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: Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Shiria Khatun, Fozol Miah, M. A. Mukit MBE and Ahmed Adam Omer.
Minutes: Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Shiria Khatun, Fozol Miah, M. A. Mukit MBE and Ahmed Adam Omer.
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DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS PDF 56 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 Monitoring Officer.
Decision: No declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests were made.
Minutes: No declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests were made.
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To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the unrestricted minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 28th November 2012 and the Extraordinary Council Meetings held on 11th December 2012 and 20th December 2012. Additional documents:
Decision: In relation to the draft unrestricted minutes of the Extraordinary Council Meeting on 20th December 2012, Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman stated that the text under Agenda Item 1 (Apologies for Absence) from “Procedural Motion” to “7.45 p.m.” should be replaced by the following:-
“Councillor Alibor Choudhury proposed and Councillor Rania Khan seconded that the Council appoint Aman Dalvi to the position of Chief Executive.
Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman moved and Councillor Shiria Khatun seconded a procedural motion:- ‘That under Procedure Rule 14.1.12 the meeting be adjourned for a period of half an hour’. The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
Accordingly the meeting adjourned at 7.15 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 7.45 p.m.
The Service Head, Democratic Services advised the Council that the motion could not be voted on immediately but would lay on the table to be considered at the beginning of the debate on the relevant agenda item (item 5).
A number of councillors expressed concern that the motion which was proposed did not relate to a matter on the agenda of this part of the meeting, could not be moved under ‘Apologies for Absence’, and should be treated as an emergency motion. The Service Head, Democratic Services advised the Council that this was not the case and allowed the motion.”
In relation to the draft unrestricted minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting on 28th November 2012, Councillor Gulam Robbani stated that at Agenda Item 6 (‘Public Questions’), the supplementary question from Mr Shamsur Rahman at question 6.4 should read:- “Will the Mayor ask the East End Homes Board to commission an independent review of service charges?”
DECISION
That subject to the amendments above, the unrestricted minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 28th November 2012 and of the Extraordinary Council Meetings held on 11th December 2012 and 20th December 2012 be confirmed as a correct record and the Speaker be authorised to sign them accordingly.
Minutes: In relation to the draft unrestricted minutes of the Extraordinary Council Meeting on 20th December 2012, Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman stated that the text under Agenda Item 1 (Apologies for Absence) from “Procedural Motion” to “7.45 p.m.” should be replaced by the following:-
“Councillor Alibor Choudhury proposed and Councillor Rania Khan seconded that the Council appoint Aman Dalvi to the position of Chief Executive.
Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman moved and Councillor Shiria Khatun seconded a procedural motion:- ‘That under Procedure Rule 14.1.12 the meeting be adjourned for a period of half an hour’. The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
Accordingly the meeting adjourned at 7.15 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 7.45 p.m.
The Service Head, Democratic Services advised the Council that the motion could not be voted on immediately but would lay on the table to be considered at the beginning of the debate on the relevant agenda item (item 5).
A number of councillors expressed concern that the motion which was proposed did not relate to a matter on the agenda of this part of the meeting, could not be moved under ‘Apologies for Absence’, and should be treated as an emergency motion. The Service Head, Democratic Services advised the Council that this was not the case and allowed the motion.”
In relation to the draft unrestricted minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting on 28th November 2012, Councillor Gulam Robbani stated that at Agenda Item 6 (‘Public Questions’), the supplementary question from Mr Shamsur Rahman at question 6.4 should read:- “Will the Mayor ask the East End Homes Board to commission an independent review of service charges?”
RESOLVED
That subject to the amendments above, the unrestricted minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 28th November 2012 and of the Extraordinary Council Meetings held on 11th December 2012 and 20th December 2012 be confirmed as a correct record and the Speaker be authorised to sign them accordingly.
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TO RECEIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS (IF ANY) FROM THE SPEAKER OF THE COUNCIL OR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Decision: Respects were paid to former Councillors Jan Alam, a former Deputy Leader of the authority, and Monir Ahmed, a former Ceremonial Mayor of Tower Hamlets, who had each died recently.
A minute’s silence was observed in memory of former Councillors Alam and Ahmed and in recognition of their contribution to the Borough.
Minutes: The Speaker stated that Members may be aware that former Councillors Jan Alam, a former Deputy Leader of the authority, and Monir Ahmed, a former Ceremonial Mayor of Tower Hamlets, had sadly each died recently.
Both were dedicated public servants and at the invitation of the Speaker a minute’s silence was observed in memory of former Councillors Alam and Ahmed and in recognition of their contribution to the Borough.
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TO RECEIVE ANY PETITIONS PDF 55 KB The Council Procedure Rules provide for up to three petitions to be presented at an Ordinary Meeting of the Council. The deadline for receipt of petitions for this Council meeting is Thursday 17th January. However, at the time of agenda despatch the maximum number of petitions had already been received, as set out in the attached report. Decision: 5.1 Petition from Ms Christine Whaite and Spitafields Open Space regarding public open space in Spitalfields
Mr Philip Vracas addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members. The relevant Cabinet Member then responded to the matters raised in the petition.
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 Dalvi, Corporate Director, Development and Renewal)
5.2 Petitions regarding the Local Government Boundary Review
(i) From the Save Banglatown Campaign (ii) From the Save East India and Lansbury Campaign
A petitioner addressed the meeting in support of the petition. No questions were put by Members. The relevant Cabinet Member then responded to the matters raised in the petition.
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))
5.3 Petition from Mr Mohammed Nurul Hoque and others regarding Rich Mix
Mr Yusuf Khan addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members. The relevant Cabinet Member then responded to the matters raised in the petition.
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))
Minutes: 5.1 Petition from Ms Christine Whaite and Spitafields Open Space regarding public open space in Spitalfields
Mr Philip Vracas addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members.
Councillor Shahed Ali, Cabinet Member for Environment, then responded to the matters raised in the petition. He understood the concerns and issues that were being raised; and he was also committed to protecting open spaces. Councillor Ali reported that if the petitioners presented new information to officers this would be investigated.
RESOLVED
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal, for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
5.2 Petitions regarding the Local Government Boundary Review
(i) From the Save Banglatown Campaign (ii) From the Save East India and Lansbury Campaign
The petitioners addressed the meeting. No questions were put by Members.
Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor, responded to the matters raised in the petitions. He stated that removal of the word Banglatown would be a blow to the community and that he and the Mayor were against this change. He stated that Banglatown, Lansbury and St Dunstan’s should all be retained as ward names.
RESOLVED
That the petition be referred to the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services), for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
5.3 Petition from Mr Mohammed Nurul Hoque and others regarding Rich Mix
Mr Yusuf Khan addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members.
Councillor Rania Khan, Cabinet Member for Culture, responded to the matters raised in the petition. She stated that she felt the centre was too expensive and was not catering to local people. She reported that the Council was pursuing recovery of loan monies from the centre in the High Court and this case was likely to be heard later in 2013 or 2014.
RESOLVED
That the petition be referred to the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services), for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
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TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PDF 59 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 progress in recruiting a CEO for the Council.
6.2 Question from Mr Victor William about Weavers Adventure Playground.
6.4 Question from Ms Claire Harrisson about the ‘Old Flo’ Henry Moore sculpture.
6.6 Question from Mr Muhammad Shafique Islam about the Local Government Boundary Review.
6.7 Question from Mr Mohammed Mufti Miah about the impact of the Government Housing Benefit cap.
6.8 Question from Ms Lilian Collins about Poplar Baths.
6.9 Question from Mr Muhammad Haque about the Tower Hamlets People’s Education Life and History Archive.
The above questions and in each case (except where indicated) a supplementary question were put and were responded to by the relevant Executive Member.
Questions 6.3 and 6.5 were not put at the meeting as the questioners were not present. Written responses would be provided to the questions.
(Action by: John S Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services – to arrange written responses)
Minutes: 6.1 Question from Mr Brian Nicholson regarding progress in recruiting a CEO for the Council.
Can the Mayor tell us how the council is progressing with the recruitment of the CEO?
Response by Councillor Alibor Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Resources
Thank you for your question Brian. After 18 months, numerous processes and a number of legal actions at great cost to the Council, the Council has not appointed a CEO despite having good candidates amongst our senior officers.
The good thing is the Council has coped well and the Mayor has been able to continue to deliver on his key priorities. Despite not having a CEO and with the help of a strong senior management team of officers the Mayor has been able to deliver his manifesto pledges, fight the Government cuts, protect front line services and protect residents’ pockets. He has:-
· reintroduced EMA · frozen Council Tax for four years · built more homes than any other council in the country · introduced a replacement 'Aim Higher' scheme · established an energy cooperative to save residents hundreds of pounds on utility bills; and · become the first Living Wage borough and is now campaigning for a Living Rent
In these circumstances the Mayor has written to the Group Leaders suggesting that the Council consider saving money by reviewing the need for a CEO post and investing those savings in front line services.
Summary of Supplementary Question from Mr Brian Nicholson
Whilst I am glad to hear that savings are being made, can you confirm to me whether an elected member recently settled a case out of court for a six figure sum and who the officer and Member concerned were?
Summary of Councillor Alibor Choudhury’s response to the Supplementary Question
[Officer note: In responding to the supplementary question Cllr Choudhury proceeded to name a member of the Council and alluded to the identity of a member of staff so as to make them easily identifiable and set out what was a highly inaccurate account of a confidential employment matter to which he, as a member of the executive, was party.
Confidentiality rules prevent the replication of Cllr Choudhury’s answer verbatim.]
6.2 Question from Mr Victor William about Weavers Adventure Playground.
First of all I would like to thank the Mayor for supporting the Weavers Adventure Playground with the MSG grants. We provide an exciting and stimulating environment for children and young people to play, learn, develop and increase their health and wellbeing. We would obviously like to continue our work given the safe, secure and multi-cultural environment that we offer.
It is precisely because of the current climate that our provision is of increasing importance. The impact to families and the community if Weavers has to reduce their opening hours will be enormous. We provide training opportunities for volunteers, many of whom have moved on to full time employment and we encourage participation from parents at all times. Indeed, it is not simply a playground but a vibrant community resource.
In these times of ... 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 the Council will invite the respective political group leaders 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 Leader or Deputy Leader of each Minority Group then responded briefly to the Mayor’s report.
Minutes: The Mayor made his report to the Council meeting. The Leader of the Majority Group and the Leader or Deputy Leader of each Minority Group then each responded briefly to the Mayor’s report.
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TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PDF 73 KB The questions which have been received from Councillors to be put at this Council meeting are set out in the attached report.
A maximum period of 30 minutes is allocated to this agenda item.
Decision: 8.1 Question from Councillor Denise Jones on the recent stabbings in Wapping Woods.
8.2 Question from Councillor Peter Golds on the Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity.
8.3 Question from Councillor Khales Ahmed about the Mayor’s Office staffing and advisor budgets.
8.4 Question from Councillor Harun Miah about tube and bus fares (no supplementary question was put).
8.5 Question from Councillor Abdal Ullah on the Mayor of London’s proposals to reduce the number of police stations in Tower Hamlets.
8.6 Question from Councillor Zara Davis on Tunnel Runs in the Westferry Circus underground roundabout.
8.8 Question from Councillor Gulam Robbani on gaming machines (no supplementary question was put).
8.9 Question from Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman about the Baishakhi Mela.
The above questions and in each case, except were indicated, a supplementary question were put and were responded to by the relevant executive Member.
Question 8.7 was not put at the meeting as the questioner (Councillor Shiria Khatun) was not present. A written response would be provided to the question.
The remaining questions 8.10 to 8.27 were not put due to lack of time. Written responses would be provided to the questions.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services – to arrange written responses).
Minutes: 8.1 Question from Councillor Denise Jones on the recent stabbings in Wapping Woods.
In December in Wapping Woods two women were stabbed in separate incidents that made residents frightened to go out. A public meeting was quickly organised by me and the police Safer Neighbourhood Team to brief residents and listen to their concerns about safety in Wapping. Can the Mayor tell the Council what steps officers have taken to improve public safety in Wapping since these stabbings took place?
Response by Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor
Public safety is a priority for the Mayor, for this administration and for me.
We were all deeply shocked of the news that two women were stabbed in Wapping. As I am sure you are aware, a man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and is on remand awaiting trial. CCTV was installed the next day in the area.
My best wishes go out for the speedy recovery of the two women. Fortunately this type of serious assault is very rare in Wapping. However, it is because of these shocking incidents that I and other councillors including the ward member Councillor Haque attended the public meeting on 8th January along with senior officers from the Council, the Police and Tower Hamlets Homes to listen to residents’ concerns.
Summary of Supplementary Question from Councillor Denise Jones
The attacks took place over the Christmas and New Year period. I tried to contact the Head of Paid Service, other Directors and Service Heads without success. Councillors were not told who to call over the holiday period and there was a lack of response. We only found out on the day of the public meeting who would be attending.
What will the Mayor do to ensure that Councillors know who to contact and are kept informed of actions taken, and can we have an administration that makes the Borough safe?
Summary of Councillor Ohid Ahmed’s response to the Supplementary Question
The relevant Service Heads were at the residents meeting. Councillors should know who to contact and instead of playing politics, if the matter had been raised with me I would have helped. Swift action was taken in this case and we are also visiting every ward in the borough to discuss community safety. In Wapping, Council services are liaising with the police and we are planning a further walkabout with residents to look at additional improvements.
8.2 Question from Councillor Peter Golds on the Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity.
In 2011 the Parliament approved the “Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity”. Tower Hamlets Council has chosen to ignore this code, in particular by continuing to publish East End Life at cost to the taxpayer.
The Government has announced that to ensure compliance of the Code of Recommended Practice legislation is to be introduced which will empower the Secretary of State to make a direction requiring compliance with some or all of the Publicity Code’s recommendations.
Will the Mayor ... 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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TREASURY MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY 2012/13 - MID YEAR REPORT PDF 166 KB To note the Treasury Management and Investment Strategy mid-year report for 2012/13 as reported to the Audit Committee. The report of the Acting Chief Finance Officer is attached.
Decision: The Council considered the mid-year report of the Acting Chief Finance Officer on the Treasury Management and Investment Strategy 2012/13.
DECISION
To note the content of the report.
(Action by: Alan Finch, Acting Chief Finance Officer)
Minutes: The Council considered the mid-year report of the Acting Chief Finance Officer on the Treasury Management and Investment Strategy 2012/13.
Councillor Alibor Choudhury MOVED and Councillor Ohid Ahmed SECONDED the recommendations contained in the report.
RESOLVED
To note the content of the report.
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TO RECEIVE REPORTS AND QUESTIONS ON JOINT ARRANGEMENTS AND EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS (if any) Decision: There was no business under this heading.
Minutes: There was no business under this heading.
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OTHER BUSINESS (if any) |
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BUDGET COUNCIL MEETING DATE - Tabled Paper PDF 57 KB Decision: The Council considered a tabled report of the Service Head, Democratic Services on the above matter. The reasons for urgency were agreed as set out in the report.
DECISION
That the date of the Budget Council Meeting be amended from 20th February to Wednesday 27th February 2013 (7.30 p.m. start); and the provisional date for any second Budget Council Meeting (if required) be amended to Thursday 7th March 2013.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: The Council considered the report of the Service Head, Democratic Services and agreed the reasons for urgency as set out in the report.
RESOLVED
That the date of the Budget Council Meeting be amended from 20th February to Wednesday 27th February 2013 (7.30 p.m. start); and the provisional date for any second Budget Council Meeting (if required) be amended to Thursday 7th March 2013.
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TO CONSIDER MOTIONS SUBMITTED BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PDF 130 KB The motions submitted by Councillors for debate at this meeting are set out in the attached report.
Decision: 12.3 Motion regarding Fire and Police Station Closures
Councillor Abdal Ullah moved, and Councillor Denise Jones seconded, the motion as printed on the agenda and subject to an amendment as tabled.
Councillor Shahed Ali moved a further amendment:- “That the Council additionally (i) notes the tragic deaths of two fire fighters based in the borough in 2004; and (ii) believes that the proposed reduction in fire engines is an insult to the families of those fire fighters.”
Councillors Abdal Ullah and Denise Jones accepted the first part of Councillor Ali’s proposed amendment and altered their motion accordingly.
In relation to the proposal contained in the motion to invite the Borough Commanders to address a Council meeting, the Service Head Democratic Services advised the meeting that the Council Procedure Rules did not specifically provide for this and that the Council meeting was subject to a strict time limit. It may therefore be more appropriate for a separate briefing to take place outside the formal meeting. Councillors Abdal Ullah and Denise Jones agreed and further altered their motion accordingly.
The motion as so amended was put to the vote and was agreed.
DECISION
This Council notes:
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That the first duty of politicians is to protect
residents.
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That crime has been increasing in Tower Hamlets and
across London.
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In 2009/10 there were 26,989 crimes reported in
Tower Hamlets, in 2010/11 there were 28,670 and in 2011/12 there
were 29,485. This represents over a 9% increase.
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Last year Tower Hamlets had by
far the greatest number of fires in London (1,523) as well as the
5th highest call outs for specialist fire services (1,821) and the
3rd highest for false alarms (2,586). - In total in 2011/12 there were 5,930 call outs attended by Tower Hamlets Fire Brigade.
- The tragic deaths of two fire fighters based in the borough in 2004.
This Council Further Notes:
- Boris Johnson has proposed £65m cuts to the London Fire Brigade and over £300m cuts to the London Police Service budget.
Fire Brigade
- That the Mayor of London announced earlier this month that he proposed closing Bow fire station and halving the number of fire engines at Whitechapel fire station.
- The cuts for Tower Hamlets Fire Brigade come on top of additional cuts to neighbouring boroughs with Silvertown in Newham (1 pump) and Kingsland in Hackney (2 pumps) both earmarked for closure. This will have a significant impact on Tower Hamlets’ ability to deal with major incidents.
- Last year the target set by Tower Hamlets Fire Brigade for fires in the home was 227 however the actual number of these fires was 308, this is over 35% higher.
Police Service
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Tower Hamlets lost 58 PCSOs (45%) and 103 Police Officers (13%) between
March 2010 and April 2012. - The London Mayor, Boris Johnson has proposed closing half of the borough’s police stations, Bow, Poplar and the Isle of Dogs, as well as reducing the service ... view the full decision text for item 12. Minutes: Procedural Motion
Councillor Anwar Khan moved and Councillor Joshua Peck seconded a procedural motion – “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be altered to consider Motions 12.3 “Motion regarding fire and police station closures”, 12.6 “Motion regarding Blacklisting of Workers” and 12.9 “Motion regarding Decent Homes Prioritisation“ and then move on to the Exempt part of the meeting. The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
12.3 Motion regarding Fire and Police Station Closures
Councillor Abdal Ullah moved, and Councillor Denise Jones seconded, the motion as printed on the agenda and subject to an amendment as tabled.
Councillor Shahed Ali moved a further amendment:- “That the Council additionally (i) notes the tragic deaths of two fire fighters based in the borough in 2004; and (ii) believes that the proposed reduction in fire engines is an insult to the families of those fire fighters.”
Councillors Abdal Ullah and Denise Jones accepted the first part of Councillor Ali’s proposed amendment and altered their motion accordingly.
In relation to the proposal contained in the motion to invite the Borough Commanders to address a Council meeting, the Service Head Democratic Services advised the meeting that the Council Procedure Rules did not specifically provide for this and that the Council meeting was subject to a strict time limit. It may therefore be more appropriate for a separate briefing to take place outside the formal meeting. Councillors Abdal Ullah and Denise Jones agreed and further altered their motion accordingly.
The motion as so amended was put to the vote and was agreed. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
This Council notes:
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That the first duty of politicians is to protect
residents.
-
That crime has been increasing in Tower Hamlets and
across London.
-
In 2009/10 there were 26,989 crimes reported in
Tower Hamlets, in 2010/11 there were 28,670 and in 2011/12 there
were 29,485. This represents over a 9% increase.
-
Last year Tower Hamlets had by
far the greatest number of fires in London (1,523) as well as the
5th highest call outs for specialist fire services (1,821) and the
3rd highest for false alarms (2,586). - In total in 2011/12 there were 5,930 call outs attended by Tower Hamlets Fire Brigade.
- The tragic deaths of two fire fighters based in the borough in 2004.
This Council Further Notes:
- Boris Johnson has proposed £65m cuts to the London Fire Brigade and over £300m cuts to the London Police Service budget.
Fire Brigade
- That the Mayor of London announced earlier this month that he proposed closing Bow fire station and halving the number of fire engines at Whitechapel fire station.
- The cuts for Tower Hamlets Fire Brigade come on top of additional cuts to neighbouring boroughs with Silvertown in Newham (1 pump) and Kingsland in Hackney (2 pumps) both earmarked for closure. This will have a significant impact on Tower Hamlets’ ability to deal with major incidents.
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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.
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.
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EXEMPT MINUTES To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the exempt (restricted) minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 28th November 2012 and the Extraordinary Council Meetings held on 11th July 2012 (draft minutes deferred at the previous meeting), 11th December 2012 and 20th December 2012. Decision: The Council agreed a number of amendments to the draft restricted minutes of the 11th July and 20th December 2012 meetings.
DECISION
That, subject to the amendments agreed, the Part 2 (restricted) minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 28th November 2012 and of the Extraordinary Council Meetings held on 11th July 2012, 11th December 2012 and 20th December 2012 be confirmed as a correct record and the Speaker be authorised to sign them accordingly.
Minutes: The Council agreed a number of amendments to the draft restricted minutes of the 11th July and 20th December 2012 meetings.
RESOLVED
That, subject to the amendments agreed, the Part 2 (restricted) minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 28th November 2012 and of the Extraordinary Council Meetings held on 11th July 2012, 11th December 2012 and 20th December 2012 be confirmed as a correct record and the Speaker be authorised to sign them accordingly.
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ESTABLISHMENT OF APPOINTMENTS SUB-COMMITTEE - RECRUITMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE/HEAD OF PAID SERVICE To consider the report of the Service Head, Human Resources and Workforce Development on the above matter (exempt report to follow). Decision: The Council considered a report of the Service Head, Human Resources and Workforce Development on the above matter. The special circumstances and reasons for urgency were agreed as set out in the report.
Councillor David Snowdon moved, and Councillor Craig Aston seconded, a tabled amendment to the recommendations in the report.
The amendment and the substantive recommendations as amended, were put to the vote and were agreed unanimously.
DECISION
1. To confirm the extension made by the Service Head HR and WD to the notice period of the Interim Head of Paid Service from 14th January until 23rd January 2013.
2. To invite Stephen Halsey to act as Head of Paid Service, retaining his role as Corporate Director CLC and with the following powers, until October 31st 2014
Non-Executive functions
· Head of Paid Service (Local Government & Housing Act 1989) · Officer with delegated power to approve premises for the solemnisation of marriages (Marriage Act 1949) · Community Governance – various functions relating to Community Governance Reviews under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 · Power to appoint staff below Deputy Chief Officer level (Local Government Act 1972, section 112) · Powers relating to the preservation of trees (Town & Country Planning Act 1990) · Crime prevention policies and measures (London Local Authorities (No. 2) Act 1990) · Gratuities to non-pensionable employees (London County Council (General Powers) Act 1930) · Expenses of councils in connection with ceremonies (London County Council (General Purposes) Act 1951, section 32) · Compensation to persons in the Council’s service on abolition of office (London County Council (General Purposes) Act 1921) [subject to pay policy]
‘Proper Officer’ designations
The Head of Paid Service is designated as the “proper officer” for the following functions:
· S.83 (1) Local Government Act (LGA) 1972 – the person to whom the Mayor or a Councillor shall deliver her/his acceptance of office · S.83 (3)b LGA 1972 – the officer before whom the Speaker of the Council and Deputy Speaker of Council make their declaration of acceptance of office · S.88 (2) LGA 1972 – the officer who may call a Council meeting for the election to the vacant office of Speaker of Council · S.4 LG&HA 1989 – the Head of Paid Service · S.15 LG&HA 1989 – the officer to receive notices relating to the membership of political groups · Schedule 12, Local Government Act 1972, Part 1 paragraph 4(2)(b) – summons to attend Council meeting.
Other delegations
· Section 4.1 of the constitution (Council Procedure Rules) contains various references to the Chief Executive as the officer who formally calls or may cancel Council and Committee meetings
3. To ask the Service Head, Democratic Services, to undertake the roles of Returning Officer (Representation of the People Act 1983, section 35) and the Electoral Registration Officer (Representation of the People Act 1983, section 8)
4. To ask the Head of Paid Service to continue to work with the LGA to review governance arrangements to ensure that they are robust
5. To defer the recruitment process ... view the full decision text for item 15. Minutes: The Council considered a report of the Service Head, Human Resources and Workforce Development on the above matter. The special circumstances and reasons for urgency were agreed as set out in the report.
Councillor David Snowdon moved, and Councillor Craig Aston seconded, a tabled amendment to the recommendations in the report.
The amendment and the substantive recommendations as amended, were put to the vote and were agreed unanimously. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
1. To confirm the extension made by the Service Head HR and WD to the notice period of the Interim Head of Paid Service from 14th January until 23rd January 2013.
2. To invite Stephen Halsey to act as Head of Paid Service, retaining his role as Corporate Director CLC and with the following powers, until October 31st 2014
Non-Executive functions
· Head of Paid Service (Local Government & Housing Act 1989) · Officer with delegated power to approve premises for the solemnisation of marriages (Marriage Act 1949) · Community Governance – various functions relating to Community Governance Reviews under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 · Power to appoint staff below Deputy Chief Officer level (Local Government Act 1972, section 112) · Powers relating to the preservation of trees (Town & Country Planning Act 1990) · Crime prevention policies and measures (London Local Authorities (No. 2) Act 1990) · Gratuities to non-pensionable employees (London County Council (General Powers) Act 1930) · Expenses of councils in connection with ceremonies (London County Council (General Purposes) Act 1951, section 32) · Compensation to persons in the Council’s service on abolition of office (London County Council (General Purposes) Act 1921) [subject to pay policy]
‘Proper Officer’ designations
The Head of Paid Service is designated as the “proper officer” for the following functions:
· S.83 (1) Local Government Act (LGA) 1972 – the person to whom the Mayor or a Councillor shall deliver her/his acceptance of office · S.83 (3)b LGA 1972 – the officer before whom the Speaker of the Council and Deputy Speaker of Council make their declaration of acceptance of office · S.88 (2) LGA 1972 – the officer who may call a Council meeting for the election to the vacant office of Speaker of Council · S.4 LG&HA 1989 – the Head of Paid Service · S.15 LG&HA 1989 – the officer to receive notices relating to the membership of political groups · Schedule 12, Local Government Act 1972, Part 1 paragraph 4(2)(b) – summons to attend Council meeting.
Other delegations
· Section 4.1 of the constitution (Council Procedure Rules) contains various references to the Chief Executive as the officer who formally calls or may cancel Council and Committee meetings
3. To ask the Service Head, Democratic Services, to undertake the roles of Returning Officer (Representation of the People Act 1983, section 35) and the Electoral Registration Officer (Representation of the People Act 1983, section 8)
4. To ask the Head of Paid Service to continue to work with the LGA to review governance arrangements to ensure that they are robust
5. To defer the ... view the full minutes text for item 15. |