Agenda item

Phil Larratt came to provide an update on the Northamptonshire unitary progress.

PL-As people know, due to the issues around the county council, the central government has decided to reform the whole county, splitting it into two big unitary authorities, therefore removing all boroughs and districts. This will all come in effect by the end of March 2021. It was originally meant to change by the end of this year’s march, but unfortunately due to issues in central government, this got delay until 2021.

Plans are currently on going regarding developing the new unitary structure. There is a committee with representatives from all local authorities and the county council working on this. Things are moving ahead slowly and there’s somethings I don’t fully know yet as its still being worked on. This includes all the different services, budgets etc. Contracts are also being investigated such as the highways etc. to make sure they can be picked up by the new unitary, once in place.

In Northampton, to make sure this town has a good voice during the process, one thing that we looking to create is a town parish council. It is currently in consultation, but if successful, it helps protect certain things in Northampton such as the mayoralty etc. the police is also looking to change their mapping and boundaries, to help it fall in line with the new unitary.

PW-Can you explain the difference between the governance and running the smaller town/parish councils.

PL-They will all have the same powers as rules to follow set by centre government. There will be a slight rise in council tax, but this means the extra money that is generated will be spent in the areas in came from. This helps to keep a direct investment within that area.

PW-Is there a contingency plan, come the new unitary, if an area hasn’t settled well within its new parish.

PL-There is an external body that we are working with regarding setting up new parishes. They will help with the development of the local parish clerk officers, structure etc. I believe they will be able to help in big way.

MT-Will grants be continuing from the local authority in the same way the borough provides a grant system now?

PH-I’m not sure right now but it is something that will be investigated as we know how important it is to support local community groups and organisations.

PW-In terms of the support and services we have now, do you see anything that needs to change with this new focus and new change that looks at the needs of the community across the near area.

PL-First off, we need to get the governance right. Without this it will be hard to structure and priorities the support system. To help structure this, we will be having input from all districts and borough. One all this is in place we will be able to see what can be improved or what needs to continue.

PW-What happens to the current councillors and elected members?

PL-They will be in post until the end of March this year, before the next general election.