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 Shelina Aktar, Shahed Ali, Judith Gardiner, Shafiqul Haque, Denise Jones, Anwar Khan and Gloria Thienel.
Minutes: Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Shelina Aktar, Shahed Ali, Judith Gardiner, Shafiqul Haque, Denise Jones, Anwar Khan and Gloria Thienel.
RESOLVED
That the apologies for absence submitted 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 interests in 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 2nd February 2011, the Budget Council meeting held on 23rd February 2011 and the Extraordinary Budget Council meeting held on 8th March 2011. Additional documents: Decision: DECISION
That the minutes of the ordinary Council meeting held on 2nd February 2011, the Budget Council meeting held on 23rd February 2011 and the extraordinary Budget Council meeting held on 8th March 2011 be confirmed as correct records of the proceedings and the Chair of Council be authorised to sign them accordingly.
(Action by: John S Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: RESOLVED
That the minutes of the ordinary Council meeting held on 2nd February 2011, the Budget Council meeting held on 23rd February 2011 and the Extraordinary Budget Council meeting held on 8th March 2011 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 Decision: No announcements were received. Minutes: There was no business under this agenda item.
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TO RECEIVE ANY PETITIONS The deadline for receipt of petitions to be presented to this meeting is noon on Thursday 7th April 2011.
At the time of agenda despatch, one petition had been received as set out in the attached report. Any further valid petitions received before the deadline will be notified to Members in advance of the meeting. Decision: 5.1 Petition from Mr Brian Nicholson and others regarding East End Life
Mr. Brian Nicholson 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 Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
(Action by: Isabella Freeman, Assistant Chief Executive [Legal Services])
5.2 Petition from Toyhouse Libraries Association of Tower Hamlets and others regarding the Family Play Project
Ms. Pip Pinhorn and others addressed the meeting 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.
Acknowledging the needs of the existing service users it was reported that the Mayor had requested that a review be undertaken of the service provision and the closure decision to identify if any alternative course of action was possible.
DECISION
That noting the request of the Mayor 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: Isobel Cattermole, Interim Corporate Director, Children’s Services)
Minutes: 5.1 Petition from Mr Brian Nicholson and others regarding East End Life
Mr. Brian Nicholson 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.
Councillor Ahmed considered that East End Life represented value for money when set against the potential cost of advertising statutory notices and council services in other newspapers. It also promoted equality and diversity. Savings of £200k p.a. had already been agreed from East End Life. The Council welcomed the changes to the Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity and the current review of East End Life was consistent with that.
RESOLVED
That the petition be referred to the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
5.2 Petition from Toyhouse Libraries Association of Tower Hamlets and others regarding the Family Play Project
Ms. Pip Pinhorn, Ms Seema Kapoor and Ms Nazmin Rahman addressed the meeting 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.
Acknowledging the needs of the existing service users it was reported that the Mayor had requested that a review be undertaken of the service provision and the closure decision to identify if any alternative course of action was possible.
RESOLVED
That noting the request of the Mayor, the petition be referred to the Interim Corporate Director, Children, Schools and Families for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
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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 period of 20 minutes is allocated to this agenda item. Decision: 6.1 Question from Mr. Glenn Power re: Fairtrade Status
The above question was put and was responded to by Councillor Alibor Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Resources.
(Action by: Aman Dalvi, Corporate Director, Development and Renewal)
6.2 Question from Ms. Clare Harrisson re:use of unlicenced mini cabs in the borough
The above question and an oral supplementary question were put and were responded to by Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor and Mayor Lutfur Rahman respectively.
6.3 Question from Ms. Seema Kapoor re:Family Play Project
The above question was withdrawn as a petition had been presented to the Council on the same matter earlier in the meeting (see 5.2 above).
6.4 Question from Mr. James King to the Mayor, Lutfur Rahman
The above question and an oral supplementary question were put and were responded to by Mayor Lutfur Rahman.
Minutes: 6.1 Question from Mr. Glenn Power
“Tower Hamlets achieved Fairtrade status in 2006. Volunteers on the steering group would like to know what measures the Council would consider taking to increase its support for fair trade. Could officers consult with other Fairtrade councils, such as Bristol and Newcastle, to learn from their best practice?”
Response (by Councillor Alibor Choudhury, Cabinet Member, Resources)
I would like to thank members of the Fairtrade Steering Group for their continuous support and hard work. It helped the Council receive Fairtrade status in 2006. We are very proud of this and committed to improve upon this status.
The Council launched the ‘Fairtrade Caterers Scheme’ which gives local caterers the incentive to buy Fairtrade goods. This has now become a popular scheme and well received by the catering sector. The Sustainable Development Team will continue to promote this scheme. Moving forward, the Council will work with other sectors including local statutory, voluntary and faith organisations to promote Fairtrade within Tower Hamlets.
We will continue to raise awareness and promote Fairtrade and fairly traded products among staff and residents. The council will also work with other local authorities to learn from best practice.
No supplementary question was asked.
Change in order of business
At this point Councillor Rania Khan moved, and Councillor Bill Turner seconded, ‘that under Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied to enable motion 12.3 concerning Fairtrade to be debated immediately.’
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
Motion 12.3: Motion proposed by Councillor Rania Khan regarding Fairtrade
Councillor Rania Khan moved, and Councillor Alibor Choudhury seconded, the motion as printed in the agenda.
Following debate the motion was put to the vote and was agreed with no Member voting against. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
This Council notes
· That fairly traded products guarantee stable, living wage prices to producers in poor countries around the world and fund community development projects including safe drinking water schemes, basic medical facilities and education. · That Tower Hamlets was the first London borough to introduce the living wage when Mayor Lutfur Rahman was Leader of the Council.
This Council believes:
· That strengthening our commitment to Fairtrade entails exploring all opportunities for the Council to procure fairly traded products including giving clear guidelines to our procurement officers. · That the Council should promote a culture of using and sourcing fairly traded products.
This Council resolves:
· To promote fairly traded products in Council’s catering services to schools, social services, Ideas Stores and Council offices with vending machines. · To include fairly traded products as part of the tender specifications of future catering contracts. · To ask existing contractors to source fairly traded products at no extra cost. · To promote our commitment to fairly traded products to local statutory, voluntary and faith organisations. · To encourage our residents to use fairly traded products by occasional Council publicity.
6.2 Question from Ms. Clare Harrisson
“What is the Mayor doing to prevent the use of unlicensed mini cabs in ... view the full minutes text for item 6. |
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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 and the Leaders of the Minority Groups each responded briefly to the Mayor’s report. Minutes: The Mayor made his report to the Council meeting.
He referred to the coalition government’s tax and benefit changes which were negatively affecting a large section of the population especially in the Borough, although robust management of the Councils finances had ensured that unlike the position in many other authorities which were closing facilities such as SureStart centres or libraries, frontline services in Tower Hamlets were protected and with increased investment in schools and libraries planned to be rolled out.
The Mayor stated that he would continue to deliver improvements to the residents of the Borough and extended best wishes to those communities who would be celebrating forthcoming religious holidays.
The Leader of the Majority Group and Leaders of the Minority Groups 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 this meeting are set out in the attached report.
A maximum period of 30 minutes is allocated to this agenda item. Decision: 8.1 Question from Councillor Kosru Uddin regarding youth unemployment – response by Councillor Oliur Rahman, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services.
8.2 Question from Councillor Tim Archer regarding East End Life – response by Deputy Mayor, Councillor Ohid Ahmed.
8.3 Question from Councillor David Edgar regarding engagement with GPs and the PCT on health service changes in the Borough – response by Mayor Lutfur Rahman.
8.4 Question from Councillor Fozol Miah regarding anti-social behaviour around Brick Lane - response by Deputy Mayor, Councillor Ohid Ahmed (no supplementary question was asked).
8.5 Question from Councillor Amy Whitelock regarding the impact of the Government's welfare benefits changes – response by Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing.
8.6 Question from Councillor Peter Golds regarding the Thames Water Tunnel – response by Councillor Alibor Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Resources.
8.7 Question from Councillor Bill Turner regarding expenditure on consultants and agency staff - response by Councillor Alibor Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Resources.
8.8 Question from Councillor Harun Miah regarding the acute shortage of homes in this borough for larger families - response by Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing (no supplementary question was asked).
8.9 Question from Councillor Carlo Gibbs regarding how successful the Council has been on tackling benefit fraud in the Borough - response by Councillor Alibor Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Resources.
8.10 Question from Councillor Dr Emma Jones regarding access to GPs and dentists – response by Mayor Lutfur Rahman.
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 as noted.
In relation to Question 8.7 (from Councillor Bill Turner regarding expenditure on consultants and agency staff), Councillor Rachael Saunders moved, and Councillor Bill Turner seconded, ‘that under Council Procedure Rule 14.1.4, the matters raised in the question and response be referred to the Council’s Audit Committee for consideration.’ This procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
DECISION
That the matters raised in Question 8.7 and the response thereto be referred to the Council’s Audit Committee for consideration.
(Action by: Isabella Freeman, Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) and John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Questions 8.11 to 8.19 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 Kosru Uddin
“Given the impact of the recent cuts and loss of jobs and the subsequent rise in unemployment, in particular the significant rise in youth unemployment, what is the Mayor proposing to do to help address unemployment in the borough and help young residents who are out of work and bordering on the realms of disillusion and feelings of dejection?”
Response (by Councillor Oliur Rahman, Cabinet Member, Children’s Services)
Tackling unemployment and helping more people into work is one of the key priorities of the Mayor. We have implemented a series of initiatives to help young unemployed into work. As a result, the number of young people aged 16-18 not in employment, education or training (NEET) is at an all time low of just 5.3%.
Youth unemployment of 18-24 year olds has in fact fallen by 2.8% since the Mayor came into office.
Clearly, we are making a difference. And we will ensure that this continues. Last month, our budget had some of the lowest compulsory redundancies in London. People of Tower Hamlets can be proud that the Mayor is creating jobs and tackling youth unemployment.
We know for a fact that the Labour Group leadership were proposing to cut jobs, for example by getting rid of Tower Hamlets Enforcement Officers. This is just one example.
If we look at the huge levels of job cuts in other Labour councils, we can get a sense of what a Labour budget would have looked like in Tower Hamlets. It would have meant thousands of people, including young people losing their jobs.
Let me tell you some of the initiatives that we have already delivered.
· We helped 600 more people into work through the council’s Skillsmatch programme in the last year · We have secured 1000 potential Olympics jobs - we are working to prepare residents to apply for these opportunities · Our Youth and Connexions Service is working hard to help young people into work · We have maintained a careers guidance service in every school · We supported over 450 of the most vulnerable Year 11 pupils to make a transition into further education · We re-engaged over 400 16-18 year olds through the New Start project · Our 14-19 Partnership has increased the range of further education opportunities available locally · We doubled the number of Apprenticeship opportunities in 2010
Summary of supplementary question: Can the Cabinet Member say more about what activities are being undertaken by the Council to deal with the problem of youth unemployment and the working together agenda?
Summary of Cabinet Member’s reply: Thank you for your supplementary question. Last week I met with a range of organisations working in the field to identify how best we can work together to improve provision. I am happy to discuss this matter further with the Councillor and examine all possible options.
8.2 Question from Councillor Tim Archer
“As previously stated, Parliament completed the process by March 31st to introduce a revised code of practice which ... 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 conduct under this agenda item. Decision: There was no business under this agenda item. 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 conduct under this agenda item. Decision: There was no business under this agenda item. Minutes: There was no business under this agenda item.
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OTHER BUSINESS |
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Members' Allowances Scheme 2011/12 To adopt the Scheme of Members’ Allowances for 2011/12. The report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) is attached. Decision: DECISION
1. That the Members’ Allowances Scheme at Part 6 of the Constitution be re-adopted for 2011/12, subject to the Mayor’s Allowance and Basic Allowance being frozen at the current rate and the Special Responsibility Allowances being reduced by 5% as agreed at the Council’s Budget meeting; and
2. That accordingly the London Borough of Tower Hamlets Members’ Allowances Scheme 2011 be adopted as at Appendix ‘A’ of the report.
(Action by: John S Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services) Minutes: RESOLVED
1. That the Members’ Allowances Scheme at Part 6 of the Constitution be re-adopted for 2011/12, subject to the Mayor’s Allowance and Basic Allowance being frozen at the current rate and the Special Responsibility Allowances being reduced by 5% as agreed at the Council’s Budget meeting; and
2. That accordingly the London Borough of Tower Hamlets Members’ Allowances Scheme 2011 be adopted as at Appendix ‘A’ of the report.
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Calendar of Meetings 2011/12 To agree the calendar of Council, Committee and other meetings for 2011/12. The report of the Service Head, Democratic Services is attached. Additional documents: Decision: DECISION
That the proposed calendar of meetings for the municipal year 2011/12 as set out at Appendix A of the report, be approved.
(Action by: John S Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: RESOLVED
That the proposed calendar of meetings for the municipal year 2011/12 as set out at Appendix A of the report, be approved.
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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 the attached report. Decision: 12.1 Motion proposed by Councillor Helal Abbas regarding Mr John Onslow
Councillor Helal Abbas moved, and Councillor Joshua Peck seconded, the motion as printed in the agenda.
Councillor Peck stated that the intention of the motion was not to change the street name ‘Gladstone Place’ but to rename the Council building colloquially known by that name as ‘John Onslow House’. In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.8.1 he and Councillor Abbas varied the wording of their motion to clarify this.
Councillor David Snowdon moved, and Councillor Peter Golds seconded, a tabled amendment to the motion. Subject to a small variation to the wording, which was agreed by Councillors Snowdon and Golds, the amendment was accepted by Councillors Abbas and Peck who varied their substantive motion accordingly.
Councillor Rabina Khan then moved, and Councillor Rania Khan seconded, a further tabled amendment to the motion. This amendment was put to the vote and was defeated.
Councillor Tim Archer suggested that if the substantive motion was agreed, the arrangements set out therein for consideration of matters relating to the naming of Council buildings should apply immediately but that the Constitution Working Party should be asked to look at how best to deal with the issue in the longer term.
The substantive motion as amended was then put to the vote and was agreed as follows:-
DECISION
This Council notes that
· The long-standing service to the Council, its employees and the residents of this borough of GMB steward, John Onslow, who died in 2008. · The Bow Ideas Store at Gladstone Place was originally built as the Passmore Edwards Public Library of Bow, after the great eponymous philanthropist.
This Council resolves
· To mark John's commitment to Tower Hamlets by renaming the Council building known as Gladstone Place ‘John Onslow House'. · That the Civic Awards ad hoc Committee be tasked with preparing a report for Council recommending whether to rename any Council-owned buildings posthumously after local notables. · That the Civic Awards ad hoc Committee consider whether any buildings can be renamed sympathetically, in keeping with the history of the Borough and in a cost effective fashion. · That the Civic Awards ad hoc Committee consider any recommendation from Members or members of the public for buildings to rename and persons to be so honoured posthumously. · That the Civic Awards ad hoc Committee consider Reg Ward, Jimmy Lemkin, former Councillor Bill Kilgour, former Councillor Ted Johns, former Bethnal Green MP Mancherjee Bhownaggree (the first BME person ever elected in modern day Tower Hamlets), former Whitechapel and St Georges MP Walter “Stoker” Edwards
(Action by: Aman Dalvi, Corporate Director, Development and Renewal; and John S Williams, Service Head Democratic Services)
12.2Motion proposed by Councillor Peter Golds regarding character references
Councillor Peter Golds moved and Councillor Tim Archer seconded the motion as printed in the agenda.
Councillor Helal Abbas moved, and Councillor Shiria Khatun seconded, a tabled amendment. This was accepted by Councillors Peter Golds and Tim Archer, who varied their substantive motion accordingly.
Minutes: 12.1 Motion proposed by Councillor Helal Abbas regarding Mr John Onslow
Councillor Helal Abbas moved, and Councillor Joshua Peck seconded, the motion as printed in the agenda.
Councillor Peck stated that the intention of the motion was not to change the street name ‘Gladstone Place’ but to rename the Council building colloquially known by that name as ‘John Onslow House’. In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.8.1 he and Councillor Abbas varied the wording of their motion to clarify this.
Councillor David Snowdon moved, and Councillor Peter Golds seconded, a tabled amendment to the motion as follows:-
“After ‘This Council notes that’, insert:
‘1. The long-standing service to the Council, its employees and the residents of this Borough of GMB steward, John Onslow, who died in 2008. 2. The Bow Ideas Store at Gladstone Place was originally built as the Passmore Edwards Public Library of Bow, after the great eponymous philanthropist.’
After ‘This Council resolves’, delete all and insert:
‘1. That the Civic Awards ad hoc Committee be tasked with preparing a report for Council recommending whether to rename any Council-owned buildings posthumously after local notables. 2. That the Civic Awards ad hoc Committee consider whether any buildings can be renamed sympathetically, in keeping with the history of the Borough and in a cost effective fashion. 3. That the Civic Awards ad hoc Committee consider any recommendations from Members or members of the public for buildings to rename and persons to be so honoured posthumously. 4. That the Civic Awards ad hoc Committee consider John Onslow, Reg Ward, Jimmy Lemkin, former Councillor Bill Kilgour, former Councillor Ted Johns, former Bethnal Green MP Mancherjee Bhownaggree (the first BME person ever elected in modern day Tower Hamlets), former Whitechapel and St Georges MP Walter “Stoker” Edwards’.”
Subject to two variations to the wording (removal of ’delete all and’ in line 8 and deletion of ‘John Onslow’ in line 19) which were agreed by Councillors Snowdon and Golds, the above amendment was accepted by Councillors Abbas and Peck, who varied their substantive motion accordingly.
Councillor Rabina Khan then moved, and Councillor Rania Khan seconded, a further tabled amendment to the motion as follows:-
“Replace ‘This Council resolves · To mark John’s commitment to Tower Hamlets by renaming Gladstone Place ‘John Onslow Place’ With ‘This Council resolves · To mark John Onslow’s commitment by naming a newly created street after him’.”
After debate this amendment was put to the vote and was defeated.
Councillor Tim Archer suggested that if the substantive motion was agreed, the arrangements set out therein for consideration of matters relating to the naming of Council buildings should apply immediately but that the Constitution Working Party should be asked to look at how best to deal with the issue in the longer term.
After further debate the substantive motion as amended was then put to the vote and was agreed. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
This Council notes that
· The long-standing service to ... view the full minutes text for item 12. |