Minutes for Council meeting, Jan 27 2010, 7.00PM official page

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Norman Adams, Don Austen, Bill Freeman, Terry Hales, Dr. Paul Tyler and Ray Walker.

Apologies for leaving earlier were received from Councillors John Hills, Gary Parker and Chris Taylor.

Apology for lateness was received on behalf of Councillor Peter King.

To agree the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 16 December 2009.

No motion or discussion may take place upon the Minutes except as to their accuracy, and any question on this point will be determined by a majority of the Members of the body attending who were present when the matter in question was decided.  Once confirmed, with or without amendment, the person presiding will sign the Minutes.

Resolved –

That the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 16 December 2009, be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record.

The Mayor made the following announcements:-

·                    That Her Majesty the Queen had bestowed the status of Royal Borough upon Greenwich, to take effect in the year of her Diamond Jubilee, 2012.

·                    That Elizabeth Truss, ward councillor for Eltham South, had resigned her seat on the Council.

·                    That the 27^th of January commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day, and was a time to remember the victims and survivors of the Nazi persecution and other genocides.

·                    That it was with deep regret to announce the death of former Councillor Doreen Bigwood, ex-ward Member for St Alfege and Vanbrugh wards.  Dot was elected to the Council in 1982 through to 1994 and served as the Chair of the Education Sub-Committee in 1998 and Vice Chair of the Education Committee in 1989.  Dot was also the Vice Chair of the Housing Committee in 1987 and 1988.

In paying their condolences, Councillors Gillman, Freeman[1] Wakefield, Poston, Woodcraft and O’Mara described Dot Bigwood as someone who had a tenacious determination to do her best for residents on education and housing matters.

The meeting observed a minute’s silence in remembrance of the former Councillor Bigwood, and the victims and survivors of the Second World War[2] Holocaust and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and Darfur.

In respect of Item 12, Councillors John Wakefield and Mick Hayes declared a personal interest as they had family members employed by the Council.

Resolved –

That the list of Councillors’ membership (as Council appointed representatives) on outside bodies, joint committees and School Governing Bodies be noted.

The Mayor advised that Councillor Nigel Fletcher had requested to exceed the Five-minute rule in relation to Item 15.  This was voted upon and agreed without discussion.

Presentation to the Council of petitions for consideration.

The following petition was submitted at the meeting:-

Subject & Number of Signatures

Member

Lead Department

Requesting traffic calming measures at Court Road

Councillor

Eileen Glover

Director of Regeneration, Enterprise and Skills

111 Signatures

The Council noted that there was no request for a public deputation.

Up to half an hour will be allowed for questions by Members of the Public.

Questions will be taken in the order notices are received by the Chief Executive.  Each question to have no more than one part.  No member of the public shall ask more than 2 questions at a meeting.

The Mayor advised the meeting that notice had been received of 5 written questions by members of the public.  The questions and the replies, which were circulated at the meeting, are attached as Appendix A to these Minutes.

a.      To receive written responses to questions submitted by Members in line with procedure Rule A1.38

b.     Up to 10 minutes will be allowed for Members questions.

The Mayor advised the meeting that notice had been received of 23 written questions by Members.  The questions and the replies, which were circulated at the meeting, are attached as Appendix B to these Minutes.

Upon procedures for oral questions, the Mayor invited questions to Members of the Cabinet for a response.

Councillor Drury asked Councillor O’Mara to confirm the number of empty homes in the Borough because the Council’s figures differed significantly from those published in the “Evening Standard” newspaper.  Councillor O’Mara replied that work was underway to check the figures previously supplied and that the real issue was the existence of 800 second homes which were not always occupied and attracted a level of Council Tax reduction.  Councillor O’Mara confirmed that the Council aimed to address the housing needs of residents and the problems they were facing as a result of the legacy of the Conservative party’s housing policy.

Councillor Woodcraft asked Councillor Roberts whether he would agree to save on costs by reverting to fortnightly delivery of the Greenwich Time newspaper.  Councillor Roberts replied that weekly production was cheaper.

Councillor Fletcher asked Councillor Books whether it was possible to notify councillors, prior to gritting activities in their wards, in order to enable them to make representations.  Councillor Brooks replied that the idea might not work in practice as the gritting of major roads to ease commuting would be the priority.

The Mayor advised the meeting that notice had been received of 23 written questions by Members.  The questions and the replies, which were circulated at the meeting, are attached as Appendix B to these Minutes.

Upon procedures for oral questions, the Mayor invited questions to Members of the Cabinet for a response.

Councillor Drury asked Councillor O’Mara to confirm the number of empty homes in the Borough because the Council’s figures differed significantly from those published in the “Evening Standard” newspaper.  Councillor O’Mara replied that work was underway to check the figures previously supplied and that the real issue was the existence of 800 second homes which were not always occupied and attracted a level of Council Tax reduction.  Councillor O’Mara confirmed that the Council aimed to address the housing needs of residents and the problems they were facing as a result of the legacy of the Conservative party’s housing policy.

Councillor Woodcraft asked Councillor Roberts whether he would agree to save on costs by reverting to fortnightly delivery of the Greenwich Time newspaper.  Councillor Roberts replied that weekly production was cheaper.

Councillor Fletcher asked Councillor Books whether it was possible to notify councillors, prior to gritting activities in their wards, in order to enable them to make representations.  Councillor Brooks replied that the idea might not work in practice as the gritting of major roads to ease commuting would be the priority.

Up to 3 items of business may be prioritised for consideration under this section.  Each political party may select an item of business, from the list of items on the agenda, for early debate.  The order in which early debate items are taken will be based on each party in rotation choosing the 1st, 2nd and 3rd items.

The Mayor stated that there were no changes to the running order of the agenda and there had been no requests from Members for officer presentations.

Agreed to a council tax base for the whole Authority area for 2010/11 of 78,322.76.

Agreed to a continuance in 2010/11 of the 2009/10 Council Tax discount on Class A and Class B dwellings (second homes) of 10%.

Agreed to an additional council tax base for the Gloucester Circus Garden Square area of the Authority for 2010/11 of 92.35.

Noted that the council tax base relevant to the Southern Region of the Environment Agency for flood defence levy apportionment purposes in 2010/11 is 5,887.84.

Noted that the council tax base relevant to the Thames Region of the Environment Agency for flood defence levy apportionment purposes in 2010/11 is 72,434.92.

The Mayor advised that the Cabinet had agreed to recommend that the Council should agree the decision required in the Council Tax Base 2010/11 report.

In moving the recommendations to the report, Councillor Roberts stated that Members should note the Council Tax Base calculation at Appendix 1 in light of the formula for calculating the amount at each band.

Councillor Jennings expressed support for the report but was of the view that the number of properties in each Council Tax band had not been consistently forecasted.  Consequently, this had resulted in less Council Tax currently available for collection.

On behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group, Councillor Webbewood expressed support for the recommendations and commented that there should be the lowest possible Council Tax discount on second homes.

In closing the debate, Councillor Roberts welcomed support expressed by the Opposition and advised that the Council had secured as accurate an assessment as possible, however, the number of private housing developers had potentially skewed some of the projections.

Resolved -

a.                                          That a council tax base for the whole Authority area for 2010/11 of 78,322.76, be agreed

b.                                         That a continuance in 2010/11 of the 2009/10 Council Tax discount on Class A and Class B dwellings (second homes) of 10%, be agreed.

c.                                          That an additional council tax base for the Gloucester Circus Garden Square area of the Authority for 2010/11 of 92.35, be agreed.

d.          That it be noted that the council tax base relevant to the Southern Region of the Environment Agency for flood defence levy apportionment purposes in 2010/11 is 5,887.84.

e.                                          That it be noted that the council tax base relevant to the Thames Region of the Environment Agency for flood defence levy apportionment purposes in 2010/11 is 72,434.92.

Noted the provisional Formula Grant settlement as set out in paragraph 2.1.

Noted the comments of Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the proposal for a stand still budget for 2010/11 and the proposal to hold centrally the additional Formula Grant for 2010/11 of £3.7m. (Appendix 1).

Agreed to a standstill budget for 2010/11 and to hold centrally the additional Formula Grant for 2010/11 of £3.7m.

Agreed that the borough element of the council tax for 2010/11 remains at the 2009/10 level as set out in paragraph 4.1.

The Mayor introduced the report and advised that the 2010/11 Budget Strategy was considered by the Cabinet who recommended that the Council should agree the decisions required.

Councillor Roberts moved the recommendations and advised that the budget objectives were aimed at protecting essential services.  There had been service efficiencies but at the same time, there were improvements in front-line services.  The Leader stated that the Council continued to have effective arrangements for budget setting, monitoring and reporting, evidenced by the annual endorsements by the Audit Commission.

The meeting noted that the Council would continue to address the wider needs of its residents through the regeneration of the Borough, investments in schools, libraries and leisure facilities, and with a commitment to reduce carbon omissions.  Work to build the 24^th children’s centre had commenced, and the Decent Homes Programme would be completed ahead of December 2010.  The Olympic legacy would also allow capital investments into the wider environment.  Councillor Roberts paid tribute to the Police, as the Council’s investment in the Violence and Organised Crime Unit had resulted in a substantial decrease in gun and knife crimes across the Borough.

On behalf of the Council, Councillor Roberts congratulated Debbie Warren, the newly appointed Director of Finance and expressed an appreciation to her and her successor Chris Perry, for the effective management of the Council’s finances.

Councillor Drury stated that the Conservative Group welcomed a second-year freeze in the Council Tax but with reservations.  He was of the view that the amount set aside in 2010/11 was to meet the cost of essential services, and was not a reserve available to the Authority.  Councillor Drury proposed that any surplus in Council tax collectable at the end of the financial year should be returned to residents as dividends.

Councillor Woodcraft informed the Council that the Liberal Democrat Group was supportive of the budget in principle.  The Group would  comment on individual items or, might propose an alternative budget at the next meeting of the Council because its financial priorities differed.

Councillor Poston was of the view that statements by Councillor Roberts were complacent because the budget strategy lacked vision.  Councillor Poston also expressed concerns about the Council’s position in the education league tables.

Councillor Jennings stated that the more grant a council receives per head of population, the lower it could afford to set its tax rates.  Therefore, there would have been a different perspective to the budget had the report showed the level of formula grant received from the Government.  Councillor Jennings stated that should the Conservative Party win the next local election, it would freeze the Council Tax levels for two additional years.

In commenting on a statement by Councillor Drury, Councillor David Grant explained that the identified amounts were to be held centrally against possible service and budget pressures, in order to ensure the continuation of essential services.

On a point of personal explanation, Councillor Drury reiterated that he had specified that the reserves were unreasonable because they were allocated against identified financial pressures.

As regards statement made by Councillor Roberts, Councillor Coombes was of the view that the uncertainties to be realised was an example of the Council’s inefficiency.  Also from a national perspective, performance in education and hospitals had not improved, in spite of the increases in public expenditure and taxes.  Councillor Coombes echoed Councillor Drury in calling for a freeze in the Council Tax, with perhaps a reduction, in order to support residents during the recession.

Councillor Hayes expressed support for the proposals and confirmed that officers had responded to questions raised by Members about the report at the recent meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Fletcher stated that the Council had allowed its housing stock to dilapidate, making the Decent Homes Programme initiative a necessity.

In light of Councillor Poston’s statement, Councillor Offord said that in addition to new children’s centres, historic landmarks, and amenities across the borough, the recognition as a royal borough was a honour that would further place Greenwich on the map.

As regards statements made by Councillor Coombes and Poston, Councillor Smith asked that it should noted that there had been no complacency about the need to do better in education.  The recent assessment of Greenwich’s Children’s Services showed that the achievement gap was narrowing.  Councillor Smith confirmed that the number of young people staying in education and receiving appropriate training had also increased.

Councillor Roberts closed the debate and proposed an all party resolution to the next meeting of the Council for a cross-rail station in Woolwich.

Resolved -

1.           That the provisional Formula Grant settlement, as set out in paragraph 2.1, be noted.

2.           That the comments of Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the proposal for a stand still budget for 2010/11 and the proposal to hold centrally the additional Formula Grant for 2010/11 of £3.7m. (Appendix 1) be noted

1.           That a standstill budget for 2010/11 be agreed and that furthermore it be agreed to hold centrally the additional Formula Grant for 2010/11 of £3.7m.

2.           That it be agreed that the borough element of the council tax for 2010/11 remains at the 2009/10 level as set out in paragraph 4.1.

Noted the actions taken in response to petitions presented at the recent meeting of the Council.

The Mayor introduced the report.

Councillor Woodcraft read a statement on behalf of the Lead Petitioner in light of officers’ response against proposed construction access in Eltham Road at the entrance of Sutcliffe Road.  Councillor Webbewood raised a similar matter in that regard.

The Mayor advised that there was no facility for questions to Members on an officer report-back to Council.  The planning matters raised should have been referred to the Planning Board.

Resolved -

That the actions taken in response to petitions presented at the recent meeting of the Council, be noted.

Council notes that:

·              The timetable operating from December 13th 2009 has reduced from thirteen to ten the number of trains leaving Blackheath for London termini between 8am-9am.

·              In both the morning and evening peaks there is a period of over two hours when no trains at all run on the link between Blackheath and Charlton.

·              Over 1000 people have signed a petition on the 10 Downing St website opposing the new timetable.

·              Southeasterntrains state that the changes to the Blackheath service are the result of Government requirements.

·              Mayor of London Boris Johnson has said that he does not intend to do anything on this issue.

·              Nick Raynsford MP considers the new timetable to be "generally good news".

 Council disagrees with the Mayor of London and with Nick Raynsford and believes that the new timetable looks like bad news for people using Blackheath Station.   Council will therefore monitor Blackheath Station during the morning peak until the end of February and if trains appear to be excessively crowded will:

·              Ask Southeastern trains and the Department for Transport to improve services at the earliest opportunity.

·              Take every opportunity to publicise the situation, working where possible with Lewisham and Bexley Councils.

·              Invite the three group leaders to send a joint letter to the Mayor of London and Nick Raynsford MP calling for their support.

Resolved

Council notes that:

The Government and its agencies working together with South Eastern trains and this administration have delivered a balanced timetable in  extraordinarily difficult circumstances in such a popular but dense urban train network.

This Council will continue its excellent work in developing improvements to public transport infrastructure and services as evidenced over the last 10 years with the introduction of the North Greenwich Jubilee Line station and DLR lines and services to Greenwich, Cutty Sark Gardens and Woolwich Arsenal stations, where patronage figures continue to outstrip all predictions.

This Council is also proud to maintain this pace of improvement with the introduction of the Crossrail into the borough with new stations planned at Woolwich and Abbeywood/Thamesmead, we have also recently commenced a study in expansion of DLR services into the south of the borough as we plan for the next 10 years.

This Council will also though continue to lobby for improvements to services and the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration has recently written to South Eastern trains to work with them in monitoring the effects of the new timetable and is committed to seeking changes if needed.

The Mayor advised that he had been notified of two written amendments to the Motion which had been laid round the Chamber.  The Mayor stated that he would take the amendments in the order in which he was notified of them.

Councillor Webbewood moved the Motion as outlined in the agenda.  The Motion called upon the Council to monitor train journeys from Blackheath British Rail Station to London termini during the morning peak times until the end of February in light of a revised timetable, and take relevant actions to reduce any identified overcrowding on the trains.  The Motion was seconded by Councillor Woodcraft.

Councillor Quibell proposed and Councillor Brooks seconded an amendment to the Motion.  It was stated that the original Motion had failed to recognise the work of the Government and its agencies in delivering a balanced timetable for train journeys.  Councillor Quibell confirmed that the Council would continue to liaise with South Eastern trains to monitor the effects of the new timetable for the benefit of commuters.

Councillor Webbewood rejected the amendment which was voted upon and agreed.

Councillor Coombes proposed and Councillor Wilson seconded an amendment to the revised Motion, which called upon the Council to note that morning peak hour trains leaving Blackheath to Central London were often already overcrowded and to support Blackheath commuters in their opposition against the revised timetable.  The seconded amendment was also voted upon but was not carried.

The Mayor asked the Council to vote on the Motion as was amended by Councillors Dick Quibell and Peter Brooks and it was

Resolved -

Council notes that:

The Government and its agencies working together with South Eastern trains and this administration have delivered a balanced timetable in extraordinarily difficult circumstances in such a popular but dense urban train network.

This Council will continue its excellent work in developing improvements to public transport infrastructure and services as evidenced over the last 10 years with the introduction of the North Greenwich Jubilee Line station and DLR lines and services to Greenwich, Cutty Sark Gardens and Woolwich Arsenal stations, where patronage figures continue to outstrip all predictions.

This Council is also proud to maintain this pace of improvement with the introduction of the Crossrail into the borough with new stations planned at Woolwich and Abbeywood/Thamesmead, we have also recently commenced a study in expansion of DLR services into the south of the borough as we plan for the next 10 years.

This Council will also though continue to lobby for improvements to services and the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration has recently written to South Eastern trains to work with them in monitoring the effects of the new timetable and is committed to seeking changes if needed.

Council welcomes the statement by Lord Mandelson in the House of Lords that Greenwich is to be designated as a Royal Borough in 2012.

Council records its deep gratitude to Her Majesty The Queen for conferring this rare honour upon the Borough in the year of Her Diamond Jubilee and notes that this honour is given in recognition of the long association of Greenwich with Royal history, as the birthplace of Henry VIII, Mary I and Elizabeth I., the site of the Royal Palaces of Greenwich and Eltham, and the Royal Dockyard and Royal Arsenal at Woolwich.

Council expresses its gratitude to the ongoing commitment of the present Royal family in Greenwich, most especially to the Duke of Edinburgh, who as Baron Greenwich has devoted more than half a century of service to the National Maritime Museum and the Cutty Sark.

Council acknowledges the enthusiastic welcome given to the announcement by the people of Greenwich and the sense of pride it has engendered and welcomes the opportunity this historic announcement provides to the Borough, and believes it should be used to secure lasting benefits to residents in all parts of the future Royal Borough.

Council requests the Chief Executive prepares a report for future consideration on the implementation and preparation for the Diamond Jubilee and the assumption of Royal Borough status in 2012.

Resolved Unanimously -

Council welcomes the statement by Lord Mandelson in the House of Lords that Greenwich is to be designated as a Royal Borough in 2012.

Council records its deep gratitude to Her Majesty The Queen for conferring this rare honour upon the Borough in the year of Her Diamond Jubilee and notes that this honour is given in recognition of the long association of Greenwich with Royal history, as the birthplace of Henry VIII, Mary I and Elizabeth I., the site of the Royal Palaces of Greenwich and Eltham, and the Royal Dockyard and Royal Arsenal at

Woolwich.

Council expresses its gratitude to the ongoing commitment of the present Royal family in Greenwich, most especially to the Duke of Edinburgh, who as Baron Greenwich has devoted more than half a century of service to the National Maritime Museum and the Cutty Sark.

Council acknowledges the enthusiastic welcome given to the announcement by the people of Greenwich and the sense of pride it has engendered and welcomes the opportunity this historic announcement provides to the Borough, and believes it should be used to secure lasting benefits to residents in all parts of the future Royal Borough.

Council requests the Chief Executive prepares a report for future consideration on the implementation and preparation for the Diamond Jubilee and the assumption of Royal Borough status in 2012.

The Mayor informed the meeting that Councillor Woodcraft had advised a wish to co-sign the Motion.  The Mayor proposed, and the Council agreed to the request.

Councillor Chris Roberts moved the Motion which was seconded by Councillors Nigel Fletcher and Brian Woodcraft.  In so doing, they drew attention to the Borough’s rich royal history, and its continuing links with the Royal Family.

Resolved Unanimously -

Council welcomes the statement by Lord Mandelson in the House of Lords that Greenwich is to be designated as a Royal Borough in 2012.

Council records its deep gratitude to Her Majesty The Queen for conferring this rare honour upon the Borough in the year of Her Diamond Jubilee and notes that this honour is given in recognition of the long association of Greenwich with Royal history, as the birthplace of Henry VIII, Mary I and Elizabeth I., the site of the Royal Palaces of Greenwich and Eltham, and the Royal Dockyard and Royal Arsenal at

Woolwich.

Council expresses its gratitude to the ongoing commitment of the present Royal family in Greenwich, most especially to the Duke of Edinburgh, who as Baron Greenwich has devoted more than half a century of service to the National Maritime Museum and the Cutty Sark.

Council acknowledges the enthusiastic welcome given to the announcement by the people of Greenwich and the sense of pride it has engendered and welcomes the opportunity this historic announcement provides to the Borough, and believes it should be used to secure lasting benefits to residents in all parts of the future Royal Borough.

Council requests the Chief Executive prepares a report for future consideration on the implementation and preparation for the Diamond Jubilee and the assumption of Royal Borough status in 2012.