The Speaker of the Council, Councillor Mohammed Ahbab Hossain in the Chair

The Speaker of the Council provided his update to the Council. He advised that he was pleased to have been able to carry out his role more fully over the previous couple of months. The highlights included:

·       Hosting the Freedom of the Borough Award ceremony at the Tower of London in October, to award five outstanding individuals the title and celebrate their achievements.

·       The Annual Civic Service in Westminster Abbey.

·       Several Council organised events across the borough to mark the pandemic – to remember those affected and recognise the efforts of local people throughout this difficult time.   

·       A special presentation and tree planting event in Hyde Park with civic representatives to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy.

·       Celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the Independence of Bangladesh, including displays of art, film and cultural performances.

·       Community events bringing people together -  such as the 50 Active UK football match and the curry awards.

·       An Event to mark the Battle of Cable Street.

·       Remembrance events including ceremonies at the Town Hall and  a service at the War Memorial, Tower Hill on Remembrance Sunday

• A Dementia awareness event, where he had also had the honour of becoming a dementia friend and learnt more about this illness which affects so many people.

Turning to some very sad news, he reported that the Council were all shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Sir David Amess MP in such wicked and horrific circumstances. Sir David dedicated nearly 40 years to public service and to serving his constituents in Basildon and Southend. He will be greatly missed.  The Speaker stated that the Councill all stood united in expressing its utter outrage at acts of violence, hostility or aggression against democratically elected representatives. The Council’s thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.

The Council observed a minutes silence to remember everyone that had been affected by this and had lost their lives or had been harmed whilst serving in public office.

Regarding a request to move an urgent motion on the St Georges Pool, the Speaker advised that he had considered this request with the Monitoring Officer. Having taken advice, he did not consider that this matter was urgent enough to be accepted for this meeting. Members may present this matter at the next meeting in January 2022 should they wish.

Members are reminded to consider the categories of interest, identified in the Code of Conduct for Members to determine; whether they have an interest in any agenda item and any action they should take. For further details, see the attached note from the Monitoring Officer.

Members are also reminded to declare the nature of the interest at the earliest opportunity and the agenda item it relates to. Please note that ultimately it is the Members’ responsibility to identify any interests and also update their register of interests form as required by the Code.

If in doubt as to the nature of an interest, you are advised to seek advice prior to the meeting by contacting the Monitoring Officer or Democratic Services.

To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the unrestricted minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 29^th September 2021 and the Extraordinary Freedom of the Borough Meeting held on 13^th October 2021.

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

The attached report presents the received petitions to be discussed. Should any additional petitions be received they will be listed to be noted but not discussed.

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 leaders of the opposition groups to respond for up to two minutes each should they so wish. Following those contributions, the Mayor may reply for up to two minutes.

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.

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

To consider, under the Budget and Policy Framework, the report of Cabinet on the review of the Licensing Act Cumulative Impact Assessment Policy 2021-24.

To consider the report of the Audit Committee proposing the appointment of external auditors for 2023-24 (plus 5 years).

To consider the report of the Standards Advisory Committee proposing the introduction of a new Member Code of Conduct based on the new Model Code developed by the Local Government Association.

To consider the report of the Director of Legal and Monitoring Officer following consultation on proposals to change a number of Ward Names in the Borough.

A report may be required on the Spitalfields Neighbourhood Plan depending on the result of the referendum taking place on Thursday 11 November. The report will be published in a supplementary agenda pack if required.

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.