We asked, you said, we did

As part of aligning the wider customer experience offer, we are working towards customers being able to interact with any of our customer facing offices, in a harmonised way. The ways in which we process payments should be consistent, efficient and effective across all areas. 

The closure of the Corby Cube cash office facility during the recent pandemic, resulted in a behaviour change, with many customers using alternative payment methods. The Corby Cube is also the only council venue that hosts a cash office.

We are proposing to remove the ability to pay by cash at The Corby Cube. However, customers will still be able to use this method of payment in several establishments, who are open more regularly than the Corby cash office (which is only open 3 days per week; 09:00am to 2:00pm)

• There were 36 respondents, (of which 29 were residents, 5 staff members and 2 Councillors).
• Of those surveyed, 7 (19%), disagreed that the options to make a payment to the Council should be the same across all of North Northamptonshire.
• Of those surveyed, 14 (39%), usually make cash payments at the Corby Cube cash office.
• The ability to make a payment by cash was discussed as being a preferred option for the following reasons: 
• • Ease of use (i.e. how income is either paid or drawn down; convenience of visit to the town centre).
  • Struggle with online payments.
  • Personal choice.
• Whilst considering the payment methods available, it was highlighted that card payments are not facilitated in the library.
• There was strong feedback on not losing the ability to make a payment by cash.
• Of those who usually make cash payments at the Corby Cube cash office, 9 (64%), would use a Post Office to make a cash payment, and 6 (43%), would use a Paypoint / Payzone outlet.
• The uptake of the survey was low, with an estimated 1.4% of service users taking part.

Following consideration of all the feedback received and the Bank of England report of 2021 Update on the future of Wholesale Cash Distribution in the UK, the decision has been made to adopt the consultation proposal for harmonising payment options and removal of paying by cash at the Corby Cube cash office.

Next steps:

• To review card payments in libraries and how this can be implemented for library shop and printer purchases.
• Customers will be proactively engaged from week commencing 13 January 2025. The last operating day of the Corby cash office will be Monday 31 March 2025, allowing time to support customers through annual billing and any rent increase letters.
• We will have an additional member of staff on reception from 13 January to 31 March, during the cash office operating hours.
• The new annual billing letters will all have barcodes on the letters and information on how the barcodes can be used to make payments and where payments can be made.
• We will also be updating our website contact us page with a list of services available at our customer service hubs, including making a payment. This will evolve as we go through the office rationalisation project and incorporate actions from our recent audit on the service offer. 

Following public consultation in August 2024 regarding proposed changes to car parking charges at Corby Rail Station, a final consultation was undertaken.

There were 56 responses, the majority of which opposed the proposed changes.

Following consideration of all responses some changes were made, such as off peak charges and additional bays created within the car park to reduce on street local pressure.

On 7 November 2024, notice was given under Section 35C of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 that North Northamptonshire Council has approved the following variations to the charges payable in respect of vehicles using the whole of the car park, the charges are listed below and take effect from 2 December 2024:

CORBY RAILWAY STATION CAR PARK VARIED CHARGES

Off peak tariffs

Any enquiries please contact Traffic Enforcement Team (trafficenforcement@northnorthants.gov.uk)

We are required in law to publish a written Statement of Licensing Principles (usually referred to as the Gambling Licensing Policy), setting out how we intend to exercise the licensing and enforcement powers, to come into effect January 2025.

NNC residents and stakeholders were given the opportunity to share any comments on the draft statement, for consideration.

6 responses were received.  None of the responses opposed the proposed Statement of Licensing Principles or proposed any changes. 1 response expressed satisfaction with the proposed Statement.

The Council adopted the Statement of Licensing Principles 2025-2028 on 5 December 2024.  At the same time, the Council decided not to make a ‘no casino’ resolution.

The adopted Statement of Principles 2025-2028 has been published on the Council’s website and will have effect from 31 January 2025 - Gambling Act 2005 – Statement of Licensing Principles 2025 to 2028 | North Northamptonshire Council (northnorthants.gov.uk).

In readiness for North Northamptonshire Council commissioning their own Healthwatch from 1 April 2025 we sought the views of residents and stakeholders on current services to help shape a more local service.

We received 192 responses which highlighted a lack of visibility and knowledge of the Healthwatch service to North Northamptonshire’s residents.
 

We will include appropriate questions into the tender process for any potential future supplier to demonstrate how they will make Healthwatch visible to residents and improve uptake to the service.

 

We sought the views of residents and stakeholders on the review of our Burial Reservation Policy which included alignment of several policies and review of charges.

In summary, for the online survey, 35 responses were received from members of the public. The following is summarised from the consultation

• 17 (48.5%) of respondents agreed with the principle of a policy, 5 (14%) disagreed and 13 (37%) either didn’t know or answer  

• In answer to the question should a burial reservation fee be extended across the authority, 15 (43%) of respondents agreed, 3 (8.5%) disagreed and 17 (48.5%) either didn’t know or answer. 

• 14 (40%) of respondents agreed, 7 (20%) disagreed and 14 (40%) either didn’t know or answer to the question that there should be a choice of timescales and therefore fees for the reservation of a burial plot. 

• When asked if the current fee charged at some of NNC cemeteries was fair, 14 (40%) of respondents agreed, 9 (25.5%) disagreed and 12 (34%) either didn’t know or answer  

• 21 (60%) of respondents agreed, 0  disagreed and 14 (40%) either didn’t know or answer that NNC residents should have priority for reservations in their nearest cemetery. 

• 23 (66%) of respondents agreed, 0 disagreed and 12 (34.%) either didn’t know or answer that families should be able to return reserved plots if they were no longer needed. 

• In answer to the query if the side-by-side solution should be used where double depth graves, 16 (54%) of respondents agreed, 0 disagreed and 17 (46%) either didn’t know or answer. 

In the commentary sections, 42 comments were made. The biggest concern overall was the potential effects the cost of the fee for the reservation policy may have on especially the older and/or poorer members of our communities. There was apprehension and concern regarding the payment of an additional fee for the reservation of a burial plot (note: reserving plot is optional) and the impact this may have on both the wellbeing and welfare of someone from a poorer household. The issues raised were that older residents may have worked hard all their lives and then be faced with a considerable additional fee to reserve their chosen burial plot.  

In addition to the public consultation, the Place and Economy Scrutiny Committee reviewed the proposed policy on the 27 August 2024. The comments and feedback of the Committee formed part of the public consultation.  

Scrutiny Committee feedback reflected the concerns of the public regarding the payment and proposed level of the fee. As a result, we are working on offering a payment plan to residents who wish to reserve a plot ahead of a burial. We are also taking care to explain to residents enquiring about the reservation fee, that there is no need to reserve a burial plot and have to pay the fee, if a specific plot is not required, and explain the choices for burying members of the same family near each other.  

The suggestions of offering a variety of time periods for the reservation of a burial plot or reducing the period of 99 years to increase accessibility to reserved burial plots are more complex, and separation of the Exclusive Right Of Burial and reservation timescales would raise future issues of proving a plot is reserved at the time of burial and cause unwarranted distress to the family at a most vulnerable time, so these have not been implemented at this time.

However, the team will explore the contacting of deedholders for reserved plots and establishing if they are still required. 

The combined result of an affordable payment plan with the option of handing back a reserved burial plot, seeks to reassure residents of North Northamptonshire concerns around costs of burial, and all residents are encouraged to discuss their questions to either a chosen funeral Director or directly with the Bereavement Services Team at Warren Hill Crematorium office.  

Corby Town Council has a PSPO order, which is due to expire, and a public opinion was required whether to extend it for a further 3 years. Hard copies were posted by hand in the vicinity, emails to partner organisations and NNC online survey.

31 responses were received via online and hard copies feedback from businesses and the public in Corby Town areas, as well as partners including the police etc.  100% responses were positive towards the extension of the PSPO.
 

Due to the 100% positive feedback from the 31 responders, it was agreed to extend the PSPO for a further 3 years.

We sought your views on proposed changes to public health services for children, young people, families, and sexual health in North Northamptonshire. The consultation focused on improving service accessibility, increasing targeted support, and enhancing digital and community-based options to ensure services meet the needs of our local communities.

154 residents participated in the online consultation.

Feedback highlighted strong support for targeted services for vulnerable parents and parents-to-be, with particular emphasis on mental health support, home visits, and assistance with parenting education. Respondents stressed the need for culturally sensitive healthy weight programmes that integrate physical and mental health support while addressing affordability and access barriers.

There was strong support for introducing dedicated services for children (0–11 years) and young people (11–19 years), with over 75% of respondents rating this as either "very important" or "somewhat important." Many recognised that age-specific services would better address the distinct needs of children and young people.

Emotional health and wellbeing support for young people emerged as a key priority, with calls for better accessibility, face-to-face support, and options such as peer groups and family therapy.

For sexual health services, respondents highlighted the importance of improving access through local venues, including GP surgeries, pharmacies, schools, and community centres. Digital options for STI testing and contraceptive services were welcomed by some, but a blended approach combining digital and in-person services was preferred. There was also a clear call for targeted awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and improve knowledge of services like emergency contraception and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).

Your feedback directly shaped the new service models. For children, young people, and families, there will be a stronger focus on early intervention, targeted services for vulnerable parents, and a dedicated 11–19 service model. Emotional health and wellbeing support has been enhanced, and digital access will be improved through a dedicated Digital Front Door, offering families a user-friendly online platform for information, advice, and guidance. In addition, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) in schools will be strengthened to ensure young people receive inclusive, age-appropriate teaching, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices.

For sexual health services, access will be expanded through a network of local services delivered at convenient venues, including GP surgeries, pharmacies, and community centres, supported by centralised sexual health clinics to ensure consistent, high-quality care. Digital self-testing kits for STIs will continue to be available, with strengthened follow-up support to ensure seamless access to treatment and advice. Access to emergency contraception and PrEP will be improved, and awareness campaigns will aim to reduce stigma and improve understanding of services, with tailored approaches to ensure key messages reach specific communities, such as LGBTQ+ groups and rural residents.

Your contributions have played a crucial role in shaping these services, and ongoing engagement will ensure they continue to meet the needs of our communities.

The council proposed an increase to pay and display car parking tariffs at Corby Train Station Car Park. Following a legal process to change the Traffic Regulation Order, a decision to have a public consultation was taken. The public consultation was conducted from 11th July to 2nd August 2024, focusing on proposed increases to car parking tariffs at Corby Train Station.

A total of 90 responses were received via email.

• 2 respondents agreed with the proposed increases
• 87 respondents objected to the proposed increases
• 1 respondent did not express a view

In those responses:

• 4 respondents requested a public meeting to discuss the changes
• 4 respondents suggested that all North Northamptonshire Council car parks should have tariffs aligned with the current rate at Corby Train Station
• 2 respondents provided no specific input

Tariff Proposals:
47 respondents indicated that the proposed increases were excessive
16 respondents suggested a stepped or gradual increase as a more acceptable approach

Impact on Local Parking:
36 respondents expressed concerns that the tariff increase would encourage on-street parking in nearby residential areas.

Off peak tariffs:
Implement off peak tariff options in line with other local providers.

The proposed charging structure is supported by the current offer from comparable stations located along the line, predominantly Kettering, Wellingborough and Market Harborough at the lowest end of the scale.

Proposed daily tariffs:

The introduction of an off-peak rate featured heavily within the consultation feedback, inclusion of this is supported and should be offered as a simplistic model to aid users and avoid confusion where possible and consistent with other local offers.

The proposed rates will are:

• Monday – Friday 10:00 – 02:30 : £5.00
• Saturday – Sunday Anytime : £5.00
• Bank holidays : £5.00

Making the section of the entrance/ exit one way, creating additional spaces along the left hand side of the car park as you drive in, approximately 14 new spaces are proposed. This will help reduce any local burden.

Further consultation is proposed for 10 October to 23.59 on 3 November 2024 via the Your Voice Matters consultation hub.
 

All representations will be considered by the Assistant Director of Assets and Environment, after 3 November 2024. The future level of charge will remain within the discretion of the Council. A formal notice of any change made to parking charges under the Order will then be issued. Any change to the parking charges will come into effect on Monday 2 December 2024. Any changes to the entrance/exit and the additional parking spaces will be scheduled into our future work plans and will commence as soon as practically possible.  

The survey intended to obtain the views of local residents, families/carers and professionals in relation to accommodation and support services for individuals with Mental Health Needs and those who are Autistic.

Those individuals who responded, who have care and support within an accommodation-based setting confirmed that the service in the main meets their needs.

For some services support was available throughout the week Monday to Sunday, for others this was Monday to Friday. Availability of support during the day was varied, ranging from 24-hour support to support only being available during parts of the day. Of those who responded the majority of people received more than 4 hours of individual support each day.

People felt having your own front door; the willingness of the landlord to make reasonable adjustments; repairs to property being completed quickly were all highly important to being happy in their home. Being able to have a pet or having friends to stay over was equally important as well as having outdoor space, being close to public transportation links and local shops.

When asked what you need from your staff team, the key responses included understanding and supporting me with my needs; helping me to develop my skills and confidence so I can live independently; supporting me with my emotional and mental wellbeing; supporting me at times of crisis; helping me to feel safe.

A small number of family members/unpaid carers responded to the survey. There were varied views across each of the questions with some very strong agreement and for other respondents very strong disagreement. The key highlights from the responses were that staff teams supported individuals to keep healthy, attend GP and other routine appointments and stay connected to their families. Not all individuals had a tenancy or licence agreement in place, landlords did not always respond to repairs as promptly as they should, and the support team in some cases did not support people to have an active day.

For the professionals only 42% who responded felt that they were very confident that providers have the right skills and training to effectively support individuals to live a good life.

The information from this survey provides valuable feedback for recommissioning accommodation-based support services. Information will be incorporated into the specification for individual need and support, housing and accommodation requirements and provider expectations.

We sought to understand your awareness and experiences of local weight management services, and the type of adult weight management support you would like to access in order to inform Public Health of local preferences to those services.

307 responses were received.

The participant sample was characterised as being predominantly white British women, with the largest age group being 50-64 years old. Most of the participants did not have any dietary preferences. Most of the respondents were aware of the council commissioned service Slimming World and many had accessed Slimming World for weight management support.

Our analysis found that the main barriers to accessing a service to support with managing weight were cost, time, motivation, confidence, and fear of failure. Of the services that respondents had accessed, the features that were perceived to be most beneficial were location, time of sessions, ongoing support, course leader, goal tracking e.g., weigh-ins and course content – nutrition.  

When asked what type of support people would like from a weight management service, nearly half of the respondents said they would like group sessions in person, and a quarter of respondents said one to one support in person. Online/video calls and self-led online service were least favourable.

All feedback will help and support Public Health when reviewing and commissioning future support services.

NNC sought views to help guide our decisions regarding the continued provision of an Appointeeship service for customers who lack capacity to manage their money and other financial affairs.

21 responses were received. The responders who chose to say in what capacity they were answering were categorised as NNC resident, Citizen, Local resident, Old age pensioner (OAP), Town Councillor, Tax Payer, Previous Care Manager, Member of the public, Citizens Pace consultee and NNC worker.

Most of the responders gave a top rating of 5 for the importance of the Appointeeship service and strongly agreed with the fee increase if it was deemed necessary for its continued provision. There was only one person who neither agreed nor disagreed, and one that strongly disagreed. Similarly, there was overall positive feedback regarding the new Set-up and Wind-up fees with the majority either strongly agreeing or agreeing, just one neither agreeing or disagreeing and one strongly disagreeing with the new charges. 6 responders who answered the question regarding using external appointee providers said no. There was only one response provided for ‘any other comment’ with the responder stating that the Council was bankrupt, and the service should be withdrawn.

A report seeking approval for a change to the charging policy for the Appointeeship service was approved by the service Senior Leadership Team. An Equality Screening Assessment was completed, which showed the proposal would have no adverse impact on protected groups. The results of the consultation were included in the final proposal which was approved at a meeting of the Executive on 11 July 2024.

Residents, organisations and business were invited to give their view on the proposed routes identified for the Wellingborough & Rushden Area Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) which was created in collaboration with Pell Frischmann and Brightwayz.

The LCWIP provides a strategic approach to identifying cycling and walking improvements at a local level and enable the long-term approach to developing networks.

This LCWIP had a range of engagement and consultation with stakeholders and the public throughout the development of the plan. This engagement included a series of workshops with key stakeholders and residents that were held during the development of the LCWIP.

Participants at the most recent public consultation were able to comment on:

• The overall network of proposals
• Proposed routes and individual proposals

The online public consultation was promoted to stakeholders/residents who had already been involved in the development of the LCWIP as well as to the wider population through various media. In addition, various events were attended to raise the profile of the consultation and to help those wanting to comment upon the proposals.

There were 157 responses in total, with 2069 visits to the website location of the survey. The overall results of the consultation showed that:

• 63% strongly agree or agree with the proposals
• 15% strongly disagree or disagree with the proposals
• 22% were neutral/no view contributions

Detailed analysis of the responses showed that there was a disproportionately high level of disagreement with the Irthlingborough proposals (32% of responses to those proposals).

Analysis of the comments for Irthlingborough identified that the high level of disagreement was due to proposals for amending an existing car parking alignment

Each of the responses and comments have been analysed and considered. A Consultation Report that summarises the findings of this analysis is being prepared and will be reported to NNC members (along with a report on the overall engagement for the overall LCWIP process) when approval of the Wellingborough & Rushden Area LCWIP proposals will be sought.

In total, 19 of the 29 proposals drawings have been amended to reflect received comments from this consultation. Many of these changes were suggestions to improve upon the previously identified proposals. However, there were also changes made to reflect comments regarding individual proposals. The most significant of these changes was the removal of proposals to amend the existing car parking alignment in Irthlingborough to widen the footway and discourage overhanging parked vehicles.

We directed respondents to share their feedback on the content of a Draft Masterplan consultation prepared by the promoters for Kettering Energy Park, and to encourage comments on the content.

Any decision on the Final Masterplan will be made in considering a planning application for the scheme proposal, once submitted to the Council. An application is anticipated for submission before the end of 2024.

We sought the views of residents and stakeholders via public consultation on the Local Air Quality Strategy for North Northamptonshire Council. The aim was to gain public opinion and suggestions regarding this strategy.

16 responses were received. One internal respondent mentioned that there were 19 acronyms in the document and we reduced this to 13. All acronyms are initially preceded by the full spelling, and we understand that this may be challenging for some people. Other internal respondents provided updated text for the strategy. Respondents who were enthusiastic about improving air quality made suggestions regarding improving public transportation. Our transport team works with bus companies to improve services for residents and commuters. Many respondents commented on issues beyond the council’s control. The Pollution Team responded to responses under their remit and forwarded transportation and education responses to those teams.

The draft Local Air Quality Strategy was updated with minor amendments. The Local Air Quality Strategy was then reviewed and approved by the Scrutiny Committee and consequently, reviewed and approved by the Executive on 11 July 2024. You can view the new Local Air Quality Strategy document.

 

We sought feedback on the draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2024-2029 which sets out how, over the next five years, North Northamptonshire Council will work collaboratively with our partners to build on our existing approach and respond to challenges to tackle and help prevent homelessness and support those who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. 

In total, 75 people took part in the overall consultation; 65 of those were people who responded to the online survey and 10 were people who took part in the telephone interviews.

48 of those who entered the online survey fully completed it and 17 left the survey unfinished and failed to return before the deadline. Of those 17 people, 5 did not answer any of the questions and therefore have been removed from this analysis which left a total of 70 people. Whilst this is a modest number of respondents, 30% of all participants had lived experience of homelessness and/or rough sleeping. Respondents were asked to read the draft of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping strategy and then specify to what extent they agreed that each priority should form part of the final strategy.

Overall, people consulted were supportive of the five priorities set out in the strategy. 83% of all respondents strongly agreed / agreed that all five priorities should be included in the final strategy.

The breakdown for each priority was as follows:

• Priority 1 – 89% of respondents agreed this should be included
• Priority 2 – 91% of respondents agreed this should be included
• Priority 3 – 93% of respondents agreed this should be included
• Priority 4 – 93% of respondents agreed this should be included
• Priority 5 – 89% of respondents agreed this should be included

Individuals who were responding to the online survey on behalf of an organisation were asked if they have any further actions or ideas that could be included in the action plan which accompanies the strategy to deliver against the five priorities. The main ideas and themes gathered from these responses are as follows:

• Suggestions of a range of local partners who could be engaged to help deliver the action plan were put forward including S2S, Mind, Service Six, Teamwork Trust, Sure Start Centres, housing developers, private landlords plus any other organisations that may have an interest in supporting actions in the strategy or who could offer resources (e.g.: Supermarkets, banks, large businesses/employers, and the wider community in general).

• A need for a more action based and collaborative approach within the Homelessness Forum as well as sharing more data around aspects of the homelessness service such as the number of households in Temporary Accommodation.

• A suggestion to increase public awareness of homelessness initiatives and schemes in order to encourage support.

The strategy is currently going through the governance process and will be presented for approval by Executive, currently planned for June.

The next steps based on the feedback that was received in the consultation will be to develop a detailed action plan which can be monitored throughout the 5 year period that the strategy covers. We have set the wheels in motion to get the North Northants Homeless Forum back up and running and are currently looking at ways to make this as productive and collaborative as possible. We have created a report of all consultation findings which will feed in to the action plan which underpins the strategy. We plan to develop the action plan with the collaboration of local partners. We are also researching ways to implement lived experience into our service.

In partnership with The Environment Partnership (TEP) and CFP Landscape & Heritage, NNC undertook an audit of greenspaces across North Northamptonshire in order to develop a strategy to invest just over £1.5m secured from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

A total of 97 sites were audited for quality and value.  290 responses were received to a residents’ survey.  A visioning workshop was also undertaken with NNC staff.  The conclusions from both were very similar, which has given the consultants preparing the Audit & Strategy confidence in their findings and the overall conclusions they’re making.  This is also expected to make the Council and its Members certain in agreeing recommendations for investment in priority schemes, and leave a legacy to go about seeking further funding from bids to deliver more projects beyond those receiving over £1Million of investment before the end of March 2025.

The results of the consultation influenced the preparation of the Council’s Strategy for Urban Greenspace, which is in the final stages of preparation.  The Strategy will be put before Members of the UKSPF Panel in early June, whereby Members will be asked to agree multiple projects across each of the six towns (Corby, Desborough, Kettering, Wellingborough, Rushden and Higham Ferrers) and satisfying demands in terms of both activity and enjoyment of the natural environment and habitats.

North Northamptonshire Council are developing their first All Age Carers Strategy. We asked carers, or someone who is supporting a carer, to feedback on the draft strategy.

The All-Age Carers Strategy 2024-29 sets out our vision and priorities for recognising, valuing, and supporting carers. It reflects legislation and national guidance regarding the role and duties of local authorities. The strategy also aims to respond to priorities that have been highlighted within North Northamptonshire, which were discovered during recent engagement events with local carers.

We have identified five key priorities to support carers in their caring role and to maintain their own health and wellbeing. The strategy outlines our actions for each priority, and we want to know carers views on these. The feedback will be used to further develop our action plan for the final All Age Carers Strategy 2024-29.

The priorities are:

• Identification and recognition
• Information and Advice
• Carers Breaks
• A life alongside caring
• Joined up systems - Telling my story once

• 76 Surveys were submitted
• Of the 76 submitted forms, 7 contained no information

The results of the survey show that those participating mostly agreed with the 5 priorities.

The feedback has been collated, and will be taken to the newly formed *Carers Forum for discussion and decision making. This will then be used to make changes to the Strategy at future reviews - the strategy will be reviewed yearly by the group to measure success/identity where more support/changes are required.

*The Carers Forum is made up of carers, who are Experts by Experience.

The Council sought feedback on the draft proposals for a balanced revenue budget for 2023/24 and the medium-term financial plan for the next three years. The budget consultation period commenced on 21 December 2023 and closed on 26 January 2024.

The budget proposals set out a detailed spending strategy for the authority for the financial year 2024/25 as well as outlining the medium-term financial plan for the next two years. The budget proposed a balance net revenue budget for 2024/25 at £371.5 million.

The main proposals were:

• To increase Council Tax by 4.99%, comprising a ‘core’ Council Tax increase of 2.99% covering all services and a further 2% for the adult social care precept, which is the maximum amount permitted. This would contribute an additional £9.6m per year and would represent a Band D level of Council Tax of £1,740.22 for 2024/2025, or the equivalent of £33.47 per week.
• Draft Capital Programme 2024-28.

However, respondents were invited to comment on any proposal within the Draft Budget.

Using the various means available to consultees, local people and organisations contributed to the North Northamptonshire Council Draft Budget 2024/25 consultation 475 times.

Council Tax increase proposals:

• 44.3% of respondents said they strongly agreed or tended to agree with the proposal to increase core council tax by 2.99%, whilst 47.5% said they strongly disagreed or tended to disagree with the proposal.
• 42.8% of respondents said they strongly agreed or tended to agree with the proposal to add an adult social care precept of 2% to council tax, whilst 45.2% said they strongly disagreed or tended to disagree with the proposal.

For more information about your feedback please see:

Appendix E – Draft Budget 2024-25 Consultation Analysis Report

On Thursday 22 February 2024, the North Northamptonshire Council approved the 2024 to 2025 budget for North Northamptonshire.

The report before Council presented a balanced revenue budget for 2024/25 as well as outlining the medium-term financial plan for the next three years.

Through its budget, the Council will: 

• Invest in the region of £57m in protecting and improving local services.
• Continue to improve local schools, town centres, transport and rural neighbourhoods.
• Tackle climate change, continuing the use of a dedicated £1m fund for this purpose.
• Invest in adult social care and in care and support for children and families.
• Help those on low income by maintaining the Local Council Tax Support Scheme at the current level of 25%.
• Continue to support and develop the local economy, housing, education and skills.
• Provide grants to local community and voluntary organisations.

Council Tax: The Council approved an increase in council tax of 4.99%, which includes the 2% adult social care precept and is the maximum increase permitted by Government.

This increase will contribute about an additional £9.6m per year and represents a Band D level of Council Tax for North Northamptonshire Council of £1,740.22 for 2024/25.

This Band D figure does not include the Council Tax for individual Town and Parish Councils or the Council Tax set for Fire and Police by the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

Capital Programme: Final proposals for capital projects were also approved, totalling £163.5m over a three-year period. General capital projects make up £104.8m of this amount while the Housing Revenue Account is £58.7m.
 
There is also a Capital development pool - totalling £171.1m - for the progression and prioritisation of key schemes. 

Housing Revenue Account: This year’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) sees a balanced budget for the two Neighbourhood Accounts.

There will also be a rent increase of 7% for the next financial year, which accords with the Government’s rent setting policy for 2024/25. Any funding received by the HRA is retained within the HRA and will be used to support housing improvements and maintenance.

For more information about the budget, please see:

Council papers for meeting held on 22 February 2024

Draft minutes of Council meeting held on 22 February 2024

The company known as Scotts of Thrapston Limited, 4 Bridge Street, Thrapston, Northamptonshire, NN14 4LR has applied to North Northamptonshire Council to vary their existing permit for the working of timber and manufacture of wood-based products, EPR/EN/9b, to include a biomass boiler as a directly associated activity.

Representations were invited from interested parties.

No responses or representations were made.

The existing permit will now be varied. For more information about Environmental permits please visit the NNC webpage at https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/environment/environmental-permits

NNC sought the views of Hackney Carriage licensees, residents and stakeholders on plans to replace existing legislation, in relation to licensing of hackney carriages, that was in place for former areas of Corby, East Northamptonshire, Kettering and Wellingborough. This meant that rather than the current four separate licensing zones, one NNC zone would be created.

221 responses were received through the online activity and 35 were received via email.

Of the online responses, 54 respondents were in agreement to the proposals while 143 disagreed with the proposals.

All responses, including fully comments, can be viewed via the Licensing and Appeals Committee of 21 March 2024 papers.
 

The Licensing and Appeals Committee reviewed the papers, including all responses, on 21 March 2024 and agreed to make a proposal to the Executive to replace the current four hackney carriage zones with one NNC zone and to review the current Hackney Carriage Byelaws.