Agenda item

Members are asked to consider a draft Resolution from the Housing Management and Almshouses Sub Committee, to the Planning and Transportation and Policy and Resources Committees.

Before opening a discussion on this matter, the Chair made some observations and suggest a way forward.   Members were reminded that the draft Resolution on the agenda, from the Housing Management and Almshouses Committee of 14th January 2022 to the Planning and Transportation and Policy and Resources Committees,  referred to discussions and decisions taken at other committees, following members’ consideration of officer reports, recommendations and debate. 

The Chair was concerned about an emerging culture which was attempting to circumvent decisions taken by Committees, by raising them at other Committees;  thereby undermining  the democratic process.   Furthermore, the matter had been raised as an ‘Item of Other Business’ at the Housing Management and Almshouses Sub Committee, without notice, and the aftermath had taken up a disproportionate amount of Officer and Member time.

In terms of proposing a way forward, the Chair suggested that the Community and Children’s Services Committee should receive a report and presentation at their next meeting on 25^th  April 2022.  Members would then be able to debate the impact of Section 106  funding on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and take an informed decision as to whether or not it would be appropriate to send a Resolution to another Grand Committee or Committees.  The relevant Planning Officer would also be invited to answer questions about the Minories development.   The Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee, also a Member of this Committee, supported the suggestion.

The Chair of the Housing Management and Almshouses Sub Committee (HMASC) thanked the Chair (of Community and Children’s Services Committee; i.e. – the Grand Committee) for her support in this matter.  The Chair (of HMASC) was concerned that this situation might discourage other Members from chairing committees and, whilst everyone had a right to express and debate alternative views, it should be done courteously, at the right time and in the right forum. 

The Member who proposed the Resolution felt that, given the Local Plan is currently being reviewed, a wider discussion about housing requirements would be timely, and had not envisaged the Resolution being contentious.   The Member also welcomed the Chair’s suggestion for a report and presentation at the April Committee. 

During comments and questions from other Members, the following points were noted:

1.       It was suggested that there had not been a breach of the process, which was in place to serve Members in representing their constituents and delivering to our communities.

2.       A Resolution is the democratic will of the Committee, not of one Member.

3.       The draft minutes stated the matter was outside the Sub Committee and Grand Committees’ Terms of Reference, although the Resolution sought a wider discussion and not to change policy. 

4.       There had been a very long debate at the Planning and Transportation Committee on this matter, ahead of a decision being taken, within its Terms of Reference.  

5.       Members were reminded that the Court of Common Council provides a regular forum for Members to ask questions and express views on any matter.  

6.       One solution might have been for the Chairs of the HMASC and the Grand Committee to meet with the Chair of the Local Plans Sub Committee,  to share Members’ views on delivering housing and how it could be represented in planning policy.  It should also be a given that the HMASC is a stakeholder in this process. 

7.       The Deputy Chair of the HMASC felt that a meeting between the Chair and Deputy Chair (of the HMASC) would not represent the views of all Members, particularly those who had not been able to attend.  However, given the circumstances, now regretted the suggestion to take a Resolution to the Planning and Transportation and Policy and Resources Committees.

8.       It would be helpful to review the HMASC’s Terms of Reference and for Members to have more clarity on the City’s housing targets.  Members noted that there are currently no firm proposals in respect of a dedicated Housing Committee at the City of London Corporation. 

9.       Members are generally frustrated that not enough housing is being built and felt that this matter should not fall outside of the HMASC’s  Terms of Reference.  There are a lot of constituents in overcrowded housing and disappointment was expressed in that the City Corporation missed an opportunity to obtain 27 units.

10.    This matter could have been dealt with more effectively and efficiently if notice had been given to the Chair of the HMASC ahead of the meeting.

11.    April is a good time for the Grand Committee to receive a report and presentation, as it fits with the Local Plan schedule and a call for housing sites in May this year. 

12.    The work of other Grand Committees; i.e., the Markets Consolidation Project, will free up land and present further housing opportunities.

In concluding, the Chair thanked Members for their contributions, and it was RESOLVED, that – the Community and Children’s Services Committee receive a full report and presentation at its meeting on 25 April 2021, addressing the issues raised today, and covering Section 106 Funding and the Minories development, in order to facilitate an informed debate on general housing matters and a possible Resolution to the relevant Grand Committee(s).