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 S. ISLAM (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 T. Archer, Scrutiny Lead – Healthy Communities, for whom Councillor D. Snowdon was deputising. · Mr L. Ali, Assistant Chief Executive, for whom Mr M. Keating, Service Head Scrutiny and Equalities, Chief Executive’s Directorate, was deputising.
Apologies for lateness were received on behalf of Councillors B. Turner (Vice - Chair) and J. Peck, Deputy Leader of the Council.
Councillor S. Eaton gave apologies for having to leave the meeting early because of other commitments.
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 D. Jones declared a general personal interest on the basis that she was a non-executive member of the governing body of Tower Hamlets Primary Care Trust.
Councillor D. Jones declared a personal interest in Agenda item 9.1 “Third Sector Strategy” on the basis that the report contained recommendations relating to the approach to funding of Third Sector service provision and Councillor Jones was a representative of the Authority on the governing body of the following Third Sector organisations: · Cultural Industries Development Agency · St Katharine’s and Shadwell Trust.
Councillor A. A. Sardar declared a personal interest in Agenda item 9.1 “Third Sector Strategy” on the basis that the report contained recommendations relating to the approach to funding of Third Sector service provision and Councillor Sardar was a member of the governing body of the following Third Sector organisation: Council of Mosques.
Councillor A. Heslop declared a personal interest in Agenda item 10.2 “Overview & Scrutiny Committee Recommendation Tracking Report” on the basis that the report contained recommendations relating to monitoring the implementation of recommendations arising from previous Scrutiny Reviews including “Leaseholders - A study of Customer Care” and “Choice Based Lettings” 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 06 October 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 6th October 2009 be approved and signed by the Chair, as a correct record of the proceedings.
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REQUESTS TO SUBMIT PETITIONS To receive any petitions (to be notified at the meeting).
Minutes:
The Chair advised that the Assistant Chief Executive had received no requests to present a petition in respect of the business contained in the agenda.
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REQUESTS FOR DEPUTATIONS To receive any deputations (to be notified at the meeting).
Minutes: The chair advised that the Assistant Chief Executive had received no requests for a deputation in respect of the business contained in the agenda.
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UNRESTRICTED REPORTS 'CALLED IN' There were no unrestricted reports ‘called in’ from the meeting of Cabinet held on 07 October 2009.
Minutes: The Chair advised that no requests had been received by the Assistant Chief Executive to “call in” for further consideration, by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, any provisional decisions taken by the Cabinet, at its meeting held on 7th October 2009.
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SCRUTINY SPOTLIGHT The Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Joshua Peck, will attend to report on his portfolio.
(Time allocated – 45 minutes)
Minutes: Councillor Joshua Peck, Deputy Leader of the Council, gave a presentation on the key issues, achievements and challenges arising from his portfolio which focused on the following points:
Democratic Services · Achievements o On-going electoral canvass 70% of Borough residents contacted, up 8 or 9% on last year. o Members Enquiry performance – 90% responded to within 10 days and Registered Social Landlords now hitting 85% although further improvement was needed. o Burial Subsidy made permanent – proposed extension to Woodgrange Park, the rationale for this outlined. · Challenges o Changes in legislation required a move to new executive arrangements, a directly elected Mayor with a 4 year term or a Leader with a 4 year term that appointed the Cabinet. There was a big difference between the two and any transition would require closely managed. o The running at least two elections next year. The positives of holding them on the same day and the challenges of administering the counts were outlined. o Delivery of effective induction programme for Members post-election, as well as roll out of IT, telephone and other services. Their was a strong track record of Member Development, with the Council awarded the London Member Development Charter in May 2009. o Re-organising Registration Services within budgetary constraints to improve delivery (eg longer opening hours) and meet growing demand.
Equalities/Scrutiny · Achievements o Production of new Race, Sexual Orientation, Religion/Belief and Age Equality schemes following a comprehensive consultation exercise. o Achievement of Level 5 of Equality Standard for Local Government. o Establishment of Member Equality and Diversity Working Group to increase involvement in delivery. · Challenges o Development of a Single Equality Duty to join up the suite of schemes and ensure appropriate interplay between them. Impact individually and collectively on communities across the Borough would be significant and therefore challenging. o Self-assessment against the new Equality Framework for Local Government and peer reviews. o Establishment of a pan-Disability Panel that was a model of best practice to develop policy and services in this area.
Communications · Achievements o East End Life continued to be the most popular/ wildely read publication in the Borough, and the preferred avenue for most residents to obtain information about their council. o Improved campaigns capacity to deliver Council’s well-being objectives eg around recycling more. o Ensuring Best Value – the award winning shared newsprint contract reduced print bill by 25% (London Council’s ‘best collaborative procurement process). · Challenges o Continuing to align communications across the Council into a single portal, a strategic function not one that was purely reactive (to the local press). o Strengthening full communications offer (including: internal communications; marketing; public affairs and e-communications). Combining customer access and communications functions on a reduced budget. For example on the Council website where customer wished to pay their Council Tax and find out about what the Council did. o Keeping East End Life an important and valued tool in delivery of Council objectives, in economic downturn.
Customer Access · Achievements o Maintenance of Contact Centre customer ... view the full minutes text for item 7. |
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BUDGET AND POLICY FRAMEWORK |
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Gambling Policy (Time allocated – 15 minutes)
Minutes: Mr Colin Perrins, Head of Trading Standards and Environmental Health Commercial, at the request of the Chair, in introducing the report, summarised the salient points contained therein highlighting in particular: · That the Gambling Act 2005 had been introduced to comprehensively realign legislation relating to gambling, and placed a range of responsibilities on local authorities, but in particular the licensing of gambling on premises within the Borough. · The Gambling Policy set out how the Council’s responsibilities under the Act would be administered and associated powers exercised. Local Authorities were required to review their Gambling Policy every three years and therefore to adopt a new revised policy by the end of 2009. · The consultation process in relation to the refresh of the Gambling Policy was prescribed by statute. Only two responses to consultation had been received, neither of which impacted on the current policy. · The existing Gambling Policy had proven uncontroversial over the past four years, unlike its counterpart the Licensing Policy (regulated entertainment and supply of alcohol). Enforcement action had not engendered any serious problems and Officers therefore considered that the Gambling Policy had served the Authority well. · Given the response to consultation and robustness of the existing Gambling Policy, Officers were recommending that the existing policy be readopted.
A discussion followed which was centred on the following points:
· Clarification was sought and given regarding the provisions under the 2005 Gambling Act for the Borough to remain “casino free”, the Council’s current neutral position on hosting a casino, the potential for future consideration of hosting a casino in the Borough and the process and consultation required around this. · Clarification was sought and given as to whether the Children Schools and Families Directorate had been consulted in relation to the refresh of the Gambling Policy, as their comments on the location of gambling establishments in proximity to schools would be welcome. · Clarification was sought and given as to whether faith organisations, such as churches and mosques had been consulted in relation to the refresh of the Gambling Policy. Noting that the consultation process was prescribed by statute, members of the Committee considered that the Authority should have the option to go beyond the statutory requirements and take local factors into account such as the views of non-statutory consultees. The Committee requested that in any future consultation process in respect of the Gambling Policy the views of faith groups/ organisations, community groups/organisations, young people and elders be sought. It was also considered that the services of the Council’s Consultation and involvement Team be utilised to ensure greater engagement generally and that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee consider any proposed policy at an earlier stage. · Clarification was sought and given regarding the proportion of betting shops comprising the approximately 80 premises in Tower Hamlets licensed for gambling. Also the number of new applications for such licenses each year. Members of the Committee subsequently expressed concern regarding the saturation of certain areas with betting shops together with the implications for poverty that ... view the full minutes text for item 8.1 |
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REPORTS FOR CONSIDERATION |
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Third Sector Strategy (Time allocated – 15 minutes)
Minutes: Councillor D. Jones declared a personal interest in Agenda item 9.1 “Third Sector Strategy” on the basis that the report contained recommendations relating to the approach to funding of Third Sector service provision and Councillor Jones was a representative of the Authority on the governing body of the following Third Sector organisations: · Cultural Industries Development Agency · St Katharine’s and Shadwell Trust.
Councillor A. A. Sardar declared a personal interest in Agenda item 9.1 “Third Sector Strategy” on the basis that the report contained recommendations relating to the approach to funding of Third Sector service provision and Councillor Sardar was a member of the governing body of the following Third Sector organisation: Council of Mosques.
Councillor Rania Khan, Lead Member Regeneration, Localisation and Community Partnerships, at the request of the Chair, in introducing the report, summarised the salient points contained therein highlighting in particular: · The objectives of the Third Sector Strategy to create a thriving Third Sector and open and transparent delivery of Third Sector service provision. · The rigorous and lengthy development process and widespread consultation and engagement, across a range of organisations and geographical areas, which had informed the proposed Third Sector Strategy: o Development of the Strategy overseen by a Third Sector Delivery Group, with Officers across the Council and National Health Service Tower Hamlets. o A Third Sector Advisory Board with representatives from 17 Third Sector partners had been established · The key proposals contained in the Strategy relating to: Infrastructure, (including establishment of a Council for Voluntary Services (CVS)) Volunteering, Commissioning and Funding. · The ambitious action plan attached to the Strategy focused on enhancing the ability of the Third Sector to participate in delivering the Community Plan 2020 and in particular the objective of One Tower Hamlets. · That it had not been an easy process given the number of stakeholders, but the journey had brought the Council and the Third Sector to a more positive place. The development of the Strategy was ongoing as it moved towards delivery.
A lengthy and wide-ranging discussion followed which was centred on the following points: · Clarification was sought and given as to how the Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) would learn from the problems/ challenges/ mistakes of similar bodies in the past, such as COF (Community Organisations Forum) and SEN ( x Empowerment Network), including the transparency and accountability needed in any allocation of funds to local groups. Consideration that the Strategy could be strengthened by exploring the issue of Member interests and setting clear protocols for demarcation. Consideration also that it would be helpful to compile a report of historic problems/ challenges/ mistakes to signpost what needed to be avoided in the future. · Consideration by Members that the existing Tower Hamlets Partnership (THP) could, with a little enhancement, undertake the governing body role envisaged for the CVS, and in many ways was already undertaking similar functions, so to create a separate body would be a duplication. The Lead Member and Officers, in response emphasised the need for the CVS to ... view the full minutes text for item 9.1 |
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SCRUTINY MANAGEMENT |
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Scrutiny Challenge Session - Dangerous Dogs (Time allocated – 15 minutes)
Minutes: Councillor Bill Turner, Scrutiny Lead Excellent Public Services, at the request of the Chair, in introducing the report, summarised the salient points contained therein highlighting in particular: · That one meeting had been held to examine the issue of dangerous dogs an apparently growing trend to use dogs in Anti Social Behaviour, to settle scores between gangs, and for organised dog fighting. · The purpose of the meeting had been to: o Increase Members understanding of the common issues in dealing with dangerous dogs o To consider and evaluate the Council’s approach to dealing with the rise of dangerous dogs and develop an approach for the future. o To give residents an opportunity to express their views and concerns. · There was great public interest in this issue, and the meeting had been well attended with 75 members of the public and some Councillors present. All those present agreed that effective action was needed to address the problem. · The meeting discussed the handful of gangs in Tower Hamlets that were using dangerous dogs in their activities. It heard presentations from the Metropolitan Police, the Council’s Animal Warden Service and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). Senior police officers advised of the challenges of enforcing dog legislation and it became evident that the Animal Warden Service did not have the same enforcement powers as other local authorities, such as Newham, and he considered that the recommendations contained in the report arising from the scrutiny challenge session should mitigate this. · There would be a future follow up meeting and the report would be presented to Cabinet with a view to the recommendations comprising the Administration’s approach to dog enforcement.
A discussion followed, during which the report and recommendations contained therein were broadly welcomed, and which was centred on the following points: · Clarification was sought and given as to whether the challenge session had examined the use of dangerous dogs by young people and drug dealers for security and the unsafe places the dogs were kept and the danger they were exposed to. · Clarification was sought and given, with reference to paragraph 6.8 of the report, as to who dangerous dogs should be reported to. It was agreed that a dog reporting hotline would assist in addressing resident concerns on first contact with the Council and one portal would mitigate the current lack of joined up working around this issue. It was noted that the recommendations in the report would address this. · Consideration that the communications strategy recommended in the report should include usage of the Bangladeshi media/ press. It was agreed that the report recommendations would reflect this suggestion. It was also agreed that translation of the press release on dangerous dogs into several Black Minority Ethnic (BME) languages would be helpful. Clarification was also sought as to how the communications strategy would ensure that those residents that did not receive East End Life were reached. The Committee emphasised the need for the communications strategy to be sensitive, as ... view the full minutes text for item 10.1 |
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Overview & Scrutiny Committee Recommendation Tracking Report (Time allocated – 15 minutes)
Minutes: Councillor A. Heslop declared a personal interest in Agenda item 10.2 “Overview & Scrutiny Committee Recommendation Tracking Report” on the basis that the report contained recommendations relating to monitoring the implementation of recommendations arising from previous Scrutiny Reviews including “Leaseholders - A study of Customer Care” and “Choice Based Lettings” and Councillor Heslop was a representative of the Authority on the governing body of Tower Hamlets Homes and a Tower Hamlets Leaseholder.
The Chair informed members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee that: · The report was a six monthly monitoring report which tracked progress in implementing recommendations arising from past scrutiny reviews. · An addendum to the original report,, containing three tracking updates comprising part of Appendix 1, not available at the time of despatch, had been Tabled, a copy of which would be interleaved with the minutes. · The Scrutiny Lead Members had re-visited one major review within their portfolio area and had met with the Officer leads in the service areas to discuss progress in implementing the recommendation and the impact of this. The Scrutiny Leads would verbally update the Committee on their findings. · Overall the report highlighted there had been good progress in implementing recommendations, including those leading to major policy change Eg Choice Based Lettings Scheme. It was important that the Committee continued to monitor the progress and impact of our work to highlight areas for improvement.
Scrutiny review – Leaseholders – A Study in Customer Care Councillor Alex Heslop, Scrutiny Lead – A Great Place to Live, updated those present in relation to the previous scrutiny review above which directly linked to the current scrutiny review on Private Rented Sector: · Highlighting that Tower Hamlets Homes (THH also known as the ALMO) had now taken on responsibility for Council leaseholders and the associated finances. 40% of properties on Council estates were leased and 40% of those were sub-let to other tenants. · Advising that there had been 19 recommendations of which 5 had been implemented, 12 partially implemented and 2 were yet to be implemented. · Those implemented included: o Staff training and leaseholder open days to further improve leaseholder engagement. o All aspects of the Councils Customer Promise, in terms of both process and culture. · Advising that in relation to recommendation 13 THH, had adopted a new neighbourhood based model for service delivery to tenants and leaseholders, intended to provide a more cohesive service. Scrutiny Members would observe developments going forward. · Commenting that an introductory summary of recommendation implementation to enable Members to easily gauge what had been implemented and what remained to be done, would be helpful in future tracking reports.
Scrutiny review –Domestic Violence Councillor Denise Jones, Scrutiny Lead – Safe and Supportive, updated those present in relation to the previous scrutiny review above, undertaken in September 2006: · Advising that she had met with the Lead Officers for the review, who had informed her that progress had been made on all the recommendations made in the original review, except for the creation of a ... view the full minutes text for item 10.2 |
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PRE-DECISION SCRUTINY OF UNRESTRICTED CABINET PAPERS To consider and agree pre-decision scrutiny questions/comments to be presented to Cabinet.
(Time allocated – 10 minutes)
Minutes: The Chair informed members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee that a sheet of 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 4th November 2009, had been Tabled, a copy of which would be interleaved with the minutes.
Councillor Jones, in referring to the pre-decision questions/ comments detailed in the tabled paper, in relation to Agenda item 10.3 “Accelerating Delivery of Key Priorities” on the agenda for consideration by the Cabinet at their meeting the following evening, commented that she considered it would be appropriate for the Cabinet to consult ward councillors and the chairs of Local Area Partnerships (LAPs) about the needs for extra funds for existing and new luncheon clubs before allocating any funding in the future. Councillor Jones therefore proposed, for the consideration of members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, that that the first pre-decision scrutiny question detailed in relation to Cabinet Agenda Item 10.3 be revised accordingly.
The Chair Moved (taking account of the amendment from Councillor Jones) and it was Resolved:-
That the following pre-decision questions be submitted to Cabinet for consideration:
Agenda Item 6.2 Amendment of Community Involvement (CAB 061/090)
1. With reference to Cabinet agenda page 66. Can Cabinet amend this so that LAP Steering Groups are proactively consulted on major planning applications?
2. Although the strategy presented is thorough it is very difficult to absorb and therefore there needs to be a summary version. Can the Directorate consider producing an easily understandable stage by stage guide to planning consultation and make this available on the Council website and also be sent to residents when consulting about planning application?
Agenda Item 8.1 Gambling Act 2005 – Three year review of gambling policy (CAB 070/090)
1. The paper does not address the issue of establishments such as social clubs that encourage informal gambling. Can Cabinet provide assurance that those establishments will be inspected? And institute criminal proceedings in respect of offences committed under the Gambling Act 2005.
Agenda Item 10.1 Procurement Developments (CAB 076/090)
1. Can Cabinet provide the synergy or linkages between the Corporate Procurement Strategy and the Third Sector Strategy? How they will complement each other?
Agenda Item 10.3 Accelerating Delivery of key Priorities (CAB 078/090)
1. Will Cabinet consult ward councillors and LAP Chairs about the need for extra funds for existing and new luncheon clubs before allocating any money in the future?
2. In reference to the final table on page 618 titled ‘bids impacting on a number of themes’. Can Cabinet provide a breakdown of how the money is being spent?
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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.
Minutes: Clarification was sought and given regarding progress towards securing the attendance of Transport for London at a future meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and the Chair subsequently requested that Officers continue their endeavours with a view to TfL attendance at the next meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, due to be held on 1st December 2009.
The Chair informed members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee that he would be on leave at the beginning of December 2009 and therefore Councillor Turner, Vice-Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, would be in the Chair for the next meeting of the Committee, due to be held on 1st December 2009.
Noted.
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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 06 October 2009.
Minutes: Minutes of Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 6th October 2009 agreed.
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EXEMPT/ CONFIDENTIAL REPORTS 'CALLED IN' There were no exempt/ confidential reports ‘called in’ from the meeting of Cabinet held on 07 October 2009.
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 – 5 minutes)
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.
Minutes: Nil items.
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