Agenda and minutes
Venue: Online 'Virtual' Meeting - https://towerhamlets.public-i.tv/core/portal/home. View directions
Contact: David Knight, Democratic Services Tel: 020 7364 4878 E-mail: david.knight@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Media
No. | Item | |
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE To receive any apologies for absence. Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies for lateness were received from Councillor Denise Jones.
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DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTEREST AND OTHER INTERESTS PDF 214 KB
Members are reminded to consider the categories of interest 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, please see the attached note from the Monitoring Officer.
Members are reminded to declare the nature of the interest and the agenda item it relates to. Please note that ultimately it’s the Members’ responsibility to declare any interests form and to update their register of interest form as required by the Code.
If in doubt as to the nature of your interest, you are advised to seek advice prior to the meeting by contacting the Monitoring Officer or Democratic Services
Additional documents: Minutes: The following Members for transparency declared a potential interest in relation to the Item 8 Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions:
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UNRESTRICTED MINUTES PDF 136 KB To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the unrestricted minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 23rd November, 2020. Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair Moved and it was: -
RESOLVED
That the unrestricted minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 23rd November, 2020 be approved as a correct record of the proceedings and the Chair was authorised to sign them accordingly.
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REQUESTS TO SUBMIT PETITIONS To receive any petitions (to be notified at the meeting).
Additional documents: Minutes: Nil items
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FORTHCOMING DECISIONS PDF 474 KB Additional documents: Minutes: Noted |
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UNRESTRICTED REPORTS 'CALLED IN' No decisions of the Mayor in Cabinet on 25th November, 2020 in respect of unrestricted reports on the agenda were ‘called in’.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Committee noted that a decision from the Mayor on the proposed changes to the Common Housing Register Allocations Scheme was awaited.
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The Committee will received an update on COVID-19 from Dr Somen Banerjee – Director of Public Health Additional documents: Minutes: The Committee received an update from COVID-19 from Somen Banerjee – Director of Public Health, the main points of discussion on the presentation are outlined as follows:
The Committee noted that:
· The Borough is (i) promoting testing in schools more generally; and (ii) communicating the changes in advice around who can be tested. · The message previously was that you only get tested if you have symptoms that has now changed in the context of rising levels of Covid-19 and in the recognition that if you think that you may have been exposed to Covid-19 you can get tested although not presenting with signs or symptoms of infection, illness, or disease (i.e. they are asymptomatic) but can pass on the virus on to a vulnerable person and therefore you are part of a chain that may lead to the death of another. Therefore, as the spread of public health misinformation through social media becomes more prevalent, it is important to develop an effective social media strategy to ensure that the people in Tower Hamlets have access to the correct information. · It is especially important message to get across through social media; texts; sending out letters; and word of mouth utilising the Borough’s Team of Covid-19 Champions. · Regarding the vaccination programme the Tower Hamlets GP Care Group has texted 3,200 residents about the programme and those who have not responded or not contactable via text or mobile phone are being written to. · East One Health and Whitechapel Health Centre are apparently not yet participating in programme, but officers would contact Tracy Cannell - Chief Executive - Tower Hamlets GP Care Group to provide a response. · The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advises that the first priorities for any COVID-19 vaccination programme should be the prevention of COVID-19 mortality and the protection of health and social care staff and systems. Secondary priorities to include vaccination of those at increased risk of hospitalisation and at increased risk of exposure, and to maintain resilience in essential public services. In conclusion, the Chair:
1. Thanked Somen Banerjee – Director of Public Health for his presentation and for the high level of detail that he had provided; and 2. Noted that they had considered (i) the Covid-19 and its impact on schools and ... view the full minutes text for item 7. |
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SCRUTINY SPOTLIGHT Additional documents: |
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The Committee will undertake a review and critical challenge of WorkPath – Presentation to be made available prior to the meeting.
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Members noted that: · WorkPath provides a service to support residents who have significant barriers and are far from employment. It offers three programmes including Information Advice and Guidance (IAG), Employer Engagement and Supported Employment. Employer Engagement targets clients who are job ready or recently out of work and Supported Employment targets clients such as 50+, care leavers and women returning back to work · The WorkPath programme helps young people gain invaluable skills and connections that will give them the best possible chance of success by becoming a stronger employable candidate. · With regards to Queen Mary University the Council has a good working in partnership with the University to help bridge the gap between Queen Mary’s and the workplace. Whilst in terms of wider health sector LBTH is working to maximise opportunities especially within the Mass Vaccination Programme, as LBTH wants to encourage applicants from the local communities to make sure that there is a safe and effective vaccination programme at the same time as continuing supporting the NHS in offering timely access and minimal impact on other services.
· The main challenges facing the Long-Term Unemployed is a lack of relevant, recent experience, a problem only intensified by companies’ unwillingness to take a chance and offer the opportunity to gain the experience. Especially at a time when the level of competition for jobs is far greater than it would ordinarily with a large number of “Job Seekers” only having just left their previous job so in employers eyes they are what is called “work ready” and business owners just want to generate income and profitability therefore their first instinct will be to hire someone who has just “fallen out of work” they consider that they are “work ready” rather than someone that's been out of work for some time. Accordingly, WorkPath focus is currently on supporting those who find it hardest to get work and help them to be better able to compete with those people who have newly “fallen ... view the full minutes text for item 8.1 |
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The Committee will undertake a critical friend challenge to the Budget Setting process in line with the Council’s priorities – Presentation to be made available prior to the meeting. Additional documents: Minutes: The Committee received a presentation that was intended to inform discussion for the next Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting. The presentation included (i) Introductions from Cllr Candida Ronald, Cabinet Member for Resources, and the Voluntary Sector as well as Kevin Bartle (Interim Corporate Director, Resources); (ii) Economic Outlook for Local Government; (iii) Update on the MTFS process; (iv) Spending Review 2020- main impacting factors; and (v) The Budget Consultation Process.
A summary of the discussions on the presentation is set out below:
Members: · Noted that in February 2021 the Council will agree its budget for 2021-22. In line with previous years, the Council has carried out consultation with residents, businesses, and other key stakeholders to help inform budget decisions. This report for noting provides the results of the Council’s 2021-22 budget consultation that was carried out from October to December 2020. · Noted that due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Tower Hamlets now finds itself in a materially changed environment from that which existed in February 2020 when the budget and medium-term financial strategy were approved by the Council.
· Was informed that the Government’s Core Spending Power calculation makes assumptions about the level of growth in the Council Tax base and that LBTH will increase Council Tax each year up to the referendum limit. · Was reminded that following receipt of the final settlement, the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) will then need to be assured of the robustness of estimates and adequacy of reserves and this it was noted will be covered in the report to Cabinet on 27 January 2021. · Whilst appreciating the challenging financial situation indicated that it would be helpful to have more financial information. Accordingly, the Committee raised a question on Temporary Accommodation overspend and asked if this was directly related to Covid or for other reasons. In response it was noted that this was historical. · Wanted to look at which services should be contributing towards savings and to have assurances that any increase in Council Tax would give consideration of the impact on those who would struggle to pay. · Wanted details of the methodology used that had indicated the financial difficulties that the Council would face in the current economic circumstances. · Whilst accepting that the Council faces several challenges if it is to set a balance budget concern was expressed that running the consultation when it did mean that there was not enough involvement from residents and businesses and this impacts on how informed decision-making process will be. · Noted that next year the budget consultation would start earlier · Also were concerned that (i) whilst ... view the full minutes text for item 8.2 |
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SCRUTINY PROCEDURE RULES PDF 254 KB Additional documents: Minutes: The Committee received a report that provided an outline of the review of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules. A summary of the discussions on the report is outlined as follows:
The Committee noted that:
The Chair Moved and it was: -
RESOLVED to:
1. Note the outdated terms, and processes and arrangements needing clarification in the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules (Part B of the Council’s Constitution section 30); 2. Recommended an amendment precluding paid Mayoral Advisers from the Membership of ... view the full minutes text for item 9. |
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PRE-DECISION SCRUTINY OF UNRESTRICTED CABINET PAPERS PDF 497 KB To consider and agree pre-decision scrutiny questions/comments to be presented to Cabinet. click here to access the agenda papers
(Time allocated – 30 minutes). Additional documents: Minutes: Following comments by the Committee the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions (PDSQ) were agreed for submission to the Mayor in Cabinet on the 16th December 2020 (See attached appendix).
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VERBAL UPDATES FROM SCRUTINY LEADS PDF 190 KB (Time allocated – 5 minutes each) Additional documents:
Minutes: The Committee noted:
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ANY OTHER UNRESTRICTED BUSINESS WHICH THE CHAIR CONSIDERS TO BE URGENT To consider any other unrestricted business that the Chair considers to be urgent.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Committee received the following items of business:
Call-In: Amendments to the Council’s Housing Allocations Scheme
Members noted that:
Spotlight Presentations
Members noted that:
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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. Additional documents: Minutes: As the agenda circulated contained no exempt/ confidential business and there was therefore no requirement to exclude the press and public to allow for its consideration.
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EXEMPT/ CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES Nil items Additional documents: Minutes: Nil items
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EXEMPT/ CONFIDENTIAL REPORTS 'CALLED IN' No decisions of the Mayor in Cabinet on 25th November, 2020 in respect of exempt/ confidential reports on the agenda were ‘called in’.
Additional documents: Minutes: Nil items
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PRE-DECISION SCRUTINY OF EXEMPT/ CONFIDENTIAL) CABINET PAPERS To consider and agree pre-decision scrutiny questions/comments to be presented to Cabinet.
(Time allocated 15 minutes). Additional documents: Minutes: Nil items
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ANY OTHER EXEMPT/ CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS THAT THE CHAIR CONSIDERS URGENT To consider any other exempt/ confidential business that the Chair considers to be urgent.
Additional documents: Minutes: Nil items |
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Overview & Scrutiny - Action Log PDF 107 KB Additional documents: Minutes: Noted |