Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Cllrs Scott Edwards and David Howes.

Apologies were also received from the Director for Public Health, Jane Bethea and Assistant Chief Executive, Guy Holloway.

 RESOLVED that the Executive agreed the minutes of the meeting held on 11^th July 2024 as true and accurate record of the meeting.

No declarations were received.

 The Chair, Councillor Jason Smithers reported that there were requests to address the meeting as set out below:

Cllr Dorothy Maxwell opted not to speak in relation to Agenda Item 15.

RESOLVED

That the Executive noted the performance of the Council as measured by the available indicators as at Period 3 (June / Q1) 2024/25, set out within appendices A, B and C to the report

Reason for Recommendations – to better understand and keep track of the Council’s performance as measured by Key Performance Indicators as at Period 3 (June / Q1) 2024/25 so that performance can be managed as necessary.

Alternative Options Considered: Reporting performance data on a less frequent basis is an option. We have taken this option in part, by only formally reporting to Executive quarterly throughout 2024-25, whilst sharing monthly reports to members. Monthly reporting is useful whilst the Council continues to develop.

The Chair invited Cllr Lyn Buckingham to address the meeting. Cllr Buckingham spoke to note that 51% of the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) detailed within the report were below target and drew attention to three specific areas; the significant number of Children Missing from Education, the backlog of non-emergency housing repairs when steps had been put in place to reduce these and customer complaint targets not being met.

The Chair thanked Cllr Buckingham for her contribution before inviting the Executive Member for Finance and Transformation, Cllr Lloyd Bunday to introduce a report that sought to provide an update on the performance of the Council across a range of services as measured by performance indicators (PIs), as well as setting out the progress that was being made in the development of the Council’s performance monitoring arrangements.

Cllr Bunday responded to Cllr Buckingham’s comments regarding complaints and noted that the relevant Executive members would pick up the other points relating to their own areas.

Cllr Bunday reported that in May 2024, a new performance management and 2024/25 KPI set had been approved, with reports now splitting indicators into Core, Service and Organisational Health reports, with further detail provided to the meeting as to the information contained within each. It was heard that the report before members contained 35 Core KPIs reported on a monthly basis, 65 Service KPIs reported quarterly or termly and 36 Organisational Health related KPIs reported on a quarterly basis.

The meeting noted that of those indicators where a target had been set, 23 were on, or exceeding, target with 30 within tolerance levels. Where polarity of direction of travel was determined, 34 had improved with a further 39 changing by less than 5%.

Cllr Gill Mercer made specific reference to two indicators within her area, namely AFL26, the proportion of Section 42 enquiries where risk is reduced or removed and AFL07, long-term support needs met by admission to residential and nursing care homes, per 100,000 population (older people), while noting excellent Public Health reports, with reference to health check improvements.

Cllr Rowley, responding to Cllr Buckingham’s comment regarding non-emergency housing repair backlogs noted that it was projected that this backlog would be cleared by then end of 2024, stating that the response time for maintenance reports was 10 days, the national average being 20 days.

Cllr David Brackenbury spoke to welcome the considerable improvement in planning applications being decided on time, noting that such KPIs would be of interest to the Planning Improvement Board.

Cllr Matt Binley spoke to note the positive improvement in highways repairs and the number of defects outstanding following conversations with the Council’s contractor, Kier. Cllr Binley concluded by noting that the Council would hold the new government to account for this area to ensure the highways investment of £149m over seven years promised by the last government was realised.

Cllr Harriet Pentland noted the growing number of KPIs relating to climate and the green environment and the importance on tracking progress of these.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 673.

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a)    Noted the changes made to the final version of the Greenway Strategic Masterplan following public consultation;

b)    Adopted the Greenway Strategic Masterplan; and

c)    Delegated authority to the Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, in consultation with the Director of Public Health to take any necessary actions to progress delivery of the Strategy.

Reasons for Recommendations: To support the Council and its partners to prioritise future routes for the Greenway and to inform future feasibility studies which will assist the Council to secure developer contributions and other external funding to deliver the programme.

Alternative Options Considered: The alternative option would be to not have a Greenway Strategic Masterplan However, this is not a recommended approach as the strategy clearly outlines what the priority routes are for North Northamptonshire, based on comprehensive data and evidence, will inform future feasibility studies, which are required to secure external funding and developer contributions to enable the expansion of the Greenway across North Northamptonshire. It will also ensure a co-ordinated approach to the delivery of the Greenway.

The Chair invited Cllr Anne Lee to address the committee. Cllr Lee spoke to welcome the adoption of the Greenway Strategy and spoke positively of the project and its vision. Cllr Lee noted the importance of the surface used for pathways across the Greenway network to ensure it was suitable for all potential users including the disabled and those with pushchairs and prams.

The Chair thanked Cllr Lee for her supportive comments before inviting Cllr Dorothy Maxwell to address the meeting. Cllr Maxwell spoke to welcome the strategy and spoke to reference a specific route link for Great Addington and the need to widely advertise the Greenway to the public. Cllr Maxwell requested that ward members be kept informed as well as parish councils who could link into the scheme. Cllr Maxwell also referenced maintenance of entrances to the Greenway and called for recognition of former East Northamptonshire Council (ENC) councillor, Sarah Peacock who had been a driving force behind the initial stages of the project under ENC.

The Chair then invited the Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Helen Howell to introduce a report that presented the final version of the North Northamptonshire Greenway Strategic Masterplan following public and stakeholder consultation and requested Executive approval for adoption of the strategy.

Cllr Howell noted that the strategy before members had taken some time to come to fruition due the detailed nature of route designs and consultation requirements. Responding to comments from speakers, Cllr Howell stated that suitable path surfacing for all users was part of all funding bids for the development of routes within the project. Advertising of the Greenway was a key factor to getting people onboard and the Council would continue to work with partner organisations in this regard. Cllr Howell noted that ongoing grounds maintenance would be an important part of the project and referenced the Peacock Express installation in Rushden that paid tribute to the efforts of Sarah Peacock.

Cllr Howell provided some background details to the strategy, noting that a report had been submitted to the Executive on 14^th September 2023 that introduced and sought approval to consult on the draft Strategic Masterplan for the North Northamptonshire Greenway that comprised over 350km of routes connecting settlements within North Northamptonshire and neighbouring authorities. Consultation was consequently undertaken with the public and other stakeholders between 21^st September 2023 and 1^st November 2023.

The key objectives of the North Northamptonshire Greenway were detailed as follows:  

·       Enable people to choose to walk, wheel or cycle for a range of trip purposes including school, commuting, every day and leisure trips;

·       Deliver an accessible, inclusive active travel network in line with current design standards in terms of coherence, directness, safety, comfort and attractiveness;

·       Help to deliver North Northamptonshire’s Green Infrastructure network including the Ise and Nene Valley Corridors;

·       Improve the tourism offer across North Northamptonshire, with connected market towns, nature reserves and tourism sites and circular routes;

·       Improve the vitality of North Northamptonshire’s towns, aiding  ...  view the full minutes text for item 674.

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a)    Delegated authority to the Leader, in consultation with the Executive Director for Place & Economy (Deputy Chief Executive), to approve:

·       the grant determination letter with Government

·       funding agreements with the lead body for each project

·       change control requests

·       any funding changes between projects required to manage the programme as outlined in the Investment Plan

·       details of the small grants scheme for cultural projects and related funding awards

b)  Agreed to the establishment of a small Members Panel to provide oversight and management of the programme and be responsible for decision making on the small grant scheme.  Membership will include the Leader (Chair), Executive Member for Growth & Regeneration, the Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture & Tourism (Deputy Leader), and the Executive Member for Housing, Communities & Levelling-up, with support from the Executive Director for Place & Economy (Deputy Chief Executive), Executive Director for Finance & Performance, Head of Service for Culture, Heritage & Tourism and external advisors from Leicester University and the University of Northampton.

Reason for Recommendations: To ensure compliance with the funding requirements in respect of projects.  To manage the programme effectively and transparently.

Alternative Options Considered:  To not establish governance arrangements could undermine the ability of the Council to secure the funding and delay progress.

The Chair invited Cllr Lyn Buckingham to speak on this item. Cllr Buckingham welcomed the proposed cultural investment for North Northamptonshire, noting that it would provide a real boost for a lot of projects, with specific reference to the small grant programme. Clarification was sought on the heritage interpretation project, the community ownership fund bid position for the former Kettering bingo hall and the location for Project M. Cllr Buckingham queried whether opposition member representation would be possible for the Members Panel that would convene to oversee and manage the programme.

The Chair then invited Cllr Dorothy Maxwell to address the meeting. Cllr Maxwell noted the number of promising new projects and investments but queried the potential outcome should the new government fail to back the awarded fund.

The Chair thanked the speakers for their contributions before introducing a report that sought approval to delegate authority to the Leader, in consultation with the Executive Director for Place & Economy, to approve:

·        the grant determination letter with Government

·        funding agreements with the lead body for each project

·        change control requests

·        any funding changes between projects required to manage the programme as outlined in the Investment Plan

·        details of the small grants scheme for cultural projects and related funding awards

The report also sought approval to convene a Members Panel for the purpose of overseeing and managing the £5 million of capital funding awarded by government as part of the Spring Budget 2024 to support local cultural projects.

The Chair referenced the potential of the funding, noting that every levelling-up area would benefit. It was heard that the final investment plan had been submitted to government in June following meticulous consideration, comprising ten projects across the area, each of which would invigorate the cultural landscape and attract investment and business to local communities. It was heard that the investment was crucial for pride and belonging in the local area and would be severely impacted should the new government cancel funding.

The Chair outlined proposed arrangements for deliverance including governance requirements.

Cllr Gill Mercer spoke to note the quality of the proposed projects and echoed the need for the government to honour funding commitments.

Cllr Helen Howell noted the considerable amount of time and effort taken by organisations in developing bids and the loss of potential that would be seen if funding was not forthcoming.  Cllr Howell also referenced the pot of money that would enable smaller cultural organisations to receive assistance, something that ordinarily was difficult to access.

Cllr Mark Rowley spoke to note the quality of the successful bids and echoed comments for government support for the fund.

Cllr David Brackenbury spoke to reiterate the need for the new government to commit to the funding previously promised, also noting the level of effort that had gone into putting bids together.

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a)    Delegated authority to the Leader, in consultation with the Executive Director for Place & Economy (Deputy Chief Executive), to approve:

·       the grant determination letter with Government  ...  view the full minutes text for item 675.

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a)    Agreed Wrenn Secondary Expansion Phase 2 project to address significant deficit of Year 7 school places in North Northamptonshire.

b)    Delegated authority to the Executive Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills, in consultation with the Executive Director of Children’s Services and the Executive Director of Place and Economy, to authorise all necessary legal, property and financial agreements to ensure effective delivery of the project.

Reasons for Recommendations:

·       Council pupil projections indicate significant deficit of Y7 places across North Northamptonshire in September 2024 and beyond.

·       The Council is required to provide additional capacity to ensure it fulfils its statutory obligations.

·       To expand pupil places at the school, Capital investment is required to enable the schools to increase pupil admission numbers in 2025.

·       The recommendations support the council to address the lack of sufficiency of secondary pupil places across North Northamptonshire.

·       Under school place planning duties (s13-14 Education Act 1996) the Council as an education authority has a duty to promote high standards of education and fair access to education including SEND. 

·       To accord with legislation and the policy of the Council.

Alternative Options Considered:

·       Option 1: Do nothing - This would fail to support our sufficiency strategy to develop mainstream schools both primary and secondary to address the deficit of pupil places.

·       Option 2: Deliver an expansion project at Wrenn School to deliver 30 additional Y7 pupil places by 2025.

In the absence of the Executive Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills, the Chair invited the Executive Member for Climate and Green Environment, Cllr Harriet Pentland to introduce a report that sought approval for the Wrenn School Secondary Expansion Phase 2 project to address significant deficit of Year 7 places across North Northamptonshire.

It was heard that the project would provide, from September 2025 a much needed additional 30 places for Year 7 pupils at the school, at a cost of £1.5m, including 30% client contingency.

Cllr Mercer spoke to welcome the report in light of a lack of places for secondary education in Wellingborough. Cllr Mercer noted that expanding schools was an expensive business and not something that the Council undertook lightly. Reference was made to the government proposal to add VAT on private school fees and the potential for an additional influx of school pupils seeking places. Currently this risk was unquantifiable but was likely to be costly. Cllr Mercer sought assurance that analysis of the potential impact was being planned.

The Chair spoke to welcome another report that approved local investment and acknowledged Cllr Mercer’s comments regarding VAT on private school fees that could put an additional burden on education authorities nationally. The Chair stated that he was sure the incoming government would recognise this and fund additional capital builds if required.

Cllr Binley spoke to welcome the report, noting the challenges with secondary school places, particularly in Wellingborough and made reference to benefits to home to school transport by increasing capacity.

Cllr Pentland noted that Council officers regularly met with the Department for Education regarding sustainability of school places in the short, medium and long term and would keep the position under review.

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a)    Agreed Wrenn Secondary Expansion Phase 2 project to address significant deficit of Year 7 school places in North Northamptonshire.

b)    Delegated authority to the Executive Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills, in consultation with the Executive Director of Children’s Services and the Executive Director of Place and Economy, to authorise all necessary legal, property and financial agreements to ensure effective delivery of the project.

Reasons for Recommendations:

·       Council pupil projections indicate significant deficit of Y7 places across North Northamptonshire in September 2024 and beyond.

·       The Council is required to provide additional capacity to ensure it fulfils its statutory obligations.

·       To expand pupil places at the school, Capital investment is required to enable the schools to increase pupil admission numbers in 2025.

·       The recommendations support the council to address the lack of sufficiency of secondary pupil places across North Northamptonshire.

·       Under school place planning duties (s13-14 Education Act 1996) the Council as an education authority has a duty to promote high standards of education and fair access to education including SEND. 

·       To accord with legislation and the policy of the Council.

Alternative Options Considered:

·       Option 1: Do nothing - This would fail to support our sufficiency strategy to develop mainstream schools both primary and secondary  ...  view the full minutes text for item 676.

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a)    Agreed the Wollaston School Expansion Section 106 project to address a significant deficit of Year 7 places in Wellingborough, North Northamptonshire.

b)    Delegated authority to the Executive Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills, in consultation with the Executive Director of Children’s Services and the Executive Director of Place and Economy, to authorise all necessary legal, property and financial agreements to ensure effective delivery of the project. 

Reasons for Recommendations:

·       Council pupil projections indicate a significant deficit of Y7 places across North Northamptonshire in September 2024 and beyond: 

·       The Council is required to provide additional capacity to ensure it fulfils its statutory obligations.

·       To expand pupil places at the school in 2024, Capital investment is required to enable the school to also increase pupil admission numbers in 2025.

·       The recommendations support the Council to address the lack of sufficiency of secondary pupil places across North Northamptonshire.

·       Under school place planning duties (s13-14 Education Act 1996) the Council as an education authority has a duty to promote high standards of education and fair access to education including SEND. 

·       To accord with legislation and the policy of the Council.

Alternative Options Considered:

·       Option 1: Do nothing - This would fail to support our sufficiency strategy to develop mainstream schools both primary and secondary to address the deficit of pupil places.

·       Option 2: Building a new school would be an option and there is a planned S106 School at Stanton Cross but there is insufficient S106 funding for this planned new school, and it is estimated that the Council would need circa £15m additional funding over and above the Basic Needs grant to deliver the school, when it comes forward.

The Chair invited Cllr Dorothy Maxwell to address the Executive. Cllr Maxwell spoke to reference the support needed to offer additional school places as a result of a lack of provision and overcrowding. Cllr Maxwell also made reference to funding arrangements and other schools that were awaiting expansion notifications.

The Chair thanked Cllr Maxwell for her comments before again inviting the Executive Member for Climate and Green Environment, Cllr Harriet Pentland to introduce a report that sought approval for the Wollaston School Expansion Section 106 project to address a significant deficit of Year 7 places in Wellingborough.

It was reported that the S106 Development Contributions Board had agreed S106 funding of £755,000 at its board meeting on 13^th June 2024 with a temporary expansion of 16 school places to be in place by September 2024 and a permanent increase from September 2025.  

The Chair spoke to welcome positive investment in a local education establishment, noting his delight at such investment fulfilling the Council’s statutory duties to provide school places.

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a)    Agreed the Wollaston School Expansion Section 106 project to address a significant deficit of Year 7 places in Wellingborough, North Northamptonshire.

b)    Delegated authority to the Executive Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills, in consultation with the Executive Director of Children’s Services and the Executive Director of Place and Economy, to authorise all necessary legal, property and financial agreements to ensure effective delivery of the project. 

Reasons for Recommendations:

·       Council pupil projections indicate a significant deficit of Y7 places across North Northamptonshire in September 2024 and beyond: 

·       The Council is required to provide additional capacity to ensure it fulfils its statutory obligations.

·       To expand pupil places at the school in 2024, Capital investment is required to enable the school to also increase pupil admission numbers in 2025.

·       The recommendations support the Council to address the lack of sufficiency of secondary pupil places across North Northamptonshire.

·       Under school place planning duties (s13-14 Education Act 1996) the Council as an education authority has a duty to promote high standards of education and fair access to education including SEND. 

·       To accord with legislation and the policy of the Council.

Alternative Options Considered:

·       Option 1: Do nothing - This would fail to support our sufficiency strategy to develop mainstream schools both primary and secondary to address the deficit of pupil places.

·       Option 2: Building a new school would be an option and there is a planned S106 School at Stanton Cross but there is insufficient S106 funding for this planned new school, and it is estimated that the Council would need circa £15m additional funding over and above the Basic Needs grant to deliver the school, when it comes forward.

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a)    Agreed the proposed Capital Project to provide a SEND unit at Whitefriars Primary School in Rushden, noting the scheme will be funded by Higher Needs Funding.

b)    Delegated  authority to the Executive Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills, in consultation with the Executive Director of Children’s Services and the Executive Director of Place and Economy, to authorise all necessary legal, property and financial agreements to ensure effective delivery of the project. 

Reasons for Recommendations:

·       Under school place planning duties as set in s13-14 Education Act 1996 the Council as an education authority has a duty to promote high standards of education and fair access to education including SEND.  

·       NNC has a pupil place strategy which includes the provision of mainstream SEND Units both in primary and secondary schools to address the identified deficit of SEND places. This Scheme forms part of that strategy in providing essential places in East Northants.

·       To develop a SEND Units at the school, Capital investment is required. 

·       To accord with legislation and the policy of the Council.

Alternative Options Considered:

·       Option 1: Do nothing - This would fail to support the sufficiency strategy to develop SEND Units in mainstream Schools both primary and secondary to address the deficit of SEND places and create appropriate pathways.

·       Option 2: Deliver a SEND unit at Whitefriars Primary School by September 2025.

The Chair invited Cllr Harriet Pentland to introduce a report that sought approval for a capital project for a SEND unit at Whitefriars Primary School, Rushden as part of the SEND Sufficiency Strategy to deliver essential places across North Northamptonshire.

It was heard that the school was for pupils aged between 5 and 11 years, with the new standalone SEND unit having four classrooms, its own drop off/pick up facilities, pathways and external play area. The provision would be linked to the school for shared facilities such as dining, PE, Science and Food Tech, with additional staff parking facilities achieved through removal of a mobile building and container.

Cllr Mercer and Howell spoke to welcome the report and noted the continued investment for SEND provision in North Northamptonshire.

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a)    Agreed the proposed Capital Project to provide a SEND unit at Whitefriars Primary School in Rushden, noting the scheme will be funded by Higher Needs Funding.

b)    Delegated  authority to the Executive Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills, in consultation with the Executive Director of Children’s Services and the Executive Director of Place and Economy, to authorise all necessary legal, property and financial agreements to ensure effective delivery of the project. 

Reasons for Recommendations:

·       Under school place planning duties as set in s13-14 Education Act 1996 the Council as an education authority has a duty to promote high standards of education and fair access to education including SEND.  

·       NNC has a pupil place strategy which includes the provision of mainstream SEND Units both in primary and secondary schools to address the identified deficit of SEND places. This Scheme forms part of that strategy in providing essential places in East Northants.

·       To develop a SEND Units at the school, Capital investment is required. 

·       To accord with legislation and the policy of the Council.

Alternative Options Considered:

·       Option 1: Do nothing - This would fail to support the sufficiency strategy to develop SEND Units in mainstream Schools both primary and secondary to address the deficit of SEND places and create appropriate pathways.

·       Option 2: Deliver a SEND unit at Whitefriars Primary School by September 2025.

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

1. Approved the commencement of the procurement process to purchase and implement new end user computer devices for staff and elected members at the Council who are eligible for a replacement device.

2. Delegated authority to the Executive Member for Finance and Transformation, in consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive, to take any further decisions and actions required to conclude this procurement, implement the proposals and deliver this project. This includes, but is not limited to, awarding and entering into a contract for the supply of new end user computer devices.

Reasons for Recommendation:

a)    Ensure compliance with Contract Procedure Rules for the procurement of goods and services over the £500,000 threshold which are considered a Council Key Decision.

b)    Ensure the Council’s IT operations remain fit for purpose now and in the future.

c)    Provide greater business continuity for the access of systems and services for the delivery of council services.

d)    Build a solid foundation for future improvement by upgrading technology infrastructure and harmonising the devices used by the Council.

e)    Support the Council’s One Council Programme, facilitating streamlined operations and collaboration.

f)      Harmonise and unify the way that the Council’s IT user’s work, including connecting to one single council IT network domain.

g)    Get the best outcome for the investments that are being made across the Council in its technology and digital estate.

h)    Positively contribute to the Council’s Carbon Management Plan by investing in new technology that is likely to increase energy efficiency.

i)      Remove complicated and aging technical legacy arrangements and associated implementations.

j)      Reduce the support and technical costs that come with managing complex multiple networks for technology at the Council.

Alternative Options Considered:  An option to do nothing or delay the upgrade of devices was not deemed to be viable.  This is due to the fact that much of the Council’s ICT estate will be beyond its effective life span. This will affect the security of the Council’s estate and the ability of the Council to provide continuity of service to customers.

The Chair invited Cllr Anne Lee to address the meeting. Cllr Lee noted the need for new, up to date IT devices for staff that would allow them to undertake their duties. Cllr Lee highlighted a lack of existing IT staff to provide support and raised concerns that this would prove impractical for the setup and implementation of new devices in 2025. Cllr Lee also mentioned anecdotal evidence of shared devices in the authority.

The Chair then invited the Executive Member for Finance and Transformation, Cllr Lloyd Bunday to introduce a report that sought approval from the Executive for the procurement of new end user computer devices for Council staff and elected members.

Cllr Bunday provided details of current IT staffing and the increasing number of staff as disaggregation of ICT systems took place. Cllr Bunday also stated that he had no knowledge of shared IT equipment for staff either currently or historically.

The meeting was provided with an overview of the proposed procurement along with the rationale for its undertaking and a summary of expected benefits. It was noted that Microsoft Windows 10 would no longer be supported from October 2025 and to ensure the Council’s ICT estate was protected there was a need to adopt the Windows 11 upgrade and migrate users to a single North Northamptonshire, a crucial step towards becoming one council. The associated governance and procurement process to be followed was outlined, with the meeting noting that funding was already identified in the Capital Programme to be accelerated over two years rather than the existing timescales.

The Chair spoke to welcome the investment in new equipment for staff and the protection of the Council’s IT infrastructure.

Cllr Mark Rowley noted that inherited IT systems were onerous and complex to maintain and that moving forward staffing levels would be to the necessary level, stating his full confidence in existing staff.

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

1. Approved the commencement of the procurement process to purchase and implement new end user computer devices for staff and elected members at the Council who are eligible for a replacement device.

2. Delegated authority to the Executive Member for Finance and Transformation, in consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive, to take any further decisions and actions required to conclude this procurement, implement the proposals and deliver this project. This includes, but is not limited to, awarding and entering into a contract for the supply of new end user computer devices.

Reasons for Recommendation:

a)    Ensure compliance with Contract Procedure Rules for the procurement of goods and services over the £500,000 threshold which are considered a Council Key Decision.

b)    Ensure the Council’s IT operations remain fit for purpose now and in the future.

c)    Provide greater business continuity for the access of systems and services for the delivery of council services.

d)    Build a solid foundation for future improvement by upgrading technology infrastructure and harmonising the devices used by the Council.

e)    Support the Council’s One Council Programme, facilitating streamlined operations  ...  view the full minutes text for item 679.

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a.    Approved North Northamptonshire Council’s proportion of the former County Council’s balance sheet

b.    Delegated responsibility to the S.151 Officer in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance and Transformation to finalise and complete a binding disaggregation agreement of Northamptonshire County Councils balance sheet between the councils to reflect the agreed position. Including the ability to make reasonable adjustments to the disaggregated balances, in agreement with  West Northamptonshire Council, where errors or omissions come to light that may need correcting.

Reasons for Recommendations: Following reorganisation, and pursuant to the regulations underpinning the distribution of financial reserves, the financial reserves of Northamptonshire County Council were vested in the successor council nominated by the Secretary of State, West Northamptonshire Council. West Northamptonshire Council holds these funds on trust for itself and North Northamptonshire Council.

The regulations prescribe that the nominated council shall divide the financial reserves between itself and North Northamptonshire Council in proportions. This report confirms the proportions proposed in accordance with the regulations.

Alternative Options Considered: The regulations prescribe that the councils shall divide the financial reserves between themselves in such proportion as may be agreed by all the successor councils concerned or, failing such agreement, as is determined by such person as the Secretary of State shall appoint. It is therefore necessary to agree apportionment as set out in this report. The councils must therefore divide the financial reserves.

Whilst a number of options to apportion were considered  by the councils in splitting the remaining technical balances, the proposals presented in this report present the most satisfactory financial position for both councils. These are not therefore presented in this report. as alternative options.

The Chair invited Cllr Lyn Buckingham to address the meeting. Cllr Buckingham spoke to welcome the direction of travel in regard to disaggregation of the former Northamptonshire County Council balance sheet and thanked all those for their involvement to date.

Cllr Dorothy Maxwell was then invited to address the meeting. Cllr Maxwell stated that members had not been fully informed of the balance sheet position prior to vesting day and noted that councillors should be fully kept informed regarding any further developments regarding disaggregation.

The Chair thanked the speakers for their comments before inviting the Executive Member for Finance and Transformation, Cllr Lloyd Bunday to introduce a report that set out the disaggregation of the former Northamptonshire County Council balance sheet and covered the approach taken to disaggregate the technical balances by North and West Northamptonshire Councils. The report further sought approval of North Northamptonshire Council’s proportion of the former County Council’s balance sheet.

Cllr Bunday stated that the report before members was essentially the finished article, with only minor adjustments still required, responsibility for which would be delegated to the Executive Member for Finance and Transformation and the Section 151 officer. It was noted that the Council had previously built in an expectation of the balance sheet being split 50/50, thereby offering a beneficial outcome as a result of prudent treasury management and budgeting by officers.

It was heard that while most balances had been disaggregated based on agreed principles, a number of balances had proved more difficult to allocate but with neither authority significantly disadvantaged. Of the total of £955m on the balance sheet, £608m had been allocated based on the location of asset. A total of £346m had been recommended to be allocated to be split equally between both councils and a total capital financing requirement of £349m.

It was heard that the disaggregation would allow the Council to move forward with external auditing with the existing balance sheet including a statement of accounts and details provided of the legal agreement between the relevant Section 151 officers for both councils.

Cllr Bunday concluded by commending the Council’s interim S151 officer and her team for concluding a complicated scenario in the least complicated fashion.

The Chair spoke to echo the thanks of Cllr Bunday to the S151 officer, noting the scale of the work involved in concluding the disaggregation and for offering reassurance that this was the deal required in such a short period of time.

Cllr Matt Binley spoke to note that the disaggregation had been extensively discussed at Audit and Governance Committee, with the very experienced Chair of that committee helping to drive the process forward.

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a.    Approved North Northamptonshire Council’s proportion of the former County Council’s balance sheet

b.    Delegated responsibility to the S.151 Officer in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance and Transformation to finalise and complete a binding disaggregation agreement of Northamptonshire County Councils balance sheet between the councils to reflect the agreed position. Including the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 680.

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

i)               Approved the following changes into the capital programme:

a.          A4500/B573 Earls Barton Junction, budget approval for £66k, in 2024/25 to be funded from Section 106 contributions.

b.          Wrenn Secondary School Expansion, Phase 2  – budget approval for £1.692m, £264k in 2024/25, £986k in 2025/26 and £442k in 2026/27 to be funded by Basic Needs Grant (BNG) from the Department of Education (DfE).

c.          Wollaston School Expansion – budget approval for £1.70m, £882k in 2024/24 and £248k in 2025/25 to be funded from £281k of Section 106 contributions and £789k from BNG from the DfE (noting the potential of a further £474k from future Section 106 contributions which would reduce the BNG required to £315k).

d.          Whitefriars Primary School SEND Unit – budget approval for £2.329m, £360k in 2024/25, £1.34m in 2025/26 and £627k in 2026/27 to be funded from Higher Needs SEND Capital funding from the DfE.

e.          Schools Minor Works – budget approval for £185k in 2024/25 to be funded by Section 106 Contributions.

ii)              Recommended to Council to approve the following changes into the capital programme:

Capital Programme Update 202324.pdf (moderngov.co.uk)

f.           The re-profiling of the Highways maintenance capital funding scheme, to bring forward budget of £1.5m into 2024/25, £500k into 2025/26 and reduce the budget by £2m in 2026/27, therefore no budget change overall to the £9m additional funding that was added to the budget by the Council.

g.          The virement from the Phase 2 Refugee Resettlement programme scheme to Rough Sleepers Accommodation budget of £2.478m.

h.          The virement from the development pool stock condition survey scheme to general fund budget for stock condition and work transformation scheme of £1m.

Reasons for Recommendations: These are set out in greater detail within section 5 of the report, but can be summarised as helping to meet the Council’s corporate plan objectives:

-       Safe and thriving places

-       Active, fulfilled lives

Alternative Options Considered:

·       For those schemes which are grant funded or from Section 106 contributions, they are undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the grant conditions/ legal agreement and, therefore, there is no alternative option proposed in this report.

·       Where individual schemes are over £0.5m, separate reports are included elsewhere on this agenda, and these set out the wider options that were considered before reaching the proposals put forward.

The Chair invited Cllr Lloyd Bunday, Executive Member for Finance and Transformation to introduce a report that requested approval for capital schemes that had come forward for inclusion in the Council’s Capital Programme. Approval of the funding would allow the schemes to move forward to procurement and delivery. Five schemes were highlighted as per the report and recommendation below. In addition, recommendation to Council was sought to approve three changes into the capital programme as set out below.

Cllr Matt Binley spoke to reference highways funding including reprofiling of highways maintenance capital funding noting that the Council was ensuring early investment to future proof North Northamptonshire’s roads.

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

i)               Approved the following changes into the capital programme:

a.          A4500/B573 Earls Barton Junction, budget approval for £66k, in 2024/25 to be funded from Section 106 contributions.

b.          Wrenn Secondary School Expansion, Phase 2  – budget approval for £1.692m, £264k in 2024/25, £986k in 2025/26 and £442k in 2026/27 to be funded by Basic Needs Grant (BNG) from the Department of Education (DfE).

c.          Wollaston School Expansion – budget approval for £1.70m, £882k in 2024/24 and £248k in 2025/25 to be funded from £281k of Section 106 contributions and £789k from BNG from the DfE (noting the potential of a further £474k from future Section 106 contributions which would reduce the BNG required to £315k).

d.          Whitefriars Primary School SEND Unit – budget approval for £2.329m, £360k in 2024/25, £1.34m in 2025/26 and £627k in 2026/27 to be funded from Higher Needs SEND Capital funding from the DfE.

e.          Schools Minor Works – budget approval for £185k in 2024/25 to be funded by Section 106 Contributions.

ii)              Recommended to Council to approve the following changes into the capital programme:

Capital Programme Update 202324.pdf (moderngov.co.uk)

f.           The re-profiling of the Highways maintenance capital funding scheme, to bring forward budget of £1.5m into 2024/25, £500k into 2025/26 and reduce the budget by £2m in 2026/27, therefore no budget change overall to the £9m additional funding that was added to the budget by the Council.

g.          The virement from the Phase 2 Refugee Resettlement programme scheme to Rough Sleepers Accommodation budget of £2.478m.

h.          The virement from the development pool stock condition survey scheme to general fund budget for stock condition and work transformation scheme of £1m.

Reasons for Recommendations: These are set out in greater detail within section 5 of the report, but can be summarised as helping to meet the Council’s corporate plan objectives:

-       Safe and thriving places

-       Active, fulfilled lives

Alternative Options Considered:

·       For those schemes which are grant funded or from Section 106 contributions, they are undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the grant conditions/ legal agreement and, therefore, there is no alternative option proposed in this report.

·       Where individual schemes are over £0.5m, separate reports are included elsewhere on this agenda, and these set out the wider options that were considered before reaching the proposals put forward.

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a.    Noted the provisional capital outturn position as forecasted at Quarter 1 for the General Fund (GF) Capital Programme and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme for 2024/25.

b.    Noted the new schemes that have been approved since 1^st April 2024.

Reasons for Recommendations: this is in line with the Council’s constitution and financial regulations in relation to governance.

Alternative Options Considered: this report is on the forecasted out-turn and therefore alternative options are not proposed

The Chair invited Cllr Lyn Buckingham to address the Executive. Cllr Buckingham spoke to reference timelines for harmonisation of the two Housing Revenue Account (HRA) neighbourhood accounts and slippage regarding energy efficiency work in relation to Council homes. Cllr Buckingham queried how HRA projects were prioritised and how the Council could ensure its  properties were up to a decent standard

The Chair then invited Cllr Anne Lee to address the meeting. Cllr Lee queried whether the temporary roof for Kettering Library would be erected in the current or forthcoming financial year. Cllr Lee also noted an underspend on the HRA accounts and the backlog of housing repairs.

The Chair thanked the speakers for their contributions before inviting the Executive Member for Finance and Transformation, Cllr Lloyd Bunday to introduce a report that set out the Capital Outturn for 2024/25 as at Quarter 1.

Cllr Bunday reported that the revised capital budget for the General Fund for 2024/25 was £99.9m, including slippage and in-year approved programmes the spend was currently forecast as being £85.9m, an underspend of approximately £14m. It was heard that reason for the majority of slippages were the timings of the various projects and details of projects impacted were provided to the meeting.

It was noted that the General Fund capital programme funding requirement was an original budget of £39m with slippage from the previous year of £33m, in year approved schemes of £22.8m and year end approval of £1.8m. Cllr Bunday stated that the Development Pool would continue to be updated throughout the year.

The 2024/25 capital outturn as at Quarter 1 for the HRA showed a revised budget of £23m, including slippage from 2023/24 with a forecast spend of £20.4m resulting in a £2.6m underspend. During 2024/25, the HRA was looking to purchase new housing to add to the Council’s housing stock utilising one-for-one housing receipts as well as completing ongoing housing development projects.

Cllr Mark Rowley spoke to note that housing repairs were continuing well, with the underspend explained as being the result of a difference in the phasing of projects.

Cllr Helen Howell spoke to reference the Kettering Library roof project, noting that this project was on target with significant works underway behind the scenes. A contractor was in the process of being appointed for repairs to the roof and the temporary roof cover would not be erected until permanent replacement of the roof was ready to commence. It was reported that significant temporary repairs had been undertaken to prevent further deterioration of the roof prior to permanent work commencing.

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a.    Noted the provisional capital outturn position as forecasted at Quarter 1 for the General Fund (GF) Capital Programme and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme for 2024/25.

b.    Noted the new schemes that have been approved since 1^st April 2024.

Reasons for Recommendations: this is in line with the Council’s constitution and financial regulations in relation to governance.

Alternative Options Considered: this report is on the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 682.

RESOLVED

That the Executive:

a)    Noted the treasury management Quarter 1 report detailing the activity undertaken during the first quarter of the financial year ending 31^st March 2025 and the performance achieved set out in Appendix A to this report; and

b)    Noted the Council’s treasury management activities and performance for the quarter ended 30^th June 2025. 

Reasons for Recommendations: The Council’s TMSS is underpinned by the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management (“the Code”) which requires that members are informed of treasury management activities on a quarterly basis each financial year. Full Council has delegated the formulation and monitoring of the Council’s treasury management strategy, policy, and activity to the Executive Committee.

Alternative Options Considered: There are no alternative options to be considered for this report, which is for noting only.

The Chair invited the Executive Member for Finance and Transformation, Cllr Lloyd Bunday to introduce a report that updated the Executive in regard to the Council’s treasury management prudential indicators for the quarter ended 30^th June 2024 in the 2024/25 financial year and the Council’s treasury management activities and performance for the quarter in accordance with the CIPFA’s Code of Practice on Treasury Management.

Cllr Bunday reported that noted that the Council’s net borrowing had reduced by approximately £10.5m for the quarter as a result of the planned maturity of long term loans and one short term operational loan of £5m that had been outstanding.

The meeting heard that the Council’s chief objective when borrowing was to strike a low risk balance between securing low interest costs and cost certainty over the period for which funds were required with flexibility to renegotiate loans should long term plans change.

Attention was drawn to the Council’s strategy and policy against a backdrop of interest rate and market fluctuations as well referencing the CIPFA prudential code. It was heard that the Council held £23.7m in commercial investment Public Works Loan Board loans that were no longer available to take out. This portfolio as currently performing well, although the Council would review options for exiting these investments before undertaking any further borrowing.

Details of the Council’s loans portfolio were provided to the meeting that noted an increase of £4.6m to a total of £442.7m, including the £5m short term loan to fund operational cash requirements referred to above.

It was heard that the Council held £37m of LOBO loans, with £27m of these could have an option exercised in the coming 12 months.

Cllr Bunday stated that the Council had significant invested funds representing income received in advance of expenditure plus balances and reserves, with an increase in investments of £15m for the period to £183.2m from £168.2m. The investment balance ranged from £163.85m to £228.46m during the quarter.

The Council’s attitude between risk and yield, and investment benchmarking were detailed. It was heard that £21.3m of Council investments were in externally managed strategic pool property funds where short term security and liquidity were lesser considerations than regular income and long term price stability. One term had terminated on 31^st May 2024 resulting in a £3m loss to the authority to be offset against reserves built up by outperforming investments.

It was heard that the Council’s Section 151 Officer had reported that all treasury management activities undertaking during the quarter complied with the principles of the treasury management code and the Council’s treasury management strategy.

RESOLVED

That the Executive:

a)    Noted the treasury management Quarter 1 report detailing the activity undertaken during the first quarter of the financial year ending 31^st March 2025 and the performance achieved set out in Appendix A to this report; and

b)    Noted the Council’s treasury management activities and performance for the quarter ended 30^th June 2025. 

Reasons for Recommendations: The Council’s TMSS is underpinned  ...  view the full minutes text for item 683.

RESOLVED

That the Executive:

a)      Noted the Council’s forecast outturn position for 2024/25 for the following:

i)        General Fund as summarised in Section 4, alongside the further analysis, risks and other considerations as set out in Section 5 of the report.

ii)      Housing Revenue Account (HRA) as set out in Section 6 of the report

iii)     Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) as set out in Section 7 of the report.

b)         Noted the assessment of the current deliverability of the 2024/25 General Fund savings proposals as set out in Appendix A.

Reason for Recommendations – to note the forecast financial position for 2024/25 as at Period 3 and consider the impact on this year and future years budgets.

Alternative Options Considered: The report focuses on the forecast revenue outturn against budget for 2024/25 and makes recommendations for the Executive to note the current budgetary position as such there are no specific choices within the report.

The Chair invited Cllr Lyn Buckingham to address the Executive. Cllr Buckingham spoke to raise concerns in regard to risks around Home to School transport, value for money considerations regarding retendering of the contract and service invoicing. Budgetary challenges regarding highways maintenance and needs were also raised.

Cllr Anne Lee was invited to address the Executive. Cllr Lee queried how robust figures were for highways repairs and made reference to vacancies within the officer team inspecting the highways contract. Cllr Lee also questioned what the position was for Council reserves.

The Chair invited the Executive Member for Finance and Transformation, Cllr Lloyd Bunday to introduce a report that set out the forecast outturn position for the Council based on the Period 3 monitoring forecasts for the General Fund, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).

In response to comments from speakers, Cllr Bunday noted that the Council’s reserves position had recently been reported on and was well documented, with Home to School Transport pressures in the process of being mitigated.

Cllr Bunday reported that the overall outturn forecast for the General Fund for 2024/25, as at Period 3 was a forecast overspend of £8.461m. It was heard that whilst there was a contingency budget and reserves available to call on to help fund in year pressures, the Council would look to alternative mitigations before these were applied.

It was reported that there were a number of pressures impacting the General Fund position as follows:

·       The Children’s Trust was forecasting an overspend of just over £6m, the cost to the Council being £2.681m.

·       Additional investment in agency workers to support the Education Health Care service meet increased demands for assessments resulted in additional expenditure of £2.222m

·       Forecast pressures of just over £5m related to third-party payments for independent care spend. Direct payments in relation to care were forecast to be overspent by £726,000, partially offset by additional grants and client contributions of £3.15m

·       Pressure of £1.388m on employee related costs within Safeguarding and Wellbeing, partially offset by additional income of £985,000

·       Net pressures of £848,000 across the Place and Economy directorate

·       Savings of £576,000 related to PFI scheme payments and savings on interest payments of £585,000

·       Additional investment income of £750,000 was forecast due to the higher than expected Bank of England base rate

·       It was estimated that Business Rates were £500,000 more for the year than predicted.

The Council’s overall outturn forecast for the Housing Revenue Account was reported as being an underspend of £343,000.

It was also reported that the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) had a forecast pressure of £10.657m, with pressures relating to the high needs funding block that supported SEND provision. Discussions were ongoing to mitigate these pressures with work ongoing alongside the EFSA on a deficit recovery plan.

Cllr Bunday referenced the Bank of England base rate reduction following 14 consecutive increases since 2021 as well as CPI and RPI figures.

Cllr Binley spoke to reference the comments of Cllr Lee regarding Highways Team  ...  view the full minutes text for item 684.