Agenda for Full Council on Wednesday, 22nd October, 2025, 6.30 pm

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street W8 7NX. View directions

Contact: Douglas Campbell  Governance Manager

Media

Items
No. Item

1.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 173 KB

The minutes of the meeting of Full Council held on 16 July 2025 are submitted for confirmation.

Minutes:

Council confirmed, and the Mayor signed as a correct record, the minutes of the Council meeting held on 16 July 2025.

 

2.

Declarations of Interest

Any member of the Council who has a disclosable pecuniary interest in a matter to be considered at the meeting is reminded to disclose the interest to the meeting and to leave the Chamber while any discussion or vote on the matter takes place.

 

Members are also reminded that if they have any other significant interest in a matter to be considered at the meeting, which they feel should be declared in the public interest, such interests should be declared to the meeting. In such circumstances Members should consider whether their continued participation, in the matter relating to the interest, would be reasonable in the circumstances, particularly if the interest may give rise to a perception of a conflict of interests, or whether they should leave the Chamber while any discussion or vote on the matter takes place.

Minutes:

No Members made any declaration of interest.

3.

Special Announcements by the Mayor

Minutes:

The Mayor informed Council that the nominations for the Mayors Awards 2025/26 were now open. The awards celebrated the achievements of individuals, groups and organisations that had made an outstanding contribution to life in the borough. He informed all present that they could visit the Council’s website to make nominations in the categories to be considered.

 

4.

Chief Executive's Communications

(i)       Apologies for Absence

 

(ii)     Other Communications

Minutes:

Councillors Adam, Cyron, Elnaghi, Nur, Petit, Weale and Weeden-Sanz submitted apologies for their absence.

 

The Chief Executive explained that she had received a request to take a report on Representation on Committees as an urgent item under Standing Order 20. The Mayor confirmed in order to ensure public speaking was not delayed, under Standing Order 1.3, the item would be taken prior to item 9.

5.

Public Speaking pdf icon PDF 63 KB

Up to one hour has been set aside for Council to hear from people living, working, or studying in the Borough who have registered in advance to address this meeting.

Minutes:

(i)    Leisure contract issues in Holland Park

 

Mr Bradley Roberts raised concerns about the management of RBKC’s flagship tennis venue at Holland Park, specifically the coaching arrangements overseen by Parks Management Contractors, Id Verde. He highlighted longstanding issues. Mr Roberts said that disclosures made by whistleblowers were not handled appropriately, with some individuals losing their jobs. He criticised the Council’s response, stating that reviews conducted by RBKC officials were inadequate, lacked proper investigation, and relied on input from those implicated. He further alleged that the Council had potentially lost significant income since 2011 due to mismanagement and insufficient oversight of the contract with Id Verde.

 

Councillor Emma Will, Lead Member for Property, Parks & Leisure Services thanked Mr Roberts for attending, apologised that he needed to come in person to receive a response, and acknowledged that he felt his concerns had not been properly addressed. She recalled that Andrew Proctor had previously raised similar issues, which she had referred to the Director of Audit, Fraud, Risk and Insurance for a full audit, considering it the correct course of action due to the seriousness of the allegations and concerns presented. She stated that she was not the appropriate person to discuss the details at that time but offered to follow up personally and ensure a proper response was provided.

 

Councillor Kasim Ali, Opposition Spokesperson also thanked Mr Roberts for attending, emphasising the importance of the issue discussed that concerned not only the management of Council-owned spaces but also the use and oversight of funding. He reflected on his personal experience with Holland Park and highlighted the need for transparency regarding how funds were collected and utilised, stressing the Council’s responsibility to deliver the best possible service for residents. Councillor Ali expressed willingness to meet in person to understand further the situation and focus on solutions rather than past events. He assured Mr Roberts that the Council would investigate the matter thoroughly.

 

(ii)   Engagement with Lancaster West Estate residents

 

 

Mr David O’Connell expressed concerns about the ongoing management and refurbishment of Lancaster West Estate, referencing the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire. He stated that promises to make the estate an exemplar had not been fulfilled and highlighted a lack of meaningful engagement with residents, particularly those most affected. He criticised the Council for failing to listen to residents’ concerns, for inadequate accountability, and for relying on outdated reports to assess satisfaction with refurbishment works. He noted that residents had endured over eight years’ disruption, with many experiencing trauma and distress. He called for improved communication, genuine consultation, and external scrutiny to ensure that residents’ voices were heard and that past mistakes were not repeated.

 

Councillor Sof McVeigh, Lead Member for Housing thanked Mr O’Connell and acknowledged the importance of listening and adapting based on residents’ feedback. She noted that, with nearly 1,000 households on the estate, a range of opinions was expected. She confirmed that, if government funding was secured, the Council would proceed with the planned works already scheduled, as this  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.

Petitions

Presentation of petitions (if any).

Minutes:

Councillor Rossi presented a petition to the Council. She read out the petition’s prayer with 46 signatures, which asked the Council to take enforcement action for the derelict property on 144 Ifield Road, SW10. It called upon the Council to update and enforce the section 215 notice served in 2016 and successful court conviction in 2017 taken with powers under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

 

7.

Statement by the Leader of the Council and Response by the Leader of the Minority Party (Standing Item)

Minutes:

Councillor Addenbrooke moved, and Councillor Lari seconded, under Standing Order 42, to suspend Standing Order 30, to allow up to seven minutes for speeches by the Leader of the Council and Leader of the Opposition Group. This was carried.

 

The Mayor invited the Leader of the Council to address the meeting. The Leader then rose to speak:

 

“Good evening, Mr Mayor. As you all know we are at the start of what promises to be one of the most challenging set of budget cycles our Council has ever faced so it is important we are clear about the issues and up front with the public. Tonight, I want to outline what is happening, why it is happening, why it matters, and how each of us can play a part in shaping the outcome.

I want to begin by being crystal clear about the challenge that local authorities are facing, thanks to this Labour Government. In recent weeks, I have been out in the community, out in London, and out across the UK warning that the government’s so-called “fairer funding” reforms risk being anything but fair for this city, this borough, the people that live and work here. Across central London we are facing Government cuts of £700 million, and in this borough, £83 million over three years.

We have been given zero time to plan, the national budget is later than ever, and the local government financial settlement is expected just a few days before December 25th - what a happy Christmas this is going to be.

Mr Mayor, It is fair to say, that inner London boroughs like ours are being completely fleeced under these new Labour Government proposals. Stripping away money from places and communities here in the capital with the sole intention of trying to claim a few seats in the north. But we are arguing our case, and we know the Government is listening.

Mr Mayor, there are three key issues at stake: One - The new fairer funding formula fails to properly factor in housing costs and the unique burdens faced by urban areas, such as very high rents, homelessness, temporary accommodation, and the extra cost of service-delivery in dense, high-cost areas. For example, we spend around 18% of our budget on homelessness, yet the proposed model allocates only 1.4%. Two - the proposed transition period is far too short – councils like ours cannot absorb huge reductions in just a few years without damaging services. We need a 10-year transition rather than three years, at least. Three - the new model is based on assumptions, like high notional council-tax bands, that underplay the real situation. In short, this reform – which aims for ‘funding to follow need’ – is flawed.

But Mr Mayor, what does this mean for our Council, and our communities?
The figures show that we are now facing some very tough choices. The projected gap between our income and the cost of services is increasing year-on-year: inflation, pay pressures, higher  ... 
view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.

Order of Business

The Mayor to announce the order of business for the remainder of the meeting.

 

Minutes:

The Mayor confirmed that the order of business would be altered in accordance with Standing Order 1.3, to take an urgent item prior to the reports from the Leadership Team, with the rest of the items following as printed on the agenda.

9.

Representation on Committees

Minutes:

Councillor Addenbrooke moved, Councillor Dent Coad seconded, and Council RESOLVED under Standing Order 20.02 that standing orders be suspended to enable the Council to debate the report regarding representation on committees as a matter of urgency.

 

Council RESOLVED to:

 

(i)             Agree the ratios for political party groups for each committee as set out in Appendix One.

(ii)            Agree the changes to political representation on committees as set out in table two.

 

Waive proportional representation on the Planning Committee to make the allocation seven Conservative, two The Independent Group and one Labour.

 

10.

Reports from the Leadership Team pdf icon PDF 60 KB

Minutes:

[All three reports from the Leadership Team were taken together as one item.]

10a

Medium Term Financial Strategy 2026/27 to 2029/30 KD1011784 pdf icon PDF 2 MB

Minutes:

[All three reports from the Leadership Team were taken together as one item.]

 

 

10b

Treasury Management Outturn Report 2024/25 KD1011517 pdf icon PDF 1 MB

Minutes:

[All three reports from the Leadership Team were taken together as one item.]

 

 

10c

Decisions taken under Urgency Provisions pdf icon PDF 78 KB

Minutes:

(i)             Medium Term Financial Strategy 2026/27 to 2029/30 KD1011784

 

(ii)            Treasury Management Outturn Report 2024/25 KD1011517

 

(iii)          Decisions taken under urgency provisions

 

Councillor Campbell moved the reports’ reception, and Councillor Taylor-Smith seconded.

 

Council RESOLVED:

That the Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2026/27 to 2029/30 be approved.

That the Treasury Outturn Report 2024/25 be noted.

That the Key Decisions taken under urgency provisions be noted.

 

 

11.

Reports from Council-Side Committees

11a

Reports from Audit and Transparency Committee, 21 July 2025 pdf icon PDF 61 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Hargreaves moved and Councillor Yankson seconded the report’s reception.

 

Councillors Hargreaves spoke to the report. He introduced the amended Local Code of Corporate Governance, explaining that it outlined both policies and procedures and described how the Code was incorporated into the Council’s daily operations. He reported that the Audit and Transparency Committee had reviewed the report on 21 July 2025 and requested several amendments, which were subsequently included. He emphasised that sound governance depended not only on having such codes in place but also on their effective implementation. He noted that the updated Code reflected a review by the Chief Solicitor and Monitoring Officer and Director of Audit, Fraud, Risk and Insurance, and aligned with national guidelines. The amendments were incorporated into the Addendum to the Delivering Good Governance Framework, published in May 2025. He highlighted that the Code addressed commitments made in response to the Grenfell inquiry and incorporated the 12 principles of good governance.

 

Councillor Claire Simmons also spoke to the report. She welcomed the report from the Audit and Transparency Committee and the introduction of new Codes of Conduct and Corporate Governance. She questioned how the Council would ensure these principles were genuinely embedded and not merely discussed, referencing the Nolan principles, the Charter for Public Participation, and other commitments made since Grenfell and Hillsborough, which she felt had not been fully applied. She expressed concern that residents had not seen sufficient progress and emphasised the need for accountability and practical adherence to the new code. The speaker highlighted that, despite public commitments to integrity, ethical values, openness, and transparency, these were not always experienced by residents. She questioned the effectiveness of self-assessment as a means of reviewing compliance and stressed the importance of ensuring that governance principles were felt in residents’ daily lives.

 

RESOLVED: that the Local Code of Corporate Governance be adopted.

 

 

11b

Reports from Administration Committee, 11 September 2025 pdf icon PDF 76 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Taylor-Smith moved, and Councillor Addenbrooke seconded the report’s reception.

 

RESOLVED: that the recommendations within the report be adopted.

 

 

12.

Matters Referred to Full Council from Overview and Scrutiny or Select Committees

Minutes:

There were none.

13.

Questions asked of Lead Members pdf icon PDF 56 KB

Minutes:

i.               Request to Resign

 

Councillor Eva Jedut asked the Leader to resign, citing failures by the housing team. She referred to issues including inadequate adaptations, delays in repairs, acceptance of new housing stock in poor condition, the sale of publicly funded housing, lack of consultation on significant projects, neglect of green spaces, unresponsiveness to emails, and insufficient action from lead members on community safety and local life. She also mentioned outstanding criminal charges and a lack of interest in library development.

 

The Mayor, responding to a point of order raised by Councillor Kasim Ali under Standing Order 28.01, asked that the question be addressed to the Leader of the Council.

 

Councillor Campbell, Leader of the Council stated that she intended to continue leading into the next year’s election and was proud of the work done so far. She highlighted that the Council had provided outstanding services in children’s and adult services, as well as on local streets. She advised that any concerns about processes should be directed to the government and clarified that responsibility for Grenfell Tower remained with the government. She noted that over £700 million had been invested in housing over eight years and praised the Chief Executive’s commitment to high standards across the Council.

 

Councillor Jedut asked a supplementary question, asking the Leader to agree that the Grenfell disaster took place under her management, and that the Council’s leadership and Conservative Party had brought the Council into disrepute.

 

Councillor Campbell did not agree and instead clarified that she was not Leader at the time of the disaster, and very few Councillors remained in the Leadership Team from that time.

 

ii.              Retaining Rights for Planning Committee

 

Councillor Sam Mackover asked the Lead Member for Environment and Planning to provide an update on the government's plan to remove the right of call-in from local councillors and other changes in relation to planning committees

 

Councillor Johnny Thalassites, Lead Member for Environment and Planning stated that there was no update regarding the proposed removal of councillors’ call-in rights and residents’ ability to comment on major planning applications, as the government still intended to proceed with these changes. He expressed hope that residents would oppose this in the next year’s vote, criticised the opposing party’s stance, and emphasised the importance of resident involvement in planning decisions.

 

Councillor Mackover asked a supplementary question, asking the Lead Member to thank Earl’s Court residents for attending Planning Applications Committee and for engaging in the planning process by writing letters of objection. He asked how the Lead Member would advise residents who wanted to continue to participate at Planning committees.

 

Councillor Thalassites confirmed he was joining Councillor Mackover in thanking Earl’s Court residents. He agreed that residents wanted Members to retain rights such as calling-in applications to Committee and commenting on applications, and to try to retain these rights they should write to the Government. They could also vote to retain the administration at the next local election.

 

 

iii.             Closure of Police Station Front Counters in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

14.

Matters of Local Concern raised under Standing Order 11

Councillors may draw to the Council’s attention Ward or other ‘live’ issues that are primarily local in nature. Each Councillor raising such an issue under this Standing Order may speak for not more than two minutes, however they will receive no response at the meeting. No more than three Majority Group Councillors and one Minority Party or ungrouped Councillor may raise issues in this way per meeting. Councillors wishing to raise such matters must register their intent with the Head of Governance & Mayoralty prior to the meeting and such registration will be on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. The relevant Lead Member or Executive Director will be expected to respond to the Councillor raising this issue within six weeks.

Minutes:

Councillor Linda Wade reported that Earl’s Court residents had expressed concern regarding the increasing 24-hour culture on Earl’s Court Road, noting an excessive number of licensed premises and delivery businesses. She requested that the borough consider a Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) and initiate a cumulative impact assessment, referencing the Westminster policy. She stated that current trends were not aligned with the borough’s local plan and emphasised the need for policy intervention to support the area’s regeneration and maintain its character.

 

Councillor Laura Burns explained that following concerns raised by local residents about crime and antisocial behaviour near Tetcott Road and Westfield Park, a successful bid was made through the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) for the installation of a CCTV camera. The camera was installed on a suitable lamp post, providing reassurance to residents and supporting crime prevention efforts. She thanked residents and officers involved and noted that the initiative demonstrated the positive impact of listening to local voices and working collaboratively.

 

Councillor Walaa Idris shared the positive impact of NCIL funding in Brompton and Hans Town ward. She stated that the addition of five new demountable CCTV cameras, bringing the total to sixteen, had improved safety and enabled faster responses to incidents. The cameras were fully monitored and accessible to the local police constable at all times. She thanked residents, the safer neighbourhood team, and Council officers for their collaboration, and highlighted that the initiative demonstrated the benefits of working together with the community.

 

Councillor Dori Schmetterling updated Council that he had been involved in plans to improve Notting Hill Gate, recognising its importance. He stated that resurfacing works for Notting Hill Gate and Pembridge Road were anticipated, with collaboration planned over the coming months. He noted that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund would be used for suitable, achievable projects. He thanked officers for their involvement, particularly during the walkabout on 13 October 2025, and acknowledged the contributions of local residents and former Councillors to previous improvements.

 

15.

Motions for Main Debate

15a

Motion: Use of some Pension Fund money for Temporary Accommodation pdf icon PDF 92 KB

This Council notes the growing pressure of temporary accommodation. Providing safe and decent housing for those most in need is absolutely vital and we take that responsibility seriously. But the shortage of available homes means it is getting harder to meet these responsibilities, and it is also getting more expensive. London Councils are currently spending £1 billion on temporary accommodation every year.

 

This Council, therefore, welcomes the work underway by its Councillors and officers to: 

  1. Use monies made available by the Pension Fund for levelling up purposes to acquire temporary accommodation properties, which is a new way of tackling a pan London problem that could be a game changer if it succeeds; and
  2. Promote the financial model that makes using monies made available by the Pension Fund possible, so that this Council and other councils can unlock external institutional investment to acquire the homes needed to help address the problem. 

 

And this Council wishes to thank the Investment Committee, in particular the chairman Cllr Marshall, for their work in managing the Fund, both discharging their fiduciary duties and thinking creatively about how to reduce the burden on local people, as well as Cllr Will, who has driven this work forward with a single-minded focus on doing what is right for the greater good.

 

This Conservative Council includes people who have lived in temporary accommodation in the borough and who live in social housing. We know that safe and decent homes are the foundation upon which a stable and happy life can be built. We will continue supporting the most vulnerable.

 

Moved by: Councillor Joanna Gardner

Seconded by: Councillor Sam Mackover

 

Minutes:

Councillor Gardner moved and Councillor Mackover seconded that:

 

“This Council notes the growing pressure of temporary accommodation. Providing safe and decent housing for those most in need is absolutely vital and we take that responsibility seriously. But the shortage of available homes means it is getting harder to meet these responsibilities, and it is also getting more expensive. London Councils are currently spending £1 billion on temporary accommodation every year.

 

This Council, therefore, welcomes the work underway by its Councillors and officers to:

 

Use monies made available by the Pension Fund for levelling up purposes to acquire temporary accommodation properties, which is a new way of tackling a pan London problem that could be a game changer if it succeeds; and

Promote the financial model that makes using monies made available by the Pension Fund possible, so that this Council and other councils can unlock external institutional investment to acquire the homes needed to help address the problem.

 

And this Council wishes to thank the Investment Committee, in particular the chairman Cllr Marshall, for their work in managing the Fund, both discharging their fiduciary duties and thinking creatively about how to reduce the burden on local people, as well as Cllr Will, who has driven this work forward with a single-minded focus on doing what is right for the greater good.

 

This Conservative Council includes people who have lived in temporary accommodation in the borough and who live in social housing. We know that safe and decent homes are the foundation upon which a stable and happy life can be built. We will continue supporting the most vulnerable.”

 

Councillor Simmons moved and Councillor Ali seconded the following amendment:

 

“This Council notes the growing pressure of temporary accommodation. Providing safe and decent housing for those most in need is absolutely vital and we take that responsibility seriously. But the shortage of available homes means it is getting harder to meet these responsibilities, and it is also getting more expensive. London Councils are currently spending £1 billion on temporary accommodation every year.

 

This Council, therefore, welcomes the work underway by its Councillors and officers to:

 

Use monies made available by the Pension Fund for levelling up purposes to acquire temporary accommodation properties, which is a new way of tackling a pan London problem that could be a game changer if it succeeds; and

Promote the financial model that makes using monies made available by the Pension Fund possible, so that this Council and other councils can unlock external institutional investment to acquire the homes needed to help address the problem.

 

And this Council wishes to thank the Investment Committee, in particular the chairman Cllr Marshall, for their work in managing the Fund, both discharging their fiduciary duties and thinking creatively about how to reduce the burden on local people, as well as Cllr Will, who has driven this work forward with a single-minded focus on doing what is right for the greater good.

 

This Conservative Council, which is always mindful of its  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15a

15b

Motion: Proposal for RBKC to be accepted as a Borough of Sanctuary

At the last Council meeting the outgoing Mayor Will Lane made the most extraordinary speech in celebration of diversity and the co-dependent community it has engendered. I surprised myself by giving him a standing ovation; I believe most if not all Council members joined in.

 

In London, many boroughs are working towards becoming Boroughs of Sanctuary, demonstrating a commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for those seeking refuge. This currently includes: Lewisham; Camden; Islington; Ealing; Richmond; Wandsworth; Royal Greenwich; Waltham Forest; and Sandwell.  

 

A Borough of Sanctuary is a term used by the City of Sanctuary UK network, which works to create a more welcoming environment for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in the UK. It signifies a local authority's commitment to providing a place of safety and support for individuals fleeing persecution or violence. 

 

Key aspects of a Borough of Sanctuary:

o   Welcoming and inclusive environment:

Boroughs of Sanctuary aim to create a culture of welcome and support for those seeking sanctuary. 

o   Collaboration and partnerships:

They often involve local councils, community groups, and charities working together to provide resources and support. 

o   Specific goals:

These may include ensuring fair treatment and access to essential services, providing language support, and promoting cultural understanding. 

o   Recognized by City of Sanctuary:

Boroughs are formally recognized as such by the City of Sanctuary UK organization. 

 

Given our history of opening our arms to migrants and to refugees – most recently those from Ukraine and Afghanistan – and the stability of our communities now comprising 54% of non-British born residents, we ask the Council to commit fully to the four guidelines above, and to ask for recognition to be acknowledged as a Borough of Sanctuary.

 

Moved by Councillor Emma Dent Coad

Seconded by Councillor Dr Mona Ahmed

Minutes:

The Mayor deferred this motion to the next meeting.

 

 

15c

Motion: Future enhancements to the Street Scene

This Council welcomes the Amazing Spaces programme, which has seen the transformation of Chelsea Green, Bute Street, St Helen's Gardens—and now, Hogarth Road. 

But what a contrast there is between Hogarth Road, sympathetically paved and greened, and nearby roads managed by Transport for London (TfL), such as Earl's Court Road / Redcliffe Gardens and Warwick Road / Finborough Road. 

The difference between the Council’s and TfL’s approach to streets is stark, and—as we heard at the April 2025 Full Council meeting—residents have noticed.

Both these TfL streets suffer from noise pollution, congestion, and poor-quality pavements. And despite pressing TfL for quick approvals for acoustic cameras, the removal of Covid-era build outs on Earl's Court Road, a safer redesign of Warwick Road junctions, and the replacement of old paving stones, there is little to no action on any of these fronts. 

This Council calls on the Lead Member for Environment and Planning to ensure that there will continue to be funding for future enhancements to the street scene in Earl's Court, and that TfL are held to account for their responsibilities and failings.

Moved by Councillor Hamish Adourian

Seconded by Councillor Sidney Yankson

Minutes:

The Mayor deferred this motion to the next meeting.

 

 

15d

Motion: Establishment of a Grenfell Scholarship pdf icon PDF 54 KB

Education is a vital pathway to opportunity, success, and long-term prosperity for individuals and communities alike.

 

In recognition of the lives lost and the enduring impact of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, this Council calls for the establishment of a Grenfell Scholarship to support children and young people from the local area, particularly those in and around North Kensington. The scholarship should aim to provide financial assistance and educational opportunities to young people facing similar socio-economic circumstances as those affected by the Grenfell disaster.

 

This Council believes that the Grenfell Legacy should include a meaningful, lasting investment in the future of the next generation. A borough-wide Grenfell Scholarship would serve both as a tribute and a practical commitment to the memory of our community members lost in the tragedy.

 

To that end, we will seek meetings with the relevant Government Ministers to explore and pursue the creation and funding of this scholarship initiative.

 

This Council supports the establishment of a Grenfell Scholarship as part of our collective responsibility to honour the memory of the victims and help build a better future for the affected community.

 

Moved by: Councillor Kasim Ali

Seconded by: Councillor Marwan Elnaghi

 

 

 

Minutes:

The Mayor deferred this motion to the next meeting.

 

 

15e

Motion: Changes to the Integrated Care Board

The recent changes announced by the Government to reform Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and their funding models will have a detrimental impact on the residents of Kensington and Chelsea.

The new blueprint outlines a future vision for ICBs as strategic commissioners. ICBs are expected to shift from operational delivery to a more strategic role. Much of the responsibility currently with ICBs will transfer to NHS Trusts, Local Authorities or Neighbourhood Health structures as part of these changes with very limited or no extra funding,

This and the cut to Better Care Fund (BCF), which is a £600,000 hit to our budgets for this financial year and a further £900,000 for next year undermines the NHS and the Council's ability to have a integrated and joined up care model - the whole point of the BCF.

The abolition of Healthwatch as an independent scrutineer of local health services is also a concern as the abolishment of the Integrated Care Partnership that scrutinises the work of the ICB.

This Council calls on;

(i)             Our Members of Parliament to write to the Government urging them to review the funding formula for NHS and local government

(ii)            To remind the NHS that local authorities are legally barred from providing primary care services and if more social care is required to be provided by Council's, funding must come with this

(iii)          To reestablish an independent scrutiny body to ensure local people can hold their health services accountable.

 

Moved by: Councillor Lucy Knight

Seconded by: Councillor Anne Cyron

 

Minutes:

The Mayor deferred this motion to the next meeting.

 

 

15f

Motion: Waiver of Council Tax for Residents with a Terminal Illness Prognosis of 12 Months or Less

No one should spend the final months of life burdened by avoidable financial stress. By waiving council tax for those with a terminal prognosis, this Council can offer vital support and dignity to our most vulnerable residents. This policy is both compassionate and just, aligning with the principles of care and social responsibility that underpin our community values.

This Council recognises the profound challenges faced by individuals diagnosed with a terminal illness, particularly those given a prognosis of 12 months or less to live. These individuals and their families often endure not only emotional and physical hardship but also significant financial strain as they face reduced incomes and increased care costs.

Therefore, this Council resolves to:

1.     Introduce a full waiver of council tax for residents who have been medically certified as having a terminal illness with a life expectancy of 12 months or less, irrespective of age, income, or existing exemptions.

2.     Ensure that:

o      The process for applying for this waiver is simple, compassionate, and handled with sensitivity.

o      Eligibility is determined based on certification from a registered medical professional (e.g., a GP or specialist consultant).

o      The waiver applies from the date of certification and lasts until the resident passes away or their prognosis is officially revised.

3.     Work in partnership with local health services, hospices, and social care providers to ensure all eligible individuals and families are informed about this exemption.

4.     Advocate for similar national reforms for introducing statutory provisions for council tax relief for terminally ill individuals across all local authorities in England and the rest of the UK.

 

Moved by: Councillor Mohammed Bakhtiar

Seconded by: Councillor Portia Thaxter

Minutes:

The Mayor deferred this motion to the next meeting.

 

 

16.

Appointments to Committees and Outside Organisations pdf icon PDF 48 KB

Minutes:

The following appointments were agreed:

 

To replace Councillor Toby Benton as follows:

(i)             On Environment Select Committee by Councillor Mohammed Bakhtiar.

 

To remove Councillor Sina Lari from the Investment Committee.

 

To note that:

(i)             The Labour Group was not nominating a replacement for the Planning Committee and Planning Applications Committee.

(ii)            Councillor Mohammed Bakhtiar to be the Labour Group spokesperson on the environment.

 

To appoint:

(i)             Councillor Emma Dent Coad to the Investment Committee

(ii)            Councillor Toby Benton to Overview & Scrutiny Committee

 

To note that:

(i)             Councillor Benton was to remain a member of Licensing Committee to take The Independent Group’s vacant place.

 

17.

Any Other Oral or Written Items Which the Mayor Considers Urgent pdf icon PDF 70 KB

[Each written report on the public part of the Agenda as detailed above:

(i)   was made available for public inspection from the date of the Agenda;

(ii)  incorporates a list of the background papers which (i) disclose any facts or matters on which that report, or any important part of it, is based; and (ii) have been relied upon to a material extent in preparing it. (Relevant documents which contain confidential or exempt information are not listed.); and

(iii)  may, with the consent of the Mayor and subject to specified reasons, be supported at the meeting by way of oral statement or further written report in the event of special circumstances arising after the despatch of the Agenda.]

Exclusion of the Press and Public

There are no matters scheduled to be discussed at this meeting that would appear to disclose confidential or exempt information under the provisions Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

Should any such matters arise during the course of discussion of the above items or should the Mayor agree to discuss any other such matters on the grounds of urgency, the Council will wish to resolve to exclude the press and public by virtue of the private nature of the business to be transacted.  

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were none.