The Minutes of the Council meeting held on 20 July 2009 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Tony Brett Young, Abigail Lock, David Pickles and Marion Williams.

a)         The Hackbridge Project – Low Carbon Zone

The Mayor reported that, in September, the Mayor of London had awarded the Council over £300,000 of funding to establish a low-carbon zone in Hackbridge, one of ten such zones across the capital.  This was another major success for the Hackbridge Project, which aimed to turn the area into the greenest place to live in the UK.

b)        Showcase Showdown

The Mayor reported that in early October, the Council had staged the first Showcase Showdown event in Sutton High Street.  Its aim was to show young residents the huge range of sport, leisure and entertainment opportunities that there was in the borough. It was a very successful event with around thirty clubs and groups who demonstrated their skills to a packed audience.

c)         Voluntary Sector Conference – Community Engagement

The Mayor reported that on 15 October 2009, a conference had been held with the voluntary sector at the Holiday Inn Hotel which explored how the council and its partners could work together to drive forward building a community in which all could Take Part and Take Pride through active community engagement.  Those at the conference also heard from people already involved in civic roles about what inspired them to take on a wide range of roles including councillors, trustees or governors.

d)        Smarter Travel Sutton

The Mayor announced that on 20 October 2009, Smarter Travel Sutton would collect its fourth major award this year, at the Civitas awards in Poland. These awards recognised the most outstanding, ambitious and innovative projects in the field of sustainable urban travel.  The award would be collected on the Council’s behalf by a delegation from London Councils. 

e)         Mr Sanjay Prashar, Executive Head of Legal and Democratic Services

The Mayor welcomed Mr Sanjay Prashar to his first Council as Executive Head of Legal and Democratic Services and, on behalf of the Council, extended good wishes to him in his new role.

Three members of the public asked three questions and supplementary questions and received replies as set out in Appendix A to these Minutes.

Five Councillors asked five questions and supplementary questions and received replies as set out in Appendix B to these Minutes.

Councillor Stuart Gordon Bullock also received an assurance from the Mayor that questions asked under Standing Order 8.13, between Council meetings, would be responded to within the 21 day period set out in Standing Orders.

In accordance with Notice Given, Councillor Tim Crowley will move the following Motion:

“This Council notes: -

1.                  That the recession is having a considerable impact on local residents.

2.                  That since its inception in 1993 Sutton’s council tax has always risen with annual increases above inflation.

3.                  That residents will not accept another above inflation increase in council tax.

4.                  That the challenges of the recession, the clear need for efficiency, and the pursuit of value for money requires strong political leadership.

This Council resolves to: -

1.                  Meet customer needs at the lowest possible cost to the local taxpayer.

2.                  Conduct a zero based budget review across the Council

3.                  Review all services on the basis of customer needs rather than allowing historical service patterns to continue without question.

4.                  Draw inspiration from value for money Borough Councils across Greater London and elsewhere.

5.                  Be less focused on government targets which do not achieve value for money and improved services

In accordance with Standing Order 11.8 the Motion will be debated later during this Council meeting.

In accordance with notice given, Councillor Tim Crowley moved and Councillor Richard Butt seconded the following Motion:

“This Council notes: -

1          That the recession is having a considerable impact on local residents.

2          That since its inception in 1993 Sutton’s council tax has always risen with annual increases above inflation.

3          That residents will not accept another above inflation increase in council tax.

4          That the challenges of the recession, the clear need for efficiency, and the pursuit of value for money requires strong political leadership.

This Council resolves to: -

1.                  Meet customer needs at the lowest possible cost to the local taxpayer.

2.                  Conduct a zero based budget review across the Council

3.                  Review all services on the basis of customer needs rather than allowing historical service patterns to continue without question.

4.                  Draw inspiration from value for money Borough Councils across Greater London and elsewhere.

5.                  Be less focused on government targets which do not achieve value for money and improved services

In accordance with Standing Order 11.8 the Motion was referred for debate later during the Council meeting.

In accordance with Notice given, Councillor Barry Russell will move:

This Council notes: -

1.                  That Sutton Council’s provision of council housing is rated as among the worst in the country.

2.                  That after decades of neglect and underinvestment by Sutton’s Liberal Democrat administration, much of this council's housing stock falls well below the nationwide ‘Decent Homes Standard’.

3.                  That Sutton Council’s tenants deserve a better standard of care from their council.

4.                  That the current Government has betrayed Sutton Council tenants by deferring, previously confirmed, funding for much-needed investment in the Borough’s council houses, which have been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair following the underinvestment highlighted in paragraph ii.

5.                  That the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has thrown Sutton Council a lifeline through his pledge to unlock funds from the London Homes and Communities Agency providing SHP can obtain a minimum of a two star rating from the Audit Commission and if he can overcome any resistance from the Government.

This Council resolves to: -

1.                  Give maximum support to the hard working staff of SHP in order to achieve a minimum two star rating from the Audit Commission.

2.                  In future, utilise all avenues and resources to ensure adequate provision of decent housing to all residents of this Borough.

In accordance with Standing Order 11.8 the Motion will be debated later during this Council meeting.

In accordance with Notice given, Councillor Barry Russell moved and Councillor Paul Scully seconded the following Motion:

This Council notes: -

1.                  That Sutton Council’s provision of council housing is rated as among the worst in the country.

2.                  That after decades of neglect and underinvestment by Sutton’s Liberal Democrat administration, much of this council's housing stock falls well below the nationwide ‘Decent Homes Standard’.

3.                  That Sutton Council’s tenants deserve a better standard of care from their council.

4.                  That the current Government has betrayed Sutton Council tenants by deferring, previously confirmed, funding for much-needed investment in the Borough’s council houses, which have been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair following the underinvestment highlighted in paragraph ii.

5.                  That the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has thrown Sutton Council a lifeline through his pledge to unlock funds from the London Homes and Communities Agency providing SHP can obtain a minimum of a two star rating from the Audit Commission and if he can overcome any resistance from the Government.

This Council resolves to: -

1.                  Give maximum support to the hard working staff of SHP in order to achieve a minimum two star rating from the Audit Commission.

2.                  In future, utilise all avenues and resources to ensure adequate provision of decent housing to all residents of this Borough.

In accordance with Standing Order 11.8 the Motion was referred for debate later during the Council meeting.

In accordance with Notice given, Councillor Colin Hall will move the following Motion:

This Council notes that

a) The Labour Government announced a three year package in 2008 to help councils across the country to cover the cost of providing free off peak bus travel for disabled and older people anywhere in England which would provide London with around £50million a year in specific grant.

b)the total cost of London’s concessionary fares scheme, the Freedom Pass is around £240 million.

 c)outside London on average concessionary fares are fully funded by Government grant, whereas for London the scheme is only 66% funded by Government grant

This council therefore condemns the Minister’s announcement that the Department is considering reopening the distribution of the specific grant for concessionary fares for 2010/11 with the possibility that London’s £50 million specific grant would be withdrawn

This council further notes that any such withdrawal would mean London boroughs would be forced to fund fifty percent of the scheme’s cost, with Sutton facing with a £1milllion shortfall.

This council believes that the residents of Sutton and other London boroughs should not be short changed and that the original deal should hold in order that council tax and service levels are not adversely affected.

This council also believes that the residents of Sutton should not financially punished in order to address shortfalls in Government funding to other authorities across the country

In accordance with Standing Order 11.8 the Motion will be debated later during this Council meeting.

In accordance with Notice given, Councillor Sean Brennan moved and Councillor Paul Scully seconded the following Motion:

“This Council notes that

a) The Labour Government announced a three year package in 2008 to help councils across the country to cover the cost of providing free off peak bus travel for disabled and older people anywhere in England which would provide London with around £50 million a year in specific grant.

b) the total cost of London’s concessionary fares scheme, the Freedom Pass is around £240 million.

c) outside London on average concessionary fares are fully funded by Government grant, whereas for London the scheme is only 66% funded by Government grant

This council therefore condemns the Minister’s announcement that the Department is considering reopening the distribution of the specific grant for concessionary fares for 2010/11 with the possibility that London’s £50 million specific grant would be withdrawn

This council further notes that any such withdrawal would mean London boroughs would be forced to fund fifty percent of the scheme’s cost, with Sutton facing with a £1 million shortfall.

This council believes that the residents of Sutton and other London boroughs should not be short changed and that the original deal should hold in order that council tax and service levels are not adversely affected.

This council also believes that the residents of Sutton should not financially punished in order to address shortfalls in Government funding to other authorities across the country.”

In accordance with Standing Order 11.8 the Motion was referred for debate later during the Council meeting.

The following Councillors declared a personal interest in the above item as they made use of a concessionary fares scheme:  Councillors Margaret Ali, Sheila Andrews, Richard Bailey, Sean Brennan, Cliff Carter, Terry Faulds, Peter Geiringer, Lyn Gleeson, Stuart Gordon Bullock, Joan Hartfield, Eric Howell, Paddy Kane, John Keys, John Leach, Janet Lowne, Roger Roberts, Sue Stears, Graham Tope, Myfanwy Wallace, Peter Wallis, Graham Whitham.

In accordance with Notice given, Councillor Sean Brennan will move the following Motion

This council notes that:

1.         climate change predictions show that without severe cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, the world will be hit by drought, flooding and famine affecting all of us and poorest countries in particular.

2.         under the UK Climate Change Act 2008 the UK is due to cuts is emissions by 34% by 2020

3.         Sutton, as the only council in the country to commit to being a one planet living borough by 2025, has an highly ambitious plan to make Sutton a zero carbon borough.

This council further notes that the UN Framework Convention on Climate, meeting in Copenhagen in December this year may be the world's last chance to negotiate an effective deal to avert the worst impacts of climate change

This council believes that to ensure a breakthrough at the Convention meeting Ministers need to be aware of the widespread public support for even more dramatic cuts in emissions than have hitherto been proposed

This Council therefore resolves, in line with our own One Planet Living strategy, to sign up to the ambitious 10:10 climate change campaign to cut Britain’s emissions by 10% by 2010.

In accordance with Standing Order 11.8 the Motion will be debated later during the Council meeting.

In accordance with Notice given, Councillor Colin Hall moved and Councillor John Drage seconded the following Motion

“This council notes that:

1.         climate change predictions show that without severe cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, the world will be hit by drought, flooding and famine affecting all of us and poorest countries in particular.

2.         under the UK Climate Change Act 2008 the UK is due to cuts is emissions by 34% by 2020

3.         Sutton, as the only council in the country to commit to being a one planet living borough by 2025, has an highly ambitious plan to make Sutton a zero carbon borough.

This council further notes that the UN Framework Convention on Climate, meeting in Copenhagen in December this year may be the world's last chance to negotiate an effective deal to avert the worst impacts of climate change

This council believes that to ensure a breakthrough at the Convention meeting Ministers need to be aware of the widespread public support for even more dramatic cuts in emissions than have hitherto been proposed

This Council therefore resolves, in line with our own One Planet Living strategy, to sign up to the ambitious 10:10 climate change campaign to cut Britain’s emissions by 10% by 2010.”

In accordance with Standing Order 11.8 the Motion was referred for debate later during the Council meeting.

To receive any petitions, which will either be dealt with at this Council meeting or stand referred for consideration by appropriate Committees of the Council. 

No petitions were brought forward.

To receive and consider the following recommendation from the Licensing Committee

Gambling Act 2005 - Statement of Principles (29 September 2009)

By Minute 1241(b)/06 the Council, following the Committee’s recommendation, had adopted a Statement of Gambling Principles.  The Gambling Act 2005 required a licensing authority to review its Statement of Gambling Principles every three years.

The Licensing Manager reported that the Authority had not received any comments on its Statement of Gambling Principles in the last three years.  A revised Statement of Gambling Principles was submitted, incorporating a large number of relatively minor amendments to take account of changes in guidance issued by the Gambling Commission over the past three years.  References to when the Gambling Act would come into force, to proposed regulations and to delegations to officers had also been revised, and the Statement now took account of relevant High Court decisions and changes in enforcement policy.

There were major changes to the sections on interested parties, to reflect changes in the Gambling Commission’s guidance as to who could be regarded as an interested party; to clarify the functions of the Licensing Authority; to amend the definition of ‘premises’; to clarify the factors that would determine whether or not a premises was separate from an existing or adjoining premises; and to delete the section dealing with transitional arrangements.

When approving the previous Statement of Gambling Principles the Committee had been concerned about the action that could be taken to prevent harm to young and vulnerable people, one of the Gambling Act’s three licensing objectives.  However, it had not been possible to update the section on the protection of children and other vulnerable persons as no additional guidance had been issued by either the Gambling Commission or the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

The amended Statement of Gambling Principles had been subject to extensive consultation, but only one response had been received, from the police, who indicated that the Statement required no further amendment.

            RECOMMENDED: That the amended Statement of Gambling Principles, set out as an Appendix to these Minutes, incorporating the appendices referred to therein, be adopted.

            Resolved: To inform the Gambling Commission of the Committee’s disappointment with the lack of guidance on the protection of children and vulnerable adults.

Further to Minute 886(a)/09 Councillor Tim Crowley moved and Councillor Richard Butt seconded the following Motion:

“This Council notes: -

1.                  That the recession is having a considerable impact on local residents.

2.                  That since its inception in 1993 Sutton’s council tax has always risen with annual increases above inflation.

3.                  That residents will not accept another above inflation increase in council tax.

4.                  That the challenges of the recession, the clear need for efficiency, and the pursuit of value for money requires strong political leadership.

This Council resolves to: -

1.                  Meet customer needs at the lowest possible cost to the local taxpayer.

2.                  Conduct a zero based budget review across the Council

3.                  Review all services on the basis of customer needs rather than allowing historical service patterns to continue without question.

4.                  Draw inspiration from value for money Borough Councils across Greater London and elsewhere.

5.                  Be less focused on government targets which do not achieve value for money and improved services

The following amendment was moved by Councillor John Drage and seconded by Councillor Simon Wales:

“This Council notes: -

1.         That the recession is having a considerable impact on local residents and that the Council is spearheading a range of initiatives to help residents and local businesses cope with the consequences of the recession.
.

2.         That since its inception in 1993 Sutton’s council tax has always risen with annual increases above inflation.

2.         That it has been necessary to increase the council tax in every year since its inception in 1993 due to the low level of grant provided by the Government to Sutton (the sixth lowest per head of all the London boroughs) in order to provide the quality of services expected by Sutton’s residents.  The fact Sutton provides excellent quality services at low cost has been recognised both by the independent Audit Commission who has awarded Sutton its highest possible rating of “four star performing strongly” for the last two years running and by international accountancy firm Price Waterhouse Coopers who have rated Sutton as the best performing Borough in London.  In 2008/09 Sutton spent just £731 per head compared to an average spend per head in London of £886

3.         That residents will not accept another above inflation increase in council tax. expect the Council to provide good quality services at low cost and, as a result of the innovative efficiency measures adopted by the Council over the last few years, it is the intention of the administration to recommend a council tax freeze in 2010/11.  

4.         That the challenges of the recession, the clear need for efficiency, and the pursuit of value for money requires strong political leadership. this Council, under its strong political leadership, has an outstanding track record of providing efficiency and value for money.   It welcomes the fact that in the external auditor’s 2008 use of resources assessment Sutton was awarded the highest possible overall score of 4 and also achieved 4s for both “achievement of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 888a

Further to Minute 886(d)/09, Councillor Colin Hall moved and Councillor John Drage seconded the following Motion:

“This council notes that:

1.         climate change predictions show that without severe cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, the world will be hit by drought, flooding and famine affecting all of us and poorest countries in particular.

2.         under the UK Climate Change Act 2008 the UK is due to cuts is emissions by 34% by 2020

3.         Sutton, as the only council in the country to commit to being a one planet living borough by 2025, has an highly ambitious plan to make Sutton a zero carbon borough.

This council further notes that the UN Framework Convention on Climate, meeting in Copenhagen in December this year may be the world's last chance to negotiate an effective deal to avert the worst impacts of climate change

This council believes that to ensure a breakthrough at the Convention meeting Ministers need to be aware of the widespread public support for even more dramatic cuts in emissions than have hitherto been proposed

This Council therefore resolves, in line with our own One Planet Living strategy, to sign up to the ambitious 10:10 climate change campaign to cut Britain’s emissions by 10% by 2010.”

Councillor Paul Scully moved and Councillor Graham Whitham seconded the following amendment:

“This council Council notes that:

1.         climate Climate change predictions show that without severe cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, the world will be hit by drought, flooding and famine affecting all of us and the poorest countries in particular.

2.         under Under the UK Climate Change Act 2008 the UK is due to cuts is its emissions by 34% by 2020.

3.         Sutton, as the only council in the country to commit to being a one planet living borough by 2025, has an highly ambitious plan to make Sutton a zero carbon borough.

This council Council further notes that the UN Framework Convention on Climate, meeting in Copenhagen in December this year may be the world's last chance to negotiate an effective deal to avert the worst impacts of climate change.

This council Council believes that to ensure a breakthrough at the Convention meeting Ministers need to be aware of the widespread public support for even more dramatic cuts in emissions than have hitherto been proposed.

This Council therefore resolves, in line with our own One Planet Living strategy, to sign up to the ambitious 10:10 climate change campaign to cut Britain’s emissions by 10% by the end of 2010.

Following debate, on being put to the vote, the amendment was unanimously adopted by a show of hands.  The amended Motion is set out below:

This Council notes that:

1.         Climate change predictions show that without severe cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, the world will be hit by drought, flooding and famine affecting all of us and the poorest countries in particular.

2.         Under the UK Climate Change Act 2008 the UK is due to cuts  ...  view the full minutes text for item 888b

Further to Minute 886(b)/09, Councillor Barry Russell moved and Councillor Paul Scully seconded the following Motion:

“This Council notes: -

1.                  That Sutton Council’s provision of council housing is rated as among the worst in the country.

2.                  That after decades of neglect and underinvestment by Sutton’s Liberal Democrat administration, much of this council's housing stock falls well below the nationwide ‘Decent Homes Standard’.

3.                  That Sutton Council’s tenants deserve a better standard of care from their council.

4.                  That the current Government has betrayed Sutton Council tenants by deferring, previously confirmed, funding for much-needed investment in the Borough’s council houses, which have been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair following the underinvestment highlighted in paragraph ii.

5.                  That the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has thrown Sutton Council a lifeline through his pledge to unlock funds from the London Homes and Communities Agency providing SHP can obtain a minimum of a two star rating from the Audit Commission and if he can overcome any resistance from the Government.

This Council resolves to: -

1.                  Give maximum support to the hard working staff of SHP in order to achieve a minimum two star rating from the Audit Commission.

2.                  In future, utilise all avenues and resources to ensure adequate provision of decent housing to all residents of this Borough.”

The following amendment was moved by Councillor Colin Stears and seconded by Councillor Ruth Dombey:

This Council notes: -

1          That Sutton Council’s provision of council housing is rated as among the worst in the country.

2.         That after decades of neglect and underinvestment by Sutton’s Liberal Democrat administration, much of this council’s housing stock falls well below the nationwide ‘Decent Homes Standard’.

3.         That Sutton Council’s tenants deserve a better standard of care from their council.

1.         That homes under the management of Sutton Housing Partnership remain below the national Decent Homes Standard

2. that considerable progress that has been made in improving the quality of social housing in the borough

3.         With regret the policies of consecutive National Government administrations in refusing to allow councils to re invest funds from the sale of Council properties into delivering Decent Homes for its remaining tenants.

4.         This Council places a high priority on delivering high standards to its tenants as evidenced in para1

4.

5.         That the current Government has betrayed Sutton Council tenants by deferring, previously confirmed, funding for much-needed investment in the Borough’s council houses; which have been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair following the underinvestment highlighted in paragraph ii.

6.                  That the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has thrown Sutton Council a lifeline through his pledge to unlock funds from the London Homes and Communities Agency providing SHP can obtain a minimum of a two star rating from the Audit Commission and if he can overcome any resistance from the Government.

7.                   

6.         The pledge by The Mayor of London to unlock funds has not progressed since his initial statement some  ...  view the full minutes text for item 888c

On the Motion of Councillor Sean Brennan, seconded by Councillor Ruth Dombey, it was

            Resolved:  That in accordance with Standing Order 14.8 all items remaining to be dealt with at this Council meeting be approved subject to the opposition leader being able to express dissent on them.

The following Motions and Minutes were adopted