Council decisions

1.     Following a Policy and Resources committee decision in February 2018 and a Council Officer decision in May 2019, the Healthy Child programme services were tendered using the council procurement portal in September 2019 and 2 bids were received.

2. One of the bids was financially non- compliant and following legal advice was disqualified. The remaining bid was evaluated and moderated according to council procurement and legal processes.
3. A Committee Chairman Delegated Powers report was published in July 2019 for a 3 year plus one year plus one year contract term with a c£25 Million budget.

4.     The re- procurement of the service will be delivered within planned 2020 budget (£4,961,618). The successful bidding organisation submitted a bid with a total annual budget of £4,906,618 for the three years.

5.     This DPR is requesting an award agreement following the procurement process.

To authorise the sealing of the Deed of Variation to the Grahame Park Principal Development Agreement.

To award the Barnet Integrated Substance Misuse Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Service for Young People and Adults Contract, to Change Grow Live (Bidder 1), and for the award of the Contract to be for a period of three (3) years from 1st April 2020 (with the option to extend for an additional two (2) years).

Approve the sale of the land (the ‘Property’), as identified on the Plan in Appendix 1 (drwg. no.24881) for £35,000.

The motion in the name of Councillor Gabriel Rozenberg was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The motion in the name of Councillor Gabriel Rozenberg was declared LOST.

The Head of Governance introduced the report. 

Council noted that the creation of a Liberal Democrat Group required a recalculation of political balance (proportionality) to enable the Group to be given their proportionate seat entitlement on Committees.

Upon the recommendations in the report being put to the vote, the recommendations were unanimously agreed:

RESOLVED that Council:

1.     Council noted the political balance of the Council is:

Ø  37 Members of the Conservative Group;

Ø  24 Members of the Labour Group; and

Ø  2 Members of the Liberal Democrat Group

2.     Council agreed the allocation of seats as set out in the tables contained in the Political Balance (Proportionality) report in order to comply with the political balance regulations requiring seats to be allocated proportionately to the political groups on Council.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Dean Cohen was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Dean Cohen was declared CARRIED.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Alan Schneiderman was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Alan Schneiderman was declared LOST.

The substantive motion as amended by Councillor Dean Cohen was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

RESOLVED that:

Council notes:

1.     This issue was discussed at the Environment Committee in September 2019.

2.     The Environment Committee requested that the Executive Director for Environment submit a report to the Committee on the issue.

3.     Hackney and Croydon are currently testing non-chemical alternative herbicides.

Council resolves:

1.     To ensure that a report is prepared to outline the operation of weed control, and to see where non-chemical alternatives can be effectively used.

2.     For this report to include how other boroughs, particularly those neighbouring Barnet operate their weed control services.

3.     To review the reports from Hackney and Croydon Councils regarding their non-chemical herbicide pilots when they are available.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Sachin Rajput was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Sachin Rajput was declared CARRIED.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Paul Edwards was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Paul Edwards was declared CARRIED.

The substantive motion as amended by Councillor Sachin Rajput and Councillor Paul Edwards was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

RESOLVED that:

Council notes that Alzheimer’s and dementia is affecting more and more of our residents as we support an increasing ageing population.

Council believes that carers are usually so busy coping with their caring role that unless we positively promote the benefits to which the person suffering these diseases are entitled to, many will go unnoticed.

Council notes that LBB’s website could be improved when it comes to the pages relating to both council tax exemptions and blue badge applications for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Council agrees to add additional precise information both on the relevant council website pages and as an informative article in the next Barnet First magazine.

Council therefore instructs officers to amend the web pages on council tax exemption to include specifically that mental health impairment includes dementia and Alzheimer’s, and that council tax reductions and exemptions can be backdated to the date of diagnosis.

Likewise, in respect of the new blue badge guidelines, which were formally implemented by local authorities on 30th August 2019, Council instructs officers to clarify that non-visible hidden conditions includes dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Council agrees that information on both aspects will be made prominent in the next issue of Barnet First magazine.

Council asks that the Adults & Safeguarding Committee is provided with an update on progress against each of these actions at its next meeting.

The amendment in the name of Councillor David Longstaff was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor David Longstaff was declared CARRIED.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Pauline Coakley-Webb was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Pauline Coakley-Webb was declared LOST.

The substantive motion as amended by Councillor David Longstaff was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

RESOLVED that:

Council notes that the council subsidised nurseries have recently raised the issue of budget challenges and further notes the nurseries in question are not in any position to close themselves. Any closure would be a decision of the Council, after consultation, and require the agreement of the Chairman of the Children, Education & Safeguarding Committee. The council has no plans to close any of the four nurseries.

Council notes that representatives from the nurseries have already met, in September 2019, with the Leader of the Council, Councillor Thomas, Executive Director of Children's Services, Chris Munday and Service Director of Education and Skills, Ian Harrison, to discuss financial issues. As with any school facing a deficit, the council will work with the school to balance the budget.

Council notes that at the last Children, Education & Safeguarding Committee meeting, through a Members Item brought by Councillor Clarke, it was agreed to incorporate nurseries' financing into the Annual School Funding report. The next report will be received at the January 2020 Children, Education & Safeguarding Committee meeting.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Sachin Rajput was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Sachin Rajput was declared CARRIED.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Jo Cooper was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Jo Cooper was declared LOST.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Paul Edwards was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Paul Edwards was declared LOST.

The substantive motion as amended by Councillor Sachin Rajput was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

RESOLVED that:

Council notes extremely low levels of admissions to our care homes, compared with other boroughs in London. Council reaffirms its commitment tothe right to independent living for all Barnet’s elderly and disabled people.

Councillor Jo Cooper moved the motion in her name.  Councillor Alan Schneiderman moved an amendment in his name.  Councillor Ross Houston moved an amendment in his name.  Debate ensued.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Alan Schneiderman was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Alan Schneiderman was declared LOST

The amendment in the name of Councillor Ross Houston was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Ross Houston was declared LOST

The amendment in the name of Councillor Paul Edwards was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Paul Edwards was declared LOST

The amendment in the name of Councillor Geof Cooke was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Geof Cooke was declared LOST

The amendment in the name of Councillor Barry Rawlings was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Barry Rawlings was declared LOST

The amendment in the name of Councillor Anne Clarke was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Anne Clarke was declared LOST

The amendment in the name of Councillor Alison Moore was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Alison Moore was declared LOST

The motion was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

RESOLVED that:

Council recognises the need to do what it can to tackle climate change, and welcomes action taken so far by the council including:

·       support for London Climate Action Week

·       the installation of 110 e-vehicle charging points

·       the planting of 4,500 trees over the next five years

·       supporting 98 of our schools to encourage sustainable school travel plans and become schools that are active, responsible and safe (STARs)

·       efforts to encourage people to increase the number of times they walk to school and work, visit our parks and green spaces, and turn car engines off when stationary

·       work to improve Barnet's air quality, including to identify GP practices with high levels of childhood asthma, as well as mapping hospitals admissions for asthma and lung disorders.

Council notes the recent Friends of the Earth report into each local authority's performance on climate change, and their suggested ways to improve action in this area: https://takeclimateaction.uk/climate-action/how-climate-friendly-your-areaenter-your-postcode-see-results-yourcommunity?_ga=2.177262112.488090504.1571358091 412478967.1571358091

Council asks each relevant committee to consider the Friends of the Earth report for Barnet and review what more could be done in their remit to tackle climate change.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Sachin Rajput was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Sachin Rajput was declared CARRIED.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Reema Patel was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Reema Patel was declared LOST.

The substantive motion as amended by Councillor Sachin Rajput was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

RESOLVED that:

Council believes that care workers provide the most crucial services to our elderly and disabled residents, and they deserve to be paid a living wage.

Council notes that some former Fremantle care workers that have been transferred to the Barnet Group may be being paid less than the London Living Wage which is currently £10.55 per hour. The Barnet Group policy is to pay all its workers at least the London Living Wage.

Council welcomes the commitment for a feasibility report into the issue to be brought back to the next meeting of Policy & Resources Committee.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Jess Brayne was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Jess Brayne was declared CARRIED.

The substantive motion as amended by Councillor Jess Brayne was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

RESOLVED that:

This council notes that:

1.     Over 1,000 charities operate in Barnet

2.     Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that has helped millions of people come together to support and champion the causes they believe in and the communities in which they live – raising more than £7.8 million in online donations alone in the UK last year.

3.     Charities undertake valuable work every day of the year supporting Barnet residents. Donations are only one of the streams of the income upon which they rely. Contracts with Barnet Council represent a significant source of funding for the charities with which the council works.

This Council believes that:

1.     The charities which operate in Barnet, enriching the lives of our residents and the borough at large, deserve more recognition and support.

2.     Giving Tuesday is a non-prescriptive and non-political campaign that will benefit our community.

3.     A close working relationship between the council and charities benefits Barnet residents.

This Council resolves to:

1.     Develop a programme to publicly support Giving Tuesday 2019 on 3rd December.

2.     Work with partners to gain publicity and recognition for Barnet’s charities and third sector organisations.

3.     Collaborate with charities to develop mutually supportive ways of working, including reviewing the tendering process, length and nature of the contracts that the Council enters into with charities.

Councillor Gabriel Rozenberg called a point of order and put forward the motion that motion 14.5 on the agenda be debated in accordance with Full Council Procedure Rule 2 which provides that ‘If more than two motions are submitted then these can be debated if time allows before 10pm at the end of the agenda and with the agreement of the Council.’  The motion was seconded by Councillor Ross Houston.

The motion was put to the vote and the votes were recorded as follows:

The motion was declared LOST.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Daniel Thomas was put to the vote.

A formal division was called in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 14.  Votes were individually recorded for all Members.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Daniel Thomas was declared CARRIED.

The substantive motion as amended by Councillor Daniel Thomas was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

RESOLVED that:

Council notes:

The revisited Brexit agreement.  Council notes the decision by Parliament to give the Withdrawal bill a second reading and looks forward to it becoming legislation

In the meantime, Council recognises that some of the 40,000 or so EU citizens living in Barnet may need advice and assistance applying for settled status.  Around 15,000 in Barnet have already applied for settled status independently.

Council therefore agrees to continue providing advice and assistance for settled status to any EU citizens living in Barnet through Citizens Advice Barnet and the Council’s registrar service.

Council reiterates that there is no great urgency in applying for this status.  The deadline for applications is June 2021 if the Withdrawal Agreement passes,and December 2020 if not.

The Leader moved the motion in his name. Councillor Ross Houston moved an amendment in his name. Debate ensued.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Ross Houston was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Ross Houston was declared CARRIED

The substantive motion as amended by Councillor Ross Houston was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

RESOLVED that:

The Council recognises that:

1.     Barnet has a historic connection with the Armed Forces, having been home to RAF Hendon and Inglis Barracks, amongst other military premises.

2.     Barnet signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2012.

3.     The Armed Forces Community is of great importance to Barnet and it is imperative it is fully integrated, treated fairly with respect and gratitude.

4.     ‘Renewing the Covenant in the Capital’ is a project that has been developed to help improve the understanding and delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant across London’s boroughs.

5.     The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

6.     Barnet Council is currently recognised with a Bronze Award.

The Council believes that:

1.     Barnet should continuously support the Armed Forces Community in recognition of their service and many sacrifices. This includes serving men and women and their families, veterans and members of reserve and cadet forces.

2.     Reiterating the importance of the Covenant will give Barnet the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to the Armed Forces community; to find better ways to share best practice and to adopt new approaches that will improve the integration and appreciation of the Armed Forces across the borough.

The Council resolves to:

1.     Have the renewed Armed Forces Covenant signed by:

a)    The Mayor and Leader of the Council and Leaders of each other political group.

b)    Representatives from the health, education, employment, housing, multi-faith and voluntary sectors.

c)    Representatives from the emergency services.

2.     Show our commitment towards supporting the armed forces in Barnet by achieving both Silver and then Gold Award status in the Employer Recognition Scheme.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Daniel Thomas was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Daniel Thomas was declared CARRIED.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Ross Houston was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Ross Houston was declared LOST.

The substantive motion as amended by Councillor Daniel Thomas was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

RESOLVED that:

Council notes:

1.     In response to financial decisions made by the government over the past decade, Barnet Council has been at the forefront of innovating the way that services are delivered.

2.     Outsourcing some services has played an important part in making savings for our residents, while ensuring that quality services are still delivered to them.

3.     There is a national joint committee tasked with settling the local government pay claim.

4.     That the Council seeks to support staff in the delivery of their work wherever and however possible.

Council believes:

1.     That the work carried out by staff; both directly employed and those working in our outsourced services; is fundamental to the delivery of the Council’s services.

2.     Without the professionalism and dedication of our staff, the council services our residents rely on would not be deliverable.

3.     Our staff help to keep our communities clean, look after those in need, and keep our towns running.

Council resolves to:

1.     Continue to convey our appreciation for the professionalism of our staff and the providers of our outsourced services.

2.     Work with the workforce and relevant unions, as well as the National Joint Committee which sets pay rates across the country, to ensure that there is an appropriate settlement to the local government pay claim.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Alan Schneiderman was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Alan Schneiderman was declared LOST.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Peter Zinkin was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment in the name of Councillor Peter Zinkin was declared CARRIED.

The substantive motion as amended by Councillor Peter Zinkin was put to the vote.

Votes were recorded as follows:

RESOLVED that:

Council recognises that:

1.     Around 150 million tons of new single-use plastic is made each year. In many cases there are practical alternatives available that are either re-usable or sustainable.

2.     The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has estimated that by weight there could be more plastic in oceans than fish by 2050.

3.     Single-use plastics litter Barnet parks and streams – damaging our green spaces and wildlife, while adding to costs for our residents.

Council notes that:

1.     Plastics ingested by animals not only kill many animals, but also lead to toxic transfer and contamination of animal and human food chains.

2.     The plastic bag charge, brought in by a Conservative government, has led to an 85% reduction in disposable plastic bag usage in England – with 9 billion fewer bags per year entering landfill or waste treatment.

3.     Households in Barnet recycle more than those in more than two thirds of London Boroughs.

4.     The government has completed its consultation to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme. Such schemes have successfully reduced single-use waste in countries such as Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands and Germany.

Council welcomes:

1.     The decision of the Environment Committee to join the North London Waste Authority plan to work with its constituent boroughs introduce low-plastic zones.

2.     The decision by Policy and Resources Committee to undertake a review of single-use plastic used by the Council and all Council commissioned services.

3.     The decision to instruct officers to explore more options to limit the use of single-use plastics, and the damage to the environment that they can cause, across the borough.

Council resolves to:

1.     Reduce single-use plastic waste, where feasible and practicable, by:

a)    Replacing single-use plastics used by the Council and all

b)    Commissioned services with sustainable or re-usable alternatives.

c)    Ensuring all future council procurement exercises minimise the use of single-use plastics.

d)    Encourage and promote community water-refill schemes

e)    Work with the NLWA to introduce low-plastic zones in Barnet

2.     Work with TfL and encourage the Mayor of London to install free water fountains across Barnet’s 30 town centres and other high footfall areas.

3.     Support the creation of a wide-ranging Deposit Return Scheme.

4.     Explore other ways to minimise plastic waste across the borough.

The Head of Governance introduced the report. 

The report provided the Council with an updated Armed Forces Covenant for approval which renewed Barnet’s commitment of the Covenant which had originally been agreed in July 2012.  Appendix 1 set out the Covenant.

On the recommendations in the report being put to the vote, the recommendations were unanimously agreed:

RESOLVED that:

1.     Council pledges its support for the Armed Forces Covenant by approving Barnet’s Armed Forces Covenant as set out in Appendix 1 to the report of officers.

2.     Council notes that a signing event will be arranged with partner organisations.

3.     Council note that a report will be presented to the Community Leadership and Libraries Committee on delivery of the associated Action Plan.

The Head of Governance introduced the report. 

Appendix A detailed the vacancies to outside bodies that had arisen since the last Council meeting.  Appendix B detailed the changes to the current calendar of meetings since the last Council meeting.  Appendix Ci and Cii detailed the proposed calendar of meetings for 2020/21.  Members and officers had been consulted on the proposed dates and feedback had been taken into account insofar as possible.  Appendix D which had been circulated separately detailing appointments to:

1.     Housing & Growth Committee

2.     Liberal Democrat appointments to committees; and

3.     Other changes to committee memberships advised by the Groups.

The Administration Group and Liberal Democrat Group had also indicted the additional appointments as detailed below.

RESOLVED that:

1.     Cllr Stephen Sowerby be appointed as Council representative on the Jesus Hospital Charity;

2.     Council note the changes to the current calendar of meetings as set out in Appendix B;

3.     Council approve the calendar of meetings 2020/21 as set out in Appendix Ci and Cii;

4.     Council approve the appointments to committees as set out in Appendix D;

5.     Councillor Daniel Thomas be appointed to the Local Plan Advisory Group;

6.     Councillor Laithe Jajeh be appointed to the Barnet Group in place of Councillor Shimon Ryde; and

7.     Councillor Jess Brayne be appointed to the Local Plan Advisory Group with Councillor Gabriel Rozenberg as substitute.

Councillor Melvin Cohen, Chairman of the Constitution and General Purposes Committee, moved reception and adoption of the recommendations in the report. Debate ensued.

On the recommendations in the report being put to the vote, the recommendations were agreed.  Votes were recorded as follows:

RESOLVED that Council:

1.     That Council noted the report of the Constitution & General Purposes Committee held on 7 October 2019 (Annex 1) and the agreed and rejected amendments as detailed in Section 1.2 of the report of officers.

2.     That Council approved the Constitution amendments as set out in Appendices A to C.

3.     That Council authorised the Monitoring Officer and Chief Legal Advisor to implement these revisions and publish a revised Constitution.

The Head of Governance introduced the report. 

Appendix B detailed the changes proposed to Article 7 (Committees, Forums, Working Groups and Partnerships).  Appendix D detailed the proposed changes to the Members Allowances Scheme.  Council noted that a minor amendment was required to the version included in the agenda and the corrected version had been published as a supplement and circulated to Members.

The report advised the Council that establishment of a Liberal Democrat group had altered the political balance of the Council.  A recalculation of political balance was therefore required.  Council were informed that the Leader had indicated that the Administration Group wished to merge the Housing Committee and Assets, Regeneration & Growth Committee and create a Housing & Growth Committee.  The proportionality report also advised the Council of the requirement to amend the number of seats on some Committees to ensure the Liberal Democrats were given their proportionate seat entitlement.  Full details of the changes were set out in the linked report on political proportionality (agenda item 12.2).

The Administration Group had also indicated they wished to amend Council Procedure Rules to vary the rules relating to Questions to the Leader in the Full Council Procedure Rules.  Details had been circulated in the supplemental papers for the meeting.

The Leader moved reception and adoption of the recommendations in the report.  Debate ensued.  During debate on the item, the Members agreed to review the number of Housing & Growth Committee meetings scheduled and consider whether additional meetings would be required to accommodate the workload of the new committee.

On the recommendations in the report being put to the vote, the recommendations were unanimously agreed:

RESOLVED that Council:

1.     Approve the revised Article 7 (Committees, Forums, Working Groups and Partnerships) as set out in Appendix B.

2.     Approve the amendments to the Members Allowances Scheme as set in Appendix D.

3.     Approved the revised Full Council Procedure Rules as circulated in the supplemental report of the Head of Governance.

The minutes of the meeting dated 30^th July were agreed as a correct record.

To award the Contract to Fleet Factors as part the YPO Framework for the supply and management of parts, goods, supplies and associated services for the Council’s fleet. This is with a total spend of up to £1,200,000 for a period of 2 years, with an option to extend for a further 2 years, subject to performance and budget allocation.