Agenda, decisions and minutes
Venue: The Council Chamber, 1st Floor, Town Hall, Mulberry Place, 5 Clove Crescent, London, E14 2BG
Contact: John S Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services Tel: 020 7364 4204, E-mail: johns.williams@towerhamlets.gov.uk
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE To receive any apologies for absence. Decision: NB: The order of business was varied during the course of the meeting but for ease of reference, the decision sheet is in the same order as the agenda.
Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Abdul Asad, Shiria Khatun, Mohammed Abdul Mukit and Zenith Rahman.
Minutes: Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Abdul Asad, Shiria Khatun, Mohammed Abdul Mukit and Zenith Rahman.
RESOLVED
That the apologies be noted.
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 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 Chief Executive.
Decision: Please see minutes.
Minutes: Councillors made declarations of interest on items included on the agenda as follows:
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To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the unrestricted minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 8th December 2010. The draft minutes are attached. Decision: DECISION
That the minutes of the ordinary Council meeting held on 8th December 2010 be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and the Chair of Council be authorised to sign them accordingly.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: The Service Head, Democratic Services stated that he had been asked by Councillor Rachael Saunders to read out a short statement to correct the record in reference to the meeting sought by Jim Fitzpatrick MP and Rushanara Ali MP with the Mayor. The Mayor was formally invited to the meeting on the 23rd November, and did not formally accept or refuse the invitation in advance of the meeting. Councillor Saunders regrets passing on inaccurate information given to her in good faith.
RESOLVED
That subject to the above, the minutes of the ordinary Council meeting held on 8th December 2010 be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and the Chair of Council be authorised to sign them accordingly.
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TO RECEIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS (IF ANY) FROM THE CHAIR OF COUNCIL OR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE (a) Tower Hamlets Young Mayor 2011. Decision: Please see minutes.
Minutes: 1) Young Mayor elections
The Chair of Council said that his first announcement concerned the recent Young Mayor elections which took place on 25th January 2011. There had been an excellent turnout of 52% and it gave him great pleasure to congratulate and welcome to the meeting the new Young Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Nahimul Islam and his deputies Tasmina Khanum and Nadeem Miah. The outgoing Young Mayor, Landry Adelard was unable to attend the meeting and the Chair therefore invited his Deputy, Tahmina Begum to address the Council.
Miss Tahmina Begum addressed Members about her year in office as Deputy Young Mayor.
2) Freedom of the Borough
The Chair of Council said that Members would be aware that as part of the recent Constitutional amendments, the Chair of Council’s Panel was re-established to consider and make recommendations on any proposal to award the Freedom of the Borough to persons who have given imminent service to Tower Hamlets. The Chair informed the Council that he intended to call a Special meeting of the Council on 23rd February 2011 to consider the Freedom of the Borough.
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TO RECEIVE ANY PETITIONS Details of the petitions received for presentation at this meeting are set out in the attached report. Decision: 5.1 Petition from Mr. Matthew Smith and others re: touting on Brick Lane
Mr. Matthew Smith and Mr. Philip Vracas addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members. Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor, then responded to the issues raised.
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 from Parents, Grandparents, Carers and Children of Olga SureStart Centre opposing the closure of the centre
Mr. Pierre Fabri and Ms. Raquel Aguado addressed the meting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members. Councillor Oliur Rahman, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, then responded to the issues raised.
DECISION
That the petition be referred to the Acting Corporate Director, Children, Schools and Families for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
(Action by: Isobel Cattermole, Acting Corporate Director, Children, Schools and Families)
5.3 Petition from the Save King Edward Park Campaign re: Thames Water’s proposed works at the park
Ms. Emma Dunsire addressed the meting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members. Mayor Lutfur Rahman then responded to the issues raised.
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)
Minutes: 5.1 Petition from Mr. Matthew Smith and others re: touting on Brick Lane
At the invitation of the Chair of Council, Mr. Matthew Smith and Mr. Philip Vracas addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and replied to questions from Members.
Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor responded to the petition. Councillor Ahmed said that he was totally against any form of touting for custom by restaurants. It was tainting the reputation of the borough. The Council had so far prosecuted over 70 touts and was taking action against 7 businesses for touting offences and seeking a review of their licences.
The Council was committed to rid the Brick Lane area of touting and Council officers would work with the police raising the levels of enforcement especially targeted at persistent offenders.
RESOLVED
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
5.2 Petition from Parents, Grandparents, Carers and Children of Olga SureStart Centre opposing the closure of the centre
At the invitation of the Chair of Council, Mr. Pierre Fabri and Ms. Raquel Aguado addressed the meting on behalf of the petitioners and replied to questions from Members.
Councillor Oliur Rahman, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, thanked the petitioners for coming to the meeting. As a parent himself he was looking forward to sending his daughter to a centre in the borough and wanted to make it clear that no children centres in Tower Hamlets would be closing. The centres would be made more efficient, no frontline workers would be losing their jobs and in some cases family support would be increased. If anyone had any concerns, both Councillor Rahman and the Mayor would be happy to meet and discuss these.
RESOLVED
That the petition be referred to the Acting Corporate Director, Children, Schools and Families for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
5.3 Petition from the Save King Edward Park Campaign re: Thames Water’s proposed works at the park
At the invitation of the Chair of Council, Ms. Emma Dunsire addressed the meting on behalf of the petitioners and replied to questions from Members.
Change to order of business
Councillor Rabina Khan then MOVED and Councillor Alibor Choudhury SECONDED – “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied to allow motion 12.2 to be considered after item 5.3.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and agreed.
Mayor Lutfur Rahman thanked the petitioner for bringing the petition to the Council meeting. He stated that he took seriously the concerns raised and lessons had been learnt from the Crossrail saga. All opportunities needed to be explored to negate the impact on the community and the Mayor was happy work with Ms. Dunsire and officers to make sure that all current suggestions were looked at and to work with the Ward Councillors get a solution.
RESOLVED
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Communities, Localities ... view the full minutes text for item 5. |
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TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC The questions which have been received from members of the public to be put at this meeting are set out in the attached report. A maximum of 20 minutes is allowed for this agenda item. Decision: 6.1 Question from Mr. Richard Desmond re: A Pride March for East London in 2011
The above question and an oral supplementary question were put and were responded to by Mayor Lutfur Rahman.
(Action by: Stephen Halsey, Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture)
6.2 Question from Mr. Ahmed Hussain re: creation of more jobs in the borough
The above question and an oral supplementary question were put and were responded to by Councillor Rania Khan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration.
(Action by: Aman Dalvi, Corporate Director, Development and Renewal)
6.3 Question from Mr. John Wright re: East End Homes
The above question and an oral supplementary question were put and were responded to by Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member, Housing.
(Action by: Aman Dalvi, Corporate Director, Development and Renewal)
6.4 Question from Ms. Anna Begum re: increase in the number of Tesco stores across the borough
The above question and an oral supplementary question were put and were responded to by Councillor Rania Khan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration.
Minutes: 6.1 Question from Mr. Richard Desmond re: A Pride March for East London in 2011
“The group Out East is working to establish solidarity and build community among people who identify as Lesbian, Queer, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender or who are questioning issues about sexuality or gender identity in Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Newham. Thus in the face of homophobic prejudice and hate crimes, it is this group's intention to have a Pride March from Hackney into Tower Hamlets late this summer and we would like to end the march with an event in Victoria Park, it expected to be less than 2000 people for under three hours on a Saturday afternoon. We ask that the Mayor help facilitate this with the use of the park to and show his support for this campaign against all hate crimes and in solidarity with the diverse communities of our borough.”
Responseof the Mayor
I support any initiative that aims to promote tolerance and community cohesion. You can apply to the Council’s Arts and Events Service for permission. However, I should warn you that some Labour Councillors, especially in Bow West, have been very vocal about limiting the number of events in Victoria Park.
As Mayor, I would be happy to work with you to overcome their objections.
Point of personal explanation
Councillor Joshua Peck rose to give a personal explanation as the Mayor had referred to Labour Councillors in Bow West in his response. The Mayor had stated that they wished to limit the number of events in Victoria Park. Councillor Peck stated that this related to commercial events and the Councillors’ motion had made it clear that they were in support of community events.
Summary of supplementary question from Mr. Desmond:
I am the Chair of the Victoria Park Friends Group. This is not a big event with only 2,000 people expected whereas other events have up to 8,000 attendees. Will the Mayor support our use of the park?
Summary of the Mayor’s response:
I fully support your endeavours. Please make your application and officers will look at it on its own merits.
6.2 Question from Mr. Ahmed Hussain re: creation of more jobs in the borough
“Can the Mayor kindly let us know how is he progressing in creating more jobs in the borough?”
Response by Councillor Rania Khan, Cabinet Member, Regeneration
Creating new jobs and connecting out of work residents to new jobs is one of mayor’s five main priorities. As at December 2010, there has been an increase of over 5 per cent in the employment rate. This means that there are an additional 800 residents in work. This is great news and the early initiatives pursued by the council have played a part in the change.
We are refreshing the Employment Strategy brought in by Cllr Choudhury under a previous administration and supported by the mayor when he was leader. It is being reworked to respond to the new economic environment and the government’s changes ... view the full minutes text for item 6. |
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ELECTED MAYOR'S REPORT In accordance with the Council’s Constitution as amended, provision is made at each ordinary Council meeting for the Elected Mayor to give a report.
A maximum of five minutes is allowed for the Elected Mayor’s report, following which the Chair of Council will give the respective political group leaders an opportunity to respond for up to one minute each if they wish. Decision: The Mayor made his report to the Council meeting. The Leader of the Majority Group, Leaders of the Minority Groups and Councillor Stephanie Eaton each responded briefly to the Mayor’s report.
Minutes: The Mayor made his report to the Council meeting. He referred to the forthcoming Budget Council meeting to be held on 23rd February 2011. In developing budget savings proposals the Mayor felt that there was a moral duty on Members to protect frontline services, and achieve the savings by working more smartly and efficiently and streamlining management. He had had regular meetings with the Trade Unions and held Road Shows to meet Council staff.
He was also proud to say that the improvement to schools programme was pushing ahead and at the last Cabinet meeting a new site had been identified for a new secondary school in Bow Lock in 2014. At the next Cabinet meeting, the Blackwall Reach development would be discussed.
Finally, the Mayor said that he had taken part in an event which highlighted the work being undertaken by the Child Protection Team and Social Workers and Tower Hamlets had been chosen for its ground breaking approach and for providing top class services. He called on all Members to work constructively to ensure that the residents received the service they deserved.
The Leader of the Majority Group, Leaders of the Minority Groups and Councillor Stephanie Eaton each responded briefly to the Mayor’s report.
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TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL The questions which have been received from Councillors to be put at the meeting are set out in the attached report. A maximum of 30 minutes is allowed for this agenda item.
The order of questions is as printed in the agenda item and provides for members of the majority and minority groups to put questions in turn. However as agreed by the Council on 27th October 2010, the Chair of Council has discretion, within the 30 minutes allocated for this item, to vary the printed order of questions in order to invite an ‘ungrouped’ Councillor to put his/her question. Decision: 8.1 Question from Councillor Joshua Peck to the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Oliur Rahman re: the number of Children’s Centres for Tower Hamlets
8.2 Question from Councillor Peter Golds to the Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Alibor Choudhury, re: sharing staff and back office functions with adjoining authorities and public sector bodies
8.3 Question from Councillor Fozol Miah to the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Ohid Ahmed re: lack of toilet facilities in the Brick Lane area
8.4 Question from Councilllor Anna Lynch to the Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Alibor Choudhury re: the estimated additional full year cost of setting up and staffing the Mayor’s Office
8.5 Question from Councillor Tim Archer to the Mayor re: the future of the Isle of Dogs hoppa bus
8.6 Question from Councillor Harun Miah to the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Ohid Ahmed re: the Council’s contract with Veolia (No supplementary question was asked)
8.7 Question from Councillor Abdal Ullah to the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Ohid Ahmed re: increasing recycling rates in the Borough
8.8 Question from Councillor David Snowdon to the Mayor re: East End Life
8.9 Question from Councillor Rachael Saunders to the Mayor re: the Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park
8.10 Question from Councillor Zara Davis to the Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Alibor Choudhury, re: engagement with residents on budget proposals
The above questions and in each case (except where indicated) a supplementary question were put and were responded to by the Mayor or relevant Cabinet Member.
Questions 8.11 to 8.24 were not put as the time allowed for this agenda item had expired. Written responses will be provided to each question.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: 8.1 Question from Councillor Joshua Peck
“Can the Mayor tell me what he believes is the right number of Children's Centres for Tower Hamlets?”
Response by Cabinet Member, Children’s Services, Councillor Oliur Rahman
Children's centres are a key and important part of the welfare state and our services for children. We must applaud the labour government for their investment this has transformed provision for children under 5. Delivering excellent services to children under five has a big impact on their long term success and well being. We should be proud of our services to and the provision in the borough. I want to thank all our staff who work to support our young children.
· Currently the LA is responsible for 23 designated children’s centres (developed by the previous government). · These designations currently provide direct services to children under 5 in 85 venues across Tower Hamlets · The DfE have removed the need for designated Children’s centres · Our proposed structure reduces the number of management and administration posts whilst increasing the provision of frontline services to families · The four locality areas (based on paired LAPs) will continue to deliver direct services to children under 5 in the same 85 venues. · None of these delivery venues will close · 12 of these delivery venues will become Community Hubs · Key staff will be based at each Community Hub, including a Community Lead officer, Family Support Officers and Play and Learning workers.
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Joshua Peck:
I am concerned that the Cabinet Member has not given a clear answer. Can he confirm that the Council will not be rationing the service and that the centres will remain are open to everyone with no reduction in service. Is it proposed to cut the jobs of vital staff members?
Summary of Cabinet Member’s response:
Thank you for your supplementary question. We would like to have 25,000 centres – one for each child in the borough but that is not possible. Currently the Council is responsible for 23 designated children’s centres. No staff have been given redundancy notice as the consultation period is still effective and I will be able to tell you after this has finished. Family Support Workers will be increased. If you are so concerned why have you waited until now to ask this question to either me or the Mayor?
Point of personal explanation
Councillor Joshua Peck rose to give a personal explanation. He stated that he had in fact raised the matters set out in his question above previously with the Acting Corporate Director of Children, Schools and Families.
8.2 Question from Councillor Peter Golds
“Has the administration undertaken any investigation or conversations with adjoining authorities and public sector bodies within the borough as to sharing staff or back office functions?”
Response of the Cabinet Member, Resources, Councillor Alibor Choudhury
The authority is actively involved in work across London and East London on shared working. We are looking at the experiments taking place to test whether there is ... view the full minutes text for item 8. |
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REPORTS FROM THE EXECUTIVE AND THE COUNCIL'S COMMITTEES There is no business to transact under this agenda item. Decision: There was no business under this heading.
Minutes: There was no business under this agenda item.
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TO RECEIVE REPORTS AND QUESTIONS ON JOINT ARRANGEMENTS AND EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS (if any) There is no business to transact under this agenda item. Decision: There was no business under this heading.
Minutes: There was no business under this agenda item.
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OTHER BUSINESS |
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Review of proportionality and allocation of places on committees and panels of the Council The report of the Service Head, Democratic Services on this matter is attached. Decision: DECISION
1. That the review of proportionality at paragraph 3 to the report of the Service Head, Democratic Services be noted and the allocation of seats on committees and panels established for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2010/11 be agreed as set out in paragraph 4.2 to the report.
2. That Members and deputies be appointed to serve on those committees and panels in accordance with nominations from the political groups to be notified to the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services).
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: RESOLVED
1. That the review of proportionality at paragraph 3 to the report of the Service Head, Democratic Services be noted and the allocation of seats on committees and panels established for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2010/11 be agreed as set out in paragraph 4.2 to the report.
2. That Members and deputies be appointed to serve on those committees and panels in accordance with nominations from the political groups to be notified to the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services).
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TO CONSIDER MOTIONS SUBMITTED BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL The motions submitted by Councillors for debate at this meeting are set out in agenda item 12 attached. Decision: 12.1 Motion proposed by Councillor Fozol Miah regarding the Condem Government cuts
Councillor Fozol Miah moved, and Councillor Harun Miah seconded, the motion as printed in the agenda.
Councillor David Edgar moved, and Councillor Helal Abbas seconded, a tabled amendment to the motion. This amendment was put to the vote and was agreed.
Councillor Peter Golds moved, and Councillor Tim Archer seconded, a further tabled amendment to the motion. This amendment was put to the vote and was defeated.
The substantive motion as amended was put to the vote and was agreed as follows:
DECISION This Council notes that: 1) The Con Dem Coalition government is imposing very severe cuts on local government, including £70 million cuts on Tower Hamlets 2) These cuts are affecting poorer areas like Tower Hamlets much more severely than better off areas represented by the Conservatives and Lib Dems 3) These cuts will have a disastrous effect on the essential services provided by this Council 4) These cuts will have a disastrous effect on employment in the borough as jobs in the Council disappear 5) The effects of these cuts are going to be compounded by rising unemployment particularly but not exclusively amongst our young people 6) The cuts in local government spending are also being made worse by other cuts such as the abolition of the Educational Maintenance Allowance and by the massive increase in university tuition fees 7) The Government has announced that it will provide a Council Tax Freeze Grant to councils that set a Council Tax increase of 0%. This will be equivalent to the difference between a 0% Council Tax and raising 2011/12 Council Tax by 2.5%. This Council believes that: 1) These cuts are unnecessary and unjustified 2) The government deficit which is being used to justify these cuts is the product of the chaos and decline in the real economy brought about by the reckless activity of the financial sector 3) The deficit does need to be reduced over time but in the first instance this must be through economic growth which is being jeopardised by the Government’s spending cuts 4) The deficit can be further reduced by taxing those most able as opposed to least able to pay through exceptional taxes on bank profits and bankers’ bonuses. 5) The focus in reducing the deficit should be on protecting services that are essential to working people and the less well off. This Council recognises the difficulties imposed on the Council, given the central Government cuts, by the legal requirement to produce a so-called “balanced budget”. This Council wants 1) The budget being prepared for vote on 23rd February to reflect the perspective outlined above 2) Every effort to be made both to eliminate waste and drive up efficiency in the delivery of council services 3) Maximum consultation with the trade union representatives of the council staff and with the recipients of the council’s services to try to identify efficiency savings and to minimise the adverse effects of ... view the full decision text for item 12. Minutes: 12.1 Motion proposed by Councillor Fozol Miah regarding the Condem Government cuts
Councillor Fozol Miah MOVED, and Councillor Harun Miah SECONDED, the motion as printed in the agenda.
Councillor David Edgar MOVED, and Councillor Helal Abbas SECONDED an amendment as follows:-
“Under ‘This Council notes’ add:
7) The government has announced that it will provide a Council Tax Freeze Grant to Councils that set a Council Tax increase of 0%. This will be equivalent to the difference between a 0% Council Tax and raising 2011/12 Council Tax by 2.5%.
Under ‘This Council believes’:
Delete from Point 4 “i.e. through a rise in the top rate of taxation and”
Replace current point 5 with “The focus in reducing the deficit should be on protecting services that are essential to working people and the less well off.”
Under ‘This Council wants’:
Delete Point 3”
Following debate, the amendment moved by Councillor Edgar was put to the vote and was agreed.
Councillor Peter Golds MOVED, and Councillor Tim Archer SECONDED, a further amendment to the substantive motion as follows:-
“Delete the title of the motion ‘The Condem Government Cuts’ and replace with:
Savings implemented by the Coalition Government
Delete all bullet points after ‘This Council notes that’ and replace with:
1. Labour doubled the national debt and left the current government with the biggest budget deficit in our peacetime history.
2. Labour brought the nation to the brink of bankruptcy, and it is costing the government £120 million every single day just to pay off the interest on Labour’s debt. This is Labour’s legacy.
3. In response to Labour’s failed fiscal policies, the Coalition Government have had to reduce the government settlement in real terms awareded to nearly all local authorities in the UK.
4. Despite the huge pressures on public finances, the Coalition Government has taken unprecedented steps to protect councils most reliant on central government funding, such as the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, and freeze council tax.
5. The Coalition Government understands the importance in protection of frontline services in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and is assisting the Council in its efficiency drive by providing a transitional grant. The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is only one of three London Boroughs to receive this grant.
6. To further help Tower Hamlets residents, the Conservative Mayor of London has also frozen the Greater London Authority precept of Tower Hamlets residents’ council tax.
Delete all bullet points after ‘This Council believes that’ and replace with:
1. These savings are necessary and justified and are a result of Labour’s failed fiscal policies.
2. Labour have burdened our children and grandchildren with debt, and undermined our economy. They’ve opposed tough decisions by the Coalition Government on VAT, tuition fees and deficit reduction but offer no credible deficit reduction plan of their own.
3. The deficit does need to be reduced.
4. Running up Government debt is like someone running up massive credit card bills – the ... view the full minutes text for item 12. |