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 Rofique U. Ahmed and Oliur Rahman. Apologies for lateness were received on behalf of Councillor Zara Davis.
Minutes: Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Rofique U. Ahmed and Oliur Rahman. Apologies for lateness were received on behalf of Councillor Zara Davis.
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST PDF 48 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 on 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 meeting of the Council held on 21st September 2011. Decision: Councillor Joshua Peck referred to the question set out as item 6.2 (page 8 of the minutes) and pointed out that Rushanara Ali MP and John Biggs (Labour Member of the London Assembly) together with Labour councillors had attended the event opposing the EDL march.
Councillor Peter Golds drew attention to the response given by Councillor Alibor Choudhury to Councillor Zara Davis’ question 8.6 (page 15 of the minutes). Councillor Choudhury had stated that he did not have evidence of Councillor Davis’ assertion that the THEOs were on a rest day at the time of the disturbances and would not have been deployed anyway as the situation was too dangerous. However, Councillor Golds wished it recorded that Councillor Davis had received a response to a Member’s Enquiry that confirmed this was the case and that she had provided this information to Councillor Choudhury.
Councillor Stephanie Eaton requested that the minutes be amended to reflect the fact that her question 8.22 (page 25 of the minutes) should have referred to “Step Free Access”, rather than “Step 3 Access”.
DECISION
That subject to the above amendments, the minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Council meeting held on 21st September 2011 be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and the Chair of Council be authorised to sign them accordingly.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: Councillor Joshua Peck referred to the question set out as item 6.2 (page 8 of the minutes) and pointed out that Rushanara Ali MP and John Biggs (Labour Member of the London Assembly), together with Labour Councillors had attended the event opposing the EDL march.
Councillor Peter Golds drew attention to the response given by Councillor Alibor Choudhury to Councillor Zara Davis’ question 8.6 (page 15 of the minutes). Councillor Choudhury had stated that he did not have evidence of Councillor Davis’ assertion that the THEOs were on a rest day at the time of the disturbances and would not have been deployed anyway as the situation was too dangerous. However, Councillor Golds wished it recorded that Councillor Davis had received a response to a Member’s Enquiry that confirmed this was the case and that she had provided this information to Councillor Choudhury.
Councillor Stephanie Eaton requested that the minutes be amended to reflect the fact that her question 8.22 (page 25 of the minutes) should have referred to “Step Free Access”, rather than “Step 3 Access”.
RESOLVED
That subject to the above amendments, the minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Council meeting held on 21st September 2011 be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and the Chair of Council be authorised to sign them accordingly.
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TO RECEIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS (IF ANY) FROM THE CHAIR OF COUNCIL OR THE INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE Decision: No announcements were made at the meeting.
Minutes: No announcements were made at the meeting.
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TO RECEIVE PETITIONS PDF 53 KB The deadline for receipt of petitions to be presented to this meeting is noon on Wednesday 23rd November 2011.
However, at the time of agenda despatch, the maximum number of three petitions had already been received as set out in the attached report. Decision: 5.1 Petition on behalf of the White Swan, Commercial Road, E1 regarding the Sex Establishments Policy
Mr Daryl Stafford and Mr Barry Kirk addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members.
Councillor Rania Khan, Cabinet Member for Culture, then responded to the issues raised.
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 Petition from Ms Brenda Daily, Mr Tom Ridge and others regarding the “Save Mother Levy’s” campaign
Ms Brenda Daily and Mr Tom Ridge addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members.
Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, then responded to the issues raised.
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: Jackie Odunoye, Interim Corporate Director, Development and Renewal)
5.3 Petition from residents of Lanrick Road regarding transport and satellite
Mr Ashraful Alam addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members.
Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, then responded to the issues raised.
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: Jackie Odunoye, Interim Corporate Director, Development and Renewal)
Minutes: 5.1 Petition on behalf of the White Swan, Commercial Road, E1 regarding the Sex Establishments Policy
Mr Daryl Stafford and Mr Barry Kirk addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members.
Councillor Rania Khan, Cabinet Member for Culture, then responded to the issues raised.
The Council was part way through the analysis and evaluation of the consultation on the draft Sex Establishments Policy. There had been a record number of responses and it was clear that residents felt strongly about the matter. A consultation meeting had been held with Rainbow Hamlets and many of the issues raised in the petition had been brought to the Council’s attention. These would be given due consideration and the Council would ensure that the policy was not discriminatory.
RESOLVED
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
5.2 Petition from Ms Brenda Daily, Mr Tom Ridge and others regarding the “Save Mother Levy’s” campaign
Ms Brenda Daily and Mr Tom Ridge addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members.
Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, then responded to the issues raised.
She shared the concerns of those who wanted to save the most important elements of the former Jewish Maternity Hospital. The decision to sell the site was taken by the previous administration. Unfortunately, as the building was not listed or in a Conservation Area, the Council could not prevent its demolition. However Councillor Khan was fully supportive of the campaign to save the buildings and had written to Peabody in this regard. In the event that this was not possible, Councillor Khan was also working on a number of initiatives to preserve its legacy.
RESOLVED
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
Change to Order of Business
Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman MOVED, and Councillor Joshua Peck SECONDED, a procedural motion – “That under procedural Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied to allow motion 12.9 to be considered as next business.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
12.9 Former Jewish Maternity Hospital
Councillor Judith Gardiner moved, and Councillor Helal Uddin seconded, the motion as printed in the agenda.
Following debate, the motion was put to the vote and was agreed. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
This Council notes:
· That the former Jewish Maternity Hospital, known affectionately as ‘Mother Levy’s’, was the only Jewish Maternity hospital in England and located in four separate buildings in Underwood Road.
· That the buildings form part of the few remaining examples of the built evidence of the Jewish East End and as such are of important historical significance.
· That Peabody Housing Trust are legally entitled to apply to demolish the site and have applied for a ‘prior notice ... view the full minutes text for item 5. |
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TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PDF 50 KB The questions which have been received from members of the public to be put at this meeting are set out in the attached report.
A maximum period of 20 minutes is allocated to this agenda item. Decision: 6.1 Question from Mr Ares Zaimes re: an elected representative for St George’s Estate on the Main Board of East End Homes. (No supplementary question was asked).
6.2 Question from Ms Claire Drake re: Balfron Tower.
6.3 Question from Ms Lorraine Cavanagh OBE re: monk parakeets on the Isle of Dogs
The above questions and in each case (except where indicated) a supplementary question were put and were responded to by the relevant Cabinet Member.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: 6.1 Question from Mr Ares Zaimes:-
Residents are deeply concerned that the estate has no elected representative on the Main Board of East End Homes.
East End Homes has terminated the rights of residents to be represented on its Main Board by an elected local board member, who has proper delegated authority from fellow residents, and who can relay to the Main Board the concerns of the community living on St George’s Estate. This is at a time when we are grappling with a mass of problems in relation to a major construction programme that could meaningfully be resolved only at Main Board level.
East End Homes has effectively eradicated accountable resident involvement in the organization's strategic thinking and operational decisions on St George’s and other of its estates.
Do you agree that it is now time for a full review of East End Homes’ governance arrangements and the reinstatement of resident rights to Main Board representation that is accountable to residents?
Response by Councilllor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing:-
Thank you for your question. This is not the first time that this matter has been raised with me and I receive many letters and e-mails about East End Homes (EEH). After previous enquiries I managed to arrange a meeting with St George’s estate residents and EEH. At the meeting it was very clear that residents were extremely upset and concerned that they were not being properly represented or listened to. I asked that they be made fully aware of the terms of the EEH formal Proposal document and that copies be made available to them.
Tenant involvement on the boards of housing associations is extremely important. I am committed to ensuring that this is the case for all our RSLs and that tenants are treated well.
It may be that the current involvement arrangements conform to the constitution for EEH but that is not good enough.
I have worked with the Tenants Federation to improve resident involvement on boards and the St George’s estate board decided to convert to a TRA
A Panel is to be introduced that will be able to refer such complaints to the Housing Ombudsman. Have St George’s residents been approached on this matter?
[Mr Zaimes replied that they had not.]
No supplementary question was asked.
Change to Order of Business
Councillor Tim Archer MOVED, and Councillor Dr Emma Jones SECONDED, a procedural motion – “That under procedural Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied to allow motion 12.10 to be considered as next business.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
12.10 East End Homes
Councillor Dr Emma Jones and Councillor Tim Archer altered the wording of their motion in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.8.1.
Councillor Emma Jones MOVED, and Councillor Tim Archer SECONDED the amended motion.
Following debate, the motion as amended was put to the vote and was agreed. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
This Council notes that:-
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MAYOR'S REPORT In accordance with the Council’s Constitution as amended, provision is made at each ordinary Council meeting for the Elected Mayor to give a report.
A maximum of five minutes is allowed for the Elected Mayor’s report, following which the Chair of Council will give the respective political group leaders an opportunity to respond for up to one minute each if they wish. Decision: The Mayor made his report to the Council meeting. The Leader of the Majority Group and Leaders of the Minority Groups each responded briefly to the Mayor’s report.
Minutes: The Mayor made his report to the Council meeting, extending a welcome to all present and particularly to Mr Aman Dalvi, who was attending his first Council meeting as Interim Chief Executive.
The Mayor commented that the meeting was being held on the eve of strike action by some 2 million public sector workers against Government proposals for changes to pension arrangements. He added his own support and expressed concern at the possible implications of 710,000 more public jobs being lost by 2017. The Mayor felt it was disgraceful that people would be expected to work for longer for less money, whilst bankers would be largely unaffected, with only a small increase in the banking levy proposed by the Government. He feared that a broken society would result. In his capacity as Mayor he was looking to protect all residents in the community.
The Mayor referred to the recent decision to assist students in the Borough who would be affected by the Government’s EMA cuts. The Mayor was pleased to announce that Council Tax was to be frozen for the third year in a row. His first year in office had been dominated by the economic crisis that was expected to worsen given Government policy failures. However, despite cuts that had to be made, Tower Hamlets continued to provide free home care, was committed to supporting the London Living Wage and was providing more new homes than any other local authority. The Mayor further stated that he supported the campaign by Ken Livingston to reduce travel fares.
The Mayor then commented on recent road accidents at Bow roundabout, which had resulted sadly in the deaths of cyclists Brian Dorling and Svitlana Tereschenko, expressing the opinion that these could have been avoided if the recommendations of Council Officers had been heeded by TfL.
The Leader of the Majority Group and Leaders of the Minority Groups each responded briefly to the Mayor’s report.
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TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PDF 62 KB The questions which have been received from Councillors to be put at this meeting are set out in the attached report.
A maximum period of 30 minutes is allocated to this agenda item. Decision: 8.1 Question from Councillor Md. Abdul Mukit MBE re: antisocial behaviour in the Brick Lane and old Shoreditch Station area of Weavers Ward.
8.2 Question from Councillor Peter Golds re: Trinity Square Gardens.
8.3 Question from Councillor Amy Whitelock re: Glamis Community Nursery.
8.4 Question from Councillor Fozol Miah re: unemployment figures.
8.5 Question from Councillor Carlo Gibbs re: attendance at this year’s Tower Hamlets Fireworks displays.
8.6 Question from Councillor Tim Archer re: CCTV on Manchester Road.
8.7 Question from Councillor Khales Uddin Ahmed re: the Working Neighbourhood Fund Evaluation.
8.8 Question from Councillor Harun Miah re: Government proposals to raise the income threshold for migrants wishing to bring family members to Britain. (No supplementary question was asked.)
8.9 Question from Councillor Shiria Khatun re: reductions to street cleaning in the Borough.
8.10 Question from Councillor Dr Emma Jones re: the safety of cyclists in the Borough.
8.11 Question from Councillor Helal Uddin re: fixed term tenancies.
The above questions and in each case (except where indicated) a supplementary question were put and were responded to by the relevant Cabinet Member.
Questions 8.12 to 8.18 were not put as the time allowed for this agenda item had expired. Written responses to each question will be provided and will be recorded in the minutes.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: 8.1 Question from Councillor Md. Abdul Mukit MBE:-
Can the Mayor tell me what actions he is taking to limit antisocial behaviour in the Brick Lane and old Shoreditch Station area of Weavers Ward, specifically street urination and late night noise?
Response by Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor:-
We are extremely glad that Brick Lane has become such a popular visitor destination however we are working hard to ensure that residents are not negatively impacted by the large visitor numbers.
We are taking these issues extremely seriously and we have developed three main responses.
Firstly, our most important resources are the THEOs. To date the THEOS have reported 129 incidents of public urination in Brick Lane and these will be pursued through the courts for prosecution. We will be stepping up these patrols over the Christmas period to ensure an appropriate response.
Incidentally I am sure members will be interested that our use of THEOs has been so successful that Newham has now introduced Newham Enforcement Officers.
Secondly, we have also now introduced a borough wide drinking control order, in line with other London Boroughs (including Newham and Hackney) which will give the police and council more powers to deal with issues arising from street drinking.
Finally we have our 20 partnership police, part funded by a commitment from this administration. They are focussed on tackling crime issues which most affect the local community.
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Md. Abdul Mukit MBE:
Everybody knows there is a problem, how many offenders have been fined and what action is being taken to address the serious position in this area?
Summary of Councillor Ohid Ahmed’s response:
I understand that a number of people have been fined. As I have said, we take this very seriously. I have visited the area three times with THEOs, who are doing all in their power to address the issues.
8.2 Question from Councillor Peter Golds:-
Will the Mayor provide details of meetings held between himself, his administration and officers and the company Moving Events which led to the now cancelled plan to hire out Trinity Square Gardens for Christmas and New Year celebrations?
Response by Councillor Rania Khan, Cabinet Member for Culture:-
Thank you Councillor Golds for your question. The Mayor did not have any meetings with the company Moving Venue.
Officers from the Arts and Events Team met four times with Moving Venue on the Trinity Square Gardens (TSG) project as follows:
On 25th February 2011 they had a site meeting; On 23rd May 2011 the project was discussed; On 19th July 2011 there was a further site meeting; and One 16th September 2011 there was a meeting to discuss any licensing application.
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Peter Golds:
There seems to have been a cult of secrecy, with the proposals covered up until the scandal broke. Why were senior ... view the full minutes text for item 8. |
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REPORTS FROM THE EXECUTIVE AND THE COUNCIL'S COMMITTEES |
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New Byelaws for Parks and Open Spaces PDF 240 KB To approve the making of the new byelaws for the borough’s parks and open spaces and to confirm the revocation of the existing byelaws. The proposed new byelaws were presented to the General Purposes Committee on 13th October 2011, following which additional changes have been made following discussions with DCLG. The report of the Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture is attached. Additional documents:
Decision: DECISION
1. That the making of the New Byelaws for the borough’s Parks and Open Spaces as shown in Appendix 1 (‘New Byelaws’) to the report of the Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture; and the revocation of the Existing Byelaws once the New Byelaws are confirmed, be approved.
2. That the Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture be authorised (following consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive [Legal Services]) to effect further amendments to the proposed New Byelaws in the event that subsequent to the meeting of Full Council and prior to submission to the Secretary of State, DCLG require such amendments to be made.
3. That it be noted that the New Byelaws will apply to the parks and open space areas listed within Schedule 1 & 2 contained within Appendix 1 of the report of the Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture.
4. That it be noted that there are a range of issues and offences already covered by primary legislation which are therefore excluded from the New Byelaws (as outlined in Appendix 3 to the report).
5. That it be noted that the New Byelaws will need to be approved by the Secretary of State prior to formal adoption. Some amendments have been made to the DCLG’s Model Byelaws, as set out in paragraphs 4.2.6 to 4.2.9 of the report. Officers have engaged in discussions with DCLG to ensure these amendments have their approval.
(Action by: Stephen Halsey, Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture)
Minutes: The Council considered the report of the Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture, proposing new byelaws for the borough’s parks and open spaces.
Councillor Shahed Ali MOVED and Councillor Ohid Ahmed SECONDED the recommendations in the report. Following debate, the recommendations were put to the vote and were agreed. Accordingly, it was -
RESOLVED
1. That the making of the New Byelaws for the borough’s Parks and Open Spaces be approved as shown in Appendix 1 (‘New Byelaws’) to the report of the Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture; and the revocation of the Existing Byelaws once the New Byelaws are confirmed, be approved.
2. That the Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture be authorised be authorised (following consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive [Legal Services]) to effect further amendments to the proposed New Byelaws in the event that subsequent to the meeting of Full Council and prior to submission to the Secretary of State, DCLG require such amendments to be made.
3. That it be noted that the New Byelaws will apply to the parks and open space areas listed within Schedule 1 & 2 contained within Appendix 1 of the report.
4. That it be noted that there are a range of issues and offences already covered by primary legislation which are therefore excluded from the New Byelaws (as outlined in Appendix 3 of the report).
5. That it be noted that the New Byelaws will need to be approved by the Secretary of State prior to formal adoption. Some amendments have been made to the DCLG’s Model Byelaws, as set out in paragraphs 4.2.6 to 4.2.9 of the report. Officers have engaged in discussions with DCLG to ensure these amendments have their approval.
Change to Order of Business
Councillor Alibor Choudhury MOVED, and Councillor Kabir Ahmed SECONDED, a procedural motion – “That under procedural Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied to allow motion 12.12 to be considered as next business.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was defeated.
Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman then MOVED, and Councillor Joshua Peck SECONDED, a further procedural motion – “That under procedural Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied to allow motion 12.7 to be considered as next business.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
12.7 Supporting the Trade Unions in their campaign to defend the Local Government Pension Scheme
Councillor Anna Lynch MOVED, and Councillor Bill Turner SECONDED, the motion as printed in the agenda.
Councillor David Snowdon MOVED, and Councillor Tim Archer SECONDED, a tabled amendment as follows:- “Delete all after ‘The Council notes’ and insert:- ‘The government has huge respect for the hard-working people who keep our vital services running and believe that it is wrong to call a strike whilst talks are under way. The government has ensured that anyone who is within ten years of retirement will be able to retire on their current terms. The lowest ... view the full minutes text for item 9.1 |
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TO RECEIVE REPORTS AND QUESTIONS ON JOINT ARRANGEMENTS AND EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS (if any) There is no business to conduct under this agenda item. Decision: There was no business under this heading.
Minutes: There was no business under this heading.
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OTHER BUSINESS |
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To adopt the three strategy documents that the Council is required by the CLG/CIPFA Code of Practice to produce in connection with its treasury management arrangements. The report of the Corporate Director, Resources is attached. Decision: This item was not considered due to the time limit for the meeting having been reached.
Minutes: This item was not considered due to the time limit for the meeting having been reached.
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TO CONSIDER MOTIONS SUBMITTED BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PDF 167 KB The motions submitted by Councillors for debate at this meeting are set out in the attached report. Decision: 12.2 The Council’s Constitution
Councillor Joshua Peck moved, and Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman seconded, the motion as printed in the agenda. More than 10 Members rose from their seats to request a recorded vote on the motion in accordance with Procedural Rule 17.4. The motion was put to a recorded vote and was agreed with 35 for, nil against and 14 abstentions, as set out in the resolution below.
DECISION
This Council notes:
· That the power to amend the Council’s Constitution is reserved to Full Council.
· That a number of constitutional issues have arisen since the introduction of the Mayoral Model in Tower Hamlets.
This Council resolves:
· To add the Employment Strategy, Enterprise Strategy, Waste Strategy and Parks Strategy to the list of strategies reserved to Full Council.
· To require the appointment of local authority school governors to be approved by the General Purposes Committee
· To make the consideration of amendments to the Council's constitution a responsibility of the General Purposes Committee
· That engagement of Chief Officers, to permanent positions or interim positions of over three months, will be through the normal recruitment process overseen by the HR Committee
· To rename the Chair of Council, the Speaker of Council and designate the Speaker the Borough's First Citizen.
· To affirm the order of precedence for civic events in the Council’s Constitution, with the Borough's First Citizen representing the Council at Civic Ceremonial functions in the Borough including:
Visits of the Royal Family and dignitaries Civic receptions, luncheons and dinners Funeral or memorial services Religious services Prize givings
And events outside the Borough including:
Lord Mayor of London’s events Invitations from other First Citizens to their Borough. London Mayor’s Association Events
This would not preclude the attendance and involvement of the Mayor and/or other Councillors.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
12.3 Recording of Council Meetings
Councillor Tim Archer moved, and Councillor David Snowdon seconded, the motion as printed in the agenda.
More than 10 Members rose from their seats to request a recorded vote on the motion in accordance with Procedural Rule 17.4. The motion was put to a recorded vote and was agreed with 27 for, nil against and 21 abstentions.
DECISION
This Council notes:
· it already has the ability to record meetings of the full Council without incurring additional cost
· that it is the decision of full Council as to whether meetings can be recorded; but
· that officers have advised that the quality of video and audio recordings using the existing equipment may be poor.
This Council believes:
· that the recording of full meetings of the Council would act as a strong incentive to ensure proper conduct of members as well as members of the public present
· recordings of full meetings of the Council could be a useful resource to settling disagreements arising from these meetings.
This Council agrees:
· that for a trial period of 3 months all meetings of the full council be audio recorded and stored.
· that at the end of the ... view the full decision text for item 12. Minutes: Change to Order of Business
Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman moved, and Councillor Joshua Peck seconded, a procedural motion – “That under procedural Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied to allow motions 12.2, 12.13 and 12.21 to be considered as next business.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
12.2 The Council’s Constitution
Councillor Joshua Peck MOVED, and Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman SECONDED, the motion as printed in the agenda.
At this point more than 10 Members rose from their seats to request a recorded vote on the motion in accordance with Procedural Rule 17.4. The motion was therefore put to a recorded vote and Members indicated their votes as follows:-
For the motion (35 Councillors)
Councillor Joshua Peck Councillor Peter Golds Councillor Helal Abbas Councillor Khales Uddin Ahmed Councillor Rajib Ahmed Councillor Timothy Archer Councillor Craig Aston Councillor Zara Davis Councillor Stephanie Eaton Councillor David Edgar Councillor Marc Francis Councillor Judith Gardiner Councillor Carlo Gibbs Councillor Carli Harper-Penman Councillor Sirajul Islam Councillor Ann Jackson Councillor Denise Jones Councillor Dr Emma Jones Councillor Anwar Khan Councillor Shiria Khatun Councillor Anna Lynch Councillor Mohammed Abdul Mukit MBE Councillor Ahmed Omer Councillor Lesley Pavitt Councillor Zenith Rahman Councillor Rachael Saunders Councillor David Snowdon Councillor Gloria Thienel Councillor Bill Turner Councillor Helal Uddin Councillor Kosru Uddin Councillor Abdal Ullah Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman Councillor Amy Whitelock Councillor Mizanur Chaudhury (The Chair of Council)
Against the motion (nil Councillors)
Abstained (14 Councillors)
Councillor Kabir Ahmed Councillor Ohid Ahmed Councillor Shelina Aktar Councillor Shahed Ali Councillor Abdul Asad Councillor Lutfa Begum Councillor Alibor Choudhury Councillor Shafiqul Haque Councillor Aminur Khan Councillor Rabina Khan Councillor Rania Khan Councillor Fozol Miah Councillor Harun Miah Councillor Maium Miah
The motion was accordingly agreed and it was:-
RESOLVED
This Council notes:
· That the power to amend the Council’s Constitution is reserved to Full Council.
· That a number of constitutional issues have arisen since the introduction of the Mayoral Model in Tower Hamlets.
This Council resolves:
· To add the Employment Strategy, Enterprise Strategy, Waste Strategy and Parks Strategy to the list of strategies reserved to Full Council.
· To require the appointment of local authority school governors to be approved by the General Purposes Committee
· To make the consideration of amendments to the Council's constitution a responsibility of the General Purposes Committee
· That engagement of Chief Officers, to permanent positions or interim positions of over three months, will be through the normal recruitment process overseen by the HR Committee
· To rename the Chair of Council, the Speaker of Council and designate the Speaker the Borough's First Citizen.
· To affirm the order of precedence for civic events in the Council’s Constitution, with the Borough's First Citizen representing the Council at Civic Ceremonial functions in the Borough including:
Visits of the Royal Family and dignitaries Civic receptions, luncheons and dinners Funeral or memorial services Religious services Prize givings
And events outside the Borough including:
Lord Mayor of London’s events Invitations from other First ... view the full minutes text for item 12. |