Agenda and minutes

Venue: Committee Rooms, West Wing, Guildhall

Contact: Julie Mayer tel. no. 020 7332 1410  Email: julie.mayer@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies

Minutes:

Apologies were received from Catherine McGuinness, Graeme Harrower, Marianne Fredericks, Deputy the Rev. Stephen Haines, Susan Pearson, Henrika Priest, Laura Jorgensen and Matt Piper.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

2.

Members' Declarations under the Code of Conduct in Respect of Items on the Agenda

Minutes:

Mr John Fletcher and Alderman Prem Goyal declared general, non-pecuniary interests in respect of agenda item 8 (Stronger Communities Grants Programme) by virtue of their membership of the Portsoken Activities Group and the Portsoken Ward Club.

 

Mr Munsur Ali declared a general, non-pecuniary interest in respect of agenda item 9 (Reconstitution of the Governing Body of Sir John Cass Foundation Primary School) as his son is a pupil At the Sir John Cass Nursery School

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

3.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 92 KB

To approve the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 12th July 2019.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 3.

Minutes:

RESOLVED, That – the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 12 July 2019 be approved, subject to an amendment showing Rehana Ameer as having been present. 

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

4.

Outstanding Actions pdf icon PDF 63 KB

Members are asked to note the Committee’s outstanding actions list.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 4.

Minutes:

Members noted the Committee’s outstanding actions list and those items which appeared on today’s agenda or were scheduled for future meetings. 

 

In respect of Business Engagement, the Director and Chairmen of Community and Children’s Services and the Health and Wellbeing Board had discussed content and would arrange a date for a Members’ Breakfast Briefing.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

5.

Responses to Resolutions from Wardmotes: Golden Lane Estate - TO FOLLOW pdf icon PDF 48 KB

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 5.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services, which sought to address a Wardmote Resolution concerning the Golden Lane Estate. Members noted an options table, for which there was currently no funding available. The Chairman asked Members to consider this response and, if satisfied, forward a response and action plan to the Ward Mote.

 

Members carefully considered the options set out in the report.  During the discussion, the following points were noted:

 

-        Whilst accepting the need for some expenditure, Members accepted that this might be to the detriment of other projects, particularly in terms of the Fundamental Review.  Therefore, officers would need a helpful steer as to what could reasonably be taken forward.

 

-        Officers were asked to liaise with Golden Lane residents as to the shape and form of consultation, being mindful of budgetary issues.  Officers had only recently become aware that residents had conducted their own consultation. 

 

-        Whether it would it be possible to undertake a fact finding exercise within the existing budget.

 

-        Officers were asked to speak to the Culture Mile Team and the Department of the Built Environment about the footfall study conducted for Crossrail.

 

-        Whether the cost of the Gates option was somewhat excessive and could a simple inventory be taken?

 

-        Could the application for the adoption of the public pedestrian highways, by the Highways Department, be taken forward at a relatively low cost.

 

RESOLVED, that – the approach as set out above be agreed and the results be communicated to the Wardmote, along with the Comments from this meeting.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.

Presentation: NHS Long Term Plan

A joint presentation from the Integrated Programme Manager and NHS City and Hackney.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 6.

Minutes:

During the discussion, the following points were noted:

 

  • Officers were working to minimise the risk of the City and Hackney  programme becoming ‘lost’ in terms of the wider North East London System.   However, a wider system includes Bart’s Healthcare and Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which registers some City of London residents at its GP Practices.

 

  • Members felt that it was unacceptable to expect vulnerable residents, who might not have access to on-line appointment systems, to wait outside GP surgeries to make appointments. 

 

  • In respect of an IT failure last week, the officers agreed to provide a response from the Neaman Practice.  Members noted that the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board met regularly with the Senior Partner at the Neaman to discuss patients’ comments and complaints. 

 

In concluding, the Chairman and Members thanked officers for a helpful presentation and noted the deadline of 27th September 2019 for comments.  Members were invited to email officers outside of the meeting.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

7.

Brexit Planning

Director of Community and Children’s Services to be heard.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 7.

Minutes:

The Director of Community and Children’s Services was heard in respect of Brexit Planning, particularly in preparation for a ‘No Deal’.  Members noted that the Director continued to attend weekly contingency planning meetings with other City Corporation Chief Officers and had been working on an action plan with colleagues across London, national and government bodies in respect of care services and schools.  The Government’s advice discouraging the stockpiling of food and medical supplies remained.  Members noted that none of our looked after young people were captured by the EU settlement scheme. 

 

 

 

 

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.

Stronger Communities Programme pdf icon PDF 74 KB

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 8.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 Members considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services in respect of the last grant funding round of the Stronger Communities Programme, which closed on 24 May 2019. Members noted a slight amendment, as set out in paragraphs 5 - 9 of the report.  So as not to affect the programme timing, officers asked for authority to be delegated to the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Community and Children’s Services Committee, in order agree the exact wording.

 

During the discussion, the following points were noted:

 

  • There was some dissatisfaction expressed in terms of the complexity of the process, particularly for small community groups, and the length of time taken to reach a decision.  Members felt this was evidenced by the under-utilisation of the scheme.

 

  • The scheme should be advertised more widely, particularly at Golden Lane Resident Association Meetings. 

 

  • Applicants were given feedback on rejected applications.  In many cases, this was due to the proposal not being City focussed.

 

  • Members noted a proposal to introduce a rolling programme, to be agreed under delegated authority for small grants, which would be explored in more detail in a report to the November Committee.  Officers agreed to take the above comments back to the City Bridge Trust Team. 

 

RESOLVED, That:

 

  1. The changes to the Stronger Communities eligibility criteria, as set out in the report, be approved, with the final wording of the amendment delegated to the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Community and Children’s Services Committee

 

  1. The grants approved by Stronger Communities funding, as set out in the report, be endorsed. 

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

9.

Reconstitution of the Governing Body of Sir John Cass Foundation Primary School. pdf icon PDF 669 KB

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services. 

 

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 9.

Minutes:

Members received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services, which had been approved under urgency during the Summer recess.  Members noted that the Secretary of State for Education had issued directions dated 15 July 2019 under Section 498 (1) of the Education Act 1996.  The City of London Corporation, in exercising its functions as a local authority in the City of London, was directed to make the Instrument of Governance by 9 August 2019.  The decision was taken under urgency provision as the Committee was not due to meet again until 13 September 2019.

 

Action Taken

The Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Community and Children’s Services Committee made the Instrument of Government, as set out in the form at Appendix 3 to this Report, as directed by the Secretary of State for Education.

 

RESOLVED, that – the report  be noted.

 

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.

To elect a Local Authority Governor to the Sir John Cass's Foundation Primary School

The Town Clerk to be heard.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 10.

Minutes:

Being the only Member willing to serve, Mr Munsur Ali was appointed as Governor to the Sir John Cass Foundation Primary School, for a term expiring in 2022.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

11.

New Portsoken Community Centre Update pdf icon PDF 109 KB

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services. 

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 11.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 Members received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services, which provided an update on a new community centre which would replace the existing Portsoken Health and Community Centre (the Green Box) as part of the Minories Development in Aldgate.

 

In response to a question, Members noted that a double door would be considered.  The Head of Service also advised that, whilst the community centres managed by the City’s libraries did not operate under the same terms and conditions as those managed by Housing, they have a close working relationship, which has strengthened since the Libraries moved from the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee to Community and Children’s Services and plan to build on this in the future.  Furthermore, the Chairman had asked for assurance of robust digital booking systems for the rooms in the City’s libraries and Community Centres.

 

RESOLVED, That – the report be noted.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

12.

Fire Safety Update - HRA Properties pdf icon PDF 71 KB

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 12.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services which provided an update on progress made in relation to fire safety matters, since the last update report in March 2019.

 

Members noted that the City Corporation is committed to providing 60 minute rated fire doors, as a standard across all of the estates, and the doors had been tested with a maximum burn time of 75 minutes. Where this would not be possible, i.e. the block has restriction such as a listed status, there would be a minimum rating of 30 minutes. with the expectation that the door would be tested to a maximum burn time of 45 minutes.

 

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted.

 

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

13.

Housing Delivery Programme - Resident Consultation Update pdf icon PDF 79 KB

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

 

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 13.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services which provided an update on progress made consulting with residents and stakeholders on proposals for new homes on the Sydenham Hill, Sumner Buildings, Avondale Square Estate, Windsor House Estate and York Way Estate. Sydenham Hill is the most advanced and consultations will come to a close shortly. The next most advanced is the consultation on Windsor Estate.   Windsor residents were aware that there might be funding restrictions and Members noted that regeneration was essential to building more units and attracting GLA funding.  Officers advised that more detail would emerge in future reports and Members were reminded that some decisions would be beyond the remit of the Community and Children’s Services Committee.  Members noted that a bespoke local lettings policy would be developed for each estate. A  Tenant Charter would also be developed..

 

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

14.

Recommissioning of the Integrated Drug and Alcohol Service pdf icon PDF 82 KB

Joint report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services and the Director of Public Health.

Please note there is a non-public appendix to this report at agenda item 19.

 

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 14.

Minutes:

Members received a joint report of the Director of Public Health and Director of Community and Children’s Services in respect of the recommissioning of the Integrated Drug and Alcohol Service.  Members noted a non-public appendix at agenda item 19.

 

RESOLVED, that – the following be noted:

 

·       Hackney Council will commission an integrated adult drug and alcohol treatment system across the London Borough of Hackney (LBH) and the City of London Corporation (CoL), replacing the current separate commissioning arrangements.

 

·       The CoL’s annual contribution towards the integrated service will be paid from the Public Health Grant.

 

·       The proposed contract length.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

15.

Questions on Matters Relating to the Work of the Committee

Minutes:

In response to a question about the timing of Committee meetings, a Member suggested that early evening meetings, commencing around 6.30pm, would be more inclusive for working Members and residents wishing to attend.   Members felt that as this would also impact on officers, they too should be consulted.  The Chairman advised that he had discussed this matter with the Town Clerk and, whilst it would be feasible, Members should be surveyed in the first instance to see if there was an appetite for such a change, to be trialled as a pilot by the Community and Children’s Services Committee.

 

Some Members expressed that they would oppose such a pilot.   On being put to a vote, 9 voted for and 6 against holding a survey of Members.  In the event of a majority vote in favour, the Town Clerk would bring a short report to the next meeting of the Committee, exploring the implications.

 

In response to a question in respect of recent publicity about accommodation for homeless families, Members would receive a report at the next committee, providing a breakdown of temporary accommodation available and currently in use.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

16.

Any Other Business that the Chairman Considers Urgent

Minutes:

There were no items.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

17.

Exclusion of the Public

MOTION - That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 17.

Minutes:

RESOLVED, that – under Section 100A (4) of the  Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 (Schedule 12A) of the Local Government Act.

 

Item no                                   para no

18-25                                3

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

18.

Non-Public Minutes

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 12th July 2019.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 18.

Minutes:

RESOLVED, That – the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 12 July 2019 be approved.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

19.

Recommissioning of the Integrated Drug and Alcohol Service

A non-public appendix in respect of agenda item 14.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 19.

Minutes:

Members received a non-public appendix relating to agenda item 14.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

20.

Transfer of Funds of the Signor Favale's Marriage Potions Charity (reg no 206949) to the City of London Corporation Relief of Poverty Charity (reg no 1073660)

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 20.

Minutes:

Members considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services in respect of the Transfer of Funds of the Signor Favale’s Marriage Portions Charity, to the City of London Corporation Combined Relief of Poverty Charity,  and whether it would be in the best interest of the City of London Corporation, acting as Trustee to make this transfer

 

RESOLVED, that :  xxxxx

 

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

21.

Approved Mental Health Professional for Daytime Mental Health Assessments

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 21.

Minutes:

Members considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services which sought approval for a sole supplier waiver for the East London Foundation Trust (ELFT) o deliver the Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) Service.  Members noted that the service was being commissioned to assess individuals with mental health conditions and to ensure better outcomes for service users and value for the City of London Corporation.

 

RESOLVED, That - xxxxx

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

22.

York Way Estate Communal Heating Replacement: Gateway 5

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

 

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 22.

Minutes:

Members considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services in respect of a replacement the heating system at York Way Estate with a more modern, efficient system. 

 

RESOLVED, That - xxxxx

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

23.

Middlesex Street Communal Heating Replacement - Gateway 5

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 23.

Minutes:

Members considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services in  respect of a replacement the heating system at Middlesex Street with a more modern, efficient system. 

 

RESOLVED, That - xxxxx

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

24.

NON-PUBLIC Questions on Matters Relating to the Work of the Committee

Minutes:

25.

Any Other Business that the Chairman Considers Urgent and which the Committee Agree Should be Considered Whilst the Public are Excluded

Minutes:

25a

Gateway 3 Issue - Holloway Estate, Islington Arts Factory (IAF)

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 25a

Minutes:

Members considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services in respect of the disposal of the Islington Arts Factory site at the Holloway Estate.  Members noted that existing planning consent would lapse in June 2020 and that any disposal would be subject to further approvals of the Community and Children’s Services Committee, the Corporate Asset Sub Committee, the Finance Committee and Policy and Resources Committee.

 

RESOLVED, that

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 25a