We asked, you said, we did

From 8 July to 18 August 2024 we carried out a consultation on a new Tenancy Strategy.

The strategy provides the approach that all registered providers of social housing, also known as housing associations, need to follow for their own tenancy policies.

The aim of this activity was to give everyone a chance to provide their views on the objectives of the Tenancy Strategy and preference for tenure types, for example introductory tenancies and secure tenancies.

In total 90 responses were received.

Overall the majority of respondents agreed with the new Tenancy Strategy particularly with the 2 key questions in the survey:

• 92% of respondents agreed with the key objectives of the Tenancy Strategy. 2% neither agreed or disagreed. Of those that disagreed (6%), comments concerned matters not related to tenure.
• 67% of respondents agreed with the Council’s preference for the Council and Registered Providers to offer new social housing tenants a 12 month introductory or starter tenancy that converts to a lifetime tenancy once the introductory period is over and that Fixed term tenancies should only be used in exceptional circumstances (14% neither agreed or disagreed). Of those that disagreed, comments included suggestions on shorter term tenancies (6), tenancy management tools (2), further clarity for new and existing tenants.  Others (3) did not answer the question or could not be considered as did not refer to this consultation. 

The findings from the consultation show a strong support for the proposed new Tenancy Strategy. We considered all the responses to identify what changes were needed and amended the strategy accordingly.

The Tenancy Strategy was amended to provide further clarity in relation to the introductory period for new tenants and existing tenants who already hold a secure or assured tenancy.

The final strategy was adopted by Cabinet Tuesday 8th October 2024, see Agenda item 6 Tenancy Strategy, Cabinet decision.

From 10 June 2024 to 7 July 2024, we launched an activity to engage with residents of West Northamptonshire that receive, or have a family member that receives, help through health or social care funded supported living. This was to form part of our new framework for supported living and help the Council make decisions to improve certain aspects to meet the needs of those needing this sort of help.

The activity received 34 complete responses and 25 partially complete responses. The following is a summary of the key results:

You told us that the current ‘I statements’ that have been co- produced over the years are still very important to you. Themes that you believed to be important for consideration in future commissioning of supported living services were:

• Good communication and active listening skills​
• Being treated with respect and dignity​
• Friendly, approachable, shows empathy​
• Caring, compassionate and kind​
• Maintains a safe environment​
• Skilled and competent

All responses have been considered, we have reviewed and updated the co-produced ‘I statements’ and used these alongside key themes to set out our expectations for future supported living services. These will help us monitor services against these expectations and improve outcomes for the people living in them. The new arrangements will be implemented in Spring 2025.

From 29 April 2024 to 23 June 2024, we consulted on the Great Oxendon Neighbourhood Development Plan 2023 - 2029 Submission Version, February 2024, which was submitted to us by Great Oxendon Parish Council.

Comments on the Great Oxendon Neighbourhood Development Plan were received from 12 interested parties, including both local members of the public and organisations.

Once the consultation ended the responses were sent to the independent Examiner who considered them in an examination of the plan. 

The Examiner's report on the neighbourhood plan was received on 3 September 2024 and published on the Councils website. It recommended to West Northamptonshire Council that the Great Oxendon Neighbourhood Development Plan for the plan period up to 2029 should, subject to the modifications put forward, be submitted to referendum.

Progress will continue to be reported on the Councils website.

In April 2024, we asked residents, local partners and other stakeholders to have their say in shaping how the Council manages flood risk, to inform the development of a new Local Flood Risk Management Strategy for West Northamptonshire. The consultation invited people to agree, disagree or make comments on the draft strategic objectives for the Strategy. People were also asked to provide views on how the Council should improve flood risk management, as well as identify local areas that are directly affected by flooding.

We received 169 responses to the online consultation.

• 86% of resident responders said flooding was an issue in their town or village, or on their street.
• The most common types of flooding experienced were river and surface water flooding.
• The top three flood risk management activities respondents felt the Council should focus on were:
  • Working with developers to ensure new development does not increase local flood risk (75% of votes).
  • Understanding the current and future local flood risks by carrying out technical assessments and thoroughly investigating flooding incidents (40% of votes).
  • Increasing the level of highway gully maintenance to reduce road flooding (37% of votes).
• 83% of respondents believed that they do not receive enough information about who is responsible for managing flood risks within West Northamptonshire.
• Overall, the majority of responders agreed with the draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy objectives.
• The objective which most responders (88%) agreed with was Objective I ‘Work with others to ensure new development will not increase flood risk and where possible reduces local flood risk’.
• Objective F ‘Contribute to local sustainability, community wellbeing and carbon reduction initiatives through flood risk management activities’ had the lowest percentage of responses which ‘agreed’ with the objective (54%).
• Objective G ‘Support and empower communities to adapt to their flood risk and become flood resilient’ had the highest percentage of ‘disagree’ responses (11%), although the majority (61%) of responders still agreed.

The feedback from this first round of engagement will be used to review the draft objectives and to shape the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, including understanding where best to prioritise resources. During the next phase of the Strategy development, we will identify specific actions for the council to deliver to meet the Strategy’s objectives.
A second public consultation will take place to seek views on the full Local Flood Risk Management Strategy once drafted.
The current Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and updates on the development of the new Strategy can be found on our Local Flood Risk Management webpage.

From 16 June 2024 and 13 May 2024, we launched a survey to understand how people feel about the local Healthwatch services in West Northamptonshire. We needed to do this research as our Healthwatch service currently operates across North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire. This model has been in place since 2013 and its current contract ends 31 March 2025.

The information from this activity will help to understand people's views and experiences at a local level and allow us to ensure we can develop the best model for Healthwatch in West Northamptonshire for the future by shaping future design and focus of health and social care services.

The previous consultation in 2023 we had only 18 responses from people living within West Northamptonshire, this consultation we had 36 responses from people in the local area. The 3 organisations responses did not record their demographic data.

There were 39 completed responses and 53 partially complete responses to the online consultation.

There were individual 36 responses from individuals and 3 on behalf of an organisation or community group.

The results from the consultation showed the following:

• 41% of people have not heard of Healthwatch
• 77% of people have never contacted Healthwatch
• When asked whether Healthwatch in West Northamptonshire could improve awareness of its services to local people, 83% of people said yes
• Peoples views were asked how Healthwatch can raise their awareness and lots of ideas were given.

All responses have been considered and will help to shape the future direction of the Healthwatch services aligning the work of Healthwatch in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council for the term of the new contract which should be in place before April 2025.

As a Healthwatch Organisation acts as an independent consumer champion for people who use health and social care services, they ensure local voices are heard and that people’s views and experiences are used to improve existing services and to help shape future services.

Between 8 April and 19 May 2024, we undertook a survey to promote environmental awareness for the natural environment and to understand who takes part in one of the national campaigns to support local habitats and biodiversity.

The No Mow May campaign, run by Plantlife, encourages people to avoid cutting grass areas allowing them to grow naturally for a while, greatly helping the environment. 

This is the second year that the council has supported the campaign.

There were 107 responses to the survey. The main results are below: 

• 64 respondents knew that the council gets involved with the No Mow May campaign, with over 77% supporting this.
• The majority of respondents (47.65%) said that they found out about our (the councils') support by social media channels, emails from the council or through their parish council.
• Many respondents support or take part in No Mow May. With more than 50% of respondents leaving grass or a section of grass in their garden to grow. Over 48% plant wildflowers and almost 30% encourage others to participate.
• Overall, over 77% support the campaign and 14% don't support with the remaining feeling neutral towards it.
• More than half respondents intend to take part in the future, and will generally do a bit more to encourage wildlife and biodiversity throughout the year.

From the feedback you provided we were able to identify some key themes which will help us to target communications better in the coming years and educate residents on why we take part, address concerns and inform people of the benefits of improving biodiversity.

The results from this survey have helped us to understand who is taking part and how effective the campaigne has been. We will use this for future No Mow May campaign planning and deciding what is the best course of action.

In December 2023 we started a consultation to ask for views from residents, local partners, and other stakeholders, on our budget proposals for 2024/2025. The budget for West Northamptonshire Council is a financial plan that ensures we can appropriately prioritise and fund projects and services. 

During the consultation period which ran from 13 December 2023 to 23 January 2024, people were invited to make comments on any part of the Draft Budget.  

Comments were also invited on proposals contained within the Draft Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget 2024-2025 and Medium-Term Financial Plan.

The West Northamptonshire Council Draft Budget 2024-2025 consultation received a total of 654 responses, the majority were via an online consultation. 

The following is a summary of responses to key proposals: 

• 38 per cent of respondents said they strongly agree or tend to agree Council Tax should increase by 2.99 per to address additional costs of our service provision while 52 per cent said they tend to disagree or strongly disagree. 10 per cent neither agree nor disagree. A total of 306 comments were received for this proposal. 
• 37 per cent of respondents said they strongly agree or tend to agree that Council Tax should increase by a further 2 per cent to fund the increase in costs of providing Adult Social Care while 46 per cent said they tend to disagree or strongly disagree. 16 per cent neither agree nor disagree. A total of 242 comments were received for this proposal. 
• 50 per cent of respondents said that they strongly or tend to agree to the proposal to increase some fees and charges in line with inflation, in order to help fund services. 32 per cent tend to disagree or strongly disagree, 18 per cent neither agree nor disagree or do not know. 121 comments were received on the proposal.  
• An invitation to comment on the Draft General Fund Capital Programme 2023-2027 received 63 comments. 
• Additional comments on the Draft Budget were invited, 60 further comments were received. 
• 57 per cent strongly agree or tend to agree to the Draft Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget proposal to increase rent by 7.7 per cent across the councils housing stock in line with national government policy. 28 per cent tend to disagree or strongly disagree, 16 per cent neither agree nor disagree or do not know. 60 comments were received on this proposal.  
• 65 per cent strongly agree or tend to agree to the Draft HRA proposal to increase garage rents and commuter surcharges by 7.7 per cent. 12 per cent tend to disagree or strongly disagree, 23 per cent neither agree nor disagree or do not know. 
• 51 per cent strongly agree or tend to agree to the Draft HRA proposal to increase general service charges by 7.7 per cent in line with current inflation. 29 per cent tend to disagree or strongly disagree, 20 per cent neither agree nor disagree or do not know. 
• 54 per cent strongly agree or tend to agree with the planned investment within the HRA of £54m for social housing during 2024/25. 25 per cent tend to disagree or strongly disagree, and 21 per cent neither agree not disagree. There were 93 comments made on this proposal. 
• Additional comments were invited on the HRA Capital Programme, 23 comments were received. 

For more information about the responses to the West Northamptonshire Council Draft Budget 2024-25 Consultation, please see the below consultation analysis report. 

The Council considered all feedback from the consultation and has agreed on income and savings which means it could set a balanced budget for 2024/25.

The Council’s Cabinet approved the 2024-2025 Budget for West Northamptonshire and recommended the Budget to the Full Council meeting on 22 February 2024.

Budget 2024/25 Consultation Analysis Report Appendix H WNC Budget Report 2024-25.pdf (moderngov.co.uk) 

Full details are available on the Cabinet and Full Council meeting papers: 

• Cabinet – Tuesday 13 February 2024:  Decision - 2024-25 Final Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan - West Northamptonshire Council (moderngov.co.uk)
• Full Council - Thursday 22 February 2024: Agenda for Council on Thursday 22 February 2024, 5.00 pm - West Northamptonshire Council (moderngov.co.uk)

We conducted a study and asked residents and others with a local connection (through past residence, close family, or employment) to the Parish of Brixworth to complete a survey about housing needs and requirements. This work helps to understand the kind of housing needed in the area.

The information provided is vital in producing a balanced picture of housing circumstances as well as informing future housing and planning policies. This work was undertaken with the support and assistance of the Parish Council.

A Housing Needs Survey was carried out in the Parish of Brixworth between Monday 11 December 2023 and Sunday 14 January 2024. There were 349 individual responses received. 17.5% of all respondents confirmed that they have or may have (in the next five years) a housing need, the need being mainly for market and affordable homes. 66% of all respondents would or may support new homes in the Parish for local people.

Following the collection and analysis of the Brixworth Parish Housing Needs Survey results, a report has been developed and shared with the Parish Council, before being published. Housing Needs Survey reports are available to view on our Website.

West Northamptonshire Council along with consultation experts, Deetu and lead architects, Studio Egret West, held a first round of engagement between December 2023 and January 2024. For this we shared an emerging vision to transform the Greyfriars area in Northampton town centre.

Over 1,500 residents, businesses, community organisations and visitors answered the survey. This helped to understand ideas for how this part of Northampton's town centre could be revamped.

You can read more about the results from the previous engagement on the dedicated Amplifying Greyfriars site - What you told us in December 2023 (site opens in a new window).

From the first round of engagement and taking all feedback into consideration, the vision for the Greyfriars area has been refreshed, and a further round of engagement seeks views on this which will complete that stage of the visioning work.

For further information please visit the Amplifying Greyfriars site (site opens in a new window).

During October and November 2023 we launched a consultation to seek views from all stakeholders including residents and residents' families about the future options for Ridgway House Care Home in Towcester.

This was to review the current and future uses of the home and to enable decision makers to understand the impact of any decision that is made on the future running of the home.

We also engaged with those affected most, by any future decision, by visiting the home to have a more in-depth conversation about the options available for the home in future.

The options consulted on were to either make no changes to the home and continue as it is, or to commence with a safe closure programme of the home. There was no option to update the building or facilities to a standard that would meet the current Minimum Care Homes Standard.

There were 187 responses to the consultation, of which 181 people submitted responses online.

Amongst the online responses: 63 per cent were members of the public, 12 per cent staff, 11 per cent residents or their families.

Summary of responses: 

All responses from the people who have experienced life at Ridgway House commented on how satisfied they were as a result of the quality of care they had received.

The top aspects of a good quality care home identified by respondents were:

• People being treated with respect and dignity
• Feeling safe
• Staff being helpful and caring.
• The quality of food and drink available
• Having privacy when wanted

When asked questions about the two proposed approaches for the future of Ridgway House, the responses are summarised as follows:

• Approach 1 – No change: There was a slight preference towards agreement with this proposal, with the strongest preference coming from residents and their families; the most frequent reason cited for this was to avoid disruption for the residents and for them to remain close to their families. However there was a general recognition across respondents whether they agreed or disagreed with this option that the facilities in the home need to improve.
• Approach 2 – Safe closure programme: Responses from all groups of respondents showed a preference towards disagreeing with this as an option; this was on the basis that it would cause disruption for residents, families and staff, and also because there is a lack of alternative care provision in the Towcester area. Again however there was a general consensus from responders that facilities within the home need to improve to support the people living there in future.

All responses were considered along with a review of the options available, with the recommendation put forward to Cabinet is to close Ridgeway House Care Home as part of a safe closure programme whilst also responding to the concerns raised by responders to the consultation.

The decision to close the care home as part of a safe closure programme was made at Cabinet Tuesday 16 January 2024 (Item 102, WNC Cabinet, Tuesday 16 January 2024).

The Council has continued to work closely with the residents of Ridgway House and their families to find suitable, alternative accommodation, much better suited to their needs, and have supported them throughout this transition.

Related information: Consultation Analysis Report

In Autumn 2023, we conducted a survey seeking views on a proposed new way of delivering activities and respite (short breaks) for disabled children in Northamptonshire. It was important that we gave as many people the opportunity to feedback via an electronic survey and through face to face sessions. 

Conducted throughout October and November, the survey received an overwhelming response, with 150 individuals contributing their valuable insights and a further 134 attending the various workshops. 

The following sets out the key findings:

• The idea of a single referral pathway is beneficial to help avoid families having to tell their stories repeatedly.
• Any assessment that is already in place should be used for access to the short break’s services. Some respondents did want to keep self-referrals.
• Respondents agreed with the principle of reallocating funding, however, they did not agree with closing the residential short breaks unit 1 day a week.
• That daytime activities preferred included swimming, activities involving animals, cooking or musical activities.
• The need for better links with activities already taking place in communities and support for children and young people to access them.
• The need for 1:1 or 2:1 staffing, followed by secure environments and small groups to access services.
• The sleep service should not be added to the short breaks group of services.
• Sensory impairment services should not be added to the short breaks group of services.
• Adding personal care and support services to the short breaks group of services would be positive.
• That in general, respondents agreed with some parts of the proposals but not all of it.

The survey covered a broad spectrum of topics allowing us to review the entire provision and receive appropriate feedback. Thanks to this, a new model of short breaks and respite will be implemented; this will consist of:

• A single referral route into the short break’s services.
• Existing assessments being used to access the short breaks services and allowing parents to self-refer.
• Residential short breaks unit reducing the bed capacity rather than closing 1 night a week; analysis shows this will still enable the need to be met.
• The Sleep Service (and budget) will not be included in the Short Breaks group of services.
• The Sensory Impairment services will not be included in the short breaks group of service.
• Consideration of adding PCaS services during the 2^nd year of the contract after modelling the viability of this.

Next steps 

• Commissioning the new services to be in place by November 2024.
• Complete a whole service review of the sleep service and agree a joint plan to reduce the waiting list.
• Ensure the transition from the current services to the new services are as smooth as possible to avoid any negative impact on children, young people, and their families.

To read more and see the report you can visit the Northamptonshire Childrens Trust News page

A four week consultation took place between 23 October and 19 November, asking people for their thoughts on a proposal to renew a gated a pedestrian route known as Dunster Street Alley through use of a Public Spaces Protection Order. This was to combat illicit and anti-social behaviour that has been evidenced in this location.

There were 17 responses to this consultation, 12 of which were local residents and member of the public, and one response on behalf of the local church and its members. 70 percent of respondents had witnessed Anti-social behaviour in the alley prior to gating, with 47 percent saying it impacted them all of the time. Since the alley was gated, 64 percent of all responses said they had noticed a reduction in anti-social behaviour. 

More than 70 percent of all respondents supported the renewal of the order to keep the alley gated for up to another 3 years.

All responses were considered and presented to the Executive Director of Communities and Opportunities as the delegated officer with powers to renew the order. A decision was made to renew the order to gate the area from 8 March 2024. 

For updates on this and other WNC PSPOs please visit our Public Spaces Protection Orders webpage.

From 29 September to 12 November 2023 we sought feedback on the three priorities we had identified for an interim bus policy and if they would be supported.

The needs of our communities to access employment, education, healthcare, retail and leisure is recognised and this mobility can be achieved through the provision of high quality, efficient and reliable public transport. The policies were:

• Priority 1: The Council will encourage the commercial operation of local public transport services, through partnership working and infrastructure investment.
• Priority 2: Where there are unmet needs and gaps in the commercial bus network provision, the Council will seek solutions through supported local bus services or community transport initiatives, where funding is available and it is consistent with Council policies and priorities.
• Priority 3: The Council will fund and administer concessionary travel for elderly and disabled residents in line with national regulations.

There were at total of 734 responses. 527 of these completed the survey fully, 207 partially completed the survey and did not respond to all of the questions.

A review of the 527 fully completed survey responses gave the following results  

• Priority 1: The Council will encourage the commercial operation of local public transport services, through partnership working and infrastructure investment. 82 per cent of respondents agreed with this priority.
• Priority 2: Where there are unmet needs and gaps in the commercial bus network provision, the Council will seek solutions through supported local bus services or community transport initiatives, where funding is available and it is consistent with Council policies and priorities. 77 per cent of respondents agreed with this priority.
• Priority 3: The Council will fund & administer concessionary travel for elderly & disabled residents in line with national regulations. 72 per cent of respondents agreed with this priority.

Respondents were also asked if they wished to provide further comments on the priorities or on the bus service generally. This provided some useful feedback, the following themes were identified (in no particular order):

• Improvements needed to rural services including villages around Brackley, Towcester and Daventry,
• Maintaining and Improvements needed to existing services (frequency, hours of operation etc.),
• An urban service to connect West Hunsbury to Northampton needed,
• Improved connectivity for villages close to the boundary with Milton Keynes (Deanshanger and Potterspury),
• Positive feedback on Ability Community Transport.

The consultation results and feedback will be discussed at the Enhanced Partnership (bus) meeting in January 2024 to determine potential options. The Enhanced Partnership is a forum between key stakeholders and local bus companies. The forum works collaboratively to look at the best investment choices for local bus services in West Northamptonshire. Further details can be found on the West Northamptonshire Council website.

We carried out an annual survey during September and October 2023 to find out how prepared people are for emergency situations.

September is Preparedness Month, and this work helps with on-going research by the #30days30waysUK national campaign, and developing a wide understanding of community preparedness in the UK.

The survey consisted of questions relating to perception, and personal and community resilience.

There were a total of 215 responses to this year's engagement.

Key findings:

• There is a high percentage of confidence in emergency preparedness (82 per cent),
• Almost 40 per cent of respondents maintain home supplies that could last at least 8 days, that they feel are critical,
• At least 21 per cent of respondents have put together a "grab bag" in case of emergencies,
• In respect of community preparedness, 79 per cent of respondents are aware of community plans, and 88 per cent of respondents would be willing to volunteer or offer support.

As we increasingly experience emergency events impacting communities across the UK, raising risk awareness, and providing information and support for personal and community preparedness is of vital importance and the 30days30waysUK helps with this.

The information from this activity helps to provide people with understanding on emergency preparedness, allows people to reflect on their current provision, along with helping with important research.

The annual report can be viewed on the #30days30waysUK website (link opens in a new window)

From 4 September to 29 October we asked for your views on how we were proposing to develop our libraries as thriving community hubs, guided by the priorities we have identified, ensuring we continue to support people of all ages and backgrounds.

Our draft strategy was developed through engagement with staff, partners and stakeholders and sets out West Northamptonshire Council’s ambition for the library service for the next 4 years (up to 2027), which will apply to the public libraries we are responsible for.

We sought views on the draft strategies priorities and what you felt we could do to improve the service.

There were 598 responses to the online consultation. A further 5 were submitted in written form (email/letter).

The priorities identified within the draft strategy were mostly supported, with a number of suggestions to make improvements to the strategy wording.

There was also feedback on awareness of the services currently provided through our libraries, that the draft strategy needed more information, and suggestions of other partners we could work with.

All responses to this consultation have been considered and we have made some changes to ensure that we can help deliver this strategy and help guide the future improvements and use of this service.

Our draft strategy has been amended to provide further understanding where it has been suggested we do so through the consultation. We have also taken feedback on board to help us to promote the services and look at ways we can communicate our quiet times and offers to certain groups with varying needs and abilities. We have also updated out list of partners we can work with.

Update 2 February 2024: View the current West Northamptonshire Council Library Strategy 

Between 22 October and 25 September 2023, we carried out a consultation on the renewal of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Daventry to help tackle nuisance or problem behaviour.

An order was introduced in 2020 to help respond to issues of (or those that cause) anti-social behaviour, this order required renewing.

There is a legal requirement to have evidence to show the need for PSPOs to be adopted, varied, or extended, we therefore asked for people’s views, evidence, and information to determine if the renewal was suitable, as well as general views to extend the PSPO.

The Daventry PSPO additionally included plans to expand the number of issues covered.

There were 33 responses to this consultation, 31 were full responses, 2 were not completed entirely. Most respondents were concerned with activities deemed to be anti-social within the defined area with 18 people personally experiencing some form of this nuisance behaviour. 42 per cent of respondents felt that the current PSPO helped address issues, 15 per cent disagreed, 12 per cent neither agreed or disagreed, the rest had no opinion or did not answer. 72 per cent of all respondents felt that the PSPO should be renewed with only 9 per cent disagreeing (the rest were unsure or had no opinion).

All responses were considered with the decision to approve the PSPO for Daventry being made on 18 December 2023. There was no recommendation to go to Cabinet for approval as there were no changes to the PSPO provision that already existed.

To note that the proposal for the Daventry PSPO to additionally include plans to expand the number of issues covered was not supported through the consultation, therefore the Order remained as it was.

The Order remains for a period of three years.

For updates on this and other WNC PSPO's please visit our Public Spaces Protection Orders webpage.

A four week consultation took place between 23 August and 8 October, asking people for their thoughts on a proposal to renew a gated a pedestrian route known as Marble Arch, through use of a Public Spaces Protection Order. This was to combat illicit and anti-social behaviour that has been evidenced in this location.

There were 26 responses to this consultation, 23 percent of which were local residents, and 46 percent described themselves as visitors or members of the public.

More than 64 percent of respondents described anti-social behaviour as a problem at Marble Arch. 

72 percent of all respondents supported the renewal of the order to keep the alley gated for up to another 3 years with 50 percent in agreement that the alternative routes were acceptable.

All responses were considered and presented to the Executive Director of Communities and Opportunities as the delegated officer with powers to renew the order.

A decision was made to renew the order to gate the area from 8 March 2024.

For updates on this and other WNC PSPOs please visit our Public Spaces Protection Orders webpage

From 19 September to 23 August 2023, we asked people for their thoughts on a proposal to permanently gate a pedestrian route called Emporium Way through use of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).

This was to combat illicit and anti-social behaviour that has been evidenced in this location, and also find out if people would like to see the area regenerated or repurposed in the longer term.

There were 107 responses to this consultation, 86 were full responses, 21 were not completed entirely but did provide some views. 60 per cent of all responses said that they felt anti-social behaviour or crime was an issue in Emporium Way, with just over a third of people personally experiencing issues and a majority of respondents feeling unsafe if using the route. 

60 per cent of all respondents supported the gating of the route, with almost 70 per cent wishing to see the area regenerated or repurposed.

All responses were considered and presented to cabinet 14 November 2023, where powers to grant the order were given to the Executive Director of Place and Economy. A decision was made to gate the area from 8 January 2024.

Cabinet meeting decision and outcome (Item 79. of the 14 November 2023 Cabinet Meeting, link opens in a new window).

For updates on this and other WNC PSPOs please visit our Public Spaces Protection Orders webpage.

In August 2023 we carried out a six-week consultation on the renewal of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Northampton to help tackle nuisance or problem behaviour. 

An order was introduced in 2020 to help respond to issues of (or those that cause) anti-social behaviour, such as drug use, street drinking and urinating in public places. this order required renewing. 

There is a legal requirement to have evidence to show the need for PSPOs to be adopted, varied, or extended, we therefore asked for people’s views, evidence, and information to determine if the renewal was suitable, as well as general views to extend the PSPO.

There were 186 responses to this consultation, 158 were full responses, 28 were not completed entirely. Most respondents were concerned with activities deemed to be anti-social within the defined area with 131 people personally experiencing some form of this nuisance behaviour. 33 per cent of respondents felt that the current PSPO helped address issues, 29 per cent disagreed, 18 per cent neither agreed or disagreed, the rest had no opinion or did not answer. 68 per cent of all respondents felt that the PSPO should be renewed with only 5 per cent disagreeing (the rest were unsure or had no opinion). 

All responses were considered and presented to cabinet, with the decision to approve the PSPO for Northampton being made on 12 December 2023 (Item 94. Cabinet Meeting 12 December 2023, link will open in a new window).

The Order remains for a period of three years.  

For updates on this and other WNC PSPOs please visit our Public Spaces Protection Orders webpage. 

During July 2023 we launched a consultation to seek views from all stakeholders including residents and residents families about the future options for Boniface House.

This was to review the current and future uses of the home and to enable decision makers to understand the impact of any decision that is made on the future running of the home.

We also engaged with those affected most by any future decision by visiting the home to have a more in-depth conversation about the options available for the home in future.

The options consulted on were to either make no changes to the home, to renovate and refurbish the home, or to commence with a safe closure programme of the home.

There were 42 responses to the consultation, of which 28 people submitted responses online.

The quality of the care and support recieved has been overwhelmingly praised by the residents of Boniface house and their families.

Summary of responses: 44% are supportive of making no changes. Those who were supportive of changes highlighted the need for the facilities in the building to improve and the associated safety issues with the design and layout of the building.

82% of respondents supported the option of the redeveloping the home, on the basis that residents remained in the home whilst building work was carried out. In contrast to this, of the residents and families who responded to the consultation less than half of them agreed or strongly agreed with this approach.

62% of responses, largely from staff and other stakeholders strongly disagreed with the option of commencing a safe closure programme, citing the impact on residents, staff, and the local community as being the main reason for this; the main support for this option came from the residents and families with 42% agreeing or strongly agreeing with this option, with a preference for only moving once and residents needing to receive the best possible care being given as the main reason for this.

All responses have been considered and will help to shape decisions by the council on the future proposals for Boniface House. The findings of the consultation will be considered and presented to Cabinet later in 2023.

The consultation analysis report is available as part of the reports presented to Cabinet and are available to view at West Northamptonshire Council - moderngov.co.uk