Agenda item

To consider items chosen for debate from the attached Future Policy Plan.

9.1     The meeting debated the items chosen for debate from the Future Policy Plan by the Majority Party – Health and Wellbeing Strategy and the Sustainability and Transformation Plan.  The debate will be referred to the relevant Executive Director for consideration when next reporting on the subject.

NOTICE OF MOTION

The Majority Party had selected for debate the Notice of Motion – Housing, Regeneration which was moved by Councillor Daniel Astaire and seconded by Councillor Susie Burbridge.

Councillor Tim Roca moved and it was seconded by Councillor Aicha Less that the Notice of Motion be amended, as follows:

To be added at end of Notice of Motion:

“The Council will work in consultation with residents and ensure that such regeneration proposals are supported by a ballot of those residents affected.

The Council will ensure that regeneration includes significant new social and genuinely affordable housing for rent, in addition to replacing existing homes, so that low and middle income families have access to good quality housing and so the Council can reduce the number of residents living in overcrowded and temporary accommodation.  The Council should explore innovative options for the provision of new private homes in the regeneration areas, such as building for private rent, to ensure much needed homes are not left empty and that these properties contribute to an active community.

All models will be looked at including low cost rental opportunities that allow low income families to access good quality housing for those living in overcrowded and temporary accommodation.

The Council will speed up regeneration projects in view of the significant delays already experienced in Church Street and Ebury Bridge, whilst being mindful of genuine consultation with residents as stated above”.

After debate, to which Councillor Daniel Astaire replied, the Lord Mayor put the amendment moved by Councillor Roca and seconded by Councillor Less to the vote and on a show of hands declared the amendment LOST.

The Lord Mayor then put the original motion to the vote and on a show of hands declared the motion ADOPTED.

RESOLVED:

That this Council notes the estate regeneration undertaken.  In the context of the national housing shortage, this Council recognises the opportunity created by this regeneration work and the potential for future regeneration projects within our estates and property holdings.

The Council will continue to look for ways to maximise what can be delivered in these areas, look at further regeneration opportunities as well as encouraging the private sector to deliver more intermediate housing proposals to help the local workforce.

This Council is committed to taking a proactive approach to regeneration and is open to further, credible private sector funding for regeneration.  The projects which the Council has delivered and is delivering at the moment demonstrate the authority’s commitment to quality housing regeneration schemes to deliver market housing and affordable housing, including intermediate housing, in areas of real need across the City.

NOTICE OF MOTION - LIBRARIES

The Minority Party had selected for debate the Notice of Motion – Libraries as set out on the Agenda.  The Notice of Motion was moved by Councillor Adam Hug and seconded by Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg.

Councillor David Harvey moved and it was seconded by Councillor Richard Holloway that the Notice of Motion – Libraries be amended, as follows:

Delete first paragraph.  Amend first sentence in first sentence of second paragraph as follows:

The Council believes that our librarians (add: and all of our library staff) form an essential part of the library service, their expertise, dedication and passion for reading and learning help make Westminster’s libraries a hugely valued part of our community, (add: backed up by the support of excellent volunteers).

Delete remaining paragraphs and add:

This Council is proud that Westminster has probably the finest library services in London, with first class professional staff, supported by terrific community volunteers and with the highest funding per resident of any council in the country.  The Council will continue to employ an excellent team with the right skills, knowledge and experience to deliver a high quality service.  Reflecting the Council’s commitment to the service, it notes that no one is far from one of our 12 libraries.  Working with the constraints of the financial climate, this Council, unlike so many others, has no plans either to close libraries or to cut the current long opening hours residents want.  This Council knows libraries provide an essential service and bring communities together and will provide fine future services.

After debate, to which Councillor Adam Hug replied, the Lord Mayor put the amendment moved by Councillor David Harvey and seconded by Councillor Richard Holloway to the vote and on a show of hands declared the Motion CARRIED.

The Lord Mayor put the Motion, as amended, to the vote on a show of hands and declared the amended Motion ADOPTED.

Resolved:

The Council believes that our librarians and all of our library staff form an essential part of the library service, their expertise, dedication and passion for reading and learning help make Westminster’s libraries a hugely valued part of our community backed up by the support of excellent volunteers.

This Council is proud that Westminster has probably the finest library services in London, with first class professional staff, supported by terrific community volunteers and with the highest funding per resident of any council in the country.  The Council will continue to employ an excellent team with the right skills, knowledge and experience to deliver a high quality service.  Reflecting the Council’s commitment to the service, it notes that no one is far from one of our 12 libraries.  Working with the constraints of the financial climate, this Council, unlike so many others, has no plans either to close libraries or to cut the current long opening hours residents want.  This Council knows libraries provide an essential service and bring communities together and will provide fine future services.