The Speaker of the Council, Councillor Sabina Akhtar in the Chair

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. The order the business was taken in at the meeting was as follows:

• Item 1 - Apologies for absence.
• Item 2 – Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests.
• Item 3 – Minutes.
• Item 4 – Announcements.
• Item 5.1 – 5.4 – Petitions.
• Item 6 – Public Questions.
• Item 7 – Mayor’s Report.
• Item 12.12 -  Motion on NJC Pay.
• Item 8.1 – Members Questions.

·         Item 12.4 - Motion in support of foster carers.

• Item 8.2 – Members Questions.
• Item 9 – Reports from the Executive and the Council’s Committees.
• Item 9.1 - Standards (Advisory) Committee - Re-Appointment of Independent Co-opted Member
• Item 10 – Reports and Questions on Joint Arrangements/External Organisations.
• Item 11 – Other Business.

·         Item 11.1 - Late Night Levy Determination.

·         Item 11.2 – Update to the Mayor's Executive Scheme of Delegation.

·         Item 11.3 - Election of Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Speaker of the Council brought the Council up to date with some of her activities since the previous Council meeting. She reported that she had attended an event at Billingsgate to receive the annual traditional rent payment, which was donated to charity and had become a Dementia Friend,

She had also welcomed the crew of two visiting ships from Peru and Brazil to the Borough, participated in the Charity Dragon Boat Challenge, the annual Great River Race challenge and had attended a 100^th birthday celebration. She had also attended the Sea Cadets National Band Competition at the Tower of London and the Merchant Navy Day Commemorative Service at Trinity Square Gardens.

She also reported that she had enjoyed some of the Council’s summer activities, many community events, including citizenship and award ceremonies and had visited a number of important local services including the Richard House Children’s Hospice, the young peoples’ service in Whites Row and the older peoples’ service in John Sinclair Court.

She thanked all those who had participated in the activities.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of:

·         Councillor Julia Dockerill

·         Councillor Shiria Khatun

Apologies for lateness was received on behalf of Councillors Rachel Blake, John Pierce and Abdul Asad.

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.

The Council’s Monitoring Officer reported that she had granted a dispensation to all Councillors in relation to Agenda item 12.12 (Motion on NJC Pay). The dispensation had been granted on the basis that the Members’ Allowance Scheme included an uplift to reflect any annual pay settlement for local government staff. The dispensation had been granted as it met the criteria set out in law. Members were advised that they were able to stay in the meeting room, participate and vote on the motion.

Councillor Denise Jones declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in Agenda Item 8.21, a Member Question relating to local businesses as she had a business in the Borough. She stated she would leave the room for the during of that item, however, the question was not reached during the meeting.

Councillor Peter Golds declared a Non Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in Agenda item 12.12, Motion on NJC Pay as he had served on a negotiating Panel on behalf of the Local Government Association. Councillor Golds left the meeting room for the consideration of this item.

To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the unrestricted minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 19^th July 2017

RESOLVED:

1.            That the unrestricted minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on Wednesday 19 July 2017  be confirmed as a correct record and the Speaker be authorised to sign them accordingly.

The Speaker expressed regret at the recent incident on the District Line and was thankful that there were no fatalities. On behalf of the Council, she sent best wishes to all those hurt or impacted by the attack and thanked the London Transport officers and emergency services who responded so quickly to the incident.

The Speaker also offered her condolences to all those affected by recent events in Rakhine. She stated that the community should do all it could to support those affected

The Chief Executive, Will Tuckley provided an update on recent developments at the Council. He advised that over the summer, the Council welcomedthe Home Secretary to discuss tackling extremism, and had met with the Children's Minister to look at child care issues and the Mayor of London to look at housing issues. The Council had alsoreceived the final Direction from the Department for Education in respect of children’s social care and the first monitoring visit from Ofsted which had gone well. In addition, it was also announced that the Council would pilot improvements to the postal vote process in conjunction with the Cabinet Office.

Procedural Motion

Councillor Oliur Rahman moved and Councillor Mahbub Alam seconded, a procedural motion “that under Procedure Rule 14.1.14, Rule 13.1 be suspended to enable an urgent motion regarding the New Direction from the Secretary of State of Education about failure of Tower Hamlets Children Servicesto be considered”. The procedural motion was put to the vote and was defeated

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 12th September 2017.

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 PCNs and vehicle removal

Sumsul Talukder Tareq addressed the meeting and responded to questions from Members. Councillor Anima Ali, Cabinet Member for Environment then responded to the matters raised in the petition. She briefly outlined the Council’s approach to vehicle removal and the use of waiting restrictions, including the key features of the most recent changes to the regulations to prioritise the removal of vehicles in reserved bays. She also explained that the Council were working to improve parking service’s webpages and stated that she was happy to meet with the petitioner to discuss specific concerns.

RESOLVED:

1.            That the petition be referred to the Acting Corporate Director, Place for a written response within 28 days.

5.2       Petition regarding Play on Sports

Callum Wear addressed the meeting and responded to questions from Members. CouncillorAbdul Mukit MBE Cabinet Member for Culture and Youth then responded to the matters raised in the petition. He advised that Play on Sports was a private company and at present no suitable facilities in the Borough were available for the organisation.  Should a suitable site become available, it would need to be advertised in accordance with the Council’s procurement procedures. However, he was happy to meet the petitioners to discuss their work.

RESOLVED:

1.            That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Children’s , for a written response within 28 days.

5.3       Petition regarding ASB and RSLs

Councillor Muhammad Ansar Mustaquim addressed the meeting and responded to questions from Members. Councillor Asma Begum Cabinet Member for Community Safety then responded to the matters raised in the petition. Councillor Begum explained that addressing  Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) was a key commitment of the administration given the impact that such issues had on the community. To address such problems, the Council had developed an ASB strategy with specific focus on addressing ASB in the areas identified in the petition in partnership with key stakeholders. The Council had also provided additional funding for the Council’s ASB team, supported patrols of crime hots spots and had provided funding for additional Police Officers amongst other measures.

RESOLVED:

1.            That the petition be referred to the Acting Corporate Director, Place for a written response within 28 days.

5.4       Petition Debate – No to new parking restrictions for residents and local businesses by Tower Hamlets Council

The Council approved a change to the Council’s Petition Scheme in respect of the standard format for Petition Debates at Council to allow Councillors to put questions to the petitioners for a maximum of four minutes.

FazlehElaahi and other petitioners addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members. The Council then debated the matters raised by the petition and Mayor John Biggs responded to the issues raised. The Mayor outlined the scope of the recent consultation on parking matters and the nature of some of the issues raised. He reported that he had no intention of extending parking hours in the Borough unless there was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

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 followed by a supplementary question (except where indicated) were put and were responded to by the Mayor or relevant Executive Member:-

6.1       Question from from Adam Allnutt:

The Council recently announced funding for 14 new police officers – how will these officers be used in the borough?

Response of Councillor Asma Begum, Cabinet Member for Community Safety:

Recently the Mayor announced £1.5m funding for 14 new police officers to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour on council estates. There will be 12 constables and 2 sergeants.  The Mayor and I also announced at Cabinet last night new funding for an extra 19 Police Officers, on top of the 14 already announced. This will bring the total number of Council funded Officers to 39.  They will be joining Tower Hamlets Homes staff in a joint anti-social behaviour team – the first of its kind in the borough. The new officers will have a particular focus on drug dealing and drug misuse. They will carry out uniformed patrols, Stop and Searches, Issuing ASB warnings, enforcement of disposal zones, weapons sweeps, security checks of blocks and bin stores, door knocking, attending TRA meetings and carrying out home visits. They will take on the persistent offenders who are making life a misery for residents. These officers should be on our streets from this month.

Supplementary question fromAdam Allnutt:

I was recently attacked by one of these roaming groups of men who commit anti - social behaviour around the borough. It was on Millharbour which is meant to be a safer part of the borough.  With central Government cuts we have seen an end to community policing.  How long can councils fill in for central Government cuts to these police services which are essential?

Councillor Begum’s, response to supplementary question:

I am sorry to hear about your incident. You’re absolutely right that the Government has slashed police budgets and expects local councils to step in to ‘fill the gap’.While we do what we can, like funding extra officers, we simply cannot replace every officer that the Government scraps.Police numbers fell for the seventh consecutive year in July. Police forces in England and Wales are now at their lowest strength per head on record.Tower Hamlets Council will continue to fund additional officers, and we’re looking at funding even more, but the Government needs to properly fund our police services.

6.2       Question from Shohidur Rahman:

Many residents are concerned about anti-social behaviour associated with the use of laughing gas. What is the council doing about this?

Response of Councillor Asma Begum, Cabinet Member for Community Safety:

We recently launched a ‘No Laughing Matter’ campaign working with partners including local Police and Tower Hamlets Homes to tackle the problems caused by Nitrous Oxide. The Council’s ground breaking campaign ‘No Laughing Matter’ includes:

·         Educating people about laughing gas.

·         Urging residents to report traders selling it for human consumption.

·         Working closely with trading standards and the police to close down outlets.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The Mayor made his report to the Council, referring to his written report circulated at the meeting, summarising key events, engagements and meetings since the last Council meeting.

When the Mayor had completed his report and at the invitation of the Speaker, the Leaders of the Independent Group, the People’s Alliance of Tower Hamlets and the Conservative Group, responded briefly to the Mayor’s report.

Procedural Motion

Councillor Danny Hassell moved and Councillor Sirajul Islam,seconded, a procedural motion “that under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied such that agenda item 12.12 Motion regarding NJC Paybe taken as the next item of business”. The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.

At the request of Councillor Danny Hassell, the Speaker allowed a representative of a trade union to make a short statement on the motion during the debate.

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 followed by a supplementary question (except where indicated) were put and were responded to by the Mayor or relevant Executive Member:-

8.1       Question from from Councillor Danny Hassell:

Will the Mayor join me in thanking foster carers across the borough for their tireless work and dedication with some of our most vulnerable young people?

Response of Mayor John Biggs:

Yes. Foster carers deserve our utmost thanks. They give dedication and they do it not for the reward but because they care passionately about our community and serving local people.  Councillor Whitelock Gibbs and I recently wrote a letter to our foster carers All of whom, I think were shocked by the newspaper coverage and the way in which it portrayed them in an inaccurate and pejorative fashion and passed judgments which were very critical and undermined the dedication they show. As a Council, we should be unanimous in supporting our foster carers who provide dedicated support. They are tireless and they support and care for our children at traumatic times in their lives and they deserve to feel safe and supported and valued. I for one as Mayor of this Borough value our foster carers and encourage others to come forward and we will work tirelessly to ensure that children in our care are looked after property. 

(No supplementary question was asked)

Procedural Motion

Mayor John Biggs moved and Councillor Sirajul Islam, seconded, a procedural motion “that under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied such that agenda item 12. 4 Motion in support of foster carers be taken as the next item of business”. The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.

8.2       Question from Councillor Ohid Ahmed:

In response to concerns raised about the potential closure of One Stop Shops in the borough, the Mayor stated “We are consulting residents on proposals to merge our One Stop Shop and Idea Stores. This is not, obviously, a proposal to shut One Stop Shops. Indeed a new one will open, it is planned, as part of the Isle of Dogs Idea Store site.” Considering this comment, will the Mayor confirm that the 4 One Stop Shops (Bow, Chrisp Street, Watney Market and Bethnal Green) will continue to operate as they are with stand-alone One Stop service for residents, and not close down?

Response of Mayor John Biggs:

We are consulting on a proposal that was considered as part of our budget proposals for the next three years. We believe that by merging the One Stop Shops and Idea Stores, we will achieve both efficiencies and a better quality service. If I could focus on the current One Stop Shop in Chrisp Street for example, it’s in a pretty inadequate premises and by moving it into the idea store, we think we can provide a better service for residents. By providing a One Stop Shop ideally in a better location as part of a combined operation on the Isle  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To consider the report of the Corporate Director, Governance proposing the re-appointment of an Independent Co-Opted Member to the Standards (Advisory) Committee.

The Council considered the report of the Corporate Director, Governance and Monitoring Officer proposing the re-appointment of an Independent Co-Opted Member to the Standards (Advisory) Committee. The recommendation was put to the vote under the guillotine procedure at Council Procedure Rule 9.

RESOLVED:

1.                  That the re-appointment of Mr John Pulford as an Independent Co-opted Member of the Standards (Advisory) Committee for a period of two years be approved.

There was no business to transact under this agenda item.

To consider the report of the Acting Corporate Director, Place seeking determination of the Late Night Levy.

The Council consider the report of the Acting Corporate Director, Place seeking determination of the Late Night Levy. The recommendations were put to the vote under the guillotine procedure at Council Procedure Rule 9.

RESOLVED:

That the Council agree:

1. That the Late Night Levy be adopted;

2. That the commencement of the levy shall be from 1^st January 2018.

3. That the commencement period of the levy should be from midnight every night.

4. That the income from the levy, less collection costs, should be allocated through the Community Safety Partnership.

5. That Members of the Best Bar None Scheme receive a 30% reduction from the levy.

6. That the following premises would be exempt from the levy:

•              Premises with overnight accommodation where alcohol is supplied only to persons staying at the premises during midnight to 6am for consumption on the premises

•              Theatres and Cinemas: this exemption applies if alcohol is served during the levied hours only for consumption on the premises to ticket holders, participants in the production or invited guests to private events; they must be bona-fide theatres or cinemas and the sale of alcohol must not be their primary purpose

•              Bingo Halls

•              Community Amateur Sports Clubs: These are clubs registered as Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASC)

•              Community premises: these are premises that form part of the church hall, chapel hall, village hall, parish hall, community hall or other similar buildings.

•              Premises opening past midnight for New Years Eve only: applicable to premises which are authorised to sell alcohol between midnight and 6am, only applies on New Years day  

7. That the following licenced premises would not be exempt from the levy, as :

•              Country Village Pubs

•              Premises in Business Improvement Districts

•              Premises that receive a small business rate relief

A noting report on updates to the Mayor’s Executive Scheme of Delegation.

The Council considered proposed updates to the Mayor’s Executive Scheme of Delegation. The recommendation was put to the vote under the guillotine procedure at Council Procedure Rule 9.

RESOLVED:

1.            That the updated Mayor’s Executive Decision Making Scheme be noted

A report requesting that Council appoint a Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Council were invited to appoint a Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The recommendation was put to the vote under the guillotine procedure at Council Procedure Rule 9.

Councillor Clare Harrisson moved and Councillor Danny Hassell seconded a proposal that Councillor Dave Chesterton be appointed as Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The nomination was put to the vote and was agreed.

RESOLVED:

1.            That Councillor Dave Chesterton be appointed as Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

12.4 Motion in support of foster carers

CouncillorAmy Whitelock Gibbs moved and Mayor John Biggs seconded the motion as printed in the agenda.

Councillor Andrew Wood moved and Councillor Oliur Rahman seconded the following amendment to the motion

“Delete all after 1 in the opening section and insert

2. That following the highly critical Ofsted Report published on Friday 7^th April the Secretary of State using powers under Section 497A (4B) of the Education Act, 1996 imposed statutory directions to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets in relation to Children’s services.

3. That after this Councils Children’s Services failed its OFSTED Inspection that those responsible for the service were moved sideways, stayed in post or have taken a secondment elsewhere but nobody has lost their job.

4. That whereas the OFSTED failure was a surprise to this Council it was in part due to the culture of the service.

5. That this service failure may be identified elsewhere within the Council.

6. That concerns relating to childcare were further revealed in the extensive publicity concerning the fostering of Child AB as revealed in the Family Court of East London.

7. It is reported that the biological mother of the of the child raised issues, in Court, as the suitability of the foster placement and that the child was reported as being distressed.

8. It is reported that certain controversial statements were referred to in Court which were attributed to the initial foster carers.

The Council;

Reiterates that foster parents in Tower Hamlets and countrywide undertake extremely difficult tasks in caring for often confused and vulnerable children.

Calls upon the Intervention Advisers appointed by the Secretary of State to undertake an investigation into the accuracy of these allegations.

In the event of the allegations being correct then the Council removes the persons concerned from the Register of Foster Parents to ensure the credibility and reputation of the service in Tower Hamlets.

The Council further notes

The Ofsted reported noted a significant decline in the standard of delivery of Children’s Services since the last inspection in 2012 when the borough standard was rated Good.

The Council had reports available to them from the Contact Centre where the young girl expressed her concerns in the presence of those supervising officers. Answers need to be given about what the Council did after reading these reports.

The Council calls upon the Mayor

To concentrate on the delivery of an improved service as required by the Statutory Directions and by ensuring that the concerns are properly investigated, provide parents, residents and Foster carers that the service operates to the highest level”.     

Councillor Amy Whitelock Gibbs declined to accept this ammendment to the motion. The ammendment was put to the vote and was defeated.

Councillor Rabina Khan moved and Councillor Aminur Khan seconded the following friendly amendment to the motion:

(a)          Under ‘Believes 4’ replace ‘many will see’ with ‘ we see’

(b)          Under ‘Resolves’ add ‘3. To instruct the Chief Executive to report  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.