Agenda and minutes

To approve and sign as an accurate record the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 20 July 2016.

7.27pm - RESOLVED

That the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 20 July 2016 were confirmed and signed as an accurate record.

Apologies for absence were received from CouncillorsPJ Murphy, Sue Macmillan, and Lucy Ivimy.

Apologies for lateness were received from Councillors Hannah Barlow, Robert Largan, and Jane Law.

The Mayor announced the passing of former Mayor and Councillor, Mr Ian Gray on Friday 22 July 2016. Mr Gray served as a Councillor for Town Ward, Fulham Borough Council, from 1962 to 1965 and continued as Councillor for Town Ward when the Metropolitan Boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham were combined to become the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Mr Gray was also Councillor for Town Ward from 1964 to 1968 and 1971 to 1974 and Councillor for Sherbrook Ward from 1974 to 1990. Mr Gray served on a number of Committees, notably as Chairman of the Housing Committee, Chairman of the Public Services Committee and then as Deputy Mayor and Mayor. Councillors Lisa Homan and Alex Karmel also made speeches paying tribute to Mr Ian Gray. The Mayor then led a minute of silence in his memory.

The Mayor congratulated residents and those working in Hammersmith & Fulham who had received honours in Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th Birthday Honours list for 2016:

·         Janet Michell Ellis, Hammersmith resident, was given an MBE for services to charities and theatre at The Lyric Hammersmith.

·         Mrs Grundy Campbell, Hammersmith resident, had been given an MBE for her work in international mental health, in particular her role as the mental health and psychosocial coordinator for the International Medical Corps in Sierra Leone during the Ebola crisis.

·         Emma Hayes, Chelsea Ladies FC manager, had been awarded an MBE for her services to football – leading the Blues to the WSL and Women’s FA Cup Double in 2015.

·         Kevin McGrath, former QPR chairman who co-founded a series of prison restaurants staffed by inmates and Deputy Lieutenant to Hammersmith & Fulham, had been awarded an OBE for charitable services.

In respect of Special Motion 4 – ‘Private Rented Sector Housing’ – the following members declared non-pecuniary interests as tenants in private rented accommodation in the borough: Councillors Iain Cassidy, Alan De’Ath, Adam Connell, Max Schmid, and Viya Nsumbu. They 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 6 – ‘Abolition of H&F Council Housing’ – the following members declared non-pecuniary interests as tenants in council accommodation in the borough: Councillors Sharon Holder, Natalia Perez, and Larry Culhane. Councillor Daryl Brown also declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item. They 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.

There were no public questions.

The Youth Mayor and members of the Youth Council will provide a verbal update on progress towards their manifesto goals.

7.40pm – The Youth Mayor, Aminata Koroma, and her deputy Joshua Yirenki addressed the Council and provided an update on their achievements so far and the results of the Make Your Mark consultation for 2016.

Councillor Caroline Needham made a speech thanking the Youth Mayor, Deputy Youth Mayor and Youth Council for their hard work and dedication.

This report recommends changes to the Council’s procedure rules and the scheme of delegation to officers.

An amendment to the report was tabled at the meeting.

7:46pm – The report and recommendations were formally moved for adoption, as amended, by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Cowan.

The report and recommendations, as amended, were then put to the vote:

            FOR                            Unanimous

            AGAINST                    0

            NOT VOTING            0

The report and recommendations, as amended, were declared CARRIED.

7.48pm – RESOLVED

1.    That the Council procedure rules attached as Appendix 1 of the report be agreed.

2.    That the revised officer scheme of delegation attached as Appendix 2 of the report be agreed.

This report recommends the establishment of a Commercial Revenue Board to help the Council take advantage of business opportunities.

19:50pm – 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 Ben Coleman and Max Schmid (for the Administration) and Councillor Michael Adam (for the Opposition).

The report and recommendations were then put to the vote:

            FOR                            23

            AGAINST                    0

            NOT VOTING             18

The report and recommendations were declared CARRIED.

8.01pm – RESOLVED

1.    That a Committee of Cabinet, the Commercial Revenue Committee, be created with the terms of reference attached as Appendix 1 of the report.

2.    That Councillors Ben Coleman and Max Schmid be appointed as Members of the Commercial Revenue Committee.

3.    That the Leader may nominate a substitute member to act in the absence of one of the appointed Committee members.

4.    That the Council’s constitution be amended to reflect the change to the Key Decision definition outlined in paragraph 7.2 and the Substitute Member Scheme in paragraph 8 of the report.

8.02pm – Under Standing Order 15(e) iii, Councillor Colin Aherne moved a motion that Special Motion 3 take precedence on the agenda. This was agreed.

8.02pm – Councillor Sue Fennimore moved, seconded by Councillor Caroline Needham, the special motion in their names:

“This Council calls on the Home Secretary Amber Rudd to immediately take steps to provide safe passage to all of the applicable refugee children trapped in the Calais refugee camp that has become known as “The Calais Jungle”.

The government needs to:

1.    State that it fully intends to honour the rights of the refugee children to come to the UK

2.    Agree to register the children in the “Calais Jungle” and process all necessary documentation

3.    Ensure sufficient funding to local authorities so that they can recruit and support the vital child care services such as fostering.

The UNHCR estimates that there are 24,000 unaccompanied child refugees in Europe. The British people have a long history of being compassionate towards refugees as happened with the Kindertransport children. We call on the current British government to follow in this tradition and to do its duty towards these refugee children.”

Speeches on the special motion were made by Councillors Sue Fennimore, Caroline Needham, Ben Coleman, and Stephen Cowan (for the Administration) and Councillors Caroline Ffiske, Joe Carlebach, and Harry Phibbs (for the Opposition). The special motion was then put to the vote and a roll-call was requested.

            FOR                            23

            AGAINST                   0

            NOT VOTING            18

The special motion was declared CARRIED.

8.44pm – RESOLVED

This Council calls on the Home Secretary Amber Rudd to immediately take steps to provide safe passage to all of the applicable refugee children trapped in the Calais refugee camp that has become known as “The Calais Jungle”.

The government needs to:

1.    State that it fully intends to honour the rights of the refugee children to come to the UK

2.    Agree to register the children in the “Calais Jungle” and process all necessary documentation

3.    Ensure sufficient funding to local authorities so that they can recruit and support the vital child care services such as fostering.

The UNHCR estimates that there are 24,000 unaccompanied child refugees in Europe. The British people have a long history of being compassionate towards refugees as happened with the Kindertransport children. We call on the current British government to follow in this tradition and to do its duty towards these refugee children.

8.44pm – Councillor Andrew Jones moved, seconded by Councillor Alan De’Ath, the special motion in their names:

“This Council calls on Prime Minister Theresa May MP and Home Secretary Amber Rudd MP not to pursue their proposal to force companies to list all of the foreign workers they employ.

This Council recognises such a scheme would be divisive. It would be highly damaging to our Country’s international reputation and to our economy. Even the suggestion of it has caused huge anxiety and upset to the thousands of foreign born citizens that have made Hammersmith & Fulham their home or workplace. That should be cause for regret by those who made it.

The Council notes the comments of the head of the British Chambers of Commerce who said such a move would amount to a "badge of shame".

Hammersmith & Fulham Council recognizes that our borough’s foreign born nationals have greatly enriched our community and thanks them for the businesses they’ve started, the hard work they undertake and the service they give to vital public services such as this Council and our local NHS.

The Council calls on Ms May and Ms Rudd to back away from such a xenophobic scheme and instead urges them to focus their attentions on delivering a strong economy that works for all and setting a tone that prioritises unity and belonging.”

Speeches on the special motion were made by Councillors Andrew Jones, Alan De’Ath, Natalia Perez, and Sharon Holder (for the Administration).

Under Standing Order 15(e) (vi), Councillor Charlie Dewhirst moved, seconded by Councillor Joe Carlebach, an amendment to the motion as follows:

“Delete the title and insert “SUSTAINABLE MIGRATION”then delete everything after “This Council” and insert:

“…notes:

1.    That immigration has been good for this country; it has boosted our economy and enhanced our culture, but uncontrolled immigration is not in Britain’s interests.

2.    The Government’s consultation on measures to reduce net migration, while making sure we welcome and attract the brightest and best who contribute to the British economy.

3.    That the current plans will not require companies to publish lists of foreign workers.

The Council supports sustainable levels of migration – helping build confidence in our immigration system and preventing excessive pressures on our public services.”

Speeches on the amendment to the special motion were made by Councillors Charlie Dewhirst, Joe Carlebach, Viya Nsumbu, Andrew Brown, and Donald Johnson (for the Opposition), and Councillors Ben Coleman, Max Schmid, Caroline Needham, and Stephen Cowan (for the Administration). The amendment was then put to the vote.

FOR                            17

AGAINST                   23

NOT VOTING             1

The amendment was declared LOST.

Councillor Andrew Jones then made a speech on the substantive motion winding up the debate. The substantive motion was then put to the vote.

FOR                            23

AGAINST                    17

NOT VOTING             1

The substantive motion was declared CARRIED.

9.41pm – RESOLVED

This Council calls on Prime Minister Theresa May MP and Home Secretary Amber Rudd MP not to pursue their proposal to force  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.1

9.42pm – Councillor Adam Connell moved, seconded by Councillor Sue Fennimore, the special motion in their names:

“This Council:

1.         Praises the work of the London Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, Charecroft TRA, and Council officers and contractors for their quick and effective response to the fire in Shepherd’s Court on Friday 19^th August 2016, which helped ensure that no-one was seriously injured and residents’ wellbeing was looked after.

2.         Thanks Tesco, Morrison’s, Queens Park Rangers, the Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank, the K-West Hotel, Ibis, and Furnish for their generous donations and support for the local community following the fire.

3.         Notes that the London Fire Brigade has determined that the cause of the fire was a faulty Whirlpool tumble dryer that the manufacturer had advised could still be safely used.

4.         Recognises the devastating impact that the fire has had on residents in Shepherd’s Court and resolves to continue supporting them and working hard to help them move back into their homes as quickly as possible.

5.         Calls on Whirlpool to release to the public all risk assessments relating to faulty white goods and to inform all customers of defective goods that their continued use is unsafe.

6.         Resolves to support the London Fire Brigade’s Total Recalls campaign to make white goods safer, and to inform Hammersmith and Fulham residents of the danger posed by faulty white goods.”

Speeches on the special motion were made by Councillors Adam Connell, Sue Fennimore, and Lisa Homan (for the Administration), and Councillors Harry Phibbs and Mark Loveday (for the Opposition). Councillor Adam Connell then made a speech winding up the debate before the motion was put to the vote:

FOR                            Unanimous

AGAINST                    0

NOT VOTING             0

The motion was declared CARRIED.

10.07pm – RESOLVED

This Council:

1.         Praises the work of the London Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, Charecroft TRA, and Council officers and contractors for their quick and effective response to the fire in Shepherd’s Court on Friday 19^th August 2016, which helped ensure that no-one was seriously injured and residents’ wellbeing was looked after.

2.         Thanks Tesco, Morrison’s, Queens Park Rangers, the Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank, the K-West Hotel, Ibis, and Furnish for their generous donations and support for the local community following the fire.

3.         Notes that the London Fire Brigade has determined that the cause of the fire was a faulty Whirlpool tumble dryer that the manufacturer had advised could still be safely used.

4.         Recognises the devastating impact that the fire has had on residents in Shepherd’s Court and resolves to continue supporting them and working hard to help them move back into their homes as quickly as possible.

5.         Calls on Whirlpool to release to the public all risk assessments relating to faulty white goods and to inform all customers of defective goods that their continued use is unsafe.

6.         Resolves to support the London Fire Brigade’s Total Recalls campaign to make white goods safer, and to inform Hammersmith  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.2

Councillor Robert Largan declared a non-pecuniary interest in the item as a Council lease holder. He 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.

10.07pm – Councillor Greg Smith moved, seconded by Councillor Charlie Dewhirst, the special motion in their names:

“This Council:

1.    Notes the strong opposition of council tenants and leaseholders to the Labour administration’s proposal to abolish council housing in the borough

2.    Is concerned by the administration’s willingness to proceed without the approval of both a majority of council tenants and a majority of council leaseholders.

3.    Resolves that the misguided proposal be withdrawn before any further money is wasted on it.”

A speech on the special motion was made by Councillor Greg Smith.

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

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

“condemns Hammersmith and Fulham’s former Conservative administration who:

·         Secretly undertook a deal with property developers to demolish 800 council homes on the West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estate against the wishes of residents who voted 4 to 1 against the plans.

·         Further planned to demolish and sell off a third of all the remaining council homes in the borough.

·         Lobbied the former Conservative/Lib Dem government to hike all new rents up to 80% of market rates instead of 25% or 40%.

·         Hiked up rents and service charges for Hammersmith and Fulham's established residents by far more than inflation - with rents rising by as much as 7% in one year.

·         Fixed the planning process to stop any new socially rented homes being built.

·         Granted permission for more new homes for overseas investors than they did for UK residents.

The Council congratulates the current Labour administration for empowering tenants, leaseholders, and other residents of the borough’s council estates to decide the future of their homes via the Residents’ Housing Commission and pledges to work with them to protect and improve their homes.””

Speeches on the amendment to the special motion were made by Councillors Lisa Homan, Ali Hashem, and Stephen Cowan (for the Administration), and Councillor Robert Largan (for the Opposition). The amendment was then put to the vote and roll-call was requested.

FOR                            23

AGAINST                    17

NOT VOTING             1

The amendment was declared CARRIED.

A speech on the special motion as amended was made by Councillor Greg Smith before it was put to the vote:

FOR                            23

AGAINST                    17

NOT VOTING             1

The special motion as amended was declared CARRIED.

10.44pm – RESOLVED

This Council:-

Condemns Hammersmith  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.6

10.44pm – Councillor Lisa Homan moved, seconded by Councillor Adam Connell, the special motion in the names:

“This Council recognises the important contribution the Private Rented Sector makes to the provision of housing in the borough and notes that one third of all Hammersmith & Fulham households now live in a private rented home.

We recognise that the majority of private landlords renting out properties in Hammersmith & Fulham are good landlords who work in close partnership with the Council. However, the Council regrets that this is not the case for all landlords and recognises its statutory obligations to ensure that no private rented sector tenant is living in substandard accommodation.

This Council resolves to support the steps being taken by the Labour administration to consult with tenants and landlords on additional measures that can be introduced to improve the quality of the private rented sector in Hammersmith & Fulham. 

The Council further applauds the Labour administration’s ambition to provide a proactive, fit for purpose service that gives confidence to our many residents who are private tenants. 

The Council notes that this action is sadly long overdue as there were no steps to improve the Private Rented Sector under eight years of the previous Conservative administration.”

Under Standing Order 15(e) (vi), Councillor Harry Phibbs moved, seconded by Councillor Andrew Brown, an amendment to the special motion:

“Delete all after second paragraph and insert:

This Council notes that between 4th November 2014 and 23rd November 2015 there were:

§  553 complaints received by the Council about private rented properties.

§  3 prosecutions of private landlords made by LBHF.

§  9 improvement notices served by LBHF.

§  0 Rent Repayment Orders made.

This Council further notes that selective and additional licensing schemes:

§  Are expensive and bureaucratic.

§  Punish law abiding landlords.

§  Amount to a Tenant’s Tax, since landlords will be able to recover the cost of licensing through increased rents.

And resolves to use its existing powers to tackle bad landlords rather than indulge in the expensive gimmick of selective and additional licensing which will only increase burdens on good landlords and their tenants.”

The amendment was then put to the vote:

FOR                            17

AGAINST                   23

NOT VOTING             1

The amendment was declared LOST.

The substantive motion was then put to the vote:

FOR                            23

AGAINST                    0

NOT VOTING             18

The substantive motion was declared CARRIED.

10.45pm - RESOLVED

This Council recognises the important contribution the Private Rented Sector makes to the provision of housing in the borough and notes that one third of all Hammersmith & Fulham households now live in a private rented home.

We recognise that the majority of private landlords renting out properties in Hammersmith & Fulham are good landlords who work in close partnership with the Council. However, the Council regrets that this is not the case for all landlords and recognises its statutory obligations to ensure that no private rented sector tenant is living in substandard accommodation.

This Council resolves to support the steps being taken by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.4

10.45pm – Councillor Michael Cartwright moved, seconded by Councillor Max Schmid, the special motion in their names:

“This Council is appalled by the recent announcement by the Ministry of Justice that Hammersmith Magistrates Court is to close. This follows its decision to move Hammersmith County Court to Wandsworth.

A decision has already been made to close Shepherd’s Bush Police Station to the public and to sell of Fulham Police Station.

This is having a detrimental impact on residents who are either victims of or witnesses to crime and resolves to oppose the closure.”

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

“Delete:

1.    Delete “Hammersmith Magistrates Court”, and insert “Hammersmith Magistrates’ Courts”.

2.    Delete “of”, and insert “off”.

3.    Add “And this Council resolves that the Chief Executive shall respond to the public consultation “Proposal on the future of Camberwell Green and Hammersmith Magistrates’ Courts” before the closing date of 27 October 2016 stating its opposition to the closure of Hammersmith Magistrates’ Courts.””

The amendment was put to the vote:

            FOR                            17

            AGAINST                   23

            NOT VOTING             1

The amendment was declared LOST.

The substantive motion was put to the vote:

            FOR                            Unanimous

            AGAINST                    0

            NOT VOTING             0

The substantive motion was declared CARRIED.

10.47pm – RESOLVED

This Council is appalled by the recent announcement by the Ministry of Justice that Hammersmith Magistrates Court is to close. This follows its decision to move Hammersmith County Court to Wandsworth.

A decision has already been made to close Shepherd’s Bush Police Station to the public and to sell of Fulham Police Station.

This is having a detrimental impact on residents who are either victims of or witnesses to crime and resolves to oppose the closure.

10.47pm – Councillor Harry Phibbs moved, seconded by Councillor Greg Smith, the special motion in their names:

“This Council:

1.    Notes recent difficulties over squatters in the borough on non-residential and public land.

2.    Welcomes the fact that squatting has been made a criminal offence on residential land and buildings.

3.    Calls on the Government to extend the law to make it a criminal offence on non-residential and local authority land as well and thus avoid the delay involved in civil proceedings during which time the police are unable to act.”

Under Standing Order 15(e) (vi), Councillor Lisa Homan moved, seconded by Councillor Wesley Harcourt, an amendment to the special motion:

“Delete all after point 1 and insert:-

“2. Congratulates council officers for resolving the situation quickly.

3. Calls on the Government to undertake a review of squatting which scrutinises:-

·         the effectiveness of legislation introduced in 2012 making squatting an offence on residential land and buildings and

·         the connection between squatting, homelessness and housing need.

·         how to make the process quick, affordable and effective without criminalising those desperate for a roof over their head.””

The amendment was then put to the vote:

FOR                            23

AGAINST                    17

NOT VOTING             1

The amendment was declared CARRIED.

The special motion as amended was then put to the vote:

FOR                            23

AGAINST                    17

NOT VOTING             1

The special motion as amended was declared CARRIED.

10.48pm – RESOLVED

This Council:

1.    Notes recent difficulties over squatters in the borough on non-residential and public land.

2.    Congratulates council officers for resolving the situation quickly.

3.    Calls on the Government to undertake a review of squatting which scrutinises:-

·         the effectiveness of legislation introduced in 2012 making squatting an offence on residential land and buildings and

·         the connection between squatting, homelessness and housing need.

·         how to make the process quick, affordable and effective without criminalising those desperate for a roof over their head.

10.48pm – The Treasury Outturn Report for 2015-16 was noted.

10.48pm – The report of the Chair of the Audit, Pensions and Standards Committee 2015/16 was noted.

10.48pm – The Pension Board’s Annual Review of Activities report was noted.