Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Graham Packham and Rehana Ameer.

The Town Clerk reminded those Members who had been granted dispensations to speak at today’s meeting, as follows: 

Mrs Newman and Mrs Nash, both resident members, had been advised not to apply for dispensations, in respect of car park charges, as they were not car owners and had no intention of becoming one in the future.

Members were also reminded of the importance of submitting timely applications, which were neither too wide nor vague, and the Chairman suggested that Members work together, across the two wards, to ensure consistent applications, which were more likely to be granted.  A

To approve the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting on 19 March 2018.

RESOLVED, that - the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 19^th March 2018 be approved.

To receive the Order of the Court dated 19 April 2018.

Members received the Order of the Court of Common Council dated 19 April 2018.

RESOLVED, that – the order of the Court dated 19 April 2018 be approved.

The Committee elected a Chairman in accordance with Standing Order 29.

RESOLVED, That – being the only Member willing to serve, Mr Michael Hudson be elected as Chairman of the Barbican Residential Committee for 2018/19.

It was moved by Deputy Joyce Nash, seconded by Randall Anderson and RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY, that -      

Members of the Barbican Residential Committee wish to place on record their sincere appreciation to ANN HOLMES for her committed, enthusiastic and good-humoured way she has chaired their Committee since 2016.

Under Ann’s Chairmanship, the residents’ working party network has strengthened to include a new Electric Vehicle Charging Working Party, including a successful launch event in May and a Car Park Charges Working Party.  

In order to improve both the quality of life and safety of residents; Ann’s Chairmanship has overseen a new Fire Safety Policy, following the tragic Grenfell Fire in June 2017 and new access arrangements for emergency services entering the Estate. Concrete testing and surveys to the tower and terrace blocks have completed, along with repairs to roofs and guttering, and an historic issue in respect of roof warranties is close to resolution. A new Lease Enforcement Policy is in place which, as a result of Ann’s commitment to thorough consultation, aims to deliver a fair but flexible approach to an emotive and complex matter. 

Looking to the future, and from a corporate perspective; the Committee is currently deliberating options to achieve additional car park/storage income for 2018/19, as part the City Corporation’s service-based review targets.  This has been another highly emotive and contentious area of Policy and, again, Ann has worked diligently with officers and the Car Park Charges Working Party, to ensure a measured and fair outcome.

Finally, the Committee wishes to place on record its recognition of Ann’s dedication to the Barbican Residential

The Committee elected a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order 30.

RESOLVED, That – being the only Member willing to serve, Ms Susan Pearson be elected as Deputy Chairman of the Barbican Residential Committee for 2018/19.

To receive the minutes of the meeting of the BRCC on 21 May 2018 -  TO FOLLOW

Members received the draft minutes of the Barbican Residents Consultation Committee of 21 May 2018.

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

Members considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services in respect of car park charges and stores on the Barbican Estate.  Members noted that there had been extensive communications from residents in this matter, including an alternative proposal from one of the House Groups, which had been supported by the RCC when it met on 21st May.  Since the meeting of the RCC, the City Solicitor had provided legal responses to some of the questions raised at the RCC’s meeting on 21st May and these had been circulated to RCC and BRC Members ahead of that day’s meeting.

The Chairman opened the debate by asking Members as to whether or not they wanted to consider car park and storage either together, or as separate items, and the consensus was for them to be taken together.

During the discussion and debate the following points were noted and each Member, who had been granted a dispensation, was given the opportunity to speak:

1.       Should the proposal before Members not go ahead, could Members take a decision in respect of the bigger stores, and some increase in respect of car park charges, to residents only, although by a lesser amount than that suggested in the report?

2.       Could the Car Park Charges Working Party undertake a new study, including the proposals put forward by the RCC House Groups?

3.       Could there be a longer-term approach, with a quick fix on short term problems, to assist those in small flats who are in need of storage?

4.       The proposal appears to lack a consolidated financial analysis and might need more work; it was suggested that a 15% drop in demand might be underestimated.

5.       Could the proposal be more creative, without the need for a large increase?  Gradual increases are always

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services

 Members received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services in respect of the work done on potential improvements to enhance the safety of the City of London Corporation’s (CoLC’s) Barbican Residential Estate and its residents in the event of fire. 

When the report was considered by the Community and Children’s Services Committee, Members were asked to consider the strategic direction the CoLC should take in its future approach to fire safety.  Pending the decision taken at the meeting of the Community and Children’s Services, Members noted that there had been an expectation that the recommendations from Dame Judith Hackett’s report would be different.  The Assistant Director further explained that, since the cladding at Grenfell Tower had been unfit for purpose, there was no longer a retrospective requirement to fit sprinklers to Tower Blocks.

Members noted that fire testing of doors had taken place the previous Saturday, attended by some Members and officers, including RCC Members, and the Assistant Director advised that the test had gone well, with a combustion point of 36 minutes.  Members also noted that the Fire Risk Assessments had not raised significant concerns on compartmentation.

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted. 

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services

Members received the Update report of the Direct of Community and Children’s Services.  In respect of a query about the cost of the retrofitting of assa keys for Blake Towers, officers agreed to provide the cost of key fobs under the ‘You Said; We Did’ outstanding actions report at the next meeting.

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted.

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services

 Members received the quarterly Service Level Agreement report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted.

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services

Members received the regular update on sales and lettings approved by officers, under delegated authority, since the last meeting of the Committee.

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted.

A Member asked about the apparent increase in the theft of plants from Thomas More Garden, the Wildlife Garden and the residents’ planter boxes on the highwalks.  This had been upsetting for those residents, and those who enjoy the gardens, as well as disheartening for the gardening staff and volunteers.  Furthermore, there would be cost implications to both residents and the BEO.  The Members also asked if any action could be taken; i.e. notices or CCTV?  The Chairman of the BA Security Committee; also a Member of this Committee, agreed to add this matter to the agenda for their next meeting.

There were no items.

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

Item                                             Paragraph

n respect of item 18 on today’s agenda; i.e. 18 Brandon Mews, Members were reminded that the report was exempt under the 1972 Local Government Act as it contained information that could identify an individual and was commercially sensitive.  Therefore, the Members of the public attending today’s meeting would be required to leave for this item. 

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

Item No                                               Para No

18, 19                                                  1, 2 & 3

At 3.40 pm, Members resolved to suspend Standing Order to complete the business on the agenda.

To approve the non-public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 19 March 2018.

RESOLVED, that – the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 19^th March 2018 be approved.

To receive the draft minutes of the Car Park Charges Working Party held on 13 April 2018.

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

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