Agenda and draft minutes
Venue: M71, 7th Floor, Town Hall, Mulberry Place, 5 Clove Crescent, London, E14 2BG
Contact: Angus Taylor, Democratic Services Tel: 020 7364 4333, E-mail: angus.taylor@towerhamlets.gov.uk
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COUNCILLOR B. TURNER (VICE - CHAIR) IN THE CHAIR
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes: Apologies for absence were received on behalf of: · Councillor S. Islam, Chair Overview and Scrutiny Committee. · Mr A. Miah, Co opted Parent Governor Representative. · Councillor O. Ahmed, Lead Member Resources and Performance. · Councillor J. Peck, Deputy Leader of the Council. · Mr J. Biggs, Greater London Authority Member and Metropolitan Police Authority – Link Member. · Mr M. Keating, Service Head Scrutiny and Equalities, for whom Mr A. Hoque, Scrutiny Policy Manager, was deputising.
· Apologies for lateness were received on behalf of Councillors A. Heslop and D. Jones and also Mr H. Mueenuddin, Co opted Muslim Community Representative.
Noted
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 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 Chief Executive.
Minutes: Councillor A. Heslop declared a personal interest in Agenda item 9.1 “Performance and Corporate Revenue Budget Monitoring – Performance to 30th September 2009” on the basis that the report contained recommendations regarding the monitoring of the Authority’s performance in relation to housing services, including that of Tower Hamlets Homes and Councillor Heslop was a representative of the Authority on the governing body of Tower Hamlets Homes and a Tower Hamlets Leaseholder.
Noted.
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UNRESTRICTED MINUTES To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the unrestricted minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 03 November 2009.
Minutes: The Chair Moved and it was: -
Resolved
That the unrestricted minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 3rd November 2009 be approved and signed by the Chair, as a correct record of the proceedings.
Mr Mueenuddin, Co-opted Muslim Community Representative, who was not present at the juncture the Committee deliberated whether the minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, held on 3rd November 2009, were a correct record of the proceedings, raised a matter of accuracy with the clerk at the conclusion of the proceedings. Mr Mueenuddin indicated that neither he nor Mr Ahbab Miah, Co-opted Parent Governor Representative, who had been present at the meeting were recorded as present in the minutes. The clerk agreed that the minutes were incorrect in this regard and the copy held on the statutory minute file would be amended accordingly.
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REQUESTS TO SUBMIT PETITIONS To receive any petitions (to be notified at the meeting).
Minutes: Nil items.
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REQUESTS FOR DEPUTATIONS To receive any deputations (to be notified at the meeting).
Minutes: Nil items.
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UNRESTRICTED REPORTS 'CALLED IN' There were no unrestricted reports ‘called in’ from the meeting of Cabinet held on 04 November 2009.
Minutes: Nil items.
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SPECIAL ITEMS REQUESTED BY OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE |
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Transport for London Red Route Network Investment Plan A representative from Transport for London will be present to give a presentation and answer any questions Members may have.
(Time allocated – 30 minutes)
Minutes: Mr Rob Edwards, Transport for London Road Network Planning Unit, and Mr Tom Frith, Senior Network Development Planner Transport for London, gave a presentation which focused on the following points: · Nature of TfL road network across London and in Tower Hamlets. · Complex and competing demands on the network and TfL methodology for identifying priorities/ allocating resources for these. · Works undertaken and programmed in Tower Hamlets. · Sites and issues of concern in Tower Hamlets/ mitigating action. · Challenges ahead: Extreme funding constraint and short term disruption of TfL restructure.
The Chair requested that Mr Edwards and Mr Frith relay matters of concern raised by Member (to be minuted in detail by the clerk), that went beyond their defined remit of representing TfL in relation to the Red Route Network with appropriate officials in TfL, and that a response be provided for the next meeting of the Committee.
A detailed question and answer session followed which was centred on the following points: · Mile End crossings: o Mr John Biggs, GLA Member had Tabled a paper of concerns, a copy of which would be interleaved with the minutes. o Timescale for implementation of design work/ options to address identified safety issues. Full scheme including improvement of western approach to be implemented by end of 2011, but looking to bring elements forward. · Perceived neglect of the east of the Borough for upgrade work to transport network in favour of schemes around the City Fringe. Proportion of TfL budget/ spend allocated to Tower Hamlets in recent times requested in this context. · Perception of poor level of cooperation and engagement with the Council, despite Tower Hamlets doing its part: o Delays/ urgent need for acceleration of schemes to improve road safety Eg Whitechapel Crossing, Mile End crossings, Vallance Road, Glamis Road. o Need to improve gateways to the Borough – perception of the Borough was one of traffic congestion. o Hindering welcome signage defining Tower Hamlets as a place; a matter of Borough pride. o Support in promoting cycle routes in the borough. · Need for a point of contact/ engagement with TfL to ensure an adequate level/ speed of response to enquiries/ concerns. Contact person to be invited to a future meeting of the Committee. · Severe driver behaviour problem in relation to crossing pedestrians and urgent need for greater focus/ priority from TfL to prevent more fatalities. · Correlation between reduced speed limits and numbers of fatal road accidents but also recognition that some fatalities were not related to speed, for example left turning HGV’s. · Scope for proactive joint working between agencies such as TfL, Police, Council to prevent accidents involving pedestrian and cyclists at high risk sites, in the context of the perception that before improvements were made a fatality and associated site visit was required. TfL Road Safety Unit methodology outlined. · Need for improved coordination/ regulation of roadwork activities to mitigate/obviate large numbers of small incomplete roadworks with associated detritus. · The lack of good river crossings in Tower Hamlets and resident ... view the full minutes text for item 7.1 |
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Domestic Violence Service - Sustainable Funding The Lead Member Cleaner Safer Greener and Service Head Community Safety will attend to report on this.
(Time allocated – 15 minutes)
Minutes: Ms Philippa Chipping, Policy and Victims Manager, gave a presentation, which responded to the matters raised by Councillor Jones, Scrutiny Lead – Safe and Supportive, at the previous meeting of the Committee, regarding concerns around sustainable funding for specialist domestic violence services. The presentation focused on the following points:
Specialist Domestic Violence element of Drugs and Alcohol Service · Previously identified need for this service, how it had been fed into the refresh of the Homelessness Strategy and resulted in identification of funding for a pilot post: · Volume and nature of the current caseload of the Domestic Violence and Substance Misuse Worker. · Sustainable funding issues: Tower Hamlets Primary Care Trust had no funding available in the longer term for the post, however £9,000 had been identified to maintain service provision to end of March 2010. · Future options: Closure, reduced funding for other services, raising income from other domestic violence services such as sanctuaries, but more probably inclusion within the Council’s Alcohol Services Contract currently being negotiated with a new provider.
Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy Service · Local need for the service identified by the independent ranking of the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference review, and the waiting list for the service. · Nature of current service provision: 3 permanent posts (Council core funding), 2 temporary posts funded by the Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership and Safe and Supportive Community Plan Delivery Group. · Sustainable funding issues: Area Based Grant (ABG) and the Borough Commander’s Budget funded a range of valuable posts, including DV Advocacy, but the allocation of 2009/10 ABG funding although unknown was likely to be greatly reduced and additional DV advocacy capacity lost as a result. · Future options: a scoping exercise had been undertaken and the merger of roles was being examined.
A detailed question and answer session followed which was centred on the following points: · How could the potential loss of these services be highlighted to appropriate Members to intervene before the Budget was finalised. · In the context of Cabinet consideration of funding bids for service improvement had the directorate submitted a bid for the £45,000 required to maintain the DV and Substance Misuse Worker; if not could one still be submitted. · The extent to which Children, Schools and Families Directorate funding had been utilised to support DV service provision, given the impact of DV on children and families. · Whether examination of budget underspends had been undertaken with a view to identifying funding to maintain DV services. · Whether consideration been given to Third Sector grant funding from sources such as News International or the St Katharines and Shadwell Trust; or from partners such as the East London NHS Foundation Trust. · The probability of re-provision of the DV and Substance Misuse service within the Council’s Alcohol Services Contract, PCT funding for this and necessary contractual arrangements. · Clarification sought and given as to whether the £9000 funding to maintain DV and substance misuse service to end of March 2010 was in place, or yet to be identified. · Need for consideration of this issue by ... view the full minutes text for item 7.2 |
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SCRUTINY SPOTLIGHT The Lead Member Employment and Skills, Councillor Oliur Rahman, will attend to report on his portfolio.
(Time allocated – 30 minutes)
Minutes: Councillor Oliur Rahman, Lead Member Employment and Skills, gave a presentation on the key issues, achievements and challenges arising from his portfolio which focused on the points set out below.
The Chair informed members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee that a paper containing the main points of the Lead Member presentation and a booklet containing the annual review of the Skillsmatch initiative (April 2008 - March 2009) had been Tabled, copies of which would be interleaved with the minutes.
Successes · Skillsmatch: successful job and training outcomes to date with analysis by ethnicity of the job brokerage programme funded and run by the Council. · Future Jobs Fund: level of investment in employment initiative for 18-24 year olds running to March 2011, successful job outcomes of initial phase with analysis by employer and ethnicity. Challenges · Sustainable funding: given public sector funding pressures and potentially a change of Government, the Working Neighbourhood Fund was unlikely to continue with a huge impact on the scope for local employment and training initiatives. · National Programmes: such as Flexible New Deal needed to be tailored to local need and therefore the Council must continue to influence commissioning. The Worklessness Multi Area Agreement was important to this. Other Key Issues · Olympics and Crossrail: successful job and training outcomes to date and action being taken to optimise opportunities. · Job Centre Plus (JCP) & Canary Wharf: close working to secure jobs for local residents by targeting key employers should bear fruit. Canary Wharf Job Fayre had successfully contributed to this. · Recruitment sessions and training for JCP staff being undertaken to support local residents in applying for employment with the Council. Replicated with NHS and Fire Brigade. Policy to reduce agency staff numbers to underpin this. · Reducing Worklessness Amongst Young Adults 18 – 24 Scrutiny Review: Lead Member undertook to work closely with Councillor Sardar, Scrutiny Lead - A Prosperous Community, to implement recommendations from the review.
Members of Overview and Scrutiny Committee then posed a series of detailed questions to which Councillor Rahman responded. The question and answer session was centred on the following points: · Percentage of unemployment in the Borough and how this compared nationally and locally. Lead Member to provide written answer. · Tower Hamlets having a small proportion of residents employed in jobs associated with the Olympics, in comparison to other Olympic Host Boroughs, and how this could be addressed. · Incentivisation of residents into employment: action to date/ scope to look at this further. · Need for more comprehensive analysis of job and training outcomes for all equality strands and within equality strands. Also whether Equality Impact Assessments had been undertaken. · Importance of a creative approach to mitigating unemployment: funding training for specific vocational licences and not gender stereotyping industries. · Need for greater focus/ prioritisation of opportunities/ support for job seekers over 60, given intergenerational problems resulting from unemployment in this group. · Need for transparent information about the funding/ budget of Skillsmatch to facilitate assessment of value for money. Lead Member to provide ... view the full minutes text for item 8. |
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PERFORMANCE MONITORING |
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Performance and Corporate Revenue Budget Monitoring - Performance to 30th September 2009 (To Follow) To consider and comment upon the contents of the report.
(Time allocated – 15 minutes)
Minutes: Councillor A. Heslop declared a personal interest in Agenda item 9.1 “Performance and Corporate Revenue Budget Monitoring – Performance to 30th September 2009” on the basis that the report contained recommendations regarding the monitoring of the Authority’s performance in relation to housing services, including that of Tower Hamlets Homes and Councillor Heslop was a representative of the Authority on the governing body of Tower Hamlets Homes and a Tower Hamlets Leaseholder.
Reasons for Urgency and Special Circumstances The Chair informed members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee that the special circumstances and reasons for urgency associated with the report were detailed on the front page, and he considered that the reasons for urgency, as detailed and as set out below, were valid:
The report contained performance and finance information for the period between 1st April 2009 and 30th September 2009. The report could not be included for dispatch with other agenda items, due to the time necessary to collect and review the data. The review included liaison with partner agencies and other external bodies for confirmation of performance and finance data. The information should be reviewed by Cabinet while it remains reasonably current. The Chief Finance Officer was of the view that the financial information was of pressing importance and should be considered by Cabinet at the earliest opportunity. In the circumstances, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee should also consider the performance information on an urgent basis.
Mr Lutfur Ali, Assistant Chief Executive, and Ms Stephanie Ford, Interim Performance Manger, introduced the report which drew together progress reports in relation to Strategic Plan Indicators, General Fund Revenue Budget and Housing Revenue Budget to the end of September 2009 (Quarter 2), summarising the salient points contained therein and highlighting in particular: · Overall performance for activities in the Strategic Plan was good. 44 of 83 Strategic Indicators could be reported and the majority of these had maintained or improved performance. However end of year targets for the Local Area Agreement would not be achieved. · Housing provision indicators – performance identified as off target but indicators being renegotiated with Government with likely significant impact on future performance. · Educational attainment indicators – some indicators where despite good direction of travel performance was off target and others where performance was off target and direction of travel was deteriorating (paragraph 3.4). Emphasised that data was provisional at this stage. However performance on NEETs improved and now on target. · Indicators identified as at risk of not achieving year-end target: o Strategic 103 - The percentage of the top 5% of LA staff who are from an ethnic minority o Strategic 104 - Percentage of the top paid 5% of staff who have a disability o Strategic 313/ National 153 - Working age people claiming out of work benefits in the worst neighbourhoods
A discussion followed which focussed on the following points: · Concern was expressed that all 7 strategic indicators relating to housing were indicated as on red. Clarification was sought and given on mitigating ... view the full minutes text for item 9.1 |
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Corporate Complaints - Half Year Report 2009/ 2010 To consider and comment upon the contents of the report.
(Time allocated – 15 minutes)
Minutes: Ms Claire Symonds, Service Head Customer Access, introduced the report providing a summary of complaints completed by the Council in the period 1 April 2009 to 31 September 2009, through the Corporate Complaints Procedure, Social Services Complaints and those received and determined by the Local Government Ombudsman, summarising the salient points contained therein.
A discussion followed which focussed on the following points: · Clarification sought and given: o Measures in place to improve resolution of complaints at Stage 1, given 34% of Stage 2 complaints and 33% of Stage 3 complaints upheld/ partially upheld and the associated customer frustration and organisational costs of this. o Where overall ownership/ oversight of the complaints process lay in the context of the aim to improve service delivery through corporate learning from complaints. Also what mechanisms were in place to capture valuable learning from complaints/Member enquiries/disciplinary processes. o Council communications strategy for residents on complaints about issues which fell outside its control (primarily RSL related). · Consideration that provision of further qualitative information and analysis of complaints by ethnicity and other demographic factors was important in forming a picture of the experience of Tower Hamlets services, on the part of different communities in the Borough. · Consideration that in relation to Stage 3 complaints a vignette summarising what had gone wrong and how this might be put right in future, would be useful for the Committee. Requested in future reports. · Consideration that a future meeting of the Committee should receive a presentation from the Local Government Ombudsman regarding current problem issues for the Council and how to improve its performance. · Analysis of complaints by staff behaviour at directorate level to be picked up in future reports. · Noting that a number of services had now moved back in house from Tower Hamlets Homes (the ALMO), consideration that a strategic review of ALMO arrangements might be appropriate. Lead Member Housing and Development requested to respond when he attended the next meeting.
The Chair Moved the recommendations, as contained in the report, and it was:-
Resolved
That the contents of the report be noted.
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VERBAL UPDATES FROM SCRUTINY LEADS Scrutiny Lead Members will report on their portfolio areas.
(Time allocated – 10 minutes)
Minutes: Scrutiny Lead Members updated those present regarding progress to date on current scrutiny reviews associated with their portfolios:
Scrutiny review – Strengthening Local Community Leadership · Topics examined to date: Current Council/ Partnership support for Community leaders and encouragement of resident engagement with the democratic process; also proposals for Councillor Call for Action. · Next review group session: discussion with local residents about engagement with Councillors and improving this process to achieve better outcomes for them.
Scrutiny review – The Private Rented Sector · Topics examined to date: Issues facing landlords. Concerns over the payment options for Housing Benefit. High levels of sub letting and related concerns: ASB and service charge arrears. Issues facing the homeless and new migrant communities.
Scrutiny review – Youth Offending – Supporting Our Most Vulnerable Young People · Topics examined to date: Trends in youth offending and national/ local drivers for reducing this. · Evidence taken: Foyer Federation new approach to young offenders in east London. Focus groups/ interviews with young people/ parents. Visit to a young offenders institution. · Next review group session: Intervention Projects operated by the Authority.
Scrutiny review – Reducing Worklessness Amongst Young Adults 18 - 24 · Evidence taking concluded: o External agencies, Third sector organisations, In-house services and Connexions. o Review group session: Equalities aspects of worklessness particularly women and worklessness. o Focus groups with economically inactive young men and women to identify the barriers faced. · Report being drafted for the New Year.
Scrutiny review – Preventing Childhood Obesity · Evidence taking planned: o 4 Focus groups with residents facilitated by the Partnership with input from the review group and public health strategists from NHS Tower Hamlets to identify challenges to providing healthy options for children. o Focus group with parents and children in partnership with the Strengthening Families Strengthening Communities programme to identify the drivers for child obesity.
· Next review group session: how schools can contribute to healthy eating through the food they provide.
Health4NEL · The Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee to review Health4North East London Acute Services had agreed terms of reference for the review which were outlined. · Next review group session: Presentation from Local NHS Community Health Services: What the review proposals mean for local residents.
The Chair requested that in future all members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be informed of forthcoming scrutiny review group sessions.
Noted
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PRE-DECISION SCRUTINY OF UNRESTRICTED CABINET AGENDA To consider and agree pre-decision scrutiny questions/comments to be presented to Cabinet.
(Time allocated – 5 minutes)
Minutes: The Chair informed members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee that no pre-decision questions/ comments in respect of the unrestricted business contained in the agenda for consideration by the Cabinet, at their meeting to be held on 2nd December 2009, had been submitted for consideration and agreement.
Councillor Jones, in referring to Agenda item 7.1 “Corporate Match Funding” on the agenda for consideration by the Cabinet at their meeting the following evening, expressed concern that there appeared to be an absence of checks and balances in the allocation process for Community Chest grants and it therefore lacked transparency; in particular the Assistant Chief Executive appeared to have sole authority to determine criteria, recipients, and allocations. Councillor Jones accordingly proposed, for the consideration of members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, that a pre-decision scrutiny question in relation to Cabinet Agenda Item 7.1 be submitted to Cabinet as follows:
“Can you explain what checks and balance there will be to ensure the decision making process for the allocation of the new Community Chest grant will be transparent? “
The Chair Moved (taking account of the motion from Councillor Jones) and it was Resolved:-
That the following pre-decision question be submitted to Cabinet for consideration:
Agenda Item 7.1 Corporate Match Funding (CAB 087/090)
Can you explain what checks and balance there will be to ensure the decision making process for the allocation of the new Community Chest grant will be transparent?
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ANY OTHER UNRESTRICTED BUSINESS CONSIDERED TO BE URGENT To consider any other unrestricted business that the Chair considers to be urgent.
Minutes: Nil items.
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EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC In view of the contents of the remaining items on the agenda the Committee is recommended to adopt the following motion:
“That, under the provisions of Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting for the consideration of the Section Two business on the grounds that it contains information defined as Exempt in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act, 1972.”
EXEMPT/CONFIDENTIAL SECTION (Pink Papers)
The exempt committee papers in the agenda 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. Minutes: The Chair Moved and it was: -
Resolved:
That in accordance with the provisions of Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting for the consideration of the Section Two business on the grounds that it contained information defined as exempt or confidential in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government, Act 1972.
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EXEMPT/ CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the exempt/ confidential minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 03 November 2009.
Minutes: Minutes of Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 3rd November 2009 agreed subject to amendment in the same regard detailed at agenda item 3 above.
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EXEMPT/ CONFIDENTIAL REPORTS 'CALLED IN' There were no exempt/ confidential reports ‘called in’ from the meeting of Cabinet held on 04 November 2009.
Minutes: Nil items.
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PRE-DECISION SCRUTINY OF EXEMPT/ CONFIDENTIAL CABINET AGENDA To consider and agree pre-decision scrutiny questions/comments to be presented to Cabinet.
(Time allocated – 5 minutes)
Minutes: Nil items.
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ANY OTHER EXEMPT/ CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS CONSIDERED TO BE URGENT To consider any other exempt/ confidential business that the Chair considers to be urgent.
Minutes: Nil items.
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