The Speaker of the Council, Councillor Ayas Miah in the Chair

The Speaker of the Council brought the Council up to date with some of his activities since the previous Council meeting.

He advised that he had the honour of attending a wide range of event and engagements. This included

·         A number of community Ramadan events. 

·         Meetings with the new civic heads of the London Boroughs at an induction day in Westminster.

·         The first of many Citizenship Ceremonies.

·         The Annual Engagement Reception at HMS President.

·         The Tower Hamlets Boishakhi Mela. The Speaker thanked the Council and the Mela engagement group for their hard work on the event.

·         A TH Arts and Music Education Service Concert.

·         A National Democracy week event at the town hall to help young people learn about the democratic processes at the Council.

Turning to the Dementia Friend’s programme, the Speaker encouraged everyone to join him in becoming a Dementia Friend. Anyone interested should contact the Speaker’s Office.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of:

• Councillor Rabina Khan

Apologies for lateness were received on behalf of:

• Councillor Puru Miah

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.

Councillor Kahar Chowdhury declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in agenda Item 10.12, a Member Question regarding LBTH Councillor representation on the Poplar HARCA board. This was on the basis that he was the leaseholder owner of a Poplar HARCA property.

Councillor Eve McQuillan declared a non-pecuniary personal interest in agenda item 8, Administration Motion regarding Celebrating 70 Years of The NHS. This was on the grounds that she worked for the Royal College of Psychiatrists. 

Councillor Helal Uddin declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in agenda Item 10.12, a Member Question regarding LBTH representation on the Poplar HARCA board. This was on the basis that his employer, the Bromley by Bow Centre, had a working relationship with Poplar HARCA and his wife was a leaseholder owner of a Poplar HARCA property.

Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman declared a non-pecuniary personal interest in agenda item 10.1, a Member Question regarding Grafton House. This was on the grounds that he was a Council appointed Member of the East End Homes Board.

Councillor Bex White declared a non-pecuniary personal interest in agenda item 8 – Administration Motion regarding Celebrating 70 Years Of The NHS. This was on the grounds that her spouse was an NHS GP.

Members declaring Disclosable Pecuniary Interests would be required to leave the room for the duration of the relevant agenda items.

To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the unrestricted minutes of the:

·         Extraordinary Council Meeting and the

·         Annual General Council Meeting held on 23^rd May 2018.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the unrestricted minutes of the Extraordinary Council Meeting and the Annual General Council Meeting held on 23rd May 2018 be confirmed as a correct record and the Speaker be authorised to sign them accordingly.

The Chief Executive updated the Council on a number of recent developments. He advised that over the last few weeks, the Council had undergone a Corporate Peer Challenge with the LGA and a review of Planning Services with the Planning Advisory Service and the LGA. Both had gone well. All Members should have received a copy of the feedback from the former and it was expected that the findings of the latter would be available shortly. The Council had been shortlisted for a number of PRCA Communications Awards and had taken steps to appoint a new Divisional Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development. An announcement should be made shortly

Councillor Kevin Brady moved, and Councillor Rachel Blake seconded, a procedural motion that ““Under Procedure Rule 12.1(C), the order of business be changed as set out in the Motion below. The reason for this was to enable the meeting to effectively conduct its business given the need to accommodate a State of the Borough debate in addition to the standard agenda items.

Procedural Motion.

The Council is required by the Constitution to have a State of the Borough Debate at every Annual Meeting. However, in order to accommodate the Freedom of the Borough award at the AGM in May, Council agreed to defer the State of the Borough debate to the July Council meeting.

Therefore in these exceptional circumstances, in order to ensure that the meeting covers the full agenda within the allotted three hours, it is proposed to alter the normal time limits on items of business.

These changes would apply to this meeting (18th July 2018) only.

It is proposed to:

-           Suspend council procedural rule 11.5 (e), to reduce the time limit on both the administration and opposition motion from 30 minutes to 15 minutes.

-           Suspend council procedural rule 10.12, to reduce the time limit on members’ questions, from 30 minutes to 20 minutes.

-           Suspend council procedural rule 1.3 (a), to reduce the time limit on the State of the Borough Debate from 1 hour to 40 minutes.

The procedural motion was agreed.

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

Any further petitions received by the deadline for the meeting are listed for information and to be noted.

5.1       Petition regarding STOP Drug Dealing in Batty Street E1

SamranSaleem addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members. Mayor John Biggs then responded to the matters raised in the petition. The Mayor noted the issues with ASB and drug dealing in the area and that tackling such problems remained a top priority of the Administration. 

He reported that the Council had put in place a number of measures to address such behaviour. This included upgrading CCTV systems in the area, providing new Police Officers and working closing with the Police as part of their Operation Continuum initiative to target drug dealing that had achieved positive results in the area. Furthermore, the Council were looking at further measures to design out problems in the area

RESOLVED:

1.         That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director Health, Adults and Community for a written response within 28 days.

5.2       Petition calling on Tower Hamlets Council to repair Frank Dobson Sq Fountain and replace statue

Tara Hudson and others addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members. Councillor Sirajul Islam, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing then responded to the matters raised in the petition. He provided an update on the proposals in respect of the site near Frank Dobson square and the plans to refurbish the square and provide a space for public art. Whilst the Council remained committed to refurbishing the square and retaining space for art, there were a number of issues that would that need to be given further consideration before the planning proposals could be pursued.

He also stated that he and the Mayor were happy to consider the petitioners specific proposals for the site.

RESOLVED:

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

5.3       Petition regarding Divestment from fossil fuels

Jess D'Arcy and others addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members. Councillor Candida Ronald, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Voluntary Sector then responded to the matters raised in the petition. She noted that tackling climate change was one of the most pressing challenges facing the community.  To this end, the Council’s Pensions Committee had adopted a new Pensions fund Strategy and were considered a range of initiatives to reduce carbon investments, whilst maximising returns.

RESOLVED:

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

5.4       Petition regarding Buxton Street Empty Space

Caroline Hand addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members. Councillor Amina Ali, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Brexit then responded to the matters raised in the petition.

She provided an updated on the plans to refurbish the site and Allen Gardens.

Turning to the petition, she expressed concerns about the requests in respect of their business. She advised that should a business wish to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

The Council’s Constitution provides for the Elected Mayor to give a report at each Ordinary Council Meeting.

A maximum of six minutes is allowed for the Elected Mayor’s report, following which the Speaker of the Council will invite the opposition leader to respond for up to two minutes if they wish.

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, Councillor Peter Golds, on behalf of the Conservative Group Leader, responded briefly to the Mayor’s report.

An opportunity for the Mayor and the Council to set out their views on the ‘State of the Borough’ as set out in the Council Procedure Rules.

The Mayor gave his address, focusing on past achievements and future priorities including

•              Progress with addressing the housing shortage and providing affordable housing.

•              Governance of the Council and effective scrutiny.

•              Employment and skills

•              Anti poverty measures.

•              Improving air quality

•              Community Safety.

•              Infrastructure improvements

•              Proving high quality Council services

•              Responding to the impact of Brexit and financial challenges.

•              The need for the Council to be outward looking organisations.

He also congratulated the new and returning Councillors on their election and stated that he looked forward to working with them in the future.

Councillor Andrew Wood (Leader of the Conservative Group) responded to the Mayor’s report. He broadly welcomed the progress that had been made in moving the Council forward. However, he felt that more still needed to be done and that the Council should act more quickly to meet the challenges.

Councillors Mufeedah Bustin, Abdal Ullah, Bex White, Ehtasham Haque, Rachel Blake, Sirajul Islam and Asma Begum also addressed the Council.

They reflected on the Administration’s achievement and the need to address the key issues of local concern.

In closing, the Mayor summarised his key priorities and responded to the issues raised in the debate.

To debate a Motion submitted by the Administration in accordance with Rules 11 and 13 of the Council’s Constitution. The debate will last for a maximum of 30 minutes.

8 – Administration Motion regarding Celebrating 70 Years Of The NHS

Councillor Denise Jones moved and Councillor Councillor Eve McQuillan seconded the motion as printed in the agenda.

Councillor Andrew Wood moved and Councillor Peter Goldsseconded the following amendment to the motion to be debated as tabled:

Insert new item 2

On 10th June 1940 a Committee was appointed by the Coalition Government to report on social insurance and allied services. The report, published in December 1942, identified the five giant evils in society as “Squalor, ignorance, want, idleness and disease.” It proposed comprehensive and far reaching solutions to these problems and became a “best seller.”

The King’s Speech to Parliament on 24 November 1943 said;

“My Ministers will present to you their views and proposals regarding an enlarged and unified system of social insurance, a comprehensive health service and a new scheme of workmen’s compensation.” (Column 9 Hansard, 24 November 1943)

Insert new item 3  

The three major political parties contesting the 1945 election all included comprehensive proposals for Health and National Insurance within their manifesto commitments. That for the Conservative Party said:

“The health services of the country will be made available to all citizens. Everyone will contribute to the cost, and no one will be denied the attention, the treatment or the appliances he requires because he cannot afford them.”

Following Labour’s victory they were able to implement their manifesto commitments.

Renumber items 2 as item 3 and item 3 as item 4.

Amendment to item 3 under this council further notes (replace with):

During the lifetime of the National Health Service there have been Conservative Governments for 42 years who have, after 1952, always increased expenditure on the Health Service on year on basis and were responsible for launching the post war expansion of new hospitals.

All parties in Government have sought to undertake this, during often turbulent economic circumstances. The exceptional year was during the Labour Government of 1974-79 when in 1977-78, at a time when public spending was being cut as part of the IMF austerity measures, expenditure was reduced.

Amend Item 5 to read (replace with)

The concerns of the East London Health and Care partnership need to be examined and addressed, particularly in light of the recent announcement of the 20 billion health bonus announced by the government.

Delete items 6 and 7.

After “This council believes” delete items 2 and 3.

Amend item 4 to read

This council welcomes the increased funding of 3.4% announced by the Government.

Last sentence

To celebrate the invaluable contribution the NHS and its staff have made over the last 70 years, and to work with colleagues and partners to safeguard the future of the NHS.

Replace with

To celebrate the invaluable contribution the NHS and its staff have made over the last 70 years, and to work with colleagues and partners to ensure that the NHS continues to deliver outstanding care.

Following debate, the above amendment was put to the vote and was defeated  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To debate a Motion submitted by the Opposition Group in accordance with Rules 11 and 13 of the Council’s Constitution. The debate will last for a maximum of 30 minutes.

9 – Opposition Motion by the Conservative Group regarding the Isle Of Dogs & South Poplar Opportunity Area Planning Framework

Councillor Andrew Wood moved and Councillor Peter Golds seconded the motion as printed in the agenda.

Councillor Rachel Blake moved and Mayor John Biggs seconded the following amendment to the motion to be debated as tabled:

(Deleted text scored out, added text underlined)

The Council notes:

The release of the Isle of Dogs & South Poplar Opportunity Area Planning Framework in May 2018 together with the accompanying Transport Strategy, Local Connections Strategy and the Development Infrastructure Funding Study (DIFS).

This contains the following total forecasts for the number of new homes in the Isle of Dogs and South Poplar area (Poplar, Blackwall & Cubitt Town, Canary Wharf, Island Gardens wards)by 2041.

Low 312,000 (19,500 permitted and 11,500 future potential, with 23,000 existing)

High 387,000 (19,500 permitted and 18,500 future potential, with 23,000 existing)

Maximum 49,000 (19,500 permitted and 29,500 future potential, with 23,000 existing)

Plus 110,000 new jobs in all three options

The Council further notes that in the same area that:

• The draft LBTH Local Plan sets a minimum housing target of 30,601 new homes
• The draft GLA London Plan sets a minimum housing target of 29,000 new homes

That the GLA is responding to the draft LBTH Local Plan evidence by reducing the overall target for new homes in the GLA emerging London Plan.

That development while slowing has not stopped and that new schemes are at pre-application or formal application stagebeing considered on Poplar high street, Marsh Wall, Skylines, Westferry Printworks, Quay House and that One Housing Group has initiated discussions on potentially re-developing the future offour identifiedsites on the island, which could involve some re-development.

The Council notes that the Development Infrastructure Funding Study is recommending the following investment in new infrastructure (gross spend).

Of note is that most of the 2017/18 spending did not happen and that with the exception of the South Dock bridge none of the 2018/19 spending is underway.

That the Council has already identified infrastructure investment in the Isle of Dogs and South Poplar area:

• South Dock Bridge preparation and feasibility
• Crossharbour DLR improvements

The OAPF  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

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 supplementary questions were put (except where indicated) and were responded to by the Mayor or relevant Executive Member-

10.1 Question from Councillor Dan Tomlinson

Can the Mayor or Cabinet Member please update Council on the Grafton House fire?

Response of Councillor Sirajul Islam, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing.

A fire broke out on the 12th floor of Grafton House, in Mile End on the 29 June. The fire was effectively contained and extinguished by the London Fire Brigade. No residents were injured during the incident.

Grafton House was fully refurbished by Eastend Homes approximately ten years ago. This included a rendered cladding refit.

The Fire Brigade reported that the fire started in the kitchen, there is extensive damage in the flat where the fire occurred. The fire brigade is satisfied the fire doors did their job effectively in containing the fire and were happy with the established fire procedures. The fire did not move beyond the flat where it started.

We would like to thank the Fire Brigade for their speed in resolving this issue and will continue to work in partnership with them over their full fire assessment of Grafton House.

Eastend Homes have been advised by the fire brigade in the briefing immediately after the fire that the cause originated in the kitchen and was accidental.

Supplementary question from Councillor Tomlinson:

What has happened to the residents that have had to be moved out of their properties. Have they been rehoused yet?

Councillor Islam’s response to the supplementary question:

Yes, I am pleased to say the family where the fire occurred were offered permanent accommodation and they have accepted that offer.

10.2 Question from Councillor Peter Golds:

Will the Mayor confirm what discussions the administration and council have had with the Royal Borough of Greenwich with regard to proposed changes in the bye laws of the Greenwich Foot Tunnel and the clean air concerns arising from cruise ships moored close to residential areas of the Isle of Dogs.

Response of Mayor John Biggs:

I met with Denise Hyland who was then Leader of Greenwich in the autumn of 2017 to discuss with officers Enderby Wharf and one or two other issues.  We then wrote to her. Present at that meeting was Councillor Danny Thorpe, who is now the Leader of Greenwich Council. It is fair to say that Councillor Denise Hyland was relatively more positive about the cruise island terminal than Councillor Thorpe and I welcome his change on that. We have written to him again as the new Leader encouraging progress on that.

You asked a second question about the foot tunnel. My personal view is that I am not supportive of changing the bye laws of the foot tunnel. I know that Greenwich Council are. But because it’s a bye law change it does not come to me, but to Full Council who will debate this issue and will decide when it does come, whether they  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To consider the Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Abdal Ullah (Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee), presented the Committee’s Annual Report for 2017-18.

Following debate, the recommendations were put to the vote and were agreed.

RESOLVED

1.            That the contents of the Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for 2017-18 be noted.

2.         That the specific equalities considerations as set out in Paragraph 4 be noted.

Nil items.

There was no business to transact under this agenda item.

Nil items.

To consider a report proposing the appointment of a number of Co-Optees to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Council considered a report proposing the appointment of a number of Co-Optees to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The recommendations were put to the vote and were agreed.

RESOLVED

1.         That the following co-optees of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be approved:

1.1       Dr Philip Rice as the Church of England diocese representative;

1. 2.     Joanna Hannan as the Roman Catholic diocese representative;

1.3.      Muhammad Khoyrul Shaheed as the Muslim faith representative; and

1.4.      Neil Cunningham; Ahmed Hussain and Fatiha Kassouri as parent governor representatives.

2.         That the appointments above will take effect immediately and will be reviewed following the Council elections in May 2022 (or such earlier date as required).

14.1 Motion regarding the Grenfell Tower response

Councillor Sirajul Islam moved and Mayor John Biggs seconded the motion as printed in the agenda.

Following debate, the motion was then put to a vote and was agreed.

RESOLVED:

This Council notes:

1.         The catastrophic Grenfell Tower fire disaster which broke out on 14th June last year in Kensington and Chelsea which killed 72 people.

2.         The causes of the fire are still being investigated but it is strongly believed that the fire spread so rapidly because of Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding that was found on the outside of the building.

3.         In the immediate aftermath of the fire, Tower Hamlets Council gave significant support to Kensington and Chelsea including seconding staff to the borough to provide assistance.

4.         Despite Government promises to the contrary, according to media reports many of those made homeless by the tragedy have yet to be permanently rehoused over a year on from the disaster.

This Council also notes:

1.         At the time of the Grenfell fire, THH and the council had already completed new Fire Risk Assessments on all of its 900 Tower Hamlets Homes (THH) blocks.

2.         The council provided support to RPs and private landlords to test and replace cladding on tower blocks in the borough, including Randall House (a PFI scheme), which had a small amount of category 3 ACM which was quickly replaced.

3.         In the Budget this year the Mayor, Council and THH agreed a significant programme of investment, committing £26.8m in new fire protection works with the aim of reducing the fire risks in THH properties even further over the next four years.

4.         The Mayor and council have consistently lobbied Government to secure funding for cladding replacement costs and that it took almost a year for the Government to agree to do so but that this funding does not cover private blocks, of which there are many in Tower Hamlets, and does not cover councils to install sprinkler systems in high rise blocks to further reduce fire risks.

This Council resolves:

1.         To support the Grenfell Public Enquiry and to call on Government to fully fund councils and the Fire Brigade to implement its recommendations.

2.         To continue to lobby Government for funding to install sprinkler systems in high rise residential blocks and to provide support to leaseholders and tenants in private blocks where cladding needs to be removed.

(Motion 14.2 was not debated due to lack of time)