During the meeting the Council agreed to vary the order of business by taking Agenda Item 12.1 (Motion Reaffirming Fair Trade in Tower Hamlets) before Agenda Item 6 (Mayor’s Report) and taking Urgent Motion 15.1 (Rogue Landlord Motion) after Agenda Item 6 (Mayor’s Report). For clarity, the minutes are presented in the order the items appeared on the agenda.

The Speaker of the Council, Councillor Shafi Ahmed in the Chair:

The Speaker of the Council provided his update to the Council. He welcomed everyone to our new Town Hall. It was sad to say goodbye to our old Chamber which held many memories, but I look forward to us making new memories in this Chamber, and upholding the democratic values of Tower Hamlets. The highlights of his activities of the past few months included:

v  The visit of Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla in February. I was honoured to meet them in Altab Ali Park and welcome them to Tower Hamlets. Their visit started in Altab Ali Park where they planted a tree to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Altab’s death. I would like to thank the organisers, British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration, for organising such a wonderful event for Tower Hamlets residents.

v  I returned to Altab Ali Park to mark Martyr’s Day otherwise known as International Mother Language Day, where the Mayor and I were joined by Her Excellency Saida un Tasneem, High Commissioner for Bangladesh. The event serves as an important reminder to promote and celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity.

v  February was the Tower Hamlets in Bloom awards which recognises gardening groups, individuals, and organisations for their dedication to making Tower Hamlets a greener borough.

v  On a more sombre note I would like to send deepest condolences on behalf of the whole council to Mizan Ur Rahman’s family and friends at this challenging time. This tragic incident has affected many residents. They had a vigil in Altab Ali Park on Sunday and with this in mind I would like to hold a minute’s silence in his memory.

Apologies for absence were received from:

• Councillor Mufeedah Bustin
• Councillor Kamrul Hussain. 
• Councillor Amy Lee

It was noted that Councillors Ayas Miah and Abdul Mannan were joining online but would therefore not be able to vote on any matters on the agenda.

Members are reminded to consider the categories of interest, identified in the Code of Conduct for Members to determine; whether they have an interest in any agenda item and any action they should take. For further details, see the attached note from the Monitoring Officer.

Members are also reminded to declare the nature of the interest at the earliest opportunity and the agenda item it relates to. Please note that ultimately it is the Members’ responsibility to identify any interests and also update their register of interests form as required by the Code.

If in doubt as to the nature of an interest, you are advised to seek advice prior to the meeting by contacting the Monitoring Officer or Democratic Services.

The following Member for transparency declared a potential interest in relation to:

• In relation to item 7.1 - Councillor Mohammad Chowdhury due to him being a Locum Social Worker for Pertemps Professional Recruitment.
• In relation to item - 12.1 Councillor Ayas Miah due him being a private landlord.
• In relation to item - 12.1Councillor Abdul Mannan due him being a private landlord.
• In relation to item – 15.1 Councillors Asma Islam, Ayas Miah and Kabir Ahmed declared Disclosable Pecuniary Interests as they were landlords with HMO/additional licenses properties. They left the room for the duration of that item.
• In relation to item – 15.1 Councillors Shafi Ahmed, Maium Talukdar, Abdul Mannan, Harun Miah, Abu Chowdhury, Ana Miah, Bellal Uddin, Suluk Ahmed and Ohid Ahmed declared non-pecuniary interests as landlords of properties in the borough.

To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the unrestricted minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 18^th January 2023.

To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the unrestricted and exempt/confidential minutes of the Budget Council meeting on 1 March 2023 - to follow.

1.    Agreed that the unrestricted minutes of the Council meetings held on 18th January 2023 and 1 March 2023 be approved as a correct record of the proceedings and the Speaker was authorised to sign them accordingly.

The Interim Chief Executive, Steve Halsey provided his regular update to the Council meeting, highlighting the following issues:

v  Levels of COVID remain relatively low although it is still estimated at around 1 in 45. COVID has greatest impact on those most vulnerable which is why the Government will be starting the Spring Booster campaign which will be available to over 75s and people with underlying health conditions.

v  Maddock House Fire You will be aware of the unfortunate death of a young man following a fire at Maddocks House. Following discussions with the Executive, an independent criminal investigation will be initiated under the auspicious of the Housing Act.

v  We have been notified today, after much demanding work by staff, of finally receiving the signed certificates by KPMG for the 2016/17 and 2017/18 accounts. This is welcome news and I am meeting with Auditors from Deloittes in the coming weeks to progress the closure of all outstanding accounts.

v  The Tower Hamlets Crime Reduction Team has been shortlisted for an innovation award for the 2023 Local Government Chronicle Awards. Delivering a trauma-informed and culturally competent service to victims of violence and drug related harms is central to their work.

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

The attached report presents the received petitions to be discussed. Should any additional petitions be received they will be listed to be noted but not discussed.

5.1       Petition regarding Recognise Cockney as a community language

Saif Osmani presented a petition asking the Councilto ensure that the Cockney language, identity, and its unique cultural heritage related to the East End of London be recognised as a community language and be celebrated annually on 21st February on International Mother Language Day, and for Cockney to be included in any community language provisions by the Council. He then answered questions from Members.

Councillor Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning responded briefly to the petition. He highlighted how proud the Council was of the rich history of the local community including the Cockney culture and identity.

RESOLVED

1.    That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director of Children and Culture for a written response within 28 days.

5.2       Petition regarding Road Safety Measures Urgently Needed on Bow Roundabout connecting the A12, Bow Road and Stratford High Street

Martha Sedgwick and Abdi Mohamed presented a petition asking the Council to engage with Transport for London to urgently implement road safety measures to Bow Roundabout to create a safer environment for pedestrians, including children, parents and carers who use the crossing for school pick up and drop off, and for residents living in the area needing to cross the roundabout for access to transport, shops, places of worship etc. They then answered questions from Members.

Councillor Kabir Hussain, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency responded briefly to the petition. He said that the Council shared the concerns and had asked Transport for London to look into the issue.

RESOLVED

1.    That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Place for a written response within 28 days.

5.3       Petition regarding Redevelopment of Chrisp Street Market and Surrounding area

Terry McGrenera presented a petition to ask why Poplar HARCA and Tower Hamlets Council have failed to keep shopkeepers and market traders informed of what has happened since plans were approved for the redevelopment/gentrification of Chrisp Street Market and surrounding area and responded to questions from Members.

Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, responded briefly to the petition. He confirmed that the Council was working to ensure the developers kept the community properly informed.

RESOLVED

1.    That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Place for a written response within 28 days.

5.4       Petition regarding Fairtrade

Owen Beith and Marie Larvin presented a petition asking the Council to reaffirm and step up its support for Fairtrade in order to address the imbalance of power between the Global North and Global South. They then responded to questions from Members.

Councillor Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living briefly responded to the petitioners. He welcomed the work of the fair trade movement and highlighted the social value requirements for those seeking council contracts.

RESOLVED

1.    That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Place for a written response within 28 days.

Procedural Motion

Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

The Council’s Constitution provides for the Elected Mayor to give a report at each Ordinary Council Meeting.

A maximum of six minutes is allowed for the Elected Mayor’s report, following which the Speaker of the Council will invite the leaders of the opposition groups to respond for up to two minutes each should they so wish. Following those contributions, the Mayor may reply for up to two minutes.

Mayor Lutfur Rahman presented his report to the Council.

The Opposition Group Leader, Councillor Sirajul Islam then responded briefly to the Mayor’s report.

Mayor Rahman provided concluding remarks.

Procedural Motion

Councillor Kabir Ahmed moved and Councillor Maium Talukdar seconded that under Procedure Rule 12.1 (n), Procedure Rule 11.1 be suspended to allow for consideration of an urgent motion on ‘rogue landlords’. The Speaker accepted their reasons for urgency and put the proposal to the vote and it was agreed. [Minute of that item presented later in these minutes]

Councillor Sabina Akhtar moved and Councillor Amina Ali seconded that under Procedure Rule 12.1 (n), Procedure Rule 11.1 be suspended to allow for consideration of an urgent motion on ‘the refugee crisis’. The Speaker did not accept the reasons for urgency and so the proposal was not put to the vote.

At this point the meeting was adjourned for 45 minutes, reconvening at 9:30pm.

To debate a Motion submitted by the Administration in accordance with Rules 11 and 13 of the Council’s Constitution. The debate will last for a maximum of 30 minutes.

7.1       ADMINISTRATION MOTION REGARDING MOTION ON DELIVERING SOCIAL CARE FOR ALL

Council considered a motion as printed in the agenda on the delivering 0f Social Care for all that had been moved by Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury and seconded by Councillor Maium Miah Talukdar.

Following debate, the motion as moved by Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury was put to the vote and was agreed that:

This Council notes:

v  That social care has always been a key priority to Mayor Lutfur Rahman,

v  throughout his time in public office.

v  That understanding the complexities of need, cultural sensitivity and patient priority has been central to all previous policy and legislation historically pursued by the Mayor during his previous administrations.

v  That in his last Market Position Statement on Care, published in 2013, the Mayor pledged to pursue the following key criteria to guarantee and safeguard decency, sensitivity and optimal performance for patients and carers:

• “All services must be culturally sensitive.
• “We wish to limit use of block contracts, moving to more flexible contracting arrangements.
• “We will seek to work with our providers to achieve a balance of value for money and risk that is sustainable for the provider as well as the Council.
• “We will seek to use our purchasing power to stimulate the local economy and maximise employment opportunities for local people. It is the borough’s highest priority to promote the employment of local residents.
• “We intend to increase the range of services available, encouraging local, smaller providers.
• “We would always ask that unless there are good market reasons not to do so, all contractors should pay the London Living Wage. Unless an exception is made contracts will be let with this stipulation.

“We will fund independent support for providers in complex procurements.”

v  That these commitments represented a shift away from the hegemony of three or four large contractors and allowed a democratisation of the market, enabling care. services to be tailored to the diverse needs of patients.

v  That – according to the 2021 Census – Tower Hamlets has 17,471 of residents over 65, and 22,526 residents classified as disabled under the Disabilities Act. Many of these residents will be require varying levels of care.

v  That Officers have warned that demographic pressures in social care represent nationally ‘a growing concern for local authorities,’ with over 55,000 residents expected to be over 65, suffering from physical and learning disabilities by 2025.

This Council believes:

v  That to address these pressures, a reimagining of and shift in how the Council delivers its care services is required.

v  That this will require a refreshed approach to procurement; how care is administered by providers; new capital projects to meet these pressures; and a return to a democratised market where smaller care providers have the opportunity to deliver bespoke care services to the residents of Tower Hamlets.

v  That smaller providers should be given the opportunity to deliver services to residents, breaking the monopoly of four or five organisations and enhancing the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To debate a Motion submitted by the Opposition Group in accordance with Rules 11 and 13 of the Council’s Constitution. The debate will last for a maximum of 30 minutes.

(The Opposition Motion was not considered due to lack of time).

Nil items             

To consider the report of the Director of Legal and Monitoring Officer on the Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2023-24.

The Council considered a report proposing an unchanged Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2023-24 as set out in Appendix 1 to the report. The proposed recommendations were put to the vote and were agreed.

RESOLVED to:

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1.    Adopt the London Borough of Tower Hamlets Members’ Allowances Scheme 2023/24 as set out at Appendix 1 to this report.

2.    Agree that the Members Allowances Budget be adjusted as necessary to cover the costs following the uprating of the local government pay award as set out at 3.6 of the report.

3.    Agree that the General Purposes Committee lead on any required engagement with any London Independent Remuneration Panel reporting back to Council as required for decision.

To consider the report of the Director of Legal and Monitoring Officer setting out the calendar of committee meetings for 2023/24.

The Council considered a report proposing a calendar of Council, Committee, and other meetings for the forthcoming municipal year 2023/24. The calendar of meetings is presented in Appendix 1 to this report. The proposed recommendation was put to the vote and was agreed.

RESOLVED to:

1. Approve the proposed calendar of meetings for the municipal year 2023/24 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

2. Delegate to the Monitoring Officer the authority to agree meeting dates for any new Committees or Panels that are set up subsequent to this report being presented to Council, subject to appropriate consultation with Members.

To consider the report of the Interim Corporate Director, Resources, listing potential exit payments were the overall package is likely to exceed £99.999.

Note that this unrestricted report relates to an exempt/confidential report at agenda item 14.1.

The Council considered a report of the Interim Corporate Director, Resources, listing potential exit payments were the overall package is likely to exceed £99.999.

It was noted that this unrestricted report relates to an exempt/confidential report at agenda item 14.1.  Members agreed to conclude the debate in unrestricted session. The proposed recommendation was put to the vote and it was RESOLVED to:

1. Note and approve the exit payments, including redundancy and the cost of the early payment of pension benefits, resulting from the deletion of the posts following the restructure of the service; and

2. Note that the redundancy payment is part of the individuals’ contractual terms and conditions of employment and that the early payment of pension benefits is linked to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

The questions which have been received from Councillors to be put at this Council meeting are set out in the attached report.  A maximum period of 30 minutes is allocated to this agenda item.

(No Questions were considered due to lack of time – written responses are attached at Appendix A to these minutes).

12.1    MOTION REAFFIRMING FAIRTRADE IN TOWER HAMLETS

Council considered a motion as printed in the agenda on reaffirming Fairtrade in Tower Hamlets was moved by Councillor Abdul Wahid and seconded by Councillor Nathalie Bienfait. Following debate, the motion as moved by Councillor Abdul Wahid was put to the vote and was agreed that:

This Council notes:

• Next year will be the 30th anniversary of the U.K. launch of the Fairtrade Mark, a labelling scheme administered by the Fairtrade Foundation that identifies products grown and processed to Fairtrade Standards, including sustainable social, economic, and environmental criteria. Many of the organisations involved are cooperatives of small-scale farmers and workers.
• Tower Hamlets Council passed a unanimous resolution on the 1st of March 2006 to actively support and promote Fairtrade. Council acknowledges in particular, the work of the Teams which have supported Tower Hamlets in its Fairtrade journey: Sustainability, Procurement, Contracts and Communication.
• A Tower Hamlets Fairtrade Borough Steering Group was set up, and on 11th January 2007, it was successful in applying for Fairtrade Borough Status, having satisfied. Fairtrade criteria including Council support, Council use of Fairtrade products, availability. of Fairtrade products in local shops, catering establishments, workplaces, and community organisations, and popular support for Fairtrade campaigning.
• Since 2007, the Council has maintained its support for Fairtrade-related activities, notably through the integration of its support for Fairtrade with its sustainable and ethical procurement policy. Making it a requirement for the supply of bananas and juices to be Fairtrade in the Schools Canteen Contract contributed to Tower Hamlets being awarded. the Soil Association Gold Food for Life Award.
• The Tower Hamlets Fairtrade Steering Group has worked with local stores, cinemas, bookshops, cafes and other establishments in Fairtrade-related events and activities. Local residents and workers have contributed to and supported Fairtrade campaigns. This has enabled Tower Hamlets to retain its Fairtrade Borough status since 2007.
• There are now over 600 Fairtrade Communities in the UK and more than 2,000 globally. London is the biggest Fairtrade City in the world and Tower Hamlets contributes. to that positive story.
• Tower Hamlets is home to a diversity of communities with many having family, cultural ties, and roots in farming communities in a multitude of countries worldwide. Many have their own experiences to inform their personal support for Fairtrade.
• Efforts to combat injustice and deprivation, fight climate change and improve social and economic conditions in the borough have established a tradition of community support. for social justice, economic reform and global solidarity which aligns with the Fairtrade. movement.
• The U.K. Fairtrade market is now one of the world's largest. Globally, Fairtrade sales have generated hundreds of millions of pounds in Fairtrade Premiums which have enabled. farmers in 73 countries to invest in health, education, and social welfare measures, as well. as attempt to mitigate the devastating impact of climate change, increase sustainable production, and bolster global food security.
• Despite this positive news, exploitation remains rampant in global supply chains. More than 40 million people are trapped in modern slavery  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

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 SECTION (Pink Papers)

The Exempt/Confidential (pink) papers for consideration at the meeting will contain information, which is commercially, legally or personally sensitive and should not be divulged to third parties. If you do not wish to retain these papers after the meeting, please hand them to the Democratic Services Officer present or dispose of them in the confidential bins.

No motion to exclude the press and public was considered.

To consider the exempt/confidential report of the Interim Corporate Director, Resources, on exit payments where the overall package is likely to exceed £99,999.

This report relates to the item at Agenda Item 10.3 and was considered at that time.

Council considered the following urgent motion for debate tabled at the meeting moved by Councillor Saied Ahmed and seconded by Councillor Maium Talukdar.

Councillor Marc Francis moved and Councillor Rebaka Sultana seconded the following proposed amendment that an additional recommendation be added as follows:

·         This Council should urgently determine whether the level of resources available to inspect HMOs and other properties in the private rented sector are adequate and to bring back a report on this to Housing Scrutiny and Full Council.

Following debate, the amendment moved by Councillor Marc Francis was put to the vote and was defeated. The motion as moved by Councillor Saied Ahmed was then put to the vote and it was and was agreed that:

This Council notes:

·         The tragic death of Mizanur Rahman in a housefire at 18 Maddocks House, Tarling West Estate, Shadwell, and the serious injuries sustained by several others.

·         That the property was licensed as an ‘additional House in Multiple Occupation’ (HMO) with a declared occupancy of 3 individuals from two households, managed by Tower Hamlets Homes (THH), the Council’s Arms-Length Management Organisation (ALMO).

·         That at least 16 people were living in the house, with several bunkbeds in one room, representing a serious breach of the license agreement.

·         That many of those in living in the house were low-paid workers.

·         That resident complaints had been received as early as September 2021.

·         That emergency hotel accommodation has been provided to 17 people along with a weekly allowance and welfare support and housing advice, and that at the request of Mayor Lutfur Rahman, this accommodation will be extended to cover the entire period of Ramadan.

·         That while the flat leasehold is owned by a private landlord, the freehold is owned by the council with Tower Hamlets Homes (THH) managing the communal area.

·         That in his Manifesto, Mayor Lutfur Rahman called for a ‘fix [to] the landlord registration scheme to ensure it delivers on its purpose of driving up standards in the private sector, including landlord rent disclosure.’

·         That this is also reflected in the Council’s Strategic Action Plan, which states that the Council will ‘work with social and private landlords to encourage them to improve the conditions of the homes they let and the service they provide to their tenants.’

·         That the Mayor’s Office and Officers have already begun work on how the Council can strengthen Registered Social Landlord (RSL) accountability and the Council’s ability to respond to complaints from residents concerning issues regarding over-occupation and license breaches.

·         That in October, the Mayor commissioned a consultation to strengthen licensing and regulation of private landlords to safeguard tenants’ rights.

That this Council believes:

·         This tragedy represents an abuse of the most socially and economically vulnerable residents and workers by a greedy, vulturous, and predatory class of landlord.

·         That an investigation should be called to establish the reasons for this incident, and to identify any failures that contributed to it.

·         That a full investigation should also be launched.

·         That the urgent  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.1