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13 November 2024
A series of cost-of-living roadshow events and pop-up stalls will be held across West Northamptonshire this autumn and winter to highlight the support available to residents.
People are encouraged to go along to speak to a range of organisations to find out what help is available to them and where to find it. Organised by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), the events will offer information on accessing money and debt advice, essential financial and employability skills, health and wellbeing tips and much more.
WNC's wellbeing service and community partners will be at:
Brixworth Community Centre - Friday 15 November - 2-4pm
Re:Store Northampton - Tuesday 19 November - 11.30-1.30pm
West Haddon Pavilion - Thursday 21 November - 2-4pm
East Hunsbury Library - Wednesday 27 November - 10-12pm
Buckby Library & Hub - Friday 29 November - 10-12pm
Briar Hill Primary School - Wednesday 4 December - 9-11am
Bugbrooke Parish Council - Thursday 5 December - 2-4pm
DTFC Community Hub (Food Bank) - Tuesday 10 December - 12-2pm
Woodford Halse Library and the Community Café - Wednesday 11 December - 10-12pm
Bellinge Community Centre - Thursday 12 December - 10-12pm
Semilong Community Centre - Friday 13 December - 1-3pm
For those who are unable to attend these events but are keen to find out more, our cost of living support hub is full of information and advice to help all residents find the support and help available to them. There is further support available through our Welcoming Spaces, and the Household Support Fund.
If someone is unable to access the internet, they can also call our customer services team from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday on 0300 126 7000 and speak to somebody directly about the support available.
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13 November 2024
Are you ready to make a difference in your community? West Northamptonshire Council invites caring individuals, couples, and families to join our Shared Lives scheme and open their homes to those in need of support. As a Shared Lives carer, you’ll help others gain confidence and independence, all while sharing in the joy of daily life together.
Across the UK, Shared Lives carers make a powerful impact by providing compassionate, person-centered support, either through long-term, respite, or day-support arrangements. This unique role not only strengthens the community but also provides a flexible, rewarding way to support someone who will benefit from living in a caring household.
Why Become a Shared Lives Carer? As a Shared Lives carer, you’ll welcome an adult requiring extra support into your home and community. The role fits around your schedule and commitments, allowing you to share daily life, help with tasks, and offer companionship—all in a way that works for you. In return, carers receive weekly fees with generous tax benefits, and have access to training, ongoing support, and dedicated scheme officers to ensure they feel confident and valued.
"Shared Lives offers an incredible way to help someone gain confidence and thrive in their everyday life,”Cllr Matt Golby, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services at WNC"Whether or not you have a background in care, you can bring your unique skills and life experiences to make a profound impact—not only on someone else's life but on your own. Shared Lives carers build stronger, kinder communities, one relationship at a time."
Upcoming Information Event: Discover if Shared Lives is Right for You Want to learn more? Come along to our upcoming Shared Lives information event, where you’ll hear firsthand stories from current carers, meet the support team, and have all your questions answered. Whether you're considering long-term, respite, or day-support options, this event is an ideal way to explore the possibilities.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, 26th November 2024
- Time: 12:00-1:00 pm or 6:00-7:00 pm
- Location: Eleanor Lodge, 25 Camborne Close, Northampton, NN4 8PH
- Virtual Option: Can’t make it in person? Join us online via Teams.
To reserve your spot, email Caroline at [email protected], stating your preferred session and whether you’ll attend in person or need a Teams link. You can also call Caroline at 01604 526129.
Make a lasting difference—become a Shared Lives carer today!
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13 November 2024
Motorists who flout the rules or are unaware of restrictions in place are encouraged to pay attention as traffic enforcement starts soon in a problem area of Northampton.
As widely publicised, enforcement has been introduced in a phased approach at various locations in West Northants and from 15 November, an enforcement camera at the Horse Market junction with Mare Fair will go live where vehicles are prohibited from turning left travelling out of Marefair, to improve pedestrian, cyclist and driver safety and encourage better driver behaviour.
The remainder of the enforcement cameras already reported in this location will be switched on in the very near future where other right and left turns are also not allowed.
During the first six months of enforcement measures going live, a warning notice will be issued for first offences by any vehicle, however anyone breaching the rules for a second time or first time from May next year, will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.
New regulations came into effect in May 2022 through the Traffic Management Act (2004) and the Department for Transport (DfT) has changed legislation to enable local authorities to apply for powers to enforce against moving traffic contraventions.
The Government approved plans for West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) to take on this responsibility, following a positive response to a public consultation around five proposed sites, four of which went live earlier this year.
Enforcement cameras are already in place at the below locations and during the month of October WNC issued a total of 1,513 PCNs and 80 warning notices.
“The introduction of this enforcement camera is intended to help the flow of traffic and act as a deterrent to those that do not follow the rules. Whilst we understand some have raised concerns, many are supportive of our efforts to improve road safety.Cllr Phil Larratt, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport“We have worked closely with our partners including our Highways partner Kier, police and bus operators to make informed decisions on the need for enforcement cameras in this location and from next week drivers who do not follow the rule of no left turn will receive warning notices for their first offence or a PCN if they continue to ignore it.
“We are hopeful that this and the other cameras set to go live here in the near future, will reduce the risk of accidents.”
Signage is now in place at Horsemarket Junction ahead of the enforcement camera going live on 15 November and we will keep residents updated on the further enforcement cameras going live.
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Several firefighters have been commended for going above and beyond the call of duty for their work in helping to keep people safe across the county.
The annual Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service awards ceremony took place on Friday (November 8) in Northampton and recognised heroic work and long service from firefighters and fire staff.
Chief Fire Officer Nikki Watson presented three commendations to staff whose efforts helped to save and preserve life.
Among those to receive recognition were the Red Watch crew at Mereway (pictured below). The crew – consisting of Watch Commander Aaron Childs, Crew Commander David Seymour and firefighters Philip Verity, Benjamin Wilkie-Jacznik and Kajetan Maczka – helped to save a high-risk missing person on the banks of the River Nene.
The crew were deployed to help Police, who were being hampered by poor weather conditions, and within 30 minutes they had located the man and found him in some distress. Despite the man being able to speak only a few words of English, firefighter Kajetan Maczka – who was fluent in the man’s native language – was able to calm him down and convince him to return to the air ambulance that was on standby.
Also commended for their work in dealing with a distressed person were Watch Commander Dan Ewen and firefighter Claire Corcoran (below). The duo responded to reports of a woman in Northampton who was in a great deal of distress and managed to find her in a nearby park.
They then took assertive action to prevent the woman from harming herself, and then stayed on scene to keep her calm until fellow emergency services arrived.
The third and final commendation was awarded to Watch Commander Chris Stephenson (below), who was recognised for his efforts while off-duty in helping to treat an injured casualty who had been involved in a road traffic collision on the A6 near Burton Latimer.
A number of other awards were presented to firefighters and fire staff, including Long Service and Good Conduct Awards for several people who have spent more than 20 years with the Fire Service.
These were Lee Dawson, Darren Whitaker, Lee Phillips, Jamie Manning, Chris Bridgewater, Brian Taylor, Steve Pateman, Paul Warren, Paul Webb and David Wilson (all 20 years), and Tom Hodson, Sally Shayler, Derek Anniwell, Mark Layer, Stephen Barton and Michael Coles (all 30 years).
Nicky Evans, who works in the Service’s Control Room fielding 999 calls from members of the public, was also recognised for a staggering 40 years of service.
Corby White Watch (below) were given the Community Award for their proactive work keeping the community safe – including holding safety events at Corby boating lake, giving fire safety advice at local food banks and working to remove fly-tipping in areas to prevent deliberate fires.
The Community Award is now named after firefighter Hilmi Say, who was a member of Corby White Watch until he tragically passed away in January from cancer.
Oundle Fire Station (below) was given the On-Call award for the retained station offering the best cover for its local community, as well as for the strong links it has forged within the town.
And Prevention Team Leader Darren Carson (below) was named the recipient of the inaugural NFRS Culture Award, which recognises individuals who demonstrate the highest values and ethics in every strand of their work.
Reflecting on the evening, Chief Fire Officer Nikki Watson said: “Since arriving at the Service earlier this year, I have been hugely impressed with the professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication I have seen from everyone I have met.
“This has been a fantastic opportunity to celebrate just some of the vital work that we do to serve our communities, and it is humbling to hear about the acts of bravery and compassion that have been carried out by our staff.
“It’s important also to give recognition for the loyalty of firefighters and fire staff who have contributed for so long in helping to keep our residents safe, and I am proud of the dedication shown by each and every one of them.”
And Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone, who helped to present one of the awards, said: “I continue to be amazed by the efforts of our firefighters and fire staff, and it was a privilege to be able to attend the awards ceremony and celebrate their achievements.
“The Fire Service plays a vital role in making sure that our residents across the county feel safe, and I know they provide a service that people can rely on. It is only right that we take some time to reflect on the efforts of staff and recognise the valuable contribution that they all make.”
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12 November 2024
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is taking immediate steps to address the performance failings of Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH) after identifying that some of its housing is not meeting strict national quality and safety standards.
The Council recently referred itself to the Regulator of Social Housing following a review process identifying that NPH may not be managing and maintaining some homes in line with these national quality and safety standards, which is likely to include a lack of safety inspections being carried out at some properties.
WNC has also this week written to all tenants of the 11,500 homes it owns to update them on the issues but has stressed that the majority of NPH properties are not affected as they meet the standards and have the appropriate safety checks in place.
Immediate action is under way to address the issues, with NPH prioritising safety concerns, including carrying out essential safety checks such as fire risk assessments for properties with a communal space. Tenants whose properties are affected by these issues will be contacted directly by NPH to discuss and resolve the issues. Although specific dates are not yet set to complete the work, tenants have been assured that work is already under way and they will be contacted before the end of December. The Council is working closely with NPH and to a shared plan of action that is reviewed weekly to ensure progress is made.
“We know that tenants will be concerned by this news but please be assured that we are doing everything possible to address the issues.Cllr Adam Brown, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council“Having discovered the performance failings within NPH, which began emerging as stock condition surveys were done, and that they may not be managing and maintaining some of our homes in line with the national quality and safety standards, we took immediate action, providing extra support to NPH and referring the issues to the Regulator of Social Housing. Our top priority is to ensure they have carried out all the necessary safety checks and assured us of compliance to national standards. We are also supporting them in addressing their record-keeping issues, so that accurate and timely information can be provided to tenants about their properties in future and to avoid this happening again.
“Everyone deserves safe, high-quality housing and we recognise that this is not being delivered to some of our tenants. This is simply not good enough and we are sorry that standards have fallen short of what the Council and tenants should expect. We are now waiting to hear the formal outcome of the Regulator’s investigation and once we do will be open and transparent about their judgement and what is being done to resolve this.”
NPH is an arms-length management organisation (ALMO) that manages WNC’s social housing stock in Northampton consisting of approximately 11,500 homes. NPH was first set up in 2015 by the former Northampton Borough Council for an initial period of 15 years and is responsible for repairs and maintenance, housing development, and housing management, including dealing with anti-social behaviour, tenancy support, tenant involvement, and Ecton Lane Park traveller site.
These recent changes mean the Council has a greater responsibility for the standards of its housing stock and is required to have a higher level of assurance on compliance with the standards, even when those homes are managed by a separate organisation like NPH.
The Regulator oversees social housing landlords nationally to ensure that properties meet acceptable standards of quality and safety. Changes to these “Consumer Standards” were set in law in April 2024, resulting in a higher level of standard now being in place.
The Regulator's investigation focuses on five key areas managed by NPH on behalf of the Council: the condition of homes, record-keeping, health and safety, repairs, and maintenance. The Council and NPH have worked closely with the Regulator, providing full access to records and being transparent about performance failings. The Council is expecting to receive the Regulator’s findings in late November or early December and that significant failings will be found relating to quality and safety standards.
WNC has taken immediate steps to address the issues, with NPH prioritising safety-related inspections and repairs. To gain better control and visibility around how NPH is acting to deal with these issues, the Council has placed two additional senior directors into the organisation to work closely with the NPH management team and ensure completion of the priority action plan, as well as to put in place longer-term improvements agreed with the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). The NPH board has also been joined by two housing experts who have experience in the management of Social Housing stock and recovery plans.
WNC has already began to address these issues and a Housing Compliance Working Group has been established to swiftly monitor and resolve safety concerns. Additionally, NPH has outsourced fire risk assessments to external providers to tackle the compliance gap. To address broader performance concerns, the Council has also commissioned an independent review, which highlighted the need for improvements in NPH’s fire risk assessment procedures.
Plans to address housing delivery in West Northamptonshire have also been shared, including new development initiatives aimed at providing quality housing for residents. WNC is taking forward the management of larger housing development projects, a shift that will streamline processes and strengthen alignment with WNC’s strategic housing goals.
A full performance report will be discussed by WNC’s Cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday 19 November.
Q&As
West Northamptonshire Council has written to NPH tenants to make them aware that some of its homes may not be meeting stringent national quality and safety standards for social housing and to let them know about the action being taken to address this.
Having identified potentially significant failings in the way some of its homes are being managed and maintained by Northamptonshire Partnership Homes on its behalf, the Council as the accountable social landlord has recently referred itself to the Regulator of Social Housing for further investigation.
Who is Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH)?
Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH) is the arms-length management organisation (ALMO) that manages West Northamptonshire Council's social housing stock of approximately 11,400 homes. NPH was first set up in 2015 by the former Northampton Borough Council for an initial period of 15 years and is responsible for repairs and maintenance, housing development, housing management, including dealing with anti-social behaviour, tenancy support and tenant involvement and Ecton Lane Park traveller site.
Who is the Regulator of Social Housing and why has the Council referred itself?
The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) oversees social housing landlords nationally to ensure that properties meet acceptable standards of quality and safety, which include essential checks such as regular electrical and gas inspections and carbon monoxide alarms. Changes to these
“Consumer Standards” were set in law in April 2024, resulting in a higher level of standard now being in place.
These recent changes mean the Council has a greater responsibility for the standards of its housing stock and is required to have a higher level of assurance on compliance with the standards, even when those homes are managed by a separate organisation like NPH. The Council referred itself to the Regulator after discovering that NPH may not be managing and maintaining our council-owned homes in a way that currently meets these national quality and safety standards across all its properties.
The Regulator has the authority to investigate and hold us accountable. We are currently awaiting an outcome from the Regulator’s investigation. For more information about RSH, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/regulatory-standards-for-landlords
What are the National Standards for Social Homes?
On 1 April 2024, RSH introduced new consumer standards for social housing landlords, designed to drive long-term improvements in the sector. It also began a programme of landlord inspections. The changes are a result of the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023. The standards address specific requirements around the quality of homes, the decency of homes against national standards; Health and safety; repairs, maintenance and adaptions; and the reasonable steps that must be taken against each to ensure we provide well maintained, safe homes. More detailed information can be found at: Regulatory standards for landlords - GOV.UK
What is the Regulator investigating, and what does it involve?
The Regulator's investigation focuses on five key areas managed by NPH on behalf of the Council: the condition of homes, record-keeping, health and safety, repairs, and maintenance. The Council and NPH worked closely with the Regulator, providing full access to records and being transparent about performance failings.
When will we know the outcome of the investigation?
Following its self-referral, the Council has been regularly meeting with the Regulator for Social Housing to discuss these issues and they have recognised the swift and proactive action being taken towards resolving them. The Council is expecting to receive the Regulator’s findings in late November or early December. The Council is expecting that significant failings will be found relating to quality and safety standards.
Does my home need an inspection or safety works?
It's important to understand that these issues do not affect all properties. While the majority of homes have had appropriate checks and work done to address any standards issues, it is clear now that in some properties that is not the case. As the responsible body, the Council is not willing to accept that and we will be taking actions to address the concerns identified and to assure ourselves that all properties meet or have a plan to meet the required standards.
The first and foremost priority is for NPH to address any safety concerns, including completing essential safety checks such as electrical testing and gas safety inspections. We are also working with them to support them in rectifying their record-keeping issues, so that accurate and timely information can be provided about your property in future.
If your home requires inspection or maintenance, you will be contacted by NPH. As they work through the outstanding surveys and repairs, plans will be put in place for individual properties or blocks. If any work requires temporary relocation, NPH will communicate directly with affected residents. If you do not hear from NPH then we currently have no specific concern about your property. We will however be checking all property maintenance and safety information as a matter of course.
If you believe your home is unsafe, please contact NPH on 0300 330 7003. If you have already registered an issue and been told works will be completed, then we will ensure this is done within a reasonable timescale and you don’t need to tell us again.
What is the Council doing to put things right?
We have taken immediate steps to address the issues, with NPH prioritising safety-related inspections and repairs. The Council is also working with NPH to support them in rectifying their record-keeping issues, so that accurate and timely information can be provided about your property. To gain better control and visibility around how NPH is acting to deal with these issues, the Council has placed two additional directors into the organisation to work closely with its management team on completing a priority action plan, as well as to put in place longer-term improvements agreed with the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) to resolve the issues. We have also had agreement to put two very experienced housing professionals on the board of NPH. These actions will ensure ownership and focus on the key priorities.
How long will the improvement works take?
The next 12 months will prioritise critical safety inspections, repairs, and improvements. While some larger, more complex programmes may take longer to complete, both the Council and NPH are committed to keeping residents informed about plans and progress. Our goal is to reduce any safety risks and improve the overall condition of our homes.
When will you share more information about the work being done in my home, and how will I be contacted?
We will provide regular updates on the progress of improvements and scheduled works. Communication will be made via email, text, and letters, and updates will also be available on the NPH website. We are also prioritising housing forums and tenant meetings to give residents opportunities to ask questions and provide feedback.
Will there be opportunities for residents to voice concerns and provide feedback?
Yes, we are committed to ensuring residents can share their concerns and feedback. An engagement plan is being developed to outline how residents can get involved. In the meantime, please continue to raise repairs with NPH through your tenant portal. If, however you have any immediate concerns about the safety of your property, please contact NPH by calling 0300 330 7003.
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