Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from the Deputy Chairman Ruby Sayed, Deputy Philip Woodhouse, Deputy Natasha Lloyd Owen, Anne Corbett, Shahnan Bakth and Eamonn Mullally.

In respect of item 8, Steeve Goodman OBE declared that he had recently been appointed a trustee to the City of London Academies Trust.

To agree the public and non-public summary of the minutes of the previous Committee meeting held on 4 July 2024.

RESOLVED – That, the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 4 July 2024 be agreed as a correct record.

MATTERS ARISING:

A statement was provided by the Head of Strategy & Performance relating to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Self Evaluation Framework (SEF) presented at the May 2024 Community and Children’s Services Committee meeting.

At the May 2024 Community and Children’s Services Committee meeting, the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Self Evaluation Framework was presented. 

The Chair of Governors at Aldgate School raised concerns about some data in the report relating to educational attainment at the school.

This has since been updated using data directly from the ASP which was provided by the school, and is published on a DfE website called Analysing School Performance.  We now have direct access to this data.

Members should therefore disregard the data included in the SEF presented in May.

An apology has been offered to the school.

Updated tables will be included in the minutes in order that it is recorded and further versions of the SEF will be brought to committee as and when required.  The current iteration of the SEF reflects the correct data along with the latest available Key Stage 2 data.

Further to the discussions with the Chair of Governors we will also be adding all source references and the date to any data included.

Tables

To receive the outstanding actions list.

The Committee received an update on outstanding actions.

Window Replacement:

Members requested a full report on the Golden Lane Estate, not just Crescent House, to understand the entire program's progress. This report will likely be presented to the Housing Management and Almshouses Sub-Committee.

Financial Support with Major Works:

A paper on financial support for major works will be received in December.

Stronger Communities Annual Report:

Officers have been asked to provide a date for when the Stronger Communities Annual Report will be received. The report was previously received by the Committee earlier in the year, and a presentation was made around the Committee Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund. The next report is anticipated in May or June of the next financial year.

The Stronger Communities Fund has been highlighted as invaluable for community events and bringing the community together.

It was noted that the Chairman of Policy & Resources Committee has encouraged communities to put forward proposals for the fund. The neighbourhood forums, including Aldersgate, Cripplegate, and parts of Farringdon, are working on ideas to be presented.

Member Engagement Housing Estates:

This will be discussed in the next Housing Management and Almshouses Sub-Committee meeting.

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Committee considered a report of the Town Clerk, concerning the appointment of external Members to the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Sub-Committee.

RESOLVED – That, Members approve the appointment of the candidate(s) shortlisted for the following terms to the Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Sub-Committee:

a)     For a term of two years, James Breed

b)     For a term of two years, Patrick Fowler

c)      For a term of three years, Irmani Smallwood.

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Committee received a report of the Town Clerk, concerning action taken by the Town Clerk outside of the Committee’s meeting scheduled in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, in accordance with Standing Order Nos. 41(a) and (b).

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

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services, concerning work to develop a policy position and operational protocol in relation to rough sleeping in concentrations of tents which have associated anti-social behaviour or detrimental impact on the community.

It was noted that rough sleeping and associated antisocial behaviour has been an ongoing issue in London and the Square Mile. The presence of encampments and tents has raised concerns among community members, businesses, and elected officials. Officers noted the City Corporation has consistently maintained a welfare-focused approach, offering strong support to individuals on the streets. However, some individuals remain service-resistant and prefer to stay on the streets due to economic reasons or personal preference.

Members discussed the need for a clear policy position to address antisocial behaviour associated with rough sleeping. This policy would set the standard and threshold for using enforcement measures, ensuring a balanced approach that prioritises welfare while addressing community concerns. Enforcement measures, such as public space protection orders, may be considered if there is evidence of harm and impact. These measures should be proportionate and not unnecessarily criminalise individuals.

It was noted that collaboration with neighbouring boroughs is essential to ensure a consistent and effective approach to tackling rough sleeping and associated issues. Members were informed that the Corporation invests heavily in outreach support, accommodation pathways, and assessment centres.

Officers informed Members that a report on the policy position would be brought to the next Committee meeting.

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

The Committee received a report of the Director of Community & Children’s Services, concerning an update on the proposed 2024-29 Education Strategy.

It was noted that the strategy had been discussed at the Education Board. Emphasis on supporting children in academies within COLAT, particularly those on free school meals was discussed as was the importance of measuring the impact and outcomes of the strategy.

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

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services, concerning the findings of the peer review.

It was noted that the organisation is committed to being a learning organisation and open to challenges to assess strengths and identify areas of development.

A Member raised concerns about the data inaccuracies in the March 2024 report and sought reassurance that the updated data has been circulated to the relevant people. It was confirmed that the data has been updated multiple times as a dynamic document and that peer reviewers worked with the data which is publicly available from the Department for Education.

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

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services, concerning an outline to the changes of the new Leasehold and Freehold Act 2024.

Officers suggested making information known more widely to leaseholders in the form of an update. Members emphasised officers on providing straightforward factual briefings without straying into advisory comments.

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

The Committee received a report of the Director of Community & Children’s Services, concerning quarter 1 estimated outturn for the Community & Children’s Services budget.

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

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services, concerning and outline on Ward mote updates.

The following points were noted:

• Sprinkler System: A residents association meeting on Middlesex St. discussed the adoption of a mediation policy with tenants who do not want the sprinkler system. This approach has been positively received.

• Golden Lane Project: A full report on the Golden Lane project has been requested to understand delays and assess risks. Increased project capacity and oversight are being implemented to ensure effective delivery.

• Internal Shutters: The commercial team is looking into the insurance implications of having internal shutters. Incremental improvements are expected with the hardware store having internal shutters.

There was a question raised by a Member concerning the lack of affordable and accessible swimming facilities in the city and proposed exploring the possibility of offering free swimming services similar to those in neighbouring boroughs like Tower Hamlets and Southwark.

Officers acknowledged the proposal and mentioned that the head of sports strategy and the community sports was investigating and there were plans to discuss it further at the next sports sounding board meeting. Challenges such as the lack of lifeguards at Golden Lane swimming pool and the need for better utilisation of existing facilities, like those at City of London schools, were also discussed.

There was one item of urgent business concerning an allocated Members report on Middlesex Street.

The following points were noted:

• Sprinkler System and Parking Management: It was noted that progress on the sprinkler system, was now moving towards mediation rather than confrontation.

• Concerns About the Heating System: A Member highlighted unresolved issues with the new heating system, including the lack of metering and alleged temperature limits. These issues have caused concern among residents, especially with winter approaching. Officers acknowledged the metering issues and stated that a solution is being worked on. They also addressed concerns about the heating system's upper limit, suggesting that residents were advised on sustainability rather than actual limitations.

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 4 July 2024.

RESOLVED – That, the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 4 July 2024 be agreed as a correct record.

To receive the Outstanding Actions List.

The Committee received a report of the Town Clerk.

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Committee received a report of the Town Clerk.

The Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services to be heard.

The Committee received a verbal update from the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

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

The Committee considered a report of the City Surveyor.

Report of the City Surveyor.

The Committee received a report of the City Surveyor.

Report of the City Surveyor.

The Committee received a report of the City Surveyor.

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

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

Joint report of the City Bridge Foundation and Chamberlain.

The Committee received a report of the City Bridge Foundation & Charities Finance Director.

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

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Committee considered a report of the Town Clerk.

There were no questions.

There was no urgent business.