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: NB: The order of business was varied during the course of the meeting but for ease of reference, the decision sheet is in the same order as the agenda.
Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Rajib Ahmed, Rofique Ahmed, Ann Jackson, Dr. Emma Jones, Ahmed Omer and Oliur Rahman.
Minutes: Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Rajib Ahmed, Rofique Ahmed, Ann Jackson, Dr. Emma Jones, Ahmed Omer and Oliur Rahman.
RESOLVED
That the apologies be noted.
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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 Annual Meeting of the Council held on 26th May 2010. Decision: DECISION
That the minutes of the Annual Council Meeting held on 26th May 2010 be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and the Mayor be authorised to sign them accordingly.
Minutes: RESOLVED
That the minutes of the Annual Council Meeting held on 26th May 2010 be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and the Mayor be authorised to sign them accordingly.
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TO RECEIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS (IF ANY) FROM THE MAYOR, LEADER OF THE COUNCIL, MEMBERS OF THE CABINET OR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Decision: Please see minutes.
Minutes: (1) Additional urgent report re: Special Responsibility Allowances
The Mayor said that he had agreed that an additional urgent report would be considered at the meeting on the Cabinet’s recommendation regarding Special Responsibility Allowances. This had been tabled and would be considered later in the meeting at agenda item 8.2. The item had not been included in the original agenda because the Cabinet meeting had taken place after the agenda had been printed.
Change to order of business
At this point, Councillor David Edgar MOVED and Councillor Helal Abbas SECONDED – “That under Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be changed to allow item 10.2 to be considered as the next item of business.”
On being put to the vote, the procedural motion was agreed.
10.2 Draft Statement of Accounts 2009-2010
Councillor David Edgar, Lead Member for Resources, introduced the report. He then MOVED and Councillor Helal Abbas SECONDED –“That the recommendations as set out in the report be agreed.”
Following debate, Councillor Helal Abbas MOVED and Councillor Peter Golds SECONDED – “That the time limit for Councillor Edgar’s Right of Reply be extended to allow Councillor Edgar to address each of the issues that were raised during the debate.” The Mayor informed Members that this was at his discretion and he agreed to extend the time limit as necessary.
Following Councillor Edgar’s reply, the recommendations were put to the vote and were agreed with no Member voting against. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
1. That the draft final Statement of Accounts for the financial year ending 31st March 2010 be approved.
2. That it be noted that the accounts will now be submitted for audit.
3. That the progress made towards meeting the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) be noted.
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TO RECEIVE ANY PETITIONS OR DEPUTATIONS PDF 38 KB The petitions and deputations received for presentation to the Council meeting are set out in agenda item 5 attached. Decision: PETITIONS
5.1.1 Petition re: Mayoral Election
Mr. Terry McGrenera addressed the meeting in support of the petition. Members asked questions of the petitioner and the Lead Member then responded to the issues raised.
DECISION
That the petition be referred to the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
(Action by: Isabella Freeman, Assistant Chief Executive [Legal Services])
5.1.1 Petition re: Devons Estate Blocks
Petition withdrawn.
Minutes: PETITIONS
5.1.1 Petition re: Mayoral Election
At the invitation of the Mayor, Mr. Terry McGrenera addressed the meeting in support of the petition. He then responded to questions from Members of the Council.
Councillor Joshua Peck, Deputy Leader of the Council, thanked staff in Electoral Services and all other Council staff for their work in the run up to the last election. He went on to say that he had witnessed the opening of postal votes that had been returned and he confirmed that each one was checked. 75% had been received back and all had been verified and has signatures and dates of birth checked. The Election laws do not permit the Returning Officer to ask the Presiding Officers at the Polling Stations to require personal identification. The legal position with regard to postal votes is that individuals must register with a signature and date of birth. The difficulties that this borough and other boroughs across London had in the last election related to voters registered in the last days before the close of the electoral register. This should be ameliorated when personal registration is implemented in 2015, which will require additional information in the form of the individual's national insurance number which can then be checked against the national register.
Councillor Peck stated that it was not within the Council's powers to do anything other than lobby central government for changes to the law to improve the registration process. In this regard the Returning Officer was lobbying the Ministry of Justice for a change in the law to close the register for applications to register a postal vote at least 10 days before the final close of the register, this would give the Returning Officer a short period to investigate addresses with multiple occupants and remove names where voters were no longer present. The Returning Officer was assisting the police in their ongoing investigation of 88 properties in the Borough. . RESOLVED
That the petition be referred to the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
5.1.2 Petition re: Devons Estate Blocks
Petition withdrawn.
DEPUTATIONS
5.2 There were no deputations.
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TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PDF 23 KB (Maximum of 30 minutes allowed for this agenda item)
The questions which have been received from members of the public to be put at this meeting are set out in agenda item 6 attached. Decision: 6.1 Question from Mr. Terry McGrenera to the Lead Member for Housing, Heritage and Planning, Councillor Marc Francis re: affordable housing
The above question and an oral supplementary question were put and were responded to by the Lead Member.
6.2 Question from Ms. Kate Gould to the Lead Member for Housing, Heritage and Planning, Councillor Marc Francis re: redevelopment of former Safeway site, Bow
This question was not put at the meeting as the questioner did not attend. Written response to be sent.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: 6.1 Question from Mr. Terry McGrenera to the Lead Member for Housing, Heritage and Planning, Councillor Marc Francis
“Following the admission by Liam Byrne, Labour’s Chief Secretary to the Treasury on leaving the Treasury that there is no money and confirmed by the incoming Housing Minister, Grant Snapps, that the coffers are empty for affordable housing and that a ‘myriad’ of schemes will face the axe, what is the point of pursuing the objective of achieving the standards to obtain £200 million if there is no money at the end of the rainbow?”
Response of the Lead Member, Councillor Marc Francis
The Council’s objectives in establishing our Arms Length Management Organisation -Tower Hamlets Homes -were two fold:
Firstly, to improve the quality of housing management services as the ALMO must attain a minimum 2 star inspection rating from the Audit Commission. The council is working closely with Tower Hamlets Homes to improve services to tenants and leaseholders and prepare fully for inspection this November. Improving the standard of housing management is an important objective in its own right.
But the second objective is to unlock the £220 million Decent Homes funding promised earlier this year by the Labour Government to bring our remaining 13,000 homes up to a modern standard. While Tower Hamlets Council has not been told that funding may not be available if it does attain a 2 star inspection rating, I can say that I share Mr McGrenera’s anxieties.
The Tories have never made the case for more investment in social housing and the past two months have shown that the Lib Dems will sell their own grandmother for seats at the Cabinet table.
As with other housing projects that require government-funding, we are working hard to ensure that those commitments are honoured. Along with the Labour Leaders of Lambeth and Lewisham, which also have Round 6 ALMOs, we have made representations direct to the Housing Minister, Grant Shapps MP. Only last week in the House of Commons, our newly-elected MP for Bethnal Green & Bow, Rushanara Ali, asked the Prime Minister directly if he would honour Labour’s commitment to our tenants. He studiously failed to do so and instead, he made a vague statement about it all being looked at in the autumn Spending Review.
Well, I don’t need to tell anyone here that reneging on this commitment would be an absolute disgrace and so I hope that’s a message Cllr Archer and his colleagues will make sure is heard in Tory HQ.
In the meantime, we are making good progress with our own council-funded Decent Homes Pilots and I hope to be in a position to make a statement about additional pilot schemes in the next month or so.
Summary of supplementary question from Mr. McGrenera:
I would imagine that Tower Hamlets has as much chance of getting £220M as finding a pot of gold. Isn’t it the case that Labour’s whole policy on housing has been a failure? Would Councillor Francis ... view the full minutes text for item 6. |
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TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PDF 43 KB (Maximum of 30 minutes allowed for this agenda item)
The questions which have been received from Members of the Council to be put at this meeting are set out in agenda item 7 attached. Decision: 7.1 Question from Councillor Ohid Ahmed to the Lead Member for Resources, Councillor David Edgar re: reductions in public sector spending
7.2 Question from Councillor Zara Davis to the Lead Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Shiria Khatun re: bullying in schools
7.3 Question from Councillor Kabir Ahmed to the Leader of the Council, Councillor Helal Abbas re: English Defence League and United East End
7.4 Question from Councillor Tim Archer to the Lead Member for Culture and Creative Industries, Councillor Denise Jones re: the future of Poplar Baths
7.5 Question from Councillor Carli Harper-Penman to the Lead Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Shiria Khatun re: activities during the summer school holidays
7.6 Question from Councillor David Snowdon to the Leader of the Council, Councillor Helal Abbas re: the Tower Hamlets Partnership
7.7 Question from Councillor Shafiqul Haque to the Lead Member for Environment, Councillor Shahed Ali re: parking and CCTV issues in Whitechapel
7.8 Question from Councillor Peter Golds to the Lead Member for Regeneration and Employment, Councillor Sirajul Islam re: jobs on the Olympic site
7.9 Question from Councillor Carlo Gibbs to the Lead Member for Culture and Creative Industries, Councillor Denise Jones re: the free swimming initiative
7.10 Question from Councillor Gloria Thienel to the Lead Member for Community Safety, Councillor Abdal Ullah re: incidents in the vicinity of Blackwall and East India DLR stations
The above questions, and oral supplementary questions where put, were responded to by the relevant Lead Members.
Due to lack of time, questions 7.11 – 7.32 were not put. Written responses to be forwarded to the questioners.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: 7.1 Question from Councillor Ohid Ahmed to the Lead Member for Resources, Councillor David Edgar
“On 24 May 2010 Chancellor George Osborne announced reductions in public sector spending of £6.243 billion pounds. £1.165 billion of the total budget cut will come from grants to local government. Can the Lead Member inform us of the magnitude of problems Tower Hamlets will face because of this cut and how the Council is going to embark upon the deficit issue without cutting front line services?"
Response of the Lead Member:
It is extremely unhelpful that the Government has introduced grant cuts part way through this financial year, cutting £4.125m of grants which the Council had been told it would receive and which we had made plans to spend. The Government also told us that we would no longer receive other grants which had amounted to £4.9m last year. The Cabinet’s response to the in-year cuts was considered and agreed at Cabinet on July 7th. We have acted swiftly to ensure that the Council’s budget remains in balance and that the impact of the cuts is minimised as much as possible. The work we have done in the past to ensure that the Council’s finances are well managed and our financial position is healthy helps us to do this.
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Ohid Ahmed:
You have mentioned that the former leadership was absolutely committed to reducing overcrowding. Can the Lead Member explore all areas to keep investing in housing?
Summary of Lead Member’s response:
Reducing overcrowding is a key priority for this council. It is an important part of the funding for housing and a reduction in grant monies will have an impact on all areas but we remain committed to doing everything we can to address the problem of overcrowding.
7.2 Question from Councillor Zara Davis to the Lead Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Shiria Khatun
“With 28% of children in Tower Hamlets having been victims of bullying, would the Lead Member explain what is being done to tackle bullying in our schools?”
Response of the Lead Member:
Making sure that children and young people feel safe is a major priority for the Local Authority. Safe to Learn (DCSF 2007) provides the legal framework for anti-bullying. While schools must set their own policies, appropriate to their particular situations and intakes, it is important that the Local Authority sets a standard and offers a framework for schools to use. The Anti-Bullying policy guidance which is contained in the Tower Hamlets Anti-Bullying Resource Pack sets out for school staff and governors the LA’s advice on how to address the issue.
The Anti-Bullying Resource Packidentifies a spectrum of types of bullying, including gender, racist and homophobic bullying and the bullying of gifted and talented learners, those with special needs and disabled or disfigured children as well as cyber bullying. We provide strategies on dealing with all these forms of bullying and developing a whole school ethos to make ... 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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Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee PDF 32 KB To receive the Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for 2009/10. The Annual Report is attached. Additional documents: Decision: Councillor Sirajul Islam addressed the meeting on the annual report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee 2009/10.
DECISIONS
1. That the annual report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for 2009-10 be noted.
2. That the number of positions for Parent Governor representative co-optees to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be increased from two to three; and the Committee’s terms of reference at Part 3.3.2 of the Council’s Constitution and the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules at Part 4.5 of the Constitution be amended accordingly.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
8.2 Members’ Allowances Scheme: Changes to Special Responsibility Allowances
Additional agenda item. Reasons for urgency given and agreed.
Councillor David Snowdon moved and Councillor Tim Archer seconded an amendment to the recommendations. The amendment was put to the vote and was defeated.
DECISION
That all Special Responsibility Allowances payable under the Members’ Allowances Scheme to Members of this Authority be reduced by 5% with effect from 1st August 2010.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: Councillor Sirajul Islam MOVED and Councillor Stephanie Eaton SECONDED – “That the recommendations set out in the report be agreed.”
Councillor Sirajul Islam addressed the meeting on the annual report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee 2009/10. After discussion, the recommendations were put to the vote and were AGREED, with no Member voting against. Accordingly it was:
RESOLVED
1. That the annual report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for 2009-10 be noted.
2. That the number of positions for Parent Governor representative co-optees to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be increased from two to three; and the Committee’s terms of reference at Part 3.3.2 of the Council’s Constitution and the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules at Part 4.5 of the Constitution be amended accordingly.
8.2 Members’ Allowances Scheme: Changes to Special Responsibility Allowances (TABLED)
The tabled report was considered as an urgent item with the agreement of the Mayor. The recommendations to the Council contained therein arose from a Cabinet meeting which took place after the publication of the Council agenda. A decision was required at the current meeting because no further Council meetings were scheduled before the proposed effective date of the changes recommended by the Cabinet (1st August 2010).
Councillor David Edgar MOVED and Councillor Joshua Peck SECONDED the recommendation as set out in the report.
Councillor David Snowdon under Rule 14.1, then MOVED and Councillor Tim Archer SECONDED an amendment to the recommendation – “That the Conservative Group notes the decision by the Cabinet as a first step in the right direction and the Council believes that all Members allowances and SRAs should be reduced by 5%.”
After discussion, the amendment moved by Councillor Snowdon was put to the vote and was defeated.
The substantive motion was then put to the vote and was agreed, with no Member voting against. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
That all Special Responsibility Allowances payable under the Members’ Allowances Scheme to Members of this Authority be reduced by 5% with effect from 1st August 2010.
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TO RECEIVE REPORTS AND QUESTIONS ON JOINT ARRANGEMENTS AND EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS (if any) Decision: There was no business under this heading.
Minutes: There was no business to be considered under this heading.
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OTHER BUSINESS |
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To adopt a Petition Scheme as required by the Local Democracy, Economic Development & Construction Act 2009. The report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) is attached. Decision: An addendum report was tabled at the meeting, setting out a revised draft Petition Scheme incorporating comments raised at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Cabinet.
DECISION
1. That the duty to respond to petitions included in the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 and the consequent requirement on the Council to agree a Petition Scheme be noted; and
2. That the comments of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet be noted and the draft petition scheme as set out at Appendix ‘B’ to the tabled addendum report be adopted.
(Action: Isabella Freeman, Assistant Chief Executive [Legal Services])
Minutes: An addendum report was tabled at the meeting, setting out a revised draft Petition Scheme incorporating comments raised at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Cabinet meetings.
Councillor Joshua Peck MOVED and Councillor Helal Abbas SECONDED the revised recommendations as set out in the addendum report.
After discussion, the recommendations were put to the vote and were agreed, with no Member voting against. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
1. That the duty to respond to petitions included in the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 and the consequent requirement on the Council to agree a Petition Scheme be noted; and
2. That the comments of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet be noted and the draft petition scheme as set out at Appendix ‘B’ to the tabled addendum report be adopted.
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Draft Statement of Accounts 2009-2010 PDF 73 KB To approve the draft final Statement of Accounts for the financial year ending 31st March 2010. The report of the Corporate Director of Resources is attached. Additional documents: Decision: DECISION
1. That the draft final Statement of Accounts for the financial year ending 31st March 2010 be approved.
2. That it be noted that the accounts will now be submitted for audit.
3. That the progress made towards meeting the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) be noted.
(Action by: Chris Naylor, Corporate Director, Resources)
Minutes: This report had been dealt with earlier in the agenda.
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Appointment of Independent Members of the the Standards Committee PDF 45 KB To appoint persons to serve as Independent Members of the Standards Committee. The report of the Service Head, Democratic Services is attached. Decision: DECISION
That the following persons be appointed as Independent Members of the Standards Committee, each to serve a three year term of office expiring on the date of the Annual Council meeting in May 2013, subject to annual confirmation by the Council:-
- Ms. Sue Rossiter (new appointment); and - Mr. Patrick (Barry) O’Connor (re-appointment)
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: Councillor Helal Abbas MOVED and Councillor Joshua Peck SECONDED the recommendation as set out in the report.
The recommendation was put to the vote and was agreed, with no Member voting against. Accordingly it was:
RESOLVED
That the following persons be appointed as Independent Members of the Standards Committee, each to serve a three year term of office expiring on the date of the Annual Council meeting in May 2013, subject to annual confirmation by the Council:-
- Ms. Sue Rossiter (new appointment); and - Mr. Patrick (Barry) O’Connor (re-appointment)
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TO CONSIDER MOTIONS SUBMITTED BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PDF 25 KB The motions submitted by Members of the Council for debate at this meeting are set out in agenda item 11 attached. Decision: 11.1 Motion proposed by Councillor Stephanie Eaton regarding youth offenders
Councillor Shiria Khatun moved, and Councillor Sirajul Islam seconded, an amendment to the motion to add additional text under “This Council notes” and under “This Council resolves”. This was agreed and the substantive motion as amended was then agreed as follows:-
DECISION
This Council notes:
1. 60-80 young people come off criminal justice orders every quarter in Tower Hamlets, of which 30-40 young people are of school age.
2. That a reduction in re-offending is closely linked to successful settlement into work.
3. There are often difficulties placing young ex-offenders into work placements and other forms of employment or training as employers are cautious about employing ex-offenders, and the young people often require support in the workplace.
4. There is a tendency for employers to view the recruitment of young offenders as a corporate social responsibility when a solid business case could be developed to give employers confidence and justify employing young ex-offenders.
5. Many employers outsource roles which might be appropriate to young people leaving the criminal justice system, however, the outsourced companies have stringent screening processes which inhibit young offenders from recruitment.
6. KPMG and Freshfields have delivered successful employment programmes targeted at the homeless and these programmes may provide models for employment of young ex-offenders. Such programmes have been successful because both employers and employees are offered support such as an employer's helpline.
7. That opportunities provided for the small number of young ex-offenders in the Borough would benefit other young people through a reduction in victimisation; the development of positive role models; and the demonstration of the longer term benefits of work and training.
8. That this Labour Council’s Youth Offending Team (YOT) have made good progress in ensuring that 85% of the young offenders they have assisted in the last year are either in education training or employment at the end of their youth justice orders.
9. That the Tower Hamlets YOT has a series of successful partnerships with voluntary sector agencies as well as trainers that aim to place young people into training and work which lead to successful placements and positive outcomes for young offenders.
This Council resolves:
1. To develop an effective training into work model which reduces the risk associated with employing young ex-offenders, and which can be used to support firms to employ young ex-offenders.
2. To ensure the Youth Justice Board is working with organisations such as Community Links and East Potential to ensure there is a smooth transition into employment and training after criminal justice orders are concluded.
3. To work with partners such as Community Links and East Potential to develop a training programme for motivated ex-offenders who wish to become self-employed.
4. To investigate the potential for employment opportunities for young ex-offenders among the Council's larger contractors e.g. Veolia, and larger employers in the borough e.g. Tesco to discuss with them their attitude to employment of ex-offenders.
5. That the East London Business Alliance undertakes a ... view the full decision text for item 11. Minutes: 11.1 Motion proposed by Councillor Stephanie Eaton regarding youth offenders
The motion as printed in the agenda was MOVED by Councillor Stephanie Eaton and SECONDED by Councillor Harun Miah.
Councillor Shiria Khatun then MOVED, and Councillor Sirajul Islam SECONDED, an AMENDMENT to the motion as follows:-
“Under “This council notes” add
“That this Labour Council’s Youth Offending Team (YOT) have made good progress in ensuring that 85% of the young offenders they have assisted in the last year are either in education training or employment at the end of their youth justice orders.”
“That the Tower Hamlets YOT has a series of successful partnerships with voluntary sector agencies as well as trainers that aim to place young people into training and work which lead to successful placements and positive outcomes for young offenders”
Under “This Council resolves” add
“To fully assess the cost implications before commissioning projects or developing new services for Young Offenders in light of the current financial circumstances.”
After discussion, the amendment moved by Councillor Shiria Khatun was put to the vote and was agreed.
The substantive motion as amended was then put to the vote and was agreed with no Member voting against. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
This Council notes:
1. 60-80 young people come off criminal justice orders every quarter in Tower Hamlets, of which 30-40 young people are of school age.
2. That a reduction in re-offending is closely linked to successful settlement into work.
3. There are often difficulties placing young ex-offenders into work placements and other forms of employment or training as employers are cautious about employing ex-offenders, and the young people often require support in the workplace.
4. There is a tendency for employers to view the recruitment of young offenders as a corporate social responsibility when a solid business case could be developed to give employers confidence and justify employing young ex-offenders.
5. Many employers outsource roles which might be appropriate to young people leaving the criminal justice system, however, the outsourced companies have stringent screening processes which inhibit young offenders from recruitment.
6. KPMG and Freshfields have delivered successful employment programmes targeted at the homeless and these programmes may provide models for employment of young ex-offenders. Such programmes have been successful because both employers and employees are offered support such as an employer's helpline.
7. That opportunities provided for the small number of young ex-offenders in the Borough would benefit other young people through a reduction in victimisation; the development of positive role models; and the demonstration of the longer term benefits of work and training.
8. That this Labour Council’s Youth Offending Team (YOT) have made good progress in ensuring that 85% of the young offenders they have assisted in the last year are either in education training or employment at the end of their youth justice orders.
9. That the Tower Hamlets YOT has a series of successful partnerships with voluntary sector agencies as well as trainers that aim to place young people into ... view the full minutes text for item 11. |