MR L. RAHMAN (MAYOR) IN THE CHAIR

MAYOR’S WELCOME

·                    The Mayor welcomed those present in the public gallery.

·                    Made an opening statement comprising the following key elements:-

o                   Formally announcing that he had appointed four additional members of Cabinet together with the portfolios they would hold, and one change of portfolio for an existing Cabinet member.

Ø                 Since election as Mayor, he had consistently appealed to political opposition colleagues to join and work with him. Unfortunately, the Labour Group had not done so, they could not rise above petty politics and had passed a motion making it impossible for Labour councillors to work with him. Despite this, seven Labour councillors had the courage and conviction, in March 2011, to back the Mayor’s progressive budget. He had appointed four of these councillors as members of his Cabinet just prior to that evening’s Cabinet meeting.

Ø                 The Mayor welcomed Councillor Abul Asad, Councillor Rofique Uddin Ahmed, Councillor Shafiqul Haque and Councillor Shahed Ali to his Cabinet; commenting that these longstanding Labour councillors brought with them considerable experience and invaluable additional skills to his team.

Ø                 The portfolios of the new Cabinet members and change of portfolio for an existing Cabinet member were as follows, other portfolios remaining the same:

v                 Councillor Asad - Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing

v                 Councillor Rofique Uddin Ahmed - Cabinet Member for Regeneration

v                 Councillor Shahed Ali - Cabinet Member for Environment

v                 Councillor Shafiqul Haque - Cabinet Member for Jobs and Skills.

v                 Councillor Rania Khan – formerly Cabinet Member for Regeneration now to be Cabinet Member for Culture.

o                   Highlighting important events in his role as Mayor since the last Cabinet meeting in June 2011:

Ø                  Launching the Partnership Taskforce the previous day with the announcement of investment by his administration of over £1.3 million to increase the number of police officers to patrol the streets of Tower Hamlets, resulting in an additional 21 police officers. This would address residents’ concerns and tackle serious crime head on, at a time when most London boroughs were actually seeing cuts in police numbers.

Ø                  The launch that week of consultation on the Council’s proposed three-year Drug and Alcohol Strategy.

v                  Working in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, his administration was taking a holistic approach to combat issues around drugs and drug related anti-social behaviour.

v                  The Mayor called on residents, businesses and organisations to have their say on how the Council could tackle alcohol and drug misuse in the borough. Making the communities of Tower Hamlets safer by tackling drug misuse was one of the Mayor’s top priorities.

Ø                 A number of the Authority’s schools had been rated ‘Excellent’ by Ofsted.

v                     The Mayor commented that he was extremely proud of the achievements of the Authority’s schools, with Tower Hamlets widely seen as one of the most improved education authorities in the whole country.

v                     With the Council and schools continuing to work in partnership, the Mayor could forsee a very bright future for the young people of Tower Hamlets.

v                     This was the reason why the Mayor was opposed to “academies”. He had attended a meeting of parents, governors and residents at the Bethnal Green Technology College on 4^th July and had made his views very clear: that existing schools supported by the Council best served the interests of the community in Tower Hamlets.

ADJOURNMENT

At this juncture the Mayor informed those present that before he and his Cabinet proceeded to consideration of the substantive business set out in the agenda, there would be an opportunity for the public to put questions to himself, the Deputy Mayor, and other Members comprising the Cabinet who were present. Accordingly the Mayor agreed the following:

Decision

That the Cabinet adjourn for a short period of up to 15 minutes, at 5.40pm, and that the meeting reconvene thereafter.

Question & Answer Session

The Mayor asked those present in the public gallery whether they had any questions for himself or members of the Cabinet.

No questions were received.

The meeting reconvened at 5.41pm

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of:

·                    Ms I. Cattermole, Acting Corporate Director Children Schools and Families for whom Ms K. Bingham, Service Head Resources, Children Schools and Families, was deputising.

·                    Ms H. Taylor, Acting Corporate Director Adults Health and Wellbeing for whom Ms D. Cohen, Service Head Commissioning and Strategy, Adults Health and Wellbeing, was deputising.

Noted.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of:

·                    Ms I. Cattermole, Acting Corporate Director Children Schools and Families for whom Ms K. Bingham, Service Head Resources, Children Schools and Families, was deputising.

·                    Ms H. Taylor, Acting Corporate Director Adults Health and Wellbeing for whom Ms D. Cohen, Service Head Commissioning and Strategy, Adults Health and Wellbeing, was deputising.

Noted.

To note any declarations of interest made by Members, including those restricting Members from voting on the questions detailed in Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act, 1992.  See attached note from the Chief Executive.

Councillor A. Asad declared a personal interest in Agenda item 7.1 “Update on Building Schools for the Future Programme – Spotlight Youth Centre at Langdon Park” (CAB 013/112). The declaration of interest was made on the basis that the report contained recommendations relating to Youth Service provision and Councillor Asad was employed by a youth service provider.

Noted.

Action by:

ASSISTANT CHIEF EXECUTIVE - LEGAL SERVICES (I. FREEMAN)

Executive Team Leader, Democratic Services, Chief Executive’s (A. Taylor)

Councillor A. Asad declared a personal interest in Agenda item 7.1 “Update on Building Schools for the Future Programme – Spotlight Youth Centre at Langdon Park” (CAB 013/112). The declaration of interest was made on the basis that the report contained recommendations relating to Youth Service provision and Councillor Asad was employed by a youth service provider.

Noted.

To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the unrestricted minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Cabinet held on 8^th June 2011.

Decision

That the unrestricted minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Cabinet held on 8^th June 2011 be approved and signed by the Mayor, as a correct record of the proceedings.

Action by:

ASSISTANT CHIEF EXECUTIVE - LEGAL SERVICES (I. FREEMAN)

Executive Team Leader, Democratic Services, Chief Executive’s (A. Taylor)

There was a comment received from a councillor that was not a member of Cabinet that the contributions of Councillors who were not members of the committee were not reported in the minutes. Clarification was sought regarding the appropriate content of Cabinet minutes. Ms Freeman, Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services), responded by confirming that the minutes of meetings record the decision taken and the reasons and options they are not a verbatim account, also there was a need for efficiency in keeping minutes brief. Mr Collins, Chief Executive, added that he had received a letter regarding this matter and the Service Head Democratic Services would be responding on his behalf shortly.

The Mayor, taking account of the advice of both theAssistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) and Chief Executive, agreed the following:

Decision

That the unrestricted minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Cabinet held on 8^th June 2011 be approved and signed by the Mayor, as a correct record of the proceedings.

To receive any petitions.

Nil items.

The clerk advised that the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) had received no requests for petitions in respect of the business contained in the agenda.

To receive any advice of key issues or questions in relation to the unrestricted business of the Cabinet, arising from the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 5^th July 2011.

Nil items.

Councillor Jackson, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC), addressed members of the Cabinet:

·                    Outlined the key issues on which discussion focused during the Scrutiny Spotlight on the Resources Directorate: How savings were being made within the Directorate and in this context the rationale for finding a ‘Strategic Resource Partner’ particularly in relation to ICT services. The OSC considered that selection of the right partner and nature of the partnership was fundamental to ensuring the delivery of intended outcomes including cost efficiencies.

·                    Advising of key elements of OSC consideration of the report “Strategic Performance and Corporate Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring – Year End Report 2010/ 2011” to inform Cabinet consideration of the same report:

o                   The importance of a more robust presentation of progress towards savings targets.

o                   That the Council could better predict some of the costs in adult social care, particularly for those people known to the Council as children, who progressed on into its care.

o                   The potential for OSC to play a key part in ensuring the Authority met its savings targets.

·                    Reporting consideration of the results of the Annual Resident’s Survey, which would inform the OSC Work Programme in the remainder of the Municipal Year.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Jackson for presenting the contribution of the OSC.

(Under provisions of Article 6 Para 6.02 V of the Constitution).

The following item has been “called in” for further consideration by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting to be held on 5^th July 2011. Should the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, upon consideration, refer the item back to the Cabinet for further consideration Members will receive a copy of the report and the decision/ recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee at the Cabinet meeting.

(i)         East End Life Review.

5.2(i) Cabinet Decision “Called in” East End Life Review (CAB 006/112)

Reference from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, held on 5^th July 2011, Tabled by the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Response of Assistant Chief Executive - Legal Servicesto the reference from Overview and Scrutiny Committee, held on 5^th July 2011, Tabled.

Resolved

1.         That the comments/ advice/ recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, as detailed in the Tabled Reference (CAB 017/112) be noted; and

2.                  That the provisional decision of the Mayor/Cabinet, made on 8^th June 2011, in relation to theEast End Life Review report (CAB 006/112) be reaffirmed.

Action by:

ASSISTANT CHIEF EXECUTIVE - LEGAL SERVICES (I. FREEMAN)

Service Head Communications, Chief Executive’s (T. Sulaiman)

5.2(i) Cabinet Decision “Called in” East End Life Review (CAB 006/112)

The Mayor informed members of the Cabinet that:

·                    Councillor Jackson, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC), had Tabled a reference (CAB 017/112) arising from the deliberations of the OSC, held on 5^th July 2011, in respect of the provisional decision of the Cabinet, held on 8^th June 2011, made in relation to the report “East End Life Review” (CAB 006/112) and revised report circulated at a later date (CAB 008/112), a copy of which would be interleaved with the minutes.

·                    A detailed response to the matters raised by the OSC in the tabled reference regarding this agenda item, had been Tabled by the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services), a copy of which would be interleaved with the minutes.

Councillor Jackson, Chair of the OSC, addressed the Mayor and Cabinet members in relation to the tabled reference of the OSC (CAB 017/112), and requests contained therein, highlighting focal points of the further deliberation of this matter by OSC, and its conclusion to refer the provisional decision of the Cabinet regarding this matter back to the Cabinet for further consideration:

·                    That the cost analysis underpinning the Cabinet decision was flawed, and costs of the options had not been properly explored on a like for like basis.

·                    That the alternative options should be more fully explored.

·                    Exploration of alternative options should have included:

o                    working with East London Advertiser, or other existing local newspapers to obtain a more cost effective offer;

o                    An option which would be joint funded with Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), working with them to share the costs and distribution, in relation to advertising choice based lettings. 

·                    Concern that community consultation had not been sufficiently wide.

·                    Concern regarding the impartiality/independence of the report.

·                    That the Authority had a duty to residents to ensure the right decision was made and further work was required to ensure the Authority achieved the best possible solution.

Ms Freeman, Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services), at the request of the Mayor, addressed the Mayor and Cabinet members in relation to the matters raised by the OSC in the tabled reference and also her tabled response to this, highlighting key points as follows:

·                    Rebutting the suggestion that the cost of the options had not been properly explored she referred to section 1 of the tabled response, with particular reference to the Enfield model. It was confirmed that rate card rates had been used, as the Authority could not obtain information of discounts, but unreliable information had been provided to Scrutiny Councillors by external sources of cost comparators. The impact of factoring in public notice and housing choice requirements had a big impact on value for money of the quoted figures. It was not cost effective to put adverts out.

·                    That the consideration of alternative options was detailed at section 13 of the report; and the reasons were set as to why two suggested alternative options (Hammersmith and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.2

Decision

1.         That the draft Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) be approved for statutory public consultation; and

2.         That the Corporate Director of Development and Renewal be authorised to make any necessary factual or minor editing changes to the draft SPD prior to the start of statutory public consultation.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR – DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL (A. DALVI)

Service Head Planning and Building Control, Development and Renewal (O. Whalley)

Deputy Service Head Planning and Building Control, Development and Renewal (D. Williams)

Strategic Planning Manager, Development and Renewal (M. Bell)

Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, at the request of the Mayor, in introducing the report, summarised the key points contained therein, highlighting in particular:-

·                    The Authority would shortly commence work on preparing its Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) which needed to be in place by 2014. The CIL would replace planning obligations as the main source of funding for infrastructure in the Borough arising from the planning process. During the intervening period the Authority needed to continue to be as robust as possible in its negotiations with developers for funding and in-kind contributions to mitigate the impact of development.

·                    Historically the Authority had been successful in negotiating benefits, however the development industry was increasingly resisting the Authority’s planning obligations claiming they made development unviable.

·                    The proposed Draft Planning Obligations SPD would present guidance and a set of detailed calculations and mechanisms which would strengthen the ability of Officers to negotiate resources through the planning process for all the local priorities of the Mayor’s Administration including:

o                   Key Priorities

Ø                 Affordable housing

Ø                 Skills, training, employment and employability

Ø                 Community facilities (including youth provision)

Ø                 Education

o              Other Priorities

Ø                 Sustainable transport;

Ø                 Public realm (highways, open space, street scene)

Ø                 Health facilities;

Ø                 Environmental sustainability

·                    The key benefits of the proposed Draft Planning Obligations SPD included:

o                   Clear up-to-date rationale for contributions

o                   Enhanced pooling to give flexibility to respond to specific local infrastructure challenges

o                   Easier calculations through a formula-based approach

o                   Increased certainty on when contributions will be expected with a lower threshold introduced for seeking contributions

·                    Approval was therefore being sought to commence statutory public consultation on the Draft Planning Obligations SPD for the normal six week period, with a view to adoption of the final SPD, subject to approvals, by year end.

The Mayor agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.

Decision

1.         That the draft Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) be approved for statutory public consultation; and

2.         That the Corporate Director of Development and Renewal be authorised to make any necessary factual or minor editing changes to the draft SPD prior to the start of statutory public consultation.

Reasons for Decisions

These are detailed in paragraph 3.1 of the report (CAB 011/112)

Alternative Options Considered

These are detailed in paragraphs 4.1 to 4.2 of the report (CAB 011/112)

Decision

1.         That it be agreed to proceed with option one for the regeneration of the baths as the way forward, and to provide the basis for the procurement brief, as set out in paragraph 6.3.5 of the report (CAB 012/112);

2.         That it be agreed, noting the divergent advice/ recommendations of the Corporate Director Development and Renewal set out at paragraph 6.6.3 of the report (CAB 012/112) , that procurement route option three represented the preferred way forward of the three options set out in paragraph 6.6.2;

3.         Noting that the risks associated with procurement route option three were documented in the ‘Procurement Risk Matrix’ contained in paragraph 6.7 of the report (CAB 012/112), it be agreed accordingly that the Corporate Director Development and Renewal be instructed to ensure any risks associated with this option had been mitigated. It be additionally noted that in order to mitigate any risks the Corporate Director Development and Renewal had proposed that external project management and procurement support be engaged to manage the process effectively and closely monitor the potential bidders in developing their tenders;

4.         That it be agreed that a provision of up to £0.5 million is made by the Authority, to be met from capital receipts arising from asset disposals, to support the appointment of external project management of the Poplar Baths Project; noting in addition the Authority’s intention to recoup these monies from the successful bidder;

5.         That it be agreed that housing and leisure facilities be developed through the same consortium;

6.         That the potential for ensuring maximisation of the usable element of the [capital] receipt that might arise from the Housing development land which is held within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), be noted;

7.         That it be noted that further investigation will need to be undertaken on the options for re-providing, if practical, the existing ball court to elsewhere with HRA held land;

8.         That it be noted that investigations will need to be undertaken on the impact of the potential enabling housing development upon the four existing houses located immediately to the south of the potential housing development sites;

9.                  That it be agreed that the housing development opportunity associated with the Poplar Baths Project endeavour to ensure the delivery of 100% social housing.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR  DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL (A. DALVI)

Interim Service Head Regeneration, Development and Renewal (C. Worby)

Councillor Rania Khan, Cabinet Member for Culture, at the request of the Mayor, in introducing the report, summarised the key points contained therein, highlighting in particular:-

·                    The re-opening of Poplar Baths was one of the top priorities for local residents, and all political parties had made a commitment to it. This had also been one of the Mayor’s election pledges and both he and Councillor Khan were determined to ensure this goal was achieved, and considered that the proposals contained in the report, brought the achievement of this goal closer.

·                    That the only feasible financial model to deliver the Poplar Baths scheme in the current financial climate would be one where the Authority secured a partner who would deliver and operate the baths and the Authority would then meet the costs of the regeneration over a period of time.

·                    The report before the Mayor/ Cabinet for consideration set out three procurement route options congruent with this financial model. Whilst the Corporate Director Development and Renewal, had recommended option two, as Cabinet Member for Culture Councillor Khan commended the Mayor/ Cabinet to choose option three.

·                    Procurement route option three had several important advantages:

o                   It saved the Authority £1.5 million of upfront investment, which would have been spent in options one and two.

o                   It allowed the Authority a safe way to test market interest in developing the baths in a way which left the Authority with no sunk costs.

o                   It enabled the project to get off the ground quickly, delivering the baths to residents who had had to wait for so long.

·                    That it was to be noted:

o                   That the risks associated with procurement route option three were documented in the ‘Procurement Risk Matrix’.

o                   That Councillor Khan had instructed the Corporate Director Development and Renewal to ensure that any risks associated with this option had been mitigated.

o                   That in order to mitigate any risks the Corporate Director had proposed that external project management and procurement support be engaged to manage the process effectively and closely monitor the potential bidders in developing their tenders.

·                    That in the context of the outlined advantages of procurement route option 3, and the proposed action to mitigate the risks associated with it, Councillor Khan recommended that the Mayor/ Cabinet agree this procurement option, and accordingly agree an amendment to recommendation 2.2 of the report.

·                    Councillor Khan also recommended in the context of the above, that the Mayor/ Cabinet agree, an additional recommendation to that contained in the report, that a provision of up to £0.5 million be made, to be met from capital receipts arising from asset disposals, to support the appointment of external project management. Councillor Khan added that it was the Authority’s intention that this provision be repaid to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets by the successful bidder.

A discussion followed, during which the proposals were broadly welcomed and which focused on the following points:-

·               That local residents would welcome the conclusion of a long running local issue,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.2

Councillor A. Asad declared a personal interest in Agenda item 7.1 “Update on Building Schools for the Future Programme – Spotlight Youth Centre at Langdon Park” (CAB 013/112). The declaration of interest was made on the basis that the report contained recommendations relating to Youth Service provision and Councillor Asad was employed by a youth service provider.

Decision

1.         That the Corporate Director Development and Renewal after consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) be authorised to grant a Lease for the provision of a Youth Centre Facility for 21 year + 1 day, post completion of construction and a service level agreement for the provision of services by Poplar Harca at this facility;

2. That the Corporate Director Development and Renewal after consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) be authorised to negotiate and conclude with Poplar HARCA, Tower Hamlets Schools Limited (THSL) and the THe LEP, all necessary certificates/consents/documents/contracts ancillary or incidental to the above subject to final approval of such certificates/consents/documents/contracts by the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services); 

3.         That the Corporate Director Development and Renewal after consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) be authorised to negotiate and conclude the contractual arrangements for the building of the Spotlight Youth Centre with Poplar Harca;

4.         That the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) be authorised to enter into all necessary documents to implement the decisions taken in Decision 1 and 3 above; and

5.         That the Head of Legal Services (Environment) be authorised to enter into all necessary documents to implement Decision 2 above.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR  DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL (A. DALVI)

Service Head, Building Schools for the Future, Development and Renewal (A. Sutcliffe)

Councillor A. Asad declared a personal interest in Agenda item 7.1 “Update on Building Schools for the Future Programme – Spotlight Youth Centre at Langdon Park” (CAB 013/112). The declaration of interest was made on the basis that the report contained recommendations relating to Youth Service provision and Councillor Asad was employed by a youth service provider.

Ms Sutcliffe, Service Head Building Schools for the Future - Development and Renewal, at the request of the Mayor, in introducing the report, summarised the key points contained therein.

A discussion followed, during which the proposals were broadly welcomed and which focused on the following points:-

·                    Comment that the Mayor’s administration had stated that it would look at all avenues to work in partnership with a variety of organisations to deliver services and the proposals for this important and well used youth facility demonstrated this approach.

·                    Consideration that there was a long standing need for a youth centre in the east of the borough, and this had been the subject of discussion when the Mayor had been Leader of the Council. These proposals for the provision of such a youth centre at Langdon Park School would pay dividends for the local community and society, and the Mayor was thanked for his commitment to the project.

·                    Clarification/ assurance was sought and given in relation to the following points:

o                    Whether the stated responsibilities of Poplar HARCA for all financial liabilities for the delivery of the project, including costs associated with facilitating the building, included ‘fit out costs’.

o                    Whether, given that the report stated Langdon Park School was to be charged revenue costs for operation of the sixth form facility, would the Authority be permitting the school a rent free period for the property?

The Mayor in Moving the recommendations as set out in the report welcomed this opportunity to secure new investment in the borough youth and educational provision:-

Decision

1.         That the Corporate Director Development and Renewal after consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) be authorised to grant a Lease for the provision of a Youth Centre Facility for 21 years + 1 day, post completion of construction and a service level agreement for the provision of services by Poplar HARCA at this facility;

2.                  That the Corporate Director Development and Renewal after consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) be authorised to negotiate and conclude with Poplar HARCA, Tower Hamlets Schools Limited (THSL) and the THe LEP, all necessary certificates/consents/documents/contracts ancillary or incidental to the above subject to final approval of such certificates/consents/documents/contracts by the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services); 

3.         That the Corporate Director Development and Renewal after consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) be authorised to negotiate and conclude the contractual arrangements for the building of the Spotlight Youth Centre with Poplar HARCA;

4.         That the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) be authorised to enter into all necessary documents to implement the decisions taken in Decision 1 and 3 above; and

5.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.1

Decision

1.         That the proposed implementation of a Responsible Drinking Borough (RDB) may proceed; and

2.         That it be noted that the proposed RDB model will provide access to advice and support for problem drinkers.

Action by

CORPORATE DIRECTOR COMMUNITIES, LOCALITIES AND CULTURE

(S. HALSEY)

Service Head, Community Safety, Communities, Localities and Culture (A. Bamber)

Partnership Manager, Community Safety,Communities, Localities and Culture (E. Fieran-Reed)

Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor, at the request of the Mayor, in introducing the report, summarised the key points contained therein:

·                    Highlighting in particular:

o                   The implementation of a borough-wide Designated Public Place Order to be know as a ‘Responsible Drinking Borough’ would give the police and Council enforcement officers powers to tackle alcohol related anti-social behaviour. It would not be a ban on drinking in public, but a tool to manage alcohol related anti-social behaviour and help those who needed to go into treatment.

o                   Extensive Public consultation had been undertaken over a 6 week period, at the request of January Cabinet, to ascertain whether the level of public support for a borough-wide enforcement zone matched the evidence from the Metropolitan Police, partners and the Authority’s Community Safety Team. Of those responding 84% were in favour of introducing a ‘Responsible Drinking Borough’. Given the overwhelming public support Councillor Ahmed commended the proposal to the Mayor/ Cabinet.

A discussion followed, during which the proposals were broadly welcomed and which focused on the following point:-

·                    The approval of the ‘Responsible Drinking Borough’ would provide the Metropolitan Police with welcome additional powers, and would also strengthen the hand of members of the Licensing Sub-Committee issuing or reviewing licences to sell alcohol This would be important in tackling alcohol related anti-social behaviour in the lead up to the 2012 Olympic Games when the borough would be showcased.

The Mayor in Moving the recommendations as set out in the report welcomed the proposal for a ‘Responsible Drinking Borough’ and commented that he wished to see practical enforcement action to support it.

Decision

1.         That the proposed implementation of a Responsible Drinking Borough (RDB) may proceed; and

2.         That it be noted that the proposed RDB model will provide access to advice and support for problem drinkers.

Reasons for Decisions

These are detailed in paragraph 3.1 of the report (CAB 014/112)

Alternative Options Considered

These are detailed in paragraph 4.1 of the report (CAB 014/112)

Nil items.

Nil items.

The Clerk advised that there were no business to be considered under this section of the agenda.

Decision

1.         That the Quarter 4 Year End 2010/11 performance be noted;

2.         That the Council’s financial position, as outlined in paragraphs 3 and 4 and appendices 1-7 of the report (CAB 015/112), be noted; and

3.         That the transfers to and from contingencies and earmarked reserves, as set out in the report (CAB 015/112) and at appendix 4 thereto, be approved.

Action by:

ASSISTANT CHIEF EXECUTIVE - LEGAL SERVICES (I. FREEMAN)

Service Head One Tower Hamlets, Chief Executive’s (M. Keating)

Senior Strategy Policy and Performance Officer, Strategy Policy and Performance, Chief Executive’s (D. Beserve)

CORPORATE DIRECTOR RESOURCES (C. NAYLOR)

Interim Service Head, Financial Services, Risk and Accountability, Resources (P. Hayday)

Councillor Alibor Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Resources, at the request of the Mayor, in introducing the report, summarised the key points contained therein, commenting as follows:-

·                    This standard annual monitoring report provided information regarding the Authority’s performance and budget position for the year 2010/11.

·                    Effective performance and reporting was essential to driving forward improvement in services provided by the Council. An element of this were quarterly monitoring updates to Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet against the Authority’s key performance measures, as well as monitoring progress against its Strategic Plan at six monthly intervals.

·                    At year end 66% of the activities within the Council’s Strategic Plan had been completed, and 34% (24) were overdue. However, of the overdue activities, 14 were more than 75% complete and had missed one milestone; these had been assessed as amber (near complete).

·                    40% of the Strategic measures which were reportable were on target. This result should be seen in the context of the Council’s policy of setting ambitious and stretching targets. In most cases (58%) performance had improved since 2009/10.

The Mayor agreed the recommendations set out in the report with the following amendment in relation to recommendation 2.1: “That Quarter 4 Year End performance in 2010/11 be noted.”

Decision

1.         That the Quarter 4 Year End 2010/11 performance be noted;

2.         That the Council’s financial position, as outlined in paragraphs 3 and 4 and appendices 1-7 of the report (CAB 015/112), be noted; and

3.         That the transfers to and from contingencies and earmarked reserves, as set out in the report (CAB 015/112) and at appendix 4 thereto, be approved.

Reasons for Decisions

These are detailed in paragraph 2.3 of the report (CAB 015/112)

Alternative Options Considered

These are detailed in paragraph 2.3 of the report (CAB 015/112)

To consider any other unrestricted business that the Chair considers to be urgent.

Nil Items.

The Clerk advised that there were no business to be considered under this section of the agenda.

Nil items.

Nil items.

The Clerk advised that there were no business to be considered under this section of the agenda.

In view of the contents of the remaining items on the agenda, the Committee is recommended to adopt the following motion:

“That, under the provisions of Section 100A of the Local Government Act, 1972 as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act, 1985, the Press and Public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting for the consideration of the Section Two business on the grounds that it contains information defined as Exempt in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government, Act 1972”.

EXEMPT/CONFIDENTIAL SECTION (PINK)

Decision

That pursuant to regulation 21(1)(b) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2000, the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting:

(a)       As it was likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted in Section Two of the agenda, that if members of the public were present during consideration of this business there would be disclosure of exempt information.

·                    Exempt information is defined in section 100I and, by reference, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (“the 1972 Act”).  To be exempt, information must fall within one of the categories listed in paragraphs 1 to 7 of Schedule 12A, must not fall within one of the excluded categories in paragraphs 8 and 9 and the public interest in maintaining the exemption must outweigh the public interest in disclosing the information.

o                   Agenda item 14. “Exempt/ Confidential Minutes” (of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 8^th June 2011) contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). In particular information relating to the financial affairs of the Council arising from the contractual arrangements for the Tower Hamlets Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Programme.

o                   Agenda item Agenda item 16.1 “Maximising Income from Advertising Opportunities-Preston's Road Roundabout” contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). In particular information relating to the financial affairs of the Council and two anonymised bidders.

(b)               As although there is a public interest favouring public access to local authority meetings, in this case the Cabinet concluded that given the information contained in:

o                   Agenda item 14. “Exempt/ Confidential Minutes” (of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 8^th June 2011) relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). In particular information relating to the financial affairs of the Council arising from the contractual arrangements for the Tower Hamlets Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Programme.

o                   Agenda item 16.1 “Maximising Income from Advertising Opportunities - Preston's Road Roundabout” relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). In particular information relating to the financial affairs of the Council and two anonymised bidders.

that the public interest in maintaining the exemption on the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it.

SUMMARY OF EXEMPT PROCEEDINGS

The Mayor agreed the following:

Decision

That pursuant to regulation 21(1)(b) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2000, the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting:

(a)       As it was likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted in Section Two of the agenda, that if members of the public were present during consideration of this business there would be disclosure of exempt information.

·                    Exempt information is defined in section 100I and, by reference, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (“the 1972 Act”).  To be exempt, information must fall within one of the categories listed in paragraphs 1 to 7 of Schedule 12A, must not fall within one of the excluded categories in paragraphs 8 and 9 and the public interest in maintaining the exemption must outweigh the public interest in disclosing the information.

o                   Agenda item 14. “Exempt/ Confidential Minutes” (of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 8^th June 2011) contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). In particular information relating to the financial affairs of the Council arising from the contractual arrangements for the Tower Hamlets Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Programme.

o                   Agenda item Agenda item 16.1 “Maximising Income from Advertising Opportunities-Preston's Road Roundabout” contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). In particular information relating to the financial affairs of the Council and two anonymised bidders.

(b)               As although there is a public interest favouring public access to local authority meetings, in this case the Cabinet concluded that given the information contained in:

o                   Agenda item 14. “Exempt/ Confidential Minutes” (of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 8^th June 2011) relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). In particular information relating to the financial affairs of the Council arising from the contractual arrangements for the Tower Hamlets Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Programme.

o                   Agenda item 16.1 “Maximising Income from Advertising Opportunities - Preston's Road Roundabout” relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). In particular information relating to the financial affairs of the Council and two anonymised bidders.

that the public interest in maintaining the exemption on the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it.

SUMMARY OF EXEMPT PROCEEDINGS

To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the exempt / confidential minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Cabinet held on 8^th June 2011.

Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 8^th June 2011 agreed.

Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 8^th June 2011 agreed.

To receive any advice of key issues or questions in relation to the exempt/ confidential business of the Cabinet, arising from the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 5^th July 2011.

Nil Items.

Nil items.

(Under provisions of Article 6 Para 6.02 V of the Constitution).

Nil items.

Nil Items.

Nil items.

Recommendations agreed.

Recommendations agreed.

Nil items.

Nil Items.

Nil Items.

Nil items.

Nil Items.

Nil Items.

Nil items.

Nil Items.

Nil Items.

Nil items.

Nil Items.

Nil Items.

To consider any other exempt/ confidential business that the Chair considers to be urgent.

Nil Items.

Nil Items.

Nil items.

Nil Items.

Nil Items.