Agenda item

(copy herewith)

At this point each of the Cabinet Members made a presentation of their respective portfolios that had been circulated with the agenda.

Councillor Mackintosh presented his Cabinet Member report and elaborated thereon. He offered his congratulations to HRH the Prince of Wales and his wife on the announcement that they were expecting their first child. He informed Council that the recent Police and Crime Commissioner elections had resulted in the Conservative nominee winning the election in Northamptonshire and looked forward to working with him in the near future. An update was given with regards to the flooding at Billing Aquadrome and it was noted that the Secretary of State for Environment had visited the area. It was also noted that Strictly Northampton had raised over £30,000 for charity. Councillor Wire (DL) commented that the PCC election was a ‘Tory Flagship’ that was only wanted by the administration and asked if Councillor Mackintosh could confirm whether the new Police and Crime Commissioner had ten staff members working for him. He also commented that the Remembrance Day service could be run more smoothly and asked that the logistics of the event be looked at. He further commented that in relation to the figures quoted by Councillor Mackintosh with regards to the crime statistics that the actual overall trend of crimes had increased – figures that Councillor Wire (DL) had obtained from the Police. In response to the questions posed, Councillor Mackintosh commented that it was a failure of the Labour Party to put forward a candidate who was electable. He commented that the concerns expressed about the logistics of the remembrance service had been noted and could not comment on crime statistics without sight of the figures. In response to a question from Councillor Glynane, it was confirmed that Councillor Mackintosh and Councillor Eldred had visited the Home Farm Equestrian Centre that offers riding for the disabled and that they were taking stock of issues and a report would be taken to Cabinet in the future. Councillor Mackintosh, in response to a further question, explained that he had been in contact with the Secretary of State for the Environment and would follow up the issues and concerns about insurance matters for homes in flood hit locations. In response to a question asked by Councillor Larratt, Councillor Mackintosh commented that he was aware of the concerns of the people of Collingtree Park where flooding might be exacerbated in the future, by the recent decision of South Northants District Council to allow houses to be built by the Newport Pagnell Road, and he would continue to look into the problem.

Councillor Caswell submitted his Cabinet Member report and commented that he was pleased that the Environmental Management Service was now listening to the concerns of the Council. He commented that a new operations Director had been put in place. He also reported that the authority been awarded recertification to the Carbon Trust Standard. Councillor Caswell explained that there were a number of issues with regards to the gateways within Northampton and that the Council was now working with other agencies to resolve these. He stated that the main factor was the maintenance of verges and hedges and that of cleaning litter. Councillor Davies commented that her question submitted under Item 6 of the agenda had not been answered and asked that more information be provided with regards   operational and managerial changes and the publication of key performance indicators and targets. Councillor Caswell reported that money had been set aside in order to keep the town centre tidy and free from litter. In response to a question asked by Councillor Glynane, it was noted that Ward Councillors would be involved and engaged in working on each of the areas affected by the gateways into Northampton.

Councillor Eldred submitted his Cabinet Member report and elaborated thereon. He commented that the St Crispin’s Street Fair had been very successful and had requested that it revisit Northampton next year. He informed Councillors that the Frost Fair had also increased footfall in the town centre with some business reporting a large increase in sales and visitors. He further reported that the Paul Weller tickets had sold well and continued to do so. In response to a question, he commented that BID had a positive impact on the people of Northampton and explained that the consultation regarding land at Eagle Drive had closed and that a report would be bought before Cabinet in the future. Responding to a comment, Councillor Eldred reported that all Councillors should be using the contact centre, whose staff would be able to assist them and refer their queries to the correct department within the Council.

Councillor Markham submitted her Cabinet Member report and elaborated thereon. She explained that there had been a Tenant Participation Day with regards to the Stock Options that had been successful. She reported that over 150 people had been in attendance and thanked the officers for their continued work. In response to a question asked by Councillor Mason, Councillor Markham explained that she was deeply concerned about Council tenants hence the reasoning for Housing Stock Options. In response to a question from Councillor Beardsworth, Councillor Markham reported that there were 5 rough sleepers in Northampton and that every effort was being made to address the problem of rough sleepers and homelessness. She commented that the authority was rated 9^th in the country with regards homelessness. In response to a further question, it was reported that there were currently 39 people who were being housed in a bed and breakfast facility.

Councillor Bottwood submitted his Cabinet Member report and elaborated thereon. In response to a question, he explained that performance was being monitored and more detailed information was available through the normal channels. With regard to wellness, he commented that there were a number of people who had different needs and a different approach to their sickness could result in fewer days being lost. Councillor Palethorpe asked if requests by the Audit Committee for performance information were reported to Cabinet Members and was informed that they were and that issues regarding Environmental Management Services had now been addressed.

Councillor Hadland submitted his Cabinet Member report and elaborated thereon. He informed Council that lights had now been installed at the Skatepark and that the recent road closure at the bottom of the Guildhall had reopened for access. He also commented that the St Johns development was going very well and that further and negotiations were underway with regards to the hotel development. In response to a question, Councillor Hadland commented that all archaeological findings at the railway station would be addressed and would be part of the promotion of heritage within Northampton.