The questions which have been received from Councillors to be put at this Council meeting are set out in the attached report.  A maximum period of 30 minutes is allocated to this agenda item.

 

 

The following questions and in each case supplementary questions were put (except where indicated) and were responded to by the Mayor or relevant Executive Member.

 

11.1 Question from Councillor Asma Islam:

 

Can the lead member inform us of the number of social homes available in the development Locksley A in Mile End?

 

Response of Mayor John Biggs:

 

There were 33 new Council homes in the development, comprising a mixture of 1-3 bedroom units with landscaping works. A number of Councillors visited the new development last week. All of the homes were at social rents with 85% at London Affordable Rent and 15% at Tower Hamlets Living Rent.  The development also comprised 3 wheelchair assessable units, which represents 10% of the development.

 

No supplementary question was asked.

 

11.2 Question from Councillor Peter Golds:

 

Will the Mayor update the council on the management of parking infringement and road safety consequent upon parking infringements on the Isle of Dogs?

 

Response of Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for the Environment:

 

I can assure you that the Civil Enforcement Team carried out a range of measures to manage parking infringement on the Isle of Dogs. The Enforcement Officers undertake patrols and issues fines where necessary. Steps had also been taken to increase the number of patrols and introduce new parking restrictions on Manchester Road as part of the parking development work programme. Further measures included: the installation of double yellow lines and loading bays around the Emerald Gardens development on Westferry Road. Further consideration could be given to the introduction of yellow lines on Island Point development on Westferry Road. This would require further investigation. The work can be carried out in the next few months.

 

Supplementary question from Councillor Peter Golds:

 

Can you provide further reassurances about the action to deal with the concerns raised by residents about illegal parking, particularly at Island Point and Manchester Road?

 

Councillor David Edgar’s response to supplementary question:

 

I am happy to discuss with Councillor Golds the issues he is concerned about, with a view to moving on changes that would help residents.

11.3 Question from Councillor Bex White:

 

Can the Cabinet Member provide an update on actions taken by the Council and its partners in response to the petition from Residents living around Jolly’s Green which was brought to Full Council in November?

 

Response of Councillor Asma Begum, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Equalities:

 

The Safer Neighbourhood Team, worked closely with partners in the area to address anti-social behaviour issues. They have developed a multi - agency action plan to prevent and reduce such issues. It should also be noted that the Lansbury Ward Panel would have a role in overseeing the implementation of the plan, and that it would be considered by the Panel.

 

No supplementary question was asked.

 

11.4 Question from Councillor Andrew Wood

 

Tiller road leisure centre was built in the 1970’s, has any consideration been given to re-developing by the Mayor, should One Housing Group residents vote to regenerate the Kedge House area as part of a joint development like that undertaken by Greenwich & Camden Councils?

 

Response of Mayor John Biggs:

 

The Council currently has no plans at present to redevelop the Tiller Road Leisure Centre. However, as a part of the re-procurement of the Council’s Leisure Management Contract, it was intended to carry out a review of longer term options for the Leisure Centres, over the next few months

 

Supplementary question from Councillor Andrew Wood:

 

I am aware of a number of progressive joint projects involving Local Authorities working with developers to build new Leisure Centres, (such as by Greenwich and Camden Councils).  Will the Mayor look at these ideas?

 

Mayor John Biggs response to supplementary question:

 

I am willing to look at different options, particularly if they were cost effective.

 

11.6 Question from Councillor Abdul Mukit MBE:

 

Following the public meetings about the Boundary Estate, will the cabinet member update me on what actions the council are taking, particularly around tackling burglary, petty crime and ASB?

 

Response of Mayor John Biggs:

 

I have attended a number of public meetings on the estate to look at the concerns around such issues as the impact from the night time economy, ASB, parking issues and housing management. The Council had carried out a number of initiatives to address these issues, such as changing parking  hours to address ASB. I look forward to a further meeting to look at how these measures are addressing this issues and how the Liveable Street initiative can help improve the neighbourhood.

 

Supplementary question from Councillor Abdul Mukit MBE:

 

Many residents now live in fear especially after the recent incidents of serious crime on the estate. Residents are terrified and very concerned. My question is what reassurances can you provide to those people affected?

 

Mayor John Biggs response to supplementary question:

 

I can reassure you that the Council is very conscious of the wider ranging issues with crime and ASB in the. We will be responding to any urgent issues before the next Boundary Estate public meeting, scheduled to take place in May.

 

11.8 Question from Councillor Val Whitehead:

 

Can the Mayor or Cabinet Member update members on the resilience of our Adult Social Care to Covid-19 and what measures we are taking to protect our vulnerable residents?

 

Response of Councillor Amina Ali, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing:

 

The situation is very fluid and Adult Social Care Services are keeping abreast of the latest Government advice. We note that the virus is likely to result in mild symptoms for many, and that it will particularly affect the vulnerable groups in the community. The number of cases are likely rise and will have a significant impact on the Adults Social Care Service. The service is well informed of the prevention measures, due to experience with dealing with the winter flue. Staff were regularly updated. 

 

We await a further update on the National Guidance measures and will continue to focus on preventative measures

 

Supplementary question from Councillor Val Whitehead:

 

Have you any advice for people in insecure employment that may need to take time off?

 

Councillor Amina Ali’s response to supplementary question:

 

As noted in the Mayor’s earlier report, the Council and the Trade Unions are concerned about this. We await for any emergency government legislation and we are monitoring the situation very closely. Should these measures not progress quickly, the Council looks forward to working with other Local Council’s, if necessary, to work with the Government to help those on zero hour contracts.

 

11.9 Question from Councillor James King:

 

What action has the council taken against complaints about the academisation process Cyril Jackson Primary school is going through?

 

Response of Councillor Danny Hassell, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Young People

 

In view of the concerns from parents, the Council commissioned an external review of the process. The Independent Reviewer met with the school leaders and submitted their findings to the Regional School Commissioner. We remained concerned about two areas in particular around: former Head Teacher’s potential conflict of interest in the process, and the failure to fully establish reasons for the decision to join the University Schools Trust.

 

No supplementary question was asked.

 

11.10 Question from Councillor Kyrsten Perry:

 

Can the Cabinet member please provide an update on the performance of payments by results for the Government’s ‘Troubled Families’ programme?

 

Response of Councillor Danny Hassell, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Young People:

 

In Tower Hamlets, this programme is called ‘Supporting Stronger Families’, and this provides help to families with  a range of problems and provided payments by results. The totals for recent years are as follows:

 

·         2015/16  - 8 payments,

·         2016/17  - 77

·         2017/18 -  522

·         2018/19 - 664

·         2019/20 - 984.

 

Supplementary question from Councillor Kyrsten Perry:

 

Can you provided an update on the future of the ‘Troubled Families’ programme?

 

Councillor Danny Hassell’s, response to supplementary question:

 

This is a National programme and funding was due to end this year. However, due to the delays in the Government Comprehensive Spending Review, the long term future of the programme remains unclear. 

 

The Government had confirmed its intention to extend the programme for a  year, the coming financial year. The Council needed much more certainty from the Government on the longer term future of the programme.

 

11.11 Question from Councillor Shah Ameen:

 

Following the recent stabbing in London Central Mosque, what steps are we taking as a council to ensure the safety of our mosques and other places of worship?

 

Response of Councillor Asma Begum, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Equalities:

 

The community was shocked to hear about this terrible incident.  It should be noted that ensuring the safety of our mosques and other places of worships continues to be a priority for the Council. The Council were working hard with the Police and community to ensure appropriate action was taken. The Community Safety team provided support to places of worship with gaining access to the Government’s Places of Worship Protective Security Funding Scheme for safety improvements and assistance and to secure additional external funding. There was also ongoing work to improve the protected security at the London Central Mosque

 

Supplementary question from Councillor Shah Ameen:

 

Can you provide assurances regarding the work with Mosques and other faith buildings to take forward these measures?

 

Councillor Asma Begum’s response to supplementary question:

 

I note the impact of the devastating terrorist attacks, particular the tragic event in New Zealand. The Council had a Designing Out Crime Officer that had engaged with all places of worship to provide help with apply for the funding.  The Mayor and the Cabinet Member undertook to attend any public meetings about these issues, to look at these issues.

 

11.12 Question from Councillor Dipa Das:

 

Can you please update Members on what we are doing to help young people into work?

 

Response of Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman, Cabinet Member for Work and Economic Growth:

 

The Council carries out a lot of work to support young people into employment. The WorkPath team worked hard to identify opportunities for residents.  In the previous two years, 38% of those helped into employment  were under the age of 25. The Council’s Careers team also provided advice to school children at age 11 and 12 to help plan their future. Last year, the number of young people in employment, education and training rose from 95.1% to 96.6%. The Council had met the targets for the Mayor’s apprenticeship scheme. The Council would continue to work hard to help young people secure employment opportunities.

 

No supplementary question was asked.

 

11.13 Question from Councillor Puru Miah:

 

Does the Council include Socio-Economic inequalities in its Equality Impact Assessments, as laid out in Section 1 of the Equalities Act 2010?

 

Response of Councillor Asma Begum, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Equalities:

 

The Council’s assessment process sets out measures to ensure that due regard is given to the equalities issues, including the social economic impact. Our Guidance is published on the Council’s Website. I can also provide you with a specific example in relation to the equalities impact assessment for the proposals to close Raines School. The decisions around the school uniform grant complied with the relevant requirements

 

Supplementary question from Councillor Puru Miah:

 

Should the Council follow the Scotland government in respect of its approach to carrying out Socio-Economic inequalities assessments?

 

Councillor Asma Begum’s response to supplementary question:

 

I am happy to discuss this with the Councillor further.

 

11.14 Question from Councillor Mohammed Pappu:

 

What is the council doing to resolve the constant water pressure issues that many residents on the Isle of Dogs are facing in their households?

 

Response of Mayor John Biggs:

 

This is a recurrent issue - in this area and the Bethnal Green area as well. Whilst the Council had no direct powers in relation to water issues, and our responsibilities were complicated, the Council worked with the Greater London Authority and Thames Water to develop an integrated water management delivery plan. The Council may also work with landlords to supply pumps and consult Thames Water on all strategic planning applications.

 

Supplementary question from Councillor Mohammed Pappu:

 

The residents most affected by these problems are normally the disabled and those with special needs and residents with difficulty in paying bills. What support can the Council provide to mitigate this?

 

Mayor John Biggs response to supplementary question:

 

I am happy to work with landlords, management agents, individual households and in particular, social landlords where residents with disabilities, and those experience difficulties in paying their bills, are often in occupation. The Council can’t solve these problems ourselves but I am happy to continue to work with the residents to work to address these problems.

 

11.15 Question from Councillor Rabina Khan:

 

The Global Gender Report 2020 revealed that gender parity would not be attained in 100 years.  How will the Mayor commit to ensure that the council works to address gender parity in the workplace, council service delivery and the voluntary sector?

 

Response of Councillor Asma Begum, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Equalities:

 

The Council is committed to ensuring gender equality at the Council and in the wider Borough. The Council had invested in a number of gender equality programmes including initiatives regarding: reducing violence against women, supporting access to work and access to childcare. An example of the work included supporting an introduction into construction. The Council had also funded a series of event to mark International Women’s Day to raise aspirations of local women and girls.

 

Supplementary question from Councillor Rabina Khan:

 

Can the Mayor provide confirmation regarding pay equality for employee’s carrying out the same role?

 

Councillor Asma Begum response to supplementary question.

 

I am happy to meet with you to give you a detailed response.

 

Questions 11.5, 11.7 were not put due to the absence of the questioner. A written response would be provided to these questions. (Note the written responses are included in Appendix A to these minutes)