Apologies for absence were received on behalf of:

·         Councillor Amina Ali (Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Brexit)

·         Councillor Denise Jones (Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing)

·         Tom McCourt (Strategic Director) who was substituted by Robin Payne, Interim Divisional Director Public Realm.

It was also noted that this was Zena Cooke’s (Corporate Director, Resources) last Cabinet meeting before leaving the Council. The Mayor and Cabinet Members thanked her for the hard work she had undertaken during her time at the Council.

Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in Agenda Item 6.9 Additional Licensing Scheme for Homes of Multiple Occupation. He left the room for the duration of that item.

The unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday 26 September 2018 are presented for approval.

RESOLVED

1.    That the unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday 26 September 2018 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record of proceedings.

The Mayor made the following announcements at the meeting:

·         Along with Councillor Asma Begum, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Equalities), he signed the Violence Against Women and Girls Charter which was looking to tackle gender based violence.

·         The Adult Social Care Local Account, which spelt out what the Council did to support older people in the community, had been published.

·         He had published an individual mayoral decision with a number of appointments to outside bodies.

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 submitted in respect of a number of agenda items. The questions were considered during discussion of each relevant item.

Questions were received in relation to:

·         6.3 (Tower Hamlets Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report)

·         6.4 (Tower Hamlets Children’s Safeguarding Board Annual Report)

·         6.6 (High Streets and Town Centre Strategy 2017-22)

·         6.8 (Waste Management Delivery Options)

·         6.9 (Additional Licensing Scheme for Homes in Multiple Occupation)

·         6.14 (Approval to consult on a new Community Infrastructure Levy Draft Charging Schedule)

In addition, Councillor Abdal Ullah, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) provided Cabinet with an update on the work of the Committee. He reported on a number of issues including:

·         The most recent OSC meeting had focussed on educational aspiration and included presentations from head teachers, officers and the Cabinet Lead Member. The session had been very valuable and a report would be following on at a later date.

·         OSC had started to consider how they would be responding to the Council’s budget proposals and had received a quarter 2 budget monitoring report.

·         OSC’s work on fire safety was presented to Cabinet further down the agenda with an overview report and action plan.

Councillor Marc Francis, Vice-Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, also provided a brief update on a recent Scrutiny Challenge Session in relation to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

The Mayor thanked the Chair of OSC for the work his committee undertook in scrutinising the work of the Executive.

Under provisions of Article 6 Para 6.02 V of the Constitution, the following two agenda items (5.3 and 5.4) contain reports that were called-in and have been considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 16 October. These have now been referred back to the Mayor for consideration.

Please see agenda items 5.3 and 5.4.

Councillor Abdal Ullah, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC), presented the Committee’s reference back to the Mayor on his decision taken at Cabinet on Wednesday 26 September 2018. He highlighted the Committee’s key concerns as referenced in the report including;

·         Whether the decision was within the budget and policy framework

·         Concerns over transitions for vulnerable children,

·         The scope of the consultation process

·         Whether all alternative options had been considered.

The Mayor, considered the points raised. He referenced the letter sent to Members by the Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer about the Budget and Policy Framework. He explained that, although this was a difficult decision he considered the best course of action available and he reaffirmed his original decision.

Councillor Abdal Ullah, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC), presented the Committee’s reference back to the Mayor on his decision taken at Cabinet on Wednesday 26 September 2018. He highlighted the Committee’s key concerns as referenced in the report including;

·         Whether the service had had the opportunity to seek improvements under the current model

·         That a business plan for the next two years could be developed and a new review take place at that time.

·         Concerns over long term costs.

The Mayor, considered the points raised. He noted that the proposed service provider was already delivering a good service in 18 London Boroughs and that there had been extensive discussion on the proposals. He then reaffirmed his original decision.

DECISION

1.    To agree the structure and outcomes framework for the proposed  Local Community Fund programme as set out in the report and Appendix A to the report:

2.    To note that the new programme represents a change in the approach to move towards commissioning agreed in March 2018

3.    To note the proposals for continued engagement with the voluntary and community sector in the co-design of the programme;

4.    To agree the proposed budget allocation as set out in paragraph 3.41 of the report and authorise the Chief Executive to agree funding recommendations made by the independent contractor and enter into the funding agreements and all other documentation.

5.    To note the Equalities Impact Assessment / specific equalities considerations as set out in Paragraph 4 of the report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE)

(Voluntary and Community Sector Strategy Manager (D. Freeman)

Note – this item as taken at the same time as Agenda Item 6.2 (Voluntary and Community Sector Grants Programme) and the combined minute is set out below. Please see item 6.2 for its set of decisions.

Councillor Candida Ronald, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Voluntary Sector, introduced the reports looking at proposals for updating the way the Council supported local community and voluntary organisations and services. She highlighted a number of points including that:

·         The proposed budget allocation for the Local Community Fund Programme was to be £2.66m which would maintain existing funding levels.

·         It was important to encourage voluntary sector in co-designing provision.

·         There was a focus on building transparency into the arrangements

The Mayor welcomed the report and highlighted the importance of rebuilding grants processes after previous problems. He reported that the Council recognised the value of supporting community providers. He noted that Scrutiny still had an important role in monitoring this work. He then agreed the recommendations in both reports.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree the structure and outcomes framework for the proposed  Local Community Fund programme as set out in the report and Appendix A to the report:

2.    To note that the new programme represents a change in the approach to move towards commissioning agreed in March 2018

3.    To note the proposals for continued engagement with the voluntary and community sector in the co-design of the programme;

4.    To agree the proposed budget allocation as set out in paragraph 3.41 of the report and authorise the Chief Executive to agree funding recommendations made by the independent contractor and enter into the funding agreements and all other documentation.

5.    To note the Equalities Impact Assessment / specific equalities considerations as set out in Paragraph 4 of the report.

DECISION

1.    To agree the VCS Grants Programme as set out in the report and the draft prospectus at Appendix A to the report.

2.    To agree the proposal set out in paras 3.14 to 3.21 of the report to retain the administration of the Capacity Building theme in house and seek a third party provider to administer the remaining themes as a small grants programme.

3.    To note the specific equalities considerations as set out in Paragraph 4 to the report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE)

(Voluntary and Community Sector Strategy Manager (D. Freeman)

Note – this report was taken alongside Agenda Item 6.1 (Local Community Fund Programme) and the combined minute is presented there.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree the VCS Grants Programme as set out in the report and the draft prospectus at Appendix A to the report.

2.    To agree the proposal set out in paras 3.14 to 3.21 of the report to retain the administration of the Capacity Building theme in house and seek a third party provider to administer the remaining themes as a small grants programme.

3.    To note the specific equalities considerations as set out in Paragraph 4 to the report.

DECISION

1.    To agree the Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2017-18

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, HEALTH, ADULTS AND COMMUNITY (D. RADLEY)

(Head of Strategy and Policy – Health, Adults and Community (J. Starkie)

Christabel Shawcross, Chair of the Tower Hamlets Safeguarding Adults Board, introduced the Board’s Annual Report for 2017-18. She took Members through the report highlighting the work the Board had undertaken and key areas of focus for the Council and its partners. Issues highlighted included:

·         Work to promote awareness of the problem of abuse of adults.

·         This included new areas of concern such as online abuse and financial scams.

·         The Board were encouraging services to work together for example working with the CCG and NHS on issues around deaths of those with learning disabilities.

·         The new Strategic Plan was important and partners had been consulted to help build it.

Members discussed the report and looked at a number of issues including:

·         Safeguards around deprivation of liberty.

·         The value of good ICT systems for sharing data.

·         The increasing older population in the borough and the importance of protecting them from abuse.

·         The link to the Violence Against Women and Girls Charter.

The Mayor welcomed the report, thanked the Board for their work and agreed the recommendation.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree the Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2017-18

DECISION

1.    To note the content of the LSCB Annual Report 2017-18

2.    To note the specific equalities considerations as set out in Paragraph 4.1 of the report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, CHILDREN’S SERVICES (D. JONES)

(Safeguarding Children Strategy and Governance Manager (M. Bakht)

Steve Ashley, Chair of the Tower Hamlets Safeguarding Children Board, introduced the Board’s Annual Report for 2017-18. He took Members through the report highlighting the work the Board had undertaken and key areas of focus for the Council and its partners. Issues highlighted included:

·         The Board had responded well to issues that had been identified in the recent inspection from OFSTED.

·         There were good opportunities to support the improvement of services by both the Council and partners.

·         The key role the Board played in relation to development of new ideas such as the new early health offer.

·         The Board was to be replaced next year by a new system with a big multi-agency focus and work was ongoing to make that as smooth as possible.

·         The key priorities for the Board were highlighted in the report.

During discussion Members noted questions about attendance at meetings, how statistics were monitored in areas such as early years help (for example how success was measured), and the value of engagement by Overview and Scrutiny.

The Mayor welcomed the report and highlighted the importance of maintaining the profile of these issues. He agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the content of the LSCB Annual Report 2017-18

2.    To note the specific equalities considerations as set out in Paragraph 4.1 of the report.

DECISION

1.    To note the activity of the THEP over the academic year 2017-18

2.    To accept the audited accounts for THEP

3.    To endorse the role of THEP in delivering council priorities from 2019 when the Council’s seed funding ceases.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, CHILDREN’S SERVICES (D. JONES)

(Divisional Director, Education and Partnerships (C. McInnes)

Tracy Smith, Executive Director of the Tower Hamlets Education Partnership (THEP) introduced the body’s annual report. She highlighted the good work the organisation did in supporting school improvement within the borough. She noted the very good OFSTED ratings of local schools and the excellent sense of community within the sector. She also welcomed the close working relationship with the Council.

The Mayor welcomed the report and noted the importance of the work of THEP in maintaining a good support framework for schools. He agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the activity of the THEP over the academic year 2017-18

2.    To accept the audited accounts for THEP

3.    To endorse the role of THEP in delivering council priorities from 2019 when the Council’s seed funding ceases.

DECISION

1.    To approve the final the High Streets & Town Centres Strategy (2017-2022) and the priorities set out in the document.

2.    To note the rankings given to performance indicators across key high streets as set out in Appendix 1 of the strategy.

3.    To note the specific equalities considerations as set out in paragraph 4.1 of the report.

Action by:

ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(High Streets and Town Centres Manager (F. Crehan)

Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman, Cabinet Member for Work and Economic Growth, introduced the report. He explained that the Strategy brought together work to support shops, high streets and markets in the challenges they face. The report also set out how the action plan was being monitored. There was a real passion for engagement with the strategy.

The Mayor noted the pre-decision scrutiny questions and officer responses, welcomed the report and agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To approve the final the High Streets & Town Centres Strategy (2017-2022) and the priorities set out in the document.

2.    To note the rankings given to performance indicators across key high streets as set out in Appendix 1 of the strategy.

3.    To note the specific equalities considerations as set out in paragraph 4.1 of the report.

DECISION

1.    To note the outcome of the consultation on the criteria and guidance used to assess eligibility to discretionary business rates relief.

2.    To approve the criteria and guidance used to assess eligibility to discretionary business rates relief.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE)

(Head of Revenue Services (R. Jones)

Councillor Candida Ronald, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Voluntary Sector, introduced the report on proposed criteria for granting business rates relief. She highlighted the favourable responses from the consultation exercise to the overall approach the Council was adopting.

The Mayor welcomed the report, noted the limited discretion available to vary business rates and the importance of supporting small businesses. He agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the outcome of the consultation on the criteria and guidance used to assess eligibility to discretionary business rates relief.

2.    To approve the criteria and guidance used to assess eligibility to discretionary business rates relief.

The Mayor noted the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and Officer response. He also noted and agreed the reasons for urgency set out in the report.

DECISION

1.    To authorise the Acting Corporate Director of Place to cease the dialogue for the external procurement of an integrated waste, recycling and cleansing contract  currently in progress, due to be implemented for April 2020 and allow for the current contract to expire.

2.    To authorise the Acting Corporate Director of Place to create an In-house service for the integrated delivery of waste, recycling and cleansing functions within Tower Hamlets, to commence from 1^st April 2020.

3.    To agree to delegate to the Acting Corporate Director of Place, authority to negotiate and agree an exit strategy with Veolia that would enable all or some of the services to be brought back In-house earlier than 31st March 2020, as and when required.

4.    To approve the timescales for delivery and the resource allocations required to commence the delivery of a new In-house Waste Service and delegate to the Acting  Corporate Director of Place, the authority to develop working strategy with the external organisations where required, to support the process.

5.    To approve one off funding up to £2.5M from reserves for pre-implementation funding which will incorporate financing the creation of a mobilisation team which will oversee the development and implementation of the new In-house service.

6.    To approve a capital investment of £10M for the purchase of a new fleet and a further £0.325M for the implementation of new IT systems.

Action by:

ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Interim Divisional Director, Public Realm (R. Payne)

Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Environment, introduced the report. He explained that the existing contract was approaching its end and that a decision needed to be taken on the future of the service. He noted a number of issues with the current service, financial analysis of the options and benchmarking with the London Borough of Hackney and reported that the benefits of taking the service in-house was seen as greater than procuring from the wider market.

Councillor Andrew Wood, Leader of the Conservative Group, stated his group were not against the proposals in principle but questioned whether the Council was ready to take this action by 2020. He also stressed the importance of gaining buy-in from the staff who currently run the service.

The Mayor welcomed the report. He highlighted he had desire to reduce the terms and conditions of staff but that there would need to be detailed conversations on the transfer of staff. He noted the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and Officer response. He also noted and agreed the reasons for urgency set out in the report. Finally he agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To authorise the Acting Corporate Director of Place to cease the dialogue for the external procurement of an integrated waste, recycling and cleansing contract  currently in progress, due to be implemented for April 2020 and allow for the current contract to expire.

2.    To authorise the Acting Corporate Director of Place to create an In-house service for the integrated delivery of waste, recycling and cleansing functions within Tower Hamlets, to commence from 1^st April 2020.

3.    To agree to delegate to the Acting Corporate Director of Place, authority to negotiate and agree an exit strategy with Veolia that would enable all or some of the services to be brought back In-house earlier than 31st March 2020, as and when required.

4.    To approve the timescales for delivery and the resource allocations required to commence the delivery of a new In-house Waste Service and delegate to the Acting  Corporate Director of Place, the authority to develop working strategy with the external organisations where required, to support the process.

5.    To approve one off funding up to £2.5M from reserves for pre-implementation funding which will incorporate financing the creation of a mobilisation team which will oversee the development and implementation of the new In-house service.

6.    To approve a capital investment of £10M for the purchase of a new fleet and a further £0.325M for the implementation of new IT systems.

DECISION

1.    To note the results of the consultation undertaken in relation to the proposed Additional Licensing Scheme as summarised in the report.

2.    To agree to designate all wards in the Borough as subject to Additional Licensing under section 56(1) of the Housing Act 2004 in relation to smaller multiple-occupied premises occupied by three or more persons in two or more households where some or all the facilities are shared. Such designation to take effect from 1^st April 2019 and to last for five years, however, excluding  areas that are  currently  subject to a Selective Licensing Scheme.

3.    To agree the fee structure for the Additional Licensing Scheme as set out in Appendix Two to the report whereas the application fee will be apportioned for administrative and enforcement costs. For all Housing Licensing fees an additional cost for administration is being introduced when the applicant takes this option.

4.    To agree the Additional Licensing Scheme licence conditions, fit and proper person protocol and amenity standards as detailed in Appendix Five.The amenity standards will also apply to the existing Mandatory licensed Houses in Multi-occupied and Selective Licensing Scheme from the 1^st January 2019 and to the Additional Licensing Scheme from 1^st April 2019.

5.    To delegate to the Corporate Director of Place, authority to issue the required statutory notifications in relation to the commencement of the Additional Licensing Scheme designation.

6.    To agree that no further exemptions to the scheme should be considered in addition to the statutory exemptions.

Action by:

ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Head of Environmental Health and Trading Standards (D. Tolley)

[Note – Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman left the room for the duration of the discussion on this item.]

Councillor Sirajul Islam, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing, introduced the report. He highlighted that it built on the work of the selective licensing scheme and the private renters’ charter. He welcomed the proposals as strengthening protection for private renters.

Councillor Andrew Wood, Leader of the Conservative Group broadly welcomed the approach but cautioned against charges being set too high.

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

RESOLVED

1.    To note the results of the consultation undertaken in relation to the proposed Additional Licensing Scheme as summarised in the report.

2.    To agree to designate all wards in the Borough as subject to Additional Licensing under section 56(1) of the Housing Act 2004 in relation to smaller multiple-occupied premises occupied by three or more persons in two or more households where some or all the facilities are shared. Such designation to take effect from 1^st April 2019 and to last for five years, however, excluding  areas that are  currently  subject to a Selective Licensing Scheme.

3.    To agree the fee structure for the Additional Licensing Scheme as set out in Appendix Two to the report whereas the application fee will be apportioned for administrative and enforcement costs. For all Housing Licensing fees an additional cost for administration is being introduced when the applicant takes this option.

4.    To agree the Additional Licensing Scheme licence conditions, fit and proper person protocol and amenity standards as detailed in Appendix Five.The amenity standards will also apply to the existing Mandatory licensed Houses in Multi-occupied and Selective Licensing Scheme from the 1^st January 2019 and to the Additional Licensing Scheme from 1^st April 2019.

5.    To delegate to the Corporate Director of Place, authority to issue the required statutory notifications in relation to the commencement of the Additional Licensing Scheme designation.

6.    To agree that no further exemptions to the scheme should be considered in addition to the statutory exemptions.

DECISION

1.    To note the changes to the draft budget position for 2019-20.

2.    To note the need to make further savings of £44m over the MTFS period.

3.    To note the issues and actions set out in this report which are informing the development of the Council’s MTFS for 2019 – 2022;

4.    To note the commencement of formal budget consultation with residents, businesses and other key stakeholders and to receive feedback on the consultation at Cabinet in December.

In relation to the Housing Revenue Account:

5.    To note that, under section 23 of the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016 the Authority must implement a rent reduction of 1% for four years starting in 2016/17, and consequently to agree an average weekly rent reduction of 1% to take effect from the first rent week of April 2019. This equates to an average rent reduction of £1.08 per week for 2019/20.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE)

(Divisional Director, Finance, Procurement and Audit (N. Murton)

Councillor Candida Ronald, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Voluntary Sector, introduced the report. She highlighted that clarity was still being sought from the government on some of the announcements that had been made during the budget.

The Mayor considered the report and noted the savings figures that still needed to be identified. He agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the changes to the draft budget position for 2019-20.

2.    To note the need to make further savings of £44m over the MTFS period.

3.    To note the issues and actions set out in this report which are informing the development of the Council’s MTFS for 2019 – 2022;

4.    To note the commencement of formal budget consultation with residents, businesses and other key stakeholders and to receive feedback on the consultation at Cabinet in December.

In relation to the Housing Revenue Account:

5.    To note that, under section 23 of the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016 the Authority must implement a rent reduction of 1% for four years starting in 2016/17, and consequently to agree an average weekly rent reduction of 1% to take effect from the first rent week of April 2019. This equates to an average rent reduction of £1.08 per week for 2019/20.

DECISION

1.    To note the Council’s projected outturn position against General Fund, Dedicated Schools Budget and Housing Revenue Account budgets agreed for 2018-19, based on information as at the end of September as detailed in the Appendices to the report.

2.    To note the summary savings position.

In respect of the new capital scheme proposals (Annex 1-3 to the report)

3.    To approve the following changes to the current capital programme

·         Approve the additional resource requirement of £22.691m for the  6 existing capital schemes detailed in Annex 1

·         Approve the 14 new capital projects, totaling £4.363m that need to be delivered in 2018/19, as detailed in Annex 2. This includes the design phase of the South Dock Bridge Project.

·         Approve the allocation of £50k from the feasibility pot in the approved programme to carry out new cycle route design and options

4.    To authorise the Corporate Director (Place), after consultation with the Corporate Director (Governance), to acquire leasehold interests on identified council-owned development sites to enable the delivery of Phase 2 of the pipeline programme.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE)

(Chief Accountant (K. Miles)

Councillor Candida Ronald, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Voluntary Sector, introduced the budget monitoring report update. She noted the projected overspend pressures and that these had reduced since the last update report. She thanked officers for their work in monitoring this issue.

The Mayor noted the budget pressures in areas such as Children’s and Adult Services as demands increased. He thanked officers for their work and agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the Council’s projected outturn position against General Fund, Dedicated Schools Budget and Housing Revenue Account budgets agreed for 2018-19, based on information as at the end of September as detailed in the Appendices to the report.

2.    To note the summary savings position.

In respect of the new capital scheme proposals (Annex 1-3 to the report)

3.    To approve the following changes to the current capital programme

·         Approve the additional resource requirement of £22.691m for the  6 existing capital schemes detailed in Annex 1

·         Approve the 14 new capital projects, totaling £4.363m that need to be delivered in 2018/19, as detailed in Annex 2. This includes the design phase of the South Dock Bridge Project.

·         Approve the allocation of £50k from the feasibility pot in the approved programme to carry out new cycle route design and options

4.    To authorise the Corporate Director (Place), after consultation with the Corporate Director (Governance), to acquire leasehold interests on identified council-owned development sites to enable the delivery of Phase 2 of the pipeline programme.

DECISION

1.    Note the feedback from responses received to the full public consultation.

2.    Agree the following changes to the current LCTRS scheme:

a.    To apply a maximum weekly deduction of £4 for disabled non dependants from April 2019.

b.    To retain the principle of applying the minimum income floor for self-employed residents including the use of minimum wage levels for self-employed residents aged under 25.

c.    To provide an enhanced support package for self-employed residents and the application of S13A discounts to avoid hardship.

d.    To increase the current four week backdating provision to 52 weeks from April 2019.

e.    Change child allowances in the assessment of Local Council Tax Reduction to reflect those used in the assessment of Child Tax Credit, Universal Credit and Housing Benefit.

3.    Note that a report will be presented to Full Council for approval of the LCTRS scheme in January 2020.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE)

(Benefit Services (L Fearon and S. Hill)

Councillor Candida Ronald, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Voluntary Sector, introduced the report. She highlighted that this was one of the most generous Council Tax Reduction Schemes around and one of very few which still gave 100% relief to some residents. She highlighted the positive consultation feedback, the challenge of dealing with the introduction of Universal Credit and also the useful Scrutiny Challenge session.

The Mayor thanked everyone who had worked on this report and the good value the scheme was in supporting residents. He agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    Note the feedback from responses received to the full public consultation.

2.    Agree the following changes to the current LCTRS scheme:

a.    To apply a maximum weekly deduction of £4 for disabled non dependants from April 2019.

b.    To retain the principle of applying the minimum income floor for self-employed residents including the use of minimum wage levels for self-employed residents aged under 25.

c.    To provide an enhanced support package for self-employed residents and the application of S13A discounts to avoid hardship.

d.    To increase the current four week backdating provision to 52 weeks from April 2019.

e.    Change child allowances in the assessment of Local Council Tax Reduction to reflect those used in the assessment of Child Tax Credit, Universal Credit and Housing Benefit.

3.    Note that a report will be presented to Full Council for approval of the LCTRS scheme in January 2020.

DECISION

1.    To note the outcome of the consultation as set out in Appendix 4 to the report.

2.    To approve the application for the designation of Poplar Regen Alliance as the Neighbourhood Forum for the Poplar Neighbourhood Area.

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

Action by:

ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Planning Officer (S. Heywood)

Councillor Rachel Blake, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Air Quality introduced the report. She highlighted how this process offered a good opportunity for local people to help shape planning for their area. The Council had reviewed the application and determined that it met the criteria and so were recommending approval of the application.

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

RESOLVED

1.    To note the outcome of the consultation as set out in Appendix 4 to the report.

2.    To approve the application for the designation of Poplar Regen Alliance as the Neighbourhood Forum for the Poplar Neighbourhood Area.

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

DECISION

1.    To approve the Tower Hamlets CIL Draft Charging Schedule (Appendix A of the report) and supporting evidence (set out in the report and appendices) for a 6 week public consultation.

2.    To authorise the Corporate Director of Place to:

·         Approve minor modifications to the Draft Charging Schedule (“DCS”) following the public consultation;

·         Where no material modifications are required following the consultation on the DCS, to approve the submission of the Council’s proposed Charging Schedule and associated evidence base for public examination.

3.    To note that if material modifications to the DCS are required following consultation, that approval to undertake a subsequent consultation or submit for public examination as necessary will be referred to the Mayor in Cabinet.

4.    To note BNP Paribas Real Estate’s CIL Viability Study (Appendix B to the report) that forms part of the supporting evidence for the DCS. The document appended is less its appendices (as they run to hundreds of pages) – the full document including the appendices is available separately as a background document. The full document will be published for consultation.

5.    To note the Supporting Evidence and Funding Gap Report attached at Appendix C of the report. This document explains the infrastructure planning criteria the Council must account for in adopting a new CIL Charging Schedule.

6.    Note the Additional Evidence and Information Document attached at Appendix D to this report. This document sets out the Council’s position with respect to a number of matters and evidence in order to provide context to the approach it has taken to forming the rates described in its Draft Charging Schedule.

7.    To note the Summary of Consultation Responses Report attached at Appendix E. This document sets out and summarises the responses the Council received in respect of its consultation on its Preliminary draft Charging Schedule.

8.    To note other associated documents that will be published alongside the DCS, including:

·         A Payment in Kind and Infrastructure Payments Policy (Appendix F to the report);

·         Charging Schedule Explanatory Notes (Appendix G to the report).

9.    To note that an Equality Assurance Checklist was completed and referred to the Mayor in Cabinet in respect of the approval to consult on a previous iteration of the Draft Charging Schedule that is the subject of this cabinet Report. This Equality Assurance Checklist is attached at Appendix H to the report.

Action by:

ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Infrastructure Planning Manager (M. Pullen)

Councillor Rachel Blake, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Air Quality, introduced the report. She thanked officers for their hard work on preparing the documentation. Evidence from a number of sources had been considered whilst preparing the information and it was now ready to go out to examination in public.

Councillor Andrew Wood, Leader of the Conservative Group, highlighted the need to ensure the Council properly managed potential funding gaps on planned infrastructure projects.

The Mayor noted the limits to the sources of funding available but heard that the Council had done a lot of work to plan prudently for the infrastructure it was developing. He agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To approve the Tower Hamlets CIL Draft Charging Schedule (Appendix A of the report) and supporting evidence (set out in the report and appendices) for a 6 week public consultation.

2.    To authorise the Corporate Director of Place to:

·         Approve minor modifications to the Draft Charging Schedule (“DCS”) following the public consultation;

·         Where no material modifications are required following the consultation on the DCS, to approve the submission of the Council’s proposed Charging Schedule and associated evidence base for public examination.

3.    To note that if material modifications to the DCS are required following consultation, that approval to undertake a subsequent consultation or submit for public examination as necessary will be referred to the Mayor in Cabinet.

4.    To note BNP Paribas Real Estate’s CIL Viability Study (Appendix B to the report) that forms part of the supporting evidence for the DCS. The document appended is less its appendices (as they run to hundreds of pages) – the full document including the appendices is available separately as a background document. The full document will be published for consultation.

5.    To note the Supporting Evidence and Funding Gap Report attached at Appendix C of the report. This document explains the infrastructure planning criteria the Council must account for in adopting a new CIL Charging Schedule.

6.    Note the Additional Evidence and Information Document attached at Appendix D to this report. This document sets out the Council’s position with respect to a number of matters and evidence in order to provide context to the approach it has taken to forming the rates described in its Draft Charging Schedule.

7.    To note the Summary of Consultation Responses Report attached at Appendix E. This document sets out and summarises the responses the Council received in respect of its consultation on its Preliminary draft Charging Schedule.

8.    To note other associated documents that will be published alongside the DCS, including:

·         A Payment in Kind and Infrastructure Payments Policy (Appendix F to the report);

·         Charging Schedule Explanatory Notes (Appendix G to the report).

9.    To note that an Equality Assurance Checklist was completed and referred to the Mayor in Cabinet in respect of the approval to consult on a previous iteration of the Draft Charging Schedule that is the subject of this cabinet Report. This Equality Assurance Checklist is attached at Appendix H  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.14

DECISION

1.    To note the report and recommendations of the Scrutiny Review Challenge Session on Fire Safety as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

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

3.    To note the specific equalities considerations as set out in Paragraph 4 of the report.

Action by:

ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Interim Divisional Director, Housing and Regeneration (M. Baigent)

Councillor Sirajul Islam, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing introduced the report. He welcomed the good work undertaken by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and thanked Councillor Helal Uddin and the other Members involved. He welcomed the recommendations set out in the report.

The Mayor highlighted this report as showing the value that Overview and Scrutiny can add to the work of the Council. He agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the report and recommendations of the Scrutiny Review Challenge Session on Fire Safety as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

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

3.    To note the specific equalities considerations as set out in Paragraph 4 of the report.

Nil items.

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.