Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Corby Cube, George Street, Corby, NN17 1QG

Contact: David Pope 

Items
No. Item

259.

Election of Chair

Minutes:

In the absence of both the Leader and Deputy Leader, the Monitoring Officer sought nominations for a member of the Executive to Chair the meeting.

 

Cllr Scott Edwards proposed and Cllr David Brackenbury seconded the nomination of Cllr Harriet Pentland as Chair for the meeting.

 

In the absence of any further nominees it was

 

RESOLVED: That Cllr Harriet Pentland be elected as Chair of the Executive for the duration of the meeting.

260.

Apologies for absence

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of the Leader, Cllr Jason Smithers and Deputy Leader, Cllr Helen Howell. Apologies were also received from Cllrs Matthew Binley, David Howes and Graham Lawman.

261.

Minutes of the Meeting Held on 14th July 2022 pdf icon PDF 367 KB

Minutes:

RESOLVED that: The Executive agreed the minutes of the meeting held on 14th July 2022 as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

262.

Members' Declarations of Interest

Minutes:

No declarations were received.

263.

Notifications of requests to address the meeting

Minutes:

It was noted that there were requests to address the meeting as set out below:

 

Agenda Item

Speaker

Item 5 – Performance Indicator Report

 

Cllr Anne Lee

Cllr John McGhee

 

Item 6 - Ringstead Neighbourhood Plan

Cllr Dorothy Maxwell

Derek Sims

 

Item 9 – Levelling Up Scrutiny Commission

Cllr Anne Lee

Cllr John McGhee

 

Item 11 – Pollinator Strategy

Lee Forster

 

Item 12 – Tree Management & Care Policy

Lee Forster

Cllr Anne Lee

Cllr Dorothy Maxwell

Cllr Lyn Buckingham

 

Item 13 – Integrated Care Across Northamptonshire (iCAN)

Cllr Dorothy Maxwell

Cllr John McGhee

Cllr Lyn Buckingham

 

Item 14 – Recommissioning of the Holiday Activities and Food Programme

Cllr Anne Lee

Cllr Dorothy Maxwell

 

Item 15 – Update on the Proposed

Cllr Dorothy Maxwell

 

Item 16 - Land sale agreement Oakley Vale Phase 8 

Cllr Lyn Buckingham

 

Item 18 – Capital Outturn Report

Cllr Lyn Buckingham

 

 

Cllr Maxwell arrived after Item 6 had been considered and approved and therefore did not speak in relation to this item.

264.

Performance Indicator Report 2022/23 (Period 3 - June 2022) pdf icon PDF 426 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

That the Executive:

 

a)    Noted the performance of the Council as measured by the available indicators at Period 3 2022/23 as set out in the appendices to this report.

 

b)    Noted the progress being made in the development of the Council’s approach to performance management.

 

 

Reason for Recommendations – to better understand the Council’s performance as measured by performance indicators as at Period 3, 2022/23.

 

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.

Minutes:

The Chair, Cllr Harriet Pentland, welcomed Cllr Anne Lee to the meeting to address the Executive. Cllr Lee requested better explanation of abbreviations used in the report and made reference to targets regarding the length of time to register a death, agency staff spend, customer service complaints escalated to Stage 2, void properties in the Kettering housing stock, education health care plans for children and the number of health checks offered.

 

The Chair thanked Cllr Lee for her comments and invited Cllr John McGhee to address the Executive. Cllr McGhee also referred to agency staff spend and requested a full breakdown of associated costs as well as querying the target relating to transparency publications completed on time.

 

The Chair thanked Cllr McGhee for his contribution before inviting Guy Holloway, Assistant Chief Executive to introduce the report in the absence of the Leader. The report 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.

 

In response to Cllr Lee’s comment regarding the use of abbreviations, it was heard that this would be reviewed for future versions of the report, with comments regarding the breakdown of agency spend also taken on board.

 

It was reported that 58.5% of performance indicators were currently on target or overperforming, with 18% within 5% of their respective targets. A total of 23% of indicators were underperforming and outside the 5% tolerance, with work being undertaken to address these.

 

Cllrs Edwards and Harrison responded to comments made by the speakers, noting that a series of steps had been put in place to improve current performance relating to underperforming indicators.

 

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Executive:

 

a)    Noted the performance of the Council as measured by the available indicators at Period 3 2022/23 as set out in the appendices to this report.

 

b)    Noted the progress being made in the development of the Council’s approach to performance management.

 

 

Reason for Recommendations – to better understand the Council’s performance as measured by performance indicators as at Period 3, 2022/23.

 

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.

265.

Ringstead Neighbourhood Plan pdf icon PDF 428 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

That the Executive make the Ringstead Neighbourhood Plan, so that it becomes part of the statutory development plan for the area

 

 

Reason for Recommendation: As the plan was approved at the local referendum and the council is satisfied that the making of the plan would not breach, or otherwise be incompatible with, any EU or human rights obligations, the council is procedurally required to “make” the Ringstead Neighbourhood Plan part of the statutory development plan for the Ringstead Neighbourhood Area within the timeframe set out by the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended).

 

Alternative Options Considered: The local planning authority is required by the Localism Act and provisions of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended) to ‘make’ a neighbourhood plan within 8 weeks of the day following a successful referendum. The only circumstance where the council should not make this decision is where the making of the plan would breach, or would otherwise be incompatible with, any EU of human rights obligation. Failure to make the Plan would prevent it being adopted.

Minutes:

The Chair invited Derek Sims to address the Executive in relation to this item. Mr Sims stated that significant work had gone into the production of the neighbourhood plan across a five-year period and offered his thanks to those who had contributed, with particular reference to villagers and the consultant employed by the parish council.

 

The Chair thanked Mr Sims for his involvement before inviting Cllr David Brackenbury, Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration to introduce a report that sought approval to formally make the Ringstead Neighbourhood Plan as part of the statutory development plan, following an independent examination and positive referendum result.

 

Cllr Brackenbury offered congratulations to all those involved in the process of getting the neighbourhood plan to this stage, noting the tremendous amount of work involved in its production.

 

Cllr Scott Edwards spoke in support of the recommendation and echoed comments regarding the hard work and dedication of those involved in the production of the plan.

 

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Executive make the Ringstead Neighbourhood Plan, so that it becomes part of the statutory development plan for the area

 

 

Reason for Recommendation: As the plan was approved at the local referendum and the council is satisfied that the making of the plan would not breach, or otherwise be incompatible with, any EU or human rights obligations, the council is procedurally required to “make” the Ringstead Neighbourhood Plan part of the statutory development plan for the Ringstead Neighbourhood Area within the timeframe set out by the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended).

 

Alternative Options Considered: The local planning authority is required by the Localism Act and provisions of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended) to ‘make’ a neighbourhood plan within 8 weeks of the day following a successful referendum. The only circumstance where the council should not make this decision is where the making of the plan would breach, or would otherwise be incompatible with, any EU of human rights obligation. Failure to make the Plan would prevent it being adopted.

266.

Hargrave Neighbourhood Plan pdf icon PDF 428 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

That the Executive make the Hargrave Neighbourhood Plan, so that it becomes part of the statutory development plan for the area.

 

 

Reason for Recommendation: As the plan was approved at the local referendum and the Council is satisfied that the making of the plan would not breach, or otherwise be incompatible with, any EU or human rights obligations, the council is procedurally required to ‘make’ the Hargrave Neighbourhood Plan part of the statutory development plan for the Hargrave Neighbourhood Area within the timeframe set out by the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended).

 

Alternative Options Considered: The local planning authority is required by the Localism Act and provisions of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended) to ‘make’ a neighbourhood plan within 8 weeks of the day following a successful referendum. The only circumstance where the council should not make this decision is where the making of the plan would breach, or would otherwise be incompatible with, any EU or human rights obligation. Failure to make the Plan would prevent it being adopted.

 

Minutes:

The Chair invited Cllr David Brackenbury, Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration to introduce a report that sought approval to formally make the Hargrave Neighbourhood Plan as part of the statutory development plan, following an independent examination and positive referendum result.

 

Cllr Brackenbury again offered congratulations to all those involved in the process of getting the neighbourhood plan to this stage, and commended the work involved in its production.

 

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Executive make the Hargrave Neighbourhood Plan, so that it becomes part of the statutory development plan for the area.

 

 

Reason for Recommendation: As the plan was approved at the local referendum and the Council is satisfied that the making of the plan would not breach, or otherwise be incompatible with, any EU or human rights obligations, the council is procedurally required to ‘make’ the Hargrave Neighbourhood Plan part of the statutory development plan for the Hargrave Neighbourhood Area within the timeframe set out by the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended).

 

Alternative Options Considered: The local planning authority is required by the Localism Act and provisions of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended) to ‘make’ a neighbourhood plan within 8 weeks of the day following a successful referendum. The only circumstance where the council should not make this decision is where the making of the plan would breach, or would otherwise be incompatible with, any EU or human rights obligation. Failure to make the Plan would prevent it being adopted.

 

267.

Northamptonshire Safeguarding Adults Board (NSAB) Annual Report 2020 - 2021 pdf icon PDF 291 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

That the Executive:-

 

a)     Received the Annual Report of the Northamptonshire Local Safeguarding Adults Board 2020-2021 (Appendix A);

 

b)     Invited the Scrutiny Commission to review the Annual Report and consider any feedback it may wish to provide.

 

 

Reason for Recommendations – Under the Care Act 2014 section 43, the Local Authority has a duty to establish a Safeguarding Adults Board, which in turn has a core duty to publish an annual report. The report provides assurance to the Council that adults are safeguarded across the North Northamptonshire area.

 

Alternative Options Considered – There are no alternative options to consider, consideration of the report is a statutory requirement.

 

 

Minutes:

The Chair invited Cllr Helen Harrison, Executive Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing to introduce a report that sought to outline Board and statutory partner achievements during the year against the NSAB Strategic Plan 2019-21 for the period 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021. Cllr Harrison noted that it was a statutory requirement of the Care Act 2014 for Safeguarding Adult Boards to produce an annual report, with a further report for 2021/22 period due to be presented later in the year.

 

Cllr Harrison then invited David Watts, Executive Director of Adults, Communities and Wellbeing to provide comment as Chair of the Board.

 

The meeting heard that the report covered a period of time spanning the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, a factor that had made safeguarding activities more difficult to deliver, especially during March to Christmas 2020 when strict rules were in force regarding ongoing activities. Three key priorities had been agreed in line with other East Midlands boards; Prevention, Quality and Making Safeguarding Personal, with a two-year plan in place for transition arrangements.

 

Attention was drawn to details regarding safeguarding reviews and associated findings, recommendations and outcomes, with members noting the value of learning from these reviews to ensure similar circumstances did not occur in future. Further data setting out future themes and priorities for the next period was set out in the report.   

 

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Executive:-

 

a)     Received the Annual Report of the Northamptonshire Local Safeguarding Adults Board 2020-2021 (Appendix A);

 

b)     Invited the Scrutiny Commission to review the Annual Report and consider any feedback it may wish to provide.

 

 

Reason for Recommendations – Under the Care Act 2014 section 43, the Local Authority has a duty to establish a Safeguarding Adults Board, which in turn has a core duty to publish an annual report. The report provides assurance to the Council that adults are safeguarded across the North Northamptonshire area.

 

Alternative Options Considered – There are no alternative options to consider, consideration of the report is a statutory requirement.

 

 

268.

Levelling Up Scrutiny Commission - Levelling Up North Northamptonshire Final Report pdf icon PDF 552 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

That the Executive:

 

i)             Noted the work undertaken by, and on behalf of, the Scrutiny Working Group as instructed by the Scrutiny Commission

 

ii)            Noted and considered the feedback from the Scrutiny Commission regarding the final report

 

iii)           Discussed and provided feedback on the “Levelling Up North Northamptonshire” (June 2022) report attached as Appendix A to the report

 

iv)           Noted the priority recommendations set out in the report as a potential framework to develop a “Levelling Up plan” for the Council

 

v)            Noted the difference between scope and intentions of the Council’s Levelling- Up Scrutiny Review and the national programmes of work around the Government’s “Levelling Up” agenda

 

vi)                Supported the proposal for the Executive Member for Housing, Communities and Levelling up to take forward, with officers, the development of the Council’s Levelling Up plan.

 

 

Reasons for Recommendations:

 

i)             The levelling up agenda is both a national and local priority and of importance to council members. The scrutiny review was undertaken because of an amended motion and discussion at Full Council.

ii)            For the Executive to consider the report of Scrutiny Commission and explore ways that the findings can inform and influence local policy and strategy in the delivery of council functions 

 

Alternative Options Considered: The Council’s constitution clearly sets out the scrutiny procedure rules to be followed in reporting back recommendations to either the Executive or Full Council, therefore alternative options to those set out in the Council’s constitution have not been considered.

 

Minutes:

The Chair invited Cllr Anne Lee to address the meeting. Cllr Lee welcomed the report as a member of the Scrutiny Review Working Group that had produced it and sought confirmation that Executive would act on the recommendations contained within the report. Cllr Lee also called for a post to be created to assist in the identification and submission of bids for funding, a post of that nature having previously existed at East Northamptonshire Council.

 

Cllr John McGhee was then invited to address the Executive. Cllr McGhee noted he was speaking on behalf of Cllr Zoe McGhee and made reference to the need to properly resource the levelling-up agenda as well as provide dedicated teams to assist in bringing “left behind” areas up to the required level.  

 

The Chair thanked both speakers for their comments and stated that the Executive was absolutely committed to levelling up, with Cllr Binley dedicated to working tirelessly with officers and the community as part of his portfolio.

 

The Chair then invited Cllr Wendy Brackenbury, the Chair of the Scrutiny Commission to present the report. Cllr Brackenbury offered her thanks to the Executive Director of Adults, Communities and Wellbeing, members of the working group, stakeholders and members of the public who had contributed to findings of the review following a request for a report arising from a motion to Council in July 2021.

 

The review had sought to:

 

·         Review and understand the underlying data and report relating to areas highlighted as “left behind”

·         Engage with and explore the views of people within those neighbourhoods to understand the challenges and opportunities

·         Engage with and explore the views of partner agencies and voluntary and charitable organisations to understand the challenges and opportunities

·         Understand and learn from the Big Local programme in Kingswood, identifying both good practice and challenges that can help shape future proposals

·         Make recommendations to Council around a potential plan

 

Cllr Brackenbury provided a timeline of the work involved between October 2021 and May 2022, including workshop sessions and neighbourhood walkabouts. The final report had been considered by the Scrutiny Commission at its meeting on 5th July 2022 with a number of recommendations already being enacted.

 

Cllr Brackenbury thanked Cllr Matthew Binley for his involvement and invited him to feedback to the Scrutiny Commission on the work being undertaken through his portfolio as part of the levelling-up agenda.

 

Cllrs Bunday, Harrison, Edwards and David Brackenbury welcomed the report, noting the enormous value of the contents to both the Council and other agencies. It was considered to be a significant piece of work that would allow the Council to put the recommendations contained within the report into action to help create equal, safe and healthy communities.

 

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Executive:

 

i)             Noted the work undertaken by, and on behalf of, the Scrutiny Working Group as instructed by the Scrutiny Commission

 

ii)            Noted and considered the feedback from the Scrutiny Commission regarding the final report

 

iii)           Discussed and provided feedback on the “Levelling Up North Northamptonshire” (June  ...  view the full minutes text for item 268.

269.

Kettering High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) - Phase 3 pdf icon PDF 936 KB

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive:

 

i)             Noted the content of this report; and

 

ii)            Agreed to redirect investment in delivering Phase 3 of the plans for public realm into Gold Street, and delegate authority to the Executive Director of Place and Economy to investigate and execute the delivery through the Scape Framework.

 

 

Reason for Recommendation: To provide Member awareness and seek agreement to the shaping of investment in the remaining period of the Kettering High Street Heritage Action Zone programme, in particular with regards the Phase 3 public realm works.

 

Alternative Options Considered: The same spend profile could be retained as was set in the original Stage 2 Programme Design over two years ago.  However, circumstances changed during the period of the programme, and fresh priorities emerge.  It is important that investment is optimised, whilst still meeting the parameters of the project.  Retaining the same spend profile has been considered, but risks of limited impact or unspent funds are considered greater from taking this approach.

The Project Team have been pleased with the standard of workmanship from the team delivering the public realm improvements, and the support it has gained from working through the Scape Framework.  It has explored options for retaining the same team and undertaking further procurement through Scape.

 

 

 

Minutes:

The Chair invited Cllr David Brackenbury, Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration to introduce a report that sought to inform Members of the work in delivering improvements to Kettering town centre with the support of funding from Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone fund and also sought agreement to arrangements for the remaining programme, which included a Phase 3 of the public realm works.

 

Cllr Brackenbury noted the positive impact that regeneration work would have on Kettering town centre and that funding for the Phase 3 public realm works was a reallocation from the planned gateway at Lower Street to allow extended work into Gold Street.

 

Cllrs Edwards and Bunday spoke to welcome the improvements to the town centre and noted positive feedback from residents, traders and visitors as a result.

 

 

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive:

 

i)             Noted the content of this report; and

 

ii)            Agreed to redirect investment in delivering Phase 3 of the plans for public realm into Gold Street, and delegate authority to the Executive Director of Place and Economy to investigate and execute the delivery through the Scape Framework.

 

 

Reason for Recommendation: To provide Member awareness and seek agreement to the shaping of investment in the remaining period of the Kettering High Street Heritage Action Zone programme, in particular with regards the Phase 3 public realm works.

 

Alternative Options Considered: The same spend profile could be retained as was set in the original Stage 2 Programme Design over two years ago.  However, circumstances changed during the period of the programme, and fresh priorities emerge.  It is important that investment is optimised, whilst still meeting the parameters of the project.  Retaining the same spend profile has been considered, but risks of limited impact or unspent funds are considered greater from taking this approach.

The Project Team have been pleased with the standard of workmanship from the team delivering the public realm improvements, and the support it has gained from working through the Scape Framework.  It has explored options for retaining the same team and undertaking further procurement through Scape.

 

 

 

270.

Pollinator Strategy pdf icon PDF 337 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive approved the Pollinator Strategy at Appendix A to the report.

 

 

Reasons for Recommendation:

 

·      The Strategy establishes guiding principles relevant to the operational management of the council’s parks and open spaces services and helps meet the council’s obligations under the Environment Act 2021, which includes provisions to strengthen and improve the duty on public bodies to conserve and enhance biodiversity and to produce a Local Nature Recovery Strategy by the end of 2023.

·      The Strategy provides the basis for unifying and building on the varying practices adopted by the legacy councils.

·      The Strategy supports the council’s key commitments to a greener, sustainable environment.

·      The Strategy provides a clear statement to residents of how the council is seeking to improve habitats for pollinator species (and other wildlife) in its parks and open spaces.

 

Alternative Options Considered:

 

·      The option of continuing historic land management approaches such as ‘short mowing’ large areas of green spaces was not considered to be in keeping with the council’s duties towards nature recovery.

·      The option to not have a Pollinator Strategy and to continue with management of parks and open spaces under the principles devised by the individual officers in the parks and green spaces was rejected in favour of establishing guiding principles for the council’s land managers.

 

Minutes:

The Chair, Cllr Harriet Pentland invited Lee Forster to address the Executive. Mr Forster welcomed the news that the Council was planning to stop spraying glyphosate products as part of its grounds maintenance work but queried the placement of verges left to grow for pollinators to ensure road safety. Mr Forster also queried whether the Council was creating habitats to improve biodiversity or for aesthetic purposes. 

 

The Chair thanked Mr Forster for his contribution before introducing a report that sought approval for a new Pollinator Strategy for North Northamptonshire. Cllr Pentland noted that the strategy had been informed by the best practices taken from policies of the legacy councils.

 

The Chair noted the comments from Mr Forster regarding safety concerns over untended verges and that this aspect would be reviewed where necessary, but also stated that the “Pardon the Weeds” concept served a purpose, helping the public to understand why specific areas were left to grow.

 

The Chair stated that following the declaration of a climate and environment emergency by the Council in 2021, a climate change route map had been developed, part of which was the creation of a pollinator strategy to improve habitats on Council-owned land by increasing forage resources for pollinators, improving habitats, reducing the use of pesticides and by participating in pollinator projection.

 

The next step was to publish the strategy and embark upon a campaign to raise awareness and engage with the public. Further to this would be identification of

areas of land for natural regeneration, a review of the use of pesticides and grounds maintenance equipment used, alongside community engagement and performance monitoring.

 

Cllr Helen Harrison spoke to note the importance of the document, welcoming a building block in achieving the Council’s environmental aims as well as helping to improve the health and wellbeing of its residents.

 

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive approved the Pollinator Strategy at Appendix A to the report.

 

 

Reasons for Recommendation:

 

·      The Strategy establishes guiding principles relevant to the operational management of the council’s parks and open spaces services and helps meet the council’s obligations under the Environment Act 2021, which includes provisions to strengthen and improve the duty on public bodies to conserve and enhance biodiversity and to produce a Local Nature Recovery Strategy by the end of 2023.

·      The Strategy provides the basis for unifying and building on the varying practices adopted by the legacy councils.

·      The Strategy supports the council’s key commitments to a greener, sustainable environment.

·      The Strategy provides a clear statement to residents of how the council is seeking to improve habitats for pollinator species (and other wildlife) in its parks and open spaces.

 

Alternative Options Considered:

 

·      The option of continuing historic land management approaches such as ‘short mowing’ large areas of green spaces was not considered to be in keeping with the council’s duties towards nature recovery.

·      The option to not have a Pollinator Strategy and to continue with management of parks and open spaces under the principles devised by the individual officers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 270.

271.

Tree Management & Care Policy pdf icon PDF 570 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive agreed the Tree Management & Care Policy at Appendix A to the report

 

 

Reasons for Recommendation:

 

·      A harmonised policy will offer one consistent approach to tree management across the council.

·      A harmonised policy will minimise current issues with different approaches to requests for work and enable the Council to meet its duty of care, legal and health and safety obligations.

·      The policy provides the basis for unifying the varying practices adopted by the legacy councils.

·      The policy supports the Council’s key commitments to a greener, sustainable environment and the council’s obligations under the Environment Act 2021, which includes provisions to strengthen and improve the duty on public bodies to conserve and enhance biodiversity and to produce a Local Nature Recovery Strategy by the end of 2023.

·      The council receives many queries from the public about its trees and there is a wide range of expectations about the council’s responsibilities.  The policy provides a clear statement to residents of how the council is seeking to manage its trees and a sound basis for officers to respond to queries.

·      The policy provides a foundation on which to develop a wider, comprehensive tree strategy which will include aspirational targets for planting and woodland expansion.

 

 

Alternative Options Considered: The only other option is to not have clear policies for tree care and management, delaying harmonisation of working practices and fragmented Policies across the separate service areas. This is not an option that can continue to be maintained effectively over time.

 

The option to not to have a Council wide tree policy and to continue with management under existing practices and policies has been discounted in favour of harmonising working practices and Policies as soon as possible, clearly establishing consistent guiding principles for the care and management of trees for North Northamptonshire Council and improving the service.

 

Minutes:

The Chair again invited Lee Forster to address the meeting. Mr Forster queried why two waste incinerators had been approved for operation in the local area, noting that Council work to decarbonise would be for nothing if the issue of incinerated waste was not challenged.

 

Cllr Anne Lee was then invited to address the Executive. Cllr Lee was concerned regarding the one-for-one tree replacement ratio, noting that newly planted saplings absorbed significantly less carbon dioxide than mature trees and that the Council should be planting trees now to offset the loss of ones in the future. Cllr Lee requested an update on tree coverage in North Northamptonshire and progress made to improve this.

 

The Chair then invited Cllr Dorothy Maxwell to speak. Cllr Maxwell welcomed the report and stated that housing developments should submit a tree planting plan as part of the planning application process. Cllr Maxwell requested the publication of a timetable and map detailing the Council’s tree-related plans.

 

The final speaker invited to address the meeting was Cllr Lyn Buckingham. Cllr Buckingham stated that although she welcomed the report that would form part of the Council’s long-term aims, there was no provision within the policy relating to hedgerows which provided useful travel corridors and habitats for wildlife.

 

The Chair thanked all of the speakers for their contributions before introducing a report that sought approval of a Tree Management and Care Policy for North Northamptonshire.

 

The Chair stated that climate change could not be solved simply by planting trees and that a holistic approach to carbon reduction and sequestration was required. Removal of trees was not something the Council wished to do without good reason, and removals would be considered on a case-by-case basis moving forward. The Chair acknowledged the points raised in relation to hedgerows and planning considerations and would raise these with officers outside of the meeting.

 

It was heard that the Council was responsible forthousands of trees and had the ability to utilise trees and green space to enhance the environment and support climate change mitigations. A tree working group would convene to share best practice across the authority and provide a consistent approach in managing trees. The proposed policy struck a balance between tree work while providing safeguarding and sustainability for trees and woodland.

 

 

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive agreed the Tree Management & Care Policy at Appendix A to the report

 

 

Reasons for Recommendation:

 

·      A harmonised policy will offer one consistent approach to tree management across the council.

·      A harmonised policy will minimise current issues with different approaches to requests for work and enable the Council to meet its duty of care, legal and health and safety obligations.

·      The policy provides the basis for unifying the varying practices adopted by the legacy councils.

·      The policy supports the Council’s key commitments to a greener, sustainable environment and the council’s obligations under the Environment Act 2021, which includes provisions to strengthen and improve the duty on public bodies to conserve and enhance biodiversity and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 271.

272.

Integrated Care Across Northamptonshire (iCAN) Case for Change pdf icon PDF 1012 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive:

 

a)    Supported the broad direction of travel set out in the iCAN case for change and the ambitions and intentions to improve the experience of people 

 

b)    Agreed that the Executive Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing formulates a written response to the Senior Responsible Officer for the iCAN collaborative and the Chair and Chief Executive of the Integrated Care Board setting-out the Executive’s position regarding concerns identified including:

 

- Member oversight of the collaborative when it does not report in to the health and wellbeing board and no elected members are members of the Integrated Care Board

 

- Governance around financial decision making and operational boards if commissioning of services currently funded through the Better Care Fund and earmarked for meeting the needs of North Northamptonshire residents if it were to be included in a countywide pooled budget

 

- Seeking an opportunity to discuss and address the concerns identified with key members of the Integrated Care Board in order to provide sufficient assurance and resolution to the Council’s Executive regarding the concerns it has identified.

 

 

Reasons for Recommendations:

·      The broad direction of travel is one that fits with the overarching priorities set out within the corporate plan.

 

·      Whilst socialising the case for change with elected members within the council, there have been some concerns raised regarding adequacy of governance arrangements that it is important are raised with the ICB as part of the Executives feedback on the case for change.

 

·      Member oversight of performance and expenditure for which it is responsible is a fundamental requirement in ensuring that local-authority public money is being spent in accordance with national requirements alongside the priorities set out in the corporate plan.

 

Minutes:

The Chair invited Cllr Dorothy Maxwell to address the Executive. Cllr Maxwell noted that the report indicated the way forward for integrated care across the county and detailed how this could be achieved. Cllr Maxwell referenced grant funding and the need to ensure it was used to assist those most in need. A request was made for the formal agreement diagram contained within the papers to be recirculated as the existing version was hard to read.

 

Cllr John McGhee was invited to address the meeting by the Chair. Cllr McGhee raised concerns in relation to the lack of elected member representation on the Integrated Care Board despite guidance stating that the board should operate with such representation.

 

The Chair invited Cllr Lyn Buckingham to speak to the Executive. Cllr Buckingham had concerns regarding care access routes, noting that older people were not currently getting the services they needed and deserved from primary care. The cost-of-living crisis would impact on social care services and concerns were also raised regarding lack of councillor input.

 

The Chair thanked speakers for their contributions before inviting Cllr Helen Harrison, Executive Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing to introduce a report that sought to provide an overview of the case for change for the current Integrated Care Across Northamptonshire (iCAN) transformation programme to develop into an iCAN collaborative. This would mean that the collaborative would have delegated commissioning responsibilities, including some elements of the Better Care Fund (BCF) being proposed as of April 2023.

 

Cllr Harrison noted that the Better Care Fund programme supported local systems to successfully deliver the integration of health and social care in a way that supported person-centred care, sustainability and better outcomes for people using pooled budgets between the NHS and local authorities, aiming to reduce the barriers created by separate funding streams. Details of the budgets that comprised the fund were provided to the meeting along with details of composition of integrated care systems formed to plan and deliver joined up health and care services, and to improve the lives of people who live and work in their area.

 

The intention of the iCAN programme was to transform and improve care for the frail and elderly population and build on initiatives in national programmes

to deliver better outcomes and manage demand more effectively to ensure more people stayed well at home and avoided admissions to hospital where there was the potential to design and deliver better “out of hospital” services.

 

Cllr Harrison noted the need to move to embedding new ways of working by producing a service delivery model for long term integrated work. BCF funding could be used as a foundation for future arrangements with a view that there would be a single contract for our collaborative services that held all partners to common outcomes and improved performance to meet system and national objectives.

 

The Executive wished to have sufficient confidence in the governance arrangements to ensure that spend had an element of protection or ring-fencing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 272.

273.

Recommissioning of the Holiday Activities and Food Programme pdf icon PDF 362 KB

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive:

 

a)    Noted the delivery of the Holiday Activities and Food Programme to date and its benefits to children, young people, and families in North Northamptonshire.

 

b)    Approved the procurement of a supplier to coordinate the delivery of the Holiday Activities and Food Programme in North Northamptonshire in partnership with the Council from March 2023 in line with the Contract Procedure Rules.

 

c)    Delegated authority to the Executive Member for Children, Families, Education & Skills in consultation with the Executive Director of Children’s Services (DCS) to take any further decisions and actions required to conclude this procurement and award the contract.

 

 

Reasons for Recommendations:

 

·     Delivering the Holiday Activities and Food Programme makes best use of resources from central government

·     The programme will deliver benefits to vulnerable children, young people, and their families

·     Commissioning a provider to coordinate the programme alongside the council will allow the Council to benefit from the expertise and experience of the successful provider in delivering similar programmes and working with Community and Voluntary Sector organisations that deliver holiday activity programmes whilst also retaining an element of input and control of the programme

 

Alternative Options Considered –

 

·      Do nothing and not deliver a Holiday Activities and Food Programme

·      Coordinate the Holiday and Activities and Food Programme directly using in-house resources

·      Commission a provider to deliver the programme independently with minimal council input

·      Commission a service for North and West Northamptonshire with a shared contract and service specification

 

Minutes:

The Chair invited Cllr Anne Lee to address the meeting. Cllr Lee welcomed the report noting the importance of the scheme and made reference to the provision of transport in overcoming attendance barriers.

 

The Chair thanked Cllr Lee for her contribution before inviting Cllr Dorothy Maxwell to speak. Cllr Maxwell also welcomed the report but requested that rural areas be taken into account and that holiday programmes encompass education, arts and food-based activities, not just sporting ones.

 

The Chair then invited Cllr Scott Edwards, Executive Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills to introduce a report that sought approval from Executive for the procurement of a supplier to coordinate the delivery of the Holiday Activities and Food Programme in North Northamptonshire in partnership with the Council from March 2023.

 

Cllr Edwards noted the comments in relation to a wide range of holiday activities as well as accessibility and transportation requirements for children wishing to take part in such activities. Cllr Edwards also noted the need to work with local schools to raise awareness of pupil eligibility for activities.

 

Cllr Harrison spoke to welcome the report and the need to improve the reach of such a beneficial programme.

 

 

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive:

 

a)    Noted the delivery of the Holiday Activities and Food Programme to date and its benefits to children, young people, and families in North Northamptonshire.

 

b)    Approved the procurement of a supplier to coordinate the delivery of the Holiday Activities and Food Programme in North Northamptonshire in partnership with the Council from March 2023 in line with the Contract Procedure Rules.

 

c)    Delegated authority to the Executive Member for Children, Families, Education & Skills in consultation with the Executive Director of Children’s Services (DCS) to take any further decisions and actions required to conclude this procurement and award the contract.

 

 

Reasons for Recommendations:

 

·     Delivering the Holiday Activities and Food Programme makes best use of resources from central government

·     The programme will deliver benefits to vulnerable children, young people, and their families

·     Commissioning a provider to coordinate the programme alongside the council will allow the Council to benefit from the expertise and experience of the successful provider in delivering similar programmes and working with Community and Voluntary Sector organisations that deliver holiday activity programmes whilst also retaining an element of input and control of the programme

 

Alternative Options Considered –

 

·      Do nothing and not deliver a Holiday Activities and Food Programme

·      Coordinate the Holiday and Activities and Food Programme directly using in-house resources

·      Commission a provider to deliver the programme independently with minimal council input

·      Commission a service for North and West Northamptonshire with a shared contract and service specification

 

274.

Update on the proposed amalgamation of Tennyson Road Infant School and Alfred Street Junior School in Rushden pdf icon PDF 457 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive:

 

i)          Approved the publication of a Statutory Notice proposing the amalgamation of Tennyson Road Infant School and Alfred Street Junior School in accordance with the provisions of Part 2 of the Education and Inspections Act2006;

 

ii)        Agreed to receive a further report following the formal consultation to enable a decision to be made on the amalgamation of theSchools

 

 

Reasons for Recommendations:

 

i)       To support children and young people and their families to accesshigh quality sustainable education that facilitates the achievement of best outcomes

 

ii)      To progress the amalgamation of the Schools in accordance with legislative requirements and Department for Education statutory guidance.

 

iii)     Based upon the financial position and school performance it is not a viable solution to take no action to progress the statutory process for theamalgamation

 

Minutes:

The Chair invited Cllr Dorothy Maxwell to address the Executive. Cllr Maxwell welcomed the report but queried which of the two schools would be closing as a result of the amalgamation, noting that whatever the eventual outcome the needs of the children involved was paramount.

 

The Chair then invited Cllr Scott Edwards, Executive Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills to introduce a report the purpose of which was to inform Executive of the outcomes of the initial consultation process and to seek views on whether to proceed with amalgamation for Tennyson Road Infant School and Alfred Street Junior School as requested by the respective governing bodies

 

Cllr Edwards noted that no decision had been made as to which school would close, although a “technical closure” was required to enable the proposed amalgamation to go ahead. The consultation had seen overwhelming support for amalgamation, with a further round of consultation to be undertaken to inform the decision regarding which school should close

 

 

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive:

 

i)          Approved the publication of a Statutory Notice proposing the amalgamation of Tennyson Road Infant School and Alfred Street Junior School in accordance with the provisions of Part 2 of the Education and Inspections Act2006;

 

ii)        Agreed to receive a further report following the formal consultation to enable a decision to be made on the amalgamation of theSchools

 

 

Reasons for Recommendations:

 

i)       To support children and young people and their families to accesshigh quality sustainable education that facilitates the achievement of best outcomes

 

ii)      To progress the amalgamation of the Schools in accordance with legislative requirements and Department for Education statutory guidance.

 

iii)     Based upon the financial position and school performance it is not a viable solution to take no action to progress the statutory process for theamalgamation

 

275.

Land sale agreement - Oakley Vale Phase 8 pdf icon PDF 329 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive:

 

i)       Agreed in principle to the sale of the land as shown at Appendix A of the report.

 

ii)      Delegated authority to the Executive Member for Highways, Travel & Assets in consultation with the Assistant Director of Assets & Environment, to agree the sale price (subject to best value requirements for local authority disposal), authorise the completion of the land sale and finalise sale terms.

 

iii)     Noted that the gross receipt will be realised over the period of the build licence, as advised by LSH

 

 

Reasons for Recommendations:

 

a.    The joint venture requires each party to use reasonable endeavours to maximise and realise the value of the land and mutually agree to the amount of land to be offered on the open market for disposal, the timing, the terms of such a disposal and to whom.

 

b.    The sum being offered for approval represents “best value” for the Council

 

c.    The gross receipt realisation over the period of the build licence has been recommended by the Council’s agent, represents the least risk for the Council and ensures best consideration is obtained

 

Alternative Options Considered: As the joint venture agreement is a legally binding agreement, there is no opportunity for the Council to consider retaining the land, which forms part of the masterplan for the area.

 

Minutes:

The Chair invited Cllr Lyn Buckingham to address the meeting. Cllr Buckingham spoke to advocate additional social housing on the Oakley Vale site.

 

The Chair thanked Cllr Buckingham for her comments before Cllr Lloyd Bunday, Executive Member for Finance and Transformation introduced a report on behalf of the Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets, Cllr Graham Lawman. The report provided an update to Executive on the final parcels of land, developments phase 8 & 9, that formed part of the Oakley Vale Joint Venture and sought delegation to the Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets in consultation with the Assistant Director of Assets and Environment, to authorise the completion of the land sale agreement.

 

 

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive:

 

i)       Agreed in principle to the sale of the land as shown at Appendix A of the report.

 

ii)      Delegated authority to the Executive Member for Highways, Travel & Assets in consultation with the Assistant Director of Assets & Environment, to agree the sale price (subject to best value requirements for local authority disposal), authorise the completion of the land sale and finalise sale terms.

 

iii)     Noted that the gross receipt will be realised over the period of the build licence, as advised by LSH

 

 

Reasons for Recommendations:

 

a.    The joint venture requires each party to use reasonable endeavours to maximise and realise the value of the land and mutually agree to the amount of land to be offered on the open market for disposal, the timing, the terms of such a disposal and to whom.

 

b.    The sum being offered for approval represents “best value” for the Council

 

c.    The gross receipt realisation over the period of the build licence has been recommended by the Council’s agent, represents the least risk for the Council and ensures best consideration is obtained

 

Alternative Options Considered: As the joint venture agreement is a legally binding agreement, there is no opportunity for the Council to consider retaining the land, which forms part of the masterplan for the area.

 

276.

Provision of Council Fleet Arrangements pdf icon PDF 222 KB

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive:

 

a)   Confirmed the preferred procurement route of using an established framework agreement as set out paragraph 5.3 of the report

 

b)    Delegated authority to procure and execute the necessary contracts to secure the required fleet and equipment to the Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets, in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance and the Executive Director for Place and Economy.

 

c)    Noted that appropriate logistical, garaging and fuelling arrangements will need to be in place to allow the new arrangements to work effectively and efficiently once secured.

 

 

Reasons for Recommendations:

 

·      The recommendation provides a cost-effective solution, which can be deployed to suit the timescales for existing contractual arrangements.

·      The proposed option will provide a reliable fleet service, providing quality services for North Northamptonshire residents.

·      The proposed framework route will allow flexibility to change vehicles as new technology becomes available, supporting the Council’s climate change policy objectives.

 

Alternative Options Considered:

 

·      A number of options were considered, including, purchase of new fleet and equipment; both short and long-term leasing. The preferred option was deemed to offer the best value for money to the Council in terms of payment routes, access to preferred vehicles, flexibility over time, and overall value for money.

 

Minutes:

The Chair invited Cllr Lloyd Bunday, Executive Member for Finance and Transformation to introduce a report on behalf of the Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets, Cllr Graham Lawman, that sought to summarise the work undertaken to secure cost-effective, medium-term fleet and associated maintenance arrangements for service vehicles assigned to the Council’s Wellingborough Depot.

 

The report recommended a preferred way forward and sought permission to utilise the Halton Housing Framework Agreement to make a direct award to North Northamptonshire-based Specialist Fleet Services (SFS) Ltd to ensure that the Council had appropriate infrastructure in place to deliver its statutory obligations. Access to the framework would also allow for ad-hoc fleet needs to be provided for across Council services, within the framework value.

 

The Chair spoke to welcome reference to the potential use of sustainable vehicles within the report.

 

 

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive:

 

a)   Confirmed the preferred procurement route of using an established framework agreement as set out paragraph 5.3 of the report

 

b)    Delegated authority to procure and execute the necessary contracts to secure the required fleet and equipment to the Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets, in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance and the Executive Director for Place and Economy.

 

c)    Noted that appropriate logistical, garaging and fuelling arrangements will need to be in place to allow the new arrangements to work effectively and efficiently once secured.

 

 

Reasons for Recommendations:

 

·      The recommendation provides a cost-effective solution, which can be deployed to suit the timescales for existing contractual arrangements.

·      The proposed option will provide a reliable fleet service, providing quality services for North Northamptonshire residents.

·      The proposed framework route will allow flexibility to change vehicles as new technology becomes available, supporting the Council’s climate change policy objectives.

 

Alternative Options Considered:

 

·      A number of options were considered, including, purchase of new fleet and equipment; both short and long-term leasing. The preferred option was deemed to offer the best value for money to the Council in terms of payment routes, access to preferred vehicles, flexibility over time, and overall value for money.

 

277.

Capital Outturn 2022/23 - Draft Outturn as at Period 3 pdf icon PDF 819 KB

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive:

 

a.    Noted the draft capital outturn position for the General Fund (GF) Capital Programme and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme for 2022/23.

 

b.    Noted the new schemes that have been approved since 1st April 2022.

 

 

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

 

Alternative Options Considered: By not approving these recommendations there would be an adverse impact on service provision in North Northamptonshire.

 

Minutes:

The Chair invited Cllr Lyn Buckingham to address the meeting. Cllr Buckingham stated that she would like to see better reporting regarding the Housing Revenue Account in relation to rent arrears and void management.

 

The Chair then invited Cllr Lloyd Bunday, Executive Member for Finance and Transformation to introduce a report that set out the provisional capital outturn position for 2022/23 as at Period 3, including requests to rephase scheme expenditure profiles. The report also detailed the latest capital budgets for the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme, including new schemes approved since 1st April 2022.

 

Cllr Bunday reported that forthcoming capital challenge sessions would be beneficial in reviewing proposed capital schemes, noting that certain schemes inherited from legacy authorities may no longer be deliverable or desirable.

 

It was heard that the outturn for 2022/23 in respect of the General Fund Capital Programme showed a revised capital budget position of £91.4m, including slippage and in-year approved programmes. The outturn showed a spend of £49.4m, an underspend or slippage of £42m against the budget. In relation to the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme, the outturn showed a spend of £11.6m, an underspend of £17.2m compared to budget, which would be reviewed and re-profiled considering the latest position.

 

 

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive:

 

a.    Noted the draft capital outturn position for the General Fund (GF) Capital Programme and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme for 2022/23.

 

b.    Noted the new schemes that have been approved since 1st April 2022.

 

 

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

 

Alternative Options Considered: By not approving these recommendations there would be an adverse impact on service provision in North Northamptonshire.

 

278.

Budget Forecast 2022/23 as at Period 3 pdf icon PDF 815 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive:

 

a)    Noted the Council’s forecast outturn position for 2022/23 as summarised in Section 4, alongside the further analysis, risks and other considerations as set out in Section 5 and Section 6 of the report.

 

b)    Noted the assessment of the current deliverability of the 2022/23 savings proposals in Appendix A of the report.

 

 

Reason for Recommendations – to note the forecast financial position for 2022/23 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 2022/23 and makes recommendations for the Executive to note the current budgetary position as such there are no specific choices within the report

 

Minutes:

Cllr 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 3 monitoring forecasts for the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).

 

Cllr Bunday noted that although it was early in the financial year, most directorates were broadly in line with budgetary forecasts. The overall outturn forecast for the General Fund for 2022/23, as at Period 3 was a forecast overspend of £4.277m against the approved budget. It was heard that the most significant factor in the forecast overspend related to the position for Northamptonshire Children’s Trust which was forecasting an overspend of c£7.9m across the County, of which £3.5m was attributed to North Northamptonshire Council. Work was underway alongside the trust to try and mitigate this moving forward.

 

Cllr Bunday stated that the General Fund Net Budget had increased by £4.168m from £295.907m in Period 2 to £300.075m in Period 3, reflecting the use of earmarked reserves of £3.938m to mitigate against the in-year pressures relating to Home to School Transport, short-term vehicle leasing costs and commercial income reduction for grounds maintenance and facilities management from the previous Wellingborough NORSE contract and Knuston Hall. A further contribution of £230,000 from the Public Health Reserve had been used to underwrite the potential shortfall in the School Holiday Food Voucher Scheme over the Summer break.

 

Cllr Bunday noted that both Council Tax and Business Rates collections remained strong and were ahead of the comparable period in the previous financial year.

 

It was heard that the Housing Revenue Account was forecasting a £320,000 underspend, a positive movement from the £267,000 underspend forecast in Period 2.

 

 

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive:

 

a)    Noted the Council’s forecast outturn position for 2022/23 as summarised in Section 4, alongside the further analysis, risks and other considerations as set out in Section 5 and Section 6 of the report.

 

b)    Noted the assessment of the current deliverability of the 2022/23 savings proposals in Appendix A of the report.

 

 

Reason for Recommendations – to note the forecast financial position for 2022/23 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 2022/23 and makes recommendations for the Executive to note the current budgetary position as such there are no specific choices within the report