Agenda item
TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
The questions which have been received from members of the public to be put at this meeting are set out in the attached report.
A maximum period of 20 minutes is allocated to this agenda item.
Decision:
6.1 Question from Mr Abdullah Mahmud re: new legislation on the licensing of sexual encounter establishments (no supplementary question was asked)
6.2 Question from Mr Asad Uddin Khan re: progress in maintaining unity in diversity (in Mr Khan’s absence this question was put by Mr Aktaru Zaman)
6.3 Question from Ms Lil Collins re: Poplar Baths
The above questions and in each case (except where shown) an oral supplementary question were put and were responded to by the Mayor or the relevant Cabinet Member.
(Action by John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes:
6.1 Question from Mr Abdullah Mahmud re: new legislation on the licensing of sexual encounter establishments
Could the Mayor explain the local authority’s approach to the new legislation on the licensing of sexual encounter establishments such as strip joints and lap-dancing clubs?
Response by Councillor Rania Khan, Cabinet Member for Culture:
I know that this is an important issue to many residents and that this borough has a history of campaigning on this.I myself was involved in the Overview and Scrutiny process in the council which helped to bring about a change in the national legislation.We know and share the concerns residents have around community safety, female exploitation and anti-social behaviour.
I am extremely pleased to say that under this administration the Council has agreed to adopt the new legislation.
This allows greater control over licensing of strip joints and lap-dancing clubs.The policy we have designed looks at the different areas in Tower Hamlets and judges their suitability for lap dancing clubs and strip joints.The policy looks at the number of schools, places of worship, parks and other facilities which are not suited to being located near such premises.The policy suggests that there are no places in the borough suitable for lap-dancing clubs and strip joints.
This is now out for consultation and I would urge all of you to fill it out and let us know your thoughts on the policy.If the consultation supports the policy, we will be able to implement a ‘nil’ policy both going forward and retroactively.
I am confident, that knowing the strength of feeling of residents around this issue that we will be able to rid the borough of these venues for good.This will make us one of the only boroughs in the country to have implemented such a policy.
No supplementary question was put.
6.2 Question from Mr Asad Uddin Khan re: progress in maintaining unity in diversity (Note: Mr Khan was unable to attend the Council Meeting and his question was put by Mr Aktaru Zaman):
I’d like to congratulate the Mayor on his stewardship of the campaign to ban the EDL’s hate march, and my question to him is where do we go from here in terms of maintaining our unity in diversity?
Response by Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor:
We must continue to strengthen the ties that bind our communities together, and marginalise those who propagate messages of hate. Our No Place for Hate initiative is central to our work in this regard.
In relation to the EDL I think it is important we are pro-active in minimising the threat they pose to community cohesion.
To that end I am in communication with the police about ensuring its counter-extremism strategy is focusing on the threat of far-right extremism, and I am calling for the Home Secretary to have the power to ban static demonstrations that incite hate crimes.
Summary of supplementary question from Mr Zaman: I was disappointed not to see Labour and Conservative leaders on the day. Where were they?
Summary of Deputy Mayor’s response: I cannot speak for them but I hope they will join us next time.
[Note: Following the above question and response, Councillor Joshua Peck and Councillor Peter Golds each rose to give a point of personal explanation.
Councillor Peck stated that the Labour Group leadership and local MPs had called on residents not to demonstrate on grounds of safety, and this call had been largely heeded. Councillor Peck stated that unlike the Mayor he had not called for people to stay away but then attended for photo-opportunities.
Councillor Golds also pointed out that he had been fully involved in the opposition to the EDL march and had attended many events in this regard.]
6.3 Question from Ms Lil Collins re: Poplar Baths
Could the Mayor update me about what progress he is making with Poplar Baths?
Response by Councillor Rofique Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration
Thank you for your question. As you know refurbishing Poplar Baths is one of the Mayor’s priorities, and I am extremely pleased to be able to update you on our progress.
At the July Cabinet we agreed to go out to procurement for tenders.
We’ve ensured that the refurbished pool will re-provide the swimming pool, have indoor dry sports facilities and community space. In addition the Mayor is seeking to ensure that surrounding space will be used for the delivery of affordable homes.
We are awaiting the response from organisations interested in refurbishing Poplar Baths. Later in the Autumn we will be shortlisting and we will be able to ask successful companies to submit proposals.
I look forward to being able to update you again as we near the refurbishment of the baths.
Summary of supplementary question from Ms Collins: Thank you this is good news for the Steering Group. Do you agree now that there is even more building in the borough and open space is being lost, this facility is even more important.
Summary of Councillor Ahmed’s response: Thank you and I agree with you.
Supporting documents: