Agenda and minutes

To approve and sign as an accurate record the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 27 October 2010.

The minutes of the Council Meeting held on 27 October 2010 were confirmed and signed as an accurate record.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Michael Adam, Michael Cartwright, Stephen Cowan, Robert Iggulden and Ali de Lisle.

The announcements were made during the Special Council meeting.

If a Councillor has any prejudicial or personal interest in a particular report he/she should declare the existence and nature of the interest at the commencement of the consideration of the item or as soon as it becomes apparent.

At meetings where members of the public are allowed to be in attendance and speak, any Councillor with a prejudicial interest may also make representations, give evidence or answer questions about the matter. The Councillor must then withdraw immediately from the meeting before the matter is discussed and any vote taken, unless a dispensation has been obtained from the Standards Committee.

Where members of the public are not allowed to be in attendance, then the Councillor with a prejudicial interest should withdraw from the meeting whilst the matter is under consideration, unless the disability has been removed by the Standards Committee.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Council has received a petition opposing the Council’s proposal to consider disposing of the Irish Cultural Centre and requests it to reconsider the future of this building and its people.

7.31pm - The Council received a petition opposing the Council’s proposal to consider disposing of the Irish Cultural Centre and requests it to reconsider the future of this building and its people.  It also requested the Council to help to preserve their excellent Cultural Programme, the broad spectrum of support and services it provides, and to maintain a centre for both the Irish in London, and the large number of users from all other backgrounds.  The petition organiser, Mr Jim O’Hara addressed the Council on the petition.

Mr O’Hara responded to questions from Councillors Caroline Needham, Andrew Jones, Sally Powell, Daryl Brown, Stephen Greenhalgh and Joe Carlebach

Councillor Joe Carlebach moved the report’s recommendation that officers undertake research into the matter and refer their findings to Cabinet on 7 February 2011 for consideration, be agreed by the Council.

Under Standing Order 13.2(b), Councillor Lisa Homan moved an amendment to the report to “Delete all after the first word and insert  “the Council urge the Cabinet to take the action requested in the petition”.  Councillor P J Murphy seconded the motion.

Speeches on the amendment were made by Councillors Lisa Homan, P J Murphy and Daryl Brown (for the Opposition) and Councillor Georgie Cooney (for the Administration).

The amended motion was put to the vote and a roll-call was requested:

AGAINST                   25

FOR                            12

ABSTENTIONS         1

The motion was declared LOST.

Councillor Botterill made a speech winding up the debate before the substantive motion was put to the vote.

FOR                            26

AGAINST                   12

ABSTENTIONS         1

The recommendation was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED:

That officers undertake research into the matter and refer their findings to Cabinet on 7 February 2011 for consideration.

The Leader/relevant Cabinet Member to reply to questions submitted by members of the public.

There are none.

There were none.

This report contains an estimate of the Council Tax collection rate and calculates the Council Tax base for 2011/12.  The Council Tax base will be used in the calculation of the Band D Council Tax undertaken in the Revenue Budget Report for 2011/12.

8.25pm - The report and recommendations were moved for adoption by the Deputy Leader, Councillor Nicholas Botterill.

The report and recommendations were put to the vote:

FOR                         24

AGAINST                0

ABSTENTIONS      11

The report and recommendations were declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED:

That the following recommendations for the 2011-2012 financial year be approved:

(1)    the estimated numbers of properties for each Valuation Band, as set out in the report be approved;

(2)    an estimated Collection rate of 97.5% be approved; and

(3)    the Council Tax Base of 79,799 Band “D” equivalent properties be approved.

This report provides information on the Council’s debt, borrowing and investment activity up to 30 September 2010.

8.26pm - The report and recommendations were moved for adoption by the Deputy Leader, Councillor Nicholas Botterill.

The report and recommendations were put to the vote:

FOR                         25

AGAINST                0

ABSTENTIONS      10

The report and recommendation were declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED:

That the Council’s debt, borrowing and investment activity up to the 30 September 2010 be noted.

The Council has been seeking to update its open space byelaws. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (now Department of Communities and Local Government) has recommended that the Council should do so in line with that Department’s set of Model Byelaws for Parks and Open Spaces.

The report seeks a resolution by Full Council to approve a new set of byelaws based on the ‘Model Set 2’ before seeking provisional approval from the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

8.27pm - The report and recommendations were moved for adoption by the Deputy Leader, Councillor Nicholas Botterill.

The report and recommendations were put to the vote:

FOR                         Unanimous

AGAINST                0

ABSTENTIONS      0

The report and recommendations were declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED:

(1)         That the new model Byelaws (as set out in Appendix 1 to the report) be approved; and

(2)         That the Assistant Director (Legal and Democratic Services) be authorised to apply to the Secretary of State for the Department of Communities and Local Government for provisional approval of the proposed byelaws.

To consider and determine any Special Motions:

Under Standing Order 15(e)(iii), Councillor Loveday proposed a motion that Special Motion 5 take precedence over Special Motions 3 and 4, which was agreed.

8.27pm – Under Standing Order 14 (ii), Councillor Loveday proposed a motion that Special Motion 1 be withdrawn.  This was agreed.

8.28pm – Councillor Lucy Ivimy moved, seconded by Councillor Andrew Johnson, the special motion standing in their names:

“This Council welcomes the clearly expressed preference of Council tenants that H&F Homes be returned to direct Council control and resolves to put this into effect.”

Speeches on the special motion were made by Councillors Lucy Ivimy and Andrew Johnson (for the Administration).

Under Standing Order 15(e) (vi), Councillor Caroline Needham moved, seconded by Councillor Lisa Homan, an amendment to the motion as follows:

Delete all after "This Council" and replace with “regrets that this Council refused to carry out a one resident one vote referendum and instead chose to use a consultation where three of the five questions asked counted as a residents’ endorsement of the Conservative Administration’s plans to bring the housing management service back in house.

We call on the Council to give residents genuine influence on how their homes are managed on an estate or area basis which includes the choice to terminate housing management contracts if they are receiving a poor service.”

Speeches on the amendment were made by Councillors Caroline Needham, Lisa Homan and Andrew Jones (for the Opposition) and Councillors Nicholas Botterill and Andrew Johnson (for the Administration) before it was put to the vote:

FOR                            12

AGAINST                   26

ABSTENTIONS         0

The motion was declared LOST.

A speech on the substantive motion was then made by Councillor Charlie Dewhirst (for the Administration).

Councillor Lucy Ivimy (for the Administration) made a speech winding up the debate before the substantive motion was put to the vote:

FOR                            27

AGAINST                   12

ABSTENTIONS         0

The motion was declared CARRIED.

8.53 pm – RESOLVED:

That this Council welcomes the clearly expressed preference of Council tenants that H&F Homes be returned to direct Council control and resolves to put this into effect.

8.54 pm – Councillor Iain Coleman moved, seconded by Councillor Andrew Jones, the special motion standing in their names:

“This Council recognises that the decrepit conditions of the all-weather football pitch at Blomfontein Roadrepresents a very real danger in terms of health and safety to anyone using it. The Council therefore resolves to expedite the refurbishment of the services and maintenance of this facility without any further delay.

The Council further resolves that this facility, which is located in the most deprived area of the borough, shall remain free of charge for the benefit of all local residents.”

Speeches on the special motion were made by Councillors Iain Coleman and Andrew Jones (for the Opposition).

Under Standing Order 15(e) (vi), Councillor Greg Smith moved, seconded by Councillor Mark Loveday, an amendment to the motion as follows:

Delete all and insert:

This Council:

1.         Recognises that the all-weather football pitch on South Africa Road needs improving.

2.         Notes the tender process currently taking place for improving the facilities at South Africa Road.

3.         Looks forward to the new sports facilities (with free community use) opening in January 2012.

Speeches on the amendment were made by Councillors Greg Smith and Stephen Greenhalgh (for the Administration) and Councillor Lisa Homan (for the Opposition) before it was put to the vote:

FOR                            Unanimous

AGAINST                   0

ABSTENTIONS         0

The motion was declared CARRIED.

9.10 pm – RESOLVED:

This Council:

1.         Recognises that the all-weather football pitch on South Africa Road needs improving.

2.         Notes the tender process currently taking place for improving the facilities at South Africa Road.

3.         Looks forward to the new sports facilities (with free community use) opening in January 2012.

9.11pm – Councillor Mark Loveday moved, seconded by Councillor Stephen Greenhalgh, the special motion standing in their names:

“This Council welcomes:

1.         The work of the coalition of local authorities, Park Royal Partnership, Mayor for London and others that has supported the case for a major new High Speed Rail/Crossrail interchange at Old Oak Common.

2.                  The government’s commitment to the “High Speed 2” railway scheme with a major London rail hub at Old Oak Common.

3.                  The opportunity to regenerate the railway and industrial land at Old Oak Common, including the potential for over 10,000 new homes, 5,000 new jobs and major transport and community benefits.

This Council:

1.                  Supports the regeneration of the railway and industrial land within the Park Royal Opportunity Area around the proposed HS2/Crossrail interchange.

2.                  Pledges itself to working with HS2 Ltd, site owners, government and the Mayor for London to deliver sustainable benefits for residents in one of the most disadvantaged parts of London.

3.                  Commits itself to protect and enhance the natural amenities of Wormwood Scrubs within the redevelopment of Old Oak Common.”

Speeches on the special motion were made by Councillors Mark Loveday and Stephen Greenhalgh (for the Administration).

Under Standing Order 15(e) (vi), Councillor Wesley Harcourt moved, seconded by Councillor Elaine Chumnery, an amendment to the motion as follows:

Add a new final paragraph.

4.                  “This Council pledges to involve the current residents and ward councillors in its development planning and building a consensus for its plan that will include affordable housing that will meet the needs of those people on the housing waiting list.”

Speeches on the amendment were made by Councillors Wesley Harcourt and Elaine Chumnery (for the Opposition) and Councillors Nicholas Botterill and Mark Loveday (for the Administration) before it was put to the vote:

FOR                            Unanimous

AGAINST                   0

ABSTENTIONS         0

The motion was declared CARRIED.

9.34 pm – RESOLVED:

That the Council welcomes:

1.         The work of the coalition of local authorities, Park Royal Partnership, Mayor for London and others that has supported the case for a major new High Speed Rail/Crossrail interchange at Old Oak Common.

4.                  The government’s commitment to the “High Speed 2” railway scheme with a major London rail hub at Old Oak Common.

5.                  The opportunity to regenerate the railway and industrial land at Old Oak Common, including the potential for over 10,000 new homes, 5,000 new jobs and major transport and community benefits.

That the Council:

1.                  Supports the regeneration of the railway and industrial land within the Park Royal Opportunity Area around the proposed HS2/Crossrail interchange.

2.                  Pledges itself to working with HS2 Ltd, site owners, government and the Mayor for London to deliver sustainable benefits for residents in one of the most disadvantaged parts of London.

3.                  Commits itself to protect and enhance the natural amenities of Wormwood Scrubs within the redevelopment of Old Oak Common.

4.                  Pledges to involve the current residents and ward councillors in its development planning and building a consensus for its  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.4

9.35pm – Councillor Peter Graham moved, seconded by Councillor Andrew Johnson, the special motion standing in their names:

“This Council:

(1)          Endorses the statement that “Housing Benefit will be reformed to ensure that we do not subsidise people to live in the private sector on rents that other ordinary working families could not afford”: (A Future Fair For All: The Labour Party Manifesto 2010).

(2)           Notes:

·                that new rules will be implemented from April 2011 for those who receive Housing Benefit in the form of Local Housing Allowance;

·                that social housing tenants, and anyone who started receiving payments for a property prior to April 2008, will not be affected by the new Local Housing Allowance rules, and;

·                the wider changes to the benefits system from 2013 onwards;

(3)           Resolves:

·                to assist households whose rent becomes unaffordable to negotiate lower rents with their landlords and;

·                when renegotiation of rents is not feasible, to make discretionary payments to those with special circumstances and;

·                to assist other households in finding affordable properties as near as possible to the tenants’ preferred location.”

Speeches on the special motion were made by Councillors Peter Graham and Andrew Johnson (for the Administration).

Under Standing Order 15(e) (vi), Councillor Lisa Homan, seconded by Councillor Caroline Needham, moved an amendment to the motion as follows:

Delete all after "This Council" and replace with:

“regrets the simplistic and inaccurate caricature the Tory led government is peddling to sell its housing benefits and LHA cuts and instead recognise the assessment of Shelter, the leading independent housing and homeless charity, that “The vast majority of HB claimants are either pensioners, those with disabilities, people on low incomes, and only one in eight people who receive HB is unemployed”.

The Council is concerned about the possibility of unprecedented levels of homelessness these cuts will cause and notes that the Conservative Administration claims only 1,300 Hammersmith and Fulham households will be affected in some way but this contradicts with the Department of Work and Pensions assessment that 2,670 Hammersmith and Fulham household will be affected by these cuts.  The Council urges the Conservative Administrative to take an objective approach to managing this issue and not to downplay the numbers of people affected.

This Council resolves to:

• To assist households whose rent becomes unaffordable to negotiate lower rents with their landlord
• Use the governments discretionary payment funding to help those families affected
• Take the Conservative led government’s advice that any arrears because of a loss of HB/LHA should be treated as beyond the tenant’s control and that those households facing the loss of their home should be treated as “unintentionally homeless”.

Speeches on the amendment were made by Councillors Lisa Homan, Caroline Needham, P J Murphy and Andrew Jones (for the Opposition) and Councillors Lucy Ivimy, Andrew Johnson and Mark Loveday (for the Administration) before it was put to the vote:

FOR                            11

AGAINST                   27

ABSTENTIONS         0

The motion was declared LOST.

Speeches on the substantive motion were then made by Councillor Marcus Ginn  and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.5

There were no information reports to this meeting of the Council.

* * * * *   CONCLUSION OF BUSINESS    * * * * *