Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Buttivant, Cox and Lewis.

 

To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 2 July 2009

Councillor Bishop advised that his supplementary question in relation to question 8.1 on page 10 of the minutes should have made reference to Northwood Hills, and not Northwood as mentioned in the minute.  This amendment was agreed.

 

The minutes of the meeting held on 2 July 2009, as amended, were agreed as a correct record.

 

RESOLVED –

That the minutes of the meeting of 2 July 2009, as amended, be agreed as a correct record.

 

Prayers were said by Pastor Derek Page.

 

To note any declarations of interest in any matter before the Council

Councillor Anthony Way declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 7.10 as he was a Council appointed representative on the Hillingdon Homes Board and remained in the room during the consideration thereof. 

 

The Mayor thanked those who had supported the event held at the Pavilion shopping centre in Uxbridge on 14 July 2009 to launch the Mayor’s Charities.  She also thanked Barclays for doubling the money raised from the tombola at that event.

 

The Homecoming Parade to welcome home 160 RAF servicemen and women had been held in Uxbridge on 5 August 2009.  More than 20,000 people were thought to have attended. 

 

The Mayor announced that a Help The Heroes event would be held at Ruislip Lido on Sunday 6 September 2009.

 

To take questions submitted by members of the public in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

Question 5.1 from Ray Smith to the Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health and Housing - Councillor Corthorne (Councillor Mills answered)

 

“What steps are the Council taking to address the 225% increase in residential burglaries [and an increase in motor vehicle theft] that is in the main attributed to the unsupported placement of serious prolific offenders into properties in Barnhill Ward by a neighbouring local authority?”

 

Mr Silverman’s question was accompanied by supporting information that was read out to the meeting.

 

Councillor Mills acknowledged that there had been an unusually large number of burglaries in Barnhill ward between April and July 2009 (78) in comparison to the same period in 2008 (26).  He recognised the distress this crime created for victims and nearby residents.  It was noted that the number of vehicle crimes had also increased in Barnhill this summer.

 

It had been discovered earlier in the year that two young men had been placed by a neighbouring borough in accommodation in Barnhill ward.  Both were young offenders who had just been released from custody. Together with another occupant, and two other males from another borough, it became apparent that this group was responsible for a substantial amount of residential burglary in the area. 

 

Following a police operation, all five were arrested and charged with residential burglaries in Hayes and remained in custody.  It was understood that at least three of them had admitted to several offences.  Burglary levels in Barnhill rose significantly when these individuals moved into the area, and had returned to more expected levels since their arrest.   

 

Whilst, in some cases, there was little that the Council could do to prevent tenants being placed in Hillingdon from other boroughs, it was thought that there should be a clear support plan in place and effective liaison with agencies in this borough at the point of placement.  The Council also had plans in place for offenders who were placed in Hillingdon by other boroughs to be moved back to those boroughs.

 

 

Question 5.2 from Trevor Begg to the Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health and Housing - Councillor Corthorne

 

“The current Southern Cross healthcare residential care block contract expires next year. The councils policy as per national government guidelines is to move to a spot purchase system under the self directed support agenda, this would ordinarily involve an increase in the cost per bed compared to current arrangement, the thinking is to offset this by involving up to seven other boroughs in a new joint commissioning arrangement. The potential complexities of this process cause many concerns. Please can the council confirm that the safety, dignity and level of care for existing residents under the current contract will be maintained and future customers of the new service, by comparison, will not be disadvantaged in any way due to cost implications or a change in expected service levels?”

 

Councillor Corthorne advised that a number of the Council’s block contracts for residential, nursing and domiciliary care, including those with Southern Cross, expired next year.  The Council would look to new arrangements which would give older and vulnerable residents the maximum choice as to where they wished to live and who should provide care to them, in line with the Transforming Social Care Agenda.

 

The direction of adult social care services was to seek to ensure that people with community care needs were able to remain in their own homes as long as possible.  Where this was not possible, or where Hillingdon residents sought to use their individual budget to go into a residential or nursing home, then the Council had a responsibility to maximise the choice that was available.

 

The Council was therefore examining, with its colleagues across West London, the potential benefits of jointly commissioning similar services to achieve value for money and ensure the best quality of provision for residents.  Councillor Corthorne was pleased that Hillingdon was taking a leading role in this initiative.  For existing residents, the Council would be negotiating with providers to ensure stability of placement and maintenance of standards.

 

As the Council’s experiences with Southern Cross over the last year had demonstrated, the block contract arrangements were clearly no guarantee of the quality of services provided.

 

Statutory responsibility for the regulation and inspection of care provision rested with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).  However, Councillor Corthorne emphasised that the safety, dignity and quality of care homes were matters of fundamental importance to the Council and the PCT (for continuing healthcare funded placements) and that both would do everything in their power to ensure that these were preserved.

 

 

Question 5.3 from Peter Silverman to the Cabinet Member for Environment - Councillor Jenkins

 

“Could the Lead Member please tell me if the new campaign is to be primarily an  advertising / publicity event - in other words a rerun of 2004, or will it have real teeth, in which case what additional manpower will be allocated to levying on the spot litter fines and what number of fines are you targeting or estimating per annum?”

Councillor Jenkins replied that Hillingdon had shown a steady improvement over the last four years in scores for environmental quality, as measured by Exams for Capital Standards.  In 2008/09, the Council was in the top five London Boroughs for litter within four of the land use categories, achieved a maximum score for fly-tipping and fly-posting and a notable improvement for graffiti.  Overall, the Council achieved an equal level of good assessments, an improvement of 12% in satisfactory grades and a notable reduction in unsatisfactory grades. 

 

Hillingdon fell below national benchmarks in some areas but this was mainly due to the rural nature of the Borough and related to high levels of detritus and the lack of fixed kerbs which made the cleaning of rural roads more difficult.

 

Between April 2008 and March 2009, the Council carried out over 4,700 positive interventions to deal with environmental issues. This included 225 Statutory Notices, 48 fixed penalty notices for litter and 23 prosecutions.  An increase in actions had been sustained in the first quarter of this year. 

 

Improving environmental quality in the Borough required a campaign consisting of three main elements: Education, Engagement and Enforcement.  Hillingdon’s latest campaign would therefore include some educational publicity which was seen as the key to raising awareness of the issues and engaging residents in reporting anti-social activities.  Although enforcement was seen as a major element, the Council believed that setting targets for enforcement actions would be impractical.  The Council’s enforcement teams would therefore be targeting areas of the Borough where littering, etc, was at high levels and would work in partnership with local police and other regulatory services to serve fixed penalty notices.

 

CCTV cameras would also be used to provide evidence of littering offences in the street and from vehicles.  Additional support for the campaign would be provided by working with Junior Environmental teams in schools to instil environmental values from an early age.

 

 

Question 5.4 from John Morgan to the Cabinet Member for Education and Children's Services – Councillor Simmonds

 

“It has been claimed in a recent newsletter circulated in Northwood Hills that our schools have been 'robbed' of funds. Therefore can the Cabinet Member of for Education clarify what investment the Council has made in Education directly on the schools in Northwood Hills?”

 

Councillor Simmonds replied that, as well as establishing a new Early Years facility at Holy Trinity school, a total spend had been made in the region of £900k between 2004/05 and 200/08 to set up security improvements as well as complete improvement  work to the heating system and upgrade the electricity substation and the food technology room.

 

Other work that had been undertaken included the expansion project at Frithwood in 2005/06 which amounted to £300k and a spend of £151k at Hillside Children’s Centre to set up new boilers and a water system renewal between 2004/05 and 2007/08.  It was noted that an extra £2m of revenue funding had been spent across the Borough in 2005/06.  All work had been undertaken in consultation with the relevant head teachers, amongst others.

 

Councillor Simmonds stated that the improvements that had been made at the schools had been reflected in the improved results achieved in 2008/09.

 

6.1       Membership Changes And Appointments To Outside Bodies

 

Councillor George Cooper moved the changes to appointment to Committees and Outside Bodies as set out on the Order of Business. This was seconded by Councillor Markham.

 

RESOLVED – That Councillor Allam and Councillor Oswell replace each other on the Central & South and North Planning Committees and to be the Labour Group leads on those committees.

 

 

6.2       Urgent Implementation Of Decisions

 

Councillor Puddifoot moved that the urgency decisions be noted as set out on the Order of Business. This was seconded by Councillor Simmonds.

 

RESOLVED - That the Urgency decisions be noted.

 

 

6.3       Amendment To The Constitution

 

Councillor George Cooper moved the amendments to the Constitution as set out on the Order of Business.  This was seconded by Councillor Markham.

 

RESOLVED - That the following amendments to the Constitution be approved:

 

a)   The following be added to Part 4, B, paragraph 13 – ‘Speaking Rights and Petitions’:

 

10) In order for a petition to be valid, the printed name, signature and address of each petitioner shall be clearly shown. In the case of electronic petitions, details must be provided that clearly indicate a petitioner is a Borough resident.  There shall be a presumption that the details provided by each petitioner will be made public.  If a petitioner wishes for their name and address to be withheld, then they must include such a request in writing with the petition for consideration by the Head of Democratic Services.

 

b)     The three sections relating to submission of Questions from the public, Questions from Members and Motions from Members in Part 4 – ‘Rules of Procedure - Council Rules’ stipulate that the deadline for submission is no later than midday, 7 working days before the meeting and that “in the case of a bank holiday falling in this period, that day shall count as a ‘working day’”.

 

To take questions submitted by Members in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11

7.2 Question from Councillor Judith Cooper to the Cabinet Member for Education and Children's Services – Councillor Simmonds

 

“Can the Cabinet Member for Education and Children's Services tell me what progress has been made with appointing an Independent Chairman for the Local Safeguarding Children's Board?”

 

Councillor Simmonds responded that the appointment of an Independent Chairman for the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (LSCB) had been a recommendation that had resulted from the Baby P enquiry.  He advised that an Independent Chairman had now been appointed and had started work.  The written protocol formalising the Chairman’s role and general governance would be discussed by the LSCB at its next meeting. 

 

There was no supplementary question.

 

 

7.5 Question from Councillor Gardner to the Leader of the Council - Councillor Puddifoot

 

“Does the Leader of the Council share my concern about the threat of the English Defence League and Casuals United to mount an anti-Islamic protest in the nearby Borough of Harrow and will he be taking steps with the Police and others to monitor closely whether they are planning similar activities in our Borough?”

 

Councillor Puddifoot responded that this Administration was committed to defeat the voices of hatred.  The Council was naturally concerned about any activity that threatened community harmony, but concern was not enough.  The way to defeat the far right, or any other extremist position, was to deny it the oxygen of publicity and to deal openly with the electorate on the true facts that such groups often distorted. It was therefore regrettable that the planned protest in Harrow by groups that many were not even aware existed had been put into the public domain in Hillingdon through the agenda of the Council.

 

That said, part of the Council’s close partnership working with Hillingdon Police ensured that officers held regular meetings to monitor and deal with any community tension.  Through this regular contact, officers had become aware of the planned protest in Harrow.

 

In the past, the Council had funded, and would continue to fund, extra police officers to increase police presence in the Borough when many of the local officers had been deployed elsewhere, e.g., over the last Bank Holiday period when many officers were deployed to the Notting Hill Carnival.  However, the Council currently had no intelligence to suggest that any protests were due to take place in Hillingdon, and police colleagues were continuing to liaise closely with Harrow.

 

Councillor Puddifoot advised that the Council must never allow sensitive political issues to be hi-jacked or distorted by the ‘far right’ elements of society to further spread their message of hate on our streets.  This was a point that he continued to raise with Phil Woolas MP, the Minister of State for Borders and Immigration, in the Council’s continued battle with the Government to secure fair funding for some of the asylum services it provided which had put such pressure on the Council’s financial position.

 

Councillor Puddifoot reminded all Councillors, officers and members of the public that any concerns or intelligence they might have on any community tensions could be submitted via the Council’s website or directly by e-mail to: communitytensions@hillingdon.gov.uk.

 

There was no supplementary question.

 

 

7.1 Question from Councillor Bishop to the Leader of the Council - Councillor Puddifoot

 

“Does the Leader of the Council intend to attend the next Older Persons Assembly on September 28th?”

 

Councillor Puddifoot advised that he had the date of the next Older Person’s Assembly in his schedule and intended to attend. 

 

Councillor Bishop then asked why the Leader had not attended the last three Older People’s Assembly meetings and, when he had attended meetings, why he had not stayed for longer than 10 minutes?

 

Councillor Puddifoot replied that this was a ridiculous supplementary question and that he would not be answering it.

 

 

7.4 Question from Councillor Barker to the Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation - Councillor Burrows

 

“Following a series of accidents and near misses at the junction of Lees Road and Uxbridge Road in Hillingdon and after consultation with ward councillors, residents and the highways department can the Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation update me on the current position concerning traffic safety measures at this junction?”

 

Councillor Burrows responded that one of the key problems at this junction appeared to be either confusion or deliberate action by a minority of motorists travelling along the eastbound slip road from Parkfield Avenue.  These motorists either failed to understand (or wilfully ignored) the traffic signs which prevented them turning right into Lees Road or, in some instances, attempting to turn right across the road into the westbound Uxbridge Road carriageway. This could lead to collisions with other vehicles.  Officers had reviewed CCTV footage with Ward Councillors and local residents and were developing a draft scheme of works which would be reviewed through an independent Road Safety Audit.  Officers planned to make a bid to Transport for London (TfL) as soon as the details were agreed in principle.  If approved, the proposed Local Safety Scheme would be installed in 2010/2011.  Ward Members were advised to direct any further comments about this junction to Councillor Burrows or the relevant officers.

 

In the meantime, the local Safer Neighbourhoods Team had also been contacted regarding enforcement action against vehicles disobeying the 'left turn' out of the service road.

 

There was no supplementary question.

 

 

7.7 Question from Councillor Bliss to the Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation - Councillor Burrows

 

“The residents of Chatsworth Road have been promised road re-surfacing on a number of occasions, but as yet there is no sign of this starting. Has the starting date for the works been scheduled yet?”

 

Councillor Burrows responded that the priorities for highways resurfacing for this year were currently being considered and, as soon as the programme had been finalised, he would update Councillor Bliss. 

 

There was no supplementary question.

 

 

7.8 Question from Councillor Jarjussey to the Cabinet Member for Environment - Councillor Jenkins

 

“Will the Cabinet member for the Environment please provide an update for the Council and residents in the south of the Borough about the likely re-opening date for the Rigby Lane rubbish disposal site?”

 

Councillor Jenkins responded that the site at Rigby Lane was owned by Sita and the Civic Amenity (CA) area was managed by them on behalf of the Council.  Closure of the site in November was due to pressure from the Environment Agency regarding concerns about defective drainage on the site.  Refurbishment works were due to be completed at the end of March but, as more extensive works had to be carried out, the site had remained closed.  Sita had recently indicated that works to its main site were likely to be completed by the end of October.

 

An initial proposal had been received from Sita for the reopening and management of the CA site but this was at a substantially increased cost which was not considered to be value for money.  An alternative proposal had been requested by the Council but, to date, this had not been received.   Officers would continue to press for a resolution of the issues as soon as possible.

 

Councillor Jarjussey went on to state that residents had complained about the lack of information circulated regarding the closure of Rigby Lane rubbish disposal site.  He asked if there had been an increase in the levels of fly-tipping since the closure of the site.

 

Councillor Jenkins advised that fly tipping in the South of the Borough had not generally appeared to have increased, except on Rigby Lane adjacent to the site. This rubbish was being removed on a daily basis by the street cleansing teams.

 

 

7.3 Question from Councillor Elizabeth Kemp to the Cabinet Member for Environment - Councillor Jenkins

 

“I understand that more of our green spaces have recently been judged for green flag status. Can I ask for an update on the results please?”

 

Councillor Jenkins responded that she waspleased to be able to announce that the Council’s programme of improving the Borough’s green spaces had led to a further four sites receiving the Green Flag award.  The new awards had been given to:

• Little Britain Lake
• Minet Country Park
• Cowley Recreation Ground
• Warrender Park

 

The ten sites that had gained the award in previous years were again awarded Flags this year, bringing the total to fourteen Green Flag award sites for people to enjoy throughout Hillingdon.  This was more than any other London Borough, apart from Westminster which had 18.  However, Hillingdon green flag sites covered a larger area than all of Westminster’s Green Flag sites.  Councillor Jenkins stated that the Council should be rightly very proud that so many of its green spaces had been recognised this way and it was a testament to the drive and ambition of this administration and to the outstanding commitment of the Council’s officers.

 

There was no supplementary question.

 

 

7.6 Question from Councillor MacDonald to the Leader of the Council - Councillor Puddifoot

 

“Is the Leader of the Council aware of the newspaper adverts placed by the British Airports Authority for a total of 13 posts to take forward its proposal for a third runway at Heathrow at a cost of three quarter of a million pounds a year?

 

Also will he join with me in making a public statement to potential applicants on behalf of the affected local communities that we will continue to oppose the building of this runway until it is defeated?”

 

Councillor Puddifoot responded that he was aware of the adverts mentioned.  He stated that successful applicants for these jobs would unfortunately be making the wrong career move.  The Council’s resolve was strong and it would continue to oppose and fight the decision to build a third runway at Heathrow.  Councillor Puddifoot stated that he expected that they would be back job hunting after the forthcoming General Election, hopefully joined by a devalued Prime Minister and a devalued Government.  He noted that this was a Government that pushed through the flawed decision to wipe out Hillingdon’s villages and communities in the name of economic expansion, without a thought for proper consultation.

 

Councillor Puddifoot stated that this might be the start of a new dawn and it was quite possible that some fresh blood at BAA might make them finally see sense. Key competencies sought by BAA of those wishing to apply for the new jobs included:

·        The ability to promote long-term trust with stakeholders.

·        The need to be politically astute with good judgement.

 

Councillor Puddifoot felt that any trust and political astuteness would be too late and short-lived.  He stated that Hillingdon’s residents had exhausted all trust and surely by now any political pundit would know that the next time the voters hit the ballot box, the third runway was doomed under a Conservative Government.

 

Councillor MacDonald then asked if the Leader would stand against the growing number of Conservative Party pro-third runway supporters.

 

Councillor Puddifoot advised that he would continue to defend the local and wider communities and asked Councillor MacDonald for a list of those Conservative Party members who supported the third runway. 

 

 

7.9 Question from Councillor Curling to the Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services - Councillor Simmonds

 

“In view of the increase in the number of applications for betting shops in the Borough in recent years, can the Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services tell the Council what action is being taken by his service to alert children and young people to the dangers of gambling?”

 

Councillor Simmonds responded that the increase in the number of licences was speculative and that the number of licences granted since 2007 had dropped from 55 to 53.  It was noted that the number of requests for a change of use of premises for gambling had also reduced, possibly as a result of an increase in Internet gambling. 

 

Councillor Simmonds advised that, at Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) and Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11), the Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) curriculum covered gambling under risk taking and citizenship lessons.  Gambling education materials were available to teachers and the “You Bet!” programme was principally aimed at 11-16 year olds in more formal education settings, such as secondary schools and Pupil referral units.

 

He advised that Healthy Hillingdon was actively enabling local agencies in specific areas to plan for well being.  This might reduce the desire for gambling in communities by improving people’s perception of opportunities for an active social life.

 

Three counselling services were also available at Fountains Mill for young persons:

• LINK was able to support those who felt their life might be affected by gambling;
• KISS was a drop in service for young people and offered support and advice around relationships which might be affected by gambling habits; and
• Sorted was a young person’s drug and alcohol counselling service and could provide support to those who felt their gambling behaviour was related to drug use.

 

The Council had been in negotiation with an organisation called the Personal Finance Education Group to produced schemes of work dealing with personal finance.  Some of these incorporated illustrations on the effects of gambling to help young people make better informed decisions regarding their personal finance situation, including credit cards.  Through the School Improvement Service, some work was already underway in some primary schools and plans were in place to widen the use in all the primary schools and to introduce similar schemes into the secondary curriculum.

 

The Youth and Connexions Team was investigating the introduction of a Gambling Awareness element into the Information, Advice and Guidance programme that was being brought into its centres.

 

Councillor Curling then asked the Cabinet Member to clarify the details of the number of premises referred to at the start of his response as there appeared to have been a large increase in the number of betting shops in Hayes over the last few months.

 

Councillor Simmonds responded that he would ask officers to look into the number of betting shops in and around Hayes and pass this information on to Councillor Curling.

 

 

7.10 Question from Councillor Major to the Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health and Housing - Councillor Corthorne

 

“In view of the recent tragic fire in Camberwell, can the Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health and Housing assure the Council that the fire safety measures for all blocks of flats under his responsibility are inspected on at least an annual basis and that they contain smoke detection systems, adequate fire doors and emergency lighting on all evacuation routes?”

 

Councillor Corthorne responded that it should be remembered thatLakanal House in Camberwell was a large high-rise block of maisonettes built in 1959 and there were no flats of this construction type in Hillingdon.  Official reports on the incident had not yet been released, although guidance on emerging issues had been published.  Once the final findings were available, officers would review any learning and apply it to Hillingdon’s housing stock.

 

Planned review dates for the fires risk assessments were set at an interval that matched the risks and block complexity as follows

·        Tower blocks, sheltered housing, flat conversions, and the larger blocks such as Colley House, Lady Craig Court and Peter Fagan House - annually

·        Blocks with enclosed common areas - every two years

·        Blocks with open common areas - every three years

 

All of the high rise flats (six storeys and above) and all of the sheltered housing schemes had been subject to routine fire risk assessments since 2001 and had benefited from works to comply with the fire safety regulations - such as the replacement of flat entrance doors to meet current requirements for fire and smoke resistance.  These premises had traditionally been perceived to be the high life risk properties.

 

The only blocks that required an automatic fire detection and alarm system were the category 2 sheltered housing schemes and the flat conversions.  The tower blocks had smoke detectors on each floor that operated the automatic smoke ventilation windows.  All tenants’ homes had been fitted with a smoke alarm.

 

Emergency lighting was only fitted in the tower blocks, sheltered housing schemes and blocks such as Colley House, Lady Craig Court and Peter Fagan House.   Where blocks were simple in layout, they generally had the advantage of borrowed light from the adjacent street lighting and, because of the risk profile (sleeping and familiar), specific emergency lighting systems were not generally required.

 

The Council housing stock included over 400 blocks of flats over varying layouts and construction.  There was not therefore a single simple answer to the question asked.

 

Councillor Major noted that Hillingdon Homes had taken this matter quite seriously, but queried whether there were any plans to systematically advise new tenants of the evacuation procedures.  He indicated that he would be happy to receive a written answer.

 

Councillor Corthorne advised that he would respond to Councillor Major outside of the meeting.

 

 

7.11    Question from Councillor Eginton to the Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health and Housing - Councillor Corthorne

 

“In view of the recent tragic death of a 50-year old woman in a faulty lift of a East London Council block (Redbridge), can the Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health and Housing assure the Council that all lifts under his responsibility will be routinely inspected and complaints investigated urgently in order to avoid another tragedy?”

 

Councillor Corthorne responded that, since April 2009, Hillingdon Homes had employed a specialist contractor (Independent Lift Services (ILS)) to carry out the monthly maintenance services and inspections, as well as to attend to breakdown repairs (complaints).  In the event of lift breakdown, the contractor was required to respond within two hours (four hours if outside normal working hours).  The service procedures for the monthly routine maintenance of lifts included a series of checks and adjustments encompassing the lift motor room, the lift shaft and pit, and the lift car.

 

For the purposes of the requirement in the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), all lifts were thoroughly examined by a competent person at regular intervals.  This role was carried out by Zurich Insurance Company engineers who undertook a Report of Periodic Thorough Examination of Hoist or Lift and ancillary equipment every six months.  The examination covered:

·        Landing and car doors and their interlocks

·        Worm and other gearing

·        Main drive system components

·        Governors

·        Suspension ropes or chains

·        Overload detection devices

·        Electrical devices (including earthing, earth boding, safety devices, etc)

·        Braking systems and hydraulics

 

There was no supplementary question.

 

 

7.12 Question from Councillor Duncan to the Cabinet Member for Environment - Councillor Jenkins (Answered by Councillor Burrows)

 

“In the light of concerns about overfilling of golf courses could we be told the current situation regarding the overfilling of Stockley Golf Course?”

 

Councillor Burrows responded that he had been fully briefed by officers on the situation and the options available to the Council were currently being considered.  He stated that it would not be appropriate to go into further detail at this stage as there might be a future planning application made or action taken by the Council.  The Borough Solicitor had been consulted and confirmed that providing detail at this meeting might prejudice future options.  Councillor Burrows offered to speak to Councillor Duncan separately on this matter.

 

Councillor Duncan then asked if a criminal investigation would be considered.

 

Councillor Burrows reiterated that, for the reasons given above, he was unable to comment further.

 

To consider Motions submitted by Members in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12

8.1 MOTION FROM COUNCILLOR RETTER

 

Councillor Retter moved the following motion:

 

“That this Council:

a)     Commends the work undertaken to date in discharging its licensing functions following the introduction of the Licensing Act 2003 in pursuit of its statutory objectives to prevent crime and disorder, nuisance and children from harm and to maintain public safety;

b)     Notes that in the current economic climate, there is growing evidence that more and more premises in local shopping parades are applying for licences for the sale of alcohol;

c)     Expresses its concern that this could negatively effect the character and environment of such areas and increase the potential for the sales of alcohol to underage persons;

d)      Notes that under current legislation, when making decisions to grant  local licenses, Licensing sub-committees cannot address the issue of  local ‘market or commercial need’ and thereby have little control over the number of off licence type premises in a specific area;

e)     Welcomes the Licensing Committee’s desire to ensure that both local and central Government planning policies are better integrated with licensing legislation to ensure a more comprehensive approach is taken to develop healthy and vibrant local shopping parades;

f)      Notes that such concerns have also been raised by the Licensing Committee and requests that the Chief Executive writes to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport; informing him of this Council’s position.”

 

The motion was seconded by Councillor Baker.

 

Following debate (Councillors Allen, Barrett and Corthorne) the motion was put to the vote and agreed.

 

RESOLVED – That this Council:

a)        Commends the work undertaken to date in discharging its licensing functions following the introduction of the Licensing Act 2003 in pursuit of its statutory objectives to prevent crime and disorder, nuisance and children from harm and to maintain public safety;

b)       Notes that in the current economic climate, there is growing evidence that more and more premises in local shopping parades are applying for licences for the sale of alcohol;

c)        Expresses its concern that this could negatively effect the character and environment of such areas and increase the potential for the sales of alcohol to underage persons;

d)       Notes that under current legislation, when making decisions to grant  local licenses, Licensing sub-committees cannot address the issue of  local ‘market or commercial need’ and thereby have little control over the number of off licence type premises in a specific area;

e)        Welcomes the Licensing Committee’s desire to ensure that both local and central Government planning policies are better integrated with licensing legislation to ensure a more comprehensive approach is taken to develop healthy and vibrant local shopping parades;

f)          Notes that such concerns have also been raised by the Licensing Committee and requests that the Chief Executive writes to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport; informing him of this Council’s position.

 

 

8.2 MOTION FROM COUNCILLOR MACDONALD

 

Councillor MacDonald moved the following motion:

 

“This Council is aware of the global market of trafficked women, mainly in the sex industry. This Council recognises the need to oppose all oppression and trafficking in this area.

 

In order to ensure that this Council continues to perpetuate good moral and humanitarian standards, it requests that all steps within its powers be taken to ensure local newspapers and editorials are aware of their responsibilities to stop adverts which exploit women, and that Council members and officers receive appropriate training in referral and rescue services available.”

 

The motion was seconded by Councillor Harmsworth.

 

Following debate (Councillor Simmonds) the motion was put to the vote and lost.

 

RESOLVED - That the motion was lost. 

 

 

8.3 MOTION FROM COUNCILLOR KHURSHEED

 

Councillor Khursheed moved the following motion:

 

“This Council notes with deep concern the economic crisis that is gripping the world and adversely impacting on local people in Hillingdon as a result of the wanton greed and irresponsibility of the bankers and their associates.

 

It deplores that the fact that faced with the near meltdown of the banking system the Government was left with no alternative but to bail out the very organisations and people who had caused the crisis and that the bankers are now trying to return as rapidly as possible to their old ways including the payment of inflated bonuses.

 

The Council regrets the steep rise in local unemployment that has already occurred and views with trepidation the effects on young people in particular.  It fears that a minority in the country and the Borough will be forced to join a demoralised and lost generation whose lives will be blighted by depression, drugs, crime and violence.

 

It recalls that when the economic downturn began the Council set up a system to monitor the issues that would arise but it requests the Cabinet to review these arrangements and to look especially at the adequacy of support for local young people in the difficulties they are expected to face.”

 

The motion was seconded by Councillor Eginton.

 

An amendment was moved by Councillor Puddifoot as follows:

 

Paragraph 1:  delete the word “the” in the last line and insert “some”.  After the word “associates” add “and the pitiful failure of the Labour Government to take early and appropriate action to deal with this problem”.  After the word “crisis”, add “with vast sums of public money that it woefully failed to protect”.   Paragraph then continues.

 

New Paragraph 3:  “It further deplores that whilst the economies of other countries such as Germany, France and Japan have pulled out of recession, the UK Government continues to print money and deny that a problem exists and that there are difficult times ahead for the whole country”.

 

Add to end of original Paragraph 3:  after the word “violence”, add the following new sentence: “A damning indictment on a government that has lost its way, lost control of the economy and the well being of the people”.

 

Paragraph 4:  after the word “recalls”, add “and commends the fact”.  Delete all after “arise” and add “and notes a number of initiatives have been introduced by the Cabinet to help local people during the recession and that it will continue to monitor the situation and work with the incoming Conservative Government who will be left with the financial mess to deal with”.

 

The amended motion was seconded by Councillor Mills.

 

Following debate (Councillors Harmsworth, Seaman-Digby and Simmonds), the amended motion was put to the vote and agreed.

 

The substantive motion was then put to the vote and agreed.

 

RESOLVED – That this Council notes with deep concern the economic crisis that is gripping the world and adversely impacting on local people in Hillingdon as a result of the wanton greed and irresponsibility of some bankers and their associates and the pitiful failure of the Labour Government to take early and appropriate action to deal with this problem.

 

It deplores that the fact that faced with the near meltdown of the banking system the Labour Government was left with no alternative but to bail out the very organisations and people who had caused the crisis with vast sums of public money that it woefully failed to protect and that the bankers are now trying to return as rapidly as possible to their old ways including the payment of inflated bonuses.

 

It further deplores that whilst the economies of other countries such as Germany, France and Japan have pulled out of recession, the UK Government continues to print money and deny that a problem exists and that there are difficult times ahead for the whole country.

 

The Council regrets the steep rise in local unemployment that has already occurred and views with trepidation the effects on young people in particular.  It fears that a minority in the country and the Borough will be forced to join a demoralised and lost generation whose lives will be blighted by depression, drugs, crime and violence. A damning indictment on a government that has lost its way, lost control of the economy and the well being of the people.

 

It recalls and commends the fact that when the economic downturn began the Council set up a system to monitor the issues that would arise and notes a number of initiatives have been introduced by the Cabinet to help local people during the recession and that it will continue to monitor the situation and work with the incoming Conservative Government who will be left with the financial mess to deal with.