Agenda and minutes
Venue: Committee Room 4, Town Hall, Upper Street, N1 2UD. View directions
Contact: Ola Adeoye 020 7527 3044
No. | Item |
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Apologies for Absence Minutes: Apologies were received from Councillors Convery and Khurana. |
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Declarations of Substitute Members Minutes: There were no declarations of substitute members |
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Declarations of Interest If you have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest* in an item of business: § if it is not yet on the council’s register, you must declare both the existence and details of it at the start of the meeting or when it becomes apparent; § you may choose to declare a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest that is already in the register in the interests of openness and transparency. In both the above cases, you must leave the room without participating in discussion of the item.
If you have a personal interest in an item of business and you intend to speak or vote on the item you must declare both the existence and details of it at the start of the meeting or when it becomes apparent but you may participate in the discussion and vote on the item.
*(a) Employment, etc - Any employment, office, trade, profession or vocation carried on for profit or gain. (b) Sponsorship - Any payment or other financial benefit in respect of your expenses in carrying out duties as a member, or of your election; including from a trade union.
(c) Contracts - Any current contract
for goods, services or works, between (d) Land - Any beneficial interest in land which is within the council’s area.
(e) Licences- Any
licence to occupy land in the council’s area for a
month
(f) Corporate tenancies -
Any tenancy
between the council and a body (g) Securities - Any beneficial interest in securities of a body which has a place of business or land in the council’s area, if the total nominal value of the securities exceeds £25,000 or one hundredth of the total issued share capital of that body or of any one class of its issued share capital.
This applies to all members present at the meeting.
Minutes: There were no declarations of interest. |
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Minutes of Previous Meeting PDF 108 KB Minutes:
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 7 October 2019 be confirmed as an accurate record of proceedings and the Chair be authorised to sign them. |
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Chair's Report Minutes: In response to concerns about
Angelic Energy/Robin Hood and its failure to adhere to procedures
with Energy regulator OFGEM, the Corporate Director Environment and
Regeneration informed members that the issue had now been resolved
and that two members of staff had left the organisation. Members
were reassured that within the industry there are sufficient
safeguards in place to protect residents and customers from hikes
in energy tariffs. |
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Order of Business Minutes: The order of business would be as per the agenda. |
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Public Questions For members of the public to ask questions relating to any subject on the meeting agenda under Procedure Rule 70.5. Alternatively, the Chair may opt to accept questions from the public during the discussion on each agenda item.
Minutes: None |
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Quarter 2 Performance Report 2019/2020- Employment and Skills PDF 176 KB Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Shaikh, the
Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Jobs, presented the Q1
Performance Indicator Report. In the discussion, the
following points were discussed.
·
Members were informed that 677 residents had been
supported back into work through its Employment Partnership,
against the profiled target of 500. The Partnership aims to
increase employment for Islington residents by co-location of
partners, and continue sharing information on vacancies and other
local opportunities. The Executive Member advised that local
partners had signed up to this new way of working to create a
coherent and comprehensive offer to residents who are unemployed or
require in work support.
·
The meeting was advised that performances were
strong over Q2 and that targets will be met over the course of the
year. The Executive Member reiterated that the profiled targets for
of all the priority groups have been exceeded and welcomed in
particular the positive direction of travel on the same period for
last year.
·
Members were informed that more work needs to be
done with regards providing employment support for parents of
children aged 0-18 into work. The Service continues to work with
schools on this issue, and recognises that both data collection and
sharing is paramount in resolving this area.
·
Members were informed that only 26 Islington
residents had been supported into Council apprenticeship against
the profile target of 52 and although there was an autumn intake of
16 apprentices in Q2, compared to 2 in the previous quarter, the
reforms introduced have broadened the range, quality and
organisational relevance of apprenticeships available.
·
The Executive Member reiterated to Members that as
new specialist training is often longer, this reduces the volume of
new starts but enhances the value of the experience for
apprentices. For example 6 Housing Property Service Apprenticeship
post created in 2018 were not filled in 2019 until the current
apprentices had completed especially as these post span a 2 year
training period.
·
Members were reminded about the National
Apprenticeship Week 2020 taking place between 3-8 February, an
opportunity to bring the whole apprenticeship community together to
celebrate the impact of apprenticeship on individuals, employer and
the economy.
·
With regards to Adult and Community Learning
Courses, the Executive Member acknowledged that in 2018/19, 1,497
learners enrolled across accredited learning provision, 100 less
than the previous year. Members were advised that this decline is
in line with the national trend. Members were reminded that
irrespective of this decline and achievement rates, the last few
years have been consistently high as Islington remains one of the
top 5 ACL services in London based on National Achievement rates.
Members were introduced to the new Head of Adult Community
Learning, Ahmed Akeel. · On the issue of sustainment in work, members were informed that although iWork has commenced monitoring of sustained outcomes at 13,26 and 52 weeks, the Service needs to consider how to develop its relationship with this cohort especially with employers. Members were advised that the Service has dedicated a resource within the team to enable ... view the full minutes text for item 329. |
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Quarter 2 Performance Report 2019/20 - Environment and Transport PDF 171 KB Minutes:
The Chair introduced and
welcomed Councillor Champion, the newly appointed Executive Member
for Environment and Transport to the meeting.
·
Councillor Champion informed the meeting that future
quarterly reports will now include performance indicators which
measures progress in reducing the Council’s own CO2 emissions
from council operational buildings and the Council Transport fleet.
Quarterly reports will also include performance data relating to
road safety.
·
Councillor Champion invited Members to the launch of
the Vehicle to Grid project at the Town Hall on Wednesday 15
January. The project involves a technology that allows the chargers
to work in reverse so that electric vehicles acting as batteries
will be used to provide power to the Town Hall. Members were
advised that the core advantage of this technology is that it
allows vehicles to be charged overnight when electricity is cheap
which is then returned back to the building where it receives power
at times when electricity consumption is peak and therefore more
expensive or returned to the national grid deriving an
income.
·
In response to an enquiry on whether Committee would
still be able to consider Air quality monitoring data around
Islington schools, the Director acknowledged that the Committee
will be kept informed, however there are ongoing discussions on how
it will be presented.
·
On the reported increase of transport related deaths
and serious injuries on Islington roads and Council’s plans
to address it, the Director, Environment and Regeneration advised
Members that considering this was the first set of data received,
this would need to be fully analysed after which specific measures
on how to address the incidents will be considered. Members were
assured that Council is committed in ensuring that roads in the
borough remain safe for both pedestrians and cyclists.
·
With regards to the refurbishment of Highbury pools,
Members were informed that due to contractual and insurance
obligations this will be restoration and not a replacement hence
issues of carbon emissions are not a consideration.
·
In response to complaints regarding the siting and
placement of electric vehicle charging points on pavements and
footways, the Director informed the meeting that he will be meeting
the Transport Lead Officer which will be an opportunity to
understand and discuss the issues around the infrastructure. On the
suggestion of lamp post electric charging points, members were
informed of cost implications, hence the present siting of boxes on
pavements. The Director acknowledged residents’ concerns
especially when it impact public safety and the importance of being
sensitive to resident’s concerns. The meeting was informed
that instances where public safety is likely to be compromised,
this should be brought to the attention of relevant officers
immediately. · With regards to the council’s timetable in meeting its commitment of being carbon neutral by 2030, members were informed that despite the elections in December 2019 and pending GLA elections in May 2020, a report will be considered by Executive in February 2020. Members were advised that it is important that both Islington’s Transport and Carbon Strategy is in place to ensure ... view the full minutes text for item 330. |
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Household Recycling - 12 month report back PDF 308 KB Minutes: Matthew Homer, Street Scene
Strategy Manager updated Members on progress of the recommendations
in a report produced in April 2018 following the review undertaken
by the Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee on Household
Recycling.
·
Meeting was informed that Council has been able to
secure external funding which has enabled the delivery of a major
food waste campaign called ‘’small change big
difference’, involving community centres and council
buildings.
·
The Street Scene Strategy Manager informed members
that a training programme for 120 caretakers had been carried out
on this issue and that new recycling facilities has now been rolled
out to all it’s offices and
community centres. In addition meeting was informed of the soft
launch of recycling champions.
·
Members were advised that on 17 October 2019, the
Council’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Action Plan (WRRP)
was formally adopted. The Strategy sets out a detailed action plan
to reduce waste, increase recycling, reduce emissions from waste
activities and improving local waste sites. Members were reminded
that the Action plan is a strategic document supporting the
Council’s Climate Emergency Declaration.
·
In response to a suggestion that low recycling rates
experienced on housing estates was due to the location and design
of the bins, the Manager acknowledged the challenge but noted that
solutions vary from estate to estate. Meeting was informed that
solutions offered are aimed at making recycling convenient for
all.
·
On the question of whether officers had observed any
noticeable improvement in recycling rates or behaviour change with
residents since officers started implementing the recommendations,
the Street Scene Strategy Manager advised that it was early days in
assessing the amount of waste produced due to lack of data, however
it was noticeable the behaviour change amongst the caretakers
following the training provided. · In response to concerns that despite Islington Council’s achievement as the first ‘Low Plastic Zone’ among the 7 inner London borough, big businesses such as supermarkets in the borough were not contributing to the reduction of plastics use, the Director acknowledged the authority’s role in fostering a good business environment, however only national legislation by central government will result in business participation.
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Procurement of Council Fleet Vehicles/ULEZ and its impact PDF 917 KB Minutes: The Corporate Fleet and
Transport Manager gave a presentation to the Committee regarding
the procurement of the Council vehicles. The following issues were
highlighted during the discussion:
·
Meeting was advised that with the introduction of
the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in
April 2019, vehicles failing to meet the required minimum emission
standards will be subjected to ULEZ charges and that Council
vehicles not classified as EuroVI/6 and
Euro 4 Petrol will incur daily charges which range from
£12.50 for cars and small vans to £100 for large
vehicles.
·
With regards to the ULEZ charges, Members were
advised that the Council incurred significant charges at the onset
of ULEZ, however due to its recent procurement strategy which
requires replacement of council vehicles to low emission vehicles
it is noticeable that the charges are falling. The Manager informed
Members that the latest figures had not been made available from
Transport for London as data is collated.
·
The Corporate Fleet and Transport Manager advised
members that since 2017/18, the percentage of the council’s
ULEZ compliant vehicles has increased to 90% from 32% with further
plans to improve the fleet when the lease arrangement of the
vehicles come to an end.
·
Non ULEZ complaint vehicles within the Council fleet
is decreasing, with the remaining vehicles being completely
replaced at the latest in 2021. Members were advised that although
in 2017/18, 90% of the council vehicles was diesel powered, it is
noticeable that there has been a significant fall especially as the
Service aims to contribute to the Council’s aim to reduce
carbon emission by 2030 to zero.
·
With regards to carbon emissions from council
vehicles, the Manager acknowledged that until all vehicles are
linked onto the National grid with the introduction of electric
vehicles this will remain a challenge.
·
In highlighting the emission levels of different
fuel type, the Fleet Manager noted that when diesel cars are
replaced by electric vehicles where for example diesel fuel emits a
carbon value of 2.62 kg per litre, vehicles powered by the grid is
estimated to have a carbon value which equates to roughly 25-30% of
diesels’ value.
·
Meeting was advised that although most of the
Council fleet are powered by diesel especially the RCV’s, the
council’s cleanest diesel vehicles conform to Euro VI(heavy)
and Euro 6 (light) emission standards for exhaust tail pipe output.
The Manager acknowledged that only electric type of vehicles will
have no tailpipe emissions.
·
In response to a suggestion that reducing the size
of the Council fleet and considering other alternative working
patterns would quickly address emission concerns, the Fleet Manager
indicated that among a number of measures introduced, the Council
had reduced its fleet size, replaced its heavy duty type of
vehicle’s used by Housing services with lighter 7.5 ton
vehicles. In addition, Members were informed that the Council had
recognised the value of investing in the maintenance of oil and
tyre of vehicles so as to reduce engine wear and tyre
abrasion. · On the suggestion that council officers ... view the full minutes text for item 332. |
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Work Programme 2019/2020 PDF 39 KB Minutes: RESOLVED: |