Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Gilgunn

No Substitutes were declared.

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.

There were no Declarations of Interest.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the previous meeting be confirmed as an accurate record of proceedings and the chair be authorised to sign them.

The Chair updated the committee, explaining the third and final meeting of our task and finish group on the inclusive economy was to be held in February. It was planned to have a presentation on repair workshops held at the climate centre, and Matthew Homer, the officer leading on the library of things. The Labour Environment Forum were planning a public meeting on Thursday, the 8th of February 2024 in Morland Street. Trade unionists from cross north London discussed how they might network to promote the positive changes needed for a sustainable and fair economy. Finally, the date for our special meeting, held in public on the climate emergency, was moved from the 25th of March to the 11th of March due to the GLA elections.

The Order of business changed so that the B11 Quarter 2 Performance Report (2023/24) - Libraries and Heritage was presented second and B13 Quarter 2 Performance Report (2023/24) – Employment and Skills was presented third.

Questions must be related to an item on the meeting agenda. There is no requirement to submit questions in advance, but a question may be rejected if it:

(a) is defamatory, frivolous or offensive;

(b) requests the disclosure of information which is confidential or exempt; or

(c) names, or clearly identifies, a member of staff or any other individual.

Public Questions were taken after each item

The committee received presentations from Wheels for Wellbeing, JoyRiders and Transport for London as part of the evidence gathering sessions for the Active Travel Scrutiny Review.

Wheels for Wellbeing

Our organisation, a small charity led by disabled individuals, was established in 2007. Initially, our focus was on providing access to cycling for disabled individuals in South London through three inclusive cycling hubs. Over time, our efforts expanded beyond this, evolving into a campaigning and policy-influencing. We began offering training, consultancy services, and publishing materials to advocate for increased mobility justice. Our central aim was redirecting resources towards those with the least access to transport, particularly emphasising the needs of disabled individuals.

Notably, 22% of the UK population identified as disabled, with disabled individuals being 50% more likely to live in poverty compared to the non-disabled population. Moreover, disparities in access to transportation were stark, with 28% of disabled adults living in households without cars, compared to 15% of non-disabled adults.

Regarding public transport, 40% of UK stations were inaccessible, a figure that is even higher in certain areas like Islington. Furthermore, only 10% of people with mobility impairments had access to aids enabling a 1-kilometer journey, showing the challenges faced by disabled people to even be able to make short journeys.

Surveys revealed that among disabled individuals who cycled, 53% cited infrastructure as the main barrier, followed by inadequate parking/storage facilities and cost concerns. Abuse incidents while cycling were reported by 24% of respondents, showing safety issues also ranked highly as a barrier.

Despite these obstacles, there was a desire among disabled individuals to cycle, with 33% expressing interest despite not currently cycling. Notably, 60% of current disabled cyclists used standard two-wheelers, challenging stereotypes about cycling accessibility.

With the concept of equity in active travel, it was emphasised the distinction between equality and equity. While equality seeks uniformity in provision, equity aims to provide tailored support based on individual needs, ensuring fair access for all. By focusing on equitable access to mobility, the benefits extend far beyond individual modes of transportation, enriching communities as a whole.

In Islington, positive initiatives were already underway, including inclusive cycling hubs like Pedal Power. Collaborations with organisations like Bike Works aimed to enhance accessibility further, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity. By prioritising the needs of the most marginalised, we argued, society as a whole stands to gain in numerous ways, from improved health outcomes to enhanced independence.

JoyRiders

Let me share a bit about my journey and the work we've been doing. I was born in the Netherlands cycling was a part of everyday life. I rode my first bike at the age of 3 and continued cycling through school and university without giving it much thought. In 2008, I moved to London.

While I didn't cycle much in my early adult life due to health issues, my perspective changed when my children needed bikes to cycle to school. Despite not seeing many cyclists like myself in London at the time, I took  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

The Executive Member for Equalities, Culture and Inclusion presented this item to the committee.

There had been an uplift in library attendance and online engagement, particularly compared to the previous quarter, which saw lower numbers potentially due to hot weather. This could also be attributed the recent increase to a combination of expanded library activities and the elimination of fines.

Data on PC usage revealed similar trends across libraries, with a shift towards more Wi-Fi usage on personal devices. The importance of digital support, especially for residents lacking confidence in using technology, was emphasised.

The Summer Reading Challenge received positive feedback from both children and parents, with testimonials highlighting its impact on confidence and motivation in reading.

Efforts are underway to collect more detailed data on library usage to better understand residents' needs and preferences. Initiatives like the Youth Employment Hub and adult community learning courses reflect the broader range of services offered by libraries to support various community priorities.

Plans to introduce card payments at all libraries were discussed, with progress being made in negotiations with Barclays to implement a more convenient and efficient payment system.

Overall, the focus is on tailoring library services to meet evolving community needs and preferences, with ongoing efforts to gather and analyse data for deeper insights into usage patterns and trends.

There was a discussion about why Barclays was chosen for implementing card payments at libraries. It was explained that Barclays, being the council's bank, was recommended by the Deputy Director of Finance, as they offered a reasonable deal. There was openness to considering other options if desired.

Concerns were raised about the need to see the negatives or improvement suggestions. It was agreed that constructive feedback would be valuable and brought to the committee's attention. Specific issues highlighted included the speed of Wi-Fi and connectivity, along with a desire to understand areas of potential complaints.

There were questions surrounding the digital offer update, particularly regarding an increase in hours and whether fewer people were utilizing the services. It was suggested that changing habits and needs might be influencing usage patterns. Initiatives such as gadget workshops and improvements in Wi-Fi connectivity were mentioned as efforts to enhance digital services.

Discussions also focused on the demographics of library users and efforts to capture more detailed information. Pilot activities, such as a Windrush event, were mentioned as examples of initiatives aimed at attracting a diverse range of attendees.

Finally, positive feedback was shared about the central library, highlighting the helpfulness of staff and the significance of libraries in the development of young children and infants.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

The Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Jobs presented this item to the committee.

Overall employment figures were significantly exceeding their targets. With a goal of 5,000 over four years, they were already at 3,752 halfway through year two, nearly doubling the figures from the previous year.

As for the outcomes related to parents of children aged 0 to 18. There had been challenges in collecting data in this area due to the reluctance of employees to disclose such information, as a result of stigma around having children in the workplace. However, they had made progress in effectively capturing this data.

Concerns were raised regarding the Council contracts and the collection of relevant data from external suppliers. While the reported number was 87, there were challenges in motivating teams to collect data effectively, especially when it came to Council-contracted suppliers. Efforts were underway to address this issue in the upcoming quarters.

They also touched focused on the number of living wage and entry-level jobs. Despite fluctuations throughout the year, they were confident of meeting targets, particularly with apprenticeships. The target for living wage and entry-level jobs had increased by 150%, indicating ambitious goals that were still on track to be met.

Lastly, they highlighted opportunities brokered through the construction directory. This directory facilitated connections with local construction companies, promoting local business and ensuring skilled work opportunities for residents. The directory, hosted by the council, aimed to support the circular economy by prioritising contractors who paid a living wage and contributed positively to the community giving social value.

The committee discussed the total increase of the London-living wage of 300 since the last assessment, aiming for a total increase of 500 by the end of the year. However, they noted challenges in achieving this target, attributing some of the difficulties to inflation in the labour market. While there was an expectation that accredited employers would readily sign up, they found barriers such as rising costs and questions about the value of accreditation beyond a badge on a website.

Regarding the affordable workspace program, they noted that they had exceeded their initial projections, with increasing business-to-business engagement between workspace tenants. They discussed the quantification of social value derived from the program and suggested improvements in tracking costs to better understand the monetary value of different activities.

They also addressed the uptake of the childcare bursary program, acknowledging that it had been more challenging than anticipated. They identified gaps in coverage, such as childcare for those in training or returning from maternity leave and recognised the need for more targeted outreach to reach those who could benefit most from the programme.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

Officers updated the committee on the Biodiversity Action Plan. During the presentation on the progress of the biodiversity action plan, it was highlighted that the new plan was launched in 2020, following a requirement for local authorities to produce such plans since the Rio Convention in 1992. The plan's primary focus is on protecting and enhancing biodiversity within the Islington borough, with an emphasis on fostering partnerships between the council, various partner organizations, and the broader community.

Several significant achievements and initiatives were discussed during the presentation. Notably, there has been an uptake in efforts to plant trees, with plans in place to plant 900 trees on schedule. A tree donation scheme was also mentioned, which has successfully contributed to the planting of 66 additional trees, entirely funded externally. This initiative allows residents and businesses to contribute to tree planting efforts, thereby further enhancing greenery in the borough.

Furthermore, various programs, such as the Greener Together program and the Thriving Neighborhoods program, were highlighted for supporting greening initiatives across Islington. These programs provide financial assistance for community-led greening projects, aiming to improve access to nature and reduce environmental health inequalities.

Community involvement was emphasised as a crucial aspect of biodiversity efforts in Islington. Volunteer contributions were estimated at over 25,000 hours, with volunteer groups such as Friends of Parks playing a significant role in carrying out voluntary work in parks and green spaces. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of community engagement in biodiversity conservation.

Efforts are underway to track canopy cover, improve communication about tree planting schedules, and implement sustainable urban drainage strategies to address flooding concerns.

Appreciation was expressed for the Housing Community Gardening Team, with queries about the number of estates they cover and whether it meets demand. The response highlighted the team's role in maximizing green spaces and plans for expansion, though financial constraints may limit further growth.

Another query pertained to increasing complaints about foxes from residents, seeking strategies to address the issue positively and involve residents in biodiversity efforts. The response emphasised education and community engagement to change mindsets over time, along with strategies to discourage foxes from gardens.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

The Executive Member for Environment and Transport gave their Annual Update and presented the Q2 Performance report (2023/24) to the committee.

The presentation acknowledged the hard work of various teams, including street sweepers, refuse and recycling crews, and highway and traffic workers, for their contributions in maintaining the quality of life in Islington. Special recognition was also extended to less visible teams such as mechanics and animal welfare workers.

The Executive Member highlighted emerging themes, particularly the increasing challenges posed by climate change, such as extreme heat and intensive rainfall. Climate adaptation efforts were emphasised, including discussions on how to integrate climate resilience into housing and infrastructure projects. Public health considerations were also brought into focus, with climate adaptation being recognised as a growing public health issue. Efforts to embed climate adaptation into routine practices, such as implementing larger gutters on buildings to manage intense rainfall, were mentioned.

Collaboration across teams, especially with public health, to promote health and wellbeing through climate-conscious initiatives. The Executive Member expressed pride in the council's efforts to prioritize these issues and praised the dedication of officers across departments.

Lastly, the presentation touched upon initiatives to promote active travel, including partnerships with organisations like Power Up and efforts to raise awareness about cycling groups like Wheel Sisters. Overall, the presentation highlighted ongoing efforts to address environmental and transportation challenges while expanding the scope of community engagement and support.

During the discussion, various points were raised regarding the impact of climate change on public health, particularly concerning the vulnerability of older residents to heat-related illnesses. There was a consensus on the necessity of integrating climate adaptation measures into housing design, with a specific focus on ensuring adequate ventilation to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures.

Furthermore, the importance of implementing energy efficiency measures in housing to reduce both environmental impact and utility costs for residents was highlighted. Questions were posed regarding the availability of future funding opportunities to support such initiatives.

Regarding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, inquiries were made about the strategic placement of charging points and the potential for residents to contribute to funding. The challenges involved in determining optimal locations for charging points while considering factors such as demand, technical feasibility, and access for residents were discussed.

The backlog of requests for bike storage allocation and efforts to improve communication with residents regarding available spaces. While there had been a significant reduction in the backlog, operational challenges remained, prompting consideration of potential improvements in communication methods.

There was a discussion about promoting green burial practices and eco-friendly initiatives in cemeteries. While proactive measures were not explicitly confirmed, it was noted that spaces for green burials were being made available, and ongoing efforts were underway in this regard. The biodiversity of cemeteries was highlighted.

Queries were raised by members of the public, one member of the public expressed scepticism about the existence of man-made climate change. They proposed that policies derived from the assumption of climate change should be reconsidered, particularly regarding taxation and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68.

Taken with the Annual Report of the Executive Member for Environment and Transport

RESOLVED:

That the Workplan 2023/24 be noted.