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Weekly updates
Health and Wellbeing Focus: Better Care Fund and Local Area Partnership
In the past week, the North Northamptonshire Council has held three meetings. Here are the details:
- Health and Wellbeing Board - Tuesday 25 June 2024
- Licensing Panel - Tuesday 25 June 2024
- Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 25 June 2024
Health and Wellbeing Board - Better Care Fund and Local Area Partnership
The most significant meeting this week was the Health and Wellbeing Board on Tuesday, 25 June 2024. The Board covered several important topics, including updates on the Better Care Fund (BCF), the development of Phase 4 of the Local Area Partnership (LAP), and presentations on various health initiatives.
Better Care Fund
The Board received a report on the Better Care Fund (BCF) for 2023-2024. The BCF is a national programme that pools funding for health and social care services. The report outlined the progress made against the BCF plan's objectives, highlighting the integration of health and social care services to improve patient outcomes.
Local Area Partnership
The development of Phase 4 of the Local Area Partnership (LAP) was a key focus. The LAP is a collaboration between the council, NHS, and other organisations aimed at enhancing the health and wellbeing of North Northamptonshire residents. Three operational models for Phase 4 were discussed:
- A 'One LAP' approach, continuing with the three existing places (Corby, Kettering, and Wellingborough).
- A 'Two LAP' approach, with one LAP covering Corby and Kettering, and the other covering Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire.
- A 'Three LAP' approach, consisting of Corby, Kettering, and a combined Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire.
The Board resolved to note the report and update provided on the options for the future model for place-based partnerships. A workshop to discuss these options in more detail is scheduled for September 2024.
East Midlands Ambulance Service Clinical Strategy
The Board also received a presentation from the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) on their new clinical strategy. The strategy outlines EMAS's plan to deliver safe and effective ambulance services over the next five years, addressing challenges such as increasing demand and workforce pressures.
Smoking and Vaping Programme
An update on the council's smoking and vaping programme was provided. The programme aims to reduce smoking and vaping prevalence in North Northamptonshire. Efforts to prevent young people from starting to smoke and vape, as well as support for quitting, were discussed.
Ofsted Inspection of Children's Services
The Board was briefed on the recent Ofsted inspection of Children's Services. The inspection focused on the experiences and progress of children needing help and protection, children looked after by the local authority, and care leavers. Key areas for improvement identified included the quality of assessments and plans, management oversight, and the effectiveness of the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).
Licensing Sub-Committee - Premises Licenses in Raunds and Rushden
The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, to consider two applications for premises licenses.
Rutland Convenience Store, Raunds
The Sub-Committee reviewed the premises license of Rutland Convenience Store, 25 High Street, Raunds. The review followed an incident where illegal cigarettes were found for sale. This was the second such incident in under 12 months. The Sub-Committee decided to modify the conditions of the license, requiring the installation of a CCTV system, maintenance of a refusals book, and staff training on age-restricted products.
Pasha Shawarma, Rushden
The Sub-Committee also considered an application for a new premises license for Pasha Shawarma, 16 High Street, Rushden. The application sought permission for late-night refreshment between 23:00 and 02:00. The application was approved with conditions, including the installation of a CCTV system, closing doors and windows after 23:00, and ensuring no noise nuisance to nearby residents.
Other Meetings
The Place and Environment Scrutiny Committee scheduled for Tuesday, 25 June 2024, and the Scrutiny Management Board scheduled for Wednesday, 26 June 2024, were both cancelled.
This week's meetings highlighted ongoing efforts to improve health and social care integration, address public health issues, and ensure compliance with licensing regulations.
Major Development Approved in Kettering: Key Decisions from North Northamptonshire Council
In the past week, the North Northamptonshire Council has held four meetings. Here are the details:
- Planning Committee (North) - Monday 20 May 2024
- Place and Environment Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 21 May 2024
- Employment Subcommittee - Wednesday 22 May 2024
- Council - Thursday 23 May 2024
Planning Committee (North) - Hanwood Park Development
The most impactful meeting this week was the Planning Committee (North) on Monday, 20 May 2024. The committee discussed the planning application for Hanwood Park, a significant development project in Kettering. This project involves the construction of up to 3,383 dwellings, schools, a district center, local centers, healthcare facilities, leisure and employment spaces, and associated infrastructure. The development is part of a larger sustainable urban extension (SUE) that has been in progress since 2010.
The committee approved the application with conditions, emphasizing the need for further negotiations on healthcare and other planning obligations. Here are the key points discussed:
Healthcare Provision
The committee highlighted the importance of healthcare provision within the development. Concerns were raised about the current lack of clarity on how healthcare facilities, such as GP surgeries and dental practices, would be delivered. The Integrated Care Board (ICB) and NHS have been in discussions with the council and the developer, but no final agreement has been reached. The committee emphasized that healthcare provision is a top priority and must be addressed before further development.
Traffic and Transportation
Traffic and transportation were also significant concerns. The committee discussed the removal of the Weekly Walk-In Avenue (WWA) from the current plans, which was initially intended to mitigate traffic impacts. The developer proposed a monitor and manage
strategy to address traffic issues, focusing on trip suppression and modal shift to reduce car usage. However, some committee members and public speakers expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of this approach and the ambitious targets for modal shift.
Local Infrastructure
The committee also discussed the project's impact on local infrastructure, including roads and schools. The development includes plans for new primary and secondary schools, as well as improvements to existing road networks. The committee noted that some junctions are already over capacity and will require mitigation.
The committee approved the planning application with several conditions, including the need for further negotiations on the Section 106 planning obligations, which will cover contributions to healthcare, education, and other community facilities. The final details of these obligations will be brought back to the committee for approval.
In summary, the committee approved the Hanwood Park planning application, emphasizing the need for further negotiations on healthcare provision and other planning obligations. The development will include significant housing, infrastructure, and community facilities, but concerns remain about traffic impacts and the delivery of essential services.
Other Meetings
The Place and Environment Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday, 21 May 2024. Unfortunately, we have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
The Employment Subcommittee met on Wednesday, 22 May 2024. Again, we have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Finally, the Council met on Thursday, 23 May 2024. We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting either.
This week’s meetings have highlighted ongoing concerns about healthcare provision and traffic management in new developments, themes we will likely revisit in future updates.
Recent meetings
Reconvened, Scrutiny Management Board - Monday 18th November, 2024 7.00 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Executive - Thursday 14th November, 2024 10.00 am
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Planning Committee (South) - Wednesday 13th November, 2024 7.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
EAP Planning Communities - Wednesday 13th November, 2024 10.00 am
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Health Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 12th November, 2024 7.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Licensing and Appeals Committee - Monday 11th November, 2024 7.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Employment Committee - Thursday 7th November, 2024 7.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
EAP Future Communities - Thursday 7th November, 2024 5.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
EAP Prosperous Communities - Wednesday 6th November, 2024 10.00 am
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Upcoming meetings
Audit and Governance Committee - Monday 25th November, 2024 2.00 pm
Audit and Governance Committee - Monday 25th November, 2024 2.00 pm
Democracy and Standards Committee - Monday 25th November, 2024 7.00 pm
EAP Active Communities - Friday 29th November, 2024 10.00 am