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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Note - agenda order 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. Urgent motions, moved with the agreement of the Council without notice, are listed at item 13.
The order of business as taken at the meeting was as follows:
Items: · 1 – Apologies for Absence · 2 – Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests · 3 – Minutes · 4 – To receive announcements (if any) from the speaker of the Council or the Head of Paid Service · 5 – Petitions (5.1 to 5.2) · 12 – Motions (12.9) · 5 – Petitions (5.3) · 6 – Public Questions (6.1 to 6.9) · 7 – Mayor’s Report · Emergency Motion on Cycle Safety · 8 – Member Questions (8.1) · Emergency Motion on Canvassing allegations and use of Council resources · 8 – Member Questions (8.2 to 8.6) · 9.1 – Report from Cabinet (Community Safety Plan) · 12 – Motions (12.3) · 9.2 – Report from Cabinet (Council Tax Replacement Scheme Year Two)* · 11.2 – Appointments to Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committees – Delegation of Power.* · 11.3 – Mid-Year Review Report on 2013/14 Treasury Management and Investment Strategy* · 11.4 – Monitoring Officer*
* As the guillotine was reached these items were voted on without debate. |
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE To receive any apologies for absence. Minutes: Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Craig Aston, Lutfa Begum, Carli Harper-Penman, Fozol Miah and Amy Whitelock Gibbs.
RESOLVED
That the apologies for absence be noted.
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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.
Minutes: No declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests 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 18th September 2013. Minutes: RESOLVED
That the unrestricted minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 18 September 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 Minutes: The Speaker of the Council made two announcements: · She thanked and congratulated Councillor Craig Aston for his efforts in leading this year’s Poppy Appeal which had already raised over £13,500. · Following some poor behaviour at recent meetings the Speaker welcomed the new arrangements for managing the public gallery and asked Members to inform her immediately if any further issues arose during the meeting.
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TO RECEIVE ANY PETITIONS PDF 52 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 noon on 21st November 2013. However at the time of agenda despatch, the maximum number of petitions has already been received as set out in the attached report. Minutes: 5.1 Petition to investigate the Roman Road regeneration cash
Mr Nigel McCollum addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members.
Councillor Alibor Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Resources, advised the meeting that he was unable to comment on this matter in accordance with advice received from the Monitoring Officer.
Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor, then responded to the issues raised. He highlighted that the Administration were committed to ensuring accountability to the public and they would investigate to ensure that the funds had been spent wisely. Following the investigations a response would be prepared for residents.
RESOLVED
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director Development and Renewal, for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
5.2 Petition titled ‘Just Money’ regarding payday lending
Two representatives addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members.
Councillor Alibor Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Resources, then responded to the issues raised. He thanked the petitioners for their campaign and expressed support for the desire to restrict the number of shops offering payday lending. He highlighted work the Council had already undertaken such as work with partnership agencies, a ban on their advertising in council media and making the public aware of the dangers in using them. He stated that the Council hoped to further develop the campaign alongside all interested partners.
RESOLVED
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director Resources, for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
Procedural Motion
At this point Carlo Gibbs moved and Councillor Rachael Saunders seconded a procedural motion “that under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied to debate Motion 12.9 (‘Motion on reducing the cost of credit’) as the next item of business.
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed. The Council therefore proceeded to debate Motion 12.9 (see minute 12 below).
5.3 Petition to Stop Homophobia
The Speaker of the Council warmly welcomed to the meeting students and staff from George Green’s School and expressed great pleasure that the students had shown such a keen interest in the local democratic process.
Four students from George Green’s School addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members, who also echoed the Speaker’s remarks.
Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor, thanked the students for their petition and presentation. He agreed that hate crime had no place in the Borough and he highlighted some of the work being undertaken such as the creation of dedicated safe places to report homophobic attacks. However, he emphasised that the Council was not complacent and would look to do more.
RESOLVED
That the petition be referred to the Service Head, Corporate Strategy and Equality for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
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TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PDF 54 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. Minutes: The following questions and (except where indicated) a supplementary question arising from each were put at the meeting and were responded to by the relevant Executive Members.
6.1 Question from Mr Mahbub Alam
In this time of austerity and cuts, what are you doing to engage local people in democracy?
Response by Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor
The Mayor is committed to building local community structures to engage local people in local democracy and participation. This is being done through the introduction of the 17 Local Community Ward Forums (LCWFs). The LCWFs enable residents to raise, discuss and address local service priorities by promoting dialogue with service providers and commissioning locally relevant solutions through participatory budgeting. 87 Community Champion Coordinators have been recruited to support this new structure and deliver the new community offer. The council has provided each of the LCWF’s a budget of £10,000 which will be used through participatory budgeting for local people to make local decisions on their local priories.
(No supplementary question was put)
6.2 Question from Mr Chris Chapman
Will the Mayor state which organisations have been permitted to hire Millwall Park during 2013 and 2014, what is the financial reward to the council from such hirings and how much of this is reinvested on the Isle of Dogs?
Response by Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing
Over the last five years the Council has invested £250,000 in Millwall Park. In 2013 there was one commercial event in Millwall Park. This was the Oktoberfest, 3rd to the 6th October. There are no confirmed events in 2014 but the Oktoberfest have expressed an interest in returning. The details of the fees paid are commercially sensitive and therefore confidential. Any funds generated in parks go toward supporting council services. A minimum 10% of all fees generated in Millwall Park go direct to the parks services.
Summary of Supplementary Question from Mr Chris Chapman
Are public spaces best used for residents given that they are there fundamentally for the benefit of residents?
Summary of Councillor Rania Khan’s response to the Supplementary Question
The park is well used by residents but it is the government’s ideologically driven budget cuts that require the Council to have more events in parks to raise funds.
Procedural Motion
Following question 6.2, Councillor Tim Archer moved, and Councillor David Snowdon seconded, a procedural motion “that under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied to debate Motion 12.8 (‘Motion regarding Green Spaces’) as the next item of business.
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was defeated.
6.3 Question from Mr Terry McGrenera
Why does Tower Hamlets Council put restrictions on members of the public on exercising their democratic rights at meetings of the council?
Response by Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor
The Council does allow the public to contribute to its meetings. Full Council meetings are the responsibility of the Speaker. The Mayor and Lead Members do not have any powers in this chamber. However, the ... 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.
Minutes: The Mayor made his report to the Council meeting, extending a welcome to all present. During his report he expressed condolences to the families of the cyclists who had been killed in recent accidents on roads in the Borough. He concluded by wishing season’s greetings to those celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah.
When the Mayor had completed his report, the Leader of the Majority Group and the Leaders of the Minority Groups then each responded briefly.
Procedural Motion
At this point Councillor Carlo Gibbs moved, and Councillor Rachael Saunders seconded, a procedural motion “that under Procedure Rule 14.1.15, Rule 13.1 be suspended to enable an urgent motion on Cycling Safety to be debated without notice as the next item of business.” The text of the proposed urgent motion was circulated to the meeting.
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed. The Council therefore proceeded to debate the urgent motion (see minute 13 below).
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TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PDF 62 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. Minutes: The following questions and (except where indicated) a supplementary question arising from each were put at the meeting and were responded to by the relevant Executive Members.
8.1 Question from Councillor Rachael Saunders
Is the Mayor prepared to be honest about how his re-election campaign is being funded?
Response by Councillor Alibor Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Resources
The Mayor fully complies with the law. If you have specific allegations then you should list them.
Summary of Supplementary Question from Councillor Rachael Saunders
Does the Mayor pay for his canvassers and if so how? Is he aware of people claiming to be from Tower Hamlets Homes who have been distributing his leaflets? Has he investigated and does he think this may be fraudulent? Why has he only made one donations submission to the Electoral Commission and how does he fund his campaign?
Summary of Councillor Alibor Choudhury’s response to the Supplementary Question
These are unfounded allegations and no wrong doing has been found.
Procedural Motion
Following Question 8.1 Councillor Carlo Gibbs moved, and Councillor Helal Abbas seconded, a procedural motion “that under Procedure Rule 14.1.15, Rule 13.1 be suspended to enable an urgent motion on Canvassing allegations and the use of Council resources to be debated without notice as the next item of business.” The text of the proposed urgent motion was circulated to the meeting.
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed. The Council therefore proceeded to debate the urgent motion (see minute 13 below).
8.2 Question from Councillor Tim Archer
Will the Mayor please outline how his "Community Champions" were selected, and what steps were taken to ensure they were representative of the entire Tower Hamlets community?
Response by Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor
87 community champions were recruited reflecting all the local communities in the borough.
Two rounds of recruitment took place and a variety of channels were used to encourage applications from across our communities including road shows, community networks, outreach through specialist interest groups and the council’s equality groups.
Volunteer Centre Tower Hamlets (VCTH) assessed all applicants and made recommendations to the Tower Hamlets Partnership Executive.
The Tower Hamlets Partnership Executive accepted all of VCTH's recommendations.
Summary of Supplementary Question from Councillor Tim Archer
Were any councillors involved in this process? Transparency is surely important but two have not allowed themselves to be named can this be right?
Summary of Councillor Ohid Ahmed’s response to the Supplementary Question
No councillors were involved in the process. It is up to the Community Champions whether they wish to be named or not.
8.3 Question from Councillor Carlo Gibbs
Why has the Mayor suspended the community chest and transferred the funds to the community events fund?
Response by Councillor Alibor Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Resources
As part of the Officers report to the Corporate Grants Programme Board (CGPB) of 11 June 2013, it was noted that there was a significant oversubscription (of requested funds) for the Community Events Fund. The Board’s recommendation was: to clear ... 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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To adopt the Community Safety Partnership Plan (Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy) in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules. The report of the Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture, setting out the proposals of the executive for the Community Safety Partnership Plan 2013-16, is attached. Additional documents: Minutes: The Council considered the proposals of the Executive for the Community Safety Plan 2013-16.
Councillor Ohid Ahmed moved, and Councillor Alibor Choudhury seconded, the recommendation as set out in the report.
Procedural motion
During the debate Councillor Carlo Gibbs moved, and Councillor Sirajul Islam seconded, a procedural motion “that under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied to debate Motion 12.3 (‘Motion on tackling crime in Tower Hamlets’) immediately.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed. The Council therefore proceeded to debate Motion 12.3 (see minute 12 below).
Councillor Carlo Gibbs then moved, and Councillor Abdal Ullah seconded, an amendment as follows:-
“To refer the Community Safety Plan back to the Mayor and Cabinet for reconsideration and to take into account the serious comments and concerns raised by the Council in its decision at Motion 12.3 ‘Tackling Crime in Tower Hamlets”. Following debate, the amendment was put to the vote and was agreed. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
To refer the Community Safety Plan back to the Mayor and Cabinet for reconsideration and to take into account the serious comments and concerns raised by the Council in its decision at Motion 12.3 ‘Tackling Crime in Tower Hamlets.
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Council Tax Replacement Scheme Year Two: Report from Cabinet Meeting, 6th November 2013 PDF 85 KB To agree the Council Tax Replacement Scheme for 2014/15, in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as amended.
The report of the Corporate Director, Resources, including the recommendations from the Cabinet meeting on 6th November 2013 and an updated Appendix setting out the final results of consultation, is attached. Copies of the full proposed Council Tax Replacement Scheme may be viewed on request and will be available for reference at the Council meeting. Additional documents:
Minutes: The Council considered the report of the Corporate Director Resources, including the recommendations from the Cabinet meeting on 6th November 2013 regarding the Council Tax Replacement Scheme Year Two.
Under the guillotine procedure the recommendations were put to the vote and were agreed.
RESOLVED
That the Council agree the proposed Council Tax Replacement Scheme for 2014/15.
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TO RECEIVE REPORTS AND QUESTIONS ON JOINT ARRANGEMENTS AND EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS (if any) Minutes: There was no business under this heading.
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OTHER BUSINESS |
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To consider the adoption of a legislative scheme for the control of lap dancing and striptease premises in Tower Hamlets, set out in Schedule 3 to the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. The report of the Head of Consumer and Business Regulations is attached. Additional documents:
Minutes: The Service Head, Democratic Services advised the Council that this agenda item had been withdrawn.
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Appointments to Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committees - Delegation of Power PDF 89 KB To consider the delegation to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee of the power to appoint joint health scrutiny committees. The report of the Head of Paid Service is attached. Minutes: The Council considered the report of the Head of Paid Service on the delegation of powers to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to appoint to joint health scrutiny committees on behalf of the Council.
Under the Guillotine Procedure the recommendations in the report were put to the vote and were agreed.
RESOLVED
1. To delegate to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee the power to establish and make appointments to a joint overview and scrutiny committee.
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Mid-Year Review Report on 2013/14 Treasury Management and Investment Strategy PDF 175 KB To note the mid-year review of progress on the Treasury Management and Investment Strategy that was approved by the Council on 13th February 2013. The attached report of the Corporate Director, Resources is submitted in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Council considered the report of the Corporate Director Resources reviewing progress on the Treasury Management and Investment Strategy.
NB: A corrected version of page 284 of the report was circulated to the meeting and is attached at Appendix B to these minutes.
Under the guillotine procedure the recommendation set out in the report was put to the vote and was agreed. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
To note the content of the report.
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Monitoring Officer To agree the revised future allocation of the Monitoring Officer role and to extend the existing interim arrangements.
The Human Resources Committee on 13th November 2013 received a report of the Head of Paid Service on the restructure of the Chief Executive’s Directorate. The Committee agreed that the Head of Paid Service take forward the restructure as proposed in the report and that the directorate will be retitled Directorate of Law, Probity and Governance.
Subject to the outcome of consultation and implementation of the restructure, the Council is RECOMMENDED to allocate the role of Monitoring Officer to the new post of Director of Law, Probity and Governance, once established.
The Council is further RECOMMENDED that the interim arrangements for the position of Monitoring Officer be extended until an appointment is made to the proposed post of Director of Law, Probity and Governance. Minutes: The Council considered proposed arrangements in connection with the role of Monitoring Officer.
Under the guillotine procedure the recommendations in the agenda were put to the vote and were agreed. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
1. That subject to the outcome of consultation and implementation of the restructure of the Chief Executive’s directorate, the proposed new post of Director of Law, Probity and Governance, once established, be designated as the Council’s Monitoring Officer
2. That the interim arrangements for the position of Monitoring Officer be extended until an appointment is made to the above post.
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TO CONSIDER MOTIONS SUBMITTED BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PDF 130 KB The motions submitted by Councillors for debate at this meeting are set out in the attached report.
Minutes: 12.3 Motion regarding Tackling Crime in Tower Hamlets
Councillor Abdal Ullah moved, and Councillor Shiria Khatun seconded the motion as printed in the agenda subject to a number of alterations as tabled.
Following debate, the motion as amended was put to the vote and was agreed.
RESOLVED
This Council notes:
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That by the Metropolitan Police’s own figures
crime in Tower Hamlets has increased 1.4% since 2010. - Over the same period crime in neighbouring in Newham is down 8% and in Barking and Dagenham it is down 10%.
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In 2011/12 there were almost 20,000 reported
incidents of anti-social behaviour.
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Tower Hamlets has the second highest levels of
anti-social behaviour in London (p. 149) - Figures in the Community Safety Plan, buried on page 130, show that between October 2009 and September 2012 robberies were up 50%, knife crime was up 49%
- In the 2013 Annual Residents Survey 41% of people said crime was one of their top three concerns, this was the biggest overall concern from residents.
- The Mayor’s Community Safety Plan makes no reference to the significant increases in crime and ASB nor does it give a true appreciation of the key challenges facing the borough.
- The Mayor vetoed Labour’s proposal at the 2011 Budget to fund 17 new police officers.
- That crime figures previously published on the Metropolitan Police Website were deemed inaccurate last week over a month after Labour first raised concerns about the increasing crime levels.
This Council Believes:
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That the Mayor’s complacent approach to crime
has meant the Council has not been focused on tackling what
residents see as the most important issue facing our
borough. - The borough needs a Mayor who will show leadership in facing up to and challenging anti-social behaviour, tasking council officers appropriately and working in partnership with other organisations including the police.
- That the inaccurate crime statistics previously published on the Metropolitan police’s website, and the fact that it took the Council over a month to realise the figures were inaccurate, show the level of disorganisation between the police and the Council.
This Council further notes:
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Neighbourhood policing has been essentially
destroyed – many wards now have just one PC and one
PCSO.
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The positive impact of the Safer Neighbourhood Teams
which were introduced by the Labour Government and Labour Council
in Tower Hamlets. That the SNTs helped to not only reduce crime in
Tower Hamlets but also increased public confidence in the
police.
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The changes introduced by Boris Johnson which have
cut Safer Neighbourhood Teams to the bone by cutting the teams to
one police officer and one police community support officer per
ward, down from six officers under Labour.
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The CSP figures show that incidences of arson in the
borough are down 31% since 2009/10. - Boris Johnson continues to pursue his plan to close half of the borough’s police stations as well as closing Bow fire station and halving the number of ... view the full minutes text for item 12. |
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EMERGENCY MOTIONS Minutes: The Council agreed to suspend Procedure Rule 13.1 to enable the following motions to be debated without notice:
13.1 Urgent Motion on Cycle Safety
Councillor John Pierce moved, and Councillor M A Mukit MBE seconded the motion as tabled.
Councillor Harun Miah moved an amendment to add to the third point under ‘this council resolves’ reference to the Cable Street cycle lane, which was accepted by Councillors Pierce and Mukit.
Following debate the motion as amended was put to the vote and was agreed.
RESOLVED
This Council Notes:
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Six people have now tragically died on Cycle
Superhighway 2 (CS2)
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CS2 was recently labelled an “accident waiting
to happen” by the coroner investigating the recent deaths of
cyclists along the route. - London Cycling Campaign’s Space for Cycling campaign calling on Transport for London and local authorities to ensure: o Safer Routes for schoolchildren o Streets without through motor traffic o Protected space on main roads/major junctions o Safe cycle routes via parks and canals o 20mph speed limits
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Liveable town centres
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That despite the high number of accidents involving
lorries Tower Hamlets Council only
scores 3/5 on the London Cycling Campaign’s Safer Lorries
rating. - That over 10,000 Londoners have written to the Mayor in support of the London Cycling Campaign who want an urgent review of CS2.
- Labour London Assembly Member John Biggs has led the way campaigning passionately on cycle and pedestrian safety for many years.
- That he will tomorrow host a high level CS2 Safety Summit giving local residents and cyclists who use the CS2 an opportunity to air their views on what actions should be taken and to agree a list of demands for the Mayor of London and Transport for London.
- Labour representatives in the GLA have consistently put forward tangible solutions to make London safer for cyclists including calling for segregation of cycle lanes as well as an early phase for cyclists at traffic lights.
This Council believes:
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That cycle safety is a vitally important issue not
only for road users but also to support cultural change and
encourage more people to take up cycling. - John Biggs’ work on the London Assembly over the past years has helped to highlight this as an important issue and that his proposals for segregated lanes and early phases for traffic lights would help to protect cyclists.
This Council further notes:
- The Mayor of Tower Hamlets’ dangerously ill-designed cycle scheme in Bethnal Green which was condemned by the Cyclists in the City group as a “new contender for the worst bike lane in London” and labelling its creation as “an utter scandal” with “absolutely no excuse”.
- The bike lane was littered with lamp posts and parking ticket machines blocking its path as well as having car parking
- That during the planning process Tower Hamlets Wheelers described the scheme as “a waste of money" saying it was "unclear who was meant to be benefiting" from the ... view the full minutes text for item 13. |