Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Sue Fennimore, Rebecca Harvey, Adam Connell, Ann Rosenberg, and Donald Johnson.

If a Councillor has a disclosable pecuniary interest in a particular item, whether or not it is entered in the Authority’s register of interests, or any other significant interest which they consider should be declared in the public interest, they should declare the existence and, unless it is a sensitive interest as defined in the Member Code of Conduct, the nature of the interest at the commencement of the consideration of that 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 disclosable pecuniary interest or other significant 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.

Where Members of the public are not allowed to be in attendance and speak, then the Councillor with a disclosable pecuniary interest should withdraw from the meeting whilst the matter is under consideration. Councillors who have declared other significant interests should also withdraw from the meeting if they consider their continued participation in the matter would not be reasonable in the circumstances and may give rise to a perception of a conflict of interest.

Councillors are not obliged to withdraw from the meeting where a dispensation to that effect has been obtained from the Standards Committee.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 20 October 2021.

RESOLVED

The minutes of the meeting held on 20 October 2021 were agreed as an accurate record.

Queen’s Birthday Honours List

The Mayor, on behalf of the Council, congratulated the following people who were recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for their outstanding achievements:

·      Angela Joan Mooney, who was awarded an MBE for services to Social Care in Hammersmith & Fulham.

·      Jacqueline Patricia Boyce, Caesar President, Savraj Kaur Singh, Maria Sturdy-Morton, and Julian Nicol Sturdy-Morton who were all awarded British Empire Medals for their services to the community in Hammersmith & Fulham during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Mayor thanked them for their hard work and service to the community.

Speeches of congratulations were also made by Councillors Stephen Cowan (Leader of the Council), Victoria Brocklebank-Fowler (Leader of the Opposition), and Councillor Amanda-Lloyd Harris.

Death of Former Councillor Tony Hennessey

With great sadness, the Mayor noted the death of former Councillor Tony Hennessey, who passed away on Friday the 3rd of December 2021. Mr Hennessey was elected as a Councillor representing Brook Green from 1978 until 1994. His areas of focus were housing and care for older residents, and he was the President of Age UK in Hammersmith and Fulham.

Councillors Wesley Harcourt (Cabinet Member for the Environment), Stephen Cowan (Leader of the Council), Adronie Alford, Victoria Brocklebank-Fowler (Leader of the Opposition), Alex Karmel, and Amanda-Lloyd Harris made speeches of remembrance.

The Council observed a minute of silence in his memory. 

The Mayor thanked all of the residents who submitted questions. He noted that public question time was limited to 20 minutes, and it would not be extended as there was a full agenda.

Questions 1, 2, 3, and 4 were addressed in the meeting. The Mayor noted that any questions not addressed in the meeting would receive written responses which would also be published in the minutes. All the questions and responses can be found in Appendix 1 at the end of the minutes.

This report presents the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2022/23.

The Mayor noted that an amendment to the report had been published and circulated.

7.49pm – The amended report and recommendations were formally moved for adoption by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Commercial Services, Councillor Max Schmid.

Councillor Max Schmid made a speech on the report (for the Administration).

The amended report and recommendations were unanimously agreed.

7.49pm – RESOLVED

That Full Council approved the following recommendations:

1.    That the Council Tax Support Scheme in operation in 2021/2022 (included at Appendix 1) shall continue in 2022/2023.

2.    That the Council shall apply the annual uprating of allowances, applicable amounts and income, set out in the DWP Housing Benefit circular, to the Council Tax Support scheme for 2022/2023.

This report is a statutory requirement that sets the council tax base for the purposes of the 2022/23 revenue budget. The report also delegates authority to the Director of Finance to determine the business rates tax base for 2022/23.

7.49pm – The report and recommendations were formally moved for adoption by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Commercial Services, Councillor Max Schmid.

The report and recommendations were unanimously agreed.

7.49pm – RESOLVED

That Full Council approved for the financial year 2022/23: -

1.    The estimated numbers of properties for each Valuation Band as set out in this report.

2.    An estimated collection rate of 97.0%.

3.    The Council Tax Base of 82,263 Band “D” equivalent properties.

4.    The delegation of authority to the Director of Finance to determine the business rates tax base for 2022/23.

This report presents a review of polling districts and places and recommends approval of a new polling scheme to be implemented at the local council elections scheduled for 5 May 2022.

The Mayor noted that an amendment to the report had been published and circulated.

7.49pm – The amended report and recommendations were formally moved for adoption by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Cowan.

The amended report and recommendations were unanimously agreed.

7.50pm – RESOLVED

1.    That Council approved the adoption of parliamentary polling districts and parliamentary polling places as set out in the scheme contained in Appendix 1.

2.    That Council approved the adoption of the scheme contained in Appendix 1 in relation to all other referenda and elections held within the borough.

3.    That Council instructed the Electoral Registration Officer to make the necessary amendments to polling districts and to revise and republish the electoral register on 1 February 2022.

This report presents proposed changes to the Council’s Statement of Gambling Policy and the timetable for consultation.

Exempt appendix –This report has an appendix which contains information exempt within the meaning of paragraph 5 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 and is not for publication. The appendix has therefore been circulated to Councillors only. Any discussions on the contents of an exempt appendix will require Council to pass the proposed resolution identified in the exempt appendix to exclude members of the public and the press from the proceedings for that discussion.

7.50pm – The report and recommendations were formally moved for adoption by the Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor Wesley Harcourt.

A speech on the report was made by Councillor Alex Karmel (for the Opposition).

The report and recommendations were unanimously agreed.

7.54pm – RESOLVED

1.    The Council noted that Appendix 11 was not for publication on the basis that it contains information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings, as set out in paragraph 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

2.    That the Council carefully considered and noted the responses to the consultation attached at Appendix 5.

3.    That the Council approved the revised Statement of Gambling Policy 2022 – 2025, at Appendix 1.

4.    That the Council agreed to retain an existing no casino resolution within the Council’s Statement of Gambling Policy.

This report asks Council to note updates to the Economy Register of Authorities.

7.54pm – The updates to the Economy Register of Authorities were noted.

This report presents the 2022/23 calendar of meetings for approval.

7.55pm – The report and recommendations were formally moved for adoption by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Cowan.

The report and recommendations were unanimously agreed.

7.55pm – RESOLVED

1.    That the 2022/23 Council calendar of meetings at Appendix 1 was approved.

7.56pm – Councillor Bora Kwon moved a motion under Standing Order 15(e)3 to reorder the special motions in the following order: 7, 3, 4, 2, 6, 5, 1. Councillor Iain Cassidy seconded the motion, and it was put to the vote:

FOR                        31

AGAINST                10

NOT VOTING         0

7.58pm – The motion was declared CARRIED.

7.58pm – Councillor Ben Coleman moved, seconded by Councillor Sharon Holder, the special motion in their names:

“The Council supports free home care for elderly and Disabled residents and welcomes the Labour administration’s commitment to maintaining it.

The Council recognises that the last Conservative administration promised to keep home care free when they were in opposition but introduced charges very quickly after they became the administration.

The Council calls on the government to bring forward a national plan which ensures all councils are fully funded to give everyone in our country free home care.”

Speeches on the motion were made by Councillors Ben Coleman, Sharon Holder, Rory Vaughan, and Lucy Richardson (for the Administration) and Councillors Amanda Lloyd-Harris and Andrew Brown (for the Opposition).

Councillor Ben Coleman made a speech winding up the debate before the motion was put to the vote:

FOR                        31

AGAINST                10

NOT VOTING         0

The motion was declared CARRIED.

8.23pm – RESOLVED

The Council supports free home care for elderly and Disabled residents and welcomes the Labour administration’s commitment to maintaining it.

The Council recognises that the last Conservative administration promised to keep home care free when they were in opposition but introduced charges very quickly after they became the administration.

The Council calls on the government to bring forward a national plan which ensures all councils are fully funded to give everyone in our country free home care.

8.23pm – Councillor Ben Coleman moved, seconded by Councillor Patricia Quigley, the special motion in their names:

“This Council gives its heartfelt thanks to the NHS on behalf of the residents of Hammersmith & Fulham for working so valiantly throughout the pandemic and this winter’s health crisis. It recognises how its staff have made huge personal sacrifices to keep people safe.

The Council notes that there would have been a devastating impact on the people of Hammersmith & Fulham if Charing Cross Hospital had been demolished as the Conservative government had planned. It recalls how Hammersmith & Fulham’s Conservative councillors energetically and wholeheartedly supported the demolition plan, which would have seen:

1.    Charing Cross Hospital bulldozed with most of the site sold off to developers

2.    Charing Cross Hospital replaced with clinics which would have been just 13 per cent the size of the current hospital

3.    The clinics cynically rebranded as a “local hospital”

4.    The A&E closed and replaced with an Urgent Care Clinic

5.    The Urgent Care Clinic cynically rebranded as a “Class 3 A&E”

The Council agrees these plans were dangerous and calls on Hammersmith & Fulham Conservatives to apologise for their repeated comments which misled the public about the danger to Charing Cross Hospital, including:

“Andrew Brown 28/10/2013

It’s crucial for patents’ lives & outcomes that @NHS_NWLondon plans to reorganise its hospitals for C21st to go ahead.”

“Andrew Brown 29/05/2014

NHS NWL's plans aren't about taking away services they are about reorganising them to provide better higher quality care.”

“Andrew Brown 14/04/2014

Just caught up on yesterday’s #bbccsp with my Town Ward colleague @gregsmithsw6 demolishing Labour lies & myths on CX & Comms. Very proud!”

“Andrew Brown 15/05/2014

CX will retain an A&E + many other services will specialise in oncology, geriatrics & world class elective surgery.”

“Andrew Brown 08/09/2014

As IMPERIAL NHS trust have confirmed they have no plans to close CX A&E”

“Andrew Brown 27/11/2017

STP plan states that CX will continue to provide its current A&E & wider services for at least lifetime of the plan”

“Greg Hands 22/05/2017

Anyone getting a Labour or H&F Council leaflet about Charing Cross, remember local NHS has rebuked their falsehoods!””

Speeches on the motion were made by Councillors Ben Coleman, Patricia Quigley, Rory Vaughan, and Stephen Cowan (for the Administration) and Councillor Andrew Brown (for the Opposition).

Councillor Ben Coleman made a speech winding up the debate before the motion was put to the vote:

FOR                        31

AGAINST                10

NOT VOTING         0

The motion was declared CARRIED.

8.54pm – RESOLVED

This Council gives its heartfelt thanks to the NHS on behalf of the residents of Hammersmith & Fulham for working so valiantly throughout the pandemic and this winter’s health crisis. It recognises how its staff have made huge personal sacrifices to keep people safe.

The Council notes that there would have been a devastating impact on the people of Hammersmith & Fulham if Charing Cross Hospital had been demolished as the Conservative government had planned. It recalls how Hammersmith  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.3

8.55pm – Councillor Andrew Jones moved, seconded by Councillor Lisa Homan, the special motion in their names:

“This Council welcomes the return of the West Kensington and Gibbs Green estates. It deplores the fact that they were ever sold.

The Council notes that the estates were sold by the previous Conservative administration at a knock down price and that the obligations placed on the Council in the deal done by the Conservatives would have significantly damaged the Council’s finances.”

Speeches on the motion were made by Councillors Andrew Jones, Lisa Homan, Zarar Qayyum, and Larry Culhane (for the Administration) and Councillor Matt Thorley (for the Opposition).

Councillor Andrew Jones made a speech winding up the debate before the motion was put to the vote:

FOR                        31

AGAINST                10

NOT VOTING         0

The motion was declared CARRIED.

9.22pm – RESOLVED

This Council welcomes the return of the West Kensington and Gibbs Green estates. It deplores the fact that they were ever sold.

The Council notes that the estates were sold by the previous Conservative administration at a knock down price and that the obligations placed on the Council in the deal done by the Conservatives would have significantly damaged the Council’s finances.

9.22pm – Councillor Adronie Alford moved, seconded by Councillor Mark Loveday, the special motion in their names:

“This Council notes with serious concern, the report from the October 2021 Housing Ombudsman Service report “Spotlight on: Damp and Mould: It’s not lifestyle”, which found that Hammersmith and Fulham Council has:

1.    The highest rate of mismanagement in damp and mould cases for any social landlord in England.

2.    The highest maladministration rate for dealing with reports of damp and mould for any social landlord in England.

3.    The highest maladministration rate for complaint handling for any social landlord in England.

This Council calls upon the Administration to provide a clear and detailed plan of how it is going to address the repairs crisis in the borough’s housing stock.”

Under Standing Order 15(e)(6), Councillor Lisa Homan moved, seconded by

Councillor Max Schmid, an amendment in their names:

“Remove all after “This Council notes with serious concern, the report from the October 2021 Housing Ombudsman Service report “Spotlight on: Damp and Mould: It’s not lifestyle” and replace with:

“This Council apologises to the residents that are affected by damp and mould and commits to eradicating all the long-standing damp and mould issues within the next six months, with works currently underway. This Council supports its record £600m investment to refurbish council homes.

This Council recognises that the following actions have been taken to secure and improve the Borough’s council homes: -

·      Negotiated a successful early ending to the atrocious 10-year repairs contract (awarded by the previous Conservative administration) which underfunded repairs, did not meet service standards, had record customer dissatisfaction, and seriously impeded the council’s maintenance of its stock

·      The introduction of an extensive planned preventative maintenance program which had not existed between 2006 to 2014.

·      Ended the Conservatives’ ideologically inspired policy of selling off the Borough’s council estates so they could be demolished, and replaced with new developments of luxury apartments targeted at overseas property speculators

·      Ended the Conservatives’ ideologically inspired policy of selling off all council street properties at knock down prices to property developers – a scheme that was even featured on the BBC’s Homes Under The Hammer.

·      Ended the Conservatives’ program of depleting the council housing management service which had been part of its scheme to significantly reduce the borough’s housing stock

·      Is working with tenant and leaseholder residents to continuously improve the Council’s housing management services

·      Introduced a £20m Fire Safety Plus program

·      Is investing a record £600m to improve Councils homes and reduce energy bills despite 12 years of government Austerity.

This Council agrees to support these actions.

This Council reaffirms its commitment to residents of all the Borough’s council housing which recognises they have a right to affordable rents and service charges, and never have to suffer a political administration that sells their homes against their wishes. Furthermore, it restates that council homes must always be maintained to excellent standards and the housing management service is required to continuously improve to deliver the highest levels of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.2

9.48pm – Councillor Stephen Cowan moved, seconded by Councillor Rowan Ree, the special motion:

“The Council thanks all the people who have volunteered to make Hammersmith & Fulham a better, safer, and stronger place.

The Council recognises the many unpaid people who give their time, money, and effort in so many different ways because they care about their fellow citizens, their neighbourhoods and building a better future for our wonderful borough.

The Council notes the extremely wide range of volunteering activity in the borough, and that this work has been and remains particularly important during the Covid pandemic.”

Speeches on the special motion were made by Councillors Stephen Cowan, Rowan Ree, and Iain Cassidy (for the Administration), and Councillor Belinda Donovan (for the Opposition).

The guillotine fell at 10.05pm. All subsequent special motions and amendments were taken as moved and seconded.

Councillor Stephen Cowan summed up the debate before the motion was put to the vote:

FOR                        UNANIMOUS

AGAINST                0

NOT VOTING         0

The motion was declared CARRIED.

10.06pm – RESOLVED

The Council thanks all the people who have volunteered to make Hammersmith & Fulham a better, safer, and stronger place.

The Council recognises the many unpaid people who give their time, money, and effort in so many different ways because they care about their fellow citizens, their neighbourhoods and building a better future for our wonderful borough.

The Council notes the extremely wide range of volunteering activity in the borough, and that this work has been and remains particularly important during the Covid pandemic.

10.06pm – The guillotine had fallen so the special motion was taken as moved and seconded:

“The Council recognises that austerity is and has always been economically illiterate, unnecessarily cruel, and a huge mistake for British people and the economy. It notes it was introduced for ideological, conservative reasons by the Conservative / Liberal Democrat government in 2010. It agrees that Austerity has damaged our country and been bad for Hammersmith & Fulham.

The Council notes that, despite this, Hammersmith & Fulham’s Labour administration has delivered some of the lowest council tax in Britain, made homecare free, kept other costs to our residents low, maintained council tax support and other key payments to poorer residents, created a new Law Enforcement Team of over 70 officers to drive down environmental crime and anti-social behaviour, introduced social value procurement to prioritise spend on local businesses and delivered new services.

This Council notes that the Labour administration has done this by cutting huge levels of wasteful council spending, leaving costly tri-borough arrangements and modernising how the council works.

The Council calls on the Conservative government to bring forward a plan that will return its funding of Hammersmith and Fulham and other councils to 2010 levels within a reasonable timescale.”

The motion was put to the vote without debate:

FOR                        31

AGAINST                10

NOT VOTING         0

The motion was declared CARRIED.

10.07pm – RESOLVED

The Council recognises that austerity is and has always been economically illiterate, unnecessarily cruel, and a huge mistake for British people and the economy. It notes it was introduced for ideological, conservative reasons by the Conservative / Liberal Democrat government in 2010. It agrees that Austerity has damaged our country and been bad for Hammersmith & Fulham.

The Council notes that, despite this, Hammersmith & Fulham’s Labour administration has delivered some of the lowest council tax in Britain, made homecare free, kept other costs to our residents low, maintained council tax support and other key payments to poorer residents, created a new Law Enforcement Team of over 70 officers to drive down environmental crime and anti-social behaviour, introduced social value procurement to prioritise spend on local businesses and delivered new services.

This Council notes that the Labour administration has done this by cutting huge levels of wasteful council spending, leaving costly tri-borough arrangements and modernising how the council works.

The Council calls on the Conservative government to bring forward a plan that will return its funding of Hammersmith and Fulham and other councils to 2010 levels within a reasonable timescale.

The special motion was withdrawn.