During the meeting the Council agreed to vary the order of business. To aid clarity, the Minutes are presented in the order that the items originally appeared on the agenda. Urgent motions, moved with the agreement of the Council, without notice, are listed at Item 13.

The order of business as taken at the meeting was as follows:

Items:

·         1 – Apologies for Absence

·         2 – Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

·         3 – Minutes

·         4 – To receive announcements (if any) from the speaker of the Council or the Head of Paid Service

·         5 – Petitions

·         6.1 – 6.2 – Public Questions

·         12.3 – Motion

·         And then the agenda as published.

Procedural Motion

At this point Councillor Rania Khan moved, and Councillor Ohid Ahmed seconded, a procedural motion “that under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied such that Item 12.10 “Motion on Tony Benn” be taken as the first item of business”.  Councillor Khan also called for the Council to hold a minute’s silence in memory of Tony Benn, Bob Crow and, as it was the anniversary of Bangladesh achieving independence, the many who had died in that struggle. 

The procedural motion was put to the vote and was defeated.  The Council did however agree to hold a minute’s silence, which took place immediately following the vote on the procedural motion.

Procedural Motion

Councillor Rania Khan then moved, and Councillor Ohid Ahmed seconded, a further procedural motion “that under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the business be altered to extend Item 5 “Public Questions” from 20 to 30 minutes to allow all Public Questions to be heard.

The procedural motion was put to the vote and was defeated.

Under Procedural Rule 17.6, the following Councillors requested that their votes in favour of the procedural motion be recorded:

Councillor Kabir Ahmed

Councillor Ohid Ahmed

Councillor Rofique U Ahmed

Councillor Abdul Asad

Councillor Lutfa Begum

Councillor Alibor Choudhury

Councillor Shafiqul Haque

Councillor Aminur Khan

Councillor Rabina Khan

Councillor Rania Khan

Councillor Harun Miah

Councillor Md. Maium Miah

Councillor Oliur Rahman

Councillor Gulam Robbani

Procedural Motion

Councillor Carlo Gibbs then moved, and Councillor Rachael Saunders seconded, a further procedural motion “that under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied such that an emergency motion about the Peabody Estate former Crown Estate tenants be considered straight after the consideration of Item 12.1”. The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.

[Note – the meeting reached its time limit after Item 12.1 so the Emergency Motion was not debated.]

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Shahed Ali, Fozol Miah and Helal Uddin.

No declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests were made.

To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the unrestricted minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 22^nd January 2014 and of the Budget Council Meetings held on 26^th February 2014 and 6^th March 2014.  The draft minutes are attached.

RESOLVED

That the unrestricted minutes of the Ordinary meeting of the Council held on 22 January 2014 and the Budget Council meetings held on 26 February and 6 March 2014 be confirmed as a correct record and the Speaker be authorised to sign them accordingly.

The Speaker of the Council made three announcements:

·         Congratulations to Councillor Abdal Ullah on the birth of a son.

·         A thank you for their hard work and dedication, on behalf of the whole Council, to those Councillors who were not re-standing at the forthcoming elections.

·         On the 43^rd anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh, congratulations to all those in the borough who were celebrating that anniversary.

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

The deadline for receipt of petitions for this Council meeting is noon on Thursday 20^th March 2014.   However at the time of agenda despatch, the maximum number of petitions has already been received as set out in the attached report.

5.1       Petition regarding Kobi Nazrul School

Mr Nurul Anim 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 matters raised in the petition. He highlighted that Tower Hamlets had some of the best inner city schools in the world and that working with the Local Authority was the best way to support schools. He reported that whilst the Administration did not support Academy Schools, it had limited powers to intervene.  However, the Administration would continue to work to support all pupils in the Borough.

RESOLVED

That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Education, Social Care and Wellbeing for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.

Procedural Motion

Councillor Oliur Rahman moved, and Councillor Rabina Khan seconded, a procedural motion “that under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be moved to take Item 9.3 “Free School Meals for Primary Age Pupils – Virement Proposal” at this point.

The procedural motion was put to the vote and was defeated.

5.2       Petition regarding illegal raves in Wapping

Mr Stuart Madewell addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members. Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor, then responded to the matters raised in the petition. He reported that the administration took the issues raised very seriously and that they worked hard, in conjunction with the police, to make sure people felt safe on the streets. He highlighted that overall crime in the Borough was down.

RESOLVED

That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.

5.3       Petition regarding road safety and traffic calming in Devons Road

The petitioners addressed the meeting on the matters set out in the petition and responded to questions from Members. Councillor Ohid Ahmed, the Deputy Mayor, then responded to the matters raised. He promised that the administration would look into the matters raised and that they took road safety very seriously.

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.

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.

The following questions and in each case (except where indicated) a supplementary question were put and were responded to by the relevant Executive Members:

6.1       Question from Mr Geoff Juden

Would full Council agree with the residents of Weavers, Spitalfields and Banglatown that the park atop the arches, within the Bishopsgate Goods Yard development, be a park which, in all circumstances, is able to provide a cleaner air environment. A Forest Garden?

Response by Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing

Thank you for your question.

We would absolutely support the creation of a park on top of the arches within the Bishopgate Goods Yard development.

Not only are we in need of green space, especially in that part of the borough – but this could be a fantastic feature – similar to the highline in New York.

However, I would also like to ensure that the park would be open to all and that residents would be made to feel welcome.

Too often we have seen green space gated off or residents and children made to feel unwelcome in green space developed through new developments.

This is why when we adopted the Planning Guidance for the development of Bishopsgate Goods Yard in 2010 we included the opportunity for a new park on top of the arches.

The developer will have to consider this guidance when developing their proposal as will the Council when assessing a future planning application.

Summary of Supplementary Question from Mr Juden

Can we have your personal support?

Summary of Councillor Khan’s response to the Supplementary Question

Yes, we give you our personal support for this campaign.

6.2      Question from Ms Pawla Cottage

Does the Cabinet Member for Culture support the on-line petition, signed by 124 people, calling for the building of a Columbia Market war memorial to commemorate the air raid on Columbia Market, Columbia Rd, E2 on the first night of the Blitz, 7^th September 1940, whereby a German bomb entered the ventilation shaft of the air raid shelter situated under the Great Hall of Columbia Market, which had a glass roof, causing mass devastation and the loss of 51 lives?  The memorial will be dedicated to those who died as a consequence and to those who survived and still survive.

Response by Councillor Rania Khan, Cabinet Member for Culture

Thanks you for your question – yes we would absolutely support the petition and the memorial to this sad loss of life.

I am pleased that you also plan to dedicate the memorial to those who survived and continue to survive – it will be wonderful testament to the strength of the Blitz Spirit – which helped to sustain East Enders despite the heavy damage and loss of life. 

I understand from my colleague Councillor Kabir Ahmed, who is the ward councillor and has been working with your campaign, that the preferred location for the memorial is in the Sivill House Rose Garden and I am happy to meet with you and my  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The Mayor made his report to the Council meeting, extending a welcome to all present. During his report he thanked the Speaker for her work over the year and wished her well in her retirement from office. He also thanked officers for their help in providing excellent services for the Borough.

When the Mayor had completed his report, the Leader of the Majority Group and the Leader or Deputy Leader of each Minority Group then responded briefly to the Mayor’s report.

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.

The following questions and in each case (except where indicated) a supplementary question were put and were responded to by the relevant Executive Member or Chair:

8.1       Question from Councillor Abdal Ullah

Will the Lead Member for Jobs and Skills apologise for the fact that under Lutfur Rahman’s administration the number of 18-24 year olds claiming JSA for over a year has increased by over 110%?

Response by Councillor Shafiqul Haque, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Skills

In the last year, the number of youth Job Seeker’s claimants has fallen by 25%

Perhaps councillor Ullah has not noticed, but we have been recovering from a recession since 2008; unemployment has risen everywhere, especially for youths, and yet Tower Hamlets has performed better than the London average and outperformed its neighbours at combatting unemployment.

We are making sure kids are more likely to get jobs, by drastically improving educational attainment. We are helping young people to stay in school, by reinstating the Educational Maintenance Allowance which your party opposed. We are encouraging them to go to University through the Mayor’s Higher Educational Allowance which you have also slated. It is programmes like these that ensure young people have the best possible chance in the labour market.

If councillor Ullah cares so much about jobs, he could spend his time better looking at his own budget – which suggested scrapping a programme helping 100 women in the borough get back into jobs.  Shame!

Summary of Supplementary Question from Councillor Abdal Ullah

Does the Mayor regret giving jobs to the current Cabinet Members when they have failed to deliver?

Summary of Councillor Haque’s response to the Supplementary Question

Councillor Abdal Ullah should join our team which is doing a great job.

8.2       Question from Councillor Zara Davis

What is the Council doing to accelerate the reopening of the Thames Path, next to Sir John McDougal Gardens?

Response by Councillor Rania Khan, Cabinet Member for Culture

The path adjacent to the River Thames is the responsibility of the land owner and has been closed for maintenance. 

The Head of Planning and Building Control is investigating whether the closure would constitute a breach under Section 106 of the agreement for the development and has written to the owners requesting an update for when the path will be open again for the public. 

Depending on the response, matter may be referred to Legal Services to review and consider what legal action could be pursued in relation to potential breaches of the Section 106 agreement.

Summary of Supplementary Question from Councillor Zara Davis

The Council is responsible for maintaining that path. Residents are frustrated that it has been closed for 9 months what is the Council doing about it?

Summary of Councillor Khan’s response to the Supplementary Question

We are pressing the Environment Agency to confirm the work to be done. The Head of Planning and Building Control will be happy to look at any additional information you may have.

8.3       Question from Councillor Judith Gardiner to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To adopt the Community Safety Partnership Plan (Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy) in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules.  The proposals of the Mayor and Executive for the Community Safety Partnership Plan 2013-16 are attached.     

In accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules, if the Council wishes to amend the Community Safety Plan in accordance with the objections previously notified to the Mayor, a two-thirds majority of Members present and voting on the matter is required. 

The Council considered the proposals of the Mayor and Executive for the Community Safety Plan 2013-16.

Councillor Ohid Ahmed moved, and Councillor Oliur Rahman seconded, the recommendation as set out in the report.

DECISION

To approve the Community Safety Partnership Plan 2013-16 (attached at Appendix 1 to the report) and the priorities set out within it.

(Action by: Stephen Halsey, Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture)

The Council considered the proposals of the Mayor and Executive for the Community Safety Plan 2013-16.

Councillor Ohid Ahmed moved, and Councillor Oliur Rahman seconded, the recommendation as set out in the report.

Following debate, the recommendations were put to the vote and were agreed.  Accordingly it was:-

RESOLVED

To approve the Community Safety Partnership Plan 2013-16 (attached at Appendix 1 to the report) and the priorities set out within it.

To consider the adoption of a legislative scheme for the control of lap dancing and striptease premises in Tower Hamlets, set out in Schedule 3 to the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.  The report of the Head of Consumer and Business Regulations is attached.

The Council considered the report of the Head of Consumer and Business Regulations into the proposal to adopt the legislative scheme for the control of lap dancing and striptease premises in Tower Hamlets.

Further correspondence from legal representatives of local businesses was tabled along with the response of the Council’s legal adviser.

Councillor Carli Harper-Penman moved, and Councillor Ann Jackson seconded, the recommendations as set out in the report.

With the agreement of the Speaker, two representatives of local businesses addressed the meeting.  

DECISION

1.    To agree that it is appropriate to reconsider whether to adopt Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 as amended by section 27 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009.

2.    To resolve that Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 as amended by section 27 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009 shall apply in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets area and which shall come into force on 1st June 2014.

3.    To agree the proposed standard conditions in Appendix 2 and to also agree the fee structure in Appendix 3 to the report.

4.    To note that the policy in Appendix 1 to the report, which will apply on the application of Schedule 3 in Tower Hamlets, and which supports continued operation of existing premises, including the White Swan.

(Action by: Stephen Halsey, Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture)

The Council considered the report of the Head of Consumer and Business Regulations into the proposal to adopt the legislative scheme for the control of lap dancing and striptease premises in Tower Hamlets.

Further correspondence from legal representatives of local businesses was tabled along with the response of the Council’s legal adviser.

Councillor Carli Harper-Penman moved, and Councillor Ann Jackson seconded, the recommendations as set out in the report.

With the agreement of the Speaker, two representatives of local businesses addressed the meeting.  They were Mr David Dadds of Dadds LLP, representing Whites Gentleman’s Club; and Mr Gareth Hughes of Jeffrey Green Russell Solicitors, representing Vanquish Asset Management of Astons Champagne Bar, Victory Services Ltd on behalf of The Pleasure Lounge and Mr Manpal Singh of The Nags Head.  

Following debate the recommendations in the report were put to the vote and were agreed unanimously.  Accordingly it was:-

RESOLVED

1.    To agree that it is appropriate to reconsider whether to adopt Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 as amended by section 27 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009.

2.    To resolve that Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 as amended by section 27 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009 shall apply in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets area and which shall come into force on 1st June 2014.

3.    To agree the proposed standard conditions in Appendix 2 and to also agree the fee structure in Appendix 3 to the report.

4.    To note that the policy in Appendix 1 to the report, which will apply on the application of Schedule 3 in Tower Hamlets, and which supports continued operation of existing premises, including the White Swan.

The report of the Acting Corporate Director, Resources is attached.

The Council considered the report of the Acting Corporate Director, Resources on a proposed virement in connection with the Mayor’s Executive Decision to introduce a local scheme for free schools meals for all primary age pupils.

Councillor Alibor Choudhury moved, and Councillor Oliur Rahman seconded, the recommendation as set out in the report.

Councillor Carlo Gibbs moved, and Councillor Sirajul Islam seconded, a tabled amendment to the recommendation. Following debate the amendment was put to the vote and was agreed.  The substantive motion as amended was then put to the vote and was agreed.   

DECISION

This Council notes:

·         There were NO proposals for Free School Meals in the Mayor’s original 2014/15 Budget, in fact, in that Budget the Mayor removed the funding already allocated for Free School Meals.

·         The Labour Group’s Budget amendment was the only one which contained a pledge for Free School Meals.

·         Labour’s Budget amendment would have fully funded Free School Meals on a sustainable basis and Labour’s candidate for Mayor of Tower Hamlets, John Biggs, has pledged to ensure that Free School Meals for all primary school pupils is a priority of his administration.

·         After removing funding from his original Budget, the Mayor refused to accept Labour’s Free School Meals proposal and on 6th March his supporters voted to block it.

This Council Further notes:

·         The Mayor opposed Labour’s Free School Meals plan for purely political reasons.

·         The Mayor promised to bring a fully funded proposal back to Council for two full academic years.

·         The Mayor has broken his promise as the actual proposals before Council are not only for one year only, but are not funded at all.

·         The proposed virement is not only totally unfunded, but it raids the Council’s emergency reserves which will require over £2.5m in additional service cuts in future years.

This Council believes:

·         If the Mayor wanted to invest in Free School Meals he would have included it in his original Budget rather than cutting the already allocated funding.

·         Labour’s campaign for Free School Meals has attracted widespread support and the Mayor is now desperately trying to save face in light of his opposition to Labour’s plans.

·         Whilst we welcome the Mayor’s conversion to support Free School Meals, it is clear that he has absolutely no idea how to fund this and he is irresponsibly trying to buy his way out of the problem.

·         The Mayor’s plan to provide skills training for women to work in the healthcare sector could easily be achieved by using the power of the Mayor’s office to work with business, third sector and NHS partners to deliver the project on a sustainable basis and not just as a one off.

This Council further believes:

·         Budget setting is a matter for Full Council and that any attempts by the Executive to circumvent this process would be unlawful, including through cumulative virements below the £1m threshold;

·         This Mayor is endangering the long term financial health of this council with his  ...  view the full decision text for item 9.3

The Council considered the report of the Acting Corporate Director, Resources on a proposed virement in connection with the Mayor’s Executive Decision to introduce a local scheme for free schools meals for all primary age pupils.

Councillor Alibor Choudhury moved, and Councillor Oliur Rahman seconded, the recommendation as set out in the report.

Councillor Carlo Gibbs moved, and Councillor Sirajul Islam seconded, a tabled amendment to the recommendation. Following debate the amendment was put to the vote and was agreed.  The substantive motion as amended was then put to the vote and was agreed.  Accordingly it was:-

RESOLVED

This Council notes:

·         There were NO proposals for Free School Meals in the Mayor’s original 2014/15 Budget, in fact, in that Budget the Mayor removed the funding already allocated for Free School Meals.

·         The Labour Group’s Budget amendment was the only one which contained a pledge for Free School Meals.

·         Labour’s Budget amendment would have fully funded Free School Meals on a sustainable basis and Labour’s candidate for Mayor of Tower Hamlets, John Biggs, has pledged to ensure that Free School Meals for all primary school pupils is a priority of his administration.

·         After removing funding from his original Budget, the Mayor refused to accept Labour’s Free School Meals proposal and on 6th March his supporters voted to block it.

This Council Further notes:

·         The Mayor opposed Labour’s Free School Meals plan for purely political reasons.

·         The Mayor promised to bring a fully funded proposal back to Council for two full academic years.

·         The Mayor has broken his promise as the actual proposals before Council are not only for one year only, but are not funded at all.

·         The proposed virement is not only totally unfunded, but it raids the Council’s emergency reserves which will require over £2.5m in additional service cuts in future years.

This Council believes:

·         If the Mayor wanted to invest in Free School Meals he would have included it in his original Budget rather than cutting the already allocated funding.

·         Labour’s campaign for Free School Meals has attracted widespread support and the Mayor is now desperately trying to save face in light of his opposition to Labour’s plans.

·         Whilst we welcome the Mayor’s conversion to support Free School Meals, it is clear that he has absolutely no idea how to fund this and he is irresponsibly trying to buy his way out of the problem.

·         The Mayor’s plan to provide skills training for women to work in the healthcare sector could easily be achieved by using the power of the Mayor’s office to work with business, third sector and NHS partners to deliver the project on a sustainable basis and not just as a one off.

This Council further believes:

·         Budget setting is a matter for Full Council and that any attempts by the Executive to circumvent this process would be unlawful, including through cumulative virements below the £1m threshold;

·         This Mayor is endangering the long term financial health of this  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.3

To adopt the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2014/15 as required by the Localism Act 2011.  The reference from the Human Resources Committee including the draft Pay Policy Statement is attached.

Council considered the reference from the Human Resources Committee on the Pay Policy Statement 2014/15.

Councillor Carlo Gibbs moved, and Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman seconded, the recommendations as set out in the report.

DECISION

1     To adopt the authority’s Pay Policy Statement for the year 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015 as recommended by the Human Resources Committee and presented at Appendix 1 to the Human Resources Committee report.

2     To agree that if any minor changes to the 2014/15 policy statement are required as a result of future government guidance, these amendments be delegated to the Head of Paid Service after consultation with the Service Head (HR and WD), the Chair of the Human Resources Committee and the Monitoring Officer. Should any fundamental changes be required, then the Pay Policy Statement be referred back to the Human Resources Committee for consideration.

(Action by: Simon Kilbey, Service Head, Human Resources and Workforce Development)

The Council considered the reference from the Human Resources Committee on the Pay Policy Statement 2014/15.

Councillor Carlo Gibbs moved, and Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman seconded, the recommendations as set out in the report. 

The recommendations in the report were put to the vote and were agreed.  Accordingly it was:-

RESOLVED

1     To adopt the authority’s Pay Policy Statement for the year 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015 as recommended by the Human Resources Committee and presented at Appendix 1 to the Human Resources Committee report.

2     To agree that if any minor changes to the 2014/15 policy statement are required as a result of future government guidance, these amendments be delegated to the Head of Paid Service after consultation with the Service Head (HR and WD), the Chair of the Human Resources Committee and the Monitoring Officer. Should any fundamental changes be required, then the Pay Policy Statement be referred back to the Human Resources Committee for consideration.

To receive the annual report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for 2013/14.  The annual report is attached.

Council considered the Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman moved, and Councillor Rachael Saunders seconded, the recommendation as set out in the report.

DECISION

That the Council notes the annual report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for 2013-14.

(Action by: Louise Russell, Service Head, Corporate Strategy and Equality)

The Council considered the Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman moved, and Councillor Rachael Saunders seconded, the recommendation as set out in the report.

The recommendations in the report were put to the vote and were agreed.  Accordingly it was:-

RESOLVED

That the Council notes the annual report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for 2013-14.

To consider a reference from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to the Executive Mayor’s car.  The reference is attached.

Council considered the report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee into the use of the Executive Mayor’s Car.

Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman moved, and Councillor Rachael Saunders seconded, the recommendation as set out in the report.

DECISION

To agree the reference report from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and its recommendations.

The Council considered the report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee into the use of the Executive Mayor’s Car.

Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman moved, and Councillor Rachael Saunders seconded, the recommendation as set out in the report.

Following debate the recommendations in the report were put to the vote and were agreed.  Accordingly it was:-

RESOLVED

To agree the reference report from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and its recommendations.

There was no business under this heading.

To undertake a review of proportionality and agree the allocation of places on committees and panels following a change in the political composition of the Council.

The report of the Service Head, Democratic Services is attached.

Council considered the report of the Service Head, Democratic Services, on the review of proportionality and allocation of places on Committees and Panels of the Council.

DECISION

1.    That the review of proportionality at paragraph 3 of the report be noted and the Council agree the unchanged allocation of seats on committees and panels established for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2013/14 as set out at paragraph 4.2 of the report.

2.    That Members and deputies be appointed to serve on those committees and panels in accordance with nominations from the political groups to be notified to the Service Head, Democratic Services.

3.    That the Service Head, Democratic Services be authorised to approve the appointment of ungrouped Councillors to any committee places not allocated by the Council to a political group, after consultation with those Councillors and the Speaker of the Council.

(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)

Council considered the report of the Service Head, Democratic Services, on the review of proportionality and allocation of places on Committees and Panels of the Council.

RESOLVED

1.    That the review of proportionality at paragraph 3 of the report be noted and the Council agree the unchanged allocation of seats on committees and panels established for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2013/14 as set out at paragraph 4.2 of the report.

2.    That Members and deputies be appointed to serve on those committees and panels in accordance with nominations from the political groups to be notified to the Service Head, Democratic Services.

3.    That the Service Head, Democratic Services be authorised to approve the appointment of ungrouped Councillors to any committee places not allocated by the Council to a political group, after consultation with those Councillors and the Speaker of the Council.

To agree the calendar of Council, committee etc meetings for 2014/15.  The report of the Service Head, Democratic Services is attached.

Council considered the report of the Service Head, Democratic Services on the proposed calendar of Council and Committee meetings for 2014/15.

DECISION

To approve the proposed calendar of meetings for the municipal year 2014/15 as set out at Appendix A to the report.

(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)

Council considered the report of the Service Head, Democratic Services on the proposed calendar of Council and Committee meetings for 2014/15.

RESOLVED

To approve the proposed calendar of meetings for the municipal year 2014/15 as set out at Appendix A to the report.

To adopt the Members’ Allowances Scheme for the forthcoming year as required by legislation.  The report of the Service Head, Democratic Services is attached.

The Council considered the report of the Service Head, Democratic Services on the Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2014/15.

Officers advised that there would be a need to amend the Scheme of Members’ Allowances with effect from 1^st April to reflect a recent change in the law to the effect that any Councillors elected from that date onwards would not be entitled to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and existing Councillors would have their membership of the LGPS terminated at the end of their current term of office.  The Monitoring Officer would make the necessary amendment to the Scheme of Members’ Allowances in accordance with his powers under Article 15.01 (c) of the Constitution.

The recommendations in the report were put to the vote and were agreed.  Accordingly it was:-

RESOLVED

To adopt the London Borough of Tower Hamlets Members’ Allowances Scheme 2014 as set out at Appendix A to the report.

To note progress on the investigation into Old Poplar Town Hall agreed at the Council meeting on 22^nd January 2014 as follows:-

Pursuant to the Council’s resolution, a report was submitted to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 4^th March 2014.  The Committee was informed that having been consulted on the matter, the District Auditor also wished to undertake its own investigation on this matter and the resulting enquiry was being pursued.  The District Auditor's report was almost complete pending recovery of archive documents.   The Overview and Scrutiny Committee members raised a number of further considerations to be addressed in the report and asked that the matter be brought back to the Committee at its meeting on 1^st April 2014.

Council considered the update presented in the agenda on the Investigation into Old Poplar Town Hall.

DECISION

To note the update.

(Action by: Chris Holme, Acting Corporate Director, Resources; and Meic Sullivan-Gould, Interim Monitoring Officer)

Council considered the update presented in the agenda on the Investigation into Old Poplar Town Hall.

RESOLVED

To note the update.

12.1    Motion regarding Lutfur Rahman’s legacy of failure

Councillor Sirajul Islam moved, and Councillor Rachael Saunders seconded, the motion as printed in the agenda.

The motion was put to the vote and was agreed.

DECISION

This Council notes:

-       That under Lutfur Rahman’s leadership:

Jobs

-       The number of people long-term unemployed in the borough has risen 23%

-       The number of young people aged 18-24 who are long-term unemployed in the borough has more than doubled. (Up 111%)

-       During the Olympics there was little discernable impact in terms of the number of young people employed in the borough.

Cleaner Streets

-       Residents have reported 24,000 bins as uncollected.

-       The introduction of charges for bulk waste collections led to 7,000 fewer bulk collections.

-       Street cleaning was cut to only two days a week

Crime and ASB

-       Crime is up 1.4% since Lutfur Rahman came to power.

-       Over the same period crime in neighbouring in Newham is down 8% and in Barking and Dagenham it is down 10%.

-       20,000 reports of Anti-Social behaviour last year

-       Tower Hamlets has the second highest levels of anti-social behaviour in London.

-       Between October 2009 and September 2012 robberies were up 50%, knife crime was up 49%

-       In the 2013 Annual Residents Survey 41% of people said crime was one of their top three concerns, this was the biggest overall concern from residents.

Housing

-       Lutfur Rahman has actually SOLD more Council homes than he has built

o   15 built since Lutfur Rahman came to power

o   46 homes sold off under right to buy

o   14 homes sold off through Lutfur Rahman’s asset stripping

-       There are over 20,000 families on the borough’s housing waiting list

-       Plans were drawn up to ship up to 500 families out of London this year.

-       94 vulnerable families have unlawfully been placed in ‘temporary’ accommodation for more than 6 weeks.

-       Only 27 of almost 700 homes on the Olympic Park were allocated to Tower Hamlets families

Cost of Living

-       14,000 families have been hit by the Government’s Benefit Cap.

-       Lutfur Rahman cut the borough’s stretched advice centres to the bone with cuts in their grants of up to 50%

-       The cost of privately renting in Tower Hamlets now takes up 60% of the average household income.

Schools

-       30% of secondary school children missed out on their first preference school last year. 157 children didn’t get any of their 6 preferences.

-       The provision of school places varies significantly between areas. For example in Limehouse, last year only 54% of students got a first preference Secondary School place.

-       The school place crisis has been ignored.

Council Finance

-       The Council has made no progress on invest to save strategies.

-       The Council has developed a budget gap of £80m in coming years.

-       Over £18m has been spent on redundancy payments with countless more on out of court ‘settlements’

Waste  ...  view the full decision text for item 12.

12.1    Motion regarding Lutfur Rahman’s legacy of failure

Councillor Sirajul Islam moved, and Councillor Rachael Saunders seconded, the motion as printed in the agenda.

The motion was put to the vote and was agreed.  Accordingly it was:-

RESOLVED

This Council notes:

-       That under Lutfur Rahman’s leadership:

Jobs

-       The number of people long-term unemployed in the borough has risen 23%

-       The number of young people aged 18-24 who are long-term unemployed in the borough has more than doubled. (Up 111%)

-       During the Olympics there was little discernable impact in terms of the number of young people employed in the borough.

Cleaner Streets

-       Residents have reported 24,000 bins as uncollected.

-       The introduction of charges for bulk waste collections led to 7,000 fewer bulk collections.

-       Street cleaning was cut to only two days a week

Crime and ASB

-       Crime is up 1.4% since Lutfur Rahman came to power.

-       Over the same period crime in neighbouring in Newham is down 8% and in Barking and Dagenham it is down 10%.

-       20,000 reports of Anti-Social behaviour last year

-       Tower Hamlets has the second highest levels of anti-social behaviour in London.

-       Between October 2009 and September 2012 robberies were up 50%, knife crime was up 49%

-       In the 2013 Annual Residents Survey 41% of people said crime was one of their top three concerns, this was the biggest overall concern from residents.

Housing

-       Lutfur Rahman has actually SOLD more Council homes than he has built

o   15 built since Lutfur Rahman came to power

o   46 homes sold off under right to buy

o   14 homes sold off through Lutfur Rahman’s asset stripping

-       There are over 20,000 families on the borough’s housing waiting list

-       Plans were drawn up to ship up to 500 families out of London this year.

-       94 vulnerable families have unlawfully been placed in ‘temporary’ accommodation for more than 6 weeks.

-       Only 27 of almost 700 homes on the Olympic Park were allocated to Tower Hamlets families

Cost of Living

-       14,000 families have been hit by the Government’s Benefit Cap.

-       Lutfur Rahman cut the borough’s stretched advice centres to the bone with cuts in their grants of up to 50%

-       The cost of privately renting in Tower Hamlets now takes up 60% of the average household income.

Schools

-       30% of secondary school children missed out on their first preference school last year. 157 children didn’t get any of their 6 preferences.

-       The provision of school places varies significantly between areas. For example in Limehouse, last year only 54% of students got a first preference Secondary School place.

-       The school place crisis has been ignored.

Council Finance

-       The Council has made no progress on invest to save strategies.

-       The Council has developed a budget gap of £80m in coming years.

-       Over £18m has been spent on redundancy payments with countless more on out  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

13.1    Former Crown Estate tenants [MOTION NOT DEBATED}

[Note: The Council agreed a procedural motion at the start of the meeting to allow Urgent Motion 13.1 as set out below to be heard. However, the meeting did not, in the event, have time to consider the motion.]

Proposed by Cllr Joshua Peck

Seconded by Cllr Carlo Gibbs

This Council notes:

• the motion it passed on 24 March 2010, opposing the proposed sale by the Crown Estate of its social housing in Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Camden and Westminster, unless it could guarantee that the new owner would safeguard tenants’ rights, including security of tenure and rent levels, and ongoing provision of affordable and key-worker housing at existing levels
• the successful campaign by those Crown Estate tenants, supported by MPs and councillors of all three mainstream parties, that forced the Crown Estate to sell the properties to Peabody and not a private landlord
• the statement by the Chief Executive of Peabody at the time the sale was agreed that he was ‘absolutely committed to keeping these homes affordable and available to the key workers who are so crucial to London’s economy and quality of life’.

This Council further notes that:

• Peabody classified the ex-Crown Estate tenants as intermediate tenants, not social tenants 
• rents for ex-Crown Estate tenants have been increased by Peabody by 9% in both 2011/12 and 2012/13 and by 7% in both 2013/14 and 2014/15 – a total increase of 36% on 2010 rent levels in just four years
• these tenants are either key workers or pensioners, who have received public sector pay rises of just 4% over the same period, or state pension increases of just 15.8%
• many tenants are facing hardship as a result of these rent increases, with some even having to consider leaving their homes 
• Peabody has defended these increases as ‘in accordance with Peabody policy’ and claimed, wrongly, that residents’ groups agreed them.

This Council believes:

• Annual rent rises of 7-9% are unacceptable, and do not meet the Chief Executive’s stated aim of keeping these homes affordable and available for key workers.

This Council resolves:

• To censure Peabody for these unacceptable rent rises
• To refer the matter to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and to ask it to invite the Chief Executive of Peabody to appear in front of the Committee to account publicly for this policy.

13.2    Judicial Review into Mayoral attendance at O&S [MOTION NOT DEBATED]

[Note: A procedural motion was proposed to allow Motion 13.2 to be tabled as an urgent motion. However, Council did not agree the procedural motion.]

Proposed by Cllr David Snowdon

Seconded by Cllr Emma Jones

This council notes

• That section 9FA(8)(a) of the Local Government Act 2000 provides than an O&S committee may require members of the executive to attend before it to answer questions
• That subsection 9 provides that it is a duty of any member of the executive to comply with such a requirement (including the executive Mayor)

• The Mayor’s failure  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.