Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Stanton and for lateness from Councillor Adamou.

See Minutes 55 & 56.

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/orif 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.

Councillor Reith declared a personal interest in agenda item 11 Public Question 2 as she was a member of Tottenham and Wood Green Friends of the Earth.

Councillor Davies declared a personal and prejudicial interest in agenda item 13, Motions J and L, as he was an employee of Shelter.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 18 October 2010 be signed as a true record.

1.      The Mayor thanked all those who supported the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and attended Armistice and Remembrance Sunday services in the borough, and added that the support of the community and the many youth organisations in the borough was valued.

2.       The Mayor was delighted to have attended the Haringey Celebrating Sports Awards on Thursday 18^th November. The event served to showcase the huge sporting talent in the borough as well as thank all those hard working volunteers, sports organisations and clubs. There were 13 categories this year including Sportsperson of the Year, Club of the Year and Disabled Volunteer of the Year. A special Award was presented this year; the ‘Haringey Unsung Hero’, won by Tony Millard the Deputy Principal at the Vale, who did an incredible amount of work promoting young people’s disability sport. The Mayor congratulated all the winners.

3.      On behalf of the Council, the Mayor expressed congratulations and best wishes to Councillor Richard Wilson and his partner, who would be celebrating a special occasion on Saturday.

4.      The Mayor congratulated Neighbourhoods’ officer Leyla Laksari, one of four Londoners short listed for this year’s Pride of Britain awards. She was featured in ITV’s London Tonight on 25^th October, showing the Living Under One Sun (LUOS) healthy living project in Haringey. Living Under One Sun was set up to help reduce crime at the local adventure playground, bringing mothers and local women of different ethnicities to meet and cook and share stories of their lives. The project embraces the core values of Haringey’s Sustainable Community Strategy which puts communities right at the heart of change, shaping and driving developments.

5.      The Mayor was delighted to announce that Haringey had three finalists at the National WOW Awards on 9 November, Garry Graham for “Most inspiring front liner”, the Haven Day Centre for “Best care provider” and Haringey Council for “WOW! That’s motivation”, a council wide award, for which the presentation to the judges was made by Helen Skerratt and Len Weir. The Mayor was happy to report that Haringey Council had won the Council Wide Category “WOW! That’s motivation”. The finalists all received a well deserved round of applause.

6.      The Mayor thanked all those Councillors who had supported the fundraising event on Saturday 20 November for the 2011 Tottenham Carnival. The successful event had been held at Haringey Irish Centre.

7.       The Mayor reported that on Thursday 11 November, Armistice Day, local residents, including children from local primary schools, had attended a moving ceremony at Tottenham Cemetery to remember those who had sacrificed their lives in the two major World Wars, and the recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

There were no matters to report.

RESOLVED

That approval be given to the appointment of Ms Andrea Rabe as Independent Member of Standards Committee for a period of 4 years from 22 November 2010 to fill an existing vacancy following the resignation of an Independent Member, and the appointment of Mr Christopher Watts as Independent Member of Standards Committee for a period of 4 years from 23 May 2011 to fill the vacancy that will arise on this date.

RESOLVED:

That the appointments to outside bodies as set out in Appendix 1 be approved.

A deputation was received from the two Co-Chairs of the Haringey Youth Council – Valerie Okoampah and Gerald Owusu – who gave a brief resume of their activities for the past year.

Members asked questions of the deputation and received responses thereto.

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services responded to the deputation.

A deputation was also received from Shane Chowen on behalf of the National Union of Students, concerning changes to tuition fees.

Members asked questions of the deputation and received responses thereto.

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services responded to the deputation.

The Mayor thanked both deputations for attending and the meeting gave a round of applause.

The opposition gave notice of their wish to debate “Children in Care”.

Councillor Allison spoke on behalf of the Opposition Group. Councillor Reith responded on behalf of the Majority Group.

The Mayor thanked Councillors for their contributions.

PUBLIC QUESTION 1 TO THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL FROM TIM CAINES:

"How can the Council justify spending £2 million pounds on its website, the highest amount anywhere in the UK, when it has, largely of its on making, a £10 million pound budget black hole and when council tenants, especially in Tottenham, can't get basic repairs carried out?"

PUBLIC QUESTION 2 TO THE TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR FINANCE AND SUSTAINABILITYFROM QUENTIN GIVEN OF TOTTENHAM & WOOD GREEN FRIENDS OF THE EARTH:

"The climate change threat is greater than ever, but given that national governments have not been able to reach agreement on a binding treaty to cut CO2 emissions, the efforts of local government are even more important. What will the Council do to ensure that the vital work of cutting CO2 emissions in Haringey continues despite the regrettable cuts in public spending?"

ORAL QUESTION 1 - TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY AND COHESION FROM COUNCILLOR CHRISTOPHIDES:

Given that crime in the borough has fallen by 34 % between 2002/3 and 2009/10 Is the Cabinet Member worried about the impact of proposed Police cuts in London?

ORAL QUESTION 2 – TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR PLANNING AND REGENERATION FROM COUNCILLOR SOLOMON:

What tangible measures is the Council taking to support the local economy and businesses, including the many independent retailers and high streets in the Borough?

ORAL QUESTION 3 - TO THE CABINET MEMBER FORFINANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY FROM COUNCILLOR STRICKLAND:

Can the Lead Member please advise us on the phasing of cuts to Local Government funding advocated by the Coalition?

ORAL QUESTION 4 - TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY AND COHESION FROM COUNCILLOR STRANG:

What does the Anti-Social Behaviour Team cost per annum.

ORAL QUESTION 5 –TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR CHILDREN’S SERVICESFROM COUNCILLOR BROWNE:

Is the Lead member concerned about the increased cost pressures of inward migration of vulnerable families into the borough at time when Local Government has taken the biggest cut of any Government department?

ORAL QUESTION 6 – TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR ADULT AND COMMUNITY SERVICESFROM COUNCILLOR ERSKINE:

What is the future of the mobile library service?

ORAL QUESTION 7 - TO THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL FROM COUNCILLOR EGAN:

Can the Leader of the Council please explain the impact on Haringey residents of the Coalitions decision to scrap ringfencing for vital funding streams?

ORAL QUESTION 8 - TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR PLANNING AND REGENERATIONFROM COUNCILLOR JENKS:

How much of the funds raised from the sale of Council assets has the Council invested in regeneration projects since 2006?

The Mayor agreed to the admission of this report as urgent business. Under Standing Orders, notice of questions was not requested until eight clear days before the meeting, following which matters raised had to be researched and replies prepared in order to be given at the meeting.

There were 2 public questions, 8 oral questions and 23 for written answer.

Oral Questions 6, 7 & 8   were not reached in the allotted time and written answers would be supplied to these questions.

a)     Pensions Committee – Report No.1 – 2010/11.

b)     Constitution Review Working Group– Report No.2 – 2010/11.

c)      Cabinet – Report No.4 – 2010/11.

The Mayor agreed to the admission of the report of the Constitution Review Working Group as urgent business. The meeting was not held until 11 November 2010 and the report contained recommendations on proposed Constitutional amendments which the Council needed to consider.

1.    Report of Pensions Committee 01/2010-11

RESOLVED:

That the representative members of Pensions Committee have full access to all information including exempt information upon signing an undertaking to observe the Members ‘Code of Conduct’.

2.       Report of the Constitution Review Working Group 02/2010-11

RESOLVED

i)                    That the changes set out in Appendix 2 of the report be adopted as amendments to the Protocol on Member/Officer Relations at Part 5, Section B of the Council’s Constitution.

ii)                  That the changes set out in Appendix 4 of the report on London Councils Arrangements for Co-ordinating Response to Emergencies be adopted as amendments to article 11.07 at Part 2 of the Council’s Constitution.

iii)                That the revised Petition Scheme as set out in Appendix 6 to the report be agreed.

3.    REPORT OF THE CABINET – NO 4 /2010-11

 RESOLVED

That Cabinet Report 4/2010-11 be received and adopted together with the following recommendation: that Haringey’s Core Strategy, a schedule of suggested minor amendments, a revised SP2 Housing, changes to the employment land designations (incorporating changes from the final four week consultation) and other supporting documents be submitted to the Secretary of State for examination by an Independent Planning Inspector and, subject to the outcome of that examination, be adopted.

Motion J (2010/11)

Councillor Bevan has given notice that he will move in the following terms:

Local Housing Allowance

Notes:

• The coalition Government’s decision to slash the cap on the Local Housing Allowance (LHA), with a resulting reduction in the amount of housing benefit paid towards the rent.
• That it’s estimated that 218 claimants in Haringey will be directly affected by this change
• That due to higher rents in the capital changes in the LHA cap disproportionately affects Londoners.
• London Council’s predictions that nearly 15,000 families could lose their homes or live in overcrowded conditions as a result of this change.
• That more than one in three private sector homes are rented by families in receipt of LHA of Housing benefit, with 18,645 households in London affected.
• That 14,661 of households with children will be affected by the slash on Local Housing Allowance
• That 10,500 households living in inner London could be forced to move to outer London, putting a strain on local services
• That the new LHA cap is lower than the existing cap for all 33 London boroughs for five bedroom homes, in 25 boroughs for four bedroom homes and in 18 boroughs for homes with three and two bedrooms.

Believes:

• That this a socially divisive policy that will affect a wider range of people than just those in receipt of LHA
• That this cap could create major social dislocation as many families will be forced out of their communities because they will no longer be able to afford their rent
• That Haringey as an Outer London borough may see greater pressure put on services, as people are forced to move out of inner London
• The new cap will result in increased levels of rent arrears, overcrowding, and families living in temporary accommodation, as people will struggle to meet increased costs
• That creating transitional arrangements in London would allow the government to reduce the level of LHA being paid, while seeking to protect the most vulnerable households.

Resolves:

·        Continue to work with members of the community who will be affected by this decision, liaise with other local authorities and our partner agencies to mitigate the impacts of the cap.

·        Call on the Government to rethink its action and look at bringing transitional arrangements in London  

Motion K (2010/11)

Councillor Gorriehas given notice that he will move in the following terms:

Fair Votes Motion

This Council supports moves to change our parliamentary voting system, which will see Haringey’s Members of Parliament elected under a fairer system. 

Council calls on the Returning Officer to take steps to promote participation in the Referendum.

Motion L (2010/11)

Councillor Gorriehas given notice that he will move in the following terms:

Rogue Landlord Motion

This Council notes:

• A recent survey by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) showing that of those officers working on housing enforcement in the private rented sector, nine out of ten had encountered landlords engaging in harassment or illegal eviction, and 78% had dealt with landlords  ...  view the full agenda text for item 57.

MOTION J 2010/11

It was moved by Councillor Bevan and seconded by Councillor Stewart that:

This Council Notes:

• The coalition Government’s decision to slash the cap on the Local Housing Allowance (LHA), with a resulting reduction in the amount of housing benefit paid towards the rent.
• That it’s estimated that 218 claimants in Haringey will be directly affected by this change
• That due to higher rents in the capital changes in the LHA cap disproportionately affects Londoners.
• London Council’s predictions that nearly 15,000 families could lose their homes or live in overcrowded conditions as a result of this change.
• That more than one in three private sector homes are rented by families in receipt of LHA of Housing benefit, with 18,645 households in London affected.
• That 14,661 of households with children will be affected by the slash on Local Housing Allowance
• That 10,500 households living in inner London could be forced to move to outer London, putting a strain on local services
• That the new LHA cap is lower than the existing cap for all 33 London boroughs for five bedroom homes, in 25 boroughs for four bedroom homes and in 18 boroughs for homes with three and two bedrooms.

Believes:

• That this a socially divisive policy that will affect a wider range of people than just those in receipt of LHA
• That this cap could create major social dislocation as many families will be forced out of their communities because they will no longer be able to afford their rent
• That Haringey as an Outer London borough may see greater pressure put on services, as people are forced to move out of inner London
• The new cap will result in increased levels of rent arrears, overcrowding, and families living in temporary accommodation, as people will struggle to meet increased costs
• That creating transitional arrangements in London would allow the government to reduce the level of LHA being paid, while seeking to protect the most vulnerable households.

Resolves:

• Continue to work with members of the community who will be affected by this decision, liaise with other local authorities and our partner agencies to mitigate the impacts of the cap.
• Call on the Government to rethink its action and look at bringing transitional arrangements in London  

An amendment to the motion was moved by Councillor Wilson and seconded by Councillor Jenks that:

(Amendments are in italics and in bold, deletions have been struck through)

This Council notes:

·      The coalition Government’s decision to slash the cap on the Local Housing Allowance (LHA), with a resulting reduction in the amount of housing benefit paid towards the rent.

·      That it’s estimated that 218 claimants in Haringey will be directly affected by this change

·      That due to higher rents in the capital changes in the LHA cap disproportionately affects Londoners.

·      London Council’s predictions that nearly 15,000 families could lose their homes or live in overcrowded conditions as a result of this change.

·      That more than one in three private sector homes are rented  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.