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Agenda item

Questions from Members of the Council

Minutes:

Question (a) from Councillor Clarke to Councillor Shaikh, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Jobs:

 

As the Council’s reading champion I have noticed that Islington libraries do not provide small tables and chairs for very young library users. When I travel around this country and Wales and visit libraries in other towns I notice the children’s section in most libraries do have at least one small table and chairs. I think it would be good if Islington would try out using small tables and chairs as librarians in other places say they are popular and well used. I have heard constituents ask for them as their children are not as safe on the bigger tables. Would it be possible to try introducing small tables and small chairs for our youngest library users?

 

Response:

 

Thank you for your question and thank you for being a fantastic Reading Champion. I thank you for all the support you are giving to our libraries. As you know, libraries are one of our biggest assets. Providing not only a place for reading, but also learning and supporting the community, from our Baby Bounce classes to the events for our older residents. I’m proud that this Council administration has kept open all of our fantastic libraries despite severe government cuts.

 

In answer to your question, in our experience, the biggest requirements for tables and chairs comes from older children for whom very small furniture would not be suitable. These tables are used by children doing their homework as well as for our homework clubs, which take place weekly in all of the libraries. The Fair Futures Commission reported that young people need more space to read and do their homework, our libraries have an important role to play in that, which is why we have introduced homework spaces and computers are provided in all libraries.

 

Another reason why we don’t see a number of small tables and chairs in our libraries is space. When we carry out refurbishments or design new library spaces, we always look to maximise the use of space and provide furniture that can be used by children and adults of all ages, so they can enjoy the space together. This has included zoning areas in libraries so that young children can sit with their parents or carers on sofas. We also try to maximise floor space so we can accommodate larger groups on school visits and also Baby Bounce sessions.

 

We do have a few small tables and chairs in Finsbury Library because the space allows for this, and to date we have not received any requests from residents or reports of children falling off bigger chairs. I thank you for raising this issue, and in response to the question I would like to survey library users about the layout of the children’s section in each of the libraries, and invite residents to make suggestions on how we can make better use of that space. I’d like to invite you to take part in those discussions in more detail. 

 

Supplementary question:

 

Thank you very much. I’ve been speaking to library workers and parents in Islington, and they enthusiastically agree that small tables and chairs would be a welcome addition to the wonderful facilities we have in our libraries. Why is there a resistance to providing facilities for our youngest library users?

 

Response:

 

We are really keen to provide the services that are needed for all of our library users. You’ve raised an interesting question and going forward we would like to survey our users and find out more about what they want from their libraries. 

 

Question (b) from Councillor Heather to Councillor Webbe, Executive Member for Environment and Transport:

 

Can you please reassure me that in relation to the installation of electric vehicle chargers in the borough that the council is adequately addressing public concerns regarding:

 

        1. Location and health and safety for users and the general public.

        2. Noise generated.

        3. Light disturbance.

        4. Payment for charging a vehicle.

        5. Public and resident consultation.

 

Finally, what are the actual environmental benefits of using electric vehicles as opposed to petrol or diesel vehicles in terms of the emissions created in each case by the generation of the power sources?

 

Response:

 

Thank you for your question. I know that you are as proud as me to be re-elected to implement our Islington Labour manifesto, which of course included our commitment to deliver 400 more electric charging points in the borough. I am pleased with the progress we are making on this. I want to be clear that the vast majority of these have been implemented to a standard that is beyond acceptable, but there are a small number that we are concerned about.

 

It is important that we clean up Islington’s air. The air that we are breathing is not healthy and we have to do something about toxic emissions. As I said at our last meeting, and here again tonight, the concerns about the impact of electric vehicle charging points need to be addressed, so we live in an environment that is not only healthy but enjoyable as well. I want all residents to enjoy our streets.

 

Regarding safety, it is a contractual requirement that the equipment complies with relevant technical specifications and safety standards required by law. We are working with a number of providers and they are working across other boroughs as well. We are looking at the design of the equipment they are providing and we want to work with providers that understand our narrow pavements and that we are one of the densest boroughs in London. We take on the challenge of electric charging points unashamedly, but we also have to ensure that our providers and contractors understand our pavements and our streets. They must understand our local environment and develop a design that suits. That’s what we will work on, because we are pioneering this agenda. We are leading the way and making the changes that will benefit other boroughs too.

 

Supplementary question:

 

Thank you Cllr Webbe, I appreciate that you couldn’t provide a full response to all the points raised and I would welcome further details. It is good to hear about the progress being made. You’ve been straightforward in saying that this is pioneering work; with any technology you have early adopters and by 2022 we have plans to scale up to 400 charging points. I am interested in the detail of how we consult people on this. It is an admirable move we are making; we just need to make sure that the reality is meeting our standards. I think that our residents can have a role in that.

 

Response: 

 

I want to reassure everybody that for every single charging point that is installed, public consultation takes place. Whenever a resident requests a charging point on their street, we undertake consultation with their neighbours to make sure what we are putting in is right. The majority of the installations we have made are absolutely right, I can show you the audit we have done. I have been out and taken a look and there are a few, I think four, that need to be removed. The majority of the installations have been done right.

 

We are moving an agenda that is not just about electric vehicle charging, but about innovation too. We are looking to install electric vehicle charging points in our lamp posts. That is a clear innovation we are making for London. We are also ensuring that the rapid charging points, the larger units that can charge a vehicle in half an hour, are on build-outs. We are making progress and making changes that will deliver for all. 

 

Question (c) from Councillor Khondoker to Councillor Webbe, Executive Member for Environment and Transport:

 

Can you please reassure me that in relation to the installation of cycling facilities across the borough that:

 

1. Location meets the needs of residents and borough users to facilitate cycling e.g. bicycle racks will be available across the borough including residential street properties and estates both internal secure storage and sheltered/cctv/roadside cycle racks outside estates and commercial areas. Harvist Estate is a prime example of lacking outdoor cycle racks near the shops by Citizens House.

 

2. Security and surveillance has been considered either using council run cameras or in conjunction with commercially owned cameras.

 

3. Public and resident consultation and/or survey has informed the placement of facilities.

 

Response:

 

Thank you for your question. This Council administration is committed to helping all residents to take advantage of the benefits of cycling. This includes installing cycling storage facilities across the borough on our estates and our streets. For the current tranche of bike hangars being installed, sites were chosen primarily by the quantity of requests by residents. Where some wards lacked a proposed site owing to low or no requests, sites were put forward as part of this round of consultation so that every ward had a proposal for a bike hangar.

 

I’ve made a commitment that whenever anybody wants a cycle hangar, we will deliver. That is a promise we will hold to. I am pleased to confirm that a bike hangar is being installed near the Harvist Estate on Lowman Road. Residents can apply for bike hangar places and suggest other locations for cycle storage using the council website. The Harvist Estate is currently the subject of a New Build redevelopment plan, with significant potential construction changes to the layout of Citizen Road. The new build proposals include improvements for pedestrians and cyclists, with cycle parking facilities for visitors.

 

In terms of security, I am pleased to say that we have not had any thefts from our bike hangars, and no anti-social behaviour has been reported either. At this stage we are not considering the use of cameras.

 

As always, consultation is key. We consulted on 54 on-street bike hangar proposals in July. I encourage any councillors and residents to contact the council if you would like to propose locations for future cycle storage facilities.

 

Question (d) from Councillor Khondoker to Councillor Webbe, Executive Member for Environment and Transport:

 

Can you reassure me that the recently agreed street cleaning procedure is being conducted as agreed, and the council is adequately addressing public concerns with:

 

1. Streets do not appear to be cleaned daily; streets are often seen with litter scattered along it.

 

2. Rubbish dumping and dog fouling are reported via the Clean Islington App but few responses are received to confirm if the issue has been addressed or if the littering still persists.

 

Response:

 

I would be keen to meet with Councillor Khondoker about any areas or streets in her ward that are causing concern so we can address the issues immediately.

 

During the summer months, the higher than normal footfall means that some streets need to be cleansed more than once per day. We did make note of the streets we felt were in need of additional cleansing to better prepare us for Spring and Summer next year. We also encountered a slightly longer than normal bedding in period for some operatives who took time to become familiar with their new cleansing routes. As you may know, we have recently implemented a new neighbourhood street cleansing service, which was championed by former councillor Doolan.

 

Overall, we are very pleased with the new local neighbourhood cleansing service and we continue to receive praise and compliments for local residents regarding the new cleansing regime. I encourage all residents and councillors to contact the street cleansing team if they have concerns about particular streets so we can work to address them.

 

The vast majority of reports via the Clean Islington App are addressed with 24 hours of reporting but on occasion some reports may take longer to resolve. For example, a report concerning a regular fly-tipped location may be directed to the council’s Compliance Team for investigation as opposed to Street Environment Services for removal. In which case, the investigation of the fly-tipped waste may take a bit longer than 24 hours to investigate before it is removed. On other occasions the reported problem may be on non-public highway areas of land so the report is re-directed to other services to resolve, again this may take longer. What is clear is that we are delivering a convenient and easy way residents to report. Due to the high number of reports received by Street Environment Services it would take longer update each report with a message to residents. But those who have reported the issue should have confidence that the matter has been dealt with. I know that as councillors you will champion our Cleaner Islington App and champion our street cleaning services.

 

Supplementary question:

 

Thank you Councillor Webbe. I appreciate the answers and will send you an email. In terms of the App, I think that to provide it with credibility it requires that response to residents so they know that the App works, but I agree that it is effective overall.

 

Response:

 

The Cleaner Islington App was launched a couple of years ago and it received a lot of feedback from residents. We have tweaked it along the way and the service has become more responsive. Our revised street cleansing service allows residents to see that their streets are being cleaned five days a week and seven days a week on main roads. I have seen messages from our residents thanking their street cleaner for the job they are doing. We have also received praise on our Cleaner Islington App, which will only go from strength to strength. I look forward to your email.

 

Question (e) from Councillor Nathan to Councillor Shaikh, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Jobs:

 

We’re delighted to hear that Islington Council is actively pursuing options to make use of the former Fire Station in Clerkenwell. The short-sighted Tory cuts to the fire service, demonstrably are not in the public's interest, either economically or in terms of public safety. Half a million pounds over four years while an iconic and historically significant fire station lies empty. We support the view of local people who would like to see the site used for a mixture of social housing at council rent and affordable workspace. Could Cllr Shaikh give us an insight into how the site might be integrated into the existing affordable workspaces program and further how we could use such opportunities to provide a stepping stone into the prosperous nearby tech and design clusters for local people in support of the borough's inclusive economy strategy?

 

Response:

 

Thank you Councillor Nathan. It is a scandal that the former Mayor of London closed the fire station in Clerkenwell, along with others across the city, and the site remains empty four years on.

 

The former Clerkenwell Fire Station has huge potential to deliver much needed genuinely affordable homes along with genuinely affordable workspace. Last week the Council launched its trailblazing Affordable Workspace Strategy, a pioneering new approach which will ensure local businesses have the vital space and support they need to grow, at prices they can afford.

 

I hope that the former Clerkenwell Fire Station would form a key part of the Affordable Workspace Programme. It’s located in the heart of Islington and London’s premier design hub. We will seek to equip affordable workspaces with new technology to support businesses and increase productivity.  I am pleased that we have already secured approximately 4,000sqm of affordable workspace, equivalent to three Olympic sized swimming pools, in commercial developments that will be let to local entrepreneurs and start-ups at genuinely affordable rates. 

 

These below-market-rate workspace will become available over the next three years as office buildings are completed, with yet more space to be secured in future years through the planning process. We have managed to negotiate leases with developers at very low rents, and in a UK first, Social Value will be embedded into those contracts, to provide long-term benefits to local residents. This will provide education, training and employment opportunities.

 

In Islington we want every resident, regardless of their background, to benefit from Islington’s economic growth. That’s why we are committed to building an inclusive economy. A central plank of that is creating good jobs for local people and giving local start-ups and entrepreneurs an opportunity to thrive. We will support the networks that they need to function better. Most importantly, we will create opportunities so that businesses are not priced out of the borough. Clerkenwell Fire Station has huge potential. We want to work with the fire service to explore how we can deliver this.

 

Question (f) from Councillor Smith to Councillor Ward, Executive Member for Housing and Development:

 

Can I be provided with an itemised costing of the roof repair of 77-84 Rowstock gardens and a complete list of the agreed schedule of rates that apply to this contractor that it is proposed to provide this work to.

 

Response:

 

In the interests of brevity, I understand that a breakdown of the roof renewal works at Rowstock Gardens, including the schedule of rate items, has been provided to Councillor Smith.

 

Supplementary Question:

 

Thank you Councillor Ward. I would simply ask that Councillor Ward reviews the cost of the works, £16,500, and also considers the quote obtained by residents, £6,900, for the same work.

 

Response:

 

Yes, I will.

 

Question (g) from Councillor Russell to Councillor Hull, Executive Member for Finance, Performance and Community Safety: 

 

How many Islington residents are more than two months in arrears on their council tax? 

 

Response:

 

Thank you. A person is not regarded to be in arrears with council tax until they have lost their right to pay by instalments and they are subject to enforcement action. For this council tax year there are 6,122 council tax accounts at enforcement stage but 2,242 of these have subsequently entered into a special arrangement with us, mainly by signing up to paying by direct debit. This means that the number we regard as being currently in arrears for this year is reduced to 3,880. To put this into context we have just over 103,000 council tax accounts in Islington. That is to say, under 4% of council tax accounts are currently in arrears.

 

Supplementary question:

 

Thank you. What is your best guess of how many of those 3,880 who are in arrears cannot pay?

 

Response:

 

I don’t think it would be responsible for me to guess, but I will look into it.

 

Question (h) from Councillor Russell to Councillor Ward, Executive Member for Housing and Development:

 

Thank you for your written answer to my question at the last Full Council meeting about how many front doors are non-compliant with fire regulations in council properties, tenanted and leasehold, in each ward.

 

You sent me a letter and a spreadsheet, but the answer to the question about the overall number of front doors that are not compliant with fire regulations was unclear as you gave numbers for directly managed homes but not for street properties managed by Partners for Islington, where you said you "plan to survey all tenanted flat front doors as part of a recently let contract to install interlinked heat and smoke detection and alarms" which will "take several years to complete".

 

My question is how many front doors are currently non-compliant with fire regulations in council properties, tenanted and leasehold, both directly managed and managed by Partners, in Islington? I’m looking for four borough level numbers at Full Council with a ward breakdown in writing.

 

Response:

 

Thank you for your question. This Council takes fire safety incredibly seriously and residents’ safety is our number one priority. We are continuing our programme of fire safety improvement works and will respond quickly to any concerns about fire safety.

 

I can confirm that there are a total of 35,475 front entrance doors in our whole housing stock. 25,265 of these are in tenanted properties for which the Council is responsible. The 10,208 leaseholders in the borough are responsible for their own doors. Of the 25,265 tenanted properties, 20,813 are directly managed and 4,444 are managed by Partners for Islington.

 

The number of tenanted units that still require surveying, upgrading or replacement is 11,004. Many of these units are included in a recently-let contract to deal with fire safety in all the street properties in the borough (those managed by Partners for Islington and those which are directly-managed) as well as some older-style mansion blocks. Details of the numbers by ward will be supplied in due course.

 

Supplementary question:

 

When will your plans be fully implemented so all council residents on estates and on streets are reassured that smoke and fire will be properly contained so residents can either leave the building or stay put in safety?

 

Response:

 

As soon as we can do a thorough job to make sure it is done properly and safely. I know that’s not the answer you wanted, but I’m very happy to sit down with you and officers and talk it through in more detail.

 

Question (i) from Councillor Mackmurdie to Councillor Webbe, Executive Member for Environment and Transport: 

 

As a Clerkenwell councillor, I have been approached by a number of residents about the implementation of Quietway 10. It is welcome the Council is encouraging more residents to take advantage of the benefits of cycling, but it is important that cyclists and pedestrians coexist without fear of harm within our transport infrastructure. Can Cllr Webbe therefore please confirm that a full and proper consultation on the implementation of Quietway 10 will be conducted with Clerkenwell residents and the community before any decision is made?

 

Response:

 

Yes. I want to reassure you that safety of pedestrians and cyclists is of equal importance to the Council. The manifesto of this administration commits us to deliver a successful quietway network throughout the borough so more people are safer and feel more confident cycling on Islington’s streets. I want to see all residents, and councillors, lead active and healthy lives. We want to reduce the risk of accidents and make Islington a fairer place. There is a reason why walking is our number one transport priority. We want people to co-exist and work together.

 

You will know that at a recent community meeting this was a subject of much debate, there were many questions and conversations about the scheme. We need to bring the community with us, that involves consulting with residents and businesses along the route and exploring all options. The quietway network will go out to public consultation later this year and we will focus on ensuring pedestrian safety at all ties.

 

Supplementary question:

 

Thank you for your question. Could you please look into Quietway 2 and the issues around Clerkenwell School. Children are going to school at rush hour and have to avoid cyclists and cars. I would like to see us improve road safety.

 

Response:

 

Yes.

 

The Mayor advised that the allocated time for questions from members of the Council had ended and that any outstanding questions would receive a written response.

 

Question (j) from Councillor Graham to Councillor Caluori, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families: 

 

While we all welcome the outstanding exam, results achieved by students across Islington we must not forget those in greatest need who may be being left at the wayside and, in my opinion, permanently excluded from our schools in the push for improved Ofsted results. Students, who are subsequently diagnosed as having ADHD or as being on the Autism spectrum, are regularly being permanently excluded from our schools prior to diagnosis, being seen as ‘naughty ‘or ‘disruptive’.

 

There seems a reluctance on behalf of our schools to recognise underlying problems students may have. This can happen despite children demonstrating clear symptoms of autism. Things such as refusal to make eye contact when being spoken to by teachers, covering the head and face and avoiding noise and crowds due to sensory issues. Thankfully, some children are moved to an alternative provision unit that encourage people to get a proper diagnosis and ensure they receive the support they should have got all along and go on to flourish.

 

However, if schools are more aware of the signs to watch out for, this support could be given sooner and would avoid the devastation exclusion can cause. I have been contacted by several parents going through similar experiences with autism and with ADHD. If signs of these conditions were recognised earlier and school staff were made more aware I believe we could drastically reduce the number of our children going through the trauma and stigma of permanent exclusion. And let’s not forget, studies have shown that children who are permanently excluded from mainstream education can be 4 times more likely to wind up in the prison system.

 

I therefore ask Cllr Caluori to lead the way and push our Islington schools to ensure staff are given the proper training in how to recognise these conditions, so they can be supported earlier and that we avoid more of our kids are not left on the scrapheap.

 

I also call for an investigation into how many Islington students who have been excluded are later diagnosed with autism, ADHD or similar conditions.

 

Response:

 

Thank you for your question at Full Council on exclusions and supporting children with complex needs. I am writing to respond to your question as there was insufficient time to do so in the meeting. 

 

I fully agree that we must work with all schools to ensure that they are delivering the best education for children and young people in our borough, no matter what their circumstances are. The Council works closely with schools to ensure that exclusions remain a last resort and do not disproportionately affect any particular groups. We are also continuing to provide intensive support through our alternative provision and Pupil Referral Unit, New River College.

 

As you might be aware, the Government recently published its Green Paper for transforming children and young people’s mental health provision. The Green Paper includes plans to incentivise schools to identify a Designated Senior Lead for Mental Health, and fund new Mental Health Support Teams to provide extra capacity for early intervention and ongoing help. I am pleased that Islington has been invited to apply to be a ‘Trailblazer Site’. This would mean receiving funding, training and support to develop an effective model for Islington children and young people. All schools would be required to identify a Designated Senior Health Lead for Mental Health as part of this bid. The opportunity to be part of this Trailblazer pilot is an exciting one and would benefit our schools and children, including those with ADHD or who are on the Autism spectrum. While I hope we are successful in our bid, the Council has plans to move forward with this agenda even if it is unsuccessful, as it is the right thing to do to ensure children with complex needs are not excluded from education.

 

In answer to your question on the number of Islington students who have been excluded, of the 23 young people permanently excluded during the last academic year, none have been assessed and diagnosed with autism or ADHD post-exclusion. However, one young person with a diagnosis of ADHD prior to exclusion was permanently excluded from a non-Islington school.

 

However, late diagnosis, particularly of Autism Spectrum Conditions and mental health needs, can become more apparent during adolescent. Commissioners of education and health and care provision are aware of this challenge and currently exploring where further improvements might be made to identify conditions earlier on and therefore avoid the need for exclusions. Islington has a higher number of children with Special Education Needs Disabilities (SEND) compared to other local areas and the age of identification has reduced year on year, in part due to increased understanding of SEND. 94 per cent of children and young people in Islington with Education, Health and Care plans had those plans issued before the age of 11, helping them to thrive in school. However, local SEND budgets are under increased pressure due to insufficient funding from central government. I am sure you will share my pleasure that councillors voted in support of a motion at Full Council on this very issue, so that our schools can fully support all children with complex needs.

I would be pleased to keep you informed of the progress of the Council’s bid to become a ‘Trailblazer Site’, to ensure schools can better identify and support children with complex needs and reduce the need for exclusions.

 

You may also be aware that the Children’s Services Scrutiny Committee is conducting a review on permanent and fixed period exclusion from both primary and secondary school. It will then make recommendations that aim to enable more children and young people to remain in mainstream education. I am sure you will share my interest in the findings of the review.

 

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