Agenda, decisions and minutes

1.1  Apologies for absence from Members are listed above.

1.2  An apology for absence was received from Kim Wright, Group Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing.

1.3  Apologies for lateness were received from Councillors Burke and Gordon.

2.1  The Deputy Speaker welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked all of those that had supported the Speaker’s fundraising and other events during 2016.

2.2  The Deputy Speaker notified Members of the following events, on behalf of the Speaker:-

  Friday 27 January   Holocaust Memorial Day Ceremony

  Council Chamber, Town Hall, 10.00am

  Fundraising events during 2017 include:-

  Sunday 30 April  Hackney Half Marathon

Join the Mayor, the Deputy Lieutenant and others in the Hackney’s Speaker’s Team

Saturday 6 May  Speaker’s Concert

St John of Jerusalem Church, Lauriston Road, 7.00pm

2.3  The Speaker’s charities were the Hackney Migrant Centre and the North London Action for the Homeless. Donations could be made at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/hackneyspeaker

This is the time for Members to declare any disclosable pecuniary or other non-pecuniary interests they may have in any matter being considered at this meeting having regard to the guidance attached to the agenda.

Members are reminded that, under Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 199, any Member who is in arrears of two or more months Council Tax must declare it at the meeting and abstain from voting on agenda item 9.

3.1  A number of Councillors declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 5 b) Wordsworth Road Area CS1 Motor Traffic Reduction Scheme, as they were all members of the London Cycling Campaign.

3.2  Councillor Stops also declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 5 b) Wordsworth Road Area CS1 Motor Traffic Reduction Scheme, as he lived in a neighbouring road.

4.1  RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 30 November 2016 be approved, subject to the following comments from Councillor Steinberger:-

§  Reference was made to paragraph 4.1 and Councillor Steinberger wished to note that he had not expressed his admiration of the former Mayor, Jules Pipe at the previous Council meeting held on 20 July 2016.

§  Councillor Steinberger referred to paragraph 7.10 and expressed his disappointment that there was not more put in the minutes regarding former Councillor Landau.

We would like to ask the council to come up with a solution to relieve the impossible parking situation in the seven streets in displacement Zone N CPZ that have been left without controls. Residents have absolutely nowhere to park as there are commuters, local teachers/workers, residents from the CPZ without permits etc. circling the streets to find free spaces from 7am onwards. We are unable to collect children, go to the supermarkets, use leisure services or get any home repairs done etc. because there is simply nowhere to park – and we cannot move our cars on Mondays to Fridays from 7am to after 7pm. We have made suggestions and explained our plight on several occasions to the Parking Department, Mayor and Councillors but they have been unable to help us.

Since the implementation of the CPZ (N displacement) on December 19^th there has been growing tension, altercations and damage to cars due to frustration caused by the poor implementation of the extended zone. The situation is unbearable for us and is causing much stress and disruption to daily life and work. We ask the council to find a solution that can be implemented immediately to alleviate the situation for residents in streets affected (Fletching Road, Thornby Road, Wattisfield Road, Chailey Street, Cornthwaite Road, Cotesbach Road, and Mildenhall Road).

The Deputation will be introduced by Cllr Rathbone

The Deputation spokesperson is Ian McNicol

Councillor Rathbone introduced the deputation on behalf of residents.

Mr Ian McNicol referred to the map circulated at the meeting which detailed the 7 streets in Displacement Zone N CPZ that had no parking restrictions and therefore had a lack of car parking spaces left for its residents.

Mr McNicol stated that the CPZ (N displacement) had been implemented on 19 December 2016, which had caused growing tension, altercations and damage to cars due to frustration caused by the poor implementation of the extended zone. A petition had been submitted by residents last year following the stage 1 consultation for the Zone N displacement area, objecting to the proposals. It was felt that the proposals had not been properly considered. He added that residents of the affected roads were currently unable to move their cars on Mondays to Fridays from 7am – 7pm as they would lose their parking space.

Mr McNicol, on behalf of residents, asked the Council to find a solution for residents in the streets affected that could be implemented immediately, to alleviate the situation.

Councillor Odze took the opportunity to extend his condolences to the Speaker for the loss of her Father and thanked Mr McNicol for bringing this matter to the attention of Council. Councillor Odze believed that the solution was to get rid of controlled parking zones within the Borough.

Councillor Jacobson stated that he had been experiencing similar problems in his ward and referred to issues surrounding a CPZ in Cazenove ward and queried whether the whole parking system could be managed by a private company.

Councillor Oguzkanli stated that it was important that residents were fully aware of the implications of CPZs in the surrounding area when responding to consultation. It was acknowledged that an 8 page document was circulated with the consultation document which explained the implications of CPZs. 

Councillor Demirci responded to the deputation and thanked the residents for their attendance. Councillor Demirci also thanked the Ward Councillors that had been working on this matter. She advised that Parking Services had consulted all roads in the Zone N displacement area on the introduction of parking controls between August and October 2015. This was due to requests received from some of the roads in the area that were finding it difficult to park.

Councillor Demirci explained that when considering new parking zones, the Council had to regard its statutory duties under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the Council’s priorities defined in the Sustainable Community Strategy, and the objectives set out in the Parking Enforcement Plan which was the Council’s agreed policy on parking approved by Cabinet. The introduction of a parking zone required a comprehensive consultation to be carried out by the Council, as well as approval from Cabinet.

It was reported that the decision to consult on the Zone N displacement area had been approved by Cabinet on 22 June 2015. As a result, a Stage 1 consultation had been carried out for a period of 8 weeks with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5a

We’re a group of residents living in the Wordsworth Road area. We believe road closures implemented here in September as part of the CS1 motor traffic reduction scheme do not fairly address the needs of all road users – cyclists/cars/pedestrians, and that the consultation process wasn’t carried out representatively or transparently.

We’ve seen adverse effects since the road closures were implemented last September, including:

·  Traffic overspill from restricted roads resulting in congestion on neighbouring residential roads.

·  Traffic pushed onto the busy A10 and Crossway or neighbouring residential streets – worsening pollution and increasing risk of accidents.

·  Speeding cyclists on Wordsworth Road – endangering pedestrians.

We believe any perceived advantages of this scheme are outweighed by the disadvantages. We’ve been actively engaging local residents/stakeholders and have collected a significant number of objections via on-line and door-to-door petitions and individual letters of objection submitted to Hackney/TfL.

We ask that:

·  The ETO review due in March agrees to remove the road closures.

·  Hackney/TfL meet with our residents’ group to review all aspects of the responses to the ETO and discuss alternatives for a workable and balanced solution that will democratically address the needs of all road users.

The deputation will be introduced by Cllr Michelle Gregory

The Deputation spokesperson is Nicky Bowden

Councillor Gregory introduced the deputation on behalf of the residents in the Wordsworth Road Area.

Ms Jen Andrews the deputation spokesperson highlighted how the residents believed that road closures implemented in September as part of the CS1 motor traffic reduction scheme did not fairly address the needs of all road users – cyclists/cars/pedestrians, and that the consultation process was not carried out representatively or transparently.

Adverse effects had been witnessed since the road closures were implemented in September 2016, including:

·  Traffic overspill from restricted roads resulting in congestion on neighbouring residential roads.

·  Traffic pushed onto the busy A10 and Crossway or neighbouring residential streets – worsening pollution and increasing the risk of accidents.

·  Speeding cyclists on Wordsworth Road – endangering pedestrians.

Ms Jen Andrews advised that any perceived advantages of this scheme were outweighed by the disadvantages. It was highlighted that the consultation process was not transparent, as many residents claimed that they did not receive a consultation pack. Ms Jen Andrews actively engaged with local residents and stakeholders and collected a significant number of objections including those on-line, door-to-door petitions and individual letters of objection submitted to Hackney and Transport for London.  The residents in the Wordsworth Road area asked that:

·  The ETO review due in March agrees to remove the road closures.

·  Hackney and Transport for London to meet with the Wordsworth Road residents’ group to review all aspects of the responses to the ETO and discuss alternatives for a workable and balanced solution that will democratically address the needs of all road users.

Councillor Odze explained that there was a similar issue which occurred in Stanford Hill where a petition had been signed with 3,000 signatures requesting for a road to be reopened in the area. Councillor Odze sympathised with the residents and wished them luck in their campaign to reopen Wordsworth Road.

Councillor Stops questioned if the residents of Wordsworth Road would also like their roads closed. Ms Jen Andrews explained that they would not like their road closed as this would then push additional traffic onto the surrounding roads in the area.

Councillor Snell questioned if the residents of Wordsworth Road felt that the work being carried out by Transport for London was satisfactory and if there was an established residential community group. Ms Jen Andrews stated that they were not happy with the consultation process as it was felt that they were not consulted upon, it was added that the roads were far too narrow and could not handle the amount of traffic it consumed on a day to day basis. The Council was informed that due to the Wordsworth Road traffic issue the residents association was formed.

Councillor Demirci responded to the residents declaring that as a councillor she was committed to making Hackney a better area to live in, and in this circumstance aiming to reduce the amount of road traffic. Residents were assured that the issues raised would be investigated by an Officer and that a traffic service consultation would be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5b

6.1  From Mr Christopher Sills to the Mayor:

“Would you agree with me that fresh thinking by all concerned is needed if the current unsatisfactory situation of elderly care is to be resolved bearing in mind that there will never be enough money to solve the problem under any party if current policies are continued. Would you consider the following changes in policy which could reduce the problems in individual cases;

A)  Encourage tenants to take on tenants, which will reduce loneliness and homelessness and therefore demands on the health services.

B)  Introduce an estate based transfer system which will enable tenants to transfer on the same estate as their families grow, on condition they move to smaller accommodation when their children leave home.

C)  Introduce a limited Sons and Daughters scheme

D)  Consider one off schemes to solve individual problems”

6.2  From Mr Andy Pakula to the Mayor:

“At the Hackney Citizens Mayoral Accountability Assembly in September 2016, Mayor Phillip Glanville committed to resettling 7 Syrian families by Christmas 2016, however only 3 families have been resettled so far. We recently read a statement from the Mayor that this pledge will be fulfilled by March 2017.

What plans are in place to ensure that the families will be in the borough by March 2017 as promised?” 

6.1  From Christopher Sills to the Mayor:

“Would you agree with me that fresh thinking by all concerned is needed if the current unsatisfactory situation of elderly care is to be resolved bearing in mind that there will never be enough money to solve the problem under any party if current policies are continued. Would you consider the following changes in policy which could reduce the problems in individual cases;

A)  Encourage tenants to take on tenants, which will reduce loneliness and homelessness and therefore demands on the health services.

B)  Introduce an estate based transfer system which will enable tenants to transfer on the same estate as their families grow, on condition they move to smaller accommodation when their children leave home.

C)  Introduce a limited Sons and Daughters scheme

D)  Consider one off schemes to solve individual problems”

Response from Mayor Glanville:

Mayor Glanville responded to each of the elements of the question in turn:-

A)  Mayor Glanville stated that there were many benefits to taking in a lodger and that Hackney Housing would usually allow this as long as prior permission was sought. However, the Council would usually only encourage such an arrangement where the prospective lodger was well known to the tenant and the tenant was fully aware of the consequences of allowing another person to share their property.

B)  Mayor Glanville stated that although the Council recognised the difficult challenges facing elderly residents who were in unsuitable properties, there were no plans to introduce a borough wide estate based transfer system. Where households, primarily pensioners, were in properties that were too big for their needs, the Council ran a cash incentive scheme for those who wished to downsize. Between April and December 2016 a total of 39 households had been helped to downsize under this scheme, with further moves imminent.

C)  Mayor Glanville stated that the Council had not considered a sons and daughters policy, as due to the severe pressures on social housing it was not possible to prioritise adult sons and daughters above other groups of residents. As of 30^th November 2016 there were 2789 households homeless in temporary accommodation, of which 812 were being housed outside Hackney. Given these numbers it was difficult to prioritise adult sons and daughters for limited social lets, as they were often more able to meet their housing need than others on the housing register.

D)  Mayor Glanville advised that the Council always examined all cases on their merits, and considered all options available to provide the best outcome for the tenant. The Council’s Benefits and Housing Needs service would discuss all options with those affected to find the most appropriate housing solution.

In response to a supplementary question, Mayor Glanville acknowledged that there was a growing elderly demographic and stated that he was happy to discuss solutions to elderly care and that was why the Council was also developing an Older Persons Housing Strategy.

In response to a question regarding bed blocking, Mayor Glanville explained  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

7.1  From Cllr Abraham Jacobson to the Cabinet Member for Housing Services:

“What is Hackney Council doing to mitigate the financial impact on larger households due to the compulsory roll out of water meters in Hackney?”

7.2  From Cllr Sophie Conway to the Deputy Mayor:

“In light of the stabbing of three young people over the Christmas period could the Deputy Mayor explain what interventions (therapeutic and otherwise) are offered to the young victims, perpetrators and witnesses of such traumatic incidents?”

7.3  From Cllr Ian Sharer to the Deputy Mayor:

“What assistance is Hackney Council providing to assist religious privately maintained Schools and establishments to find suitable premises?”

7.4  From Cllr Sharon Patrick to the Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Devolution:

“What is the Council and its partners doing to assist people with Dementia to lead a fulfilling and activate life?” 

7.5  From Cllr Harvey Odze to the Mayor:

"Would the Mayor please inform the council how much leaseholders and council tax payers have been overcharged for energy not supplied but billed for in 2015/16 and what is being done to prevent this waste of leaseholders and council tax payers’ hard earned money."

7.6  From Cllr Snell to the Cabinet Member for Planning, Business and Investment:

“What is the Council doing to protect the traditional street scene in Hackney; particularly in terms of limiting the loss of small retail units to bar and restaurant use?”

7.7  From Cllr Susan Fajana-Thomas to the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Transport and Parks:

“I would like the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Transport and Parks, to provide an update on the Council's long term business plan for Clissold House in Clissold Park”

7.8  From Cllr Margaret Gordon to the Deputy Mayor:

“Could the Deputy Mayor outline her strategy in respect of the proposed so called 'fair funding formula' which, if implemented as proposed, will have a very significant impact on our schools?”

7.9  From Cllr Clare Potter to the Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Devolution:

“Can the Cabinet member for Health, Social Care and Devolution provide an update on the North East London Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP); with particular reference to the potential impact on health service provision for Hackney residents.”

7.1  From Cllr Abraham Jacobson to the Cabinet Member for Housing Services:

“What is Hackney Council doing to mitigate the financial impact on larger households due to the compulsory roll out of water meters in Hackney?”

  Response from Cllr McKenzie:

Councillor McKenzie thanked Councillor Jacobson for his question and was sympathetic of his concerns regarding the impact on larger families of the compulsory roll out of water meters in Hackney. Councillor McKenzie explained that water management was the responsibility of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), not local authorities. Thames Water would be rolling out meters over the next year in Hackney, with the aim of increasing the proportion of homes on meters to 73% from the current 29%.

Councillor McKenzie advised that Thames Water would be writing to households from February to explain their plans. However, officers were not aware of any plans from Thames Water to compulsorily install water meters in the homes of Hackney Council residents at present and technical difficulties of installing meters in flats made widespread installation of meters highly unlikely.

The Secretary of State had designated London as an area of serious ‘water stress’ in 2007, and Thames Water had been granted the legal powers to compulsorily install meters in June 2012. On average, households with a meter had lower bills and used 10% less water, however it was acknowledged that there was likely to be an impact on larger families from bills based on meters. There would be a two year adjustment period after meters were installed where customers would be provided with comparisons from their current and metered bill. Thames Water had two ‘social tariffs’, amongst other schemes, Water Sure and Water Sure Plus.

In response to a supplementary question, Councillor McKenzie stated that he shared Councillor Jacobson’s concerns regarding water leakage and was happy to discuss this matter with him and to also write to Thames Water.  Councillor Jacobson requested a written response to his question.

7.2  From Cllr Sophie Conway to the Deputy Mayor:

“In light of the stabbing of three young people over the Christmas period could the Deputy Mayor explain what interventions (therapeutic and otherwise) are offered to the young victims, perpetrators and witnesses of such traumatic incidents?”

Response from the Deputy Mayor:

The Council’s Youth Offending Team and Young Hackney offer services to children and young people who have been affected by knife crime and other incidents – either because those incidents involve friends or family, because they have witnessed incidents, or as perpetrators themselves.  Support is tailored to the individual needs of the young person.  The Council’s Integrated Gangs Units objectives were to prevent knife crime, and provide support to victims, and interventions with gang members involved.

It was explained that young people who had previously been involved in knife crime had access to cognitive behavioural therapy (the Behind the Blade programme) and weapons awareness training through the Youth Offending Team.  Youth Offending Team workers provide support to young people to address their  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.1  Mayor Glanville stated that £110 million had already been taken out of the Council’s budget, with another £30 million left to go. He stated that he and the Chief Executive had attended an induction session for staff that day which focused on the investments and improvements made to the Council and not managing decline. He stated that since the last Council meeting the Council had seen further new housing schemes like Nightingale Estate agreed, as well as works commenced on the Colville Estate and Aitkin Court. The Tower Court application had also been approved by Cabinet. Mayor Glanville advised that new shared ownership schemes at Great Eastern Buildings and Kings Crescent had enabled 90% of units to be sold to owner occupiers and not investors.

8.2  Mayor Glanville stated that work was continuing on the consultation of the Britannia Leisure Centre site, setting out a clear vision for a new school, leisure centre and new affordable homes. Work was also continuing on the investment of the Narroway and Springfield Park, as well as detailed works commencing on Dalston Cultural Quarter and the revision of the Hackney Central Masterplan. This included the approval of the acquisition of the Tesco site in Morning Lane by Cabinet recently.

8.3  Mayor Glanville gave an overview of the Council’s business and creative economy and confirmed that Village Underground had been granted a new lease. He advised that himself and Councillor Nicholson would continue to campaign against the proposed rises in business rates in London. Mayor Glanville also paid tribute to Susan McKenna who had stepped down as Creative Director of the Hackney Empire, who had made a massive contribution to the theatre over the past seven years. 

8.4  Mayor Glanville congratulated the Hackney Gazette on their campaign and focus on the Hidden Homeless and stated that the Council was totally committed to supporting Rough Sleepers. There had been a rise in homelessness and people in temporary accommodation which had been made worse by the benefit cap and the Government’s Housing Policy. Mayor Glanville referred to the following figures and highlighted the increase in homelessness figures since 2007/08:-

§  2007/08 – number of families in TA 1896/acceptances 731

§  2010/11 – number in TA 1296/acceptances 761 – severe overcrowding down to 400 families

§  2011/12 – last year TA no net cost to the Council

§  Now in 2015/16 – applications at 1491, acceptances at 1090, number in TA 2495 (now 2800) – total cost £35 million, net cost £6.1 million.

8.5  Mayor Glanville stated that he was due to meet with the Housing Minister to discuss the Homelessness Reduction Bill and Housing Act. He would be raising issues such as tackling the cost of private renting, housing support and supporting the build of much needed homes in the borough.

8.6  Mayor Glanville referred to issues surrounding transport and stated that the borough was clearly living with the former Mayor of London’s legacy of toxic air. Mayor Glanville and Councillor Demirci were committed to taking  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

RESOLVED that:

1.  In accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012, the amount calculated by Hackney Council as its Council Tax Base for 2017/18 shall be 68,399 Band D equivalent properties adjusted for non-collection. This represented an estimated collection rate of 95%.

2.  In accordance with The Non-Domestic Rating (Rates Retention) Regulations 2013 Hackney’s non-domestic rating income for 2017/18 was £115,509,254, subject to completion of NDR1. This comprised three elements.

·  £37,427,756 which was payable in agreed instalments to Central Government.

·  £43,428,722 which was payable in agreed instalments to the Greater London Authority.

·  £34,652,776 which was retained by Hackney Council and included as part of its resources when calculating the 2017/18 Council Tax requirement.

3.  It be noted that there were no proposed changes in 2017/18 to the local CTRS scheme that had now been in operation since April 2013.

9.1  The Council was informed that there were no proposed changes to the local Council Tax Reduction Scheme in 2017/18, although Officers would review the scheme during the year to ensure that it continued to be used as effectively as possible to continue to provide support to those residents who need it most. Any proposals for changes to the scheme following that review would be fully consulted upon in accordance with the relevant Regulations.Members were asked to agree the baseline level of Local Business Rate income the Council will be likely to receive for 2017/18. 

RESOLVED that:

1.  In accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012, the amount calculated by Hackney Council as its Council Tax Base for 2017/18 shall be 68,399 Band D equivalent properties adjusted for non-collection. This represented an estimated collection rate of 95%.

2.  In accordance with The Non-Domestic Rating (Rates Retention) Regulations 2013 Hackney’s non-domestic rating income for 2017/18 was £115,509,254, subject to completion of NDR1. This comprised three elements.

·  £37,427,756 which was payable in agreed instalments to Central Government.

·  £43,428,722 which was payable in agreed instalments to the Greater London Authority.

·  £34,652,776 which was retained by Hackney Council and included as part of its resources when calculating the 2017/18 Council Tax requirement.

3.  It be noted that there were no proposed changes in 2017/18 to the local CTRS scheme that had now been in operation since April 2013.

RESOLVED that the Council opts into the appointing person arrangements made by Public Sector Audit Appointments (PSAA) for the appointment of external Auditors.

10.1  Councillor Taylor, Cabinet Member for Finance and Customer Services, introduced the report and commended it to Council.

RESOLVED that the Council opts into the appointing person arrangements made by Public Sector Audit Appointments (PSAA) for the appointment of external Auditors.

RESOLVED that Council noted the comments of the Corporate Committee and approved the Pay Policy Statement.

11.1  Members were informed that the Localism Act 2011 required the Council to publish an annual pay statement for Chief Officer Pay. The statement must legally be approved by a resolution of the Council before 31 March 2017.

11.2  This report was presented to Corporate Committee as part of its remit in relation to Human Resources and was presented for decision.

11.3  Councillor Webb noted the Chief Executive’s additional allowance for elections despite the voting issues residents experienced.

RESOLVED that Council noted the comments of the Corporate Committee and approved the Pay Policy Statement.

Hackney Road Recreation Ground is one of the 58 parks and green spaces managed by the Hackney Council. The space is the old burial ground of St Leonard’s Church of Shoreditch and is the last resting place of Thomas Fairchild (1666-1729), a notable horticulturalist who discovered that plants have a sex and was the first person to scientifically create an artificial hybrid plant.

The local community is keen to reflect the site’s unique history by renaming it ‘Fairchild’s Garden’. The proposed new name for the park was selected through a consultation exercise with park users and the wider community, and is supported by St Leonard’s Church, the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association and by the local community.

Hackney Council approves the proposal to rename the space Fairchild’s Garden, to celebrate this notable Hackney citizen. 

Proposed: Cllr Jonathan McShane

Seconded: Cllr Feryal Demirci

RESOLVED:

Hackney Road Recreation Ground is one of the 58 parks and green spaces managed by the Hackney Council. The space is the old burial ground of St Leonard’s Church of Shoreditch and is the last resting place of Thomas Fairchild (1666-1729), a notable horticulturalist who discovered that plants have a sex and was the first person to scientifically create an artificial hybrid plant.

The local community is keen to reflect the site’s unique history by renaming it ‘Fairchild’s Garden’. The proposed new name for the park was selected through a consultation exercise with park users and the wider community, and is supported by St Leonard’s Church, the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association and by the local community.

Hackney Council approved the proposal to rename the space Fairchild’s Garden, to celebrate this notable Hackney citizen. 

For: Unanimous

Councillor McShane introduced the motion and gave an overview of Thomas Fairchild. He stated that the local community was keen to reflect Hackney Recreation Ground’s unique history by renaming it ‘Fairchild’s Garden’.

Councillor Moule recognised the contribution that Thomas Fairchild had made to the borough, which had already been reflected in the naming of Thomas Fairchild Community School.

Councillor Demirci seconded the motion and also felt it was important to recognise the contribution Thomas Fairchild had made to the borough.

RESOLVED:

Hackney Road Recreation Ground is one of the 58 parks and green spaces managed by the Hackney Council. The space is the old burial ground of St Leonard’s Church of Shoreditch and is the last resting place of Thomas Fairchild (1666-1729), a notable horticulturalist who discovered that plants have a sex and was the first person to scientifically create an artificial hybrid plant.

The local community is keen to reflect the site’s unique history by renaming it ‘Fairchild’s Garden’. The proposed new name for the park was selected through a consultation exercise with park users and the wider community, and is supported by St Leonard’s Church, the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association and by the local community.

Hackney Council approved the proposal to rename the space Fairchild’s Garden, to celebrate this notable Hackney citizen. 

For: Unanimous

Given that the 73 bus route is garaged in Stamford Hill Bus garage and runs empty through Stamford Hill en route to its starting point at Stoke Newington Common then on to Victoria Station, as opposed to its previous route from Tottenham Swan to Victoria Station, and that the curtailment of this route is a great inconvenience to many Hackney residents, businesses and visitors, this Council calls upon Mayor Glanville to use his best efforts to intercede with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan to request that he instruct senior officers at TfL to immediately review the starting point of this bus route with a view to reintroducing the Stamford Hill Broadway to Stoke Newington Common section of the 73 bus route at the earliest possible opportunity.

Proposed: Cllr Simche Steinberger

Seconded: Cllr Harvey Odze

Councillor Stops proposed an amendment to the motion. This was formally seconded by Councillor Gordon.

RESOLVED:

This Council notes that the Seven Sisters Road to Stoke Newington Common section of the 73 bus route was curtailed under the former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, in 2011. When questioned by Hackney’s London Assembly Member Jennette Arnold, the former Mayor noted that “curtailing route 73…affected only 2.5 per cent of journeys” along the route.

Given that the 73 bus route is garaged in Stamford Hill Bus garage and runs empty through Stamford Hill en route to its starting point at Stoke Newington Common then on to Victoria Station as opposed to its previous route from Tottenham Swan to Victoria Station and that the curtailment of this route is a great inconvenience to many Hackney residents, businesses and visitors, this Council calls upon Mayor Glanville to use his best efforts to intercede with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan to request that he instruct senior officers at TfL to immediately review the starting point of this bus route with a view to reintroducing the Stamford Hill Broadway to Stoke Newington Common section of the 73 bus route at the earliest possible opportunity, possibly to coincide with anticipated improvements to reliability following proposed changes at the western end of the route in 2018.

Boris Johnson’s decision to curtail the 73 bus route placed an additional financial burden on Stamford Hill residents – forcing them to pay one fare to Stoke Newington, then a second fare to take the 73 from its new starting point. This Council therefore commends the current Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, for introducing the ‘bus hopper’ fare, which allows passengers to change buses within one hour without paying for a new journey.

For: Many (Cllr Odze recorded vote)

Against: 3

Abstention: None

Councillor Steinberger informed members that the 73 bus route was garaged in Stamford Hill Bus garage and runs empty through Stamford Hill en route to its starting point at Stoke Newington Common then on to Victoria Station, as opposed to its previous route from Tottenham Swan to Victoria Station, and that the curtailment of this route was a great inconvenience to many Hackney residents, businesses and visitors, this Council calls upon Mayor Glanville to use his best efforts to intercede with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan to request that he instruct senior officers at Transport for London to immediately review the starting point of this bus route with a view to reintroducing the Stamford Hill Broadway to Stoke Newington Common section of the 73 bus route at the earliest possible opportunity.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Steinberger and seconded by Councillor Odze

The following amendment to the Motion was proposed by Councillor Stops -

Insert before the first paragraph:

"This Council notes that the Seven Sisters Road to Stoke Newington Common section of the 73 bus route was curtailed under the former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, in 2011. When questioned by Hackney’s London Assembly Member Jennette Arnold, the former Mayor noted that “curtailing route 73…affected only 2.5 per cent of journeys” along the route.”

The following sentence be added to the end of the first paragraph:

“Possibly to coincide with anticipated improvements to reliability following proposed changes at the western end of the route in 2018."

Insert after last paragraph:

”Boris Johnson’s decision to curtail the 73 bus route placed an additional financial burden on Stamford Hill residents – forcing them to pay one fare to Stoke Newington, then a second fare to take the 73 from its new starting point. This Council therefore commends the current Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, for introducing the ‘bus hopper’ fare, which allows passengers to change buses within one hour without paying for a new journey.”

The amendment to the motion was seconded by Councillor Margaret Gordon.

Councillor Odze proposed the following amendment to the amended motion, which was seconded by Councillor Steinberger - “This Council notes that this in no way reduces the inconvenience of having to unnecessarily change buses.”

Councillor Stops declared that the Labour Group would not support the amendment to the amended motion and following discussion Councillor Odze withdrew his amendment.

The Council debated the motion, Councillor Demirci explained that the Number 73 Bus route had been discussed many times in the past, it was highlighted to members that with the election of Boris Johnson as the Mayor of London a manifesto commitment to get rid of articulated buses saw the service converted to classic double deck operation in 2011 and revised to operate daily between Stoke Newington and Victoria. As a direct consequence the service between Stoke Newington and Seven Sisters was withdrawn. Councillor Demirci stated that the Council would fight for the Bus Route 73 service to return.

Councillor Steinberger stated that there  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12b

13.1  There were no appointments to Committees or Commissions.