Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received by Alderman Levene, Deputy Christopher Hayward, Deputy John Fletcher, Munsur Ali, Dawn Frampton, Jason Pritchard, Mark Wheatley and David Williams.

There was one declaration from Sandra Jenner who declared that in relation to information pertaining to CQC, their sister has a senior role at the organisation.

To receive the Order of the Court of Common Council dated 25^th April 2025.

The Committee received a report of the Town Clerk concerning the Order of the Court of Common Council.

RESOLVED – That, the Order be received.

To elect a Chair in accordance with Standing Order 28.

The Committee elected a Chair in accordance with Standing Order 28.

RESOLVED – That, Helen Fentiman OBE JP, being the only Member indicating their willingness to serve, was elected Chair of the Community and Children’s Services Committee for the Civic Year 2025/26.

To elect a Deputy Chair in accordance with Standing Order 29.

The Committee elected a Deputy Chair in accordance with Standing Order 29.

RESOLVED – That, Steve Goodman OBE, being the only Member indicating their willingness to serve, was elected Deputy Chair for the Civic Year 2025/26.

To agree the public and non-public summary of the minutes of the previous Committee meeting held on 16 January 2025.

RESOLVED – That, the public and non-public summary of the minutes of the meeting held on 16 January 2025 be agreed as a correct record, subject to the spelling of Beverley Ryan’s name on pages 7 and 8.

Members are asked to note the outstanding actions report.

The Committee received the outstanding actions report.

RESOLVED – That, the report be noted.

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Committee received a report of the Town Clerk concerning a report of action taken in accordance with urgency procedures.

RESOLVED – That, the report be noted.

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Committee considered a report of the Town Clerk concerning appointments to various sub-committees and other appointments.

The Chair noted that the Health and Wellbeing Board appointment would be brought back to the next meeting.

Members also noted that the appointment of Members to the various Housing Estates would be discussed at the next meeting of the Housing Management and Almshouses Sub-Committee and thereafter, confirmed at the next meeting of the Community and Children’s Services Committee.

RESOLVED – That Members,

a)    Agree the composition and Terms of Reference of The Housing Management and Almshouses Sub Committee and Allocated Members to the City’s Housing Estates as set out in the report and Appendix 1:

o   Charles Edward Lord

o   Deputy John Fletcher

o   Deputy James Thomson

o   Sandra Jenner

o   Deputy Ceri Wilkins

o   Anne Corbett

o   Philip Woodhouse

o   Sarah Gillinson

o   Leyla Boulton

b)    Agree the composition and Terms of Reference of The Safeguarding & Special Educational Needs Sub-Committee as set out in Appendix 2:

o   Sushil Saluja

o   Deputy Ceri Wilkins

o   Sophia Mooney

o   Deputy Anne Corbett

o   Stuart Thompson

o   Vacancy

                         i.         Members unanimously agreed to advertise the remaining vacancy to the wider Court of Common Council to co-opt a Member.

c)     Agree the composition and Terms of Reference of The Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Sub Committee as set out in Appendix 3:

o   Helen Ladele

o   Shravan Joshi

o   Dawn Frampton

o   Sophia Mooney

o   Sarah Gillinson

o   Mark Wheatley

d)    In accordance with Standing Order 26 (2), elect the following Members as Chair’s for the following Sub-Committees for the Civic Year 2025/25:

                         i.         Steve Goodman OBE - Housing Management and Almshouses Sub-Committee

                       ii.         Helen Fentimen OBE JP - Safeguarding & Special Educational Needs Sub-Committee

                      iii.         Mark Wheatley - Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Sub-Committee

e)    Appoint The Chair

Report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services concerning the City of London Corporation’s draft Adult Social Care Strategy 2025-29.

Officers highlighted that the strategy was supported by a self-evaluation framework included in the information pack, which provides a comprehensive overview of adult social care services. The strategy complements other existing strategies on unpaid carers, SEND, and homelessness, and is built around a strengths-based, person-centred approach. It emphasises workforce development, strong partnerships with health and community sectors, and ensuring a diverse range of care options. Members were also pointed to the action plan for Year 1 and noted the importance of ongoing service development plans. Officers acknowledged the limited response to the public consultation but emphasised alternative engagement methods, such as a Healthwatch patient panel and a new advisory group launching soon.

A Member raised concerns about the placement of 24 residents in residential care, particularly the 12 of working age. They asked for details on their locations, opportunities for work or volunteering, and plans to reintegrate them into the community. In response, Officers explained that placements are often made near family or in preferred locations like coastal areas. They noted that opportunities for working-age individuals depend on individual assessments and that some are under Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, which restrict movement for safety reasons.

A further question was asked about the education and training for staff, particularly around mental health and anti-racism. Officers responded that the City of London Corporation has a dedicated Principal Social Worker who leads development initiatives, including secondments with other councils and legal training through Edge Training. They confirmed that anti-racist practice standards are in place and that mental health services are commissioned through the East London Foundation Trust. The City provides flexible support for individuals with mental health needs,

Report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services concerning the Adult Social Care Self-Evaluation Framework (SEF) 2024.

RESOLVED – That, the report be noted.

Report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services concerning the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) and The Agreed Syllabus Conference (ASC).

RESOLVED – That, the report be noted.

Report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services concerning a progress update on the refurbishment of Golden Lane Leisure Centre.

RESOLVED – That, the report be noted.

Report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services concerning an update on the Golden Lane Estate, Major Works and Associated Issues.

Officers explained that the report aims to provide a comprehensive background on the Golden Lane estate and the current challenges, as it represents a significant area of ongoing work. They specifically requested attention be drawn to the winter measures section, which acknowledges the impact of project delays on both tenants and leaseholders. In response, it was noted that the team is collaborating with the Residents’ Association to develop a winter measures plan to be implemented before the upcoming winter. This initiative builds on previous efforts and is supported by additional resources. A follow-up report with proposals for decision will be presented at the June committee meeting, serving as an early heads-up for Members.

RESOLVED – That, the report be noted.

To receive updates from Sub-Committees, Allocated Members and Portfolio Holders.

The Committee received an update concerning Middlesex Street.

RESOLVED – That, the report be noted.

A question was raised by a Member referencing concerns brought to them by the Vicar of the Church on the Avondale Estate in Southwark. The issue involved a basketball court on the estate that has remained locked since the COVID pandemic, with tree roots now pushing up the concrete—cited as the reason for its continued closure. The Member emphasised the importance of reopening the court for the children in the area and noted they had contacted the Executive Director, and Chair during the recess period. In response, it was confirmed that Officers would be visiting the Estate the following week, with this matter high on their agenda. If reopening the current court proves unfeasible, officers committed to identifying an alternative, equally accessible space for young people.

There was no urgent business.

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 previous Committee meeting held on 16 January 2025.

RESOLVED – That, the non-public minutes of the meeting held on the 16^th January 2025 be agreed as a correct record.

Members are asked to note the outstanding actions report.

The Committee received the non-public outstanding actions report.

RESOLVED – That, the report be noted.

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Committee received a report of action taken in accordance with urgency procedures.

RESOLVED – That, the report be noted.

Report of Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

The Committee considered a report of Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services related to Phase 1 of  major Works Investment Programme across the entire Golden Lane Estate.

Report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services related to Phase 2 of  major Works Investment Programme across the entire Golden Lane Estate.

Report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services related to a planning process to develop a design for new homes at Collinson Court.

Report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services related to redevelopment of the York Way Estate.

Report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services related to repair and refurbishment works at Great Arthur House.

Report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services related to ensuring regulatory compliance of building integrity and longevity and Black Raven Court.

There were no questions.

There was no urgent business.

Report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services related to a proposed organisational restructure of the Major Works Team.