Time running out to submit views in three key county council consultations

The consultations focus on three important but separate issues – safer streets, residential short breaks for carers and support services for young people who aren’t in education.

The deadline for all three is on Friday (July 3), and can be accessed on the county council’s consultation page.The safer streets consultation is offering people the opportunity to make suggestions for areas that could be improved for walking or cycling. Suggestions can be added for specific areas using an interactive map that allows people to comment about what additions they would like, whether it be a dropped kerb, a new cycle route or widening a pavement.

The second consultation focuses on the council’s duty to carers with disabled children and the residential short breaks that it provides. These include non-residential short breaks, residential short breaks, personal care and support, holiday clubs and sleep services to support families to stay together by giving them a short break.

With the latest contract to run such services running out next March, the authority is starting to prepare the purchase of a new contract, and is seeking views from both adults and younger people who might be affected.

The council’s consultation site states: “Starting a new contract is an opportunity for us to review how the service could work differently and we would like your views on how it is working for you. We would also welcome your ideas and suggestions on what could be improved to help shape how the services are delivered now and in the future. The amount of money we have to spend on the service remains the same and we want to get the best value and outcomes for families from this funding.”

The council is also seeking views on services that support young people that are not or are at risk of not being in education, training or employment. These are sometimes called NEET services and are provided in Northamptonshire by Prospects.

Similarly, the contract with Prospects is also set to end next March, and in a similar vein to the residential short breaks consultation, is seeking views on the service and what can potentially be improved.