The Council meeting on 15 May 2013 saw discussions on government funding cuts and the council's response, alongside a debate on economic and social regeneration initiatives. A motion concerning the council's response to government cuts was ultimately not carried, while a resolution on economic and social regeneration was passed unanimously.

Council Response to Further Government Cuts

The Council debated a motion put forward by Councillor Rex Osborn and seconded by Councillor Mrs. L Cooper, which acknowledged the continued and unnecessarily large reduction in government local authority grant and committed the council to protecting frontline services. The motion proposed that the Executive reconsider its proposals to market test regulatory services, youth services, and park management functions. It also called for a reconsideration of the proposed departmental restructure, suggesting a move to four key departments: Finance & Administration; Housing, Health & Adult Social Services; Education & Children's Services; and Environment & Community Services. Furthermore, the motion committed the council to seeking savings through joint ventures with other London boroughs, supporting staff mutuals, and ensuring director posts in merged departments were filled after thorough searches with minimal redundancy payments. Despite a lengthy discussion, the motion was defeated by 12 votes to 41.

Economic and Social Regeneration

Councillor Ravi Govindia, seconded by Councillor Mrs. Tracey, moved a resolution stating that the Council believes an on-going commitment to both economic and social regeneration are required to help improve the life chances of all residents across Wandsworth. The resolution highlighted the council's existing policies designed to support residents and vulnerable families. Specifically, it noted progress on three policy areas: the Aspirations Programme, aimed at improving deprived areas and residents' life chances in Latchmere and Roehampton & Putney Heath; the Family Recovery Project and the Troubled Families Programme, designed to assist vulnerable families through a holistic approach; and the revision of the Housing Allocation Scheme to prioritise local residents and working households for social housing. The resolution passed unanimously, with the Council affirming these measures reflect its commitment to regeneration, building mixed communities, raising aspirations, and improving the lives of vulnerable families.

Petitions Presented

Several petitions were presented to the Council. Councillor Govindia presented a petition with 40 names expressing concerns about the public consultation for the proposed expansion of primary schools, particularly regarding Sheringdale Primary School. Councillor Sheila Boswell presented a petition signed by 274 people calling for the retention of the one o'clock centres at Windmill, Bolingbroke, Battersea Park, Alton, Coronation Gardens, and King George's Park. Councillor Martin Johnson presented a petition with 189 signatures and 30 additional emails objecting to the proposed installation of a Mayor's Cycle Scheme hire station at 12 Abyssinia Close. Finally, Councillor Mrs. Kathy Tracey presented a petition from residents of Ellerton Road supporting width restrictions (96%) and parking on the road (81%).

Other Business

The meeting began with prayer and an adjournment motion, moved by Councillor Martin Johnson and seconded by Councillor Peter Dawson, concerning inadequate policing for a demonstration outside the Town Hall. The motion was subsequently withdrawn. Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ms Browne, Humphries, and Speck. The minutes of the previous meeting on 6th March 2013 were confirmed. The Mayor announced that items 14, 22, 23, and 24 were considered urgent. No disclosable pecuniary interests were declared. The Council received information regarding the sealing of 165 documents between 22nd February and 1st May 2013.

Questions were posed to the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Members, with some answered orally and others deemed to have been answered in writing. The Council also received and adopted recommendations from the Standards Committee, the Strategic Planning and Transportation Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and the General Purposes Committee. Reports from the Executive, Planning Applications Committee, Regulatory Licensing Committee, Licensing Committee, General Purposes Committee, Audit Committee, and Pensions Committee were received as information.

Towards the end of the meeting, the Council expressed its appreciation for the service of Councillor Adrian Knowles as Mayor during the 2012/13 Municipal Year, resolving to present him with an illuminated copy of the resolutions. The Council also passed a resolution expressing deep sorrow at the death of Baroness Margaret Thatcher, recognising her qualities and influence, and conveying sympathy to her family. The vote on this resolution was 40 in favour, with 12 abstentions.