In the past week, the West Northamptonshire Council has held several important meetings, making key decisions that will impact the community. Below are the details of the meetings and the decisions made.

Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee

Date: Tuesday 25 June 2024

The Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee met to discuss a report on the experiences of passengers with protected characteristics when using taxis and private hire vehicles in West Northamptonshire. The council aims to ensure that its taxi and private hire licensing policies are effective in providing safe and dignified travel for all residents, regardless of their protected characteristics¹.

The report highlighted several key issues:

• Lack of awareness among some drivers about the needs of passengers with protected characteristics.
• Insufficient number of accessible vehicles, leaving some disabled individuals without taxi services.
• Lack of training for drivers on how to interact with passengers with protected characteristics.

The sub-committee adopted all 14 recommendations in the report, including developing a specific training programme for drivers, increasing the number of accessible vehicles, and launching a public awareness campaign to promote the rights of passengers with protected characteristics.

It is important that our taxi and private hire vehicle drivers are properly equipped to meet the needs of all our residents. This includes providing training on the [Equality Act 2010](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents) and how to apply it in practice. It also means ensuring that there are enough accessible vehicles to meet demand.

A council officer at the meeting.

Local Pension Board

Date: Thursday 27 June 2024

The Local Pension Board discussed several issues related to the administration of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund, including a new overpayments policy and their business plan.

Overpayments Policy

The board approved a draft Overpayment of Pension Entitlement and Debt Recovery Policy for consultation with members of the pension scheme. This new policy aims to replace the existing one from 2015.

The communication to members is key on this... because if we haven’t explained properly and given them the right information, then it’s difficult to actually say it's their fault.

Business Plan

The board reviewed the Fund’s Business Plan for 2024-2027, ensuring alignment with the Council’s Corporate Plan and Climate Change Strategy. They discussed the risks associated with the Fund’s investments, including climate change, and committed to responsible investment.

Communications Strategy

The board debated the effectiveness of their communication strategy, particularly around recruiting new members. They resolved to produce a document outlining the benefits of board membership to aid recruitment.

Administration Report

The board received the standard quarterly Administration Report, covering the Fund’s investments, the performance of investment managers, key performance indicators, and work on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.

Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee

Date: Friday 28 June 2024

The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee met to discuss an application by Ei Group to extend the licensed hours of the Spinney Hill Pub in Northampton. The application was rejected due to concerns about increased crime and disorder.

Northamptonshire Police and Environmental Protection opposed the application, citing recent incidents of crime and the inadequacy of the applicant’s noise management plan.

We have had a number of incidents of crime and disorder in the vicinity of the pub in recent months. This includes a number of assaults, as well as instances of criminal damage.

The applicant’s noise management plan is not fit for purpose. The proposed mitigation measures are not sufficient to prevent public nuisance.

Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Date: Monday 24 June 2024

The committee discussed the state of supported living provision and how the council can better support unpaid carers in West Northamptonshire. They endorsed a report on the needs of unpaid carers and asked for an action plan to address these needs.

Support for Unpaid Carers

The committee reviewed the Support for Unpaid Carers Task and Finish Panel Final Draft Report, which included 17 recommendations such as offering a wider range of respite care options and reducing financial hardship for carers.

I think it's absolutely essential that we put a timescale on these things. Otherwise, they just drift, and nothing happens.

The committee resolved to endorse the report and asked for an action plan to be presented at a future meeting.

Supported Living in West Northamptonshire

The committee received a presentation on supported living, highlighting challenges such as increased demand, rising costs, and a shortage of suitable accommodation. A new supported living scheme is due to open at The Heights in Dallington, providing accommodation and support for adults with learning disabilities and autism.

I'm really pleased that there is movement on this, and I do welcome this going forward. But in terms of the scale and the numbers, will it be enough?

Women's Business Networking

Date: Friday 28 June 2024

No video or transcript was provided for this meeting.

Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee

Date: Friday 28 June 2024

No video or transcript was provided for this meeting.