Agenda, decisions and draft minutes
Venue: The Council Chamber, 1st Floor, Town Hall, Mulberry Place, 5 Clove Crescent, London, E14 2BG
Contact: John S Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services Tel: 020 7364 4204, E-mail: johns.williams@towerhamlets.gov.uk
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE To receive any apologies for absence. Decision: Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Carli Harper-Penman, Abdul Matin and Abdul Asad and for lateness from Councillors Rupert Bawden and Fozol Miah.
DECISION
That the apologies for absence and lateness be noted.
Minutes: Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Abdul Asad, Carli Harper-Penman and Abdul Matin and for lateness from Councillors Rupert Bawden and Fozol Miah.
RESOLVED
That the apologies for absence and lateness be noted.
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST PDF 25 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 Chief Executive.
Decision: Please see minutes.
Minutes: Councillors made declarations of interest in items included on the agenda as follows:
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To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the unrestricted minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 21st May 2008. Additional documents:
Decision: DECISION
That the minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on Wednesday 21st May 2008 be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and the Mayor be authorised to sign them accordingly.
Minutes: RESOLVED
That the minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on Wednesday 21st May 2008 be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and the Mayor be authorised to sign them accordingly.
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TO RECEIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, LEADER OF THE COUNCIL, MEMBERS OF THE CABINET OR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Decision: Please see minutes.
Minutes: Prayer Break
The Mayor informed Members that he intended to adjourn the meeting at 9.25pm for approximately 15 minutes to provide Members with an opportunity to observe prayers.
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TO RECEIVE ANY DEPUTATIONS OR PETITIONS PDF 62 KB The deputations and petitions that have been received for presentation to the Council Meeting are set out in the attached agenda item 5. Decision: DEPUTATIONS
5.1.1 Deputation: Future of the Bethnal Green Centre
Mr. Roberto Foth addressed the meeting in support of the deputation.
DECISION
That the deputation be referred to the Corporate Director, Children’s Services for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
(Action by: Kevan Collins, Corporate Director, Children’s Services)
5.1.2 Deputation: Recognising and establishing a policy on Faith and Religion
Mr. Hussain addressed the meeting in support of the deputation.
DECISION
That the deputation be referred to the Assistant Chief Executive for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
(Action by: Michael Keating, Assistant Chief Executive)
5.1.3 Deputation: Island Homes Housing Association
Ms. Jenny Fisher addressed the meeting in support of the deputation.
DECISION
That the deputation be referred to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
(Action by: Paul Evans, Corporate Director, Development and Renewal)
PETITIONS
5.2.1 Petition from Mr. Iqbal Hossain on traffic calming on Abbott Road
Mr. Iqbal Hossain addressed the meeting in support of the petition.
DECISION
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
(Action by: Stephen Halsey, Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture)
5.2.2 Petition re: management and regulation of community projects and premises in Stepney
Mr. Ali addressed the meeting in support of the meeting.
DECISION That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
(Action by: Paul Evans, Corporate Director, Development and Renewal)
5.2.3 Petition re: Parking on the Crossways estate
Mr. George Bailey addressed the meeting in support of the petition.
DECISION
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
(Action by: Paul Evans, Corporate Director, Development and Renewal)
Minutes: DEPUTATIONS
5.1.1 Future of the Bethnal Green Centre
At the invitation of the Mayor, Mr. Roberto Foth addressed the meeting about the future of the Bethnal Green Centre as set out in the circulated deputation. A member of staff also addressed the meeting about the facilities available at the Centre.
Mr. Foth responded to questions by Members of the Council.
Councillor Clair Hawkins, Lead Member, Children’s Services then responded to the matters raised by the deputation.
RESOLVED
That the deputation be referred to the Corporate Director, Children’s Services for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
5.1.2 Recognising and establishing a policy on Faith and Religion
At the invitation of the Mayor, Mr. Hussain addressed the meeting in support of the deputation requesting a clear Council policy on religious activities and facilities.
Mr. Hussain responded to questions by Members of the Council.
Councillor Sirjaul Islam, Deputy Leader of the Council, then responded to the matters raised by the deputation.
RESOLVED
That the deputation be referred to the Assistant Chief Executive for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
5.1.3 Island Homes Housing Association
At the invitation of the Mayor, Ms Jenny Fisher addressed the meeting concerning the Island Homes Housing Association. Ms Fisher re-iterated the points made in the printed deputation and asked the Council to investigate and instigate a process of mediation.
Ms. Fisher responded to questions by Members of the Council.
Councillor Marc Francis, Lead Member for Housing and Development, then responded to the matters raised by the deputation.
RESOLVED
That the deputation be referred to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
PETITIONS
5.2.1 Traffic calming on Abbott Road, E14
At the invitation of the Mayor, Mr. Iqbal Hossain addressed the meeting in support of the petition requesting traffic calming and safety measures on Abbott Road, E14. He re-iterated the points raised in the written petition and asked when the Council would introduce a scheme to calm the traffic and help the residents to have a better quality of life.
Mr. Hossain responded to questions by Members of the Council.
Councillor Abdal Ullah, Lead Member for Cleaner, Safer, Greener, responded to the matters raised in Mr. Hossain’s petition.
RESOLVED
That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture for a written response on any outstanding matters within 28 days.
5.2.2 Management and regulation of community projects and premises in Stepney
At the invitation of the Mayor, Mr. Ali and Mr Noor Uddin Ullah addressed the meeting in support of the petition.
During the presentation Councillor Helal Abbas raised a point of order in relation to the naming of individuals. The Service Head Democratic Services advised that an individual who was not a council officer or member could be named in the course of discussion but that incorrect or unsubstantiated comments must not be made about any person.
The petitioners raised a number ... view the full minutes text for item 5. |
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TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PDF 24 KB (Maximum of 30 minutes allowed)
The questions which have been received are set out in agenda item 6. Decision: 6.1 Question from Mr. Terry McGrenera to the Lead Member for Cleaner, Safer, Greener, Councillor Abdal Ullah, re: how many fixed penalty notices have the Environmental Services department issued over the past two years?
The above question was put by Mr McGrenera and responded to by Councillor Ullah.
(Action by: John Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
6.2 Question from Ms. Joanna Kaschke re: Improvements to Council housing blocks and leaseholder charges.
Ms Kaschke was unable to attend the meeting and would therefore receive a written answer to her question.
(Action by: John Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
6.3 Question from Mr. Alan Tucker to the Lead Member for Housing and Development, Councillor Marc Francis, re: the former Safeway site in Roman Road.
The above question and an oral supplementary question were put by Mr Tucker and responded to by Councillor Francis.
(Action by: John Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: Three questions were submitted by members of the public for response by members of the Cabinet as listed in agenda item 6. The questions, together in each case with the response of the relevant Lead Member and a summary of any supplementary question and response, are set out below.
6.1 Question from Mr. Terry McGrenera to the Lead Member for Cleaner, Safer, Greener, Councillor Abdal Ullah:
How many fixed penalty notices have the Environmental Services department issued over the past two years?
Response of the Lead Member:
There were 2114fixed penalty notices issued by the Environmental Services department over the past two years.
No supplementary question was asked within the two minute time limit available.
6.2 Question from Ms. Johanna Kaschke to the Lead Member for Housing and Development, Councillor Marc Francis:
I would like to know whether it would influence the authority in considering improvements to council blocks if a lot of “poor” leaseholders are unable to pay towards those improvements and whether the council would be likely not to carry out the improvements if this is the case. I call them poor leaseholders because some could just about afford to purchase a cut price home and now have no money to pay towards block/estate improvements and they would not always want to sell their homes. Would the council want to keep leaseholders happy by carrying out fewer improvements to the blocks?
Ms Kaschke was unable to attend the meeting and would therefore receive a written answer to her question.
6.3 Question from Mr. Alan Tucker to the Lead Member for Housing & Development, Councillor Marc Francis:
The consultation on the development of the Safeway
site in Roman Road has raised an unprecedented level of objections
to the plans. The building proposed dwarfs the surrounding
properties. The density of the build is nearly twice that set
out in planning guidelines. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee
voiced concerns about this build from the outset and asked that the
terms of the lease should have appropriate controls.
Response of the Lead Member:
The Council’s previous Cabinet resolved to grant a development lease for the Safeways site last December. This decision was reaffirmed by that Cabinet despite the representations made by myself and my Overview & Scrutiny Committee colleagues in January.
This lease makes provision for a food retail supermarket in any development.
A planning application was submitted by the developers in December. However, Mr Tucker will know that as a result of the petition of 2,000 residents that I supported, and subsequent discussions between myself ... view the full minutes text for item 6. |
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TO RECEIVE QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PDF 42 KB (Maximum of 30 minutes allowed)
The questions which have been received are set out in agenda item 7. Decision: 7.1 Question from Councillor Ann Jackson to the Lead Member for Housing and Development, Councillor Mark Francis, re: the number of social rented homes built in Tower Hamlets in 2007/08.
7.2 Question from Councillor Peter Golds to the Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, Councillor Rofique Ahmed, re: the Borough’s archive collection.
7.3 Question from Councillor Abjol Miah to the Lead Member for Regeneration, Localisation and Community Partnerships, Councillor Ohid Ahmed, re: the London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Act 2006 trademarks.
7.4 Question from Councillor Stephanie Eaton to the Lead Member for Housing and Development, Councillor Marc Francis, re: reducing levels of overcrowding in the Borough’s residential accommodation.
7.5 Question from Councillor Lutfa Begum to the Lead Member for Housing and Development, Councillor Marc Francis, re: leaseholder service charges.
7.6 Question from Councillor Fazlul Haque to the Lead Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Clair Hawkins, re: how the London Youth Offer will be invested to improve youth services in the Borough.
7.7 Question from Councillor Tim Archer to the Lead Member for Housing and Development, Councillor Marc Francis, re: the establishment of Tower Hamlets Homes.
The above questions, and oral supplementary questions where put, were responded to by the relevant lead members.
Due to the lack of time, questions 7.8 to 7.26 were not put. Written responses will be forwarded to the questioners.
(Action by John Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes: Twenty six questions were submitted by Councillors for response by members of the Cabinet as listed in agenda item 7. The questions, together in each case with the response of the relevant Lead Member and a summary of any supplementary question and response, are set out below.
7.1 Question from Councillor Ann Jackson to the Lead Member for Housing and Development, Councillor Marc Francis:
How many social rented homes were built in Tower Hamlets in 2007/8?
Response of the Lead Member:
704 social rented homes were built in 2007/08, broken down as follows:
Therefore 21% of these homes are family sized.
That is in addition to the 662 social rented homes built in 2006/07 and 667 built in 2005/06 – a total of over 2,000 social rented homes built here in just three years.
I can also say that last year, there were around 1,600 lettings to families and single people on the housing waiting list.
Summary of supplementary question from Cllr Jackson:
What plans does the Council have in place to ensure that our residents’ interest is considered and firmly promoted by Councillors and officers as their top priority for all housing, planning and development decisions, both in terms of social and key worker/affordable housing provision?
Summary of Lead Member’s response:
I agree that it is crucial that we build on this success and we intend to further increase the number of family-sized and other social rented homes built in future years up to 1,400. The new Community Plan, Local Development Framework and Housing Strategy provide the framework and focus to achieve this.
7.2 Question from Councillor Peter Golds to the Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, Councillor Rofique Ahmed:
Despite promises to the contrary over a long period, it would appear that the council is planning to split up and disperse the Borough's archive which is acknowledged as being one of the finest collections in the country. This proposal has been opposed by academics, residents, all political parties and east enders in general. Why is the Labour Council doing this in the face of such opposition?
Response of the Lead Member:
A Council decision has not yet been made in relation to the future of Bancroft library which houses the Local History Study Service and Archive. Members are scheduled to consider this matter in the near future alongside options for the future location of Local History Study service and archives. Public consultation relating to the Local History study and archive service took place in June 2007 and the views of more than 50 consultees will be considered by Members in determining the future location of these services.
Summary of supplementary question from Cllr Golds:
Can I have an assurance that the archives will be preserved on one site for future generations to use?
Summary of Lead Member’s response:
I can give an assurance that this ... view the full minutes text for item 7. |
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REPORTS FROM THE EXECUTIVE AND THE COUNCIL'S COMMITTEES |
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Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee 2007/08 PDF 17 KB Additional documents: Decision: DECISION
That the Council note the annual report from Overview and Scrutiny.
(Action by Michael Keating, Assistant Chief Executive)
Minutes: Councillor Marc Francis introduced the annual report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and commented on the work undertaken by the committee during 2007/08. Cllr Francis thanked all those Members and officers who had contributed to the work described in the report and recorded in particular his thanks to Afazul Hoque, the Acting Scrutiny Policy Manager.
Members from each political group echoed Councillor Francis’ comments and commended the work of the Councillors and Co-opted Members on the committee.
At this point Councillor Joshua Peck moved that the question be put. On being put to the vote, this was unanimously agreed.
It was then MOVED by Councillor Marc Francis, SECONDED by Councillor Alex Heslop and
RESOLVED
That the Council note the annual report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee 2007/08.
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Report of the Cabinet Meeting of 7th May 2008 PDF 30 KB 1. Mail Forwarding Businesses Registration Additional documents: Decision: DECISION
That the Mail Forwarding Registration functions under section 75 of the London Local Authorities Act 2007 will come into force in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets on the appointed day of 25th August 2008.
(Action by Stephen Halsey, Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture)
Minutes: (i) Mail Forwarding Business Registration
The meeting considered the report of Cabinet held on 7th May 2008 regarding mail forwarding business registration.
In relation to the list of acceptable identification in appendix 1 to the report, Councillor Tim Archer asked whether there should be a requirement for the documents specified to be less than a stipulated period (e.g. three months) old. The Leader of the Council undertook to respond to Councillor Archer on this point.
It was MOVED by Councillor Lutfur Rahman, SECONDED by Councillor Sirajul Islam and
RESOLVED
That the Mail Forwarding Registration functions under section 75 of the London Local Authorities Act 2007 will come into force in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets on the appointed day of 25th August 2008.
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Report of the Cabinet Meeting of 11th June 2008 PDF 86 KB 1. Tower Hamlets Community Plan 2020 and Local Area Agreement
2. Strategic Plan, Annual Report and Best Value Performance Plan Additional documents:
Decision: An addendum sheet was tabled setting out proposed amendments to the circulated Tower Hamlets Community Plan and Local Area Agreement documents.
DECISION
1. That the Tower Hamlets Community Plan 2020 and Local Area Agreement 2008-11 attached as appendices 1 and 3 to the report be approved subject to the amendments set out in the tabled addendum and to any further appropriate amendments to ensure that they are accurate and reflect the views of members.
2. That the Chief Executive, after consultation with the Leader of the Council (and Chair of the Partnership), the Lead Member, Regeneration, Localisation and Community Partnerships and the Vice-Chair of the Partnership, be authorised to make appropriate amendments to the Tower Hamlets Community Plan 2020 and Local Area Agreement 2008-11 in advance of final publication.
3. That the Council’s Strategic Plan 2008/09 and Best Value Performance Plan as set out in appendices 1 and 3 to the report be approved subject to any appropriate amendments to ensure that the plans are accurate, coherent and reflect the views of members.
4. That the Chief Executive, after consultation with the Leader of the Council and the appropriate Lead Member, be authorised to make appropriate and necessary amendments to the Strategic Plan 2008/09 and BVVP (2007/2008) in advance of final publication.
(Action by Michael Keating, Assistant Chief Executive/Stephen Halsey, Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture)
Minutes: (i) Tower Hamlets Community Plan 2020 and Local Area Agreement
(ii) Strategic Plan, Annual Report and Best Value Performance Plan
The meeting considered the report of the Cabinet Meeting on 11th June 2008 in relation to the above items.
An addendum sheet was tabled setting out proposed amendments to the circulated Tower Hamlets Community Plan and Local Area Agreement documents.
Councillor Lutfur Rahman introduced the report of the Cabinet and proposed that the two items be taken together. He commended the plans to the Council and considered that they set out a clear vision for the Borough, shared by the Council and its partners, and a performance management framework to make this vision a reality and maintain excellent services for local people.
Councillor Ohid Ahmed seconded the proposal and thanked officers, partners and Members, including the former Leader of the Council, Councillor Denise Jones, for their work in bringing the documents forward. Other Members addressed the meeting and welcomed the proposed plans.
Councillor Stephanie Eaton asked that Members be informed of any amendments agreed by officers in accordance with the recommendations in the reports.
At this point, Councillor Tim Archer MOVED that in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 14.1.13 (motion to extend the meeting under Rule 9) the meeting be extended by 30 minutes. Councillor Peter Golds seconded the motion.
The procedural motion to extend the meeting was put to the vote and was defeated.
It was then MOVED by Councillor Lutfur Rahman, SECONDED by Councillor Ohid Ahmed and
RESOLVED
1. That the Tower Hamlets Community Plan 2020 and Local Area Agreement 2008-11 attached as appendices 1 and 3 to the report be approved subject to the amendments set out in the tabled addendum and to any further appropriate amendments to ensure that they are accurate and reflect the views of members.
2. That the Chief Executive, after consultation with the Leader of the Council (and Chair of the Partnership), the Lead Member, Regeneration, Localisation and Community Partnerships and the Vice-Chair of the Partnership, be authorised to make appropriate amendments to the Tower Hamlets Community Plan 2020 and Local Area Agreement 2008-11 in advance of final publication.
3. That the Council’s Strategic Plan 2008/09 and Best Value Performance Plan as set out in appendices 1 and 3 to the report be approved subject to any appropriate amendments to ensure that the plans are accurate, coherent and reflect the views of members.
4. That the Chief Executive, after consultation with the Leader of the Council and the appropriate Lead Member, be authorised to make appropriate and necessary amendments to the Strategic Plan 2008/09 and BVVP (2007/2008) in advance of final publication.
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TO RECEIVE REPORTS AND QUESTIONS ON JOINT ARRANGEMENTS AND EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS |
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Joint Arrangements No business under this heading to be considered. Decision: There was no business under this heading to be considered.
Minutes: There was no business under this heading to be considered.
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External Organisations No business under this heading to be considered. Decision: There was no business under this heading to be considered. Minutes: There was no business under this heading to be considered.
At this point (10.50 p.m.) the Service Head, Democratic Services advised that the time limit for the meeting had been reached. The guillotine procedure as set out in Council Procedure Rule 9.2 would therefore come into effect.
Councillor Tim Archer then MOVED a procedural motion to bring forward item 11.3 (motion on leaseholder services) to be the next item on the agenda. However the Service Head, Democratic Services, informed the meeting that Council Procedure Rule 9.2 allowed only for a vote on items of business for decision and specifically excluded motions submitted under Rule 13. The procedural motion was therefore not in order.
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OTHER BUSINESS |
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Report to follow, to incorporate the comments of the Standards Committee (17th June 2008) on proposed changes to the Planning Code of Conduct Decision: DECISION
That the revised Planning Code of Conduct (Part 5.2); Development Procedure Rules (Part 4.8) and Development Committee Functions and Delegations (Part 3.3.4) attached as appendices A – C to the report be agreed for inclusion in the Council’s Constitution, subject to the amendments proposed by Councillor Shafiqul Haque and seconded by Councillor Rofique U. Ahmed as set out in the tabled document.
(Action by: Isabella Freeman, Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services)/Paul Evans, Corporate Director, Development and Renewal).
Minutes: Under Council Procedure Rule 9, the recommendations in the report of the Assistant Chief Executive and the amendment tabled by Councillor Shafiqul Haque were each deemed formally moved and seconded.
The amendment moved by Councillor Haque and seconded by Councillor Rofique U. Ahmed was put to the vote and agreed.
The substantive motion as amended was then put to the vote and it was
RESOLVED
That the revised Planning Code of Conduct (Part 5.2); Development Procedure Rules (Part 4.8) and Development Committee Functions and Delegations (Part 3.3.4) be agreed for inclusion in the Council’s Constitution as set out in appendices A to C attached to these minutes.
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TO CONSIDER MOTIONS SUBMITTED BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL Decision: Motions 11.1 to 11.12 as listed below were not considered due to lack of time, the meeting having been closed following item 10.1 above in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 (Duration of meeting).
Minutes: Motions 11.1 to 11.12 as listed below were not considered due to lack of time, the meeting having been closed following item 10.1 above in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 (Duration of meeting).
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Motion submitted by Councillor Mamun Rashid regarding Community Centre for Tarling Estate Proposed: Councillor Mamun Rashid Seconded: Councillor Harun Miah
This council believes that all avenues must be explored to meet the funding gap of £400,000 required to allow development of the promised full-scale community centre to meet the urgent local needs. |
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Motion submitted by Councillor Stephanie Eaton regarding ID Cards Proposed: Councillor Stephanie Eaton Seconded: Councillor Azizur Rahman Khan
This Council notes:
1. That Parliament has created identity card legislation.
2. This legislation will have an impact on all residents within Tower Hamlets.
This Council believes:
1. That the proposed scheme will impose substantial and disproportionate costs on the Council.
2. That the cost of ID cards would be better spent on employing crime prevention measures such as more police officers, and target hardening.
3. ID cards have the potential to have a negative impact on social cohesion and notes the concerns of the Metropolitan Police Service to that effect: ‘The scheme could become compulsory prematurely for those disadvantaged members of society, because they would have to have an ID Card in order to access Social Security Benefits, etc. It should also be noted that many of the visible ethnic minorities are over-represented in this socio-economically deprived group. We have severe reservations that the scheme could add to tensions at a time when the police service is investing greatly in gaining confidence across all communities’.
This Council will:
1. Make it a policy of the Council to ensure that national identity cards would not be required to access council services or benefits unless specifically required to do so by Act of Parliament.
2. Take no part in any pilot scheme or feasibility work in relation to the introduction of the national identity cards.
3. Only co-operate with the national identity card scheme where to do otherwise would be unlawful.
4. Affiliate to the NO2ID campaign whose supporters already include MPs and Peers of all parties, Borough, County and District Councils, and unions (including UNISON, the largest union in the UK with 1.3 million members). |
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Motion submitted by Councillor Timothy Archer regarding Leaseholder Services Proposed: Councillor Timothy Archer Seconded: Councillor Peter Golds
Council notes the continuing dissatisfaction of leaseholders with the overall service they receive from Tower Hamlets Council, particularly in respect of:
Furthermore this council notes the following recent developments:
This council therefore resolves to call on the executive to:
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Motion submitted by Councillor Alex Heslop regarding support for the Co-operative and Social Enterprise Sector Proposed: Councillor Alex Heslop Seconded: Councillor Denise Jones
This Council recognises that there is a diverse and healthy co-operative sector in Tower Hamlets with a combined turnover of approximately £50 million and also appreciates the important role that co-operatives and other social enterprises can play in community and economic regeneration initiatives. Although there are many successful co-operative enterprises operating in Tower Hamlets such as Tower Hamlets Community Credit Union, Tower Hamlets CDA and Greenwich Leisure (effectively a workers co-op), as well as several food co-ops and housing co-operatives, there is not a single council officer with a specific remit or indeed expertise for working with the co-operative & social enterprise sectors.
This Council resolves to do the following:
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Motion submitted by Councillor Oliur Rahman regarding security for visitors to Bangladesh Proposed: Councillor Oliur Rahman Seconded: t.b.c.
The Council notes with concern a number of incidents that have occurred in recent years when visitors to Bangladesh have experienced violence or intimidation. These include Rizwan Hossain, the British Bangladeshi barrister who was mistreated at Zia International airport in April 2008, and a Member of our own Council who experienced a distressing shooting incident at her property in Bangladesh in January 2007.
The Council notes that this issue has been raised with the British High Commission in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh High Commission in the UK, the Bangladesh Home Secretary and Metropolitan Police, Advisor and Foreign advisor in the Bangladesh government and others but so far no reply has been received except from one MP, and no incident investigation has been resolved.
The Council believes that action should be taken to ensure the safety and security of British Bangladeshi and other people when they visit Bangladesh on holiday or for other reasons, whether at the airport, in their home or in a public place.
The Council calls on the British and Bangladeshi governments to act to prevent further incidents of this nature and to compensate victims of such events. |
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Motion submitted by Councillor Shahed Ali regarding webcasting/pro-active access to Council Committee meetings Proposed: Councillor Shahed Ali Seconded: Councillor Dulal Uddin
This Council Believes:
It has a duty to involve all members of the public to access council and the various committee meetings we hold in the Town Hall. The council understands that it is difficult for persons to attend these meetings, particularly to persons with physical disabilities due to the location of the Town Hall. With a growing population of 200,000+, accommodation facilities are restricted to 30 persons in the public gallery. Therefore further accommodation is provided by means of large-screen broadcast in adjoining room.
Every individual has the fundamental right to play an equal role in society, and this council seeks to pro-actively address identified needs to ensure all persons have equal access to engage with the work of the council.
This Council further believes:
Web casting plays a major role in the government’s agenda under the e-democracy and e-government banner. Web casting council meetings will provide access to the hard to reach members of our communities and would increase the level of local involvement in the decision making process of the council.
Web casting will further enrich the debate within the council chamber, improve decorum and add value to the council’s meetings and other democratic processes. It will enable young people in particular to grow interest in council business, empowering them to get more involved with their community, and more prepared as potential future councillors. Web casting will give further credence to and enhance the council’s Beacons status award of ‘Getting Closer to Communities’.
This Council resolves to:
Agree to web cast the various council meetings subject to a cost evaluation.
This Council instructs:
(a) Officers to immediately set up a working group in order to proceed to investigate the mechanics of providing web casts of the various council meetings.
(b) The working group is to provide a report together with a costing forecast for this provision to be completed and submitted for discussion to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for 29 May 2008, with a view to submitting recommendations to Cabinet scheduled for 7 May 2008 for possible adoption at full council scheduled for 21 May 2008.
(c) Democratic Services and Chief Executives Communications budget to determine and to set-aside £20,000 within their budget/s for the Municipal year 2008/9 to realise the above. |
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Motion submitted by Councillor Philip Briscoe regarding Special Constables Proposed: Councillor Philip Briscoe Seconded: Councillor Peter Golds
This Council Notes:
This Council Resolves:
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Motion submitted by Councillor Harun Miah regarding the Arms Trade Proposed: Councillor Harun Miah Seconded: Councillor Abjol Miah
This Council is committed to promoting peace and cohesion, and maintaining security and safety.
We oppose the spread of weapons of mass destruction, and join with Mayor of London Ken Livingstone and others in opposing the biennial arms fair, Defence Systems and Equipment International (DSEi), held in East London.
We believe it is the responsibility of Councils to offer leadership in actively promoting peace and conciliation. On behalf of the people of Tower Hamlets we call on our government to do likewise and we reaffirm our opposition to any moves to draw British troops into US plans for fresh aggressions against Iran.
We will communicate these decisions and encourage debate around them through our website, through East End Life and other appropriate means. |
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Motion submitted by Councillor Ahmed Hussain regarding the future of the GP surgeries in Tower Hamlets Proposed: Councillor Ahmed Hussain Seconded: Councillor Peter Golds
Last year the Tower Hamlets PCT had honoured the contract of St Pauls Way surgery to a private company called Atos Origin. Despite the fact the company does not have any background experience on health; they were still given the contract. The people of Tower Hamlets specially the 10,000 residents that use the surgery have opposed this. But the residents were not at all heard.
The Council notes:
This Council believes:
This Council calls on those responsible to ensure:
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Motion submitted by Councillor Abjol Miah regarding PCT and GP practice contracting Proposed: Councillor Abjol Miah Seconded: Councillor Shahed Ali
Council notes
- Tower Hamlets Primary Care Trust has awarded a 10-year contract for providing general practice services to Atos Healthcare - This company took over running services at the St Paul’s Way Medical Centre on 1st February 2008 - The anger of patients and general practice staff that this contract has been awarded to a private, for-profit organisation - An 80-strong general practice forum vote (with one against) of no confidence in the PCT following this decision - Atos Healthcare is part of Atos Origin, the company awarded the IT contract for the Olympics, with company profits of £235 million in 2006. - Atos Healthcare has no experience of running general practice services in this country. - The walk-in health centre at Canary Wharf which Atos currently run for the PCT has been the subject of complaints from those working there, and has been operating well under capacity. - The PCT manages six other GP health practises in Tower Hamlets which also face being tendered and awarded to private companies in the same way
Council resolves
To support local GP-led or not-for profit provision of health care services To conduct a full consultation with residents before any future PCT decision on GP health practice contracts are tendered. |
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Motion submitted by Councillor Md. Abdul Munim regarding Financial Rescue Schemes Proposed: Councillor Md. Abdul Munim Seconded: Councillor Abjol Miah
In light of warnings from housing charity Shelter against the dangers of so called ‘mortgage rescue schemes’, which can lead to financial loss or even homelessness, Council notes
1. That such schemes target homeowners struggling with debt and mortgage arrears, offering ‘rescue packages’ to buy their homes and rent them back to former owners. In reality people receive a fraction of the market value of their property and are only offered short-term tenancy agreements, which leave them vulnerable to eviction after only a few months.
2. Shelter’s call for Government to bring these companies under the regulation of the Financial Services Authority and an urgent investigation into their advertising practices
Council resolves to:
1. Warn residents of the possible dangers involved in such schemes
2. Recommend residents to seek independent financial advice before selling their home through a mortgage rescue scheme
3. Suspend advertising by any such companies through East End Life and any other Council media, pending a review of the service offered. |
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Motion submitted by Councillor Dulal Uddin regarding the East London Line Proposed: Councillor Dulal Uddin Seconded: Councillor Abjol Miah
Council notes that the London Underground’s East London Line (ELL) is due to close in December 2007 and welcomes the extension of the ELL and improved access to and from East London.
We further note that the East London line is currently operated by London Underground and that the Mayor of London has announced plans to transfer the ownership and management of the ELL from London Underground to the private sector in 2010.
The Public Private Partnership on London Underground has already created a fragmented network with frequent service disruptions. Privatisation of the East London Line will exacerbate that fragmentation and could be the thing end of the wedge with other lines and services transferred to other companies in the future.
This Council strongly urges the Mayor of London and Transport for London to retain operation and ownership of the East London Line in the public sector.
This Council strongly urges the Mayor of London and Transport for London’s Chief Operating Officer for London Rail, Howard Smith, to carry out full and active consultation prior to any decision being made, in the areas served by the ELL. |