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Council 20 November 2013

Questions from Councillors

Wards: All

Report Authorised by: Strategic Director Enabling: Guy Ware

Contact for enquiries:

[email protected]

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


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?


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?


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


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


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?


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


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


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?


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


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.


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


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


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?


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


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?


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


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?


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


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.


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


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


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?


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


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.



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?


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.


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?


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


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


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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