Agenda, decisions and minutes
Venue: The Council Chamber, 1st Floor, Town Hall, Mulberry Place, 5 Clove Crescent, London, E14 2BG
Contact: John S Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services Tel: 020 7364 4204, E-mail: johns.williams@towerhamlets.gov.uk
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE To receive any apologies for absence. Decision: Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Philip Briscoe, Alex Heslop, Shirley Houghton and Adbul Matin.
DECISION
That the apologies for absence be noted.
Minutes: Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Philip Briscoe, Alex Heslop, Shirley Houghton and Adbul Matin.
RESOLVED
That the apologies for absence be noted.
[Note from clerk: Councillor Shirley Houghton wished it recorded that she had been advised not to attend the meeting following possible exposure to contagious illness.] |
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST PDF 25 KB To note any declarations of interest made by Members, including those restricting Members from voting on the questions detailed in Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act, 1992. See attached note from the Chief Executive.
Decision: Please see minutes.
Minutes: Councillors made declarations of interest in items included on the agenda as follows:
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To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the unrestricted minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 9th February 2009 and the Budget Council Meeting held on 4th March 2009. Additional documents: Decision: DECISION
That the minutes of the meetings held on Monday 9th February and Wednesday 4th March 2009 be confirmed as correct records of the proceedings and the Mayor be authorised to sign them accordingly.
Minutes: RESOLVED
That the minutes of the meetings held on Monday 9th February and Wednesday 4th March 2009 be confirmed as correct records of the proceedings and the Mayor be authorised to sign them accordingly.
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TO RECEIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, LEADER OF THE COUNCIL, MEMBERS OF THE CABINET OR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Decision: Please see minutes.
Minutes: (i) Councillor Abdul Matin
The Leader of the Council stated that Members were aware that Councillor Abdul Matin had recently been seriously assaulted. Councillor Rahman expressed his shock at the attack and stated that Member and officers were working closely with the Police to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Councillors from each of the political groups had visited Councillor Matin and a number of Members spoke to support the Leader’s comments, to offer their best wishes for Councillor Matin’s speedy recovery and their condemnation of the perpetrators. Councillors paid tribute to Councillor Matin’s contribution to the Council and the community over many years.
Councillor Stephanie Eaton responded on behalf of Councillor Matin and stated that she would pass on to him the Council’s comments and good wishes.
(ii) Bow Gurdwara Fire
The Leader of the Council referred to the serious fire that had occurred recently at the Gurdwara in Bow resulting in the tragic loss of a place of worship and scriptures sacred to the Sikh community in east London.
Councillor Rahman expressed his shock at the fire and offered his heartfelt sympathy to the Sikh community. One of the key factors defining Tower Hamlets was the respect shown by local people to each others’ religious beliefs and he deplored anything that could hamper this.
Following the fire, Council officers had worked closely with the Police, the Gurdwara Management Committee and the Interfaith Forum to discuss both the investigation into the cause of the fire and to address the need for alternative facilities in the short term. The Council would continue to offer any assistance that was possible.
(iii) Parking charges at markets/Crime figures
Councillor Abdal Ullah, Lead Member for Cleaner, Safer, Greener, wished all present both a Happy St. George’s Day and best wishes for the Bengali New Year. He went on to announce that in order to enable the borough’s street markets to flourish the Council had introduced free parking on Saturdays in the vicinity of certain markets and would now also be freezing market fees and charges.
Councillor Ullah also reported that recently published crime figures showed that overall crime in the borough had fallen by almost 17%. The Council would continue to prioritise community safety and had secured an additional 20 Police officers to ensure the borough continued to be a safer place to live, work and visit.
(iv) Portrait of the Head of State
Councillor Tim Archer announced that he made a personal donation of a portrait of the Queen which had been placed on the wall of the Chamber and he hoped that it would be replaced by a more permanent portrait.
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TO RECEIVE ANY DEPUTATIONS OR PETITIONS PDF 40 KB The deputations and petitions received for presentation to the Council Meeting are set out in the attached agenda item 5. Decision: DEPUTATIONS
5.1.1 Deputation re: Campaigning Alliance for Lifelong Learning
Mr. Robert Foth addressed the meeting in support of the deputation.
DECISION
That the deputation be referred to the Corporate Director, Children’s Services for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
(Action by: Kevan Collins, Corporate Director, Children’s Services)
5.1.2 Deputation re: establishment of a Tesco Metro store in Poplar
Mr. Ajai Kapoor addressed the meeting in support of the deputation.
DECISION
That the deputation be referred to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
(Action by: Aman Dalvi, Corporate Director, Development and Renewal)
5.1.3 Deputation re: lighting to be installed in Brickfield Gardens, E14
Messrs. Craig Aston and Graham Collins addressed the meeting in support of the deputation.
DECISION
That the deputation be referred to the Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
(Action by: Stephen Halsey, Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture)
PETITIONS
5.2.1 Petition re: Arnhem Wharf Primary School
Ms. Nazel Onder addressed the meeting in support of the petition.
DECISION
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Children’s Services for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
(Action by: Kevan Collins, Corporate Director, Children’s Services)
5.2.2 Petition re: Millwall Park rugby pitch
Mr. James Eason addressed the meeting in support of the petition.
DECISION
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
(Action by: Stephen Halsey, Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture)
5.2.3 Petition re: vandalism and management of the Exmouth Estate
Mr. Dave Coker addressed the meeting in support of the petition.
DECISION
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
(Action by: Aman Dalvi, Corporate Director, Development and Renewal)
Minutes: DEPUTATIONS
5.1.1 Deputation re: Campaigning Alliance for Lifelong Learning
At the invitation of the Mayor, Mr. Robert Foth addressed the meeting in support of the deputation. He brought to Members’ attention the fees that some students were having to pay and the effect he felt this would have on lifelong learning in the borough.
Mr. Foth responded to questions from Members of the Council.
Councillor Clair Hawkins, Lead Member for Children’s Services, responded to the matters raised by Mr. Foth and in doing so declared an interest as she was a former ESOL tutor and a member of the same union. Tower Hamlets has a proud record and strong support for adult education and remains committed to continuing that support. For Further Education Colleges, the fees policy is agreed by the College Board. A Working Neighbourhood Fund (WNF) ESOL for Work programme would be giving over 600 individuals the opportunity to access ESOL at entry level.
RESOLVED
That the deputation be referred to the Corporate Director, Children’s Services for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
5.1.2 Deputation re: establishment of a Tesco Metro store in Poplar
At the invitation of the Mayor, Mr. Ajai Kapoor addressed the meeting in support of the deputation concerning the establishment of a Tesco Metro store in Poplar which he felt would adversely affect a lot of small businesses in the area.
Mr. Kapoor responded to questions from Members of the Council.
Councillor Marc Francis, Lead Member for Housing and Development, responded to the matters raised by Mr. Kapoor. He said that it was understandable that people have concerns about small businesses being adversely affected in these difficult economic times. However, a review of Tesco’s land holdings in the borough showed that it had nine stores across Tower Hamlets and Councillor Francis felt it was difficult to sustain a view that there is an unacceptable proliferation of Tesco Metro and Express stores across the borough. In addition, competition between retailers was not a valid planning consideration.
Nevertheless, officers were working hard on the emerging Core Strategy LDF seeking to develop policies to ensure that retail provision within the borough’s town centres produced a mix of retail uses to suit all tastes, needs and wallets. Councillor Francis said that he would work with the officers and Mr. Kapoor to explore ways in which local small businesses could be supported.
RESOLVED
That the deputation be referred to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
At this point (8.20pm) the Mayor adjourned the meeting to allow those Members who needed to observe prayers to do so.
The meeting resumed at 8.37pm.
5.1.3 Deputation re: lighting to be installed in Brickfield Gardens, E14
At the invitation of the Mayor, Messrs. Craig Aston and Graham Collins addressed the meeting in support of the deputation, Mrs. Valerie Lashmar being unable to attend. Messrs. Aston and Collins said that the gardens were attracting people ... view the full minutes text for item 5. |
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TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PDF 23 KB (Maximum of 30 minutes allowed)
The questions which have been received from members of the public are set out in agenda item 6. Decision: 6.1 Question from Ms. Dinah Glover to the Lead Member for Culture, Councillor Rofique Ahmed re: the ‘Get Active’ Scheme
The above question and an oral supplementary question were put by Ms. Glover and responded to by the Lead Member, Culture.
(Action by: Stephen Halsey, Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture)
Minutes: 6.1 Question from Ms. Dinah Glover to the Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, Councillor Rofique Ahmed
“The ‘Get Active’ scheme launched for LAP1 residents to use York Hall gym facilities funded by Government money allows any resident (16 -74 years) who is not currently a member of the Wellness gyms to pay a one off payment of £2.70 plus £1 per session.
Monthly membership of the gym is £27.95 (£335.40 pa). Under the ‘Get Active’ scheme you can use the gym 3 x 52 weeks of the year and the total cost is £158.70.
The Government money was meant to target people that are inactive. This scheme mainly subsidises anyone who was a member of a different gym or has recently moved into the area. Why was this money not targeted at inactive people who need the encouragement and secondly why allow a situation that current gym members have a double whammy of both paying more and subsidising their neighbours who may be wealthier than them?”
Response of the Lead Member
There is no evidence that those who have signed up cancelled membership at other gyms to join the scheme. On the launch day when the scheme began in October those who were signing up were local residents who undertook no, or very little, exercise. The scheme was targeted at LAP1 residents as this is the area in Tower Hamlets with the lowest participation rates for physical activity (Active People Survey 2007). Current members are not subsidising those on the scheme as it is funded by an external grant from Sport England.
The Get Active Programme is for one year at York Hall Leisure Centre only and gives subsidised use for four types of activity including the Gym. GLL Membership, however, gives use of all the leisure centres in the borough, with a greater variety of activity as well as other benefits including access to courses, crèche, discount on other bookings and members only activities which are not available under the Get Active Scheme.
Summary of supplementary question from Ms Glover:
What is the value of the grant from Sport England? How much of the grant has been spent so far and what are the spending plans for the next 2 years of the 3 year programme? How will you be monitoring the scheme’s success and ensuring that it meets its targets and criteria? Do you think that this non-targetted, capture all, spray gun approach is the best method of ensuring that this lottery funded money reaches the target group its meant to?
Summary of Lead Member’s response:
I do not have all of this information to hand but will write to you with a full response.
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TO RECEIVE QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PDF 46 KB (Maximum of 30 minutes allowed)
The questions which have been received from Members of the Council are set out in agenda item 7. Decision: 7.1 Question from Councillor Shiria Khatun to the Lead Member for Regeneration, Localisation and Community Partnerships, Councillor Ohid Ahmed re: the Council’s participatory budget process.
7.2 Question from Councillor Tim Archer to the Lead Member for Housing and Development, Councillor Marc Francis re: the current performance of Tower Hamlets Homes and RSLs in managing voids.
7.3 Question from Councillor Abjol Miah to the Lead Member for Cleaner, Safer, Greener, Councillor Abdal Ullah re: policy and enforcement strategy with regard to businesses in Brick Lane and the adjacent area.
7.4 Question from Councillor Tim O’Flaherty to the Lead Member for Cleaner, Safer, Greener, Councillor Abdal Ullah re: safety of residents in Bethnal Green.
7.5 Question from Councillor Rajib Ahmed to the Lead Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Clair Hawkins re: looked-after children.
7.6 Question from Councillor Rupert Eckhardt to the Lead Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Clair Hawkins re: fast food outlets in the vicinity of schools.
The above questions, and oral supplementary questions where put, were responded to by the relevant Lead Members.
Due to lack of time, questions 7 – 24 were not put. Written responses will be forwarded to the questioners.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services) Minutes: 7.1 Question from Councillor Shiria Khatun to the Lead Member for Regeneration, Localisation and Community Partnerships, Councillor Ohid Ahmed
Can the Lead Member please tell us how many people took part in the Council’s participatory budget process?
Response of the Lead Member:
Below are a number of tables with the initial breakdown from all the events combined. Further detail is available upon request.
It should be noted that many of the people we registered did not provide equalities information either because they did not want to or because they registered themselves via e-mail or through an organisation. Despite our best efforts this makes some of the information incomplete.
Attendees: 815
Pre-registered: 540 Non pre-registered: 275
Note: A total of over 1,200 people registered to attend… What is captured above is those who both registered and attended.
Note 2: Some people who attended left before the voting. This was especially apparent at the event in LAP 2.
Per LAP
Ethnicity
Religion
Gender
Sexuality
Disabled?
Age
At this point, Councillor Tim Archer under Rule 15.13 made a personal explanation about attendance at his LAP meeting.
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Shiria Khatun:
I am glad that Councillor Ahmed has pointed out that LAP 7 had the highest number of people that attended the finance session. Sometimes LAP meetings lack attendance by young people and women. Could he tell me how many young people and women attended this session?
Summary of Lead Members’ response:
Overall at least 171 Bengali residents attended the sessions along with 70 white British residents and 75 Somalians. I do not have the full figures with me for the LAP 7 session or how many young people and women attended but I will provide these.
7.2 Question from Councillor Tim Archer to the Lead Member for Housing and Development, Councillor Marc Francis
Can the Lead Member provide details of the current performance of Tower Hamlets Homes and the RSLs in plural in the Borough at managing void periods?
Response of the Lead Member:
Void periods are measured through internal performance indicators such as BVPI 68 - Average time taken to re-let property.
This forms part ... view the full minutes text for item 7. |
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REPORTS FROM THE EXECUTIVE AND THE COUNCIL'S COMMITTEES |
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Report of the Cabinet Meeting of 11th March 2009 PDF 33 KB Children and Young People’s Plan 2009-2012
The recommendations of the Cabinet together with the draft Children and Young People’s Plan 2009-2012 are set out in the attached report. Additional documents:
Decision: Children and Young People’s Plan 2009-12
DECISION
(1) That the Children and Young People’s Plan 2009-12 be approved as attached at appendix A to the report of the Cabinet; and
(2) That the proposed name change of the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership Group (CYPSPG) to the Children and Families Trust be noted.
(Action by: Kevan Collins, Corporate Director, Children’s Services)
Minutes: Children and Young People’s Plan 2009-12
The meeting considered the report of the Cabinet meeting on 11th March 2009 in relation to the above item.
Councillor Clair Hawkins MOVED and Councillor Lutfur Rahman SECONDED the recommendations as set out in the report.
Councillor Clair Hawkins, Lead Member for Children’s Services introduced the report. She said that this Plan was more focused on working together, open and honest and looking at areas that needed improvement. It focused on child obesity, child poverty, engaging the community, sexual health needs, children with disabilities and general wellbeing.
Other Members commented on the report and welcomed the information and plan set out therein. After discussion, the recommendations were put to the meeting and were agreed. Accordingly it was
RESOLVED
(1) That the Children and Young People’s Plan 2009-12 be approved as attached at appendix A to the report of the Cabinet; and
(2) That the proposed name change of the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership Group (CYPSPG) to the Children and Families Trust be noted.
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TO RECEIVE REPORTS AND QUESTIONS ON JOINT ARRANGEMENTS AND EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS |
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Joint Arrangements No business under this heading to be considered. Decision: There was no business under this heading to be considered.
Minutes: There was no business under this heading to be considered.
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External Organisations No business under this heading to be considered. Decision: There was no business under this heading to be considered.
Minutes: There was no business under this heading to be considered.
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OTHER BUSINESS |
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Programme of meetings 2009/10 PDF 69 KB The draft programme of Council, Cabinet and other committee and panel meetings for 2009/10 is set out in the attached report. Decision: DECISION
That the proposed programme of meetings for the municipal year 2009/10 as set out in the appendix to the report be approved.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: Councillor Lutfur Rahman MOVED and Councillor Sirajul Islam SECONDED the recommendations as set out in the report.
Councillor Lutfur Rahman noted that since 2006 the Council had increased the number of Council meetings annually by two, introducing a dedicated budget meeting and an additional ordinary meeting in March/April each year.
Councillor Stephanie Eaton thanked officers for their work in preparing the draft calendar, and the members of the public and representatives of partner organisations who attended the Council’s meetings for their valued contribution.
On being put to the vote, it was
RESOLVED
That the proposed programme of meetings for the municipal year 2009/10 as set out in the appendix to the report be approved.
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Review of the Constitution PDF 111 KB The recommendations of the Constitution Working Party for amendments to the Council’s Constitution, including the Scheme of Members’ Allowances, arising from the annual review of the Constitution, are set out in the attached report. Decision: DECISION
(1) That subject to (2) below, the amendments to the Council’s Constitution be agreed as set out in the schedule attached to the report, to take effect from the Annual Council on 20th May 2009.
(2) That the proposed changes to the Scheme of Members’ Allowances, as set out in the schedule be agreed with the following amendments:
Special Responsibility Allowances:
Leader of the Council: 25% reduction (£7000) Cabinet Members: No inflation increase for 2009/10 Lea Valley RPA: Not implemented;
Resulting in a reduction of approximately £14,000 in the cost of the increased SRAs; and
(3) That the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) be authorised to make detailed drafting changes to the Constitution as necessary to put into effect the agreed amendments.
Minutes: Councillor Marc Francis MOVED and Councillor Lutfur Rahman SECONDED the recommendations as set out in the report. Councillor Francis outlined the proposed changes to be made to the Constitution.
Councillor Lutfur Rahman MOVED and Councillor Salim Ullah SECONDED an amendment to the recommendations as follows:-
“That the proposed changes to the Constitution as set out in the report be agreed, subject to the following amendments to the proposals in relation to the Scheme of Members’ Allowances:-
Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs):
That the SRA payable to the Leader of the Council be subject to a 25% reduction in 2009/2010.
That the indexation of allowances in line with the local government pay settlement be not applied to the SRAs for Cabinet Members in 2009/2010.
That the proposed SRA for the Council’s representative to the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority be not implemented.”
Councillor Rahman stated that the above amendment would result in a reduction of approximately £14,000 in the cost of the increased SRAs.
Following discussion the amendment was put to the vote and was agreed.
The substantive recommendations as amended were then put to the vote and were agreed. Accordingly it was
RESOLVED
(1) That subject to (2) below, the amendments to the Council’s Constitution, including the Scheme of Members’ Allowances, be agreed as set out in the schedule attached to the report, to take effect from the Annual Council on 20th May 2009.
(2) That the proposed changes to the Scheme of Members’ Allowances, as set out in the schedule be agreed with the following amendments:
Special Responsibility Allowances:
(a) That the SRA payable to the Leader of the Council be subject to a 25% reduction in 2009/2010;
(b) That the indexation of allowances in line with the local government pay settlement be not applied to the SRAs for Cabinet Members in 2009/2010; and
(c) That the proposed SRA for the Council’s representative to the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority be not implemented.
(3) That the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) be authorised to make detailed drafting changes to the Constitution as necessary to put into effect the agreed amendments.
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TO CONSIDER MOTIONS SUBMITTED BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PDF 69 KB The motions submitted by Members of the Council for debate at this Council Meeting are set out in agenda item 11. Decision: Change to order of business
The meeting agreed under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 to vary the order of business within agenda item 11 as follows:-
(i) Motion 11.11 re: the Bow Gurdwara fire to be taken first (ii) Motion 11.4 re: control over sex encounter venues to be taken second (iii) The remaining motions to be taken in order as listed in the agenda.
11.11 Motion submitted by Councillor Fozol Miah regarding Bow Gurdwara fire
The motion as printed in the agenda was moved by Councillor Fozol Miah and seconded by Councillor Abjol Miah.
An amendment moved by Councillor Ohid Ahmed and seconded by Councillor Lutfur Rahman was accepted by the mover and seconder who, with the consent of the meeting, altered their motion accordingly.
The substantive motion as amended was then agreed as follows:
DECISION
This Council notes
a) the terrible fire which destroyed the Gurdwara Sikh Sangat, Harley Grove, Bow on 16th March 2009
b) the anguish, upset and anger this has caused in the Sikh community
c) the efforts of Council officers to ensure that facilities are found for the members of the Gurdwara to continue their worship
d) that the Police are giving the investigation of the causes of the fire and the identification of any perpetrator a very high priority
e) that the concerns for and sympathy with the Bow Gurdwara members and the Sikh Community extends across people of all faiths and none in Tower Hamlets
This Council urges
a) anyone who knows anything about the fire to contact the police and to co-operate fully in their investigation
b) the police and other authorities including the Council to continue to give this issue a very high priority and to provide all the help and support they can to the members of the Bow Gurdwara
This Council expresses the utmost sympathy and solidarity with the members of the Gurdwara Sikh Sangat and the wider Sikh community for this terrible fire which has destroyed a holy place revered across all faith communities and residents of Tower Hamlets.
This Council resolves to continue to offer whatever support is possible to the congregation of the Bow Gurdwara in finding alternative venues until such time as the permanent replacement can be found/constructed.
This Council resolves to do whatever it can to help in the reconstruction of the building or the conversion of an alternative site.
11.4 Motion submitted by Councillor Abjol Miah regarding control over sex encounter venues
The motion as printed in the agenda was moved by Councillor Abjol Miah and seconded by Councillor Harun Miah.
An amendment moved by Councillor Rachael Saunders and seconded by Councillor Rania Khan was accepted by the mover and seconder who, with the consent of the meeting, altered their motion accordingly.
The substantive motion as amended was then agreed as follows:
DECISION
This Council recognizes that the government has responded to the campaign led by Object and supported by Tower Hamlets to tighten up regulation on strip ... view the full decision text for item 11. Minutes: Councillor Abjol Miah MOVED and Councillor Stephanie Eaton SECONDED – “That under Rule 14.1.13 the meeting be extended for a further half an hour as provided for in Rule 9.”
On being put to the vote, the procedural motion was defeated.
Change to order of business
Councillor Fozol Miah MOVED and Councillor Joshua Peck SECONDED – “That under Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be changed to allow motion 11.11 to be considered as the next item of business”
On being put to the vote, the procedural motion was agreed.
11.11 Motion submitted by Councillor Fozol Miah regarding Bow Gurdwara fire
The motion as printed in the agenda was moved by Councillor Fozol Miah and seconded by Councillor Abjol Miah.
Councillor Ohid Ahmed MOVED and Councillor Lutfur Rahman SECONDED an amendment as follows:-
“Add to the end of the original motion –
‘This Council resolves to continue to offer whatever support is possible to the congregation of the Bow Gurdwara in finding alternative venues until such time as the permanent replacement can be found/constructed; and
This Council resolves to do whatever it can to help in the reconstruction of the building or the conversion of an alternative site.’”
The amendment was accepted by the mover and seconder of the original motion who, with the consent of the meeting, altered their motion accordingly.
The substantive motion as amended was then put to the vote and was agreed. Accordingly it was
RESOLVED
This Council notes
a) the terrible fire which destroyed the Gurdwara Sikh Sangat, Harley Grove, Bow on 16th March 2009
b) the anguish, upset and anger this has caused in the Sikh community
c) the efforts of Council officers to ensure that facilities are found for the members of the Gurdwara to continue their worship
d) that the Police are giving the investigation of the causes of the fire and the identification of any perpetrator a very high priority
e) that the concerns for and sympathy with the Bow Gurdwara members and the Sikh Community extends across people of all faiths and none in Tower Hamlets
This Council urges
a) anyone who knows anything about the fire to contact the police and to co-operate fully in their investigation
b) the police and other authorities including the Council to continue to give this issue a very high priority and to provide all the help and support they can to the members of the Bow Gurdwara
This Council expresses the utmost sympathy and solidarity with the members of the Gurdwara Sikh Sangat and the wider Sikh community for this terrible fire which has destroyed a holy place revered across all faith communities and residents of Tower Hamlets.
This Council resolves to continue to offer whatever support is possible to the congregation of the Bow Gurdwara in finding alternative venues until such time as the permanent replacement can be found/constructed.
This Council resolves to do whatever it can to help in the reconstruction of the building or ... view the full minutes text for item 11. |