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 Mizanur Choudhury, Carli Harper-Penman, David Snowdon and Abdal Ullah.
Apologies for lateness were received on behalf of Councillors Zara Davis, David Edgar and Fozol Miah.
Procedural Motion Councillor Oliur Rahman proposed, and Councillor Shahed Ali seconded, a procedural motion – “That Procedure Rule 13.1 be suspended to allow for an urgent motion on The Council’s Anti-Blacklisting Pledge’ to be considered and further that under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be altered such that the urgent motion be considered immediately”.
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
Urgent Motion regarding the Council’s Anti-Blacklisting Pledge
Councillor Oliur Rahman moved and Councillor Shahed Ali seconded the motion as tabled.
Following debate, the motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
DECISION
This Council notes:
This Council believes: ... view the full decision text for item 1. Minutes: Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Mizanur Chaudhury, Carli Harper-Penman, David Snowdon and Abdal Ullah.
Apologies for lateness were received on behalf of Councillors Zara Davis, David Edgar and Fozol Miah.
RESOLVED
That the apologies for absence and lateness be noted.
Procedural Motion
Councillor Oliur Rahman proposed, and Councillor Shahed Ali seconded, a procedural motion – “That Procedure Rule 13.1 be suspended to allow for an urgent motion on The Council’s Anti-Blacklisting Pledge to be considered and further that under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be altered such that the urgent motion be considered immediately”.
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
Urgent Motion regarding the Council’s Anti-Blacklisting Pledge
Councillor Oliur Rahman moved and Councillor Shahed Ali seconded the motion as tabled.
Following debate, the motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
RESOLVED
This Council notes:
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DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS PDF 56 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 Monitoring Officer.
Decision: No declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests were made.
Councillor Shafiqul Haque declared a personal interest in Question 8.23 as his son was employed in Skillsmatch.
Minutes: No declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests were made.
Councillor Shafiqul Haque declared a personal interest in Question 8.23 as his son was employed in Skillsmatch.
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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 26th June 2013. The draft minutes are attached. Decision: DECISION
That the unrestricted minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 26 June 2013 be confirmed as a correct record and the Speaker be authorised to sign them accordingly.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services.)
Minutes: RESOLVED
That the unrestricted minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 26 June 2013 be confirmed as a correct record and the Speaker be authorised to sign them accordingly.
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TO RECEIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS (IF ANY) FROM THE SPEAKER OF THE COUNCIL OR THE HEAD OF PAID SERVICE Decision: The Speaker of the Council made three announcements:
1. That the Council’s condolences be passed on to the family of school boy Ajmol Alom who had recently been killed in an unprovoked attack. The thoughts of all Councillors were with them. 2. Congratulations to Councillors Carlo Gibbs and Amy Whitelock on their marriage. 3. Congratulations to Councillor Marc Francis on the birth of his son and to Councillor Joshua Peck on the successful adoption of a young girl.
Minutes: The Speaker of the Council made three announcements:
1. That the Council’s condolences be passed on to the family of school boy Ajmol Alom who had recently been killed in an unprovoked attack. The thoughts of all Councillors were with them. 2. Congratulations to Councillors Carlo Gibbs and Amy Whitelock on their marriage. 3. Congratulations to Councillor Marc Francis on the birth of his son and to Councillor Joshua Peck on the successful adoption of a young girl.
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TO RECEIVE PETITIONS PDF 56 KB The Council Procedure Rules provide for a maximum of three petitions to be presented at an Ordinary Meeting of the Council. The deadline for receipt of petitions for this Council meeting is noon on Thursday 12th September 2013. However, at the time of agenda despatch three petitions had already been received.
A further petition was deferred from the last ordinary meeting of the Council on 26th June 2013 to this meeting. In order that this does not prevent one of the three new petitions from being presented, the Council is invited to resolve that Procedure Rule 19.2 be suspended to enable four petitions to be presented on this occasion.
The texts of the four petitions received for presentation to this meeting are set out in the attached report. Decision: 5.1 Petition against the closure of the Isle of Dogs Police Station
Mr John Cray addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members. The relevant Cabinet Member then responded to the matters raised in 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 Petition regarding Tower Hamlets Community Housing at Trahorn Close, E1
Mr Yeabor Miah, assisted by Mr Mohammed Haque, addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members. The relevant Cabinet Member then responded to the matters raised in 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)
5.3 Petition regarding Roman Road regeneration
This petition had been withdrawn and deferred to the next meeting at the request of the petitioners as the lead petitioner was unwell.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services.).
5.4 Petition from the Tower Hamlets Traders Business Association UK regarding provision for market traders
The petitioners addressed the meeting and responded to questions from Members.
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)
Minutes: 5.1 Petition against the closure of the Isle of Dogs Police Station
Mr John Cray addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members.
Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor, then responded to the issues raised. He thanked the residents for the petition and for highlighting their concerns. He stated that the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, had been elected on a promise to increase police numbers and protect police stations from closure but that police funding had been cut across London and it was resulting in a worse service that was putting residents at risk.
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 regarding Tower Hamlets Community Housing at Trahorn Close, E1
Mr Yeabor Miah, assisted by Mr Mohammed Haque, 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 matters raised. She thanked residents for their petition and confirmed that she had taken on board concerns expressed about Tower Hamlets Community Housing. However, she stated that they were keen to resolve the issues and therefore she was looking to set aside some time for all sides to meet to come to a solution.
Councillor Rabina Khan stated that it was not this Administration that had pursued stock transfer but her priority was to make the structures work for leaseholders and tenants alike. This included ensuring that residents were listened to.
RESOLVED
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal, for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
5.3 Petition regarding Roman Road regeneration
The Service Head, Democratic Services advised the Council that this petition had been withdrawn and deferred to the next meeting at the request of the petitioners as the lead petitioner was unwell.
5.4 Petition from the Tower Hamlets Traders Business Association UK regarding provision for market traders
The petitioners addressed the meeting and responded to questions from Members.
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.
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TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PDF 53 KB The questions which have been received from members of the public to be put at this Council meeting are set out in the attached report. Note: A maximum period of 20 minutes is allocated to this agenda item.
Decision: 6.1 Question from Ms Kathy McTasney on the impact of the Bedroom Tax.
6.2 Question from Mr Ahmed Hussain on the Canary Riverside underpass.
6.3 Question from Mr Andrew Wood on former NHS Portacabins on the Isle of Dogs.
6.4 Question from Mr Chris Donnelly about the noise impact of events held on the Greenwich Peninsula.
6.9 Question from Mr Saied Ahmed on the filming of Council meetings.
6.10 Question from Mr Abu Ahsan on the Mayor’s relationship with trade unions (no supplementary question was put)
The above questions and (except where indicated) a supplementary question arising from each were put at the meeting and were responded to by the relevant Executive Members.
Questions 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8 and 6.11 were not put at the meeting as the questioners were not present. Written responses would be provided to the questions.
(Action by: John Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services to arrange written responses)
Minutes: 6.1 Question from Ms Kathy McTasney
As the community begin to feel the full impact of the Tory government's Bedroom Tax. Can the Mayor update this meeting and the community what the Council is doing to support residents who are and will be adversely affected?
Response by Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing
Thank you for your important question.
I must make it clear that no tenant of Tower Hamlets Homes has been evicted due to the bedroom tax. All of them are on emergency housing plans so that we can meet the rental from the DHP payments and we are working to see if they can downsize or find ways to use legislation or policies so that they can stay where they are, for example where a tenant needs a carer to stay with them that would mean they are entitled to a two- rather than a one-bedroom property.
I also want to state that it is this government which has introduced the welfare reform, bedroom tax and housing benefit changes. What I find so offensive is that they have hijacked the word reform. It is a good word, it brought in the welfare state, enabled women to vote. They have used it to demonise the working poor.
Summary of Supplementary Question from Ms Kathy McTasney
Why do Island Gardens residents seem to have been forgotten? We asked the Mayor to look into ensuring advice was available in our area particularly for older people.
Summary of Councillor Rabina Khan’s response to the Supplementary Question
Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I promise that I will work with you to ensure that people in Island Gardens can access this information. It is in our interests to ensure that people can sustain themselves, particularly the vulnerable.
6.2 Question from Mr Ahmed Hussain
What steps are being taken to prevent the Canary Riverside underpass being used as a race track?
Response by Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor
Your concerns have been noted and I will take them up with the police.
Summary of Supplementary Question from Mr Ahmed Hussain
Will the Mayor join with me in congratulating Councillor Zara Davis on behalf of the residents of Canary Riverside and the Isle of Dogs for getting water barriers installed and increased police presence to prevent tunnel runs recently. What will you do to ensure that this crime and antisocial behaviour prevention work continues?
Summary of Councillor Ohid Ahmed’s response to the Supplementary Question
I congratulate any councillor who does good work in the community. But when people support an administration that cuts funding for the Police service I cannot thank them.
The responsibility for enforcing against dangerous driving rests with the Metropolitan Police. We will continue to liaise with them in the aim of preventing dangerous nuisance.
6.3 Question from Mr Andrew Wood
What is being done with the former NHS Portacabins on 111-113 Mellish Street, Isle of Dogs? I have heard rumours that it is being allocated to a ... view the full minutes text for item 6. |
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MAYOR'S REPORT The Council’s Constitution provides for the Elected Mayor to give a report at each Ordinary Council Meeting.
A maximum of five minutes is allowed for the Elected Mayor’s report, following which the Speaker of the Council will invite the respective political group leaders 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 the Leader of each Minority Group then responded briefly to the Mayor’s report.
Minutes: The Mayor made his report to the Council meeting, extending a welcome to all present.
The Mayor concluded his report by reiterating the Speaker’s condolences for the family of Ajmol Alom.
The Leader of the Majority group and Leaders of the Minority Groups each responded briefly to the Mayor’s report. They each added their condolences to the family of Ajmol Alom.
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TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PDF 63 KB The questions which have been received from Councillors to be put at this Council meeting are set out in the attached report. Note: A maximum period of 30 minutes is allocated to this agenda item.
Decision: 8.1 Question from Councillor Judith Gardner regarding questions to the Mayor at Council meetings.
8.2 Question from Councillor Zara Davis on the legacy from the 2012 Games.
8.3 Question from Councillor Sirajul Islam on resistance to the EDL march.
8.4 Question from Councillor Fozol Miah congratulating teachers, pupils and parents for their recent exam success.
8.5 Question from Councillor John Pierce on the review of Tower Hamlets Homes leaseholder charges.
8.6 Question from Councillor Gloria Thienel on the use of Millwall Park for a proposed Oktoberfest event.
8.7 Question from Councillor M. A. Mukit, MBE, on a recent street clean up exercise.
8.8 Question from Councillor Kabir Ahmed on efforts to galvanise the community against the EDL.
8.9 Question from Councillor Helal Uddin on the Watts Grove project.
The above questions and (except where indicated) a supplementary question arising from each were put at the meeting and were responded to by the relevant Executive Members.
The remaining questions 8.10 to 8.28 were not put due to a lack of time. Written responses would be provided to the questions.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services – to arrange written responses)
Procedural Motion After Question 8.8 above Councillor Oliur Rahman proposed, and Councillor Alibor Choudhury seconded a procedural motion – “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be altered such that motion 12.4 - Motion against the English Defence League - be considered immediately”.
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
12.4 Motion against the English Defence League
Councillor Alibor Choudhury moved, and Councillor Ohid Ahmed seconded, the motion as printed on the agenda.
Councillor Sirajul Islam moved, and Councillor Rachel Saunders seconded, an amendment as follows:-
“Under ‘This Council Resolves’ add a line to read:-
- That the Council and officers should continue to do all they can to support the banning of EDL marches through our borough.” Councillors Alibor Choudhury and Ohid Ahmed indicated that they accepted the amendment and altered their motion accordingly.
Following debate, Councillor Alibor Choudhury moved abd Councillor Ohid Ahmed seconded a further amendment as follows:-
“To add two further bullet points under ‘This Council Resolves’:-
- Work together to counter right wing stories that aim to divide us and instil fear; and - Accept Islamic Forum of Europe (IFE) as a progressive organisation we will aim to engage.” Following debate the amendment was put to the vote and was defeated,
Councillor Rachael Saunders then moved and Councillor Sirajul Islam seconded a further amendment as follows:-
“To add a further bullet point under ‘This Council Resolves’:-
- To support the work of all organisations that made a contribution to preventing the EDL attack on Tower Hamlets.” Following debate the amendment was put to the vote and was agreed.
The substantive motion as amended was then put to the vote and was unanimously agreed.
DECISION
This Council notes:
That since the murder of Lee Rigby in May 2013, the ... view the full decision text for item 8. Minutes: 8.1 Question from Councillor Judith Gardiner
The Mayor was elected to serve and answer to the people of Tower Hamlets. Does he not understand that by refusing to answer residents’ and councillors’ questions he is insulting the people who elected him?
Response by Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor
The people of the borough voted for the Mayor and will do so again at the next election.
The Mayor holds regular meetings with residents, weekly surgeries and is always out and about in the community answering questions. He had over 6000 items of casework in the last years.
We are the Cabinet members and we have the right to reply. Each public question is answered in full by a Cabinet member.
Summary of Supplementary Question from Councillor Judith Gardiner
None of the Cabinet Members were elected to speak for the Mayor. They were elected as Labour councillors but they have not had the courage to ask their electors if they are happy for them to switch sides. What is the Mayor afraid of?
Summary of Councillor Ohid Ahmed’s response to the Supplementary Question
The Cabinet are members of the executive and we are able, and will continue, to answer questions relevant to our responsibilities, just as happened under the Leadership model. 25,000 people elected the Mayor and we will continue to speak for all residents not just a few councillors.
8.2 Question from Councillor Zara Davis
What is the Mayor doing to ensure that Tower Hamlets benefits from the legacy of the 2012 Games?
Response by Councillor Rania Khan, Cabinet Member for Culture
The Mayor attends the London Legacy Development Corporation to lobby the authority, as well as the GLA and others, to maximise the level of affordable and family housing that is built in the former Olympic Park, and working to ensure that people from Tower Hamlets are able to access this housing.
He also uses his position to ensure Tower Hamlets residents are able to access the job opportunities which arise from the redevelopment of the Olympic Park, building on the 4,000 Olympic jobs secured for local people ahead of Games time.
The Council is also actively assisting local businesses to take advantage of development opportunities, for example through support for the Fit for Legacy project and the ongoing work of East London Business Place.
I do understand that there is more work to be done and we are doing our best to maximise opportunities for local residents.
Summary of Supplementary Question from Councillor Zara Davis
Affordable housing is extremely important. However I’m deeply concerned that Tower Hamlets are only being allocated 27 out of over 1,300 affordable housing units from the athletes village. What have you and the Mayor been doing to take action and secure a better outcome?
Summary of Councillor Rania Khan’s Response to the Supplementary Question
We are fighting this allocation with the East London Housing Partnership and will be taking the issue further.
8.3 Question from Councillor Sirajul Islam
Will the Mayor join me ... 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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STATEMENT OF LICENSING POLICY REVIEW PDF 120 KB Subject to the recommendations of the Executive to be agreed at the Cabinet meeting on 11th September 2013, to adopt the Statement of Licensing Policy to have effect from 1st November 2013 to 31st October 2018 - including approval to the proposed Cumulative Impact Policy for the Brick Lane area as recommended by Cabinet on 31st July 2013; and a proposed ‘no casino’ resolution that would amend the Gambling Policy 2013.
The reports of the Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture submitted to the Cabinet on the above matters are attached as follows:-
· Report to 11th September 2013 Cabinet meeting on the Statement of Licensing Policy review and ‘no casino’ resolution: Pages 65-192
· Report to 31st July 2013 Cabinet meeting on the Cumulative Impact Policy – Brick Lane area: Pages 193-248
A further composite report setting out in full the recommendations of the Executive will be circulated after the Cabinet meeting on 11th September. Additional documents:
Decision: The Council considered the proposals of the Executive arising from the review of the Statement of Licensing Policy as presented in the Supplemental Agenda.
Councillor Ohid Ahmed moved, and Councillor Alibor Choudhury seconded, the recommendations as listed in the report.
Following debate, the recommendations were put to the vote and were agreed.
DECISION
1. That the Statement of Licensing Policy including the Cumulative Impact Zone for the Brick Lane area be adopted as set out at Appendix 5 to the report of the Corporate Director/Head of Paid Service.
2. That the Statement of Licensing Policy take effect from 1st November 2013 until 31st October 2018; and the existing Statement of Licensing Policy be rescinded on the 31st October 2013.
3. To agree the adoption of the ‘no casino’ resolution to amend the Gambling Policy 2013, as set out at Appendix 8 to the report of the Corporate Director/Head of Paid Service.
(Action by: Stephen Halsey,Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture)
Minutes: The Council considered the proposals of the Executive arising from the review of the Statement of Licensing Policy as presented in the Supplemental Agenda.
Councillor Ohid Ahmed moved, and Councillor Alibor Choudhury seconded, the recommendations as listed in the report.
Following debate the recommendations were put to the vote and were agreed.
RESOLVED
1. That the Statement of Licensing Policy including the Cumulative Impact Zone for the Brick Lane area be adopted as set out at Appendix 5 to the report of the Corporate Director/Head of Paid Service.
2. That the Statement of Licensing Policy take effect from 1st November 2013 until 31st October 2018; and the existing Statement of Licensing Policy be rescinded on the 31st October 2013.
3. To agree the adoption of the ‘no casino’ resolution to amend the Gambling Policy 2013, as set out at Appendix 8 to the report of the Corporate Director/Head of Paid Service.
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The recommendations of the Standards Advisory Committee (meeting held on 18th June 2013) for amendments to the procedure for dealing with any alleged breach of the Code of Conduct are set out in the attached report. Decision: The Council considered the report of the Standards (Advisory) Committee proposing revisions to the arrangements for dealing with complaints.
Councillor Rachel Saunders moved, and Councillor Rajib Ahmed seconded, the following amendment to the recommendations in the report:-
“To add to the recommendations:
- That at each of its meetings, a report be presented to the Standards Committee listing all complaints which have exceeded the two month period since referral for investigation and that this report include details of the length of time elapsed since referral and the reasons for the delay to a resolution. This report would include all complaints which exceeded the two month period since the Committee last met as well as those previously reported to the Committee which remain unresolved in excess of the two month period.
- In cases where the Monitoring Officer exercises their power to extend the time period of investigations into complaints from 2 months to 3 months, a report on the reasons for this is presented to the Standards Committee for noting.
- Also in cases where the Monitoring Officer exercises their power to extend the time period of investigations into complaints from 2 months to 3 months a letter is to be sent to the complainant and the subject or subjects of the investigation notifying them of the extension and the reasons for this.
Following debate, the amendment was put to the vote and was agreed.
The substantive recommendations, as amended, were then put to the vote and were agreed.
DECISION
1. That the proposed revisions to arrangements for dealing with complaints about Member conduct set out at Section 4 of the report (attached as Appendix A to the Standards Advisory Committee’s report to the Council) be approved subject to (a) below:-
(a) Extension of the timescale for completion of an investigation, once a complaint is referred for investigation, from the current 1 month to 2 months, with the existing provision for a further 1 month extension by the Monitoring Officer under the provisions of paragraph 8 of the current arrangements to remain, providing for a total maximum period of 3 months.
2. That at each of its meetings, a report be presented to the Standards Committee listing all complaints which have exceeded the two month period since referral for investigation and that this report include details of the length of time elapsed since referral and the reasons for the delay to a resolution. This report would include all complaints which exceeded the two month period since the Committee last met as well as those previously reported to the Committee which remain unresolved in excess of the two month period.
3. In cases where the Monitoring Officer exercises their power to extend the time period of investigations into complaints from 2 months to 3 months, a report on the reasons for this is presented to the Standards Committee for noting.
4. Also in cases where the Monitoring Officer exercises their power to extend the time period of ... view the full decision text for item 9.2 Minutes: The Council considered the report of the Standards (Advisory) Committee proposing revisions to the arrangements for dealing with complaints.
Councillor Rachel Saunders moved, and Councillor Rajib Ahmed seconded, the following amendment to the recommendations in the report:-
“To add to the recommendations:
- That at each of its meetings, a report be presented to the Standards Committee listing all complaints which have exceeded the two month period since referral for investigation and that this report include details of the length of time elapsed since referral and the reasons for the delay to a resolution. This report would include all complaints which exceeded the two month period since the Committee last met as well as those previously reported to the Committee which remain unresolved in excess of the two month period.
- In cases where the Monitoring Officer exercises their power to extend the time period of investigations into complaints from 2 months to 3 months, a report on the reasons for this is presented to the Standards Committee for noting.
- Also in cases where the Monitoring Officer exercises their power to extend the time period of investigations into complaints from 2 months to 3 months a letter is to be sent to the complainant and the subject or subjects of the investigation notifying them of the extension and the reasons for this.
Following debate, the amendment was put to the vote and was agreed.
The substantive recommendations, as amended, were then put to the vote and were agreed.
RESOLVED
1. That the proposed revisions to arrangements for dealing with complaints about Member conduct set out at Section 4 of the report (attached as Appendix A to the Standards Advisory Committee’s report to the Council) be approved subject to (a) below:-
(a) Extension of the timescale for completion of an investigation, once a complaint is referred for investigation, from the current 1 month to 2 months, with the existing provision for a further 1 month extension by the Monitoring Officer under the provisions of paragraph 8 of the current arrangements to remain, providing for a total maximum period of 3 months.
2. That at each of its meetings, a report be presented to the Standards Committee listing all complaints which have exceeded the two month period since referral for investigation and that this report include details of the length of time elapsed since referral and the reasons for the delay to a resolution. This report would include all complaints which exceeded the two month period since the Committee last met as well as those previously reported to the Committee which remain unresolved in excess of the two month period.
3. In cases where the Monitoring Officer exercises their power to extend the time period of investigations into complaints from 2 months to 3 months, a report on the reasons for this is presented to the Standards Committee for noting.
4. Also in cases where the Monitoring Officer exercises their power to extend the time period of ... view the full minutes text for item 9.2 |
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TO RECEIVE REPORTS AND QUESTIONS ON JOINT ARRANGEMENTS AND EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS (if any) Minutes: There was no business under this heading.
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OTHER BUSINESS |
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STANDARDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENT OF CO-OPTED MEMBER(S) PDF 101 KB To consider the recommendations of the interview panel for appointment(s) to the vacant position of co-opted member on the Standards Advisory Committee.
The report of the Service Head, Democratic Services on the above matter is attached. A further report setting out the recommendations of the interview panel will be circulated before the Council meeting. Additional documents: Decision: The Council considered the report of the Service Head, Democratic Services regarding the appointment of Co-opted Members to the Standards (Advisory) Committee, including the addendum report contained in the 2nd supplemental agenda pack.
Following debate, the recommendations set out in the addendum report were put to the vote and were agreed.
DECISION
1. That Mr Barry O’Connor and Mr John Pulford MBE each be appointed as co-opted members of the Standards Advisory Committee (SAC) for a term of office of four years.
2. That the Council note that Mr Denzil Johnson has given notice that he will be unable to undertake his duties as a co-opted member of the SAC during the period from now until the end of April 2014
3. That Mr Grenville Mills be appointed as a co-opted member of the Standards Advisory Committee, to replace Mr Denzil Johnson for the period until 30th April 2014; and that Mr Denzil Johnson be re-appointed to the Committee with effect from 1st May 2014 until the expiry of his original term of office in May 2016.
(Action by: John S Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: The Council considered the report of the Service Head, Democratic Services regarding the appointment of Co-opted Members to the Standards (Advisory) Committee, including the addendum report contained in the 2nd supplemental agenda pack.
Following debate, the recommendations set out in the addendum report were put to the vote and were agreed.
RESOLVED
1. That Mr Barry O’Connor and Mr John Pulford MBE each be appointed as co-opted members of the Standards Advisory Committee (SAC) for a term of office of four years.
2. That the Council note that Mr Denzil Johnson has given notice that he will be unable to undertake his duties as a co-opted member of the SAC during the period from now until the end of April 2014
3. That Mr Grenville Mills be appointed as a co-opted member of the Standards Advisory Committee, to replace Mr Denzil Johnson for the period until 30th April 2014; and that Mr Denzil Johnson be re-appointed to the Committee with effect from 1st May 2014 until the expiry of his original term of office in May 2016.
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2012-13 TREASURY MANAGEMENT OUTTURN REPORT PDF 204 KB To note the Treasury Management outturn position for the financial year ended 31st March 2013 as required by the Local Government Act 2003.
The report of the Corporate Director Resources on the above matter is attached. Decision: The Council considered the report of the Acting Corporate Director, Resources setting out the Treasury Management outturn position for the financial year ending 31 March 2013.
The recommendation set out in the report was put to the vote and was agreed.
DECISION
That the contents of the report be noted.
(Action by: Chris Holme, Acting Corporate Director, Resources)
Minutes: The Council considered the report of the Acting Corporate Director, Resources setting out the Treasury Management outturn position for the financial year ending 31 March 2013.
The recommendation set out in the report was put to the vote and was agreed.
RESOLVED
That the contents of the report be noted.
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REPORT IN RELATION TO THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR'S CAR PDF 79 KB The report of the Acting Corporate Director, Resources is attached. Decision: The Council considered the report of the Acting Corporate Director, Resources in relation to the Executive Mayor’s Car.
Councillor Bill Turner moved, and Councillor Rachel Saunders seconded, an amended recommendation that the report be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for further consideration.
Following debate the amended recommendation was put to the vote and was agreed.
DECISION
That the report of the Acting Corporate Director, Resources be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for further consideration.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services re: reference to O&S Committee; Louise Russell, Service Head, Corporate Strategy & Equality re: O&S Committee work programme.)
Minutes: The Council considered the report of the Acting Corporate Director, Resources in relation to the Executive Mayor’s Car.
Councillor Bill Turner moved, and Councillor Rachel Saunders seconded, an amended recommendation that the report be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for further consideration.
Following debate the amended recommendation was put to the vote and was agreed.
RESOLVED
That the report of the Acting Corporate Director, Resources be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for further consideration.
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TO CONSIDER MOTIONS SUBMITTED BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PDF 131 KB The motions submitted by Councillors for debate at this meeting are set out in the attached report.
Decision: Note – Motions 12.3, 12.4 and 12.13 were considered earlier in the meeting and the decisions are listed at those points.
12.7 Motion regarding the Mayor’s failure to deliver on street cleaning
Councillor Helal Abbas moved, and Councillor Khales Uddin-Ahmed seconded, the motion as printed on the agenda.
Following debate, the motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
DECISION
This Council notes:
-
That across
the borough there have been 667
reports ofmissed bin collections over the last 6 months in the E3
area alone.
-
That in response to the 667 reported missed bin
collections in the E3 area the Council has issued just 9 penalty
notices to the contractor Veolia. This Council believes:
-
That because the above figures only represent missed
bin collections which have been reported by residents they
represent only the tip of the iceberg with many more uncollected
bins left to litter our streets. - 667 reported missed bin collections over 6 months in one postcode area is a damning reflection on the Mayor’s record on street cleanliness.
- That the number of missed bin collections show that the Mayor and his independent Cabinet member for Cleaner and Greener, Cllr Shahed Ali have failed to get to grips with managing the basic services residents rely upon.
- By only issuing penalties to the contractor on 9 occasions despite 667 incidences of failure to fulfil the rubbish collection contract the Mayor and Cllr Ali have shown astounding complacency and ineffectiveness.
This Council further notes:
-
The Mayor’s 2012 Budget chose to cut street
cleaning to only two days a week, as well as introducing charges
for pest control services and bulk rubbish collection.
-
That Labour councillors opposed the Mayor’s
decision to cut the street cleaning budgets highlighting the
potential for it to degrade the borough.
-
The Mayor’s 2013 Budget included £70,000 of cleaner streets funding for resident
‘education’ designed to ‘align the perception and
the reality of the condition of the borough’.
-
Last year’s Annual Residents Survey showed
that 41% of residents have a negative view of street cleaning
services with 35% unhappy with rubbish collections. This Council believes:
-
The Mayor’s cuts to street cleaning are having
a demonstrable effect on the state of our borough’s
streets.
-
By spending £70,000 of taxpayers’ money
on propaganda campaigns to ‘educate’ residents how
clean the streets are the Mayor is missing the point, we need
cleaner streets not more propaganda.
-
That the Mayor should spend less time being ferried
around the streets in his tax payer funded Mercedes and actually
get out and see the results of his cuts to street
cleaning. - The Mayor’s claims that the streets are 97% are ridiculous and just shows how out of touch he and his Cabinet are.
This Council resolves:
-
To censure the Mayor and Cllr Ali for their failure
to effectively manage the Council’s contract for bin
collections with Veolia. - To instruct the Section 151 ... view the full decision text for item 12. Minutes: Note – Motions 12.3, 12.4 and 12.13 had been considered earlier in the meeting and the decisions are listed at those points.
12.7 Motion regarding the Mayor’s failure to deliver on street cleaning
Councillor Helal Abbas moved, and Councillor Khales Uddin-Ahmed seconded, the motion as printed on the agenda.
Following debate, the motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
RESOLVED
This Council notes:
-
That across
the borough there have been 667
reports ofmissed bin collections over the last 6 months in the E3
area alone.
-
That in response to the 667 reported missed bin
collections in the E3 area the Council has issued just 9 penalty
notices to the contractor Veolia. This Council believes:
-
That because the above figures only represent missed
bin collections which have been reported by residents they
represent only the tip of the iceberg with many more uncollected
bins left to litter our streets. - 667 reported missed bin collections over 6 months in one postcode area is a damning reflection on the Mayor’s record on street cleanliness.
- That the number of missed bin collections show that the Mayor and his independent Cabinet member for Cleaner and Greener, Cllr Shahed Ali have failed to get to grips with managing the basic services residents rely upon.
- By only issuing penalties to the contractor on 9 occasions despite 667 incidences of failure to fulfil the rubbish collection contract the Mayor and Cllr Ali have shown astounding complacency and ineffectiveness.
This Council further notes:
-
The Mayor’s 2012 Budget chose to cut street
cleaning to only two days a week, as well as introducing charges
for pest control services and bulk rubbish collection.
-
That Labour councillors opposed the Mayor’s
decision to cut the street cleaning budgets highlighting the
potential for it to degrade the borough.
-
The Mayor’s 2013 Budget included £70,000 of cleaner streets funding for resident
‘education’ designed to ‘align the perception and
the reality of the condition of the borough’.
-
Last year’s Annual Residents Survey showed
that 41% of residents have a negative view of street cleaning
services with 35% unhappy with rubbish collections. This Council believes:
-
The Mayor’s cuts to street cleaning are having
a demonstrable effect on the state of our borough’s
streets.
-
By spending £70,000 of taxpayers’ money
on propaganda campaigns to ‘educate’ residents how
clean the streets are the Mayor is missing the point, we need cleaner streets not more
propaganda.
-
That the Mayor should spend less time being ferried
around the streets in his tax payer funded Mercedes and actually
get out and see the results of his cuts to street
cleaning. - The Mayor’s claims that the streets are 97% are ridiculous and just shows how out of touch he and his Cabinet are.
This Council resolves:
-
To censure the Mayor and Cllr Ali for their failure
to effectively manage the Council’s contract for bin
collections with Veolia. - To instruct the Section ... view the full minutes text for item 12. |