The Cabinet of West Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 11 June 2024, discussing a range of significant issues including the continuation of the E-Scooter trial, the adoption of a new environmental policy for Northampton Town Centre, and the approval of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for 2024-2027. Decisions were also made regarding the commissioning of integrated sexual and reproductive health services, changes to the home-to-school transport policy, and the procurement of a new case management system for education services.

Response to Scrutiny Review of E-Scooters

Councillor Phil Larratt presented the report on the scrutiny review of e-scooters. The council discussed the ongoing issues with VOI, the e-scooter provider, including parking, tandem riding, and complaints procedures. Concerns were raised about the lack of government direction and the absence of timeframes from VOI to address these issues. Councillor Larratt assured that all recommendations had been taken on board and highlighted the importance of e-scooters for the council’s green footprint and as a form of low-cost travel. The Cabinet resolved to endorse the continuation of the e-scooter trial and noted the further details and progress updates from the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee report presented in March 2024.

Northampton Town Centre Environmental Policy

Councillors David Smith and Phil Larratt introduced the new environmental policy for Northampton Town Centre. The policy, developed after wide consultation with stakeholders, aims to improve the town centre environment alongside ongoing investments. A councillor queried the timeline for extending the policy to the Wellingborough Road area. The Cabinet approved the new policy, endorsed a communications campaign to promote it, and delegated authority to the Executive Director of Place, Economy, and Environment to make necessary amendments and extend the policy area as needed.

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2024-27: Delivery Plan, Year 1

The Chair presented the delivery plan for the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2024-2027. The plan aligns with the council’s statutory obligations and will undergo a full review of key performance indicators after one year. Councillors emphasized the importance of the plan for vulnerable residents and questioned the feasibility of delivering the 30 action points within a year. The Cabinet approved the delivery plan for the first year.

Commissioning of Integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health Services

Councillor Matt Golby presented the report on commissioning integrated sexual and reproductive health services. The new services will be co-produced with public and voluntary partners. The Cabinet approved the commissioning process and delegated authority to the Director of Public Health to initiate it in consultation with the portfolio holder.

Changes to Home-to-School Transport Policy

Councillor Phil Larratt discussed the proposed changes to the home-to-school transport policy, which aims to address a £2.8 million overspend. The changes include a revised post-16 transport policy and support for young adults aged 16-19 in apprenticeships, though not covering transport to workplaces. Simon Frazer, Principal of Guilsborough Academy, and members of West Northants Voices in Partnership raised concerns about the financial impact on families and the potential increase in traffic and emissions. Despite these concerns, the Cabinet approved the revised policy to be implemented from September 2024.

Procurement of a Case Management System for Education Services

Councillor Fiona Baker presented the report on procuring a new case management system for education services. The current system, provided by NCC, will be extended under the new contract. The Cabinet approved the procurement, including an estimated contract cost of up to £300k per annum for up to seven years and an additional one-off funding of £950k for implementation over two years.

Northampton Markets Development Plan

Councillor Daniel Lister introduced the Northampton Markets Development Plan. Concerns were raised about the lack of communication with market traders and the requirement for stallholders to provide business plans. Councillor Lister assured that there had been regular communication with traders. The Cabinet approved the development plan and the procurement of specialist and event market operators.

Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Transformation Programme

Councillor Fiona Baker presented the report on the SEND and AP Transformation Programme. The programme aims to address the unprecedented pressure on SEND teams and create new specialist school spaces. Councillors emphasized the importance of early intervention and the involvement of the SEND task and finish group. The Cabinet approved the implementation of the programme, including the delegation of £1.35m of Exceptional Financial Support to fund the interventions.

For more details, you can refer to the Minutes of Previous Meeting and the Public reports pack 11th-Jun-2024 18.00 Cabinet.