Apologies for absence were received on behalf of:

·         Councillor Rania Khan (Cabinet Member for Culture)

·         Councillor Shahed Ali (Cabinet Member for Environment)

·         Isabella Freeman (Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services))

Action by:

ASSISTANT CHIEF EXECUTIVE – LEGAL SERVICES (I. FREEMAN)

(Committee Services Manager, Democratic Services, Chief Executive’s (M. Mannion)

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of:

·         Councillor Rania Khan (Cabinet Member for Culture)

·         Councillor Shahed Ali (Cabinet Member for Environment)

·         Isabella Freeman (Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services))

Noted.

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.

None were declared.

None were declared.

The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 7 November 2012 to be circulated for information. Minutes to follow.

The unrestricted minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Cabinet held on 7 November 2012 were presented for information.

The unrestricted minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Cabinet held on 7 November 2012 were presented for information.

No petitions were received.

No petitions were received.

To receive any advice of key issues or questions in relation to the unrestricted business to be considered, arising from the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 4 December 2012.

Four pre-scrutiny questions in relation to Agenda Item 6.1 (Tenancy Strategy) were tabled and noted.

Four pre-scrutiny questions in relation to Agenda Item 6.1 (Tenancy Strategy) were tabled. The Mayor thanked the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the questions and noted those and the responses that officers had provided.

In addition, Councillor Ann Jackson, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee provided the Cabinet with an update on their meeting the previous evening. She reported on a number of issues that had been considered including that:

·         The Committee had heard from the Borough Commander on his community safety priorities including on youth violence, anti-social behaviour, domestic violence and prostitution. They were also provided details on the police’s action on crime hotspots.

·         The Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Rabina Khan, updated the Committee on housing matters and the Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Alibor Choudhury, provided an update on budget and performance monitoring.

·         The Scrutiny review on youth unemployment and the review into the accountability of housing providers had now begun work. A review of post-16 attainment and a review of the mainstream grants process would begin in the new year.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Ann Jackson for her update.

(Under provisions of Article 6 Para 6.02 V of the Constitution).

Nil items.

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The Clerk advised that no requests had been received by the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) to ‘call-in’ for further consideration, by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, any provisional decisions taken by the Mayor in Cabinet, at the Cabinet meeting held on 7 November 2012.

Decision

1.    To approve the final tenancy strategy attached at appendix 1.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL – (A. DALVI)

Strategic Housing Manager (M. Ling)

Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, introduced the report. She highlighted the requirement under the Localism Act to develop a new Tenancy Strategy and that the Council were looking to use this to help maintain strong local communities. She highlighted the extensive consultation exercises that had been undertaken including with Members and residents.

A discussion followed during which Members explored issues around how to encourage Housing Associations to keep lifetime tenancies for residents. Councillor Rabina Khan reported that she was meeting with Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) to emphasise to them the desire of the Council to keep lifetime tenancies.

The Mayor stated that he agreed with the concerns expressed and asked officers to look at strengthening the strategy as much as possible in this area and to emphasise to RLSs the Council’s desire to maintain lifetime tenancies.

Resolved

1.    To approve the final tenancy strategy attached at appendix 1.

Decision

1.    To agree the Council should continue to participate in and support the Growth Borough (6 Host Borough) group to maintain a coordinated lobby group for investment in East London and continued focus on legacy and regeneration.

2.    To agree the Council should review the promotion of Small and Medium sized businesses in the Borough with a view to improving it further

3.    Note the outcomes of the Impact Planning process outlined in the report.

Action by:

INTERIM HEAD OF PAID SERVICE (S. HALSEY)

Service Head Strategy and Resources (R. Beattie)

Robin Beattie, Service Head Strategy and Resources, introduced the report. He explained that it contained an overview of the impact on the Council of the Olympics and the legacy improvements achieved. He highlighted the focus on maintaining a close relationship with the other host boroughs into the future and on looking at possible support for Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs).

The Mayor welcomed the report and thanked Councillor Rania Khan and all the officers who had been involved. He stated that he agreed with the need to maintain links with the other host boroughs but would keep that under review to ensure its effectiveness.

Resolved

1.    To agree the Council should continue to participate in and support the Growth Borough (6 Host Borough) group to maintain a coordinated lobby group for investment in East London and continued focus on legacy and regeneration.

2.    To agree the Council should review the promotion of Small and Medium sized businesses in the Borough with a view to improving it further

3.    Note the outcomes of the Impact Planning process outlined in the report.

Decision

1.     To consider and comment on the proposal for the area defined in the draft policy to become a “Cumulative Impact Zone”

2.     To consider and comment on the draft policy.

3.     To agree that consultation on the draft policy may commence.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITIES, LOCALITIES AND CULTURE (S. HALSEY)

Head of Consumer and Business Regulations (D. Tolley)

The report was introduced by Councillor Ohid Ahmed, the Deputy Mayor. He thanked officers for their work on the policy. He stated that the Council shared the concerns expressed by the Borough Commander and had listened to the local community when formulating the policy.

In response to questions, officers confirmed that having a saturation policy was an important tool in helping to restrict licenses in that area.

The Mayor thanked all involved and accepted the recommendations in the report.

Resolved

1.     To consider and comment on the proposal for the area defined in the draft policy to become a “Cumulative Impact Zone”

2.     To consider and comment on the draft policy.

3.     To agree that consultation on the draft policy may commence.

Decision

1.    To agree to the establishment of Healthwatch Tower Hamlets and authorise the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) to enter into contract with the preferred bidder which will be known as Healthwatch Tower Hamlets.

2.    To agree that the Council enter into a pan-London Framework Agreement for the provision of NHS Independent Complaints Advocacy Service and authorise the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) to enter into contract with the preferred bidder.

Action by:

ASSISTANT CHIEF EXECUTIVE – LEGAL SERVICES (I. FREEMAN)

Senior Strategy, Policy and Performance Officer (A. Hoque)

The report was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Abdul Asad. He highlighted the consultation that had taken place including with the Shadow Health and Wellbeing Board.

Members discussed the extent to which local residents were engaged with particular reference to marginalised groups. Officers reported that they were aware of the issue and would be looking to make progress in this area.

The Mayor thanked all involved, stated that the Council would look to learn from experience and accepted the recommendations in the report.

Resolved

1.    To agree to the establishment of Healthwatch Tower Hamlets and authorise the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) to enter into contract with the preferred bidder which will be known as Healthwatch Tower Hamlets.

2.    To agree that the Council enter into a pan-London Framework Agreement for the provision of NHS Independent Complaints Advocacy Service and authorise the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) to enter into contract with the preferred bidder.

Decision

1.    To note the report.

Action by:

INTERIM CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES (I. CATTERMOLE)

Strategy, Policy and Performance Officer (V. Allen)

Councillor Amy Whitelock, the Lead Scrutiny Member for Children, Schools and Families introduced the report. She thanked the officers who took part for their full and frank engagement. She then highlighted the recommendations that had been produced.

She praised the efforts of staff at the Children’s Centres for their good work and the efforts to protect front line services from the effects of cuts but did highlight those areas where there was evidence of problems.

In response Councillor Oliur Rahman, the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services thanked Councillor Amy Whitelock and the other Scrutiny Members involved for their work. He reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to the Children’s Centres and highlighted that all were still open despite the financial pressures the Council was facing. He also gave reassurances as to his own commitment to monitor the service.

The Mayor added his thanks for the work done and confirmed his intention to note the report and reflect on the recommendations.

Resolved

1.    To note the report.

Decision

1.    To approve the Tower Hamlets Food Law Enforcement Plan 2012/2013 and Food Sampling Policy attached at the Appendix of the report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, COMMUNITIES, LOCALITIES AND CULTURE (S. HALSEY)

Environmental Health (Commercial) Service Manager (D. Tolley)

Councillor Ohid Ahmed, the Deputy Mayor, introduced the report. He highlighted the excellent work done by officers in dealing with the over 2,500 premises in the borough and the improved inspection completion rate over previous years.

The Mayor accepted the report and agreed the recommendation.

Resolved

1.    To approve the Tower Hamlets Food Law Enforcement Plan 2012/2013 and Food Sampling Policy attached at the Appendix of the report.

Decision

1.            To agree the establishment of the In-House Temporary Worker Resourcing Service (ITRES) as described in this report .

2.            To agree the establishment of the Council Resourcing Team to lead and manage this Service.

3.            To note outline plans for cross-directorate working between Resources and Development & Renewal to further promote employment opportunities within the Borough for local residents.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF RESOURCES (C. NAYLOR)

Service Head Human Resources (S. Kilbey)

Interim Service Head Procurement (H Sharkey)

After introducing the report a number of Cabinet Members expressed their thanks for the work completed on the report and welcomed it as an important benefit to the local economy.

Following questions from Members, officers confirmed that the new processes would help to support the Mayor’s goal of having a workforce that reflected the community.

The Mayor welcomed the report and accepted its recommendations.

Resolved

1.            To agree the establishment of the In-House Temporary Worker Resourcing Service (ITRES) as described in this report .

2.            To agree the establishment of the Council Resourcing Team to lead and manage this Service.

3.            To note outline plans for cross-directorate working between Resources and Development & Renewal to further promote employment opportunities within the Borough for local residents.

Decision

1.    To review and note the Quarter 2 2012/13 performance; and

2.    To note the Council’s financial position as detailed in sections 3 and 4 and Appendices 1-4 of this report.

3.    To approve the transfer of £808,000 from the Olympic reserve set aside to fund additional expenditure as a result of the Olympics as set out at section 3.4 and 3.6 of this report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF RESOURCES (C. NAYLOR)

Service Head Financial Risk & Accountability (A. Finch)

Service Head Corporate Strategy and Equality (L. Russell)

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Alibor Choudhury, introduced the report highlighting the improvement plan and the good news stories contained within it.

The Mayor accepted the report and agreed its recommendations.

Resolved

1.    To review and note the Quarter 2 2012/13 performance; and

2.    To note the Council’s financial position as detailed in sections 3 and 4 and Appendices 1-4 of this report.

3.    To approve the transfer of £808,000 from the Olympic reserve set aside to fund additional expenditure as a result of the Olympics as set out at section 3.4 and 3.6 of this report.

Decision

1.    To note the exercise of Corporate Directors’ discretions as set out in Appendix 1.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR RESOURCES (S NAYLOR)

Resolved

1.    To note the exercise of Corporate Directors’ discretions as set out in Appendix 1.

The Mayor led all Members of the Cabinet in thanking Chris Naylor for his hard work on behalf of the Council. In particular, Members highlighted his efforts to manage the difficulties associated with the significant budget cuts that the Council was having to implement.

On behalf of the whole Administration the Mayor wished him all the best at his new role at the London Borough of Barnet.

That pursuant to regulation 21(1)(b) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2000, the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting:

(a)  As it was likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted in Section Two of the agenda, that if members of the public were present during consideration of this business there would be disclosure of exempt information.

·         Exempt information is defined in section 100I and, by reference, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (“the 1972 Act”). To be exempt, information must fall within one of the categories listed in paragraphs 1 to 7 of Schedule 12A, must not fall within one of the excluded categories in paragraphs 8 and 9 and the public interest in maintaining the exemption must outweigh the public interest in disclosing the information.

o   Agenda item 14. “Exempt/Confidential Minutes” (of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 3 October 2012) contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). In particular information relating to the financial affairs of the Council.

(b)  As although there is a public interest favouring public access to local authority meetings, in this case the Cabinet concluded that given the information contained in:

o   Agenda item 14. “Exempt/Confidential Minutes” (of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 3 October 2012) contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). In particular information relating to the financial affairs of the Council.

that the public interest in maintaining the exemption on the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it.

Resolved

That pursuant to regulation 21(1)(b) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2000, the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting:

(a)  As it was likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted in Section Two of the agenda, that if members of the public were present during consideration of this business there would be disclosure of exempt information.

·         Exempt information is defined in section 100I and, by reference, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (“the 1972 Act”). To be exempt, information must fall within one of the categories listed in paragraphs 1 to 7 of Schedule 12A, must not fall within one of the excluded categories in paragraphs 8 and 9 and the public interest in maintaining the exemption must outweigh the public interest in disclosing the information.

o   Agenda item 14. “Exempt/Confidential Minutes” (of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 7 November 2012) contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). In particular information relating to the financial affairs of the Council.

(b)  As although there is a public interest favouring public access to local authority meetings, in this case the Cabinet concluded that given the information contained in:

o   Agenda item 14. “Exempt/Confidential Minutes” (of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 7 November 2012) contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). In particular information relating to the financial affairs of the Council.

that the public interest in maintaining the exemption on the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it.

The Exempt/Confidential minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 7 November 2012 to be circulated for information. Minutes to follow.

The Exempt/Confidential minutes (Cabinet 7 November 2012) were presented for information.

The Exempt/Confidential minutes (Cabinet 7 November 2012) were presented for information.

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(Under provisions of Article 6 Para 6.02 V of the Constitution).

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