Issue - meetings

Report of the Chief Executive (Copy herewith)

Cabinet noted the report.

Councillor Clarke referred to page 7 of the Appendix and noted that the meter used to measure footfall onto the market square was located by Millets. He commented that this was not a measurement of footfall onto the Market Square but only measured the numbers passing Millets onto the Market Square. He believed that it would be more useful for the Council to be aware of footfall movements across the town centre.

Councillor Mildren commented on the percentage of invoices paid within 30 days and the need to help local businesses in the current economic climate. He also noted the reduction in the amount of recycled household waste.

Councillor B. Markham, as the relevant Portfolio Holder, submitted a report that set out the Council’s progress against the priorities set out in the Corporate Plan. He noted that four of the five corporate targets were being fully met and the remaining one was amber. Steady improvements were being made. In terms of footfall on the Market Square it had been a condition of the funding for the fountain and lighting scheme that footfall be measured using the meter at Millets. Footfall across other parts of the Town Centre were measured and reported to the Town Centre Partnership Board. Councillor Markham referred to page 3 of the Appendix and the payment of invoices and agreed with Councillor Mildren that the Council should be helping local businesses. This was improving. He also referred to page 5 of the Appendix  and the number of people that had been helped to avoid being made homeless and congratulated the Housing Directorate. Councillor Markham also referred to page 8 of the Appendix and the success of the Museums service in achieving “Best Special Project” in the East Midlands Inspiration Awards for an exhibition called “Strut!” produced in partnership with young people from the Daventry Springboard Centre.

The Chair commented that this was an important monitoring report and that the number of red indicators was reducing. Some situations were irresolvable, for example, a dry summer led to less grass being available for recycling. This situation could not be recovered outside of the growing season.     

RESOLVED:   That the report be noted.