Agenda and minutes

The Minutes of the previous meeting held on 16 May 2024.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 16 May 2024 were agreed as a correct record and the Mayor was authorised to sign them.

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 you or your partner (or a body in which one of you has a beneficial interest) and the council.

(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 or longer.

(f)      Corporate tenancies - Any tenancy between the council and a body in which you or your partner have a beneficial interest.

(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.

No Declarations were made

(i)           Apologies

(ii)          Order of business

(iii)         Declaration of discussion items

(iv)        Mayor’s announcements

(v)          Length of speeches

(i)               Apologies

Apologies were received from Councillors Safi-Ngongo, Graham, Gallagher, Ibrahim, Nargund, Spall and Mackmurdie.

(ii)              Order of business

The order of business was as per the Agenda.

(iii)            Declaration of discussion items

No items were declared.

(iv)            Mayor’s announcements

Since being elected in May, the Mayor had actively engaged with the Islington community, with a strong focus on promoting inclusivity. They made it a priority to attend a wide range of events that celebrated the borough's diversity and important historical moments.

In June, the Mayor participated in several key community events. They attended Windrush Tales, an intergenerational event that celebrated and amplified the stories of Islington’s Windrush generation and took part in the flag-raising ceremony at the Town Hall to honour Windrush Day. The Mayor also joined the Pride flag-raising ceremony at the Town Hall and hosted another ceremony to raise the flag for Armed Forces Week.

The Mayor showed their support for various community groups by attending a Refugee Week celebration in the Assembly Hall. They also participated in the Eid in the Park festivities on Highbury Fields. Additionally, the mayor laid a wreath to commemorate the 80^th anniversary of the D-Day Landings in Normandy and joined the community in remembering the seventh anniversary of the Finsbury Park Terror Attack.

One of the Mayor’s key priorities was raising awareness of hidden disabilities and championing accessibility. They attended a sports day event during Learning Disability Week and expressed enthusiasm about joining Islington’s Disability Staff Forum for an upcoming event.

The Mayor was also closely involved with their chosen charity for the year, Brickworks Community Centre. They attended several events there and looked forward to working with the charity throughout their term to raise awareness of the important work it does for the community.

In their efforts to engage with the borough's youth, the Mayor had hosted Youth Councillors and a Youth Peer Engagement Advocate in the Parlour. They found it fascinating to hear about the young leaders' priorities and the work they were doing to support young people in Islington and looked forward to further collaboration before the new Youth Council elections in the autumn.

The Mayor also took part in the Cally Festival, enjoying the celebrations with the local community. They were excited to continue these celebrations with the start of South Asian Heritage Month, during which they planned to host a panel event on the theme "Free to Be Me" in the Council Chamber.

The Mayor had the honour of serving as the returning officer for the recent general election in Islington, where they announced the results. They expressed deep gratitude to the council staff who worked tirelessly to ensure the election ran smoothly.

The Mayor shared their sorrow over the tragic death of a young man in the borough, Ahmed Habib, calling for a moment of silence in his memory and extending their thoughts to his family and friends.

The Leader will address the Council.

The Leader of the Opposition will then be invited to respond.

The Leader expressed heartbreak at the fatal stabbing of a young person, Ahmed Habib, in the Finsbury Park area and extended condolences to the victim's loved ones. The council was working with the police to respond to the incident and support the community.

The Leader welcomed the new Labour government’s plans to ban dangerous weapons and invest in a Young Futures Programme to support young people and prevent crime. The Leader emphasised that investing in youth and banning weapons were crucial for safeguarding futures and making communities safer.

The Leader also congratulated Emily Thornberry and Jeremy Corbyn on their re-election as MPs, expressing optimism about collaborating on priorities like building new council homes and enhancing climate resilience. The Leader acknowledged the challenges ahead in rebuilding after years of austerity but stressed the importance of advocating for local businesses and the devolution of funding to empower communities.

The council had launched the Adult Carers Strategy, commemorated the 80th anniversary of D-Day and Armed Forces Day, and reaffirmed its commitment as a Borough of Sanctuary by celebrating Refugee Week. The Leader also highlighted efforts to improve the lives of working people, including migrant workers, and expressed pride in pushing back against the disproportionate use of live facial recognition by the Metropolitan Police.

Reflecting on the anniversary of the Finsbury Park terror attack, the Leader emphasised the importance of unity against hate. They cited events like Eid in the Park, London Pride, and Windrush Day as reminders of the need to stand against racism, hate, and intolerance.

The Leader of the Opposition responded. They expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of a young person due to violence in the borough, extending heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Ahmed Habib.

Reflecting on the recent general election, the Leader of the Opposition welcomed the end of 14 years of Conservative rule which had particularly harmed Islington through deliberate deprivation of needed funds.

They expressed hope that the new Labour government would tackle the significant challenges ahead, while acknowledging that these issues would take time to resolve. The Leader of the Opposition congratulated Emily Thornberry and Jeremy Corbyn on their electoral success; and praised the hard work of volunteers and activists who contributed to the election effort.

The Leader of the Opposition noted that many Islington voters chose candidates with policies bolder than those of the Labour government. The Leader of the Opposition urged their Labour colleagues to advocate for a more radical platform, emphasising that the material needs of the country require principled and decisive actions. The Leader of the Opposition referenced recent events in France as a warning of the consequences when centre parties fail to deliver.

No Petitions were received.

Question (a) Ajay Makan to Cllr Diarmaid Ward, Executive Member for Finance & Performance:

What steps has The Council taken to engage with Barclays about the bank's investments in and provision of loans to companies complicit in the Israeli state's violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in the West Bank and Gaza, what has the outcome of this engagement been and If this engagement has not led to firm commitments by Barclays to end its relationships with these companies, will The Council commit to tendering for a new banking provider to take over from Barclays at the end of the council’s current contract and make a public announcement to this effect so that Islington sets an example that other local authorities might follow, what would be the penalties for ending the contract with Barclays early?

Response:

Thank you for your question, Ajay. I share your concerns about Barclays investment practices.

The Council has engaged with Barclays Bank on multiple occasions over the last two years, including meeting with the Chief Executive in 2023, and challenging their positions on fossil fuel investments and raising concerns over their environmental record. This has contributed to some positive change, with Barclays committing to halting new investment in some of the most harmful fossil fuel projects, such as tar sands.

The Council will seek to begin procurement for a new banking contract in 2025. As part of this process, a working group is being established to draw up tender documentation and evaluation criteria for this procurement to ensure that being an environmentally and ethically best in class bank will score highly. It is also important to include mechanisms for holding banks to account when they renege on their promises or do not deliver in this area. The Council must do this legally, by following public contract regulations which restricts what Councils can and cannot do during procurement.

This is a lengthy process that takes approximately 18 months from start to finish to conclude, including any required implementation for any new partner. This implementation is highly complex due to the integration of the Council’s bank into crucial services and back-office functions. As such even if the Council was free to end its contract with Barclays tomorrow, it would not be able to change provider quicker than in that time.

The Council will incorporate the most robust criteria possible around social value (including the record on climate and ethical practices) as part of its scoring process. Regardless of who the Council chooses to provide our banking services, it is vital that Barclays do more to address climate concerns. We will continue to ensure that our own ethical procurement strategy doesn’t include procuring goods and services by oppressive regimes. Thanks again for your question.

Supplementary Question:

Would the procurement process exclude any bank that funds investing in companies that supply arms to Israel, if legally possible to do so? And will you publish any legal advice received?

Response:

Yes, I will seek robust legal advice and if  ...  view the full minutes text for item 290.

Question (a) Cllr Janet Burgess to Cllr Flora Williamson, Executive Member for Health & Social Care:

You are no doubt aware of the recent study, by the Institute for Social and Economic Research of the University of Essex, into the effect of giving free school meals to primary school children in the four London boroughs which had been doing this for some time (Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Newham and Islington). The then Labour opposition forced through this measure just before winning control of Islington Council in 2010, and it has been in operation ever since. Apart from the cost-of-living help to parents – which is considerable - there was an associated increase in reading. It suggested that by the age of 11, the impact was equivalent to approximately two weeks’ additional progress in school. Additionally, levels of obesity were reduced by 7% to 11% among reception children in the four boroughs and for children in year six, who had been given free school meals for their entire time in primary school, there was a 5-8% reduction. This is a really important public health outcome. What further measures can be taken by the Public Health Department to reduce childhood obesity?

Response:

Thank you, Councillor Burgess for your question on this important topic.

Universal free school meals in primary schools are an important part of our response to long term trends in childhood excess weight.  For well over a decade in Islington, the scheme has provided all primary school-aged children with healthy and nutritious food that meets national food standards, and has brought additional educational benefits.  As well as the original reasons for introducing universal free school meals, it represents an additional practical way in which our Labour-run Council are now helping local children and families with cost-of-living pressures.

We recognise that the underlying causes of excess weight in children and young people are deep rooted and complex, with strong links to deprivation and child poverty.  In Islington, we therefore take a whole systems approach to support children to achieve a healthy weight, with action at multiple levels to encourage healthier diets and more physical activity.

As a local authority we have taken steps to reduce childhood obesity, including:

·        A 0-5 obesity prevention action plan developed through a multi-agency group that has overseen the development of new healthy weight pathways for Bright Start professionals with staff training and accompanying resources. 

·        This year we launched the new Family Kitchen First Steps programme which is focused on starting solids, led by our health visiting service who have been trained to teach cooking and infant feeding with new parents.

·        Islington Council’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme continues to support children to access food and activities during school holidays, targeted to children and families eligible for free school meals. 

·        In the last year, we have also focused efforts on increasing the uptake of Healthy Start vouchers for pregnant women and children under 4 on very low incomes.  The scheme provides access to financial support to buy fruit and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 291.

The meeting will adjourn for approximately 15 minutes.

The Council adjourned for approximately ten minutes.

Cllr Craig moved the recommendations in the report. The recommendations were put to the vote and CARRIED.

RESOLVED:

To agree that, in accordance with Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972, Council approves Councillors Michelline Safi-Ngongo and Troy Gallagher’s non-attendance at meetings until the end of the calendar year on the grounds of continued ill health and following a bereavement and that the Council’s best wishes be conveyed to them.

Cllr Craig moved the recommendations in the report. The recommendations were put to the vote and CARRIED.

RESOLVED:

To approve the amendments to the Constitution as set out in the appendix to the report.

Cllr Craig moved the recommendations in the report. The recommendations were put

to the vote and CARRIED.

RESOLVED:

(i)    That Councillors Craig, Hyde and Weekes be appointed as a substitute member of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee for the remainder of the municipal year, or until a successor is appointed;

(ii)   That Councillors McHugh, Staff and Weekes be appointed as substitute members of the Standards Committee for the remainder of the municipal year, or until successors are appointed;

(iii)  That Councillor Staff be appointed as substitute members of the Planning Committee for the remainder of the municipal year, or until a successor is appointed;

(iv)  That Councillors Staff and Weekes be appointed as substitute members of the Licensing Regulatory Committee for the remainder of the municipal year, or until successors are appointed;

(v)   That Councillor Hyde be appointed as substitute members of the Pensions Committee for the remainder of the municipal year, or until a successor is appointed;

(vi)  That Councillor Hyde be appointed as substitute members of the Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee for the remainder of the municipal year, or until a successor is appointed.

(vii)That Councillors Craig and Jeapes be appointed to the Planning Committee for the remainder of the municipal year, or until successors are appointed.

(viii)                 That Councillor Gill be appointed to the Environment, Climate Change and Transport Scrutiny Committee for the remainder of the municipal year, or until a successor is appointed.

(ix)  That Councillor Staff be appointed to the Health, Wellbeing and Social Care Scrutiny Committee for the remainder of the municipal year, or until a successor is appointed.

Where a motion concerns an executive function, nothing passed can be actioned until approved by the Executive or an officer with the relevant delegated power.

Motion 1: A New Deal for Workers

Councillor Heather moved the motion. Councillor Hyde seconded.

Councillor Jegorovas-Armstrong and Gilgunn contributed to the debate. Councillor Heather exercised their right of reply.

The motion was put to a vote and CARRIED.

RESOLVED::

(i)     To welcome and support the Labour Party’s Green Paper on Employment Rights, and the party’s pledge to enshrine it in law within the first 100 days of the next Labour government.

(ii)    To write to the newly elected government to amend the immigration rules for domestic migrant workers and reinstate the rights provided under the pre-2012 visa regime.

(iii)  To call on the newly elected government to make issues around work, jobs, pay and rights for domestic migrant workers a core part of their narrative and vision.

(iv)  To continue to work collaboratively with our Trade Unions who represent our Council workers and encourage union membership to Islington residents.

Motion 2: Unlocking the potential of local high streets

An alteration to the motion was formally noted.

Councillor Bossman-Quarshie moved the motion. Councillor Klute seconded.

Councillor Hamdache contributed to the debate. Councillor Bossman-Quarshie exercised their right of reply.

The motion was put to a vote and CARRIED.

RESOLVED:

(i)     To write to the Government to urge it to scrap business rates and replace them with a system which is fit for purpose and which levels the playing field between bricks and mortar businesses and online retail giants.

(ii)    To note that the council is planning to adopt a comprehensive package of Article 4 Directions to protect local shops and small businesses across the borough.

(iii)  To write to the Government to set out our case for Article 4 Directions in Islington and set out our broader concerns about Class MA rights and ask for them to be abolished.

(iv)  To campaign to devolve funds like the Towns Fund, Levelling Up Fund, UK Shared Prosperity Fund and other national funding pots, to give local communities, councils and regions the ultimate say in how it is spent in their area.

(v)   To explore what further local action can be taken to revive our high streets.

(vi)  To make full use of s215 planning enforcement powers where empty units are attracting antisocial behaviour or creating an eyesore on the high street – and name and shame those premises which don’t do their bit and are regularly subject to enforcement.

Motion 3: No to live facial recognition in Islington

Councillor Kay moved the motion. Councillor Jackson seconded.

Councillor Russell contributed to the debate. Councillor Kay exercised their right of reply.

The motion was put to a vote and CARRIED.

RESOLVED:

(i)     To call for an immediate stop to the use of LFR surveillance in Islington.

(ii)    To take no steps to acquire LFR technology anywhere in Islington.

(iii)  To not allow LFR systems to be applied to any personal data for which Islington Council is the data controller.

(iv)  To ask the Executive Member for Community Safety to write to the Mayor of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 296.