Agenda item

The Mayor advised that five questions had been received from members and that the questions and answers had been tabled in accordance with the Constitution.  She advised that she would take the questions in the order in which they had been received.

Councillor Reeve then asked a question of Councillor Beardsworth as the relevant Portfolio Holder. He stated that it had been brought to his attention by residents in Delapre that there had been an increase in the use of bailiffs by Northampton Borough Council during the recovery of rent arrears from tenants in Council property and asked whether the Portfolio Holder could supply figures that showed Northampton Borough Council’s use of bailiffs month by month over the last year and associated costs to the authority.  Councillor Reeve noted the response as tabled and asked a supplementary question as to whether these arrangements also applied to the collection of the rates.

Councillor Beardsworth advised that she would get the answer to that and respond in writing.  She then elaborated further upon debt collection.

Councillor Reeve then asked a question of Councillor Mildren as the relevant Portfolio Holder stating that in support of a commitment to the valuable work undertaken by the Friends of Delapre Abbey when would the Borough Council be in a position to proceed with Friends of Delapre Abbey’s application for the lease of the stable blocks at the Abbey.

Councillor Mildren advised that MENCAP had not yet vacated the premises and that the Council was currently undertaking an options appraisal regarding the future of Delapre Abbey.  Therefore it was not possible to commit at this time to any leases for the stable block until that appraisal was completed in May.

Councillor Reeve then asked a supplementary question as to whether the administration tended to leave the buildings empty.

Councillor Mildren reiterated that it depended upon the outcome of the appraisal and what the best use for the Abbey was in the future but he doubted that the buildings would be left empty.

Councillor Reeve as a founder member of Friends of Delapre Abbey declared a personal but non-prejudicial interest in the above.

Councillor Palethorpe then asked a question of Councillor Glynane as the relevant Portfolio Holder.  He stated that given the concern felt by the public over violent crime and that in the first six months of this year 2800 violent crimes were reported could the Portfolio Holder provide information on an estimated age profile on both victims and perpetrators of violent crimes in the town, a list of how many of these crimes were committed in the town centre and an indication as to how many of these offences resulted from alcohol consumption.

Councillor Palethorpe noted the response tabled and asked a supplementary question as to whether those organisations dealing with domestic abuse would be supported in the budget in the next financial year.

Councillor Glynane stated that the work such organisations did was very much appreciated and would be taken into account when setting next year’s budget.

Councillor Palethorpe then asked a further question of Councillor Glynane as the relevant Portfolio Holder.  He stated that at the last full Council meeting the Portfolio Holder’s report indicated that Council controlled leisure centres had been maintained at approximately the same level as last year.  As the public clearly supported the existence of the centres he asked if the Portfolio Holder would give a firm assurance that none of the leisure facilities at Lings Leisure Centre, Danes Camp or The Mounts would be transferred from Council ownership in the foreseeable future.  He noted the response as tabled.

Councillor Larratt then asked a question of Councillor Mildren as the relevant Portfolio Holder.  He stated that he was pleased that the administration had met with the Northampton Sea Cadets and was now actively pursuing a new ten year lease to this worthy and successful organisation in respect of its premises in Beckets Park/Nunn Mills Road.  However he remained concerned that the administration had not seen fit to grant this organisation a lease for 25 years in respect of these premises.  The organisation would welcome and still sought such a lease in order to provide it with more security with regard to its premises.  He asked if the Portfolio Holder could advise why the administration had so far failed to grant a 25 year lease and also if the administration would keep the option of a 25 year lease  under consideration and if so what would be the determining factors in deciding the grant of such a lease in the near future.  Councillor Larratt also requested a written answer to his question.

Councillor Mildren responded verbally at the meeting but agreed to send a written answer to Councillor Larratt.  He stated that the current lease was due to expire at the end of July 2008 and it was always the intention to roll the lease over for a further ten years.  The administration was clear in its support of the Sea Cadets and had met with them and was supporting them in their attempts to obtain external funding.  The Cabinet had given its assurance that if funding was conditional upon a lease of more than ten years then that would be given due consideration.  Councillor Mildren added that at the meetings with the Sea Cadets there had been no specific request for a 25 year lease.