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: There were no apologies for absence.
Minutes: There were no apologies for absence.
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST PDF 49 KB 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.
NB: The Monitoring Officer to issue guidance in due course on changes to the rules regarding registration and declaration of interests by Members, pursuant to the Localism Act 2011.
(Action by: Isabella Freeman, Monitoring Officer)
Minutes:
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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 25th January 2012 and the Budget Meeting of the Council held on 22nd February 2012. Additional documents: Decision: The draft minutes were not agreed. Members raised a number of queries regarding the content of the minutes, in particular regarding the way in which responses to Members’ Questions were recorded that were not given at the meeting; and in relation to points of order and/or personal explanation that were made during the Public Questions section of the meeting.
DECISION
That the unrestricted minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 25th January 2012 and the Budget Meeting of the Council held on 22nd February 2012 be not agreed but be referred for consideration to the next meeting of the Council, incorporating matters raised by Members.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: Members raised a number of queries regarding the content of the draft minutes. In particular (i) Members felt that the minutes should more clearly record that the Mayor did not provide oral answers to Members’ Questions at the 25th January meeting and that the written answers included were provided subsequently; (ii) Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman stated that in reply to his question, on a matter of importance to the borough, the Mayor had stated that Councillor Uz-Zaman was ‘only a councillor’; and (iii) Councillor Joshua Peck stated that the minutes did not accurately record the points of order and related Member comments that followed the public question from Ms Catherine Tuitt, despite the Council having agreed that these would be included.
The Service Head, Democratic Services reminded Members that the minutes were not intended to be a verbatim record of the discussion, but primarily a record of the motions and amendments proposed and seconded at the meeting and the decisions taken. Nevertheless the draft minutes would be amended to address the points raised above.
RESOLVED
That the unrestricted minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 25th January 2012 and the Budget Meeting of the Council held on 22nd February 2012 be not agreed but be referred for consideration to the next meeting of the Council, amended to incorporate matters raised by Members.
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TO RECEIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS (IF ANY) FROM THE SPEAKER OF THE COUNCIL OR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Decision: No announcements were made at the meeting.
Minutes: No announcements were made at the meeting.
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TO RECEIVE PETITIONS PDF 51 KB The Council Procedure Rules provide for a maximum of three petitions to be presented at an Ordinary Meeting of the Council. The deadline for submission of petitions to this meeting is noon on Thursday 10th May 2012. However, as at 8th May the maximum number of three petitions had already been received.
The petitions received for presentation at this meeting are set out in the attached report. Decision: 5.1 Petition from Tower Hamlets Federation of TRAs regarding a Residents Charter
Mr Phil Sedler addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members.
Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, then responded to the issues raised. Councillor Khan stated that she met regularly with TRA representatives in view of regular criticisms regarding social landlords, so as to find out how the Mayor and his administration might best give support. She was proud that the Borough was at the forefront of social housing provision and delighted to see tenants and residents living in social housing coming together and spelling out, in the Residents Charter, the basis standards that social landlords should uphold.
Although the Council had no direct control over Registered Providers, it could exercise influence through partnership arrangements, and Councillor Khan was committed to keeping tenants and residents at the heart of Council housing policy, and to resisting the Government’s reforms to rents and tenancies that would alter the hard-won rights of social housing tenants.
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 Davi, Corporate Director, Development and Renewal)
Procedural Motion
At this point, Councillor Rania Khan moved, and Councillor Alibor Choudhury seconded, a procedural motion – “That under Procedural Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied to allow motion 12.9 to be considered as next business.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was defeated.
5.2 Petition from Messrs Glyn Robbins, Guy Shennan and others regarding Veolia
Mr Guy Shennan addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members.
Councillor Shahed Ali, Cabinet Member for Environment, welcomed the petition and responded to the issues raised. Councillor Ali commented that he shared the petitioners’ concerns about the Israeli military occupation Palestinian territories. It was in that spirit that he and his colleagues fully supported the Council motion passed in February 2011, criticising Veolia’s involvement in illegal Israeli settlements in the Palestinian West Bank.
Councillor Shahed Ali indicated that the Mayor had acted on that motion and had met senior Veolia officers who had given assurances that Veolia was in the process of divesting itself of all business interests in the area. Councillor Ali added that he would be happy to meet representatives of the campaign to discuss the current situation and their concerns.
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)
5.3 Petition from residents of Hainton Close regarding activities of a disruptive nature at Mulberry School for Girls
Mr Ralph Candlish, representing the residents of Hainton Close, addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members.
Councillor Oliur Rahman, Cabinet Member for ... view the full decision text for item 5. Minutes: 5.1 Petition from Tower Hamlets Federation of TRAs regarding a Residents Charter
Mr Phil Sedler addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members.
Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, then responded to the issues raised. Councillor Khan stated that she met regularly with TRA representatives in view of regular criticisms regarding social landlords, so as to find out how the Mayor and his administration might best give support. She was proud that the Borough was at the forefront of social housing provision and delighted to see tenants and residents living in social housing coming together and spelling out, in the Residents Charter, the basis standards that social landlords should uphold.
Although the Council had no direct control over Registered Providers, it could exercise influence through partnership arrangements, and Councillor Khan was committed to keeping tenants and residents at the heart of Council housing policy, and to resisting the Government’s reforms to rents and tenancies that would alter the hard-won rights of social housing tenants.
RESOLVED
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
Procedural Motion
At this point, Councillor Rania Khan moved, and Councillor Alibor Choudhury seconded, a procedural motion – “That under Procedural Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied to allow motion 12.9 to be considered as next business.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was defeated.
5.2 Petition from Messrs Glyn Robbins, Guy Shennan and others regarding Veolia
Mr Guy Shennan addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members.
Councillor Shahed Ali, Cabinet Member for Environment, welcomed the petition and responded to the issues raised. Councillor Ali commented that he shared the petitioners’ concerns about the Israeli military occupation Palestinian territories. It was in that spirit that he and his colleagues fully supported the Council motion passed in February 2011, criticising Veolia’s involvement in illegal Israeli settlements in the Palestinian West Bank.
Councillor Shahed Ali indicated that the Mayor had acted on that motion and had met senior Veolia officers who had given assurances that Veolia was in the process of divesting itself of all business interests in the area. Councillor Ali added that he would be happy to meet representatives of the campaign to discuss the current situation and their concerns.
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.
5.3 Petition from residents of Hainton Close regarding activities of a disruptive nature at Mulberry School for Girls
Mr Ralph Candlish, representing the residents of Hainton Close, addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members. Mr Candlish stated that since the petition was raised, there had been some response from Parkwood Leisure, the PFI contractor. However, there were still three important issues that had ... view the full minutes text for item 5. |
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TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PDF 50 KB The questions which have been received from members of the public for this Council 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 Brian Nicholson regarding street cleansing and public realm improvements (no supplementary question was put)
6.2 Question from Paplu Kaledur regarding Education Maintenance Awards (no supplementary question was put)
6.3 Question from Mr Aminur Rahman regarding Island Homes/One Housing (no supplementary question was put)
The above questions and in each case (except where indicated) a supplementary question, were put and were responded to by the relevant Executive Member.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services – to arrange written responses).
Minutes: 6.1 Question from Mr Brian Nicholson, Secretary, London Dockers Athletic & Social Club
At the last Council meeting Tower Hamlets was described as a grotty borough. Can the Mayor tell us what he is doing about street cleansing and public realm improvements across the borough?
Response by Councillor Shahed Ali, Cabinet Member for Environment
Thank you for your question. I am pleased to announce that in the past 12 months we have improved the cleansing of our streets to the highest levels it has ever been. We have also introduced two ‘Find it Fix it’ teams to proactively resolve environmental issues by reacting to littering hot spots that may occur irregularly across the borough.
We have also introduced the new dog fouling cleansing service and purchased 500 new litter bins of which there will be an increase of 300 by this year.
In addition we have piloted the removal of all the trade waste bins which used to block our pavements from our busiest roads by replacing them with time banded sack collections. This pilot scheme was so successful that we have rolled out the programme across the borough and improved the look and feel of our streets
Finally, a number of educational and promotional activities are also undertaken to dissuade people from littering.
All of this has led to a huge improvement in our public realm and demonstrates the Mayor’s electoral pledge to make the borough cleaner and safer.
(No supplementary question was put)
6.2 Question from Mr Paplu Kaledur
Can the Mayor update this meeting how many young
people from Tower Hamlets have received the Education
Maintenance Awards since its inception, and does he believe the
Government is supporting young people with its current policy on
EMA?' Response by Councillor Oliur Rahman, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services
Thank you for your question. So far 1,600 students have applied for the Mayor’s Education Award which we introduced to plug the funding gap left by the termination by the Government of the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). 700 students have received a payment and more payments will be made.
This shows that our students need all the support they can get.
The EMA scheme had a positive impact on our students in Tower Hamlets and the Mayor’s Education Award is designed to keep those dreams alive. This Award will ensure that poverty will not hold back our young people’s ambitions.
Finally, no, I don’t think the government is supporting young people with the abolition of EMA across the country.
(No supplementary question was put)
6.3 Question from Mr Aminur Rahman
How will the Mayor ensure that residents' rights will be protected with the intended merger of Island Homes and One Housing?
Response by Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing
Thank you for your question. We have taken a very proactive approach to managing this transition.
Officers have been meeting regularly with senior staff in One Housing. At these meetings officers have raised concerns that both the Council and residents ... view the full minutes text for item 6. |
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MAYOR'S REPORT The Council’s Constitution provides for the Elected Mayor to give a report at each Ordinary Council Meeting
A maximum of five minutes is allowed for the Elected Mayor’s report, following which the Speaker 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 Leaders of the Minority Groups each responded briefly to the Mayor’s report.
Minutes: The Mayor made his report to the Council meeting, adding his congratulations to the newly-appointed Speaker and his appreciation for the work of the outgoing Speaker. He further expressed congratulations to the two new Councillors, with hopes that they would enjoy their terms of office.
The Mayor commented that the economic crisis continued to create fear and hardship across Europe and that the position could get much worse before any improvement. Elected Members needed to work together to help the community in these times and the phrase as stated by the Prime Minister that “we are all in it together” should focus politicians in clearing up the mess that governments had created.
Residents in this Borough faced particularly difficult times and were relying on Councillors to deliver the means for creating jobs. Over 1500 jobs had been secured arising from the Olympic Games, which had produced fantastic opportunities for the Borough. As many residents as possible should be helped to feel they were part of this once-in-a-lifetime occasion, and tickets had been purchased with money recovered from the proceeds of crime to help them attend Olympic events.
The Borough also had strong connections with the imminent Queen’s Jubilee. Queen Victoria had opened Victoria park in 1849 and the Mayor, with colleagues, had opened important improvement works there over the last week.
The Mayor concluded by stating that the future involved making many difficult decisions and all Members should work together for the benefit of residents.
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 PDF 62 KB 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 Carli Harper-Penman regarding the recent announcement by the Ministry of Defence that a high velocity missile system is to be located within the Bow Quarter.
8.2 Question from Councillor David Snowdon regarding publishing by Social Landlords of all spending over £500.
8.3 Question from Councillor Shiria Khatun regarding proposed charges for bulk rubbish collection and rat control (no supplementary question was put)
8.4 Question from Councillor Fozol Miah regarding the result of the Bradford West by-election and associated matters.
8.5 Question from Councillor Bill Turner regarding the numbers of children on roll at the new free schools in the borough who are eligible for free school meals.
8.6 Question from Councillor Peter Golds regarding speed humps on Jesus Green, E2.
8.7 Question from Councillor Ann Jackson regarding Council support for residents affected by the Government’s reduction in rent and council tax benefit?
8.8 Question from Councillor Harun Miah regarding a multi-faceted approach to drug use and dependency affecting young people in Tower Hamlets.
8.9 Question from Councillor Rachael Saunders regarding the closure of the in house domiciliary homecare service.
The above questions and in each case (except where indicated) a supplementary question were put and were answered by the relevant Executive Member.
Questions 8.10 to 8.22 were not put as the time allowed for this agenda item had expired. Written responses will be provided for each question.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services – to arrange written responses Isobel Cattermole, Acting Corporate Director, Children, Schools and Families – see Q8.5 – Cabinet Member gave commitment to write with Mayor to DfE Stephen Halsey, Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture – see Q 8.6 – Cabinet Member stated that officers will investigate and bring forward recommendations for local consultation.)
Minutes: The Service Head, Democratic Services, referred to points made earlier by Members with regard to the Mayor’s responses to questions and indicated that the Mayor’s Scheme of Delegation notified to the Annual Council Meeting earlier that evening allowed the Mayor to delegate responsibility for replies to Cabinet members where these fell within their delegated portfolios.
The questions below and in each case (except where indicated) a supplementary question were put and were answered by the relevant Executive Member.
8.1 Question from Councillor Carli Harper-Penman:
Following the recent announcement by the Ministry of Defence that a high velocity missile system is to be located within the Bow Quarter, can the Mayor update Council about the discussions that have taken place with the MoD and the steps that he will be taking to ensure that residents of Tower Hamlets are not endangered or unduly inconvenienced by the presence of such a system?
Response by Deputy Mayor, Councillor Ohid Ahmed
The Ministry of Defence did provide a verbal briefing to the Acting Chief Executive that confirmed that they were considering the possibility of installing missiles in the borough along with several other boroughs. This information was provided under strict secrecy.
The Acting Chief Executive expressed concern directly to the MoD that it should do all it can to minimise risk to local people.
However the Council has no powers to prevent the installation of these weapons in our borough.
Clearly having armed ordnance in a residential area, however well managed, must raise concerns with the immediate local population. We will vigorously support local residents in making representations to Government and to the MoD and by raising directly their concerns where we can.
Ward councillors formed part of the discussions on this issue.
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Carli Harper-Penman
Poor communications around this whole issue has created worries for residents. At a meeting with the Interim Chief Executive I was informed that the MoD would write to residents apologising for the way in which the matter had been handled. Do you agree it is unacceptable that no such letter has yet been issued to residents?
Summary of response to the supplementary question
Yes, a letter has already been sent to the MoD in those terms.
8.2 Question from Councillor David Snowdon:
Will the Mayor urge Social Landlords in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets to publish all their spending over £500, in line with Viridian and Home Group’s example?
Response by Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing
The Mayor and I absolutely agree that Social Landlords should publish their spending over £500.
However we don’t think this call for transparency goes far enough.
I was interested to read last week George Monbiot’s article demanding that freedom of information laws should be extended to the private sector. The national government is pushing forward an agenda which involves the greater involvement of the private sector in public service delivery. We are all realising the drastic impact the Health and ... view the full minutes text for item 8. |
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REPORTS FROM THE EXECUTIVE AND THE COUNCIL'S COMMITTEES |
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To approve the Managing Development DPD (Development Plan Document) and the Fish Island Area Action Plan (AAP) for submission to the Secretary of State in accordance with regulation 22 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012, the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement; and associated matters.
The report of the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal is attached. The Managing Development DPD (Appendix 1) and the Fish Island AAP (Appendix 2), and further appendices as listed at section 14 to the report, are included on a CD-ROM that has been circulated to Members with the Council agenda. Decision: DECISION
1. That the Managing Development DPD and Fish Island AAP be approved as attached at Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 of the report, incorporating the minor amendments detailed at Appendix 3 and Appendix 4 of the report, for submission to the Secretary of State in accordance with regulation 22 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012, and the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement.
2. That approval be given to the submission of the documents which support the Managing Development DPD and Fish Island AAP (Appendices 5 to 9) and have been developed in accordance with regulation 22 of the Town and Country Planning Act (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012. These are:
(f) the evidence base.
3 That the Corporate Director of Development and Renewal be authorised, after consultation with the Mayor and Lead Member for Housing, to make any appropriate and necessary minor amendments to the Managing Development DPD and Fish Island AAP and their supporting evidence base prior to submission to the Secretary of State.
4. That details of any amendments made under resolution (3) above be provided to all Members.
(Action by: Aman Dalvi, Corporate Director, Development and Renewal)
Minutes: The Council considered the report of the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal, finalising work on Development Plan Documents (DPDs) which were to form part of the Council’s Local Development Framework (LDF) Core Strategy as adopted in September 2010, and which comprised:
Councillor Rabina Khan MOVED and Councillor Shafiqul Haque SECONDED the recommendations as contained in the report.
Councillor Sirajul Islam requested that all Members of the Council be provided with details of any minor amendments made to the final documents. The Cabinet Member confirmed that this would be done.
After debate, the report recommendations were put to the vote and were agreed. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
1. That the Managing Development DPD and Fish Island AAP be approved as attached at Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 of the report, incorporating the minor amendments detailed at Appendix 3 and Appendix 4 of the report, for submission to the Secretary of State in accordance with regulation 22 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012, and the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement.
2. That approval be given to the submission of the documents which support the Managing Development DPD and Fish Island AAP (Appendices 5 to 9) and have been developed in accordance with regulation 22 of the Town and Country Planning Act (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012. These are:
(f) the evidence base.
3 That the Corporate Director of Development and Renewal be authorised, after consultation with the Mayor and Lead Member for Housing, to make any appropriate and necessary minor amendments to the Managing Development DPD and Fish Island AAP and their supporting evidence base prior to submission to the Secretary of State.
4. That details of any amendments made under resolution (3) above be provided to all Members.
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To approve the Council’s Enterprise Strategy following consultation, as recommended by the Executive at the Cabinet meeting on 8th February 2012.
The report of the Mayor in Cabinet and appendices including the Enterprise Strategy document are attached. Additional documents:
Decision: DECISION
That the Enterprise Strategy be approved as set out in Appendix 1 to the Cabinet report (CAB 068/112), attached as Appendix A to the Council report.
(Action by: Aman Dalvi, Corporate Director, Development and Renewal; Nick Smales, Service Head, Economic Development and Olympic Strategy)
Minutes: The Council considered the report of the Cabinet at its meeting of 8th February 2012, incorporating the report of the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal, proposing the approval of the Enterprise Strategy for the Borough.
Councillor Shafiqul Haque MOVED and Councillor Rania Khan SECONDED the recommendations as contained in the report.
After debate, the report recommendations were put to the vote and were agreed. Accordingly, it was:-
RESOLVED
That the Enterprise Strategy be approved as set out in Appendix 1 to the Cabinet report (CAB 068/112), attached as Appendix A to the Council report.
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Community Safety Plan 2012/13 PDF 60 KB To adopt the Council’s Community Safety Plan 2012-13 as recommended by the Executive at the Cabinet Meeting on 4th April 2012.
The report of the Mayor in Cabinet, plus appendices including the proposed Community Safety Plan document are attached. Additional documents:
Decision: The Council did not approve the Community Safety Plan 2012/13 as recommended by the Executive. Members raised a number of concerns regarding the content of the draft Plan (for details see the minutes).
An amendment was moved to refer the draft Plan to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. However, the Council was advised that as the Plan formed part of the Policy Framework, any proposed amendments would have to be notified to the Mayor for his consideration.
No motion was moved at this meeting to refer the draft Pan back to the Mayor but an amendment was moved and agreed by the Council to defer this matter to the proposed Extraordinary Council Meeting to be held in June 2012.
DECISION
That consideration of the draft Community Safety Plan 2012/13 be deferred to the next meeting of the Council in the light of the matters raised by Councillors during the debate.
(Action by: Stephen Halsey, Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture; Emily Fieran-Reed, Head of Community Safety Partnership; John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services – to note for next Council agenda).
Minutes: The Council considered the report of the Cabinet at its meeting of 4th April 2012, incorporating the report of the Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture proposing the adoption of the Borough-wide Community Safety Plan for 2012-13.
Councillor Ohid Ahmed MOVED and Councillor Alibor Choudhury SECONDED the recommendations as contained in the report.
During debate on the matter, Members raised a number of concerns regarding the content of the draft Plan, including:
Councillor Judith Gardiner MOVED an amendment – “That the draft Plan be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for more detailed discussion”. However, the Service Head, Democratic Services, advised the Council that, as the Plan formed part of the Policy Framework, any proposed amendments would have to be notified to the Mayor for his consideration.
No motion was moved to refer the draft Plan back to the Mayor but Councillor Peter Golds MOVED and Councillor David Snowdon SECONDED an amendment to defer this matter to the proposed Extraordinary Council Meeting to be held in June 2012. On being put to the vote, this amendment was carried and accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
That consideration of the draft Community Safety Plan 2012/13 be deferred to the next meeting of the Council in the light of the matters raised by Councillors during the debate.
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To adopt the Council’s draft Pay Policy Statement for publication as required by the Localism Act 2011.
The draft Pay Policy Statement as recommended by the Human Resources Committee is set out in the attached report. Additional documents: Decision: The Chair of the Human Resources Committee, Councillor Md. Abdul Mukit, MBE, proposed an amendment to the report as set out below. This was seconded, put to the vote and was agreed.
DECISION
That the Pay Policy Statement be adopted as attached at Appendix A to the report of the Human Resources Committee, subject to the amendment of Section 11.3 (Negotiated Exits – Settlements) to provide that any proposed settlement under that section shall be subject to the agreement of the Human Resources Committee.
(Action by: Chris Naylor, Corporate Director, Resources; Simon Kilbey, Service Head, Human Resources and Workforce Development; John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: The Council considered the report of the Human Resources Committee of 29th February 2012 proposing the adoption of the Council’s Pay Policy Statement.
The Chair of the Human Resources Committee, Councillor Md. Abdul Mukit, MBE, MOVED and Councillor Joshua Peck SECONDED an amendment to the report as follows:-
“That the Pay Policy Statement be adopted as attached at Appendix A to the report of the Human Resources Committee, subject to the amendment of Section 11.3 (Negotiated Exits – Settlements) to provide that any proposed settlement under that section shall be subject to the agreement of the Human Resources Committee.”
Following debate, the amendment was put to the vote and was agreed.
The substantive recommendations as amended were then put to the vote and were agreed. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
That the Pay Policy Statement be adopted as attached at Appendix A to the report of the Human Resources Committee, subject to the amendment of Section 11.3 (Negotiated Exits – Settlements) to provide that any proposed settlement under that section shall be subject to the agreement of the Human Resources Committee.
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TO RECEIVE REPORTS AND QUESTIONS ON JOINT ARRANGEMENTS AND EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS (if any) Decision: Nil items.
Minutes: Nil items.
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OTHER BUSINESS |
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Scheme of Members' Allowances 2012/13 PDF 102 KB To adopt the Scheme of Members’ Allowances for 2012/13. The report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) is attached. Decision: Councillor Oliur Rahman moved an amendment regarding the maximum hourly sum payable under the scheme for a Dependent Carer’s Allowance as this was below the London Living Wage. Councillor Joshua Peck endorsed the intention behind the amendment but considered that this should be subject to further work as the allowance was intended as a contribution towards costs incurred, not a salary level. He suggested that the Human Resources Committee should be asked to look into the matter and report back. Councillor Oliur Rahman agreed to this suggestion and the Council so resolved.
DECISION
1. That the Members’ Allowances Scheme at Part 6 of the Constitution be re-adopted for 2012/13, subject to minor amendments to reflect the changes to the Standards regime introduced as a result of the Localism Act 2011; and
2. That accordingly the London Borough of Tower Hamlets Members’ Allowances Scheme 2012 be adopted as set out at Appendix ‘A’ to the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services).
3. That the Human Resources Committee be requested to give consideration to the maximum hourly amount payable under the Dependants’ Carers Allowance (Section 9 of the report) in view of this Council’s commitment to the London Living Wage, and report back.
(Action by: Isabella Freeman, Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services); John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: The Council considered the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services proposing the re-adoption of the Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2012/13.
Councillor Oliur Rahman MOVED and Councillor Kabir Ahmed SECONDED an amendment regarding the maximum hourly sum payable under the scheme for a Dependent Carer’s Allowance as this was below the London Living Wage. Councillor Joshua Peck endorsed the intention behind the amendment but considered that this should be subject to further work as the allowance was intended as a contribution towards costs incurred, not a salary level. He suggested that the Human Resources Committee should be asked to look into the matter and report back. Councillor Oliur Rahman agreed to this suggestion and the Council:-
RESOLVED
1. That the Members’ Allowances Scheme at Part 6 of the Constitution be re-adopted for 2012/13, subject to minor amendments to reflect the changes to the Standards regime introduced as a result of the Localism Act 2011; and
2. That accordingly the London Borough of Tower Hamlets Members’ Allowances Scheme 2012 be adopted as set out at Appendix ‘A’ to the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services).
3. That the Human Resources Committee be requested to give consideration to the maximum hourly amount payable under the Dependants’ Carers Allowance (Section 9 of the report) in view of this Council’s commitment to the London Living Wage, and report back.
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The Amended Standards Regime PDF 185 KB To adopt a new Code of Conduct for elected and co-opted members; and to agree other matters relating to the revised Standards regime introduced by the Localism Act 2011.
The report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) is attached. The proposals contained in the report have been subject to consultation with elected members and with independent members of the Standards Committee. Any comments received, together with the recommendations of the Standards Committee meeting on 10th May 2012, will be reported to the Council. Decision: The Corporate Director, Development and Renewal indicated that this report had been withdrawn for further consultation with Members and others and consideration at an Extraordinary Council Meeting to be held in June 2012.
(Action by: Isabella Freeman, Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services); John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: The Interim Chief Executive indicated that this report had been withdrawn for further consultation with Members and others and consideration at an Extraordinary Council Meeting to be held in June 2012.
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Report on Executive Decisions precluded from 'Call-in' on grounds of urgency PDF 57 KB To receive a report for information, in accordance with Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule 17.1, on any Executive decisions taken since the last Council meeting in respect of which the call-in procedure did not apply because the decision being taken was urgent. Decision: DECISION
That the report be noted.
Minutes: The Council considered a report on decisions taken by the Cabinet on grounds of urgency under Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule 17.1.
RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
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TO CONSIDER MOTIONS SUBMITTED BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PDF 115 KB The motions submitted by Councillors for debate at this meeting are set out in the attached report. Decision: Procedural Motion
At the commencement of this agenda item Councillor Alibor Choudhury moved, and Councillor Ohid Ahmed seconded, a procedural motion – “That under procedural Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied to allow agenda item 14 to be considered as next business.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was defeated.
12.1 Motion on Licensing and anti-social behaviour on and around Brick Lane
Councillor Helal Abbas moved, and Councillor Bill Turner seconded, the motion as printed in the agenda.
After debate the motion as printed in the agenda was put to the vote and was agreed.
DECISION
This Council notes:
· The complaints by many residents who live around Spitalfields that the number of late night alcohol licences on and around Brick Lane is resulting in an unacceptable level of alcohol-related crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour locally, including late night noise, urination and vomiting on doorsteps, and violence.
· The request by police that the Council, as the licensing authority, adopt a saturation policy for the Brick Lane area
· That a draft saturation policy for the Brick Lane area was taken to the Licensing Committee in September 2011, but has progressed no further, awaiting the publication of guidance on Cumulate Impact Policies by the government
· That other measures, as well as the proposed saturation policy, could benefit local residents.
This Council resolves:
· To support a Five Point Plan to tackle the problem that includes:
o A Saturation Policy for the Brick Lane area being brought forward for the consideration of the Licensing Committee as soon as possible after publication of the awaited government guidance
o The adoption of Challenge 25 as a mandatory condition on all TH licences to the statement of licensing policy
o Setting up a "Brick Lane Alcohol Partnership" including the trade, police, council and voluntary or community groups to better co-ordinate action, share information and build working relationships between relevant stakeholders (to be contained within existing budgets)
o Giving police powers to implement section 30 dispersal orders from 10pm to 5am Thursday – Saturday in the immediate vicinity of Brick Lane, allowing them limited powers to move groups on where they have reasonable grounds
o Consideration of introducing pop-up/temporary urinals, as used in Westminster, on Friday and Saturday nights, and consulting on a bye-law to increase the fine for public urination to level 2 on the Standard Scale (£500).
(Action by: Stephen Halsey, Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture)
[NB: Proposed revisions to the Licensing Policy Statement must be the subject of consultation under Section 5 (3) of the Licensing Act 2003. In addition, as one of the strategies included in the Council’s Policy Framework, revisions to the Licensing Policy Statement must be developed with the involvement of the Executive and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, prior to adoption by the Council. Therefore to the extent that the resolution above involves changes to the Licensing Policy, the effect of the resolution is not to change the Policy at this ... view the full decision text for item 12. Minutes: Procedural Motion
At the commencement of this agenda item Councillor Alibor Choudhury MOVED and Councillor Ohid Ahmed SECONDED a procedural motion – “That under procedural Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied to allow agenda item 14 to be considered as next business.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was defeated.
12.1 Motion on Licensing and anti-social behaviour on and around Brick Lane
Councillor Helal Abbas MOVED and Councillor Bill Turner SECONDED the motion as printed in the agenda.
After debate the motion as printed in the agenda was put to the vote and was agreed. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
This Council notes:
· The complaints by many residents who live around Spitalfields that the number of late night alcohol licences on and around Brick Lane is resulting in an unacceptable level of alcohol-related crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour locally, including late night noise, urination and vomiting on doorsteps, and violence.
· The request by police that the Council, as the licensing authority, adopt a saturation policy for the Brick Lane area
· That a draft saturation policy for the Brick Lane area was taken to the Licensing Committee in September 2011, but has progressed no further, awaiting the publication of guidance on Cumulate Impact Policies by the government
· That other measures, as well as the proposed saturation policy, could benefit local residents.
This Council resolves:
· To support a Five Point Plan to tackle the problem that includes:
o A Saturation Policy for the Brick Lane area being brought forward for the consideration of the Licensing Committee as soon as possible after publication of the awaited government guidance
o The adoption of Challenge 25 as a mandatory condition on all TH licences to the statement of licensing policy
o Setting up a "Brick Lane Alcohol Partnership" including the trade, police, council and voluntary or community groups to better co-ordinate action, share information and build working relationships between relevant stakeholders (to be contained within existing budgets)
o Giving police powers to implement section 30 dispersal orders from 10pm to 5am Thursday – Saturday in the immediate vicinity of Brick Lane, allowing them limited powers to move groups on where they have reasonable grounds
o Consideration of introducing pop-up/temporary urinals, as used in Westminster, on Friday and Saturday nights, and consulting on a bye-law to increase the fine for public urination to level 2 on the Standard Scale (£500).
[Note from clerk: Proposed revisions to the Licensing Policy Statement must be the subject of consultation under Section 5 (3) of the Licensing Act 2003. In addition, as one of the strategies included in the Council’s Policy Framework, revisions to the Licensing Policy Statement must be developed with the involvement of the Executive and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, prior to adoption by the Council. Therefore to the extent that the resolution above involves changes to the Licensing Policy, the effect of the resolution is not to change the Policy at this stage, but to call on ... view the full minutes text for item 12. |
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EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC In view of the content of the remaining items on the agenda, the Council is recommended to adopt the following motion:
“That, under the provisions of Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended, the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting on the grounds that the business to be transacted contains information defined as Exempt in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.”
EXEMPT/CONFIDENTIAL SECTION (PINK) 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 Committee Officer present. Decision: DECISION
That, under the provisions of Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended, the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting on the grounds that the business to be transacted contains information defined as Exempt in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.
Procedural motion
Councillor Carli Harper-Penman moved, and Councillor Anwar Khan seconded, a procedural motion:- ‘That Procedure Rule 13.1 be suspended to enable an urgent motion to be debated regarding recruitment to the post of Chief Executive.’ Copies of the motion were circulated to Councillors and the Speaker allowed a period for Members to read and familiarise themselves with the content. The Monitoring Officer then advised the meeting on the matters set out in the motion.
The procedural motion moved by Councillor Harper-Penman was then put to the vote and was agreed.
Urgent motion – Recruitment to the post of Chief Executive
Councillor Carli Harper-Penman moved, and Councillor Anwar Khan seconded, the tabled motion.
Following debate, the motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
DECISION
See exempt minutes.
(Action by: Stephen Halsey, Corporate Director, Communities, Localities And Culture; Isabella Freeman, Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services); Simon Kilbey, Service Head, Human Resources and Workforce Development John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: RESOLVED
That, under the provisions of Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended, the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting on the grounds that the business to be transacted contains information defined as Exempt in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.
Urgent motion – Recruitment to the post of Chief Executive
The Council agreed to consider an urgent motion that was tabled regarding the above matter.
Councillor Carli Harper-Penman MOVED and Councillor Anwar Khan SECONDED the tabled motion.
The urgent motion recommended the Council (inter alia) to reaffirm the process agreed by the Human Resources Committee on 18th January 2012 to require a unanimous decision by the Appointments Sub-Committee; to note that no recommendation had been made to the Council by the Sub-Committee; to note the previous officer advice that other options exist; and to ask officers to report back to the June 2012 Extraordinary Council Meeting on options for both recruitment and interim arrangements.
The urgent motion also proposed management arrangements to apply until the June Council meeting, under which the Corporate Management Team would jointly lead the Council, with one officer assuming the role of Head of Paid Service.
Following debate, the urgent motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
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APPOINTMENT TO THE POST OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE (HEAD OF PAID SERVICE) Report(s) arising from the considerations of the Appointments Sub-Committee (to follow). Decision: The recommendations in the exempt report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) were put to the vote and were defeated.
No appointment was made to the post of Chief Executive.
Minutes: The Council considered an exempt report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) in relation to the appointment to the post of Chief Executive.
The recommendations in the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) were put to the vote and were defeated. Accordingly, it was:-
RESOLVED
That the recommendations in the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) be not agreed.
[Note from clerk: the effect of the above decisions is that no appointment was made at the meeting to the post of Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service). |