Agenda and minutes

The Mayor announced the recent death of past-Mayoress Mrs Rita Kilroy.  Those present observed a one minute silence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bliss, Chapman, Deville, Dhot, Duncan, Gardner, Lakhmana and Seaman-Digby.

To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 5 July 2018 (attached)

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 5 July 2018 be agreed as a correct record. 

The Mayor announced that, after battling Neuroblastoma for many years, local resident Jess Shepherd had sadly passed away on Saturday 8 September 2018 at the age of 10. 

Over the summer period, the Mayor had attended a number of events which included celebrations for the centenary of the RAF, Polish Airforce and the end of World War I and had opened skate parks in South Ruislip and Uxbridge.  The Mayor thanked those who had attended the quiz night on 12 September 2018 and advised that the next one would be held on 7 November 2018.

5.1       QUESTION FROM MS ANITA MACDONALD OF JACKS LANE, HAREFIELD TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR FINANCE, PROPERTY AND BUSINESS SERVICES - COUNCILLOR BIANCO

“Could the Council tell us how much council tax payers’ money was wasted on car window replacements in the past year, and the average pay-outs for the last four years?”

Councillor Bianco advised that, as Ms MacDonald was not present, he would provide her with a written answer.

[The response sent to Ms MacDonald was as follows: The issue you raise must certainly be a very vexatious matter for those of our residents’ unfortunate enough to have it happen to them, but I am pleased to inform you that, despite the comments of one of our Green Spaces team, it is a relatively rare occurrence!

As you may know, Hillingdon is the second largest London Borough in area and as a result enjoys more green spaces and therefore more areas needing to be mown than most others and we are very proud of our green spaces not only for the amount of them but also for the diversity and range of them, available to all our residents. Our commitment to these green spaces goes much wider than just mowing and planting but includes extensive interaction with our residents who we know value these spaces very highly.

Our commitment to these green spaces may best be measured by the Gold Medal achieved at Britain in Bloom for our Borough and also the many Green Flags, but more of that later!

Now, turning back to the issue at hand and the question raised by you, with respect to the damage caused to your vehicle and others.

I can say that unfortunately, despite the fact that all our staff are properly trained in operating the machines they use and indeed we use the latest machines available, it is a fact that when mowing verges and the like, the mowers do, from time to time, hit on stones or other objects lying on the verges, causing them to fly up and sometimes, equally inevitably, those objects do hit cars parked or passing nearby. It is unfortunately an inevitable consequence of the mowing operation.

You may wonder if this occurs in other boroughs around us – I can assure you that it does but having recently seen many of our neighbours with their unkempt verges and open spaces, where mowing has been abandoned in an effort to save money, perhaps they are saving money in insurance too, but at what real cost??!

In Hillingdon, as you will have found, we pay out immediately on claims, absorbing the costs directly and thus saving our residents the hassle and effort of having to go through insurers. In the last year to date, we have paid out approximately £5,700 in claims which whilst regrettable, is, I believe, a reasonable price to pay when compared to the alternative of not mowing! I am pleased also to report that this figure is a reduction from previous years and hopefully this trend will continue.]

5.2       QUESTION FROM MR MOHAMMED ISLAM OF LAVENDER RISE, WEST DRAYTON TO THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL - COUNCILLOR PUDDIFOOT

“Following the offensive remarks made by Boris Johnson concerning the wearing of the burka / hijab we ask Hillingdon Council to represent the deep concerns of the Muslim population in the borough. Will the Council, therefore, publicly condemn Boris Johnson for his ignorant, insulting and unacceptable language towards Muslim women in particular and the Muslim community in general?”

Councillor Puddifoot thanked Mr Islam for his question and noted that it related to an article written by Boris Johnson MP which had been published in the Daily Telegraph on 6 August 2018.  Mr Johnson had made reference to comments made by a former Labour MP, Jack Straw, in 2006 where Mr Straw had said that, if a woman had attended his constituency surgery with her face fully obscured by a niqab, he would feel entitled to ask her to remove it.  Hazel Blears, Chairman of the Labour Party at the time, had given Mr Straw her backing and Downing Street had commented that Mr Straw had been expressing a personal opinion.

The Leader explained that the niqab was a full veil that left the eyes clear, a hijab was a headscarf and a burka was a one piece garment covering the face and body which often had a mesh screen to see through.  He noted that there had been no reference made to the hijab in Mr Johnson’s article. 

Mr Johnson’s article had made reference to his surprise that Denmark had joined France, Austria, Belgium and Germany in imposing a ban on the niqab and burka on 1 August 2018.  He was against a total ban as it would inevitably be construed as being intended to make some point about Islam and allowed individuals to politicise and dramatize a ‘so-called’ clash of civilisations.  Mr Johnson had gone on to say that a total ban was not the answer and that he believed that the burka was oppressive.  He agreed that it was weird and bullying to expect women to cover their faces and he could find no scriptural authority for this practice in the Koran.  Mr Johnson had stated that he thought it ridiculous that people would choose to go around looking like letterboxes and disagreed with any government encouraging any such demonstrations of so-called modesty.  Mr Johnson had gone on to say that such restrictions on clothing were not quite the same as telling a freeborn adult woman what she may or may not wear in a public place when she was minding her own business. 

There had been numerous cases in the UK, Europe and the rest of the world where people, normally men, had dressed in burkas or niqabs to rob banks and jewellers.  It was fortunate that the UK allowed freedom of speech as well as the freedom to agree or disagree with comments made by politicians. 

John McDonnell MP had been embroiled in an anti-Semitism row since June 2018 and had, in the past, shown support for the IRA.  His comments in relation to these two issues had caused upset.  Mr McDonnell had admitted that he had sometimes gone too far in his criticism of opponents but that it was better to be honest about his views. 

The Leader suggested that it would be disingenuous, given Mr McDonnell’s comments, to not allow Mr Johnson to have his own opinions.  If residents were to retain the freedom of speech, it had to be available to everyone even though views might differ.  Individuals will not always agree with the views and opinions expressed by others, but the right to express these views must be defended. 

5.3       QUESTION FROM MR CHRIS WATERS OF FERRERS AVENUE, WEST DRAYTON TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR PLANNING, TRANSPORTATION AND RECYCLING - COUNCILLOR BURROWS

“Could the Council please clarify why it is advising that we have a lack of open/recreational space in Yiewsley and lack of open space in West Drayton then allowing numerous developments in these wards, more so, the plan to allow a development on current open space, which it is keeping confidential?”

Councillor Burrows advised that, as Mr Waters was not present, he would provide him with a written answer.

[The response sent to Mr Waters was as follows: I just want to start by saying that, in the past, the Labour Group of Hillingdon actually wanted to build on the recreation ground in Yiewsley.  However, today with a Conservative Administration, I can assure you this Council is not proposing to build on recreational open space.

In fact, over the summer period, the Local Plan Part 2 Examination in Public hearing sessions occurred and, at the hearing sessions, the Council agreed a position with the Planning Inspector whereby all of Yiewsley Recreation Ground would be designated Metropolitan Open Land.  As such the whole recreation ground, including the bowls green, will benefit from Metropolitan Open land protection.

I agree there has been a number of flatted developments in Yiewsley and West Drayton in recent years, but this has only involved the development of brownfield land.  These developments have not involved the loss of any designated recreational open space.

I can also inform you that the Council is undertaking feasibility exercises regarding its land holdings in Yiewsley and West Drayton.  Dependent on the results of these, the Council will invest in housing and community infrastructure of public benefit.  I cannot clarify precisely future development proposals or the sites being considered until we have completed these studies.

That said, I can advise that the brief for such studies does not include building on Yiewsley Recreation Ground, or the bowls green.

With regard to the wider concern regarding levels of house building, it should be recognised that the levels of house building in Hillingdon are set by the Mayor of London, and the current Labour Mayor is proposing to raise the Council's annual housing target for Hillingdon from 559 to 1553 residential units a year through his new London Plan.

This huge increase in housing proposed in the London Plan is being fast-tracked by the Mayor through the relevant adoption processes and could, if he has his way, be adopted before the end of 2019.  It is this plan which represents the true threat to Hillingdon's green spaces.]

i)          Urgent Implementation of Decisions

Councillor Puddifoot moved, and Councillor Simmonds seconded, the recommendation as set out on the order of business and it was:

RESOLVED:  That the recent urgent decisions taken be noted.

ii)         Local Government Boundary Commission Review of Electoral Arrangements

Councillor Puddifoot moved, and Councillor Simmonds seconded, the recommendation as set out on the order of business. 

Councillor Curling moved, and Councillor Eginton seconded, the following amendment: b) After “in consultation with the Leader of the Council”, to insert “and the Leader of the Opposition”.

The amended motion was put to the vote and lost.

The original motion was put to a recorded vote:

Those voting for: The Mayor (Councillor Morgan), the Deputy Mayor (Councillor Yarrow), Councillors Ahmad-Wallana, Arnold, Barnes, Bianco, Bridges, Brightman, Burrows, Chamdal, Choubedar, Cooper, Corthorne, Denys, Edwards, Flynn, Fyfe, Goddard, Graham, Haggar, Hensley, Higgins, Hurhangee, Jackson, Kauffman, Lavery, Lewis, Makwana, Markham, Melvin, D Mills, R Mills, O’Brien, Palmer, Puddifoot, Radia, Riley, Rodrigues, Simmonds, Stead and Tuckwell.

Those voting against: Councillors Allen, Birah, Curling, Dhillon, Eginton, Farley, Mathers, Milani, Money, Morse, Nelson, Oswell, Prince, Sansarpuri, Singh and Sweeting.

Those abstaining: None.

The motion was carried and it was:

RESOLVED:  That:

a)        it be noted that the LGBCE has recommended that, w.e.f May 2022, the Council size will be 53 Members.

b)            the Head of Democratic Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, be authorised to submit proposals for consideration to the LGBCE by 5 November 2018 for the composition, size and name of wards for the London Borough of Hillingdon from May 2022 onwards.

To consider the recommendation of Cabinet regarding the adoption of a revised scheme.

Councillor Burrows moved the motion which was seconded by Councillor D Mills.  Following debate (Councillor Curling), it was:

RESOLVED:  That the revised Local Development Scheme be adopted with effect from 14 September 2018.

8.1       QUESTION SUBMITTED BY COUNCILLOR MAKWANA TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, HOUSING, HEALTH AND WELLBEING - COUNCILLOR CORTHORNE

“Would the Cabinet Member please provide an update on the proposals from the Healthy London Partnership to reduce the number of Health Based Places of Safety in North West London?”

Councillor Corthorne advised that this issue had caused some concern for health and social care partners in the Borough.  The question concerned places of safety where individuals were detained and transported under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 and applied where a person was considered by the police to have a mental health disorder and could potentially cause harm to themselves or others.  Hillingdon hosted a Section 136 suite at Riverside at Hillingdon Hospital.  Changes brought about by the Police and Crime Act 2017 had reduced the maximum time that an individual could be detained from 72 hours to 24 hours. 

It was thought that there was a case for change given the increasing number of incidents and the strain that it placed on police and health and social care services.  This had been illustrated in a review of the issue undertaken by the Council’s External Services Scrutiny Committee in 2014/2015.  Despite this, the Healthy London Partnership had proposed to reduce the number of Section 136 suites across North West London (NWL) from eight to three by 2020.

The Council and local health partners were monitoring the situation very closely as the proposals had not been properly consulted on or agreed across the NWL boroughs.  Concern was expressed that Riverside would potentially have to provide additional mental health practitioners and the Council would have to pick up the additional after care social costs of individuals that were not usually resident in the Borough. 

Whilst supportive of improving services for vulnerable people, the Council would not agree to any changes until the full implications of the proposals in Hillingdon were known and understood and any concerns had been properly addressed.

There was no supplementary question.

8.2       QUESTION SUBMITTED BY COUNCILLOR TUCKWELL TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR FINANCE, PROPERTY AND BUSINESS SERVICES - COUNCILLOR BIANCO

“Can the Cabinet Member please confirm to me how the Council has fared in respect of the recent national awards of Green Flags?”

Councillor Bianco advised that Hillingdon had a long history of being awarded Green Flags for its parks and open spaces.  The Green Flag awards were run by the Keep Britain Tidy Campaign and complemented the Britain in Bloom awards as they recognised local and individual green spaces as well as the local residents that took part in the schemes themselves.  The Council’s dedicated Green Spaces team had worked hard to ensure that these green spaces remained in good condition. 

The Green Flag Awards were judged annually to determine whether or not a Green Flag location should retain its status.  This year, the number of Green Flag sites within the Borough had risen to 50 which was 10 more than Nottingham and 23 more than Hackney. 

There was no doubt that residents valued the Borough’s open spaces.  This year, Green Flags had been awarded to Eastcote Memorial Gardens and Connaught Recreation Ground for the first time.  Councillor Bianco could see no reason why the number of Green Flags in Hillingdon could not increase further.  There were currently more Green Flags in the south of the Borough than in the north. 

Councillor Bianco stated that Hillingdon’s sound financial management allowed the Council to put its residents first and maintain a green and pleasant environment for all residents to enjoy. 

There was no supplementary question.

9.1      MOTION FROM COUNCILLOR NELSON

Councillor Nelson moved, and Councillor Dhillon seconded, the following motion:

“That, as we approach Black History Month, with the scandal of the treatment of our Windrush generation fresh in our minds, this Council calls on the Cabinet to reconsider their position and reintroduce the celebration of black history in this borough.

“The treatment of the Windrush generation by this country has reminded us and highlighted how important it is for black history to not only be taught, but also celebrated by our communities. To recognise and celebrate black history is not to ignore other history, but rather pay tribute to black men and women who helped build our country.

“Hillingdon has in the past celebrated this important time in our calendar and, in our current climate, we believe it more pertinent than ever to revitalise the spirit of diversity.

“By re-introducing the annual Black History Month events, this authority will be increasing learning outcomes and demonstrating greater and current understanding of the harm racism is causing to our society.”

Following debate (Councillors Allen, Lewis, Sansarpuri and Sweeting), the motion was put to the vote and lost.

9.2       MOTION FROM COUNCILLOR CURLING

Councillor Curling moved, and Councillor Prince seconded, the following motion:

“That this Council recognises that a significant number of women in Hillingdon, born on or after 6 April 1950, have unfairly borne the burden of the increase to the state pension age with lack of appropriate notification.

“Many women born in the 1950's are living in hardship. Retirement plans have been shattered with devastating consequences. Many of these women are already out of the labour market, caring for elderly relatives, providing childcare for grandchildren, or suffer discrimination in the workplace so struggle to find employment. Women born in this decade are suffering financially. These women have worked hard, raised families and paid their tax and national insurance with the expectation that they would be financially secure when reaching 60.

“It is also recognised that it is not the pension age itself that is in dispute - it is widely accepted that women and men should retire at the same time. The issue is that the rise in the women's state pension age has been too rapid and has happened without sufficient notice being given to the women affected, leaving women with no time to make alternative arrangements.

“This Council therefore calls upon the Cabinet to receive a report into how this issue is affecting women in Hillingdon and how best to join other Councils (of all colours) in support of the WASPI campaign and to lobby Government to reconsider transitional arrangements for women born on or after 6 April 1950, so that women do not live in hardship due to pension changes they were not told about until it was too late to make alternative arrangements.”

Following debate (Councillors Allen, D Mills, Nelson and Simmonds), Councillor Puddifoot moved Standing Order 14.11, that the question now be put.  This was seconded by Councillor Simmonds and agreed by the Mayor.  On being put to the vote, the motion that the question now be put was carried.

The original motion was put to the vote and was lost.