Agenda item

Resolutions of the Annual Wardmotes

To consider Resolutions of the Annual Wardmotes from the Wards of Aldersgate,

Cheap, Cripplegate, Dowgate, Farringdon Within, Portsoken, and Tower.

Minutes:

Resolutions of the Annual Wardmotes were considered as follows:-

 

From the Ward of Aldersgate

“That this Wardmote declares that it has no confidence in the City Corporation’s current “standards” policy and practice, and calls upon the Court of Common Council to make immediate and fundamental reforms so that:

 

(a)    our elected representatives are free to speak and vote on our behalf, including on matters in which they have a declared interest (unless the matter uniquely or especially affects them), so that we have the same level of representation as residents of other local authorities; and

 

(b)    our elected representatives do not feel intimidated into not speaking or voting on matters that affect us because they fear referral by the Corporation to a complaints process that has proved to be not fit for purpose – or worse, referral to the police – simply because they have a declared interest in a matter, even though they can derive no financial benefit from it.”

 

Resolved – That the resolution be referred to the Standards Committee for consideration and any necessary action.

 

From the Ward of Cheap

(i)    “That at the last Wardmote great concern was expressed regarding the number of people sleeping rough in the City of London. It was noted that during the period October to December 2018 individual rough sleepers increased significantly by 99 people to 212, indicating an increase of 87% from Q2. This compares with only 6% across London and is well above that of all other comparative local authorities according to a recent report from the Director of Children’s Services. The Wardmote welcomed the creating of a new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Sub-Committee and supports its members to call upon the City of London Corporation to take urgent action to address the complex issues linked to rough sleeping and homelessness.

 

The City of London Corporation is therefore asked to confirm:

 

1.      What action will be taken to ensure we stop the worrying trend of increasing numbers of rough sleepers on the streets in the City of London?

 

2.      How the City Corporation is working together with other local authorities across London to address this crisis?

 

3.      When consideration will be given to the creating of a day centre or other measures to address rough sleeping?

 

4.      If the City of London Corporation is intending to join charities such as St Mungo’s to ask the Government to repeal the 1824 Vagrancy Act which criminalises rough sleeping.”

 

Resolved – That the resolution be referred to the Community & Children’s Services Committee for consideration and any necessary action.

 

(i)            “That at the last Wardmote the importance of actions to promote merits of standing for office and enhance the diversity of the Court of Common Council to better represent its wider constituency was supported. It was noted by the Wardmote that only 23% of the current Court of Common Council are women and only 10% are from BAME background. This sits uncomfortably low against for example a target of 30% of women in political representation set by the Commonwealth.

 

The Grand Court of Wardmote is therefore asked to:

 

(a)       Explain what targets have been agreed to enhance the diversity of the Court of Common Council to better represent its constituency;

 

(b)       Provide an update on which recommendations by the Members Diversity Working Party have been approved by the Policy and Resources Committee;

 

(c)       Provide an overview of outstanding recommendations with indication when they will be finalised; and

 

(d)       Provide a timeline of actions to be implemented to help promote the merits of standing for office and enhance the diversity of the Court of Common Council.”

 

Resolved – That the resolution be referred to the Policy & Resources Committee for consideration and any necessary action.

 

From the Ward of Cripplegate (Within and Without)

(i)         “That the City of London Corporation commission a study, reporting in no more than one year, regarding pedestrian flows through the Golden Lane Estate (“GLE”) resulting from current and anticipated property developments in the vicinity of the GLE and consult with GLE residents regarding the current “private” status of the GLE as a result of which residents pay for the maintenance of areas of the GLE that are in practice open to the public.”

 

Resolved – That the resolution be referred to the Community and Children’s Services Committee for consideration and any necessary action.

 

(ii)           “That this Wardmote declares that it has no confidence in the City Corporation’s current “standards” policy and practice and calls upon the Court of Common Council to make immediate and fundamental reforms so that our elected representatives are free to speak and vote on our behalf, including on matters in which they have a declared interest (unless the matter uniquely or especially affects them) so that we have the same level of representation as residents of other local authorities.”

Resolved – That the resolution be referred to the Standards Committee for consideration and any necessary action.

 

 

From the Ward of Dowgate

“The Ward of Dowgate is concerned at the rise of rough sleepers in the City and the prevalence and length of time of individuals on the streets and asks the City Corporation to review the current provision of assistance with a view to increasing such assistance, in particular with regard to provision of mental health help.”

 

Resolved – That the resolution be referred to the Community and Children’s Services Committee for consideration and any necessary action.

 

From the Ward of Farringdon Within

“This Wardmote notes the dangers caused by cycle tour groups in narrow, semi-pedestrianised areas of the City. Despite discussions with City of London representatives, the operators of such tour groups do not appear to have made any substantial changes. There are reports of cyclists colliding with residents, but such collisions have not been recorded. Cycle convoys are seen to travel at speed through narrow cobbled lanes and have been crossing busy roads at unsafe points with participants, including children, not wearing any safety protection.

 

There is a risk of serious injury to both participants and pedestrians and the Wardmote therefore urges the Planning and Transportation Committee to undertake an urgent review of the terms of licences for such tour groups and confirm the actions that will be taken to improve safety.

 

The Wardmote further urges the Committee to work with the City of London Police on enforcement measures against cyclists who contravene the Highway Code, to safeguard the interests of pedestrians and other road users.”

 

Resolved – That the resolution be referred to the Planning and Transportation Committee for consideration and any necessary action.

 

From the Ward of Portsoken

“That that those present at the Portsoken Wardmote raise their concerns with the City of London Corporation regarding the level of rough sleeping across the whole of the City of London and within Portsoken ward in particular, and in noting their concerns, query what measures the City of London Corporation is putting in place, alongside partners, to address rough sleeping and homelessness in the Square Mile.”

 

Resolved – That the resolution be referred to the Community and Children’s Services Committee for consideration and any necessary action.

 

Ward of Tower

“That the Ward of Tower is concerned at the rising numbers of rough sleepers in the Ward and across the City, and asks the City of London Corporation to review the level of service provision with a view to enhancing the quality of services both in terms of immediate health provision and long-term assistance in finding permanent and secure accommodation.”

 

Resolved – That the resolution be referred to the Community and Children’s Services Committee for consideration and any necessary action.

Supporting documents: