To consider the report of the Chief Executive setting out proposed Final Recommendations in respect of the Spitalfields and Banglatown Community Governance Review.

The Council considered a report of the Chief Executive that set out the proposed Final Recommendations in respect of the Spitalfields and Banglatown Community Governance Review.

The recommendations set out in the report were put to the vote and were agreed.  Accordingly it was:

RESOLVED:

That the Council:

1. Notes the final analysis and conclusions of the Community Governance Review as set out in Appendix 1 of the report;
2. Notes the equalities analysis as set out at Annexe 6 to Appendix 1 of the report (final analysis and conclusions);
3. Notes the reasons set out for the Council’s proposed recommendation and the alternative options set out in sections 2 and the 3 of this report; and
4. Agrees that there be no change to existing community governance arrangements within the wards of Spitalfields & Banglatown and Weavers and that a parish should not be created.

(Action by: Will Tuckley, Chief Executive)

The Council considered a report of the Chief Executive that set out the proposed Final Recommendations in respect of the Spitalfields and Banglatown Community Governance Review.

It was noted that:

1. In making its final decision the Council has a duty to ensure that community governance within the area under review:

a.            reflects the identities and interests of the community in that area, and

b.            is effective and convenient;

2. Relevant considerations which should influence the Council’s judgement against these two principal criteria include the impact on community cohesion and the size, population and boundaries of the proposed area;
3. The effectiveness and convenience of local government is best understood in the context of a parish council's ability to deliver quality services economically and efficiently, and to give users of services a democratic voice in the decisions that affect them;
4. The Council has consulted with local people as required by law.  It has taken into account representations received in connection with the review. Consultation findings have confirmed the Council's view that there is not significant support for the creation of a parish council. There is also significant opposition to the proposal from some sections of the community;
5. In making its final recommendations, the Council should consider the evidence it has been presented with in the form of consultation findings and other representations by local people. It should also use its own knowledge of the area as set out in the final analysis and conclusions report. In taking this evidence into account and judging the criteria in the 2007 Act against it, the Council may reasonably conclude that the recommendations set out in the petition should not be made;
6. Whilst the legal presumption is in favour of the creation of parishes and parish councils, it remains open to the Council to reject the proposal. This is particularly important where the Council believes that it is not in the interests of the wider local community and if giving effect to it would be likely to damage community relations by dividing communities along ethnic, religious or cultural lines.

The recommendations set out in the report were put to the vote and were agreed.  Accordingly it was:

RESOLVED:

That the Council:

1. Notes the final analysis and conclusions of the Community Governance Review as set out in Appendix 1 of the report;
2. Notes the equalities analysis as set out at Annexe 6 to Appendix 1 of the report (final analysis and conclusions);
3. Notes the reasons set out for the Council’s proposed recommendation and the alternative options set out in sections 2 and the 3 of this report; and
4. Agrees that there be no change to existing community governance arrangements within the wards of Spitalfields & Banglatown and Weavers and that a parish should not be created.