NORTHAMPTON BOROUGH COUNCIL
COUNCIL
Monday, 15 July 2013
YOU ARE SUMMONED TO ATTEND A MEETING OF NORTHAMPTON BOROUGH COUNCIL, WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE GUILDHALL NORTHAMPTON ON MONDAY, 15 JULY 2013 AT 6:30 PM WHEN THE FOLLOWING BUSINESS IS PROPOSED TO BE TRANSACTED
1. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
2. MINUTES.
rd To approve the minutes of the proceedings of the Meeting of the Council held on 3 June 2013.
3. APOLOGIES.
4. MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND PETITIONS
6. MEMBER AND PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
(Copy herewith)
7. CABINET MEMBER PRESENTATIONS
(Copy herewith)
8. OPPOSITION GROUP BUSINESS
Councillor Beardsworth to make a statement:
“Whether the Conservative administration consulting adequately with residents to ensure that it is properly serving their needs”?
9. OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY ANNUAL REPORT 2012/2013
(Copy herewith)
10. APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER
(Copy herewith)
11. CHANGES TO THE CONSTITUTION-FILMING AND RECORDING COUNCIL MEETINGS
(Copy herewith)
12. NOTICES OF MOTION
i) Councillor Markham to propose and Councillor Lynch to second:
“Council recognises the problem with rogue landlords targeting vulnerable tenants by placing them in unsafe or overcrowded accommodation. Some have even been placing tenants in converted outbuildings or vacant commercial premises. This behaviour can have a huge impact on neighbourhoods increasing refuse, noise and in some cases antisocial behaviour and also places pressure on local services.
The Administration is committed to working to address these problems alongside other agencies and is currently recruiting additional team members to show our commitment to achieving zero tolerance.
Council notes the work being done by the housing and homelessness charity, Shelter, and supports Shelter’s Evict Rogue Landlords campaign and commits to doing all we can to stamp out rogue landlords in our local authority”.
ii) Councillor Malpas to propose and Councillor Conroy to second:
“Ten guide dogs are being attacked by out of control dogs every month, according to a report published (10 Jun 2013). The all-time high figure came on the day MPs debated dog control in Parliament. The report by the charity Guide Dogs shows the trauma these attacks cause guide dog owners and urges the Government to act now to protect the freedom of people who are blind or partially sighted.
A total of 240 dog attacks on guide dogs were reported between March 2011 and February 2013. Five guide dogs had to be withdrawn from service in that period, which has cost the charity more than £170,000. The number of reported attacks has risen since Guide Dogs’ last report in 2012, which showed an average of eight attacks a month.
Guide Dogs’ Chief Executive Richard Leaman said: “A change in the law can’t come quickly enough for our guide dog owners, who too often have to bear the devastating consequences of these attacks. When a guide dog is attacked, someone with sight loss can completely lose their means of getting out and about independently. The impact on their life is huge and we are calling on the Government to do everything in its power to promote responsible dog ownership, deter these attacks, and ensure this deeply worrying trend does not continue.”
The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill would make an attack on an assistance dog an aggravated offence, and will also make it an offence for a dog to be dangerously out of control when there is ‘reasonable concern’ that it will injure an assistance dog such as a guide dog.
Guide Dogs’ researchers also found evidence that the bond between a person with sight loss and a guide dog is even stronger than an owner and a pet dog, so an attack can be even more detrimental than on a pet dog, and they can both lose vital confidence and trust - in some cases, never wanting to go out again.
Mr Leaman said: “We have fought long and hard on this issue and while we are delighted these measures are being proposed, there is no time to lose. Only when irresponsible owners are held accountable for their dogs, and heavily punished for their aggression, do we believe the number of attacks on guide dogs will come down.”
For the reasons stated above it is proposed that,
1. This Council requests that the Chief Executive immediately writes to all three Members of Parliament urging them to support the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill in its entirety, whilst at the same time highlight the concerns that have been highlighted regarding attacks on all assistance dogs especially Guide Dogs
2. During National Guide Dog Week (week commencing 05/10/2013), this authority actively promotes the organisation and it’s works through the media, its website and community forums”.
iii) Councillor Mackintosh to propose and Councillor Wire DL to second:
“Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service was formed in 1974 following the amalgamation of Northampton Fire Brigade and Northamptonshire Fire Brigade. Northamptonshire is currently served by 22 stations, including Mereway, Moulton and Mounts fire stations in the Borough of Northampton.
This Council recognises the valuable role of Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service in protecting the life and property of the people of Northampton, and recognises the dedication, professionalism and courage they show whilst carrying out their duties.
In recognition of their long and distinguished service to the people of Northampton, this Council resolves to hold a special meeting to award Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service the freedom of the borough”.
iv) Councillor Glynane to propose and Councillor Beardsworth to second:
The Council notes that: • The Sekhemka statue and associated collections were a gift to the people of Northampton • The terms of the gift were to that the collections should be exhibited "freely to the public" of the town.
• The administration's failure to properly look into the terms of the gift or to consult with interested local groups has caused confusion, anger and alienation across a broad spectrum of the community, as well as jeopardising the future availability of these important historical pieces to the people of the town.
The Council resolves to: • End the speculation resolving the sale of the Sekhemka statue, and reassure the residents of Northampton and other interested parties that the statue will remain on display for people to view and enjoy.
The Council further resolves to: • Review its consultation process to ensure that it is working with community groups, friends groups and the general populous rather than alienating them and undermining community involvement.
v) Councillor Meredith to propose and Councillor Conroy to second:
The council notes that: • The discretionary rate relief withdrawal proposed by the Conservative administration will put substantial further financial strain on essential community groups and charities within Northampton Borough
• The Council also notes that the Conservative administration at the County Council has recently cut funding to third sector groups, already endangering potentially essential services.
The Council therefore resolves:
• To reinstate discretionary rate relief to all hard pressed groups that serve the most vulnerable people and have an essential role in creating a sense of community across the Borough.
vi) Councillor Beardsworth to propose and Councillor Conroy to second:
The council notes that: • Houses of Multiple Occupation and their residents can be of tremendous value to an area, contributing to the local economy and community and adding valuable diversity through the provision of low cost housing in otherwise high cost areas.
• Some landlords don’t face their responsibilities in looking after their properties. • This failure affects community cohesion, causing concern and anger
The Council therefore requests that: • The administration apply to government for the 'selective licensing powers' outlined in section 3 of the Housing Act 2004, which would allow smaller houses of multiple occupation to be licensed, including student residences around the two university campus'.
• To require the same standards be upheld in these properties as in larger HMOs, for the good of existing local communities, tenants and the cohesion between the two.
vii) Councillor Mason to propose and Councillor Stone to second:
“This council believes it is in the interests of young families with children under 10 to be housed in ground floor properties wherever feasible and if that’s what they choose.
We are resolved that these families will not be offered accommodation in social housing above the ground floor from January 2014.
We further resolve that all families currently living in above ground accommodation in social housing will be supported to transfer to ground floor units from April 2014.
Families will not be penalized if, because of circumstances, they accept accommodation above the ground floor”.
viii) Councillor Stone to propose and Councillor Capstick to second:
“This Council recognises that it has an important role in providing training to nurture more community engagement in the town.
In order to support groups of local people taking on community and voluntary activity this local authority will offer training and small start-up grants from April 2014. The training will look at how to set up residents associations, running small scale projects and action planning”.
ix) Councillor Gowen to propose and Councillor Wire DL to second that:
“This Council recognises the importance of Resident Associations and ward councillors disseminating information regarding public events to their residents and believes more can be done to enable this.
This Council believes non-executive councillors should be informed as much as possible about ‘events’ taking place in their wards.
Therefore this Council resolves that it will inform all ward councillors on a fortnightly basis (by email) about events to which permission has been granted by the Borough Council”. x) Councillor Glynane to propose and Councillor Beardsworth to second:
“This Council recognises that Magna Carta was agreed by the Barons in Northampton Castle after some debate. That Barons met together with others at Brackley, Northamptonshire before moving south to meet with King John for its signing at Runnymede.
This Council recognises that the Magna Carta Trust is also campaigning for a public holiday on 15 June 2015 - the exact anniversary date of the signing of the document.
This Council notes the charter was written to end a war between King John and his Barons. It was not a Bill of Rights, but it has influenced laws and rights ever since. Three of the original clauses survive in our law today.
This Council recognises that exact location of the sealing of Magna Carta is not known and could have been either on what is now the South side of the Thames in Runnymede, or on the North side of the Thames, or possibly on Magna Carta Island which is between King John's Hunting Lodge and Ankerwyke Priory.
This Council recognises the value and importance of Magna Carta and this Council looks to work with the Northamptonshire County Council, Brackley Town Council and any other appropriate parties, schools to develop a programme to celebrate the debate and agreement of Magna Carta in Northampton”.
xi) Councillor Glynane to propose and Councillor Meredith to second:
“That this Council recognises the Town Green status of Far Cotton Recreation Ground which residents fought hard for and further recognises that this is our community space looked at with pride by residents old and young.
That this Council notes and acts upon Section 12 of the Inclosure Act 1857 makes it a criminal offence to:
• wilfully cause injury or damage to any fence on a green; • wilfully take any cattle or other animals onto a green without lawful authority 3; • wilfully lay any manure, soil, ashes, rubbish or other material on a green; • undertake any act which causes injury to the green ( e.g. digging turf); or • undertake any act which interrupts the use or enjoyment of a green as a place of
exercise and recreation ( e.g. fencing a green so as to prevent access). 4
That this Council deplores the use of Far Cotton Rec for car parking. Notes that residents do not want to see our green space used for this.
This council further notes that using the Far Cotton Rec as a car park for three days will interrupt the use and enjoyment of our Town Green as a place of exercise and recreation.
That this Council should refuse the used of Far Cotton Recreation Ground for car parking and that residents wishes that it should not put to this use be respected.That this Council notes that there are other areas of land which the Portfolio holder is aware could be used, eg Land at Ransome Road. Further notes that we have empty car parks at six field that could be used for park and ride, as with the British Grand Pix at Silverstone.
This Council further notes with concern that the Portfolio holder for Community Engagement has failed utterly to consult on the use of this space with Far Cotton Residents Association, Friends of Delapre Abbey, Friars and Delapre Residents Association, Businesses in Far Cotton and Delapre, Cllr Glynane, Cllr Davies and Cllr Mick Ford. Further this Council instructs the portfolio holder to put in writing why he failed to consult with each of the above groups and Councillors.
This Council is dismayed that the portfolio holder thinks that only the following Streets, as of the1 July 2013 will have permit parking, Euston Road, Southampton Road, Penrhyn Road, Delapre Crescent Road, Thorpe Road, Eastfield Road, Playdell, Forest Road, Haines Road, Salcey Street, Stevenson Street, Queen Eleanor Road, Queen Eleanor Terrace, Pilgrim Place and London Road. The portfolio holder has failed to take into account the displacement of parking from the permit areas to adjacent areas and appears to be completely out of touch with the concerns of local residents
This Council notes that large areas will be free from permit restrictions, and this will cause noise, distress and disruption for resident over the three days when the event will take place . This Council calls on the portfolio holder to instigate a traffic order the covers the whole of Far Cotton and Delapre without delay.
This council calls on the portfolio holder to enter into discussion with businesses owners, Delapre Abbey Tea Rooms so as to agree a package of compensation for the loss of trade and income which will result from this disruption over three days”,.
13. MATTERS OF URGENCY WHICH BY REASON OF SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES THE MAYOR IS OF THE OPINION SHOULD BE CONSIDERED.
The Guildhall Northampton D. Kennedy Chief Executive
Public Participation
1. Comments and Petitions
1.1 A member of the public (or an accredited representative of a business ratepayer of the Borough) may make a comment or present a petition on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers. A comment or presentation of a petition shall be for no more than three minutes. No notice of the nature of the comment to be made or of the petition is required except for the need to register to speak by 12 noon on the day of the meeting.
(Public comments and petitions will not be taken and the Annual Council Meeting or other civic or ceremonial meetings.)
NOTES i. Comments may be on one or more subjects but each person has no longer than three minutes to have their say. ii. The same person may make a comment and present a petition on different subjects. In such instances that person will have three minutes to make their comment and a separate three minutes to present a petition.
2. Member and Public Questions
2.1 A member of the public (or business ratepayer of the Borough) may ask a maximum of two written questions at each meeting, each limited to a maximum of 50 words, on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers. Each question shall: • be submitted in writing and delivered, faxed or e-mailed to Democratic Services no later than 10.00am seven calendar days before the day of the meeting; and • include the name and address of the questioner and the name of the Cabinet member/Committee Chair to whom the question is put.
2.2 At the meeting, copies of all questions and the responses to them from the public and Members will be made available to the public and press. The Mayor may allow one supplementary question, without notice, that arises directly from the original question or response.
(Questions will not be taken at the Annual Council Meeting or at civic or ceremonial meetings or meetings called to deal with specific items of business.)
NOTES In respect of paragraph 2.1 above, questions may be rejected on certain grounds that are set out on page 4-12 of the Council’s Constitution and which may be viewed at www.northampton.gov.uk/site/scripts/download_info.php?fileID=1919 or by seeking advice using the contact details below.
3. Motions
3.1 A member of the public may register to speak to a motion under the ‘Notices of Motion’ item on the agenda. Registration to speak must be made to Democratic Services by 12 noon on the day to the meeting. Speaking to a motion is restricted to three minutes per person.
(The ‘Notices of Motion’ item will not be taken at the Annual Council meeting or meetings called for civic or ceremonial purposes.)
4. General
A member of the public may make a comment, present a petition, ask a question or speak to a motion at the same meeting subject to the restrictions set out above.
5. Contacts
Democratic Services: e-mail [email protected]
Tel 01604 837722
Mail Democratic Services Northampton Borough Council The Guildhall St Giles Square Northampton NN1 1DE
Agenda Item 2
MINUTES
OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF A MEETING OF NORTHAMPTON BOROUGH COUNCIL HELD AT THE GUILDHALL, NORTHAMPTON, ON Monday, 3 June 2013 AT SIX THIRTY O’CLOCK IN THE EVENING
PRESENT: HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR Councillor Marriott (in the Chair).
COUNCILLORS: Conroy, Ansell, Aziz, Beardsworth, Begum, Bottwood, Capstick, Caswell, I. Choudary, N Choudary, Duncan, Eldred, Flavell, Ford, Glynane, Golby, Gowen, Hadland, Hallam, Hibbert, Hill, Lane, Larratt, Lynch, Malpas, Markham, Marriott, Mennell, Meredith, Nunn, Oldham, Palethorpe, Patel, Sargeant, Stone, Strachan, Subbarayan and Yates
1. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were none.
2. MINUTES. The minutes of the Council meeting held on the 13 th May 2013 were agreed and signed by the Mayor.
3. APOLOGIES. Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mason, Davies, Eales, Mackintosh, Wire DL, King and Parekh.
4. MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS. The Mayor announced that there was a Mayor Charity Sunday to be held on the 23 rd June 2013 at All Saints Church at 10.30am. He also informed Council that there was a Korean War memorial and re-dedication at Abington Square Memorial, also on the 23 rd June at 2pm.
The Mayor announced that he had received a letter from the Girl Guides (32 nd Northampton Unit) who had been undertaking their ‘Girls in Action’ Badge. As part of this they had worked closely with ‘The Railway Children’ Charity who raised awareness of runaway children and they had made and designed their own badge which the Mayor thanked them for. He congratulated Emily, Emma, Lily, Ezme, Simone and Ella for the badge and letter and wished them luck in raising awareness and their charitable work.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND PETITIONS Having been formally notified of a change of Party from a member and with the agreement of Council, the Mayor allowed Councillor Mennell to address Council.
Councillor Mennell informed Council that she had left the Labour Group and was now a member of UKIP.
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Mr Leach addressed Council and expressed his concern about domestic extremism and commented that the recent march by the English Defence League (EDL) in Northampton had been used as a recruitment campaign by extremists against Islam. He noted that the EDL were spreading messages of hatred and asked what was being done to combat extremism. He asked for Councillors to meet and discuss with him the impact of these actions within communities and asked that more be done to allow for a peaceful and tolerant society.
6. MEMBER AND PUBLIC QUESTION TIME Councillor Stone asked Councillor Hallam as the relevant Cabinet Member about the impact of the Rat Control budget and other pests were being managed and noted the response as tabled.
Councillor Stone asked Councillor Mackintosh as the Leader of the Council how the administration intended to deal with street drinker and the effect they had on the town centre and noted the response as tabled.
Councillor Stone asked Councillor Eldred as the relevant Cabinet Member when the first Women’s Forum was being convened and noted the response as tabled.
Mr Liam Costello asked Councillor Bottwood as the relevant Cabinet Member what the Council Tax Base Reduction Grant would be given to each parish and asked why residents of Wootton and East Hunsbury parish were paying for open spaces through Special Expenses, unlike other parish councils and noted the response as tabled.
7. CABINET MEMBER PRESENTATIONS At this point each of the Cabinet Members made a presentation of their respective portfolios that had been circulated with the agenda.
In the absence of Councillor Mackintosh, Councillor Markham submitted a report on behalf of the Leader and elaborated thereon. In response to a question asked, Councillor Markham explained that the decision of the Leader and the Cabinet to appoint a Conservative to the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny had been decided on merit and that Councillor Lane was well experienced and it was agreed he was the right candidate. Councillor Beardsworth commented that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had been very well chaired by Councillor Marriott, prior to his appointment as Mayor, and asked why Chairmanship had not been given to the opposition as was usual custom. Councillor Markham commented that all options had been considered and that the administration were in agreement that the best candidate had been selected. Councillor Glynane asked that the administration reconsider this as they had broken the custom of practice.
Councillor Markham submitted her Cabinet Member report and elaborated thereon. She updated members on the celebration of the first anniversary of Oasis House and noted that preparations were underway for Phase 2 of the Decent Homes Programme and it was explained that a two day conference had been held for tenants who wanted to find out more about the stock option process and relevant changes that would affect them and also provided the Council with the opportunity to share the
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proposals for improving performance in the service. Councillor Beardsworth commented that she considered the 161 homes being worked on at one time under the Decent Homes Programme too much and requested reassurance that it would not be a chaotic situation for tenants. Councillor Markham explained that she had met with the contractors on numerous occasions and was happy with the progress made. Councillor Stone commented that there had been no mention of ‘Bedroom Tax’ in her report and asked how much to date, the implementation of it had been. Councillor Markham commented that Discretionary Housing Payments were available and that an appeals panel had been set up in order to consider these. She further commented that she did not have the exact figures of how much the implementation of it had been, but she would be happy to provide the figures to Councillor Stone once she was in receipt of them. Councillor Mennell asked how much and to what extent Council tenants were in arrears with regards to the ‘Bedroom Tax’. Councillor Markham explained that the allocations policy had changed and that there was a commitment to supporting tenants, but that the figures would be given to Councillor Mennell. Councillor Meredith asked how much of the £2 million had been spent out of stock options. Councillor Markham confirmed that she would send the figures to Councillor Meredith once she had them. She further noted that it had been made public that £2 million was being put aside and stated that she could account for every penny that had been spent.
Councillor Hadland submitted his Cabinet Report and elaborated thereon. He explained that good progress was being made with regards to the Bus Interchange. It was also noted that the Don Foster MP had visited in May to witness the progress being made with Neighbourhood Plan and Community Asset transfers. In response to a question asked by Councillor Palethorpe, Councillor Hadland explained that all community asset transfers would go through the same robust process as the Community Centres had that they would be fit for purpose. Councillor Hadland informed Councillor Mennell he would give her information relating to the provision of Affordable Housing at a later date. Councillor Hadland updated Council about St Edmunds hospital and explained that the owners of the hospital were seeking to have it de-listed which would be heard at the next Planning Committee meeting. Responding to Councillor Glynane, Councillor Hadland explained that when the consultation with English Heritage had been completed and a full report received, all options would be fully considered.
Councillor Hallam submitted his Cabinet Member report and elaborated thereon. He explained that he had been involved in numerous ‘walkabouts’ in order to get involved with the public and had attended a number of Residents Association meetings. He explained that there were a record number of schools taking part in the Northampton in Bloom for 2013. In response to a question raised, Councillor Hallam explained the Park Rangers would be visiting local parks and open spaces. Referring to the landfill, Councillor Hallam confirmed that he would send the specific percentage savings made by the Borough Council to Councillor Strachan. He further noted that changes to collections days for refuse and recycling had seen letters being sent out to residents affected by those changes and also noted that a new ‘postcode checker’ would be accessible for members of the public so that they could confirm whether they would be affected by the collection day changes. In response to a question, Councillor Hallam commented that it was difficult to obtain data on the number of dog
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excrement related incidents but commented that the use of more park ranges would help to reduce the numbers.
Councillor Eldred submitted his Cabinet Report and elaborated thereon. He commented that the recent Beer Festival at Delapre had been a huge success and thanked the officers, many of whom volunteered, for their assistance. He paid credit to the Council and to the Wig and Pen for their collaborative working leading to a greatly successful event. In response to Councillor Glynane’s concerns about parking at during the concerts at Delapre, Councillor Eldred commented that necessary provisions had been made and that residents parking would be enforced and that concert-goers would be encouraged to use the NBC car parks and other alternatives were being explored by the Management Team. He informed Council that the total cost in change of location of the Carnival to Far Cotton Rec would be £170.
Councillor Bottwood submitted his Cabinet Report and elaborated thereon. He commented that on the 13 th May 2013, Council had voted to formally enter into Local Government Shared Services (LGSS) which would continue to provide a high standard of service but at a reduction of costs. He also mentioned that an Officer from HR team had been selected as a finalist for the Rising Star Awards. Councillor Mennell questioned the Discretionary Housing Payments and asked how much had been claimed, how much had been allocated to it and if the figures were available for updating members. In response, Councillor Bottwood explained that those figures were not yet available.
8. OPPOSITION GROUP BUSINESS In the absence of Councillor Davies, Councillor Subbarayan commented that one of the greatest assets of Northampton were its parks. He suggested that more could be done to promote the parks to visitors in the town and noted that events such as the Beer and Music festival, the Umbrella Fair, Race for Life, A Walk in the Park and the Northampton Carnival had all taken place within the town parks. He noted that popular activities such as the Fireworks night and Balloon Festival had been previously been lost and it was the concern of the Labour Group that the parks should be used for the recreation and sporting activities for residents within the local community. It was reported that there were a number of issues preventing basic use of the parks such as tennis courts as they had been left unfit for purpose. He further noted that there was outdated play equipment and problems with regards to sodden and waterlogged football pitches. He reported that good facilities were required to tackle childhood obesity and were fundamental to the wellbeing of taxpayers and their off spring. He commented that the Labour Group had called for more Park Ranges and zero tolerance needed to be taken to anti-social behaviour and asked the Administration to give assurances that they would repair sports and playing equipment in the parks. He also highlighted the need to promote pocket parks as well as the major parks and requested that future park events be kept at an affordable price.
Councillor Hallam commented that Park Rangers had played an important part in developing and maintaining the parks. He further explained that some of the Police Community Support Officers had on a number of occasions held their surgeries within the parks and therefore had a high profile within the community and the park areas
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and would be able to monitor and deter anti-social behaviour. He commented that the administration were committed the upkeep of parks and open spaces and noted that some parks in Northampton had previously won awards.
9. STANDARDS ARRANGEMENTS - APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PERSONS Councillor Markham submitted a report that sought Council’s approval to appoint Mr Peter Glover and Mr Alan Haynes as Independent Persons, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, following recommendations of the Standards Committee. Councillor Hadland seconded adoption of the report.
RESOLVED:
1. That Mr Peter Glover be appointed as an Independent Person from 1 st July 2013;
2. That Mr Alan Haynes be appointed as an Independent Person from 1 st July 2013; and
3. That payment of an allowance of £500 per year to each Independent Person (in addition to payment of reasonable expenses) be approved.
10. NOTICES OF MOTION (i) Mr Phil Leach commented that dog faeces on the streets was an issue that need addressing, He suggested that a proactive and humorous campaign should be promoted in order to highlight the health concerns and associated illness relating to dog excrement.
Councillor Stone proposed and Councillor Gowen seconded:
“This Council believes access to culture and the arts is an essential experience for young people.
This council asks Cabinet to work with art providers on a youth access scheme so that young people under the age of 25 years can access wider opportunities.
This Council also asks Cabinet to examine best practice from other local authorities and bring forward a strategy on youth access to the arts for implementation by 31st March 2014”. Council debated the amended motion. Upon a vote the amended motion was carried. (ii) Councillor Mennell proposed and Councillor Hallam seconded:
“This Council recognises that dog fouling within the town is still a persistent problem for some of our residents particularly those using mobility scooters and wheelchair users.
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This Council therefore resolves its belief that penalties against offenders must be enforced and asks cabinet to investigate whether more dog bins should be provided and whether a campaign on this issue needs to be launched”. Council debated the amended motion. Upon a vote the amended motion was carried.
11. MATTERS OF URGENCY WHICH BY REASON OF SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES THE MAYOR IS OF THE OPINION SHOULD BE CONSIDERED. The Mayor was of the opinion that the following item be discussed as a Matter of Urgency due to undue delay if consideration of it were deferred:
COMMITTEE PROPORTIONALITY
Councillor Markham submitted a report that set out the effect of Councillor Mennell leaving the Labour Group and joining the UKIP Party and sought Council’s approval of the consequent changes to the number and Group proportionality of seats on each committee and the consequential effect on Committee memberships. Councillor Hadland seconded the report.
RESOLVED:
1. That the result of Councillor B Mennell becoming an Independent Councillor representing UKIP be noted.
2. That Council approves the number of seats on each Committee as set out in the report.
3. That the representation of the political groups be as set out in this report
4. That the Labour Group notify to the Chief Executive following this meeting of consequent changes to their nominated representatives to Committees and that these take force once notified.
The meeting concluded at 7.58pm
6 Agenda Item 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Agenda Item 7
Report for the Leader of the Council
Northampton Borough Council
15th July 2013
At the time of the last Full Council meeting I was travelling around India as part of a trade mission organised by UKTI (UK Trade & Investment) and led by Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles MP to secure business for UK companies and showcase British expertise to the Indian Government. It also aimed to highlight the potential for inward investment in areas like Northampton’s Waterside Enterprise Zone.
Being asked to take part in this trade mission was a significant opportunity to showcase The Enterprise Zone, the SEMLEP and NEP areas and the wider county of Northamptonshire to the Government and private industry of India, which is keen to work with UK companies.
I have already been contacted by several Indian executives who plan to visit the UK and are interested in investing here. They recognise that our strategic position and support network are unrivalled in the UK, and I welcome the opportunity to demonstrate our strengths to an international audience.
Following my visit the Borough Council has agreed to work with the Leicester Asian Business Association to provide fast track visas for businesses in Northamptonshire and the South East Midlands Area. The Indian business community has a huge amount of ambition and is keen to grasp every opportunity, and this will make it easier for local companies to do business with them. The visa scheme will operate for Indian business visas only, and staff at The Guildhall's One-Stop-Shop will be trained in how to process this quickly on to the Indian authorities, in partnership with the Leicester Asian Business Association.
On 4 th July we announced a key manifesto achievement with the development of Sixfields Stadium. By agreeing to provide a loan of up to £12m that will be repaid through housing development near the stadium, the Borough Council will help facilitate the club’s future expansion and economic security for the benefit of the whole town.
Also on 4 th July I met with The Chancellor of the Exchequer during his visit to Northampton, and also met with key business leaders at an event hosted by Nationwide Building Society.
On 27 th June Northampton was awarded the prestigious European Diploma of the Council of Europe. The award is in recognition of the efforts made in Northampton to recognise and celebrate our European connections and the Northampton Alive Regeneration work. The award is made every year by the European Parliament’s Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development, and Northampton will be one of just 26 towns to receive the honour in 2013. 25
In June it was announced that Nationwide Building Society is considering moving its headquarters to new premises in the Enterprise Zone. Nationwide is a key employer in Northampton and we value their presence in the town. I’m very pleased the company is committed to Northampton and have been meeting with them for months, where I have assured them that we will work closely with them to support their aspirations for the future.
I attended the opening of The Errol Flynn Filmhouse at the Royal and Derngate on 20 th June. The new cinema is a fantastic addition to the Cultural Quarter, and a great achievement for the theatres. Another Northampton Alive project has now been completed.
On 12 th June the Cabinet agreed the Heritage Gateway project to look at bringing the area around the Castle site back to life. The scheme was also agreed by the County Council Cabinet on 11 th June and stones excavated from the Castle during the 1960s, which are currently in the Museum basement, will be used as part of this for a public exhibition.
I was delighted to welcome the PGA Pro Golf Championship to Collingtree Park Golf Course on 21 st June. It was a huge vote of confidence for Northampton to be hosting such a high profile international sporting event once again.
On 27th June I attended an event at the House of Commons organised by the Brackmills BID to promote Brackmills, Northampton and the Northampton Alive Regeneration project.
I have been honoured to attend a number of events over the last few weeks dedicated to our Armed Forces personnel, and to be able to reinforce this Administration’s commitment to them.
On 18 th June I signed the Northamptonshire Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of the Borough Council at County Hall.
On 23 rd June I attended the civic ceremony to honour the British veterans on the 60 th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, and to unveil a new memorial remembering those who have lost their lives fighting for our country from Northamptonshire since 1945.
On 28th June we invited ten Arctic Star veterans and the families of five deceased veterans from Northamptonshire, to a special event held at The Guildhall in their honour. The event celebrated the veterans from the British Armed Forces and the Merchant Navy who served in the Second World War above the Arctic Circle and were retrospectively given Arctic Star awards 70 years later. It’s only right that they are given the recognition they deserve, and the event celebrated their courage and the challenges they faced whilst protecting our country.
I was also honoured to attend the Armed Forces Day celebrations in the Market Square on 29 th June, an event that gave everyone an opportunity to show their support for past and present servicemen and to find out more about our Armed Forces.
On 30 th June I also attended the Honour Walk organised by The Royal British Legion.
26 It was my sad duty to attend the funeral of former Saints Chairman Leon Barwell at All Saints Church on 27 th June.
Community Safety
Community Payback projects at Delapre and Bedford Road have been successfully completed and a new project began on 6 th June along the river walk from behind Morrisons to St James Mill Road.
Meetings have taken place with the University of Northampton to proactively address issues that may arise during Freshers Week, and a personal safety page for their new website is currently under development.
Councillor David Mackintosh Leader of the Council
27
Cabinet Member Report for Housing
Northampton Borough Council
15th July 2013
The Housing application form is now available on line and can be accessed through the NBC website. This allows people to apply remotely for social housing rather than have to request a hard copy of the application form.
The Housing Customer Engagement Team has been awarded a Certificate of Best Practice by the Consultation Institute, a national centre for excellence following a rigorous compliance assessment of our consultation methods and processes. In February 2013, the new Tenant Engagement Strategy 2013-16 was published following approval by Cabinet. As part of the action planning for the development of the strategy, a borough-wide consultation exercise was carried out with emphasis on our options for engagement and the scrutiny model. The consultation exercise was assessed by the Consultation Institute against nationally recognised best practice principles of public consultation.
Following the second annual Customer Service Excellence Review visit, the Housing Solutions Service has been found to be continuing to meet the Customer Service Excellence Standard. The report commented that the service has an excellent profile of its customers which enables it to develop a range of innovative solutions to meet demand including partnership working with a range of other statutory and voluntary sector bodies, individual landlords and householders.
Together with the Leader of the Council I attended the official opening of the second No Second Night Out property at Scarletwell Street on the 24 th June 2013. This second property will increase options for entrenched rough sleepers and customers without recourse to public funds thereby reducing the overall number of people sleeping outside.
The new Housing Strategy 2013-16 document sets the scene for all the work of the housing service, with its main focus being on how we work with partners to increase the supply of affordable housing in Northampton. As the climate in which we operate has changed considerably since 2010, the 2013-16 Housing Strategy document will be very different to the original document of three years ago. The eight week consultation began at the beginning of the month and will include a series of consultation events and an on-line survey.
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On 8 th July the Borough Council are seeking to prosecute a landlord in court for failure to license five Houses in Multiple Occupation. This Administration takes a zero tolerance approach to irresponsible and rogue landlords, and will seek to prosecute those who are unwilling to abide by the standards we expect for the protection of residents.
Councillor Mary Markham Cabinet Member for Housing
29 Cabinet Member Report for Environment
Northampton Borough Council
15th July 2013
Environmental Services
To improve efficiency and deal with some ongoing problems Enterprise introduced changes to waste collection routes and rounds on 10 th June, and has also employed extra resources in order to deal with any issues arising from the changes.
Enterprise are also working to improve the standard of maintenance to grass areas and have produced a plan through which this will be achieved.
Households in Northampton can now use surplus plastic bags to line their food waste caddies. Following negotiations with Fernbrook Bio, who operate the plant that processes food waste for Northampton and Daventry District, householders can now put spare supermarket-type plastic bags to good use. The plastic liners are separated from the food as part of the process and sent away to be recycled, making sure that the process is environmentally friendly at every step.
Many residents have been put off recycling their food waste due to the expense of biodegradable bags, so by making it cheaper and more convenient we hope that even more households will use the service.
Environment
On 11 th July the East Midlands In Bloom judges visited Northampton to judge the town’s 2013 floral displays. The number of community groups and individual volunteers who have given up their time to help with Bloom this year is fantastic. I am particularly pleased that more schools than ever before have entered our local Bloom competition – 11 more than last year. I am also very happy to see that the number of businesses that support Bloom is growing.
Neighbourhood Wardens have been working closely with schools and community groups in their areas to encourage participation in Northampton in Bloom. Pupils from more than twelve schools around Northampton are participating
Graduation ceremonies for the Junior Warden scheme have been held in the five schools where the programme has been completed. Further sessions are currently taking place at Spring Lane Primary School.
The new vehicles for the wardens and Park Rangers have arrived and are being used to carry out patrols, and will give the rangers and wardens much greater flexibility in carrying out their duties. As well as patrolling the town’s parks, the vehicles will be used during the day by neighbourhood wardens when they are carrying out community clean ups. Replacement magnetic panels have also been commissioned so that one of the 30 vehicles can be badged up and put to good use at night time by the council’s licensing enforcement officers who carry out spot safety checks on taxis.
Between the beginning of May and 14th June a total of twenty fixed penalty notices were served, fourteen of these related to littering, four for smoking offences and the remainder for waste offences.
Parks
On 12 th June Cabinet approved a refreshed strategy to improve the Northampton’s parks and green spaces and set up park management committees in to further improve and protect them.
The refreshed parks strategy sets out a framework that will help the Borough Council, community and others to protect, improve and sustain parks and opens spaces. One of the strategy’s key recommendations therefore is to give communities more say in the management of parks through new park management committees made up of elected members, community groups and members of the public who are actively involved in supporting the parks. Initially it is proposed that park management committees will be set up for the town’s three premier parks, but others could follow if there is strong community support.
Licensing
On 18 th June the Licensing Committee rejected proposals to consult on the introduction of an Early Morning Restriction Order for the town centre to tackle problems associated with alcohol related crime. The Administration will now work with the Police on other options to keep Northampton safe.
Anti flagging operations have led to approximately 40 drivers being under investigation, and a significant proportion will undergo retraining, and another full Private Hire Driver induction course was held on 12 th June, which was attended by fifteen candidates.
Carbon Management
The Borough Council has made significant energy savings over the past two years, which has reduced our carbon emissions by 1,202 tonnes. The savings made are as a result of energy efficiency measures that have included rationalising office space, insulating buildings, new LED lighting in car parks, upgrading lighting in offices, installing high efficiency water boilers and other devises and upgrading computer equipment.
Councillor Mike Hallam Cabinet Member for Environment
31 Cabinet Member Report for Regeneration, Enterprise & Planning
Northampton Borough Council
15th July 2013
Town Centre
Love your Local Market on the 25th May saw a lot of activity around the Market Square. Feedback from traders has been positive, and many reported an increase in takings.
Visitors taking advantage of our one hour free parking continue to increase with over 36,000 motorists parking in April – May, which is a 26% increase on the same period in 2012.
The BID’s Bloom hanging baskets, highway baskets and flower cubes have been installed around the Town Centre giving the town a bit more colour. The BID delivered a clean-up around the Town Centre to support the environmental improvements undertaken by the Borough Council on Independents Day events on the 4 th July including the Safari Supper.
The programme of improvements taking place in Northampton Town Centre have now been completed, giving it a welcome facelift ready for a summer full of vibrant and cultural events. The Borough Council has invested £50,000, which has been topped up by an extra £10,000 from the Northampton Town Centre BID and this has funded some simple improvements that has created a better environment for visitors and businesses within the town. The work has included, planting silver birch trees in new planters, replacing worn out bins, replacing octagonal benches with new but traditional style ones, removing bollards no longer in use and replacing the steel grilles around the bottom of trees with new breathable and porous material that will not trap litter and be easier to clean. Improving our town will help make help make it a more attractive place for visitors to relax and shop.
A major report concerning the Town Centre will be going before Cabinet on 17th July. The report will address many of the issues faced by our Town Centre that have come about through changes in retail and the difficult economic climate.
Regeneration
With the construction of the town’s new Bus Interchange site well underway, work began on 17 th June in The Drapery, Bradshaw Street, Sheep Street and surrounding roadways. There will also be improvements to coach facilities in Victoria Street. In just a few months the new Bus Interchange has started to take shape with the building’s steel frame already transforming the appearance of our Town Centre. Everything is now in place for the next phase of work to begin.
32
Along The Drapery, new Yorkstone paving slabs will replace the pavements. The existing bus shelters will be removed to make way for new larger shelters with Real- Time Passenger Information devices. The road surface will also be upgraded and improved along the Drapery. Bradshaw Street will become two-way with improvements to the junctions at both College Street and Sheep Street. New traffic signals and a pedestrian crossing linking the Bus Interchange with the Market Square will be installed at the junction of the Drapery, Bradshaw Street and Sheep Street.
Earlier this year we began work on a new café to support the popularity of the town’s skatepark. The new café will be open 52 weeks a year, with longer opening times on weekends and during the summer holidays.
Northampton-based Event People Ltd, who run the popular Red 27 in St Giles Street as well as catering at Milton Keynes Football Stadium on match days and providing catering staff to the NEC in Birmingham, have been awarded a five year lease to run the café.
In less than a year our skatepark has earned a reputation as one of the best facilities of its kind in the UK, drawing in thousands of visitors to our town. With the summer holidays just around the corner it seems like the perfect time for our new café to be open for business.
Construction work on the new skatepark café is expected to be completed by the end of July, with the café opening shortly afterwards.
The University of Northampton has shown its initial proposals for the exciting new campus at Nunn Mills in a public exhibition at the Guildhall. The relocation will bring millions of pounds of additional investment into the Enterprise Zone.
Nationwide Building Society have also announced their intention to move from Moulton Park to the Enterprise zone, and are considering a number of sites. We are working closely with them on their specific requirements for the preferred site, but this is great news for the town and the jobs it will help to secure here.
The Borough Council has been working closely with the Delapre Abbey Preservation Trust and Friends of Delapre Abbey to submit a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) bid for the restoration of Delapre Abbey.
The Borough Council has applied for £3.6 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. This follows on from the Stage 1 award, which provided funds for the preparatory work for this exciting project. The money will be used to preserve and restore the main Abbey buildings. Northampton Borough Council will provide match funding with an investment of £1.34m. The application was submitted on 6 th June.
At the same time the Borough Council will be applying for Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent for the proposed changes. This will mean that the council is ready to proceed when the decision on the bid is received.
33
Planning
An application has been received by The Guildhall for Listed Building Consent to work on the former Angel Hotel in Bridge Street. Last year the Grade II listed building was damaged by fire. Listed Building Consent is the first stage of approval needed to start work on restoring the building to its former glory. The application has been validated by the Borough Council and would allow work to begin as soon as a planning application has been approved. We all want to see this wonderful building come back into use, and for work to progress as soon as possible so that Bridge Street and its businesses can return to normal. It is in a prime location in our Town Centre, and over the years has always been a popular venue. So it is good news to see the first formal stages in getting all of the permissions needed to start work and bring the building back to life.
Councillor Tim Hadland Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Enterprise & Planning
34 Cabinet Member Report for Finance
Northampton Borough Council
15 th July 2013
Local Government Shared Services
The Borough Council has completed the TUPE transfer of 220 employees to Local Government Shared Services in support of the new partnership, which began on 1st June 2013. As part of the new arrangements, affected staff began moving from The Guildhall to John Dryden House during the last week in June, with no impact on services. This has been a major part of the Administration’s pledge to cut the Borough Council’s back office costs and redirect finances to front line services for the benefit of local tax payers.
Finance
The draft accounts were submitted for audit on 30th June, and the audit began on the 1st July. This will be monitored by the Audit Committee.
Revenue and Benefits
During May and June 2013 the service has been focusing on dealing with work that had built up during the annual billing process. This year the service has been implementing and managing increased workloads resulting from Discretionary Housing Payments and the transition to a localised Council Tax scheme. Workloads have now returned to normal allowing the service to clear additional work during the early part of June.
H.R .
Wellness Recovery Action Plans and dynamic risk assessments have been implemented recently which have led to the following:
• 2 employees returned following the wellbeing assessment/meeting • 1 wellbeing meeting took place to determine work related cause of stress • 3 referrals for Occupational Health assessment were completed • 2 follow-up wellbeing meetings took place to help with continued support for employees who returned to work after a period of absence. • 2 planned wellbeing meeting/assessments to take place this month
All long term absence cases are programmed for wellbeing assessments to help support staff and reduce days lost to absence through sickness.
Alan Bottwood Cabinet Member for Finance 35 Cabinet Member Report for Community Engagement
Northampton Borough Council
15th July 2013
Events
Once again we are organising a fantastic summer of events to continue the celebrations of what Northampton has to offer.
The On the Waterfront Festival took place on 6th and 7th July along the River Nene from Becket’s Park to the Nene Whitewater Centre. It was funded by the Borough Council and the Northampton Town Centre BID with support from local businesses providing entertainment and activities. The On the Waterfront Festival delivered the best entertainment, facilities and quality items that are available in our town, and was a great opportunity for us to show Northampton at its best.
At Becket’s Park, Northampton’s version of Henman Hill was created with a big screen for everyone to watch the Wimbledon finals and enjoy a picnic. Visitors were also able to browse through the wide selection of arts and crafts made by local designers in the Made in Northampton Marquee and buy antiques and collectables from the Most Marvellous stalls.
Local musicians, artists, comedians and performers took centre stage for the NNestival, showcasing the very best of Northampton talent. Traditional funfair attractions, rides and games were also available for all to enjoy.
On 29th June the Armed Forces came together to celebrate Armed Forces Day on the Market Square in Northampton. The event was a chance for everyone to show their support for past and present servicemen. The day consisted of stalls run by the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy and the British Army, raising awareness and explaining the role of the military. There were also recovery vehicles brought over by the Territorial Army for children to play on and a speech by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant.
A major civic ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the end of the Korean War took place on 23rd June. The event was attended by more than 100 representatives of the armed forces both serving and retired, along with members of the cadet forces. A memorial was unveiled to remember those from Northamptonshire who died in wars since 1945.
Other upcoming events include the first Alive at Delapre weekend from 19 th – 21 st July, the Music Festival in the Town Centre on 28 th July and the Beach on the Market Square from 12 th August until 2 nd September.
36
Culture & Heritage
From 13th July until 8th September Nasty Northampton, a child friendly exhibition, exploring gory and hilarious stories of the town, will be held at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery. The exhibition will contain objects from the museum’s collection, including parts of Northampton Castle, medical equipment, weapons and other individual objects, which aim to take the visitor on a journey, uncovering many vivid tales of Northampton’s past. Visitors will be able to interact with displays on show, including taking turns in the stocks and acting out as a king or queen by trying on various costumes and playing in a replica castle.
There will also be several related events to celebrate the exhibition, including a historical themed family fun day at Abington Park Museum on 10th August, featuring re- enactors, archery, face painting, crafts, historic trails and performances of mock witch trials by local theatre company Looking Glass Theatre.
One of the country’s most significant living artists talked about his life, art and what has inspired him at ‘an evening with’ event at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery on 14th June. With a career spanning over 60 years Chris Fiddes has amassed an impressive body of work that graces the walls of public galleries and private collectors across the globe.
Partnership Support
The 19th community centre transfer (Blackthorn) was completed in June and handed over to Blackthorn Good Neighbours. The Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation was approved in principle by Cabinet in May to take over the running of Weston Favell Parish Hall. The centre is likely to be handed over towards the end of the summer.
Annual monitoring meetings with each management organisation that took over a centre in March 2012 will be held in the next few months, where updated business plans will be prepared and annual accounts provided by each management group.
Customer Services
The additional hours offered to support customers through the Welfare Reform changes in the evenings and on Saturdays has gone well. Changes to Council Tax has caused some confusion for those customers having to pay Council Tax for the first time, and many calls were generated as a result of reminders issued to residents.
NBV Enterprise Solutions is the latest partner offering surgeries and support to customers through our One Stop Shop. NBV Enterprise Solutions help those who are out of work to start up their own businesses, or gain self-employment.
Councillor Brandon Eldred Cabinet Member for Community Engagement
37 Agenda Item 9 Appendices: 1
OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY ANNUAL REPORT 2012/2013
Council - 15 July 2013
Report Title OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY ANNUAL REPORT 2012/2013
Agenda Status: PUBLIC
1. Purpose
1.1 To receive the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2012/13, as attached at Appendix A.
2. Recommendations
2.1 That Council notes the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2012/13.
3. Background and Issues
3.1 Part 2, Article 6 of the Council’s Constitution requires that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee reports annually to Council on its workings and makes recommendations for further work programmes, and amended working methods if appropriate. Attached at Appendix A is the eighth Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report to the Council, covering the 2012/13 Municipal year. It aims to provide a succinct summary of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee appointed, as well as the main issues scrutinised during the course of the year.
4. Options
4.1 This report is for information and therefore there are no options for decision.
5. Implications (including financial implications)
5.1 Priorities
5.1.1 Effective Overview and Scrutiny arrangements leading to improvements in service design and delivery contribute to achieving the ambition of being a well managed Council where the customer is at the heart of what we do.
5.2 Policy Framework
5.2.1 The work of Overview and Scrutiny plays a major part in the development of the Council’s policy framework. This is identified in the Annual Report.
TT Covering Report: O&S Annual report 2012 2013 38 5.3 Resources and Risk
5.3.1 Not applicable.
5.4 Legal
5.4.1 Statutory power to undertake the proposals as set out in the report
5.4.1.1The duties to undertake Overview and Scrutiny are set out in the Local Government Act 2000.
5.5 Equality
5.5.1 Overview and Scrutiny carries out Equality Impact Assessments for its Reviews.
5.6 Consultees (Internal and External)
5.6.1 The Overview and Scrutiny Committee has been consulted on the content of the Annual Report.
6. Background Papers
Key background information: -
• Overview and Scrutiny Committee agendas and minutes • Overview and Scrutiny Review reports
Report Author and Title: Tracy Tiff, Overview and Scrutiny Officer, on behalf of Councillor Jamie Lane, Chair, Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Telephone : 0300 330 7000
TT Covering Report: O&S Annual report 2012 2013 39 Report of the Overview&Scrutiny Committee
Annual Report 2012/2013
40 Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2012/2013
A Message from Councillor Jamie Lane Chair, Overview and Scrutiny Committee
This Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report the Centre for Public Scrutiny (CfPS)’s framework highlights the work of the Overview and Scrutiny “Accountability Works for You”, together with two mini (O&S) and it’s Scrutiny Panels over 2012/2013. peer Reviews undertaken by Offi cers and Councillors from Broxtowe Borough Council and Rugby Borough It has been an extremely busy year for O&S with Council. It had some very positive outcomes, three very in-depth Reviews being undertaken acknowledging the achievements made, a number of around: which have been recognised as best practice. I was pleased to note that minimal recommendations were • Serious Acquisitive Crime, violent crime and proposed regarding potential improvements to the O&S community safety function. • Retail experience • Infrastructure requirements and S106 I would like to take this opportunity to thank Councillor Agreements Les Marriott for all his hard work in chairing the Overview and Scrutiny Committee over the past two All of these Reviews had the assistance of key years. co-opted members and their expertise and knowledge played a welcomed part in assisting I would like to thank all those involved in Overview and the Panels in compiling their fi ndings, conclusions Scrutiny over the past year. I highlight and recommendations. The reports of these the support of all those involved in Reviews is required important Reviews will be presented to Cabinet in for a successful outcome. the Municipal year 2013/2014. I do hope that you fi nd this report informative and I was very pleased that public suggestions interesting. totally infl uenced the Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme 2012/2013 and for the Work Programme 2013/2014, over twenty suggestions from the public were received.
The Committee scrutinised the Council’s budget proposals by delegating work to its Reporting and Monitoring Working Group to identify three key budget proposals for the Committee to scrutinise in-depth.
It is very important for O&S to be involved with decisions at an appropriate early stage to apply real infl uence and play the important role of `critical friend.’ Again, Overview and Scrutiny has continued to fulfi l its robust pre-decision scrutiny role by undertaking a number of key pre-decision activities. Councillor Jamie Lane An evaluation of the Overview and Scrutiny Chair, Overview and Scrutiny Committee process at Northampton took place using
41 2 Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2012/2013
Overview and Scrutiny Committee Key Achievements
How was this impact made during 2012-2013?
The Panels carry out in-depth Scrutiny Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Reviews, whilst the O&S Committee In 2010 the scrutiny of crime and disorder concentrates on strategic issues, including was formalised, putting in place clear working holding the Executive to account, performance arrangements between the Chair of the Community management and scrutiny of crime and Safety Partnership (CSP) and the Committee. A disorder. This structure attracts increased bi-annual report from the CSP continues to inform public participation and the involvement of non- the O&S Committee of work undertaken, and non- Executives in Scrutiny Reviews. Executives decide if further review or scrutiny is required. This report focuses on the levels of Key Example: performance and whether crime has increased in the light of reduced resources, if so what measures have Involvement of Non- Executives (not been taken to meet any shortfall in performance. Scrutiny Members) in Overview and Scrutiny This is an example of excellent working relationships This O&S structure enables non-Executives, between non-Executives and partners. In addition who are not O&S Members, to be fully involved to this approach to crime and disorder scrutiny, a in the O&S process. Scrutiny Panel investigated serious acquisitive crime, violent crime and community safety, details of which Key Example: The Scrutiny Panel that looked are given later within this Annual Report. at Infrastructure Requirements and Section 106 was made up of eight non-Executives, of which four were not O&S Councillors, demonstrating “Overview & Scrutiny adds great value to the complete involvement of non-Executives in the community safety work undertaken within O&S process. In addition, a non-Executive Northampton. Their continued interest and from Northamptonshire County Council and a contribution is welcomed, and the focussed pieces of non-Executive from Daventry District Council work they undertake continue to support and progress were co-opted to this Review highlighting joint the delivery of community safety projects across the scrutiny work. Borough.” Debbie Ferguson, Community Safety Partnership Manager
Performance Management Scrutiny
At the start of the Municipal year, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee received a development session on the performance trends to enable non-Executives to undertaken their performance management scrutiny role.
42 3 Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2012/2013
Critical Friend to Cabinet
Robust Pre-Decision Scrutiny
The O&S structure enables regular, robust pre- decision scrutiny. Three in-depth pre-decision scrutiny activities were undertaken this year.
Key example: Scrutiny input into the Tenant Involvement Strategy, Housing Allocations Scheme and Tenancy Strategy 2012-2015.
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered tenant invovement, housing allocations scheme and the tenancy strategy over three meetings - 25 July 2012, 17 September and 12 November in order that its comments could be put forward as part of the consultation process.
Information obtained from the following sources formed the main body of evidence gathered by the Committee:
• Cabinet Member (Housing) • Director of Housing • Head of Strategic Housing • Housing Services Manager, Landlord Services
This pre-decision scrutiny activity demonstrates non-Executives providing input into the decision making at an early stage.
LGSS Scrutiny Inquiry
The Committee commissioned a Scrutiny Inquiry to work with key offi cers with regard to some services of this Council being undertaken by Local Government Shared Services (LGSS). This enabled non-Executives to receive reports and updates at various stages of the process.
A key outcome of the Inquiry was an in-depth consideration of how services provided by LGSS will be available to Councillors. The Inquiry discussed a vast amount of information and data over a very short time frame. It had been very benefi cial to gain a clear understanding of the future delivery of services. 43 4 Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2012/2013
Call-In
At Northampton call-in is used sparingly, and A signifi cant amount of evidence was gathered during 2012/2013 there was one call in hearing from various sources. The Chair and Vice which demonstrates that the decision making Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee process is transparent and open to challenge. completed the self-evaluation framework form based on the following key areas: In fl uencing Policy Development • Work Programme Three in-depth Scrutiny Reviews were • Work of the Panels/Evidence gathering undertaken during 2012/2013. The fi nal • Outcomes and Impact reports will be presented to Cabinet early in the Municipal year 2013/2014. • Accountability role
Review work of 2011/2012 has received Councillors completed a short questionnaire, Cabinet’s response. 85.19 % of the comprising six main questions. recommendations were accepted, and 3.7% The Scrutiny Teams of two Local Authorities was enhanced by Cabinet, highlighting that undertook mini peer reviews. The Scrutiny Overview and Scrutiny is continuing to make Offi cer, NBC, carried out a comparison of signifi cant infl uence of Council policy, both in Northampton Borough Council’s Scrutiny terms of holding the Cabinet to account and function with that of other districts as suggested contributing to policy development, and the by the Centre for Public Scrutiny (CfPS). well-being of the citizens of Northampton. The report highlighted a number of Evaluation of Overview and Scrutiny achievements and recommended that the fi ndings be used to produce an Overview and The self-evaluation of the O&S function at Scrutiny Excellence Plan building upon the good Northampton was repeated in 2012, the aim of practice undertaken by O&S at Northampton which fi fteen to produce an Excellence Plan for Borough Council. The Overview and Scrutiny O&S building upon the good practice that has Excellence Plan will then be used to: - been previously recognised. • Encourage involvement in the The purpose of the evaluation was: - process of those being scrutinised • To demonstrate the effectiveness of Overview and Scrutiny at Northampton • Communicate the potential of • To identify areas and means for further Scrutiny to local developing Overview and Scrutiny at communities Northampton Borough Council • Build confi dence of • To provide objectivity by identifying evidence those undertaking from the questions posed in the framework Scrutiny activities • To highlight any potential barriers to improvement
44 5 Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2012/2013
Raising the profi le of Overview and External feedback on the innovation Scrutiny at Northampton demonstrated public interest had been received, as far afi eld as central Government and Kent The profi le of Scrutiny and Overview has County Council. been raised with a number of important and successful reviews carried out during 2012/2013. We are keen to keep this up and Centre for Public Scrutiny (CfPS) and the are always inviting suggestions for the work Care and Quality Commission (CQC) Action programme from various partners, agencies Learning Set (ALS) and members of the public. A Project is underway, hosted by the Care The Scrutiny Review process at Northampton is Quality Commission (CQC) and the Centre for widely recognised both within the Council and Public Scrutiny (CfPS), together with a number amongst the citizens of Northampton. The O&S of Local Authorities: Work Programme received extensive press • Northampton Borough Council coverage, locally. • Chesterfi eld Borough Council • Warwick District Council Paperless Committees Innovation • Dacorum Borough Council The purpose of the innovation was to • Test Valley Borough Council implement paperless Committees, using O&S The CQC is keen to explore developing as a Pilot. Advancement of technology provides relationships with district and borough councils a real opportunity to protect the environment by which is the main aim of this project. Therefore utilising ICT to its full capacity and reducing the an Action Learning Set (ALS) comprising the quantity of printed material. above Local Authorities was formed. The Action Learning Set (ALS) consists of The innovation created benefi ts such as Councillors and Scrutiny Offi cers. Councillor fi nancial savings; highlighted the Council Danielle Stone, NBC’s representative to NCC’s as modern, forward thinking and being Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee, and environmentally responsible. Tracy Tiff, Scrutiny Offi cer, are members of the ALS. The press (BBC Northants) attended one of the earlier meetings of the innovation and reported A main aim of the Project is the production of a it as `forward and modern thinking and that it document that details the relationship between was like being in Tomorrow’s World.’ district Councils and the CQC. The document is currently being drafted. Northampton’s paperless committee trial was An action from the ALS was for Northampton referred to in the Kent local press positively, as to host a briefi ng session for Northants and Kent County Council is looking to introduce a neighbouring Authorities about the work of the similar scheme. CQC and how district Councils can link in. This session will be arranged early in the Municipal year 2013/2014.
45 6 Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2012/2013
Key Example of Review work: Serious • Neighbourhood wardens Acquisitive Crime, violent crime and • Partners and Agencies community safety • Community Forums The purpose of the Review was to: • Northants Probation Services • To investigate, as a benchmark, A copy of this report will be provided to the Northampton’s crime statistics in relation to Offi ce of the Police and Crime Commissioner, serious acquisitive and violent crime Northamptonshire. • To identify `hotspots’ in relation to serious acquisitive and violent crime • To identify the impact that serious acquisitive crime and violent crime has on the residents This has been a most interesting scrutiny of Northampton Review, highlighting as it has the complex factors behind crime. The trends are worrying. • To identify the serious acquisitive crime The evidence from our expert witnesses shows and violent crime issues that Northampton clearly two things: Borough Council, in partnership with other Agencies, can have an impact upon 1. Information to the community from the community safety partnership is key to The Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed creating an understanding of the facts rather at its work programming event in March 2012 than the myths. It is also key in creating to include a review of serious acquisitive an understanding of how we can all take crime, violent crime and community safety. measures to reduce opportunities for crime, These were issues that had been identifi ed how to report crime, and how to work with by a number of members of the public as preventative and enforcement agencies. key concerns. The Overview and Scrutiny 2. Partnership working came out from the Committee commissioned Scrutiny Panel 1 evidence as absolutely essential to the to undertake the review. An in-depth review maintenance of good community relations, commenced in May 2012 and concluded in for effective preventative measures and for April 2013. good policing. We all have a part to play This Review links to the Council’s corporate in keeping our neighbourhoods safe and priorities - Corporate Priority 2 - Invest in safer, pleasant to live in. cleaner neighbourhoods, creating an attractive, I have learned a great deal from this process clean and safe environment. and I look forward to the recommendations being Recommendations of the Scrutiny Panel were taken up for debate and consideration. around the themes: satisfaction measures. • Housing Councillor Danielle Stone • Planning and Regeneration Chair, Scrutiny Panel 1 - Serious Acquisitive Crime, violent crime and community safety
46 7 Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2012/2013
Public engagement within the to include a review of the retail experience Overview and Scrutiny process at at Northampton. This was an issue that had Northampton been identifi ed by a number of members of the public as a key suggestion for a future Scrutiny review. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee O&S has included various issues referred to it commissioned Scrutiny Panel 2 to undertake the from the public onto its Work Programmes. Review. An in-depth review commenced in May The details below provide key points of how 2012 and concluded in May 2013. O&S work has re fl ected the concerns of service This review links to the Council’s corporate users. priorities - Priority 1 - Northampton on track - a The Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme vibrant town. 2012/2013 was totally infl uenced by public Recommendations of the Review centred suggestions. around: Key example: Retail experience • Retail experience The purpose of the Review was to: • Cleansing • To investigate how NBC can support the • Partnership working town centre business community • To investigate how NBC can support local businesses throughout the development period of any major building projects in and close by to the town centre (i.e. Grosvenor; This was a very in-depth Review that took place bus interchange; university accommodation between April 2012 and May 2013. etc.) The Councillor role is an important one and the • To identify and examine good practice from Council’s Scrutiny process is a good place for other boroughs Councillors to make a real difference. I consider that in carrying out this Review and producing • To identify ways to develop greater a comprehensive report, the Scrutiny Panel has involvement / engagement with local, done that. regional and national businesses in public land improvement initiatives The Panel received both written and spoken evidence from a wide variety of expert advisors The Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed including Cabinet Members for Regeneration, at its work programming event in March 2012 Enterprise and Planning and Environment, Northampton Borough Council, an independent business owner, University of Northampton and the Northampton Community Forums. The Panel made a series of site visits to a selection of towns and cities, the fi ndings of which informed the evidence base of this Scrutiny Review.
Councillor Matt Lynch Chair, Scrutiny Panel 2 – Retail Experience
47 8 Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2012/2013
Co-Opted Members Councillor Empowerment Fund
The Scrutiny process bene fi tted from the As reported in the Annual Report 2011/2012, this expertise and knowledge of six co-opted high profi le Review highlighted that a Councillor members to Reviews this year. Empowerment Fund benefi ts CVGs. Non- Executives ensured that CVGs were engaged in the Review. Upon the advice of the Chair of I found the experience of looking in depth the Voluntary Sector Forum, a sample of CVGs at serious acquisitive crime and violence in provided a response to the core questions Northampton very enlightening and felt that demonstrating an inclusive approach to by the end of the Scrutiny Panel we had a far engaging with CVGs. The Groups attended the more informed view due to the evidence we same meeting and addressed the Scrutiny Panel heard, the rigour adopted when questioning together. They felt their views were heard and witnesses and the statistical analysis which taken into account. The recommendations of the was undertaken as part of the scrutiny. Review comprised innovative methodologies to Some commonly held myths were debunked, gather further community feedback such as the agencies were held to account and areas which Voluntary and Community Forum promoting the require more in depth scrutiny were identifi ed. Scheme. It was a very well worth exercise and one which I would be happy to repeat. Recommendations of the Review were around the themes: Sharon Henley, Crime Prevention Design Adviser, Northants Police Co-Optee - • Annual Councillor Allowance • Easy to complete application form and Scutiny Panel 1 Serious Acquisitive Crime, comprehensive guidance notes Violent Crime and Community Safety • Positive publicity • Key partners promoting the scheme amongst CVGs Scrutiny Panels • Monitoring of the effectiveness of the Scheme How has the work of the Scrutiny Panels Cabinet enhanced one of the recommendations made a difference to the Council and our of the report, increasing the annual residents? allowance to £3,000, accepted a further four recommendations and rejected four Recommendations from three Scrutiny Reviews recommendations of the Review. that were undertaken during 2011/2012 are being implemented and monitored by the An interim monitoring report was received in Overview and Scrutiny Committee. September 2012 and the O&S Committee will monitor the success of the scheme after it has been in operation for one year.
48 9 Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2012/2013
Hate Crime Reporting Mechanisms • Partnership working • Working with older people Cabinet accepted all of the recommendations contained within the Overview and Scrutiny • Service delivery report and congratulated the Scrutiny Panel on • Sheltered Housing its high quality, comprehensive report. • Funding Opportunities
Customer Services • Monitoring Cabinet’s response to this Review is expected in This short, sharp Review focused on evaluating the autumn 2013. all the Council’s customer services. It was highlighted that over the last two years there have been signi fi cant improvements Review work 2012/2013 made within customer services throughout that the Council and new and innovative Overview and Scrutiny at Northampton has improvements have been made. undertaken some excellent Review work again this year. This Scrutiny Review demonstrates the importance of good quality customer services to The best practice Scrutiny Review work has each and every customer. continued to be built upon. Over the last year, Scrutiny Reviews have attracted interest from Cabinet accepted all of the recommendations both external organisations and the public. contained within the Overview and Scrutiny report and congratulated the Scrutiny Panel on Overview and Scrutiny at Northampton continues its high quality, comprehensive report. to be Councillor-led and focuses on the major issues affecting the town. It has therefore carried out some very high profi le Reviews this year, the impact of which will be reported in next Independent Living Strategy year’s O&S Annual Report: As reported in the Overview and Scrutiny Annual report 2011/2012, the purpose of the Serious Acquisitive crime, violent crime and Review was to evaluate the draft Independent community safety Living Strategy for older people and make recommendations for development of this Please refer to page 7 for a precis of this Strategy. Review. Recommendations of the Review are around the themes: Retail experience • Independent Living Strategy Please refer to page 8 for a precis of this Review.
49 10 Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2012/2013
Infrastructure Requirements and S106 • Future provision of skills and training Agreements programmes • Affordable housing The purpose of this Review was: • Memorandum of Understanding for the • To identify the infrastructure requirements Growth Management Scheme for the A45/M1 to Northampton and the surrounding areas • Sports and Playing Pitch Strategy • To evaluate how the infrastructure will be • Map: defended and undefended areas delivered through Section 106 Agreements/ Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) • Drainage Strategy (summary) • To identify any funding gaps and how these • A copy of a Section 106 Agreement will be fi lled • Desktop research • To understand the management of S106 This Review links to a number of the Council’s funding corporate priorities, including Priority 1 – The Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed Northampton on track – a vibrant town, Priority at its work programming event in March 2012 to 2 – invest in safer, cleaner neighbourhoods and include a review of infrastructure requirements Priority 5 – better homes for the future. and S106 Agreements. A number of proposals Recommendations of the Review were around around these issues had been proposed by the themes: members of the public as a key suggestion for a future Scrutiny Review. The Overview and • Infrastructure requirements Scrutiny Committee commissioned Scrutiny • Affordable housing Panel 3 to undertake the Review. An in- depth Review commenced in July 2012 and concluded in May 2013. The Scrutiny Panel received a wealth of The Scrutiny Panel established that the background information and data to inform its following needed to be investigated and linked comprehensive review of a period of ten months. to the realisation of the Council’s corporate A series of interviews with a number of expert priorities: advisors were also held. Baseline data: The Scrutiny Panel conveys it’s thanks to • Purpose and scope of S106 Agreements Offi cers from Huntingdonshire District Council and introduction to CIL for taking the time to visit Northampton and give • Joint Core Strategy Infrastructure Schedule an informative presentation on “the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) – A Local Authority’s • Central Area Action Plan Infrastructure Perspective”. Schedule As part of its monitoring regime, Overview and • Sources of funding for infrastructure Scrutiny will review this report six months after • Table of existing NBC S106 obligation Cabinet has received it. monies and information relating to NCC and WNDC S106 monies Councillor Phil Larratt • Developer Obligations Supplementary Chair, Scrutiny Panel 3 Planning Document 50 11 Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2012/2013
Looking ahead What are our challenges for 2013/2014? The Work Programme for 2013/2014 has been approved and the Scrutiny Panels will begin to • To build on Overview and Scrutiny’s scope the Reviews shortly. They will be looking achievements by setting stretching targets at the following important topics: to broaden our impact, to be identi fi ed in the Overview and Scrutiny Excellence Plan. • Improving the town’s parks • Management and regulation of private • To continue to ensure the Overview sector housing (including HIMOs) and Scrutiny work programme refl ects concerns of service users, community and • West Northants Development Corporation public – consulting with a wide range of (WNDC) organisations, partners and the public for • Responding to the Welfare Reform Act suggestions for scrutiny Review and then on the actual work programme.
• To ensure that Overview and Scrutiny works with the community and key partners to respond to concerns.
• To continue to ensure that the work of O&S has a positive effect on decision-makers and provide evidence that it has made a real difference.
• To increase public participation in O&S at Northampton by increased public suggestions for scrutiny Review and increased attendance at O&S Committee and Panel meetings.
51 12 Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2012/2013
Glossary of Terms
Call-In Pre-decision Scrutiny:
The process by which the O&S Committee O&S may inform Executive decisions on topics considers whether a decision is properly taken on the Forward Plan by making evidence based or is the right decision. recommendations or advice prior to formal decision by the Executive. Cabinet (Executive) Review The Executive body responsible for day-to-day running of the Council and the development A study led by Scrutiny Councillors on a current of policy. Cabinet Members have portfolios or issue, selected by the Committee. It aims to areas of responsibility (e.g. Housing) for which identify areas of good as well as poor practice, they take executive decisions. compare performance with other councils’ countrywide, and challenge existing practice Councillor (Member) where relevant. The Review will lead to recommendations for An elected local representative on the Council, improvements to relevant Cabinet Members a Councillor represents the interests of the as well as outside agencies, such as health people who live in their ward and Northampton trusts. While these are not obliged to support as a whole the recommendations, effective consultation has been proven to lead to consensus and to Cabinet support for reviews undertaken.
Contact details for more information
Tracy Tiff, Scrutiny Of fi cer, is always very happy Overview and Scrutiny has its own dedicated to speak to local people about the activities of website within the Council’s website. The the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. If you current work of Overview and Scrutiny and the have any comments or queries, or would like to reports already published are available on this suggest areas which may be appropriate topics site. The address is for future work, you can speak to her by calling www.northampton.gov.uk/scrutiny 01604 837408 or by emailing [email protected].
You can view recent agendas and minutes on the Council’s website at www.northampton. gov.uk or by contacting Democratic Services [email protected].
52 13 Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2012/2013
Suggest an item for Overview and Scrutiny to investigate?
Do you have any suggestions for issues for inclusion onto the Overview and Scrutiny future Work Programme? If so please complete the form overleaf and return to: - Suggested Issues for overview and scrutiny Overview and Scrutiny Northampton Borough Council Name: The Guildhall St Giles Square Northampton Email: NN1 1DE
Email: [email protected] Telephone:
Just as Overview and Scrutiny has considerable infl uence when used in the right Issues suggested for inclusion on the way, there are times when other procedures are Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme more appropriate.
Overview and Scrutiny cannot help in the following areas:
• Individual complaints about specifi c issues - these should be taken up through Northampton Borough Council’s Customer Care Procedure.
• The fi nancial probity of the Council - this is the responsibility of the Audit Committee - for information, contact Democratic Services on 01604 837356
• The conduct or behaviour of a councillor or offi cer - this is the responsibility of the Standards Committee - for information, contact Democratic Services on 01604 837101.
53 14 Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2012/2013
If English is not your fi rst language and you need help in translating this document please contact Tracy Tiff on 01604 837408 .
LARGE PRINT AND TAPE
If you would like this document as large print or as a tape recording please call 01604 837408
54 15 Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2012/2013
55 16 Agenda Item 10
Appendices 0
COUNCIL 15 th July 2013
Agenda Status: Public Directorate: Chief Executive
Report APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF FINANCE (SECTION 151) OFFICER Title
1. Purpose
1.1 To receive and consider the recommendation of the Appointments and Appeals Committee with regard to the appointment of the Council’s Chief Finance Officer.
2. Recommendations
2.1 That Glenn Hammons be appointed as Chief Finance (Section 151) Officer with immediate effect
3. Issues and Choices
3.1 Report Background
3.1.1 Following the retirement of Isabell Procter, Director of Resources, on the 30 th June 2013, a vacancy arose for the Council’s statutory Chief Finance (Section 151) Officer.
3.1.2 Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972 requires every local authority to make arrangements for the proper administration of their financial affairs and requires one officer to be nominated to take responsibility for the administration of those affairs. The Section 151 officer has a number of statutory duties, including the duty to report any unlawful financial activity involving the authority (past, present or proposed) or failure to set or keep to a balanced budget. The Section 151 officer also has a number of statutory powers in order to allow this role to be carried out, such as the right to insist that the local authority makes sufficient financial provision for the cost of internal audit.
56 3.1.3 Under the terms of the Partnership and Delegation Agreement with LGSS, the decision as to who should be appointed to this role is a matter for this Council. LGSS have the responsibility to place at least two suitably qualified candidates in front of the Appointments and Appeals Committee, and the Committee is responsible for assessing the candidates and making a recommendation to the Full Council.
3.1.4 The Committee met on the 25 th of June 2013 and, following interview and consideration of two candidates, decided to recommend to Council that Glenn Hammons be appointed to the position of Chief Finance (Section 151) Officer with Northampton Borough Council.
3.1.5 Mr Hammons is a senior finance officer with LGSS and has experience as Section 151 Officer for a District Council as well as wide-ranging corporate financial expertise and experience.
4. Implications (including financial implications)
4.1 Policy
4.1.1 There are no new policy implications in this report.
4.2 Resources and Risk
4.2.1 There are no new financial implications in this report.
4.3 Legal
4.3.1 There are no new legal implications in this report.
4.4 Equality
The processes applied in advertising this opportunity, assessing candidates and making a selection have followed due process taking proper regard for equality considerations and obligations.
4.5 Other Implications
4.5.1 There are no other new implications in this report
5. Background Papers
5.1 Appointment and Appeals Committee, 25 th June 2013 (EXEMPT)
David Kennedy, Chief Executive, 0300 330 7000
57 Agenda Item 11
Appendices 2
COUNCIL 15 th July 2013
Agenda Status: Public Directorate: Borough Secretary and Monitoring Officer
Report Changes to the Council’s Constitution – Filming, recording Title and photographing of Council Meetings.
1. Purpose
1.1 Following guidance from Government, to agree changes to the Council’s Constitution in relation to the filming, recording and photographing of Council meetings and agree an associated Protocol.
2. Recommendations
2.1 To approve the amendments to the Constitution as detailed in Appendix 1.
2.2 To approve the Protocol on Filming, Recording and Photography at Northampton Borough Council Meetings at Appendix 2.
2.3 Delegate the power to the Chief Executive to make changes to the protocol subject to any such protocol complying with the constitution.
3. Issues and Choices
3.1 Report Background
3.1.1 The Department for Communities and Local Government , in late June 2013 issued new guidance entitled, “Your council’s cabinet – going to its meetings, seeing how it works – A guide for local people” (the “Guidance”). This Guidance provides a practical explanation of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 (the “Regulations”) and states the government’s view that the new rules provide for greater transparency. In this guidance, the government strongly 58 suggests that councils should allow the filming of councillors and officers at meetings that are open to the public.
3.1.2 Members should note that the Regulations themselves do not require councils to allow the filming of meetings of the Cabinet (or any other meeting of the Council). The Regulations only require that while the meeting is open to the public, any person attending the meeting for the purposes of reporting the proceedings, is so far as practicable, to be afforded reasonable facilities for taking their report.
3.1.3 Although the Guidance is specifically in relation to meetings of the Cabinet, the spirit of the comments in relation to maximising transparency and openness can be taken to apply to all meetings of the Council. This report therefore recommends that this Council permits the filming, recording and photographing of all Council meetings that are open to the public.
Constitutional Changes Required
3.1.4 Council Procedure Rule 11.5 in the Constitution specifically prohibits Council meetings from being filmed, recorded or photographed etc. without the express consent of the Council first being obtained. This report proposes that Rule 11.5 is removed from the Constitution.
3.1.5 In order to encourage public reporting of Council meetings, it is proposed that an additional provision is included in the Constitution in the Guidelines for Open Government to permit the filming, recording and photographing of Council meetings that are open to the public, in accordance with an agreed Protocol.
4. Implications (including financial implications)
4.1 Policy
4.1.1 Outlined in the body of the Report.
4.2 Resources and Risk
4.2.1 None specifically.
4.3 Legal
4.3.1 Outlined in the body of the Report.
4.4 Equality
4.4.1 No particular negative equality impacts have been identified.
4.5 Other Implications
4.5.1 None specifically.
59
5. Background Papers
5.1 None
Francis Fernandes, Borough Secretary and Monitoring Officer 0300 330 7000
60 Appendix 1
Extract from the Constitution Ͳ Council Procedure Rules
11.5ȱ RecordingȱofȱCouncilȱProceedingsȱ
11.5.1 Theȱtakingȱofȱphotographsȱofȱanyȱproceedings,ȱorȱtheȱuseȱofȱanyȱmeansȱ toȱenableȱpersonsȱnotȱpresentȱtoȱseeȱorȱhearȱanyȱproceedingsȱ(whetherȱ atȱ theȱ timeȱ orȱ later),ȱ orȱ theȱ makingȱ ofȱ anyȱ oralȱ reportȱ onȱ anyȱ proceedingsȱ asȱ theyȱ takeȱ place,ȱ isȱ prohibitedȱ withoutȱ theȱ expressȱ consentȱofȱtheȱCouncilȱhavingȱfirstȱbeenȱobtained.ȱ ȱ
11.5.2ȱ AnyȱpersonȱactingȱinȱcontraventionȱofȱthisȱRuleȱ11.5ȱmayȱbeȱrequiredȱtoȱ leaveȱtheȱproceedingsȱimmediatelyȱbyȱtheȱpersonȱpresidingȱthereat.ȱ
Recommended addition to the Constitution Ͳ Guidelines for Open Government
9ȱ PHOTOGRAPHY ȱAND ȱAUDIO/VISUAL ȱRECORDINGS ȱOF ȱMEETINGS ȱ ȱ 9.1ȱ Subject ȱ to ȱ paragraphs ȱ 9.2ȱ to ȱ 9.4ȱ below, ȱ anyone ȱ may ȱ record ȱ meetings ȱ of ȱ the ȱ Council, ȱthe ȱCabinet, ȱany ȱCommittee ȱor ȱSub ȬCommittee ȱof ȱthe ȱCouncil ȱthrough ȱ any ȱ audio, ȱ visual ȱ or ȱ written ȱ method ȱ to ȱ include ȱ taking ȱ photographs ȱ of ȱ meetings, ȱfilming ȱmeetings ȱor ȱmaking ȱaudio ȱrecordings ȱof ȱmeetings. ȱȱȱ ȱ 9.2ȱ The ȱChair ȱof ȱthe ȱmeeting ȱshall ȱhave ȱthe ȱdiscretion ȱto ȱrevoke ȱthe ȱpermission ȱin ȱ paragraph ȱ 9.1ȱ above ȱ in ȱ the ȱ event ȱ that ȱ the ȱ exercise ȱ of ȱ the ȱ permission ȱ is ȱ disturbing ȱ the ȱ conduct ȱ of ȱ the ȱ meeting ȱ in ȱ any ȱ way ȱ or ȱ when ȱ it ȱ is ȱ otherwise ȱ necessary ȱdue ȱto ȱthe ȱnature ȱof ȱthe ȱbusiness ȱbeing ȱtransacted ȱat ȱthe ȱmeeting. ȱ ȱ 9.3ȱ For ȱthe ȱavoidance ȱof ȱdoubt: ȱ ȱ ȱ 9.3.1ȱȱ the ȱpermission ȱin ȱparagraph ȱ9.1ȱabove ȱmay ȱonly ȱbe ȱexercised ȱwhere ȱthe ȱ public ȱhave ȱthe ȱright ȱto ȱattend ȱthe ȱmeeting; ȱand ȱ ȱ 9.3.2ȱȱ if ȱaȱmeeting ȱpasses ȱaȱmotion ȱto ȱ exclude ȱthe ȱpress ȱand ȱpublic, ȱthen ȱin ȱ conjunction ȱwith ȱthis, ȱall ȱrights ȱto ȱrecord ȱthe ȱmeeting ȱareȱremoved. ȱ ȱ 9.4ȱ The ȱProtocol ȱon ȱPhotography ȱand ȱAudio/Visual ȱRecordings ȱof ȱMeetings ȱmust ȱ be ȱ complied ȱ with ȱ in ȱ connection ȱ with ȱ the ȱ exercise ȱ of ȱ the ȱ permission ȱ in ȱ paragraph ȱ9.1.ȱ
61 Appendix 2
PROTOCOL
Filming, recording and photography at Northampton Borough Council meetings
1 Introduction
The Guidelines for Open Government in the Council’s Constitution state that anyone may record public meetings of the Council, the Cabinet, any Committee or Sub-Committee of the Council through any audio, visual or written method. This includes taking photographs of meetings, filming meetings or making audio recordings of meetings. There will normally be a presumption in favour of allowing the recording, filming or photographing meetings. The use of this permission is subject to compliance with the details of this Protocol.
The Protocol seeks to support the transparency principle but at the same time ensures that the proceedings of the meeting are not impaired by the use of media tools.
The Chair of a meeting will always have the power to revoke the permission to record meetings at any time to ensure that the meeting is not unduly disturbed, in which case the operator of the equipment in question will be required to stop using it. The Chair will have the discretion to decide on the day what he or she deems appropriate.
2 Social media reporting, blogging and still photography
Subject to the other provisions of this Protocol, no restrictions will be placed on members of the public attending meetings in relation to:
• the use of Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, blogs or other similar social media reporting / social networking tools on mobile phones, laptops or other small handheld devices; or • the taking of still photographs without the use of flash photography
provided that their actions do not affect the conduct of the meeting.
3 Filming, recording and flash photography
Filming and recording of public meetings (including audio recording) and non-flash photography during meetings, will normally be permitted. However, if there is a need to set up bulky equipment then the Council encourages those proposing to use the equipment to give as much advanced notice as possible. This is to ensure that the Council can plan and effectively manage the process so that it does not negatively impact on the meeting. Please contact Democratic Services on 01604 837722 ([email protected]).
62
Although it is expected that filming and recording of meetings and photography will ordinarily be carried out by representatives of the media, Part 3 of this Protocol applies to all members of the public.
The Chair may make detailed arrangements in respect of the following with the media / members of the public wishing to film or record meetings or use photography:
1. Designating certain area(s) of the meeting room to be available for those with permission to film/record/ photograph the meeting and stipulating that only these areas may be used. 2. Designating specific times during the meeting when filming or recording will be allowed. 3. To minimise distraction or disruption, designating specific point(s) during the meeting when the use of additional lighting or flash photography will be permitted. (Please note, the Chair will only agree to the use of additional lighting or flash photography in exceptional circumstances).
This list is not exhaustive.
Anyone who is visually recording a meeting is requested to only focus on recording Councillors, Officers of the Council and members of the public who are directly involved in the conduct of the meeting.
Anyone filming/recording a meeting or taking photographs must comply with any requests relating to the filming/recording/photographing of the meeting made by the Chair before the meeting or at the meeting itself.
4 Advance public notice that meetings may be filmed, recorded or photographed
The Council will ensure that signs are displayed before meetings start and in the meeting room itself to remind all attendees that filming/recording/photography may take place. Meeting agendas will also carry this message together with a statement acknowledging that some members of the public may not wish to be recorded and asking them to indicate to the Chair or Democratic Services Officer if they do not wish to be recorded.
5 During the meeting
If member of the public has expressed a wish not to be filmed / recorded / photographed, they will be guided to a seating area away from the area being filmed /recorded / photographed. If a member of the public is attending to speak at the meeting and prefers not to be filmed/recorded/photographed, this will be announced to the meeting.
63 However, the Council cannot guarantee that they will not be filmed or recorded or photographed.
The Chair of a meeting will have the power to revoke the permission to film/record/photograph meetings at any time to ensure that the meeting is not unduly disturbed and is able to carry out the business that it was convened to consider. If the Chair revokes the permission, the operator of the equipment in question will be required to stop using it.
6 Media and public exclusion
If any meeting or any part of a meeting is to be held in private, no filming, recording, photography or social media reporting etc. will be allowed.
The media and public may only be excluded from a formal meeting of the Council in respect of business where confidential or exempt information is to be discussed. The public and press can be excluded from a whole meeting or part of a meeting.
A resolution under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 has to be passed to exclude the press and public. The media and public will be told about the nature of the exclusion. No filming / recording / photography etc will be permitted during the private part of a meeting. All cameras, recording and sound equipment must be removed from the meeting room when the public and press are excluded.
64