Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: The Jeffrey Room, St. Giles Square, Northampton, NN1 1DE.

Contact: Emma Powley 

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies

Minutes:

Apologies were received from Councillor Hadland.

2.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 61 KB

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Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on the 18t October 2017 were agreed and signed by the Leader.

3.

Intention to Hold Part of the Meeting in Private

Minutes:

There were no items to be heard in private.

4.

Deputations/Public Addresses

Minutes:

There were none.

5.

Declarations of Interest

Minutes:

There were none.

6.

Issues Arising from Overview and Scrutiny Committees

None

Minutes:

There were none.

7.

The Northampton Armed Forces Community Covenant Annual Progress Report pdf icon PDF 104 KB

(Copy herewith)

Decision:

Cabinet affirmed its continuing support for the Northampton Armed Forces Community Covenant and noted progress to date and proposed future actions.

Minutes:

Councillor Duffy addressed Cabinet and noted that 1 in 10 homeless people in the country had armed forces background. She commented that Department for Communities and Local Government collected no data with regards to the number of returners who ended up homeless and commented that the difficulties faced by ex-armed forces were far reaching and included Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and issues with addictions. She questioned whether it would be possible to allow ex-servicemen/women who owned dogs to be provided for at the Nighshelter as they often relied on them for companionship.

 

Councillor Hibbert commented that there was no available space at the Nightshelter for dogs as there was limited space and commented that ex-service personnel were on the priority list for housing.

 

Councillor King as the relevant Cabinet Member, submitted a report and noted the progress that had been made and the ongoing commitment of the Council through the Community Covenant Action Plan. It was noted that a number of key actions had been completed over the past 12 month’s which included a website of all partners which provide the public with support and advice.

 

Councillor Larratt noted that the Council were 100% behind the proposed future actions to be delivered in support of the Northampton Armed Forces Community Covenant and commented that he recognised the issues Councillor Duffy raised and noted the Council’s gratefulness to the veterans.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the Northampton Armed Forces Community Covenant be affirmed and Cabinet noted progress to date and proposed future actions.

8.

Environmental Services Re-provision Contract - Capital Asset Financing pdf icon PDF 116 KB

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Decision:

 

1          Cabinet noted the content of the report

 

2          Cabinet delegated power to the Chief Financial Officer in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance to determine the optimum value for money method of financing assets to be used in providing the Environmental Services Re-provision Contract throughout the period of its operation.

 

3          Cabinet, subject to the outcome of recommendation 2.2 (in the report) included the capital expenditure implications into the Council’s Capital Programme should the Council purchase the assets.

 

Minutes:

Councillor Hill addressed Cabinet and commented that recognised how important it was to get the Environmental Services contract was commented that he fully supported the scrutiny process carried out and the extensive consultation and thanked the officers and Cabinet Members for their hard work.

 

Councillor Ashraf commented that she welcomed the report and highlighted the moves in ensuring the Council received the best financial deal and the Value for Money achieved. She commented she considered the report to be positive end endorsed the comments made by Councillor Hill

 

Councillor Eldred submitted a report which advised Members of the steps being taken to ensure value for money decision on the financing of assets that will be used to provide the Environmental Services Re-provision Contract throughout the period of its operation. He explained that the final tender submission would be the 21st November 2017.

 

RESOLVED:

 

1          That the content of the report be noted

 

2          That power be delegated to the Chief Financial Officer in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance to determine the optimum value for money method of financing assets to be used in providing the Environmental Services Re-provision Contract throughout the period of its operation.

 

3          That, subject to the outcome of recommendation 2.2 (in the report) included the capital expenditure implications into the Council’s Capital Programme should the Council purchase the assets.

 

9.

Performance Report - Quarter 2 pdf icon PDF 111 KB

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Additional documents:

Decision:

1.    Cabinet reviewed the contents of the performance report.

 

2.    Cabinet approved the performance report be presented to Audit Committee.

Minutes:

The Deputy Leader elaborated on a report that informed Cabinet of the Council’s monthly and quarterly performance indicator figures for 2017-2018 quarter 2. He noted that there had been improvements in ‘Minor Planning Applications’ and ‘Other Planning Applications’. The number of days lost to sickness had risen and it was reported that HR were investigating the numbers. It was noted that there had been an increase in domestic burglary (Crime Change), theft from cars and theft from motor vehicles which the council had limited control over but would have an input.

 

Councillor King noted that the number of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicle inspections had increased due to growth in numbers of staff within the enforcement team.

 

RESOLVED:

 

1.    That the contents of the performance report be noted.

 

2.    That it be approved for the performance report be presented to Audit Committee.

10.

Finance Monitoring - Period 6- 2017/18 pdf icon PDF 107 KB

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Decision:

Cabinet reviewed the contents of the report.

Minutes:

Councillor Eldred, as the relevant Cabinet Member, submitted a report and elaborated thereon. It was explained that on the 18th October 2017 Cabinet had approved the submission to CLG of a bid by Northamptonshire local authorities to become a business rates retention pilot and noted that a response was being awaited.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the contents of the report be noted.