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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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE To receive any apologies for absence. Decision: Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Rania Khan, Shiria Khatun, Ahmed Omer and Kosru Uddin.
Minutes: Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Rania Khan, Shiria Khatun, Ahmed Omer and Kosru Uddin.
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DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS PDF 56 KB 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.
Decision: There were no declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests. Councillor Shafiqul Haque declared a personal interest in Question 8.25 as his son was employed in Skillsmatch.
Minutes: There were no declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests. Councillor Shafiqul Haque declared a personal interest in Question 8.25 as his son was employed in Skillsmatch.
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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 17th April 2013 and the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 22nd May 2013 (draft minutes attached).
Additional documents: Decision: DECISION
That the unrestricted minutes of the Ordinary meeting of the Council held on 17 April 2013 and the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 22 May 2013 be confirmed as a correct record and the Speaker be authorised to sign them accordingly.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: RESOLVED
That the unrestricted minutes of the Ordinary meeting of the Council held on 17 April 2013 and the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 22 May 2013 be confirmed as a correct record and the Speaker be authorised to sign them accordingly.
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TO RECEIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS (IF ANY) FROM THE SPEAKER OF THE COUNCIL OR THE HEAD OF PAID SERVICE Decision: No announcements were made at the meeting.
Minutes: No announcements were made at the meeting.
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TO RECEIVE ANY PETITIONS PDF 50 KB 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 Thursday 20th June 2013. However, at the time of agenda despatch three petitions have already been received as set out in the attached report. Decision: 5.1 Petition against the closure of the Isle of Dogs Police Station
Petition withdrawn.
5.2 Petition against Casinos and Betting Shops in Tower Hamlets
A representative of Kelly Begum addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members.
Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor, then responded to the petition.
DECISION
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
(Action by: Stephen Halsey, Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture)
Procedural motion
Councillor Ohid Ahmed moved, and Councillor Gulam Robbani seconded, a procedural motion – “That Procedure Rule 13.1 be suspended to allow consideration of an emergency motion on casinos.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was defeated.
Members voting in favour of the procedural motion requested that their votes be recorded in the minutes.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
5.3 Petition regarding benefit cuts and the ‘bedroom tax’
Ms Eileen Short addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members.
Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, then responded to the petition.
DECISION
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal, for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
(Action by: Aman Dalvi, Corporate Director, Development and Renewal)
Minutes: 5.1 Petition against the closure of the Isle of Dogs Police Station
The Service Head, Democratic Services informed the meeting that this petition was withdrawn as the lead petitioner had unfortunately had to attend a funeral on the day of the meeting. The petitioners would be offered the opportunity to present the petition to the next meeting.
5.2 Petition against Casinos and Betting Shops in Tower Hamlets
A representative of Kelly Begum addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members.
Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor, then responded to the petition. He stated that gambling arcades and casinos exploit the hopes of the most vulnerable and he wanted to see their spread limited. Unfortunately, the amount that the Council could do was limited by the Government and the Gambling Commission. However, the Council would do everything it could to prevent the spread of such establishments.
The Council’s Statement of Gambling Policy was only recently adopted by full Council and became active on the 27th May 2013. This Policy was developed after much consultation and a good practice guide had been developed for the managers of gambling establishments to protect vulnerable groups and especially young people.
On the matter of casinos the Mayor recently requested that preparations be made for the Council to adopt a “no casino” policy under section 166 of the Gambling Act 2005. A consultation had been undertaken and it was and hoped to bring a resolution to the council meeting.
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.
Procedural motion
Councillor Ohid Ahmed moved, and Councillor Gulam Robbani seconded, a procedural motion – “That Procedure Rule 13.1 be suspended to allow consideration of an emergency motion on casinos as follows:-
‘This meeting notes:
Gambling can have a variety of very negative consequences for the individual concerned and wider society including increased risk of drug misuse, eating disorders, mental ill health and criminality.
An estimated £400 million is spent every year on gambling in Tower Hamlets.
This meeting agrees:
It is in the best interests of residents that dangers of problem gambling are minimized in the borough.
That the granting of licenses for casinos to operate in the borough increases the risk of problem gambling.
That Tower Hamlets adopt a policy of not granting licenses to new casinos to operate in the borough as under Section 166 of the Gambling Act 2005.
While we are bound by statutory gambling laws here is a possibility that we could use Planning and our Commercial leasing arrangements to affect further controls’.”
The Chief Legal Officer’s representative advised the meeting that the adoption of any policy under Section 166 of the Gambling Act as proposed by the motion could only be agreed following consultation. Councillor Ohid Ahmed therefore amended the third paragraph under ‘This meeting agrees’ of the proposed emergency motion to read “That subject to ... view the full minutes text for item 5. |
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TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PDF 56 KB 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. Decision: 6.1 Question from Mr Muhammed Haque regarding arrangements for auditing and overseeing the conduct of bodies now responsible for formerly Council-owned and Council controlled housing stock.
6.2 Question from Mrs Janet Wade requesting information on the amended Open Spaces Strategy and requesting limitations on events held in Council parks.
6.3 Question from Mr Steven Barthram requesting a breakdown of money spent on the regeneration of Roman Road market area.
6.4 Question from Mr Syed Akamot Ali regarding the reinstatement of the lavatory in Whitechapel Market and improvements needed to the market environment.
6.5 Question from Mr Nic Bentley regarding public consultation around Thames Water’s proposal for a Thames Tideway Tunnel site at Highway Business Park, Heckford Street.
6.6 Question from Ms Kathy McTasney regarding Council support for residents affected by the Bedroom Tax. (Question withdrawn.)
6.7 Question from Mr Omar Sharif regarding the conduct of Councillors during Council meetings.
6.8 Question from Mr Yousuf Khan regarding the work of the Students Rights organisation on university campuses.
6.9 Question from Mr Abjol Miah regarding the murder in Woolwich and subsequent reprisals by the EDL.
Questions 6.1 to 6.4, and in each case a supplementary question, were put and responded to by the relevant Executive Member. Question 6.6 was withdrawn. Questions 6.5 and 6.7 to 6.9 were not considered due to lack of time. Written responses will be provided to the questioners.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services – to arrange written responses)
NOTE: During consideration of question 6.1, the Speaker adjourned the meeting at 8.25 p.m., reconvening at 8.41 p.m., due to disruption in the public gallery.
Procedural motion
Following consideration of question 6.2, Councillor Timothy Archer moved, and Councillor David Snowdon seconded, a procedural motion - “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied to allow motion 12.10 (Motion regarding Parks and Open Spaces) to be considered as next business.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was defeated.
Procedural motion
Following consideration of question 6.4, Councillor Sirajul Islam moved, and Councillor Rachael Saunders seconded a procedural motion –“That Procedure Rule 13.1 be suspended to allow consideration of an urgent motion on the Comprehensive Spending Review as the next item of business.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
Urgent motion: Comprehensive Spending Review
Councillor Sirajul Islam moved, and Councillor Rachael Saunders seconded, a tabled urgent motion on the Comprehensive Spending Review as set out below.
After debate, the motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
DECISION
This Council notes:
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Britain's economy has
flatlined for over two years, with
nearly one million young people out of work. -
Under the Tories we have had the slowest recovery
for 100 years. -
Prices are still going up faster than
wages.
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The IMF have called on
the Government to boost infrastructure. - The next Government is now forecast to inherit borrowing of £96bn in ... view the full decision text for item 6. Minutes: The Service Head, Democratic Services reminded the Council that there was a maximum period of 20 minutes for public questions. He advised the meeting that question 6.6 was withdrawn as the questioner had unfortunately had to attend a funeral on the day of the meeting. The questioner would be offered the opportunity to put her question at the next meeting.
6.1 Question from Mr Muhammad Haque, Organiser, the KHOODEELAAR! Campaign in Defence of the Community in the East End of London
What is Tower Hamlets Council’s Constitutionally installed and transparently DEMOCRATICALLY active audit procedure for overseeing the conduct of those bodies especially the ones that have been allowed to take over the control of formerly Council-owned and Council controlled Housing stock in the context of the clear and the express undertaking given by LBTH Council to the Community and parts of the Community in the Borough on the relevant estates affected by the implications of the stock transfer procedures that were put into operation?
Response by Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing
Thank you for your question.
The Council transferred over 10,000 properties to 8 Registered Providers (RPs) under the Housing Choice programme. This was to lever £448 million pounds worth of investment into the stock. Promises made under the Housing Choice programme were included in contracts as obligations which are monitored twice annually by the Strategic Housing Team.
The Council is currently collecting information on progress made up until the end of the 2012/13 financial year. A number of RPs have reported that they have completed the contractual obligations. Officers are now establishing an audit process in order to satisfy the Council that the programmes are indeed complete.
As Cabinet Member for Housing I work very closely with tenants to ensure democratic accountability registered providers. For example:
· Residents of Lantern Court on the Isle of Dogs managed by the Guiness Trust were worried about their energy bills possibly caused by the faults in their combined hot water and heating system. Between September 2012 and February 2013 I held 3 resident meetings and worked with residents on the development of Lanterns Court Neighbourhood Agreement and Action Plan.
· After Pheonix Heights TRA held their provider to account to get water charges wrongly included in their service charges refunded I have worked with the TRA, the resgistered provider and Thames Water to ensure all residents' water meters are checked to ensure future water bills from Thames Water are correct.
The Council has a list of Preferred Development Partners building in the borough and is currently producing a Performance Management Framework to raise standards in housing management among Registered Providers working in Tower Hamlets.
The Homes and Communities Agency retains the remit to regulate Registered Providers. The HCA’s regulation is around consumer and economic standards which are outlined in its Regulatory Framework.
Summary of Supplementary Question from Mr Muhammad Haque
What traceable evidence is there of what the Council representatives on those bodies dealing with housing stock actually do to represent ... view the full minutes text for item 6. |
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MAYOR'S REPORT The Council’s Constitution provides for the Elected Mayor to give a report at each Ordinary Council Meeting.
A maximum of five minutes is allowed for the Elected Mayor’s report, following which the Speaker of the Council will invite the respective political group leaders to respond for up to one minute each if they wish.
Decision: The Mayor made his report to the Council meeting. As part of his report the Mayor invited the Deputy Mayor to address the Council about the recent award that the Council had received for its work in preparing for the London Olympics 2012.
The Leader of the Majority Group and Leaders of the Minority Groups each responded briefly to the Mayor’s report.
Procedural motion
At this point, Councillor Fozol Miah moved, and Councillor Harun Miah seconded, a procedural motion – “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied to allow motion 12.5 (Motion regarding the rise of Islamophobia) to be considered as next business.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was unanimously agreed.
Motion 12.5: Motion regarding the rise of Islamophobia
Councillor Harun Miah moved, and Councillor Fozol Miah seconded motion 12.5 as printed in the agenda.
Councillor Fozol Miah indicated that he had tabled an amendment to motion 12.5 as set out below. Councillor Harun Miah accepted the amendment and altered his motion accordingly.
Councillor Sirajul Islam moved, and Councillor Rachael Saunders seconded, a tabled amendment to the motion, incorporating the text of motions 12.2, 12.4 and 12.5 (as amended) into a single motion as below.
Councillor Shahed Ali proposed that the existing second bullet point in Councillor Islam’s amendment should become the third point and vice versa. This was accepted by Councillors Islam and Saunders who altered their amendment accordingly.
Councillor Abdul Asad proposed that the first resolution shown in motion 12.5 should be amended to remove the reference to Rushanara Ali, MP and be re-worded: “That all Group Leaders and the Mayor jointly write to the Home Secretary requesting she take steps to ban the EDL march and ensure that our community is fully protected from the EDL and other extremists.” This was accepted by Councillors Sirajul Islam and Rachael Saunders who altered their amendment accordingly.
After debate, Councillor Sirajul Islam moved, and Councillor Rachael Saunders seconded, a procedural motion – “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.10 the question be now put.” The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
The amendment as tabled by Councillors Sirajul Islam and Rachael Saunders and subsequently amended as above, was put to the vote and was unanimously agreed.
The substantive motion as amended was then put to the vote and was unanimously agreed.
DECISION
This Council Notes:
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Offers its sympathies to the family and friends of
Lee Rigby. To try to use a warped view
of any religion or faith to justify his murder is wrong, and cannot
be tolerated. -
Is deeply concerned about attacks on Islamic
buildings and threats to the safety of individuals and
communities. - Calls for unity against the EDL, BNP and others who seek to stir up hatred and division. We are at our strongest when we are united, as we must be in the face of this attack in our neighbouring borough ... view the full decision text for item 7. Minutes: The Mayor made his report to the Council meeting. As part of his report the Mayor invited the Deputy Mayor to address the Council about the recent award that the Council had received for its work in preparing for the London Olympics 2012.
The Leader of the Majority Group and Leaders of the Minority Groups each responded briefly to the Mayor’s report.
Procedural motion
At this point, Councillor Fozol Miah moved, and Councillor Harun Miah seconded, a procedural motion – “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied to allow motion 12.5 (Motion regarding the rise of Islamophobia) to be considered as next business.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was unanimously agreed.
Motion 12.5: Motion regarding the rise of Islamophobia
Councillor Harun Miah moved, and Councillor Fozol Miah seconded motion 12.5 as printed in the agenda.
Councillor Fozol Miah indicated that he had tabled an amendment to motion 12.5 as set out below. Councillor Harun Miah accepted the amendment and altered his motion accordingly.
Councillor Sirajul Islam moved, and Councillor Rachael Saunders seconded, a tabled amendment to the motion, incorporating the text of motions 12.2, 12.4 and 12.5 (as amended) into a single motion as below.
Councillor Shahed Ali proposed that the existing second bullet point in Councillor Islam’s amendment should become the third point and vice versa. This was accepted by Councillors Islam and Saunders who altered their amendment accordingly.
Councillor Abdul Asad proposed that the first resolution shown in motion 12.5 should be amended to remove the reference to Rushanara Ali, MP and be re-worded: “That all Group Leaders and the Mayor jointly write to the Home Secretary requesting she take steps to ban the EDL march and ensure that our community is fully protected from the EDL and other extremists.” This was accepted by Councillors Sirajul Islam and Rachael Saunders who altered their amendment accordingly.
After debate, Councillor Sirajul Islam moved, and Councillor Rachael Saunders seconded, a procedural motion – “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.10 the question be now put.” The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
The amendment as tabled by Councillors Sirajul Islam and Rachael Saunders and subsequently amended as above, was put to the vote and was unanimously agreed.
The substantive motion as amended was then put to the vote and was unanimously agreed. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
This Council Notes:
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Offers its sympathies to the family and friends of
Lee Rigby. To try to use a warped view
of any religion or faith to justify his murder is wrong, and cannot
be tolerated. -
Is deeply concerned about attacks on Islamic
buildings and threats to the safety of individuals and
communities. - Calls for unity against the EDL, BNP and others who seek to stir up hatred and division. We are at our strongest when we are united, as we must be in the face of this attack in ... view the full minutes text for item 7. |
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TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PDF 65 KB 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.
Decision: 8.1Question from Councillor Mizanur Chaudhury re: proposed fire station cuts.
The above question and a supplementary question were put and were responded to by the relevant Executive Member.
Questions 8.2 to 8.28 were not put as, following the changes to the order of business below, the time limit for the meeting had expired. Written responses will be provided to each question.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Procedural motion
Following consideration of Question 8.1, Councillor Carli Harper-Penman moved, and Councillor Bill Turner seconded, a procedural motion – “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied to allow motion 12.8 to be considered as next business.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
Motion 12.8: Motion against Boris Johnson’s Tower Hamlets Fire Cuts
Councillor Shahed Ali moved, and Councillor Kabir Ahmed seconded the motion as printed in the agenda.
Councillor Carli Harper-Penman moved, and Councillor Rajib Ahmed seconded, a tabled amendment to the motion as set out below.
After debate, the tabled 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:
1. The deplorable decision by the Mayor of London to proceed with budget cuts that would see Bow fire station closed and the number of fire engines at Whitechapel fire station halved.
2.
The plans to close Bow fire station and reduce the
number of engines at Whitechapel fire station to one, would remove
one geographically important base as well as reducing the
borough’s fire response teams by almost 25%.
3.
Whilst fire call outs across London are reducing
Tower Hamlets has by far the highest level of call outs in the
capital. Cutting the capacity of two of our fire stations against
this backdrop would put lives at risk. The Draft Fifth London
Safety Plan states that deprivation is an issue but then proposes
closure in an area of high deprivation. This leaves the plan open
to questions on the validity and degree of consideration and risk
assessment that has gone into the proposals. If the method of
assessment has not changed, we believe that questions could be
raised as to how the cuts can be justified. 4.
If implemented these cuts would mean that response
times for some areas of Tower Hamlets would dramatically exceed
LFEPA targets with some response times doubling to over 7 minutes.
The area served by Bow fire station contains 64 blocks of flats, 20
of which are above 10 stories, and Bow itself suffers from narrow
roads and traffic congestion. 5. Areas such as Bow, which will be most affected by the proposed changes, are home to a large number of densely populated tower blocks where fire can spread quickly to other floors trapping residents. Even modestly increased response times to these areas could end in tragedy. There is also a high number of ... view the full decision text for item 8. Minutes: At this point the Service Head, Democratic Services, indicated that, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the meeting could continue for a further 15 minutes only and would terminate at 10.53 p.m.
8.1 Question from Councillor Mizanaur Choudhury
Referring to Boris Johnson’s proposed fire station cuts the Mayor said in East End Life recently, and I quote "its essential that we take every chance to support the campaign against these cuts". Can he then tell the Council why he failed to turn up to the crucial public consultation on fire station closures on the 7th May and why he has consistently missed key London Councils meetings on police and fire station closures?
Response by Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor
The Mayor has made numerous representations against both the police and fire cuts and has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Paul Embery from the Fire Brigades union to condemn Boris’ actions.
It seems Cllr Chaudhury needs a lesson in government. These cuts are not the fault of this Mayor, they are the fault of Boris Johnson and the slash and burn Tories.
But instead of attacking those who are responsible, he is trying to lay blame where it does not belong.
If Cllr Chaudhury really wants to best represents his constituents I would suggest he spend a bit more of his time attacking those who are responsible for the cuts instead of covering for them by trying to blame this administration.
Summary of Supplementary Question from Councillor Mizanur Chaudhury
The Mayor should be there when it matters and to protect residents from Tory cuts. Labour had held three public meetings against the cuts, why did the Mayor not attend?
Summary of Councillor Ohid Ahmed’s response to the Supplementary Question
The Mayor had been campaigning on a number of issues and was already in discussions with the Borough Commanders.
[NOTE: Members’ Questions 8.2 to 8.28 were not put as the time limit for the meeting had expired. Written responses were provided to each question and are included in Appendix A to these minutes.]
Procedural motion
Following consideration of Question 8.1, Councillor Carli Harper-Penman moved, and Councillor Bill Turner seconded, a procedural motion – “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied to allow motion 12.8 to be considered as next business.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
Motion 12.8: Motion against Boris Johnson’s Tower Hamlets Fire Cuts
Councillor Shahed Ali moved, and Councillor Kabir Ahmed seconded the motion as printed in the agenda.
Councillor Carli Harper-Penman moved, and Councillor Rajib Ahmed seconded, a tabled amendment to the motion as set out below.
After debate, the tabled 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:
1. The deplorable decision by the Mayor of London to proceed with budget cuts that would see ... view the full minutes text for item 8. |
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REPORTS FROM THE EXECUTIVE AND THE COUNCIL'S COMMITTEES |
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Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee PDF 137 KB The Council’s Constitution states that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee shall report annually to the Council on its work. The Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for 2012/13 is attached. Decision: DECISION
That the report be noted.
(Action by: Louise Russell, Service Head, Corporate Strategy and Equality)
Minutes: Councillor Anne Jackson, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee during the municipal year 2012/13, introduced the report documenting the Committee’s activities during the past year.
RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
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TO RECEIVE REPORTS AND QUESTIONS ON JOINT ARRANGEMENTS AND EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS (if any) Decision: There was no business under this item.
Minutes: There was no business under this item.
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OTHER BUSINESS |
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Localism Act 2011 Standards Regime: Appointment of 'Independent Person' PDF 91 KB To appoint an Independent Person, as required by the Localism Act 2011, in connection with the Council’s arrangements for dealing with any complaint of a breach of the Members’ Code of Conduct.
The report of the Service Head, Democratic Services, setting out the recruitment process followed and the recommendations of the interview panel for appointment of an Independent Person and a Reserve Independent Person, is attached. Decision: The Council considered the report of the Service Head, Democratic Services on the above matter.
Following debate, Councillor Carlo Gibbs moved, and Councillor Abdal Ullah seconded, a procedural motion – “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.10 the question be now put.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
The report recommendations were put to the vote and were agreed unanimously.
DECISION
1. That Ms Elizabeth Hall be appointed as the Independent Person with effect from 1st July 2013 for a term of office of three years.
2. That Ms Ezra Zahabi be appointed as the Reserve Independent Person with effect from 1st July 2013 for a term of office of three years.
3. That the remuneration for the Independent Person and Reserve Independent Person be set at the level of £117 for each matter on which they are required to provide advice and for each attendance at a committee meeting or training event that is required in connection with the role, as set out at section 6 to the report of the Service Head, Democratic Services.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: The Council considered the report of the Service Head, Democratic Services on the above matter.
Following debate, Councillor Carlo Gibbs moved, and Councillor Abdal Ullah seconded, a procedural motion – “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.10 the question be now put.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
The report recommendations were put to the vote and were agreed unanimously by all Councillors present. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
1. That Ms Elizabeth Hall be appointed as the Independent Person with effect from 1st July 2013 for a term of office of three years.
2. That Ms Ezra Zahabi be appointed as the Reserve Independent Person with effect from 1st July 2013 for a term of office of three years.
3. That the remuneration for the Independent Person and Reserve Independent Person be set at the level of £117 for each matter on which they are required to provide advice and for each attendance at a committee meeting or training event that is required in connection with the role, as set out at section 6 to the report of the Service Head, Democratic Services.
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Section 20 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules at Part 4.2 of the Council’s Constitution sets out a procedure under which the Overview and Scrutiny Committee may, if they consider a Key Decision has been made which was not treated as such, require the Executive to report to the Council giving the reason(s) why the decision was not considered to be a Key Decision.
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee made such a request at its meeting on 9th April 2013 and the report of the Executive is attached. Decision: DECISION
That the report be noted.
Minutes: RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
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The recommendations of the Human Resources Committee are set out in the attached reference.
Decision: The Council considered the reference from the Human Resources Committee on the above matter.
Following debate, Councillor Abdal Ullah moved, and Councillor Carlo Gibbs seconded, a procedural motion – “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.10 the question be now put.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
The recommendations of the Human Resources Committee were then put to the vote and were agreed.
DECISION
That the Head of Paid Service be delegated power to exercise the functions of the Chief Executive for the purposes of the agreed Disciplinary Policy and Procedures for Chief Officers.
(Action by: Simon Kilbey, Service Head, Human Resources and Workforce Development)
Minutes: The Council considered the reference from the Human Resources Committee on the above matter.
Following debate, Councillor Abdal Ullah moved, and Councillor Carlo Gibbs seconded, a procedural motion – “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.10 the question be now put.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
The recommendations of the Human Resources Committee were then put to the vote and were agreed. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
That the Head of Paid Service be delegated power to exercise the functions of the Chief Executive for the purposes of the agreed Disciplinary Policy and Procedures for Chief Officers.
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TO CONSIDER MOTIONS SUBMITTED BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PDF 108 KB The motions submitted by Councillors for debate at this meeting are set out in the attached report.
Decision: 12.6 Motion regarding 4 in 10 Campaign for London’s Overcrowded Children
Councillor Abdal Ullah moved, and Councillor John Pierce seconded, the motion as printed on the agenda, subject to the deletion of the words ‘local Labour Party members and’ in the 2nd bullet point under ‘This Council Resolves’.
Following debate Councillor Abdal Ullah moved, and Councillor Carlo Gibbs seconded, a procedural motion – “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.10 the question be now put.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
The motion as printed on the agenda and as amended above was put to the vote and was agreed.
DECISION
This Council notes that:
· 391,000 children are estimated to be growing up in overcrowded conditions in London – a quarter of the Capital’s children, including tens of thousands living in Tower Hamlets;
· This figure has risen by around 80,000 in the past decade and it set to get worse as the supply of new social housing dries up.
· The Conservative led government has led a sustained attack on social housing, including cutting funding for building and attacking social security.
· Only 134 of the 1,618 applicants for four bedroom social housing in the borough were catered for in 2012, with only 16 of those in properties owned by Tower Hamlets Council directly.
· Research has shown that overcrowding undermines a child’s health, education and well-being, damaging their long-term life chances;
· The Mayor of London “Overcrowding Action Plan” sets a target to reduce the number of severely overcrowded households by just 5,500 by 2016;
· Save the Children’s 4in10 campaign is calling on the Mayor of London to commit to halve the number of children growing up in overcrowded conditions by 2020.
This Council believes
· The only solution to London’s housing crisis is a significant and sustained increase in investment in new social rented housing, including council housing, for overcrowded and homeless families;
· The 4in10 campaign is right to focus political attention on the Mayor of London as his “Action Plan” is an inadequate response and fails to make tackling overcrowding a real political priority.
This Council resolves,
· To support the 4in10 campaign and call on the Mayor of London to make a commitment to halve the number of children in overcrowded homes by 2020;
· To publicise the campaign to residents to help raise public awareness of this problem and pressure on the Mayor of London to act.
· To call on the Independent Mayor of Tower Hamlets to keep his promises to local people, and deliver family sized homes.
(Action by: Aman Dalvi, Corporate Director, Development & Renewal)
12.9 Motion regarding Commercial Events in Victoria Park
Councillor Amy Whitelock moved, and Councillor Marc Francis seconded, the motion as printed on the agenda.
Following debate Councillor Bill Turner moved, and Councillor Abdal Ullah seconded, a procedural motion – “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.10 the question be now put.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
The motion ... view the full decision text for item 12. Minutes: 12.6 Motion regarding 4 in 10 Campaign for London’s Overcrowded Children
Councillor Abdal Ullah moved, and Councillor John Pierce seconded, the motion as printed on the agenda, subject to the deletion of the words ‘local Labour Party members and’ in the 2nd bullet point under ‘This Council Resolves’.
Following debate Councillor Abdal Ullah moved, and Councillor Carlo Gibbs seconded, a procedural motion – “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.10 the question be now put.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
The motion as printed on the agenda and as amended above was put to the vote and was agreed. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
This Council notes that:
· 391,000 children are estimated to be growing up in overcrowded conditions in London – a quarter of the Capital’s children, including tens of thousands living in Tower Hamlets;
· The Conservative led government has led a sustained attack on social housing, including cutting funding for building and attacking social security.
· Only 134 of the 1,618 applicants for four bedroom social housing in the borough were catered for in 2012, with only 16 of those in properties owned by Tower Hamlets Council directly.
· Research has shown that overcrowding undermines a child’s health, education and well-being, damaging their long-term life chances;
· The Mayor of London “Overcrowding Action Plan” sets a target to reduce the number of severely overcrowded households by just 5,500 by 2016;
· Save the Children’s 4in10 campaign is calling on the Mayor of London to commit to halve the number of children growing up in overcrowded conditions by 2020.
This Council believes
· The only solution to London’s housing crisis is a significant and sustained increase in investment in new social rented housing, including council housing, for overcrowded and homeless families;
This Council resolves,
· To support the 4in10 campaign and call on the Mayor of London to make a commitment to halve the number of children in overcrowded homes by 2020;
12.9 Motion regarding Commercial Events in Victoria Park
Councillor Amy Whitelock moved, and Councillor Marc Francis seconded, the motion as printed on the agenda.
Following debate Councillor Bill Turner moved, and Councillor Abdal Ullah seconded, a procedural motion – “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.10 the question be now put.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
The motion as printed on ... view the full minutes text for item 12. |