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
Media
No. | Item |
---|---|
The meeting commenced at 7.32 p.m. The Speaker of the Council, Councillor M. A. Mukit, MBE in the Chair
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 the business was taken in at the meeting was as follows:
· Item 1 - Apologies for absence. · Item 2 – Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests. · Item 13.1 – Urgent Motion regarding Refugee Crisis in Europe · Item 3 – Minutes. · Item 4 – Announcements. · Items 5.1- 5.3 – Petitions · Item 6 – Public Questions. · Item 7 – Mayor’s Report. · Item 8 – Members Questions. (8.1 – 8.5) · Item 12.5 - Motion regarding the Local Authority Mental Health Challenge · Item 8 – Members Questions. (8.6 – 8.10) · Item 9.1 – Annual Report to the Council by the Independent Person · Item 11.1 - Review of proportionality and allocation of places on the committees. · Item 11.2 - Treasury Management Strategy and Investment Strategy Outturn Report for 2014/15
In opening the meeting, the Speaker referred with great sadness to an incident that had taken place the previous day in the Brick Lane area, in which a resident of the borough was attacked and suffered fatal injuries. On behalf of the Council, the Speaker sent his condolences to the bereaved family. At the Speaker’s invitation, the Council stood to observe a minute’s silence in memory of the deceased.
The Speaker also thanked the Deputy Speaker, Councillor Rajib Ahmed for chairing the extraordinary Council meeting held during August whilst the Speaker was away, at which a new Chief Executive, Will Tuckley was appointed. The Council looked forward to welcoming Mr Tuckley to their future meetings. The Speaker also thanked Mr Halsey for his work during his appointment as Head of Paid Service.
Additional documents: |
|
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE To receive any apologies for absence. Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies for absence were received on behalf of: · Councillor Rajib Ahmed · Councillor Craig Aston · Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury · Councillor Shiria Khatun · Councillor Abjol Miah · Councillor Harun Miah · Councillor Md. Maium Miah · Councillor Mohammed Mufti Miah · Councillor Gulam Robbani
|
|
DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS PDF 64 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. Please see the attached note from the Monitoring Officer.
Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Abdul Asad declared an interest in Agenda Item 11.2 ‘Treasury Management Strategy and Investment Strategy Outturn Report for 2014/15’ as he had a pension with the Authority.
Procedural Motion
Mayor John Biggs moved, and Councillor Sirajul Islam seconded, a procedural motion “that under Procedure Rule 14.1.5, Rule 13.1 be suspended to enable an urgent motion regardingthe ‘Refugee Crisis in Europe’ to be considered”. The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
|
|
To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the unrestricted minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 22nd July 2015 and the extraordinary meeting of the Council held on 26th August 2015. The draft minutes are attached. Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED
That the unrestricted minutes of the Council meeting held on 22 July 2015 and the extraordinary meeting of the Council held on 26 August 2015 be confirmed as a correct record and the Speaker be authorised to sign them accordingly, subject to the following amendment in respect of Minute 4 of the 26 August 2015 meeting, ‘Appointment of Chief Executive’.
To add after the resolution:- “In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 17.6, the following Councillors each asked that it be recorded that they had abstained from voting on the above resolution on the basis that the Council had received, shortly before the meeting, sensitive late information as set out in the supplementary report with potential reputational implications which the Members did not feel they had time to consider fully:-
Councillor Suluk Ahmed Councillor Ohid Ahmed Councillor Shah Alam Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury Councillor Aminur Khan Councillor Rabina Khan Councillor Harun Miah Councillor Md. Maium Miah Councillor Mohammed Mufti Miah Councillor Muhammad Ansar Mustaquim Councillor Gulam Robbani
|
|
TO RECEIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS (IF ANY) FROM THE SPEAKER OF THE COUNCIL Additional documents: Minutes: There were no announcements.
|
|
TO RECEIVE 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 Thursday 10th September 2015. However at the time of agenda despatch, the maximum number of petitions has already been received as set out in the attached report.
Additional documents: Minutes: 5.1 Petition regarding the deletion and retention of the African Families Service.
Representatives of the petitioners addressed the meeting in support of the petition, and responded to questions from Members. Councillor Rachael Saunders, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education & Children's Services, then responded to the matters raised in the petition. She offered to meet with the organisation to gain a better understanding of their work and situation and to discuss the future of their service.
RESOLVED
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Children’s Services, for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
5.2 Petition to remove double yellow lines in Blackwall Way.
Mr Salman Ahmedaddressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members. Mayor John Biggs then responded to the matters raised in the petition on behalf of Councillor Ayas Miah (Cabinet Member for Environment), as he considered that the petition raised strategic issues. Mayor Biggs stated that he was sympathetic to the request to remove the double yellow lines, introduced for healthy and safety reasons by the Council following incidents involving construction traffic. He advised that on completion of the work, the Council would look to pursue this option.
The Mayor also reported that he would be reviewing the Council’s parking policy taking in account the pressures from new developments and the need to minimise car use, where appropriate, amongst other matters. He expressed a wish to work with all parties across the political spectrum on this work.
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.
5.3 Petition for Yates House.
Ms Kate Cookaddressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members. Councillor Sirajul Islam, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Management and Performance, then responded to the matters raised in the petition. Referring to the Decent Homes Programme, he explained that the works to Yates House were due to be delivered in 2015/16 and that, as part of the consultation with the leaseholders, the Tower Hamlets Homes Board had established a steering group with interested residents to agree the scope of works, the delivery programme and a start date. The consultation was expected to be completed in November 2015. He was happy to meet with residents of the housing block to discuss the plans.
RESOLVED
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal, for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
|
|
TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PDF 67 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.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Council was informed that public question 6.7 had been withdrawn before the meeting.
The following questions and in each case a supplementary question were put, and were responded to by the Mayor or relevant Executive Member:-
6.1 Question from Ms Marie Larvin on behalf of Tower Hamlets Fairtrade Network:
[Note from the Clerk.The Council were advised of a misprint in the second line of part 2 of the question as printed in the agenda, where ‘January 2015’ should read ‘January 2016.]
Will the Mayor and Councillors support an urgent review and report back on procurement policies to ensure that:
1. Contracts for all council catering facilities maximise the ranges of fairly traded products stocked at the earliest opportunity. (Given that seven years after Tower Hamlets became a Fairtrade Town, no Fairtrade certified products have been stocked in cafes/canteens in: Ideas Stores in Bow and Whitechapel; the Brady Centre: the Shadwell Centre; and vending machines in many council offices and Leisure centres)
2. Over 60 of our local school canteens continue being supplied with Fairtrade bananas and fruit juices, under the joint contract due to be re-let in January 2016. (Given that many local students, parents and teachers have signed petitions asking for this, and for other products to be supplied if possible in future, and given that Tower Hamlets Contract Services can make requests of the lead borough, currently Havering).’
Response by Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Resources
Thank you. It is the case that the Borough has been a fairtrade Borough for really quite some time and as you say there are a number of points in which progress has been made, in schools and other locations but clearly there are still gaps and my understanding is that the contract that is talked about is one that starts early next year. The aim is to include ethically sourced products in that.
The Council’s general procurement policy is one which does feature that, that’s an important imperative within it. But I think that there is a need and there will be benefit from me sitting down with the Tower Hamlets fairtrade network in order to discuss this in quite a lot more detail than it’s possible to do so in a simple exchange of questions and answers in the Council Chamber. So I think progress has been made but clearly there are things that still need to be done. I’d be very happy to meet you and colleagues to have a much more detailed conversation about it than we’re going to be able to have now.
Supplementary question from Ms Marie Larvin
Well my supplementary question was going to be who within the Council might we be able to meet to pursue this forward because there has been a lack of progress and we would welcome that opportunity for further collaboration. So if you are the person that we will liaise with, we will take you up on that offer.
Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for ... view the full minutes text for item 6. |
|
The Council’s Constitution provides for the Mayor to give a report at each Ordinary Council Meeting. The written report of the Mayor will be circulated in advance of the meeting.
A maximum of five minutes is allowed for the Mayor to present his 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.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Mayor made his report to the Council, referring to his written report circulated at the meeting and summarising key events, engagements and meetings over the past period.
When the Mayor had completed his report, at the invitation of the Speaker the Leaders of the other political groups then responded briefly to the Mayor’s report.
|
|
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.
Additional documents: Minutes: The following questions and in each case (except where indicated) a supplementary question were put and were responded to by the Mayor or relevant Executive Member or Committee Chair:-
8.1 Question from Councillor Sabina Akhtar
Can the Mayor provide an update on his work surrounding the opening of the Jack the Ripper ‘Museum’ – and in particular outline any efforts to address the deplorable way planning permission was sought?
Response by Mayor John Biggs
I am grateful for this question. Of course we have mentioned the matter and Councillor Akhtar will understand that the response to this has to be cautious because there are two unresolved planning matters in relation to the museum premises so I can’t in anyway be seen to be prejudicing or predetermining those.
The planning permission was granted on 1st October 2014 under delegated powers and among the documents submitted was a supporting document indicating that the vison for the proposed museum was to create displays that celebrate and tell the story of the women of the East End and their historic cultural and future contributions. It was on this basis that there were no objections received and the permission was granted.
The Council was made aware after the event that the building was actually being opened as a Jack the Ripper Museum and I think that most people would find that quite disgraceful. The fact in terms of planning law is that once it has opened as a museum, you can open a museum for tiddly winks and turn it into one for dinosaurs. Once it’s a museum it’s a museum in planning terms. But the question is whether there is other action we can take and I have carried out a number of actions that we can perhaps come to later if there is a thoughtful supplementary question about this.
Supplementary question from Councillor Sabina Akhtar
What representations has the Mayor received about this issue and what have you done in light of those representations?
Mayor John Biggs’ response to the supplementary question
I am grateful for this question even if that was a planted supplementary question. I think that it is very important that this matter is discussed in the Council Chamber because it is a grave concern to many people obviously women but obviously also all thoughtful people in our Borough who I think will be offended by this thing happening.
I have had a large number of letters and I am sure other Members have as well. I have received emails and a deputation from 38 Degrees that carried a petition of over 7000 signatures. There has been some detailed research by members of the public looking into this and suggesting to us ways in which the planning regime might have been broken.
I have written to the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport to ask them whether they might want to think about whether something that was permitted as one thing can be turned into another without ... view the full minutes text for item 8. |
|
REPORTS FROM THE EXECUTIVE AND THE COUNCIL'S COMMITTEES Additional documents: |
|
Annual Report to the Council by the Independent Person PDF 72 KB To receive the Annual Report for 2014/15 of the Independent Person appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Localism Act 2011. The Annual Report is attached together with a covering report of the Service Head Democratic Services. Additional documents: Minutes: The Council considered the Annual Report for 2014/15 of the Independent Person appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Localism Act 2011.
The Service Head, Democratic Services gave apologies for absence from the Independent Person and explained that whilst she was unable to be present at the meeting, any questions or comments made would be reported back to the Independent Person or the Standards (Advisory) Committee as appropriate.
The Council welcomed the report. A number of Members thanked the Independent Person for her work and report. Councillor Peter Golds considered that the report went to the heart of the issues covered, and he endorsed the Independent Person’s comments regarding the length of time taken to deal with many complaints. Councillor Golds hoped that the report would be submitted to the Constitution Working Party when it started meeting to conduct the forthcoming governance review. Councillor Danny Hassell concurred with Councillor Golds’ comments and thanked the Independent person for her work with the Standards Advisory Committee.
The recommendations in the report were put to the vote and were agreed. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
That the report be noted
|
|
TO RECEIVE REPORTS AND QUESTIONS ON JOINT ARRANGEMENTS/EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS (if any) Additional documents: Minutes: There was no business to transact under this agenda item.
|
|
OTHER BUSINESS Additional documents: |
|
Review of proportionality and allocation of places on committees PDF 76 KB To review proportionality and the allocation of places on the committees of the Council following a change in the political composition of the authority.
The report of the Service Head, Democratic Services is attached. Additional documents: Minutes: The Council considered the report of the Service Head, Democratic Services, setting out the position regarding proportionality and the allocation of Committee places following a change in the political composition of the Council.
The recommendations set out in the report were put to the vote and were agreed. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
1. That the review of proportionality as at section 3 of the report be noted and the allocation of seats on committees and panels be agreed for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2015/16 as set out at paragraph 4.2 of the report.
2. That Members and deputies be appointed to serve on those committees and panels in accordance with nominations from the political groups to be notified to the Service Head, Democratic Services.
|
|
Treasury Management Strategy and Investment Strategy Outturn Report for 2014/15 PDF 526 KB To note the annual treasury report as required by regulations issued under the Local Government Act 2003. The report of the Corporate Director, Resources is attached. Additional documents: Minutes: The Council considered the annual report of the Corporate Director, Resources on the Treasury Management and Investment Strategy for the financial year 2014/15.
The recommendations in the report were put to the vote and were agreed. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
That the Council note:
1. The Treasury Management activities and performance against targets for the twelve months to 31 March 2015.
2. The Pension Fund investments balance (set out in section 3.8.2 of the report)
3. The Council’s investments as at 31 March 2015 (as in Appendix 1 of the report)
4. The Council’s investments with part nationalised banks as at 31 March 2015 (set out in section 3.21.9 of the report)
5. The Prudential indicators outturn for 2014/15 (set out in Appendix 2 of the report).
|
|
TO CONSIDER MOTIONS SUBMITTED BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PDF 212 KB The motions submitted by Councillors for debate at this meeting are set out in the attached report.
Additional documents: Minutes: 12.5 Motion regarding the Local Authority Mental Health Challenge
Councillor Amy Whitelock Gibbs moved, and Councillor Rachael Saunders seconded the motion as printed in the agenda.
Councillor Shafiqul Haque moved an amendment to delete the following sentence from the motion: “Full Council previously passed a motion on 22 Jan 2014, agreeing to sign up to the Local Authority Mental Health Challenge and commit to its 10 actions, but the previous Mayor and Cabinet failed to take this forward.” Councillor Amy Whitelock Gibbs and Councillor Rachael Saunders indicated that they would not accept the amendment, which was not seconded.
Following debate, the motion as printed in the agenda was put to the vote and was agreed unanimously. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
This Council notes:
1. 1 in 5 people has a mental health condition at any one time.
2. The World Health Organisation predicts that depression will be the second most common health condition worldwide by 2020.
3. Mental ill health has an economic and social cost of £105 billion each year in England alone.
4. People with a severe mental illness die up to 20 years younger than their peers in the UK.
5. There is often a circular relationship between mental health and issues such as housing, overcrowding, employment, family problems or debt.
6. The Local Authority Mental Health Challenge was set up by Centre for Mental Health, Mental Health Foundation, Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, Royal College of Psychiatrists and YoungMinds, to support councils to take a proactive approach to improving mental health in local communities.
This Council further notes:
1. The local Mental Health Strategy states that “Tower Hamlets has amongst the highest levels of mental health need in England.”
2. The strategic plan, recently revised under the current Mayor, includes a strategic priority to “reduce health inequalities and promote mental and physical wellbeing”, including a specific action to “promote positive mental health and wellbeing across the council and community”.
3. Full Council previously passed a motion on 22 Jan 2014, agreeing to sign up to the Local Authority Mental Health Challenge and commit to its 10 actions, but the previous Mayor and Cabinet failed to take this forward.
This Council believes:
1. As a local authority we have a crucial role to play in improving the mental health of everyone in our community and tackling some of the widest and most entrenched inequalities in health.
2. Mental health should be a priority across all the local authority’s functions, from public health, adult social care and children’s services to housing, planning and public realm.
3. All Councillors, whether members of the Executive or Scrutiny and in our community and casework roles, can play a positive role in championing mental health on an individual and strategic basis.
This Council resolves:
To publicly sign the Local Authority Mental Health Challenge.
To support implementation of the Challenge and its commitments through an action plan, which integrates with and builds on the council’s strategic plan and the Health and Wellbeing ... view the full minutes text for item 12. |
|
URGENT MOTIONS Additional documents: Minutes: The Council agreed to suspend Procedure Rule 13.1 to enable the following urgent motion to be debated without notice:
13.1 Motion regarding the Refugee Crisis in Europe
Mayor John Biggs moved, and Councillor Sirajul Islam seconded, the motion as tabled.
Councillor Oliur Rahman moved an amendment to insert in the second sentence of the resolutions ‘signed by all three Group Leaders if possible’ and to insert an additional resolution ‘To work with charity groups and organisations across Tower Hamlets and London, particularly, consulting and working together with the Refugee Council and Refugee Task Force that Jeremy Corbyn has asked Yvette Cooper to lead on’.
Mayor John Biggs and Councillor Sirajul Islam indicated that they accepted the amendment, and altered their motion accordingly.
Councillor Andrew Wood moved, and Councillor Chris Chapman seconded an amendment to delete the words ‘but isn’t enough’ in the second point under ‘This Council believes’. Following debate, this amendment was put to the vote and was defeated.
Following further debate the substantive motion as altered to include the amendment moved by Councillor Oliur Rahman was put to the vote and was agreed. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
This Council notes:
1. The situations in Syria, Libya, Iraq and Eritrea have created a major humanitarian crisis. 4 million Syrians have left their homes and crossed the border. 2. UN figures show a third of a million people have attempted to cross the Mediterranean in the last eight months. 3. The government commitment that Britain will take 20,000 refugees over the next five years. 4. The helpful and supportive representations made by political groups on this council. 5. The petition, signed by over 430,000 people, calling for an increase in support for refugees. 6. That the crisis is a fast-moving situation with frequent developments.
This Council believes:
1. That Britain and other countries have a moral duty and a responsibility to provide a sanctuary for those who are forced to flee their homes. 2. That the government’s commitment to take 20,000 refugees is a start, but isn’t enough. 3. That local government has a part to play in the response to this crisis, but that there must be leadership from central government to coordinate and manage the UK’s response. 4. That the government must provide sufficient resources to local authorities to ensure that we can make adequate provision for refugees and asylum seekers without adversely affecting services for our residents. 5. That our priority will always be local people, but we also have a moral duty to play our own small part as a borough, with financial support from the Government.
This Council resolves:
1. To call on the Mayor to explore all possible options with an aim to provide support for a small number of refugee families during this crisis. 2. To call on the Mayor to write to the Prime Minister, signed by all Group Leaders if possible, expressing the importance of leadership from central government and requesting that sufficient resources are ... view the full minutes text for item 13. |
|
EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC In view of the content of the remaining items on the agenda, the Council is recommended to adopt the following motion:
“That, under the provisions of Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended, the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting on the grounds that the business to be transacted contains information defined as Exempt in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.”
EXEMPT/CONFIDENTIAL SECTION (PINK)
The Exempt/Confidential (pink) papers for consideration at the meeting will contain information which is commercially, legally or personally sensitive and should not be divulged to third parties. If you do not wish to retain these papers after the meeting please hand them to the Committee Officer present. Additional documents: Minutes: No motion to exclude the press and public was passed.
|
|
EXEMPT MOTIONS The motions submitted by Members for debate at the meeting and containing exempt or confidential information are set out in the report of the Service Head, Democratic Services (attached for Members of the Council). Additional documents: Minutes: No business was transacted under this agenda item.
|