Agenda and minutes

It was moved by Sir Michael Snyder, seconded by Jamie Ingham Clark and RESOLVED, that - Alderman Alastair King take the Chair until the new Chairman is elected.

Apologies were received from Natasha Lloyd Owen, Nick Benstead Smith, John Absalom and Matthew Bell.

There were no declarations.

To receive the Order of the Court of Common Council, dated 15^th April 2021.

The Order of the Court dated 15^th April 2021, appointing the Committee and approving its Terms of Reference was received.

Members are asked to elect a Chairman in accordance with Standing Order 29.

RESOLVED, that - in accordance with Standing Order 29, and being the only Member willing to serve, Ruby Sayed be elected as Chairman for 2021/22.

Members are asked to elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order 30.

RESOLVED, that - In accordance with Standing Order 30, and exercising the right of the immediate past Chairmen, Randall Anderson be elected as Deputy Chairman for 2021/22.

VOTE OF THANKS

It was moved by Alderman Alastair King, Seconded by Caroline Haines and

RESOLVED, that - Members of the Community and Children’s Services Committee place on record their sincere appreciation to:

RANDALL ANDERSON

for the compassionate, diligent and conciliatory manner in which he has chaired their Committee since 2018.

RANDALL’S TERM AS CHARIMAN has overseen a number of initiatives seeking to place the physical and mental wellbeing of City residents at the forefront; i.e.  - the  new mental health centre, 2 new community centres, the achievement of outstanding Ofsted ratings for social care and safeguarding, and support of the government’s ‘Our Turn’ Government campaign for asylum seekers.  The City’s maintained primary school is ranked amongst the top performing in the country.

WORKING WITH OUR  PARTNERS, RANDALL’S CHAIRMANSHIP has demonstrated excellent co-production in the delivery of services for those needing support with alcohol and drug misuse.  A Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Sub Committee was established, early in Randall’s Chairmanship, ensuring that the City’s street population have access to permanent pathways into housing and support for substance misuse.   

IN ORDER TO REACHED ALL DISADVANTAGED AND MINORITY GROUPS, Randall  has championed projects such as the ‘Decent Homes Standard’, Major Works Programme, adult skills and education initiatives and digital inclusion, and the Special Educational Needs (SEND) Strategy for 2020–24, which sets out an  ambitious vision for children and young people up to age 25 years.   Following the Grenfell fire, various fire safety works to HRA properties have been approved, including the installation of sprinklers in Tower Blocks.

FINALLY, THE COMMITTEE WISHES TO PLACE ON RECORD ITS RECOGNITION OF RANDALL’S COMMITMENT, RESILLIENCE AND TENANCITY DURING THE

To appoint two parent governors, as set out in the Order of the Court.  

RESOLVED, that - Laura Jorgensen and Matt Piper be appointed as the Committee’s two Parent Governors, as set out in the Order of the Court. 

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Committee considered a report of the Town Clerk, which sought to appoint to the various Boards, Sub Committees and Portfolios.   Prior to the meeting, indicative memberships lists had been circulated and the Town Clerk advised that, in the event of ballots being necessary, they would take place immediately after the meeting, with the final appointments being approved under delegated authority by the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Committee.

RESOLVED, that:

a)    The Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Sub Committee’s Terms of Reference be approved, together with the amendment set out in the report, and the following Members be appointed for 2021/22, together with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Community and Children’s Services Committee:

1.      Alderman Bronek Masojada - CCS

2.      Natasha Lloyd Owen - CCS

3.      William Pimlott - CCS

4.      Alderman Vincent Keaveny -Court

5.      Marianne Fredericks - CCS

6.      Benjamin Murphy - CCS

7.      Alderman Alison Gowman - Court

8.      Helen Fentimen – CCS

9.      Mary Durcan - CCS

10.   Henrika Priest – Court

b)    The Housing Management and Almshouses Sub Committee’s Terms of Reference of the  be approved, and the following Members be appointed for 2021/22, together with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Community and Children’s Services Committee. 

1.     Caroline Haines

2.     William Pimlott

3.     Peter Bennett

4.     Rev. Stephen Haines

5.     John Fletcher

6.     Mary Durcan

7.     Marianne Fredericks

8.     Susan Pearson

9.     Jamie Ingham Clark

c)    The Safeguarding Sub Committee’s Terms of Reference be approved, and the following Members be appointed for 2021/22, together with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Community and Children’s Services Committee.

      It was proposed by Ruby Sayed, seconded by Jamie Ingham Clark and RESOLVED, that – a long standing vacancy on this Sub Committee be advertised to

To agree the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 5^th March 2021.

RESOLVED, that – the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 5^th March 2021 be approved.

Matters arising

• A Member requested an update on the status of the Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Committee, noting that this is a Statutory Body which had only met once since its inception.  It was suggested that, as the Safer City Partnership Board would now be chaired by the Chairman of the Community and Children’s Services Committee, there might be a conflict in their respective scrutiny roles.  The Chairman asked for the relevant officers to consider this offline and report back to the Committee.
• The Committee would receive a presentation on the new mental health centre at its next meeting.  
• A Member advised that the City of London Police had expressed an interest in the Green Box but there had been no further developments.

To note the Committee’s Outstanding Actions list.

The Chairman asked for completed actions to be removed.

The immediate past Chairman had nominated John Fletcher to serve on the Advisory Board for the new Community Centre (20 Little Somerset Street) and the Committee endorsed the appointment.   Mr Fletcher asked for Members support in moving to a position where it could be taken over by a community organisation.   Mr Fletcher also stressed the importance of appointing a Centre Manager as soon as possible, as there had been preliminary enquiries about bookings, and the construction was likely to complete ahead of any appointments being made. 

Covid-19 update

The Deputy Director of Public Health provided a brief update on the significant changes and progress in testing, and thanked the City of London Corporation for the successful  provision of Guildhall Yard as a PCR testing site.  The  Committee noted that, before the end of May,  65A Basinghall Street would be the new site for PCR testing.   Lateral Flow testing would also relocate from Leadenhall to 65A Basinghall, for one month, before moving to a new site in the Guildhall complex. 

Approximately 400 City workplaces had signed up for testing and the Public Health Team were actively encouraging twice a week testing for those returning to the City.  All community pharmacies in the City were now offering lateral flow testing kits.  

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

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s services in respect of the provision of Social Housing on the York Way Estate.   A Member commended an excellent, imaginative project which would significantly increase housing stock. 

In response to questions, the following points were noted:

• The  cost increase had been due to the London Borough of Islington’s  reluctance to allow a building beyond 7 stories and, therefore,  4 buildings instead of 3 had been required to provide the same number of units. 
• York Way was the last scheme which could be accommodated within the HRA funding envelope and alternative methods of funding would need to be considered for future schemes.  The Chamberlain advised that new units are funded from separate Section 106 Funding, not the HRA, but 106 Funding would be exhausted once this project is complete.
• Whilst  the HRA would be assisted in the long term by generating new income from the project, it was under pressure due to the situation facing commercial tenants during the pandemic. 
• Officers meet regularly with the Housing Programme Board, which includes representatives from the Planning Department, in order to discuss schemes which are likely to release section 106 funding.  Planning colleagues strive to maximise income from developments, but levels would not be as high as in previous years. 

RESOLVED, That:

1. The designs developed up to RIBA Stage 3 be approved.

2. The additional budget of £508,177 be approved, to further develop the scheme and reach Gateway 5.

3. The scheme be approved for progression to the construction stage, subject to the approval of the planning application, for the delivery of 91 new homes.

4. The total estimated cost of the project of £28,317,157 be noted, excluding risk and inflation, with the total estimated cost including risk and inflation being £32,393.

5. The Risk

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

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services in respect of the retro fit of sprinklers to five of the City of London Corporation’s residential Tower Blocks. 

During the discussion on this item the following points were raised:

• A myth busting booklet would be circulated to all residents at Great Arthur House, before being rolled out to the other estates, and a webinar was planned.  Members were urged to improve residents’ confidence in this matter and give assurance that the installation was in their best interests.
• There was a view expressed in that the report might be a little premature, and there should have been more consultation with those  leaseholders concerned about damage to their properties. The Assistant Director explained the limitations in consulting on something required under legislation.
• There had been some delays in respect of surveying properties, due to the lockdown, but the vast majority were now complete and a planning decision in respect of Great Arthur House was expected in the next 8-10 weeks.   Planning officers were seeking to find the best solution and, whilst other blocks would not require Listed Building Consent, the least intrusive method of installation would be adopted.
• United Living is an established company which has worked for the City of London Corporation on other projects.   The company is also on the City Corporation’s preferred framework of contractors and been subject to the usual due diligence.  The Assistant Director assured Members that the project would be closely monitored, and more information was available on request. 
• The risk of a sprinkler head activating incorrectly is 16 million to 1, and residents’ contents insurance would cover any damage to their possessions in the highly unlikely event of such an occurrence.  
• Concern was expressed about the perceptions and reluctance of some

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

The Committee received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services, which set out the progress made during Quarter 3 – September to December 2020 - against the 2017–2022 Department of Community and Children’s Services (DCCS) Business Plan. It also commented on the Departmental Risk Register.

During the discussion, the following points were noted:

• Most of the red risks were beyond the department’s control.  The performance on pathways for young people had improved since quarter 3, and this would show in the next report. 
• Whilst there were some new housing projects in the pipeline, concern was expressed about the outturn for 19/20 and the target for 20/21.   Members agreed that it warranted a focussed session on how the City Corporation might make progress.  It was suggested that it might be timely to review the City Plan in terms of social housing. 
• The Committee is generally involved in housing projects within existing areas, which are subject to consultation with residents and are therefore more complex than new builds.  A Member had asked a question at the Policy and Resources Committee about formulating a Corporation-wide consultation strategy. 
• The Deputy Chairman asked Members to be mindful of planning delays in new builds and the risk of judicial reviews, which are outside the City Corporation’s control. 
• The City of London Academy Trust (COLAT) is allowed to extend to 12 schools, under its original agreement, but there is currently no appetite for new build.  It is likely to capture schools in high deprivation areas wishing to join the Multi Academy Trust (MA).  Members also noted that COPAI is full and has an outstanding performance rating, despite being in temporary premises.   

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted. 

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

Members are asked to note a non-public appendix at agenda item 25.

The Committee received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services which informed Members of the allocation of primary and secondary school places to City of London pupils for the academic year 2021/22.  Members noted that the City of London had complied with the statutory duty to co-ordinate school applications as part of the cross-borough, Pan-London Admissions Scheme process. All children whose parents applied on time for a school place for entry in September 2021, had received a place on National Offer Day.

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted.

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

The Committee received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services which provided an update on the work undertaken to ensure that the Golden Lane Community Centre is COVID-secure and meets the needs of the local community, as far as possible within national Government guidelines. Members noted that this report had been requested by the Chairman as part of the COVID-19 Working Group.

The Assistant Director advised that a temporary solution to the Wi-Fi problem had been installed and a full resolution was expected in the next couple of weeks.  

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted.

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

The Committee received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services and Members noted that the Corporate Projects Board had discussed this report on 31 March 2021.  The Board had agreed that the project may or may not require capital funding, depending on the outcome of the procurement process. The Board had also agreed that the project should proceed under the Officer Scheme of Delegation, until such a time that it was determined whether the project would reach the thresholds of the gateway process.

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted.

In response to a question about business rate relief for the Community Centre at Golden Lane, the Assistant Director advised that, under current legislation, the City Corporation is not able to award business rate relief to itself.  However, officers were investigating whether funding could be found from another HRA pot, rather than falling to resident service charges.   The Chairman advised that the issue of business rates was outside the remit of this Committee and asked Members to note existing pressures on the HRA.   Officers agreed to work with the Chamberlain to produce a report for the Committee, setting out options and looking at the wider issues.

In response to a further question about gardening on the Estate and the City’s policy on climate change and the emerging policy on bio-diversity, it was noted that many standard practices on public spaces were  being reviewed.  There was a request to implement local policies to allow residents to have more input into green spaces on the estate, and for a report to be taken to the Housing Management and Almshouses Sub Committee, in the first instance. 

There were no items

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.

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 Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 5^th March 2021.

RESOLVED, that – the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 5^th March 2021 be approved.

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

The Committee agreed to defer a joint report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services and the Comptroller and City Solicitor

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

The Committee considered and partially approved a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

Report of the Chamberlain.

The Committee received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

Report of the City Surveyor.

The Committee considered and approved a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

Report of the City Surveyor.

The Committee received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

A non public appendix in respect of agenda item 13.

The Committee received a non-public appendix in respect of agenda item 13

There was one question whilst the public were excluded

There were no items.

To approve the public minutes of the meeting held on 5^th March 2021.

The Committee approved the confidential minutes of the meeting held on 5^th March 2021.