There were no apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interest.

The unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 27 March 2019 are presented for approval.

RESOLVED

1.    That the unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday 27 March 2019 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record of proceedings.

The Mayor made a number of announcements at the meeting, including:

·         Expressing shock at the terrorist attack in Sri Lanka. He reported that with the Chief Executive he would be sending a joint letter of condolence to the High Commissioner.

·         Noting the work the Council was undertaking to tackle violent crime and the action plan that had been put together in response to last year’s Scrutiny review. The Council was working in partnership with schools, the Police and St Giles amongst others. The Council was also securing additional funding from government to tackle serious knife crime and gang issues in the borough.

·         Noting the 20^th Anniversary of the Brick Lane bombing atrocity. He would be unveiling a plaque there later in the day.

·         Congratulating Jaami Barry on being elected as Young Mayor and he looked forward to working with the Young Mayor and his Deputies.

·         Thank Owen Whalley (Divisional Director, Planning & Building Control) for his thirty years’ service to the borough and wish him well for his retirement.

Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) to report on any issues  raised by the OSC in relation to unrestricted business to be considered.

Pre-decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were presented in respect of Agenda Items 6.2 (Strategic Plan 2019-22) and Growth and Economic Development Plan 2018-23.

These were considered during discussion of the relevant items.

In addition the Councillor Abdal Ullah, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC), provided Cabinet with an update on the recent OSC meeting. He reported that:

·         The Committee had heard from the Young Mayor and heard about the kinds of issues that were important to young people such as the environment, safety and poverty. The Committee were really impressed by the young people and looked forward to working with them in the future. He encouraged the Council to think about working with the Young Mayor and his team as much as possible, especially in looking at how they could help in communicating with other young people in the borough.

·         There had been a big discussion on Community Safety and he commended the report that was on the Cabinet agenda today following the Scrutiny Review.

·         They had explored the issues of underachievement by some white working class residents.

·         To note that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee were exploring options for restructuring its Sub-Committees and the Lead Member portfolios.

The Mayor thanked him for his presentation and for his work over the year.

Nil items.

DECISION

1.    To note this report and the progress made since the Scrutiny Review report was published in March 2018, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

2.    To approve the action plan which sets out the Council’s response to the recommendations of the Scrutiny Review Session in Appendix 2 to the report.

3.    To support the continuation of efforts made through newly implemented initiatives to disrupt gang activity, with particular attention on the improved quality and timeliness of services for children at risk of becoming involved in gang activity and serious youth violence.

4.    To acknowledge the recognition of Ofsted in monitoring visit reports as to the improvements made in Children’s Social Care.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, CHILDREN AND CULTURE (D. JONES)

Councillor Danny Hassell, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Young People, and Councillor Asma Begum, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Equalities, introduced the report on the proposed Action Plan following last year’s Scrutiny Review into Gangs and Serious Youth Violence.

They highlighted that this was a big concern for residents and so the Council was investing significant time and money into tackling the problem including working with partners where possible. For example, a violent crime summit had been held recently which had resulted in a statement of actions to undertake.

The Action Plan following the scrutiny review had resulted in 20 recommendations built around four themes with safeguarding central to all areas.

A large number of projects were being undertaken, strategies refreshed and new resources identified including creating new posts linked to the major trauma unit at the Royal London Hospital.

The Mayor welcomed the report and highlighted the real difference this work was making. He thanked Denise Radley the Corporate Director, Health, Adults and Community, Ann Corbett, Divisional Director for Community Safety and everyone involved in the work. He agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To note this report and the progress made since the Scrutiny Review report was published in March 2018, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

2.    To approve the action plan which sets out the Council’s response to the recommendations of the Scrutiny Review Session in Appendix 2 to the report.

3.    To support the continuation of efforts made through newly implemented initiatives to disrupt gang activity, with particular attention on the improved quality and timeliness of services for children at risk of becoming involved in gang activity and serious youth violence.

4.    To acknowledge the recognition of Ofsted in monitoring visit reports as to the improvements made in Children’s Social Care.

The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officers responses were noted.

DECISION

1.    To adopt the draft Strategic Plan for 2019-22 at Appendix 1 to the report.

2.    To endorse the proposed approach to strategic delivery as set out in paragraph 3.5-3.8 of the report; and

3.    To delegate to the Divisional Director, Strategy, Policy & Performance to finalise the Plan following Cabinet and following consultation with the Mayor.

Action by:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE (W. TUCKLEY)

(Head of Corporate Strategy and Policy (A. Hoque)

(Senior Strategy and Policy Manager (A. Boey)

The Mayor introduced the report on the Council’s Strategic Plan for 2019-22. He highlighted how the Plan mapped the Council’s objectives onto clear work objectives giving examples such as around the waste strategy, healthy residents, safeguarding issues, Brexit and tackling drug markets.

He thanked all the officers involved in the report. He noted the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses and agreed the recommendations.

RESOLVED

1.    To adopt the draft Strategic Plan for 2019-22 at Appendix 1 to the report.

2.    To endorse the proposed approach to strategic delivery as set out in paragraph 3.5-3.8 of the report; and

3.    To delegate to the Divisional Director, Strategy, Policy & Performance to finalise the Plan following Cabinet and following consultation with the Mayor.

DECISION

1.    To note the progress to date in the development of the Tower Hamlets Safeguarding Children Partnership and Child Death Review (CDR) systems outlined in (paragraphs 3.1 to 3.14 of the report and appendices A, B and C to the report).

2.    To approve the authority of the Corporate Director Children and Culture to act on behalf of LBTH at the THSCP (paragraph 3.4 of the report).

3.    To approve the move to the shared CDR function in North East London (paragraph 3.13 of the report).

4.    To note the indicative budget outlined in paragraph 3.7 and works underway to scope the full costs of the THSCP (paragraph 3.1 of the report).

5.    To note the works underway to scope the full costs and contribution to North East London CDR systems (paragraph 3.8 of the report).

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, CHILDREN AND CULTURE (D. JONES)

(Project Manager (D. Devitt)

Councillor Danny Hassell, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Young People, introduced the report providing an update on the Tower Hamlets Safeguarding Partnership and the new arrangements that were being set up. He explained that the changes followed a national review of children’s safeguarding and new arrangements were required to be implemented by March next year.

The report set out a number of changes including the replacement of the Local Safeguarding Children Board and changes to serious case reviews.

The Mayor highlighted how important it was to get this right. In particular he noted the importance of working with stakeholders and key partners.

He thanked Daniel Devitt and the Integrated Youth and Community Service for their work and agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the progress to date in the development of the Tower Hamlets Safeguarding Children Partnership and Child Death Review (CDR) systems outlined in (paragraphs 3.1 to 3.14 of the report and appendices A, B and C to the report).

2.    To approve the authority of the Corporate Director Children and Culture to act on behalf of LBTH at the THSCP (paragraph 3.4 of the report).

3.    To approve the move to the shared CDR function in North East London (paragraph 3.13 of the report).

4.    To note the indicative budget outlined in paragraph 3.7 and works underway to scope the full costs of the THSCP (paragraph 3.1 of the report).

5.    To note the works underway to scope the full costs and contribution to North East London CDR systems (paragraph 3.8 of the report).

DECISION

1.    To agree the proposed Enforcement Policy set out at Appendix 1 to the report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Head of Environmental Health and Trading Standards)

Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Environment, introduced the report presenting the review of the Council’s Enforcement Policy.

He explained that the policy had last been updated in 2010 and so it needed to be brought up to date with legal and other changes. He highlighted that there were a wide range of potential enforcement actions but that the Council had to ensure they were consistent and proportional.

The Mayor welcomed the report as setting a clear framework for the Council and agreed the recommendation as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree the proposed Enforcement Policy set out at Appendix 1 to the report.

The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

DECISION

1.    To approve the Growth and Economic Development Plan.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Divisional Director, Growth and Economic Development (V. Clark)

(Senior Strategy, Policy and Performance Officer (E. Bireroglu)

(Senior Strategy and Policy Manager (K. Okawa)

Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman, Cabinet Member for Work and Economic Development, introduced the report setting out the Council’s Growth and Economic Development Plan for 2018-23.

He explained that the draft plan had been put out to consultation and now, following consideration of those submissions, was presented for agreement. The aim was to support the building of an economy that worked for local people and ensure everyone was able to benefit from the borough’s success. He gave examples of particular priorities including around careers advice and supporting successful high streets.

There followed a discussion on the importance of supporting young people into jobs and officers highlighted two pilot projects in this area. Councillor Denise Jones then also noted that she sat on the Board of St John Cass and had seen the work they were doing supporting young people into getting jobs.

The Mayor welcomed the comments made during the discussion. He also noted how this Plan was part of a suite of strategies about regeneration and that he would be keeping an eye on its potential impact.

He noted the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses and agreed the recommendation as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To approve the Growth and Economic Development Plan.

DECISION

1.    To approve the adoption of the updated Statement of Community Involvement, to supersede the 2017 version.

2.    To note the specific equalities considerations as set out in paragraphs 4.1 to 4.3 of the report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Strategic Planning Manager (A. Maher)

(Planning Officer (S. Heywood)

Councillor Rachel Blake, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Air Quality introduced the report proposing the adoption of the Statement of Community Involvement in relation to the preparation of planning documents and the taking of planning decisions. The Council considered it important to ensure meaningful public consultation took place and that the process was easy for residents to engage with.

The Mayor welcomed the report and agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To approve the adoption of the updated Statement of Community Involvement, to supersede the 2017 version.

2.    To note the specific equalities considerations as set out in paragraphs 4.1 to 4.3 of the report.

DECISION

1.    To agree the nominations to outside bodies as shown in Paragraph 3.4 of the report.

2.    To agree to discontinue nominations to the outside bodies as shown in Paragraph 3.6 of the report as proposed by the General Purposes Committee review.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, GOVERNANCE AND MONITORING OFFICER (A. HUSSAIN)

(Head of Mayor’s Office (D. Courcoux)

(Head of Democratic Services (M. Mannion)

The Mayor introduced the report proposing a number of nominations to outside bodies and to the removal of some outside bodies from the list following a review by the General Purposes Committee. He thanked officers for their work and agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree the nominations to outside bodies as shown in Paragraph 3.4 of the report.

2.    To agree to discontinue nominations to the outside bodies as shown in Paragraph 3.6 of the report as proposed by the General Purposes Committee review.

The reasons for urgency were agreed.

The exempt appendix to the report was noted.

DECISION

1.    To note that the Council land at Ailsa Street, Lochnagar Street and Bromley Hall Road E14, as shown on the plan at Appendix A to the report, was confirmed by Cabinet as being surplus to the Council’s requirements in November 2017.

2.    To agree to the disposal of the Council’s freehold interest in the Council land to London River Lea One Ltd on the terms set out in the report.

3.    To authorise the Corporate Director of Place, to agree to any subsequent minor or favourable variations to the terms and the precise boundaries of the Council land to be sold, in order to implement the recommendation above.

4.    To agree to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Place to decide whether the Council will acquire the affordable housing units to be provided within the scheme and whether to acquire a further 5% of the total number of units provided, for use as additional affordable housing, or to meet other housing objectives.

5.    To agree to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Place to agree the terms for both of the acquisitions mentioned in recommendation 4 above.

6.    To authorise the Corporate Director of Place of to agree to any subsequent minor or favourable variations to the terms and the precise boundaries of the land to be sold, in order to implement the recommendations above.

7.    To authorise the Corporate Director of Place, to enter into the necessary legal agreements required to implement the recommendations above.

8.    To note the equalities considerations as set out in section 7 of the report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Acting Divisional Director, Property and Major Programmes (R. Chilcott)

The Mayor introduced the report on the proposed disposal of land on Ailsa Street. He agreed the reasons for urgency as set out in the report, namely that:

“The report cannot await the next scheduled meeting of Cabinet in May because the purchasers of the Council land, who are the developers of the Ailsa Street scheme, have indicated that an earlier decision is required in order to fit with its development timetable.  The negotiations with the developers have recently been concluded, with insufficient time for the report to be finalised and published at least five days prior to the meeting.  However it should be noted that the forthcoming decision notice was published in May 2018”.

He highlighted that discussions with the developers had ensured the Council was securing a number of benefits following disposal of the land and that by disposing of this land a valuable development could take place with a provision for affordable housing. On balance he therefore considered this was the right action to take.

The Mayor agreed that the appendix was exempt through Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the 1972 Local Government Act and noted its contents.

He agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To note that the Council land at Ailsa Street, Lochnagar Street and Bromley Hall Road E14, as shown on the plan at Appendix A to the report, was confirmed by Cabinet as being surplus to the Council’s requirements in November 2017.

2.    To agree to the disposal of the Council’s freehold interest in the Council land to London River Lea One Ltd on the terms set out in the report.

3.    To authorise the Corporate Director of Place, to agree to any subsequent minor or favourable variations to the terms and the precise boundaries of the Council land to be sold, in order to implement the recommendation above.

4.    To agree to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Place to decide whether the Council will acquire the affordable housing units to be provided within the scheme and whether to acquire a further 5% of the total number of units provided, for use as additional affordable housing, or to meet other housing objectives.

5.    To agree to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Place to agree the terms for both of the acquisitions mentioned in recommendation 4 above.

6.    To authorise the Corporate Director of Place of to agree to any subsequent minor or favourable variations to the terms and the precise boundaries of the land to be sold, in order to implement the recommendations above.

7.    To authorise the Corporate Director of Place, to enter into the necessary legal agreements required to implement the recommendations above.

8.    To note the equalities considerations as set out in section 7 of the report.

The reasons for urgency were agreed.

DECISION

1.    To note the further information on the planning permission and the s106 agreement, as they relate to the open space provision in the Alpha Square scheme, in line with the draft minutes of the meeting of Cabinet on 27 March. 

2.    To agree that the land at Wayside Gardens is declared surplus to the Council’s requirements and is sold to the developer’s property holding subsidiary, Drakar Limited, on the basis set out in this report.

3.    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Place to agree and negotiate the final terms of the proposed disposal and to agree any variations to the terms set out in this report to the benefit of the Council.

4.    To agree that works to improve existing parks and open spaces within the Isle of Dogs area are included as part of the development of the Council’s capital strategy and programme. 

5.    Note that the Council gave notice of its intention to dispose of the open space and that no objections were received by the closing date of 22 November 2018.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Senior Strategic Asset Manager (R. Million)

The Mayor introduced a report on the proposed disposal of land at Wayside Gardens.

He agreed the reasons for urgency as set out in the report, namely that:

“The report cannot await the next scheduled meeting of Cabinet in May because the purchasers of the Council land, who are the developers of the Alpha Square scheme, have indicated that an earlier decision is required in order to fit with its development timetable.  The negotiations with the developers have recently been concluded, with insufficient time for the report to be finalised and published at least five days prior to the meeting.  However it should be noted that the forthcoming decision notice was published in November 2018.”

The Mayor explained that before taking this decision he had asked officers to ensure that the Council could secure good open space and public realm enhancements. He agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the further information on the planning permission and the s106 agreement, as they relate to the open space provision in the Alpha Square scheme, in line with the draft minutes of the meeting of Cabinet on 27 March. 

2.    To agree that the land at Wayside Gardens is declared surplus to the Council’s requirements and is sold to the developer’s property holding subsidiary, Drakar Limited, on the basis set out in this report.

3.    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Place to agree and negotiate the final terms of the proposed disposal and to agree any variations to the terms set out in this report to the benefit of the Council.

4.    To agree that works to improve existing parks and open spaces within the Isle of Dogs area are included as part of the development of the Council’s capital strategy and programme. 

5.    Note that the Council gave notice of its intention to dispose of the open space and that no objections were received by the closing date of 22 November 2018.

Nil items.

Should the Mayor in Cabinet consider it necessary, it is recommended that the following motion be adopted to allow consideration of any exempt/restricted documents.

“That, under the provisions of Section 100A of the Local Government Act, 1972 as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act, 1985, the Press and Public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting for the consideration of the Section Two business on the grounds that it contains information defined as Exempt in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government, Act 1972”.

EXEMPT/CONFIDENTIAL SECTION (PINK)

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) to report on any issues  raised by the OSC in relation to exempt/confidential business to be considered.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.