Agenda item
TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL
The questions which have been received from Councillors to be put at this meeting are set out in the attached report.
A maximum period of 30 minutes is allocated to this agenda item.
Decision:
8.1 Question from Councillor Judith Gardiner re: measures against unauthorised subletting and other abuses of the allocation process.
8.2 Question from Councillor Peter Golds re: the Government’s announcement that it will criminalise subletting of socially rented property.
8.3 Question from Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman re: any meetings held with the Minister responsible for benefit changes to highlight the impact of these on Tower Hamlets residents.
8.4 Question from Councillor Fozol Miah re: representations to be made to the new Metropolitan Police Commissioner and Borough Commander concerning the concept of total policing in the light of the Stephen Lawrence murder and subsequent developments.
8.5 Question from Councillor Lesley Pavitt re: complaints about One Stop Shops in the first half of 2011/12.
8.6 Question from Councillor Zara Davis re: the motion previouslt agreed by the Council concerning the use of Sir John McDougal Gardens, Millwall Park and Island Gardens.
8.7 Question from Councillor Shiria Khatun re: measures to increase recycling in the Borough.
8.8 Question from Councillor Maium Miah re: the repayment of a short term loan to the Rich Mix Centre.
8.9 Question from Councillor Helal Uddin re: increases in rents and other charges.
8.10 Question from Councillor David Snowdon re: measures to promote the teaching of history in Tower Hamlets schools.
8.11 Question from Councillor Kosru Uddin re: a revised strategy for THEOs in the event of any future public disturbances.
8.12 Question from Councillor Stephanie Eaton to the Deputy Mayor re: a review of crime prevention measures in view of increase in burglary in Bethnal Green North ward.
8.13 Question from Councillor Carlo Gibbs re: the number of residents’ visits to Rushmead One Stop Shop last year concerning Housing Benefit.
8.14 Question from Councillor Gloria Thienel re: measures to protect war memorials in the Borough from metal theft.
8.15 Question from Councillor Khales Uddin Ahmed re: how many jobs have been taken up by Tower Hamlets residents as a result of the deal with LOCOG.
8.16 Question from Councillor Harun Miah re: any financial implications for Tower Hamlets schools resulting from PFI schemes and measures to address this (no supplementary question was asked).
8.17 Question from Councillor Anna Lynch re: how many meetings the Mayor has had with ministers of the Department of Health in the last six months and the issues discussed (Councillor Lynch was not present to put her question).
8.18 Question from Councillor Craig Aston re: an update on energy efficiency in the Town Hall building.
8.19 Question from Councillor Zenith Rahman re: street cleaning and the possible impact of filthy streets on the bid for City Status (This question was not put at the meeting).
8.20 Question from Councillor Lutfa Begum re: help for overcrowded families who are reluctant to move to Car Free Properties.
8.21 Question from Councillor Tim Archer requesting an update on progress in bringing back the Henry Moore statue to the Borough (no oral supplementary question was asked).
8.22 Question from Councillor Kabir Ahmed re: the impact of his significant investment in tackling drugs and anti-social behaviour.
8.23 Question from Councillor Dr Emma Jones re: how many people sacked from Tower Hamlets employment had accidentally continued to be paid in the last year.
8.24 Question from Councillor Aminur Khan re: progress on the Mayor’s pledge regarding the delivery of service agreements by Registered Social Landlords.
8.25 Question from Councillor Shafiqul Haque to the Cabinet Member for Housing re: fair charges to leaseholders for major works.
Questions 8.1 to 8.21 above and except where indicated, supplementary questions, were put. Questions 8.22 to 8.25 were not put as the time allowed for this agenda item had expired. The Mayor indicated that he would provide written answers to all questions after the meeting.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Procedural Motion
After Question 8.1 above, Councillor Alibor Choudhury moved, and Councillor Ohid Ahmed seconded, a procedural motion - “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.14, Rule 13.1 be suspended to allow the following urgent motion to be debated:-
‘We condemn both the Tory and Labour groups for their time wasting tactics and blatant disregard for the public who have come to listen to Council affairs that affect their lives.”
More than 10 Members rose from their seats to request a recorded vote on the procedural motion in accordance with Procedure Rule 17.4. The procedural motion was therefore put to a recorded vote and was defeated with 15 votes for, 33 votes against and nil abstentions.
Minutes:
The Speaker indicated that the meeting would now move to questions from Councillors.
Councillor Judith Gardiner put the first question on the order paper and the Mayor indicated that Councillor Rabina Khan would respond.
Point of Order
At this point, Councillor Peck stated that in accordance with decisions regarding the Constitution made at the last Council meeting, the Mayor should respond personally to all questions asked, rather than nominating Cabinet members to do so.
Following discussion on the matter, the Speaker at 9.15 p.m. declared the meeting adjourned so that Officers’ advice might be obtained. The meeting reconvened at 9.40 p.m. Ms Isabella Freeman, Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) advised the Council that, in accordance with the valid amendments to the Constitution made at the last meeting, the Council could require that questions are put to the Mayor and could prevent Cabinet Members from responding on the Mayor’s behalf, although the Mayor could not be obliged to answer questions personally at the meeting.
The Mayor commented that he had appointed to the Cabinet very able and experienced Lead Members to take charge of service provision and who would be involved with him in addressing matters included in their portfolios. He urged Councillors to work with him for the benefit of the wider community. However, if the Council would not agree to Cabinet Members replying to questions in the Chamber, he would publish written answers to Members’ questions at an appropriate time of his choosing.
Procedural Motion
At this point, Councillor Alibor Choudhury MOVED, and Councillor Ohid Ahmed SECONDED, a procedural motion - “That under Procedure Rule 14.1.14, Rule 13.1 be suspended to allow the following urgent motion to be debated:-
“We condemn both the Tory and Labour groups for their time wasting tactics and blatant disregard for the public who have come to listen to Council affairs that affect their lives.”
More than 10 Members rose from their seats to request a recorded vote on the procedural motion in accordance with Procedure Rule 17.4. A recorded vote was therefore taken and Members indicated their votes as follows:-
For the motion (15 Councillors)
Councillor Kabir Ahmed
Councillor Ohid Ahmed
Councillor Rofique Uddin Ahmed
Councillor Shahed Ali
Councillor Abdul Asad
Councillor Lutfa Begum
Councillor Alibor Choudhury
Councillor Shafiqul Haque
Councillor Aminur Khan
Councillor Rabina Khan
Councillor Rania Khan
Councillor Fozol Miah
Councillor Harun Miah
Councillor Maium Miah
Councillor Oliur Rahman
Against the motion (33 Councillors)
Councillor Joshua Peck
Councillor Peter Golds
Councillor Helal Abbas
Councillor Khales Uddin Ahmed
Councillor Rajib Ahmed
Councillor Timothy Archer
Councillor Craig Aston
Councillor Zara Davis
Councillor Stephanie Eaton
Councillor David Edgar
Councillor Marc Francis
Councillor Judith Gardiner
Councillor Carlo Gibbs
Councillor Carli Harper-Penman
Councillor Sirajul Islam
Councillor Ann Jackson
Councillor Denise Jones
Councillor Dr Emma Jones
Councillor Anwar Khan
Councillor Shiria Khatun
Councillor Ahmed Omer
Councillor Lesley Pavitt
Councillor Zenith Rahman
Councillor Rachael Saunders
Councillor David Snowdon
Councillor Gloria Thienel
Councillor Bill Turner
Councillor Helal Uddin
Councillor Kosru Uddin
Councillor Abdal Ullah
Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman
Councillor Amy Whitelock
Councillor Mizanur Chaudhury (Speaker of Council)
Abstained (nil Councillors)
The procedural motion was accordingly defeated.
The following questions 8.1 to 8.16, 8.18 and 8.20 to 8.21 (and where indicated, supplementary questions) were then put by Members. In response in each case the Mayor re-iterated that if the Council would not accept a response from his Cabinet Member, he would provide a written answer subsequently at a time of his choosing.
Questions 8.17 and 8.19 were not put at the meeting as the respective members asking the questions were not present when their question was reached. Questions 8.22 to 8.25 were not put at the meeting due to the time limit for the item having expired.
[Note: The written responses that were subsequently provided to all questions, and where applicable to supplementary questions put at the meeting, are attached at Appendix A to these minutes.]
8.1 Question from Councillor Judith Gardiner:
The Government has recently announced that it will be changing the law to make unauthorised subletting a criminal offence. What extra measures will the Mayor be taking to crack down on this and other abuses of the allocation process to ensure that those in genuine housing need are not disadvantaged or taken advantage of by cheats?
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Judith Gardiner
Why does the Mayor feel it is so hard to answer in public a simple question that will affect the lives of many tenants in the Borough? Is it because it affects a councillor close to him who is absent from today’s meeting?
8.2 Question from Councillor Peter Golds:
Does the Mayor support the Government’s announcement that it will seek to criminalise sub-letting of socially rented property?
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Peter Golds
In addition to the case of the councillor already mentioned, what are your comments on a case in Cable Street where a resident complaining of an illegal sub-letting was informed by Social Services that persons moving furniture into a flat were the tenant’s carers? And how does the Mayor justify a millionaire living in a Peabody Housing property who also owns a house elsewhere?
8.3 Question from Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman:
Housing Benefit changes will have a profound impact on our residents and it will lead to some having to leave the borough because the housing allowance will not cover their full rent. Can the Mayor inform the Council the number of meetings he has had with the Minister responsible for these changes to highlight the impact on residents of Tower Hamlets?
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman
As no answer has been given, I shall assume there was no meeting. I do not feel it is appropriate for the Mayor to sit there smiling and not answer the questions. If he does not want to answer he can take a break and leave the Council Chamber. The Prime Minister and Mayor of London answer questions personally, why is the Mayor refusing to do so?
8.4 Question from Councillor Fozol Miah:
Will the Mayor and lead member celebrate with me the bringing to justice of two of Stephen Lawrence’s killers and congratulate all those involved in achieving this and above all Neville and Doreen Lawrence, but also regret that police incompetence, racism and maybe even corruption botched the original enquiry and may lead to his other murderers continuing to evade justice, and will they also agree that, whilst there have been significant improvements in policing in London since the landmark Macpherson report, there are still serious problems, for example in the abuse of “stop and search” powers and in the lack of ethnic minority appointment to senior management positions in the Metropolitan Police, and will they agree to make representations to the new Commissioner and to the borough commander that the concept of “total” policing should include making the police reflect at all levels of the force and, above all, respect all of the communities they police?
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Fozol Miah
My question was also directed to the Cabinet Member.
8.5 Question from Councillor Lesley Pavitt:
Can the Mayor please tell me why the number of complaints about One Stop Shops went up by 29% in the first half of 2011/12?
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Lesley Pavitt
Tower Hamlets people don’t complain unless they have real cause. What are you going to do about the inevitable increase in complaints when the Rushmead Office is closed and people will have to travel much further to access Council services?
8.6 Question from Councillor Zara Davis:
Why has the Mayor ignored the motion agreed by Full Council in September 2011, which resolved that “Sir John McDougal Gardens, Millwall Park and Island Gardens will remain solely for the use of residents and community groups for the purposes of recreation, leisure and sports?
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Zara Davis
It is disappointing the Mayor will not justify his actions in view of the petition signed by many hundreds of residents. Has he considered the full implications of hiring out parks, such as damage caused, restriction of residents’ use, areas being cordoned off and thus making it harder for residents to stay active; and the likely increase of childhood obesity from resulting lack of exercise?
8.7 Question from Councillor Shiria Khatun:
Can the Mayor tell this Council what is being done to increase recycling in the borough?
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Shiria Khatun
Does the Mayor share my concern that the proposed £15 charge for bulky waste collection risks littering the Borough with discarded mattresses, sofas and other polluting debris?
8.8 Question from Councillor Maium Miah:
Can the Mayor inform the Council on whether the Rich Mix Centre has repaid its £850,000 short-term loan, as agreed by Michael Keith when he was Council Leader?
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Maium Miah
Will the Mayor answer my question?
8.9 Question from Councillor Helal Uddin:
How does the Mayor justify the recently announced significant rent rise, which will hit tenants already struggling with rising costs in other utilities, falling wages and benefit changes, and rising fees and charges for parking and other Council Services, and what measures will he be taking to mitigate its effect?
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Helal Uddin
I would have expected the Mayor to have said what action he will be taking. Do I therefore assume there are no measures planned?
8.10 Question from Councillor David Snowdon:
Will the Mayor please outline what measures he is taking to promote the teaching of history in Tower Hamlets schools?
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor David Snowdon
Did the Mayor study GCSE history at school?
8.11 Question from Councillor Kosru Uddin:
Following the EDL visit and the riots last year and lack of involvement of THEOs in supporting the borough's residents, has a revised strategy been agreed in terms of THEOs involvement in community safety if future disturbances on the scale witnessed last year were to be repeated?
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Kosru Uddin
£258,600 has been identified for funding activities in the Borough to combat the highest levels of gang and youth violence for 20 years. In what innovative ways will this be spent and how will value for money be achieved?
8.12 Question from Councillor Stephanie Eaton to the Deputy Mayor:
Would the Deputy Mayor agree that the 41% increase in burglary over the past 12 months in Bethnal Green North is a serious concern and would he join with me to urge the Borough Commander and the BGN Safer Neighbourhood Team to undertake an immediate review of the ward and implement burglary prevention measures in the ward?
Summary of supplementary question by Councillor Stephanie Eaton
Is the Deputy Mayor aware that the nearest branch of Victim Support is based at Waltham Forest and does he support a branch being opened nearer to Tower Hamlets?
8.13 Question from Councillor Carlo Gibbs:
Can the Mayor please tell me how many visits were made by residents to Rushmead One Stop Shop last year regarding Housing Benefit?
Summary of supplemental question by Councillor Carlo Gibbs
Residents attending the meeting are dismayed that these questions are being made a joke. People are facing a significant lowering of benefits and are losing a One Stop Shop where they could obtain advice. Will the Mayor make a commitment to review the decision to close Rushmead One Stop Shop?
8.14 Question from Councillor Gloria Thienel:
Considering the rising incidents of metal theft from public memorials; how many incidents of metal theft from a public memorial in Tower Hamlets has taken place in the last year, will the Mayor please inform the Council what measures he has taken to ensure that war memorials are protected in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets?
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Gloria Thienel
Will the Mayor look at taking part in the pilot initiative that will stop scrap dealers from dealing in cash for scrap metal?
8.15 Question from Councillor Khales Uddin Ahmed:
Can the Mayor tell me how many jobs so far have been taken up by Tower Hamlets residents as a result of the deal made between him and LOCOG?
Summary of Supplementary question from Councillor Khales Uddin Ahmed
At the last Full Council meeting, the Lead Member said that only 30 jobs had been secured – what is the position now?
8.16 Question from Councillor Harun Miah:
Will the Mayor and the lead member agree with me that the Private Finance Initiative was an unnecessary accounting trick which has not produced value for money for the taxpayer but has instead lumbered taxpayers with very large and potentially unsustainable future debts and could they confirm which PFI schemes imposed on Tower Hamlets schools have run into financing problems, what the implications are of these problems and what the council is doing to sort these problems out?
(No supplementary question was asked)
8.18 Question from Councillor Craig Aston:
Will the Mayor provide an update on energy efficiency in the Town Hall building?
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Craig Aston
On the standard European energy rating scale of A-G, this building is in Band G. What are the implications of this in terms of extra energy costs?
8.20 Question from Councillor Lutfa Begum:
What has been done to help overcrowded families who are reluctant to move to Car Free Properties?
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Lutfa Begum
Some social housing developments have their own car parking. Will the Mayor seek to include this in street parking to achieve more spaces?
8.21 Question from Councillor Tim Archer:
Will the Mayor provide an update on the progress of the motion agreed by full Council on 15 September 2010, to bring the Henry Moore statue back to the borough and explain to the Council why this is taking so long, what meetings/discussions have taken place and will the statue be back in time for the Olympics?
(Councillor Timothy Archer stated that he would send a supplementary question tothe Mayor in written form)
Supporting documents: