The Council Procedure Rules provide for a maximum of three petitions to be presented at an Ordinary Meeting of the Council. 

The deadline for receipt of petitions for this Council meeting is noon on 14^th January 2016.

However at the time of agenda despatch, the maximum number of petitions has already been received as set out in the attached report.

5.1       Petition relating to drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.

(Note: the correct petition text had been circulated as an addendum)

The petitioners addressed the meeting and responded to questions from Members. Councillor Shiria Khatun, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Community Safetythen responded to the matters raised in the petition.

DECISION

That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.

(Action by: Stephen Halsey, Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture)

5.2       Petition relating to cuts to children’s services.

The petitioners addressed the meeting and responded to questions from Members. Councillor Rachael Saunders Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education & Children's Servicesthen responded to the matters raised in the petition.

DECISION

That the petition be referred to the Interim Corporate Director, Children's Services for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.

(Action by: Debbie Jones Interim Corporate Director, Children's Services)

5.3       Petition calling on the Mayor and Council to reject the draft guidance for roof and rear extensions.

The petitioners addressed the meeting and responded to questions from Members. Mayor John Biggs then responded to the matters raised in the petition.

DECISION

That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal, for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.

(Action by: Aman Dalvi, Corporate Director, Development and Renewal)

5.1       Petition relating to drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.

(Note: the correct petition text had been circulated as an addendum)

The petitioners addressed the meeting and responded to questions from Members. Councillor Shiria Khatun, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Community Safetythen responded to the matters raised in the petition. She confirmed that there had been a number of reported incidences recently on the estate. To address the issues, the Council, together with the Police, the registered housing providers and other partners were undertaking enforcement action on the estate including regular patrols of the area. In addition, the Police have instigated a dispersal zone to move people away from the area. 

Residents were encouraged to participate in the Community Surgeries and the Police Ward Panels where their views would help shape their action plans. Officers would be contacting the Ward Councillors to inform them of how residents could be involved in these groups.

On the issue of CCTV and estate improvements, the Council would work with Tower Hamlets Homes who predominantly managed the housing estate to consider whether CCTV could be provided on the estate.

RESOLVED:

That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture for a written response within 28 days.

5.2       Petition relating to cuts to children’s services.

The petitioners addressed the meeting and responded to questions from Members. Councillor Rachael Saunders Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education & Children's Servicesthen responded to the matters raised in the petition. She referred to the proposals in the Council’s budget relating to the Early Years Services, arising from central government cuts and decisions made by the previous administration. To improve outcomes in Early Years, it was imperative that the Council engaged effectively with families and service users including those of the One O’clock club to shape future services.

RESOLVED:

That the petition be referred to the Interim Corporate Director, Children's Services for a written response within 28 days.

5.3       Petition calling on the Mayor and Council to reject the draft guidance for roof and rear extensions.

The petitioners addressed the meeting and responded to questions from Members. Mayor John Biggs then responded to the matters raised in the petition.

The Mayor stated that he agreed with the petition. He thought that whilst the draft consultation document had strengths in many areas given the heritage issues, it should be reviewed in light of the consultation results and the recent scrutiny review of the matter.  He commented that it might be necessary to explore alternative approaches to the issues including more modern designs that fitted in with the Conservation Area. Accordingly, he had asked Council Officers to look into these matters.

RESOLVED:

That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal, for a written response within 28 days.