Agenda item

Councillor Nunn presented his report as Leader of the Council and highlighted the salient points. Noting issues around the recent migration to Office 365, he asked that any Member having ICT difficulties contact the Democratic and Member Services Manager as soon as possible. In response to questions, Councillor Nunn explained that the Council were given a small allowance for issuing grants, but this did not completely cover the cost. He was not aware of any plans currently for a new hospital, however having built a strong relationship with the health sector throughout the pandemic, the Council was now in a better place to lobby for one and agreed that there was a definite need for one.

Councillor Larratt presented his report as Deputy Leader of the Council and highlighted the salient points. In response to a question regarding the recent flooding in Collingtree, he advised that the contractor for the rail freight interchange was undertaken an investigation but were confident that their works were not having an impact. The Lead Flood Authority were also conducting an investigation. He further advised that the Lead Flood Authority had written a report including their findings with regard to watercourses; resolutions were being worked on in consultation with Veolia and the report would be published once this work was complete. Councillor Larratt noted that the Constitution Working Group for the West Northants shadow authority had recommended that meetings be webcast. Regarding Southfields streetlights, Councillor Larratt confirmed that works were now complete apart from slagging and cabling issues which were being addressed; he asked councillors to let him know of any more outstanding issues.

Councillor Hadland presented his report as Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Enterprise and highlighted the salient points. With regard to the Future High Street Fund, Councillor Hadland confirmed that the Council would be spending the awarded £8.4m on the Market Square, with further details to be sent to central government. This money was ringfenced to the Market Square improvement project. The Town’s Fund was also ringfenced for specific projects that were put in the Towns Fund bid and Councillor Hadland noted that £1m had already been received to enable the Council to begin preparation works for the demolition of the Marks & Spencer building. These would become West Northamptonshire Council projects once NBC was dissolved. Regarding to Albion House, it was explained that it would be sold to a trust to accommodate various leathercraft museum facilities; the Trust were acquiring the building with tenants in place and the tenants were aware of the transaction.

Councillor Hibbert presented his report as Cabinet Member for Housing and Wellbeing and highlighted the salient points. In response to questions, he confirmed that the process around collecting information on rogue landlords was onerous; the Council worked closely with the Police and Tax Office to gather the necessary information to bring about prosecutions. Councillor Hibbert advised that the HMO register was available for members of the public to view on the Council’s website and the Housing Department were working on making it an easier document to digest.