Agenda and minutes

The Mayor’s Chaplain offered prayer.

Under Council Procedure Rule 14, The Worshipful the Mayor moved suspension of the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 3.2 to allow for Part 1 to be extended by 30 minutes to enable Members to speak and pay tribute to Baroness Thatcher who had passed away on 8 April 2013.

RESOLVED - The provisions of Council Procedure Rule 3.2 be suspended to allow for Part 1 to be extended by 30 minutes to enable Members to speak and pay tribute to Baroness Thatcherwho had passed away on 8 April 2013.

The Worshipful the Mayor further informed Council that as a consequence of this time extension he would, if required, be extending the period for the transaction of business in Part 4 to 10.30pm.

RESOLVED - The minutes of the meeting on 22 January 2013 and Extraordinary meeting and Ordinary meeting on the 5 March 2013 were approved.

Dr Arun Ghosh

The Worshipful Mayor expressed great sadness in announcing the death of former West Hendon Councillor, Dr Arun Ghosh, who passed away on Friday 29 March, 2013.

Dr Ghosh was elected to the Council in 1998 and served for eight years until 2006.

As Councillor, Dr Ghosh served on a number of the Council’s Committees including;

·                     Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee

·                     Health and Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee

·                     Appeals Committee

·                     Education and Children Overview and Scrutiny Committee

·                     Corporate Health Safety and Welfare Committee;

He remained active within the local community. The Mayor reported that the Council’s thoughts were with Mrs Ghosh and family at this sad time.

Councillor Ansuya Sodha and Councillor Richard Cornelius spoke in tribute to Dr Arun Ghosh.

Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven

The Worshipful Mayor expressed great sadness in announcing the death of Baroness Thatcher, who passed away on 8 April 2013. The Worshipful Mayor paid tribute to Baroness Thatcher. She was elected Member of Parliament for Finchley and Friern Barnet in 1959 and served as its MP until 1992. She was Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland between 1979 and 1990 and the first ever woman to hold that office.

On 6 February, 1980 she was awarded the Freedom of the Borough after 20 years of ‘Dedicated Service’, in a ceremony held at Hendon Town Hall.

Amongst the guests present at the ceremony were Baroness Thatcher’s husband Denis; the Deputy Lieutenant, Colonel F. E. Wilkins; the MPs for Hendon South and Chipping Barnet, Peter Thomas and Sydney Chapman; Mr. Roland Freeman, Finchley's GLC representative; and Councillor Christopher Walford, the Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea.

The casket containing the scroll of the Freedom was designed and made by Mr Gerald Lattice and pupils of Woodhouse School.

There was congratulation for Mrs Thatcher from the Mayor, Councillor Mrs. Rita Levy; from Council leader Leslie Pym; from Councillor Mrs. Edna James and from Councillor Bill Hart.

During the ceremony she gave thanks to those who selected her in 1959. Special mention was given to Alderman Alfred Pike, a former Mayor of Finchley and a Freeman;Mr. Bert Blatch, a former local newspaper editor; Councillors Victor Usher and Bill Hart; Mrs. Ena Constable; Mrs. Betty Gibson and Mr. Gordon Bryson.

She spoke of the annual events she attended in her constituency, such as Finchley Rotary Club's dinner, and the Christmas meeting with pensioners. Even when no longer MP for Finchley, Baroness Thatcher’s interest in Finchley and the Borough remained.

In 1992, Mrs Thatcher left the House of Commons. She was appointed a peeress in the House of Lords with the title of Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven and continued giving speeches and lectures across the world. In 1995, she became a member of the Order of the Garter, the highest order of knighthood in England.

Councillor Richard Cornelius, Leader of the Council; Councillor Alison Moore, Leader of the Labour Group; Councillor Jack Cohen, Leader of the Liberal  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.5

Councillor Kate Salinger the Deputy Mayor moved the following resolution:

“We the Members of the Council of the London Borough of Barnet, hereby express to The Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor Brian Schama, our appreciation of the excellent service he has rendered to the London Borough of Barnet as its Mayor during the period May 2012 to May 2013, and for the friendly and conscientious way in which he has performed the duties of that office.

We offer him our sincere gratitude for the concern that he has shown at all times in promoting the welfare of the Borough and its residents, particularly for his willingness to support the many organisations and individuals who called on his time and services during his Mayoralty. 

We congratulate him on the success of his appeals for two charities; firstly Barnet Carers who currently help and support over five thousand carers. The funds raised this year will allow them to assist an increased number. Also Barnet Hospital –the money raised will be helping to pay for specialised ward equipment for patients with Alzheimers. I am sure you will agree that these are very worthy causes.

We compliment Councillor Brian Schama on the manner in which he has represented the Borough and upheld the dignity of his office when carrying out his Mayoral duties. 

The Council also offers sincere and grateful thanks to the Mayoress, Mrs. Lynda Schama, for the support she has given to the Mayor during his year of office.   

Councillor Brian Schama - you have indeed served us well.”

Council resolved that the foregoing resolution be engrossed over the common seal of the corporation and presented to The Worshipful the Mayor at the Annual Meeting.

There was none.

These questions, together with the answers provided and the text of any supplementary questions and answers, are set out in Appendix 1 to these minutes

Councillor Richard Cornelius moved the Administration Business Item and amendment in his name. Debate ensued. Upon being put to the vote, the amended Administration Business Item in the name of Councillor Richard Cornelius was declared carried.

RESOLVED - Council welcomes the introduction of vitally important reforms to the welfare system by the Coalition government. With the welfare bill reaching a staggering £208 billion in the last financial year, Council recognises the urgent need to get this figure under control. However, Council similarly recognises the need for the system to become fairer in the process. Recent and high-profile cases have clearly demonstrated the pitfalls of a welfare system which entrenches families in a culture of dependency, with claimants becoming unable or unwilling to move into employment for fear of losing money. Council condemns this situation, greatly extended under the last Labour government, as chronically unfair to both claimants and taxpayers.

Therefore, Council welcomes measures which serve to incentivise and support employment by ensuring that work always pays. Council also understands that at a time when there are, nationally, thousands of people living in overcrowded accommodation, or awaiting social housing altogether, it is right that the taxpayer should no longer have to subsidise claimants in over-sized homes.

Council recognises that these – and those beyond - are significant changes and will therefore remain alert to mitigate any unintended consequences on the most vulnerable members of our community.

Council must though give its support to a welfare system which is becoming easier to understand, easier to administer and harder to abuse; a system which provides help for the most needy, support for those in work and an opportunity for people to escape the welfare trap.

Council therefore asks Cabinet to provide its support to the local implementation of these reforms – including through considered use of the Crisis Fund - and, further, to actively recognise and incorporate their principles when developing wider policy.

Councillor Alison Moore moved the Opposition Business Item in her name. Debate ensued. Upon being put to the vote the Opposition Business Item was declared lost.

Councillor Joan Scannell, duly seconded, moved under Council Procedure Rule 10.2.2, that the order of business relating to Agenda Item 3 be varied so that Non-Executive Business Item 3.5 be heard first.  Upon being put to the vote, the Motion was declared carried.

RESOLVED – That the order of business be varied to allow Non-Executive Business Item 3.5 to be debated and voted upon in advance of votes being taken on the other Non-Executive Business Items on the Agenda.

Councillor Barry Rawlings moved the Non-Executive Business Item in his name. Debate ensued. Upon being put to the Non-Executive Business Item in the name of Councillor Barry Rawlings was declared lost.

Councillor Andreas Ioannidis moved the Non-Executive Business Item in his name. In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 31.5, the item was voted on without discussion. Councillors Barry Rawlings and Andreas Tambourides moved their amendments. Upon being put to the vote, the amendment in the name of Councillor Barry Rawlings was declared lost. Upon being put to the vote the amendment in the name of Councillor Andreas Tambourides was declared carried. Upon being put to the vote the substantive Non-Executive Business Item as amended by Councillor Andreas Tambourides was declared carried.

RESOLVED - Council notes that the Brunswick Park Health Centre has been closed since January 2010, and despite being ready for the GPs to move into for some time, still remains closed.

Council notes the East Barnet Residents Association (EBRA) has been campaigning to try and get it re-opened so that the thousands of residents who need this Health Centre can have access to it. Council also notes that the Chairman of the Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee readily accepted the EBRA’s request for this matter to be fully discussed at their next Meeting on 9th May 2013.

Council recognises the many representations already made by the Cabinet Member for Health to the NHS to ensure the Health Centre re-opens without further delay, as well as the co-operation of all the relevant Council departments in expediting matters. However, as responsibility for the development of Primary Care has now passed from NHS NCL to NHS England, Council now calls on the Cabinet member for Health to further encourage the London Regional Director of NHS England and the GPs concerned to get around the table and urgently take whatever steps are necessary to resolve any outstanding issues so that GP services can be restored to the Brunswick Park Health Centre without any further delay.

Councillor Pauline Coakley Webb moved the Non-Executive Business item in her name. In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 31.5, the item was voted on with discussion. Councillors Brian Coleman and Dean Cohen moved their amendments. Upon being put to the vote the amendment in the name of Councillor Brian Coleman was declared lost. Upon being put to the vote the amendment in the name of Councillor Dean Cohen was declared carried.

RESOLVED - Council notes that the North London Waste Plan (NLWP) is still undecided, with a number of possibilities under consideration.

Council notes the concerns of local residents and this will need to be taken into account by Haringey’s Local Planning Authority at such time that an application is heard.

Council calls on Cabinet not to sign the North London Waste Authority (NLWA) Inter Authority Agreement until such time it is confident that the agreement is robust and does not put this borough at any risk. Council does though recognise that Cabinet cannot comment on behalf of the other seven Labour Authorities which comprise the rest of the NLWA.

Councillor Barry Evangeli moved the Non-Executive Business Item in his name. In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 31.5, the item was voted on without discussion. Councillors Brian Coleman and Andreas Ioannidis moved their amendments. Upon being put to the vote the amendment in the name of Councillor Brian Coleman was declared carried. Upon being put to the vote, the amendment in the name of Councillor Andreas Ioannidis was declared lost. Upon being put to the vote the substantive Non-Executive Business Item as amended by Councillor Brian Coleman was declared carried.

RESOLVED - Council notes the challenging financial circumstances currently faced by Cyprus. Council believes the resultant attacks by the EU on people’s savings accounts are truly awful and constitute a seriously worrying turn in the response to Europe’s ongoing economic crisis.

Council welcomes the election in February of Nicos Anastasiades, a regular visitor to our Borough, as President of the Republic of Cyprus and requests the Mayor send him a letter of support as he attempts to resolve his Country's difficulties. Council also requests the Mayor to send greetings to the Mayor of our twin town of Morphu, Charalambos Pittas assuring him and his citizens of our best wishes at this difficult time.

Council realises that this situation is of considerable concern to the borough’s Cypriot residents and their families. Council therefore welcomes the Treasury’s decision to implement a UK protection scheme to support depositors at the UK branches of the worst affected banks and further thanks our local Conservative MPs for all their work to achieve this end.

Council encourages Borough residents to provide practical support to Cyprus by considering taking their holidays on the beautiful island which provides excellent value for money and constant good weather!

Councillor John Marshall moved the Non-Executive Business Item in his name. In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 31.5, the item was voted on without discussion. Councillors Brian Coleman and Alex Brodkin moved their amendments. Upon being put to the vote the amendment in the name of Councillor Brian Coleman was declared lost. Upon being put to the vote the amendment in the name of Councillor Alex Brodkin was declared lost. Upon being put to the vote the Non-Executive Business Item in the name of Councillor John Marshall declared carried.

RESOLVED - Council believes that if the closure of Golders Green Police Station is to be implemented it must be accompanied by the provision of a public place, such as a shop, where residents in the southern part of the borough can go to report crime. Council believes that this facility should be accessible 7 days per week.

Councillor Graham Old moved the Non-Executive Business Items in his name. In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 31.5, the item was voted on without discussion. Upon being put to the vote the item was declared carried.

RESOLVED - Council is aware of the ongoing dispute between Artsdepot and Community Focus resulting from the eviction notice served by the former to the latter.

Access to the arts is important for all residents and Council does not wish to see existing opportunities for this curtailed – particularly with regards to an organisation catering for vulnerable members of the community. Council fully supports the good work of Community Focus and is determined that this will continue.

Council therefore welcomes the fact that the Administration is actively working towards a resolution which allows Community Focus to remain in its current premises (having operated there since 2004), whilst exploring ways for the Artsdepot to progress their proposed arrangement with London Studio Centre.

Council expresses its disappointment that intervention and mediation has been necessary and thus calls upon Artsdepot management and Community Focus to engage constructively with one another – and with the Administration - to work towards a mutually beneficial outcome.

Councillor Joanna Tambourides moved adoption and reception of the report from Cabinet dated 25 February 2013. Upon being put to the vote the recommendations set out in the report were declared carried.

RESOLVED- That Council on 16 April 2013 approve the Barnet Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule (set out in Appendix A of the report) for formal adoption on 1 May 2013.

There were none.

Councillor Melvin Cohen moved adoption and reception of the reports from the Constitution, Ethics and Probity Committee dated the 28 March 2013 and 10 April 2013.

(1)        Constitution, Ethics and Probity Committee - 28 March 2013

            Upon being put to the vote the recommendations were declared carried.

            RESOLVED-

That the Independent Persons are paid on a case by case basis, whereby a fee of £100.00 could be paid for a simple case on which the Independent Person’s views has been sought. For more complex cases, for example, where the complaint is referred to a Group Leaders Panel, a fee of £200.00 could be paid.  Complexity of a case will be determined by the Council’s Monitoring Officer.

(2)        Constitution, Ethics and Probity Committee - 10 April 2013

            Upon being put to the vote the recommendations were declared carried.

RESOLVED - That Council approve the proposed changes to the Constitution set out in Appendices A - Z, AA and AB of the report and the addendum to the report.

Councillor Richard Cornelius moved adoption and reception of the reports from the Remuneration Committee dated 29 January 2013 and 19 March 2013.

(1)        Remuneration Committee - 29 January 2013

Upon being put to the vote the recommendations were declared carried.

RESOLVED -

The allocation of Chief Officer posts, statutory responsibilities and deputising arrangement in the new Senior Management Structure

(i)         That following ratification at full Council, the Head of Governance is instructed to amend the Council’s Constitution to reflect the changes.

(2)        Remuneration Committee - 19 March 2013

Upon being put to the vote the recommendations were declared carried.

RESOLVED -

(i)         Recruitment of the Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service

1.         That Council approve the amendment of the current arrangements for the interim Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service so, the post-holder may remain in post until the selection process is concluded and the successful applicant starts.

(ii)        Pay Policy Statement – 2013/14

1.         The changes to Council’s Pay Policy Statement for the financial year 2013/14 be endorsed by Council.

2.         That Council agree that the functions of approving salaries and severance packages of £100,000 or more are delegated to Remuneration Committee.

1.         Report Exempt from Call-in

            RESOLVED - Council noted the report exempted from call-in

2.         Allocation of seat and appointment of Independent Member (non-Aligned to political group) to the Safeguarding Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Council was asked to confirm whether it wished to retain or remove the appointment of the Independent (non-aligned to political group) Member to the Safeguarding Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Councillor Richard Cornelius moved that the decision be deferred to the Annual Meeting.

RESOLVED - That the decision to confirm whether to retain or remove membership of Independent (non-aligned to political group) Member to the Safeguarding Overview and Scrutiny Committee be deferred to the Annual Meeting on 21 May 2013.

There was none.

There were none.