Agenda, decisions and minutes

1.1  Apologies for absence from Members are listed above.

1.2  Apologies for lateness were received from Councillors: Adejare, Coban, Hayhurst, Jacobson, Levy, and Rennison

2.1  The Speaker informed everyone present that it was Mayor Pipe’s last meeting as elected Mayor of the Council. The Speaker paid tribute to Mayor Pipe, who had accepted to accept the position of Deputy Mayor of London for planning, regeneration and skills. The Speaker, on behalf of the whole Council, thanked Mayor Pipe for his twenty years of service, the last 14 years as Hackney’s first directly elected Mayor. The Mayor was credited for his leadership in the transformation of Hackney which had become a model for other boroughs.

2.2  The Speaker announced the following dates of her fundraising events:

·  Friday 22^nd July 5.00pm – Boart trip at Labernum Boat Club.

·  November (date tbc) – Klezmer evening

·  Friday 9^th December – Gala Dinner at Urfa Restaurant Stoke Newington

·  Saturday 13^th May 2017 – Speaker’s Gala concert

2.3  The Speaker referred Members to a recent statement which she had issued reaffirming that hate crime has no place in the borough and that all residents are welcome. The Speaker informed the Council that a meeting would be held on the afternoon of Monday 25^th July to explain the rights of residents following the EU referendum. All Members were welcome to attend.

2.4  One minute’s silence was observed for Jo Cox, MP for Batley and Spen constituency, West Yorkshire, who was murdered on 16^th June 2016.

3.1  Councillor Moema declared an interest in agenda item 8 – Report from Cabinet – Designation and Appraisal of Dalston Conservation Area, as her employer is a partner provider at Woodberry Down.

4.1  RESOLVED: That the minutes of the previous meeting, the Council Annual General Meeting held on 25 May 2016 be approved, subject to the following amendments proposed by Councillor Odze:-

·  Paragraph 8.1 to read ‘Deputy Mayor Linden nominated Councillor Soraya Adejare to serve as Deputy Speaker for the 2016/17 Municipal Year’.

·  Paragraph 8.6 to read ‘Councillor Adejare thanked members for the opportunity to serve as Deputy Speaker’.

   It was also noted that Councillor Moule should be recorded as in attendance.  

5.1  From Cllr Clare Potter to the Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture:

  “Does the Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture share my concern that large events held in Finsbury Park, such as the recent Wireless festival, have a huge impact on those Brownswood residents living adjacent to Finsbury Park?”

5.2  From Cllr Vincent Stops to the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Sustainability:

  “Can the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods tell us the timescale for the works to improve Hackney's Narrow Way? What plans are in place to reduce disruption to businesses during the works?”

5.3  From Cllr Will Brett to the Cabinet Member for Finance:

  “To ask the Cabinet Member for Finance what initial estimates he has made of the budgetary impact for Hackney of the UK's proposed exit from the European Union?”

5.4  From Cllr Ian Rathbone to the Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture:

  “We've been hearing a lot about a campaign in Hackney against the use of pesticides by the Council. Can the Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture please provide an update on what alternatives to glysophate are being explored by the Green Spaces department and the Waste Services department?”

5.5  From Cllr Sharon Patrick to the Cabinet Member for Regeneration:

  “Could the Cabinet Member for Regeneration please tell members what Hackney has gained from the Olympics and are there anymore gains to be had?”

5.6  From Cllr Mete Coban to the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services:

  “Last month, the government scrapped their plans on the forced academisation of schools by 2022. However, there are genuine concerns regarding the floor standards becoming difficult to reach for some schools due to the changes to curriculum expectations and testing regimes, forcing schools to become academies in that way. Could the Cabinet Member for Children's Services tell us what the council's position is on the academisation of schools and what measures will the council put in place to help support schools in Hackney, particularly where schools do not meet the floor standards?”

5.7  From Cllr Rebecca Rennison to the Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture:

“To ask the Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture for an update on the Hackney Health and Social Care Integration pilot.”

5.8  From Cllr James Peters to the Deputy Mayor:

“In light of the fact that the housing crisis means that families are now having to spend 2-3 years in homeless hostels in Hackney before they have a chance of securing Council housing (with Hackney's private rented housing having become unaffordable to very many Hackney residents), could the Cabinet Member for Housing please tell us what is the Council doing to ensure that life in its hostels is bearable?”

5.1  From Cllr Clare Potter to the Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture:

  “Does the Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture share my concern that large events held in Finsbury Park, such as the recent Wireless festival, have a huge impact on those Brownswood residents living adjacent to Finsbury Park?”

  Response from Councillor McShane:

  Councillor McShane told Council that he understood and shared concerns about the impact of large events on residents living adjacent to Finsbury Park. He said that work was ongoing with Haringey Council to minimise the impact of this on residents. Resources were however limited.

5.2  From Cllr Vincent Stops to the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Sustainability:

  “Can the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods tell us the timescale for the works to improve Hackney's Narrow Way? What plans are in place to reduce disruption to businesses during the works?”

  Response from Councillor Demirci:

  Councillor Demirci advised that mobilisation works were expected to start in October/November 2016, with main construction works commencing in January 2017 to minimise disruptions to traders in the lead up to Christmas. Access to shops and businesses will be maintained throughout the construction phase.  Additionally, phasing of the works will be carried out in order to keep the work site area to a minimum.  Work site amenities and storage will be positioned off of the Narrow Way to further minimise disruption.

  Councillor Demirci stated that she would be happy to go into more detail regarding how the Council has consulted and engaged with residents and business owners outside of the meeting, should Councillor Stops require further information.

5.3  From Cllr Will Brett to the Cabinet Member for Finance:

  “To ask the Cabinet Member for Finance what initial estimates he has made of the budgetary impact for Hackney of the UK's proposed exit from the European Union?”

  Response from Councillor Taylor

  Councillor Taylor expressed the view that if the UK had voted to remain in the European Union the Council would not be facing these potential difficulties. He said that there were financial implications arising and work was ongoing on the Risk Register. He considered that the pensions may be affected.  The Budget would remain as is until matters were clearer.

5.4  From Cllr Ian Rathbone to the Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture:

  “We've been hearing a lot about a campaign in Hackney against the use of pesticides by the Council. Can the Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture please provide an update on what alternatives to glysophate are being explored by the Green Spaces department and the Waste Services department?”

Response from Councillor McShane:

Councillor McShane stated that the health and safety of the borough’s residents is, and will remain, the Council’s paramount concern. It was noted that Glyphosate has been declared safe for the targeted spraying of weeds by DEFRA, the Health & Safety Executive and the EU; and whilst the Council acknowledges concerns about its use, there is no evidence to suggest that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.1  Mayor Pipe told Council that his decision to leave Hackney Council to accept the position of Deputy Mayor of London had not been taken lightly. He told Council that he had been Leader and Mayor at Hackney for fifteen years in all and went on to liken the position to one of a conductor that has had the privilege of working with a large number of very dedicated and talented musicians. He thanked a number of people with whom he had worked during his terms of office for their contributions, including council members from all parties and senior officers, both past and present. He thanked Councillor Sharer and Councillor Odze for their unfailing civility. He told Council that he was also grateful for the comradeship and kindness that he had received from group members. He referred to the increased investment in Borough services during his terms in office and improvements in the education service, schools, adult and social care, leisure centres, libraries and service delivery generally. This had resulted in subsequent national recognition of the Borough. He said that Hackney had been described as a Borough transformed and he felt most proud of the Borough’s change of reputation. He referred to the successes around the Olympics and Hackney Weekend. Further, work was ongoing on improvements to Hackney Town Hall. Capital investment had been significant but unavoidable however the long term value and civic pride would be immeasurable.

6.2  Council noted the comments of Councillor Steinberger and Councillor Odze who expressed their admiration for the Mayor in serving the people of Hackney. Councillor Sharer thanked the Mayor for his good work and for having always done what he believed to be right and in the best interest of the residents even during the challenging times.

6.3  Gordon Bell, Freeman of the Borough, thanked the Mayor for his work and for his professionalism and approachability. He recounted the early days when the Mayor first took office and paid tribute to his hard work and dedication. 

6.4  Councillor Patrick referred to the many improvements in the Borough that had taken place during the Mayor’s terms in office and with the help of Cabinet members. These areas of improvement included children’s services, educational services with Hackney having some of the best schools in the country, children in care in third level education and top GCSE results together with improved waste collection and vibrant community sector. All of these improvements had impacted on tenants and residents making Hackney a better place and leading to national recognition.

6.5  Councillor Nicholson thanked the Mayor for his support and in affording him the space to learn in the area of regeneration which the Mayor himself had embraced. He said that regeneration was about the future and that there had been a profound change to the Borough of Hackney. Discussions would be ongoing on further initiatives, including inclusivity.

6.6  Councillor McShane referred Council to improvements in Hackney Schools and the best teachers in the heart of the Borough  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

RESOLVED to:

 i.  Approve and designate the Albion Square Conservation Area as set out in the Area Map at Appendix B, including the eastern extension to incorporate Queensbridge Primary School.

ii.  Approve and adopt the Albion Square Conservation Area Appraisal

7.1  Councillor Nicholson introduced the report and commended it to Council.

7.2  Councillor Odze stated that he would vote in favour of conservation areas where required and sensibly applied, however he objected to the revision and extension of the conservation area boundary.

RESOLVED:

  i.  To approve and designate the Albion Square Conservation Area as set out in the Area Map at Appendix B, including the eastern extension to incorporate Queensbridge Primary School.

  ii.  To approve and adopt the Albion Square Conservation Area Appraisal

7.3  Voting

For: Many

Against: 2

Abstentions: None

RESOLVED to:

i.  Approve and designate the Dalston Conservation Area, as set out in the Area Map at Appendix B, incorporating 527 to 539 and 596 to 600 Kingsland High Street from the existing Kingsland conservation area;

ii.  Approve and adopt the Dalston Conservation Area Appraisal.

8.1  Councillor Nicholson introduced the report and commended it to Council.

8.2  Councillor Snell welcomed the report and spoke in favour of it. He believed that the proposals would be beneficial to residents and businesses and was very timely, taking into consideration the proposed Crossrail 2 route which would see improved links between Dalston and south-west London and the South East.

8.3  Councillor Odze raised objections and stated that he believed conservation areas in the borough to be rigidly applied and restrictive on growth. He also believed that conservation areas put larger families at a disadvantage as it prohibited them from extending their homes.

RESOLVED:

i.  To approve and designate the Dalston Conservation Area, as set out in the Area Map at Appendix B, incorporating 527 to 539 and 596 to 600 Kingsland High Street from the existing Kingsland conservation area;

ii.   To approve and adopt the Dalston Conservation Area Appraisal.

8.4 Voting

For: Many

Against: 2

Abstentions: None

RESOLVED to:

  i.  Note any revisions to the document, and approve the adoption of the Sustainable Design and Construction SPD as set out in Appendix 1 of this report.

  ii.  Authorise the Group Director to make any necessary general amendments to the Sustainable Design and Construction SPD before it is published.

9.1  Councillor Nicholson introduced the report and commended it to Council.

9.2  Councillor Odze told Council that he was opposed to the Planning document. He expressed concerns that people were being forced out of the Borough. Councillor Steinberger expressed concerns that restrictions in the conservation area stopped people from building and extending their properties with consequent objections from residents.

9.3  Councillor Stops emphasised that it other London Boroughs had built houses at the same rate that Hackney had the current housing crisis would not exist.  He told Council that conservation is about good design. 

RESOLVED:

  i.  To note any revisions to the document, and approve the adoption of the Sustainable Design and Construction SPD as set out in Appendix 1 of this report.

  ii.  To authorise the Group Director to make any necessary general amendments to the Sustainable Design and Construction SPD before it is published.

9.4  Votes

For Many

Against 2

Abstentions None

RESOLVED to: Adopt the Site Allocations Local Plan.

10.1  Councillor Nicholson introduced the report and commended it to Council.

10.2  Councillor Odze raised objections as he did not believe the Site Allocations Plan would assist in promoting and managing development and growth in the borough as he felt it would be restrictive on residents and developers.

RESOLVED to adopt the Site Allocations Local Plan.

10.3  Votes

For: Many

Against: 2

Abstentions: None

RESOLVED to: note the recent use of the special urgency provisions as set out in paragraph 4 of this report.

RESOLVED to note the recent use of the special urgency provisions as set out in paragraph 4 of this report.

RESOLVED to:

(i)  Note the contents of the report

(ii)  Approve consultation on the introduction of a late night levy in Hackney.

12.1  Councillor Plouviez, Chair of the Licensing Committee introduced the report, highlighting that the late night economy in Hackney was vibrant and still growing. The intention of the Levy was to fully support and manage growth.

12.2  Councillor Odze raised objections stating that although some action was required, he believed this imposed approach could potentially have a detrimental effect on local businesses. 

RESOLVED:

  i.  To note the contents of the report

  ii.  Approve consultation on the introduction of a late night levy in Hackney.

12.4  Votes

For: Many

Against: 2

Abstentions: None

RESOLVED to: Agree the report and draft Members Allowances Scheme attached at Appendix 1.

13.1  Councillor Odze considered that the Members Allowance Scheme should be agreed independently and that there should not be an increase in the allowance.  Councillor Steinberger expressed his opposition. The Director of Legal confirmed that an independent person had reviewed the scheme and that it was a legal requirement for Council to agree the scheme. 

RESOLVED to agree the report and draft Members Allowances Scheme attached at Appendix 1.

Votes

In Favour: Many

Against: 2

RESOLVED to: Note the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2015-16

14.1  Councillor Munn introduced the report and commended the work of the Scrutiny Commissions.

14.2  Councillor Steinberger raised concerns about the scrutiny working arrangements and the majority groups’ lead role in the scrutiny function.

RESOLVED to note the report.

RESOLVED to: Note the contents of the LGO report (appendix 1) and the Council’s response as set out in the report.

15.1  Councillor Nicholson introduced the report and confirmed that the Council had responded to the report. He told Council that he would be happy to have a separate briefing on the report.

RESOLVED to note the contents of the LGO report (appendix 1) and the Council’s response as set out in the report.

RESOLVED to: Note the Commission’s report and the Executive’s response.

16.1  Councillor McKenzie, Chair of the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission, introduced the report into the review into the proposed extension of the Right to Buy and commended it to Council. He told Council that evidence had been gathered from a large number of groups and that there were concerns that the proposals would result in a negative impact on the residents of Hackney as it would have a major impact on the availability of affordable homes.

16.2  Councillor Glanville commended the work of the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission. He stated that a good case had been made against the proposed extension of the right to buy to housing association tenants and the forced sale of high end council housing.  He told Council that there was still a lot that was unknown about the implications of the Housing and Planning Act. Since the review, Hackney Today had provided residents with much information about the impact of the Act. He confirmed that the Council would continue to fight against its proposals.

16.3  Councillor Odze stated that the Act would result in an increase in the numbers of people owning their own homes and that people should have this right. 

16.4  RESOLVED to note the Commission’s report and the Executive’s response.

We are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society. Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in our country.  We in Hackney condemn racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally. We will not allow hate to become acceptable.

We welcome the contribution to the economic, social and cultural life of the Borough of all Hackney citizens of all faiths and none.

Hackney Council reaffirms that all the people of Hackney are valued members of our community.

Hackney will work with the voluntary sector and other agencies, to make sure our residents are aware of their rights and to fight and prevent racism and xenophobia.

The Council will invite residents to sign up to indicate their support for these aims via the Council website.  

Proposed by Cllr Glanville

Seconded by Cllr Sharer

RESOLVED:

We are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society. Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in our country.  We in Hackney condemn racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally. We will not allow hate to become acceptable.

We welcome the contribution to the economic, social and cultural life of the Borough of all Hackney citizens of all faiths and none.

Hackney Council reaffirms that all the people of Hackney are valued members of our community.

Hackney will work with the voluntary sector and other agencies, to make sure our residents are aware of their rights and to fight and prevent racism and xenophobia.

The Council will invite residents to sign up to indicate their support for these aims via the Council website.  

For: Many

Against: 3 (Councillor Odze, Steinberger and Papier)

Abstentions: None

a)  Councillor Glanville introduced a motion that Council confirm that racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in the borough and to send out a message that all people of Hackney are valued members of the community.

Councillor Glanville stated that Hackney is proud of its diverse community and its record of bringing people together.  On 24^th June 2016, following the EU referendum, the country saw a country less tolerant and a rise in hate crimes.

It was reported that whilst low levels of this had been experienced in Hackney, it was important to take a zero tolerance stand. There are strategies and partnerships in place to ensure that residents are aware of their rights and to help fight racism and xenophobia. The Council’s Community Safety Team have also set up a section on the Council’s website where hate crime can be reported.

Councillor Glanville thanked the Speaker for playing a lead role in this campaign.

Councillor Sharer formally seconded the motion and spoke specifically about Jews and Muslims living side by side peacefully in the ward that he represents and across the borough.

Councillor Odze objected to the motion. He stated that whilst he was opposed to any forms of racism and hatred, he believed these sentiments to be merely words and stated that definitive action was required. He made reference to the coverage of news stories and the institutional racism of the media and those in power.

Councillor Rathbone contributed to the debate and welcomed the motion. He stated this was the first step of the campaign which accurately represented the mood and views of the community. He read a statement from Hackney Green Party in support of the motion, highlighting the importance of cross party unity.

Councillor Steinberger objected to the motion and questioned its purpose. He stated that there needed to be a clear plan of action to prevent any further attacks.

Councillor Desmond and Peters contributed to the debate affirming their commitment to ensuring equality and respect throughout the borough. It was also noted that the new Prime Minister was yet to confirm the status of EU residents in the UK.

Councillors Etti and Moema contributed to the debate, stating that the motion was a good way to acknowledge and appreciate diversity, whilst opposing racism and strengthening communities.

Councillor Glanville expressed his disappointment that there was not unanimous cross party support of the motion. He gave assurances that the motion was not an empty gesture but was in direct response to an increase in nationwide hate crimes and the first step in ensuring a safe and cohesive local community.

RESOLVED:

We are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society. Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in our country.  We in Hackney condemn racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally. We will not allow hate to become acceptable.

We welcome the contribution to the economic, social and cultural life of the Borough of all Hackney citizens of all faiths and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17a

London Borough of Hackney has the highest level of local residents cycling in London. For over a decade the borough has adopted a practice of permitting and encouraging considerate cycling everywhere in parks and open spaces, except where it is specifically not permitted.

The current borough adopted by-laws states:

13. No person shall in any open space, except on roads or other place approved for the purpose by the Council, ride or drive any horse or other beast of draught or burden or any bicycle, tricycle, or any vehicle drawn or propelled by any animal or by mechanical power.

14. No person shall in any open space drive any vehicle, bicycle or tricycle or ride any animal at a rate exceeding twelve miles an hour or so as to endanger the public.

Therefore Hackney Council Resolve:

To reaffirm its commitment to encouraging considerate cycling in all Hackney parks and open spaces, except where it is specifically not permitted.

Proposed by Cllr Snell

Seconded by Cllr Demirci

RESOLVE:

To reaffirm its commitment to encouraging considerate cycling in all Hackney parks and open spaces, except where it is specifically not permitted.

For: Unanimous

b.  Councillor Snell introduced the motion, emphasising the high level of usage across the Borough.

Councillor Demerci seconded the motion, stressing the need to make cycling safer in the Borough, in particular in cycling through the Borough’s Parks and green areas.

In response to member questions, the Director of Legal confirmed that the motion simply reconfirmed the provisions of the existing byelaw.

RESOLVED to reaffirm its commitment to encouraging considerate cycling in all Hackney parks and open spaces, except where it is specifically not permitted.

Voting

For: Unanimous

RESOLVED to: Agree the appointment or nomination of appointment of Members to Outside Bodies on behalf of the Council as listed in the Schedule.

RESOLVED: that the appointment or nomination of appointment of Members to Outside Bodies on behalf of the Council be approved, as set out below:

1.  South Hackney Parochial Charity - Cllr Katie Hanson (Tenure of Appointment: 4 years)

2.  Groundwork - Cllr Jonathan Burke (Tenure of Appointment: 1  year)

RESOLVED to:

 i.  Agree the appointment of the following as co-opted members to the Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission:

• Sevdie Ali to replace Kyla Kirkpatrick as a Parent Governor representative.

• Jane Heffernan to fill the vacancy as the Roman Catholic Westminster Diocesan Schools Commission representative.

ii.  Agree the re-appointment of the following as co-opted members to the Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission:

• Richard Brown as the London Diocesan Board for Schools (Church of England) representative.

• Sophie Conway as a Parent Governor representative.

• Rabbi Judah Baumgarten as the Orthodox Jewish community representative.

• Shuja Shaikh as the North London Muslim Association representative.

• Ernell Watson as the Free Churches Group of Churches Together in England representative.

• Jo Macleod as the Hackney Schools Governors’ Association representative.

• Ella Cox, Beth Foster-Ogg, Skye Fitzgerald McShane and Louis Comach as the Hackney Youth Parliament representatives.

iii.  Agree the re-appointment of the following as co-opted members to the Standards Committee

·  Julia Bennett, George Gross, Adedoja Labinjo and Onagette Louison.

19.1 RESOLVED to:

 i.  Agree the appointment of the following as co-opted members to the Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission:

• Sevdie Ali to replace Kyla Kirkpatrick as a Parent Governor representative.

• Jane Heffernan to fill the vacancy as the Roman Catholic Westminster Diocesan Schools Commission representative.

ii.  Agree the re-appointment of the following as co-opted members to the Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission:

• Richard Brown as the London Diocesan Board for Schools (Church of England) representative.

• Sophie Conway as a Parent Governor representative.

• Rabbi Judah Baumgarten as the Orthodox Jewish community representative.

• Shuja Shaikh as the North London Muslim Association representative.

• Ernell Watson as the Free Churches Group of Churches Together in England representative.

• Jo Macleod as the Hackney Schools Governors’ Association representative.

• Ella Cox, Beth Foster-Ogg, Skye Fitzgerald McShane and Louis Comach as the Hackney Youth Parliament representatives.

iii.  Agree the re-appointment of the following as co-opted members to the Standards Committee

·  Julia Bennett, George Gross, Adedoja Labinjo and Onagette Louison.