Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

The Chair will consider the admission of any late items of Urgent Business. (Late items of Urgent Business will be considered under the agenda item where they appear. New items of Urgent Business will be dealt with under Item 18 below. New items of exempt business will be dealt with at Item 23 below).

There were no items of urgent business.

A Member with a disclosable pecuniary interest or a prejudicial interest in a matter who attends a meeting of the authority at which the matter is considered:

(i) must disclose the interest at the start of the meeting or when the interest becomes apparent, and

(ii) may not participate in any discussion or vote on the matter and must withdraw from the meeting room.

A Member who discloses at a meeting a disclosable pecuniary interest which is not registered in the Register of Members’ Interests or the subject of a pending notification must notify the Monitoring Officer of the interest within 28 days of the disclosure.

Disclosable pecuniary interests, personal interests and prejudicial interests are defined at Paragraphs 8.1-15.2 of Section Two of Part 5 of the Constitution  and Appendix A of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

All members declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to item 16 as Councillor Ebutt a former Councillor was nominated for a school governor appointment.

On occasions part of the Cabinet meeting will be held in private and will not be open to the public if an item is being considered that is likely to lead to the disclosure of exempt or confidential information. In accordance with the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 (the “Regulations”), members of the public can make representations about why that part of the meeting should be open to the public.

This agenda contains exempt items as set out at Item [19] : Exclusion of the Press and Public.  No representations with regard to these have been received.

This is the formal 5 clear day notice under the Regulations to confirm that this Cabinet meeting will be partly held in private for the reasons set out in this Agenda.

NOTED

NOTED

The Mayor explained that a deputation had been received in relation to item 8 - Bridport House – Progress Update. The Mayor invited the representative Michael Jones to address the executive. Michael Jones was advised that he had up to 5 minutes to speak.

Michael Jones expressed his sadness that he could no longer live in his home, and that the community that he had lived in for many years would no longer be. Michael felt that further compensation was necessary, he also requested to see the investigators reports of when they inspected the building. Kevin who was also in attendance with Michael was welcomed by the Cabinet to speak. Kevin also expressed his sadness and felt that Michael was a key member of the community and they were very sad to be losing him. He stated that the regeneration of this area was a complete failure.

The Mayor gave his apologies and was deeply sorry for how Michael and Kevin felt. He explained that in the past 18 months there has been a lot of uncertainty, however the council was now at a stage where it could give guarantees. The Mayor explained that the council was currently taking down the netting and scaffolding on the building to give residents some respite. The Mayor declared that he wasn’t sure on the level of compensation to date but he assured residents that he was fully engaged in the process. The Mayor also declared that there would be a Joint Fire Brigade Meeting in the future for residents to attend, and that there will be training on the new communal fire alarm that will be installed.

Michael when responding to the Mayor, stated that he had found the situation very hard to deal with as a 70 year old man, he was disappointed that not one council officer has come to speak with him about the process, he felt that his life had been turned upside down. In response, the Mayor said that he would seek a support officer to arrange to meet and speak with Michael.

The Mayor asked if there were any questions/comments from the Cabinet Members to Mr. Jones

Councillor Clark thanked Michael for his deputation and welcomed his comments, she agreed that these circumstances such as these required immediate responses. Councillor Clark said that the Council had ensured to treat residents fairly and given the necessary assurances.

To agree the unrestricted minutes of the previous meeting of Cabinet held on 15 July 2019.

RESOLVED

That the unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet held on 15 July 2019 be confirmed as an accurate record of the proceedings.

RESOLVED

That the unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet held on 15 July 2019 be confirmed as an accurate record of the proceedings.

This report is seeking approval to commence the procurement of a contractor for Britannia Phase 2a. The process will ensure that the Council selects a contractor on the basis of both cost and quality. It also allows for further detailed financial assessments to be undertaken prior to entering into formal contractual arrangements.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

  I.  Agreed to commence a single stage tender process using the restricted procedure provided for within the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 for the construction of Britannia Phase 2a, as outlined in paragraph 4.4.

  II.  Agreed to the disposal of the shared ownership and outright sale homes delivered as part of Britannia Phase 2a in accordance with the Sales and Marketing Strategy report of the 18 July 2016 in respect of the direct development and disposal of those homes.

  III.  Granted authority to the Group Director of Neighbourhoods to implement the sales and marketing strategy.

  IV.  Agreed to commence the procurement of a separate enabling works contract for the Britannia Phase 2a site to allow the groundworks to be delivered within the 2019/2020 academic year school holidays, minimising the impact on Shoreditch Park Primary School. In line with the provision of the Contract Standing Orders, the contract award report for the separate enabling works contract will be presented to Cabinet Procurement Committee in March 2020.

REASONS FOR DECISION

This report outlines the process for procuring a main contractor and entering into a single stage design and build contract for Britannia Phase

2a in the Hoxton East and Shoreditch Ward. The recommended procurement route is to follow a restricted process compliant with the

Public Contract Regulations 2015. As the pre-tender estimate for this contract is above the OJEU threshold for works, the process of engaging the market will be achieved by advertising the project through issuing a Contract Notice and on Contracts Finder. This will be the most effective way to attract the interest of construction firms capable of undertaking the works.

The Britannia masterplan (including Phase 2a) secured planning permission on 7 December 2018 (Planning reference: 2018/0926), which enables the construction phase of the project to commence. In line with the primary objectives of the project, the first phase of development was to build the new council leisure centre and secondary school on the site of the existing leisure centre (including the hard courts on Shoreditch Park). By delivering the new Council leisure centre, the project is able to unlock the rest of the existing leisure centre site for market sale development. This is key to the financial business case and enables the cross-subsidy required to pay for the new social infrastructure. As developer, the Council is able to prioritise the social infrastructure and affordable housing. It is also able to ensure that the maximum benefit of the market sale income is channelled into tangible benefits for the area. This first phase of work is underway.

The development of the Phase 2a site represents an opportunity to complete the affordable housing element of the Britannia Masterplan as well as delivering a new Early Years Centre.

Britannia Phase 2a comprises the following:

? 48 Council social rent homes

? 33 Council shared ownership homes

? 12 outright sale homes

? A new Early Years Centre

? Associated public realm and landscape works.

The parcel of land to be developed forms part of the  ...  view the full decision text for item 7.

The Mayor introduced the report to Cabinet. It was explained that the report set out the procurement process for a contractor to build homes – of which 90% would be for social rent and shared ownership, managed and built by the Council. These properties would provide a permanent new home for some of the thousands of Hackney families in temporary accommodation and on the waiting list, as well as a realistic and affordable way for first-time buyers to get on the housing ladder – especially private renters.

The Mayor advised that there was an exempt appendix at item 20.  He asked members if they would like to move into an exempt session to raise any points of clarification on the exempt appendix. Members did not have any points of clarification therefor the meeting did not move into an exempt session.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

  I.  Agreed to commence a single stage tender process using the restricted procedure provided for within the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 for the construction of Britannia Phase 2a, as outlined in paragraph 4.4.

  II.  Agreed to the disposal of the shared ownership and outright sale homes delivered as part of Britannia Phase 2a in accordance with the Sales and Marketing Strategy report of the 18 July 2016 in respect of the direct development and disposal of those homes.

  III.  Granted authority to the Group Director of Neighbourhoods to implement the sales and marketing strategy.

  IV.  Agreed to commence the procurement of a separate enabling works contract for the Britannia Phase 2a site to allow the groundworks to be delivered within the 2019/2020 academic year school holidays, minimising the impact on Shoreditch Park Primary School. In line with the provision of the Contract Standing Orders, the contract award report for the separate enabling works contract will be presented to Cabinet Procurement Committee in March 2020.

REASONS FOR DECISION

This report outlines the process for procuring a main contractor and entering into a single stage design and build contract for Britannia Phase

2a in the Hoxton East and Shoreditch Ward. The recommended procurement route is to follow a restricted process compliant with the

Public Contract Regulations 2015. As the pre-tender estimate for this contract is above the OJEU threshold for works, the process of engaging the market will be achieved by advertising the project through issuing a Contract Notice and on Contracts Finder. This will be the most effective way to attract the interest of construction firms capable of undertaking the works.

The Britannia masterplan (including Phase 2a) secured planning permission on 7 December 2018 (Planning reference: 2018/0926), which enables the construction phase of the project to commence. In line with the primary objectives of the project, the first phase of development was to build the new council leisure centre and secondary school on the site of the existing leisure centre (including the hard courts on Shoreditch Park). By delivering the new Council leisure centre, the project is able to unlock the rest of the existing leisure centre  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Cabinet is recommended to agree remedial works to be undertaken at Bridport House.

This item was not included on the Executive Key Decision Notice giving the required 28 days' notice. 

RESOLVED:

The Cabinet agreed:

  I.  That remedial works will be undertaken to correct the defects identified in the original construction of Bridport House.

  II.  The rehousing offer to residents (attached as Appendix 1, which will be implemented by the dedicated Rehousing Team), and that, in line with this, all residents of Bridport House will be provided with suitable alternative accommodation before remedial works are undertaken.

  III.  To delegate to the Group Director, Neighbourhoods and Housing, in consultation with the Mayor and the Cabinet Member, authority to agree any necessary changes to the rehousing offer to residents (attached as Appendix 1).

The Mayor introduced the report, it was explained that last month the Mayor attended a public meeting with Bridport House tenants to explain that investigations over the summer had found a series of serious defects with the building – including cavity wall insulation that did not meet building regulations and will need to be replaced. Removing bricks and balconies to access that insulation would expose it – creating a fire risk that we think is simply too high while residents continue to live in their homes. The Mayor stated that this was an incredibly difficult situation, and one that nobody wanted to be in, and that he was really sorry for the disruption this would cause them.

The Mayor advised that this item was not published on the Executive Key Decision Notice giving the 28 clear days’ notice in line with Regulation 10 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements (Meetings and Access to Information) England Regulations 2012. Therefore this report was submitted as a General Exception.

The Mayor advised that there was an exempt appendix at item 21.  He asked members if they would like to move into an exempt session to raise any points of clarification on the exempt appendix. Members did not have any points of clarification therefor the meeting did not move into an exempt session.

RESOLVED:

The Cabinet agreed:

  I.  That remedial works will be undertaken to correct the defects identified in the original construction of Bridport House.

  II.  The rehousing offer to residents (attached as Appendix 1, which will be implemented by the dedicated Rehousing Team), and that, in line with this, all residents of Bridport House will be provided with suitable alternative accommodation before remedial works are undertaken.

  III.  To delegate to the Group Director, Neighbourhoods and Housing, in consultation with the Mayor and the Cabinet Member, authority to agree any necessary changes to the rehousing offer to residents (attached as Appendix 1).

This report on the capital programme for 2019/20 updates members on the capital programme agreed in the 2019/20 budget, and includes capital project approvals for Finance and Corporate Resources and Neighbourhoods and Housing (Non) and Housing.

RESOLVED:

That the schemes for Finance and Corporate Resources as set out in section 9.2 be were approved as follows:

NHS Estate: Resource and spend approval of £200k (£37k in 2019/20 an£163k in 2020/21) to fund the feasibility and project management costs To develop Hackney’s Primary Care Estate.

That the schemes for Neighbourhoods and Housing (Non) as set out in section 9.3 were approved as follows:

Park Trees 2019/20: Spend approval of £200k in 2019/20 is requested to undertake essential work on diseased and dangerous trees borough wide.

Highways Surface Water Drainage 2019/20: Spend approval of £280k in

2019/20 is requested to facilitate the delivery of the 2019/20 water drainage programme at various locations across the borough.

Bridge Maintenance Schemes 2019/20: Spend approval of £250k in 2019/20 is requested for the continuation of the 5 year Bridge Maintenance Programme in the borough.

Planned Bridge Height Signs 2019/20: Spend approval of £11k in 2019/20 is requested to install advance warning signs for low height bridges at various sites within the borough.

Local Highway Maintenance - Pothole Action Fund: Resource and spend approval of £320k in 2019/20 is requested for the continued repair of potholes at various sites within the borough.

Street Lighting Upgrades 2019/20: Spend approval of £100k in 2019/20 is requested to upgrade the existing street lights located across the entire borough.

Highways Street Lighting LED Upgrades 2019/20: Spend approval of

£1,250k in 2019/20 is requested to upgrade the highways street lighting located across the entire borough.

Hostile Vehicle Mitigation: Spend approval of £1,401k in 2019/20 is requested to install Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) to 8 sites across the borough.

Parks Infrastructure 2019/20: Spend approval of £375k in 2019/20 is requested to fund essential maintenance and refurbishments to the existing parks infrastructure.

Fairfields Gardens & Haggerston Play: Resource and spend approval of

£300k in 2019/20 is requested to fund the redevelopment of Fairchild's

Gardens and the refurbishment of the play area in Haggerston Park.

That the S106 schemes as set out in section 9.4 and summarised below be given resource and spending approval as follows:

That the schemes outlined in section 9.5 be noted.

REASONS FOR DECISION

The decisions required are necessary in order that the schemes within the

Council’s approved Capital programme can be delivered as set out in this report.

In most cases, resources have already been allocated to the schemes as part of the budget setting exercise but spending approval is required in order for the scheme to proceed. Where however resources have

The Mayor introduced the report.

RESOLVED:

That the schemes for Finance and Corporate Resources as set out in section 9.2 be were approved as follows:

NHS Estate: Resource and spend approval of £200k (£37k in 2019/20 an£163k in 2020/21) to fund the feasibility and project management costs To develop Hackney’s Primary Care Estate.

That the schemes for Neighbourhoods and Housing (Non) as set out in section 9.3 were approved as follows:

Park Trees 2019/20: Spend approval of £200k in 2019/20 is requested to undertake essential work on diseased and dangerous trees borough wide.

Highways Surface Water Drainage 2019/20: Spend approval of £280k in

2019/20 is requested to facilitate the delivery of the 2019/20 water drainage programme at various locations across the borough.

Bridge Maintenance Schemes 2019/20: Spend approval of £250k in 2019/20 is requested for the continuation of the 5 year Bridge Maintenance Programme in the borough.

Planned Bridge Height Signs 2019/20: Spend approval of £11k in 2019/20 is requested to install advance warning signs for low height bridges at various sites within the borough.

Local Highway Maintenance - Pothole Action Fund: Resource and spend approval of £320k in 2019/20 is requested for the continued repair of potholes at various sites within the borough.

Street Lighting Upgrades 2019/20: Spend approval of £100k in 2019/20 is requested to upgrade the existing street lights located across the entire borough.

Highways Street Lighting LED Upgrades 2019/20: Spend approval of

£1,250k in 2019/20 is requested to upgrade the highways street lighting located across the entire borough.

Hostile Vehicle Mitigation: Spend approval of £1,401k in 2019/20 is requested to install Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) to 8 sites across the borough.

Parks Infrastructure 2019/20: Spend approval of £375k in 2019/20 is requested to fund essential maintenance and refurbishments to the existing parks infrastructure.

Fairfields Gardens & Haggerston Play: Resource and spend approval of

£300k in 2019/20 is requested to fund the redevelopment of Fairchild's

Gardens and the refurbishment of the play area in Haggerston Park.

That the S106 schemes as set out in section 9.4 and summarised below be given resource and spending approval as follows:

That the schemes outlined in section 9.5 be noted.

REASONS FOR DECISION

The decisions required are necessary in order that the schemes within the

Council’s approved Capital programme can be delivered as set out in this report.

In most cases, resources have already been allocated to the schemes as part of the budget setting exercise but spending approval is required in order for the scheme to proceed. Where however resources have

This is the second Overall Financial Position (OFP) report for 2019/20 and is based on detailed July 2019 provisional outturn monitoring data from directorates. We are forecasting an overspend of £4,560k at year end.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet

  i.  Updated the overall financial position for July 2019, covering the General Fund, Capital and the HRA, and the earmarking by the Group Director of Finance and Corporate Resources of any underspend to support funding of future cost pressures and the funding of the Capital Programme.

  ii.  Approved the business as usual savings noted at 2.4 and set out in Appendix 1.

REASONS FOR DECISION

To facilitate financial management and control of the Council's finances and to approve the business as usual savings.

Councillor Rennison introduced the report.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet

  i.  Updated the overall financial position for July 2019, covering the General Fund, Capital and the HRA, and the earmarking by the Group Director of Finance and Corporate Resources of any underspend to support funding of future cost pressures and the funding of the Capital Programme.

  ii.  Approved the business as usual savings noted at 2.4 and set out in Appendix 1.

REASONS FOR DECISION

To facilitate financial management and control of the Council's finances and to approve the business as usual savings.

This report seeks Cabinet’s approval of changes to the way in which CIL and S106 money is monitored and spent responding to the needs of our communities and the latest changes to Government legislation. The report seeks approval to develop a new Annual Infrastructure Funding Statement (‘the AIFS’) and the creation of a boroughwide Neighbourhood CIL fund. 

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet approved:

1. the commencement of the process for replacing the CIL Regulation 123 List with an Annual Infrastructure Funding Statement (AIFS) to set out the Council’s priorities for CIL spend; and

2.  the creation of a borough wide neighbourhood CIL fund

REASONS FOR DECISION

To ensure that structures and processes are in place to best deliver the infrastructure needs of Hackney’s communities and to comply with new legislation

Councillor Nicolson introduced the report, and thanked officers for all their hard work.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet approved:

1. the commencement of the process for replacing the CIL Regulation 123 List with an Annual Infrastructure Funding Statement (AIFS) to set out the Council’s priorities for CIL spend; and

2.  the creation of a borough wide neighbourhood CIL fund

REASONS FOR DECISION

To ensure that structures and processes are in place to best deliver the infrastructure needs of Hackney’s communities and to comply with new legislation

This report proposes a small extension to the existing South Shoreditch Conservation Area. The area was first designated 1991 and was last Reviewed in 2011.

RESOLVED

That the Cabinet approved:

?   the proposed minor extension of the South Shoreditch

Conservation Area;

?   the addendum to the South Shoreditch Conservation Area

Appraisal;

?   the revised South Shoreditch Conservation Area Boundary.

REASONS FOR DECISION

The proposed extension area lies at the south-east corner of the existing

South Shoreditch Conservation Area at the junction of Bishopsgate and

Commercial Street. The extension area is bounded by the existing conservation area to the west and the former Bishopsgate Goods Yard to the north. To the south is the low level mainline railway into Liverpool Street and to the east is the London Borough of Tower Hamlets (see Appendix 2, Map of Extended South Shoreditch Conservation Area).

The proposed extension area contains a number of buildings, spaces and features of architectural and historic interest ( as outlined in Appendix 1, Addendum to South Shoreditch Conservation Area Appraisal ) including :

21 – 26 Shoreditch High Street

Two storey Edwardian parade with commercial units at the ground floor. The buildings are faced in red brick with pitched roofs and a single, large central window to each bay.

27 – 31 Shoreditch High Street

Four storey former bank, circa 1850s with cornices at each floor level and decorative, dentilled cornice at parapet level. Timber sash windows with stone surrounds on the upper floors.

32 Shoreditch High Street

Four storey former pub, last known as the Unicorn PH, circa 1850s. Cornices at each floor level with decorative, dentilled cornice at parapet level. Windows appear to have been remodelled from their Victorian originals but retain a traditional appearance. The building has been the subject of unauthorised advert hoardings for many years.

167 – 169 Commercial Street

Four storey building, circa 1850s with cornices at each floor level and decorative, dentilled cornice at parapet level. Timber sash windows with stone surrounds at upper levels.

Boundary Wall on Commercial Street

Single storey brick wall associated with Great Eastern Railway. Blue engineering brick at base with yellow stock above and red brick detail incorporating 5 recessed bays.

These buildings are of a similar age, appearance and character to those within the South Shoreditch Conservation Area and the proposed extension will give the existing conservation area a more coherent boundary.

Whilst the area immediately west of the site was incorporated into the extended South Shoreditch Conservation Area in 2011, the proposed extension area was not fully surveyed at that time. This appears to have been an oversight, possibly because the buildings were mistakenly thought to be part of a neighbouring borough. Nevertheless, the extension merits inclusion in the South Shoreditch Conservation Area, and meets the statutory criterion for designation under Section 69 (1) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, that the area be of 'special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’. The work carried out for the Local Plan and Future Shoreditch AAP brought to attention the fact that the proposed extension area met the criterion for  ...  view the full decision text for item 12.

Councillor Nicolson introduced the report.

The Mayor advised that the comments from the public consultation had been circulated to members as a supplement.

RESOLVED

That the Cabinet approved:

?   the proposed minor extension of the South Shoreditch

Conservation Area;

?   the addendum to the South Shoreditch Conservation Area

Appraisal;

?   the revised South Shoreditch Conservation Area Boundary.

REASONS FOR DECISION

The proposed extension area lies at the south-east corner of the existing

South Shoreditch Conservation Area at the junction of Bishopsgate and

Commercial Street. The extension area is bounded by the existing conservation area to the west and the former Bishopsgate Goods Yard to the north. To the south is the low level mainline railway into Liverpool Street and to the east is the London Borough of Tower Hamlets (see Appendix 2, Map of Extended South Shoreditch Conservation Area).

The proposed extension area contains a number of buildings, spaces and features of architectural and historic interest ( as outlined in Appendix 1, Addendum to South Shoreditch Conservation Area Appraisal ) including :

21 – 26 Shoreditch High Street

Two storey Edwardian parade with commercial units at the ground floor. The buildings are faced in red brick with pitched roofs and a single, large central window to each bay.

27 – 31 Shoreditch High Street

Four storey former bank, circa 1850s with cornices at each floor level and decorative, dentilled cornice at parapet level. Timber sash windows with stone surrounds on the upper floors.

32 Shoreditch High Street

Four storey former pub, last known as the Unicorn PH, circa 1850s. Cornices at each floor level with decorative, dentilled cornice at parapet level. Windows appear to have been remodelled from their Victorian originals but retain a traditional appearance. The building has been the subject of unauthorised advert hoardings for many years.

167 – 169 Commercial Street

Four storey building, circa 1850s with cornices at each floor level and decorative, dentilled cornice at parapet level. Timber sash windows with stone surrounds at upper levels.

Boundary Wall on Commercial Street

Single storey brick wall associated with Great Eastern Railway. Blue engineering brick at base with yellow stock above and red brick detail incorporating 5 recessed bays.

These buildings are of a similar age, appearance and character to those within the South Shoreditch Conservation Area and the proposed extension will give the existing conservation area a more coherent boundary.

Whilst the area immediately west of the site was incorporated into the extended South Shoreditch Conservation Area in 2011, the proposed extension area was not fully surveyed at that time. This appears to have been an oversight, possibly because the buildings were mistakenly thought to be part of a neighbouring borough. Nevertheless, the extension merits inclusion in the South Shoreditch Conservation Area, and meets the statutory criterion for designation under Section 69 (1) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, that the area be of 'special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’. The work carried  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

This report recommends the Cabinet to note the City & Hackney system response to the NHS Long Term Plan.

RESOLVED

That the Cabinet noted the City & Hackney system response to the NHS Long Term Plan.

The Mayor introduced the report, then invited David Maher the CCG Managing Director to speak.

David Maher explained that the Long Term Plan for City and Hackney brings together our partnership ambitions for improving the health and wellbeing of our residents. It builds on the work we have done through our Integrated Commissioning board and sets out a direction of travel for increased investment across primary care, community, and mental health services.  

Considering ongoing resource pressures in social care, this investment is welcome news for City and Hackney. It will support rapid development of our neighbourhood model of health and care, and allow us to build services around the individual in their communities. By 2021, the majority of our support for people will be focused on meeting needs across population footprints of 30-50000 with patients and their families at the centre of our planning.  It will mean every GP practice has a dedicated community pharmacist, a dedicated social prescriber and named link workers across community health and social care.  

RESOLVED

That the Cabinet noted the City & Hackney system response to the NHS Long Term Plan.

The report details the Cabinet’s response to the Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission on support for LGBT+ students in Hackney.

RESOLVED

That the Cabinet noted the response to the Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission on support for LGBT+ students in Hackney

Protesters (The London Renters Union and East End Sisters Uncut) interrupted the meeting and spoke out in support of Marian Court residents Margaret Mongan and Shahbana Bibi.

 “Sorry to interrupt. I’m going to make a very brief statement, and won’t take up too much of your time. As some of you may know, there’s a protest going on outside today. We are here to draw the council’s attention to it, and to the treatment of Shahbana Bibi and Margaret Mongan, residents of Marian Court. Ms Bibi in particular has been threatened with voluntary homelessness by an unelected officer of the council on the basis of support from her elected MP. She is being punished because she spoke out. This is a travesty of a responsible approach to the housing needs of vulnerable people in our borough. We call on the council as fellow union members to rectify the situation as quickly as possible. We welcome discussion with members of the council who want to take this issue seriously. No-one in our borough should be victimised for demanding what should be available for all. We are here today to show Hackney Council that they cannot bully local residents into accepting unsuitable and unsafe accommodation. Hackney Green Party are committed to fighting for the rights of local residents and will continue to campaign to solve the housing crisis.”

The Mayor asked the Chief Executive Tim Shields to respond directly to the protesters’ statements.

The Chief Executive said: “I’m limited in what I can say given the process that we are going through. A suitability review is currently being carried out, and is being undertaken by the head of the housing benefits team. A final decision on this review has not been made. The solicitors have been informed and have been given till the end of this month to provide further representations. Due to the ongoing suitability review, we can’t comment much further on these cases.”

Deputy Mayor Bramble introduced the report to members.

RESOLVED

That the Cabinet noted the response to the Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission on support for LGBT+ students in Hackney

The report recommends that the Cabinet notes the recommendation from the nomination committee, and confirm the appointment of Chair of the Hackney Schools Group Board for a term of three- years commencing on 1 October 2019.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet noted the recommendation from the nomination committee, and confirms the appointment of the Chair of the Hackney Schools Group for a term of three years commencing on 1 October 2019 as set out in the exempt appendix.

Deputy Mayor Bramble introduced the report to members.

The Mayor advised that there was an exempt appendix at item 22.  He asked members if they would like to move into an exempt session to raise any points of clarification on the exempt appendix. Members did not have any points of clarification so the meeting did not move into an exempt session.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet noted the recommendation from the nomination committee, and confirms the appointment of the Chair of the Hackney Schools Group for a term of three years commencing on 1 October 2019 as set out in the exempt appendix.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet approved the school governor nomination.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet approved the school governor nomination.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet approved the appointment to Outside Bodies.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet approved the appointment to Outside Bodies.

To consider any items admitted at Item 2 above.

Note from the Governance Services Manager

Items 20, 21 and 22 allow for the consideration of exempt information in relation to items 7, 8  and 15 respectively.

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as the items below contain exempt information, as defined under paragraph, 3 & 5 of Part 1, schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Members did not have any points of clarification for items 20, 21 and 22, therefore the meeting did not move into an exempt session.

Exempt appendix in relation to item 7.

No points of clarification were raised for this item.

Exempt appendices in relation to item 8.

No points of clarification were raised for this item.

Exempt appendix in relation to item 15.

No points of clarification were raised for this item.

To consider any EXEMPT items admitted at Item 2 above.

There were no new items of Exempt Urgent Business