The West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) Cabinet met to discuss Microsoft software licensing, a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to address car cruising, and support services for people with a history of rough sleeping at Oasis House. The cabinet approved the recommissioning of support services at Oasis House, the implementation of a PSPO to combat car cruising, and the procurement of Microsoft software licenses.

Car Cruising Public Spaces Protection Order 2025

The Cabinet resolved to make a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in the same terms as the draft Order at Appendices A and B for a period of three years. The decision was moved forward on the agenda due to the number of public speakers registered to comment on the topic.

A PSPO is intended to address activities carried on in a public place that have had a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those living, working and travelling in the locality. The draft order prohibits:

• Participating in any car cruising activity as a passenger or driver of a motor vehicle.
• Congregating to spectate any cruising activity undertaken in the restricted area.

Car cruising is defined as any of the below activities, or combination of them:

• Driving a motor vehicle at excessive speed or in a manner causing or likely to cause a nuisance to persons in the locality of the restricted area.
• Revving the engine of a motor vehicle causing or likely to cause a nuisance to persons in the locality of the restricted area.
• While driving, sudden or rapid acceleration of a motor vehicle causing or likely to cause a nuisance to persons in the locality of the restricted area.
• Driving motor vehicles in a convoy in a manner causing or likely to cause a nuisance to persons in the locality of the restricted area.
• While driving a motor vehicle racing other motor vehicles causing or likely to cause a nuisance to persons in the locality of the restricted area.
• Leaving the engine of a stationary motor vehicle to run idle in in a manner causing or likely to cause a nuisance to persons in the locality of the restricted area.
• Performing stunts using a motor vehicle in a manner causing or likely to cause a nuisance to persons in the locality of the restricted area. Stunts include but are not limited to: handbrake turns, drifting, wheelies, wheel spins and doughnuts.
• Sounding motor vehicle horns other than in accordance with the highway code in a manner causing or likely to cause a nuisance to persons in the locality of the restricted area.
• Playing amplified music from, or powered by, a motor vehicle in a manner causing or likely to cause a nuisance to persons in the locality of the restricted area.
• Causing obstruction on a public highway, whether moving or stationary in a manner causing or likely to cause a nuisance to persons in the locality of the restricted area.

During the meeting, a councillor raised concerns about WNC's capacity to enforce the order, given that neighbourhood wardens are already stretched. Councillor Mark Arnull, Leader of the Council and Leader of the Reform UK Group, acknowledged that car cruising events occur throughout Northamptonshire, sometimes blocking roads. He also noted that he would attend the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner meeting.

The report WNC (Car Cruising) Public Spaces Protection Order 2025 included several appendices:

• Appendix A detailed the terms of the PSPO.
• Appendix B was a map of the restricted area.
• Appendix C contained public consultation responses.
• Appendices D1 and D2 included a police impact statement.

One public speaker noted that climate impact was noted in the report as a factor to consider.

Provision of Support Service at Oasis House

The Cabinet approved the recommissioning of a support provider to deliver services for people with a history of rough sleeping, or those at risk, who have multiple complex and medium to high needs at Oasis House in Northampton. The new contract will be for three years and six months from 1 October 2025, with break clauses and an option to extend for one year, subject to internal and external budgets.

The Cabinet also:

• Authorised the Director of Housing and Communities to commence the tender process, with the new contract in place by 1 October 2025.
• Authorised the delegation to the Director of Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and Cabinet Member for Housing, to finalise the terms and conditions and award a contract to the preferred supplier, following the completion of a compliant procurement process.

During the discussion, councillors raised concerns about the pressure on space at Oasis House and sought assurances that the Hope Centre would not be made homeless. The Hope Centre is a day centre in Northampton for people experiencing homelessness and poverty¹. Jane Carr, Director of Communities & Opportunities, stated that the council is in constant contact with the Hope Centre and is collaborating with them to provide a secure tenancy until they find another home.

Councillor Charlie Hastie, Cabinet Member for Housing, emphasized WNC's commitment to minimising rough sleeping and noted that the service would be fully funded through government funding.

The report included several appendices:

• Appendix A - DLT Report- Extension of Housing Support at Oasis House
• Appendix B - Cabinet Report- Strategic Acquisition of Oasis House

Microsoft Software Licensing

The Cabinet authorised the Executive Director of Resources to undertake a procurement exercise and award a contract for the provision of Microsoft software to an authorised supplier via an Enterprise Service Agreement, in compliance with the council's procurement processes and procurement legislative requirements.

A councillor noted that IT had not been properly invested in historically, and asked whether the Cabinet would retain the commitment to AI projects. Councillor Andrew Last, Cabinet Member for HR and Corporate Services, confirmed the council's commitment to AI projects, ensuring they would be implemented securely.

The purpose of the report was to undertake a procurement exercise, as the existing agreement ends on 30 June 2025. The Executive Director of Resources advised members that no order had been placed yet.