Minutes for Council meeting, Jul 21 2010, 7.00PM official page

The Speaker has asked that a short DVD be shown regarding the work of her nominated charity which she will announce at the meeting.

This is the time for Members to declare any personal or prejudicial interests, or dispensations they may have in any matter being considered at this meeting having regard to the guidance attached to the agenda.

‘We would ask the Council to use its discretion under S.173a of the 1990 Act with regards to the eviction notice given to the school.  The school serves a very large and vibrant community delivering a high level of education, which has been acknowledged by Ofsted.

The eviction and closure of the school will have a devastating impact as the children, parents and teachers who attend the school.  The children are all Hackney children, who will have no where else to go in Hackney for their education, and the damage to their education and well-being will never be repaired.’

Deputation to be introduced by Cllr Steinberger or Cllr Kelly.   Speaker: Mrs Shmaye

 6.1 From Alex Wood to the Cabinet Member for Regeneration:

‘Hackney's website states that it holds up to 100 consultations each year. Why then is it considered unnecessary to have a consultation on the future of the Ocean, given that Hackney people might have an opinion on the use of a building on which public funds have been spent, and on whether they want to retain it as a purpose built music venue, or have another cinema?’

6.2 From Anna Hughes to the Cabinet Member for Crime, Sustainability and Customer Services:

‘In light of the forseeably high voter turnout in the recent elections, can voters be assured that in future elections, adequate measures will be taken to ensure that all voters can cast their vote, including having more staff on standby to help out at polling stations with a high number of people waiting to vote?’

6.3 From Christopher Sills to the Mayor:

‘Could you confirm that the Learning Trust wants a new secondary school in Hackney in addition to Skinners which is opening in September and what is the position as far as primary schools are concerned? Would you not agree that the case for any new schools required will be strengthened if the projections are examined in public, by the Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission, if necessary at a special meeting and interested organisations like HASGA?’

7.1 From Cllr Glanville to the Cabinet Member for Finance:

‘What assessment has the Cabinet Member for Finance made of the recent changes to housing benefit in the Coalition Government's budget; including the impact of these changes on the Council's finances and most importantly the impact on families in Hackney?’

7.2 From Cllr Icoz to the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People:

‘What steps is the Council is taking to ensure that there are things to do and places to go for young people in Hackney over the summer holidays?’

7.3 From Cllr Bell to the Deputy Mayor:

‘Is the HCA money previously awarded for the regeneration of Woodberry Down safeguarded in light of the coalition's emergency budget and proposals for cuts?

7.4 From Cllr Margaret Gordon to the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People:

‘Have any schools in Hackney expressed an interest in becoming academies and what assessment has been made on the impact of the proposals on maintaining a fair admissions policy and avoiding a two tier system of education in Hackney?’

This Council:

Notes that the coalition Government’s June Budget will fall hardest on those least able to afford it. The average annual cut in public spending on the poorest tenth of households is £1,344,equivalent to 20.5% of their household income (compared to 1.6% for the richest tenth).

Notes that the increase in VAT from 17.5% to 20% will lead to higher prices for goods and services and will have a disproportionate impact on pensioners and other low income groups, businesses, charities, and community groups in Hackney.

Is alarmed at cuts to tax credits, disability living allowance, support to help people back into work and freezing child benefit and that these measures run counter to the Government’s Coalition Agreement statement on 20 May 2010 that it would ‘ensure that fairness is at the heart of those decisions so that all those most in need are protected’.

Notes with concern that this Council will face tough choices due to the financial pressures on local government in this Budget and the likely 25% cuts in the autumn Comprehensive Spending Review, that risk damaging public services that the previous Labour government and this Labour Council have invested in and that residents need.

Welcomes the fact that Hackney Council is in a better position than many other councils due to our sound financial management and our drive for efficiency savings, and that our priority must be to protect the poorest and most needy in our community and the services on which they depend.

Calls on the Members of Parliament representing Hackney to continue to voice their opposition to the coalition’s Budget and proposals for cuts.

Proposer: Cllr de Botton    Seconder: Cllr Akehurst