Agenda and minutes

There were no announcements by the Chair.

The Mayor announced that he had reviewed and amended Councillor Ian Corbett's portfolio, effective from 13 February 2012 to include responsibility for infrastructure relating to the Council’s leisure and culture offer, and that as of 27 February 2012, the portfolio had been further amended to include all other aspects of leisure and culture.

There were no announcements by the Chief Executive.

This is the time for Members to declare any personal or personal and prejudicial interests they may have in any matter being considered at this meeting having regard to the guidance attached to the agenda.

Personal Interests were declared by all members of the Council in respect of Item 13 – Members Allowances, by virtue of being elected Members of the Council.

The minutes of the meeting of the ordinary Council meeting held on 12 December 2011, and the Extraordinary meeting of Council held on 26 January 2012 are enclosed for approval.

The minutes of the ordinary Council meeting held on 12 December 2011, and the Extraordinary meeting of Council held on 26 January 2012 were approved as a correct record.

There were no requests for Deputations referred to Council by the Chief Executive.

One petition was received and dealt with as follows:

A.  Questions to the Mayor and Executive (if any)

B.  Questions to Scrutiny Chairs (if any)

No questions were submitted.

The following speeches were made by Members, in their own individual capacity and do not necessary represent the Council’s views or reflect current Council policy.

Councillor Gavin Pearson, Custom House Ward, made the following speech on the topic of “Employment”.

“Chair,

I consider myself fortunate to serve on the Regeneration and Employment Scrutiny Committee for this Council; not just because employment and regeneration matter, but because Newham is proving a success with both.

The UK is presently pondering how to generate jobs and how to get the economy growing.  One way or another, this is the single biggest issue within Downing Street.  The Government wrings its hands over every penny spent.  It cuts vital services and slashes the funds that our residents needs.  They even delay or cancel capital investments such as the Building Schools for the Future programme.  And then they wonder why there’s no growth.

The question is not a bad one.  But they arrive at the wrong answers because their answer is more of the same.  And yet, just a few miles down the river from Parliament, a better answer is available.

Newham saw unemployment fall in November.  While UK unemployment rose to levels not seen since the last time the Tories were in government, Newham saw a fall in people claiming unemployment benefits.  This was, some might say, something of a fluke.  We benefited from the opening of Westfield Stratford City, the largest urban shopping centre in Europe.  But it wasn’t a fluke and we didn’t benefit by accident.

We didn’t suddenly find ourselves with a huge investment project taking place in our borough, and it didn’t employ hundreds of local people by chance.  Newham worked hard to bring investment to that corner of the Borough, just as it works to bring investment to other corners of our Borough.

Likewise, with hundreds of companies set to start up at this huge new town centre, Newham Council could have eased off.  New jobs were coming and we could have left our residents to it.

We could have got off their backs and got out of their way (as the Tories, yellow or blue, would have done), so they could go get the jobs they needed on their own.

Fortunately in Newham we have a different approach.  Newham Council spoke with companies planning to set up in Newham and in Westfield.  They spoke about their hiring requirements and the skills they looked for.  Then Newham went to its residents and asked them what they could do, and put them into training for the jobs that became available.

And then we got them to speak with each other – putting the right candidates in front of the right employers.  Hundreds of residents recruited in to newly created jobs.  In fact, as the Scrutiny Committee has heard, around 98% of those put in front of an employer this way, got the job.

That’s a remarkable success in a country with nearly three million people unemployed.  It is a remarkable success for an inner London borough facing the fiercest of attacks on its budget.  And it is a huge demonstration of what  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9a

This report sets out the final proposals for the Council’s Budget Framework and Council Tax Levy for 2012/13.

The Mayor, in consultation with Cabinet, will be considering this report at their meeting on 23 February 2012.

Subject to any amendments as a result of that meeting, the Mayor RECOMMENDS Council to approve the following proposals:

1.  The Mayor’s Contract as set out in appendix B of the report and note the arrangements for the Corporate Business Plan for 2012/13 as set out in section 1.11 of the report;

2.  The Council’s General Fund Budget Requirement for 2012/13 to be set at £277.379m as set out in section 3.1 of the report;

3.  The Medium Term Financial Strategy as set out in appendix C of the report;

4.  The growth items and continued investment in services that meet the needs and requirements of the residents of the borough amounting to £8.8m in 2012/13 as set out in section 3.9 and appendix D of the report;

5.  The reduction of budgets and associated specific Star Chamber 5 savings of £13.193m to be delivered with the continued generation of budget savings through greater levels of efficiency and cost effectiveness of service via the programme as set out in section 3.13 of the report.

6.  The provisional level of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) has been set at £323.198m and the Pupil Premium at £13.6m as set in section 4.13 and 4.14 of the report;

7.  That the Dedicated Schools Budget is set at the level of the DSG and that the entire allocation of the Pupils Premium is passported to schools as set out in section 4.15 of the report;

8.  The Newham element of Council Tax for 2012/13 be set at £945.63 at Band D, the same level as for the past four years and note a 1% reduction to the Greater London Authority Precept. See section 7 and appendix F of the report;

9.  The statement on Balances/Reserves as set out in section 9 of the report setting out the expected level of General Fund Reserves as £16.1m as at 31st March 2012;

10.The Reserves Policy as set out in appendix H of the report;

11.The Capital Programme, including:

·  To note Newham’s 5-year Capital Programme as set out in appendix I of the report

·  Approve the programme of works for the Schools Capital Programme for 2011/12 and 2012/13 as set out in Appendix J of the report

·  To note the planned Schools Capital Programme for 2013/14 and 2014/15 as set out in Appendix J of the report

·  To approve the total Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programme  with  the allocation of funding to specific HRA Programmes, as shown in appendix K, being  delegated to the Executive Director of Operations in consultation with the Mayor and Lead Member for Housing and Customer Services, and the Director of Finance

·  Approve the funding requested for the Affordable Housing Programme 2012-2015 as set out from section 10.15 of the report

12.The Chief  ...  view the full agenda text for item 10.

This report set out the final proposals for the Council’s Budget Framework and Council Tax Levy for 2012/13.

The Mayor, in consultation with Cabinet, considered this report at their meeting on 23 February 2012.

In presenting the report, the Mayor noted that despite being in an enormously difficult period and having faced cuts to its funding from central Government on an unprecedented scale, the budget included several growth items in order to meet what residents want, including providing an extra 66 police officers on Newham’s streets, safe guarding free school meals and providing more Olympic events then any other borough. 

He stated that he was proud that Newham Council was not closing libraries as in other boroughs, but was providing new facilities as part of Newham Council’s ability to plan for the future.  He concluded by saying that despite keeping Council Tax to the same level for the past four years, he was disappointed at being forced by Government to raise the level of rents charged for council housing, despite raising objections.

Council voted unanimously to agree:

1.  the Mayor’s Contract as set out in appendix B of the report and noted the arrangements for the Corporate Business Plan for 2012/13 as set out in section 1.11 of the report;

2.  the Council’s General Fund Budget Requirement for 2012/13 to be set at £277.379m as set out in section 3.1 of the report;

3.  the Medium Term Financial Strategy as set out in appendix C of the report;

4.  the growth items and continued investment in services that meet the needs and requirements of the residents of the borough amounting to £8.8m in 2012/13 as set out in section 3.9 and appendix D of the report;

5.  the reduction of budgets and associated specific Star Chamber 5 savings of £13.193m to be delivered with the continued generation of budget savings through greater levels of efficiency and cost effectiveness of service via the programme as set out in section 3.13 of the report.

6.  the provisional level of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) has been set at £323.198m and the Pupil Premium at £13.6m as set in section 4.13 and 4.14 of the report;

7.  that the Dedicated Schools Budget is set at the level of the DSG and that the entire allocation of the Pupils Premium is passported to schools as set out in section 4.15 of the report;

8.  the Newham element of Council Tax for 2012/13 be set at £945.63 at Band D, the same level as for the past four years;

9.  the statement on Balances/Reserves as set out in section 9 of the report setting out the expected level of General Fund Reserves as £16.1m as at 31st March 2012;

10.the Reserves Policy as set out in appendix H of the report;

11.the Capital Programme, including:

·  noting Newham’s 5-year Capital Programme as set out in appendix I of the report.

·  the programme of works for the Schools Capital Programme for 2011/12 and 2012/13 as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

This report sets out recommendations for the 2012/13 Council Tax Levy by the London Borough of Newham and the Greater London Authority (GLA) precept, and the overall Council Tax Levy for Newham.

Council is asked to:

1.  Agree the Mayor’s proposal that the Newham Council element of Council Tax for 2012/13 be frozen at 2008/09 levels.  This results in a Band D level of £945.63, with other bands being as set out below;

2.  Agree the Statutory Resolution to set the overall Council Tax for the London Borough of Newham for 2011/12 as attached in the Appendix to this report; and

3.  Note that the Greater London Council (GLA) precept for 2011/12 has been reduced by 1%.

This report set out recommendations for the 2012/13 Council Tax Levy by the London Borough of Newham and the Greater London Authority (GLA) precept, and the overall Council Tax Levy for Newham.

It was noted that this was the fourth year in succession that a freeze in Council Tax has been proposed.

Council voted unanimously to agree:

1.  the Mayor’s proposal that the Newham Council element of Council Tax for 2012/13 be frozen at 2008/09 levels.  This results in a Band D level of £945.63, with other bands being as set out below; and

2.  the Statutory Resolution to set the overall Council Tax for the London Borough of Newham for 2012/13 as attached in the Appendix to the report.

This report presents the Treasury Management Strategy Statement (TMSS) 2012/13, incorporating the Annual Investment Strategy 2012/13, the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Strategy Statement, the Prudential and Treasury Indicators 2012/15, and the Treasury Policy Statement.

The Mayor, in consultation with Cabinet, will be considering this report at their meeting on 23 February 2012.

Subject to any amendments as a result of that meeting, the Mayor RECOMMENDS Council to adopt the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2012/13, incorporating:

1.  The Annual Investment Strategy 2012/13;

2.  The Minimum Revenue Provision Strategy Statement 2012/15;

3.  The Prudential and Treasury indicators 2012/15; and

4.  The Treasury Policy Statement.

This report presents the 2012/13 Treasury Management Strategy Statement (TMSS) 2012/13, incorporating the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement 2012/13, Investment Strategy 2012/13, Prudential and Treasury Indicators 2012/15 and Treasury Policy Statement.

Council agreed to adopt the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2012/13, incorporating:

1.  The Investment Strategy 2012/13;

2.  The Prudential and Treasury Indicators 2012/15;

3.  The MRP Policy Statement 2012/13; and

4.  The Treasury Policy Statement.

Under the Local Authorities (Members Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003, Councils must, each year, agree and advertise the amount of Basic Allowance fixed for the next year.  The Regulations provide that the “year” for these purposes is the year beginning 1st April.

This report sets out the amount of the Basic Allowance and proposes that no changes are made to the scheme at this stage to allow for officers to make the annual publication required.

Council is asked to AGREE that:

1.  officers place the requisite publication setting out the Members Allowance Scheme made for the year beginning 1 April 2012.  To make the Scheme in identical terms to that agreed by Council on 28 February 2011 in relation to the following:

a)  A Basic Allowance be paid to all Councillors of £10,829.  This Allowance includes £35 being the current applicable fee in respect of Data Protection Registration which is paid by the Council directly to the Information Commissioner on behalf of Members

b)  Special Responsibility Allowances (SRA) to remain the same in accordance with the bands set out in this report;

c)  Allowances for carers and travelling and subsistence to remain the same;

d)  Co-optees allowances in respect of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Scrutiny Commissions to remain the same;

e)  Co-optees allowances in respect of Independent Members of the Standards Committee to remain the same;

f)  Rates for Independent Education Admission Appeals Chairs and Members remain the same.

2.  In the event that the Mayor appoints a Deputy with full responsibility for a year, they shall be paid a SRA of £44,241.  In the event that the Mayor appoints a Deputy for a shorter period and with partial duties they shall receive an enhancement to their Cabinet Member SRA equivalent to £4,000 per annum (pro rata); and

3.  Special Responsibility, Dependent Carers’, Travel & Subsistence and Co-opted Member Allowances are to be updated each year on 1 April by the average percentage increase in the Local Government Pay Settlement.  The amounts so calculated are to be rounded up to be divisible by 12.  Such increases shall last for a maximum four years (31 March 2014) and shall then be subject to review.

Under the Local Authorities (Members Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003, Councils must, each year, agree and advertise the amount of Allowances fixed for the next year.  The Regulations provide that the “year” for these purposes is not the municipal year but the financial year beginning 1 April.  No changes were proposed to the Scheme approved in 2011.

Council resolved that:

1.  officers place the requisite publication setting out the Members Allowance Scheme made for the year beginning 1 April 2012.  To make the Scheme in identical terms to that agreed by Council on 28 February 2011 in relation to the following:

a)  A Basic Allowance be paid to all Councillors of £10,829.  This Allowance includes £35 being the current applicable fee in respect of Data Protection Registration which is paid by the Council directly to the Information Commissioner on behalf of Members

b)  Special Responsibility Allowances (SRA) to remain the same in accordance with the bands set out in this report;

c)  Allowances for carers and travelling and subsistence to remain the same;

d)  Co-optees allowances in respect of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Scrutiny Commissions to remain the same;

e)  Co-optees allowances in respect of Independent Members of the Standards Committee to remain the same;

f)  Rates for Independent Education Admission Appeals Chairs and Members remain the same.

2.  In the event that the Mayor appoints a Deputy with full responsibility for a year, they shall be paid a SRA of £44,241.  In the event that the Mayor appoints a Deputy for a shorter period and with partial duties they shall receive an enhancement to their Cabinet Member SRA equivalent to £4,000 per annum (pro rata); and

3.  Special Responsibility, Dependent Carers’, Travel & Subsistence and Co-opted Member Allowances are to be updated each year on 1 April by the average percentage increase in the Local Government Pay Settlement.  The amounts so calculated are to be rounded up to be divisible by 12.  Such increases shall last for a maximum four years (31 March 2014) and shall then be subject to review.

The Mayor, in consultation with Cabinet, will be considering this report at their meeting on 23 February 2012, which summarises the findings and conclusions of the Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Commission's Review into the Enforcement of Fly Tipping and Rubbish in Front Gardens.

Subject to any amendments as a result of that meeting, the Mayor RECOMMENDS Council to note the final report of the Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Commission's Review into the Enforcement of Fly Tipping and Rubbish in Front Gardens.

The Mayor, in consultation with Cabinet, at their meeting on 23 February 2012, considered the Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Commission's Review into the Enforcement of Fly Tipping and Rubbish in Front Gardens, and the Mayor’s response.

Council agreed to note the final report of the Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Commission's Review into the Enforcement of Fly Tipping and Rubbish in Front Gardens, and the Mayor’s response.

The Mayor, in consultation with Cabinet, will be considering this report at their meeting on 23 February 2012, which summarises the findings and conclusions of the Health and Social Care Scrutiny Commission’s Review into Maternity Services and in particular, the “12+6” Target.

Subject to any amendments as a result of that meeting, the Mayor RECOMMENDS Council to note the final report of the Health and Social Care Scrutiny Commission’s Review into Maternity Services and in particular, the “12+6” Target.

The Mayor, in consultation with Cabinet, at their meeting on 23 February 2012, considered the Health and Social Care Scrutiny Commission’s Review into Maternity Services and in particular, the “12+6” Target and the Mayor’s response.

Council agreed to note the final report of the Health and Social Care Scrutiny Commission’s Review into Maternity Services and in particular, the “12+6” Target, and the Mayor’s response.

The Council is asked to APPROVE the following dates for Council meetings in the 2012 / 2013 Municipal Year:

·  2 July 2012

·  24 September 2012

·  10 December 2012

·  25 February 2013

·  16 May 2013 (Annual Meeting)

Agreed the following dates for Council meetings in the 2012/2013 Municipal Year:

·  2 July 2012

·  24 September 2012

·  10 December 2012

·  25 February 2013

·  16 May 2013 (Annual Meeting)

In accordance with Part 4.2, 19.2 of the Council Constitution, this report details those decisions taken by the Executive under the Special Urgency procedure and decisions which were exempted from Call-In.

Council is asked to NOTE the schedule.

This report detailed those decisions taken by the Executive under the Special Urgency procedure and decisions which were exempted from Call-In.

In accordance with Part 4.2, 19.2 of the Council Constitution, all decisions of the Executive which have been taken under the Special Urgency procedure or which have been exempted from Call-In must be reported to the Council.

Since last reported to Council in September 2010, there have been three decisions which have been taken under the Special Urgency procedure and six decisions exempted from Call-In. 

Council agreed to note the schedule of decisions.

No motions have been submitted in accordance with Rule 11 of Part 4.1 of the Constitution.

No motions were received in accordance with Rule 11 of Part 4.1 of the Constitution.

This report seeks adoption of the Joint Waste Development Plan Document (JWDPD), prepared by the four East London Waste Authority Boroughs.  The JWDPD identifies and safeguards existing waste processing sites across the four boroughs in a schedule of existing licensed operational sites and allocates a further schedule of sites for potential future waste development.

The Mayor in consultation with Cabinet considered this report at their meeting on 15 December 2011.

Council is RECOMMENDED to adopt the Joint Waste Development Plan Document for the four East London Waste Authority Boroughs, which has been found ‘sound’ subject to the inclusion of recommended changes to the submission draft by an independent Planning Inspector.

This report sought adoption of the Joint Waste Development Plan Document (JWDPD), prepared by the four East London Waste Authority Boroughs.  The JWDPD identifies and safeguards existing waste processing sites across the four boroughs in a schedule of existing licensed operational sites and allocates a further schedule of sites for potential future waste development.

Reason for Urgency

The Plan Document can only be adopted once all four of the East London Waste Authority Boroughs have received approval from their respective Full Council or equivalent meetings.  The last of these meetings will, assuming that resolutions to adopt are ratified, mark the date of adoption. 

Council agreed to adopt the Joint Waste Development Plan Document for the four East London Waste Authority Boroughs, which has been found ‘sound’ subject to the inclusion of recommended changes to the submission draft by an independent Planning Inspector.

There being no further business the Chair declared the meeting closed.