of Councillor King, elaborated on the relevant report and commented there were measures in place to assist people who would be affected by Universal Credit. He confirmed that he would happy to involve refugees in organisation of Refugee Week.

 

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