Issue - meetings

To consider motions received in accordance with Meeting Procedure Rule 17 as follows: -

Motion 1

To be proposed by Cllr Jim Hakewill and seconded by Cllr Charlie Best: -

“This council resolves to scrutinise the current options for residents to choose a green burial in North Northamptonshire. Further, to develop a Green Burial Ground policy to enable appropriate guidance to be given to interested operators with potential areas identified”

Motion 2

To be proposed by Cllr Leanne Buckingham and seconded by Cllr Lyn Buckingham: -

“The definition of consultation as defined by the Consultation Institute is:

The dynamic process of dialogue between individuals or groups, based upon a genuine exchange of views and, with the objective of influencing decisions, policies, or programmes of action.

This council has engaged in several consultations in its short existence, as you would expect, given that there are so many elements of public life that need to be brought together for the betterment of the people if serves.

With so many consultations going live there has been some confusion from both members of this chamber and members of the public. North Northants council believes in being a listening council, and as such we should only provide the best quality consultation.

This motion asks for a consultation panel to be created, this will be a cross-party group that is able to quality assure all consultations are of the highest quality and have passed a “reasonable person test”. To ensure that this panel does not stall activity It should meet monthly and digitally. The panel will give advice on stakeholders that should have been engaged in the process and advise methods that should be utilised.”

Motion 1

Council had received the following motion –

“This council resolves to scrutinise the current options for residents to choose a green burial in North Northamptonshire. Further, to develop a Green Burial Ground policy to enable appropriate guidance to be given to interested operators with potential areas identified.”

The motion was MOVED by Councillor Jim Hakewill and SECONDED by Councillor Charlie Best.

Council noted that there were a few existing sites in the local area, although few in North Northamptonshire, that catered for Green Burials, and Councillor Hakewill suggested that there was likely to be increasing interest and demand for sites in the future.

Councillor Hakewill was proposing that the Council, through its scrutiny process, seek to investigate in consultation with partners and the wider public whether any extension of existing facilities and creation of new facilities should be considered by the Council.

(Councillor M Tye left the meeting at this point.)

A proposed amendment to the substantive motion was rejected on the advice of the Monitoring Officer.

Prior to completion of debate on the motion, a Motion Without Notice was MOVED by Councillor Jason Smithers and SECONDED by Councillor Helen Howell, to extend the guillotine to allow for the completion of determination of Motion 1.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            The guillotine be extended to allow for the debate and determination of Motion 1 to be completed to be followed immediately by the close of the meeting.

(A recorded vote on the Motion Without Notice was taken. Those voting for the motion – Councillors Wilkes, Binley, D Brackenbury, W Brackenbury, Weatherill, Bunday, Carter, Currall, Howes, Jackson, K Harrison, H Harrison, D Jenney, Ekins, Edwards, Hallam, B Jenney, Howell, G Lawman, L Lawman, Marks, G Mercer, Nichol, Allebone, Pandey, Partridge-Underwood, Pentland, Roberts, Shacklock, Smithers, Henson.

Those voting against the motion – Councillors Best, S Brown, Lyn Buckingham, Leanne Buckingham, Carr, Colquhoun, Dalziel, Jelley, Dell, Keane, Hakewill, Addison, Maxwell, McEwan, J McGhee, Z McGhee, Pengelly, Smith-Haynes, Tubbs, Anslow, Armour.

Abstentions – Councillors Bell, Watt, A Mercer, Powell, Ward).

Councillor Hakewill concluded the debate on the substantive motion.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            The motion be agreed.

To consider motions received in accordance with Meeting Procedure Rule 17 as follows:-

Motion 1

To be proposed by Cllr Lyn Buckingham and seconded by Cllr Leanne Buckingham:-

The cost-of-living crisis will have an impact on the Council’s most vulnerable tenants, especially if the winter turns out to be long and hard, and no one knows if it will be mild or harsh winter. Whilst the government works out what it needs to do, we as a landlord also need to look at and prepare for how we ensure our tenants remain safe and well.

Our housing stock is getting older and whist we as a Council do have a boiler replacement scheme, it is still possible we could have many boiler failures over the coming winter, with tenants facing long waits for either boiler parts or replacement. 

This motion asks –

“North Northamptonshire Council to review the energy efficiency of any temporary heating given to families to help in those conditions where tenants have a boiler failure and face a long wait for repairs or replacement, as the current temporary heating (usually fan heaters) could cost up to 84p per hour to run per heater, over a month this could add £100s per month compared to average heating costs; the motion also asks if heating in these circumstances could be subsidised by the Council in properties where there are children under 5, the elderly and the disabled, who are disproportionally affected by the need and ability to keep warm.”

Motion 2

To be proposed by Cllr Emily Fedorowycz and seconded by Cllr Sarah Tubbs:-

“This Council moves to lobby central government for retrospective price caps (October 2021 levels) to protect the British public and British businesses against rising energy prices.”

Motion 1

The Chair informed Council that the following motion on notice had been received.

“The cost-of-living crisis will have an impact on the Council’s most vulnerable tenants, especially if the winter turns out to be long and hard, and no one knows if it will be mild or harsh winter. Whilst the government works out what it needs to do, we as a landlord also need to look at and prepare for how we ensure our tenants remain safe and well.

Our housing stock is getting older and whist we as a Council do have a boiler replacement scheme, it is still possible we could have many boiler failures over the coming winter, with tenants facing long waits for either boiler parts or replacement. 

This motion asks –

North Northamptonshire Council to review the energy efficiency of any temporary heating given to families to help in those conditions where tenants have a boiler failure and face a long wait for repairs or replacement, as the current temporary heating (usually fan heaters) could cost up to 84p per hour to run per heater, over a month this could add £100s per month compared to average heating costs; the motion also asks if heating in these circumstances could be subsidised by the Council in properties where there are children under 5, the elderly and the disabled, who are disproportionally affected by the need and ability to keep warm.”

Councillor Lyn Buckingham MOVED the motion. Councillor Leanne Buckingham SECONDED the motion.

Councillor Lyn Buckingham expressed concern regarding the potential for an increase in fuel poverty during the current energy crisis and the financial problems being faced by large sections of the community. Councillor Buckingham was particularly concerned regarding vulnerable people who were Council housing tenants and seeking assurances that the Council maximise assistance to these residents.

Councillor John McGhee felt that it was important that the Council took action as soon as possible and sought assurances that the boiler replacement programme was accelerated to ensure that the need for repairs to faulty devices could be minimised. It was important that the Council’s tenants did not suffer from lack of a reliable source of heating.

Councillor Binley confirmed that the Council did have a fully costed boiler replacement programme which was being rolled out. The Council operated a 24-hour response service to reports of faulty boilers as this was obviously seen as a priority. Boiler replacements were dealt with within days.

Councillor Hakewill suggested that the motion could be referred to scrutiny for consideration, however after discussions this referral was withdrawn, and the mover and seconder of the motion sought permission to amend the tabled motion, so that the words were added at the end of the final paragraph “…and that a report be brought back to the next Council meeting or the meeting after that.”

RESOLVED that: -

(i)               The motion (as amended) be approved.

Motion 2

The motion on notice submitted by Councillor Fedorowycz was withdrawn with the agreement of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 163

To consider motions received in accordance with Meeting Procedure Rule 17 as follows:-

Motion 1

To be proposed by Cllr Alison Dalziel  and seconded by Cllr Matt Keane:-

‘The North Northamptonshire Council wishes to re-assert the importance of the ‘Nolan Principles’ of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership for all in public life.  These principles serve as the foundations of our Councillor Code of Conduct and underpin how Councillors must behave when carrying out their duties.

The honour of becoming an elected representative comes with the responsibility of maintaining and building the confidence in which the democratic political process is held, both for central and local governments.  These principles guide not only how decisions and functions are carried out by elected members but also how they treat officers, the public and their colleagues.

In light of the attention these principles are receiving locally and nationally, this council therefore notes:

•            The seven Nolan Principles of Public Life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership) underpin the conduct and behaviour expected of our elected representatives nationally and locally. 

•            The obligation as a Council and as individual Councillors to adhere to these principles at all times.

This Council resolves:

•            To defend and protect these principles as a matter of duty, so as to maintain and build the confidence of residents in their democratic institutions.

•            That members should confront and report actions or omissions by other members of this council that appear to be contrary to the Code of Conduct adopted by the Council, which includes and reflects the Nolan Principles.

The Chair informed Full Council that a motion had been received; this was printed on the agenda paper.

Motion – Member Conduct

“The North Northamptonshire Council wishes to re-assert the importance of the ‘Nolan Principles’ of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership for all in public life. These principles serve as the foundations of our Councillor Code of Conduct and underpin how Councillors must behave when carrying out their duties.

The honour of becoming an elected representative comes with the responsibility of maintaining and building the confidence in which the democratic political process is held, both for central and local governments. These principles guide not only how decisions and functions are carried out by elected members but also how they treat officers, the public and their colleagues.

In light of the attention these principles are receiving locally and nationally, this council therefore notes:

•          The seven Nolan Principles of Public Life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity,                      accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership) underpin the conduct and        behaviour expected of our elected representatives nationally and locally. 

•          The obligation as a Council and as individual Councillors to adhere to these principles      at all times.

This Council resolves:

•          To defend and protect these principles as a matter of duty, so as to maintain and build      the confidence of residents in their democratic institutions.

•          That members should confront and report actions or omissions by other members of         this council that appear to be contrary to the Code of Conduct adopted by the Council,            which includes and reflects the Nolan Principles.”

The motion was MOVED by Councillor Alison Dalziel and SECONDED by Councillor Matt Keane. In moving the motion Councillor Dalziel stressed the importance of ensuring that there was mutual respect shown at all times and emphasised the importance in complying with the Nolan Principles at all times.

Several members across the Chamber spoke in support of the motion, many pointing out that members in signing their respective Acceptance of Office forms agreed to abide by the approved Code of Conduct.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            The motion be supported.

To consider motions received in accordance with Meeting Procedure Rule 17 as follows:-

Motion 1

To be proposed by Cllr Jim Hakewill and seconded by Cllr Sarah Tubbs:-

‘This Council directs the Portfolio Holder for Rural Communities & Localism, Cllr David Howes, to carry out whatever steps are necessary to have the “Funding Bid for the proposed development of a traveller’s stopping site”, proposed to be located at Rothwell Green Space, north of Junction 3 of the A14 and south of Harrington Road, Rothwell, withdrawn immediately.

Further, that all feedback and background work on this proposal be retained, fed into the Gypsy and Traveller Site Allocations Policy and be considered during the proposed policy development.’

Motion 2

To be proposed by Cllr John McGhee and seconded by Cllr Zoe McGhee:-

‘This  motion is asking members to consider changing when planning permission is required for small houses in multiple occupation (HMO).

As it currently stands, people can apply to change the use of a property to a small house in multiple occupation (with between three and six occupiers) under permitted development rights, while larger HMOs have to go through the full planning process.

By removing the permitted development rights, any applications for a HMO, of any size, would be governed by the same rules.

Under article 4 of the National Planning Policy Framework councils are able to increase the requirements for applications for planning permission to HMOs, this has to be based on robust evidence and apply to small areas only so. We recognise that  there’s still a lot of work to do on this, but we are positive that by working together, we can improve the way HMOs are governed.

And as part of this motion we are asking officers to look into strengthening licensing requirements for the operation of HMOs, so they can be better monitored, and landlords held responsible for any negative impact on communities.

We ask the council to report back at the next full council with a plan on how to achieve this aim.’

The Chair informed Council that two motions had been received. These were detailed on the agenda paper.

Motion 1 - Traveller’s Stopping Site

“This Council directs the Portfolio Holder for Rural Communities & Localism, Cllr David Howes, to carry out whatever steps are necessary to have the “Funding Bid for the proposed development of a traveller’s stopping site,” proposed to be located at Rothwell Green Space, north of Junction 3 of the A14 and south of Harrington Road, Rothwell, withdrawn immediately.

Further, that all feedback and background work on this proposal be retained, fed into the Gypsy and Traveller Site Allocations Policy and be considered during the proposed policy development.”

Councillor Jim Hakewill MOVED the motion. Councillor Martin Griffiths SECONDED the motion. Councillor Hakewill expressed concern that the proposed course of action was not viable and did not meet the needs of local residents or travellers. Councillor Hakewill felt that there had been insufficient consultation. Councillor Griffiths felt that local resident’s views were not being fully considered and that the Council should consider delaying any decision.

Councillor Howes stressed that this was not a rushed proposal by the Council. The bid for Government funding had been fully costed and thought through. Councillor Howes stressed that the Government were seeking detailed proposals and would not consider substandard bids.

A recorded vote was requested.

Those voting FOR the motion: -

Councillors Addison, Anslow, Armour, Lyn Buckingham, Griffiths, Hakewill, Keane, McEwan, J McGhee, Z McGhee.

Those voting AGAINST the motion: -

Councillors Binley, Bone, D Brackenbury, W Brackenbury, S Brown, Bunday, Carter, Currall, Dearing, Ekins, Hallam, Harrington, H Harrison, Howell, Howes, Irwin, Jackson, B Jenney, Lawal, G Lawman, L Lawman, Marks, Maxwell, A Mercer, G Mercer, Pentland, Powell, Roberts, Rowley, Shacklock, Smithers, Smith-Haynes, Tebbutt, Tye, Ward, Waters, Watt, Weatherill, Wilkes.

Those who ABSTAINED: -

Councillor Henson.

The motion fell.

Guillotine Motion

It was MOVED by Councillor Jon Ekins and SECONDED by Councillor Helen Harrison, that the guillotine be extended until 5:30 pm. Full Council agreed this.

(Councillor D Howes and Councillor D Weatherill left the meeting at this point having earlier declared a personal interest).

Motion 2 - Houses in Multiple Occupation

“This motion is asking members to consider changing when planning permission is required for small houses in multiple occupation (HMO).

As it currently stands, people can apply to change the use of a property to a small house in multiple occupation (with between three and six occupiers) under permitted development rights, while larger HMOs have to go through the full planning process.

By removing the permitted development rights, any applications for a HMO, of any size, would be governed by the same rules.

Under article 4 of the National Planning Policy Framework councils are able to increase the requirements for applications for planning permission to HMOs, this has to be based on robust evidence and apply to small areas only so. We recognise that there’s still a lot of work to do on this, but we are positive that by working together,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11

To consider motions received in accordance with Meeting Procedure Rule 17 as follows:-

Motion 1

The following motion had been submitted for consideration by Full Council –

“North Northamptonshire Council recognises the importance of being a responsible Organisation when it comes to food waste. As such the council will only hold meetings, training and other forms of offsite events at venues where the sites have a sustainable food waste policy to minimise food going to landfill; a policy whether written or verbally agreed with the council prior to any booking made that food waste wherever possible will be donated to foodbanks, homeless shelters or other various outside organisations and not put into general waste.”

The motion was MOVED by Councillor Matt Binley and SECONDED by Councillor Scott Brown.

Following discussion, the MOVER of the motion accepted a slight amendment to the wording, to remove the word “waste” and replace with “surplus.” The amended motion read -

“North Northamptonshire Council recognises the importance of being a responsible Organisation when it comes to surplus food. As such the council will only hold meetings, training and other forms of offsite events at venues where the sites have a sustainable surplus food policy to minimise food going to landfill; a policy whether written or verbally agreed with the council prior to any booking made that surplus food wherever possible will be donated to foodbanks, homeless shelters or other various outside organisations and not put into general waste.”

Members were generally supportive of the proposal, whilst stressing that it was important that food hygiene rules were always complied with and noted the motion stressed that the policy be enacted “…wherever possible...”

RESOLVED that: -

The motion (as amended) passed.

To consider motions received in accordance with Meeting Procedure Rule 17 as follows:-

Motion 1

To be proposed by Cllr Martin Griffiths and seconded by Cllr Jim Hakewill:-

“Our Director of Public Health’s hard work (especially as the spokesperson in media briefings and radio interviews), brilliantly backed up and supported by Northamptonshire’s health workers and professionals, has I am sure saved countless lives. The Council recognises the tremendous work of our shared Director of Public Health, and her team, throughout the pandemic”.

Motion 2

To be proposed by Cllr King Lawal and seconded by Cllr Philip Iriwn:-

“This council fully supports the government's commitment to put twenty thousand more police officers out on the beat, catching criminals and deterring crime. The Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner should also be commended on his efforts to deliver on that commitment locally. We will soon have more police officers in Northamptonshire than we have ever had. The best way to keep our streets safer is for more officers to be out and about, visible on patrol. This council supports that aim”

Motion 3

To be proposed by Cllr Alison Dalziel and seconded by Cllr Matt Keane:-

“North Northamptonshire Council notes that fox hunting with hounds is illegal under the terms of the Hunting Act 2004, except where an exemption applies. Most hunts claim to now be trail hunting including those who operate in North Northamptonshire, where hounds follow an artificial scent, as opposed to clean boot or drag hunting, where hounds will pursue the scent of a human runner for fun. There are no clean boot or drag hunts operating in North Northamptonshire. 

Trail hunting was created after the introduction of the Hunting Ban, with any chase or kill of a wild mammal often being attributed to accidental rather than intentional hunting”

RESOLVES that:-

Until the Hunting Act 2004 is strengthened to include a recklessness clause, this Council resolves that it will not permit trail hunting, exempt hunting, or any form of hunt meets, on its land.

Motion 4

To be proposed by Cllr Emily Fedorowycz and seconded by Cllr Jim Hakewill:-

“This Council recognises that divesting fossil fuels from our pension fund is one of the most impactful steps we can take to reduce our impact on climate change. 

This Council calls for Northamptonshire’s Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) to divest from fossil fuels.

We further request that the Chairman of the LGPS (Cllr Malcolm Longley) comes to address councillors early in 2022 to explain their investment policies in relation to fossil fuels, especially in light of the resolutions from COP26 in Glasgow”

Motions on Notice had been received prior to the deadline set.

Motion 1

The MOVER and SECONDER of the motion being absent the motion was deemed withdrawn.

Motion 2

The following motion was MOVED by Councillor King Lawal and seconded by Councillor Philip Irwin.

“This council fully supports the government's commitment to put twenty thousand more police officers out on the beat, catching criminals and deterring crime. The Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner should also be commended on his efforts to deliver on that commitment locally. We will soon have more police officers in Northamptonshire than we have ever had. The best way to keep our streets safer is for more officers to be out and about, visible on patrol. This council supports that aim”. 

Councillor Lawal in moving the motion, highlighted the need to see a greater police presence in local communities. Whilst recognising the constraints on resources, Councillor Lawal felt it was important that the Police were as visible within communities as possible, building positive relationships with local residents. Councillor Lawal also felt that the Police needed to utilise their existing powers e.g., stop & search to assist in combating crime.

Councillor Irwin seconded the motion, stressing the need for local communities to feel safe, for Police to continue to build local relationships and that local issues be resolved with a local response.

Councillor Z McGhee suggested that Police needed to build good local relationships with the communities, and particularly engage with young people. There was a need to break down barriers in some places, and greater use of youth workers to facilitate good public/Police relations.

Councillor Binley recognised that the Police needed to continue to engage with local communities to promote good relations. The Police’s primary activity was to prevent and detect crime, and they should be encouraged to use the powers they possessed in a reasonable and proportionate way to achieve this.

Councillors G Mercer, Maxwell and Pandey also spoke in support of the motion.

Councillor Anslow suggested that stop & search powers did not prevent crime occurring, and there was evidence that such powers were disproportionately used against certain sections of the local community. Councillor Colquhoun suggested that Police numbers had been cut in recent years, and whilst recognising that they were now rising, the force overall had yet to recover to the previous level. Councillor Colquhoun also commented that other factors such as poor street lighting did not assist in making local residents feel safe.

Councillor Rye observed that the allocation of Police resources was a matter for the Chief Constable.

Councillor J McGhee also raised the issue of the lack of youth workers which did not assist in building good relations and providing positive role models in some communities.

Councillor Lawal concluded the debate and sought Full Council’s support for the motion.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            The motion be supported.

Motion 3

The following motion was MOVED by Councillor Alison Dalziel and SECONDED by Councillor Matt Keane.

“North Northamptonshire Council notes that fox hunting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 74