Agenda, decisions and minutes
Venue: The Council Chamber, 1st Floor, Town Hall, Mulberry Place, 5 Clove Crescent, London, E14 2BG
Contact: John S Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services Tel: 020 7364 4204, E-mail: johns.williams@towerhamlets.gov.uk
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ELECTION OF CHAIR OF COUNCIL To elect a Councillor to serve as the Chair of Council until the Annual Council Meeting in May 2012.
(Note: Section 4 and Schedule 2 of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, provide that the election of the Chair shall be the first item of business transacted at the Annual Meeting of the Council and that in the case of an equality of votes, the person presiding at the meeting shall give a casting vote in addition to any vote that s/he may have.)
Decision: DECISION
That Councillor Mizanur Chaudhury be elected to hold office as Chair of Council until the Annual Meeting of the Council in May 2012.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: The Chair of Council, Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman, in the Chair
CHAIR’S OPENING ADDRESS
The Chair of Council, Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman, welcomed all present to the Annual Meeting of the Council.
Councillor Uz-Zaman addressed the meeting about his year in office. He said that it had been a privilege to serve first as Mayor and then as Chair of Tower Hamlets Council. There had been many highlights during his term of office and his charity account had raised approximately £43,000 for the two nominated charities, the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) and the Thesis Trust.
Councillor Uz-Zaman thanked his wife and family for their support during his term of office and also thanked the officers including the Members Services and Facilities Teams and in particular Mrs Attawia, the Chair’s Office Manager and Mr Wasilka, his Chauffeur and Attendant, for their excellent assistance at all times during the year.
Councillor Joshua Peck paid tribute to Councillor Uz-Zaman on behalf of the Council and thanked him for the excellent manner in which he had discharged his duties. Councillor Peter Golds and Councillor Fozol Miah also addressed the meeting and echoed Councillor Peck’s comments.
The Chair then called for nominations to serve as Chair of Tower Hamlets Council for the coming year.
It was MOVED by Councillor Joshua Peck, SECONDED by Councillor Anna Lynch and
RESOLVED
That Councillor Mizanur Chaudhury be elected to hold office as Chair of Council until the Annual Meeting of the Council in May 2012.
Councillor Joshua Peck and Councillor Anna Lynch then came forward to witness the Chair of Council signing the statutory declaration of acceptance of office.
The Chair of Council, Councillor Mizanur Chaudhury, in the Chair
The incoming Chair of Council then addressed the meeting. He paid tribute to Councillor Uz-Zaman and thanked Members of the Council for electing him as Chair, a role that he was honoured to accept and which he would endeavour to carry out to the best of his ability. As a relatively new councillor and one of the youngest to hold this position in Tower Hamlets, Councillor Chaudhury hoped that his election would act as a catalyst for the younger generation in the borough to come forward and play an active role in politics.
Councillor Chaudhury stated that the effects of the recession were being felt by all in the borough and it was more important than ever to work together to create opportunities in education, employment and housing for every member of the community and to foster an inclusive society where discrimination had no place.
The Chair felt that Tower Hamlets was an amazing borough which made history culturally and politically and where generations of people from across the world had chosen to start new lives. During his year of office he intended to encourage community engagement and work to build respect and harmony across age and cultural divides.
Councillor Chaudhury informed the Council that he had chosen two charities to support during his term. These ... view the full minutes text for item 1. |
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ELECTION OF DEPUTY CHAIR OF COUNCIL To elect a Councillor to serve as the Deputy Chair of Council until the Annual Council Meeting in May 2012.
Decision: DECISION
That Councillor Rajib Ahmed be elected to hold office as Deputy Chair of Council until the Annual Meeting of the Council in May 2012.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: The Chair sought nominations to serve as Deputy Chair of Council for the forthcoming municipal year.
It was MOVED by Councillor Joshua Peck, SECONDED by Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman and
RESOLVED
That Councillor Rajib Ahmed be elected to hold office as Deputy Chair of Council until the Annual Meeting of the Council in May 2012.
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE To receive any apologies for absence. Decision: Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor Anwar Khan and Councillor Ahmed Omer.
DECISION
That the apologies be noted.
Minutes: Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor Anwar Khan and Councillor Ahmed Omer.
RESOLVED
That the apologies be noted.
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 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 Chief Executive.
Decision: No declarations of interest were made.
Minutes: No declarations of interest were made.
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To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the unrestricted minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 13th April 2011. The draft minutes are attached.
Decision: Councillor Rachael Saunders referred to the declarations of interest made by a number of Members at the meeting on 13th April 2011, arising from their membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). In the draft minutes these wrongly referred to the ‘LGA Pension Scheme’ and this should be amended to read ‘LGPS’.
DECISION
That subject to the above amendment, the minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 13th April 2011 be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and the Chair of Council be authorised to sign them accordingly.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: Councillor Rachael Saunders referred to the declarations of interest made by a number of Members at the meeting on 13th April 2011, arising from their membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). In the draft minutes these wrongly referred to the ‘LGA Pension Scheme’ and this should be amended to read ‘LGPS’.
RESOLVED
That subject to the above amendment, the minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 13th April 2011 be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and the Chair of Council be authorised to sign them accordingly.
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TO RECEIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS (IF ANY) FROM THE CHAIR OR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Decision: No announcements were made.
Minutes: No announcements were made.
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MAYOR'S REPORT: Executive delegations The Executive Procedure Rules at part 4.4 of the Council’s Constitution require the elected Mayor to present to the Annual Council Meeting a report setting out the appointments that the Mayor has made to the posts of Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Members; together with a written record of executive delegations made by the Mayor for inclusion in the Council’s Scheme of delegation (to follow).
Decision: The Mayor’s report, setting out the Executive Scheme of Delegation and the arrangements for decision making by the Mayor, was tabled as attached at Appendix A to this decision sheet.
DECISION
That the Mayor’s report be noted.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: The Mayor addressed the Council meeting. He thanked the outgoing Chair, welcomed the new Chair of Council and looked forward to working together to achieve the very best for Tower Hamlets.
The Mayor stated that the aim underpinning his Mayoralty was ‘One Tower Hamlets’ which was about reducing inequality, fostering community cohesion and building community leadership. In this regard he referred to the recent successful Baishakhi Mela, the Royal Wedding celebrations and the bid for Tower Hamlets to be awarded city status.
The Mayor reflected on a number of his administration’s highlights of the municipal year just ending including a progressive budget with some of the lowest redundancies in London, the delivery of 737 new affordable homes and securing of £94.5 million decent homes funding; the successful Working Neighbourhoods Fund programme to tackle unemployment and a significant reduction in violent crime. The Mayor looked forward to working with people from across the political spectrum for the betterment of the borough over the coming year.
The Mayor’s written report, setting out the Executive Scheme of Delegation as required by the Constitution and the arrangements for decision making by the Mayor, was tabled as attached at Appendix A to these minutes.
Councillor Joshua Peck, Leader of the Majority Group, and Councillor Peter Golds, Leader of the largest Minority Group, each briefly addressed the meeting in response to the Mayor’s contribution. In relation to the arrangements for Mayoral Executive Decision making, Councillor Peck and Councillor Golds each stressed the need for transparency and asked that any decisions made via this procedure be published without delay on the Council’s website and drawn to the attention of all Councillors by e-mail.
RESOLVED
That the Mayor’s report be noted.
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REVIEW OF PROPORTIONALITY AND ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMITTEES AND PANELS Section 15(1) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 requires the Council at or as soon as practicable after the Annual Meeting to carry out a review to determine the allocation to the political groups of seats on the committees/panels of the Council.
The report of the Service Head, Democratic Services, is attached.
Decision: Councillor Joshua Peck moved, and Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman seconded, a tabled amendment as follows:-
‘Add new recommendation
“2.4 That the six Scrutiny Lead positions on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be renamed as follows, subject to agreement at the first Overview and Scrutiny Committee of the Municipal Year 2011/12:
Communities, Localities and Culture Children’s Services Resources Development and Renewal Chief Executives Adults, Health and Wellbeing”.’
The amendment was put to the vote and was agreed. The recommendations in the report, amended as above, were then put to the vote and were agreed.
DECISION
1. That the review of proportionality as set out in the report of the Service Head, Democratic Services, be noted.
2. That committees and panels be established for the Municipal Year 2011/12, and places be allocated on those committees and panels, as set out in the table below:-
(a) Committees/panels covered by the requirement for proportionality
(b) Committee not covered by the requirement for proportionality
3. That the membership of the Standards Committee at Article 9 of the Council’s Constitution be amended to include ‘Members (who may not include the Mayor or more than one other Cabinet Member), numbering three from the majority group on the Council, two from the largest minority group and one from another minority group; and nine Independent (i.e. non-Councillor) members.’
4. That the six Scrutiny Lead positions on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be renamed as follows, subject to agreement at the first Overview and Scrutiny Committee of the Municipal Year 2011/12:
Communities, Localities and Culture Children’s Services Resources Development and Renewal Chief Executives Adults, Health and Wellbeing.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services; and Michael Keating, Service Head, One Tower Hamlets)
Minutes: Councillor Joshua Peck MOVED, and Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman SECONDED, a tabled amendment as follows:-
‘Add new recommendation
“2.4 That the six Scrutiny Lead positions on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be renamed as follows, subject to agreement at the first Overview and Scrutiny Committee of the Municipal Year 2011/12:
Communities, Localities and Culture Children’s Services Resources Development and Renewal Chief Executives Adults, Health and Wellbeing”.’
The amendment was put to the vote and was agreed. The recommendations in the report, amended as above, were then put to the vote and were agreed. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
1. That the review of proportionality as set out in the report of the Service Head, Democratic Services, be noted.
2. That committees and panels be established for the Municipal Year 2011/12, and places be allocated on those committees and panels, as set out in the table below:-
(a) Committees/panels covered by the requirement for proportionality
(b) Committee not covered by the requirement for proportionality
3. That the membership of the Standards Committee at Article 9 of the Council’s Constitution be amended to include ‘Members (who may not include the Mayor or more than one other Cabinet Member), numbering three from the majority group on the Council, two from the largest minority group and one from another minority group; and nine Independent (i.e. non-Councillor) members.’
4. That the six Scrutiny Lead positions on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be renamed as follows, subject to agreement at the first Overview and Scrutiny Committee of the Municipal Year 2011/12:
Communities, Localities and Culture Children’s Services Resources Development and Renewal Chief Executives Adults, Health and Wellbeing.
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APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEES AND PANELS OF THE COUNCIL To appoint members to the committees and panels of the Council established at item 8 above, in accordance with the nominations submitted by the political groups (to follow).
Decision: A schedule was tabled setting out the nominations received from the political groups of Councillors to serve as (a) chairs and (b) members of the committees and panels established by the Council.
DECISION
1. That Councillors be appointed to the positions of special responsibility as listed below, to serve for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2011/12 or until the Councillor resigns the position, is no longer a member of the Council or of the committee shown or until a successor is appointed, whichever is the sooner:-
2. That members and deputy members be appointed to the committees and panels of the Council and other bodies for the Municipal Year 2011/12 as set out in the schedule attached at Appendix B to this decision sheet.
3. That in relation to any unfilled places within the seats allocated to a particular political group, the Council note that the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) has delegated authority subsequently to agree the appointments to those places in accordance with nominations from the relevant political group.
4. That in relation to any ‘ungrouped’ positions remaining unfilled, the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) be authorised to invite expressions of interest from the ungrouped Councillors and to make appointments to those positions following consultation with the Members concerned and the Chair of Council.
5. That in relation to the vacant ‘Independent’ (i.e. non-Councillor) positions on the Standards Committee, the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) be authorised to agree the appointments on completion of the recruitment process and following consultation with the Chair of the Standards Committee.
(Action by: Isabella Freeman, Assistant Chief Executive [Legal Services]; and John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: A schedule was tabled setting out the nominations received from the political groups of Councillors to serve as (a) chairs and (b) members of the committees and panels established by the Council.
The recommendations set out in the tabled report were put to the vote and were agreed. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
1. That Councillors be appointed to the positions of special responsibility as listed below, to serve for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2011/12 or until the Councillor resigns the position, is no longer a member of the Council or of the committee shown or until a successor is appointed, whichever is the sooner:-
2. That members and deputy members be appointed to the committees and panels of the Council and other bodies for the Municipal Year 2011/12 as set out in the schedule attached at Appendix B to these minutes.
3. That in relation to any unfilled places within the seats allocated to a particular political group, the Council note that the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) has delegated authority subsequently to agree the appointments to those places in accordance with nominations from the relevant political group.
4. That in relation to any ‘ungrouped’ positions remaining unfilled, the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) be authorised to invite expressions of interest from the ungrouped Councillors and to make appointments to those positions following consultation with the Members concerned and the Chair of Council.
5. That in relation to the vacant ‘Independent’ (i.e. non-Councillor) positions on the Standards Committee, the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) be authorised to agree the appointments on completion of the recruitment process and following consultation with the Chair of the Standards Committee.
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APPOINTMENTS TO LONDON COUNCILS COMMITTEES AND FORUMS To note the appointments made by the Mayor of members to serve as the Council’s representatives on committees and forums established by London Councils (to follow).
Decision: A report was tabled setting out the appointments that had been made by the Mayor to a number of London Councils member bodies.
Councillor Joshua Peck moved, and Councillor Motion Uz-Zaman seconded, an amendment as follows:-
‘Add new recommendation
“That appointments to external bodies shall be a Council and not an Executive Function, with the exception of those appointments that, by law or at the request of the body and with the agreement of Council, are for executive members, which shall be appointed by the Mayor”.’
Following debate, the amendment was put to the vote and was agreed.
The recommendations in the tabled report, amended as above, were then put to the vote and were agreed.
DECISION
1. That the Council note the appointments to London Councils committees and forums as listed in the schedule at Appendix C to this decision sheet.
2. That appointments to external bodies shall be a Council and not an Executive Function, with the exception of those appointments that, by law or at the request of the body and with the agreement of Council, are for executive members, which shall be appointed by the Mayor.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: A report was tabled setting out the appointments that had been made by the Mayor to a number of London Councils member bodies.
Councillor Joshua Peck MOVED, and Councillor Motion Uz-Zaman SECONDED, an amendment as follows:-
‘Add new recommendation
“That appointments to external bodies shall be a Council and not an Executive Function, with the exception of those appointments that, by law or at the request of the body and with the agreement of Council, are for executive members, which shall be appointed by the Mayor”.’
Following debate, the amendment was put to the vote and was agreed.
The recommendations in the tabled report, amended as above, were then put to the vote and were agreed. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
1. That the Council note the appointments to London Councils committees and forums as listed in the schedule at Appendix C to these minutes.
2. That appointments to external bodies shall be a Council and not an Executive Function, with the exception of those appointments that, by law or at the request of the body and with the agreement of Council, are for executive members, which shall be appointed by the Mayor.
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