The Council Procedure Rules provide for a maximum of three petitions to be presented at an Ordinary Meeting of the Council. 

The deadline for receipt of petitions for this Council meeting is noon on Thursday 16 March 2017.

However at the time of agenda despatch, the maximum number of petitions has already been received as set out in the attached report.

5.1       Petition relating to Compensation for no heating and hot water in Killick Way, Ocean Estate Tower Hamlets

Sofijur Rahman addressed the meeting and responded to questions from Members. Councillor Sirajul Islam, Cabinet Member for Housing Management & Performance, then responded to the matters raised in the petition. He sympathised with the petitioners and the residents’ concerns. He also explained that whilst responsibility for responding to the issues rested with East Thames Homes, both the Housing provider and the Council had provided support to the tenants to alleviate the issues. He also reported that the issues were referred to the housing regulator, but it was found that there had been no breech of procedures.

He added that the Mayor would continue to work with the housing provider and the residents to implement their action plans and achieve the outcomes they deserved.

RESOLVED:

1.            That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Place for a written response within 28 days.

5.2       Petition relating to Tower Hamlets Nursery Schools

Chris Lewis, Becky Dolomore, and Bridget Cass addressed the meeting and responded to questions from Members. Councillor Rachael Saunders, Cabinet Member for Education & Children's Servicesthen responded to the matters raised in the petition. She expressed concern about the impact government’s changing policy on  service. She also reported that the Council had been permitted a one year disapplication in implementing the plans which they would reapply for each year. They would use this period to identify an appropriate solution to protect early years services.

RESOLVED:

1.            That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director Children’s, for a written response within 28 days.

5.3       Petition relating to Construction/building work in Aston Street E14

Adm Azim Khan Chowdhury addressed the meeting and responded to questions from Members. Councillor Rachel Blake, Cabinet Member for Strategic Development, then responded to the matters raised in the petition. She advised that she took seriously the issues. She reported that she visited the site earlier today to learn more about the problems and that she would be raising Members’ Enquiries about aspects of the work with the appropriate Officers. Environmental Health and Trading Standards were aware of the issues and the Council would be following the issues up with them and also the housing provider to ensure that the construction management plan for the development was implemented.

RESOLVED:

1.            That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Place for a written response within 28 days.

Procedural Motion

Councillor Aminur Khan moved and Councillor Shah Alam,seconded, a procedural motion “that under Procedure Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied such that item 12.6 Motion regarding Poplar HARCA Auction of 50 Social Dwelling be taken as the next item of business”. The procedural motion was put to the vote and was defeated.

5.4       Petition Debate – Save our Nurseries from Privatisation.

[The text of the petition and the procedure for considering petitions for debate were circulated].

Nouruja Rahman, Shahanara Zaman, and Alicja Son addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and the Council then debated the matters raised by the petition. Councillor Rachael Saunders, Cabinet Member for Education & Children's Servicesresponded to the issues raised. She provided reassurance about the plans for the children’s services and the nature of the changes. She considered that the review should be parent led and there would be plenty more opportunities, particularly over the summer, for nurseries and parents to have their say given the decision making timescale. She urged parents to get involved in the forthcoming consultation process and to contact her directly. She also reassured the petitioners that the John Smith Children’s Centre would not be affected by this review

RESOLVED:

1.            That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director Children’s, for a written response within 28 days.