Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Baker, Bambridge, Barrett, Duffy, T Eales, Eastwood, Harrington-Carter, Harris, Manners, Morton, J Roberts, Sharps, and Z Smith.

Members are asked to declare any interest and the nature of that interest which they may have in any of the items under consideration at this meeting.

None advised.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 30^th June 2022.

Councillor Stone noted that due to Rule 10 of the Council Procedure Rules, motions were withdrawn at the last meeting. She believed that there was a democratic deficit due to insufficient time to cover all the agenda items and suggested that more Council meetings may be needed to comfortably cover all of the Council’s business.

RESOLVED:

The minutes of the meeting held on 30^th June 2022 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

To receive communications from the Chairman of the Council.

The Chairman announced the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and noted the proclamation services that had taken place for her successor, King Charles III. The Chairman thanked WNC staff, the emergency services and voluntary organisations that were involved in the services and events that took place following the Queen’s death.

The Chairman announced the sad passing of several former members of the predecessor authorities.

Former Northamptonshire County Councillor and Kettering Borough Councillor Mick Scrimshaw passed away on 27 July following a long illness. Mick was elected to Northamptonshire County Council in 2013 and served until 2021. He was the opposition spokesperson for finance and served as Chair of the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Former Northamptonshire County Councillor Mark Bullock passed away on 30 June. Mark was elected to Northamptonshire County Council in 1997 and represented the Daventry West division, before representing Corby Central from 2001 to 2013. He served as Chair and Deputy Chair of various overview and scrutiny committees during his time as a councillor.

Former Northamptonshire County Councillor Ron Sawbridge also passed away recently. Ron was elected to the County Council in 2001 and served until 2013. He undertook a range of roles, including Chairing the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee for four years. He served as Chairman of the Council in 2011-12. He and his wife were well known as long-term foster carers and cared for many children.

Members offered their condolences to the families of former councillors and the Chairman led Council in a minute’s applause in honour of former Councillors Scrimshaw, Bullock, and Sawbridge.

(1)  Receipt of Petitions (if any) from Local Government Electors for the District

(2)  Questions (if any) from the Public

(1)  The Chairman advised of 2 requests to submit a petition.

Eamonn Fitzpatrick presented a petition relating to the proposed redevelopment of Northampton Market Square.

Councillor Lister, as the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth, stated that town centre footfall had decreased and would continue to do so unless the Market Square was regenerated. He advised that the project would benefit all local businesses, residents, and customers.

Lynne Micallef presented a petition relating to the use of glyphosate weed killer by the Council.

Nick Mole addressed Council in relation to the petition presented by Ms Micallef.

Councillor Larratt, as the Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste, thanked Ms Micallef and Mr Mole for their contributions and advised that he would issue a response in due course.

(2)  The Chairman advised of 5 requests to make statements.

Alexina Cassidy, of Climate Action West Northamptonshire, addressed Council in relation to item 8. She urged the Council to take priority actions to reduce living costs and energy usage, including increased support for residents; retro fitting solar panels and loft insulation, etc., further investment for low cost and low carbon transport, and promotion of food growing and production initiatives. She urged the Council to support the Electricity Bill and amendments to the Energy Bill that was currently passing through the House of Lords.

Blessing Idris addressed Council in relation to item 7 (j) and spoke about her experience at the L2L youth club’s summer programme. She praised the club for helping young people to be more confident, to improve their English and help to overcome their trauma.

Maryam Al Rufaye addressed Council in relation to item 7 (j)  and spoke about her experience working during the L2L summer programme during which she help teach young people English, as well as helping to develop other skills and settle into their new lives.

Setara Haidari addressed Council in relation to item 7 (j) and spoke about her experience at the L2L youth club’s summer programme. She explained that transport was provided for all young people each day and highlighted the activities and workshops that that were organised during the programme. Ms Haidari expressed her thanks for the opportunities and the support that the programme had provided.

Jayne West addressed Council in relation to item 6 and highlighted the issues that central Northampton faced with waste and flytipping. She said it was affecting economic development and the wellbeing of local residents. The behaviours of flytippers, as well as some landlords and shopkeepers were unacceptable. Ms West believed that there was a cultural problem at the front face of service and that it needed fresh eyes and a zero-tolerance approach.

Priority Opposition Motion

Proposed: Cllr. Bob Purser

Seconded: Cllr Wendy Randall

“The level of street rubbish, fly tipping, overflowing waste bins, and bags of refuse waiting to be collected on the streets of Northampton, for example the Wellingborough Road, is shocking and out of control, as is fly tipping in rural areas, bringing West Northamptonshire into disrepute.

We recognise the efforts of staff to collect rubbish and keep our streets clean, the work of neighbourhood wardens and the efforts of many voluntary groups including the Litter Wombles and local Councillors.

The causes of this are multiple. Nonetheless the current situation is unacceptable, and solutions are urgently needed.

We call on West Northamptonshire Council as a contribution to its aim to be ‘clean and green’ to support all who want a clean and tidy town and convene a summit of all interested and concerned parties including the Town and Parish Councils to

·       Identify the location of rubbish, fly tipping, overflowing waste bins, and bags of refuse and causes of fly-tipping and Identify litter hotspots

·       Develop an education plan for the public especially for areas of high-density housing

·       Enforce schedule four of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 where it is active in the footprint of the former Northampton Borough Council and address the ability to widen its coverage to include the whole of West Northants, enabling the Council to seize and remove abandoned trolleys and then charge the owners for their return.

·       Promote the use of cameras and legal and other action enforcement action available to tackle it.

·       Review the Council’s bulk waste and enforcement of fly tipping regulations in both urban and rural settings

·       Improve integration of Council services with that of contractors

·       Review the collection of commercial and domestic rubbish e.g. shops and flats putting out bags on the streets, progress in the introduction of recycling bins.

·       Review street cleaning services and its schedule of priority areas.

And to draw up an integrated action plan to clean up West Northamptonshire.”

Councillor Purser proposed and Councillor Randall seconded:

“The level of street rubbish, fly tipping, overflowing waste bins, and bags of refuse waiting to be collected on the streets of Northampton, for example the Wellingborough Road, is shocking and out of control, as is fly tipping in rural areas, bringing West Northamptonshire into disrepute.

We recognise the efforts of staff to collect rubbish and keep our streets clean, the work of neighbourhood wardens and the efforts of many voluntary groups including the Litter Wombles and local Councillors.

The causes of this are multiple. Nonetheless the current situation is unacceptable, and solutions are urgently needed.

We call on West Northamptonshire Council as a contribution to its aim to be ‘clean and green’ to support all who want a clean and tidy town and convene a summit of all interested and concerned parties including the Town and Parish Councils to

·       Identify the location of rubbish, fly tipping, overflowing waste bins, and bags of refuse and causes of fly-tipping and Identify litter hotspots

·       Develop an education plan for the public especially for areas of high-density housing

·       Enforce schedule four of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 where it is active in the footprint of the former Northampton Borough Council and address the ability to widen its coverage to include the whole of West Northants, enabling the Council to seize and remove abandoned trolleys and then charge the owners for their return.

·       Promote the use of cameras and legal and other action enforcement action available to tackle it.

·       Review the Council’s bulk waste and enforcement of fly tipping regulations in both urban and rural settings

·       Improve integration of Council services with that of contractors

·       Review the collection of commercial and domestic rubbish e.g. shops and flats putting out bags on the streets, progress in the introduction of recycling bins.

·       Review street cleaning services and its schedule of priority areas.

And to draw up an integrated action plan to clean up West Northamptonshire.”

Councillor Larratt responded and noted that the Council recognised the problem and that it was taking action; 123 FPNs had been issued in 2022 and 31 active prosecutions were ongoing. Talks were also underway with CCTV providers. He thanked the Neighbourhood Wardens for their work in reporting instances of fly-tipping and encouraged members of the public to do so.

Councillor Randall stated that the Council’s approach was not working; a summit was needed to get on top of the issue.

Upon requisition of a vote, the motion fell.

Cabinet Members each highlighted the salient points of their reports. Members made comments and asked questions and the following points were raised:

·       Nobody could have predicted the cost-of-living crisis; the Council was fortunate to have a contingency, and it was noted that at the time of the budget, opposition Members commented that it was not needed.

·       New schools were being built to accommodate the increasing number of children in West Northamptonshire.

·       Progress was being made with the Children’s Trust and the Council was awaiting the Ofsted report.

·       Civic events (including the proclamation of King Charles III) were open to all WNC Members.

·       There was currently no completion date for the Dallington social housing project.

·       The Billing Road cycle scheme was off the agenda; alternative schemes were being looked into.

·       The Flood Team was undergoing recruitment.

·       There was a new Highways Team, although it was currently experiencing staffing pressures.

·       Work on the Waste Strategy would commence before the end of the year.

·       It was suggested that a new bus operator in the town was needed.

RESOLVED:

Council noted the Cabinet Member Reports and the decision records from 12^th July 2022 and 13^th September 2022.

Councillor Hallam presented and proposed the report which provided Council with an overview of the national drivers and impact of the cost-of-living

increases experienced across Europe and the UK on residents of West Northamptonshire, and the actions taken by the Council to support the most vulnerable residents as well as opportunities for future actions.

Councillor Golby seconded the report.

Members made comments as follows:

·       It was felt by some Members that it was unnecessary for people to queue at a post office; it would be simpler for money to be deposited into bank accounts.

·       Members questioned whether the Council would be matching the increased living wage.

·       It was suggested that key workers follow other local authorities and provide key workers with free bus fares and bring services back in house.

·       Members questioned how results from the council’s actions would be monitored.

·       Members welcomed the report and looked forward to seeing positive results.

·       The government stipulated how funds were allocated, direct payments to bank accounts were not permitted.

RESOLVED:

Council:

(a)  Noted the contents of the report

(b)  Tasked the all-party Anti-Poverty Working Group to oversee the actions planned for the next year and support the development of other interventions that responded to local need.

Councillor Meredith declared an interest in the item as an NCC pension holder.

Councillor Longley presented and proposed the report which sought to report on the work of the Pension Fund Committee over the previous year.

Councillor Bignell seconded the report.

Councillors made comments as follows:

·       It was hoped that staff pensions remained in safe hands.

·       It was noted that the report would be seen by the Audit Committee following the Pension Board.

RESOLVED:

Council noted the contents of the report.

Councillor Longley presented and proposed the report which report provided a summary of the work of the Board over the past year. Council was asked to

note the Annual Report and raise any comments accordingly. The report had been published on the Council’s website and the Pension Fund website.

Councillor Pritchard seconded the report.

Councillors made comments as follows:

·       The Local Pension Board was a “critical friend” and would deal with any matters of consequence as they arose.

RESOLVED:

Council noted the contents of the report.

Councillor Grant presented and proposed the report which sought to provide an update on behalf of the Democracy & Standards Committee on a number of minor updates to the Constitution made by the Monitoring Officer under delegated authority, including to propose revised arrangements for Priority Opposition Motions set out at Paragraph 26 of the Council Procedure Rules.

Councillor Irving-Swift seconded the report.

Councillors made comments as follows:

·       Democratic features were being removed from the Constitution and it was suggested that the change to Opposition Group Business should be voted against.

·       There should be more time to debate motions.

·       There was little value in Opposition Group Business since there was no debate permitted.

·       Motions should be at the start of the agenda.

·       The Constitution was a living document and would come back for review in due course.

RESOLVED:

Council:

a)    Noted and approved the updates to the Constitution as set out in Section 5;

b)    Approved the revised arrangements for Priority Opposition Motions, also set out in Section 5;

c)     Delegated to the Monitoring Officer the power to make these amendments and any consequential amendments that may be necessary; and

d)    Noted that these changes would come into effect following the conclusion of the meeting at which they were agreed.

Councillor Hallam presented and proposed the report presented to Council the Annual Reports of the three Overview and Scrutiny Committees (Corporate, People and Place) for 2021/2022. The report noted the work undertaken by the Committees over their first year.

Councillor Herring seconded the report.

Councillors made comments as follows:

·       Opposition Councillors should be Overview and Scrutiny Chairs.

·       There needed to be a bigger focus on pre-decision scrutiny.

·       It was noted that the Chair of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee was an opposition Councillor.

RESOLVED:

Council noted the Annual Reports 2021/2022 of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees – Corporate, People and Place.

Councillor Fowler presented and proposed the report which set out the Council’s procurement process for selecting an academy trust to run the new SEND school and the estimated capital costs for procuring and funding the building works. The report followed the Cabinet report of 13^th September 2022, which highlighted the current and predicted demand for SEND places across West Northants in the coming academic years. Cabinet approved progressing the new special school under the free schools presumption

Process with a planned opening date of September 2024. The school would cater for pupils on the autistic spectrum continuum (ASC), with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and with severe learning difficulties (SLD).

Councillor A Brown seconded the report.

Councillors made comments as follows:

·       Members asked whether the new school would cater to non-cognitive impaired children.

·       Members thanked all those who were involved in the project; West Northamptonshire’s most vulnerable children would benefit immensely, and Members felt reassured that any issues would be resolved.

·       The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education was aware that this was “job started” and not “job done”.

RESOLVED:

Council:

a)    Noted that the selection process for the new school involved the Council putting forward a recommendation to the DfE for the preferred trust, following a rigorous selection process.

b)    Noted the linked paper considered by Cabinet on 13th September 2022, ‘St John Tiffield property arrangements’ on the use of the St John’s Tiffield Site, St. John’s Road, Tiffield, NN12 8AA for the new school.

c)     Agreed in principle borrowing of approximately £10,000,000 would be required to make up the shortfall for the cost of building the new school, which was expected to be £23m, with delegated authority to the s151 officer to amend the capital programme once full feasibility works are completed.

d)    Noted that the remaining cost of the build would be met through capital grant funding received by the Council.

The following report(s) contain exempt information as defined in the following paragraph(s) of Part 1, Schedule 12A of Local Government Act 1972.

Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

Members are reminded that whilst the following item(s) have been marked as exempt, it is for the meeting to decide whether or not to consider each of them in private or in public. In making the decision, members should balance the interests of individuals or the Council itself in having access to the information. In considering their discretion members should also be mindful of the advice of Council Officers.

Should Members decide not to make a decision in public, they are recommended to resolve as follows:

“That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) of business on the grounds that, if the public and press were present, it would be likely that exempt information falling under the provisions of Schedule 12A, Part I, Paragraph 3 would be disclosed to them, and that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.”

Due to the sensitive nature of the following item, Council moved to private session and the Chairman made the following announcement:

“That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) of business on the grounds that, if the public and press were present, it would be likely that exempt information falling under the provisions of Schedule 12A, Part I, Paragraph 3 would be disclosed to them, and that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.”

This item was considered during private session.

To debate any motions which have been submitted with advance notice, in accordance with the Council’s Procedure Rules.

Motion 1

Proposed by:  Cllr Sally Beardsworth

Seconded by: Cllr Rose Humphreys

“Council notes the significant challenge that inflation and staggeringly high energy price rises are having on West Northamptonshire’s residents.  

Council further notes that the rise in the energy cap will make the situation far worse for many, and in some cases potentially unmanageable.

Without suitable support and potential early intervention where necessary, West Northants council could face additional pressures on its services in the future.  Taking an early, broad and proactive approach is a prudent measure to help prevent this situation emerging.

We acknowledge the report presented to Cabinet on 13^th September however fine words alone will not suffice and believe that this council must act urgently to do all that it can to generate and promote actions to support those most in need through this cost-of-living crisis.

Council therefore resolves to:

·       Establish, with immediate effect, a cross-party Cost of Living Task Force, as part of the Anti-Poverty working group, to explore how this council can do all that it can to identify further potential ideas and options to support residents who are most in need during this particularly challenging time.

·       This ‘task force’ should ideally include representation from all relevant council directorates, multi-agency and voluntary sector representation from across West Northamptonshire and the group’s membership/terms of reference reviewed and/or clearly established.

·       Ensure that the first meeting of this group takes place within the first two weeks of October and is run, initially, in the form of a workshop to ensure that ideas are translated into solid actions, rapidly.  The group will further meet monthly schedule of for the following six months to review and track progress.“

Motion 2

Proposed: Cllr. Danielle Stone

Seconded: Cllr. Emma Roberts

“Personal budgets have been a success for many disabled people but there are areas of improvement that need addressing. 

The culture of fear that disabled residents face.

This arises from judgements made about the decisions disabled people might make, or pragmatic choices made because of contextual factors.

The culture of blame that disabled residents face.

The market is beset with the perennial problems of low pay and poor conditions. Carers are leaving their jobs for better remunerated work in supermarkets and warehouses.

In turn, our disabled residents face the stress of finding and paying for their care in a broken market. As well as blame for budgeting issues arising from having to navigate a broken system during a financial crisis.

There are simple measures that can alleviate both of these issues:

Training must be offered to practitioners to ensure we dispel the cultures of fear and blame.

Adopting a more flexible approach to the provision of care using a combination of self-employed personal assistants, directly employed, local authority staff and agency staff where needed will be helpful.

The Council therefore asks Cabinet to commit to:

1.     Training to reduce the culture  ...  view the full agenda text for item 64.

At 21:45 the Chairman drew Council’s attention to Rule 10 of the Council Procedure Rules:

10      Extension of the meeting

10.1    If the business of a Council meeting has not been concluded by 9.45 pm, the Chair will draw the attention of the meeting to the time and to this Rule.

10.2    In the case of any motions or recommendations on the agenda that have not been dealt with by 9.45 pm the Chair will decide whether to end the meeting or to deal with the outstanding matters provided that those matters can reasonably be dealt with by 10.00pm.

10.3    Where the outstanding matters cannot be dealt with by that time each item will be put to the vote without further debate and a vote will be taken on whether the item should be accepted, rejected, referred, deferred or withdrawn.

Motion 1

Councillor Beardsworth requested that Motion 1 be withdrawn.

The Chairman accepted the request, and the motion was withdrawn.

Motion 2

Upon a vote, the motion fell.

The Chair to advise whether they have agreed to any items of urgent business being admitted to the agenda.

None advised.