Agenda and minutes

Venue: Hendon Town Hall, The Burroughs, London NW4 4BQ. View directions

Contact: Abigail Lewis Email: abigail.lewis@barnet.gov.uk 020 8359 4369 

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies for absence

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Ambe, Councillor Melvin Cohen, Councillor Grover and Councillor Shooter.

 

2.

Elect a Member to preside if the Mayor is absent

Minutes:

The Worshipful the Mayor was present.

3.

Words from Young People in Barnet

Minutes:

The Worshipful the Mayor invited young people to say a few words.

 

4.

Declarations of Interest

Minutes:

·         Councillor Mittra declared an interest in relation to item 14.2 by virtue of working for the Greater London Authority.

·         Councillor Clarke declared an interest in relation to item14.2 by virtue of being the London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden.

·         Councillor Lemon declared an interest in relation to item 14.2 and 14.4 by virtue of being employed by Transport for London (TfL).

·         Councillor Whysall declared an interest in relation to item 14.4 by virtue of working for Thompsons Solicitors LLP who have provided advice to trade unions on regarding the TFL strikes.

 

5.

Minutes of the last meeting pdf icon PDF 256 KB

Minutes:

Council noted a correction to the minutes that Councillor Haylett’s first name is missing. Subject to that correction it was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Annual Council meeting on 24 May 2022 were agreed as a correct record.

 

6.

Official announcements

Minutes:

The Worshipful the Mayor informed Council of the sad death of former Councillor Liz Mamatt in March 2022. Liz Mamatt was a Conservative Councillor for Hadley Ward between 1990-2000 and was also Group Secretary between 1994-1999 and Group Leader 1996-2000.

 

The Worshipful the Mayor also announced the sad death of Mrs Gladys Coleman, former Mayoress to Dr Brian Coleman. Mrs Gladys Coleman passed peacefully away during the night of the 5th June 2022 at the age of 88.

 

The Worshipful the Mayor then asked the Council to stand for a minute’s silence.

 

7.

Any business remaining from last meeting

Minutes:

None.

8.

Questions to the Leader (and Committee Chairmen if he/she has delegated) pdf icon PDF 120 KB

Minutes:

Answers to the questions submitted were provided as a supplementary paper to the agenda.

 

Supplementary questions were then asked and answered within the allotted time given for the item.

 

9.

Questions to Council Representatives on Outside Bodies

Minutes:

None.

10.

Petitions for Debate (20 minutes)

Minutes:

None.

11.

Reports from the Leader

Minutes:

None.

12.

Reports from Committees

12.1

Report of the Constitution & General Purposes Committee - Constitution Review pdf icon PDF 418 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Rawlings, Chair of the Constitution and General Purposes Committee, moved the reception and adoption of the recommendations in the report.

 

On the recommendations in the report being put to the vote, the votes were recorded as follows:

 

For: 40

Against: 0

Abstain: 19

Absent: 4

Total: 63

 

RESOLVED that:

 

1.    Council note the updated report of the Constitution & General Purposes Committee held on 7 July 2022 (Annex 1a), the Addendum report of the Constitution & General Purposes Committee (Annex 1b) and note that the Committee approved the amendments subject to the changes detailed in the minutes (Annex 1c).

 

2.    Council approve the Constitution amendments as set out in Appendices A to J.

 

3.    Council authorise the Monitoring Officer to implement these revisions and publish a revised Constitution.

 

12.2

Report of the Audit Committee - Code of Corporate Governance 2022-23 pdf icon PDF 263 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Mittra, Chair of the Audit Committee, moved reception and adoption of the recommendations in the report.

 

On the recommendations in the report being put to the vote, the votes were recorded as follows:

 

For: 59

Against: 0

Abstain: 0

Absent: 4

Total: 63

 

RESOLVED that Council note and approve the Code of Corporate Governance 2022-23, as set out in Appendix 1, for incorporation into the Constitution.

 

12.3

Referral from Environment and Climate Change - Fees and charges pdf icon PDF 726 KB

Minutes:

Councillor Schneiderman, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee moved reception and adoption of the recommendations in the report.

 

On the recommendations in the report being put to the vote, the votes were recorded as follows:

 

For: 40

Against: 0

Abstain: 19

Absent: 4

Total: 63

 

RESOLVED that:

 

1.    Council approve the administration charge of £25 per dwelling, to be passed on to developers to cover the cost of implementing a cap on the number of parking permits in relation to individual developments and that this becomes part of the schedule of fees and charges as outlined in Appendix 1.

 

2.    Council approve the amendments to the sums for environmental crime offences Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN’s) as set out in Appendix 2 of this report.

 

3.    Council approve the re-introduction of the early payment option for Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN’s) for the offences detailed in Appendix 2.

 

4.    Council approve the introduction of a scaled approach to the level of FPN fine applied to S33 and S34(2) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 fly tipping offences as at Appendix 2 of this report.

 

5.    Council approve and delegate authority to the Executive Director of Assurance to impose monetary penalties in relation to breeches of the Consumer Rights Act and The Redress Schemes for Lettings Agency Work and Property Management Work (Requirement to Belong to a Scheme etc) (England) Order 2014. That Council also agree that the Trading Standards Team should always consider imposing the maximum penalty for the breach of £5,000, subject to the circumstances of each case as set out in Appendix 3.

 

13.

Reports of Officers

13.1

Report of the Head of Governance - To Follow pdf icon PDF 169 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Head of Governance introduced the report, outlining the various administrative matters for Council’s agreement.

 

On the contested nomination for Edward Harvist Charity being put to the vote, the votes were recorded as follows:

 

Votes for the Labour nomination for the Edward Harvist Charity:

 

For: 40

Against: 19

Abstain: 0

Absent: 4

Total: 63

 

Votes for the Conservative nomination for the Edward Harvist Charity:

 

For: 19

Against: 40

Abstain: 0

Absent: 4

Total: 63

 

RESOLVED that the Labour nomination for the Edward Harvist Charity be agreed.

 

On the remaining recommendations outlined within the report being put to the vote, the votes were recorded as follows:

 

For: 59

Against: 0

Abstain: 0

Absent: 4

Total: 63

 

RESOLVED that:

 

1.    Council note and approve the appointments to Outside Bodies in Appendix A.

 

2.    Council approve the appointments of the Independent Persons outlined in Appendix B.

 

3.    Council approve the appointment to the Local Pension Board outlined in Appendix C.

 

4.    Council approve the appointments outlined in Appendix D.

 

14.

Motions (45 minutes)

14.1

Administration Motion in the name of Cllr Linda Lusingu - Celebrating Black History Month pdf icon PDF 330 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Worshipful the Mayor asked Council to note a small amendment to the substantive motion in Councillor Lusingu’s name, which altered the wording from “Council notes” to “Council believes” that the previous administration has, in the past recognised this event, but has not actively engaged meaningfully with Barnet’s diverse communities’.

 

Councillor Lusingu moved the motion in her name. Councillor Thomas moved an amendment in his name. Debate ensued.

 

Votes on the amendment in the name of Councillor Thomas were recorded as follows:

 

 

 

For: 19

Against: 40

Abstain: 0

Absent: 4

Total: 63

 

The amendment in the name of Councillor Thomas was LOST.

 

Votes on the motion in the name of Councillor Lusingu were recorded as follows:

 

For: 40

Against: 0

Abstain: 19

Absent: 4

Total:63

 

The motion in the name of Councillor Lusingu was CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

This Council notes:

 

1.    October is Black History Month. This national celebration aims to promote and celebrate Black contributions to British society, and to foster an understanding of Black history in general. It has become an important date in the cultural calendar of many of the UK’s museums, galleries, educational institutions, and local authorities.

 

2.    In the UK, Black History Month celebrates African, Caribbean, and Asian communities. The event is intended to recognise the contribution and achievements of those with African, Asian, or Caribbean heritage. It's also an opportunity for people to learn more about the effects of racism and how to challenge negative stereotypes.

 

3.    Black History Month is celebrated in the community in places such as museums, care homes, libraries, schools, colleges, and workplaces. A broad range of topics is covered, from the slave trade, Britain's colonial past to migration and music, and therefore to a large extent Black History Month is also history of white people.

 

4.    The theme for Black History Month this year is Time for Change: Action Not Words, with a focus on ensuring we acknowledge and learn from the past, but also work to improve the future, through action, not just words.

 

This Council further:

 

1.    Believes that the continued learning and understanding of black and minoritised ethnic history promotes integration and respect in communities, and that we should celebrate this throughout the year.

 

2.    Recognises and celebrates the work of local community groups and organisations in the promotion of minoritised ethnic groups in civil society, and the work of the Council’s staff networks and allies under The Barnet Equalities Allies to actively promote and ensure an inclusive workplace.

 

3.    Acknowledges the contribution of all Barnet’s black and minoritised ethnic councillors both past and present, applauds the increased number of new black and minoritised ethnic councillors in Barnet and calls on all political parties to continue to increase the racial diversity of their Councillors.

 

4.    Considers and celebrates the rich contributions to science, culture and arts in this country by people of African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern and Asian descent.

 

5.    Believes the previous administration has, in the past recognised this event but has not actively engaged  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.1

14.2

Opposition Motion in the name of Cllr Daniel Thomas - Don't Punish Barnet's Drivers pdf icon PDF 457 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

*Councillor Zubairi and Councillor Lemon left the room before the debate on this item.

 

Councillor Thomas moved the motion in his name. Councillor Schneiderman moved an amendment in his name. Councillor Longstaff moved an amendment in his name. Debate ensued.

 

The votes on the amendment in Councillor Schneiderman’s name were recorded as follows:

 

For: 38

Against: 19

Abstain: 0

Absent: 6

Total: 63

 

The amendment in the name of Councillor Schneiderman was CARRIED.

 

The votes on the amendment in the name of Councillor Longstaff were recorded as follows:

 

For: 19

Against: 38

Abstain: 0

Absent: 6

Total: 63

 

The amendment in the amendment in the name of Councillor Longstaff was LOST.

 

Votes on the motion as amended by Councillor Schneiderman were recorded as follows:

 

For: 38

Against: 19

Abstain: 0

Absent: 6

Total: 63

 

RESOLVED that:

 

Council notes that:

 

1.    The Mayor of London has put in place measures to improve air quality, reduce air pollution and tackle the climate emergency, including the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

 

2.    Recent data shows that the ULEZ has delivered a 20% reduction in Nitrogen Dioxide emissions in the wider area covered by the zone (inner London), and a 44% reduction in these roadside emissions in central London.

 

3.    The Mayor of London is consulting on expansion of the ULEZ and may consider ‘pay per mile’ proposals in the future, although this would not be possible for many years.

 

4.    LB Barnet will be responding to the ULEZ consultation, and residents are also being encouraged to respond.

 

Council also notes that:

 

1.    Around 4,000 deaths a year in London can be attributed to air pollution, with the greatest mortality burden falling in Outer London, as a proportion of population, due to the higher proportion of elderly people in these areas.

 

2.    As evidenced by the recent extreme weather event, the climate emergency must be addressed and air quality in London needs to be improved.

 

3.    Lobbying to expand the ULEZ was in the previous administration’s Long Term Transport Strategy.

 

4.    Road pricing was included in the previous administration’s plans.

 

Council believes that:

 

1.    It is essential that any further expansion of the ULEZ includes a comprehensive vehicle scrappage scheme to support residents – especially those on low incomes and people with disabilities, and businesses and charities.

 

2.    Government must step-up and contribute sufficient funds to any scrappage scheme.

 

Council resolves to:

 

1.    Respond to the Mayor of London’s ULEZ consultation to encourage amended plans, to ensure Barnet’s residents aren’t penalised in any future plans.

 

2.    Ask all political groups on the Council to write a joint letter to the Government calling for any ULEZ scrappage scheme to be properly funded.

 

14.3

Administration Motion in the name of Cllr Matthew Perlberg - Corporate Parenting Pledge pdf icon PDF 94 KB

Minutes:

Votes on the motion in the name of Councillor Perlberg were recorded as follows:

 

For: 57

Against: 0

Abstain: 0

Absent: 6

Total: 63

 

The motion in the name of Councillor Perlberg was CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

Council notes that: as ‘corporate parents’ we are responsible for the care and support of our children in care and care leavers. We will make sure that they are safeguarded and that they are provided with the opportunities they need; the same as any parent.

 

Council also notes that: responsibility for corporate parenting sits with the whole council, Councillors, community services, education support, schools and health services; we all have a vital role to play in supporting our children in care and care leavers to do well. As with all parents we know we will not always get things right, but we pledge to do our best.

 

To our children in care and our care leavers, Council therefore resolves that: We, your Corporate Parents, will:

• Support you to fulfil your dreams,

• Be there for you, when you need us,

• Support your mental and physical health,

• Listen, communicate and make decisions together with you,

• Support you to become independent and prepare for adulthood,

• Celebrate you, your achievements, identity and culture.

 

14.4

Opposition Motion in the name of Cllr Daniel Thomas - Opposing rail strikes pdf icon PDF 379 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

*Councillor Lemon and Councillor Whysall left the room before the vote on this item.

 

Votes on the amendment to the motion in the name of Councillor Rawlings were recorded as follows:

 

For: 36

Against: 19

Abstain: 0

Absent: 8

Total: 63

 

The amendment to the motion in the name of Councillor Rawlings was CARRIED.

 

Votes on the amendment to the motion in the name of Councillor Grover were recorded as follows:

 

For: 19

Against: 36

Abstain: 0

Absent: 8

Total: 63

 

The amendment to the motion in the name of Councillor Grover was CARRIED.

 

Votes on the motion as amended by Councillor Rawlings were recorded as follows:

 

For: 36

Against: 19

Abstain: 0

Absent: 8

Total: 63

 

The motion as amended by Councillor Rawlings was CARRIED.

 

 

RESOLVED that:

 

Council notes that:

 

1.    Tube and rail strikes have had a huge negative impact on Barnet’s residents and businesses.

 

Council resolves to:

 

1.    Condemn the fact that tube and rail strikes have had to go ahead as a result of Government ministers not spending a single second in talks to try to sort it out and avoid the tube and rail strikes.

14.5

Administration Motion in the name of Cllr Barry Rawlings - Barnet's Governance Arrangements pdf icon PDF 186 KB

Minutes:

*Councillor Naqvi, Councillor Whysall and Councillor Lemon returned to the room for the vote on this item.

 

Votes on the motion in the name of Councillor Rawlings were recorded as follows:

 

For: 39

Against: 19

Abstain: 0

Absent: 5

Total: 63

 

The motion in the name of Councillor Rawlings was carried.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

Council notes that:

In May 2014 the Council changed its governance arrangements in accordance with the provisions of the Localism Act 2011 which permitted local authorities to move away from the Cabinet system (introduced by the Local Government Act 2000) and back to a Committee System.

 

Council notes that the Committee System has been in operation in Barnet for eight years, and that delivering the new administration’s significant transformation and change programme will require more regular, timely and efficient decision-making which may not be well-served by an old-style traditional Committee System where there can be long periods between Committee cycles.

 

Council therefore believes:

It is a good time to review the Council’s current governance arrangements to assess whether they are fit for purpose to deliver the new administration’s agenda in the context of its manifesto pledge to ensure decision-making is more transparent, efficient and accountable.

 

Council therefore resolves:

To note that the Localism Act 2011 includes provisions for local authorities to make a change to their governance arrangements and resolves to call upon the Constitution and General Purposes Committee to consider a review of the Council’s Governance arrangements with a view to work up proposals for a new structure to include the possibility of:

 

1.    Moving to a Cabinet system to ensure speed of decision-making, and clear accountability for decisions.

 

2.    Putting in place arrangements for a robust Overview and Scrutiny function to ensure involvement by a wider range of cross-party members in development of policy, for example through task and finish groups, as well as pre and post decision scrutiny.

 

3.    Strengthening opportunities for public participation.

 

Council also calls upon the Constitution and General Purposes Committee to consider a review of arrangements for all other committees, boards and panels to ensure that they are fit for purpose in any revised governance structure.

Council agrees that, at a time of budgetary restraint, any changes must seek to be cost neutral.

 

Council believes that a members’ working group should be set up to facilitate the working up of any new proposals.

 

Council asks the Constitution and General Purposes Committee and officers to bring forward proposals to enable approval of any change to commence operationally from the Annual Council meeting in May 2023, if possible within the tight timescale.

 

14.6

Administration Motion in the name of Cllr Pauline Coakley-Webb - Show Us You Care Too Campaign pdf icon PDF 107 KB

Minutes:

Votes on the motion in the name of Councillor Coakley-Webb were recorded as follows:

 

For: 58

Against:0

Abstain: 0

Absent: 5

Total: 63

 

The motion in the name of Councillor Coakley-Webb was CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

Council notes that:

 

1.    Care experienced people face significant barriers that impact them throughout their lives; care experienced people are those who are currently in care or who have been at any point.

 

2.    Despite the resilience of many care experienced people, society too often does not take their needs into account.

 

3.    Care experienced people can face discrimination and stigma across housing, health, education, relationships, employment and in the criminal justice system.

4.    As corporate parents, councillors have a collective responsibility for providing the best possible care and safeguarding for the children who are looked after by us as an authority.

 

5.    All corporate parents should commit to acting as mentors, hearing the voices of looked after children and young people and to consider their needs in any aspect of council work.

 

6.    Councillors should be champions of our looked after children and challenge the negative attitudes and prejudice that exists in all aspects of society.

 

7.    The Public Sector Equality Duty requires public bodies, such as councils, to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, and victimisation of people with protected characteristics.

 

Council believes that:

 

1.    Care experienced people can face discrimination.

 

2.    Councils as corporate parents have a duty to put the needs of care experienced people at the heart of decision-making through co-production and collaboration.

 

3.    Services and policies should be assessed to determine the impact of changes on people with care experience.

 

Council resolves:

 

1.    To formally support the Show Us You Care Too campaign which calls for care experience to be made a protected characteristic.

 

2.    For the council to proactively seek out and listen to the voices of care experienced people when developing new policies based on their views.

 

3.    To continue to build on the existing ringfenced apprenticeship opportunities for care experienced people by committing to an agreed number of apprenticeships places each year delivered through the council’s levy funding.

 

4.    To take an intersectional approach, where we take account of the impact that a person’s combined social identities have on any disadvantage they may face and commit to tackling the systemic discrimination and disproportionality faced by specific groups of care experienced people.