Issue - meetings

(Report of the Director of Corporate Resources)  To consider participation by this Council in the promotion of a new London Local Authorities Bill and to recommend to full Council on 15 October 2007 that Members pass the necessary statutory resolution for this purpose.

The committee received this report to consider participation by the Council in the promotion of a new London Local Authorities Bill and to recommend to full Council on 15 October 2007 that Members pass the necessary statutory resolution for this purpose.

The Legal Services Representative set-out to the committee the background and provisions of the bill including the regulation of social clubs, an item promoted by Haringey’s officers.  Some Members of the committee spoke positively of these provisions in the bill, explaining their usage in tackling problems currently existing within their wards.

Members raised concerns over certain provisions which would be the responsibility of the Council should the bill be passed, these proposals being contained in Appendix 2 of the original report.  Particular concern was raised over provisions of the final bill which would effectively decriminalise certain activities and place their enforcement in the hands of Council officers. 

The Legal Services Representative explained to the committee that the accepting of the recommendation of the report would in no way tie the Council into adopting the measures as set out in Appendix 2.  However, rejecting the report would not allow the Council to ultimately implement any of the aforementioned provisions without future complications.  Thus, Members agreed to consult with their respective groups, and commend the report to Full Council where a full debate on the Bill and its provisions could take place.

RESOLVED:

1. That the Committee recommend to full Council to pass the statutory resolution as set out in the report, and that a full debate on the resolution be held.