Agenda and draft minutes
Venue: MP702, 7th Floor, Town Hall, Mulberry Place, 5 Clove Crescent, London, E14 2BG
Contact: Evelyn Akoto Tel: 020 7364 4207, E-mail: evelyn.akoto@towerhamlets.gov.uk
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE To receive any apologies for absence. Minutes: An apology was received from Cllr Ahmed Adam Omer
The Chair asked John Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services to write to the members of the committee that have missed several meetings and in most cases have not sent their apology for absence.
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DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS PDF 56 KB 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.
Minutes: There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests. |
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UNRESTRICTED MINUTES PDF 67 KB To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the unrestricted minutes of the ordinary meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on 13 September 2012. Minutes: The unrestricted minutes of the ordinary meeting held on 13 September 2012, was agreed as a correct record of the proceedings.
Matters Arising:
A member enquired from officers why the appointment list for outside organisation was not circulated to members as agreed at the last meeting. John Williams replied that following the last meeting, certain information regarding Appointments was circulated to members. The Mayor was made aware of the list of appointments and it was his intention to speak to group leaders before he made any changes. However, it is understood that this meeting has not taken place. Officers have however written to organisation to confirm that all appointments in place at the start of the year have rolled on, excluding those who due to constitutional changes, no longer require such appointments.
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REPORTS FOR CONSIDERATION |
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Local Electoral Review: Update PDF 104 KB Minutes: John Williams, Service Head Democratic Services, presented the update report to the committee, and highlighted the following: · The Parliamentary voting system and Constituencies Act 2011 requires the total number of constituencies in the UK to be reduced from 650 to 50 and requires greater parity between the number of voters in each constituency. · The first stage of the review about council size was completed back in June 2012, with the Commission indicating that they are minded to propose a council size of 45 councillors. · The Commission considered all responses and published its draft recommendations on 13 November 2012, confirming their recommendation of council size of 45, producing ward patterns which incorporates some of the submission received. Summary recommendation is for 20 wards with 2 single member wards, 11 two member wards and 7 with 3 member wards. · The matter was discussed at council at the end of November 2012, with a focus on Wards names and boundaries. As part of that meeting, the Council submitted a motion to retain the name of Bangla town. A letter will be sent to the Boundary Commission to reconsider the change of this ward name and the reduction of member size.
In response to questions, officers gave the following answers: · The draft recommendations are out for consultation on 7 January, and officers are helping with further group submissions. Group Leaders need to sure that final comments are submitted before the deadline. · The officer confirmed that the letter being drafted to the Boundary Commission will be made available to the committee.
Action: John Williams
RESOLVED
· That the information in the report, and verbal update provided at the meeting be noted.
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Parliamentary Constituency Boundary Review 2013: Update PDF 73 KB Additional documents: Minutes: John Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services presented the Constituency Boundary review update report to the committee and highlighted the following: · The Boundary commission for England (BCE) is currently undertaking a review of Parliamentary Constituency boundaries to take effect in 2013. · Initial report on BCE’s recommendations stated that the two constituencies in Tower Hamlets would remain unchanged. However this has subsequently changed in light of the responses received during recent consultations. · The revise proposals now envisage Tower Hamlets being divided between three parliamentary constituencies, with only being completely within the borough. · The revised proposals is subject to consultation period, which closes on 10 December 2012, and after that it moves to parliament for final decision to be implemented. The Commission must make final recommendations by 1st October 2013 and then the process moves to parliament for final confirmation.
In response to questions, the officer gave the following answer: · The committee could not be informed about the consultation deadline as this is the first meeting of the committee since September 2012. Isabella Freeman, Assistance Chief Executive (Legal Services) added that the council was not initially aware of the publication of the revised proposal. However, as soon as this was made known, group leaders and deputies were informed to ensure that they had the opportunity to comment before the deadline. · The Commission is now considering all the submissions received and will then table their final proposals. This will be discussed and voted upon in parliament before being finalised. · A lot of the London boroughs objected to the original proposals as it ultimately changed the face of their borough.
RESOLVED
· That the report be noted
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ANY OTHER BUSINESS WHICH THE CHAIRS CONSIDERS URGENT Minutes: There were none |
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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 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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RESTRICTED MINUTES To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the restricted minutes of the ordinary meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on 13 September 2012. Minutes: The restricted minutes of the ordinary meeting held on 13 September 2012, was agreed as a correct record of the proceedings.
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Local Authority Governor Appointments |