The Democracy and Standards Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met to discuss several key issues, including proposed amendments to the Constitution, a review of planning committee arrangements, and an update on the West Northamptonshire Community Governance Review. Decisions were made to recommend changes to the Council's Constitution and to proceed with the second stage of consultation for the Community Governance Review.

Proposed Amendments to the Constitution

The committee discussed updates to the Contract Procedure Rules and the scheme of delegation. The Deputy Director of Law and Governance explained that the updates aimed to streamline the document, moving operational matters into a handbook for officers. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) would be set for contract management to hold contractors accountable. Contracts under £100,000 would require three quotes, with valid reasons needed if this was not possible. The committee agreed to recommend these amendments to the Council.

Amendments to the Terms of Reference of the Health and Wellbeing Board

Changes to the Terms of Reference of the Health and Wellbeing Board (HWBB) were discussed, necessitated by the Health Care Act 2022. Cheryl Bird, Business Manager to the HWBB, highlighted the board's statutory duties, including policy approval and scrutiny of the Better Care Fund. The committee approved the recommendations for updates to the Constitution.

Review of Planning Committee Arrangements

The Assistant Director of Planning presented a review of the planning committees' structure and operation. The North and South planning committees had stabilised their workloads, while the Strategic Planning Committee handled larger-scale developments. Key recommendations included extending the member call-in period from 21 to 24 days and clarifying the starting point of this period. The committee agreed to recommend these changes to the Council, ensuring consistency in decision-making and improving the relationship between the planning team and parish councils.

West Northamptonshire Community Governance Review: Update

The committee received an update on the Community Governance Review, which is now at its halfway point. Specific proposals were considered, including those meeting statutory requirements and new proposals requiring inclusion. Councillor Mike Hallam and Councillor Jamie Lane voiced residents' opposition to moving Moulton Leys from Northampton Town Council to Moulton. Despite this, the committee decided to proceed with the second stage of consultation, providing factual information to residents. The committee also agreed to include Ravensthorpe and Brington parishes in the terms of reference for the consultation.

Review of the Work Programme 2024/2025

The committee reviewed and noted the Work Programme for 2024/2025, with a revised draft circulated during the meeting.