Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Tim Allebone, Jennie Bone, Mark Dearing, Helen Howell, King Lawal, Richard Levell, Steven North, Geoff Shacklock, David Sims, Chris Smith-Haynes, Sarah Tubbs, Keli Watts and Lee Wilkes.

The minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 22^nd June 2023 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair, subject to an amendment to minute 247, as follows:-

That the third paragraph relating to Motion 2 – Kettering Leisure Village be amended as follows (added words are in bold for reference only):-

‘An amendment to the motion was proposed by Cllr Helen Howell and seconded by Cllr Anup Pandey to delete the final sentence (which had stated ‘A viable business case needs to be urgently created and a budget agreed, prior to the advised closure date of the 3rd July 2023.) in its entirety and replace it as follows:-‘

Members to declare any interest as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at the meeting.

The Chair asked those members who wished to do so to declare any interests in respect of items on the agenda.

The following interests were declared:-

To receive any announcements from the Chair.

The Chair made the following announcements:-

Civic Duties

It had been a very busy few weeks on civic duty with the Chair and Vice Chair having the pleasure of being out and about in the area, with a full diary in the coming weeks as well.

The Chair and Vice Chair were looking forward to being part of some very enjoyable and interesting events within North Northamptonshire.

To receive any announcements from the Leader of the Council.

The Leader made the following announcements:-

Derek Lawson MBE

The Leader was very saddened to learn of the death of Derek Lawson MBE, the past mayor and longest serving member of Higham Ferrers Town Council.

He had enjoyed a long career in local government, which had included  election to the Higham Ferrers Borough Council in 1964. He had served on the successor Town Council for 57 years and amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience.

He was the mayor of Higham Ferrers on three separate occasions, 1966-67, 1977-78 and 1999 to 2000. He was the Leader of the Council for five years.

Derek was also a member of East Northamptonshire District Council for 20 years, where he was Chairman in 1987-88, and Northamptonshire County Council for 40 years where he was also the chairman in 2007-08.

He was also Vice-Chairman of the Police and Crime Panel which was part of the Northamptonshire Police Authority before the position of Police and Crime Commissioner was created.

A long list of further achievements included being chairman of the Board of Governors at both The Ferrers School and the Henry Chichele School in Higham Ferrers. He was also the Chairman of the Towards a Safer Higham Panel and was involved in the campaign for Yes to Rushden Lakes and Chowns Mill Roundabout. Derek was also heavily involved in the preparation of the Higham Ferrers Neighbourhood Plan.

For his years of commitment to local government, Derek was awarded an MBE in 2017 in recognition of his years of service and dedication to the town. Derek was also presented with an honorary Freeman of Higham Ferrers in 2022.

In noting his impact on the Town Council and the local government landscape could not be understated, the Leader requested that a one-minute silence be observed to mark the passing of Derek Lawson, MBE.

[Councillors, Officers and members of the public paid their respects in silent tribute]

Women’s England Football Team

The Leader wished to acknowledge the success of the women’s England football team in reaching the final of the European Championships. He hoped their performances would inspire women and girls to play football up and down the country, noting that there had been a big increase in women playing locally.

The following members of the public made statements to Council:-

i)             Chris Stanbra – in support of the preparation of a sound business case before any disaggregation changes were made to the way in which libraries were run.

ii)            Clerk Mitchell – in support of the Alfred East Art Gallery project being progressed with a view to reopening the Art Gallery by the summer of 2024.

A copy of the public statements submitted to Council are filed with these minutes, as Appendix A.

The Leader confirmed that there were no Executive presentations to be made on this occasion.

Resolved:-

That Council notes the Auditors Annual Report 2021/22 at Appendix A to the report.

Reasons for Decision:

To note the work of Council and the Audit & Governance Committee in exercising its duties and responsibilities to consider reports of the external auditor.

Other Options Considered:

No alternative options considered. It is important for the authority to consider its governance and assurance arrangements and to respond to recommended improvements to its practice.

Consideration was given by Council to the Auditors Annual Report 2021/22 for North Northamptonshire Council which had been produced by the Council’s external auditors, Grant Thornton, and following consideration by the Audit & Governance Committee on 14th August 2023. A copy of the report is filed with the agenda, marked as ‘Agenda Item 8’.

Councillor Andrew Weatherill moved and Councillor Jonathan Ekins seconded a motion to move the recommendations in the report.

Ciaran McLaughlin, a director of Grant Thornton, then presented the report to Council and answered a number of questions from councillors.

During questioning and subsequent debate, it was principally noted that the report was a final interim report, which would remain interim until the completion of the Council’s financial statements’ audit for 2021/22.

Overall, the Council was seen as being in a positive position given that the audit covered the first year of operation as a new authority. The three amber ratings around the main headings of financial sustainability, governance arrangements and use of resources was seen as in line with the majority of authorities across the country and compared favourably with any of the new authorities that had been created over the last two years.

Whilst a number of improvement recommendations were contained in the report, it was emphasised that these were centred around improving the arrangements of the authority, rather than identifying any significant weaknesses.

Following conclusion of the debate, the motion was voted upon, with 58 councillors in favour, 2 against, and 4 abstaining.

The motion was approved.

Resolved:-

That Council notes the Auditors Annual Report 2021/22 at Appendix A to the report.

Reasons for Decision:

To note the work of Council and the Audit & Governance Committee in exercising its duties and responsibilities to consider reports of the external auditor.

Other Options Considered:

No alternative options considered. It is important for the authority to consider its governance and assurance arrangements and to respond to recommended improvements to its practice.

[Councillor Andrew Weatherill left the meeting at this point and did not return.]

[Councillor Clive Hallam entered the meeting at this point.]

Resolved:-

a)    That approval  be given to the adoption of North Northamptonshire Councils Pay Structure at Appendix B to the report;

b)    That approval be given to the adoption of North Northamptonshire Councils Terms and Conditions at Appendix C to the report.

Reasons for Decisions:

·         Implementing a new pay structure and terms and conditions for North Northamptonshire Council is an important decision that will help to further, shape our workforce now and in the future.

·         Decisions relating to new pay and grading arrangements have significant financial implications for the council and whilst these have been built into the Medium-Term Financial Plan, approving the adoption of these proposals is a decision for Council, in accordance with the Constitution.

Alternative Options Considered:-

·         Continuing to employ people on ‘interim’ terms and conditions.

·         Starting the pay structure at a lower pay point and decreasing the pay differential between pay bands.

Consideration was given by Council to a report seeking approval of the pay structure and terms and conditions of employment for adoption by North Northamptonshire Council. A copy of the report is filed with the agenda, marked ‘Agenda Item 9’.

Councillor Jason Smithers moved and Councillor Lora lawman seconded a motion to move the recommendations in the report.

During debate of the motion it was noted that whilst the Council workforce had been on interim pay terms and conditions since April 2021, the national pay award had been paid to all employees during 2021-22 and 2022/23, as well as pay increments, regardless of whether it was a contractual entitlement. £7.4m had also been set aside for the 2023/24 pay award and for implementing the pay and grading proposals.

It was further noted that the approval of the Council’s pay and grading arrangements would be an important step in the authority becoming an employer of choice, with councillors emphasising the need to attract and retain the best talent.

Councillors also emphasised how a strong and stable workforce was fundamental to the successful achievement of the Council’s vision and priorities.

At the end of the debate a recorded vote was requested and accepted, which was as follows:-

In favour (57)

Cllrs Valerie Anslow, Ross Armour, Paul Bell, Matt Binley, David Brackenbury, Wendy Brackenbury, Cedwien Brown, Scott Brown, Lyn Buckingham, Lloyd Bunday, Jon-Paul Carr, Robin Carter, Melanie Coleman, John Currall, Dez Dell, Scott Edwards, Jonathan Ekins, Jim Hakewill, Clive Hallam, Ken Harrington, David Howes, Barbara Jenney, Matt Keane, Philip Irwin, Bert Jackson, Ian Jelley, Kirk Harrison, Helen Harrison, Larry Henson, David Howes, Graham Lawman, Lora Lawman, Anne Lee, Dorothy Maxwell, Paul Marks, Peter McEwan, John McGhee, Andy Mercer, Gill Mercer, Macaulay Nichol, Jan O’Hara, Anup Pandey, Tom Partridge-Underwood, Mark Pengelly, Harriet Pentland, Roger Powell, Elliot Prentice, Russell Roberts, Mark Rowley, Jason Smithers, Joseph Smyth, Mike Tebbutt, Michael Tye, Malcolm Ward, Kevin Watt and Keli Watts,

Against (1)

Cllr William Colquhoun

Abstentions (3)

Jean Addison, Emily Fedorowycz and Zoe McGhee

The motion was approved.

Resolved:-

a)    That approval  be given to the adoption of North Northamptonshire Councils Pay Structure at Appendix B to the report;

b)    That approval be given to the adoption of North Northamptonshire Councils Terms and Conditions at Appendix C to the report.

Reasons for Decisions:

·         Implementing a new pay structure and terms and conditions for North Northamptonshire Council is an important decision that will help to further, shape our workforce now and in the future.

·         Decisions relating to new pay and grading arrangements have significant financial implications for the council and whilst these have been built into the Medium-Term Financial Plan, approving the adoption of these proposals is a decision for Council, in accordance with the Constitution.

Alternative Options Considered:-

·         Continuing to employ people on ‘interim’ terms and conditions.

·         Starting the pay structure at a lower pay point and decreasing the pay differential between pay bands.

Resolved:-

a)    That approval be given to the content of the Youth Justice Plan 2023/24 at Appendix A to the report;

b)    That the Northamptonshire’s Youth Offending Service’s priorities for 2023/24 be noted, as set out in the plan.

Reasons for Decisions:

·         To accord with the constitution of the Council where the Youth Justice Plan forms part of the Policy Framework that is decided by Full Council.

·         To provide strategic direction to the Youth Offending Service that is delivered by Northamptonshire Children’s Trust.

Alternative Options Considered:

None - As well as being a requirement of statute, the Youth Justice Plan forms part of the Council’s Policy Framework and approval by the Council is therefore required.

Consideration was given by Council to a report which set out the contents of the Youth Justice Plan for the Northamptonshire Youth Justice Service, for 2023/24. A copy of the report is filed with the agenda, marked ‘Agenda Item 10’.

Councillor Scott Edwards moved and Councillor Macaulay Nichol seconded the motion to move the recommendations in the report.

During debate it was noted that there was a lot of positive feedback on the work that the Youth Justice team had been undertaking, especially in relation to tackling repeat offending. The work being undertaken by local area partnership detailed in the Plan was also seen as positive.

It was emphasised that developing the prevention and diversion services for young people through early help was of vital importance in order that they were not criminalised.

Following conclusion of the debate, the motion was voted on, with 60 in favour, 0 against and 0 abstaining.

The motion was approved.

Resolved:-

a)    That approval be given to the content of the Youth Justice Plan 2023/24 at Appendix A to the report;

b)    That the Northamptonshire’s Youth Offending Service’s priorities for 2023/24 be noted, as set out in the plan.

Reasons for Decisions:

·         To accord with the constitution of the Council where the Youth Justice Plan forms part of the Policy Framework that is decided by Full Council.

·         To provide strategic direction to the Youth Offending Service that is delivered by Northamptonshire Children’s Trust.

Alternative Options Considered:

None - As well as being a requirement of statute, the Youth Justice Plan forms part of the Council’s Policy Framework and approval by the Council is therefore required.

Resolved:-

That the contents of the Director of Public Health Annual Report 2022- 2023 and the recommendations made within it, attached as Appendix A to the report, be noted.

Reason for Recommendations –

·         To accord with legislation or the policy of the council. This is a statutory requirement of the Director of Public Health role.

Alternative Options Considered:-

·         None as this is a statutory requirement of the Director of Public Health role. The North Northamptonshire Public Health team was formed during the period covered by this report. Establishing the priorities for improving public health in North Northamptonshire was a key focus of 2022-23 and provides the focus of this report.

Consideration was given by Council to the Director of Public Health’s statutory Annual Report for 2022/23. A copy of the report is filed with the agenda, marked as ‘Agenda Item 11’.

Councillor Helen Harrison introduced Susan Hamilton, the interim Director of Public Health to present her annual report, who subsequently answered questions on a range of topics.

Councillor Helen Harrison then moved and Councillor Wendy Brackenbury seconded a motion to move the recommendations in the report.

During questioning and subsequent debate, the public health team was praised for the work it undertook, including its ambitions, vision and priorities for improving public health across North Northamptonshire.

Susan Hamilton was also thanked personally for her work in steering the public health team as interim director.

Particular concerns raised were the current waiting lists for doctors and dentists in North Northamptonshire. Although it was noted that GP appointments and dentistry were commissioned and dealt with by the Integrated Care Board, rather than Public Health or within the council’s other service areas, it was considered the Council should seek to exert its influence where possible.

It was noted that the Scrutiny Management Board would be meeting shortly to decide on priorities for the scrutiny workplan over the coming months, which was expected to include in its topics, the scrutiny of GPs and dentistry.

Following conclusion of the debate, the motion was voted on, with 57 in favour, 0 against and 5 abstaining.

The motion was approved.

Resolved:-

That the contents of the Director of Public Health Annual Report 2022- 2023 and the recommendations made within it, attached as Appendix A to the report, be noted.

Reason for Recommendations –

·         To accord with legislation or the policy of the council. This is a statutory requirement of the Director of Public Health role.

Alternative Options Considered:-

·         None as this is a statutory requirement of the Director of Public Health role. The North Northamptonshire Public Health team was formed during the period covered by this report. Establishing the priorities for improving public health in North Northamptonshire was a key focus of 2022-23 and provides the focus of this report.

Resolved:-

a)    That approval be given to the funding for the following changes to the capital programme:

             i)        Phase 2 Refugee Resettlement Scheme – approve a budget in 2023/24 of £3.298m for phase 2 of the Refugee Resettlement Scheme funded through £1.298m from the Local Authority Housing Grant and a virement of £2m from the Housing and Homelessness prevention capital programme to the Resettlement capital programme to meet the match funding requirement for the grant.

            ii)        Environmental Services ground maintenance equipment – approve a budget in 2023/24 of £445k for the replacement of grounds maintenance equipment funding from borrowing.

b)    Approval be given to the funding for the following changes to the revenue budget:

             i)        Education Case Management System (ECMS) – approve a revenue budget of £1.362m in 2023/24 for the procurement and one-off implementation costs of a new ECMS funded through use of the Transformation Reserve, and approve the inclusion of ongoing revenue costs of £131k in 2024/25 and £142.5k in 2025/26 into the MTFP.

Reasons for Recommendations:

These are set out in greater detail within section 5 of the report, but can be summarised as:

     i)        To support the housing provision in North Northamptonshire;

    ii)        To support the achievement of corporate plan objectives; and

   iii)        To improve service provision in relation to children, young people, parents and carers

Alternative Options Considered:

     i)        Alternative options in relation to the Phase 2 Refugee Resettlement Scheme can be summarised as follows:–

·         Do nothing – if the Council does not participate in this programme, it will not receive the funding allocation and the challenge of finding onward settled accommodation for refugees will remain;.

·         Commit to delivering a smaller number of homes – whilst this may be easier to achieve, the government grant allocation will reduce proportionately and less homes will be acquired into our temporary accommodation stock. Ultimately fewer additional homes will be available to the Council to use as affordable housing for our residents in the longer term.

    ii)        Alternative options in relation to Environmental Services Grounds Maintenance Equipment can be summarised as follows:-

·         External grants were explored but are not available for plant equipment. The option of leasing new equipment was considered, but not deemed to represent value for money and therefore borrowing is the most cost-effective funding source. The other alternative option would be to not approve this scheme. However, this would have an adverse impact on meeting service needs and the achievement of NNC’s corporate objectives.

   iii)        Alternative options considered for the ECMS can be summarised as follows:-

·         Do nothing;

·         Apply for a variation with the current supplier, subject to this option being available under the current contract and such modification satisfying the Public Contracts Regulations 2015;Reprocure the current system through a direct award; or Build a bespoke system for the Education Service. More detail in relation to alternative options considered by the Executive in respect of the three schemes are set out in the reports presented on 12th July and 17th August 2023, as referenced in Section  ...  view the full decision text for item C/261

Consideration was given to a report requesting approval for a virement of a capital scheme in excess of £0.5m, new borrowing in relation to a capital scheme, and the use of the Transformation Reserve to found one-off revenue implementation costs. A copy of the report is filed with the agenda, marked as ‘Agenda Item 12’.

During debate it was noted that the new equipment in relation grounds maintenance would be more environmentally friendly than the old equipment, with electric vehicles and equipment to be used where possible. It was also noted that the new Education Case Management System would assist parents and guardians in navigating their way through the process of seeking school places for their children.

Following conclusion of the debate, the motion was voted on, with 61 in favour, 0 against and 0 abstaining.

The motion was approved.

Resolved:-

a)    That approval be given to the funding for the following changes to the capital programme:

             i)        Phase 2 Refugee Resettlement Scheme – approve a budget in 2023/24 of £3.298m for phase 2 of the Refugee Resettlement Scheme funded through £1.298m from the Local Authority Housing Grant and a virement of £2m from the Housing and Homelessness prevention capital programme to the Resettlement capital programme to meet the match funding requirement for the grant.

            ii)        Environmental Services ground maintenance equipment – approve a budget in 2023/24 of £445k for the replacement of grounds maintenance equipment funding from borrowing.

b)    Approval be given to the funding for the following changes to the revenue budget:

             i)        Education Case Management System (ECMS) – approve a revenue budget of £1.362m in 2023/24 for the procurement and one-off implementation costs of a new ECMS funded through use of the Transformation Reserve, and approve the inclusion of ongoing revenue costs of £131k in 2024/25 and £142.5k in 2025/26 into the MTFP.

Reasons for Recommendations:

These are set out in greater detail within section 5 of the report, but can be summarised as:

     i)        To support the housing provision in North Northamptonshire;

    ii)        To support the achievement of corporate plan objectives; and

   iii)        To improve service provision in relation to children, young people, parents and carers

Alternative Options Considered:

     i)        Alternative options in relation to the Phase 2 Refugee Resettlement Scheme can be summarised as follows:–

·         Do nothing – if the Council does not participate in this programme, it will not receive the funding allocation and the challenge of finding onward settled accommodation for refugees will remain;.

·         Commit to delivering a smaller number of homes – whilst this may be easier to achieve, the government grant allocation will reduce proportionately and less homes will be acquired into our temporary accommodation stock. Ultimately fewer additional homes will be available to the Council to use as affordable housing for our residents in the longer term.

    ii)        Alternative options in relation to Environmental Services Grounds Maintenance Equipment can be summarised as follows:-

·         External grants were explored but are not available for plant equipment. The option of leasing new equipment  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/261

Resolved:-

That in accordance with meeting procedure rule 10, the meeting conclude at 9.00pm, three hours after its commencement, the substantive business of the meeting having been concluded.

[Note:- In accordance with meeting procedure 10.3 he following outstanding items of business are adjourned to the next ordinary meeting of Council are:-

·         Motions on Notice

o   Motion 1 – Housing

§  Motion 1, following advice from officers, having been in mid-debate at the conclusion of the meeting will serve as the first substantive agenda item at the next ordinary meeting of Council.

o   Motion 2 – Alfred East Art Gallery

o   Motion 3 – Library Services

·         Councillor Questions]

Councillor Jason Smithers, in noting the substantive business of the meeting had now been completed, moved that the guillotine not be extended beyond the three hour time limit for the meeting. Councillor Andy Mercer seconded the motion.

In accordance with meeting procedure rules, the motion was not debated and was immediately put to the vote.

A recorded vote was requested and accepted, which was as follows:-

In favour (37)

Cllrs Paul Bell, Matt Binley, David Brackenbury, Wendy Brackenbury, Cedwien Brown, Lloyd Bunday, Jon-Paul Carr, Robin Carter, Melanie Coleman, John Currall, Scott Edwards, Jonathan Ekins, David Howes, Bert Jackson, Kirk Harrison, Helen Harrison, Philip Irwin, Ian Jelley, Clive Hallam, Graham Lawman, Lora Lawman, Dorothy Maxwell, Paul Marks, Andy Mercer, Gill Mercer, Macaulay Nichol, Anup Pandey, Tom Partridge-Underwood, Harriet Pentland, Roger Powell, Russell Roberts, Mark Rowley, Jason Smithers, Joseph Smyth, Mike Tebbutt, Malcolm Ward, and Malcom Waters.

Against (21)

Cllrs Jean Addison, Valerie Anslow, Ross Armour, Charlie Best, Scott Brown, Lyn Buckingham, Leanne Buckingham, William Colquhoun, Dez Dell, Emily Fedorowycz, Jim Hakewill, Matt Keane, Anne Lee, Peter McEwan, John McGhee, Zoe McGhee, Mark Pengelly, Elliot Prentice, Simon Rielly, Kevin Watt, Keli Watts,

Abstentions (1)

Cllrs Barbara Jenney,

Resolved:-

That in accordance with meeting procedure rule 10, the meeting conclude at 9.00pm, three hours after its commencement, the substantive business of the meeting having been concluded.

“It is clear that the country as a whole is in the midst of a real and continuing housing crisis, we acknowledge the enormous challenge and pressure faced by our members of Staff on homeless presentations in recent years. 

?Whilst we acknowledge the pressures, we also feel much more should be being done by this council to put housing and homelessness on top of the agenda. 

There are blockages and delays in our house building/development programmes which although could be perceived as down to external forces, also see us prepared to be selling off surplus land instead of finding constructive ways to build. 

We have seen over the past two years, massive delays in processing housing applications, far in excess of the time needed to prevent homelessness effectively, which although reported that the backlog being cleared, the backlog is again growing to an unacceptable over three months wait for applications being processed. 

We have seen homeless families be moved away from support and education networks because of lack of temporary accommodation, bringing disruption and chaos for families already facing hardship. 

Despite this Council putting forward resources to assist with rough sleeping programmes, (building on the successes of finding bed spaces during the height of the Covid pandemic) it seems that very little progress is being made in this area also partnering with the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise. 

This motion asks that North Northamptonshire Council develop its vision and strategy for the building and development of social housing and prevention of homelessness including, if appropriate, a review of the allocations strategy to support programmes that prioritise our duty under the armed forces covenant, the growing need for homeless provision for single women and young care leavers, in North Northamptonshire. Acting quickly and decisively ensures that right to buy receipts are not swallowed by raising build costs and that North Northamptonshire Council also commit further investment in housing.” 

Motion 2

To be proposed by Cllr Anne Lee and seconded by Cllr Keli Watts-

“'The Alfred East Art Gallery in Kettering has now been closed for two years for works to improve and maximise its potential. ?North Northants Council undertakes to keep councillors informed of progress made on repairing the roof of the building, and to request that the Executive progress the project with a view to reopen the Art Gallery by the summer of 2024 at the latest.'

Motion 3

To be proposed by Cllr Jim Hakewill and seconded by Cllr Chalie Best-

“This council treasures the Library Service and the many events and personal well-being experiences provided by our libraries, whether in the Statutory or Community Managed Library (CML) family.? Many of the assets of our libraries have been, and are today, shared across the entire County.

Before any proposals for change in the way in which our libraries are  ...  view the full agenda text for item C/263

Motion 1 – Housing and Homelessness

Councillor Valerie Anslow moved and Councillor Lyn Buckingham seconded the motion as set out on the agenda for the meeting.

Following an initial period of debate the guillotine was reached and so the meeting was concluded.

[Note:- At this point of the meeting, in accordance with meeting procedure 10.3 the following outstanding items of business were adjourned to the next ordinary meeting of Council are:-

·         Motions on Notice

o   Motion 1 – Housing and Homelessness

§  Having been in mid-debate at the conclusion of the meeting would serve as the first substantive agenda item at the next ordinary meeting of Council.

o   Motion 2 – Alfred East Art Gallery

o   Motion 3 – Library Services

o   Motion 4 – River Nene

·         Councillor Questions]

To receive questions from members.

[This item was adjourned until the next ordinary meeting of Council]