There were no apologies for absence.

There were no Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interest.

However, Councillors Rachel Blake and David Edgar noted personal interests in Agenda Item 6.6 (Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park and Lodge) as they were members of the friends group due to previous donations they had made.

Councillor Andrew Wood, Leader of the Conservative Group, noted a personal interest in Agenda Item 6.7 (Isle of Dogs Neighbourhood Plan) as he was an active member of the Neighbourhood forum.

The unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday 27 November 2019 are presented for approval.

DECISION

1.    That the unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday 27 November 2019 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record of proceedings.

The Mayor congratulated the two MPs for the borough who had been elected at the recent general election.

He congratulated Councillor James King on his recent marriage and finally he wished everyone a Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas.

Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) to report on any issues  raised by the OSC in relation to unrestricted business to be considered.

Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were tabled in respect of the following agenda items:

·         6.1 – Budget Consultation Outcome 2020-21

·         6.2 – Review of the Community Language Service

·         6.3 – Tower Hamlets Transport Strategy 2019-41

·         7.1 – Angela Court

These were considered during discussion of the relevant items.

In addition Councillor James King, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) updated Cabinet on OSC’s recent activities. He reported that they had held a meeting on Monday where they had discussed a number of issues including:

·         Holding a number of budget scrutiny sessions looking at children’s and adults services as well as the general medium term financial strategy.

·         The Committee expressed concerns over the levels of savings the Council was required to make and whether the Council’s processes were robust enough to deliver agreed savings.

·         The Committee had held a challenge session on how to engage with hard to reach residents, looking at barriers to engagement and participation. A report and action plan would be presented to Cabinet in due course.

The Mayor thanked Councillor James King for his update.

Nil items.

The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

DECISION

1.    To note the analysis and outcomes from the Your Borough Your Future budget consultation in Appendix A and have due regard to the issues raised in finalising its detailed budget proposals.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (N. MURTON)

(Divisional Director, Finance, Procurement and Audit (K. Bartle)

Councillor Candida Ronald, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Voluntary Sector, introduced the report which provided the feedback received from the Council’s budget consultation exercise. She highlighted how respondents had picked out a number of key areas for the Council to protect including services for the most vulnerable and those for children generally.

She highlighted the national challenges to Council budgets with increasing demand for care services whilst at the same time facing cuts to government funding.

During discussion it was noted that:

·         There were significant pressures on adult social care.

·         Income generation was a challenge especially during a time when Council staff who could support such work were being reduced.

·         The different options for increasing income such as through acquiring assets and other commercial opportunities.

·         Government information appeared to suggest they were expecting Councils to increase council tax by the maximum 2%.

The Mayor welcomed all submissions to the consultation and ideas for income generation. He noted that the draft budget pack would be published shortly, taking into account the comments received. He noted the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses and agreed the recommendation as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the analysis and outcomes from the Your Borough Your Future budget consultation in Appendix A and have due regard to the issues raised in finalising its detailed budget proposals.

The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

DECISION

1.    To approve Option 3 as set out in the report below. 

2.    To note the Equalities Impact Assessment.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, CHILDREN AND CULTURE (D. JONES)

(Divisional Director, Culture, Sport and Leisure (J. St John)

Councillor Sabina Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Brexit, introduced the report setting out the findings of the review into the Community Language Service and a number of options for the service. She reported that this followed the budget decision earlier in the year to look to achieve savings in this area by reviewing how the service was provided with the intention of ensuring a sustainable, high-quality model could be created. Of the options set out, Option 3 was being recommended.

It was noted that in other parts of the country community language services were provided by the third sector and it was proposed that this was a more appropriate solution for Tower Hamlets. It was noted that the Council would be looking to support local organisations to build up their capacity to provide good quality language services.

The meeting then heard from a number of residents, service users and unions who expressed concern about the proposed changes and fears that the service would not be able to continue if it was left to the voluntary sector to provide. They highlighted the important role that the community language service plays in supporting a vibrant and diverse local community.

Responding to questions, officers undertook to provide the figures for the number of students who had taken GCSEs and A Levels through the service although it was noted that this option ceased three years ago when government funding was ended.

The Mayor welcomed all the responses, he highlighted that this was a difficult decision but in the circumstances he considered Option 3 as set out in the report to be the most effective solution to secure the long term future of community language services. He noted the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses and agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To approve Option 3 as set out in the report below. 

2.    To note the Equalities Impact Assessment.

The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

DECISION

1.    To note the outcome of the public consultation that informs the Tower Hamlets Transport Strategy 2019-2041.

2.    Having regard to the Council’s Public Sector Equality and the equality analysis, to agree the Tower Hamlets Transport Strategy 2019-2041.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Senior Strategy and Policy Manager (K. Okawa)

(Strategy and Policy Manager (J. Begum)

(Team Leader, Development, Highways and Traffic Management (J. Ettinger)

Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Environment, introduced the report setting out the Council’s proposed Transport Strategy. In a fast-growing, densely populated borough, provision of good public transport and cycling/walking options was vital to support a healthy community and to tackle air quality. There had been high numbers of responses to the consultation including from businesses and a good evidence base had been created to help support future policies and programmes. It was noted that action plans relating to the strategy would be published next year.

In response to questions it was noted that work was ongoing with Newham into looking at potential new bridges across the River Lee.

The Mayor welcomed the report and stated he would be continuously reviewing the borough’s transport needs. He noted the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses and agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the outcome of the public consultation that informs the Tower Hamlets Transport Strategy 2019-2041.

2.    Having regard to the Council’s Public Sector Equality and the equality analysis, to agree the Tower Hamlets Transport Strategy 2019-2041.

DECISION

1.    To agree the Tower Hamlets Council Equality Policy at Appendix 1 to the report;

2.    To note the Tower Hamlets Council Annual Equality Report 2018-19 at Appendix 2 to the report;

3.    To note the equalities implications set out at paragraph 4 of the report.

Action by:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE (W. TUCKLEY)

(Strategy and Policy Officer (K. McGinty)

Councillor Asma Begum, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Equalities, introduced the report setting out the Council’s Equality Policy as well as its Annual Equality Report for 2018-19. The reports set out how the Council met its statutory duties as well as the commitments set out in the Mayor’s manifesto. She highlighted a number of points including how important it was that equality matters were considered in all Council decision making. She also thanked Councillor Mufeedah Bustin who had been supporting this work.

The Mayor welcomed the report and in particular how it combined all the relevant information into one piece. He thanked officers and Members for their hard work on the issue and agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree the Tower Hamlets Council Equality Policy at Appendix 1 to the report;

2.    To note the Tower Hamlets Council Annual Equality Report 2018-19 at Appendix 2 to the report;

3.    To note the equalities implications set out at paragraph 4 of the report.

DECISION

1.    To note the report and to agree that the Strategy will be presented to the Health and Wellbeing Board in January 2020.

2.    To propose that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee consider the benefit of a scrutiny review of the Council’s support for physical activity and sports within the borough.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, CHILDREN AND CULTURE (D. JONES)

(Head of Sport and Physical Activity (L. Pottinger)

(Strategy and Policy Officer (T. Stanley)

Councillor Sabina Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Brexit, introduced the report setting out how increased participation in physical activity could be encouraged. The strategy had been developed with the support of many local groups and the Health and Wellbeing Board was also playing a key part in its development as the link to a healthy borough was so important. It was noted that the Strategy would continue to develop over time.

The Mayor welcomed the report and in particular its focus on wellbeing with it targeting all age groups. He encouraged Scrutiny to play a role in reviewing the Council’s support for sports and physical activity and to see how the strategy could impact on different initiatives. He therefore modified then agreed the recommendations.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the report and to agree that the Strategy will be presented to the Health and Wellbeing Board in January 2020.

2.    To propose that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee consider the benefit of a scrutiny review of the Council’s support for physical activity and sports within the borough.

DECISION

1.    To agree that the Council will grant a new lease to the Friends for a term of 30 years at a peppercorn rent, covering the Cemetery Park, but excluding the Soanes Centre and on the main terms set out in paragraph 3.8 of the report.

2.    To agree to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Place to agree the remaining terms of the lease and minor variations to the terms set out in this report.

3.    To note the equalities considerations as set out in section 4 of the report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Interim Head of Asset Management (M. Rourke)

(Senior Strategic Asset Manager (R. Million)

(Strategic Asset Manager (P. Azikie)

The Mayor introduced the report into the proposal to lease Cemetery Park and Lodge to the Friends of Cemetery Park to support their work in the park. It was explained that the report was proposing a new 30 year lease of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park (excluding the Soanes Centre) be granted to the Friends who had plans to improve the Lodge then use the Lodge to generate income to support their work and the park.

The Mayor welcomed the proposal and agreed the recommendations as set out.  

RESOLVED

1.    To agree that the Council will grant a new lease to the Friends for a term of 30 years at a peppercorn rent, covering the Cemetery Park, but excluding the Soanes Centre and on the main terms set out in paragraph 3.8 of the report.

2.    To agree to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Place to agree the remaining terms of the lease and minor variations to the terms set out in this report.

3.    To note the equalities considerations as set out in section 4 of the report.

DECISION

1.    To approve the Isle of Dogs Neighbourhood Plan to be submitted for examination, on the basis that it is compliant with the necessary regulations under the Neighbourhood Planning (General) regulations 2012.

2.    To authorise the Divisional Director of Planning and Building Control, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Air Quality and Tackling Poverty, to provide comments on behalf of the Council on the submission version of the neighbourhood plan during the Regulation 16 publicity period.

3.    To agree that the Council should proceed to appoint an examiner of the neighbourhood plan with the consent of the Isle of Dogs Neighbourhood Forum.

4.    To note the Equalities Impact Assessment considerations as set out in Paragraphs 7.1 and 7.2 of the report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Plan-Making Officer (S. Heywood)

Councillor Rachel Blake, Cabinet Member for Planning, Air Quality and Tackling Poverty, introduced the report asking for agreement to be given to submit for examination the Isle of Dogs Neighbourhood Plan on the basis that it was complaint with the relevant regulations.

The Mayor stated that he supported the neighbourhood planning model and was happy to confirm agreement to submit the plan. He therefore agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To approve the Isle of Dogs Neighbourhood Plan to be submitted for examination, on the basis that it is compliant with the necessary regulations under the Neighbourhood Planning (General) regulations 2012.

2.    To authorise the Divisional Director of Planning and Building Control, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Air Quality and Tackling Poverty, to provide comments on behalf of the Council on the submission version of the neighbourhood plan during the Regulation 16 publicity period.

3.    To agree that the Council should proceed to appoint an examiner of the neighbourhood plan with the consent of the Isle of Dogs Neighbourhood Forum.

4.    To note the Equalities Impact Assessment considerations as set out in Paragraphs 7.1 and 7.2 of the report.

DECISION

1.    To note the contracts summaries at Appendix 1 to the report and agree that all contracts can proceed to contract award after tender.

2.    To authorise the Divisional Director, Legal Services to execute all necessary contract documents in respect of the awards of contracts referred to at recommendation 1 above.

3.    To note the procurement forward plan 2019-22 set out in Appendix 2 to the report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (N. MURTON)

(Head of Procurement (Z. Ahmed)

Councillor Candida Ronald, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Voluntary Sector, introduced the regular contracts forward plan report. She highlighted a number of the services the contracts related to and the community benefits that would be required from bidders such as training for local residents. The second appendix to the report set out the forward plan of proposed future contracts.

The Mayor welcomed the report. He confirmed that the contracts listed in appendix 1 to the report could proceed to contract award after tender and he noted the procurement forward plan set out in appendix 2 to the report. He agreed the recommendations as set out below.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the contracts summaries at Appendix 1 to the report and agree that all contracts can proceed to contract award after tender.

2.    To authorise the Divisional Director, Legal Services to execute all necessary contract documents in respect of the awards of contracts referred to at recommendation 1 above.

3.    To note the procurement forward plan 2019-22 set out in Appendix 2 to the report.

The reasons for urgency were noted.

The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

DECISION

1.    To agree that negotiations with Mulberry Housing Society are terminated.

2.    To agree that Angela Court is acquired into the Housing Revenue Account and the units let on secure tenancies.

3.    To agree that Angela Court and the units therein are managed by Tower Hamlets Homes subject to any necessary variations to the management agreement.

4.    To delegate to the Corporate Director, Place in consultation with the Corporate Director, Finance any further decisions required to achieve the outcomes set out in these recommendations.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Divisional Director, Housing and Regeneration (K. Swift)

The reasons for urgency were agreed as set out in the report, namely that:

“Agreement has only recently been reached that this proposal was the most appropriate course of action. Whilst the report could have been delayed to a later Cabinet meeting, any delay to the decision results in a delay to taking action to help support residents into housing. It is also noted that this report follows on from a Cabinet report presented at the meeting on 31 July 2019 and so is not a wholly new issue.”

Councillor Sirajul Islam, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing introduced the report. He highlighted that the report followed on from a decision at July 2019 Cabinet where it had been agreed to lease Angela Court to Mulberry Housing Society. However, this proposal had not progressed as expected and so different options were now being explored. The report was proposing that the Council instead acquire the properties for the Housing Revenue Account and that Tower Hamlets Homes be asked to manage them.

The Mayor welcomed the report and noted that it was now important to have a discussion as to the future role of Mulberry Housing Society. The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted and the Mayor agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree that negotiations with Mulberry Housing Society are terminated.

2.    To agree that Angela Court is acquired into the Housing Revenue Account and the units let on secure tenancies.

3.    To agree that Angela Court and the units therein are managed by Tower Hamlets Homes subject to any necessary variations to the management agreement.

4.    To delegate to the Corporate Director, Place in consultation with the Corporate Director, Finance any further decisions required to achieve the outcomes set out in these recommendations.

Should the Mayor in Cabinet consider it necessary, it is recommended that the following motion be adopted to allow consideration of any exempt/restricted documents.

“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)

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) to report on any issues  raised by the OSC in relation to exempt/confidential business to be considered.

Nil items.

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

Nil items.

Nil items.