Agenda and minutes

Audio Recordings – Please note that the meeting starts at 2.20 on the recording.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Viya Nsumbu, Nick Botterill, Mike Adam, Elaine Chumnery, and Wesley Harcourt.

The Mayor, on behalf of all Councillors, congratulated Councillor Greg Smith on his recent marriage.

The Mayor also congratulated Lyn Carpenter on her recent appointment as Chief Executive of Thurrock Council.

Councillor Stephen Cowan expressed his thanks to Lyn Carpenter for her service to the borough, particularly her efforts supporting the Lyric Theatre.

Councillor Greg Smith thanked Lyn Carpenter for her remarkable achievements working for the borough and wished her and her family the best.

The Council observed a minute of silence in remembrance of the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Tunisia.

In respect of Item 6.1 – Review of the Constitution, Councillor Caroline Needham declared a significant interest as she was a personal friend of Ms Janice Cammel OBE, named as an Independent Person in the report. She considered that this did not give rise to a perception of a conflict of interests and, in the circumstances it would be reasonable to participate in the discussion and vote thereon.

In respect of Special Motion 7 – Heathrow Airport Commission, Councillor Hannah Barlow declared a significant interest as her employer had a contract with Heathrow Airport. She considered that this did not give rise to a perception of a conflict of interests and, in the circumstances it would be reasonable to participate in the discussion and vote thereon.

Question 1 – Anna Richmond-Dodd

7.08pm - The Mayor called on Anna Richmond-Dodd who had submitted a question to the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Michael Cartwright, to ask her question. The Deputy Leader responded. Anna Richmond-Dodd asked a supplementary question which was also answered.

(A copy of all the public questions submitted and the replies given are attached at Appendix 1 to these minutes).

This reports recommends a number of amendments to the Council’s Constitution.

7.23pm - The report and recommendations were formally moved for adoption by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Cowan.

Speeches on the report were made by Councillors Vivienne Lukey, PJ Murphy, and Iain Cassidy (for the Administration) and Councillor Mark Loveday (for the Opposition).

The report and recommendations were put to the vote:

FOR                         Unanimous

AGAINST                0

NOT VOTING         0

The report and recommendations were declared CARRIED.

7.35pm - RESOLVED

1.            That the amendments to the Council’s Constitution outlined in Appendix 1 of the report (Officer Employment Procedure Rules) be agreed.

2.            That the changes to the Officers Scheme of delegation, by the Monitoring Officer under delegated powers, to reflect new legislative changes be noted.

3.            That the Council amends the composition of the Joint Appointments Panel and agrees its terms of reference as follows:

(i)            The membership of the panel will comprise three Council members from each relevant authority (to include one Cabinet member from each relevant authority) split in the ratio of administration to opposition members in each Council. The sovereignty guarantee ensures that the Council cannot be forced to accept an appointment in relation to Hammersmith and Fulham.

(ii)          For the appointment of Chief Officers with responsibility for shared services covering more than one Council a joint panel shall be convened comprising three members from each relevant authority. Other appointments, other than at Chief Officer level, may be conducted by members where all relevant authorities agree that the appointment should be made by members.

4.            That the creation of a Member Cycling and Pedestrian Champion post be approved and Councillor Iain Cassidy be appointed into this post.

7.36pm - Under Standing Order 15(e) iii, Councillor Colin Aherne moved and Councillor Stephen Cowan seconded a motion that Special Motion 7 take precedence on the agenda. This was agreed.

7.36pm - Councillor Lucy Ivimy moved, seconded by Councillor Mark Loveday, the special motion standing in their names:

"THIS COUNCIL:

1.    Rejects the recommendations in the report of the Airports Commission for an extended northern runway at London Heathrow Airport.

2.    Resolves to continue its campaign against additional runways at Heathrow Airport."

Speeches were made by Councillors Lucy Ivimy and Mark Loveday (for the Opposition).

Under Standing Order 15(e) (vi), Councillor Alan De’Ath moved, seconded by Councillor Larry Culhane, an amendment to the motion as follows:

“Delete all after “This Council” and replace with:

… profoundly thanks Christina Smyth (Chair) Stephen Claypole, Andy Sharpe, Melanie Whitlock, Isobel Hill-Smith, Natasha Gabb and Victoria Timberlake for the thorough, evidence-based review they carried out as members of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham’s resident-led Heathrow Commission which was set up by the new Administration in September 2014 and which reported its findings in January 2015.

The Council supports the H&F Heathrow Commission’s informed conclusion that, “the negative impacts on the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (LBHF) of expansion at Heathrow would outweigh the positive impacts”.

The Council notes that in 2010 Prime Minister David Cameron stated: “The third runway at Heathrow is not going ahead, no ifs, no buts”.

The Council:

1.    Rejects the recommendations in the report of the Airports Commission for any extended or additional runway at London Heathrow Airport.

2.    Resolves to continue its campaign against additional runways at Heathrow Airport.

3.    Calls on the Prime Minister and all members of the government to reject the proposals for another Heathrow runway and vote against such proposals should they be put forward in Parliament.”

Speeches on the amendment were made by Councillors Alan De’Ath and Larry Culhane (for the Administration) and Councillor Charlie Dewhirst (for the Opposition) before it was put to the vote:

The amendment was declared CARRIED.

Councillor Lucy Ivimy Cowan (for the Opposition) made a speech winding up the debate. The report and recommendations were put to the vote:

The motion, as amended, was declared CARRIED.

7.57pm - RESOLVED

This Council profoundly thanks Christina Smyth (Chair) Stephen Claypole, Andy Sharpe, Melanie Whitlock, Isobel Hill-Smith, Natasha Gabb and Victoria Timberlake for the thorough, evidence-based review they carried out as members of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham’s resident-led Heathrow Commission which was set up by the new Administration in September 2014 and which reported its findings in January 2015.

The Council supports the H&F Heathrow Commission’s informed conclusion that, “the negative impacts on the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (LBHF) of expansion at Heathrow would outweigh the positive impacts”.

The Council notes that in 2010 Prime Minister David Cameron stated: “The third runway at Heathrow is not going ahead, no ifs, no buts”.

The Council:

1.    Rejects the recommendations in the report of the Airports Commission for any extended or additional runway at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.1

Councillor Sharon Holder moved, seconded by Councillor Larry Culhane, the special motion standing in their names:

"This Council calls on Mayor Boris Johnson (Con), the Chair of Transport for London (TfL), to halt plans to re-route the 424 bus in the Sands End area.

The Council appreciates how the current 424 bus route provides a vital service to local residents – many of them elderly, living in local sheltered housing schemes. For many it is the only means they can access shops, GP surgeries and other essential and day-to-day services that they rely on and which allows them to live full and independent lives.

The Council notes that residents’ concerns about TfL’s poor consultation and calls on Mayor Boris Johnson to listen to residents and the Council and safeguard this vital service."

Speeches on the Special Motion were made by Councillors Sharon Holder, Larry Culhane, and Lisa Homan (for the Administration) and Councillors Steve Hamilton, Donald Johnson, and Robert Largan (for the Opposition) before it was put to the vote:

The motion was declared CARRIED.

8.22pm - RESOLVED

This Council calls on Mayor Boris Johnson (Con), the Chair of Transport for London (TfL), to halt plans to re-route the 424 bus in the Sands End area.

The Council appreciates how the current 424 bus route provides a vital service to local residents – many of them elderly, living in local sheltered housing schemes. For many it is the only means they can access shops, GP surgeries and other essential and day-to-day services that they rely on and which allows them to live full and independent lives.

The Council notes that residents’ concerns about TfL’s poor consultation and calls on Mayor Boris Johnson to listen to residents and the Council and safeguard this vital service.

8.23pm - Councillor Adam Connell moved, seconded by Councillor Iain Cassidy, the special motion standing in their names:

“This Council welcomes the success of the Independent Living Fund (ILF) in enabling nearly 18,000 people with high-support needs to live their lives with choice and control, rather than going into residential care or being trapped at home.

The Council regrets that on 1 July 2015, the Conservative government only confirmed funding for just one year. It notes the anxiety this has caused people in receipt of ILF and calls on the government to guarantee the necessary funding for this vital service so that disabled people can continue to live independently no matter where they live in the country.”

Speeches on the special motion were made by Councillors Adam Connell, Iain Cassidy, and Caroline Needham (for the Administration).

Under Standing Order 15(e) (vi), Councillor Andrew Brown moved, seconded by Councillor Marcus Ginn, an amendment to the motion as follows:

“Delete second paragraph and insert:

The Council:

1.        Believes that the test of a good society is whether you look after the frail, the vulnerable, and the poorest.

2.        Further believes that local government is best placed to manage and coordinate the funding for disabled people.

3.        Welcomes the transfer of funds from the Government to allow local authorities to continue funding those previously receiving the Independent Living Fund, and pledges to maintain this funding for the small number of H&F residents in receipt of this support.

4.        Further welcomes the NHS’s increased partnership with the council through the Community Independence Service that helps keep disabled people as well as chronically ill patients healthy and in their own homes.

5.        Supports the Chancellor’s announcement at the budget that disability benefits will not be taxed or means tested.

6.        Further supports his announcement that rents for social housing will be reduced by 1% a year for 4 years, as well as the announcement in the March Budget of £1.25 billion of additional funding for mental health services, a crucially important and often overlooked cause and component of disability.”

Speeches on the amendment to the special motion were made by Councillors Andrew Brown and Marcus Ginn (for the Opposition) and by Councillors Vivienne Lukey, and Ben Coleman (for the Administration), before it was put to the vote:

The amendment was declared LOST.

Speeches on the substantive motion were made by Councillor Andrew Brown (for the Opposition) and by Councillors Stephen Cowan, Rory Vaughan, and PJ Murphy (for the Administration).

Councillor Adam Connell Cowan (for the Administration) made a speech winding up the debate. The substantive motion was put to the vote and a roll-call was requested:

Under Standing Order 15(e) iii, Councillor Mark Loveday moved and Councillor Greg Smith seconded a motion that special motion 4 be considered before special motion 3 as the guillotine was approaching. This was agreed.

21.13pm - Councillor Hannah Barlow moved, seconded by Councillor Ali Hashem, the special motion standing in their names:

“This Council calls on Thames Water and the Conservative government to listen to residents objections to many of the potential sites for the Counters Creek storm relief sewer and find better sites that do not damage neighbourhoods and blight homes.

The Council agrees to support residents to fight these proposals if Thames Water and the Conservative government do not work with the Council and borough residents to find better ways to deal with the risk of flooding in homes across the borough.”

Speeches on the special motion were made by Councillors Hannah Barlow and Ali Hashem, who delivered his maiden speech (for the Administration).

Under Standing Order 15(e) (vi), Councillor Lucy Ivimy moved, seconded by Councillor Steve Hamilton, an amendment to the motion as follows:

“Delete all (including title of Special Motion) and insert:

Special Motion No. 4 – Counter’s Creek Sewer Sites

This Council:

1.        Understands that sewer flooding is a problem in our borough and brings misery and upset to those affected.

2.        Notes with real concern the sites in Hammersmith & Fulham identified by Thames Water to support The Counters Creek sewer flooding alleviation scheme. These sites will cause unacceptable disruption and disturbance to residents during the works proposed.

3.        Calls on Thames Water to come up with alternative sites and solutions which minimise the impact, inconvenience and financial loss to residents of Hammersmith & Fulham.

4.        Calls on the Administration to publish the minutes of the meetings it has had with Thames Water and give guarantees to residents it will not agree a deal to transfer Council owned sites to Thames Water behind closed doors.

5.        Resolves to use every means possible to defend the right of residents impacted by this blight wherever they live in Hammersmith & Fulham.”

Speeches on the amendment to the special motion were made by Councillors Lucy Ivimy, Steve Hamilton, Joe Carlebach, Belinda Donovan, and Caroline Ffiske (for the Opposition) and by Councillors Larry Culhane, Sue Fennimore, Lisa Homan and PJ Murphy (for the Administration), before it was put to the vote and a roll-call was requested:

The amendment was declared LOST.

The substantive motion was then put to the vote:

The motion was declared CARRIED.

10.03pm - RESOLVED

This Council calls on Thames Water and the Conservative government to listen to residents objections to many of the potential sites for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.4

(NOTE: as the guillotine had passed, this item was considered without discussion)

10.04pm - Councillor PJ Murphy moved, seconded by Councillor Guy Vincent, the special motion standing in their names:

“This Council congratulates Rt Hon. Greg Hands, the Member of Parliament for Chelsea and Fulham, on his appointment as Chief Secretary to the Treasury and notes his responsibility for leading on the government’s austerity programme.

The Council calls on Greg Hands MP to comprehensively and objectively review all the cuts the government is considering making to policing, local government and other vital services to ensure important services are maintained and that the residents of this borough and the citizens of our great country are not adversely impacted by the decisions he makes.”

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

“Delete all after ‘Treasury’ and insert:

“and notes he is the first MP for the Borough to be at the Cabinet table in 45 years.
 
The Council calls on Greg Hands MP to continue:

·         delivering the Government’s Long Term Economic Plan

·         reducing the country’s deficit

·         ensuring work always pays and

·         growing the UK economy by the fastest rate in the G7

·         delivering for the people of Hammersmith & Fulham.”

The amendment was put to the vote:

The amendment was declared LOST.

The substantive motion was put to the vote:

The motion was declared CARRIED.

10.05pm - RESOLVED

This Council congratulates Rt Hon. Greg Hands, the Member of Parliament for Chelsea and Fulham, on his appointment as Chief Secretary to the Treasury and notes his responsibility for leading on the government’s austerity programme.

The Council calls on Greg Hands MP to comprehensively and objectively review all the cuts the government is considering making to policing, local government and other vital services to ensure important services are maintained and that the residents of this borough and the citizens of our great country are not adversely impacted by the decisions he makes.

10.06pm - This motion was withdrawn.

10.06pm - This motion was withdrawn.

10.07pm - This motion was withdrawn.

To approve and sign as an accurate record the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 20 May 2015.

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 20 May 2015 were confirmed and signed as an accurate record.