Agenda item

Councillor Nunn, as the Leader of the Council elaborated on his Cabinet Member report and explained that with regards to Unitary Status, vast amounts of work had been undertaken and noted that fast paced environment and time frame that had been imposed. He explained that there was a commitment to continue with voluntary sectors and noted the opportunities for local representations to be heard through various means including from Parish Councils. The Leader noted the appointment of the Independent Chair of the Audit Committee and welcomed his future contributions.

In response to questions asked, the Leader explained that the Administration had a commitment to consultation with on Unitary Status and this would be demonstrated in the future weeks.

Councillor Larratt elaborated on his Cabinet Member and updated Councillors on the training that was being offered and noted that the street lighting meeting with Officer and Member working group had taken place and that the finances would soon be signed off prior to a survey being carried out.

In response questions relating asked, Councillor Larratt explained that a public survey had been developed with regards to Northampton Market which was anticipated would demonstrate what young people and traders would like to see happen to the market and noted that requests had been made for involvement from the Youth forum and the Universities.

Councillor Hallam elaborated on his Cabinet Member report and thanked all of the Officers who had played a part in the transitional process and launch of the transfer of the Environmental Services providers and noted the success of the first day of the new contract.

In response to questions asked, Councillor Hallam commented that work was due to be undertaken on grass cutting near to dual carriageways and other highways. He explained that robust plans had been put in place to ensure that bins in parks would be emptied in a timely manner and that improvements were being made. Councillor Hallam further reminded Council that it was day one of the new contract and that there were robust plans in place but that there was a need for patience before real results would be seen and asked that people reassess and judge the contract in 6 to 9 months, not on the first day of the contract. He further reported that street cleansing would be carried out more frequently and that there would be 2 extra street cleaning officers. Councillor Hallam explained that efforts were currently being made to clean-up the town centre and to apprehend people who were caught littering by way of issuing them with Fixed Penalty Notice, 4,500 of which had been issued.

Councillor King elaborated on her Cabinet Member report and noted the success of the LGBTQ pride event and flag raising which took place at the Guildhall in May 2018. She further referred to the IDAHOBIT celebrations which took place on the 17^th May 2018. Councillor King offered her condolences to the family of a young person who had been fatally stabbed in Northampton and noted the Council’s commitment to assisting the police in reducing knife crime and noted she was due to attend a conference on knife crime.

In response to questions asked, Councillor King explained that refugees would be involved in ‘Refugee Week’ through the Colours of the Words competition. She further responded to questions relating to crime figures and noted that they were supplied to her by the Police and that it was up to each individual Councillor to explore the figures further. She noted that tenders for work on the museum would soon be received and that future reports would include a business case.

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