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[BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] Also, if the fire alarm rings, please follow the instructions of the facility staff who will direct you to the exit. Ladies and gentlemen, a couple of months have now passed since I was elected as the speaker of the 100s at the AGM in May, 2024, and I have enjoyed getting to know my new role and representing the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. There is a lot to learn. Along with my new civic colleagues from across London, I had an opportunity to attend an induction arranged by the London Mayor's Association and meet everyone. I am looking forward to seeing more of them throughout the year ahead and hope to invite them to visit our award-winning town hall. I am meeting with the charities. I will be supporting during my term in the office and recently visited the accommodation provided by the Securities and Trust in Tower Hamlets. It was a wonderful opportunity to see firsthand what they do and the impact it has on the families. I will also be visiting with money trust, one of my chosen charities, and will be updating the colleagues at future meetings as to how they can have to support and promote these wonderful organizations. I have been to vital engagement since May and really enjoyed being a part of all the community celebrations, achievements ceremonies from school summer concerts for a level-living celebration and citizenship ceremonies. It has been a real pleasure and privilege for me. One of my first engagements was attending a celebration of the historical event of a lifeboat from Sweden, most likely the oldest. See what the lifeboat in its kind in the world, built in 1868 by Messers. The fort was built to design that obtained from a competition organized by the RNLI, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, 1851. A recent title I led was meeting a group of primary school children visiting the town hall to learn about democracy. There had lots of questions and took part in a quiz before being shown around the town hall. I've been invited to visit the school which I look forward to and I hope to have an opportunity to visit many more during my term in the office as your speaker. I also had the privilege to attend the access centre for the count as the result of the recent parliamentary elections came in and had the honour of announcing the names of the MPs put our humlets. I would like to congratulate congratulations first full to our colleague, Councillor Rachel Blake on being elected as MP for the City of London and Westminster. I don't want to forget to congratulate Councillor Mark Francis for his wife to be elected and would like to request him to pass our message in regards to her. Thank you. I would also like to mention our Councillor colleague, Natalie Bienfait received a staggering number of votes and came second in a habit to become the MP for Poplar and Limehouse and congratulations to Bienfait. I would also like to congratulate up Sena Beigam MP on how we re-election to Poplar and Limehouse and Ruchnar Ali MP on how we re-election to Bethnal Queen and Stephanie constituency and her appointment as the parliamentary undersecretary of housing communities and local government. I would also like to congratulate the MP elected to the new constituency of Stratford and Bob, Humma Kamaran MP and my final congratulations go to Sarkia Stama for being the elected Prime Minister of United Kingdom and forming a government. I hope that under his leadership the government will work towards progress, stability in peace and peace in the United Kingdom and beyond. Finally, I would like to thank the acting returning officer as well as all the staff and the officers who worked on the elections and the count acting returning officer was our Chief Executive Steve Holsey. And a special thank to Rob Cortis and his team for all their hard work in making the election process run smoothly. I look forward to keeping you informed of my activities at future meetings and to working with you and being supported by you throughout my term as your speaker. Thank you for listening to me. I am going to now move into the agendas. The agenda item number one is the apologies for absence of received apologies for absence from Castle Rachel Blake and Councillor Ojidamth. I understand Councillor Abdul Malik also received apologies from Councillor Abdul Malik. I do any other members of any other apologies? I believe Councillor Ayes Mia is joining us online. Thank you. Are members of any other apologies? Thank you. Moving on to agenda item number two is the declarations of disposable pecuniary interest. Would any member of who has a disposable pecuniary interest to declare in any item on the agenda please indicate now? Moving on to agenda item number three is the minutes of the previous meeting. The draft unrestricted minutes of the annual general meeting of the council had on 15th of May 2024. Please note that, of course, the appointment of the deputy speaker was to Councillor Silo Kamen. Not me, so that that will be corrected accordingly. So are the draft minutes agreed as a correct record? Thank you. And agenda item number four is to receive announcements. I would like to now hand over to our chief executive Steve Holsey, who has some announcements to make. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Firstly, I would like to provide an update about the UK general election, which you have already referred to in your opening remarks. Due to changes to constituency boundaries, we now have three constituencies within tower hamlets. Following the counting of the votes, Absana Bacon, Labour, was elected MP for Pocter and Lighthouse, Roshnarra Ali, Labour, was elected MP for Bethnal Green and Stepney, and Umakur and Labour will be representing Stratford and Bo, a new constituency which also crosses the borough boundary with Newham. I would like to thank our electoral services team and other council teams once again for their work in ensuring the election was delivered in a diligent and professional way. I am also grateful to the 600+ staff who supported the delivery of the elections by working at one of the 92 polling stations. The election count on Thursday night into the early hours of Friday morning and those who open postal votes in the week's proceeding and including on polling day. In relation to the new government, we are already in contact with them as we look to work together to achieve the best outcomes for the borough. Last week, we hosted the first ministerial visit by Andrew Gwyn, the newly appointed public health minister to our stopped smoking service, quit right tower hamlets. On Monday, we launched free swimming for women and girls aged 16 and over and men aged 55 and over at an event of popular baths. It's the latest offer in the new Be Well brand for our in-source leisure centres. At our staff conference and awards, last Thursday, almost 3,000 staff attended with the copper box on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The staff conference and awards are essentially ensuring we have a cultural, we have a culture of aspiration, celebration of achievements that we are all pulling in the same direction. Finally, I'd just like to announce that Georgia Chimbani will be joining the council on the 29th of August as our new corporate director of health and adult social care. And we also will have joining us shortly a new director of legal services and monitoring officer following interviews last week. I'm pleased to announce that the appointment subcommittee appointed Chupre Iqbal to this position. I will inform you again of her start date once this has been agreed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Agenda item number five is to receive petitions. One petition has been received for presentation. This is set out on pages 19 to 22 of the agenda. The next item is the petition for debate. This petition for debate is requesting the 100 council to reopen the boundary state community loan rate. The petition has been brought to the council for debate under the petition scheme as it contains over 2,000 signatures from people who live, work, or study in the borough. I call home now, Jonathan Mobley, Lorraine Hart, and Abdul go forward to present the petition requesting that our homeless council to reopen the boundary state community loan rate and you have three minutes to present the petition. Hi, Mr. Speaker. I'm Jonathan Mobley, Vice Chair of the Boundary Tenants and Residence Association. The boundary state closed unexpectedly by the council in February, a deeply shocking action that resonated through our community. Within two weeks, we delivered a 2,100 signature petition which has since grown to over 2,800. Next to the intervention from local councilors, the laundrette opened again after seven weeks, but not before incurring much damage to the business. We are here now to ask for progress on our other campaign requests. First, to move the premises from the council's commercial asset portfolio to their portfolio of community assets. Second, a community benefit rent reduction to be agreed, or a community asset transfer to be considered. Failing that, reset the clock, reinstate the lease that we benefited from until repossession. This can be an innovative case study on how to protect local amenities against the ill effects of gentrification. An exciting opportunity to co-produce with the council with input and expertise from academics and other practitioners. The laundrette has given 30 years of service to the community as a sustainable social enterprise and should be afforded the opportunity to thrive for another 30 years. Mr Speaker, my name is Lorraine Hart. For 25 years, I worked for a voluntary organisation in Tower Hamlets. In the early 90s, I worked with tenants of the boundary to see if there were things that they needed. I worked with them to set up the laundrette. I was a co-founder to address the problems of spacing people's flats. Those of you who know the boundary will know they are not spacious. But particularly for washing machines and drying space, they don't have balconies and their worries about condensation and mold caused by drying wet clothes in their flats. This is still an issue for the estate as it is for a lot of housing in the borough. The business operates fine and has done for 30 years, but I fundraised for the funds to make it happen, to buy the machines. The shop was empty and derelict when they took it over on Cowboy Avenue. That included turning up at the invitation of a commodity broker to have lunch in his dining room, to talk about the project with tenants and their children. To share their experience and their support for the idea. He got it. He recognised there was a business there and he wrote a check for 17,000 there in there. Everyone knew it would not make a lot of money, but it would tick over because the idea was to keep prices affordable and perhaps more importantly, to employ the staff properly. Those of you who know lawn drets will know that quite a lot of them are cashing it. To its credit, the council has supported this community-led initiative for 30 years, and if they continue to provide a spouse. Lorraine, I think your time is nearly finished already, so do you want to wrap it up with me? You mean we've had the whole three minutes? Oh, I'm sorry. I hope you'll be here too. Thank you. There are now four minutes for questions. Does any member wish to put a question to the petitioner, not make a statement or comment? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Petitioners, I know I've worked with you and it's been a privilege. Can you say the engagement you've had to date with the council in relation to the stage where it got closed down and reopened? At the point when it was closed down, we'd had no engagement at all. It was a complete surprise to everyone when bailiffs turned up, trained the locks, and it was our staff that first learned a bit. The council maintained that a Section 25 was served six months earlier, but no one had seen it. And no effort, certainly no effort was made to communicate with anyone in the lawn drets after that notice was served. Following the petition, we have had traction with the council, which is why we're back up operating. We had the keys back. We did have a helpful meeting with the council on the day that we submitted the petition. We've had one meeting with council officers since then, but there's not been much progress. We've had the keys back, which is great, but at the moment, there's been quite slow progress on moving to the next step, which is looking at having a permanent, sustainable solution going forward. Thank you, Councillor Asimov. Thank you, Petitioners. Can you tell us what does a sustainable, sustainable future look like? A sustainable future is a long-term, affordable lease, which takes into account the social value that the lawn drets delivers. I mean, one thing we're going to be working on over the summer, I'd like to think working with the council on it is on a social value report. We're working with some academics at University College London on this to look at actually what the council, what the lawn drets delivers, so that everyone is on the same page as to the value of the lawn drets, and why it is that it should not have to pay a market commercial rent to exist. Thank you, Councillor Aimee and Raman. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Thank you for your petition. I see 2,151 signatures indicate the community support. How did 9th of February closure affect your community? Would you like to have your hands up here? As a regular user, the speaker affected me and my family, and also my neighbours, because we never had a service that we relied on to use, and therefore it impacted us as a whole community, and we realised the value and the added value the lawn drets has in not just our community, but nearby community as well. Thank you, Councillor. Thank you, and thank you, and petition is bringing this really important petition. My question is about why your organisation has been moved to the commercial asset portfolio. When were you made aware of that, and what were the reasons given to you for that? Did you say reasons for moving into the commercial asset portfolio? We were never aware of that. There's obviously a long history here. 30 years ago, I'm sure the way the Council went about these things was structured completely differently. Did you know anything about commercial asset portfolio versus this? No, but I do know that the premises policy that you have now in relation to community services assumes that every shop or retail unit is a commercial entity. And although it's true that the boundary lawn drets operate as a business, it offers so much more, as the social value case makes clear, and as Abdul talked about in relation to the impact on his family. Thank you, Councillor Abdul-Mannan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for being a petition. My question to you is, were you told that community lawn drets does not meet the criteria for the community premises portfolio agreed in 2021? And my question to you is, did the boundary state community lawn drets have input in the criteria being set? So, were you being involved on it when the criteria was set at the time? Were you consulted anything like that? We've had no input into anything regarding Council policy. I think that was that the question? Yeah, we have no input at all. We've never been asked. We'd love to have input. I mean, we'd like a relationship with the Council that is seen as a kind of creative, positive collaboration rather than a kind of us and then type of situation. Thank you. I think that the time limit for the questions has now been reached. There is now 15 minutes for the debate. I will look to call as many members as I can in the time available from the list of the speakers I have. Those speeches are limited to three minutes, but I would like to ask members to keep their contributions brief and to remind you that this is a debate between the members and not an opportunity to ask for the question of the petitioners. And where member has a motion to propose, please move it during your speech. I'll call upon Councillor Abdaller. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can I just support the petitioners on what is a very important for those of us who have the luxury of having a washing facility, be it home, dryer and so forth? I just want to go back when the petition was talking about the importance of the, not just the benefit of a family that's able to go and do the washing, but it's about what it creates as a community. I remember as a young child, we had a laundry at our house when I lived in Brick Lane, number 12 Brick Lane. There's a famous photo by Phil Maxwell, the former Councillor of a couple, you know, I guess they were kissing, but it was a famous photo that he took in Brick Lane in one of his famous photos. So I remember the number 12 Brick Lane had an arcade machine, so I used to always volunteer to take the washing because then I can play on the arcade machine. But what I'm trying to get to the fact, and the petitioners, I'm sure will understand, it's not just about where you go to watch, it's also a community space. It's a space where people belong. And I kind of think about when Lorraine was saying is what small community assets does to a wider impact. When we, myself and the former Councillor, Jones, we, with the support of the Council, we did a community garden in Wapping, abandoned space, created a lot more. During COVID, what it did, it brought community together a safe space. Well, I'm sure the petitioners who are here and the many thousands who signed this. And I'm not singling out those who say are of the boundary state is actually quite mixed now, the demographic, the wealth and so forth. I've seen people, when I go from my meetings there, people of all background use that facility. So it's a chance for interact. A young British Bangladeshi boy mixing with somebody from one of the startup companies in shortage. You know, an elderly white lady mixing with somebody from a different community background. So it's a hub. So I'm supporting this motion and this petition purely from the fact that as a Council, we talk about all the language. And I'm sure our new government, my party, will be bringing in policies that will about, you know, elevating loneliness and, you know, people doing all the things that we want to do. We as a Council have an opportunity to take all the right boxes, to deliver a service that will bring communities together, keep communities together. The 30 years ago, the pioneers who thought about this, you know, there's wisdom in this. So what I will say is rather than compile everyone and, you know, forcing people out, community initiative, I mean, we've got a small shopping, which has been laying empty for many months. In fact, many years. Why? Because the Council will be the previous administration, the current administration, cannot get the thinking right of supporting local businesses. But when you've got a community organisation led, that is actually doing things to bring people together, yet, I'm sorry, but if there's local businesses on either side, think that this is undesirable, too bad. This is Tara Hamles, is a melting pot of all communities. So all I will say to the corporate asset management is, you know what, we might be a stone throw away from the community. But I feel very passionate because they didn't get enough time to say all the things. I might say the things that you would have said. So all I will say is that I strongly support this, and I thank the Board of both Board Councillors for supporting them. And I would hope that the asset management team listening see the far benefit than just a paycheck. Thank you very much. [Applause] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I mean, we know how important the service is. They make it very brief because we have both the time. We know how important service they provide, Mr. Speaker. Initially, when the campaign started, Councillor Kabayama, the local water council, he was very active. He met the group, and he also campaigned. We met officers. Asset management are looking into it, I believe, and we will hear from the lead member very soon. And I think it's a very important service, and officers are working with the charity for an alternative long-term option. So I think we'll hear from the lead member, but I get the service they are providing is vital, and we totally support that. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you. Councillor Peter Golds. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Why on earth are we sitting here tonight? Why on earth is the council using the proverbial sledgehammer to crack a nut and a nut that does not need to be cracked? This is preposterous. The boundary estate is the oldest example of social housing in this country. It is known throughout the world as the oldest example of social housing in this country. It should be a beacon, and it should be where people come and where they operate as a wider community. When that estate was built, it was put out for people who didn't have access to launderers, and it was designed. And if you remember, though, there may even be people older than the council than me, there used to be communal bars around where people would take washing. And some of the older people remember the people who remember bag wash when people used to come and collect the bag washing to be done. We don't have that nowadays. We often have expensive launderers or dry cleaners. Why on earth when we have the world or the nation's first example of social housing? We cannot have a communal laundry. I do not understand. I began by saying this is a sledgehammer to crack the nut. That sledgehammer needs to be thrown, cooked, thrown away, and that laundry return to where it belongs, which is the people of the council. Thank you, Councillor Gaughles, Councillor Asmeislam. Thank you, Mr Speaker. So I want to start off by thanking everyone that has been campaigning on this one February and fighting to save a community asset. It's been a grassroots community campaign and the passionate commitment from the boundary estate residents to fight for the change they need has been heartwarming. I've been honoured to support the campaign and I would like to share some insights with my colleagues. The boundary estate, like Councillor Gaughles said, is over 100 years old and it's historical because it's the first social housing estate to be built in this country. When this estate was built, it was designed around the community and the people who live in it. There has been a community laundry right from the start and that's because the homes are small almost with no balcony and outdoor space and people need to wash and dry their clothes so community laundry was part of the original design. Now a century later, the need for laundry is still as important as before. The homes are still small but the buildings are older and suffering from dampened mold with many families overcrowded on their stay. The laundry has been a lifesaver for many families. It's proximity close to their stay and the conditions of the homes make it a must. Residents on the boundary and nearby homes tell me this all the time. And that's why this Council needs to review how we support the laundry to make it sustainable for the future. The laundry is considered a commercial building and therefore commercial rent supply. But in reality, this laundry is a community asset, a community need and we should explore options of reassigning this space as that. The laundry is run by volunteers and is not for profit and is completely run by and for the community. We cannot allow the laundry to pit against commercial lease price as we all know how difficult that will be as hard as they try. If we are to lose the laundry and not explore options of making this sustainable for the long term, it won't just be a loss for the boundary state, it will be a loss for this power. So let's start quantifying the social value of the laundry and bring this in line with the lease. I want to also invite all my colleagues and everyone that's listening to actually take the laundry to the laundry, because there's friendly service and all the money that you spend will go back into the service. Thank you, Councilees Love, Councilor Kabiramat. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can I start by assuring both the petitioners, the public and all members that as an administration, we are indeed very supportive of the laundry. Unfortunately, as it is, there were bureaucratic processes in place which resulted in the laundry being closed, forcibly closed, and it's a shame that happened. This has disrupted the laundry business. Now, I'm fully committed to supporting the petitioners and I've already engaged with a number of the petitioners as well as visiting the area on a regular basis. And just last Saturday, we had an event at the boundary promoting recycling. A number of residents who are users of that laundry also attended this event. And so it's of the utmost importance that we don't only see best value as in just financial terms, we see best value in terms of what is growing a community, sustaining a community and bringing people together. This laundry plays a vital part in how we as a melting pot, we as a society, we as residents of tower hamlets come together through the most basic of functions of washing our clothes. Everybody's probably seen EastEnders and it's globally broadcast and what's one of the key icons that's advertising the laundry in EastEnders. It's the laundry dot cotton. Everybody remembers dot cotton. And where is she always focused or was always focused around the laundry. And likewise, this laundry plays a pivotal part in bringing the whole community together. So as an administration, as a cabinet member, as a ward councillor, the petitioners know very well, I've supported them all throughout from the day I got that message. But one thing I want to say and give my special thanks to is the volunteers and those who work at that laundry, servicing so many residents. And if I can take the opportunity to promote the laundry because this is webcast, please, everybody in this town hall if given the opportunity do go and use the laundry because it will provide sustainability and survival for this laundry and it's very competitive. [Applause] Thank you Mr. Speaker and thank you petitioners once again. For me, this is an absolute no brainer. We have tonight an administration motion which is about community and we have an opposition motion which is about poverty and nothing symbolises the joining of the two motions together more than saving the boundary laundry. Everybody, every member in this council chamber should be supporting this petition. I was fortunate enough to visit the laundry a couple of years ago and I was really impressed and everything that everyone has said about the laundry tonight completely rings true. It's a place where communities come together, people from different backgrounds, it's an incredibly welcoming place. It provides opportunities for work and employment and it provides support for people who wouldn't normally know where to go for support. One of the things that we don't talk about enough in this council chamber is loneliness and it's hubs like the laundrette where people can go and have those interactions that make their day. One other thing that we should all be concerned about is how this organisation has been treated by the council and we know that similar community organisations are being treated this way as well. Organisations that provide a valid service that are run by volunteers that provide free or complete value services to our residents who are seeing their rents being hyped up to prices that they can no longer afford like the mudshoots in my ward. We need to protect these organisations so that they can continue to provide the valid service that our communities really need. Thank you, Councilor Bastin, Council Abut Dalhachoudri. Thank you, speaker and thank you, petitioners. I'll keep it brief because I think a lot of the points and a lot of the feelings and sentiments are shared across the chamber. But from looking at the number of people that have signed the petition and the fact that it's growing, it shows that clearly local people feel very strongly about the community laundry. It's not usual for both sides of the chamber to actually agree on a motion. So the fact that Councilor Bastin says the administration motion and opposition motion that we have nicely sort of comes together and allows us to agree on something that the community feels very strongly about. I think the lead member, local ward Councillors, have made it quite demonstrable that they've engaged, have tried to engage and move this forward. I'm quite confident that the lead member and the Mayor will find a solution for this. And with that, I'd like to conclude my remarks. Thank you, Councilor Cho, the allocated time has finished to conclude this item. Does Councilor Said Ahmed cabinet member for resources and the cost of living wish to address the meeting in response to the petition, you'll have two minutes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thanks to the petitioners. I have met the group virtually online when you've reached out to Councillor Ahmed regarding the laundry. First of all, the laundry provides a vital service for our community. Not just in relation to health, but also as an important space for people to feel a sense of community and belonging. I can assure the public and the petitioners that I along with Councillor Kabya Ahmed, Mayor's office and the senior officers have already had an initial meeting and agreed a tenancy at will until a move to permanent solution is found. Following the concerns about the closure of the laundry, a tenancy at will for a period of up to 12 months was granted on the 26th of March, which allowed the laundry to resume operations immediately, while a longer term arrangement is agreed. Unfortunately, the property does not currently meet the criteria to be added to the community premises for portfolio. One of the criteria excludes retail properties. These criteria were agreed at cabinet in 2021. However, the mayor has now called for a review of our rent and leases policy across our corporate asset portfolio. We are now working closely with the charity and remain committed to dialogue with the laundry to explore whether there is alternative options that would allow it for it to continue occupation. As long as needed to find a sustainable long term basis. Can I finish by thanking the representatives of the laundry attending today and I commend you for the great work you do. Thank you.

Thank you very much. That concludes the item. The petitions stands referred to the corporate director for communities for a written response within 28 days. Thank you for the petition and the responses and the debate. Now we are moving on to agenda item number six is the mayor's report are full open now. May a little amount to give his report to the council and you have six minutes Mr. Mayor. [BLANKAUDIO] Find a permanent solution and a new permanency as soon as possible. You have our full support. I want to assure you on that. [APPLAUSE] Can I now move on to my statement ladies and gentlemen. I was delighted to speak at the staff conference last Thursday attended by nearly 3,000 council employees. To see the progress that this council has made over the past 12 months from signing off all accounts to meeting and exceeding our service savings targets to successfully sourcing free key services and so much more. It feels me it's great pride as the mayor of this great borough. While the work will continue, there is so much more to do and so much more room for improvement ladies and gentlemen. I believe that the direction of this authority is heading in the right way and will only lead to more improvements, delivery and support for the people who met the most, the residents of this borough. I would like to reiterate my thanks to all staff for their continued hard work and dedication in this council. And I ask them to continue to go the extra mile to support the people of our borough. And we are a great people. A people drawn from all corners of the globe, sharing their common identity as residents of this historic place. This Monday, I was proud to launch the council's, I and the lead members were proud to launch the council's groundbreaking new policy free swimming for all women and girls over the age of 16 and for men over the age of 55. It was a, it was wonderful to see so many residents attend particularly women to launch that initiative and to learn about how they can access the new service. These sessions will be available at our first four digital locations across the borough. Tiller, leisure centre, Popla Barts, Milan Stadium and York Hall, leisure centre for now and hopefully in due course at St. George's. And will help to combat health inequalities and economic pressures that come with gym and swimming memberships for the bars and daily women and girls. I look forward to seeing this service develop and encourage all our residents to check out the details of how to access these sessions either on the B Well website at our idea stores or in the centres themselves. Finally, I would like to stress address the opposition motion today, which I support and will ask all members in this chamber to support with our friendly amendments. Poverty has played a destructive role in the past and present of this borough. But we will not allow it to continue to be part of our future. Successive administrations have fought to eradicate the dangers of poverty and the associated impacts it has on our residents. And we will continue this fight with a renewed confidence that we can win. We will continue to sustainably invest in a borough. We will continue to ensure that our residents have decent housing. We will continue to ensure that our children have decent meals every day and have access to the best educational and employment opportunities on offer. We will continue to invest to ensure that our elderly, disabled and send residents have access to the finest care facilities and services. Guarantee them the best quality of life. We will continue to promote wellness and increase access to services that promote healthier and more fulfilling lifestyles. And we will continue to uplift our services and invest in the social community and economic offers to our residents to ensure that they can thrive. Be well and live a life underpinned by dignity, prosperity and comfort, not stress, poverty and hardship. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you Mr. Mayor. Council of Chicago, Islam, Leader of the Level Group, would you like to respond to the Mayor's report? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You have two minutes. Thank you Mr. Speaker and thank the Mayor for his report. Peace and blessings to you all. I'd like to begin by welcoming the new Labour government and the three local MPs. This forum elected. Absana Beggon, Bushnar Ali, Umar Kumaran and all the remarkable women will work tirelessly to represent the residents in Parliament. Voters on the 4th of July chose to end 14 years of Tory chaos. Our residents wanted change and the Labour Party will now work to deliver it. I'd also like to congratulate our very own Councillor Rachel Blake on her election in Citizens Wesson in Westminster and our former colleague Councillor, former Councillor Dan Tomlinson, who's elected in Chipping and Barnet. And I thank the Speaker for his warm words earlier on. Perhaps I'd also ask the Speaker if our three elected members of Parliament could be invited to the next full council meeting. That would be a nice gesture. Our great borough has produced 11 current Labour MPs and many more party staffers. We should be proud of the influence our borough has on the nation's politics. It has welcomed change to have more to handle alumni in this government than those who went to Eton. Our residents chose the Labour Party as a mainstream political party to represent and advocate for them. It is the only Labour Party that can take the concerns to the highest level of the government to deliver a change for them, including fixing the counter's finances, publicly owned energy, stopping undue behavior, breaking the barriers to opportunity and fixing the NHS. Delivering these missions will be delivering for the people of the candidates and will look forward to working with the Labour government for the next five years to bring about change and for the betterment of our residents. Thank you. [applause] Thank you, Councillor Islam. Mayor Raman, would you like to respond? You have. Thank you. So now moving on to agenda item number seven is the motion for debate submitted by the administration. The debate will follow the rules of debate at a constant procedure, Rule 13, and will last no more than 30 minutes. I would like to now ask Councillor Mushtaq Ahmed, can you please move your motion as set out in the agenda and you have four minutes? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd formally like to propose the administrative motion on Bangladesh, Shida, as for our entire efforts. Thank you. I'll call upon Councillor Abut al-Hachoudri to second the motion. You have three minutes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Do you want to? Oh, sorry. Sorry. You paused, and I'll carry on. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's an absolute privilege to propose a motion that celebrates not just a community, but a cornerstone of Tar Hamlet's identity. I'll reach history of immigration, began with the French Huguenots, and continued through ways of Jewish, Irish, Caribbean, African, and Somalian communities, each wave, leaving an indelible mark. The first arrivals, Mr. Speaker were Alaska's brave seaman from the Indian subcontinent who faced treacherous seas and fought in distant wars. Their legacy marked by the sacrifice of 896 souls in the Great War speaks volumes of their early contributions to Britain. In the 1950s and 60s, Mr. Speaker, many more arrived with dreams and hopes, told tirelessly in textile factories, cowplants, and the now renowned curry houses helping to rebuild post-war Britain. They faced, they faced, and overcame the violent racism of the national front in the 1970s, the B&P in the 1990s, and the EDL in the 2000s and 2010s. By the 1980s and 1990s, Mr. Speaker, the Bangladeshi community had become an integral part of Tar Hamlet's cultural and social political and economical landscape, with leaders emerging as trailblazers and role models. Today's Tar Hamlet, Mr. Speaker, stands as the capital of the British Bangladeshi diaspora with over 35% of residents of Bangladeshi heritage. We are now a community with high office holders, playing pivotal roles in shaping the borough and beyond, contributing across the legislature, executive, judiciary, NHS and all sectors of society. Notably, Mr. Speaker, our male Latveraman, a visionary and transformational leader, shattered historical barriers by becoming the first executive male from a non-white background in Europe. His groundbreaking leadership has profoundly improved the lives of the people of Tar Hamlet's, assuring a new era of positive change and progress. Mr. Speaker, the economic impact of Bangladeshi businesses is nothing short of extraordinary. Contributing over $3 billion to our local economy last year alone, the brickland, spittle fields and bilateral area, stands as the global hub of Bangladeshi industry. Apologies, everyone. The webcast machine is just telling us it's going to restart whether we like it or not, so we're just having to swap over our laptop, so just give us two seconds while we sort that out. [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] [BLANKAUDIO] Thank you, Councillor Ahmed, you can resume and I would like to award an extra full one minute for you. [APPLAUSE] Initially because of my mistaken intervention and of course because of the technology. Thank you, Mr. Speaker for allowing me to resume and complete my speech. So we're talking about Bangladeshidiaspora, and I was disrupted technologically. The economic impact of Bangladeshi businesses, which I remind, and reiterate that 3 billion to our local economy last year alone. The brick lane, spittle fields and bungletown area stands Mr. Speaker as a global hub of Bangladeshi industry and culture. Drawing visitors from far and wide to experience the very best of our community. A microcosm of the best of Britain, making every inch of tower and let's a go to area. [APPLAUSE] Today, Mr. Speaker, we resolve to take further steps proposing hosting an exhibition in the town hall to celebrate. I would rather say further celebrate the cultural capital they have brought to Tower Hamlets. Let us ensure the legacy of Bangladeshidiaspora is known and honored across Tower Hamlets, London, the United Kingdom and beyond the borders. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [APPLAUSE] Thank you. I'll call upon now Councillor Abutta Khachoudre to second the motion you have three minutes or you may resolve your right to speak later. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Democracy, rule of law, respect, individual liberty and tolerance of what British Bangladeshidias embody. Do these values sound familiar to you? These are the same values that the government introduced in 2011 as British values, bingo. It is important to humanise migrant communities in a time when xenophobia and hate pushes society to look at people like me as problematic and not British enough. Nearly 100 years ago, Zaziz or Laskas as they were known travelled to these foreign shores to help rebuild Britain following the destructive impact of two world wars. Bangladeshids as part of the Commonwealth played their part militarily and very soon began rebuilding industries like the car manufacturing, steel and rag trade. British Bangladeshids worked ever so hard to make Britain great again and some of these factories were indeed in this borough. I hear good leather jackets will produce here. I hate to generalise now, but many of the first generation Bangladeshids, like Manana and Massassas, typically plugged a skills gap and did not have the educational opportunities that some of us here enjoy. So they had to carve out opportunities and create a culture within a culture when curry, whether it be a madrasa or a vindaloo, flooded the streets and homes of salivating Brits. The aroma, taste and joy that the curry industry brought breathed new life into this country and this borough. And the curry mile in Brick Lane not only provided jobs and an economic capital, but may tell a harmless tourist spot where one could visit the historic Tower of London and then take a 10 minute walk down to Brick Lane to enjoy Easton's finest ruby. As the community blossomed, the mutual value of democracy and preserving respect and tolerance became a focus. You saw British Bangladeshids fight racism and fascism in the 70s and onwards and then get involved in decision making processes by becoming counsellors, business owners, doctors, teachers and more. I think of the early struggles of Manana and his cousins who moved into 100 Brick Lane and led many community organizations and movements, and my father who has volunteered his entire life to community service. His being a parent governor, teacher and a well-known community activist who has honestly put the community ahead of any personal interest. And how can I forget my mother? Someone from the second generation who spent years teaching in the Shakla Primary School. At a time and discrimination in the education system was far more rampant than it is today. Mr. Speaker, Tower Hamlets is also a community of firsts. The first British Bangladeshi member of the House of Lords was from Tower Hamlets. The first British Bangladeshi MP was from Tower Hamlets and the first executive mayor from a non-white background in the whole of Europe was from Tower Hamlets and from Bengali heritage. The result of having a mayor like Mayor Rahman has meant that thousands are benefiting from the universal free school mills, education bursaries and extended youth so far and many other facilities. All these policies benefit all sections of the community but would not have been possible if Mr. Rahman had been growing old in a village in Balagoin. Thank you, Mr. Chair, does any other member now wish to speak? I have a list of the speakers. I would like to call upon Councillor Shirajul Islam, Leader of the Labour Group. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can I firstly welcome the content of this motion. I am deeply proud to be a manager/critical leader in a party that has elected the first British Bangladeshi MP and the first British Bangladeshi cabinet ministers. A huge achievement form where we came. This para has changed a lot since I came here as a child in 1972. I have seen the rise and fall of fascist parties, the election of the first Angshah Councillor, the first Somali Councillor, Boehm Speaker, first executive mayor, even the first leader of the council and more. When there has been a ceiling to broken in this para, we have broken it. I always pay tribute to those community activists who were part of the anti-racist movement in the 1970s. For political recognition, for better housing, particularly the homeless homeless campaign, campaign for better education for our children, including the campaign for more congress and school governors, as well as challenging health inequalities. Their hard work and sacrifices have paved the opportunity for me to become a Labour councillor and the progression of our community international politics as well as other key positions in public life. The Bangladeshi community could not have thrived in this para without the support and backing of allies and comrades from other communities who stood by us when we're under attack. And to them, we should be grateful. There are our neighbours today and we will celebrate them as part of our story as well. For the Cultural Festival, can I make a friendly suggestion that we invite our young people to make a special contribution? I'm sure my children would agree that a defining feature of being British band leader, she is to spend a lot of your youth listening to them, the wisdom of our elders. So, therefore, it is important that we celebrate our past and our heritage that is equally important and we also listen and provide space for the voices of the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Councillor Islam, Councillor Sabine Akhta. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank Councilor Mustard Ahmed for proposing the motion and I'm proud to support this as a British Bangladeshi Muslim living in the borough and serving the community since 2015. As some of you are aware, I will always challenge any prejudice against Bangladeshi and I will not hesitate to stand up for my community. My father came to the UK in the 1970s and contributed to the government's industry, working extremely hard to provide education for me and my siblings. Just like hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi's across the UK who made Great Britain their home. The sacrifice and contribution of our forefathers gave us heritage like the Bangla town, Altevali Park and East London Mosque. While I am proud of our achievements listed in the motion, as Bangladeshi's, we have a long way in achieving a more equal and dignified life. Why? The average hourly pay for British Bangladeshi's in the same year was the lowest out of all ethnicity groups at £12. Why British Bangladeshi's have consistently been the most likely ethnicity group to live in households classified as low income at 55%. Why British Bangladeshi's have the highest overall relative poverty rate of any ethnicity group in the UK? Why children of Bangladeshi origin are among the British Asians who struggle for top jobs despite better school results? Why, according to public health England, the people most at risk of dying of Covid of Bangladeshi ethnicity? Mr. Speaker, we don't need to look far. Just look around us in this very council as one of the largest employees in the borough. How proportionately does the senior workforce reflect the community? How many head teachers are there in our schools of Bangladeshi origin? We must address the systemic barriers that hinder our process. It's not enough to express our solidarity for the Bangladeshi's in the entire hamlets and the UK. Hence, although our full heartedly support the motion, I want the council to note the following. The council's research publications, policies and strategies to record and include Bangladeshi as a unique data point. The council is to re-estate the workforce to reflect the community strategy and report quarterly to the council on its improvement figures. Three, the BAME Commission is to report quarterly to the council on its actions it has undertaken to deliver real change to the lives of our Black Asian minority ethnic communities. So I'd like to end on a note to say how proud I am to be a British Bangladeshi and thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Councillor Octal. I now call upon the Council to say that much. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are a borough that makes no apologies for its multiculturalism. In fact, we celebrate our diversity as one of the greatest assets, even when cynical political forces would criticize us for it. As a community, we know that talk of nogo areas and dog we saw about Bangladeshi migrants are immersed in politics of division and racism. And as a representative of this borough, I am proud that we have never given into those vile tactics and never will. Despite the scaremongering about tire handlers and diverse communities that live here, our new residence survey shows that over 90% of our residents think that tire handlers is a place where people from different backgrounds get on well together, which makes us an incredible successful borough in terms of our community cohesion. The incredible contribution of our migrants, of migrants to the East End is well documented and preserved in our archives in tire handlers. Different communities have migrated in and out of the borough over centuries, lived alongside each other, learned from each other and protected each other. They organized and overcame the threat of fascist organizations and protected vulnerable groups together. When racist and bigots have tried to divide our communities, the community has overcome together, have come together, more united than ever. Growing up in Poplar in the 90s wasn't easy for us. We experienced regular interference and altercations from local racist groups. This made us who we are. Our elders before us, before our generation, had struggled at far greater length and paved the way for us. If you take a look into the archives in Bancroft, you will see how people from different backgrounds not only coexisted in this small part of London, but enriched the quality and purpose of each other's lives. You will see the importance of Bangladeshi contribution to this area, which is diverse and vast. Bengalis have provided welfare and support to marginalized community. They served in great numbers in the first and second world wars and aided the post-war redevelopment. They have campaigned and fought against racism in Britain's street and institutions. They have created new fusion sounds and cuisines, combining Bengalis and British flavours. And they have helped to regenerate a neglected back street to a vibrant hub of the East End. I am therefore happy to back this motion and I look forward to celebrating the contributions that Bangladeshi have made to Tower Hamlets over the century. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Ahmed. I call upon Councillor Rebecca Sultana to speak. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My father first came to this country from Bangladesh and fought bravely in the 1970s until the movement here in Tower Hamlets. His journey and struggle are part of the history of this borough, a place that has always welcomed people looking for a better life. A borough that I, as the first female of British Bangladeshi, descend to be elected in Bethlehem Eastward and very proud of. Tower Hamlet is a symbol of unity, a place where diverse communities have found a home and succeeded. Among those communities, the Bangladeshi Diaspora stand out, not just for their numbers, but for their impact on our cultural, social, economical and political history. In the 1950s and 60s, many Bangladeshi arrived seeking better opportunities for their families. They worked tirelessly in factories, lands and our famous curry houses in Beplain. Their hard work and spirit certainly helped to rebuild, retain and transform Tower Hamlets into a thriving community. The 1970s brought new challenges as the Bangladeshi community faced racism. The murder of Alta Bali was a tragic and painful reminder of the hatred they faced. Yet, the community stood firm, united with a clear goal to push away the racist. And this spirit of resistance and solidarity continued through the decades, even to this day. The Bangladeshi community has not only stood up to protect our borough, but has also worked tirelessly to improve it. Their efforts have brought positive change for everyone, ensuring a better life for the many, not just for the few. The leadership of individuals in local and national government are just a few examples of their impact. We now have a Bangladeshi mayor, two Bangladeshi MPs, a Bangladeshi fast citizen and 37 Bangladeshi councilor in this chamber. We must remember, we live in a diverse borough with other communities and we support all communities. It is important, we put party politics aside and stand together against negative depictions of any community and continue to champion the diversity that makes Taar Hamlets the vibrant and welcoming place it is. This is our home and together would represent the very best of beating. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Mr. Speaker. This motion tells a positive story, one of harmony between the communities, but I want to spend a couple of minutes reflecting on part of the struggle it took to get there. In 1980s, the first families of Bangladeshi heritage came to live on the Isle of Dogs. There were 70 of us in the first year. And in that year, what was the mineral world? Went through having lowest number of racial attacks across all Docklands boroughs to having the highest. We were supported by some very good local councillors, but we were definitely the second-class citizens. This experience encouraged many of us to work hard, to realize our ambition, to win respect from the host community and to win our rights to be treated equally. It took us best part of quarter of a century, but during the pandemic, the Bangladeshi community organisations on the Isle of Dogs came together and began delivering food parcels and medical supplies to the old and vulnerable across the whole community. Once a week, white pensioners would greet our volunteers happily as we came to drop off our parcels. For me, that is the success story of the homeless. The Bangladeshi community did not just come into our homeless and take. We became part of the community. We shared values and sharing the responsibility of looking out for each other. I welcome the proposal to have an exhibition in town hall. I hope it will devote plenty of space to the lives of Bangladeshi in Spitalfield and Bangladesh town. And I hope it will also include the united community on the Isle of Dogs team. I support the motion. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor. Councillor, Councillor, should we be the same? Thank you, Mr Speaker. I'll be quick because everyone has mentioned a lot of the stuff that I wanted to say. But, Mr Speaker, I am a child of this borough. And I've seen its best and its worst. When I think about Bangletown, and the two things when I think about it, I remember the nail-bombing we had. And when I think about the good stuff, I think about, I wasn't around them, but I think about my colleague, Mr Councillor Abdullah walking with the King and Queen. So, it is a good thing. And, you know, we've done many great things in our community that we can be proud of. The fact that I'm standing here today in this chamber, representing the people from the south demonstrates how far our community has come. In another timeline, I was a victim of the sort of hate that our elders had to fight. To be British Bangladeshi is to carry two struggles on our shoulders. The sacrifice is made by generations before, and the ones that were made when our parents reached the shores. We should not carry those struggles heavily, but instead with pride. Our community can argue by debate, scribble and bicker. But when we come together, that is when we are our best. I am proud that I am in a party that elected the first Bangladeshi MP, the first Bangladeshi ministers. I am also proud to serve in the Council that elected the first British Bangladeshi mayor and speakers. I am proud of who I am. I am proud of my community. I am proud of my borough. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Thank you, Councillor Hussain. I call upon now, Councillor Ahmed Durhane to speak. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my grant has been coming to retain for many centuries, particularly from the British Empire India since East Indian Company trading 1701 ores. They were known as the Laskar, most notable from Bengali region, which now Bangladesh. As we used to call them as a hunger. Post-war economy migrant chip labor has contributed to British economies since 1950s. After the day in industrialization, the British economy moved from more towards microeconomy. Corner shop, restaurant and takeaway. Gathering huge revenue towards the British economy. Bangladesh's renovated rundowns, towns, areas, and made habitable for living and business. Notable car hamlet is London. Birmingham, Bradford, Manchester, Laskar and many more arguments area. Second and third generation of these Bangladeshis also contribute to British society, notable NHS sports, NHS and sports. Today, British society is economic and social fabric. In work with Bangladeshis and AIDS, this aura. It will, will their generation will contribute to hugely. So Mr. Mr. Speaker, I support these as part of motions. I call the Council to support the National Commission. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Councillor Khan. Call upon Councillor Jaha Choudhury, former Speaker to speak now. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to begin with although last set last Sunday, football didn't come home. My daughter, who bless her, who doesn't understand why 22 old men kickable, she was supporting the boys as well. And my granddaughter, six year old granddaughter, was crying as well. One foot bullet didn't come home. So I want to tell these people who relate every problem in this country to immigration. I want to tell them my daughter, my granddaughter, is every inch of British or English person. In this country, you know, any other people like in this country, irrespective of their skin colour or image. Mr. Speaker, I want to place my discipline. The people who always, you know, negatively think about immigration. I ask them to look into the NHS. Do they think NHS will survive without immigration? Not even a single day. So people who think, you know, every problem in this country, they try to relate to immigration. They should think about them looking into the NHS. Mr. Speaker, 100 is a good example of the benefit of immigration. Without the work of ethnic minority, cultures, enterprise, and spirit of Bangladeshi communities, target numbers and return would not be the vibrant place it is today. Mr. Speaker, my colleague also mentioned before. We, as a Bangladeshi community, we gave them the current industry. The current industry, everybody knows how much our industry contributed the society. We gave them an English word that we can become a seller. It became the favorite dish of this country. So we are proud of the achievement of our future, I mean, the previous generation, that we have created an industry that contributing billions in this country or their economy. So like other speakers said, in this world, in this chamber, that we are not taking anything. We are not only taking from this society, we are giving them back as well. Mr. Speaker, I also, so by the council, are proposing, this motion is proposing that we, the council, celebrate the achievement of Bangladeshi communities in this borough. And we built a bridge and a commission between the communities. So therefore, I will ask my colleague across the chamber to suffer just by motion. And I will suffer just by motion as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [Applause] Councillor Mushtaak Ahmed, do you wish to? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think I did have my name on the list. Can I start by declaring an interest? I was born in Bangladesh. So, now I came to this country at the age of 1983, Mr. Speaker, on Valentine's Day, 1983. And I still remember landing in this country in the airport at the tender age of four and taking a black cab for the first time in my life and going to Limehouse where my uncle and aunt left to onboard into their house. As a young boy, I grew up listening to stories of a single man's colony and stories of how this single man's colony had an aspiration to work hard, live fugally and return back to Bangladesh with wealth from the post-war reconstruction that was created and the heavy industries in this country. My father worked as a migrant worker moving from city to city where the trade took him, finally landing in Oldham, I support Manchester United. However, when we settled in Tower Hamlets, this myth of return started reshaping itself. And it transformed into a community which promoted family reunification. In the mid-1980s was the highest point of family reunification, and the majority of people coming to Tower Hamlets creating a Bangladeshi diaspora, the heart outside of Bangladesh. This was in the face of hostile Immigration Acts, the 1962 Immigration Act, the 1968 Immigration Act, which treated coloured commonwealth citizens differently to white commonwealth citizens such as South Africa and Australia. They strived, they worked hard. However, what's important is the values that they carried, and to this day I carry that same value, Mr. Speaker. You're trying to finish. I've got one minute, 50 seconds, Mr. Speaker. Now, these values include the values that I also embed in my children. My next door neighbours, my children call them Uncle John and Auntie Sue, and that level of respect is very important because that embeds into how we communicate and engage with others within our society. Now, some say multiculturalism has failed, and others say that it's a melting pot, and it's significantly important that we make it work, but these are values that support society and civil well-being of the whole of Tower Hamlets as well as the wider world. Now, let me finish off, Mr. Speaker, by thanking all members here. It's not every day that we agree on anything, but today, two items in a row we've agreed on, and it's a display of unity and how politicians should work together and can come together if the issues are right. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Applause) We have actually reached the time of the debate I'm allocated for this, but I'm making an exception. I'm now calling up on Councillor ABDALULA to speak. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I'm conscious of the time as well now, that the subject that I can speak for hours has spent outside the Council chambers on a personal project for the last 10 years celebrating the very best of British Bangladesh community and to the point we're celebrating the achievement of our Executive Mayor the first time when he became directly elected in our publication. But I want to start by saying, standing here, although I do look young, but I've been around a little bit longer than some people, Councillor ABDALULA, Choudhary, Councillor SHOBO, and Councillor ACTA spoke very eloquently, passionately about the very best of the British Bangladesh community by remembering the struggles, remembering the contribution of the elders, my father's generation, the late Alta Bali, all the stuff that we all grown up listening to. But I want to start by also talking about Councillor Jai-Ad Ahmed. British Bangladesh boys in Whapping, for those of you interested in Instagram, UK Bangladesh history, look at it. On the day when there was an England match taking place, my local pub, the Turner's Old Star, which comes at the steeple knows very well, did a beer garden. No, I don't mean it in that sense, he knows Whapping very well. The beer garden was full of capacity. Young British Bangladesh boys and girls not interested in a beer garden because also lack of space. They decided to put a TV, if you look at it, outside the housing estate. Now there's normally issues with people, joy-riding or other things that sometimes they get up to be blamed. But they put a big screen TV, flat screen TV, and they were watching football. I shared that, the organisation or the Instagram account shared that. Over 2.2 million people saw that. Now that's a positive contribution of what it means to be English and to be proud to be a British Bangladeshi representing the very best of our country. So that's a positive contribution of our community. My colleague, Councillor Shoebo, talked about, yes, it was an immensely proud day when the royals came to Brooklyn. We, as a British Bangladesh community, hosted them for the wider community. A number of my colleagues crossed the chambers, came as united to welcome them. They went away, to this point, I can tell you that it was one of the best events that they came to. This is the exact word from their own people telling us. And we did that to celebrate the contribution of our community. Everything that you talked about, the struggles, the death, the death, the injuries, the racism. But we stride, we struggle, and we've achieved. So I really much hope that not only do we celebrate the very best of British Bangladesh, but the Taraham has been a gateway for all migrant communities. Bricklane Moss is embodiment of what it is to be a British and to have different communities come through our doors. I will finish by saying this, that we don't have to look far. There's a project that's supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. It's called the Stories and Struggling Stride, okay, Eastern Connect, which is where we're working on this project. Hopefully in the few months or few, or hopefully less in the year, we'll be ready. And if the Council gives us the opportunity, I'm sure the committee will be more than happy to share the success. Share the stories of, from 1952 to 2000, and we could have that in the Foyer displayed for people to come and celebrate. So I will just make a reference to that again. It's called Stories and Struggling Stride, Eastern Connect. So please, if you would allow me, you know, if the Council would want to engage with that project, it would be more than happy to have that on display, which will be a non-partisan celebrating the very best of the Eastern in our Foyer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor. Thank you, Councillor. I would like Councillor Mushtaq Ahmed, do you wish to exercise your right of reply if you do that you have three minutes? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's not a reply, but at the same time, I would like to take the opportunity to thank members across the chambers for supporting the motion. And it was very informative debate. Thank you very much. Thank you. We will now vote on the motion by Councillor Mushtaq Ahmed. Can those in favour please show? All those against? Any abstentions? The motion is passed anonymously, and the motion is carried. Thank you. [applause] Moving on to agenda item eight is the opposition motion for debate. The debate will follow the rules of the debate at council procedure rule 13, and will last no more than 30 minutes. Proposed amendments to this move. Motion have now been published as a supplementary fact. Motion on child property. Councillor Asla, asthma Islam, can you please move your motion and your amendment as set out in the agenda and supplement, and you have four minutes. Thank you. Thank you. So I want to start off by making it clear that we all understand that the government has the most power ability and responsibility to tackle poverty and inequality, just as it can drive more people into poverty due to appalling policies. We've seen that in this country in the last 14 years, and places like Ta'amlets, we have been at the sharp end of this. We cannot deny the good work that has been done by this council under previous leaders, mayors, or even this current mayor to attempt to help relieve burden of poverty on families in this forum. One example of the past, in one full council in 2008, when this mayor, as Labor Leader then, moved one and seconded another motion, London Living Wage and Ending Child Poverty, and went on to complete those tasks in those motions. This shows his personal commitment to this issue, even back then. Another example, under former Mayor John Biggs and Councillor Muffida Boston, this council has completed a poverty review which covered a lot of rounds that can and has been used to shape the direction for this council. It shows Labor's commitment to this issue. Labor was formed on the back of taxing inequality. There's been countless other motions, initiatives, and good work by this council. I'm sure we're going to hear about that tonight from both sides of the chambers. Many governments have come and gone. Let's not forget many Tory Prime Ministers have come and gone. The reason of the motion isn't that we haven't helped tackle poverty in this council. The need of this motion comes from the fact that we now need to look at a long-term strategy, one that is not dependent on any local election or general election. We need this strategy to be shielded from that. The last Labor government pledged to eradicate child poverty by 2020. But in 2010 we had a Tory-Libdom coalition that introduced austerity measures and completely undone all the work. In fact, made it worse. We are now in 2024 and nowhere near the target. There is an overnight solution, and if we are really going to support residents out of poverty, then we need the infrastructure in our council to support the work that we do. It's time we have a poverty commission which can develop a strategy for the next 15 years. There are proven track records of initiatives that have worked in other councils in the country that can be adopted. It is estimated that £110m worth of on-prem benefit for our borough. As a council, we need to create a serious drive to help residents claim the benefits they are owed. There are some signs for families that are struggling. Our officers need the training and education to recognise that. We should be able to talk between our own departments. For example, our teams working on rent areas, council tax areas, PRS tenants, VCS and work paths should be able to communicate seamlessly to provide the support and advice needed. We also need to talk about debt more openly and help families manage and not let loan sharks take advantage of our residents' desperation. We need to provide education on household money management so they stay out of debt. We can't do this alone. Our volunteering child sector, advice sector, experience and best place to support our work so we can sign post-residents and track their journey. We need to be able to look at income maximisation for families. Because we know employment is a key route out of poverty. Our work path does a good job supporting residents into employment. There are now loads of local jobs opportunities available through youth service, letter service. But we need more partnership working with employers to get more residents into work. This is why we need an overarching council policy and priority that enables cross department working. The last Labour Prime Minister Clement Attley had bought this country back on its feet, post-war in Britain. And now this Labour government and all of us have a massive task on our hands getting our borough back on its feet after being out-war with the Tory government for the last 14 years. Thank you. I call upon Councillor Amy Lee to second the motion and amendment. You have three minutes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I start, I just want to say something about the tone of this meeting. It feels quite unusual to be meeting like this. It's been quite nice, which I don't think I've ever said about a full council meeting. But I really hope that it continues because I think we're about to pass something here that is actually really going to do something and change things. And that does echo what Councillor Armad said. We can do that in this chamber. We can do that and I hope it continues. And to reiterate, the reason I'm happy to second this motion is because it is about action, not just words. Because we talk all the time about the poverty that we all see. So we have people in our emails and in our surgeries who, you know, the sky high rents homelessness from no fault evictions, the lower wages, the cost of food and bills. And obviously a huge part of that is down to the last 14 years of austerity. And the damage it's done to local authorities, the decimation of budgets. It isn't something we can forget about too quickly, even if there's been a change of government. It can't be fixed overnight, sadly. But I really do think that this motion will put us in such a better position to repair some of that damage. Because what this does is it commits the council regardless of political differences to tackling the pervasive issue of poverty. Because no matter who is in charge, no matter what you do, you're never going to solve poverty 100%. There's always going to be a child somewhere struggling, a family struggling. And what this motion does is it commits this council to tackle it with everything it does. And I think this is the key point is that what I would hold is that this commission would break down barriers within the council itself. I think probably when some of you started like me, we thought we had a perfect understanding of how the council works. And then you went, Why can't this team talk to this team and this team? and it was baffling. But it is the way it is and what would hold is that this commission break down some of those barriers and span direct rights departments, teams, but also empower our officers, give them the skills that they need, already have. Because we have some fantastic officers, the knowledge and the confidence to tackle poverty. But also in everything that we do and make sure that poverty runs through the heart of every decision that's made in this council. So I really do hope that we can have a unanimous support tonight. It would be fantastic to see that happen. Thank you. Thank you. Councillor Mayem, please move your amendment. You have three minutes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I formally move the administration's amendment of the opposition motion. I'm so sorry to see that the child poverty has gone high in Tower Hamlet for so long. It was in January 2018 that the end child poverty group of charities reported that four parliamentary constituents had, for the first time, over 50% of the children going up in poverty. Two of the four were in Tower Hamlet's. Child previous administration tried to make a difference. Child poverty did not go away and this administration began to tackle it from day one. The opposition has rightly noted that tackling the coastal living crisis is part of the strategic plan. Under this administration and the Mayor of the Raman, we are taking many initiatives to tackle this poverty. Free school meal, EMA, bursary and so on. Including the child children and family strategy which is focusing on child poverty. There will be no pause. We have a strategic plan to deliver and we will continue to do so. The overview of the school training structures are there to assist non-exhibitive councilors to scrutinize the executive. And in particular to provide evidence, advice and report to the executive and the key issues. The executive will welcome input from the members of the overview and school committee in due course. And finally to my opposition colleagues, I call on you to have a word with the first customer and to ask him to lift the limit on child benefits. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Taluk. I call upon now, Councillor Abdulwai to second the amendment. You have three minutes as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it actually stands for me to stand here in a country that boasts to have the fifth largest economy in the world. And to stand here in a bar that borders two of the biggest financial hubs in Europe, if not the world. And I stand here talking about child poverty. However, Mr. Speaker, where there's a will, there's a way, inequality and poverty limits the opportunity opportunities and detrimental effects the health and wellbeing of our young people. In a time that I have been a teacher, I have worked with so many bright and talented young people in our bar. But they are restrained by the economic circumstances. By creating opportunities for our young people, we would not only influence the trajectory of their lives, but we will invest in the future of childhood as a whole, Mr. Speaker. Like the motion says, tackling poverty is about fairness and equality. But it is also about relieving the strains from families and the services that allow our community to prosper. I have seen first hand, Mr. Speaker, schemes such as the holiday activity and the food provision that ennobles our children to socialize, gain confidence, thrive in a safe and supported environment. Such opportunities for personal development should not be reserved for the rich. Every child, regardless of their background, should have access to these spaces and to be unable to live a happy and fulfilling lives in adulthood. The work that our Hamlet Council has done throughout the cost of living crisis has been trailblazing, Mr. Speaker. And we should be proud of our record in setting a national example on anti-poverty measures. Universal school meals, for example, have been incredibly impactful for families across the bar. And we can now be confident that every school child is receiving a full nutritious meal in a day. The long impact of this, Mr. Speaker, on their teammates' health and wellbeing is immeasurable. And I can see first hand at schools across the bar. Mr. Speaker, I'll finish with, unfortunately, we are operating in a context of devastation, national austerity. And the new government has not made any plans to end poverty causing measures like the two child benefit cap. However, we must do everything that we can to prioritize the needs of young people in our bar. We must finish who face this positive level of poverty, and this is why I finish. And I would like to ask every member here to support this vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. I have a list of the speakers who speak on the substantive motions submitted by Councillor Asma. I would like to now call upon Councillor Muffida-Bastin to speak. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you, Councillors, Islam and Councillor Lee, for bringing this motion. And thank you, Councillor Islam, for your reference to the Poverty Review, which I did lead. And it was a very good piece of work. Most of the good pieces of work that generated from this council, it's really the officers involved in that who have to take credit for it. But one of the things that the review did find was that the drivers of poverty do sit at a national level. So it's things like housing, welfare and, of course, employment. However, local government does have a really key role to play in providing a safety net to prevent people from drifting into destitution. Now, Tower Hamlets has a long history of supporting our residents on low incomes. And it's really important that that continues. And as Councillor Wahida said, I think it's really important as well that local government works with the city with Canary-Vault-Worth and finds that collaboration to provide those opportunities, particularly for our young people as they go into aspirational employment. However, let's be realistic, 14 years of austerity has hampered progress. And I'm sure members would have seen, like myself, an increase in street homelessness. So just this week, I've seen people sleeping rough in Millwall Park and in the underpass between the docks. And that was something that we've never seen sort of four or five years ago. However, we have a new government, and we have hope. We must pass on my congratulations to our new Prime Minister, Sikhya Starma. And I really hope that the new bills that have passed today will make impact for the people of our borough. But I want to talk about three specific groups of people that are often not spoken about when it comes to poverty. So women, the disabled community and the LGBTQI+ community. Firstly, women are more likely to be living in poverty than men. And there are several reasons for that. Women are more likely to be unpaid carers. They are more likely to have less savings towards their pensions. And single parents are more likely to be women. And we know that single parents are twice as likely to be living in poverty than men. Households with disabled people, so either households with disabled adults in or disabled children in, are more likely to be living in poverty as well. And it's important, it's really critical that the Council's poverty work is accessible and user-friendly. And finally, the LGBTQI+ communities. I think there's a stereotype of that community as being white, privileged, accessing, is educated and accessing the arts. But on the ground realistically, for people in poverty from those communities, they find it really difficult to access advice due to the fear of stigmatisation and judgement. So it's important when looking at solutions, that this Council works with those communities to find solutions at work for them and that they're co-produced with people with lived experience of poverty. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Mr. Speaker. As the lead member for health well-being, I received a service manager's report in June of April from our Director of Public Health. This report presents an overview of health and quality of life in Tar Hamlets through data and highlights areas where more work is needed to support our resident to live well. As I read this report just a few weeks ago, the resident to live well, the story I saw, thousands of children who do not have the basic resources needed to grow into healthy adults capable of living long and fulfilling lives. Tar Hamlets is one of the worst quota in London for childhood health, food access, childhood obesity and child dental health and child overcrowding. All of these figures, of course, can be traced back to the most concerning statistics of all. That we have one of the highest rates for childhood poverty in the youth area. Since coming into office two years ago, our administration has worked hard to address this epidemic child poverty. This has occurred both through direct financial support programs and through massive investment in our laser service, your service and your justice service to provide as many opportunities. Opportunities out of poverty of our young people as possible. However, I can acknowledge that this is not nearly enough. What this comes in needs and what is laid out clearly in the amended version of this motion is 15 years turbulent poverty strategy that puts the health and well-being needs of our most vulnerable young people. Right at the forefront and I hope you will join me in supporting this motion and building a better life for our children in the future. Thank you Mr. Speaker. Thank you Councillor, my transfers. Thank you Mr. Speaker and can I start by thanking you for your congratulations to Rachel. She's in a different place this evening, dancing to a different speaker's tune but I'm sure I thought it would be with us in special relation to a debate on this issue. So for the past 14 years, austerity and cuts have reversed the progress that was made under the last Labour government in terms of reducing child poverty and reducing pensioner poverty and raising living standards for all. The election of a Labour government last week gives us a chance to begin again to the task of lifting all of our people out of poverty. Mr. Speaker, the solutions mostly lie in the hands of national government. I agree with what's been said about that. But in terms of building a fair economy that works for all our people, especially those in unskilled roles or in parts of the country still recovering from the shock of Thatcherism in the 80s. We've been building the solid Social Security system that Gordon Brown created by the time that he left office, the Labour left office in 2010, which was systematically dismantled by George Osborne and Co. And in renewing the focus on helping families to try to break the multi-generational cycle of child poverty and deprivation. Mr. Speaker, even if those things have gotten right though, and especially in a period until that day happens, local authorities have a responsibility and an obligation to mitigate the impact, just as George Lansby and his colleagues did in the 1920s here in Tower Hamlets of Poplar and as Herbert Morrison did across London in the 1930s. Mr. Speaker, the mayor has done some good things to try to mitigate the impact of poverty in Tower Hamlets. Some of them have been talked about, especially the extension of free school meals beyond the primary years and some of the other things as well. Councillor Bussing and her former cabinet colleagues in the last Labour administration did some good things too. But neither of those packages go far enough to support our poorest residents. We have to do more. And we can't just rely on national government to deliver those outcomes, whether it is in terms of the two child limit, whether it's on the benefit cap, whether it's on the bedroom tax, or whether it's on universal credit, conditionality and sanctions. All of those need to change, absolutely, but we ourselves have to do more. But what is it that we need to do? So Mr. Speaker, I've said it before that no one in this chamber has a monopoly on wisdom. And I think that's especially true in relation to this issue. There's so much research and there's so much experience from other local authorities as well. But there are also 45 elected Councillors, plus an elected mayor, plus all the council officers working in all the different directorates and many others outside this town hall who have ideas and a role to play in creating this anti-poverty strategy. And that's why I strongly support the proposal to establish this cross-party task and finish group and to devise a 15 year plan to solve this. I was really pleased to hear the mayor that's today that he and his team will support this motion tonight, and I hope that he will work and we will all work collectively and openly to try to create this strategy to make sure that it's the best, most effective document it can be. Thank you. Madam Chair, good evening. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you all are aware and know that the cost of living crisis has made it very difficult for our borough and residents to deal with. In many regrettable cases, residents have made a critical decision of whether they should spend their money. Some are having to choose between necessities such as food or heating. We have successfully projects on our younger generation who are most who are most suspectable to this poverty. It is unacceptable. This council has made it a priority to earn child poverty so that children of this borough are not kept at a disadvantage. So that children of this borough are able to accept opportunities that come their way without any concern or affordability or accessibility. The opportunity, a consequence of our current political landscape has meant that we are living in austerity and children of this borough have felt the worst effects of this. Our administration has been working alongside the community to tackle issues such as child poverty. The administration has introduced schemes, such as household support funds, where the most vulnerable households are provided with extra financial support, for providing food, fuel, wider essentials to aid families and children during the cost of living crisis. We are an administration who have pledged to reduce carbon emissions to net zero and a cleaner and greener borough. Some expected outcomes will be that we are creating green jobs whilst cutting living costs. We are looking to make our homes energy efficient. We are prioritizing tree planting and we are working on our green spaces and parks to make it accessible to all. These are all the positive outcomes that we benefit for the young people of Tower Hamless as well as help in reducing the levels of child poverty. A cleaner and greener intertwined with ensuring a better quality of life for our younger generation and our younger people, where there is a children living in overcrowded homes or similar living spaces. Green open spaces will supply the youth a safe place, seek leisure and overall enhance their development in health and well-being. Just as we can see the announcement this week from Malu to Raman in regards to the swimming accessible to the children, the girls over 16 and all the women over 16 and the men over 55. This will be an absolute, where we know that many leisure centres in the borough are in the UK are being closed. This administration has taken the bold decision to open more centres and to facilitate for our younger ladies and our women. I please support this amended version of this motion as you try to tackle tight poverty and create better lives for the children of Tower Hamless. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Amina Ali. Thank you, Mr Speaker. I'd just like to start by thanking all the council officers who over the years have been working tirelessly in all kind of different poverty strategies that different administrations have brought to this council. Look, I'm not going to make a long speech because it has some really excellent speeches here this evening on this motion. I just want to say poverty for me is basically poverty kills and poverty is personal. Poverty kills people's dreams, it kills people's dignity, it kills people's hope and it kills people's aspiration and it definitely kills communities. It's personal because it can affect you, it can affect me, it doesn't care what colour you are, what class you are, what sexuality you are or what community you come from. Poverty is dangerous if it isn't stopped. And this administration has done some really interesting things to tackle child poverty. Some of the policies has been introduced by this administration has been interesting and exciting, as was the one before by the Labour administration. And we already know that it is the austerity of the Tory government that has led to a lot of devastation for communities here in Tower Hamlets. That's why I think it's important and it's encouraging that a cross-party task, finish and task group would work together in this council to alleviate poverty as best we can. Because while we're in here tonight debating, there are families who are hungry, there are homeless people on our streets, there are people who need us to take the policies out of poverty and make change. And I just want to end on this, we need radical change and I believe in Tower Hamlets we are radical communities who want radical change. The motion we had before was about the achievements of the Bengal community which is amazing, but we also have to understand that many of our young Bangladeshi communities and other communities still even poverty. We've come a long way, we've got a long way to go and I believe working together we can work hard for our communities here and use the best levers of the local government to make sure we change and I think we can. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you Mr. Speaker. The Mayor's administration acknowledges that child poverty levels in Tower Hamlets is strangely high. Years of underfunding and cuts have meant that the children of Tower Hamlets have been put at a major disadvantage in regards to quality of life and opportunities. Our priority is to ensure every child in Tower Hamlets has access to all of the opportunities, activities and facilities that our borough has to offer. We as an administration have made tackling child poverty our driving force. To accomplish our groundbreaking projects which by continuing this work we can accomplish our goal. A consequence, number of years our borough has faced closure and cuts to funding our leisure and wellbeing facilities. On Monday 15 July we celebrated the launch of our free swimming for women and girls initiative. We understand that ethnic minority women and girls are disproportionately affected by poverty. Our project is set to encourage the young girls and women of our borough to swim and participate in more leisure activities. This will enhance overall mental and physical wellbeing and decrease the likelihood of health issues that they are otherwise susceptible to. We also introducing the council's summer of fun events program for children. The aim of our summer of fun campaign is to support free activities for children, young people and their families during the summer holiday period. We will be found in sports and physical activity, team to deliver a range of sports and wellbeing initiatives. This council is working hard to overcome child poverty and the negative effects this has on borough's young population. The summer of fun program in line with the holiday activities and food program looks to bridge the gap felt by children from lower income households. During the holidays we are collaborating with various community partners to organize and directly deliver sessions across the boroughs, parks, adventure playgrounds, arts venues and sport facilities providing free food and activities for children. We as an administration are excited, ourself and will continue to tackle child poverty in all different aspects so that all children have an equitable opportunity to excel in life. I wholeheartedly support this motion, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Council ask my Islam, do you wish to exercise your right to reply? You have three minutes, we have actually come to the conclusion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I won't take three minutes. So, Mr. Speaker, out of all the motions I've got to move in this council so far, this is one of the ones that is the most serious to my heart. My own life experiences shaped my life, political views, it's my lived experiences of how socialist policies can change and impact people's lives is the very reason why I do what I do. We have one mayor and 44 left-wing councillors in this chamber and of course one councillor Peter Golds and I guess our reasons for joining politics and putting ourselves up for elected offices is the very same. To make a difference in people's lives when they need it the most, it's been good to remind ourselves tonight what's at stake. I'm so glad and proud of all of us tonight. We chose public service before party politics and I want to thank you all for making that happen and for all your contributions. One announcement, today Prime Minister Kiyastama and this Labour government has appointed a new ministerial task force to work on a child poverty strategy. This shows, like the last Labour government, this government too will take this issue heads on. As my party branding goes, so if you want change, you've got to vote for it and so, Mr. Speaker, I'm happy for us to move to a vote. Thank you, councillor Islam. I understand the amendments have been accepted by councillor as my Islam and so we will therefore vote on the motion as amended. Can those in favour please show? All those against? Any abstentions? Like the motion but not the amendment. The motion is carried. Agenda item 9 is the reports from executive and the council's committees. There are two reports from the executive or committees for the council's consideration at this meeting and these were published in a supplementary agenda. I have accepted the reasons for urgency, set out in both reports, agenda item, agenda item, one meeting please, one meeting meeting. Thank you, thank you. As an agenda item, 9.1 is the report of market designation, Columbia Road, Watney, Market and White Chippen. Can councillor Shafi Ahmed introduce the report? Once again, thank you, Mr. Speaker. As it's the meeting on the 12th of July, the cabinet considered the report of the corporate director communities proposing changes to the market designation for Columbia Road, Watney and White Chippen markets. Following discussion, the mayor and cabinet agreed to forward the report to council recommending that the changes be approved. Special circumstances justifying urgent consideration. Councils are asked to note that the report was published late for the council's agenda due to the timing of the cabinet meeting, but that report was available for the public view as part of the cabinet price. However, councils are asked to consider the report at this meeting to ensure that the improvements can be progressed as soon as possible to support traders at those markets. The council is recommended to agree the following market improvements. Number one, columnal road market to make permanent the temporary measures post COVID officially increases the pitch sizes to three by three metres from something that traders have been using for more than six years. Make permanent that layout that has been used since reopening after COVID. This means all pitches on the North side and the extent extended from Ravencroft to Barnard Grove with market parking on both sides of Barnard and one side of Chambord. What in the market to carry out further engagement with market traders around the use of the gazebos to a later date to delegate the adoption of a new pick size 3 metre by 3.81 metre decision on gazebos to the corporate director depending on the results of the engagement exercise. Finally, watch out for market officially designate the area that traders have been using for many years to make the official designated pick size the one count mark by red line 2.57 metre width by 4.5 metre depth. I hope this can be agreed. Thank you once again, Mr Speaker. Thank you, Councillor Ahmed, I would like to now call on Councillor Kamri-Lussain to second the report, you have three minutes. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Markets play a significant influence on our community's culture and livelihood. For many decades, markets have been at the forefront for where residents acquire their commodities and essentials. It is important that we support the recommendations for the market improvements to ensure market traders are consistently supported in order for them to thrive in our borough. I formally second the proposal, Mr Speaker. Thank you. Thank you. I have a list of the speakers. I would now like to call upon Councillor Abdullah. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Well, I welcome the report and can I commend the good work of the new lead member who is a very active and hard-working Councillor. I look at the report and I see, and it's a personal observation, somebody who visits one of the market very regularly, that the sizing is not universal. There are different sizes for the three different markets. What I want to convey a message from a lot of the traders in Columbia Road is that the three by three is welcome. However, as you know, it's a jewel in the crown of probably the best market in the country, the Columbia Road on a Sunday. Twenty-five thousand people come to visit this market who otherwise might not come to Taiwan. I have a personal request for a number of traders to say the three by three is welcome. However, the idea of an overhang for the display, for the traders, for the customers to be in a position where from rain and shelter from the rain, that if offices were mindful to give an extra half, the best way to describe it is a stump. You know, the gazebo stumps to be above the three-metre bays. If that was to be allowed, it will help their business, it will help the customer experience. Because as much as the twenty-five thousand people, not everybody is buying, a lot of them are doing selfies with those flowers. So it will enhance their photo opportunities as well. So what I was asking for, I welcome the report. I appreciate the good work the offices do, and especially our enforcement offices do. But can we have a discretion for offices, particularly the corporate director to allow the Columbia Road market, effectively three by three, but just the leg for the gazebos to be just outside the red lines, and that would really help their business in this difficult times to flourish and do well. So I welcome the report, but it's a plea to the offices, the lead member and the mayor, to accommodate, because they're already getting a smaller stall the size than most other markets. Thank you very much. Thank you, Councillor Natalie Bienfait. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So I'm speaking at the moment in my capacity as the scrutiny chair for the environment and climate change, which I'm very pleased to be. I just wanted to highlight to the chamber that there was a very good piece of work done by my predecessor, Councillor Abdul-Malik, last year on markets improvement plan, and a number of recommendations were suggested, including improving the infrastructure and trade facilities, so in providing toilet facilities for traders, also increasing the sizes of the pitches, which I think is really important, also tackling antisocial behaviour in crime, so deterrence and reporting of antisocial behaviour in crime, and working with traders because they can see when antisocial behaviour is happening, so they're best placed to be able to report it properly. There are also other recommendations around waste management, enforcement, and also very vitally attracting younger traders and retaining current traders to what is a really amazing profession, running your own business. If we encourage young people to take up this amazing opportunity on our streets, then people will stay in it, and that vitality will come back to some of the markets, which we've seen in decline. So I wanted to bring this to the attention of everybody here. This is something that I'm hoping to look and look to bring forward over the next few months, and I've been working with officers, but this is, you know, this thing, this report is just one part in what I hope will be a significant improvement in the markets in Ta'amis. Thanks. Thank you, Councillor Haran Mia. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I welcome this report, which is about making improvements to our markets at Columbia Road, Watney Market, and Moichobon. In addition, I'd like to say, can I bring to the attention of the lead member, the traders are suffering throughout the borough because of the cost of living? So if you can be mindful about the charges, so they always remain affordable. Thank you. Thank you. Councillor SRI, congratulations. Councillor SRI. Councillor interjecting. Right, okay. So Councillor... Councillor ADRILL, Chaudhary. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to first thank the Councillor SRI, the officers for the report. We should do whatever it takes to help our market traders and support them, and I welcome this report. I hope everyone supports this as well. Thank you very much. Thank you. Councillor Ahmedil, copy it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Allow me for the comment of this report, and I really welcome this, Mr. Safiya Ahmed report, and I would like to echo Councillor Abdulla. It is... if you can think about themselves and give them extra little bit of space, that will be really helpful for them, and you'll help for the borough as well. Again, I welcome for this report, Mr. Safiya Ahmed. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Safiya. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for giving the opportunity. Last year's, I visited the Hackney market with the Council Monday to see how they were running the market and how we can learn from them. One of the things he highlighted was that the market, the gizbo, whatever you call them, is basically the same standard and same similar framework, and they have also a safe space for untruthful behavior, so someone can... what in there was... they can able to report, and somebody will take action immediately. The office was literally somewhere in the market where everybody can access to traders, and the people who come in as well, and as I said, I have to watch the Council at the lower side. The Columbia market is very condensed space, very, very smooth, but a lot of people come in, and I go there as well, regular on the flower market, and I see, when it comes to a shiny day, very, very condensed, you hardly could move through, and a lot of people could do those there. So if you can make some sort of leeway space, the top of the believe number would be nice to have, at least a lot will do go for selfie, a lot of pit pockets go as well, so it's not the safe place. It's a pretty good summer day, so I'll encourage or I'll say, lead numbers, look into the option, please. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Kabir, say it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I welcome this report. Small businesses are the lifeline of the economy of our borough. I personally thank all the officers and the lead member for the hard work. Thank you. Thank you. Does full council now agree to the recommendation agreed by the Cabinet at its meeting of 10th of July, 2024, that the mayor in the Cabinet is recommended to note, number one, note the report, and then secondly, the recommended that the full council agrees that the market's improvements as set out in the report for Columbia Road Market, Whitney Market, and White Circle Market. All those in favour? Anyone against? Any abstention? The report is... Speaker, can we have, Mr. Speaker, so can we have assurance that myself and the opposition council have made a suggestion about Columbia Road, will be noted? Can we get a nod from... (inaudible) (inaudible) (inaudible) Thank you, Councillor Ula, yes, the officers will look into that. Thank you. So the report is... I didn't see you in the report. The Roman Road mentioned on that. Roman Road Market was not mentioned on that. No? So I have Columbia Road Market, Working Market and Watchful Market. It's not in the report, yeah. We're going to now swiftly move on to agenda item 9.2. It's another report. The report of market and street trading fees and charges for 2024 and 2025. Can Councillor Shafi Amad introduce the report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, it's my day today, so I'm here. I'm getting the highlights. Thank you. As the meeting on the 10th of July again, the cabinet considered the report of the corporate director communities proposing fees, as mentioned by my colleague here, the charges for the markets and the street traders for 2024 and 2025. Following the discussion in the mayor's cabinet agreed to forward this report to council recommending that the fees and charges be approved. Special circumstances justifying urgent consideration. Councillor asked to note that the report was published late for the council agenda due to the timing of the cabinet meeting, but the report's pack was available as part of the cabinet pack for public view. However, the council asked to consider the report at this meeting to ensure that the fees and charges can be progressed as soon as possible to ensure that they are set at an appropriate level. This council is recommended to note the consultation response and to agree option two in the report namingly to increase street traders and market fees by a mere 3.1% from September 2024. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. I now call upon the council. I'll hold it to second the report. You have three minutes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Anyone who has grown up in this borough can tell you about the crucial role our local street markets make to our community fabric. These spaces are not only hubs of local commerce, but develop our boroughs culture by bringing people from all backgrounds together. In order to maintain this invaluable hubs of small business development and social cohesion, it is important that council have the resources to keep these spaces well maintained, well integrated, and safe for everyone. It is for these reasons that we support the recommendation to raise trader fees by minimal amount from September 2024. To remind everyone, the fee increase was agreed by the previous administration and falls way below the increased rate on most other council fees and charges which were set in the last budget. Most fees and charges increased by 10 to 11% while this is being raised by 3.1. A small increase will have a hugely significant impact in maintaining the council's ability to support our markets, ensure the market's account is sustainable and not at a continued deficit whilst having almost no impact on the profit margin of the traders who make these spaces so special. I hope you will all join me in supporting this report. Thank you. Councillor MARX. Thank you, Mr Speaker, the cabinet members opposite for presenting their report. There has been so much agreement in this council chamber tonight. I am beginning to feel like I am going to be a Spanish striker sneaking in for our last minute winner and I am wrecking the whole thing. On this side of the chamber, we will not be supporting the proposed increase in pitch fees from September. While we recognize the mayor did freeze pitch fees previously and that this is only coming in for a part of this year, not the whole of the year. We on this side of the chamber don't feel that this authority is doing enough to support market traders through some very, very continuing the difficult times. We also think the case has not been made that there is sufficient requirement for this money to be raised from traders and essentially from shoppers as well. Let's be honest, where the money is going to come from. And the reason that we don't think that is because this report doesn't say, doesn't provide a breakdown of what is the income and expenditure for market services. What is the balance? What is the reason for the need for this or what is the reason for this apparently growing deficit between income and expenditure? And what is being done beyond putting up pitch fees to try to address that? There is a sentence in this short report which says about the number of traders who are leaving working in markets in tower hamlets. And that really is at the heart of it. I have represented Roman road market for nearly 20 years and I have seen every now and then an intervention by the council to try to improve things on a couple of occasions. Some actually quite useful interventions but they never understand the test of time. They always end up just withering on the vine. And frankly the effectiveness of this authority in supporting markets isn't good enough. So the reason why we believe that we're not saying that pitch fees should never go up. Obviously pitch fees did go up prior to the pandemic. But what we're saying is that the case has not been made. In fact, council module Charlie mentioned why wasn't the previous report talking about Roman road. And it's been talked about the scrutiny challenge session that took place around the other markets as well. So we believe that there should be a much fuller discussion hearing this council chamber about what this council thinks needs to happen with our markets. Some like clumby road are thriving, some like Chris street, like Roman Square and Roman road and Roman road market in my own world are really really continuing to struggle and going down hill at a rate of knots. And we have to do much, much more to support those traders. And doing this, while it only raises a relatively small amount of money, doesn't do that. That's why we'll be supporting option three. And we would request Mr Speaker that we're given an opportunity to vote on option three as opposed to option two tonight. Thank you. Thank you, council Francis. Councillor Francis, do we have a seconder for the proposal made by the Councillor Francis not to raise the fees. Councillor. Councillor Schell. Councillor Schell, you're listening. Thank you, Mr Speaker. So I note the increase of traders market fees by 3.1% from September. My graph 3.7 of the report acknowledges the decline in number of market traders in the past 20 years. And I'm not sure if the proposed increase would help the situation. There are a number of occupied markets in this bar. For example, gloved on market square in my own ward. There remains only two part-time traders. The fishmonger who was there for 30 years packed up last year because he said he could not bear the ongoing cost of running a markets tour. I would have liked to have seen some incentive and safeguards in the report which kind of retains the traders in occupied markets and the incentive to attract new traders. Sadly, that doesn't seem to be any proposal within the report. And therefore, as my colleague, Councillor Francis, eloquently said, we will not be able to support this report instead, but the voting for option 3. Councillor interjecting. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Managing markets and street trading costs. Costs the Council £2 million per year. And there has been a decline in the number of traders in markets over the last 20 years. In 2023, 24, there was a 300k deficit which became a pressure on the general fund. During the budget setting process, officers gave this administration options to increase the market fees and charges by the same level of RPI inflation rate, which was over 5%. But as an administration, the mayor and cabinet decided on a lower option of 3.1%. This rate, 3.1% increase, matches the percentage increase implemented by the previous administration, who increased the fees in line when they set the budget before our time. The MTFS clearly stated all the accounts and information that shows the pressures and the budgets that we see during the budget setting process in this year's financial accounts. It gave the full breakdown and reasoning behind the increase. This Labor percentage increase is now funny how members' opposite are now not agreeing to their own percentage, because this is a convenient for them to disagree with at the moment. And I believe, Mr Speaker, this is playing politics with our residents. The street trading account is reinfenced and the budget should break even, any surplus is transferred to the street trading reserves for use to mitigate future years of overspend for work within street trading and the services required. And the increase itself within the value of 3.1% is around about 60p onwards to around 1.9 to an average per day. So the increase isn't significant, but the pressure on the MTFS would be lowered by 123K additional income into the budget that's built in 24/24/25. So I urge my colleagues obviously to look into this percentage again and see if it rings any bells, whether this was something they had implemented before, and that should continue one more time. Thank you. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you Mr Speaker. Our markets including the bricklane market, the spittlefuse market, sorry, the watchable market, the Roman road market, the Christian market. They are all invaluable assets to our community. I, myself, got my first job actually in Pecke lay market and over the years I've seen the huge decline in people attending the markets, even going to the Sunday market and reclaiming. It was more of a family thing with the whole family would actually attend and the market was so big is to go from reclaim all the way down to balance road. But a lot of these markets have been struggling due to rising costs. I've read the report even in Christian market where the street market trader was clearly said that it's too expensive to live under the report. It says it's too difficult to pay current fees. So we'll believe, remember, consider how we can protect those markets that can't afford these prices. Those prices increases. We cannot all in serious charge traders our business. These markets bring immense value to our communities and is our responsibility to ensure that they thrive. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Thank you. Now I would like to ask that the does full council now agree to the amendments put forward proposed by Councillor MARC Francis. All those in favour? Yes. Where he proposes not to raise the fees. All those against? So the recommendation of the amendments force. Now I would like to ask the council does full council agree to the recommendations agreed by the cabinet at its meeting of 10th July 2024 that the mayor in the cabinet is recommended to note the consultation response recommended to the full council that it agrees option two, namely to increase the street traders and market fees by 3.1% from September 2024. All those in favour? All those against? It's the main report. Any abstentions? The report is carried. Man is other business. Agenda item 10.1 is the report on London legacy development corporation interim delegation schemes. Can Councillor Cobi Ramas introduce the report. Mr Speaker, the mayor of London has formally decided that the London legacy development corporation should cease to be a local planning authority for its area and that planning function should be transferred back to town hamlets and the other growth boroughs on 1st December 2024. Secondary legislation is required to be enacted by Parliament to revoke the LLDC current planning functions. The report to full council meets council approval for two separate interim delegations for planning functions from the London legacy development corporation to the London borough of town hamlets as part of growth boroughs. In preparation for the transfer of LLDC's planning powers on 1st December 2024, the first interim delegation scheme would enable London borough of town hamlets to take on limited planning functions, mainly the receipt and determination of new planning applications received between 1st September 2024 and 30th November 2024, three months prior to the transition date. The second interim delegation scheme would delegate all planning functions from the LLDC to town hamlets as part of the growth boroughs from 1st December 2024 and it could only be required in the event that the legislation required for transfer of all planning powers does not receive parliamentary approval prior to the transition date. Both of these schemes intend to provide continuity of planning work and enable a smooth transition of planning functions to the growth boroughs. In accordance with the memorandum of understanding and the ISD, the decision to exercise functions delegated to another local authority is reserved to the full council. The council is recommended too. Number one, agree the 1st interim delegation scheme to delegate limited planning functions for the London Legacy Development Corporation to town hamlets to determine new planning applications submitted on 1st September 2024 on their behalf until the planning powers are formally transferred through legislation. Number two, agree the 2nd interim delegation scheme to transfer all LLDC planning functions from 1st December 2024 onwards in the event that the required secondary legislation is delayed beyond 1st December transition date. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. I call upon Councillor Amin Rahman to second the report. You have three minutes. Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to speak on this important report. Thank you, Councillor Harman, for presenting this report. I formally second this report. As a chair of Strategic Development Committee, I fully support this plan in this report. The 1st plan will make transition of planning powers mover over the next three months leading up to the transition on 1st December. The 2nd plan will be plan B, a backup plan in case necessary law is delayed in Parliament ensuring transition can still happen on 1st December. The Strategic Development Committee and the Development Committee has discussed this plan in April and May this year. Both committees have agreed to support the plan continue the decision making for the LLDC. I also want to thank the officers for working with the Legacy Development Corporation and other growth areas to move these plans forward. I hope my colleagues will accept these plans which will be an important step in regaining planning power and supporting redevelopment in Fish Island and Bombardier Bible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Councillor Amina Ali. Councillor MARX Grazis. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Goodness. Alleluia. Praise the Lord. Finally, after nearly 20 years, we get planning powers for part of the ward I represent back into some form of democratic process. We've been campaigning for this for what feels like an extraordinary long time. Even before the Olympics, we understood the necessity of the Olympic Development Authority. We understood some of the argument around the Legacy Development Corporation, but what we didn't really appreciate, many of us who live around there, is the way that the LLDC took or extended its responsibilities as far as it could to ensure that it was determined in every application. In many ways, the LLDC, under Siddiquan's leadership as Mayor of London, has changed, has made the kind of changes that we want to see. In some ways, I was a little bit reluctant to see those powers finally being transferred back to town hamlets under the former mayor and now under the current mayor because of the kind of very pro-development agendas that are being set by administrations in this authority. But the truth is that planning powers should be subject to democratic control, not just democratic input by a couple of Councillors sitting on the Planning and Determination Committee. Councillor Raman and his colleagues who serve on that committee, they are ultimately the ones who have the right to make the decision on behalf of residents of Al-Bara, and that's the way that it should, that's the way that it should always be. The one thing that I would say is that we, to caution against for the future, is that I think that the LLDC belatedly has done a good job both in terms of securing an improved built environment than we sometimes see in parts of town hamlets, particularly the Isle of Dogs, but also increasingly in other parts of the borough as well, including around White Chapel. And we also need to make sure that there's not a tearing up of the plan which is required restriction on height. That's been a really important part of the contribution to making this place a pleasant environment for many of the new schemes that have come through have been built. And I particularly praise Peabody Housing Trust for the way that it's built out Neptune Wolf is something that's a genuine model for other parts and something that we could learn from elsewhere in town hamlets. So I really welcome the transfer of these powers by the, ultimately by the Secretary of State. I welcome the fact that there's these interim measures. The final thing I wanted to say is that thank you to the officers of the LLDC planning team who have put up with mine and my constituents' representations and always make sure that they engage constructively with those, always listen to people, always make sure that their concerns and representations were published as well as the views of developers and their agents as well. So I really want to thank that team and I look forward to pull back in them on the same team here in our hamlets being responsible for taking this forward from now on. Councillor Peter Gold. I don't wish to pour any buckets of water on anything because I agree with a great deal of what Councillor France has said. I just wonder if the proposals here before us this evening and indeed what are being talked about might just be overtaken by the proposals in the King's speech of the new planning regulations and the new planning bill and further transferring more powers into regional mayors as opposed to local authorities. There'll be something of a pity as if we have a proposal before us that we want to go one direction now only to discover when the new legislation gets through Parliament, becomes going to go back in another direction. I think it's something we need to watch out and have a look at what the bill is when it gets published, presumably in the next day or so. Thank you. I call upon our Councillor. I had chugry and I'll request him if he can make it very brief because we want to move on to the next agenda and then want to finish in time. Well, of course you have three minutes of former speaker. You will respect that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for reminding me of the former speaker. Although you take my position. Thank you. I do welcome the report saying that London Mayor has decided to transfer the planning power to local authorities. Like Councillor Martin says, the planning should be subject to democratic process. Although I'm not sure how much land we're going to gain, but I fully support this motion. The report and I will come. Thank you very much. Appreciate it. Thank you. So now we have, we know at the end of the debate and that does the full council agree to the recommendations illustrated by Councillor Ahmed, all those in favour? All those against? Any abstentions? The report is I believe carried. Okay. Right. That does full council agree to the recommendations as read out to illustrate that this is okay. All those against? Are you, are you in confusion? Do you want me to do it again? I've got a note from me. I need to return. All right. Thank you. Thank you. So the report is carried. Now moving on to agenda item 10.2 report on the corporate parenting board, annual report 2,000, 23, 24, and can cancel. I am telling you to introduce the report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the chair of corporate parenting board, I present the corporate parenting board, annual report, 2023 to 2024. It sets out the purpose of the board and how it functions into our humblest and what has been achieved over the last year and how the corporate parenting priorities are being taken forward for the council and partners. I am particularly pleased that the last July, the council adopted their care experience as a protected characteristic as well deserved expansion of our equality's agenda. In July 2023, the full council met to consider making care experience a protected characteristic for the time that this action is about helping to tackle the inequality that people with care experience can face. I therefore asked the council to note the content of the corporate parenting board, annual report, and continue to support the work we do to look after the children and young people in the area. Before I finish, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Councillor Holy, Councillor Baudel, Choudhury, Councillor Abdomana and Councillor Bonavica for her support in our corporate parenting role. Thank you. Thank you. Councillor Baudel, Choudhury, to second the report. I will call upon him. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I formally second the report. Thank you very much. It's great to be part of that corporate parenting board, which I have been part of the last two and a half years. Thank you. Thank you. Councillor Abdomana, Choudhury. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is a sad and tragic reality of British society that one of the strongest predictors of whether or not a young person will end up involved in criminality or addicted to drugs as an adult is whether or not they have spent time in the foster system. Children who are taken away from their families and looked after by Councillors are given spectacular odds to overcome. Unfortunately, they are given by Councillors too often, only makes these odds greater. It is for this reason that I'm truly impressed by this Council's corporate parenting board, annual report, and in particular, the emphasis it puts on the rights and autonomy of our looked after children. The pilot being led by independent review officer for a cohort of our children to co-create their own care plans is a truly groundbreaking piece of work that I feel confident will lead to a corporate parenting service that minimises trauma, maximises access to opportunities, and gives our looked after children the closest possible experience to a normal childhood whilst in our care. Please join me in supporting this report. Thank you, Councillor say it, Ahmed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thanks to the lead member and the officers in Steve's team for their hard work on this comprehensive report. The report outlines some good news. We have increased the percentage of children in care who receive annual health and dental checks, increased the percentage of people who are expected to progress, and increased the percentage of people who develop personal education and pathway plans. The service has also received positive feedback from external advisors on the passion and commitment that the staff have for our young people. And there has been great progression across all five of our priorities to support children who are in care. Safe and stable homes, trusted and strong relations, education and aspirations, health and emotional well-being, co-production and engagement, these priorities are fundamental to the work that children's services do. And I look forward to seeing continued improvement in our collective responsibilities as co-opera parents. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Councillor, we are present. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Welcome, this report. This report sets out the purpose of the board, how to operate entire handlers. What has been done, what has been achieved over the last 12 months, and the plan for the future. As you see, this report, notable progress has already been done. Achievements in 2023 and 24 include the significant expanded weekly program of support in education, employment, finance and housing. Introduce new guidance on language to improve how to communicate with children and families. And there has been increased participation of children in the development of their care plans to ensure that reflect all the needs, wishes and feelings. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Councillor Muffida busted. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's really clear from the discussion tonight that members in this chamber take their responsibilities really seriously. So, responsibilities as co-opera parents for some of the most vulnerable children in our borough. And how the Council performs in helping us, as members, deliver their responsibilities is absolutely critical. So, I welcome this report and the information provided within it. It does bring a lot of assurance, but it also raises some questions. And I would urge members to look at page 93, the stats within, contained within there. Because whilst the number of looked after children, the numbers of looked after children have dropped, the percentage of repeat children looked after has actually doubled. And whilst the number of foster care inquiries has more than doubled, the number that have led to initial visits is disappointingly low. We need to be doing better on both of those measures. And I would call on those members who are on the corporate parenting board to look into this further and report back to this Council on progress. Thank you. Can I start by saying that my first job after university was to work in between the social services and the education department actively working with children who are in care in supporting them to boost their educational attainments. In addition to this, up a year ago, last year, in this very Council chamber, I was brought to tears after hearing the life experiences and the challenges faced by a group of care leavers who are actively working with this Council. And for me, it's a very personal issue. That is something that should be engraved in not just policies and research, Mr. Speaker, but in practical action. And I'm sure you're aware that as a Council, we will be creating opportunities for care leavers to have employment. And as an individual, I would like to take this opportunity to put my name forward. If there is anything I can do to support, mentor, anyone of this, you know, any care leavers. And I think Council as fellow Councillors here should also take this opportunity to put their names forward as well, because, you know, experiences we take for granted, such as going to a loving family, having a mother and father who, you know, take care of our most basic needs, aren't always realities for everybody. And some of these care leavers face the harshest difficulties we can imagine. And these are guarantees in life we take. So with that in mind, I'm happy to support this report. Thank you. Councillor interjecting. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do welcome this report. And at first glance, it's a really good report. It really is encouraging. It shows that there's lots of really good stuff and work that's been done by officers and the parenting or members. However, as Councillor McVeeda-Buston said, when you look closer, you actually do notice some of the cracks. And for me, I'm really interested in mental health and the mental health of our young people in care as they leave care. And it's been mentioned in the report that they actually are being seen by cams. But cams, from what I remember, I don't know, I might be mistaken. There was always long wait lists. There was always underfunding. So I'd like to know a bit more detail on the kind of appointment system or how many times they get to see cams if they've needed. And a bit more fresh, freshing out of the mental health offer to our young care leavers as well. I think that's important. And I think it's important that even though this report is really good and it shows the good things, as parents, if we are corporate parents, but as parents too, we need to look at our mistakes and learn from them too. And I'd like to see a bit more of a transparent report that talks about some of the challenges that we face as corporate parents with some of our young care leavers and how they become those challenges because it's always important as parents that we look at both good and both bad in our parenting. And I think that's important. Thank you. Does full council now agree to the note, to note the contents of the corporate parenting board and on report? All those in favour? I think unanimously agreed. The report is carried. Agenda item 10.3 is the report on the proportionality and the allocation of the places and the committees of the council in 2024-25. Can council and my colleagues introduce the report? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The report reviews the proportionality and required by the section 15 of the local government housing act 1989. The act recommends the establishment of committees and subcommittees are set out in the council's constitution and that proposes the allocation of places on those committees between the political groups represented on the authority. A change of political composition of the council has occurred following the following council has become an independent group member, having previously been part of the Labour group. Consequences to this change, the council must review the allocation of the places and committees and other bodies covered by the proportionality requirements of the local government and housing act 89. The proposed new committee allocation are set out on paragraph 3.6 in the report. So the council is therefore recommended to agree on the five recommendations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Councillor, but we'll show you the second report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will be seconded in the report. Recommendation. Thank you very much. Thank you. I can probably take, because of the time limitations, I can probably take one person and who would be that person who can put your hands up to speak on that report. No? Cobiramas? No, I'm sorry. In that case, in relation to the vacant positions for ungrouped members, I understand that the Councillor Sabina Akhtar would like to be nominated to sit in the licensing committee. Are there any other nominations for that position or the position on the strategic development committee? No, in that case, does full council agree to the report introduced by Councillor Mayant Talukda? All those in favour? Including the nominations. So the report is carried, including the nominations. Okay, we now have good news. We now have some time at least for the questions. The questions and responses are each one minute. There is only thought, we don't have 30 minutes. So the first question are call upon, Councillor Sider. Our first question, Councillor, I'm in Roman regarding the council's accounts. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could the lead member provide an update on the council's outstanding accounts regarding the sign off? The accounts were left unsigned for the last six years under the previous administration. Councillor Sider, I'm not to respond. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Councillor, for your question. Yes, the accounts were left unsigned for a very, very long time, which was unheard of in this council. So all previous outstanding accounts from 2016-17 to 2019-20 have been prepared, published, inspected as required, and signed off by the external auditors. The accounts for 2021-21-22 and 22-23 have also been prepared and published are now awaiting all the opinions from the external auditor. For the first time in several years, the 2324 accounts were published on time, meeting the statutory deadline of 31st of May 2024. Thank you. Councillor, the table also illustrates the dates for each financial year for the submissions that were required to produce our accounts and for the years that those draft accounts were published. And it also provides the public inspection date and the completion date for each of those areas. And the reports also then illustrates the approved auditors at that given time. Thank you. Thank you. I call up all Question 11.2 from Councillor Muffida-Bastin. Mr. Speaker, I had a supplementary. I mean, do you have a supplementary question? Oh. Okay. Can the lead member please provide us an example of how long were the delays in publishing their accounts previously and what is the mitigation in place now? Thank you. Councillor SAYEDA, I'm going to respond. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So the delays vary from different year to year. To pick up an example, in the year 2020-21, the submission date was 31st of July 2021. But the publication date of the draft report was done on the 27th of February 2022. That is seven months delay. Seven months delay means that the accounts were produced seven months later. The external auditors would have less time to review those accounts, which meant that because of the state of the accounts, and the working papers that were in because of the failures leading up to it, meant that there was another significant delay from the external auditors to review those documents and come up with the proper opinion. So those delays upon delays created more of a delay until we had to come up and pick up the slack. Now, the mitigation is that we have a permanent section 151 officer. We have a very capable finance team. We have a good finance team. And we are working tirelessly to make sure that those reports do offer. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor. Financial controls in place. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor. I appreciate it. Question 11.2 is from Councillor Muffida, but then about income generated. Councillor interjecting. Councillor interjecting. Councillor interjecting. Councillor interjecting. Question is tabled. Councillor interjecting. Councillor interjecting. Councillor interjecting. Councillor interjecting. Thank you for the question, Councillor. So there is an income target of £522,000 for arts, parks and events team for £2,424,25. These were approved as part of 3-year income target of £854,000 in line with the MTFS period. The arts, parks and events team managed the parks and open spaces across the borough, including the spaces on the island. The Council does generate income from hiring out sports facilities, pitches and other facilities around those areas, and this income contributes towards the income target overall. The Council has events policy higher, events higher policy, and a major events policy to guide any larger events. These would have a consultation process as part of the licensing process, giving local residents 28 days notice of any activity. Currently, there are no large event applications tending for any of the parks and open spaces on the island. Thank you. Councillor Muffida, do you have a supplementary? Yes. Thank you. So in the budget, Councillor, there was a specific reference to a market in Millwell Park, and there was a specific reference to concession stands in the parks on the island. So in Millwell Park, Sir John McDougal and the other one, that escapes me. What is happening a days, please? Councillor SAY, dammit. So in the island gardens, the plans at this stage is around the funding. So when the funding is confirmed, the residents will be consulted, and the events parks teams would have different processes to follow. And at the moment, the licensing events, the events will go through the licensing process where residents will be consulted in that area, but the main thing is the whole scheme was evaluated in 2017, and this assessment was done for the next 10 years ahead. So I'm assuming the consultation process would have taken place in 2017 for the next 10 years onwards. And any imminent programs that come across would be consulted as and when the funding is approved. Thank you. With that, we have come to the conclusions. Other members' questions will receive the written response. I would like to remind everyone that I will be inviting other members of the speakers of London to our award-winning town hall and the speaker's parlour, and also I will invite the MPs. So I would like to formally invite all of you to attend whenever you will be notified accordingly. I thank you for your contributions, and I now humbly close the meeting. Thank you so much. And please note that the members must wait for the mess to be removed before they leave the meeting. Thank you so much. [BLANKAUDIO]