Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Tim Allebone, Wendy Brackenbury, Cedwien Brown, John Currall, Annabel de Capell Brooke, Jonathan Ekins, Martin Griffiths, Jim Hakewill, Kirk Harrison, Helen Howell, Ian Jelley, Richard Levell, Steven North, Jan O’Hara, Mark Pengelly, Roger Powell, Simon Rielly, Mark Rowley, Geoff Shacklock, David Sims, Kevin Thurland, Sarah Tubbs, Kevin Watt & Andrew Wetherill.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on 29^th September 2021 had been circulated.

The Chair MOVED and Councillor David Brackenbury SECONDED that the minutes be approved.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            The minutes of the Council meeting held on 29^th September 2021 be agreed as a correct record.

Following advice from the Deputy Monitoring Officer in relation to the report titled Pension Discretions Policy and Motion 4 (as detailed on the agenda), a number of councillors registered a personal interest as they or a close family member were/or would be in receipt of a local government pension - Councillors Hallam, Leanne Buckingham, Anslow, Partridge-Underwood, Smith-Haynes, Carr, Roberts, L Lawman, Edwards, Henson & Bell.

In addition, Councillors Bunday and Graham Lawman as the Council’s representatives on the Pension Board declared an interest and indicated that they would leave the meeting and not participate in any debate or vote on these matters.

No other Declarations of Interest were made.

The Chair confirmed that the Urgency Item relating to the Statement of Licensing Principles would be taken on the agenda after the report on the Gambling Act.

The Chair confirmed that the Urgency Item relating to the Statement of Licensing Principles would be taken on the agenda after the report on the Gambling Act.

(i) Public Statements

(ii) Public Questions

Public Statements

Any public statements received by the deadline had been circulated to Members.

Public Questions

There were no public questions on this occasion.

A petition had been received under the Council’s Petition Scheme from a local resident of Great Oakley, regarding highway safety concerns on the Lewin Road/Oakley Road roundabout.

Councillor Armour a local ward representative spoke to reinforce the concerns detailed in the petition regarding road safety, and the significant support among the public and local residents for the Council to take further action as soon as possible to address these issues.

Councillor Graham Lawman (Executive Member), in response to the petition and representations made, had compiled, and circulated to Members an update on the actions taken to address this matter to date, together with proposals to fully implement the agreed works required. Councillor Lawman stated that the works would be undertaken as soon as budgetary provision was available for the agreed programme of works.

The Chair thanked Ms Marsh and councillors for their contribution.

Twelve questions had been submitted by councillors within the deadline. Responses from the appropriate Executive member had been circulated prior to commencement of the meeting, with the exception of the question on the livery of NNC vehicles; this information was still being collated and would be distributed outside of the meeting.

Under this item Councillor G Lawman made a short statement. Councillor Lawman informed Council that there was an opportunity to install more electric vehicle charging points through the VPACH2 project using the Government funds which were available to the area. Councillor Lawman would be writing to councillors to ask for their support to identify on-street sites which may be suitable for charging points.

Full Council received a report detailing representations submitted to the consultation on the proposed Isham Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan, together with a proposed amendment to the conservation area boundary.

The report and accompanying documents had been considered by the Executive, who were recommending approval.

Councillors D Brackenbury, Hallam and L Lawman spoke in favour of the report. Officers and members were thanked for their work in developing the proposals, and for the contribution of consultees.

Councillor Hallam MOVED and Councillor Harrington SECONDED the report’s recommendations.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            The revised Isham Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan as set out in Appendix A be adopted; and

(ii)          The Isham Conservation Area Boundary as set out in Appendix B be revised.

The report sought Full Council approval to adopt the Kettering Site Specific Part 2 Local Plan. The Plan would represent a major milestone in the development of a comprehensive planning framework for the Kettering area. It was the culmination of a number of years of work by officers, members, partners, and the local community. There had been significant public input throughout the process.

The Plan drawn up by the former Kettering Borough Council had been subject to a thorough examination and had been modified as a result of recommendations made by the Planning Inspector. It was noted, that if adopted the Plan would supersede all of the existing saved policies and allocations in the 1995 Local Plan for Kettering Borough.

The report and accompanying documents had been considered by the Executive at its meeting on 30^th September 2021; the Executive were recommending approval.

Councillors D Brackenbury and Tebbutt introduced the report. Officers and members were thanked for the work undertaken in bringing this important policy document to adoption stage.

Councillor Fedorowycz queried whether the Council’s continuing work and development of policies to tackle the Climate Change Emergency would be incorporated into the Plan. It was noted that allowance had been made in the Plan for future Council policy on this matter, and future policy decisions which were compatible would be able to be incorporated and addressed where appropriate.

Councillor Tebbutt MOVED and Councillor Howe SECONDED the report’s recommendations.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            The Kettering Site Specific Part 2 Local Plan (set out in Appendix A) be adopted; and

(ii)          Delegated authority be granted to the Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the Executive Director for Place and Economy, to make any further Additional Modifications to the Kettering Site Specific Part 2 Local Plan or its accompanying Policies Maps that relate exclusively to factual updates, grammatical corrections and formatting for the purposes of publishing the Plan to presentation standard; and

(iii)         Delegated authority be granted to the Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the Executive Director for Place and Economy, to prepare and publish the Adoption Statement (Appendix F) and the Sustainability Appraisal Statement, and fulfil any other duties required under Regulations 26 and 35 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.

It was noted that the Council had a statutory duty to publish an annual Youth Justice Plan which included specified information regarding the provision of Youth Justice services.

The Plan covered performance for the period 2020/21 and provided service budgets, operational and strategic developments within the service and partnership, service structure and the Service Improvement Plan for 2021/22. The Plan was discussed by the Executive, who are recommending approval.

Members welcomed the Plan and expressed the hope that the budget for this service could be retained to support the important work undertaken.

Councillor Edwards MOVED and Councillor Lawal SECONDED the report’s recommendation.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            The Northamptonshire Justice Plan be approved.

Council approval was sought for the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Principles for the Authority, and to consider whether to make a “no-casino” resolution under s.166 of the Gambling Act 2005. If approved, the Statement would be effective for the period 31^st January 2022 – 30^th January 2025; the document would be subject to review during this period as required.

The Statement had been considered by the Licensing and Appeals Committee who were recommending approval.

In addition, Council needed to consider whether to adopt a “no-casinos” resolution; if adopted the resolution would be effective for the same period as the Statement.

Councillor Hallam MOVED and Councillor Binley SECONDED the report’s recommendations.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            The Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles 2022-2025 be adopted; and

(ii)          No “no casinos” resolution be made on this occasion.

The report before Council had been submitted under the Urgent Items provision, as the matter required determination prior to the next scheduled ordinary Full Council meeting.

The report sought Council approval for the Authority’s proposed Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Licensing Authority. If approved it would cover the period January 2022 – January 2027.

The Policy had been considered by the Licensing and Appeals Committee who were recommending approval.

Councillor Hallam MOVED and Councillor B Jenney SECONDED the report’s recommendations.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            The Statement of Licensing Policy be adopted.

The report before Council set out the role, structure, and activity of the Board. The report also detailed the work of the Children in Care and Care Leavers’ councils, the Fostering and Adoption Services, Commissioning Services, and the Council’s children’s homes. Details of the Children’s Services Improvement Plan were also included.

Councillor J McGhee felt that it was important that appropriate dentistry and healthcare provision were available for the young people. In addition, concern was raised that where possible the case officer provision was consistent for each case, and the reallocation of cases be minimised.

Councillor G Mercer welcomed the report and agreed that a stable workforce was a priority to ensure standards were maintained and further improvement made. Councillor Mercer noted that there were currently no unallocated cases; this was welcomed.

Councillor Anslow suggested that there needed to be more investment in “early help”, to assist in reducing the potential for some young people to be placed in care.

Councillor Z McGhee suggested that the young person representation on the Board be increased, so there was not a sole representative. Participation by young people in the Board was welcomed.

Councillor Lawal commented that there was a need to limit exclusion of young people from schools, and that every effort needed to be made to keep young people with their peers.

Councillor Edwards MOVED and Councillor G Mercer SECONDED the report’s recommendation.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            The Corporate Parenting Board Annual Report be noted.

Councillor Andy Mercer MOVED, and Councillor Harriet Pentland SECONDED, that the Housing Tenancy Policy report circulated with the agenda be deferred, to allow officers to conduct further external consultation, prior to bringing the item back to Full Council for determination.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            The Housing Tenancy Policy report be deferred to a future meeting of Full Council.

The Corporate Plan set out a long-term vision for North Northamptonshire Council. It was recognised that the vision was aspirational and may take a few years to achieve. The Plan also included the Council’s values and key commitments. These described how the Council would work and the focus it would adopt in the future.

The Plan detailed proposed actions for the Council’s six key commitments –

• Active, fulfilled lives
• Better, brighter futures
• Safe and thriving places
• Greener, sustainable environment
• Connected communities
• Modern public services

The report before Council detailed the extensive consultation process undertaken in formulating the Plan, both from within the Council, with partners and the public. There had been a positive response to the Plan.

Councillor J McGhee appreciated the need for a Corporate Plan but did express concern that feedback was not always received regarding suggestions made by members of the Executive Advisory Panels (EAPs). Councillor Smithers agreed that feedback should always be provided, whether suggestions had been received and incorporated, or if suggestions had not been included, together with an explanation as to why they were not included.

Councillor Smithers MOVED and Councillor Harrington SECONDED the report’s recommendations.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            The Corporate Plan 2021 – 2025, as set out in Appendix A, be adopted; and

(ii)          It be noted that progress in the delivery of the Corporate Plan would be regularly reported to the Executive and the Plan would remain responsive to change.

The report before Council was suggesting an amendment to the previously approved Blueprint document, with a move to having a dedicated Director of Public Health (DPH) for North Northamptonshire; the current position of Director of Public Health covered both North and West Northamptonshire.

It was suggested that with the development of the new Integrated Care System (ICS), the difference in localities and areas requiring improvement in North and West Northamptonshire in terms of public health outcome measures, there was a requirement for different responses and alliances. This was recognised in the planned ICS designs using place based Unitary footprints as the focus of future service delivery.

Councillor J McGhee whilst recognising the advantages of having a locally focused DPH, particularly in terms of driving forward the levelling-up agenda, was concerned regarding the additional salary cost implications.

Councillor H Harrison thanked the current DPH and their team for the tremendous work they had undertaken over the previous years, particularly in relation to the Council’s response to the Covid pandemic. Councillor Harrison did feel that it was an appropriate time, with the roll-out of ICS for the Council to have its own dedicated DPH and that this would also assist the Council in focusing on the priority of addressing the levelling-up agenda across North Northamptonshire.

Councillor Z McGhee welcomed the report, and the commitment indicated by the Council in addressing the issues being identified by the levelling-up agenda.

Councillor Smithers and other members present also thanked the current DPH for the tremendous work undertaken over the past two years in addressing the serious implications of the pandemic and co-ordinating the Council’s response.

Councillor H Harrison MOVED and Councillor Lawal SECONDED the report’s recommendations.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            The Blueprint be amended from 31^st March 2022 to include a separate Director of Public Health for North and West Northamptonshire Councils;

(ii)          It be noted that the Director of Public Health for North Northamptonshire Council would be funded by the Public Health Grant in accordance with s.73A (2) National Service Act 2006;

(iii)         Delegated authority be granted to the Employment Committee and the Chief Executive to take all necessary actions to complete the recruitment process and appoint a Director of Public Health for North Northamptonshire Council, in conjunction with the Office for Health Improvements and Disparities at DHSC and the Faculty of Public Health; and

(iv)         It be noted that the salary of the post would be in line with the Pay Policy agreed by Council in February 2021.

The purpose of the report before Council was to request approval for a virement for capital schemes which was in excess of £0.5m. Proposed virements in excess of this figure required Council determination.

The Executive had considered the report at its meeting on 18^th November 2021 and were recommending approval.

The virement related to the need for the Council to match fund additional Government grant of £0.580m in relation to the Rough Sleepers Accommodation Programme (RSAP). Details of the Council’s grant application were highlighted within the report. The Council’s capital programme would be amended should the grant application to Government be successful.

Members welcomed the report. Some members suggested that should the grant application be successful that the Council prioritise schemes within the Wellingborough area, as it was suggested that there was existing under provision in comparison with other areas within North Northamptonshire.

Members were reminded that the report indicated that it was envisaged the purchase of additional properties would be made in Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough, and Rushden.

Councillor Bunday MOVED and Councillor Binley SECONDED the report’s recommendation.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            A capital budget virement of £0.580m be approved to the Rough Sleepers Accommodation Programme (RSAP) from the Housing and Homelessness Prevention approved budget, as match funding for the RSAP grant allocation of £0.580m should the grant bid be successful.

The report before Council was to update members on the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for 2021/22 and to propose its continuation for the next financial year, 2022/23. The proposal had been considered by the Executive at its meeting on 18^th November 2021; the Executive were recommending continuation of the Scheme.

Details of the existing Scheme and its application during 2021/22 were highlighted within the report.

Councillor Bunday introduced the report. In doing so Councillor Bunday thanked the previous task and finish group, established by the Shadow Authority, and chaired by Councillor D Jenney, for the work they had undertaken in proposing the Scheme adopted for 2021/22. This Scheme had operated effectively and it was being proposed the model continue for 2022/2023.

Councillor D Jenney also thanked task and finish group members. The Scheme had operated as envisaged and he welcomed the opportunity to propose its continuation.

Councillor D Jenney MOVED and Councillor Binley SECONDED the report’s recommendation.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            The proposed 2022/23 Local Council Tax Support Scheme be approved that maintained the current 2021/22 Scheme, allowing for changes required to reflect the annual uplifting of allowances and premiums and any statutory base legislation changes which were required to be made to the Scheme.

The report before Council set out the Council Tax Base 2022/23 as required by legislation. A Council Tax Base calculation for the whole of North Northamptonshire had been undertaken for 2022/23. Details of the outcome of that calculation were included in the report before members.

Councillor Bunday MOVED and Councillor Pandey SECONDED the report’s recommendations.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            In accordance with the Local Authorities (calculation of Tax Base) Regulation 1992 (as amended), the amount calculated by the Council as its Council Tax Base for the whole of the North Northamptonshire area for 2022/23 shall be 113,047, as detailed in the report and appendices. It be noted that this was an increase of 1,155 over the 2021/22 Tax Base, a 1% increase; and

(ii)          It be noted there was a Council Tax Collection rate assumption of 98.5% for 2022/23.

Council was being requested to formally approve two planning-related protocols. Both protocols had been considered by the Constitutional Working Group and the Democracy and Standards Committee. Both bodies were recommending approval.

These protocols were in addition to the duties and responsibilities detailed in the Members’ Code of Conduct and other supplementary advice and guidance.

The Planning Protocol covered the significant elements that members needed to consider when undertaking their duties and responsibilities on behalf of the Planning Authority. The Protocol covered members on both area planning committees and the Strategic Planning Committee.

The Planning Committee Site Visit Protocol incorporated good practise and itemised key considerations that needed to be considered before, during and after approved site visits. It was noted that site visits would normally only be conducted by exception, with most determinations of applications for planning consent being made without the need for a site visit.

Members welcomed the proposed protocols and noted that they provided clear concise guidance in relation to procedure and the responsibilities of committee members.

Councillor D Brackenbury MOVED and Councillor Maxwell SECONDED the report’s recommendations.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            The Planning Protocol (Appendix A) be approved; and

(ii)          The Planning Committee Site Visit Protocol (Appendix B) be approved.

The report before members indicated that under the Council’s governance arrangements, the Audit and Governance Committee were required to consider a recommendation to opt into the national sector-led arrangements and nominate Public Sector Audit Appointments Limited (PSAA) to appoint external auditors on the Council’s behalf.

Full Council noted that the Committee had considered this item at its meeting held on 8^th November 2021; the Committee were recommending to opt in and that PSAA appoint external auditors on the Council’s behalf.

Councillor Bunday MOVED and Councillor H Harrison SECONDED the report’s recommendation.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            Full Council endorsed to opt into the national sector-led arrangements and nominated Public Sector Audit Appointments Limited (PSAA) to appoint the external auditor on its behalf.

Full Council were being requested to consider amendments to the current terms of reference of the Democracy and Standards Committee. These amendments had been considered by the Constitutional Working Group and the Committee, both bodies were recommending approval.

The report and appendix detailed the proposed changes, which included expanding the full membership of Council members from 7 to 13, redefining the role of town and parish representatives and including oversight of the Independent Remuneration Panel.

Members welcomed the report particularly the clarity provided in relation to the role of town and parish representatives.

Councillor L Lawman MOVED and Councillor G Mercer SECONDED the report’s recommendations.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            The amended Terms of Reference (Appendix A) be approved;

(ii)          The Monitoring Officer be authorised to arrange for a pool of town or parish councillors (a maximum of four) to be recruited with the successful nominees to be ratified by the Democracy and Standards Committee; and

(iii)         The Monitoring Officer be authorised to make any ancillary amendments to the Constitution as required.

Full Council were being requested to consider amendments to the current terms of reference of the Democracy and Standards Committee. These amendments had been considered by the Constitutional Working Group and the Committee, both bodies were recommending approval.

The report and appendix detailed the proposed changes, which included expanding the full membership of Council members from 7 to 13, redefining the role of town and parish representatives and including oversight of the Independent Remuneration Panel.

Members welcomed the report particularly the clarity provided in relation to the role of town and parish representatives.

Councillor L Lawman MOVED and Councillor G Mercer SECONDED the report’s recommendations.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            The amended Terms of Reference (Appendix A) be approved;

(ii)          The Monitoring Officer be authorised to arrange for a pool of town or parish councillors (a maximum of four) to be recruited with the successful nominees to be ratified by the Democracy and Standards Committee; and

(iii)         The Monitoring Officer be authorised to make any ancillary amendments to the Constitution as required.

Full Council were being requested to consider amendments to the current terms of reference of the Democracy and Standards Committee. These amendments had been considered by the Constitutional Working Group and the Committee, both bodies were recommending approval.

The report and appendix detailed the proposed changes, which included expanding the full membership of Council members from 7 to 13, redefining the role of town and parish representatives and including oversight of the Independent Remuneration Panel.

Members welcomed the report particularly the clarity provided in relation to the role of town and parish representatives.

Councillor L Lawman MOVED and Councillor G Mercer SECONDED the report’s recommendations.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            The amended Terms of Reference (Appendix A) be approved;

(ii)          The Monitoring Officer be authorised to arrange for a pool of town or parish councillors (a maximum of four) to be recruited with the successful nominees to be ratified by the Democracy and Standards Committee; and

(iii)         The Monitoring Officer be authorised to make any ancillary amendments to the Constitution as required.

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

Motion 1

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

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

Motion 2

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

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

Motion 3

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

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

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

RESOLVES that:-

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

Motion 4

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

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

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

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

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

Motion 1

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

Motion 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            The motion be supported.

Motion 3

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

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