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Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Town Hall, Katharine Street, Croydon CR0 1NX

Contact: Annette Wiles 020 872 6000 x64877  Email: annette.wiles@croydon.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

32/19

Minutes of the Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 175 KB

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 1 April 2019 as an accurate record.

 

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 1 April 2019 were agreed as an accurate record.

 

33/19

Disclosure of Interests

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct and the statutory provisions of the Localism Act, Members and co-opted Members of the Council are reminded that it is a requirement to register disclosable pecuniary interests (DPIs) and gifts and hospitality to the value of which exceeds £50 or multiple gifts and/or instances of hospitality with a cumulative value of £50 or more when received from a single donor within a rolling twelve month period. In addition, Members and co-opted Members are reminded that unless their disclosable pecuniary interest is registered on the register of interests or is the subject of a pending notification to the Monitoring Officer, they are required to disclose those disclosable pecuniary interests at the meeting. This should be done by completing the Disclosure of Interest form and handing it to the Democratic Services representative at the start of the meeting. The Chair will then invite Members to make their disclosure orally at the commencement of Agenda item 3. Completed disclosure forms will be provided to the Monitoring Officer for inclusion on the Register of Members’ Interests.

 

Minutes:

There were no disclosures of pecuniary interests. Members confirmed their disclosure of interest forms were accurate and up-to-date.

 

34/19

Urgent Business (if any)

To receive notice of any business not on the agenda which in the opinion of the Chair, by reason of special circumstances, be considered as a matter of urgency.

Minutes:

There were no items of urgent business.

 

35/19

Vote of Thanks

To pass a vote of thanks to The Mayor in the following terms:

 

a)    The Members of Council tender their grateful thanks to The Worshipful, The Mayor, Councillor Bernadette Khan JP, for the courteous and efficient manner in which she presided over the Council’s deliberations during the past year;

 

b)    The Members of Council record their sincere appreciation of the dignified manner in which Councillor Bernadette Khan JP has carried out the traditional duties of the office of Mayor, of the support and encouragement which she and her Consort, Mr Qaiyum Khan, have given to local organisations and of the prominent part they have taken in the social life of the Borough during the Mayor’s period of office; and

 

c)    That this resolution be sealed and presented to the Mayor at the Annual Council Meeting in a suitable form.

Minutes:

Madame Mayor, Councillor Bernadette Khan, passed the Chair to the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Humayun Kabir, who presided over the vote of thanks to the outgoing Mayor of Croydon.

 

The Deputy Mayor invited Madame Mayor to give her farewell address. Madame Mayor opened her address by describing how Croydon was a loving and giving place to be and that during her Mayoral year she had undertaken numerous attendances, meetings and visits during which she had focused on the inclusivity of the young and wider communities. Madame Mayor noted how during her term she had visited all the departments of the Council and had been overwhelmed by their achievements specifically highlighting the new Youth Zone and refurbished Fairfield Halls as jewels in Croydon’s crown. It was described how Croydon’s emergency services, officers and young people had been hosted at Mayoral events during the year and how a visit to China had been undertaken. In working with Croydon’s young people, Madame Mayor had experienced their desire for a greater involvement in shaping their futures and the economic development of their town. Madame Mayor expressed her desire to continue to campaign on the opening of schools after hours and the issue of exclusions. Thanks were expressed to all those who had been involved in supporting the Mayoral Year. Madame Mayor concluded her address by wishing the new Mayor, his consort and the new Deputy Mayor the very best wishes for their year in office.

 

The motion for the vote of thanks to the outgoing Mayor was moved by the Leader, Councillor Newman. In moving the motion, the Leader took the opportunity to express his own thanks to the outgoing Mayor. He noted that Madame Mayor had gone ahead with the role at a time of great personal loss but that this had been the right decision with Madame Mayor having done so much to honour the memory of her late son. The Leader highlighted how Madame Mayor had done much through her work to bring together Croydon’s diverse communities. Madame Mayor’s fundraising success and support for services was stressed as well as her viral impact through her YouTube fame. The Leader particularly stressed Madame Mayor’s success in engaging and empowering Croydon’s young people.

 

The motion for the vote of thanks to the outgoing Mayor was seconded by the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Tim Pollard. In seconding the motion, Councillor Pollard also took the opportunity to express his thanks. Councillor Pollard noted how Madame Mayor’s passion for young people was well known and that it had been good to see her bring this to her role over the past year. He expressed thanks on behalf of the Opposition Group and the people of Croydon to Madame Mayor for how she had conducted her role.

 

The Deputy Mayor put the motion to the vote which was unanimously passed.

 

36/19

Election of the Mayor

To elect the Mayor for the Council Year 2019/20 and note the appointment of the Deputy Mayor.

 

Please note there will be a short recess following the election of the Mayor.

Minutes:

Madame Mayor, Councillor Bernadette Khan, resumed the Chair and called on the Leader, Councillor Newman, to propose Councillor Humayun Kabir as the new Mayor of Croydon.

 

The Leader propose the motion and took the opportunity to emphasise Councillor Kabir’s suitability for the role as Mayor.  Particular mention was made of Councillor Kabir’s dedication as a community activist, the huge role he had played in the Asian Resource Centre and his experience in empowering communities. The Leader welcomed Councillor Kabir’s creative ideas for ambassadorial roles and charitable engagement and acknowledged the support that would be provided by the new Mayor’s consort, Mrs Rahena Chowdhury Kabir.

 

The Leader of the Opposition Group, Councillor Tim Pollard, seconded the motion noting his own support for the charities already selected by the new Mayor. Councillor Pollard welcomed the new Mayor and stated his belief that he would be very successful in the role.

 

Madame Mayor put the motion to the vote which was unanimously passed.

 

The Mayoral procession left the Council Chamber (18:55pm). There followed a short pause in the meeting to allow the new Mayor to change into his robes. The Mayoral procession then re-entered the Council Chamber (19:05pm).

 

The Mayor, Councillor Humayun Kabir, read out the declaration of office:

 

I, Councillor Humayun Kabir, having been elected to the Office of Mayor of the Council of the London Borough of Croydon, hereby declare that I take the said office upon myself, and will duly and faithfully fulfil the duties of it according to the best of my judgement and ability. I undertake to observe the Code of Conduct which is expected of Members of the London Borough of Croydon.

 

The Mayor signed the acceptance of office witnessed by the Head of the Paid Service. Councillor Henson was announced as the Deputy Mayor and also signed the acceptance of office witnessed by the Mayor and the Head of the Paid Service.

 

Mrs Rahena Chowdhury Kabir was formally announced at the Mayor’s consort.

 

The Mayor presented Councillor Bernadette Khan with the past-Mayor’s badge and citation. The past-consort’s badge was presented to Mr Qaiyum Khan.

 

In his acceptance address the Mayor detailed his vision to connect grassroots communities with those who are newly settled in the borough, raise awareness of Council services and encourage confidence in civic rights. The Mayor expressed his desire to promote local businesses and welcomed the support of past-Mayor, Councillor Toni Letts in this endeavour.

 

The charities chosen by the Mayor to benefit from his fundraising activities during his year in post were announced. Those were:

                 i.          Mind;

                ii.          Croydon Vision;

               iii.          Croydon Day Refugee Centre;

              iv.          Ashdown Jazz Academy; and

                v.          Apasen Croydon

 

The Mayor also noted his desire to reduce the length of Council meetings in order that they become more family and age friendly.

 

The sad passing of Councillor Maggie Mansell was noted and welcome was made to Councillor Ben-Hassel who had been elected to the seat in Norbury.

 

The Mayor expressed his personal thanks to his wife, Mrs Rahena  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36/19

37/19

Admission of Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen

To consider the Admission of Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen in the following terms;

 

That this Council do hereby admit to the Roll of Honorary Aldermen and Alderwoman of the Borough, the following former Councillors, in deserved recognition of eminent and valued public service as elected Councillors of the London Borough of Croydon:

 

Donald Speakman and Valerie Shawcross OBE

 

That the Common Seal be affixed to a copy of this Resolution.

Minutes:

SPECIAL COUNCIL

 

The Mayor announced a break from the agenda of the Ordinary Council Meeting to hold a Special Council Meeting and admit Valerie Shawcross CBE and Donald Speakman to the Honorary Roll of Alderwomen and Aldermen for the London Borough of Croydon.

 

The motion to move the recommendation from the Mayoralty and Honorary Freedom Selection Sub-Committee was moved by the Leader, Councillor Newman and seconded by Councillor Tim Pollard. The motion was put to the vote and unanimously agreed.

 

The Leader paid tribute to Valerie Shawcross. He noted his amazement that it was 19 years ago that she had last sat in the Chamber as Leader; her admission as an Honorary Alderwoman was in recognition of her contribution to Croydon which had seen her oversee the transformation of the borough into a modern Council. Particular mention was made of her focus on policy development and education. The Leader highlighted that Ms Shawcross had gone on to be elected to the Greater London Assembly, where she became a Deputy Mayor and made a significant impact on the capital’s transportation. The Leader described how her example would encourage other women to get involved.

 

Councillor Pollard, expressed his delight in speaking in support of Donald Speakman. It was noted that he had been part of the cohort of 2002 and had served the people of Purley with passion for over 16 years. Mr Speakman was described as a very kind man who could be relied on for his support. His involvement with and contribution to tribunals was specifically noted and his admission to the roll of Honorary Alderman was described as entirely appropriate.

 

The Mayor then presented Valerie Shawcross CBE and Donald Speakman with their citations and gifts.

 

This brought the Special Council Meeting to a close.

 

38/19

Political Balance of the Council and Composition of Committees pdf icon PDF 87 KB

To approve the report of the Council Solicitor and Monitoring Officer.

 

Under Section 15(1) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, it is the duty of the Council at its Annual Meeting to review the representation of different political groups on bodies appointed by the Council.

 

Minutes:

The recommendations in the report were put to the vote and passed unanimously.

 

RESOLVED: Council AGREED the recommendations in the report:

                 i.          There are 41 Labour Group Members and 29 Conservative Group Members; and

                ii.          Approved the appointment and composition of Committees as set out in paragraph 4.7 of the report.

 

39/19

Appointments pdf icon PDF 74 KB

To consider a report of the Council Solicitor and Monitoring Officer that details appointments in the associated Pink and Blue Schedules.

 

Please note that the appendices to the report are to follow.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The recommendations in the report were put to the vote and passed unanimously.

 

RESOLVED: Council AGREED the recommendations in the report:

 

                 i.          Agreed (or received for information as applicable) the following appointments where the number of nominations was equal to the number of available positions:

a.     The appointments to Committees of the Council (Blue Schedule); and

b.     The appointments to all other Panels, Working Groups and Outside Bodies (Pink Schedule).

                ii.          Received for information executive appointments made under the Leader and Cabinet decision making framework:

a.     The appointments of Cabinet Members, Cabinet Committees and Deputy Cabinet Members (Blue Schedule);

b.     The appointments to Joint Committees (Blue Schedule);

c.     The appointments to London Councils Committees and Panels and Local Government Association bodies (Blue Schedule); and

d.     The appointment of Councillors to the Health & Wellbeing Board (Blue Schedule).

              iii.          Noted that the Leader has confirmed his intention to continue to devolve decision making powers to Cabinet or relevant Cabinet Members

              iv.          Received for information:

a.     The appointments of Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Cabinet (Blue Schedule); and

b.     The appointments of political party group officers (Blue Schedule).

 

40/19

Exclusion of the Press and Public

The following motion is to be moved and seconded where it is proposed to exclude the press and public from the remainder of a meeting:

 

“That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information falling within those paragraphs indicated in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended.”

 

Minutes:

This motion was not required.