Agenda and minutes

 No apologies for absence were received.

The Chair will consider the admission of any of any late items of urgent business. (Late items will be considered under the agenda item where they appear. New items will be dealt with at items 11 and 14 below).

No items or Urgent Business were raised.

A member with a personal interest in a matter who attends a meeting of the authority at which the matter is considered must disclose to that meeting the existence and nature of that interest at the commencement of that consideration, or when the interest becomes apparent.

A member with a personal interest in a matter also has a prejudicial interest in that matter if the interest is one which a member of the public with knowledge of the relevant facts would reasonably regard as so significant that it is likely to prejudice the member's judgment of the public interest and if this interest affects their financial position or the financial position of a person or body as described in paragraph 8 of the Code of Conduct and/or if it relates to the determining of any approval, consent, licence, permission or registration in relation to them or any person or body described in paragraph 8 of the Code of Conduct.

No declarations of interest were made.

To consider any requests received in accordance with Part 4, Section B, paragraph 29 of the Council’s constitution.

No deputations or petitions were received.

To confirm the unrestricted minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on 29 September 2008.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 29 September 2008  be confirmed as a correct record.  

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive – People and Organisational Development. – To seek the Committee’s approval to the revised Capability, Grievance and Bullying & Harassment Procedures

The Committee considered a report setting out the revised Capability, Grievance and Bullying and Harassment Procedures.

A review of the Council’s formal employment procedures, in consultation with the trade unions, HR officers and elected Members, had been carried out during the latter half of 2007. Following the review a series of recommendations that were reflected in the revised documents presented.

Capability Procedure  

The procedure had been revised in order to make it more effective and

Grievance Procedure

The Committee was advised that the main areas of change were around the timescales governing the completion of grievances; there was often insufficient time to deal with complex cases effectively and therefore it was proposed that the timescales should be extended.

It was also proposed that the number of stages within the process should be reduced from four to three. At present there was a perception that stage four, which was a re-hearing considered by Members, was the end of the process and that the preceding three stages were the route to this. Therefore the simplified system would consist three stages that concluded in a Member Panel reviewing the case.

The Committee was advised that a mediation option was being introduced and that this mechanism could be used at any stage of the process. Before a case could proceed to stage three mediation would have to have been explored unless this was inappropriate. Training sessions on mediation were being arranged in partnership with the Primary Care Trust (PCT) to help develop the skills required to facilitate this.

It was noted that Human Resources (HR) would nominate individuals to act as mediators. If either party had an objection to person proposed another individual would be selected. 

In response to a query the Committee was advised that systems for monitoring equalities and diversity were being revised and that once the data collected had been audited monitoring reports would be provided. In addition a detailed annual report would be published that would give an overview of trends.

The Committee was advised that it was difficult to monitor trends in terms of individual outcomes. However, trends were tracked and monitored through the reporting process.

In response to a query the Committee was advised that all managers should received internal training on Council policies and procedures. If managers were unsure of the processes that should be followed HR were available to assist and answer any queries.

Bullying and Harassment Procedure 

The Committee was advised that no changes were proposed to this policy. However, it was proposed that there should be clarification around the use of this policy and the Grievance Procedure.

In response to a query the Committee was advised that, generally, there was limited cross over between the Whistle Blowing Policy and the Bullying and Harassment Policy as this was used where people wished to remain anonymous. It was noted that the Whistle Blowing Policy had last been reviewed two to three years ago and there was agreement that a review of this should be programmed to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive – People and Organisational Development. – To review the Council’s Pensions Policy Statement on the use of its discretionary powers

The Committee considered a report reviewing the Council’s Pensions Policy Statement on the use of its discretionary powers.

The report sought approval for limited use of the discretionary power to enhance an employees termination package within the limits set by HM Revenues and Customs. This additional flexibility would enable to the Council to award added membership, added pension or monetary compensation in certain circumstances. Awards of this type would require the approval of the Chief Financial Officer and Head of HR and in the case of first and second tier officers would require Member approval.

The associated costs with any award would be met from the relevant Service / Business Unit budget.

The Committee discussed this proposal and concerns were raised that this may lead to senior officers leaving the authority with what may be perceived as a ‘pay off’. Concern was also raised that this would lead to pressure being placed on Members to award packages and allow officers to take early retirement.

Given the current financial climate and the impression that this may create there was agreement that the report should be deferred to the next meeting and that officers should include specific examples of the types of circumstances where such awards could be justified on the grounds of efficiency savings.

RESOLVED:

That the report be deferred and that a revised report should be submitted to the next meeting setting out specific examples of how the option would support efficiency savings.

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive – People and Organisational Development – To note progress on implementation of the Equal Pay/Single Status package agreed with the Unions in September 2008

The Committee considered a report that provided an update on progress in relation to the implementation of the Equal Pay / Single Status package agreed with the unions in September 2008.

RESOLVED:

That progress on the implementation of the equal pay and conditions package be noted.

Report of the Director of Urban Environment – To advise the Committee of all current street drinking control zones within the London Borough of Haringey, and to seek instruction with regard to future proposals for designated street dinking control zones.

Prior to the consideration of the report it was noted that Appendix 6 contained errors in relation to Ward boundaries and officers noted these.

The Committee considered a report that provided an evaluation of the current Street Drinking Control Zones within the Borough and an overview of Police activity within these zones. The report also sought the Committees view on extending the number of Street Drinking Control Zones in the Borough.

The Police Safer Neighbourhoods Teams (SNTs) had indicated that the new powers available to them had formed a useful tool in combating anti-social behaviour and that a positive reaction had also being received from local residents.

Concern was raised at anti social behaviour arising from street drinking at Seven Sisters Station and Wicks Station and it was suggested that these areas should become control zones.

It was noted that people cautioned for street drinking often had significant health problems and there was agreement that Police officers should be fully briefed on how people could be referred to the appropriate health services. This would be a practical way of reducing future instances of street drinking.

The Committee was in agreement that the number of controlled street drinking zones should be extended. In order to monitor this there was agreement that the Committee should receive an annual report providing an evaluation of these.

RESOLVED:

1. That the report be noted.

2. That a report setting out proposals for extending Street Drinking Control Zones should be received.

3. That an annual report should be received providing an evaluation of Street Drinking Control Zones in the Borough.  

Report of the Director of Urban Environment – To advise the Committee of an  outline proposal for the restructuring of the Environmental Crime service, in the Urban Environment Directorate, to create a new Street Enforcement Service.

The Committee considered a report setting out proposals for restructuring the Environmental Crime service to create a new Street Enforcement Service.

The restructuring of the service would allow a more broad based approach and greater area based working to be developed. It was envisaged that local action plans would be developed that would focus on Ward based priorities; a Street Enforcement Officer would also be designated to each Ward.

The Committee discussed the use of Fixed Penalty Notices and concern was expressed around the use income derived from these for essential services. In response to suggestions that the income derived from these should held separately and used to fund specific projects the Committee was advised that the Government requited Local Authorities use income from Fixed Penalty Notices within their mainstream budgets.

It was noted that the loss of income from Fixed Penalty Notices would result in a significant decrease in the funding available for services.

It was noted that local businesses and members of the public often complained about the way parking restrictions were enforced and there was agreement that, given the current economic climate, a more lenient approach may be appropriate.

RESOLVED:

1. That the content of the report be noted.

2. That the proposals for introducing a Street Enforcement Service, replacing the existing Environmental Crime Service be approved.

3. That a further report should be received following consultation with staff and unions reflecting how the results of this would be accommodated.

To consider any items admitted at item 2 above

No new Items of Urgent Business were received.

Items 13 & 14  are likely to be the subject of a motion to exclude the press and public from the meeting as they contain exempt information as defined in Section 100a of the Local Government 1972; namely information likely to reveal the identity of an individual, and information relating to any individual.

RESOLVED:

That as Items 13 and 14 contained exempt information (as defined in Section 100a of the Local Government 1972; namely information likely to reveal the identity of an individual, and information relating to any individual) members of the press and public should be excluded from the remainder of the meeting.

To confirm the exempt minutes of the Special meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on 4 November 2008.

RESOLVED:

That the minute of the meeting held on 4 November 2008 be confirmed as a correct record.

To consider any items admitted at item 2 above

No new items of exempt Urgent Business were received.