Agenda and minutes
Venue: Conference Hall - Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley, HA9 0FJ. View directions
Contact: Peter Goss, Democratic Services Manager 020 8937 1353, Email: peter.goss@brent.gov.uk
Media
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Procedural motion Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Warren moved a procedural motion to amend the seating plan. This was put to the vote and declared LOST.
Councillor Warren requested a recorded vote on his proposal.
The vote was recorded as follows:
FOR: Councillors Davidson, Shaw and Warren
AGAINST: Councillors Aden, Agha, Bradley, Butt, Chan, Choudhary, Colacicco, Collier, Colwill, Conneely, Crane, Daly, Denselow, Dixon, Eniola, Ezeajughi, Harrison, Hector, Hirani, Hossain, Hylton, Kabir, Kansagra, Kelcher, Long, Mahmood, Marquis, Mashari, Maurice, McLeish, McLennan, Moher, J Mitchell Murray, Naheerathan, Nerva, M Patel, R Patel, Pavey, Shahzad, Ketan Sheth, Krupa Sheth, Southwood, Stopp, Tatler, Thomas and Van Kalwala
ABSTENTIONS: The Mayor and Deputy Mayor and Councillors Carr, Duffy and Perrin
*Minute amended on 22 February (incorporated) |
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Minutes of the previous meeting PDF 120 KB Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Warren requested amendments to minute 15.2 – Crime in Brent
RESOLVED:-
that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 23 November 2015 be approved as an accurate record of the meeting subject to minute 15.2 showing a recorded vote on the decision to permit an additional speaker and a recorded vote on the motion (amendments incorporated). |
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Declarations of personal and prejudicial interests Members are invited to declare at this stage of the meeting, any relevant personal and prejudicial interests and discloseable pecuniary interest in any matter to be considered at this meeting. Additional documents: Minutes: None. |
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Mayor's announcements (including any petitions received) Additional documents: Minutes: The Mayor stated that since the last Full Council meeting on 23 November, she had been very busy attending events and functions throughout the borough and across London. She started off by wishing everyone a Happy New Year and good health for 2016.
The Mayor welcomed Councillor Chan to his first council meeting following his election in December.
The Mayor announced that a number of Brent residents had got the New Year off to a good start by being recognised in the Queen's New Year's Honours list.
The Mayor thanked all the Members who had attended her Christmas Party which raised a substantial amount of money for her charity - Brent Young Carers.
The Mayor reminded members of the Brent Holocaust and Genocide Memorial event being held on 27 January at 7.00pm in the Civic Centre.
The Mayor was proud to announce the celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month with an event open to employees, members and residents on 23 February.
The Mayor announced the celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2016.
The Mayor announced that she would be hosting a tour and lunch at the Swaminarayan Temple in Neasden on 18 February and a Quiz Night on 23 February in the Yellow Pavilion. Full details would be in the Members’ Bulletin.
The Mayor stated that, in accordance with Standing Orders, a list of current petitions showing progress on dealing with them had been circulated around the chamber. |
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Appointments to committees and outside bodies and appointment of chairs/vice chairs Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
(i) that Councillor Chan be appointed to Teachers JCC in place of Councillor Kelcher;
(ii) that Councillor Kelcher be appointed to the North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee with Councillor Daly appointed as his substitute. |
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Report from the Leader or members of the Cabinet There is no report to this meeting. Additional documents: Minutes: There was no report to this meeting. |
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Deputations To hear any deputations received from members of the public in accordance with standing order 39. Additional documents: Minutes: Sergeant Thomas from the Harlesden Safer Neighbourhood Team addressed the meeting. She stated that in November/December there had been an increase in anti social behaviour from an influx of school children to the Harlesden area. This had been taken up with the Heads of local schools and increased patrols had reduced the problem but this was not a sustainable approach. The pedestrianised area was used as a playground by school children and at night this was made worse by street drinkers. She asked for action by the Council to improve the poor lighting around the subway, also to deal with the problem of the bus stop seating outside the Superdrug store which attracted street drinkers, and to allow limited access for cars to address the fact that the pedestrianised area had attracted anti social behaviour due to the lack of flowing traffic.
Councillor Denselow thanked Sergeant Thomas for her contribution and acknowledged the pressures the Safer Neighbourhood Team were under in trying to deal with the problems which were known about. A multi-agency action plan was in the process of being drawn up and he had discussed the street scape issues with Councillor Southwood (Lead Member for Environment). It had been agreed that improved lighting was needed. Councillor Denselow undertook to keep the Safer Neighbourhood Team informed of the actions being taken and offered to join a patrol of the area. |
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Questions from the Opposition and other Non-Cabinet Members Questions to be put to members of the Cabinet in accordance with standing order 40. Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Carr asked what the case was for retaining the positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Councillor Butt replied that the Mayor performed a civic duty chairing meetings of the Council and was first citizen of the borough, along with the deputy attending over 500 functions, raising money for charity and promoting the borough. The position was enshrined in legislation and he commented that the past Liberal Democrat/Conservative Administration had not removed the position during its four year term. Councillor Butt added that some savings had been made in the running of the Mayor’s office.
Councillor Colaccico asked if the aspiration to reopen the Dudden Hill freight line across Brent, for passenger trains from Old Oak Common, via Harlesden, Neasden and Gladstone Park to a new Thameslink station at Brent Cross could be renewed? She added that the modest number of existing freight trains could share the route with a four-trains-per-hour London Overground service, which had already been proposed by the London Mayor. The new service would provide a much needed orbital route for Brent, reducing car journeys from the new Brent Cross development and linking Jubilee and Bakerloo lines. Councillor Colaccico asked if the Council was lobbying Barnet Council to insist on space for London Overground platforms on the existing freight lines at any future Brent Cross Thameslink station. Councillor Southwood replied that she could re-assure Councillor Colaccico that use of the Dudden Hill line was part of the Council’s vision and Barnet’s support for this had been sought although there had not been a response on the proposals for any new station. Councillor Southwood accepted the point about passenger and freight being able to share the line and was prepared to restate the Council’s position to Barnet Council.
Councillor Davidson referred to two recent government announcements that he felt were very good news for Brent residents: - police budgets were now protected across London, including a 30% increase in counter-terrorism funding, and - London Mayoral candidate, Zac Goldsmith, had delivered a £2.5bn London Housing Deal, doubling support for Help to Buy, massively expanding shared ownership, and guaranteeing two new affordable homes for every high value home sold. He stated that thousands of Brent residents would now have the opportunity to get onto the housing ladder. Councillor Davidson asked if there would be an apology to Brent residents for both the reckless scaremongering on police numbers and the Administration's inaction on housing. Councillor Butt replied that he would not be apologising given the cuts to police numbers, the further cuts still to be implemented and having just heard from the Harlesden Safer Neighbourhood Team that their resources were stretched beyond the limit. He stated that the residents of Brent were losing out as a consequence of the government’s actions. Referring to the housing position, Councillor Butt asked how local people would be able to afford the new housing being promised and that only a Labour administration would deliver the social housing needed.
Councillor Harrison expressed concern over the government’s ... view the full minutes text for item 8. |
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Report from the Chair of Scrutiny Committee The Chair of the Scrutiny Committee to report to Council in accordance with Standing Order 41. Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Kelcher acknowledged the responsibility he had to continue the good work undertaken by previous chairs of Scrutiny Committee. He saw this as ensuring that the policies of the Council reflected the needs of local people. He hoped to see more pre-scrutiny work undertaken. He referred to the latest two task groups to be established and invited any members interested in serving on them to contact the respective chairs. The legal duty to scrutinise health meant that more time was needed for scrutiny work and he hoped a new scrutiny structure would soon be approved. Councillor Kelcher stated that lessons had been learnt from the recent scrutiny of the budget and that the process would start earlier next year. He referred to the need for scrutiny to work independently from the executive and that he had discussed this with the Chief Executive. |
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Backbench members' debate Full Council will be asked to suspend Standing Order 37 in so far as to permit this additional item to be taken. Additional documents: Minutes: Pavements and potholes
Upon the Mayor submitting it to a vote it was agreed to suspend Standing Orders in so far as to allow a non cabinet members’ debate to take place at the meeting.
RESOLVED:
That standing order 37 be suspended in so far as to allow a non Cabinet members’ debate to take place at the meeting.
The Mayor reported that two items had been submitted for debate but one on the Housing and Planning Bill was the subject of a motion later on the agenda so the item on pavements and potholes had been selected. She explained that 20 minutes would be allowed for this item.
Members complained that they reported dangerous pavements and potholes but nothing was done and pointed to examples at Northwick Gardens and Stanley Avenue. A further example was highlighted at Walm Lane/Brondesbury Park with both sides of the road and pavement in a poor and dangerous condition and the areas outside the shops in poor condition. It was submitted that the Council needed to work with shopkeepers and businesses to introduce improvements to the areas outside shops. The request was made for a review of the approach to agreeing a programme of repairs to ensure member involvement and clarity over the communication between contractor and ward member.
A point was raised regarding the narrowness of some pavements meaning pedestrians were sprayed with water by passing cars and caused difficulties for people in wheelchairs and using prams. It was also pointed out that there were poor facilities in some places for pedestrians to cross roads. A request was made for the introduction of additional 20mph zones and for potholes in bus lanes to be given priority.
Reference was made to the government’s pothole fund which it was felt was beneficial but inadequate and the bidding process involved wasted time the view was expressed that Councils should be given an allocation so they could get on with making repairs. However an alternative view was that the government had been generous in allocating additional funding.
Members felt there was a need for a long term programme of repairs/resurfacing. It was felt that the Council needed to work with government and public agencies to move the issue forward. The request was made for action to be taken against vehicles parking on footways and damaging them. It was submitted that the issue was at the heart of a local councillor’s work and it needed to be made a priority. Further examples of where attention was needed were given as Barratts Green Road, Stonebridge and Coles Green Road, Dollis Hill, Wyld Way and Tokyngton Avenue.
Councillor Southwood responded to the debate. She acknowledged how serious the issue was and that many areas needed improvement. She put the funding position into perspective by reference to how the Council had been able to upgrade 7km of footway during the last year out of a total of 847km in the borough. She stated that the Council faced extremely challenging times ... view the full minutes text for item 10. |
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To receive the Kensal Green by election result. Additional documents: Minutes: Noted. |
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2014/15 Treasury Management Outturn PDF 179 KB This report updates members on Treasury Management activity and confirms that the Council has complied with its Prudential Indicators for 2014/15. Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Warren put forward a proposal to add a resolution that referred to the level of balances held by the Council including unspent grants and S106 contributions and criticising the non spending of these monies.
Councillor Pavey pointed out that the report before members was a treasury outturn report and that it was not an item under which it was appropriate to have a political argument about the Council’s budget. Councillor Kansagra, whilst expressing some support for the sentiments of the proposed additional resolution, agreed that it was not appropriate at this time.
Councillor Warren requested a recorded vote on his proposal.
The vote was recorded as follows:
FOR: Councillors Davidson, Shaw and Warren
AGAINST: Councillors Aden, Agha, Ahmed, Bradley, Butt, Carr, Chan, Choudhary, Colacicco, Collier, Conneely, Crane, Daly, Denselow, Dixon, Duffy, Eniola, Ezeajughi, Harrison, Hirani, Hossain, Hylton, Kabir, Kelcher, Long, Mahmood, Marquis, Mashari, McLeish, McLennan, Moher, Naheerathan, Nerva, M Patel, R Patel, Pavey, Perrin, Ketan Sheth, Krupa Sheth, Southwood, Stopp, Tatler and Thomas
ABSTENTIONS: The Mayor and Councillors Colwill, Kansagra and Maurice
RESOLVED:
that the 2014/15 Treasury Management outturn report, as seen by the Audit Committee and the Cabinet, be noted in compliance with CIPFA’s code of practice on Treasury Management. |
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2015/16 Mid Year Treasury report PDF 173 KB This report asks Council to note the 2015/16 mid-year Treasury report which has been considered by the Audit Committee and the Cabinet. Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Pavey introduced the report circulated. He stated that the Council was in the early stages of developing a new investment strategy to ensure the best use of the Council’s resources and the proper investment in new projects.
RESOLVED:
that the 2015/16 mid year Treasury report, as seen by Audit Committee and Cabinet, be noted. |
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Changes to the Constitution PDF 70 KB This report informs Members of changes to the officer scheme of delegations following the implementation of the senior management restructure; changes to contract standing orders in line with new EU procurement thresholds and clarification of standing orders 78 and 79. Additional documents: Minutes: Members considered the report informing them of changes to the officer scheme of delegations, contract standing orders and clarification of standing orders 78 and 79.
Councillor Warren proposed an additional resolution to delete standing order 13 and amending standing order 47(c).
Councillor Butt stated that members were in the process of reviewing the constitution and that suggested changes to standing orders could be put forward as part of that review rather than without notice at a Council meeting.
Councillor Warren requested a recorded vote on his proposal.
The vote was recorded as follows:
FOR: Councillors Davidson, Shaw and Warren
AGAINST: Councillors Aden, Agha, Ahmed, Bradley, Butt, Carr, Chan, Choudhary, Colacicco, Collier, Colwill, Conneely, Crane, Daly, Denselow, Dixon, Duffy, Eniola, Ezeajughi, Harrison, Hirani, Hossain, Hylton, Kabir, Kansagra, Kelcher, Long, Mahmood, Marquis, Mashari, Maurice, McLeish, McLennan, Moher, Naheerathan, Nerva, M Patel, R Patel, Pavey, Perrin, Ketan Sheth, Krupa Sheth, Southwood, Stopp, Tatler and Thomas
ABSTENTIONS: The Mayor
RESOLVED:
That the changes to the Constitution marked up in Appendix 1 to the report submitted and the need to make consequential changes throughout the Constitution be noted. |
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Brent Draft Development Management Policies Development Plan Document - Submission PDF 100 KB This report asks Council to consider the representations made at Publication stage, officers’ recommended responses and where appropriate the proposed minor modifications to the draft Plan before approving the draft Plan for formal submission. Additional documents:
Minutes: Members considered the report circulated which asked for consideration of the representations made at Publication stage, the recommended responses and to approve the draft plan with minor modifications.
The Mayor stated that she had been advised by the Chief Legal Officer that Councillor Warren was proposing an amendment to the recommendations contained in the report. As a result she had to advise Council that the Council’s constitution was not well drafted on the operation of the First Reading Debate procedure in relation to the formulation of the Council’s Policy Framework. The Chief Legal Officer had advised that if Council was minded to allow for the draft Development Management Policies to proceed on to the Planning Inspectorate, having been the subject of extensive consultation with residents, councillors and Planning Committee, then it should be made clear beyond doubt whether it was the wish of Full Council to refer the matter to the Scrutiny Committee. Officers recommended that to comply with the existing tight timescale, and acknowledging that it had been the subject of extensive consideration by both the Planning Committee and public consultation, Full Council should agree that the draft document be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for Examination as recommended in the report.
The Mayor further explained that the draft document, which incorporated the outcome of consultation on the Inspector’s modifications, would be considered afresh by Cabinet and formally considered for adoption by Full Council later in the year. Amended recommendations to the report were tabled.
Councillor Warren stated that the position put forward by the Mayor was as a direct result of his proposal, however he remained concerned that the matter had not been considered by Scrutiny Committee. He therefore wished to submit his amendment for the matter to be referred to Scrutiny Committee before being considered by Council.
Councillor Warren requested a recorded vote on his proposal.
Whilst recognising the role of Scrutiny Committee, it was pointed out that the matter had been considered by Planning Committee and had been subject to extensive consultation and so did not now admit of delay.
Voting was recorded as follows:
FOR: Councillors Davidson, Shaw and Warren
AGAINST: Councillors Aden, Agha, Ahmed, Bradley, Butt, Carr, Chan, Choudhary, Colacicco, Collier, Colwill, Conneely, Crane, Daly, Denselow, Dixon, Duffy, Eniola, Ezeajughi, Harrison, Hirani, Hossain, Hylton, Kabir, Kansagra, Kelcher, Long, Mahmood, Marquis, Mashari, Maurice, McLeish, McLennan, Moher, Naheerathan, Nerva, M Patel, R Patel, Pavey, Perrin, Ketan Sheth, Krupa Sheth, Southwood, Stopp, Tatler and Thomas
ABSTENTIONS: The Mayor
Councillor Kansagra moved suspension of standing orders to allow the draft plan to proceed as set out in the revised recommendations.
Councillor Warren requested a recorded vote.
RESOLVED:
that, in relation to the operation of Standing Order 25, this debate be regarded as the First Reading Debate.
Voting on the above resolution was recorded as follows:
FOR: Councillors Aden, Agha, Ahmed, Bradley, Butt, Carr, Chan, Choudhary, Colacicco, Collier, Colwill, Conneely, Crane, Daly, Denselow, Dixon, Duffy, Eniola, Ezeajughi, Harrison, Hirani, Hossain, Hylton, Kabir, Kansagra, Kelcher, Long, Mahmood, Marquis, Mashari, Maurice, ... view the full minutes text for item 15. |
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Motions To debate the motions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 45. Additional documents: |
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Living Wage and Sadiq Khan Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Agha moved the motion circulated in his name by referring back to the original launch of the living wage campaign. He stated the Council had introduced the London living wage and how for employers it helped enhance the quality of the staff they attracted.
Councillor Warren moved an amendment to the motion which sought to criticise Sadiq Khan and overturn the motion in favour of Zac Goldsmith. He requested a recorded vote on his amendment.
Whilst expressing support for the living wage being as high as possible a view was submitted that the country had to be able to afford it. The criticism of Sadiq Khan was also endorsed. In support of the motion, it was put that the majority of people living in poverty were in work. It was pointed out that the Council was the first to offer a business rate reduction to those employers paying the living wage.
Councillor Warren’s amendment was put to the vote and declared LOST.
Voting was recorded as follows
FOR: Councillors Davidson, Shaw and Warren
AGAINST: Councillors Aden, Agha, Ahmed, Bradley, Butt, Carr, Chan, Choudhary, Colacicco, Collier, Conneely, Crane, Daly, Denselow, Dixon, Duffy, Eniola, Ezeajughi, Harrison, Hirani, Hossain, Hylton, Kabir, Kelcher, Long, Mahmood, Marquis, Mashari, McLeish, McLennan, Moher, Naheerathan, Nerva, M Patel, R Patel, Pavey, Perrin, Ketan Sheth, Krupa Sheth, Southwood, Stopp, Tatler and Thomas
ABSTENTIONS: The Mayor and Councillors Colwill, Kansagra and Maurice
RESOLVED:
(i) that Council welcomes Sadiq Khan’s announcement that, when he is elected Mayor, he will be working with employers to ensure that as many Londoners as possible can earn a real living wage of ten pounds per hour;
(ii) that it be noted that Sadiq Kahn’s approach to this issue echoes the Council’s partnership with business where a business rates discount is offered to those employers who pay Living Wage - Sadiq Khan wants to put business at the heart of his administration;
(iii) that Sadiq Khan’s be applauded for the general approach he is taking of providing good jobs and training for Londoners by bringing different groups together: employers, unions, local authorities, colleges and civil society groups and Council particularly welcomes the reserving of new public sector contracts to those companies that pay a living wage, as in Brent;
(iv) that this contrasts, sadly, with the current government’s divisive approach of attacking a series of groups - as varied as trade unionists, the Scottish people or immigrants – in a bid to stoke up the votes of resentment - Sadiq Khan understands that only a Labour Mayor, who is open to working with all, can create opportunity for all and the Council looks forward to his election as London Mayor in May.
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Housing Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Kansagra moved the motion circulated in his and Councillors Colwill and Maurice’s names. He submitted that the provision of homes transformed people’s lives and that more needed to be built. The Government’s new initiative would achieve this. It was submitted that the Government’s announcement that it would build more homes and the potential for Old Oak Common was all good news which was not recognised by the Council. Councillor McLennan moved an amendment to the motion expressing concern that affordable was defined as costing £450,000 and seeking councils to be empowered to build homes. Councillor Kansagra indicated his acceptance of the amendment.
Councillor Warren requested a recorded vote on the amended motion.
The motion, as amended, was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.
RESOLVED:
(i) that it is known that 90 percent of people aspire to own their own home and for many years now home ownership has been in decline and that eight biggest building firms accounted for 50 percent of the house building market;
(ii) that the Conservative Government's decision to build up to 13,000 homes on five publicly-owned sites in 2016, up to 40 percent being affordable starter homes be welcomed, noting that one of the sites selected is the Old Oak Common;
(iii) that the Council is concerned that “affordable” is being defined as any home costing up to £450,000, out of reach for the vast majority of Brent’s first-time buyers and believes that the government’s aspiration to increase opportunities for home ownership would be more easily realised if councils were also empowered to build, for example, through lifting the cap on borrowing against the Housing Revenue Account;
(iv) that the Government’s plan to directly commission and build these homes and involve small and medium sized companies be welcomed, noting that engaging with small and medium sized companies has been a key part of Brent Council’s regeneration strategy under the current administration. The Council is pleased that the government is following suit.
Voting was recorded as follows:
FOR: Councillors Aden, Agha, Ahmed, Bradley, Butt, Carr, Chan, Choudhary, Colacicco, Collier, Colwill, Conneely, Crane, Daly, Denselow, Dixon, Duffy, Eniola, Ezeajughi, Harrison, Hirani, Hossain, Hylton, Kabir, Kansagra, Kelcher, Long, Mahmood, Marquis, Mashari, Maurice, McLeish, McLennan, Moher, Naheerathan, Nerva, M Patel, R Patel, Pavey, Perrin, Ketan Sheth, Krupa Sheth, Southwood, Stopp, Tatler and Thomas
AGAINST: Councillors Davidson, Shaw and Warren
ABSTENTIONS: The Mayor
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Listening Council ? Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Warren moved the motion circulated in his and Councillors Davidson and Shaw’s names. The motion sought to recognise the green bin charge as a tax and to condemn the proposed new parking charges. It was suggested that the Council was not providing the services the residents wanted. The view was submitted that the parking charges would stop people visiting the borough and thereby actually reduce potential revenue. The Council was asked to reconsider the charges.
The motion was put to the vote and declared LOST.
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Urgent business At the discretion of the Mayor to consider any urgent business. Additional documents: |
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Members' absence from meetings The Mayor submitted an urgent report and sought agreement to consider it on the basis that Councillor Oladapo had been unexpectedly re-admitted to hospital and was therefore unable to attend the meeting.
RESOLVED:
(i) that Councillor Oladapo’s absence from meetings of the Council since 27 November 2014 be approved on the basis of his ongoing ill-health and that the position be reviewed, if required, at Full Council in February 2016;
(ii) that the Council’s wishes for a return to good health be passed on to Councillor Oladapo.
Additional documents: |