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Planning arrangements unveiled for new West Northamptonshire Council

Residents and businesses will continue to benefit from local committees deciding planning applications in their area when the new West Northamptonshire Council launches next month.

On 1 April, the new Council will replace the current planning authorities of Daventry District Council, Northampton Borough Council, South Northamptonshire Council and the County Council as part of a major reorganisation of local government.

Under the new Council’s planning arrangements, there will be three ‘area-based’ committees – one each for Daventry, Northampton and South Northamptonshire which will determine certain planning applications submitted by residents, businesses and developers. Alongside this, a new Strategic Planning Committee will be set up to deal with larger, major applications which carry wider economic and growth implications for West Northamptonshire, such as Sustainable Urban Extensions (SUEs).

The planning committees will sit after councillors have been elected to the new authority in May and once committee memberships are agreed by the new Council. In the meantime existing planning committee arrangements will continue as usual – this will involve interim committee meetings of the shadow councillors who currently sit on the existing district and borough planning committees.

Residents will see no significant changes to the planning services they receive when the new Council goes live on 1 April – their planning applications will continue to be processed and dealt with in the usual way. They will however need to go to the Council’s new website www.westnorthants.gov.uk to view and make planning applications.

Councillor Adam Brown, Planning Portfolio Holder for the West Northamptonshire Shadow Authority said: “Planning services play an important role within the everyday lives of our residents, whether they are looking to extend their home or are interested in development that’s taking place in their local area. These committee arrangements ensure that local decision-making remains at the heart of the planning process across West Northamptonshire and continues to put engagement with local communities at the forefront of planning issues.”

At their meeting this week (Wednesday, 10 March), Members of the West Northamptonshire Shadow Authority approved the Constitution which sets out the arrangements for planning committees and the interim arrangements.

Information about West Northamptonshire Council’s Planning Services will be available from 1 April on its new website at www.westnorthants.gov.uk. Until then, residents and businesses should continue to visit their local district/borough council website for planning services.

West Northamptonshire approves budget for a bright new future

Frontline services helping the most vulnerable in West Northants have been protected while £13.4million in efficiency savings were identified in the first budget for the new unitary authority.

On Thursday 1 April West Northants Council (WNC) will take over services currently delivered by Northampton Borough Council, South Northamptonshire Council, Daventry District Council and Northamptonshire County Council.

On Wednesday, 23 February a meeting of the West Northamptonshire Shadow Authority approved a budget of £326.6 million to provide services to residents and businesses in West Northants. 

Those services include care for vulnerable adults and children, education, the collection and disposal of waste, household waste recycling, leisure and community wellbeing, highways, planning, economic development, housing and support for the homeless. 

In presenting the budget, Cllr Rebecca Breese, West Northants portfolio holder for finance, said in a period of great uncertainty the Council Tax rise was important to provide stable foundations for the new council. 

She said: “Grant funding from government has fallen from 58 percent of council income in 2013/14 to what will be 38 percent next year. Council Tax is therefore the largest element of our income, at £215million that’s two thirds of our income and the area we have most control and direct influence over its generation.

“But this is a direct tax on our residents and we must be honest in accepting the importance of maintaining that base and be prudent in its use. 

“This is why I think it is important to take advantage of the ability to raise Council Tax as allowed by the Government. It is the bedrock of our budget and will support those residents in greatest need. 

“It is not clear yet what the social and economic impact on many of our residents is going to be as a result of Covid but in our budget we have allocated £170 million to support vulnerable adults and children”.

The budget will also see the level of Council Tax Reduction for working age people harmonised across West Northants at 80 percent, meaning households experiencing financial hardship will pay a maximum of 20 percent of their Council Tax demand. 

In recognition that some households may still face financial difficulty, the budget also includes a discretionary £425,000 hardship fund.

In addition, the budget includes a £75,000 fund to help young people who are leaving social care at 18 and who will need help to pay Council Tax to live independently. 

Cllr Ian McCord, Leader of the West Northants Shadow Authority, said: “We are coming to the end of the planning stage and this budget signals the beginning of the next chapter. 

“This budget begins to deliver our vision. A place where everyone can thrive.

“This, our first budget, is fair and progressive. A budget supporting the low paid, the vulnerable, and the care leavers. 

“A budget that gives our new council a firm foundation upon which to build future success. 

“A budget offering a fresh start and a bright future for all.”

To help maintain and protect levels of service provision the Shadow Authority approved a core average Council Tax increase of 1.99 per cent in line with the maximum limit set by government without triggering a referendum and utilising the allowable Council Tax social care precept increase of 3 percent in full. 

The combined total resulted in an increase of 4.99 percent on the average Council Tax bill calculated for the West Northamptonshire area.

This equates to an average Band D Council Tax demand of £1,566.39 in 2021/22, equivalent to £30.12 per week. That equates to an increase of £6.20 a month for band D property.  

These figures do not include the Council Tax for individual town and Parish Councils nor the Council Tax set for Fire and Police by the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner. 

Councillors needed for new Northampton Town Council

A total of 25 Councillors are needed for the new Northampton Town Council, which will be the largest town council in the country when it becomes fully operational on 1 April this year.

Candidates are invited to stand for election to become a Councillor representing each of the 21 wards covered by the new council and must submit their nomination paper to West Northamptonshire Electoral Services by 4pm on 8 April.

The town council has an overall responsibility for representing the local community, improving quality of life in the area, and delivering services to meet local needs.  These services could include allotments, local open spaces, public and civic events, the market and community schemes. 

Town councillors are required to attend council meetings and committees, liaise with community groups and local organisations, such as residents’ associations, meet with statutory bodies like the police, and support and represent the residents in their wards. 

Richard Walden, Acting Town Clerk of Northampton Town Council, said: “The role of a town councillor is incredibly varied, and I would encourage anyone who is passionate about making a difference in their local community to consider standing for election. 

“This is a brand-new town council, and the largest in the country, so it’s a really exciting time to be getting involved and to help set the style and direction of the Council’s activities.”

Residents in each ward will elect their town councillor during the local elections, which are taking place on 6 May. 

Anyone wishing to stand for election should email ElectoralRegistration.NBC@westnorthants.gov.uk or call 01604 837111 to request a nomination paper.

An online briefing session for potential candidates will take place on Wednesday, 3 March, from 5.30pm and places can be booked by emailing electoralservices.ddc@westnorthants.gov.uk or calling 01327 302326.

Further information about the town council, including a list of the 21 wards can be found on www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk.

Final budget proposals for West Northamptonshire Council to be considered by shadow authority

After final budget proposals for West Northamptonshire Council were approved by the shadow authority’s executive last week – they will now appear before a meeting of the full shadow authority for final approval.

The council comes into existence on April 1 this year and will provide all local government services in the west of the county including adult social care, planning, housing and economic regeneration, leisure and tourism and waste disposal and collection. It will be a one stop shop for all Council services.

Cllr Rebecca Breese, shadow portfolio holder for finance, human resources and corporate services said: “This is an historic moment for West Northamptonshire and I’m proud to have played a part in developing these budget proposals which set out our plans for an ambitious, resilient and responsive new council.”

Cllr Ian McCord, Leader of the West Northamptonshire Shadow Authority, said: “This budget provides a firm foundation so the new council can realise its ambitions in delivering quality services to the people of West Northamptonshire, while ensuring that the area continues to prosper.

“This is a significant milestone for the authority and the culmination of a lot of hard work. I would like to thank all involved in making this a reality.”

It is proposed that Council Tax is increased by 4.99%, comprising 1.99% core tax and a 3% adult social care precept.

For West Northamptonshire Council this would mean an average Band D level of Council Tax of £1,566.39 from 1 April 2021, or an increase of £74.45 for the year or the equivalent of £1.43 per week.

The meeting of the full shadow authority will take place on February 23.

Potential candidates urged to find out more at elections briefing

People thinking of
standing as a candidate in the West Northamptonshire Council or town and parish
elections are encouraged to join in a briefing taking place soon.

On Thursday, 6 May residents
across Daventry, Northampton and South Northants will vote to elect councillors
to the new unitary authority, which will go live on 1 April this year,
replacing their existing district, borough and county councils. Elections are also
due to take place that day to elect representatives for up to 165 town/parish
councils across West Northamptonshire.

People thinking about
becoming a candidate or acting as an agent for either of these elections is
urged to attend an online briefing session on Wednesday, 3 March, from
5.30pm.

The session, which will
be held on Zoom, will cover the nominations process, key electoral information,
dates and deadlines as well as setting out important details about the Covid
safety measures being planned for candidates and agents.

Those wishing to attend
should email electoralservices.ddc@westnorthants.gov.uk or
call 01327 302326. The session will be recorded and available on YouTube later
for those unable to attend.

Anna Earnshaw, Returning Officer for the West Northamptonshire
elections and the Chief Executive of the new Council, said: “Anyone thinking of
standing as a candidate or acting as their agent in the spring elections should
attend this briefing.

“It will provide them with everything they need to know
about taking part, including how to submit nominations, key dates and deadlines,
as well as important information about Covid restrictions and the measures
we’ll be taking to minimise risks from the pandemic to voters.”

Polling arrangements for West Northamptonshire and parish
elections are currently being organised jointly by elections officers in Daventry
District, South Northants and Northampton who will be brought together on 1
April as part of the new Council. To find out more about registering to vote,
plus information on applying for postal and proxy votes, please visit your
local district/borough website.

Final budget proposals published for West Northamptonshire Council

Final budget proposals for West Northamptonshire Council have now been published ahead of a meeting of the shadow authority’s Executive next week.

The council comes into existence on April 1 this year when the eight councils which currently provide public services in Northants are dissolved and replaced by two unitary authorities, one serving the west and another serving the north.

This will mean services previously delivered by four different Councils will come together under a new single council providing more cost effective ways of working and better outcomes for residents and businesses.

The new authority will provide all local government services in the west of the county including adult social care, planning, housing and economic regeneration, leisure and tourism and waste disposal and collection. It will be a one stop shop for all Council services.

Cllr Rebecca Breese, shadow portfolio holder for finance, human resources and corporate services said: “This budget provides a stable foundation on which to deliver ambitious plans for the future.

“This is a very exciting time for us and having a firm financial footing is essential to bring quality services to our residents.” 

Cllr Ian McCord, Leader of the West Northamptonshire Shadow Authority, said: “We have ambitious plans for West Northamptonshire to make this area a great place in which to live and work and where businesses can prosper.

“Bringing the local authorities together creates many advantages and we can unite our strengths to ensure that we deliver for our residents.”

It is proposed that Council Tax is increased by 4.99%, comprising 1.99% core tax and a 3% adult social care precept.

For West Northamptonshire Council this would mean an average Band D level of Council Tax of £1,566.39 from 1 April 2021, or an increase of £74.45 for the year or the equivalent of £1.43 per week.

West Northamptonshire Council is focussed on becoming a greener and cleaner authority, a great place in which people can live and work, and visit.

The council aims to recover and grow the economy, playing a full role as one of the largest authorities within the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, while establishing strong and safe communities with good housing. It wants residents to have the best prospects and the skills to succeed, and for children to have the best start in life.

Further integration of adult social care and health services is also key to the future. The council will be working differently and collaborating more with key partners and stakeholders. This makes sense as not only is there a financial efficiency but also because it is less complicated for people who want to use services and the authority can deliver better outcomes in the future.

The final budget proposals will be discussed by the Shadow Executive on February 12 before appearing before the full shadow authority for final approval on February 23. 

Postal voters urged to apply early for new Council’s historic elections

Residents in Daventry, Northampton and South Northamptonshire are being encouraged to apply early to vote by post for the first-ever elections to the new West Northamptonshire Council this spring.

On Thursday, 6 May voters across the three areas will go to the polls to elect a total of 93 councillors for the new unitary authority, which will be formed on 1 April this year, replacing the existing district, borough and county councils.

On Polling Day residents will also be able to cast votes for the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and to elect representatives for many of their local parish councils.

Work is underway to ensure that residents can cast their votes safely during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with a range of Covid-safe measures being planned for polling stations, alongside the other usual options such as voting by post or by proxy (when someone votes on your behalf).

People are urged to apply for postal votes as early as possible ahead of the deadline of 5pm on 20 April and those wishing to vote by proxy can also do this now before the deadline of 5pm on 27 April.

Anyone who is not yet registered to vote must do so by Monday, 19 April in order to take part in this spring’s elections.

Anna Earnshaw, Returning Officer for the West Northamptonshire elections and the Chief Executive of the new Council, said: “The Government has said they will be keeping the date of the elections under review which is right and proper given the fast-changing circumstances of the Coronavirus pandemic.

“We’re currently preparing for them to go ahead as scheduled on 6 May, including putting robust measures in place to ensure everyone will have the opportunity to safely cast their vote in these historic elections for West Northamptonshire.

“Despite these extra measures, anyone who is clinically vulnerable or does not feel able to visit a polling station on Election Day should register to vote by post or proxy as soon as possible.”

Polling arrangements are currently being organised by elections staff in Daventry District, South Northants and Northampton until the new West Northamptonshire Council is formed on 1 April. In the run-up to this, residents will still need to apply for postal and proxy votes via their existing district or borough councils.

Voters in Daventry District can apply by emailing electoralservices@daventrydc.gov.uk  or calling 01327 871100, Northampton residents should email elecreg@northampton.gov.uk or call 0300 330 7000, and people living in South Northants should email elections@southnorthants.gov.uk or call 01327 322128.

Residents unsure whether or not they are registered to vote can check by contacting their local elections team on the contact details above. Those who need to register can do so at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, where they will be asked to provide their name, National Insurance number and date of birth.

Two months until new unitary councils go live

Work to create two new councils is reaching a peak with just two months until they take over the delivery of the majority of public services in Northamptonshire.

Since the 1970s Northamptonshire has existed under the so-called two-tier system, where-by the majority of services are delivered by two types of councils.

In the two-tier system a county council would deliver services like local highways services, adult’s social care and children’s social care, while district and borough councils deliver services like household waste and recycling collection, street cleaning, parks and open spaces, planning and housing services, to name but a few.

Following consultation, the Government decided to abolish the eight existing councils and replace them with just two.

These two councils will have all the responsibilities that the county council and districts hold, a single, or unitary council.

Over the past two years’ work has been going on to establish the new councils to go live on 1 April 2021.

Cllr Ian McCord, Leader for the west Shadow Authority, said: “There are significant savings to be made by having two administrations for the county instead of eight.

“Not only that it will make life easier for residents as they can go to one authority for all of their needs and won’t have to explain themselves several times over.”

Cllr Russell Roberts, Leader of the North Shadow Authority, said: “From the beginning of this April, North Northamptonshire Council will take over responsibility for many of the public services in the area. 

“The new Council will focus on continuing to provide services that make a real difference to the lives of people living locally.

“We believe that the changes being made will be positive and will provide a platform on which to improve public services in the future and enhance the quality of life of those who make this area their home.”

Major steps completed towards the creation of the new councils include: the appointment of senior leadership teams, draft budgets for both councils, and the creation of two new identities for the councils.

For more information, residents in the west should visit www.futurenorthantswest.org, while residents in the north can find out more at the Future Northants North website www.futurenorthantsnorth.org.

New Year ushers in first budget for new council

With just three months until the creation of a new council, residents are being asked for their views on the first budget proposals for West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and help shape the final recommendations for approval next month.

WNC comes into existence on 1 April this year when the eight councils which currently provide public services in Northants are brought together to make two unitary authorities, one serving the west and another serving the north.

This will mean services can work together closely to provide better outcomes for residents and businesses and in a cost-effective manner.

Cllr Rebecca Breese, Shadow Portfolio Holder for finance, human resources and corporate services said: “The consultation stage of the budget setting process is immensely important as it allows people to have their say on the proposals so that they can be further refined before final approval in February.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to take part and help shape services for our new authority which comes into being on April 1st.”

Cllr Ian McCord, Leader of the West Northamptonshire Shadow Authority, said: “With just three months left to go, we will be continuing our focus on this once-in-a-generation opportunity to build public services from the ground up and in a manner that is fit for the 21st century needs of our residents.

“It means our residents will be able to access all their service needs in one place. And with Covid and the wider economic landscape we have our jobs cut out for us.

“Instead of eight elected bodies with the associated costs running the county, we will now be amalgamated into two. 

“Instead of eight Chief Executives and boards of Directors, from 1 April there will be just two.

“And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, this transformation will go well beyond April 2021 and will see every single public service in Northamptonshire rejuvenated.

“This budget sets a solid foundation for those ambitions to be built upon.”

You can take part in the consultation in the following ways:

Budget Consultation Response

West Northamptonshire Shadow Authority

Consultation & Engagement Team

One Angel Square

4 Angel Street

Northampton

NN1 1ED

The deadline for completing this questionnaire is midnight on 2 February 2021.

The proposals that have been put before the Shadow Executive showed no service reductions while taking advantage of the efficiencies of running one authority where previously there had been four councils serving the west.

The report showed the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had in placing higher demands on services while disrupting some planned savings this year.

Proposals also included a proposed Council Tax increase of 4.99%, comprising 1.99% core tax and a 3% adult social care precept.

For WNC this would mean an average Band D level of Council Tax of £1,566.39 from 1 April 2021, or an increase of £74.45 for the year or the equivalent of £1.43 per week.

While the consultation will allow people to give feedback on all of the budget proposals there will be specific questions about the increase in Council Tax as well as Council Tax harmonisation, the process by which the rates of Council Tax are adjusted over a suitable period to arrive at a single consistent rate across the new authority area.

There will also be dedicated questions about the new authority’s 2021/2022 Housing programme. The estimated cost of managing and operating the Council’s Housing Stock is £54.7m which is funded mainly through housing rents.

In line with current national policy the budget includes a proposal, which is subject to this consultation, for rent increases in 2021/22 of 1.5% on average for council house tenants and an increase in general service charges of 0.5%.

The council proposes to deliver up to 200 new homes at a cost of £34.1 m financed from the £59.8 million capital programme.

West Northamptonshire Council proposes a budget to deliver a bright future and ambitious plans for 2021/2022 despite challenges of COVID-19 – Council Tax set to rise by 4.99%

The first draft budget for West Northamptonshire Council has been announced providing a stable foundation on which to deliver ambitious plans for the future.

Cllr Rebecca Breese, shadow portfolio holder for finance, human resources and corporate services said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be able to present a prudent budget to the Shadow Executive that sets the path for further improvements in the years ahead – and to build 200 much-needed new homes.”  

Cllr Ian McCord, Leader of the West Northamptonshire Shadow Authority, said: “The formation of West Northamptonshire Council is a real opportunity to deliver a fresh start and a bright future with our ambitious plans.

“Uniting the local authorities in the west will bring many strengths and form a new organisation which is greater than the sum of its parts.

“While the Covid-19 pandemic has created significant challenges for us financially and operationally, an enormous amount of effort has gone into coping with this and the Covid-19 response remains our number one priority.”

The proposals to be put before the Shadow Executive for consideration will maintain services and standards. We are proposing no service reductions and will be taking full advantage of the efficiencies of running one organisation where previously there were four. 

The impact of Covid has placed higher demands on services and got in the way of some planned savings this year.  Our income has reduced and we have seen lower Council Tax and Business Rates collection.  We have factored these issues into this budget. 

Like all councils, West Northamptonshire will benefit from one off Government funding to help.  It is important in building this budget to make sure that council services are affordable and sustainable, such as by reducing the costs of our services where they could be delivered more efficiently.  This work will continue for example by reviewing contracts, income sources and assets. 

It is also proposed that Council Tax is increased by 4.99%, comprising 1.99% core tax and a 3% adult social care precept. 

For West Northamptonshire Council this would mean an average Band D level of Council Tax of £1,566.39 from 1 April 2021, or an increase of £74.45 for the year or the equivalent of £1.43 per week. 

The Shadow Executive will also consider the 2021/2022 Housing programme. 

The estimated cost of managing and operating the Council’s Housing Stock is £54.7m which is funded mainly through housing rents. 

In line with current national policy the budget includes a proposal, which is subject to consultation, for rent increases in 2021/22 of 1.5% on average for council house tenants.

The council proposes to deliver up to 200 new homes at a cost of £34.1 m financed from the £59.8 million capital programme.

West Northamptonshire Council is focussed on becoming a greener and cleaner authority, a great place in which people can live and work, and visit.

The council aims to recover and grow the economy, playing a full role as one of the largest authorities within the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, while establishing strong and safe communities with good housing. It wants residents to have the best prospects and the skills to succeed, and for children to have the best start in life.

Further integration of adult social care and health services is also key to the future, working towards a new way of delivering important services in collaboration with key partners and stakeholders. This makes sense as not only is there a financial efficiency but also it is much less complicated for people who want to access the services.