The Place and Environment Scrutiny Committee met to discuss waste collection policies and a cultural masterplan for North Northamptonshire. Councillors agreed to defer approval of the minutes from the previous meeting, requested an update on waste policies in six months, and recommended further work be undertaken with Arts Council England to secure funding for a North Northamptonshire Cultural Collaboration/Partnership.

Review of Waste Policies

The committee considered the Waste & Recycling Policy, the Strategy for Tackling Litter & Fly Tipping, and the Environmental Policy Schedule: Environmental Crime. The Head of Waste Services, Charlotte Tompkins, presented a report outlining minor amendments and updates to the policies, which were initially agreed by the Executive in November 2021. These updates align with the requirements of the Environment Act 2021, which aims to streamline waste and recycling practices.

A member of the public, Lee Forster, raised concerns about the separation of recycling materials and electrical waste collection. He also questioned the use of non-recyclable bin tags.

Councillors discussed fly-tipping, community engagement, and the use of technology to combat environmental crimes. They heard that the council is working with local groups and volunteers to address fly-tipping in pre-identified wards, using innovative technology such as surveillance cameras, and exploring the use of dashcam footage in prosecutions. The council also reported a 100% collection rate for fixed penalty notices for fly-tipping. Officers are exploring recyclable options for bin tags.

Councillor Helen Howell proposed, and Councillor Leon Gibbs seconded, that the committee receive an update in six months and that members receive additional training/site visits. The committee agreed to these additional recommendations.

North Northamptonshire Cultural Masterplan

The committee considered the North Northamptonshire Cultural Masterplan, but amended the recommendations regarding its adoption. The Assistant Director Communities and Leisure, Kerry Purnell, presented the masterplan, which aims to align focus, energy, and resources to make culture a cornerstone of community cohesion, economic development, and placemaking. The plan was co-produced with organisations from the cultural, heritage, and creative industries sectors.

The masterplan's vision is for the cultural sector to be a visible and valued contributor to community building, placemaking, wellbeing, and the economy, forming a strategic network that fosters cultural engagement, creativity, and diversity among residents and visitors. The five strategic priority themes of the Masterplan are:

• Placemaking
• Sector Advocacy and Leadership
• Community Engagement
• Developing Cultural Skills
• Building Capacity and Evidencing Impact

A member of the public, Councillor Simon Fairhall, raised concerns about the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) being the lead body for this work, citing a lack of transparency.

Councillors also raised concerns about the proposal to use the LVEP as the lead body, questioning its capacity and resources. They emphasised the need for any lead body to increase partnerships and influence from within North Northamptonshire to create a strong cultural relationship and enable priorities for the area. Officers confirmed that additional resources would be required.

Councillor Howell proposed, and Councillor David Howes seconded, that the recommendations be amended to allow further work to be undertaken with Arts Council England and key cultural partners to confirm the most optimum ways to secure funding to support the establishment of a North Northamptonshire Cultural Collaboration/Partnership.

The committee resolved to note the masterplan and recommend its adoption by the Council Executive, but amended the recommendation regarding the LVEP. Instead, they recommended that further work be undertaken with Arts Council England and key cultural partners to confirm the best ways to secure funding for a North Northamptonshire Cultural Collaboration/Partnership.

Scrutiny Forward Work Programme

The committee received and noted the circulated workplan, and suggested that the Scrutiny Management Board consider including a highways contract and performance review, and traffic enforcement, for future discussion.