Agenda item

Cabinet Member Presentations

Minutes:

Councillor Nunn, as the Leader of the Council submitted his report and elaborated thereon. He explained that he had continued to work with other Chief Executives and Council Leaders of all councils in preparation for the Unitary Councils.

 

In response to questions asked Councillor Nunn stated that the shadow board would be a balance of political representation but that it was unknown at the current stage what the composition would be and who would be in the Cabinet. He explained that he had attended a trip to China in order to build relations and considered it a positive trip which encouraged the celebration of Chinese customs. Responding to a further question, Councillor Nunn explained that he would pass on relevant information with regards to the £70,000 community partnership fund that was given to Cabinet. He responded to further questions by explaining that the Air Quality Report would be brought back to Cabinet and that this information would be shared and available to Councillors. He confirmed that he would investigate the problems that were present when accessing Abington Memorial Park.

 

Councillor Larratt, as the Deputy Leader, submitted his report and explained that he had met with officers with regards to Thorplands 81. He responded to public comments noting that the proposed changes to the Markets Advisory Group had already been approved by Cabinet as it had not been effective. It was explained that progress was being made with the street light contractors and reported that there had been a variety of problems with street lights but that bids were being made to the capital budget next year.

 

In response to questions asked, Councillor Larratt explained that the contractors would not be looking at all of the lights as some were the responsibility of the County Council. Responding to further questions, Councillor Larratt commented that he considered it a necessity for a shelter to be put in place outside the train station for people waiting for taxis and he would look into the installation of a shelter. He further noted that webcasting would be going ahead but the financial implications were still being considered.

 

Councillor Hibbert submitted his Cabinet Member report and explained that the rough sleepers count had recently taken place to obtain a snapshot of the numbers of rough sleepers in the Borough and explained that of the 22 males and four females that were found sleeping rough, 19 were already known to the Council’s street outreach team. He explained that a report was soon to be taken to Cabinet which would explore the potential to reduce costs of temporary accommodation and noted that the Council had recently granted planning permission for an additional 17 council houses.

 

In response to questions asked, Councillor Hibbert explained that a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) was in place and would be managed in conjunction with the Hope Centre, which would take place in the event of instances of ‘severe weather’, which would normally operate when the temperature falls below freezing and forecast to remain below freezing for a period of at least three consecutive nights. It was further explained that various steps were being taken to assist homeless women who were living on the streets and sleeping rough which included the provision of bed and breakfast accommodation once they had been vetted by officers at the Guildhall. Councillor Hibbert explained that ‘business’ cards had been placed on every desk as they which had information relating to homelessness printed on them. Responding to a further question, Councillor Hibbert commented that he would be happy to remind Northampton Partnership Homes tenants of their obligations, specifically relating to fireworks.

 

Councillor Hallam submitted his Cabinet Member report and noted how proud he was of the work being carried out by Veolia and IDVerde. He highlighted the response of a reported environmental issue which had been resolved in under two hours.

 

In response to questions asked, Councillor Hallam commented that the neighbourhood wardens were fully staffed which had strengthened the team. It was explained that a record number of formal notices had been issued in Far Cotton which was as a result of fly-tipping, sending out the message that it would not be tolerated.

 

At this juncture of the meeting, the Mayor announced that the time limited for Cabinet Member reports had been reached and no further Cabinet Members would elaborate on their reports.

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