Agenda item

Cabinet Member Presentations

Minutes:

Councillor Nunn submitted his report as Leader of the Council explaining a member briefing session on the unitary status had been held on 20th June 2019.  The Council had been successful in getting through the first round in its bid for the Future High Streets Fund.  The first meeting of the cross-party Town Centre Regeneration Working Group had taken place.  Work was ongoing regarding the Greyfriars site.  He requested that any motions submitted should include costings going forward.

 

In response to questions asked Councillor Nunn explained that many motions received could have a positive impact however it was hard to vote for them because they did not include the costings to show viability.  The funding available from the Future High Streets Fund would allow the Council to begin key areas of the regeneration which in turn could attract further funding.  There were a number of electric car charging points in the borough and all options to increase the number were being considered.  The Council would want to ensure the history of County Hall was retained however there was a need to consider if the building could be used in such a way as to generate income.  He shared member’s frustration that the old bus station in St James remained undeveloped however the owners now had a clear view as to when investment in the site would be undertaken.  The Council would monitor this.

 

Councillor Larratt submitted his report as Deputy Leader of the Council explaining that the Councillor Development Group had met last week and the reporting tool would be updated and upgraded.  Training for the Standards Committee would be arranged.

 

In response to questions asked Councillor Larratt also congratulated Chantelle Cameron on her recent boxing success.  He was sure the Mayor would be delighted to write to her and wish her well on her impending title fight.  He clarified that the market traders were an essential part of partnership working.  He felt that the legal department was doing a fantastic job and had the right capacity.  The Council was getting good support from England’s Economic Heartland and they were working hard to provide another train route into London.

 

Councillor King submitted her report as Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and Safety explaining that the Northampton Lottery was being launched on 23 July 2019 and she urged all community groups to attend to become a beneficiary of this lottery.  The media launch for the summer events programme was also taking place on 23 July 2019.

 

In response to questions asked Councillor King explained the Police and Crime Panel considered the draft policing plan due to be released soon.  If members had any safeguarding concerns she suggested they be reported to the MASH team.  She was happy to meet with members to discuss the funding arrangements for Community Law and the Citizens Advice Bureau.  It was planned that the museum would re-open in the spring of 2020. 

 

At this point the Mayor advised Council the time limit of 45 minutes for the item had expired.

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