Decision

RESOLVED

That the following motion be rejected.

“Notwithstanding Reform UK's policy on flying flags from Council buildings, this Council requests that an exception be made on Monday the 24th of August 2026, Ukraine Independence Day, and that the flag of Ukraine be raised from each of our Council buildings.

Ukraine has now been fighting for her independence and freedom against the invasion of Russia for more than four years, longer than the period of the First World War. At a time when the world's attention is being pulled away by conflict in the Middle East and support from the USA is uncertain, it is vital that the UK remains solidly committed to the just outcome of this war in Europe.

Flying the flag of Ukraine from our public buildings on Ukraine Independence Day is a fitting way for our Council to show our solidarity and continued commitment to the people of Ukraine.

Therefore, this Council agrees to make an exception to Reform UK's flag flying policy for one day, the 24th of August 2026, and fly Ukraine's flag from our buildings, where practical, on Ukraine's Independence Day.”

A recorded vote was requested in line with constitutional provisions, and the results were as follows:

FOR THE MOTION (21) - Councillors

D Baker, D Brackenbury, W Brackenbury, S Brown, W Colquhoun, D Dell, K Dudderidge, E Fedorowycz, S Geary, H Harrison, D Howes, H Howell, J Hakewill, B Jameson, V Jessop, M Pengelly, P Shackleton, B Williams, T Partridge-Underwood, J Paul-Carr, J Towns

AGAINST THE MOTION (32) - Councillors

J Bone, G Beales, B Benneyworth, P Brooke, J Carvetta, G Cheatley, K Clarke, T Conway, M Davie, D Donnelly, L Duffy, J Garner, L Gibbs, J Goncalvez, M Griffiths, M Haddon, A Hall, K Harrington, K Harrison, J Howe, C Kellet, B Lovell-Moore, E MacDonald, C McGiffen, D Mclean, C Munday, B O’Brien, V Radin, D Rance, G Wilcox, V Whitrow, E Wright

ABSTAINING (4) – Councillors

S Clark, S Fairhall, J Lumsden, J Lumsden

RESOLVED

That the following motion be rejected.

“North Northamptonshire Council was one of the early councils given new powers by the Labour Government to tackle one of the most visible problems affecting our towns: long-term empty shops and declining high streets.

However, 16 months on, and with a new administration in place, there is still progress to be made in utilising these powers.

Our high streets in Wellingborough, Rushden, Kettering, Corby and our market towns are central to our communities. They support local businesses, create jobs, and provide places for people to meet. Yet too many are being held back by empty units, falling footfall and properties left unused by absentee landlords.

The Labour Government has now provided this council with practical tools to change this. These include the Community Right to Buy, allowing communities to take ownership of valued empty assets, and High Street Rental Auctions, allowing councils to bring long-term vacant commercial properties back into use.

Other councils using these powers are already seeing results, including reduced vacancy rates. We should not allow North Northamptonshire to fall behind.

A proactive approach is needed.

This Council therefore resolves to:

•          Develop a North Northamptonshire High Street Revival Policy, setting out how the Council will use these powers to support local businesses, community groups and social enterprises.

•          Establish a High Street Renewal Taskforce, bringing together councillors, town councils, businesses, community organisations and officers to identify priority empty properties and help communities take action.

•          Create a public register of long-term empty commercial properties and make sure high street regeneration is properly linked with our wider plans for growth, housing, transport and skills.

We welcome that this matter is returning to Executive in August, but after that decision we need swift action.

Every month of delay is a missed opportunity for our town centres. These powers exist to be used — and our communities deserve to see them put into practice."

RESOLVED

That the following motion be rejected.

“This council recognises the impact, often severe, of the present and future developments on our highways and public rights of way infrastructure.

As councillors we regularly seek to improve the safety and enjoyment of our places and travelling between them. 

We urge all those colleagues and partner organisations involved in creating the new Local Plan, and Local Transport Plan, to engage with independent highways experts to quantify and understand the impact of proposed developments on our existing and future residents and businesses, as our planning policies evolve.  This must include open and transparent engagement with our neighbouring authorities where emerging Local Plans impact on each other's local and national highway infrastructure".