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Minutes of the meeting of the Elected Officers
Monday, 20 July 2006
Cllr Merrick Cockell was in the chair
Present |
Cllr Merrick Cockell (Conservative, Chair), Cllr Sean Brennan (Liberal Democrat Vice-Chair), Mayor Steve Bullock (Labour Vice-Chair), Cllr David Scott substituting for Cllr Paul McCannah (Conservative, Grants)
|
ALG Officers were in attendance including the Party Group Advisers, Barry Macleod-Cullinane (Conservative), Stephen Knight (Liberal Democrat) Joe Calouri (Labour)
Declarations of interest
No interests were declared
Minutes of the meeting of 6 March 2006
The minutes of the meeting of 6 March 2006 were agreed.
Apologies for absence
Apologies were received from Mr Michael Snyder (Independent Vice-Chair), Cllr Stephen Carr (Conservative Deputy Chair), Cllr Paul McCannah (Conservative, Grants) and Cllr Daniel Moylan (Conservative, TEC)
ALG rebranding
Cllr Cockell introduced the item by suggesting that the existing name, the Association of London Government be retained solely for legal purposes but a new name London Councils be adopted for public use.
Cllr Brennan offered his support for looking at a new name, citing the confusion between the initials ALG, LGA and GLA. He felt that, if a new chapter were opening in the history of the ALG, the name London Councils offered a distinctive and easily recognised title.
Mayor Bullock expressed his scepticism over rebranding generally and pointed out that the MPA and LFEPA were both subscription-paying members, neither were London Councils and neither were represented at this meeting.
Cllr Cockell said that he heard:
support for the use of London Councils as a strap-line
that the corporate colours should be retained
no clear view on the logo but that the meeting had indicated a preference for some designs.
Elected Officers agreed that the proposal to change the name would be put to the Leaders' Committee meeting on 12 September on which the MPA and LFEPA had representation.
In consideration of Cllr Scott's presence from the Grants Committee, Elected Officers agreed to vary the order of business to take item 14 next.
14. Commissioning priorities for the ALG Grants Programme
Cllr Scott introduced the item by saying:
The members of the Grants Committee were newly in post and on a steep learning curve
The conversation at the Grants Committee centred around two issues
The amount of the budget
The priorities in distributing grants
Priorities would be looked at by the Grants Committee in September
There was concern on the Grants Committee over the amount of the budget and that it dshould balance borough's contribution with the amount spent in the borough
The Grants Committee proposed to remove 33% from the Grants Budget and return it to the boroughs to be spent on voluntary organisations of the borough's choosing
Cllr Cockell pointed out that changes to the Grants Budget required the support of two thirds of the boroughs and it was, therefore, unlikely that the Grants Committee would be able to bring its view into effect.
Cllr Scott replied that Grants Committee was open-minded about exploring opportunities but the balancing of borough contribution and spend in the borough remained a concern. He argued that areas of deprivation attracted significant spending from other sources.
Mayor Bullock pointed out that the review that had been undertaken over the past four years had achieved cross-party consensus and he could not see how a move away from that settlement could be justified.
Cllr Brennan argued that tabling a substantial change to the budget at a meeting was not a good way of doing business.
Cllr Cockell said that:
timing had been a problem and the views of Leaders had not always been communicated to groups
in a London-wide body, all boroughs were not going to get out exactly what they put in
the funding of the Freedom Pass, elsewhere on the agenda, was an analogy
he would talk to colleagues behind the scenes and reports should come to both the September Leaders' Committee and Elected Officers' meetings.
Barry Macleod-Cullinane reported that the Conservative and other party groups had agreed to continue funding existing groups in the current cycle but Cllr Cockell pointed out that that would be impossible to guarantee similar funding levels in the next funding cycle if money was returned to the boroughs.
Cllr Cockell said that:
Grants had achieved the status of a `totem' in some boroughs
There had been broad agreement amongst Leaders before May on Grants but the fact that some boroughs are putting in many hundreds of thousands of pounds more that they are getting out.
Freedom Pass Apportionment
Elected Officers agreed that a target of 2008 would be borne in mind to change the apportionment method and the figures examined before any decision is reached.
Portfolios
Cllr Cockell introduced the item by saying that consensus had been achieved in many areas and only a few questions remained.
Mayor Bullock asked what criteria were being used to decide which portfolios had a place on the Executive and which did not.
Cllr Cockell suggested that it was partly simple good sense and partly following the practice in boroughs.
Mayor Bullock expressed concern that some 33-member bodies would be chaired by a member of the Executive and others would not, leading to a two-tier system. He also argued that the ALG could do more about culture than it could about crime considering the involvement of the Mayor, the MPA, the MPS and other agencies in tackling crime.
Cllr Cockell replied that the significance of the issue of crime to Londoners was a determining factor for him.
Cllr Cockell hoped that if they could get 80% of the portfolios right that would be better than the current situation. Of the portfolios listed in paragraph 3 of the report he proposed that there was agreement on
a. Crime and the Public Protection
b. Finance
c. Health and Adult Services
Cllr Cockell urged that:
the question of whether Housing should be combined with Planning should be returned to in September
the importance of Housing would be reinforced by its presence on the Executive. Planning was currently an important issue but may not be in four years' time and it remained to be seen whether one person could handle both briefs, a leader who did not have a portfolio could take it on a year-by-year basis. With the Mayor, Housing and Planning had come together.
Cllr Brennan pointed out that Housing and Planning were combined at ministerial level in Yvette Cooper MP's brief at DCLG as well.
The Chief Executive pointed out that there were unresolved matters concerning the Improvement portfolio. In particular how it would relate to the three discrete improvement projects - Capital Ambition, the London Centre of Excellence and London Connects. He also argued that there was a problem with how to deal with economic development, how far pure economic development relates to LSPs, LAAs and Neighbourhood Renewal. He asked the question whether a 33-member body was needed for Improvement.
Mayor Bullock suggested, and Cllr Cockell agreed, that 33-member bodies may not work for all the portfolios, perhaps a group based on those who were interested rather than 33-members as standard ought to be considered. Cllr Cockell argued that a change of rule so that the GLPC need not be chaired by a Leader should be considered.
f. Cllr Brennan felt that treating Sustainability, like Equalities, through a lead member (or champion) would send out a similar useful signal that it was expected that this was a consideration that should inform thinking on all aspects of policy.
g. Cllr Cockell said that Planning could go to TEC and some areas, such as Licensing, could be moved from TEC to Crime and Public Protection.
Mayor Bullock proposed a member body to deal with Culture, Communities and the Olympics
Cllr Cockell suggested that more work should be done on this proposal by the Party Group Advisers.
Elected Officers agreed:
that more work needed to be done on these issues
that Economic Development would be placed in the Improvement portfolio
that Consumer Protection, including Consumer Direct, would be placed in the Crime and Public Protection portfolio subject to resolution of the question of the Consumer Direct contract.
the following are to be invited to meetings of the Elected Officers, prior to an agreement by Leaders' Committee to the creation of an Executive
Member |
Portfolio |
Cllr Merrick Cockell (Chairman) |
Finance |
Cllr Stephen Carr (Deputy Chairman) |
|
Cllr Sean Brennan (Vice Chair) |
Sustainability |
Mayor Steve Bullock (Vice Chair) |
None. |
Michael Snyder (Vice Chair) |
None. |
Cllr Daniel Moylan |
Transport and Environment |
Cllr James Carswell (LB Hackney) |
Housing (the question of Planning remains unresolved) |
Cllr James Kempton (LB Islington) |
Children and Young People |
Labour member: Cllr Chris Roberts |
|
Conservative member |
|
Conservative member |
Member at large. |
the following 33-member forums:
Crime and the Public Protection |
A continuation of the Crime and Public Protection forum chaired by the Executive Member for Crime and the Public Protection. |
Health and Adult Services |
A body adapted from the Health and Social Care forum, chaired by the Executive Member for Health and Adult Services. |
Housing Forum |
Chaired by the Executive Member for Housing. |
Improvement Forum |
A new forum chaired by the Executive Member for Improvement. Although Improvement includes the work of the GLEF/GLPC the Executive member need not Chair those bodies. Also to include Economic Development |
Children and Young People |
A new forum adapted from the existing Children Young People and Families panel, chaired by the Executive Member for Young People. |
GLEF/GLPC |
Chair elected by GLEF AGM. GLEF and GLPC need only meet when necessary. |
Grants Committee |
Chair elected by Grants AGM |
TEC (includes TfL representative) |
Chair elected by TEC AGM |
the issue of Culture, Communities and the Olympics is to be brought to meetings of the Elected Officers and Leaders' Committee in September informed by advice from the Party Group advisers.
Protocols for Cross-party working
Cllr Cockell argued that the LGA Conventions were relatively straightforward but he wanted a steer from the other Leaders whether to opt for a simple or more complicated method.
Mayor Bullock thought the simple approach more suitable although his experience on the LGA was that it was useful to have the Conventions in place even if they were seldom referred to.
Cllr Brennan agreed that there was merit in simplicity and that a more legalistic approach risked losing what keeps the organisation together.
Elected Officers agreed to defer the report.
Procedural matters
Elected Officers agreed:
that the Elected Officers/Executive would meet on the Monday two weeks before the week of Leaders' Committee starting after the meeting of the Elected Officers scheduled for 4 September.
to discontinue the Chair's Briefing meetings
to continue to produce Policy Updates but review in a year's time.
Nominations to Outside Bodies
Elected Officers agreed that:
existing appointments would complete their term of office
Party Group Advisers would discuss the issue
Forward Plan
Elected Officers agreed that:
that this would be a standing item on every Elected Officer/Executive agenda until further notice
the ALG would take steps to influence the debate about levels of members' remuneration in boroughs.
Agendas for Elected Officers meetings on 4 September and Leaders' Committee on 12 September
The agendas for the Elected Officers meetings on 4 September and Leaders' Committee on 12 September were noted.
Review of GLA Powers
Cllr Merrick Cockell argued that the meeting with Government officials on 25 July will need to gauge a media line. The ALG had not been fast enough getting the correct line out, in particular on Planning, it needs to be able to predict and then react to fast-moving events.
Mayor Bullock suggested that he might be able to bring pressure to bear on the Government through his political party connections and Cllr Cockell acknowledged that Labour members may be able to achieve successes by lobbying behind the scenes.
Choice-Based Lettings - the Capital Moves project
Elected Officers agreed to note
The considerable support across London for Choice Based Lettings (CBL), with 26 boroughs operating CBL schemes.
There is some scepticism about the level of demand for mobility and moves across borough boundaries.
Boroughs prefer an incremental approach to pan-London Choice and Mobility. Other partners such as GLA, Housing Corporation, DCLG, and London Housing Federation want CBL&M implemented quickly and in a more comprehensive way.
The risk of other stakeholders taking control of this agenda.
Elected Officers agreed that
The ALG and boroughs should lead and shape this project by submitting a bid in September for Capital Moves Phase II
Officers prepare a report for Leaders' Committee on 12 September seeking their endorsement for the bid. The report will set out estimated costs, likely match funding required from boroughs, and a proposed model for Capital Moves Phase II.
Housing Corporation Homelessness Consultation - ALG Draft response
Elected Officers agreed:
to support the linking of current funding allocations to RSLs to their performance on homelessness
to support the need to review the nomination agreements with RSLs in London
the draft response attached as an Appendix to the report for submission by Monday 31 July 2006.
London Local Authorities Bill
Elected Officers agreed:
a bill would be deposited in Parliament in November 2007 and no bill in November 2006
a comprehensive consultation process, starting with the ALG member authorities. A report on the first part of this process would be made to members in autumn 2006.
Asylum seeking children
Elected Officers agreed to note the report
Urgencies
Elected Officers agreed to note the report
Further London Plan Alterations
Elected Officers agreed to receive the report under the Urgency Procedure.
Action Points
|
Item |
Action |
Progress |
1 |
ALG rebranding (item 4) The proposal to change the name would be put to the Leaders' Committee meeting on 12 September on which the MPA and LFEPA had representation. The right-hand column of logos would in the appendix to the report to be pursued for a new logo for the organisation
|
CS&P
CPA |
|
2 |
Grants (item 14)
Cllr Cockell would talk to colleagues behind the scenes and reports should come to both the September Leaders' Committee and Elected Officers' meetings |
Cllr Cockell and CS&P |
|
3 |
Portfolios (item 5) The following portfolios to be created within the Executive:
The following members to form an Executive: Member Portfolio
Cllr Merrick Cockell (Chairman) Finance
Cllr Stephen Carr (Deputy Chairman)
Cllr Sean Brennan (Vice Chair) Sustainability
Mayor Steve Bullock (Vice Chair) None.
Michael Snyder (Vice Chair) None.
Cllr James Carswell (LB Hackney) Housing (the question of Planning remains unresolved)
Cllr James Kempton (LB Islington) Children and Young People
Cllr Daniel Moylan Transport and Environment
Labour member: Cllr Chris Roberts
Conservative member
Conservative member Member at large.
The following 33-member forums Crime and the Public Protection A continuation of the Crime and Public Protection forum chaired by the Executive Member for Crime and the Public Protection.
Health and Adult Services A forum adapted from the Health and Social Care forum, chaired by the Executive Member for Health and Adult Services.
Housing Forum Chaired by the Executive Member for Housing.
Improvement Forum A new forum chaired by the Executive Member for Improvement. Although Improvement includes the work of the GLEF/GLPC the Executive member need not Chair those bodies. Also to include Economic Development
Children and Young People A new body adapted from the existing Children Young People and Families forum, chaired by the Executive Member for Young People.
Economic Development Chair to be Elected at AGM
GLEF/GLPC Chair elected by GLEF AGM. GLEF and GLPC need only meet when necessary.
Grants Committee Chair elected by Grants AGM
TEC Chair elected by TEC AGM
More work to be done on these proposals including the issue of Culture, Communities and the Olympics by the Party Group Advisers. There to be further discussions between the Chairman and Cllr Moylan on the question of the transfer of Consumer Protection from TEC to the Crime and Public Protection Forum.
|
CS&P
Chairman/Barry Macleod-Cullinane |
|
4 |
Freedom Pass Apportionment (item 15) A target of 2008 would be borne in mind to change the apportionment method and the figures examined before any decision is reached.
|
TEP |
|
5 |
Procedural matters (item 7)
|
CS&P |
|
6 |
Nominations to Outside Bodies (item 8)
|
CS&P Party Group Advisers |
|
7 |
Forward Plan (item 9)
|
CS&P |
|
8 |
Review of GLA Powers (item 11) Mayor Bullock to seek to bring pressure to bear on the Government through his political party connections
|
CS&P Labour Group Adviser |
|
9 |
Choice-Based Lettings - the Capital Moves project (item 12)
|
Housing |
|
10 |
Housing Corporation Homelessness Consultation - ALG Draft response (item 13)
|
Housing |
|
11 |
London Local Authorities Bill (item 16)
|
CPA |
|
12 |
Further London Plan Alterations (item 19)
Elected Officers to receive the report under the Urgency Procedure.
|
CS&P/ TEP |
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