Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: November 14, 2024

Purpose: Note the progress and approve the transition to Business as Usual and next steps

Content: RESOLVED   KEY DECISION   That the Executive:   a)      Supports and endorsed the progress against the original ‘Levelling Up’ Plan in North Northamptonshire.   b)      Requested the Scrutiny Management Board consider if the report should be received and considered by any of its scrutiny committees.   c)      Recommended to Full Council that the progress report and the recommendation to transition the programme to business as usual, is received by Full Council in quarter four of the 2024 – 2025 municipal year, as set out in the governance for the plan in Appendix A, following consideration by the relevant Scrutiny committees, as may be determined by the Scrutiny Management Board.     Reasons for Recommendations:   i)         The agenda to support the identified ‘left behind’ communities remains a national and local priority and of importance to council members. The scrutiny review was undertaken because of an amended motion and agreement at Full Council on 28th July 2021 ii)       The recommendations seek approval from the Executive to progress this most recent update through the governance set out in Appendix A (Page 4) and also to transition the different activities and subsequent reports concerning that activity into business as usual.   Alternative Options Considered:   i)         Do not follow the governance set out in the ‘Levelling Up’ plan. ii)       Continue to follow the governance in the plan and not transfer into business as usual activity.   Following a further review and collation of activity against the recommendations in the plan and on clarity as to which service area or partner organisation is responsible for any ongoing activity, it is a better use of officer time to focus on delivery through business as usual and associated governance channels, rather than on reporting to the additional governance mechanisms that were put in place to oversee the ‘Levelling Up’ plan.