Agenda, decisions and minutes

No apologies for absence were received.

RESOLVED that: The Executive agreed the minutes of the meeting held on 13^th January 2022 as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

No declarations were received.

The Chair, Councillor Jason Smithers reported that there was one request to address the meeting as set out below:

·         Cllr Dorothy Maxwell – Items 7, 8, 9, 11, 13 and 14

RESOLVED:

That the Executive:

a)    Noted the performance of the Council measured by the available indicators at Period 9 for 2021/22 as set out in the appendices to this report.

b)    Noted the stance that is being taken to developing the Council’s approach to benchmarking, comparative data and revised Corporate Plan indicator set.

Reason for Decisions:– to better understand the Council’s performance as measured by performance indicators as at Period 9, 2021/22.

Alternative Options Considered:– reporting performance data on a less frequent basis is an option but monthly reporting is considered useful at this stage of the Council’s existence, reporting alongside budget information.

The Chair, Cllr Jason Smithers introduced a report that sought to provide an update on the performance of the Council across a range of services as measured by performance indicators, as well as setting out the progress that was being made in the development of the Council’s performance monitoring arrangements.

The Chair reported that 89% of performance indicators were currently on target or within 5% of target, with 11% not currently meeting targets. Further work regarding target setting and benchmarking was ongoing, with new Corporate Plan Performance Indicator reports to come to Executive in the new financial year.

Cllrs Helen Harrison and David Brackenbury stated the need to review and improve those performance indicators exhibiting declining trends.

Cllr Graham Lawman welcomed the performance of Highways related targets, noting the increase in road defect repairs and a reduction in outstanding works.

Cllr David Howes referenced and welcomed the improvement in the performance indicator detailing the percentage of calls to Customer Services being answered within target.

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RESOLVED:

That the Executive:

a)    Noted the performance of the Council measured by the available indicators at Period 9 for 2021/22 as set out in the appendices to this report.

b)    Noted the stance that is being taken to developing the Council’s approach to benchmarking, comparative data and revised Corporate Plan indicator set.

Reason for Decisions:– to better understand the Council’s performance as measured by performance indicators as at Period 9, 2021/22.

Alternative Options Considered:– reporting performance data on a less frequent basis is an option but monthly reporting is considered useful at this stage of the Council’s existence, reporting alongside budget information.

RESOLVED:

(KEY DECISION)

Cllr Helen Harrison, Executive Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing introduced a report that sought approval for the procurement of a Dynamic Purchasing System framework agreement for the supply of residential and nursing care home services, including respite provision, for older people predominantly aged 65 years and over in North Northamptonshire.

Cllr Harrison reported that the Council currently commissioned residential and nursing care home services, including respite services, via a 12-month Dynamic Purchasing System with the current agreement set to expire on 31^st August 2022, without the option to extend.

A multi-disciplinary project group had been established to conduct a review of the current service provision and engagement with both the care home market and stakeholders. In addition, benchmarking of cost and service model had been undertaken with neighbouring local authorities and councils nationally, identifying that the Council was an outlier in respect of its current Expected to Pay rate, offering an average of £105 per week less to providers than the average rate paid across surrounding authorities. Consequently, the Council was required to negotiate fees for a significant number of placements on a case-by-case basis, driving up expenditure and resulting in fewer providers contracting with the Council.

Cllr Harrison noted that as part of the options appraisal consideration had been given to co-commissioning a new service with West Northamptonshire Council, however risks were identified that future service delivery needs may differ across the two authorities, and that a single specification would not offer the flexibility to meet the Council’s requirements.

It was heard that the findings of the review had identified that a Dynamic Purchasing System was the preferred approach for North Northamptonshire due to the ability to continually add new providers that wished to work with the Council. This would allow flexibility for the provider and a level of assurance for individuals as contracted providers were subject to a contract monitoring regime.

In order to offer certainty and stability, it was proposed that the contract be for a period of four years with the option to extend for a further year, with an estimated total value of £117.84m based on current budget.  Cllr Harrison detailed the procurement timetable, noting that subject to Executive approval, the contract start date would be 1^st September 2022.

RESOLVED:

(KEY DECISION)

RESOLVED:

(KEY DECISION)

That the Executive:

a)    Authorised the commencement of the statutory process relating to the amalgamation of Tennyson Road Infant School and Alfred Street Junior Schools.

b)    Authorised the commencement of a consultation on the potential location of the proposed ‘new’ school.

c)    Noted that a follow-up report will be considered by the Executive   following the first consultation.

Reasons for Decisions:-

·           Ensures full transparency of the process being followed.

·           Allows for all interested parties to have their views heard and considered as part of the decision-making process.

·           Will evidence that appropriate steps are taken in line with statutory guidelines and within appropriate timescales.

·           Allows executive to be further updated on the outcome of the consultation ahead of any further decision making.

·           Is in accordance with the DfE legislation and policy on amalgamations.

·           Demonstrates to the governing bodies of each school that the council are progressing a shared solution in line with their request.

Alternative Options Considered:- Based upon the financial position and evidence of school performance it is not a viable solution to take no action to progress the consultation on the amalgamation.

The Chair welcomed Cllr Dorothy Maxwell to the meeting to address the committee. Cllr Maxwell spoke to request that all residents of Rushden be considered when the consultation process that formed part of the proposal was undertaken. Cllr Maxwell also called on the Executive to be mindful of the development of new housing and the future need for school capacity in Rushden.

The Chair thanked Cllr Maxwell for her contribution before Cllr Scott Edwards, Executive Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills introduced a report that sought approval to commence the Department for Education (DfE) amalgamation process for Tennyson Road and Alfred Street Schools in Rushden at the request of the respective governing bodies and with the support of officers.

Cllr Edwards reported that the two schools had seen declining intake numbers over a period of years and were both currently undersubscribed. It was heard that there were strong views regarding the potential site of a new school and an open and transparent consultation would be conducted to gather the views of all interested parties. A further report would be brought to a future meeting of Executive detailing the results of this consultation.

Cllr Andy Mercer spoke to support the proposal given that both schools were currently and historically undersubscribed.

RESOLVED:

(KEY DECISION)

That the Executive:

a)    Authorised the commencement of the statutory process relating to the amalgamation of Tennyson Road Infant School and Alfred Street Junior Schools.

b)    Authorised the commencement of a consultation on the potential location of the proposed ‘new’ school.

c)    Noted that a follow-up report will be considered by the Executive   following the first consultation.

Reasons for Decisions:-

·           Ensures full transparency of the process being followed.

·           Allows for all interested parties to have their views heard and considered as part of the decision-making process.

·           Will evidence that appropriate steps are taken in line with statutory guidelines and within appropriate timescales.

·           Allows executive to be further updated on the outcome of the consultation ahead of any further decision making.

·           Is in accordance with the DfE legislation and policy on amalgamations.

·           Demonstrates to the governing bodies of each school that the council are progressing a shared solution in line with their request.

Alternative Options Considered:- Based upon the financial position and evidence of school performance it is not a viable solution to take no action to progress the consultation on the amalgamation.

RESOLVED:

(KEY DECISION)

That the Executive:

a) Agreed the admission arrangements as detailed in Appendix A of the report

b) Agreed the two co-ordinated schemes for the 2023 intake as detailed in Appendix B and Appendix C of the report.

c) Agreed the “Relevant Area” for all North Northamptonshire schools.

Reasons for Decisions:-

·         It is the duty of admission authorities to determine the admission arrangements for all their schools annually. Revised PANs have been proposed in line with falling admission numbers.

·         It is the duty of local authorities to formulate and publish a co-ordinated scheme for the admission of pupils to all schools in the area. The amendment to closing dates for Primary and Secondary applications to remove the 5pm deadline allows parents to apply until midnight on the closing date making the process easier and fairer for parents.

·         It is the duty of local authorities to set the relevant area for its schools.

Alternative Options Considered:- All the above are statutory requirements.

The Chair invited Cllr Dorothy Maxwell to address the committee. Cllr Maxwell spoke regarding the opportunity for children resident in North Northamptonshire being able to attend schools in West Northamptonshire and to query school bus service fees, concluding by noting the importance of choice when making a decision as to which school to attend.

The Chair thanked Cllr Maxwell for her contribution before Cllr Scott Edwards, Executive Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills introduced a report that sought approval of a number of statutory provisions of the School Admissions Code (2021) and legislation relating to school admissions, as follows:

·         Admission Arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled schools in North Northamptonshire for 2023 intakes

·         NNC Primary Co-ordinated Scheme for 2023 intakes

·         NNC Secondary Co-ordinated Scheme for 2023 intakes

·         The “Relevant Area” for North Northamptonshire schools (to be the North Northamptonshire Council area and its neighbouring local authorities)

Cllr Edwards noted the proposal to remove the 5.00pm deadline from application closing dates allowing parents/carers to apply up until midnight on the closing dates for both Primary and Secondary applications. The meeting further noted an addition to the oversubscription criteria for Little Stanion Primary School giving some level of priority to children of staff members.

RESOLVED:

(KEY DECISION)

That the Executive:

a) Agreed the admission arrangements as detailed in Appendix A of the report

b) Agreed the two co-ordinated schemes for the 2023 intake as detailed in Appendix B and Appendix C of the report.

c) Agreed the “Relevant Area” for all North Northamptonshire schools.

Reasons for Decisions:-

·         It is the duty of admission authorities to determine the admission arrangements for all their schools annually. Revised PANs have been proposed in line with falling admission numbers.

·         It is the duty of local authorities to formulate and publish a co-ordinated scheme for the admission of pupils to all schools in the area. The amendment to closing dates for Primary and Secondary applications to remove the 5pm deadline allows parents to apply until midnight on the closing date making the process easier and fairer for parents.

·         It is the duty of local authorities to set the relevant area for its schools.

Alternative Options Considered:- All the above are statutory requirements.

RESOLVED:

(KEY DECISION)

That the Executive:

a)    Approved the funding of school holiday food vouchers for the 2022 Easter school holiday period at a cost of £306,000, from the ‘Household Support Grant’ received from central government for the purpose of providing financial support to vulnerable families during the pandemic.

b)    Approved the provision and funding of school holiday food vouchers for the 2022 May half-term period, at a cost of £153,000 from the ‘Household Support Grant’ received from central government for the purpose of providing financial support to vulnerable families during the pandemic, or if these funds have been fully used, that the May half term funding is met from the Council’s Covid reserve (which will be renamed ‘risk reserve’ next financial year’).

Reasons for Decisions:–

·         Customers will receive the maximum benefit from the option proposed and it will provide support to financially disadvantaged residents of North Northamptonshire during school holiday periods.

·         The recommendation is consistent with previous decisions taken by the Council.

·         Use of the ‘Household Support Grant’ for this purpose is compliant with the terms of the grant.

The Chair invited Cllr Dorothy Maxwell to address the committee. Cllr Maxwell welcomed the proposed continuation of the school holiday food vouchers for those receiving benefits-related Free School Meals and requested that all eligible parties be made aware of the scheme.

The Chair thanked Cllr Maxwell for her contribution before introducing a report that sought approval for the funding of school holiday food vouchers for the 2022 Easter school holiday period, at a cost of £306,000 and 2022 May half-term period, at a cost of £153,000, from the ‘Household Support Grant’ received from central government for the purpose of providing financial support to vulnerable families during the pandemic.

The Chair noted that the Council had only been able to fund the vouchers to date as a result of the government’s proactive response to the pandemic. However, as it wasunclear at this point on whether any funds would be left over at the end of the financial year from the original allocation or whether these could be carried over to 2022/23, The Chair proposed an amendment to recommendation (b) in the report, suggesting the following additional wording be added to the end:

“or if these funds have been fully used, that the May half term funding is met from the Council’s Covid reserve (which will be renamed ‘risk reserve’ next financial year’).”

Cllr Andy Mercer spoke to support the proposal, stating his ambition for it to continue should funding be available in future for it to do so.

Cllr Helen Harrison welcomed the suggested amendment to the recommendation as set out above, as it was imperative that the Council could fund its commitment. Cllr Harrison, as well as Cllrs Edwards and Howes stated the importance of publicising the fact that the Council could only continue to fund these vouchers if there was money made available from government to do so.

RESOLVED:

(KEY DECISION)

That the Executive:

a)    Approved the funding of school holiday food vouchers for the 2022 Easter school holiday period at a cost of £306,000, from the ‘Household Support Grant’ received from central government for the purpose of providing financial support to vulnerable families during the pandemic.

b)    Approved the provision and funding of school holiday food vouchers for the 2022 May half-term period, at a cost of £153,000 from the ‘Household Support Grant’ received from central government for the purpose of providing financial support to vulnerable families during the pandemic, or if these funds have been fully used, that the May half term funding is met from the Council’s Covid reserve (which will be renamed ‘risk reserve’ next financial year’).

Reasons for Decisions:–

·         Customers will receive the maximum benefit from the option proposed and it will provide support to financially disadvantaged residents of North Northamptonshire during school holiday periods.

·         The recommendation is consistent with previous decisions taken by the Council.

·         Use of the ‘Household Support Grant’ for this purpose is compliant with the terms of the grant.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive:

Cllr David Brackenbury, Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration introduced a report that sought approval to join the Central Area Growth Board and agree the associated Terms of Reference.

Cllr Brackenbury noted the role that the Council’s Executive had played to date as an active participant in the Central Area Growth Board, demonstrating its commitment to regional working and in so doing bringing together the local authorities located in the middle of the Cambridge - Oxford Arc. Although the board had been on an informal footing to date, it was proposed to formalise the body due to its evolving role and changing membership as a result of local government reorganisation in the last 12 months.

Cllr Graham Lawman welcomed the report, noting that local authorities had a duty to co-operate, and that the Council maintained positive relationships with neighbouring authorities.

Cllr Harriet Pentland also welcomed the report, noting the importance of the working closely with neighbouring authorities to ensure sustainable green growth.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive:

RESOLVED:

That the Executive:

The Chair invited Cllr Dorothy Maxwell to address the committee. Cllr Maxwell queried government funding for the provision of social care to prisoners as well as opportunities for councillors to tour the new facility at HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough.

The Chair thanked Cllr Maxwell for her contribution before Cllr Helen Harrison, Executive Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing introduced a report that sought agreement for establishing funding arrangements for the provision of social care at the new HMP Five Wells prison in Wellingborough.

It was heard that as of April 2021, the North Northamptonshire Council area had no prisons in operation and consequently received no dedicated grant funding from the Department of Health and Social Care. Since that date, HMP Five Wells, a newly built Category C resettlement prison in Wellingborough had started to receive prisoners in February 2022, with a view to being fully operational by November 2022, with capacity for 1,680 male prisoners.

Cllr Harrison stated that NHS England had conducted a competitive tendering exercise for the healthcare provider contract for the prison, the outcome of which was the award of the contract to the Practice Plus Group who were onsite at the new facility and recruiting for the healthcare team. It was noted that this contract did not include provision for social care.

The meeting heard that Council had responsibility for providing social care to those resident in prisons in its area as a consequence of the Care Act 2014. This report therefore recommended that the Council enter into an agreement with NHS England to secure social care support as a contract variation to the original agreement with Practice Plus Group.

It was reported that the cost to the Council of provision of social care to those resident in HMP Five Wells was a maximum value of £415,739.52 over the three-year period of the agreement, a level of funding allowing 24/7 cover by two workers.  Given that the Council had currently received no funding for the care of prisoners, the cost of any care provided in financial year 2021/2022 would need to be covered by the existing care budget. This was anticipated to be in the region of £35,000.

Cllr Helen Howell noted the Council’s duty of care for all residents and stated that the Business Manager at HMP Five Wells was keen to engage with the local community.

The Chair and Cllr David Brackenbury welcomed the report, noting that a joined-up approach of social care and a robust rehabilitation process that met the needs of prisoners was of vital importance for all those involved.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive:

RESOLVED:

(KEY DECISION)

That the Executive:

Cllr David Brackenbury, Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration introduced a report that sought agreement to accept an additional £503,631 grant from Historic England in respect of Kettering High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ), and to deliver on the investment before 31st March 2022. The report also requested an agreement to extend the HAZ boundary to incorporate Sawyer’s Almshouses and the Manor House Gardens in Sheep Street, Kettering.

The Chair and Cllrs Howell, Edwards and Bunday all welcomed the report and additional grant funding, noting the importance of regenerating town centres that had faced significant challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

RESOLVED:

(KEY DECISION)

That the Executive:

RESOLVED:

(KEY DECISION)

That the Executive:

The Chair invited Cllr Dorothy Maxwell to address the committee. Cllr Maxwell stated that residents must be made aware of what happened to the contents of organic garden waste bins and be provided with the opportunity to buy resulting compost.

The Chair thanked Cllr Maxwell for her contribution before Cllr Graham Lawman, Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets introduced a report that sought approval from the Executive to commence a procurement project for a contract for treatment of organic garden waste collected as part of the Council’s kerbside waste collection service.

Cllr Lawman noted that Council currently had two contracts in place for the disposal of organic garden waste, with the one covering the Kettering and Corby areas set to end on 31^st March 2022, the other, covering Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire was set to end on 31^st March 2023.Cllr Lawman reported that officers were negotiating an interim arrangement for the year until the end of March 2023to cover the Kettering and Corby areas.

The meeting heard that officers were seeking to procure a new contract offering industrial aerobic composting of green waste, ensuring as far as possible that this would offer best value for money for the Council as well as recognising adopted policies regarding the Council’s carbon footprint.

RESOLVED:

(KEY DECISION)

That the Executive:

RESOLVED:

That the Executive:

The Chair invited Cllr Dorothy Maxwell to address the committee. Cllr Maxwell spoke and stated the need for the garden waste collection service be harmonised across all Council areas and queried how the public consultation would take place in relation to future provision of the service.

The Chair thanked Cllr Maxwell for her contribution before Cllr Graham Lawman, Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets introduced a report that sought to provide a summary of the existing garden waste service offered to residents of North Northamptonshire. The report also recommended that a public consultation exercise be conducted to seek residents’ preferences regarding the future provision of a household garden waste service.

Cllr Lawman reminded members of the differences in service provision across the former sovereign council areas with regard to garden waste collections, noting the importance of moving towards harmonisation of the Council’s waste services. It was heard that the public consultation exercise would seek the public’s views on a number of issues, including whether the green waste collections should be for part of, or the whole year and whether to levy a subscription charge as was currently the case in the former East Northamptonshire area.  

It was noted that no decision had been made regarding the future provision of the service, pending analysis of the consultation responses. It was hoped that the exercise would be completed and a new harmonised service launched by late summer or early autumn 2022.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive:

RESOLVED:

(KEY DECISION)

That the Executive:

a)    Noted the Council’s forecast outturn position for 2021/22 as summarised in section 4, alongside the further analysis, risks and other considerations as set out from section 5 of the report onwards.

b)    Noted the assessment of the current deliverability of the 2021/22 saving proposals in Appendix A of the report.

c)    Noted the latest position on the contingency budget as referenced in paragraph 5.5 of the report

Reason for Decisions:– to note the forecast financial position for 2021/22 as at Period 9 and consider the impact on this year and future years budgets.

Councillor Lloyd Bunday,Executive Member for Finance and Transformation introduced a report that set out the forecast outturn position for the Council based on the Period 9 monitoring forecasts for the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account.

It was noted that there was current a forecast underspend against the General Fund budget of £888,000, a positive movement of £892,000 and budget variances for directorates were outlined to the meeting. Cllr Bunday noted that while this was quite a stable position for a new authority, the size of budget variances should be less pronounced moving forward.

Cllr Bunday stated that the forecast outturn for Children’s and Education Service was balanced, although this position would be kept under review with the Finance Director for the Children’s Trust regularly meeting with finance officers from the Council to provide detailed updates on the budget position.  It was noted that, at the end of Period 9, the Children’s Trust was showing a pressure of £3.287m, this could in part be mitigated by bids to both North and West Northamptonshire Councils for Covid-19 related funding totalling £2.601m relating to pressures arising from the pandemic. Should these bids be successful, the remaining overspend of £686k would be met through the use of the carry forward reserve for the Trust.

Cllr Bunday stated that areas of risk and uncertainty going forward included Adult Social Care as a demand led service, with a need to ensure disaggregation care packages were up to date and correctly aligned. The Children’s Trust was another demand led service that was subject to volatility. Cllr Bunday also noted the level of work that had been undertaken to address staffing structures as a new authority, with this significant piece of work ongoing.

Cllr Bunday concluded by referencing the Council’s contingency budget designed to meet unforeseen or unplanned/unbudgeted costs. The balance on contingency budget for Period 9 was £3.619m, an increase of £74k from Period 7 to reflect the movement on the Chester House forecast. Any unspent contingency at the end of the financial year would be moved to the Council’s reserves.

Cllrs Brackenbury and Harrison welcomed the report, noting the importance of being able to analyse pressures relating to specific directorates.

The Chair thanked the Finance Team for having a tight grip on the Council’s finances and encouraged open dialogue with The Children’s Trust regarding its financial requirements, so as to avoid any unwanted surprises in relation to the budgetary position.

RESOLVED:

(KEY DECISION)

That the Executive:

a)    Noted the Council’s forecast outturn position for 2021/22 as summarised in section 4, alongside the further analysis, risks and other considerations as set out from section 5 of the report onwards.

b)    Noted the assessment of the current deliverability of the 2021/22 saving proposals in Appendix A of the report.

c)    Noted the latest position on the contingency budget as referenced in paragraph 5.5 of the report

Reason for Decisions:– to note the forecast financial position for 2021/22 as at Period 9 and consider the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 173.