Issue - meetings

Report of Chief Executive (Copy herewith)

1)                 Cabinet approved in principle the appointment of the following organisations to manage and deliver community services from the community centres indicated:

·              Deafconnect, to manage Spencer Dallington community centre;

·              Community Spaces Northampton (CSN), to manage Bellinge, Briar Hill, Kingsthorpe, Rectory Farm, Southfields (Bob Purdey Centre), Standens Barn and Vernon Terrace community centres

2)                 Cabinet agreed to delegate authority to the Borough Solicitor to sign the leases and management agreements in accordance with the Framework (Appendix of the report) on the Council’s behalf.

Councillor Mason addressed Cabinet and whilst supporting the report, she voiced a number of concerns with regards to Community Centres and questioned whether the Council would be able to take action in the future should the Community Centres experience any problems. She commented that the Council should ensure that local people are getting the correct opportunities and expressed the need for adequate backing and support being mindful of the current recession. She also requested support for the Spencer Dallington Community Centre, which had many dealings with the support of the older generation.

Councillor Glynane spoke as the Chair of the Southern Quarter Development Group that looked after Far Cotton Recreational Centre. He congratulated officers who had been involved in the project and offered his full support, which he considered a step towards Localism. He reported that he had confidence in the success of Community Centres and that not only will they deliver a good service but would improve sustainability in the areas.

He commented that Councillor Malpas had spoken of the Management Appointment 2 years ago and had referred to it as having been a cost cutting measure.

Councillor Palethorpe, on behalf of the Portfolio Holder, thanked the officers involved. He expressed his wish to allay the fears that Councillor Mason had voiced and reassured her that the Council would provide organisational and financial support. He commented that people would be empowered to contribute towards their communities. He congratulated all organisations on their success and expressed his appreciation for the work that had been carried out and stated that the Council would continue to support and have a responsibility in supporting the Community Centres.

The Chief Executive explained that the proposals would enable the transfer of power and opportunities back into the communities and placed emphasis on the development of relationships and support, which he considered to be extremely positive. He commented that there had been extensive dialogue with the Community Centres and was assured that the Centres would do themselves proud.

Councillor Yates reported that he was glad to see that flexibility was being demonstrated with regards to the different needs of the Community Centres. Councillor Malpas, in response to comments made by Councillor Glynane, informed Cabinet that he had previously commented that he did not want Management Appointments to be a cost cutting measure but emphasised that he was predominantly concerned about community centres being left to stagnate and fall into disrepair.

RESOLVED:

1.      That in principle the appointment of the following organisations to manage and deliver community services from the community centres indicated be approved:

·        Deafconnect, to manage Spencer Dallington community centre;

·        Community Spaces Northampton (CSN), to manage Bellinge, Briar Hill, Kingsthorpe, Rectory Farm, Southfields (Bob Purdey Centre), Standens Barn and Vernon Terrace community centres

2.      That authority be delegated to the Borough Solicitor to sign the leases and management agreements in accordance with the Framework (Appendix of the report) on the Council’s behalf.