Agenda, decisions and minutes

Councillor Malcolm Longley

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.

Councillor Daniel Lister advised that he was a Governer of a school affected bythe PFI item.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 20^th December 2022.

The Minutes from the meeting of the 20^th December 2022 were agreed as a true and accurate record.

To receive communications from the Chair.

None

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

None

None

No report

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

a)    Agreed that delegated authority be given to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Public Health and Wellbeing and Children, Families and Education and the Director of Finance, to extend a Section 75 agreement (or equivalent public sector agreement) for up to 2 years with Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) in partnership with North Northants Council and Northamptonshire Integrated care board (ICB) for a jointly commissioned 0-19 Public Health Nursing Services and a range of health commissioned services supporting children and young people in West Northants from April 2023 – March 2025 or an earlier end date as required.

b)    Agreed that delegated authority be given to the Director of Public Health, in collaboration with the Director of Children Services and Cabinet Member for Public Health, to agree future governance arrangements for this service with the ICB.

REASONS RESOLVED:

1.    The recommended course of action was the most cost-effective and likely to match future services with the changing profile of needs for children, young people and their families

2.    To accord with legislation or the policy of the Council

3.    Development of the previous decisions of Northamptonshire County Council in February 2020

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

1.    The option to end the existing S75 led services in 2023 cannot be considered as it would result in significant loss of essential services.

2.    Delivery of other options, including bringing services in-house or running a procurement would not be possible before the end of the current S75 arrangement.

At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Baker presented the report and summarised the salient points. The importance of extending the contract was noted in order to accomplish all work that had been planned.

Councillors made the following comments.

·         The report mentioned interest from the market, could this be explained better.

·         It was noted an equality impact assessment was missing from the report.

·         It was queried whether the funding amount was a shared portion between North and West or solely West.

·         It was advised that the Youth Summit would welcome the findings from the report.

·         The cost seemed to be modest when compared to the seriousness of the report, was the Council being realistic. 

The Executive Director of Adults, Communities and Wellbeing advised that the current contract had been in place for a significant time and as such there had been no dialogue with other service providers. The interest from the market stems from this.

The Director of Public Health advised that any communication with the Youth Summit would be welcomed.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

a)    Agreed that delegated authority be given to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Public Health and Wellbeing and Children, Families and Education and the Director of Finance, to extend a Section 75 agreement (or equivalent public sector agreement) for up to 2 years with Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) in partnership with North Northants Council and Northamptonshire Integrated care board (ICB) for a jointly commissioned 0-19 Public Health Nursing Services and a range of health commissioned services supporting children and young people in West Northants from April 2023 – March 2025 or an earlier end date as required.

b)    Agreed that delegated authority be given to the Director of Public Health, in collaboration with the Director of Children Services and Cabinet Member for Public Health, to agree future governance arrangements for this service with the ICB

RESOLVED: Cabinet noted the contents of the attachment and approve the adoption of this framework going forward.

REASONS RESOLVED: Bringing forward this paper to Cabinet was to ensure there is complete awareness and transparency around the usage of the Public Health Grant and conditions by which it should be spent. It was also to ensure a clear governance process is in place and agreed.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

None

At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Matt Golby presented the report and summarised the salient points.

Councillors made the following comments.

·         Could non-prescribed services relate to Active Travel.

·         It was advised that this area produces more CO2 emissions than the national average.

·         It was noted that the council had a legacy of disposing of assets that could be used in other functions.

The Director of Public Health made the following comments.

·         It was noted that non-prescribed services also related to Active Travel, and to the health and wellbeing of residents.

·         Holiday activities do receive additional funding, but they are commissioned through the Children’s Trust.

RESOLVED: Cabinet noted the contents of the attachment and approve the adoption of this framework going forward.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet approved:

·         A new Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for the purchasing of commissioned care home services for adults aged 18 and above and includes people with Physical Disabilities and Mental Health conditions and is introduced from May 2023.

·         Duration of the DPS would be indefinite; with no proposed end date.

·         Applicants’ admission to the DPS would be determined via expressions of interest.

·         The Executive Director for People Services in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health is authorised to take all operational decisions necessary to implement the above recommendations.

The recommendations underpin strategic commissioning intentions to design and procure a new outcome-based delivery model for adult residential and nursing care for the long-term. Purchasing of effective, sustainable, and affordable provision supply will enable West Northamptonshire Council to fulfil its statutory duties to meet care needs and shape the local care market.

REASONS RESOLVED:

a)    To enable West Northamptonshire Council to meet the latest changes to the statutory requirements originally set out in the Care Act 2014.

b)    To support the development of a sustainable care market as required by the Market Sustainability and Fair Cost of Care Fund.

c)    To have purchasing arrangements for the supply of residential and nursing care services for adults age 18 and above, not including learning disabilities.

d)    To meet the needs and demands of residents in relation to care and support including people who self-fund their care whilst meeting the Council’s strategic vision and values.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

The current Care Home DPS contract would expire from 1 May 2023 the Council would seek to secure supply of residential and nursing care services on a spot-purchased arrangements. While spot purchasing can be used to secure services, this approach can increase susceptibility to variable pricing and is not the most effective way of managing cost and supply.

At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Matt Golby presented the report and summarised the salient points.

Councillors made the following comments.

·         It was queried what the Councils’ percentages were compared to national figures.

·         Concern was raised by the fact that the DPS delegated authority duration had no end date. The question of how the Council could scrutinise the project was asked.

·         It was noted that the Ethical Care Charter could have been included in this report, as well as an Equality Impact Assessment.

The Executive Director Adults, Communities and Wellbeing made the following comments.

·         The CQC inspection had advised that the Council was currently within the ‘good’ care setting.

·         It was important to remember that the Council was now considered against unitary councils and not county councils.

·         An Equality Impact Assessment would be sent to those who request to see it.

·         The Ethical Charter would continue to be considered.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet approved:

·         A new Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for the purchasing of commissioned care home services for adults aged 18 and above and includes people with Physical Disabilities and Mental Health conditions and is introduced from May 2023.

·         Duration of the DPS would be indefinite; with no proposed end date.

·         Applicants’ admission to the DPS would be determined via expressions  of interest.

·         The Executive Director for People Services in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health is authorised to take all operational decisions necessary to implement the above recommendations.

The recommendations underpin strategic commissioning intentions to design and procure a new outcome-based delivery model for adult residential and nursing care for the long-term. Purchasing of effective, sustainable, and affordable provision supply will enable West Northamptonshire Council to fulfil its statutory duties to meet care needs and shape the local care market

RESOLVED:

a)    Noted an investment plan addendum to draw down the REPF was submitted to the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on 30 November 2022.

b)    Noted the selected interventions and funding allocated within the submission.

c)    Noted that DEFRA will review the WNC REPF Addendum and year one funds are expected to be received in April, following sign off.

REASONS RESOLVED:

a)    To ensure that Cabinet and the wider public are aware of the steps taken in relation to available government funding.

b)    To ensure West Northamptonshire benefits from this grant funding to enhance the community, boost the economy and support residents and businesses.

c)    To maintain ongoing economic growth within the area, particular with the impending loss of EU funding and the need to utilise UKSPF to deliver positive economic development within the community.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

None

At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Daniel Lister presented the report and summarised the salient points.

Councillors made the following comments.

·         It was noted that there didn’t seem to be much of a correlation between the issues identified within rural areas and the projects that were selected.

·         It was requested that officers undertake further investigations into the town’s tourist attractions.

·         It was noted that there were significant needs in rural areas.

·         Some of the projects mentioned in the report were not very well detailed, clear criteria was requested for them.

·         An integrated transport plan was needed for rural areas.

Councillor Daniel Lister advised that the council had good data on tourism within the county.

RESOLVED:

a)    Noted an investment plan addendum to draw down the REPF was submitted to the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on 30 November 2022.

b)    Noted the selected interventions and funding allocated within the submission.

c)    Noted that DEFRA will review the WNC REPF Addendum and year one funds are expected to be received in April, following sign off.

RESOLVED: Cabinet approved the admission arrangements as detailed in Appendix A.

REASONS RESOLVED: The above is a statutory requirement.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: None

At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Fiona Baker presented the report and summarised the salient points.

A Councillor queried whether there was any provision in place for children who do not always live at their primary address.

Councillor Fiona Baker advised that their primary address should be where a child spends the majority of their time.

RESOLVED: Cabinet approved the admission arrangements as detailed in Appendix A.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet noted the contents of the WNC-NPH Governance Framework and Implementation Plan.

REASONS RESOLVED: To ensure that there is a robust oversight and assurance in delivering landlord services.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: None

At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Adam Brown presented the report and summarised the salient points. It was noted that there was an increasing demand for housing, and it was important to ensure that comprehensive governance was in place.

A Councillor suggested there were unfinished areas within the report and no real detail.

Councillor Adam Brown advised that having a governance framework was a requirement.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet noted the contents of the WNC-NPH Governance Framework and Implementation Plan.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

1.    Recommended to Council that a capital budget of £2.012 million is created to acquire the long leasehold interest in the six residential properties in Brackley referred to in the report and refurbish them.

2.    Subject to Council approval of the budget, authorised the Assistant Director Assets & Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, to agree the terms of the acquisition and any related transactions.

REASONS RESOLVED:

1.    To allow WNC to end the historical agreement with PHA which is no longer fit for purpose and is not in line with best value objectives.

2.    To remove the requirement to pay the RSP to PHA and mitigate the Council’s exposure to annual index linked uplifts.

3.    To allow the Council to use the properties as it determined, rather than being confined by the funding agreement. This would enable the customers to receive better tailored care and support and would enable the Council to use vacant or underutilised properties to meet additional Council needs.

4.    The Council would own the properties and the interest and capital payment requirements would pay down the Council assets, rather than an asset effectively owned by a third party.

5.    The Council will have greater control over the future of the properties. If they were deemed surplus to requirements, the Council could dispose of any of them and generate a capital receipt.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

1.    Option 1 (do nothing): The Council could ‘doing nothing’, leaving the current arrangements in place, but this would mean that the customers would stay in accommodation that is not suitable for their needs and over the next 10 years the Council would pay a minimum of £1.330m in revenue support to PHA. In practice it would be higher since RPI is currently running at over 10%. In addition, the Council would continue to pay for three empty properties.

2.    Option 2 (purchase alternative properties): The Council could terminate the current arrangement and purchase alternative properties. Nothing suitable has been identified in the market. The cost of purchasing six similar properties would be higher than the £2.032m to purchase and refurbish the six Brackley properties (purchasing only three would obviously be cheaper, but the ‘surplus’ three could if not required for service purposes be sold, meaning the financial balance is still in favour of purchase). Moving the four remaining customers would also be very disruptive. They have lived in these houses, close to each other, for many years.

3.    Option 3 (leasing alternative properties). This is similar to Option 2, but the alternative properties would be leased. The estimated (average) Market Rent for these properties at the moment is around £1,895 per calendar month (£22,740pa, or £136,440pa for all six), based on a 4-bed property in Brackley. This is slightly higher than current levels of RSP. There is currently a shortage of houses in the market which is driving rental prices up further. The disadvantages of relocating the residents would remain.

4.    Option 4 (terminate the arrangement  ...  view the full decision text for item 142.

At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Matt Golby presented the report and summarised the salient points.

Councillors made the following comments.

·         It was important for the Council to be sure that it was getting good value for money.

·         The question of who would manage and live in these houses was raised.

The Executive Director Adults, Communities and Wellbeing agrees that value for money was important. These homes are due to be turned into supported living homes.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

1.    Recommended to Council that a capital budget of £2.012 million is created to acquire the long leasehold interest in the six residential properties in Brackley referred to in the report and refurbish them.

2.    Subject to Council approval of the budget, authorised the Assistant Director Assets & Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, to agree the terms of the acquisition and any related transactions.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

1.    Noted the content of this report.

2.    Endorsed continued support of working collaboratively with partners, towards achieving the Active Quarter ambitions outlined within the report.

3.    Noted the ‘in-principle’ funding contribution from Public Health of a single payment £10k to support evidenced-based research, develop the Active Quarter (AQ) communication and engagement strategy and align AQ ambitions with WNC’s strategic priorities.

REASONS RESOLVED:

1.    To update on the Active Quarter’s achievements and future ambitions.

2.    To demonstrate the Council’s support of the Active Quarter opportunity to work with partners in the creation of a hub for wellbeing and ‘place’ for pioneering health and wellbeing interventions.

3.    To update on the ‘in-principle’ investment from Public Health funding to support the work to achieve the ambitions.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

1.    Option 1: Not to endorse the ambitions of the Active Quarter. This would remove the Council’s support of an opportunity to create a pioneering place in the heart of an urban community that would champion community health and wellbeing. A further knock-on would be the loss of an opportunity to lever in significant amounts of external funding into West Northamptonshire. As an example, over £800,000 of investment has already been levered in.

2.    Option 2: Approved the Council’s support through endorsement of the report. This will demonstrate the Council’s willingness to work in partnership with the Active Quarter. Officers will work with the Active Quarter to strategically align the ambitions with WNC priorities for a collaborative approach that will champion community health and wellbeing.

At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Adam Brown presented the report and summarised the salient points.

Councillors made the following comments.

·         It was agreed that the active quarter would be an asset, however it may not within reach of many residents.

·         It was noted that that there had been no engagement with the ward councillors for the area.

·         The question of whether the Council had a clear vision for this project was asked.

·         Targeted group events would help residents to feel an ownership of the project.

·         It was noted that there was currently no governance structure in place.

Councillor Adam Brown advised that ward councillors would be contacted in the future. Members were advised that no formal governance structure was needed at this time, and work was being undertaken with the University on the cycle network.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

1.    Noted the content of this report.

2.    Endorsed continued support of working collaboratively with partners, towards achieving the Active Quarter ambitions outlined within the report.

3.    Noted the ‘in-principle’ funding contribution from Public Health of a single payment £10k to support evidenced-based research, develop the Active Quarter (AQ) communication and engagement strategy and align AQ ambitions with WNC’s strategic priorities

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

1.    Approved a capital budget of £1.100m to undertake essential asset replacement works to the Northampton PFI Schools.

2.    Authorised the procurement of these works.

REASONS RESOLVED:

1.    The assets to be replaced do not comply with the School Premises Regulations 2012 and their condition posed a health and safety risk to students, visitors, and staff to the premises.

2.    The Council has an obligation to meet the Regulations in the schools as a result of the PFI arrangements, which includes contracts with each school governing body or academy trust.

3.    Replacing these assets would result in the responsibility for them transferring back to the PFI contractor, thus managing the Council’s liabilities.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

A.   Do nothing: It is highly likely that individuals would suffer from harm. This could lead to action against the Council for breach of statutory duty and unlimited fines. Civil claims could be made. The Council would suffer reputational damage. Areas in schools would become unsafe to educate pupils in.

B.   Provide £1.1m of capital funding to replace the assets. This option would enable the Council to mitigate harm to persons and the likelihood of action for statutory breaches. It would protect the Council from reputational damage. It would provide pupils, staff, and visitors with safer schools to attend. Replacement lighting would assist schools in mitigating utility cost increases.

C.   Replace the assets prior to contract expiry: this would enable the Council to defer the cost of replacement although the costs of replacement would be higher as inflation increases. In the intervening period the Council would still be at risk of action for breach of statutory duty and unlimited fines. Civil claims could be made. The Council could suffer reputational damage. Areas in schools would become unsafe to educate pupils in.

D.   The Council could seek to vary the contract to request that the contractor fund and replace and maintain the assets: This option would enable the Council to reduce the cost of its own borrowing but would require it to meet the additional revenue UC costs. The Council’s borrowing rate is lower than that which the contractor would charge. Replacement lighting would assist schools in mitigating utility cost increases.

Option B is the most cost-effective option that enables the Council to mitigate harm to persons and the likelihood of action for statutory breaches. It would protect the Council from reputational damage and provide pupils, staff, and visitors with safer schools to attend.

The Chair presented the report and summarised the salient points.

A councillor queried whether further PFI cuts had been made and whether further issues around this topic would emerge in future. 

The Executive Director Place & Economy advised that he was confident that there would be no further issues related to the contract under discussion.

Councillor Daniel Lister advised that he was a governor of a school affected by PFI.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

1.    Approved a capital budget of £1.100m to undertake essential asset replacement works to the Northampton PFI Schools.

2.    Authorised the procurement of these works.

RESOLVED: Cabinet;

1.    Agreed that authority be given to the Assistant Director of Assets & Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, to agree terms for the disposal of the following assets and enter any documentation required to implement this:

a)    Former Ribble Close Group Home, Northampton (freehold or transfer to HRA).

b)    Former Ecton Brook Care Home, Northampton (freehold or transfer to Housing Revenue Account).

c)    Former Evelyn Wright Care Home, Daventry (freehold)

d)    Walker House, Northampton (leasehold or long leasehold, sub-lease or assignment of lease).

e)    Former Brackley Swimming Pool Site, Brackley (freehold).

REASONS RESOLVED:

Overview

1.    It is sensible for the Council to review its estate and ensure it delivers the best overall value, taking policy and financial considerations together, for the residents of West Northamptonshire.

Former Ribble Close Group Home, Northampton:

2.    To meet the Council’s obligation not to dispose of land at less than the best consideration reasonably obtainable.

3.    To generate a capital receipt.

4.    To reduce the operating costs of the Council’s estate (holding costs) and remove the risk of vandalism and any associated health and safety concerns associated with an empty property.

5.    To make it likely that the housing would be brought back into use.

Former Ecton Brook Elderly Persons Home, Northampton:

6.    To meet the Council’s obligation not to dispose of land at less than the best consideration reasonably obtainable.

7.    To generate a capital receipt for the General Fund.

8.    To reduce the operating costs of the Council’s estate (holding costs) and remove the risk of vandalism and any associated health and safety concerns associated with an empty property.

9.    To facilitate the delivery of housing on the site (whether though delivery of affordable housing or market housing, or both).

Former Evelyn Wright Elderly Persons Home, Daventry:

10.To meet the Council’s obligation not to dispose of land at less than the best consideration reasonably obtainable.

11.To generate a capital receipt.

12.To reduce the operating costs of the Council’s estate (holding costs) and remove the risk of vandalism and any associated health and safety concerns associated with an empty property.

Walker House, Moulton Park, Northampton:

13.To meet the Council’s obligation not to dispose assets at less than the best consideration reasonably obtainable.

14.To generate either revenue income, or a capital receipt (premium), or both.

15.To reduce the operating costs of the Councils estate (holding costs) and remove the risk of vandalism and any associated health and safety concerns associated with an empty property.

Former Brackley Swimming Pool Site, Brackley:

1.    To meet the Council’s obligation not to dispose assets at less than the best consideration reasonably obtainable.

2.    To generate a capital receipt.

3.    To reduce the operating costs of the Council’s corporate estate (holding costs) and remove the risk of health and safety concerns associated with a vacant site.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

The Council has the following options.

Former Ribble Close Group Home, Northampton

(1)  (1) Do nothing – The Council could take  ...  view the full decision text for item 145.

The Chair presented the report and summarised the salient points.

Councillors made the following comments.

·         It was queried whether a scoping exercise would take place, in order to fully understand the needs of residents.

·         It was noted that the Daventry home was gifted to the people of Daventry. Would the money from the sale be retained by Daventry?

·         There was a need for community hubs in various locations.

·         It was noted that a full strategic oversight was needed on assets in order that the Council did not come and regret any decisions.

The Executive Director Place & Economy made the following comments.

·         It was advised that every neighbourhood would have a needs assessment.

·         The totality of the land around Brackley house had been looked at.

·         Any decisions made as the council goes forward will be open to scrutiny.

RESOLVED: Cabinet;

1.    Agreed that authority be given to the Assistant Director of Assets & Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, to agree terms for the disposal of the following assets and enter any documentation required to implement this:

a)    Former Ribble Close Group Home, Northampton (freehold) for transfer to HRA).

b)    Former Ecton Brook Care Home, Northampton (freehold or transfer to Housing Revenue Account).

c)    Former Evelyn Wright Care Home, Daventry (freehold)

d)    Walker House, Northampton (leasehold or long leasehold, sub-lease or assignment of lease).

e)    Former Brackley Swimming Pool Site, Brackley (freehold).

DATE DECISION WITHDRAWN:

Monday 23 January 2023. The Leader of the Council, in consultation with the members of Cabinet, resolved to WITHDRAW this decision.

REASONS FOR WITHDRAWAL:

To undertake a review of the decision and report back to a future meeting of Cabinet. 

RESOLVED: Cabinet;

1.    Approved a capital budget of £144k for new parking charge arrangements at Daventry and Brixworth country parks, and the Racecourse.

2.    Authorised the implementation of new and revised parking charges for those areas as set out in Tables 2 and 3 of the report, to be implemented as soon as practical.

3.    Noted that the new and revised parking charges would be reviewed after 6 months and this will include the consideration of overnight parking for residents and other comments made at the Cabinet meeting, including comments relating to junior park run

4.    Noted that Park Run season tickets would be valid at each location.

REASONS RESOLVED:

1.    To improve user choice and income generation, and reduce payment avoidance, at Brixworth and Daventry Country Parks.

2.    To ensure the Racecourse car park is used for its intended purpose.

3.    It is considered that the proposals either benefit users, or where there are negative effects these are outweighed by the need to provide funding to continue services.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

The choices open to the Council are to apply none, both, or all of the proposals. Each of these has its own advantages and disadvantages. Given user benefits from ANPR-based charging, the Council’s financial position, and the proportionate approach to the proposals, it is suggested it would be appropriate to proceed with them all.

At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Phil Larratt presented the report and summarised the salient points. A season ticked for residents who take part in fun runs was recommended.

Mr Rowan Smith was invited to address the Cabinet and made the following comments on behalf of his son.

·         There was not enough on street parking for residents in the area and parking near to their homes was a challenge.

·         No one chooses to park at the racecourse at night, especially due to the high levels of crime.

·         Should this be approved, could there be a night-time resident only permit made available.

·         Could there be more permit parking made available around the Mounts area.

Mr Mark Higgs was invited to address the Cabinet and made the following comments.

·         During Covid the importance of green spaces for the mental health of residents was paramount, now with these added charges it will make it more difficult for residents to enjoy them.

·         The Council seemed to be obsessed with monetarising everything and risked destroying green spaces.

·         It was queried whether this decision was in the best interest of the Council or of residents.

·         It was noted that there had not been consultation or research on the proposal.

Councillors made the following comments.

·         It was noted that members of the public had spoken powerfully about this issue.

·         It was requested that proposals were deferred until further research had been undertaken.

·         There had been no consultation or evidence provided.

Councillor Phil Larratt made the following comments.

·         The parking at the racecourse had been brought to the attention of the Council by local businesses whose patrons had found it difficult to park.

·         It was noted that there were significant costs to maintaining a car park.

·         By charging for parking, the Council would able to invest more in the upkeep of the parks.

·         The scheme would be reviewed in 6 months’ time and an amended recommendation was put to Cabinet.

The Executive Director Place & Economy made the following comments.

·         It was noted that there were a number of issues around the racecourse.

·         Teams would be out to speak to residents soon about their concerns.

RESOLVED: Cabinet;

1.    Approved a capital budget of £144k for new parking charge arrangements at Daventry and Brixworth country parks, and the Racecourse.

2.    Authorised the implementation of new and revised parking charges for those areas as set out in Tables 2 and 3 of the report, to be implemented as soon as practical.

3.    Noted that the new and revised parking charges would be reviewed after 6 months and this will include the consideration of overnight parking for residents and other comments made at the Cabinet meeting, including comments relating to junior park run

4.    Noted that Park Run season tickets would be valid at each location

RESOLVED: That Cabinet note the decisions taken by the Leader of the Council set out at Appendix A.

REASONS RESOLVED:

1.    Where decisions that would otherwise be taken by the Leader and Cabinet have been taken by the Leader alone, in the interests of transparency, the decision is reported to the next available meeting of the Cabinet.

2.    The decision taken provided the authority for the Council to approve funding to support the rebuild of 10 Windflower Place, following a fire.

3.    Full reasons for the decision taken are set out in the decision records appended to this report.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

None

The Chair presented the report and summarised the salient points.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet note the decisions taken by the Leader of the Council set out at Appendix A.

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

*DELETE AS APPROPRIATE*

Paragraph 1 – Information relating to any individual.

Paragraph 2 – Information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual.

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

Paragraph 4 – Information relating to any consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultations or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the authority or a Minister of the Crown and employees of, or office holders under, the authority.

Paragraph 5 – Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.

Paragraph 6 – Information which reveals that the authority proposes;

a)    To give under any enactment a notice under or by virtue of which requirements are imposed on a person; or

b)    To make an order or direction under any enactment

Paragraph 7 – Information relating to any action taken or to be taken in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of crime.

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(s) XXXXX 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.”

RESOLVED: The recommendation that was set out in the report was agreed by Cabinet.