b
Council 20 November 2013
Questions from Councillors
Wards: All
Report Authorised by: Strategic Director Enabling: Guy Ware
Contact for enquiries:
Tim Stephens, Democratic Services Manager, Governance & Democracy, 020 7926 2754
Report summary
Questions and answers submitted by Councillors, in accordance with Standing Order 12, are
set out below.
1. Councillor Ashley Lumsden
To: Councillor Lib Peck, Leader of the Council
Lambeth’s Planning Policy
Does the Leader of the Council remain committed to Lambeth's planning policy that
40% of new homes should be affordable in the case where no social housing grant is
available?
Party: Liberal Democrat
Answer:
Lambeth remains wholly committed to the 40% target for affordable housing and 50%
for affordable housing with a grant.
Unfortunately this has been much harder to deliver as a result of the policies of the
Tory Lib Dem coalition which has slashed the social housing grant by 60%, weighted
the viability test so that it is much more in favour of the developer, and introduced a
new category of affordable housing which at 80% of market rent is not affordable to
many.
2. Councillor Shirley Cosgrave
To: Councillor Sally Prentice, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure
Brockwell Park Fire Works Event
Can the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure provide figures for the amount
raised by concessions for the supply of food, drink and entertainment as well as
sponsorship at the fireworks event in Brockwell Park on 5 November?
Party: Conservative
Answer:
This year the Lambeth Events Team has managed to secure the following income to
go towards offsetting the costs of the Fireworks at Brockwell Park.
• £5,000 Sponsorship Income from Hobnob PR / Hit Entertainment for Fireman
Sam
• £7,605 Income from a selection of Food Stalls
• £4,000 Income from Bar Tender from Gigalum (Clapham based bar business)
• £1,500 Income from Bensons Funfair (Subject to weather forecast)
• Total income of £18,105 will offset the expenditure
The events team will also be collecting cash donations at the event and also selling
children’s novelties glow toys to raise further income.
3. Councillor Clive Bennett
To: Councillor Imogen Walker, Cabinet Member for Environment and
Sustainability
Strategies to alleviate financial pressures
With the local authority relinquishing its perception of high gear in parking services
revenue and officers trying to reduce the level of PCN’s being issued in Lambeth,
what strategies are being considered for a further review of our transparency and
commercial margins in the best interests of families, local traders and service
operators for whom there is little evidence in the reduction of financial pressures
imposed by the grim economic realities of austerity?
Party: Independent
Answer:
The services provided by the Parking Service are not ring fenced to residents or
businesses in Lambeth. Parking services are provided to meet the council’s statutory
duties and the ever increasing demand for parking provisions and keep the traffic
flowing and accessible to emergency services. To ensure the cost of these services
is kept to a minimum we:
• Benchmark the costs of services against other similar authorities where possible.
• Procure contracts using the council’s best value principles.
• Renegotiated the costs of existing contracts to achieve savings.
• Implemented a continuous improvement process
It should be noted the Parking services which we provide play an important part in
driving forward the economy in Lambeth. We have introduced a number of incentives
to support local business and to attract shoppers and visitors to the borough
including:
• The introduction of free bays to allow shoppers to stop for a short period of time
to use local shops and amenities.
• Provision of user friendly ways to pay for parking such as Pay by Phone, which
allows shoppers to top up their parking using smartphones.
• Free parking initiatives, for example at Easter and Christmas, to encourage
visitors to the borough.
• Engagement with businesses to ensure the services we provide meet their
needs.
Parking encourages a policy of openness and continually reviews the information
which is made available to the public and how this can be accessed by citizens,
communities and visitors. We carry out mystery shopping exercises to evaluate how
we are doing and to identify changes to our services to benefit all service users.
4. Councillor Lib Peck
To: Councillor Ashley Lumsden, Leader of the Majority Opposition
Your New Town Hall
The Leader of the Liberal Democrats will know that this borough is having to manage
a 50% cut to its revenue budget. Why then does he reject the opportunity to save
more than £4.5 million a year by moving from 14 office sites to just two energy
efficient offices, especially as the project ultimately pays for itself, will deliver local
jobs for local people, new space for businesses and entrepreneurs and much needed
affordable housing?
Party: Labour
Answer:
Councillor Peck knows that there are many issues in the borough that need resolving
but she must appreciate that building a new Town Hall just creates yet another
problem - that of spending £50 million on new council offices when there are already
surplus office blocks.
Liberal Democrats oppose Labour's new Town Hall as a costly and wasteful vanity
project. Instead we propose an alternative based around selling redundant offices
and saving on running costs. This would deliver more savings more quickly and
without relying on risky and uncertain deals with property developers.
Councillor Peck should also look again at her decision to award a contract based on
only 20% affordable housing and accept that she is selling the borough short by
failing to deliver the affordable homes we so desperately need.
5. Councillor Jeremy Clyne
To: Councillor Sally Prentice, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure
Streatham Library
While welcoming the long overdue refurbishment of Streatham Library, Streatham
Liberal Democrat councillors, the Friends of Streatham Library, library users and
residents have been alarmed at the handling of this project. After the failure to
provide the necessary IT to allow internet access and to permit staff to connect up
with the library system, it has now emerged that the Council appointed a contractor
who could not do the job. Costs have now escalated, the start on site of this project,
already on a very tight deadline, has been severely delayed and even at this late
stage the architect is being changed. Can you please account for this apparently
chaotic state of affairs and will you please get a grip on this situation?
Can you confirm that the project is not now being rushed through to meet the
intended launch date for electoral reasons as there are fears that the project will
suffer in the rush to complete it before the May elections?
Party: Liberal Democrat
Answer:
As frequently reported to the Cabinet the problems in our library buildings have been
created through a lack of investment for over 30 years. The council is now putting
this right with a £6 million planned investment programme.
IT infrastructure
The lack of the IT infrastructure whilst the £1.4 million refurbishment of the Tate
Streatham library is undertaken has been disappointing. We will continue to work
closely with the Friends of Streatham Library, library staff, and the landlord at
Gracefield Gardens to improve this situation. A timeline for the installation of fibre
broadband is currently being finalised and a date will be shared with the Friends
shortly.
Contract
The council took the decision to offer the contract to an alternative contractor after
the original contractor explained they were unable to meet delivery requirements at
the project initiation meeting. The conditions of the project delivery were clear
throughout the contract tender process. It was a tough decision, but was in the best
interests of Lambeth taxpayers and Streatham Library users.
The project remains within the delivery deadlines previously agreed and these have
not changed. Whilst some additional, unavoidable costs have been incurred
(approximately £200,000) the project costs will be contained within the Cooperative
Library Programme.
Project funding
The deadline for completion is a requirement of the Mayor of London's Outer London
Fund, which is part funding this project. A requirement of these funds is the need to
complete this project by 31 March 2014. Failure to achieve this could put at risk
£350,000 funding for Streatham Library, Streatham residents and Lambeth
taxpayers.
6. Councillor John Whelan
To: Councillor Pete Robbins, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration
Right to Buy Applications in Lambeth
Will the Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration please provide figures for the
number of applications made and properties sold in Lambeth under the right to buy
scheme for the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 financial years?
Party: Conservative
Answer:
The figures below provide total RTB sales. It should be noted that the vast majority of
RTB applications are not progressed by the applicants, this may be due to a range of
issues including lack of necessary finance or availability of mortgages.
2011 – 2012
Applications received 66
Properties sold 18
2012 – 2013
Applications received 516
Properties sold 2
Councillor Whelan should also note that thanks to the actions of the government, the
council did not receive a single penny from these sales to reinvest in council homes.
7. Councillor Diana Morris
To: Councillor John Whelan, Leader of the Minority Opposition
Permitted Development
Does the Leader of the Conservatives agree that the proposed changes to permitted
development being championed by the Communities Secretary, which would allow
developers to convert retails units to homes without going through the planning
process, are misconceived measures that could have a disastrous impact on
Lambeth’s high streets and town centres?
Party: Labour
Answer:
By bringing empty and redundant buildings in town centres back into productive use,
the Government will help to revive our high streets as well as to create jobs in the
construction and services industries. These new homes will bring a greater resident
population to our high streets, increasing footfall and supporting local shops. Local
councils including Lambeth will still be in charge of local planning policies and local
residents will continue to have input into local plans. This said, the current policy can
be a burden on business in terms of time and cost, I support the proposed changes
to make planning permission less burdensome and remove hundreds of pages of
bureaucratic planning guidelines. I agree that helping our High Streets is important
and welcome the Government’s action on this matter. One great programme is the
Future High Street X Fund, which is helping high streets by giving financial incentives
to towns across the country to develop new, innovative schemes to rejuvenate town
centres. I also recognise that planning regulations must respect the importance of
the high street. The National Planning Policy Framework now clearly states that
Local Plans should “recognise town centres as the heart of their communities and
pursue policies to support their viability and vitality”. In addition, the government has
cut business rates for small shops, scrapped Whitehall guidance that pushed for
higher parking charges, and the local retention of business rates now gives councils
including Lambeth a direct financial stake in their high street.
8. Councillor Alex Davies
To: Councillor Jack Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Safer Neighbourhoods
Neighbourhood Enhancement Programme
Can the Leader of the Council confirm whether the Environment and Community
Safety Scrutiny Sub-Committee was misinformed when it was told by transport
officers in June that the Neighbourhood Enhancement Programme (NEP) "would not
continue", or whether the public were misinformed when the Cabinet Member for
Safer and Stronger Communities told the Cabinet in July that the programme was not
being scrapped? Does the Leader acknowledge that not a single ward in Streatham
has yet benefited from NEP investment, and will she bring forward the programme in
those wards and in Bishops ward?
Party: Liberal Democrat
Answer:
I have been advised that the response that transport officers gave to the Sub-
Committee in June this year was based on the information available at that particular
time. The response was intended to convey that an evaluation of the first NEP would
be essential before moving on to any subsequent phase. The NEP is an innovative
approach that gives communities a say in how their area is improved. As with all
innovation it is important to evaluate and learn from the experience.
Since June the current NEP has been developed further and officers are now better
placed to carry out a review of the project to assess 1) key successes; 2) lessons
learned; and 3) best practice in cooperative working. The NEP has been successful
in empowering community groups to lead on engagements but a key area to assess
is the resource requirements of a NEP - how best to scope the project to fit limited
available resources. The findings of this review will provide key information to
Cabinet members for decision making and inform the way forward.
It is acknowledged that there are significant investments which have been delivered
and are planned for delivery outside of the current NEP area, and these include the
following:
• Jubilee Gardens delivered in 2012;
• Lower Marsh public realm, delivered recently;
• Improvements in Streatham funded by both Lambeth and the GLA including
Streatham High Road central reservation planned for delivery starting in
November for completion by end of March 2014;
• Babbington Square planned for January 2014 start for completion by end of
March 2014;
• Norwood Road currently being delivered for completion by end of March 2014.
9. Councillor Julia Memery
To: Councillor Pete Robbins, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration
Short Life Tenancies in Lambeth
Will the Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration please provide figures for the
number of properties previously occupied by short-life tenants that have been sold,
the number remaining to be sold and the total amount of revenue raised so far by the
sale of these properties as well as the estimated amount for those not yet sold?
Party: Conservative
Answer:
Since 1 April 2011 Lambeth has sold 150 former shortlife flats and houses. The
capital receipts to date from this programme have come to £50,804,000 including
properties at Rushcroft Road.
There are 83 properties remaining. However sixteen of these are in 1-16 Carlton
Mansions, the future disposal arrangements for which are within the Somerleyton
Regeneration Proposals, and about which we have no information, at present,
regarding capital receipts.
Leaving that to one side, though, we anticipate that the sale of the other 67 units will
produce a further capital receipt of approximately £40 million.
On a point of information none of these are, or ever were, occupied by ‘’short life
tenants’’. They have only ever been occupied by a mixture of former short life
licensees and unauthorised occupants.
10. Councillor John Kazantzis
To: Councillor John Whelan, Leader of the Minority Opposition
Streatham Police Station
Will the Leader of the Conservative Group use his influence in City Hall and
ask that the Mayor give Streatham's police force the tools they need to do the
job?
Party: Labour
Answer:
I wish I had the influence the Member believes I have at City Hall. As announced in
March, the existing Streatham Police Station is not suitable for long term needs and a
replacement site has been acquired in Streatham High Road. The existing police
station and front counter will not close until the new site is operational. In order to
avoid any confusion the property has been taken off the market until the replacement
site is further developed. The existing Streatham Police Station is not suitable for
continued use. It is an old building that costs almost £250,000 a year to run and
cannot be made accessible to disabled people.
11. Councillor Brian Palmer
To: Councillor Jim Dickson, Cabinet Member Health and Wellbeing
The Glebe
Can the Cabinet Member kindly confirm when the remedial works to The Glebe will
be completed by Lambeth Living following the disastrous fire on a neighbouring
property in July? There were still boarded-up and cracked windows, glass and
damaged frames by the end of October, melted door bells, missing boundary fence
panels, burnt & charred shrubs in borders and general debris lying around.
It was telling that the commercial property that was the source of the fire was trading
again within hours but that the elderly residents of The Glebe have had to endure this
disruption for months. Will the Cabinet Member ensure that Lambeth Living makes a
full and public apology to the residents for this lax service and pulls out all the stops
to restore The Glebe to its former glory?
Party: Liberal Democrat
Answer:
Following the fire, which affected The Glebe in July 2013, Lambeth Living will be
starting remedial works to the building on 18 November 2013. The works should take
approximately six weeks and therefore be concluded by the end of December 2013.
It has been unfortunate that a delay in the manufacture of the windows has meant
work could not begin sooner, however as The Glebe is in a conservation area the
windows had to specially made and therefore took some time to order. The
manufacturers have assured Lambeth Living that the windows will be ready for
installation as of 18 November. All other works including works to the roof, gutters,
downpipes, two front doors and fence panels are also due to begin on that date.
I am happy to apologise to residents for the delay in their homes being repaired.
12. Councillor John Whelan
To: Councillor Sally Prentice, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure
Criminal Damage at the West Norwood Library
Can the Cabinet Member explain why the recent damage caused at the Nettlefold
Hall and West Norwood Library by squatters was not reported by the council to the
Metropolitan Police as an offence of criminal damage in view of the huge cost of the
clean-up and replacement of damaged public property to be funded by the taxpayer?
Party: Conservative
Answer:
The incident was reported once a break-in had been confirmed. As reported to all
Norwood Ward Councillors, the police attended the incident, spoke to the squatters
and left. It was then the responsibility of the council to pursue this matter through the
courts, which the council did.
In terms of criminal damage this could have been minimised if the police who
attended the incident were provided with the same powers as for residential
properties. There is a current loop hole in the law, which I hope all members of this
council will help to close to ensure these types of incidents can be avoided in the
future.
13. Councillor Jennifer Brathwaite
To: Councillor Sally Prentice, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure
Streatham Hub
The Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre opened the day before yesterday. The Hub
brings to Streatham a brand new leisure centre, ice rink, supermarket, several
hundred new homes both for sale and for rent and a new bus interchange. Would the
Cabinet Member agree that this is a major landmark event for Streatham and for
Lambeth?
Party: Labour
Answer:
Absolutely. The whole project has been a triumph of design and construction. People
in Streatham can be proud that it is only the second time in the world that an ice rink
has been built above a swimming pool. This is more than a leisure centre: over 200
new homes have been built and almost a thousand jobs during the construction
phase and afterwards have been created locally too. This is a £26 million project
which has been jointly funded by Lambeth Council and Tesco. While many other
councils up and down the country are sadly closing their leisure centres, we in
Lambeth are bucking the trend. I hope everyone enjoys using this fantastic new
facility in Streatham.
14. Councillor Daphne Marchant
To: Councillor Jim Dickson, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing
Inspection of sheltered housing units in Lambeth for tenancy arrangements
I would be grateful if the following information could be given:
Do officers responsible for the allocation of sheltered housing units to people over 55
years of age periodically check that the units are not occupied by illegal tenants
residing there with possibly young children. If checks are made, how often are they
made to ensure keys are not passed on?
Party: Liberal Democrat
Answer:
Wardens on site at sheltered schemes are responsible for checking residents’
welfare and report any tenancy-related issues to the local Lambeth Living area
offices where staff have responsibility for tenancy checks. The council assesses all
applicants for sheltered housing and properties are only allocated to tenants who
have been assessed as requiring sheltered housing.
15. Councillor Ed Davie
To: Councillor Ashley Lumsden, Leader of the Majority Opposition
Black Mental Health
The Black Mental Health Commission had its first meeting in October. The
commission will produce practical recommendations to improve the prevention of
mental ill health and access to appropriate services. Why was the Lambeth Liberal
Democrat Party unable to put someone forward to sit on this important cross-party
commission?
Party: Labour
Answer:
I understand that the first meeting was cancelled and in any case we have made a
nomination to this commission. We look forward to playing a full and active part in the
commission's important work.
16. Councillor Christine Barratt
To: Councillor Sally Prentice, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure
Buildings on Commons
After the severe damage caused to Clapham Common last year as a result of the
erection of “temporary” buildings, the Common is threatened with even greater
devastation from further events being allowed by this Labour administration, in
particular the enormous structures associated with the Freeze Festival.
The legislation, known as the London Parks Act, states that:
“In the exercise of powers conferred by articles 7 and 8 the local authority shall not,
without the consent of the Minister……erect, or permit to be erected any building or
other structure on, or enclose permanently, or permit to be enclosed permanently,
any part of a common”.
Since the word “permanent” applies here only to enclosures, please explain how you
interpret the legislation to mean that buildings are permitted to be erected on our
commons without ministerial consent provided they are temporary.
Party: Liberal Democrat
Answer:
The Commons Act 2006 is in five Parts supported by six Schedules. Part 3 deals with
works. Section 38 sets out the general prohibition on works without consent. In broad
terms it requires the consent of the appropriate national authority to carry out
restricted works includes the erection of fences and the construction of buildings or
other structures. By subsection 6 the general prohibition does not apply to common
land where works are carried out pursuant to an enactment relating to particular land
(local regulation) or an enactment applying to common land.
Clapham Common is the subject of local regulation. The relevant provisions are
found in the Metropolitan Commons Supplemental Act 1877 and the Ministry of
Housing and Local Government Provisional Order Confirmation (Greater London
Parks and Open Spaces) Act 1967
The 1967 Act was made pursuant to section 87(3) of the London Government Act
1963. Section 87(3) provided for ministers to make provisional orders for the purpose
of securing uniformity in the law (in this case a uniform code for metropolitan
commons).
Article 7 of the Order enables a local authority to provide various specified forms of,
and facilities for, public recreation upon any open space, including the power to “(b)
provide amusement fairs and entertainments including bands of music, concerts,
dramatic performances, cinematograph exhibitions and pageants . . . (d) provide
meals and refreshments of all kinds to sell to the public . . . (g) set apart or enclose in
connection with any of the matters [referred to above] and preclude any person from
entering that part so set apart or enclosed other than a person to whom access is
permitted . . .”. Article 8 provides for the local authority to license another to carry on
the activities permitted by Article 7.
Article 12 of the Order (the first schedule to the Act) restricts the exercise of the
powers conferred by Articles 7 and 8 of the Order:
“(1) In the exercise of powers conferred by articles 7 and 8 the local authority shall
not, without the consent of the Minister, erect, or permit to be erected any building or
other structure on, or enclose permanently, or permit to be enclosed permanently,
any part of a common.“
Counsel’s opinion was sought in relation to the interaction between Articles 7 and 12
of the Order. Having analysed the Act and related legislation, Counsel has advised
that the only reasonable interpretation of the above provision, would be a purposive
one and that the works referred to in Article 12 are directed at permanent or quasi-
permanent structures, and not temporary structures.
In relation to areas that may be set aside, the width of the phase “in connection with”
is important. Thus, so long as the reason an area is set aside has some connection
with the actual provision of the entertainment, it will be lawful to set apart or enclose
that area.
In summary, Counsel’s advice was that temporary structures, erected for the
purposes set out at Article 7 of the Order, did not require ministerial consent.
17. Councillor Niranjan Francis
To: Councillor Jim Dickson, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing
Sheltered Housing
As older people live longer and healthier lives, independent housing will become
increasingly important as an alternative to residential care. Would the Cabinet
Member confirm that everyone who lives in older people’s housing in Lambeth will
either have their homes improved or will be offered a more modern and accessible
home nearby, meaning older people in Lambeth will be able to live healthier and
more independent lives?
Party: Labour
Answer:
The council’s Older Peoples’ Housing Strategy aims to ensure that Lambeth’s older
residents have a greater choice of housing options, now and in the future. We have
made a clear pledge to people who live in older people’s housing in Lambeth, that
they will either have their homes improved, or will be offered a more modern and
accessible home nearby, and our ambitious sheltered housing programme will make
a significant contribution to delivering this pledge.
We are committed to retaining sheltered housing as an option for older people as we
recognise the value and benefits this type of accommodation can provide. The
Lambeth Housing Standard will address Decent Homes requirements and ensure
that all of our sheltered housing tenants have homes that are warm, safe and dry, in
good repair and have modern kitchens and bathrooms. Additional improvements that
are agreed together with sheltered tenants will consider the specific needs of older
people, and ensure that our sheltered housing is the best that it can be.
We are also adding to our current provision of five extra care housing schemes
which, through their accessible design and appropriate care and support services,
can substantially extend a person’s independence, and in many cases prevent the
need for a move into a residential care home in later life. We have three further
extra care schemes in the pipeline which will provide more than 200 new, purpose
built homes for older people, and our plans for additional schemes will ensure that
this housing option is available to older people in all areas of Lambeth.
18. Councillor Roger Giess
To: Councillor Imogen Walker, Cabinet Member for Environment and
Sustainability
Bin Size
Can the Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability confirm that households
which find they have inadequate capacity in their bins, following the removal of
existing 240 litre bins, will be permitted to return to a larger bin? Does she
acknowledge that need varies between households, and that a pragmatic approach
is needed to avoid uncontained waste building up on the streets and outside
residents' properties?
Party: Liberal Democrat
Answer:
I am delighted to have the opportunity to explain more about the implementation of
Lambeth’s Waste minimisation Strategy Review. In line with the vast majority of other
local authorities, Lambeth is aiming to exercise some control over the amount of
waste it collects by helping our citizens to reduce, reuse and recycle wherever
possible. From the waste analysis we have undertaken, residents living in low-rise
households are throwing out 9,500 tonnes a year of recyclable rubbish which could
be placed into their recycling sacks. If all of this was recycled, our disposal costs
would be reduced by about £1.1 million a year. The key aim of issuing the smaller
bins is to encourage behavioural change and for people think more carefully about
how they manage their waste. Analysis also revealed that on average 80% of
household waste can be recycled through our doorstep collection services for food
and recyclables, and another 5% through our on-street recycling points. In May we
piloted the new arrangements with 1,000 households in Norwood with great success.
After three weeks only 1% of households were placing out extra waste. Refuse was
down 11% and recycling up by 3%. A number of councillors, myself included, also
trialed the new system and had no difficulty in coping with the smaller container.
It is perfectly obvious to all of us that every household is different, and indeed some
will have a legitimate need for a larger bin while others will use only a fraction of the
capacity of their bin. We have a process in place to ensure that large families or
those with medical needs for example, can obtain the appropriate sized container.
Officers will also visit anyone who is struggling with the new system to provide advice
on managing their waste. However, we will not be issuing larger bins to those who
are simply not prepared to make the effort to separate their waste for recycling.
We will have a transition period of four weeks after implementation to help our
citizens adjust to the new service, during which time all extra rubbish will be taken,
and stickers will be left on bins (using a traffic light colour sequence) to explain that
extra waste will not be taken in the future. We constantly monitor the waste service to
make sure that it not only meets residents' needs but also helps us to work in an
efficient and sustainable way.
19. Councillor Marcia Cameron
To: Councillor Paul McGlone, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources
Helping Residents with their Finances
With the government's implementation of its ill-considered welfare reforms in
disarray, can the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources comment on the work
that is being done here in Lambeth to help residents take control of their finances,
gain independence and live more sustainable lives?
Party: Labour
Answer:
I welcome the opportunity to set out how this council, under Labour, is working
toward a Fair Deal for Lambeth. As described, ill-considered welfare reforms have
and will continue to cause real hardship for many of our residents. To mitigate these
impacts we’re committed to tackling unaffordable personal debt and fuel poverty; are
determined to build a better local economy in which local people have access to
quality local jobs; will continue to champion the London Living Wage; all while
campaigning for a welfare system that properly protects those of our residents unable
to work.
In the more detail, the council has been very active and creative in its work to support
residents in coping with the Government’s welfare reform programme and in ensuring
that we are in the best possible position to support them with the introduction of
Universal Credit (UC). We believe that the introduction of UC – in particular, the
change to monthly payments, the direct payment of housing costs to claimants, the
need to make and manage claims on-line, the requirement to have a bank account -
will see many residents struggle to cope with the transition unless appropriate advice
and support is available.
Around 1 in 6 Lambeth residents are affected by the Government’s welfare changes
with the majority losing income as a result:
• about 4,000 residents have been affected by the Bedroom Tax (losing £20 a
week each on average);
• a further 22,000 have been affected by the changes to council tax benefit (losing
£150 a year on average);
• about 500 will see their weekly benefits capped (losing £100 a week each on
average);
• about 9,000 will be affected by the abolition of Disability Living Allowance and the
switch to Personal Independence Payments (with 20% expected to lose benefits);
• about 38,000 Lambeth residents will see their tax credits and benefits subsumed
into Universal Credit.
These changes, coupled with rising prices and income reducing in real terms,
negatively impact on the financial resilience and wellbeing of residents and, in
response, a new Financial Resilience Strategy has been developed by the council
and its partners which will support residents to cope better during these difficult times
and build resilience for the future.
The Financial Resilience Strategy sets out to achieve the following key outcomes for
residents:
• Promoting a Living Wage;
• Tackling and preventing problematic debt;
• Reducing fuel and food poverty;
• Promoting digital inclusion;
• Promoting the take up of appropriate financial products (like bank accounts and
direct debits);
• Supporting residents to access the benefits and credits they are entitled to; and
• Promote financial confidence.
The strategy was co-operatively produced with residents, service users, providers,
stakeholders, officers and councillors and the outcomes and priorities established
during a series of open co-production workshops. The intended outcomes will be
achieved through a range of measures, activities and services including:
• Provision of effective triage so that residents with needs in this area are
effectively assessed and intelligently signposted for the support they need. This
will include provision of financial training to key front-line staff so that they are
better able to engage with residents on this issue;
• Provision of good quality welfare and debt advice and casework via local advice
agencies and Every Pound Counts;
• A full review of the council’s approach to income and debt, including improving
early identification of problems and providing bespoke support for multiple
debtors;
• A digital inclusion programme that will improve public access to computers and
provide the support needed to manage on-line claims via a pool of voluntary “digi-
buddies”;
• Initiatives designed to tackle the growing use of expensive payday loans such as
ensuring such providers are meeting industry codes of guidance and advertising
rules, preventing their promotion through council computers/advertising space,
working with other councils on the use of enforcement and planning powers,
lobbying activity with a range of partners across London (including the CAB) and
raising awareness with residents on the perils of such high cost lending;
• Pro-active work with five of the major banks and the local Credit Union to
promote take up of accounts and to provide free financial education in schools.
This initiative builds on a successful banking summit held in July;
• Support for the Credit Union to improve its reach and expand membership in the
borough as a means for residents to access responsible banking services and
affordable credit;
• Advice and advocacy for those turned down for help by DWP who approach the
council’s Emergency Support Scheme for assistance;
• Debt and financial support for those affected by the cap and the size criteria so
that they are more able to manage the shortfalls in income that the changes
create and thus avoid homelessness;
• Establishment of a community-based Money Champions programme to provide
residents with advice and support to build confidence and awareness and prevent
financial difficulties;
• Supporting the Big London Energy Switch and lobbying Thames Water to provide
a better social tariff for those on low incomes as a means of reducing utility bills.
In addition, we held a successful Healthy Finances Week in July which we intend to
repeat annually. As well as holding the banking summit during that week, we opened
a new Emmaus store in Angell Town, held a Finance Fair in the Town Hall with
banks, energy providers, advice agencies and so on, launched a new payday loan
tool to illustrate comparative costs for residents and liaised with the National Illegal
Money Lending Team to raise awareness about loan sharks.
20. Councillor Kita Ogden
To: Councillor Jim Dickson, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing
Sheltered Housing
Can the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing confirm that those Older People's
Housing schemes which have avoided Labour's bulldozer will now be refurbished
promptly under the Lambeth Housing Standard?
Party: Liberal Democrat
Answer:
The council’s Older Peoples’ Housing Strategy aims to ensure that Lambeth’s older
residents have a greater choice of housing options, now and in the future, which
enables them to live healthier more independent lives. We have made a clear pledge
to people who live in older people’s housing in Lambeth, which is that they will either
have their homes improved, or will be offered a more modern and accessible home
nearby.
A major programme to deliver this pledge is in the early stages of development, but
already includes a pipeline of more than 200 purpose built new homes, specifically
for older people.
The delivery of the Lambeth Housing Standard has already commenced, and for our
retained sheltered housing schemes this work will be completed as soon as
practicably possible. The Lambeth Housing Standard will ensure that all of our
sheltered housing tenants have homes that are warm, safe and dry, in good repair
and have reasonably modern kitchens and bathrooms. Additional improvements,
that are agreed with sheltered tenants to address the specific needs of older people,
will ensure that our sheltered housing is the best that it can be.
Of paramount importance will be ensuring that the particular needs of our sheltered
tenants are met while the improvement works are undertaken, and this will be
provided by a Resident Liaison Officer, who will be appointed as part of the contract
delivery process to support tenants throughout the process.
21. Councillor Florence Nosegbe
To: Councillor John Whelan, Leader of the Minority Opposition
Cost of Living and Energy Bills
By working with groups like Brixton Energy and Community Draughtbusters,
Lambeth’s Labour administration has done its bit to ease the pressure on household
budgets. But with the Tories and Lib Dems in Government squabbling over whether
putting on a warm jumper or cutting green taxes is the best way to deal with rising
energy bills, will the Leader of the Conservative Group encourage his colleagues in
government to follow Lambeth's lead in tackling the cost of living crisis?
Party: Labour
Answer:
I recognise this is a very tough time for many families in Lambeth and the
Government is doing all it can to help people in this difficult economic climate. The
Prime Minister made a personal commitment to help get energy bills down and the
regulator has recently announced that it is taking forward a package of measures to
help reduce bills and make the energy market fairer, clearer and simpler. The recent
announcement of a price rise is disappointing and customers should look to switch
their electricity or gas bill from one supplier to another. This could save up to £200,
on average, on bills. Consumers who are not happy with the price and service they
are getting should go to the switching sites online and see whether they can get a
better deal. I welcome the local initiatives called out in the question but would
respectfully add that Labour’s proposed price freeze is a price con. Prices would go
up before it comes in and after it ends. Ed Milliband has said he would break his
promise during the freeze if there is a wholesale price rise and in addition, he wants a
decarbonisation target that would add £125 to every household's bill. Labour doubled
gas bills in office and their current policies now would put them up again.
22. Councillor Judy Best
To: Councillor Rachel Heywood, Cabinet Member for Children & Families
Free School Meals
Can the Cabinet Member for Children and Families confirm the number of infant
pupils in each ward in Lambeth, who a) receive school meals today and b) will
receive free schools meals as of September 2014, following the Deputy Prime
Minister's announcement?
Party: Liberal Democrat
Answer:
We do not have this data at a ward level, in part because children often travel to
school outside the ward in which they live. However, on average 35% of pupils in
Key Stage 1 (Reception Year 1 and Year 2) accessed Free School Meals (FSM) in
the last two years. This information is set out below:
2012
Children on roll - Year R,1,2 9140
Children receiving FSM 3231
% 35%
2013
Children on roll - Year R,1,2 9407
Children receiving FSM 3267
% 35%
As from September 2014 following a change in legislation all infant aged children will
receive a paid school meal.
23. Councillor Christopher Wellbelove
To: Councillor Jack Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger
Neighbourhoods
Licensing
Can the Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Neighbourhoods set out how
Lambeth is working to ensure a balance is stuck between the needs of our
communities and those of our evening and night time economies?
Party: Labour
Answer:
It is apparent that in some areas of the borough there is a tension between the needs
of residents and a thriving night time economy.
Where local problems are identified these are dealt with initially through engagement
with the businesses concerned. A multi-agency approach is adopted and this will be
strengthened through the establishment of the Community Safeguarding model.
Where engagement with businesses is not successful enforcement action will follow.
Evidence from residents is an essential element to successful enforcement and this
may lead to licences being revoked.
Where an area problem is identified multi agency action plans are developed and
business forums are engaged in identifying solutions. Currently we are consulting on
the introduction of an Early Morning Restriction Order (EMRO) to limit the sale of
alcohol to midnight in four licensed premises in a residential area of Clapham. The
consultation ends on 29th November.
In order to hopefully prevent problems occurring in the future the Council’s Statement
of Licensing Policy has been thoroughly reviewed. This review has been brought
forward to reflect changes and realise opportunities provided by amendments to the
Licensing Act introduced by the Government last year.
The new policy is in development following a series of themed meetings with different
groups of stakeholders. Public consultation on a draft policy took place through
September and October and the responses indicate that there is broad support for
the proposed approach.
The new Licensing Policy will contain a number of significant changes intended to
rebalance the licensing regime in Lambeth. These include:
• Classification of the borough into four types of area with associated
appropriate preferred terminal hours for licensable activities, commensurate
with the nature of the different areas of the borough.
• Placing licensed premises into one of nine business types to allow a close
matching of business types to areas;
• Requiring applicants to demonstrate an understanding of the area they intend
to operate in, and for them to engage with residents from the outset;
• Requiring licensees to adopt a more responsible approach – e.g. through the
replacement of the ‘three strikes’ with a ‘one strike’ policy.
The new policy will be considered by Cabinet on 9 December.
24. Councillor Peter Truesdale
To: Councillor Imogen Walker, Cabinet Member for Environment and
Sustainability
Helicopter Noise
In response to a members’ enquiry asking for information about what the Council was
going to do about the increased presence of helicopters over the Waterloo area – in
particular in relation to noise and the danger of collision with the tall buildings being
built in the area - I was told:
I have been informed that the London Assembly 2006 report into helicopter noise
called for the Department for Transport to undertake a full review of the impact of
helicopter movements and noise in London over the next twelve months. However,
the DfT did not take forward the recommendation I have been advised further that it
is the Civil Aviation Authority that controls helicopter flights over London. The link
below shows approved routes - essentially helicopters in central London should
usually follow the Thames.
http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/7/20100316LondonHeliChart.pdf
I do not consider this to be a satisfactory response and would like to know what the
Cabinet Member’s position is on this issue and what action will be taken to mitigate
the nuisance and potential danger of helicopters in the north of the borough.
Party: Liberal Democrat
Answer:
We are of course acutely aware of the concerns held by some citizens within the
Waterloo area about the noise nuisance attributed to helicopters, and this particular
issue has added significance in the wake of the serious helicopter crash earlier this
year.
I understand that the response drafted by officers to the previous Members Enquiry
sought to provide a broad overview of the relevant regulatory framework. The Civil
Aviation Authority and the Department for Transport serve as the sole regulatory
bodies with regard to aviation.
The role played by Local Authorities has historically been relatively limited in this
regard; it is important to note that it is not legally possible for the Authority to apply
the standard noise nuisance regulations to helicopter related noise, due to the legal
framework which exempts aircraft noise from the provisions governing the
enforcement of statutory noise nuisance.
It is the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and local Air Traffic Control centres’
responsibility to ensure safe helicopter flights across London. The CAA has
designated helicopter routes in London to ensure safe separation from Heathrow
traffic, and that helicopters fly either over water or open space so that it would be
possible for a stricken aircraft to land safely away from built up areas. Single-engined
helicopters must stay on the designated routes, while twin-engined helicopters are
given some leeway as they can stay airborne if one engine fails.
Lambeth refers planning applications for tall buildings to the CAA for their
consideration to ensure that aviation considerations are fully addressed. Some
structures are subject to a Notice to Airmen - or NOTAM - warning pilots of their
presence, and pilot will study a list of Notams ahead of planning a flight.
Following the Vauxhall helicopter crash – the first in London since records began -
the CAA has advised that it will simplify visibility requirements in line with EU
regulations but otherwise awaits the conclusion of the full Air Accident Investigation
Branch report before deciding on the need for further changes.
25. Councillor Martin Tiedemann
To: Councillor Pete Robbins, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration
Investment in Council Housing
Can the Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration tell me how many
households have benefitted this year from this administration’s historic investment
into council homes through the Lambeth Housing Standard programme?
Party: Labour
Answer:
In 2012, 51% (12,622 homes) of the Council’s tenanted stock was compliant with the
government’s Decent Homes Standard. Works to a further 2,103 homes during
2013/14 is being undertaken and this will increase the proportion meeting the
Lambeth Housing Standard (and Decent Homes) to 60%; works are planned to a
further 5,427 homes in 2014/15.
26. Councillor Steve Bradley
To: Councillor Imogen Walker, Cabinet Member for Environment and
Sustainability
NSL Parking wardens
A recent broadcast of ‘Inside Out’ revealed that parking wardens employed by NSL -
the same parking contractor used by Lambeth - fabricated evidence in their pocket
books and submitted fraudulent photographic evidence to help increase the number
of parking tickets they issued in Camden and Ealing. Can the Cabinet Member
clarify if and how the council can be 100% sure the same practice is not happening in
Lambeth?
Party: Liberal Democrat
Answer:
I am aware of the allegations made in the Inside Out programme and it is my
understanding that NSL has raised this issue legally with the BBC. Unite Union in
Ealing has issued a statement indicating that they accept that quota or target setting
does not form any part of NSL’s policies or procedures.
Parking Services works very closely in partnership with NSL to promote and achieve
best practice through the enforcement of the parking regulations. NSL are paid for
the number of hours CEOs are deployed and not by the number of PCNs they issue.
There are therefore no financial incentives for CEOs to issue PCNs, especially as
NSL can actually face financial penalties and have monies deducted from their
monthly invoices for poorly issued PCN’s.
The number of PCNs issued on street by our Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) has
fallen year on year. This reflects our policy of encouraging motorists to comply with
the regulations rather than to raise the enforcement levels.
There are a number of processes and procedures in place to ensure the integrity of
the services we provide and this includes:
▪ Deployment of NSL supervisors to monitor and spot check Civil Enforcement
Officers and to carry out checks against PCN’S, pocketbooks and photographs
both on-street and also back in the office.
▪ Proactive fraud prevention programmes overseen by our Parking Investigation
Unit.
▪ Regular monthly contract meetings with the NSL Contract Manager where any
issues such as quality of PCN’s are discussed.
▪ Feedback and lessons learned from the Representation and Appeals and
Customer Experience Teams that deal with complaints so any trends including
incorrect PCN’s, problematic locations or poor CEO behaviours are picked up
on and dealt with.
▪ Robust HR policies which mean any discrepancies found are dealt with by NSL
managers through their usual HR procedures.
▪ Removal of CEOs from the Lambeth contract if NSL are left in no doubt that
any CEO is found to be acting illegally or willingly against instruction.
I am satisfied that these measures are sufficient to ensure the integrity of the service
we provide.
27. Councillor Ann Kingsbury
To: Councillor Imogen Walker, Cabinet Member for Environment and
Sustainability
Play Streets
The Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability will know how happy my
residents were that they were able to create a play street this summer gone. In case
other wards are unaware of the opportunity, will she set out how the Thurlow Park
example came about and what needs to be done to replicate its success?
Party: Labour
Answer:
I am delighted to give more detail about this excellent initiative, suggested by
residents and supported by this administration. I very much enjoyed visiting
Lambeth's first Play Street this summer.
Residents at Guernsey Grove in Herne Hill and Hexham Road in West Norwood
approached the council with their ideas for closing the streets and using the streets
as play areas for children. Many children have limited access to outdoor space and I
was very happy to help provide a safe place for them to be active and socialise.
The council worked with residents to ensure that neighbours in the proposed play
streets were supportive, and that the necessary traffic orders were put in place. The
streets are closed off for a few hours each week, usually on a weekend afternoon, so
that children can play in a safe, traffic free environment. Parents act as marshalls and
provide the necessary management of the street during these periods.
I have already been approached by a number of people who are interested in setting
up Play Streets and information is now on the council’s website so that residents
across Lambeth can also find out more about taking part.
28. Councillor Jeremy Clyne
To: Councillor Pete Robbins, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration
Northern Line Extension (NLE)
More than 23 years ago, on June 15 1990 to be precise, the then Director of Town
Planning and Economic Development wrote to London Regional Transport
supporting the extension of the Northern Line to Streatham and Crystal Palace which
he said “would have great benefits for the transport network in this borough, both in
relieving the A23 corridor, and in bringing rail transport to areas not previously
served.”
Lambeth under this administration and that of Councillor Reed has actively promoted
and facilitated the diversion of the Northern Line out of Lambeth to serve a private
development in a neighbouring borough. Are you proud of the fact that the strategic
transport interests of this borough, and Streatham in particular, have been worse
served than under the administration of Joan Twelves?
Party: Liberal Democrat
Answer:
The extension of the Northern Line to Nine Elms and Battersea, as part of a transport
strategy for the VNEB area, will ensure that adequate public transport capacity is
provided to serve the Opportunity Area, which will lead to the creation of
approximately 25,000 jobs – of huge benefit for unemployed people across Lambeth,
including Streatham. The NLE has been identified by Transport for London (TfL) as
the only viable option that will provide enough public transport capacity in the long
term to accommodate the scale of development proposed. It will help to ensure that
existing public transport services, such as Vauxhall Station, the Victoria Line, and
local bus services, are not overwhelmed by the additional demand which will be
created by major new developments as well as Battersea Power Station such as the
American Embassy, New Covent Garden Market, Vauxhall Square, and Sainsbury's
which lie on the borough boundary or within Lambeth. The council wants to ensure
that residents throughout the borough have access to the jobs and facilities that will
be created in Vauxhall and is currently working with TfL to review bus routes (existing
and new) to link the rest of the borough to the Opportunity Area. Initial discussions
have highlighted the need for improved links to West Norwood and Streatham.
However I do agree with Councillor Clyne that some parts of Streatham are very
badly served by their current councillors – but luckily the good citizens of Streatham
Hill, Streatham Wells and St Leonards Wards all have the chance to vote for new
councillors in May 2014.
29. Councillor Mary Atkins
To: Councillor Rachel Heywood, Cabinet Member for Children and Families
Young Lambeth Cooperative
Can the Cabinet Member for Children & Families explain how the Young Lambeth
Cooperative will give Lambeth’s young people the opportunity to shape youth and
play services across the borough?”
Party: Labour
Answer:
The process for establishing the Young Lambeth Cooperative (YLC) has been led by
local people and is based on the concept of it being an organisation for its members
and led by its members.
Young people have been fundamental to the development and the establishment of
the YLC – over 650 have registered with the YLC to date and have been actively
involved in developing the constitution, business plan, brand and website. Over the
last year, three young people have been employed as interns to support the
development of the YLC and 12 young people have received a form of accreditation
through the programme.
When the YLC is launched next year it will be a membership organisation, including
Youth Membership and Community Membership elements that will be represented at
all levels of the governance of the YLC. Anyone aged 11 or over can become a
member and play a role in the running of the YLC and commissioning of services.
Young people will also be represented on the Steering Group and Board.
With the economic challenges that individuals and our communities are currently
facing, the YLC recognises its responsibility to create real opportunities for young
people, boosting employment and training opportunities. The staff team will include
paid work opportunities for young people both through apprenticeships and
internships. The YLC will appoint two apprenticeships in Year 1.
This model of working will enable young people to make real decisions about the
provision of youth services across the borough, which will be the first of its kind
anywhere. When appointed the YLC staff team will include Outreach Workers and
will be recruiting community champions to support the engagement and involvement
of young people and communities across Lambeth.
30. Councillor Jeremy Clyne
To: Councillor Lib Peck, Leader of the Council
Shortlife
At your "meet the leader" event in Clapham in October you reportedly said that if
there had been a scheme for 'shortlife' housing co-ops which gave the council a
bigger financial return than terminating them you would have adopted it.
Can you confirm therefore that there has been no legal impediment to residents of
shortlife housing co-ops remaining in situ? Could you also explain how Lambeth
Council under Councillor Reed and yourself has assisted the residents of shortlife
housing co-ops to remain in their homes?
Party: Liberal Democrat
Answer:
As Councillor Clyne did not attend the Leader’s Question Time event in Clapham, it is
not surprising that he has misunderstood the context of the conversation about
Shortlife Housing co-ops. At the event I reiterated to members of Lambeth United
Housing that the council was receptive to proposals put forward by them to explore a
cooperative model of housing that involved some of the short life residents. But
despite several conversations between them and councillors and council officers, as
well as the involvement of several independent housing experts, a serious proposal
has not materialised.
The following questions were received but will not receive a written answer
31. Councillor Matt Parr
To: Councillor Pete Robbins, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration
Somerleyton Road Project
I am pleased to see that the Somerleyton Road Project will provide new
affordable housing in the heart of Brixton. Can the Cabinet Member for
Housing and Regeneration explain how this project is being coproduced with
the local community?
Party: Labour
32. Councillor Nigel Haselden
To: Councillor Pete Robbins, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration
Neighbourhood Enhancement Programme
Lambeth is one of the first councils in the country to involve residents directly in the
decisions affecting their street. The Neighbourhood Enhancement Programme has
seen residents in Clapham decide how to spend up to £200,000 on planting new
trees, creating attractive walking routes and slowing fast traffic. Does the cabinet
member agree that it has been a resounding success and a great example of the
cooperative council in action?
Party: Labour
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