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 Tarik Khan:

 

Will the Mayor provide an update on the Liveable Streets programme?

 

Response of Mayor John Biggs:

 

I continue to support the principles behind Liveable Streets for providing better, safer, calmer streets, reduce rat run traffic and to improve air quality and the street environment. However, the Administration now needs to take time to reflect on the impact of the scheme on residents, so the decision has been taken to pause the programme. The Council intended to complete the existing programmes in the seven areas, where the consultation had taken place, subject to undertaking any amendments necessary in light of the consultation or pause. The Council also remained committed to carrying out it’s Schools Streets programme.

 

No supplementary question was asked.

 

11.2 Question from Councillor Kabir Ahmed:

 

Can the Mayor give a break down of how much money has been spent to date on his liveable streets project? (This includes costs for; Consultants/ so called consultation, Planters, Transport costs, Council Officer time/cost, Any other cost for this project)

 

Response of Mayor Biggs:

 

Since the introduction of the programme, several years ago, £6.9 million had been spent on the project, from capital resources not from revenue resources. Most of which had been spent on physical works. As the programme was concluded, an even bigger amount will be spent on physical works.  I wish to emphasise that the aims of the programme were not just about closing roads but about improving the streets scene, cycle and motorist provision and providing pocket parks, as well as other services. It represented a good investment in the public realm.

 

Supplementary question from Councillor Kabir Ahmed:

 

Can the Mayor clarify the reasons for leaving the planters on Virginian Road?

 

Mayor Biggs response to supplementary question:

 

They were placed there at a time when the closure was due to go ahead.  This decision now forms part of the review. It was unlikely that this closure would take place as intended. In that case, they will need to be removed.

 

11.3 Question from Councillor Leema Qureshi:

 

How is the Mayor’s Covid Recovery Fund being used?

 

Response of Mayor John Biggs:

 

The Mayor’s Covid Recovery Fund will help initiate the Borough’s economic and social recovery from Covid 19. Nearly £3m of grants has been committed. The main heading for the funding comprised:

 

·       Community led recovery – almost £700,000.

·       Healthy recovery – almost £900,000.

·       Community recognised and celebrated - £44,500

·       Economic recovery programme - £500,000

 

It will provide support in the areas where Government programmes had failed to cover.

 

It offers good value and will help raise the capacity of the Borough and support the community, helping us ease our way out of a crisis.

 

No supplementary question was asked.

 

11.4 Question from Councillor Peter Golds:

 

Will the Mayor outline his plan to mitigate the anti-social behaviour at St Andrews Wharf, Masthouse Terrace and the Basketball Area of Millwall Park which is increasingly blighting the peace of local residents?

 

Response of Councillor Sirajul Islam, Cabinet Member for Community Safety:

 

The skate park at St Andrews Wharf, Masthouse Terrace is currently the subject of proactive monitoring by the Police Task Force and Tower Hamlets Enforcement Officers.The Council’s Youth Services are also ensuring that the facilities at this location are now being utilised by young people, without causing a detrimental affect on the community. While the proactive action by the Police and the Community Safety resource has had a positive affect, it is likely that ASB will continue to be a problem at this location, whilst it remains insecure. We are working with partners to explore solutions to secure this area.

 

Multi agency action between Parks and Highways took place in June in relation to Millwall Park and the underpass. In relation to light pollution contributing to the situation, we will revisit this and the ASB that has been occurring of late. A new ASB case will be opened to investigate ongoing issues in this area.  We are liaising with TfL regarding changes to the position of DLR track lighting and the potential installation of a timer function. 

 

Supplementary question from Councillor Peter Golds:

 

Can the Council look at locking the gates at dusk at St Andrews Wharf, to deal with the problems with ASB that are ruining the residents quality of life on a 24 hour 7 days a week basis?

 

Councillor Sirajul Islam’s response to supplementary question:

 

As highlighted in my answer, the Council were working with partners to find solutions in this area and I can communicate this back to you.  I am very happy to visit this particular area at St Andrews Wharf and I can arrange this.

 

11.5 Question from Councillor Eve McQuillan:

 

What is the council’s response to the Government’s announcement on social care, and how much has the council itself invested in social care in 2020/21?

 

Response of Councillor Rachel Blake, Deputy Mayor & Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing:

 

The Council is deeply disappointed by this Government’s response to what is now a social care crisis. In particularly, it’s attempts to force the costs on the Council and hard working people.

 

I wish to thank all the hardworking people working in our care services – from the social workers  to the unpaid workers, who support some of the most vulnerable residents.

 

In direct answer to your question, the Council works with nearly 4000 people and has spent £98m on supporting people in relation to social care.

 

Supplementary question from Councillor Eve McQuillan:

 

Can you comment on the impact of a national social care service for residents and careers in Tower Hamlets?

 

Councillor Rachel Blake’s response to supplementary question:

 

I believe that only a locally secured social care service, supported by a national care service that recognises diversity of local needs, will really be able to support the vulnerable people in Tower Hamlets.  This will take a national strategy and only a Labour Government has the vision to deliver this

 

11.6 Question from Councillor Harun Miah:

 

According to the THLP website the Labour Mayor and Cllrs are ‘fighting for Cleaner, safer and fair for Tower Hamlets’

·       Rubbish not being collected-failed

·       Crime gone up - failed

·       Some roads blocked others open, how is that fair - failed

Can the Mayor explain who is politically responsible for delivering a cleaner, safer and fair Tower Hamlets?

 

Response of Mayor John Biggs:

 

The Council regularly monitors the performance of the waste services. However, during the Covid period, there had been difficulties, sometime caused by, for example, car parking on certain estates which makes it difficult for the vehicles to collect the waste.

 

Crime levels in the Borough had gone down during the pandemic. But there is a challenge now with the lifting of the restrictions. We are not responsible for crime but we continue to work with the Police in relation to crime.

 

The subject of road closures has already been discussed during the opposition motion debate.

 

It is the responsibility of the Administration to deliver a cleaner, safer and fair Tower Hamlets. We have a far better record in securing this, compared to the previous Administration.

 

No supplementary question was asked.

 

 

11.7 Question from Councillor David Edgar:

 

According to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 63% of the 200 million tonnes of waste generated in Britain annually is construction debris. The construction industry contributes around 40% of the country's total emissions. The London Plan 2021 Policy SI 7 sets a target for the London Mayor, waste planning authorities and industry of at least 95% of waste from construction and demolition to be reused, recycled or recovered.

What steps has the council already taken or is planning to take through its planning framework, regeneration and other policies, and work with partners such as housing associations to minimise the waste and CO2 emissions from construction work and reuse rather than demolish buildings?

 

Response of Councillor Asma Islam, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning:

 

The Tower Hamlets Reuse, Recycling and Waste Supplementary Planning Document SPD has recently been published. Our SPD (which can be found in the Council’s Local Plan), sets out our expectations and requirements for managing waste and for securing the aim of increasing recycling rates, through specific polices.

 

Developers and contractors are legally bound by this plan through the planning application process. The Council may take enforcement action in relation to any breaches. 

 

Supplementary question from Councillor David Edgar:

 

Can you confirm your plans to promote the SPD and ensure that Members are aware of developments as they take place?

 

Councillor Asma Islam’s response to supplementary question:

 

The Council works with partners as part of a partnership summit, who were committed to reducing waste and encourage recycling during construction work. 

 

We have also developed an action plan which is due to be published at the end of November, and in this we have included actions to address these specific issues.

 

11.8 Question from Councillor Andrew Wood:

 

Can the Mayor provide an update on the discussions with the London Fire Brigade as to the use of Community Infrastructure Levy monies to fund additional fire safety equipment?

 

 

 

 

Response of Councillor Danny Hassell, Cabinet Member for Housing:

 

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) have informed us that they have a strategic approach to the provision of fire safety equipment. Any addition equipment needs to be considered in that context. They have also advised us of the limitations on the provision of ariel appliances and where they can be situated, based on their facilities. They have advised us of the following:

 

·       That 64m arial appliances could not be accommodated in any of the stations in Tower Hamlets due to their size and weight.

·       The additional costs associated with servicing, and training staffing to  operate specialist appliances. This would create a substantial burden across the lifetime of the vehicle. This was in addition to the upfront costs, (which could be provide through capital funding).

·       Due to the procurement timetable, it would take a number of years before they could be built and put into operation.

·       That the LFB had bought three such appliances for stations in London and the first one is due to come in operation at the end of the year

 

We will continue to work with the GLA and LFB on the issue of fire safety equipment and how we can address the challenges of fire safety.

 

Supplementary question from Councillor Andrew Wood:

 

Can the Lead Member also provide an update on the discussions about the provision of other fire safety equipment not only ladders?

 

Councillor Danny Hassell’s response to supplementary question:

 

Our conversations with LFB are ongoing and we will continue to provide updates.

 

11.9 Question from Councillor Amina Ali:

 

Can the Mayor provide an update on the Council’s Building Safety Pledge and how it is supporting residents in Tower Hamlets?

 

Response of Councillor Danny Hassell, Cabinet Member for Housing:

 

Building safety is a key priority for the Council given that the Borough has the highest number of tower blocks in the country. This has been brought home by the events in the last couple of days. The  Building Safety Pledge was launched in July. It was released to highlight the situation, as well as the resulting financial responsibilities and pressures this places on the Council.

 

We have embarked on a number of initiatives to raise awareness of the draft pledge and fire safety issues, including:

 

·       Raising awareness of the pledge through media campaigns including the website, resident magazines, e – newsletters and social media.

·       Holding an ‘Ask the Mayor Event’ with key partners, including the LFB and Tower Hamlets Homes to provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions and receive information.

·       Working with the LFB in relation to consultation and engagement exercises and the Housing Forum to provide education on behaviours that can contribute to increased risk.

·       Lobbying Central government on fire safety issues

 

More information can be found on the Council’s website which will be updated following a review of the Council’s webpages.

 

No supplementary questions was asked.

 

11.10 Question from Councillor Shah Ameen:

 

Can the Mayor update members on the council’s plans to mark the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence?

 

Response of Councillor Sabina Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Sports:

 

I am really pleased to say that the Arts, Parks and Events Team have been delivering a wide range of activities and events, both on line and in person to celebrate the anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence. Some of these highlights have include:

 

·       Launching the dedicated webpage Bangladesh@50 to celebrate the programme, and other events delivered by partners.

·       The Tower Hamlets Bangladeshi Film Festival, which had just taken place at the Rich Mix and the Brady Arts Centre. Preparations were also underway to deliver a special season of Bangla dramas, called Freedom and Independence.

·       Installation of new art work at  the Whitechapel Idea Store.

·       A new exhibition at the Idea Store about the history of the independence struggle and the contributions of Tower Hamlets residents and the language struggle in the East End. 

 

The events were being advertises on line.

 

No supplementary question was asked.

 

 

11.12 Question from Councillor Marc Francis:

 

Will the Lead Member for Housing state how many applications from homeless households for a review of the suitability of the temporary accommodation they have been placed in by LBTH were received in 2020/21, and how many of those were dealt with within the 56day period stipulated in the Government’s Homelessness Code of Guidance?

 

 

 

 

Response of Councillor Danny Hassell, Cabinet Member for Housing:

 

I can confirm that between January 2020 to March 2021, the Council completed 77 suitability reviews within the stipulated timescale. 74 were completed outside the timeframe.

 

Whilst we note this is guidance and that some issues will overrun (due to the circumstances), we are also mindful that we need to do more. In the period April to August 2021, we have seen an increase in the number of reviews requested. Despite this, we successfully managed to conduct a similar number of reviews by the timescale.

 

We have taken a number of steps to deal with reviews in a more timely way including the recruitment of an officer to assist with this work and to deal with the increased demand.

 

Supplementary question from Councillor Marc Francis:

 

Can the Lead Member provide assurances that the number of suitability reviews exceeding the deadline will be reduced, and also undertake to look at the Court judgements about the quality of the placements, where they have overturned a Council decision? This is to ensure we learn best practice.

 

Councillor Danny Hassell’s response to supplementary question:

 

Yes, we want to look at the lessons learnt. I am happy to look at the court judgements and make sure that staff were better equipped to carry out reviews. It was hoped, with the recruitment of the additional officer, we will be able to complete the suitability reviews on time.

 

11.13 Question from Councillor Val Whitehead:

 

What assessment has been made of the impact in Tower Hamlets of the Government’s plans to cut Universal Credit by £20 per week?

 

Response of Councillor Mufeedah Bustin, Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion:

 

We were very disappointed to hear about this decision – especially   given the gravity of the impact of the pandemic on low income families, which was still largely unknown.

 

However, I can assure you that anyone receiving a 100% discount in their Council Tax support will continue to do so. Those receiving less will be reassessed to take account of their needs. We were currently working on the overall impact of the changes to Universal Credit, the end of the furlough scheme, the energy price cap, the increase in food prices, and the changes to National Insurance. This is with a view to producing a report, using the income family tracker dash board. We should have more information on this in the coming weeks.

 

Nearly 6 in 10 families with children in Tower Hamlets receive Universal Credit, or Working Tax Credits.  The loss of £1040 a year will lead to additional hardship for households. Not to the mention the large number of households with legacy benefits who did not receive the uplift in the first place.

 

No supplementary question was asked.

 

11.14 Question from Councillor Abdul Mukit MBE:

 

What does the Mayor plan to do with the Liveable Streets programme in Weavers ward especially after the many concerns raised by residents at the doorstep, email and on social media?

 

Response of Councillor Kahar Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Highways and Public Realm:

 

The Council has taken the decision to pause the scheme to review the programme, and the feedback from local residents and stakeholders. Following this further period of engagement, we intent to prepare further recommendations and to consult on these.

 

Supplementary question from Councillor Abdul Mukit MBE:

 

Will you be holding a public meeting in the Weavers ward?

 

Councillor Kahar Chowdhury’s response to supplementary question:

 

We are looking at various consultation methods through a broad range of mediums – this could include public meetings, also leaflets and speaking to residents and businesses to assess the impact. Particularly, those who have been affected locally, both positively and negatively. We are happy to attend public meetings to consult further.

 

11.15 Question from Councillor Victoria Obaze:

 

How many families have been rehoused as part of project 120 over the last 5 years? 

 

Response of Councillor Danny Hassell, Cabinet Member for Housing:

 

Project 120 aims to address the specific needs of families with wheelchair users or other complex needs on the Council’s housing waiting list. I am pleased to say that the project has been a big success and makes a huge difference to the lives of so many across the Borough. Over the last five years, the project has accommodated 179 households with those specific needs. Over half of those have been in the last two years.

 

Supplementary question from Councillor Victoria Obaze:

 

How many more people are on the Council’s waiting list?

 

Councillor Danny Hassell response to supplementary question:

 

About 20,000 households are on our housing waiting list. If you wish, I can provide you with a breakdown of people with specific housing needs on the wating list .

 

Questions 11.16- 11.19 were not put due to the absence of the questioner. Question 11.11 was not put due to the absence of the questioner. (Note the written responses are included in Appendix A to these minutes)