Agenda, decisions and minutes
- Attendance details
- Agenda frontsheet PDF 142 KB
- Agenda reports pack
- Budget Pack PDF 10 MB
- 5.4 Housing Delivery Vehicles Exempt Appendix PDF 65 KB
- Item 4.1 - Chair's Advice of Key Issues - REVIEW OF THE BUDGET PROPOSALS FOR 2017-20 PDF 308 KB
- OSC Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses PDF 115 KB
- Printed decisions PDF 146 KB
- Printed minutes PDF 126 KB
Venue: C1, 1st Floor, Town Hall, Mulberry Place, 5 Clove Crescent, London, E14 2BG
Contact: Matthew Mannion, Democratic Services Tel: 020 7364 4651, E-mail: matthew.mannion@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Media
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Agenda Order During the meeting the Mayor agreed to make changes to the order of business. For clarity, the minutes are presented in the order the items appear on the agenda.
The order of items taken at the meeting was as follows: · 4 – Overview and Scrutiny Committee · 1 – Apologies for absence · 2 – Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interest · 3 – Minutes of the last meeting · 5.1 – General Fund Revenue and Capital Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan 2017/18 to 2019/20 · 5.7 – Review of Maternity Services at the Royal London Hospital · 5.9 – School Admissions 2018/19 · 5.4 – Establishing Housing Delivery Vehicles · 5.2 – Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2017/18 · 5.3 – Housing Revenue Account Budget Report 2017/18 · 5.5 – Strategic Plan 2016/19 and Delivery Plan 2017/18 · 5.6 – Delivering the Prevent Duty: Promoting Safeguarding in Tower Hamlets · 5.8 – Exam Results 2016 · 5.10 – Accommodation and Space Management Policy · All further items in the order they appeared on the agenda.
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE To receive any apologies for absence. Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies for absence were received on behalf of: · Councillor Shiria Khatun (Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Community Safety) · Councillor Joshua Peck (Cabinet Member for Work and Economic Development) · Debbie Jones (Corporate Director, Children’s Services) for whom Christine McInnes (Divisional Director, Education and Partnership) was deputising.
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DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS PDF 67 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.
Additional documents: Minutes: There were no Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interest.
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UNRESTRICTED MINUTES PDF 131 KB The unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 10th January, 2017 are presented for approval. Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED
1. That the unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday 10 January be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record of proceedings.
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OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY COMMITTEE Additional documents: |
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Chair's Advice of Key Issues or Questions PDF 260 KB Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) to report on any issues raised by the OSC in relation to unrestricted business to be considered.
Additional documents:
Minutes: Councillor John Pierce, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, tabled the Committee’s response to the budget consultation, as circulated to Cabinet Members. He provided an overview of the Committee’s considerations including their welcome of the new three year budget planning and improved strategic approach to the Council’s financial planning. The Committee also supported a number of proposals in the budget including those to support adult social care and looked after children, as well as children leaving care. They also strongly supported the £5 million tackling poverty funds.
He thanked the Mayor for his attendance at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee budget scrutiny sessions.
In addition Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions were received in relation to Agenda Items 5.3 (Housing Revenue Account Budget Report) and 5.4 (Establishing Housing Delivery Vehicles) were tabled along with responses from officers.
[All the above were considered during discussion of the relevant agenda items.]
Finally, Councillor John Pierce reported on the recent sad death of Victoria Ekubia. She had been a long-standing and valuable co-opted Member of the Committee and would be greatly missed.
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Any Unrestricted Decisions "Called in" by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee (Under provisions of Article 6 Para 6.02 V of the Constitution). Additional documents: Minutes: Nil items.
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General Fund Revenue and Capital Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan 2017/18 to 2019/20 PDF 451 KB Additional documents: Decision: The tabled comments and recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee were noted by the Mayor.
DECISION 1. To agree a General Fund Revenue Budget of £338.896m subject to any changes arising from the Final Local Government Finance Settlement for referral to Council.
2. To agree the Council Tax (Band D) at £966.80 for 2017-18 be referred to Full Council for consideration.
3. To authorise the Corporate Director, Resources after consultation with the Mayor and Lead Member of Resources to make any changes required to the budget following the final settlement announcement in February.
4. To approve the capital programme to 2021-22; as detailed in Appendix 9 (b – d) of the report.
5. To approve and refer to Full Council for consideration and agreement the Capital Strategy, and initiate a comprehensive review of the Council’s approach to the prioritisation and governance of capital expenditure based on the outcomes based budgeting methodology already adopted for the revenue elements of the MTFS.
6. To note the following:
General Fund Revenue Budget for 2017-18 and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2017-18 to 2019-20 The initial budget proposal and Council Tax for 2017-18 together with the Medium Term Financial Strategy set out in Appendix 1a to the report.
Budget Consultation The outcome of consultation with business ratepayers, residents and other stakeholders as reported to The Mayor in Cabinet in December 2016 and attached for ease of reference at Appendix 10 to the report.
Funding The funding available for 2017-18 and the indications and forecasts for future years as set out in Section 3.4 of the report.
Growth and Inflation The risks identified from potential growth and inflation commitments arising in 2017-18 and future years together with new initiatives identified as Mayoral Priority Growth as set out in Section 3.5 of the report and Appendix 3 to the report.
Savings New proposed saving items to be delivered in 2017-20 as set out in Section 3.6 and Appendix 4 of the report.
Financial Risks: Reserves and Contingencies The strategic budget risks and opportunities as set out in Section 3.7 of the report and the assessment of risk as detailed in Appendix 6 to the report.
Reserves and Balances The proposed approach to the strategic use of reserves as set out in Section 3.8 and the projected movement in Reserves as detailed Appendix 7 to the report.
Schools Funding The position for schools’ funding including the Dedicated Schools Grant as set out in Section 3.9 of the report.
Housing Revenue Account The position for the Housing Revenue Account as set out in Section 3.10 and Appendix 8 to the report.
Capital The Capital Strategy detailed in Appendix 9a and the capital programme to 2021-22; including the proposed revisions to the current programme, as set out in Section 3.11 and detailed in Appendix 9 (b – d) to the report.
To adopt a capital estimate for all new schemes detailed in Appendix 9c to the report.
Action by: CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE) (Divisional Director, Finance and Procurement ... view the full decision text for item 5.1 Minutes: The Mayor formally moved the report noting the requirement to manage the cuts to the Council’s funding that amounted to £1 for every £6 the Council spent.
Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Resources, then provided an update on the budget review process and confirmed that the report was significantly the same as the one presented at January Cabinet but with additional information in areas such as the capital strategy.
The meeting heard from a number of speakers on this issue including: · Councillor Ohid Ahmed who, whilst noting how difficult it was to find the necessary savings, requested that the Mayor reconsider the proposed cuts to children’s services with particular reference to nurseries. · Louise O’Hare and other petitioners concerned about the impact of the cuts to children’s services and urging their postponement whilst alternatives were considered. · Nouruja Rahman, speaking on behalf of parents of three public nurseries who urged the Mayor to reverse the proposals to ‘privatise’ the nurseries.
During discussion of the report and the contributions to the meeting a number of points were noted including: · The proposals for the nurseries would mean they continued to a similar standard and cost to parents but reduced cost for the Council. · Not all service change proposals were to be enacted in the next year and so this would provide time to consult with service users on the best way of implementing any changes. · It was important to try to make savings in such a way as to minimise the impact on service users. · The budget also included a number of investment and improvement proposals. · Prudent use of the reserves was sensible.
The Mayor thanked everyone who had contributed to the debate and in particular to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for their tabled comments which he noted. He undertook to continue meeting with residents over the coming year to discuss concerns and work together to provide the best services possible. He agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.
RESOLVED 1. To agree a General Fund Revenue Budget of £338.896m subject to any changes arising from the Final Local Government Finance Settlement for referral to Council.
2. To agree the Council Tax (Band D) at £966.80 for 2017-18 be referred to Full Council for consideration.
3. To authorise the Corporate Director, Resources after consultation with the Mayor and Lead Member of Resources to make any changes required to the budget following the final settlement announcement in February.
4. To approve the capital programme to 2021-22; as detailed in Appendix 9 (b – d) of the report.
5. To approve and refer to Full Council for consideration and agreement the Capital Strategy, and initiate a comprehensive review of the Council’s approach to the prioritisation and governance of capital expenditure based on the outcomes based budgeting methodology already adopted for the revenue elements of the MTFS.
6. To note the following:
General Fund Revenue Budget for 2017-18 and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2017-18 to 2019-20 The initial budget proposal and Council Tax ... view the full minutes text for item 5.1 |
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Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2017/18 PDF 176 KB Additional documents: Decision: DECISION
1. To approve the following for submission to Council.
i) Adopt the following policy and strategies: a) The Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement set out in section 2 at annex A attached to this report; b) The Treasury Management Strategy Statement set out in sections 5 & 6 at annex A attached to this report; c) The Annual Investment Strategy set out in section 7 at annex A attached to this report, which officers involved in treasury management, must then follow;
ii) Approve the prudential and treasury management indicators as set out in appendix 1 of annex A attached to this report.
iii) Delegate authority to Corporate Director Resources to use alternative forms of investment, should the appropriate opportunity arise to use them, and should it be prudent and of advantage to the Council to do so. This delegated authority is subject to prior consultation with the Lead Member for Corporate Finance on any possible use of these instruments.
Action by: CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE) (Investment and Treasury Manager (B. Tobun)
Minutes: Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the report. He highlighted the performance indicators listed and also the plans to update how the capital programme was monitored.
The Mayor agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.
RESOLVED
1. To approve the following for submission to Council.
i) Adopt the following policy and strategies: a) The Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement set out in section 2 at annex A attached to this report; b) The Treasury Management Strategy Statement set out in sections 5 & 6 at annex A attached to this report; c) The Annual Investment Strategy set out in section 7 at annex A attached to this report, which officers involved in treasury management, must then follow;
ii) Approve the prudential and treasury management indicators as set out in appendix 1 of annex A attached to this report.
iii) Delegate authority to Corporate Director Resources to use alternative forms of investment, should the appropriate opportunity arise to use them, and should it be prudent and of advantage to the Council to do so. This delegated authority is subject to prior consultation with the Lead Member for Corporate Finance on any possible use of these instruments.
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Housing Revenue Account Budget Report 2017/18 PDF 333 KB Additional documents: Decision: The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and responses were noted.
DECISION
Revenue
1. To approve the draft 2017/18 Housing Revenue Account budget as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.
2. To approve the draft 2017/18 Management Fee payable to Tower Hamlets Homes (THH) of £31.946 million as set out in Table 4 at paragraph 10.8 of the report.
3. To note that under the Management Agreement between the Council and THH, THH manages delegated income and expenditure budgets on behalf of the Council. The principal delegated income budgets are for rental income and service charges, and the major item of delegated expenditure is repairs and maintenance. In 2017/18, THH will manage delegated income budgets totalling £88.262 million, and delegated expenditure budgets of £24.066 million.
4. To note the HRA Medium Term Financial Plan (2017/18 to 2021/22) outlined in Appendix 2 to the report.
Capital
1. To adopt a capital estimate of £17.625 million in relation to works programmed for 2017/18 on Council housing stock, as outlined in paragraph 12.2 of the report.
2. To note that the capital estimate of £17.265 million set out in 1. above includes a sum of £1 million to fund Overcrowding Reduction Initiatives as outlined in paragraph 12.3, £500,000 for the Aids and Adaptations programme, £1.5 million for the Capitalisation of Voids and £650,000 for the Capitalisation of Fees and Salaries as detailed in paragraph 12.4, as well as £500,000 as a contingency for urgent works as outlined in paragraph 12.5 of the report.
Action by: CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. DALVI) CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE) (Finance Business Partner (P. Leeson) (Senior Accountant (K. Ball)
Minutes: Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the report seeking approval for capital estimates and the Housing Revenue Account. He noted the detailed commentary on the projections and how the situation had changed since last year. He welcomed the new capital estimates. Finally he reported that a quick initial review of the Housing White Paper had not identified any new implications for the Council.
The Mayor noted the pre-decision scrutiny questions and officer responses and agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.
RESOLVED
Revenue
1. To approve the draft 2017/18 Housing Revenue Account budget as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.
2. To approve the draft 2017/18 Management Fee payable to Tower Hamlets Homes (THH) of £31.946 million as set out in Table 4 at paragraph 10.8 of the report.
3. To note that under the Management Agreement between the Council and THH, THH manages delegated income and expenditure budgets on behalf of the Council. The principal delegated income budgets are for rental income and service charges, and the major item of delegated expenditure is repairs and maintenance. In 2017/18, THH will manage delegated income budgets totalling £88.262 million, and delegated expenditure budgets of £24.066 million.
4. To note the HRA Medium Term Financial Plan (2017/18 to 2021/22) outlined in Appendix 2 to the report.
Capital
1. To adopt a capital estimate of £17.625 million in relation to works programmed for 2017/18 on Council housing stock, as outlined in paragraph 12.2 of the report.
2. To note that the capital estimate of £17.265 million set out in 1. above includes a sum of £1 million to fund Overcrowding Reduction Initiatives as outlined in paragraph 12.3, £500,000 for the Aids and Adaptations programme, £1.5 million for the Capitalisation of Voids and £650,000 for the Capitalisation of Fees and Salaries as detailed in paragraph 12.4, as well as £500,000 as a contingency for urgent works as outlined in paragraph 12.5 of the report.
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Establishing Housing Delivery Vehicles PDF 242 KB Additional documents:
Decision: The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and responses were noted.
The recommendations were amended and then agreed.
DECISION
1. To agree to establish Seahorse Homes Limited, a Wholly Owned Company Limited by Shares, and Mulberry Housing Society, a Community Benefit Society, and delegate to the Corporate Director, Place after consultation with the Corporate Director, Resources and the Corporate Director Governance authority to take all necessary steps for this purpose including but not limited to approving the Rules of the Society and Articles of Association of the Company.
2. To agree that the officers identified in section 4 of the report be appointed as directors and members of the Wholly Owned Company (WOC) and Community Benefit Society (CBS) respectively.
3. To authorise the Corporate Director, Place to recruit three independent members to the CBS, after consultation with the Mayor and Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Management and Performance and Cabinet Member for Strategic Development, ensuring that the appointments are made on the basis of relevant skills and expertise and the recruitment process follows equalities principles in terms of promoting diversity on the Board.
4. To authorise the Corporate Director, Resources to agree and sign off the final business case.
5. To authorise the Corporate Director, Resources to a) make equity investments up to £6M in the WOC b) grant up to £9M of retained Right To Buy receipts and £2.5M of s106 commuted sums to the CBS with appropriate grant conditions; c) make available to the WOC a commercial loan facility up to £24M; d) make available to the CBS a loan facility up to £18.5M charged below a full commercial rate; e) enable both loan facilities by use of reserves and prudential borrowing within the General Fund as necessary; subject to the above being in line with the Council’s Budget framework, where required, the negotiation and finalisation of the loan agreements and decision to release funding subject to satisfactory due diligence delegated to the Corporate Director, Resources.
6. To authorise the Corporate Director, Resources to approve the WOC and CBS’s first business plan.
7. To agree to provide the WOC and CBS with a credit facility of up to £50,000 each for use as working capital and delegate to the Corporate Director, Resources the negotiation and finalisation of the necessary agreements.
8. To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Place after consultation with the Mayor, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Management and Performance and Cabinet Member for Strategic Development, the Corporate Director, Resources and the Corporate Director, Governance to approve the Shareholder Agreement, Deed of Covenant and any other necessary agreements required between the Council and the WOC and CBS respectively. In particular, ensuring that the Deed of Covenant protects the local accountability and focus of the CBS by restricting the scope for future changes in ownership (including mergers and acquisitions), business purpose, scope, or status (such as registration as a Registered Provider).
9. To authorise the Chief Executive to exercise the Council’s rights as Shareholder. ... view the full decision text for item 5.4 Minutes: Councillor Rachel Blake, Cabinet Member for Strategic Development, introduced the report. She highlighted the innovative ideas proposed in the report and stated that she would welcome the Overview and Scrutiny Committee maintaining a review of the proposed governance arrangements of the new organisations. She then proposed amendments to recommendations 3 and 8 in respect of the governance arrangements.
The Mayor noted the need to ensure the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had the necessary powers to review these new bodies. He then: · Noted the pre-decision scrutiny questions and responses (and the dissatisfaction expressed with the officer response to the third question). · Noted the exempt appendix and agreed that it was exempt under paragraph 3 (financial affairs) and paragraph 5 (legal advice) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. · Agreed the proposed amendments to the recommendations · Agreed the recommendations as amended.
RESOLVED
1. To agree to establish Seahorse Homes Limited, a Wholly Owned Company Limited by Shares, and Mulberry Housing Society, a Community Benefit Society, and delegate to the Corporate Director, Place after consultation with the Corporate Director, Resources and the Corporate Director Governance authority to take all necessary steps for this purpose including but not limited to approving the Rules of the Society and Articles of Association of the Company.
2. To agree that the officers identified in section 4 of the report be appointed as directors and members of the Wholly Owned Company (WOC) and Community Benefit Society (CBS) respectively.
3. To authorise the Corporate Director, Place to recruit three independent members to the CBS, after consultation with the Mayor and Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Management and Performance and Cabinet Member for Strategic Development, ensuring that the appointments are made on the basis of relevant skills and expertise and the recruitment process follows equalities principles in terms of promoting diversity on the Board.
4. To authorise the Corporate Director, Resources to agree and sign off the final business case.
5. To authorise the Corporate Director, Resources to a) make equity investments up to £6M in the WOC b) grant up to £9M of retained Right To Buy receipts and £2.5M of s106 commuted sums to the CBS with appropriate grant conditions; c) make available to the WOC a commercial loan facility up to £24M; d) make available to the CBS a loan facility up to £18.5M charged below a full commercial rate; e) enable both loan facilities by use of reserves and prudential borrowing within the General Fund as necessary; subject to the above being in line with the Council’s Budget framework, where required, the negotiation and finalisation of the loan agreements and decision to release funding subject to satisfactory due diligence delegated to the Corporate Director, Resources.
6. To authorise the Corporate Director, Resources to approve the WOC and CBS’s first business plan.
7. To agree to provide the WOC and CBS with a credit facility of up to £50,000 each for use as working capital and delegate to the ... view the full minutes text for item 5.4 |
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Strategic Plan 2016-19 - Delivery Plan 2017/18 PDF 96 KB Additional documents: Decision: DECISION
1. To approve the Strategic Plan (appendix 1 to the report); and
2. To note that the final Strategic Plan and accompanying Delivery Plan will be presented to Cabinet in April 2017.
Action by: ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR, GOVERNANCE (G. WHITE) (Divisional Director, Strategy, Policy and Equalities (S. Godman)
Minutes: The Mayor introduced the report providing some revisions to the Strategic Plan. In particular he noted the more accessible style of the document. The report was moving towards being more outcomes focussed in line with the Administration’s aspirations.
The Mayor agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.
RESOLVED
1. To approve the Strategic Plan (appendix 1 to the report); and
2. To note that the final Strategic Plan and accompanying Delivery Plan will be presented to Cabinet in April 2017.
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Delivering the Prevent Duty; Promoting Safeguarding in Tower Hamlets PDF 132 KB Additional documents:
Decision: DECISION
Action by: ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR, GOVERNANCE (G. WHITE) (Corporate Strategy and Equalities Officer (G. Hussain)
Minutes: The Mayor formally moved the item and then asked Shazia Hussain, Divisional Director, Customer Services, to introduce the report. She took Members through the main areas of the report including looking at how partners were involved in the discussions and how information had been sought from school visits. She also highlighted the value of a visit to Birmingham to look at their good practice.
During discussion it was noted that information sharing could be a challenge but that progress was being made.
The Mayor agreed the recommendation as set out.
RESOLVED
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Review of Maternity Services at the Royal London Hospital PDF 103 KB Additional documents:
Decision: DECISION
1.
To note the scrutiny review
report as agreed by the Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee on
28th June 2016 (Appendix 1 to the report) and agree the
Action Plan in response to the review recommendations. (Appendix 2
to the report). 2. To note the outcome of the latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Maternity Services at the Royal London Hospital (RLH).
ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR, GOVERNANCE (G. WHITE) (Corporate Strategy, Policy and Performance Officer (D. Kerr)
Minutes: Councillor Amy Whitelock Gibbs, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Services, introduced the report. She thanked Councillor Amina Ali for leading the scrutiny review. She highlighted that whilst there was some excellent care being provided it was not being consistently provided and that this needed to improve.
Councillor Amina Ali then addressed the meeting. She reported that she was encouraged by the response of Bart’s Health Trust to the review and their commitment to making changes.
Jackie Sullivan, Managing Director of Hospitals, Bart’s Health Trust, then addressed the meeting. She noted that the Care Quality Commission review, also provided in the Cabinet papers, found similar issues and that the Trust were determined to get this right. She took the meeting through a number of actions that had already been taken to address concerns and how a new maternity partnership board had been set up to co-ordinate work on the issue.
The Mayor thanked everyone for their contributions and agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.
RESOLVED
1.
To note the scrutiny review
report as agreed by the Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee on
28th June 2016 (Appendix 1 to the report) and agree the
Action Plan in response to the review recommendations. (Appendix 2
to the report). 2. To note the outcome of the latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Maternity Services at the Royal London Hospital (RLH).
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Additional documents: Decision: DECISION
1. To note the 2016 Local Authority education results, and to note the proposed strategies for support and challenge in the areas identified below to further raise performance:
1.1. To continue the reform of Early Years provision and support to increase the number of ‘school ready’, healthy children; 1.2. To further develop schools and providers understanding of new requirements in curriculum, assessment, testing/ examinations and the inspection framework; 1.3. To further develop school and early years capacity across the borough to deliver particularly English and maths; 1.4. To continue to implement targeted, evidence based programmes within a context of sound teaching and learning to close gaps in achievement between identified groups; 1.5. To continue to develop school capacity in supporting children and young people with SEND, noting the SEN Review will also be reported shortly, and that pupils with special needs once again show strong comparative data; 1.6. To develop consistently high quality employment, education and training pathways for young people of all abilities and interests; and, 1.7. To work with any school that has significantly underachieved to improve standards through effective leadership, data analysis and improved teaching and learning strategies.
2. To note how the Tower Hamlets Education Partnership will take-on these recommendations and to suggest protocols and procedures that may be necessary. These will include:
· a protocol on results sharing so that results are shared early to allow interventions to be planned in a timely manner
· to review the performance outcomes within the developing business plan to ensure that the Partnership has the capacity and expertise to address the issues identified in this analysis such as the continuing underperformance of children from a white (free school meal) British background;
Action by: CORPORATE DIRECTOR, CHILDREN’S SERVICES (D. JONES) (Divisional Director, Education and Partnerships (C. McInnes)
Minutes: Councillor Rachael Saunders, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, introduced the report. She highlighted that the results were very good and in particular the improvements in early years were welcome. It was noted that post 16 results was an area that needed further improvement and that the education business partnership needed a higher profile to support this.
The Mayor welcomed the results and agreed the recommendations as set out.
RESOLVED
1. To note the 2016 Local Authority education results, and to note the proposed strategies for support and challenge in the areas identified below to further raise performance:
1.1. To continue the reform of Early Years provision and support to increase the number of ‘school ready’, healthy children; 1.2. To further develop schools and providers understanding of new requirements in curriculum, assessment, testing/ examinations and the inspection framework; 1.3. To further develop school and early years capacity across the borough to deliver particularly English and maths; 1.4. To continue to implement targeted, evidence based programmes within a context of sound teaching and learning to close gaps in achievement between identified groups; 1.5. To continue to develop school capacity in supporting children and young people with SEND, noting the SEN Review will also be reported shortly, and that pupils with special needs once again show strong comparative data; 1.6. To develop consistently high quality employment, education and training pathways for young people of all abilities and interests; and, 1.7. To work with any school that has significantly underachieved to improve standards through effective leadership, data analysis and improved teaching and learning strategies.
2. To note how the Tower Hamlets Education Partnership will take-on these recommendations and to suggest protocols and procedures that may be necessary. These will include:
· a protocol on results sharing so that results are shared early to allow interventions to be planned in a timely manner
· to review the performance outcomes within the developing business plan to ensure that the Partnership has the capacity and expertise to address the issues identified in this analysis such as the continuing underperformance of children from a white (free school meal) British background;
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School Admissions 2018/19 PDF 123 KB Additional documents:
Decision: DECISION
1. To agree the oversubscription criteria for admission to Community Nursery Schools/Classes in 2018/19, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.
2. To agree the proposal to establish central system for the co-ordination of applications for admission to Tower Hamlets nursery schools and classes as outlined in paragraph 3.8 of the report.
3. To agree the oversubscription criteria for admission to Community Primary Schools in 2018/19, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report.
4. To agree the oversubscription criteria for admission to Community Secondary Schools in 2018/19, as set out in Appendix 3 to the report.
5. To agree the schemes for co-ordinating admissions to the Reception Year and Year 7 for 2018/19, as set out in Appendix 4 to the report.
6. To agree the scheme for co-ordinating ‘In-Year’ Admissions for 2018/19, as set out in Appendix 5 to the report.
7. To agree the planned admission number for each school in Tower Hamlets in 2018/19, as set out in Appendix 6 to the report.
Action by: CORPORATE DIRECTOR, CHILDREN’S SERVICES (D. JONES) (Head of Pupil Services (T. Bryan) (Divisional Director, Education and Partnerships (C. McInnes)
Minutes: Councillor Rachael Saunders, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services introduced the report. She highlighted the Council’s continuing commitment to work with schools to manage admissions and that a high percentage of children were successful in gaining admission to one of their top three choices. The introduction of centralised nursery admissions was also noted.
Christoph Jankowski, from the Friends of Bow Primary addressed the meeting and reported on concerns that the proposed construction and opening of the Bow Primary School was not proceeding as fast as parents would wish.
The Mayor agreed to discuss the issue further with parents but stated that using the existing demand data, and site availability information, 2019 was the most likely opening date but that it may be possible to have a temporary site before then, subject to need.
The Mayor agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.
RESOLVED
1. To agree the oversubscription criteria for admission to Community Nursery Schools/Classes in 2018/19, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.
2. To agree the proposal to establish central system for the co-ordination of applications for admission to Tower Hamlets nursery schools and classes as outlined in paragraph 3.8 of the report.
3. To agree the oversubscription criteria for admission to Community Primary Schools in 2018/19, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report.
4. To agree the oversubscription criteria for admission to Community Secondary Schools in 2018/19, as set out in Appendix 3 to the report.
5. To agree the schemes for co-ordinating admissions to the Reception Year and Year 7 for 2018/19, as set out in Appendix 4 to the report.
6. To agree the scheme for co-ordinating ‘In-Year’ Admissions for 2018/19, as set out in Appendix 5 to the report.
7. To agree the planned admission number for each school in Tower Hamlets in 2018/19, as set out in Appendix 6 to the report.
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Accommodation and Space Management Policy PDF 150 KB Additional documents: Decision: DECISION
1. To note and endorse the Accommodation and Space Management Policy (Appendix 1 to the report);
2. To note and endorse the policy context set out in section 3.3 of the report; and
3. To note that this report marks the completion of one of the actions in the property section of the Best Value Action Plan as set out in section 3.4 of the report.
Action by: CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. DALVI) (Divisional Director, Property and Major Programmes (A. Sutcliffe)
Minutes: Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the report. He highlighted how important it was to ensure good use of the Council’s buildings. The agreement of this report completed an action in the Best Value Action Plan.
The Mayor welcomed the report and agreed the recommendations as set out.
RESOLVED
1. To note and endorse the Accommodation and Space Management Policy (Appendix 1 to the report);
2. To note and endorse the policy context set out in section 3.3 of the report; and
3. To note that this report marks the completion of one of the actions in the property section of the Best Value Action Plan as set out in section 3.4 of the report.
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Ombudsman Formal Report PDF 83 KB Additional documents: Decision: DECISION
1. To note the content of the Report
2. To note the action taken in Children’s Social Care to remedy the situation
Action by: CORPORATE DIRECTOR, CHILDREN’S SERVICES (D. JONES) (Divisional Director, Children’s Social Care (N. Patel) (Service Manager – Complaints and Information (R. Dowden)
Minutes: The Mayor introduced the report. He highlighted that the Council accepted the findings and had undertaken to ensure such a mistake could not happen again. He agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.
RESOLVED
1. To note the content of the Report
2. To note the action taken in Children’s Social Care to remedy the situation
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Contracts Forward Plan - Quarter 4 (2016-2017) PDF 260 KB Additional documents: Decision: DECISION
1. To note the contract summary at Appendix 1 to the report,
2. To request that information updates be provided to the Mayor and Cabinet Members on the following contracts before they proceed to an award.
a) DR5172 – Hard Facilities Management b) AHS5185 – Public Health Community Development Programme c) AHS5186 – Health Promotion Programme – Sexual Health
3. To confirm that subject to the above all contracts set out in Appendix 1 to the report can proceed to contract award after tender.
4. To authorise the Service Head - Legal Services to execute all necessary contract documents in respect of the awards of contracts referred at recommendation 3 above.
5. To note the forecast forward plan schedule detailed in Appendix 2 and request that information be provided to the Mayor and Cabinet Members in relation to item R4799 Leaseholders Building Insurance.
Action by: CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Head of Procurement (Z. Ahmed)
Minutes: Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Resources introduced the report. Members discussed it and requested that information updates be provided to Cabinet Members on a number of contracts but that they were content for all contracts to proceed towards award.
The recommendations were therefore amended as set out below and agreed by the Mayor.
RESOLVED
1. To note the contract summary at Appendix 1 to the report,
2. To request that information updates be provided to the Mayor and Cabinet Members on the following contracts before they proceed to an award.
a) DR5172 – Hard Facilities Management b) AHS5185 – Public Health Community Development Programme c) AHS5186 – Health Promotion Programme – Sexual Health
3. To confirm that subject to the above all contracts set out in Appendix 1 to the report can proceed to contract award after tender.
4. To authorise the Service Head - Legal Services to execute all necessary contract documents in respect of the awards of contracts referred at recommendation 3 above.
5. To note the forecast forward plan schedule detailed in Appendix 2 and request that information be provided to the Mayor and Cabinet Members in relation to item R4799 Leaseholders Building Insurance.
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Corporate Directors' Decisions PDF 85 KB Additional documents:
Decision: DECISION
1. To note the Corporate Directors’ decision set out in Appendix 1 to the report.
Action by: CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE)
Minutes: The Mayor noted the report and the recommendation.
RESOLVED
1. To note the Corporate Directors’ decision set out in Appendix 1 to the report.
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List of Individual Executive Mayoral Decisions PDF 85 KB Additional documents: Decision: DECISION
1. To note the Individual Mayoral Decisions set out in the Appendices to the report.
Action by: COMMITTEE SERVICES MANAGER (M. MANNION)
Minutes: The Mayor noted the report and the recommendation.
RESOLVED
1. To note the Individual Mayoral Decisions set out in the Appendices to the report.
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Updates to Lead Member Responsibilities PDF 90 KB Additional documents: Decision: DECISION
1. To note the report.
Action by: ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR, GOVERNANCE (G. WHITE)
Minutes: The Mayor noted the report and the recommendation.
RESOLVED
1. To note the report.
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ANY OTHER UNRESTRICTED BUSINESS CONSIDERED TO BE URGENT Additional documents: Decision: Nil items.
Minutes: Nil items.
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EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC In view of the contents of the remaining items on the agenda, the Committee is recommended to adopt the following motion:
“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)
Additional documents: Minutes: Nil items.
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EXEMPT / CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES The exempt / confidential minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on xxxxxx are presented for approval. Additional documents: Minutes: Nil items.
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OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY COMMITTEE Additional documents: |
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Chair's Advice of Key Issues or Questions in Relation to Exempt / Confidential Business 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.
Additional documents: Minutes: Nil items.
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Any Exempt / Confidential Decisions "Called in" by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee (Under provisions of Article 6 Para 6.02 V of the Constitution). Additional documents: Minutes: Nil items.
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ANY OTHER EXEMPT/ CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS CONSIDERED TO BE URGENT Additional documents: Minutes: Nil items.
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