Agenda, decisions and minutes
Venue: Council Chamber - Town Hall, Whitechapel. View directions
Contact: Matthew Mannion, Head of Democratic Services Tel: 020 7364 4651, E-mail: matthew.mannion@towerhamlets.gov.uk
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Agenda Order
During the meeting, Members agreed to change the order of business. To aid clarity the minutes are presented in the order items appear on the Agenda. At the meeting Agenda Item 13 (Urgent Motion on Waste) was taken during Agenda Item 7 (Administration Motion for Debate).
<AI1> The Speaker of the Council, Councillor Jahed Choudhury in the Chair
The Speaker of the Council provided an update on engagements he had undertaken since the last Council meeting in July 2023. He said he had attended events celebrating the academic and sporting achievements of various organisations including a community group which had won their cup for a third year in a row. Other highlights included:
· The awards the Council had won at the London in Bloom awards ceremony. The Speaker was particularly pleased with this owing to his interest in gardening. He said he was proud to see Tower Hamlets had won 4 categories and had achieved a gold award in many other categories. He congratulated everyone involved in this achievement. · The Speaker had visited Billingsgate market with the Lord Mayor to collect the annual rent payment of one Salmon, which had been donated to the St Joseph’s Hospice. · He had attended the annual Merchant Navy Memorial Day at Trinity Square Gardens, as the first citizen of the borough. · The Speaker expressed his condolences for the victims of the natural disasters in Libya and Morocco and said his thoughts and prayers were with those who had lost so much. · The Speaker paid condolences and tribute to Mr Aslam Uddin who had died recently. He said Mr Aslam was a well-respected community activist and former co-ordinator of the Council of Mosques in Tower Hamlets. Councillor Maium Talukdar and Councillor Abdal Ullah also expressed their condolences and acknowledged Mr Uddin’s achievements on behalf of their groups.
Finally, the Speaker wished Mr Ian Polston, member of the facilities management team the best for the future. Mr Polston was moving to a new role within the Council however had provided support to Town Hall and Council meetings over many years, ensuring they ran smoothly.
Procedural Motions
Councillor Kabir Hussain moved Procedure Motion 12.1 (n) to suspend Procedure Rule 11.1 to allow for an Urgent Motion to be tabled on the Waste Strike. This was seconded by Councillor Maium Talukdar.
Councillor Saied Ahmed moved Procedure Rule 12.1 (g) to withdraw the Administration Motion for Debate on Management of Council Assets and Procedure Rule 12.1 (c) to change the Order of Business to consider the above Urgent Motion on the Waste Strike under Agenda Item 7 (Administration Motion for Debate) on the grounds of urgency due to the impact the strike was having on residents. These were seconded by Councillor Maium Talukdar.
Councillor Sabina Akhtar moved Procedure Rule 12.1 (g) to withdraw the Motion at Agenda Item 12.2 on Waste. This was seconded by Councillor Sirajul Islam.
The Speaker accepted the reasons for urgency in respect of accepting the Urgent Motion and changing the order of business. The above Procedural Motions were put to the vote and were agreed.
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE To receive any apologies for absence. Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies for absence were received on behalf of: · Councillor Amy Lee
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DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS AND OTHER INTERESTS PDF 215 KB Members are reminded to consider the categories of interest, identified in the Code of Conduct for Members to determine; whether they have an interest in any agenda item and any action they should take. For further details, see the attached note from the Monitoring Officer.
Members are also reminded to declare the nature of the interest at the earliest opportunity and the agenda item it relates to. Please note that ultimately it is the Members’ responsibility to identify any interests and also update their register of interests form as required by the Code.
If in doubt as to the nature of an interest, you are advised to seek advice prior to the meeting by contacting the Monitoring Officer or Democratic Services.
Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Musthak Ahmed and Councillor Amin Rahman declared a non-pecuniary – other registerable interest in Agenda Item 8 (Opposition Motion for Debate) and declared they had been appointed Board Members of Tower Hamlets Community Housing by the Council.
The Speaker, Councillor Jahed Choudhury and Councillors Abdul Mannan, Ayas Miah, Bodrul Choudhury and Ohid Ahmed declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in Agenda Item 8 (Opposition Motion for Debate), as either tenants and/or leaseholders of property owned by Tower Hamlets Community Housing or Poplar HARCA.
Councillor Maisha Begum declared an Other Non-Registerable Interest in that a family member were a tenant/leaseholder of Tower Hamlets Community Housing or Poplar HARCA.
The Monitoring Officer granted a dispensation, to the above-named members due to the impact on the political balance at the meeting, owing to the large number of declarations made.
Councillor Ohid Ahmed left the chamber and did not participate in the debate.
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To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the unrestricted minutes of the Extraordinary and Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 19th July 2023. Additional documents: Minutes: Council RESOLVED to:
1. Agreed that the minutes of the extraordinary and ordinary Council meeting of 19th July 2023 be approved as a correct record of the proceedings and the Speaker was authorised to sign them accordingly.
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TO RECEIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS (IF ANY) FROM THE SPEAKER OF THE COUNCIL OR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Additional documents: Minutes: Announcements from the Chief Executive
· The Covid & Flu vaccine programme was launched nationally on the 11th September. Eligible groups can receive their vaccines from several GP surgeries and community pharmacies. · The LGA Peer review took place week commencing 18th – 22nd September. The review entails a process of observation and analysis, with 175 staff members from diverse services interviewed. The results are positive, with the Peer reviewers praising the direction of travel of the Council. · The Council has won several awards such as the Government Property Award for 2023 for Project of the year, relating to the new Town Hall. The London in Bloom Awards ceremony, including Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park winning the Large Conservation, Large Cemetery/Cremation category and Victoria Park achieving Gold for Large Park/Heritage Park/Garden category. · The Chief Executive Roadshows were currently taking place and have been well attended by staff who have put a range of questions and concerns to the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive said this type of staff engagement was crucial during this time of improvement and transformation.
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TO RECEIVE PETITIONS PDF 207 KB The Council Procedure Rules provide for a maximum of four petitions to be discussed at an Ordinary Meeting of the Council.
The attached report presents the received petitions to be discussed. Should any additional petitions be received they will be listed to be noted but not discussed.
Additional documents: Minutes: Council RESOLVED to note:
The Petition relating to the Compulsory Purchase of the Westferry Printworks for a school, was withdrawn by the Petitioner prior to the start of the Council meeting.
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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 six minutes is allowed for the Elected Mayor’s report, following which the Speaker of the Council will invite the leaders of the opposition groups to respond for up to two minutes each should they so wish. Following those contributions, the Mayor may reply for up to two minutes.
Additional documents: Minutes: Mayor Lutfur Rahman presented his report to the Council.
The Opposition Group Leader, Councillor Sirajul Islam then responded briefly to the Mayor’s report.
Mayor Rahman provided concluding remarks.
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ADMINISTRATION MOTION DEBATE PDF 140 KB To debate a Motion submitted by the Administration in accordance with Rules 11 and 13 of the Council’s Constitution. The debate will last for a maximum of 30 minutes.
Additional documents: Minutes: Council RESOLVED to note:
The Administration motion on the Management of Council Assets was withdrawn by consent of members, through a vote.
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OPPOSITION MOTION DEBATE PDF 135 KB To debate a Motion submitted by the Opposition Group in accordance with Rules 11 and 13 of the Council’s Constitution. The debate will last for a maximum of 30 minutes.
Additional documents: Minutes: TOWER HAMLETS COMMUNITY HOUSING
Council considered a motion as printed in the agenda relating to Tower Hamlets Community Housing, that had been moved by Councillor Marc Francis and seconded by Councillor Asma Islam.
Council also considered the amendment proposed by Councillor Kabir Ahmed and seconded by Councillor Abdul Mannan, as set out in the supplementary agenda.
ADDITIONS - BOLD DELETIONS -
This Council notes: · THCH was founded by stock transfers from LBTH and for many years delivered high-quality housing management as well as the regeneration of estates and community development; · THCH was recently downgraded to a G3 and V3-rating by the Regulator for Social Housing (RSH) for both governance and financial viability; · The RSH has encouraged THCH to be taken over by another housing association and THCH has subsequently begun a consultation on a merger with Poplar HARCA; · The RSH has a very poor track record in enforcing mergers between housing associations in Tower Hamlets and doesn’t proactively take any account of residents’ views. · That the Mayor has twice met with THCH residents to hear and discuss their concerns, and has instructed Officers to monitor the merger and any adverse impacts on them. · That the Mayor and Officers are reviewing RSL performance more broadly and are preparing a new policy on strengthening governance. · That in October the Social Housing Ombudsman is coming to the Town Hall for an event to be chaired by the Mayor to address all RSL residents concerns.
This Council believes: · THCH tenants and leaseholders deserve a much better service than they have been getting from their landlord for several years; · LBTH has an ongoing obligation to residents living on those estates transferred to ensure the promises made by are delivered consistently; · Enforced mergers of local stock transfer housing associations have sometimes resulted in residents receiving an even worse service from the social landlord they join; · The views of tenants and leaseholders in the future of their housing association should be paramount in any decision by the Board of THCH and the RSH. This Council resolves: · To call on the Mayor to make representations to the RSH calling for the views of residents of THCH to be fully taken into account prior to a decision on any merger;
· To continue supporting those residents affected by the merger and to ensure good channels of communication are maintained for those residents’ concerns; · To support the Social Housing Ombudsman event taking place in October and encourage concerned THCH residents to attend. · To support the Mayor in his efforts to strengthen RSL governance and resident engagement, and ensure that the services they provide improve.
Following debate, the amendment moved by Councillor ... view the full minutes text for item 8. |
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REPORTS FROM THE EXECUTIVE AND THE COUNCIL'S COMMITTEES Additional documents: |
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Report of Cabinet: Statement of Licensing Policy 2023 PDF 23 KB To consider the report of the Cabinet on the review of the Statement of Licensing Policy 2023.
Additional documents:
Minutes: Councillor Kabir Hussain, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency presented the Statement of Licensing Policy 2023 report. He explained Council was required to approve the Licensing Policy, which had been to Cabinet and would take effect from 1st November 2023.
RESOLVED
Council AGREED to:
1. Adopt the Statement of Licensing Policy to take effect from 1st November 2023.
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OTHER BUSINESS Additional documents: |
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Annual Report of the Standards Advisory Committee PDF 23 KB To consider the Annual Report of the Standards Advisory Committee for 2022-23.
Additional documents:
Minutes: Mr John Pulford, Independent Chair of the Standards Advisory Committee presented the annual report. He outlined the achievements of the Committee before members added their comments. In particular, Members of the Council thanked John Pulford and the Co-opted Members of the Committee for their hard work and support throughout the year.
RESOLVED
Council AGREED to:
1. Note the annual report of the Standards Advisory Committee for 2022-23.
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Appointment of a Co-Opted Member to the Standards Advisory Committee PDF 231 KB To consider the report of the Monitoring Officer seeking approval for a new Co-opted Member of the Standards Advisory Committee.
Additional documents: Minutes: Mr John Pulford, Independent Chair of the Standard Advisory Committee stated the Committee had run a recruitment exercise to fill a vacancy for a co-opted member on the Committee. He requested Council to approve the appointment of the co-optee selected.
RESOLVED
Council AGREED to:
1. The appointment of Faham Sinan-Katamba as a co-opted member of the Standards Advisory Committee for a four-year term, expiring 28th September 2027.
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TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PDF 230 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 supplementary questions were put (except where indicated) and were responded to by the Mayor or relevant Executive Member.
11.1 Question from Councillor Amin Rahman.
Could the lead member provide an update on the status of the council’s outstanding accounts requiring sign off? These accounts were left unsigned for many years under the previous administration.
Response from Councillor Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living.
Thank you for your question. The accounts had been left unsigned for many years by the previous administration. However, I am pleased to report that 2016/17 and 2017/18 accounts had their certificates issued by KPMG in March 2023, so these years are now completed.
For 2018/19 and 2019/20 accounts, the audits are close to completion in terms of the number of significant issues being investigated, there being only one remaining. The Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer will be meeting with Deloitte within the coming week to establish a clear commitment and assurance regarding Deloitte ability to resource the process to achieve timelines required for November Audit Committee approval and to ensure a smooth handover to our newly appointed auditors Ernst &Young.
The historical low for our council has been rectified.
Supplementary question from Councillor Amin Rahman.
Can you provide update on whether the financial statements, for more current years will be affected due to the issues raised by the auditors in the past?
Response of Councillor Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living.
We now have a permanent Section 151 officer, which is good news for the Council. As each year’s accounts move closer to finalisation, there is a great deal of learning that then needs to be applied to subsequent years. Officers are pro-actively applying these improvements, with the aim of them being reflected in future years’ accounts at first publication. As a result, the 2021/22 and 2022/23 accounts have not been produced yet.
11.2 Question from Councillor Mufeedah Bustin.
When will the Mayor be in a position to communicate the outcome of his review of the council’s asset portfolio? Many organisations are left in limbo, including those waiting 18 months for decisions on meanwhile use properties, and in my ward, lease renewals for the Mudchute and operators for Island Gardens café.
Response from Councillor Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living.
The review of transactions is an ongoing process, and transactions are progressing following completion of reviews. Some cases are more complex than others, and outcomes will be communicated once all the issues have been considered. The decisions on the two specific cases mentioned have been completed and the relevant organisations are being informed.
The Mayor has always supported those organisations in the third sector, unlike the previous administration who reduced recipients and reducing funding. Mayor will significantly increase the funding and double the number.
Supplementary question from Councillor Mufeedah Bustin.
Looking at the Mayor’s grants programme, the funding applied to advice services has ... view the full minutes text for item 11. |
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TO CONSIDER MOTIONS SUBMITTED BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PDF 158 KB The motions submitted by Councillors for debate at this meeting are set out in the attached report.
Additional documents:
Minutes: Motion 12.2 was withdrawn by consent of Members through a vote. Motions 12.1 and 12.3 were not considered due to lack of time.
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Proposed Urgent Motion to be tabled at the meeting.
Additional documents: Minutes: EMERGENCY MOTION ON THE WASTE STRIKE
Council considered the urgent motion as printed in the supplementary agenda on the waste strike that had been moved by Councillor Kabir Hussain and seconded by Councillor Maium Talukdar.
Following debate, the motion moved by Councillor Kabir Hussain was put to the vote and was agreed.
RESOLVED
Council notes: · The good relationship between the present administration and frontline workers, alongside the recognised trade unions of Tower Hamlets Council · The historical work that Mayor Lutfur Rahman and organised workers in Tower Hamlets have engaged in, and the open, frank and honest dialogue that has always existed between his administrations and the Council’s workforce and recognised Trade Unions. · The invaluable contribution that frontline workers make across Tower Hamlets – from carers to nurses, Tower Hamlets Enforcement Officers to refuse workers. · That during the pandemic – in all conditions – the borough’s refuse workers risked their lives to keep the borough’s streets clean, sanitary, and safe. · That they often risked their lives dealing with and disposing off used, contaminated Personal, Protective Equipment (PPE), ensuring that residents of the borough could remain safe from the threat of the Covid-19 virus. · That many of these workers are on the most precarious and insecure forms of employment – namely agency contracts. · That when these workers marched on the Town Hall in October last year, they were welcomed and listened to by the Mayor and his administration, who acknowledged their invaluable contribution in the declaration of a Waste Emergency the following month. · That these workers’ removal of their labour was not an attack on the people of this borough, but a legitimate struggle against a cost-of-living crisis uncaused by them. · That the resolution of this strike reiterates the good, healthy relationship between the Mayor, the Council, Trade Unions and the workforce. · That this has been recognised by Unite the Union, who have confirmed that ‘Lutfur Rahman played a part in helping to resolve’ the recent discussions around pay. · That this strike has caused immense reputational damage to the Council.
Council believes: · That working people have a right to democratically remove their labour through their Trade Unions, and that the recent strike was a legitimate exercising of this right. · That the result achieved following constructive negotiations between the frontline workers, their Trade Union (Unite the Union), Council Officers and the Mayor’s Office demonstrates what can be achieved when respective parties sit down and treat one another with courtesy, dignity and respect. · That the ending of the strike demonstrates that there are cohesive, productive and robust relationships across the council, and how open dialogue and frank discussions can lead to resolutions and results. · That where possible, all workers should be guaranteed the right to stable, secure work as and when they want it. · That Mayor Lutfur Rahman has always looked to secure such employ for working people across Tower Hamlets – whether in the Leisure Service, Care Service and now in the Council’s refuse services.
Council resolves: · To reaffirm its commitment to support ... view the full minutes text for item 13. |