Agenda and minutes

(a)  Apologies for absence

(b)  Order of business

(c)   Mayor’s Announcements

(d)  Vote of thanks to Lesley Seary

(a)  Apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Caluori, Clarke-Perry, Picknell, Khurana, Khondoker, Woodbyrne and Woolf.

(b)  Order of business

The Mayor advised that the order of business would be as per the agenda.

(c)   Mayor’s Announcements

The Mayor said that he was pleased to be able to publicise Mental Health Awareness Week and attend events which challenged the stigma around mental health issues. The Mayor expressed his shock and sadness at the news of a suicide at Archway Bridge earlier the same week and reiterated the council’s support for the anti-suicide measures due to be installed on the bridge. The Mayor said that the council’s thoughts were with the family and loved ones of the deceased.

The Mayor had attended a successful tri-borough civic event celebrating 150 years of Finsbury Park with the Mayor of Haringey and the Speaker of Hackney. The Mayor highlighted the importance of inter-borough co-operation and thanked Talal Karim of the Finsbury Park Trust for his work in organising the event.

The Mayor thanked everyone involved in the Grayson Perry event at Union Chapel which had raised £16,000 for the mayor’s charities.

(d)  Vote of thanks to Lesley Seary

The Council passed a vote of thanks to Lesley Seary, former Chief Executive of Islington Council. The Mayor and the Leader of the Council paid tribute to Lesley for her service to the council and her commitment to making the borough a fairer place.  

 

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 28 February 2019 be agreed as a correct record and the Mayor be authorised to sign them.

The Youth Councillors were welcomed to the meeting and badges of office were presented to Young Mayor Lydia Banjo and Young Deputy Mayor Arkan Ali Akiil.

Councillor Chapman moved a vote of thanks to the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Poyser. Councillor Chapman said that Councillor Poyser would be remembered for the way in which he enthusiastically participated in community events and engaged positively with local residents. The vote of thanks was seconded by Councillor O’Halloran, who commented that Councillor Poyser should be proud of a fantastic year as Mayor. Councillor Watts also contributed to the debate, thanking Councillor Poyser for his dedication to the role. It was noted that approximately £30,000 had been raised for the mayor’s charities, CARIS Cold Weather Night Shelter and Freightliners City Farm, during the year. 

Councillor Poyser thanked his fellow councillors, the Mayoress Emma Barker and everyone who had supported him during his year as Mayor. Councillor Poyser said that the mayoralty was a much loved institution and highlighted the importance of engagement with the local community. Councillor Poyser also thanked the people of Islington and said that it was an honour to serve as Mayor.

Councillor Watts presented commemorate badges to Councillor Poyser and Emma Barker.

Councillor Smith, seconded by Councillor Webbe, moved that Councillor Ismail be elected as Mayor for the ensuing municipal year. Councillor Watts also spoke in favour of the nomination.

RESOLVED:

There being no other nominations, the Mayor declared that Councillor Ismail be elected as Mayor of the London Borough of Islington for 2019/20.

The Mayor vacated the chair and the Council adjourned while Councillor Ismail was invested with the robes of office. The Mayoral Party then returned to the Chamber.

The Mayor accepted the office by making and subscribing to the required declaration, attested by Councillors Smith and Webbe.

Yassin Hersi was appointed as the Mayor’s Consort.

The Mayor announced that her charities would be Centre 404 and the Nafsiyat Intercultural Therapy Centre.

The Mayor appointed Councillor Troy Gallagher to the role of Deputy Mayor. Councillor Marian Spall was appointed as the Deputy Mayor’s Consort.

Councillor Watts introduced the paper. The Council noted the following appoints made by Councillor Watts as Leader of the Council.

Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Health and Social Care: Cllr Janet Burgess

Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families: Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz

Executive Member for Finance, Performance and Community Safety: Cllr Andy Hull

Executive Member for Community Development: Cllr Una O’Halloran

Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Jobs: Cllr Asima Shaikh

Executive Member for Housing and Development: Cllr Diarmaid Ward

Executive Member for Environment and Transport: Cllr Claudia Webbe

Councillor Gill, seconded by Councillor Hamitouche, moved the recommendations in the report. The recommendations were put to the vote and CARRIED.

RESOLVED:

A.   APPOINTMENT OF COUNCILLORS TO POLITICAL POSITIONS

That the Council note that the Labour Group have notified the following appointments:

B.   APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRS AND VICE-CHAIRS AND MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEES FOR 2019/20

RESOLVED:

1)    That the following appointments be made the Policy and Performance Committee for 2019/20 or until successors are appointed be agreed:

POLICY & PERFORMANCE COMMITTEE (16 Councillors)

2)    That the following appointments be made to the remaining committees for 2019/20 or until successors are appointed be agreed:

CHILDREN’S SERVICES SCRUTINY COMMITTEE (8 Councillors)

ENVIRONMENT & REGENERATION SCRUTINY COMMITTEE (9 Councillors)

HEALTH AND CARE SCRUTINY COMMITTEE (8 Councillors)

The co-opted member from Healthwatch Islington is to be confirmed.

HOUSING SCRUTINY COMMITTEE (8 Councillors)

AUDIT COMMITTEE (4 Councillors and 2 Independent Members, as below)

HEALTH AND WELLBEING BOARD (15 members, as below)
Members of the Board are  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

Councillor Gill, seconded by Councillor Hamitouche, moved the recommendations in the report. The recommendations were put to the vote and CARRIED.

RESOLVED:

a)    That the following list of appointments to outside bodies for 2019/20 for one year or until successors are appointed be agreed:

b)    To agree the following list of appointments to outside bodies to take effect on the date indicated, for the term of office indicated, or until successors are appointed, be agreed:

Councillor Gill moved the recommendation in the report. Councillor Hamitouche seconded. The recommendation was put to the vote and CARRIED.

RESOLVED:

That those appointed to serve on Independent Admission Appeal Panels and Review Panels be noted.