Agenda item

(Copy herewith)

Councillor Nunn, as the Leader of the Council, elaborated on his report and explained that there was a need to progress with the future Unitary Councils expediently and noted the establishment of the Improvement Board. The Leader explained that there was a need to maintain a commitment to the provision of services. He noted that he had yet to receive any updates from the Labour Group with proposed traveller transit sites.

In response to questions asked, Councillor Nunn explained that there were costs associated with the Improvement Board but that it was a necessity for there to be joined up and cohesive working. He further responded to questions posed, informing Members that he had spent time with the flood inspectors and that he would continue to inform Councillors of any relevant updates.  

Councillor Larratt, elaborated on his Cabinet Member report and updated Members by informing them that additional training had been arranged for members of the Licensing Committee to attend on the 27^th September 2018, which related to updates contained at item 10 of the Council agenda.

In response to questions asked, Councillor Larratt thanked the Council for the positive feedback received from the training sessions that had been attended. Referring to questions asked relating to Rail Issues, Councillor Larratt explained that Northampton had a very poor rail network and that efforts were being made to improve this, through ongoing talks with rail operators and networks, but noted that there was a need to assess the impact of HS2. He confirmed that he would speak to officers with regards to the possibility of erecting a shelter at the train station.

Councillor Hallam elaborated on his Cabinet Member report and explained that the Council were currently 90 days into the new environmental services contract with Veolia. He stated that he was aware that further improvements and work was needed and thanked staff and officers for their hard work in ensuring a smooth transition, specifically giving credit to the grass-cutting scheme. It was noted that Northampton would be receiving an update to the status of the application to Britain in Bloom in October 2018.  

In response to questions asked, Councillor Hallam explained that refusal of individuals issued with a fixed penalty notice for littering/fly tipping to make payment, would result in the Council taking court action. He further noted that weed-spraying had been carried out in some areas and despite some of the challenges faced, additional weed-spraying would be carried out as part of the winter maintenance schedule. Responding to further questions, Councillor Hallam explained that the newly issued blue bins had an increased capacity and those who were not eligible would be allowed to co-mingle in the retained boxes. He noted that residents needed to feel proud of the place that they lived and that a clean and tidy environment would enhance this; the increased number of fixed penalty notices would go some way in reducing instances of littering and fly tipping. Responding to a query with regards to air quality, Councillor Hallam explained that the need to tackle air pollution and suggested that this was achievable through improving infrastructure.

It was explained that sheltered housing was no longer being serviced as part of the new environmental services contract. He explained that there had been a record number of fly tipping waste picked up by the contractors and commented that he would clarify the training carried out with regards to sharps and syringes.

Councillor King submitted her Cabinet Member report and noted that a new construction company had been appointed for the Museum expansion and renovation project and the contractor would take possession of the site in mid-September 2018. It was confirmed that the Council had received over £800,000 from the Home Office to fund youth projects and reduce gang culture and knife crime in Northampton.

In response to questions asked, Councillor King explained that ‘Weeks of Action’ would be monitored. She further confirmed that the names of contractors and event organiser would be shared to enable Councillors to contribute financially to specific events through their Councillor Empowerment Funds.

At this juncture of the meeting, the Mayor advised that the time limited for Cabinet Member reports had been reached and no further Cabinet Members would elaborate on their reports.