Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 281 KBVenue: Council Chamber, Hackney Town Hall, Mare Street, London E8 1EA. View directions
Contact: Natalie Williams Governance Officer Email: Governance@hackney.gov.uk
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The Speaker's Welcome Minutes:
1.1 The Speaker welcomed everyone to the Annual Meeting of Council, the first in-person Annual Meeting since 2019. A special mention was given to Mr Stephen Howlett, CBE DL, Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Hackney, and Lauren Tobias, representing Volunteer Centre Hackney, who had the Freedom of the Borough conferred upon them last year.
1.2 The Speaker congratulated all Councillors on their return to the Chamber, following the elections on 5 May 2022. A special welcome was given to the newly elected Councillors. He paid tribute to former Members of the Council who had stood down and to those who were unsuccessful in their bid for re-election and thanked them for their years of public service. The Speaker relayed his thanks to the Returning Officer and all Council staff who had worked on the elections.
1.3 The Speaker reported the deaths of two former Councillors. Vu Khanh Thanh, who set up the An Viet foundation which provided support to refugees and Brian Marsh, a leading figure in Islington & Shoreditch Housing Association and the Shoreditch Trust. Condolences were offered to their families and friends. Condolences were also offered to the family of the runner who had passed away whilst participating in the Hackney Half Marathon on Sunday, 22 May 2022
1.4 The Council was informed of recent Civic Visits by the Speaker which included: 3 Military Intelligence Battalion, Medina Mosque, Schonfeld Square, Mossbourne Academy and the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate Operation Mincemeat, a historic event during the Second World War which had saved many lives. The Speaker had recently escorted the Mayor of Islington on visits to his two chosen charities; St Joseph’s Hospice and the Hackney Empire.
1.5 The Speaker thanked pupils from Urswick School for their paintings for peace, photos of which were sent to the International Secretary of Moscow City Council and the Mayor of Kyiv, in Ukraine.
1.6 Concluding, the Speaker thanked the Executive Officer to the Speaker and her daughter who took part in the Finsbury Park 5k run and Mayor Glanville, Councillor Kennedy, Ian Williams and Rob Miller who took part in the Hackney Half Marathon all in support of the Speaker’s charities.
1.7 Cllr Steinberger informed the Council of the recent death of former Cllr Stephen Lytchett and offered condolences to his family.
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Election of the Speaker for the Municipal Year 2022/23 Decision: RESOLVED: That Cllr Humaira Garasia be elected to the office of Speaker for the Municipal Year 2022/23. Minutes:
2.1 It was moved by Mayor Glanville and seconded by Cllr Rathbone that Councillor Humaira Garasia be elected Speaker of the London Borough of Hackney for the Municipal Year 2022/23.
2.2 Mayor Glanville and Cllr Rathbone both spoke in support of the nomination. Having been elected to the Youth Parliament in 2014, Cllr Garasia was elected to Council in 2018 at the age of 21. She was the youngest person ever nominated to the office of Speaker. Her advocacy in combating hate crime, anti-racism and Islamophobia as well as her passion for helping young people realise their potential was commended.
2.3 Cllrs Woodley and Samatar both spoke in support of the nomination.
2.4 There were no other nominations.
RESOLVED: That Cllr Humaira Garasia be elected to the office of Speaker for the Municipal Year 2022/23
Adjournment - there was a brief pause in proceedings during which the outgoing Speaker vacated the Chair and the newly elected Speaker, Councillor Garasia was invested in the Speaker’s robe, chain and badge of office. Cllr Garasia assumed the role of Chair for the remainder of the meeting.
2.5 The Speaker Elect made the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.
Cllr Humaira Garasia in the Chair
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Vote of Thanks to the Outgoing Speaker Decision: RESOLVED: To agree the vote of thanks to the outgoing Speaker, Cllr Michael Desmond. Minutes:
3 Vote of Thanks to the Outgoing Speaker
3.1 Mayor Glanville gave a vote of thanks to the outgoing Speaker. He praised Cllr Desmond’s efforts in rebuilding the civic role during Covid and whilst navigating the challenges of the local elections. Noting that he had twice served in the role of Speaker, the Mayor highlighted some of the key areas of success which included: hosting 12 charity events, raising over £21,000 for his chosen charities, his work on commemorating Armed Forces Day, Remembrance Sunday and Holocaust Memorial and transitioning from virtual to in-person Council meetings.
3.2 Mayor Glanville applauded Cllr Desmond’s anti-knife crime work, his passion for twinning and championing of: internationalism, young people and grass-root sports. He commended Cllr Desmond’s use of the Speakership to promote peace, unity and solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
3.3 Cllr Steinberger offered a vote of thanks to Councillor Desmond on behalf of the Majority Opposition Group. He particularly commended Cllt Desmond’s chairing of Council meetings which he believed was equitable and promoted good debate.
RESOLVED: To agree on the vote of thanks to the outgoing Speaker, Councillor Michael Desmond.
3.4 The Speaker presented Cllr Desmond with the civic album and badge, following which Councillor Desmond addressed the Council. He thanked Members, Officers and his Consorts for supporting him during his tenure. He also expressed appreciation to various sponsors, contributors and donors.
3.5 Cllr Desmond spoke about the continuing scandal faced by the Windrush generation and paid tribute to his friend Hubert Howard, a Hackney Downs resident who was granted citizenship 3 weeks prior to his death despite living within the United Kingdom for 59 years.
3.6 Cllr Desmond spoke about some of the key events during his Speakership which included: the Anti Knife UK reception held at Hackney Town Hall, a Rainbow Laces event held jointly with Stonewall, a reception for Jewish ex-servicemen and women, a Democracy Day reception for young people and various fundraising dinners.
3.7 Concluding, Cllr Desmond paid tribute to the former Chief Executive and thanked the current Chief Executive and Council Officers. He highlighted the ongoing difficulties faced by many residents in the borough due to Covid, the cost of living crisis and the cyber-attack. He congratulated Cllr Garasia on her election to the office of Speaker.
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Election of the Deputy Speaker 2022/23 Decision: RESOLVED: That Cllr Anya Sizer be elected to the office of Deputy Speaker for the Municipal Year 2022/23 Minutes:
4.1 It was moved by Deputy Mayor Bramble and seconded by Cllr Race that Cllr Anya Sizer be elected as Deputy Speaker of the London Borough of Hackney for the Municipal Year 2022/23.
4.2 Deputy Mayor Bramble and Cllr Race both spoke in support of the nomination. Cllr Sizer’s commitment to diversity in politics, her dynamism, championing of social justice and dedication as a ward Councillor were commended.
4.3 There were no other nominations.
RESOLVED: That Cllr Anya Sizer be elected to the office of Speaker for the Municipal Year 2022/23.
Adjournment - there was a brief pause in proceedings during which the outgoing Speaker and his consort vacated the dais and the newly elected Deputy Speaker, Cllr Sizer was invested in the Deputy Speaker’s robe and chain.
4.4 The newly elected Deputy Speaker made the Declaration of Acceptance of Office. Cllr Sizer returned thanks for her election, thanked the outgoing Speaker and congratulated the newly elected Speaker. She praised the diversity of Hackney and looked forward to meeting many of its groups and communities. Cllr Sizer announced that her consort was Bernadette Bramble.
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The Council and Mayoral Election Results 2022 Report of the Chief Executive and Returning Officer - Enclosed Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED: To note the results of the Council and Mayoral Elections 2022 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report. |
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Apologies for Absence Minutes: 6.1 Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Lufkin, Narcross, Ross and Williams.
6.2 Apologies for lateness were received from Councillor Ozsen. |
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Declarations of Interest Members are invited to consider the guidance which accompanies this agenda and make declarations as appropriate. Minutes: 7.1 There were no declarations of interest. |
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Minutes of the Previous Meeting To consider the minutes of the previous meeting of Council held on 2 March 2022. Decision: RESOLVED: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 2 March 2022 be agreed as a true and accurate record of proceedings. Minutes: RESOLVED: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 2 March 2022 be agreed as a true and accurate record of proceedings. |
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The Speaker’s Programme for the Municipal Year 2022/23 Minutes:
9.1 The Speaker, Cllr Garasia, thanked the Council for her election. She was honoured to be the first hijabi and youngest Speaker of the London Borough of Hackney.
9.2 The Speaker offered a vote of thanks and appreciation to the outgoing Speaker, Cllr Desmond, for his Speakership and mentorship over the past year. She commended the leadership of Mayor Glanville, the Cabinet and all Councillors across the chamber. Thanks were also relayed to Labour Group colleagues and Council officers.
9.3 The Speaker praised the diversity and inclusivity of the borough in which she was raised and where her parents were welcomed and received citizenship. The Speaker expressed gratitude and appreciation to her parents for their hard work and sacrifices.
9.4 The Speaker announced that her consort would be her mother, Najma Garasia, and her chosen charity would be St Mary’s Secret Garden. The Speaker looked forward to ensuring that Hackney remained a beacon for celebrating tolerance and diversity.
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Establishment and Composition of the Council’s Committees, Commissions, Panels and Boards Report of the Chief Executive - To follow Additional documents:
Decision: RESOLVED:
1. That the Committees, Sub-Committees, Commissions, Panels and Boards as referred to in the report and the accompanying appendices be established for the 2022 / 2023 Municipal Year.
2. That the appointments to those Committees etc. as set out in Appendices 2 and 3 attached to the report be approved.
3. That the nominations for Chairs and Vice-Chairs to those Committees etc. as set out in Appendix 2 to the report be approved. Minutes: RESOLVED:
1. That the Committees, Sub-Committees, Commissions, Panels and Boards as referred to in the report and the accompanying appendices be established for the 2022 / 2023 Municipal Year.
2. That the appointments to those Committees etc. as set out in Appendices 2 and 3 attached to the report be approved.
3. That the nominations for Chairs and Vice-Chairs to those Committees etc. as set out in Appendix 2 to the report be approved. |
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Appointments and Nominations to Outside Bodies Report of the Director of Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services – Enclosed. Appendix - To Follow Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED: To agree the appointments and nominations to outside bodies on behalf of the Council as listed in Appendix 1 of the report. Minutes: RESOLVED: To agree the appointments and nominations to outside bodies on behalf of the Council as listed in Appendix 1 of the report. |
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Elected Mayor's Statement Minutes: 12.1 Mayor Glanville congratulated Cllr Garasia on her election as Speaker and welcomed all guests present. He acknowledged the newly elected Councillors from all parties, following the election on 5 May 2022. Tribute was paid to staff and all candidates who took part in the elections. The Mayor gave a special mention to Labour colleagues and former Councillors Peter Snell and Anna-Joy Rickard who were unsuccessful in their bid for re-election. The Mayor highlighted their various areas of advocacy and achievement since they were elected in 2014.
12.2 The Mayor stated that he was eagerly anticipating working with Labour Group colleagues, who he believed to be representative of the rich diversity of the borough to which they were elected.
12.3 The Mayor paid tribute to former Councillors Vu Khanh Thanh and Brian Marsh who had recently passed away. He also paid tribute to Steve Douglas, CEO of St Mungo’s and former interim Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Regeneration between 2009 and 2012 at the Council. Condolences were also offered to the family and friends of the runner who passed away whilst participating in the Hackney Half Marathon on Sunday, 22 May 2022.
12.4 Mayor Glanville informed Council of the steps his administration had made in meeting the pledges made in its manifesto. In summary, these included: the commemoration of Europe Day, Council Tax Rebate paid to almost 38 million households, nearly £2m allocated to support low income households and the closure of 70% of the housing repairs backlog with all outstanding repairs to be completed by the end of July 2022. Mayor Glanville further reported on forthcoming plans in the area of tackling the shortage of social housing and homelessness. He also highlighted his administration’s commitment to promoting: greater opportunities and outcomes for residents in the borough through lifelong learning, anti-racism and challenging the culture of the Council and its partners.
12.5 Referencing the forthcoming Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the Mayor welcomed and encouraged the opportunity to reconnect through various community events in the borough.
12.6 Cllr Steinbeger responded to the Mayor’s statement on behalf of the Majority Opposition Group. He congratulated and welcomed the new Conservative Member to the Council and paid tribute to former Cllr Odze for his contributions, in particular the efficient running of Council meetings. He welcomed newly elected Green Party Councillors and their formation as the Minority Opposition Group. Looking ahead, he challenged the Mayor and his administration to support the most vulnerable residents in the borough.
12.7 The Minority Opposition Group Leader, Cllr Garbett, responded to the Mayor’s statement. She thanked Councillors and officers for their warm welcome and assistance following the recent election. Cllr Garbett looked forward to being part of the Green Group representing the 23% of the electorate across Hackney who voted Green. She anticipated bringing the necessary scrutiny and challenge and urged that this was not a time for complacency. The existential climate and ecological crisis, the ongoing impact of Brexit and the pandemic, the cost of living crisis, ... view the full minutes text for item 12. |
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Report of the Mayor – Report and Appendices 1, 2 and 3 Enclosed. Appendix 4 – To follow
Additional documents:
Decision: RESOLVED:
1. To note the Mayor’s Scheme of Delegation for 2022 / 2023 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.
2. To note the composition of Cabinet including appointments to Cabinet and the appointment of Mayoral Advisers for 2022 / 2023 as set out in Appendix 2 of the report.
3. To note the executive committees and names of Councillors appointed to be members of such committees as set out in Appendix 3 of the report.
4. To note the appointment of Member Champions as set out in Appendix 4 of the report. Minutes:
13.1 The Mayor explained that his power was distributed to Cabinet collectively, that decisions were not taken by individual members of the Cabinet and were always taken in public. He reported that there were no changes to the membership of the Cabinet; although some portfolios had been changed. He welcomed the Member Champions as set out in Appendix 4 within the supplementary agenda.
RESOLVED:
1. To note the Mayor’s Scheme of Delegation for 2022 / 2023 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.
2. To note the composition of Cabinet including appointments to Cabinet and the appointment of Mayoral Advisers for 2022 / 2023 as set out in Appendix 2 of the report.
3. To note the executive committees and names of Councillors appointed to be members of such committees as set out in Appendix 3 of the report.
4. To note the appointment of Member Champions as set out in Appendix 4 of the report. |
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Calendar of Council Meetings 2022/23 Report of the Director of Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services - Enclosed Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED: 1. To approve the addition of a further meeting of Full Council in each Municipal Year.
2. To approve the proposed calendar of meetings for the 2022/2023 Municipal Year as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.
3. To authorize the Director of Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services to make any changes to the calendar as may prove necessary from time to time. Minutes:
14.1 Mayor Glanville welcomed the additional Council meeting in the calendar of meetings. He believed this to be an integral democratic function which aided greater accountability and resident engagement. He thanked officers for the work undertaken to accommodate this.
RESOLVED:
1. To approve the addition of a further meeting of Full Council in each Municipal Year.
2. To approve the proposed calendar of meetings for the 2022/2023 Municipal Year as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.
3. To authorize the Director of Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services to make any changes to the calendar as may prove necessary from time to time. |