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 Ohid Ahmed, Shahed Ali, Fazlul Haque, Alex Heslop, Sirajul Islam and Oliur Rahman.
DECISION
That the apologies for absence be noted.
Minutes: Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Ohid Ahmed, Shahed Ali, Fazlul Haque, Alex Heslop, Sirajul Islam and Oliur Rahman.
RESOLVED
That the apologies for absence 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 ordinary meeting of the Council held on 15th October 2008. Decision: DECISION
That the minutes of the meeting held on 15th October 2008 be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and the Mayor be authorised to sign them accordingly.
Minutes: RESOLVED
That subject to correction of the spelling of Councillor Clair Hawkins’ name at minute 4 (iii), the minutes of the meeting held on 15th October 2008 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 FROM THE MAYOR, LEADER OF THE COUNCIL, MEMBERS OF THE CABINET OR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Decision: Please see minutes. Minutes: (i) Cllr Rachael Saunders
Councillor Lutfur Rahman, Leader of the Council, welcomed Councillor Rachael Saunders to her first Council meeting since she was elected in a by-election as a Councillor for Mile End East ward..
(ii) Women Councillors of the Future Programme
The Mayor was pleased to welcome to the meeting a group of aspiring members from the Women Councillors of the Future programme. He expressed the hope that they would find the meeting interesting and enjoyable and would return to the Chamber in the future.
(iii) Lead Member, Children’s Services
Councillor Clair Hawkins, Lead Member, Children’s Services, addressed the Council concerning the tragic death in a neighbouring borough of a child (Child ‘H’) who had for a short period been resident in Tower Hamlets.
On behalf of all Members, Councillor Hawkins shared Redbridge Council’s deep sense of sadness and regret about Child H’s death and extended her heartfelt sympathy to the child’s family and friends.
Child H had spent most of her tragically short life outside of Tower Hamlets and the Serious Case Review undertaken by the Redbridge Local Safeguarding Children Board had made only one recommendation about this borough and had stated that it did not require immediate attention. However, the Council is always deeply concerned if any service becomes involved, directly or indirectly, in such a tragic case and had therefore implemented the recommendation willingly, fully and immediately.
Councillor Stephanie Eaton and Councillor Peter Golds addressed the meeting in turn. They each echoed Councillor Hawkins’ shock and sadness at the case and expressed concern at some shortcomings described in the Serious Case Review; but welcomed the measures that had been taken and briefing that the group leaders had received on the matter.
Councillor Lutfur Rahman, Leader of the Council also expressed his sympathy and horror at the death of Child H. He agreed that any delays to the assessment process were of concern and welcomed the speedy implementation of the Board’s recommendation and response of the Council’s Children’s Services department in this regard.
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TO RECEIVE ANY DEPUTATIONS OR PETITIONS PDF 38 KB The deputations and petitions received for presentation to the Council Meeting are set out in the attached agenda item 5. Decision: DEPUTATIONS
There were no deputations at this meeting.
PETITIONS
The meeting agreed to suspend Procedure Rule 19.1 to allow for an additional petition, on the same matter as one of the petitions listed on the agenda, to be heard at the meeting. This additional petition was taken at item 5.2.4 below.
5.2.1 Petition re: Land south of Rainhill Way
Ms. Clare O’Riordan addressed the meeting in support of the petition.
DECISION
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
(Action by: Paul Evans, Interim Corporate Director, Development and Renewal)
5.2.2 Petition re: Crossrail
Mr. Muhammed Haque addressed the meeting in support of the petition.
DECISION
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
(Action by: Paul Evans, Interim Corporate Director, Development and Renewal)
5.2.3 Petition re: 73 Bishops Way, E2
Mr. Shanur Miah addressed the meeting in support of the petition.
DECISION
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director Development & Renewal for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
(Action by: Paul Evans, Interim Corporate Director Development & Renewal)
5.2.4 Petition re: 73 Bishops Way, E2
Mr. Mohammed Shah addressed the meeting in support of the petition.
DECISION
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director Development & Renewal for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
(Action by: Paul Evans, Interim Corporate Director Development & Renewal)
Minutes: DEPUTATIONS
There were no deputations at this meeting.
PETITIONS
Councillor Lutfur Rahman, Leader of the Council, MOVED and Councillor Stephanie Eaton SECONDED - “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.4, the Council agree to suspend Rule 19.1 to enable an additional petition on 73 Bishops Way to be heard.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed. The additional petition was taken at item 5.2.4.
5.2.1 Petition re: Land south of Rainhill Way
At the invitation of the Mayor, Ms. Clare O’Riordan addressed the meeting in support of the petition concerning land south of Rainhill Way. She re-iterated the points raised in the written petition and asked when the land would be returned to its previous condition before the planning breach was made.
Ms. O’Riordan responded to questions from Members of the Council.
Councillor Marc Francis, Lead Member for Housing and Development responded to the matters raised in Ms. O’Riordan’s petition. As part of the regeneration of the estate, Swan Housing Association would be converting the site into usable open space for the benefit of the community. Councillor Francis had been assured by senior officers at Swan Housing that there was no intention on the Housing Association’s part to avoid its obligations. However in view of the points raised in the petition, Councillor Francis undertook to contact the petitioners and arrange to visit the site.
RESOLVED
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
5.2.2 Petition re: Crossrail
At the invitation of the Mayor, Mr. Muhammed Haque addressed the meeting in support of the petition from the Khoodeelaar! Campaign regarding Crossrail. He re-iterated the points raised in the written petition.
Mr. Haque responsed to questions from Members of the Council.
Councillor Marc Francis, the Lead Member for Housing and Development, responded to matters raised in the petition. Tower Hamlets had played an active role in the scrutiny of the Crossrail Act which became law on 22 July 2008, and had kept the local community informed of developments throughout. The Council had consistently supported the principle of Crossrail because of the economic and transport benefits it would bring to the borough but this support was always subject to the construction of stations at the Isle of Dogs and Whitechapel, and to minimising the environmental and any other adverse impacts of the construction work. Councillor Francis outlined a number of the significant achievements in this regard including Crossrail’s review of its tunnelling strategy.
RESOLVED
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
5.2.3 Petition re: 73 Bishops Way, E2
At the invitation of the Mayor, Mr. Shanur Miah addressed the meeting in support of the petition from the London Muslim Heritage Centre regarding 73 Bishops Way, E2.
Mr. Miah responded to questions by Members of the Council.
It was AGREED that the ... view the full minutes text for item 5. |
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TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PDF 21 KB (Maximum of 30 minutes allowed)
The questions which have been received are set out in agenda item 6. Decision: 6.1 Question from Ms. Johanna Kaschke to the Lead Member for Cleaner, Safer, Greener, Councillor Abdal Ullah re: funding for Neighbourhood Watch Schemes.
The above question and an oral supplementary question were put by Ms Kaschke and responded to by the Lead Member, Cleaner, Safer, Greener
(Action by: Stephen Halsey, Corporate Director Communities, Localities and Culture)
Urgent Motion – Woolworths
Councillor Abjol Miah moved, Councillor Dulal Uddin seconded and the meeting agreed the suspension of Procedure Rule 13.1 to enable an urgent motion on the above matter to be considered at the meeting.
Councillor Abjol Miah then moved and Councillor Dulal Uddin seconded under Procedure Rule 14.1.3, to vary the order of business to enable the urgent motion in respect of Woolworths to be discussed as the next item. This procedural motion was lost and the urgent motion was placed as motion 11.13 on the agenda.
Minutes: 6.1 Question from Ms. Johanna Kaschke to the Lead Member for Cleaner, Safer, Greener, Councillor Abdal Ullah
“When I recently enquired about funding I was told that the Council does not support Neighbourhood Watch Schemes. I believe that Neighbourhood Watch Schemes provide an essential communications tool between the community and the Police and help both sides to work toward a reduction in crime. Not even 17 extra Police officers can function efficiently without the co-operation of residents, where Neighbourhood Watch Schemes play a necessary role to further relations with the Police. Why doesn’t the Council support Neighbourhood Watch Schemes?”
Response of the Lead Member:
The Partnership Serious Acquisitive Crime sub group has supported and funded the launch of the new Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators group at Oxford House on 13 November. Tower Hamlets Police and the Local Authority see Neighbourhood Watches as a crucial element in preventing crime and engaging local communities. Safer Neighbourhood Teams will be looking to increase the current 40 Watches in the New Year and this will include promoting them in the media as well as erecting local signs in Watch areas.
Summary of supplementary question from Ms. Kaschke:
I was present at the launch on 25th November where the Metropolitan Police and the Deputy Mayor of London supported Neighbourhood Watch Schemes. The decline in schemes is due to lack of funding. What will the Council do to actually provide funds to support Neighbourhood Watch Schemes?
Summary of Lead Member’s response:
I was also at the launch. It is not just a question of funding it also about working with partners in the LAPs and effective communication. I hope that you will wish to play a role in this and I invite you to participate and champion the scheme.
At this point (9.01 pm), the meeting was adjourned to enable a number of members of the public to leave the gallery.
The meeting resumed at 9.12 pm and the Service Head, Democratic Services informed Members that the revised projected end time for the meeting was now 10.45 pm.
Urgent Motion – Woolworths (tabled)
Councillor Abjol Miah MOVED and Councillor Dulal Uddin SECONDED “That under Procedural rule 14.1.4, rule 13.1 be suspended to enable the following urgent motion on Woolworths to be considered at the meeting:-
This Council notes:
a) The imminent closure of Woolworths with the loss of 30,000 jobs, the biggest single loss of jobs so far in the credit crunch, and the loss of 815 high street stores supplying cheap and useful goods to people on low incomes;
b) That Woolworths has been made bankrupt by the credit crunch which saw banks refusing to roll over loans and insurers refusing to insure Woolworths debts;
c) That there are three Woolworths stores in Tower Hamlets, one in the Bethnal Green Road, one in Roman Road and one in Vesey Path near Chrisp Street, Poplar;
d) That the closure of Woolworths stores in Tower Hamlets will not only put more than 100 people out ... view the full minutes text for item 6. |
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TO RECEIVE QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PDF 47 KB (Maximum of 30 minutes allowed)
The questions which have been received are set out in agenda item 7. Decision: Councillor Tim Archer moved, Councillor Peter Golds seconded and the meeting agreed to suspend Procedure Rule 12.3 to enable an urgent question regarding Housing Associations to be put to the Lead Member for Housing and Development.
Councillor Tim Archer further moved and Councillor Peter Golds seconded, under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 to vary the order of business to enable the urgent question regarding Housing Associations to be asked as the first question. This procedural motion was lost and the urgent question was placed at item 7.28 on the agenda.
7.1 Question from Councillor Rachael Saunders to the Lead Member for Cleaner, Safer, Greener, Councillor Abdal Ullah re: anti-social behaviour in the Mile End East ward.
7.2 Question from Councillor Tim Archer to the Lead Member for Housing and Development, Councillor Marc Francis re: recruitment of senior officers for Tower Hamlets Homes.
7.3 Question from Councillor Abjol Miah to the Leader of the Council, Councillor Lutfur Rahman re: the Olympics.
7.4 Question from Councillor Stephanie Eaton to the Lead Member for Cleaner, Safer, Greener, Councillor Abdal Ullah re: Police stop and search activity.
7.5 Question from Councillor Rania Khan to the Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Dr. Anwara Ali re: the telecare scheme.
7.6 Question from Councillor David Snowdon to the Lead Member for Resources and Performance, Councillor Joshua Peck re: pay rates for contractors and temporary staff.
The above questions, and oral supplementary questions where put, were responded to by the relevant Lead Members.
Due to lack of time, questions 7 – 28 were not put. Written responses will be forwarded to the questioners.
(Action by John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: Councillor Tim Archer MOVED and Councillor Peter Golds SECONDED “That Procedural Rule 12.3 be suspended to enable the following urgent question which is a matter of public policy involving the Council to be put to the Lead Member for Housing and Development:-
Peter Marsh, the Chief Executive of the Tenant Services Authority, the housing association regulator, has disclosed to Parliament and reported in the Guardian today that six medium to large housing associations were now in serious financial difficulty. Would the Lead Member please inform the Council if any of the Housing Associations in this borough are affected?”
The procedural motion was put to the meeting and was agreed.
Councillor Tim Archer further MOVED and Councillor Peter Golds SECONDED “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied to enable the urgent question regarding Housing Associations to be asked as the first question.”
The procedural motion was put to the meeting was defeated. The additional question was therefore placed at item 7.28 on the agenda. The Lead Member for Housing and Development, Councillor Marc Francis, stated that he would be happy to provide a written response to the question following the meeting.
7.1 Question from Councillor Rachael Saunders to the Lead Member for Cleaner, Safer, Greener, Councillor Abdal Ullah
What measures is the Lead Member taking to deal with anti-social behaviour in Mile End East ward?
Response of the Lead Member:
A Reduction of ASB is a key priority for police Safer Neighbourhood teams working in partnership with Borough council teams.
The current Public Set Priorities are;
Eric Street Estate - ASB and drugs. The police have now completed their baseline survey and have started work, concentrating around Eric St, Hamlets Way and Mossford Street. Gangs of youths are the main concern along with drug dealing in and around the area. A drug warrant has recently been executed at a local address.
Leopold Est - ASB, drugs. This has been running for about 6 months and is due for a review.
Adopt a block system is in place.
The e3 night club is situated at the corner of Burdett Road and Bow Road. It was historically a major source of excessive noise nuisance and attracted a considerable amount of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the surrounding area late at night and in the early hours at weekends. The area is covered by CCTV cameras. Recently the cameras were instrumental in ensuring the closure of this night club. Following the closure of the club a resident’s satisfaction survey was carried out to assess the response of residents to the levels of ASB in the ward. The overwhelming response from residents to this survey was that the ASB has significantly reduced in the area. The cameras are also used to monitor the activity of groups of youths that congregate in Mile End Park by the bridge over Mile End Road. Mile End East Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) is contacted if there are any incidents of ASB. ... 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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Additional documents: Decision: DECISION
That the Council notes the report of the Scrutiny Working Group on the Licensing of Strip Clubs and the action plan approved by the Cabinet on 5th November 2008.
(Action by: Lutfur Ali, Assistant Chief Executive/Stephen Halsey, Corporate Director Communities, Localities and Culture)
Minutes: The meeting considered the report of the Cabinet meeting on 5th November 2008 in relation to the above item.
Councillor Abdal Ullah MOVED and Councillor Abdul Asad SECONDED the recommendations as set out in the report.
Councillor Abdal Ullah, Lead Member for Cleaner, Safer, Greener introduced the report. He welcomed the valuable contribution that the Scrutiny Working Group members had made and considered that this was an example of effective joint working.
Councillor Rania Khan addressed the meeting on the work that the Scrutiny Working Group had undertaken. She welcomed the change in the law which she considered had come about as a result of pressure from local communities and authorities such as Tower Hamlets.
Other Members commented on the report and welcomed the information and action plan set out therein.
After discussion, the recommendations were put to the meeting and were agreed. Accordingly it was
RESOLVED
That the Council notes the report of the Scrutiny Working Group on the Licensing of Strip Clubs and the action plan approved by the Cabinet on 5th November 2008.
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TO RECEIVE REPORTS AND QUESTIONS ON JOINT ARRANGEMENTS AND EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS |
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Joint Arrangements No business under this heading to be considered. Decision: There was no business under this heading to be considered.
Minutes: There was no business under this heading to be considered.
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External Organisations No business under this heading to be considered. Decision: There was no business under this heading to be considered.
Minutes: There was no business under this heading to be considered.
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OTHER BUSINESS |
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Review of proportionality and allocation of places on committees and panels of the Council PDF 32 KB Decision: DECISION
It was agreed to:
(a) note the review of proportionality at paragraph 3 of the report; and
(b) note that no change is required to the allocation of seats on committees and panels made at the last Council meeting and set out at paragraph 4 of the report.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: Councillor Lutfur Rahman MOVED and Councillor Mohammed Shahid Ali SECONDED the recommendations as set out in the report.
After discussion, Councillor Joshua Peck MOVED and Councillor Carli Harper-Penman SECONDED “That the question be now put.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
The recommendations as moved by Councillor Lutfur Rahman and seconded by Councillor Mohammed Shahid Ali were then put to the vote and were agreed. Accordingly it was
RESOLVED
(a) To note the review of proportionality at paragraph 3 of the report; and
(b) To note that no change is required to the allocation of seats on committees and panels made at the last Council meeting and set out at paragraph 4 of the report.
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TO CONSIDER MOTIONS SUBMITTED BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PDF 78 KB The motions submitted by Members of the Council for debate at this Council Meeting are set out in agenda item 11. Decision: Change to order of business
The meeting agreed under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 to vary the order of business within agenda item 11 as follows:-
(i) Motion 11.6 re: the London Living Wage to be taken first (ii) Motion 11.3 re: ending child poverty to be taken second (iii) The remaining motions to be taken in order as listed in the agenda including the additional motion 11.13 accepted onto the agenda earlier in the meeting.
11.6 Motion submitted by Councillor Lutfur Rahman regarding the London Living Wage
An amendment moved by Councillor Ahmed Hussain and seconded by Councillor Dr Emma Jones was defeated.
The motion as moved by Councillor Lutfur Rahman and seconded by Councillor Rachael Saunders was agreed as follows:-
DECISION
This Council:
· supports the establishment of the London Living Wage, set at a level calculated by the Living Wage Unit to avoid poverty wages being paid in the capital;
· abhors the fact that around 400,000 Londoners continue to fall into a ‘working poverty trap’ because their families are paid less than required to fund the basic costs of living in London;
· calls on the Leader to review Tower Hamlets Council’s procurement, contract and best value policies to ensure that, as far as possible within UK and EU law, the London Living Wage, at the level set by the GLA’s Living Wage Unit, is the minimum paid by Tower Hamlets Council and by its contractors and thatall temporary workers employed by the council are paid at least £7.45 an hour by their agency;
· calls on the Leader to seek commitments from Tower Hamlets’ partners in the Local Strategic Partnership to pay no less than the London Living Wage; and
· calls on the Leader to ensure that the Council’s commitment to the London Living Wage is clearly displayed on Council headed paper, the Council website and other appropriate locations.
11.3 Motion submitted by Councillor Clair Hawkins regarding ending child poverty in Tower Hamlets
An amendment moved by Councillor Peter Golds and seconded by Councillor Tim Archer was defeated.
The motion as moved by Councillor Clair Hawkins and seconded by Councillor Lutfur Rahman was agreed as follows:-
DECISION
This Council notes:
Minutes: Change to order of business
Councillor Lutfur Rahman MOVED and Councillor Joshua Peck SECONDED “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the order of business within agenda item 11 be varied to allow (i) Motion 11.6 on the London Living Wage to be taken first (ii); Motion 11.3 on ending child poverty to be taken second; and (iii) the remaining motions then to be taken in order as listed in the agenda including the additional motion 11.13 accepted onto the agenda earlier in the meeting.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
11.6 Motion submitted by Councillor Lutfur Rahman regarding the London Living Wage
Councillor Lutfur Rahman MOVED and Councillor Rachael Saunders SECONDED the motion 11.6 as set out in the agenda.
Extension of time for the meeting
Councillor Lutfur Rahman MOVED and Councillor Rachael Saunders SECONDED “That under Procedure Rule 9.1 the meeting be extended until 11.00pm.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
After discussion of motion 11.6, an amendment was MOVED by Councillor Ahmed Hussain and SECONDED by Councillor Dr Emma Jones as follows:-
“That after bullet point 4, the following bullet points be added before the last bullet point:
After further discussion the amendment MOVED by Councillor Ahmed Hussain and SECONDED by Councillor Dr. Emma Jones was put to the vote and was defeated.
The substantive motion was then put to the vote and was agreed. Accordingly it was
RESOLVED
That this Council:
· supports the establishment of the London Living Wage, set at a level calculated by the Living Wage Unit to avoid poverty wages being paid in the capital;
· abhors the fact that around 400,000 Londoners continue to fall into a ‘working poverty trap’ because their families are paid less than required to fund the basic costs of living in London;
· calls on the Leader to review Tower Hamlets Council’s procurement, contract and best value policies to ensure that, as far as possible within UK and EU law, the London Living Wage, at the level set by the GLA’s Living Wage Unit, is the minimum paid by Tower Hamlets Council and by its contractors and thatall temporary workers employed by the council are paid at least £7.45 an hour by their agency;
· calls on the Leader to seek commitments from Tower Hamlets’ partners in the Local Strategic Partnership to pay no less than the London Living Wage; and
· calls on the Leader to ensure that the Council’s commitment to the London Living Wage is clearly displayed on Council ... view the full minutes text for item 11. |