Council - Wednesday 11 December 2024, 7:30pm - Wandsworth Council Webcasting

Council
Wednesday, 11th December 2024 at 7:30pm

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Disclaimer: This transcript was automatically generated, so it may contain errors. Please view the webcast to confirm whether the content is accurate.

Please be seated.

Good evening councillors, officers and members of public and viewers online.

Before the commencement of business, I would like to start the council meeting with a minute's quiet reflection to provide time for thought and contemplation.

Thank you. Apologies have been received from Councillors

Cook and McLeod. Are there any other apologies?

Councillor Humphries. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Another one from Councillor

Thank you.

Item number one.

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 October 2024 have been circulated.

Are there any objections or abstentions to me signing the minutes as a correct record?

Thank you.

In the absence of any, I will take that as agreed, thank you.

Item number two is the Mayor's announcements.

So good evening again and welcome to this Council meeting.

It is my honour and privilege to chair this session as the Mayor of Wandsworth.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all members who have gathered here today.

Your dedication and commitment to our community is truly commendable, and I am grateful for

your continued efforts to make Wandsworth a better place for everyone.

As we approach the festive season, it is a time for reflection and celebration.

Christmas is a special time of year that brings families and communities together.

It is a season of joy, love and giving, where we have the opportunity to appreciate the

blessings in our lives and share them with others.

This year has been challenging for countless people around the world.

Many have faced difficulties and uncertainties.

But we have also witnessed the incredible strength and resilience of the human spirit

and also of the local community here in Wandsworth.

In times of hardship, it is the spirit of togetherness and support that helps us overcome obstacles and emerge stronger.

Christmas reminds us of the importance of family and the bonds that unite us.

It is a time to cherish our loved ones, to reach out to those who may be alone, and to extend a helping hand to those in need.

Let us embrace the positive message of this season by fostering a sense of unity and compassion within our community.

As we gather here today, let us take a moment to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our Council members.

members. Your efforts have been instrumental in addressing the needs of our residents and

ensuring that Wandsworth continues to thrive. Together we have made a significant progress

and I am confident that we will continue to achieve greater things in the coming year.

To conclude, I would like to wish each and every one of you a joyous and peaceful Christmas

and a Happy New Year. May this festive season bring you happiness, good health and the warmth

of family, friends and community. Let us carry the spirit of Christmas in our hearts throughout

the year and continue to work for the betterment of our community. I have invited all members

to my Christmas celebration in the Marble Hall next Friday the 20th and I

look forward to seeing you there. In addition there will be refreshments for

all members in the Marble Hall at the conclusion of this meeting to mark the

final Fall Council meeting of the year. Thank you and let us proceed with the

meeting. On tonight's agenda, can members please note

that a number of supplementary items have been circulated and these are required to

be considered as a matter of urgency. The reasons are set out in full at the top of

those items. Is that agreed? Thank you. Please could all speakers keep to time and wind up

your speeches when the red light comes on, and when the red light comes on you will have

30 seconds remaining to wind up. This is to allow as many as possible of all councillors

to participate. That is the end of my announcements.

Madam Mayor, I was too enthusiastic to wish you a Merry Christmas from all of us. Sorry

about that. Madam Mayor, I would like to, understanding Order 36, move to suspend Standing

Order 11A15. Thank you very much. I second that, Madam Mayor.

Councillor Apps.

Standing order 36.

I suspend standing order 11A15.

Just spare me one moment.

Mr. Chow, do you read it for everyone for transparency?

Thank you, Councillors. I understand that Councillor Apps is seeking to suspend the

operation of Standing Order 11A. It relates to the provision for members asking

a question to the leader and the supplementary

and the priority given to the original questioner.

Councillor Apps, you're asking to suspend specifically

which provision of that?

So that we can continue in the way that we have done

in every previous meeting since these questions

have been in place, which is that the first supplementary

goes to the questioner and the second supplementary

goes to the other side.

It's something that's been in working practice

for a long time under our council.

So we wish to continue with that until we've had discussions with the opposition about making some democratic reviews

Which will work well for us all

Thank you, can we go to the vote so all those in favor

All those against

32 for 22 against the motion the is carried

Thank you points of order understanding all the number 16, madam mayor

We've just heard about the conventions of this council.

This morning, all councillors would have seen the email I sent to the chief executive raising

questions about the constitutionality of items 8 and 14.

And in particular, item 14 involves a financial decision to give councillors additional allowances

this year, backdated to eight, to which they were not entitled automatically, and yet raises

as a point of information when there is no delegated authority

to officers to introduce a new scheme in that way.

I have tried to raise, and I've not

had an answer from the chief executive, the issues

with these two items.

We have no ruling on whether they are constitutionally valid.

It is my reading, it is the reading of others on our side,

that these are both unlawful.

And it is regrettable that there has

been no attempt to resolve this before this meeting,

and it is now in need of your ruling, Madam Mayor, as to whether these items should remain,

because in my view and the view of others, both items cannot proceed in their way and

be lawful and should be withdrawn.

I am going to pass it on to Mr Chaudhary to answer this.

So Madam Mayor, I will give advice and it will be a matter for members to determine.

Councilor Graham, I think your focus is on the paper

that is at the end of the agenda,

which is a paper from myself as Director of Law

and Governance in relation to the allowances scheme.

That paper is brought before this chamber,

pursuant to the provision

in the council members allowance scheme,

which is very clear on the application

of an annual increase to members allowance.

For the benefit of members,

I'll read the specific provision,

which is at paragraph 40,

which states that the allowances set out in the scheme

shall be increased annually by the same percentage increase

as the annual negotiated local government pay

settlement for London.

This inflation index shall apply for the next four years

unless subsequently advised otherwise

by the independent panel or another recommendation approved

by the council.

Where the only change to the scheme in any year

is that affected by such an annual adjustment in accordance

with this index, the scheme shall be deemed not to have been amended.

Uprated allowance rates, when inflation is applied, shall apply automatically without

further committee or council approval.

That's the end of the provision in the scheme.

Remember, it's pursuant to that provision in the allowance scheme that the scheme has

been uprated and it's pursuant to that provision where the only change in any year is an annual

adjustment in accordance with the index, the scheme shall be deemed not to have been amended.

Accordingly, the paper before members this evening is for information rather than approval

and entirely in accordance with the provision within the scheme which is part of the constitution

that has been approved by this council.

this council? Madam Mayor, I do not wish to prolong debate. I will simply say

however that the Monitoring Officer's own paper contradicts what he has just

said which is that indexation does not apply because there is a fixed sum settlement

and not a percentage settlement in the payroll for local government officers.

It's not allowable for a member just to move in this way and can I move Standing Order 25 to move to next

business, please. We need to get on and hear the leader of the Council to answer.

We are not on an item of business, we are on an item of order, Councillor App. Your

standing order has no purchase. I do not wish to prolong the debate. However, the Monitoring

Officer's own paper contradicts what he says. The paper, in terms of its advice issued by

London councils, contradicts what he has just said. I appreciate that there is no way of

having these detailed points settled in this Chamber. That is precisely why there should

have been a reply.

Thank you. Thank you all. So as mentioned before the report is not for debate it is

for information only. Madam Mayor there's no legal basis for that you can't just say

The provision has just been read out.

Which is just contradicting what the monitoring officer previously said.

So I don't think we should have it in the debate at all.

It's contradictory evidence.

Can you please show me where it's not meant to be allowed then?

Mr Graham has just said it's contradicting to what the monitoring officer himself has

said earlier.

I mean the provision has clearly been read out.

The provision is one of indexation which requires a percentage figure.

There is no percentage figure.

Madam Mayor, we need to move on.

It's not difficult.

We're in danger of actually breaching one of our other standing orders which relates

to the protection of staff.

Madam Mayor, you asked a direct question, Madam Mayor.

Can we please move on to the questions to the leader, please?

I'd like to help Madam Mayor with her question.

Madame Mayor, you asked a question which was,

given the provision that the Montrose had read out,

what was the problem?

We're told this paper's for information only,

but the paper itself says on its face,

hereby authorises.

So it's either to information

or it's a decision to be authorised.

If it's a decision to be authorised,

then the risk is the council's about to authorise

a payment of money to councillors

without a proper legal basis.

That is really concerning,

and why they should have come to committee,

not this chamber because we could have sorted out these issues and not been in this position.

Had that happened?

Thank you.

So, as mentioned before, this is only for information and it's not open for a debate.

If councillors are unhappy about this, they are welcome to vote accordingly.

There will be.

If you have read the papers, it is part of the...

Because we've not even moved on time to piece number three.

Madam Mayor, could you please rule

to move on with the business?

We'd be very grateful, thank you.

I'd like to invite Mr. Chadu for the final provision.

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

Contrary to what has been put before the chamber,

the position is entirely clear.

The provision is in the scheme.

Counselors may disagree with my advice, but my advice remains,

it is not an amendment.

It is within the provision for an annual increase, which

this counsel, in agreeing the scheme, adopted.

And therefore, it is part of the constitutional provision

and entirely in order for this council to receive.

Madam Mayor, I would add that given the challenge

that is before this chamber this evening,

I would add that very exceptionally,

and I do not do this as a matter of course,

I have also sought external advice

from cleaning council today by telephone.

And that advice is entirely clear

that the provision relied upon in the report is lawful

and it is entirely appropriate for this matter

to be reported to Council.

Madam Mayor, I can only regret that Council's advice is provided.

Thank you Mr Chaudry.

On item number three, are there any members who have any declarations of

Disclosable Pecuniary Interests?

Sorry, please, can we keep...

Thank you.

Are there registrable interests or any non -registrable interests

relevant to any matters to be considered at the meeting?

Councillor Cooper.

It is not a pecuniary interest, but as I am the London assembly

member for Merton and Wandsworth, just in case there

are any references to any part of the Greater London Authority,

I would like it registered that that is the case. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Cooper.

if you have a petition to hand in. Once I have called your name, please announce the

subject title of the petition and who you are presenting on behalf of. Please then come forward

and hand your petition to Mr Kelly. Are there any petitions? Councillor Burchill.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. I have a petition from residents of Althorp Road, Nottingham Road,

Weyston Road to reinstate the visibility of parking restriction signage around

their resident their area and we have quite a few about fifth about 50 people

have signed thank you Thank You councillor Burchill councillor Peter

Graham so mrs. Burchill would you like to bring thank you very much councillor

Graham Thank You madam mayor I have a petition signed by nearly 400 people

calling on the council to remove Springfield Park

from its Brownfield register entry

and to challenge the GLA's advice

that the park constitutes previously developed land

and is suitable for development.

Councilor, thank you, Councilor Graham.

Councilor, Mrs. Graham.

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

This is a Flowsmead petition.

Flowsmead residents in Trinity have suffered

from a number of dreadful burglaries, women fearful of walking through the estate at night,

drug dealing, fly tipping and broken security doors to the blocks.

An overwhelming number of residents, 49 in all in the Flowersmeade estate, urgently asked

Wandsworth Borough Council to a. install permanent CCTV cameras at strategic locations on Flowersmeade,

improve the lighting on the estate and ensure all blocks are secure and also address the issues of fly tipping.

Thank you Madam Mayor.

Thank you.

Each of these petitions will be dealt with in accordance with the Council's petition scheme.

Item 5 is Leader's Questions.

Before we begin questions, may I remind all members that the overall period for members'

questions to the leader and cabinet members is 45 minutes, with 20 minutes for leaders'

questions and 25 minutes for cabinet members. However, if the leaders' questions overrun,

this time is taken off the cabinet members' questions. Please may I also remind members

that their questions have already been published and everyone has a copy, so please just put

your question to the leader and summarise as much as possible or alternatively just

mention the question number and the title. There is no need to read the whole question

out. And so if we move, let's start questions. So question number one.

Councillor Richard Jones. Thank you, Madam Mayor and Nodale, to you.

Question No. 1 to the Leader. At the last Council meeting, the Leader told me that he

would not pursue judicial review against the Alltech expansion because there were no grounds

for judicial review.

Is there no need to read the question now? I thought that is what the Mayor said. You

are now disrespecting the Mayor because you are ignoring what she told you.

Talking for, I'll continue.

Talking for three seconds.

What the leader told me at the last council meeting

flatly contradicted the evidence

that the City Hall investigation.

Madam Mayor, this is deviating from the written question,

so perhaps this is forming more of a supplementary

than the actual original question, thank you.

Sorry, I think I was on question six.

I think I was on second number six by the time the second Labour member stood up to

shout me down.

Can I carry on my question?

I'll just keep going, I think.

I'll just keep going.

We know what your question is.

Sit down.

Be a bit more respectful to the gallery, please, Councillor White.

When the leader decided, in his view, that there were no grounds to just review the Old

expansion, he hadn't sought the external advice of leading or junior council.

We've just heard this evening the monitoring officer consulted leading

council's opinion on a matter of paying additional allowances to councillors. Will

the leader now consider the position, seek external legal advice on this issue

because time is running out to traditionally review the Altec expansion.

Thank you, Councillor Richard Jones. Now this is a prime example of a mini speech.

So next, following on from this, let's summarise it even more. Thank you.

I'm going to pass it on to the Leader. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Wimbledon Park is a fantastic

local park which is much loved by local residents and we want their enjoyment to continue for many,

many generations. As we know, Wandsworth Council's planning committee rejected the

All England Lord Tennis and Croquet Club's development proposals. I'll call

them OLTEC from now on and I've been clear in my own views opposing the

development which will triple the size of that venue, that facility. Officers

involved in the planning case including the legal firm engaged by the

council to deal with planning matters reviewed the GLA hearing and decision

and looking at the most relevant of the three main grounds for judicial review

illegality, irrationality and procedural impropriety, their advice is that the GLA

has not heard in law in making its decision. So while I understand calls

for the judicial review, if the council funded and lost a judicial review it's

likely that the costs of both Old Tech and the council would need to be paid by

local council taxpayers and we're advised this could be north of £100 ,000.

I have met with Save Wimbledon Park campaigners and they understand the council's position.

Councillors may have seen the news that Wimbledon has today itself decided to go to court to

try to head off potential challenges to expansion plans and this appears to be an attempt to

clear up whether there is actually a statutory trust for recreational use on the land from

back when it was a golf course and that would of course restrict what could be done with

it now. We will watch these developments very closely.

We are appreciative of the championships and the benefit it brings to the community. However,

should it go ahead, we will continue to push for maximum community benefit, for assurances

that the community centre, the parkland remain accessible for public use into the future.

That is an ambition that I know is shared by Fleur Anderson MP, who has been tireless

campaigning on this issue.

We will continue to work with local people and our partners, including Merton Council

and Altec, to make sure that green spaces in our borough can be enjoyed by as many people

as possible for many years to come.

The leader says he's opposed to the Old Tech expansion, but then why won't he do everything

in the council's gift to oppose it?

It's the most basic thing in major decisions like this to seek external legal advice from

leading council.

We've heard this evening that advice was sought on the telephone to authorize, I've just calculated

Okay, it's about 27 ,000 pounds in additional counselors allowances that this paper authorizes that advice was sought on this evening

Councillor Hawk could have received

Specialist advice on the old tick expansion for a fraction of that. All this is estimated was 15 ,000 pounds

Does the leader accept?

There will be a huge breach of trust between him and residents if they conclude that he concluded that

£15 ,000 wasn't worth it to stop years of misery and the loss of Wimbledon Park forever.

Thank you. Councillor Hogg.

Thank you Madam Mayor, I'm grateful for the question. It's funny, someone was trying to

pin down Councillor Richards -Jones' politics the other day and they couldn't quite do it, but

the opposition leader is at least consistent in his unwavering belief that more money should be

given to lawyers, so we're clear on that core value.

But I think we've done the right thing here.

Senior officers joined our most recent meeting

with Save Wimbledon Park, and SWP felt that the council

was both well -advised and responsible in its actions.

Now the legalistic bully boys opposite might not agree,

but we will always stand up for local people

against powerful interests.

And as a general comment, this issue should

command consensus across this council.

I would hope we could agree on this,

independent, Labour conservative, across the spectrum.

And I think most of us would feel the same way.

And personally, I agree with Save Wimbledon Park

that it shouldn't be used as a political football.

But I know that campaign has been dismayed

with the opposition's attempt to politicize it.

In fact, they contacted me to say that their members

had been surprised to receive conservative leaflets

in the area and the SWP wanted to emphasize that they had nothing to do with them and do not support them.

And I want to be clear tonight that Save Wimbledon Park isn't a political group of dedicated volunteers.

They are not associated with any political party and that's right.

That's why I always advise activists, pressure groups of any kind, don't get too close to either party.

It won't help the cause that you're seeking to promote in the long run.

I'm very grateful for the work of SWP.

They are dedicated local people who want to protect open spaces for everyone.

I'd also just finish by questioning why this is the point at which Wandsworth Tories

think it's crucial to deploy a judicial review.

The Tory track record in this borough was to allow developers to run riots, to build

whatever they wanted and expect local people to expect the schemes.

I became a Councillor in 2010 and not once in the following 12 years did Wandsworth

Tories launch a judicial review on any planning development. Not once. Not once

when the Grand Brewery got a 37 -storey tower with no social housing. Not once

when Battersea Power Station wanted to cut 250 affordable homes. And when it

comes to our green spaces you let Formula E racing cars go round Battersea

Park and you tried to charge children £2 .50 to use the playground there.

I think you are trying to mislead local people about your attitude to

overdevelopment and your attitude towards protecting our green spaces.

I know the leaders are aware that Save Wimbledon Park have been very

I'm grateful for his personal involvement,

both in the meeting at the end of October,

and indeed there's another meeting coming up next week,

and I support that.

I think he has been very much involved in that,

and I'm grateful for that.

Having said that, Save Wimbledon Park,

which has an extraordinary legal base to it,

both within its membership and the pro bono support

that it's managed to lever in,

doesn't hold the same view,

and indeed has sent a letter, as I understand it,

to the Great London Assembly,

rather than authority prior to action.

Outline a number of potential legal challenges

to the planning decision.

Quite apart from the issues of the trust and the covenants.

Could I just ask the leader whether it is possible

at this stage without obviously committing anything?

But to say the Council will retain an open mind on this.

And if the legal case that theILA is putting together

against the GLA planning commission

should look like it's got some legs

then at that stage, with proper legal advice,

the council may at that stage still be prepared to join that

if the legal case looks as if it may be stronger

than perhaps it initially did.

Thank you, Councillor Grimston.

So I want to thank Councillor Grimston for that question

and also his involvement on this issue.

We know he's a dedicated ward council,

he's been representing residents' views on this

and has taken part in some of those meetings.

Absolutely, we will keep an open mind.

and we're here for the interests of the people of Wandsworth.

We're not, as I say, we're not following property developers, we're not following activists,

we're here to get maximum benefit, long -term games with long -term partners delivering for

local people.

Thank you.

Question number two.

Thank you.

Will the leader give details of meetings he's had with businesses to discuss the impact

of the Chancellor's budget and will he state whether he agrees with the increase in employers'

national insurance contributions?

Thank you.

Councillor Hogg.

Thanks for that question.

The Deputy Leader and I meet regularly with our fantastic local businesses to ensure that

we're always listening to the challenges that they face.

It's true, due to the state and the public finances, the Chancellor had to make tough

decisions to provide economic stability and to stop the decline of public services that

all rely on. And it's clear the budget is on the side of local people and small businesses

rather than the big profit makers. To protect small businesses the employment allowance

will be doubled to provide relief of up to ten and a half thousand pounds a year on their

national insurance payments. What does that mean? Well the smallest businesses will be

fully protected as it will allow them to employ the equivalent of four full -time workers on

the national living wage without paying a penny in national insurance contributions.

More than 90 % of businesses in Wandsworth employ less than 10 people, so the increase

in employment allowance will go a long way in reducing their national insurance bills.

So, who will pay the extra national insurance?

Last year HSBC made over $24 billion in profit, Shell $22 billion, BP $11 billion and Tesco

$2 .3 billion.

It's right that these larger, more profitable businesses are asked to pay more through a

rise in national insurance contributions instead of workers being hit by higher taxes.

Small and independent businesses are the lifeblood of our town centres and neighbourhoods in

Wandsworth – from cafes in Ballum to family -run restaurants in Tooting, independent stores

in Putney – we understand it's essential that these businesses are protected.

The Federation of Small Businesses welcome the move as a pro -jobs prioritisation in a tough budget.

To ensure that we have full understanding across the borough,

officers have been asked to model the impact of national insurance contribution changes

and to listen to businesses and contractors who will be affected come April next year.

I'd say the budget does provide a 40 % relief on business rates for the retail, hospitality and leisure industries

and sets out plans to introduce permanently lower tax rates for those

businesses to protect our high streets. So the budget made the right decision to

protect the pay slips of local people while asking larger businesses to pay

more towards our public services.

Thank you. Second supplementary? First supplementary, sorry. Thank you Madam Mayor.

Now, the leader was very honest in that answer

in saying that he agrees with the budget measures.

But there are things that he said in his written answer

that he didn't say in his oral answer tonight.

He says in his written answer that the budget

was to protect workers from higher taxes on their pay slips.

Some businesses are being asked to pay their fair share

of national insurance contributions.

I spoke to a local business in Putney today.

It's not a big national chain.

it's not one of the businesses that Simon Hogg was referring to.

As a result of the national insurance contribution increases,

they will have an increased tax bill of £130 ,000 next year.

As a result, two vacancies that have arisen because staff have turned over

will not get filled.

So there is two workers that have not been protected by this

and a whopping £130 ,000 tax bill.

Can I ask Councillor Hogg, and it's just a simple yes or no question because we've got

lots of questions to get through tonight.

I know the public gallery want to hear the question about 9 alms.

Does he think £130 ,000 is this business's fair share of national insurance contributions?

Councillor Hogg.

No chance you're getting me with the one word thing.

We did that last time.

You burned your whole supplementary to get a one word answer and then you had like two

amendments on the motion, neither of which worked. We don't want to be

charging higher taxes, we set the lowest council tax in the country, we believe in

fair, progressive, low taxes, but it's pretty surprising that you want to focus

on this part of the budget. These decisions are only necessarily because

you crashed the economy. You sent mortgage and interest rates soaring and

you left a £22 billion hole in the public finances. And with taxes hitting a 70 -year

high under your government, it's pretty rich to get lectured. People are worse off than

they have been for decades. And during these tough times, we've supported people by delivering

that low council tax with the biggest cost of living support in London. And as I said,

the correct decision was made at the budget to protect the pay slips of local people while asking larger businesses to pay more

Towards our public services now the leader of the Conservative Party

What she called?

Kemi

She's refused to commit to reversing these national insurance measures

Therefore I'm very keen to hear from the councillors opposite what choices their party would make to repair the wreckage

they left in our public finances. But the choice at the election has been made by local

people and the choice was clear. Five more years of the same failed Tory policies with

more austerity that leaves local people having to pick up the bill or change with the Labour

Party that will invest and will fix our public services.

Thank you, Councillor Hogg.

Thank you for that answer. I wonder could the leader tell us a little bit more about

what are the measures the Chancellor included in the Budget that Wandsworth will benefit

from?

Thank you for that supplementary, sorry it was Labour's first Budget in 14 years. It

was very exciting, a range of measures. That would be good news for our residents, both

nationally and locally. We've taken measures to protect people's pay by adding no extra

pay to payslips, delivering the lowest council tax in the country. Our residents also benefit

from that fantastic £15 million cost of living fund. Those on low incomes will see £1 ,400

a year rise in the minimum wage. As a council, we're proud to pay all of our staff and very

soon all of our contractors the London living wage. The state pension is going

up by £470 a year and those ones worth winter support payments of up to

£300 will protect our low -income pensioners even further. Nationally the

NHS will get an extra £26 billion and schools £2 .3 billion which will all

help strengthen our local services. More money will be available from the

government for local roads maintenance which fantastically dovetails with our

commitment to double spending on our roads and pavements as part of our

decade of renewal funded by property developers. Importantly, there's a real

terms funding increase for local government including 1 .3 billion pounds

of additional grant funding to support the essential services we deliver here

in local government. I was delighted when just last month the Minister for Early

Education came to Wandsworth to announce the government's landmark free breakfast

programme. We have been at the forefront of making sure that children do not have to attempt

to learn while they are hungry here in Wandsworth, with 40 schools already part of our free breakfast

scheme. Both locally and nationally, these policies are a welcome break from the austerity

years under the Conservatives.

It has nothing to do with the budget, Councillor. Can we move on to the next question?

Sorry, Councillor Humphries, you cannot interrupt at this point.

Madam Mayor, standing order 20F. Thank you. I was going to say that there is provision

within our standing orders that you can exclude people for, I think it is irregular, improper,

offensive behaviour.

Everybody stop.

I don't know if it's being put up by the mic, but we can hardly hear ourselves think.

Thank you.

The point was a general one about the need for improvement of behaviour and the fact

that the opposition are extremely rowdy. Thank you.

The leader is so thin -skinned he can't take a heckle.

Starting with the opposition whip.

Stop. I say stop now. Time for leaders questions is finished. Thank you.

Two, which is amazing.

It seems like that.

The WIPs have agreed that item 16, the motion on the impact in Wandsworth of higher employer

national insurance contributions will be taken next.

Can I ask Councillor Peter Graham to move and Councillor Owens to second the motion

in their names.

Formally moved.

Noted.

So, Councillor Graham, please.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. In July, the new government was elected on a manifesto promise that read,

we will not increase national insurance. In November, it increased national insurance

contributions by almost £26 billion. Now, Labour's defence, as we heard it, this isn't

to tax on working people.

So rather than me passing judgment on that,

let's turn to the independent OBR,

the same office for budget responsibility

that Labour defended so often in opposition.

The OBR says that the costs imposed

through employer nicks are, and I quote,

"'mainly assumed to be passed on to employees

"'through lower real wages.'"

Madam Mayor, I hope we can agree at least

that employees are working people.

Taken as a whole, the OBR found that the autumn budget

will increase borrowing, reduce medium and long -term growths,

reduce household incomes, increase inflation and mortgage rates,

lower real wages, and increase unemployment.

They state that around 85 % of falling real household disposable incomes

is explained by the policies announced in this budget.

So much for gross.

Part two of Labour's defence, and we heard it again,

is an alleged 22 billion pound black hole.

Well, the OBR went looking for that too.

It could only find 9 .4 billion in new spending pressures,

which could be offset by underspends.

They said, in fact, and I quote,

nothing in our review was a litimization of that 22 billion.

But it almost doesn't matter to the argument.

If you're looking to raise 22 billion,

you don't tax an extra 40 billion and borrow another 30.

And you don't take it from the pockets

of vulnerable pensioners, ordinary workers,

and thousands of charities.

That isn't compassion, it's hypocrisy.

Labour's defence is an excuse. It's an evasion. It's an attempt to get out of their promise

to voters. And looking at the chaos amongst businesses, charities and other organisations

in our borough, I genuinely think that the new ministers didn't fully appreciate the

difference between raising employees' and employers' contributions. Politically, at

the one thing that's worse than an excuse is a mistake.

And for this council, it may end up being

the most expensive mistake in recent years.

The direct cost to us here is 3 .4 million pounds,

essentially the equivalent of a 5 % increase in council tax.

Even after November's policy statement,

we still don't know how much,

if any of that will be covered.

The LGA says it won't be clear

until the individual settlements are out later this month.

The indirect cost to this council could be enormous.

Now, question 22 asks about the estimated $1 .8 billion

cost to councils through the impact on social care providers.

The deputy leader's reply says,

don't worry, there's an extra $680 million,

the money that was supposed to go on services.

And do the maths, $1 .8 billion minus $680 million

is a 1 .1 billion tax grade on social care alone.

Not large businesses, care homes.

Normally mild -mannered trade associations

are talking about catastrophic impacts.

No wonder Labour's councillors voted against

urgently assessing the impact on a council's

external suppliers and contractors at committee.

Something that the answer to question 14 says

they are now belatedly trying to do.

And under question 12, as we heard, we didn't hear it in full from the Councillor Hogg,

some businesses will pay a little more.

Councillor Hogg's fair share.

The retail sector alone estimates that the budget will cost it 7 billion.

That's not fair share, but closed shops and workers losing their jobs, as we heard.

The budget was a direct financial hit on the businesses, charities and residents of this

It was a still unquantified hit on the finances of this council.

Now, our motion is drafted in neutral language.

We simply ask them to support, in principle,

exempting or compensating charities for the NI rights.

Exactly the same exemption and compensation that this government is giving to itself.

Councilor Lawless aside, you don't have to slavishly follow the line of your three MPs.

you can show some independence, you can put borough before party. Otherwise I

think residents tonight will rightly ask if the administration won't back them

now when will they ever.

Councillor Crichard. Thank you Madam Mayor. Once upon a time there was a young

woman with a red cloak who needed to take some important items to care for her poor

grandma who lived on the far side of the tangled and dangerous woods of the UK economy.

Sorry, children, listen. No disruptions, please.

Rachel, that was the young woman's name, was careful and prudent. She looked at Max,

planned her route carefully and expected she could make her way safely through the dark,

dark woods to her grandma's home.

So Rachel set off,

goodies carefully packed,

wrapped up in her red coat, following her mapped route through the forest.

It was gloomy and cold in the woods and all of a sudden Rachel saw an enormous hole blocking her way.

22 billion pounds of enormous hole that wasn't on her map.

She stopped, sat down and started to work out how she could fill the hole so she could

reach her grandma before it was too late.

Sorry, Madam Mayor, councillors, everybody, it's the wrong speech.

Okay?

I didn't want to talk about the 22 billion black hole in the economy, though I would

comment from what was said earlier, the OBR has neither confirmed nor did I. It depends

how you read their report. It must be a huge source of embarrassment to my colleagues opposite

from a party that prides itself on fiscal competence. 22 million is a tidy sum to go

missing when people budget carefully. Instead, the motion in front of us concerns

changes to the National Insurance for Employers and covers three aspects of the change. The

effect on Wandsworth Council's employers, the effect on local businesses and the effect

on local voluntary services. Counts first, the officers have reviewed the

proposed changes affecting the Council. The current estimate is that this might increase

costs by $3 .4 million, but the Chancellor has said that public bodies will be compensated

for the change. Councillors opposite know that our financial settlement will come later

next week and any comments about the costs of this and how to fund these at this stage

are pure speculation on the minority party's part. Don't cry wolf until we know what our

Christmas present is going to be on 19 December. Next, businesses and the voluntary sector.

The proposal is not just a simple increase in national insurance contributions, it's

May I just ask something? If the opposition interrupt, is it possible for the clock to

be paused so I can continue?

We should be showing respect to all members, so please let her continue without any disruptions.

Thank you.

Okay. It is more nuanced than that and you have heard from the leader how some of the

contributions fall and that many of our small businesses are not likely to see an increase

and may well see a reduction in their national insurance.

I'd also like to remind councillors that all businesses exist to make profits

as dividends to shareholders and payments to their executive.

The British Retail Consortium, the letter you quoted,

says that changes will slow growth and reduce jobs and cause shop closures.

The government's briefing says the effects of change

depend on employers' behavioural response.

ASDA, one of the signatories, 1 .1 million profit,

eight million paid to their chief executive.

My figures for Tesco were slightly different,

slightly lower, 1 .6 billion, 15 % up profits last year.

Their midst price had gone up 40 % this season.

I'll leave you to work out what the other possibilities

would be available to the businesses in order to help fund this rise.

There are lots of new initiatives in Rachel's Basket of Goodies, many to help employers,

such as 22 billion for the NHS, to keep citizens well. Healthy employees have less time off

work. Extra funding for schools to raise attainment for the employees of the future. Expanding

government -funded childcare, helping parents who wish to work, and the Get Britain Working

white paper. I really didn't want to mention the £22 billion back hole, but changes to

the national insurance contributions are set to raise exactly that much year on year. The

hole needs to be filled so Rachel, in her red cloak with her basket of goodies, can

provide the help that this country and its citizens need. Let's fix the economic foundations

to deliver change to help us all. So I urge councillors to vote against this motion.

Thank you, Councillor Pritchard.

Councillor Hedges.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. It was no surprise when the new Labour Government delivered its

first budget in 14 years that the Chancellor would commit to raising a whopping $40 billion

in taxes. What was less palatable, but again no surprise, included in this figure was the

high -conditional insurance contributions for employers, which will have a devastating impact

on many businesses and charities in Wandsworth and, indeed, across the country.

Madam Mayor, focusing on the voluntary sector, as I am a Trustee of a local trust set up

to award grants to charities

that are solely based in Wandsworth.

It would be remiss of me not to point out

many of these organizations are already struggling

and are likely to be impacted hard by labor's budget.

Charities like the Royal Trinity Hospice,

who have a few shops in Wandsworth,

including in my own ward on Ballum High Road,

who provide amazing support and care

for people with life limiting conditions.

Oh, I'm sure we all know someone.

rely heavily on this source of funding.

From April 2025, without an exemption for charities,

we can expect some of our much -loved organizations

in the borough to struggle.

Increased staffing costs will no doubt lead to redundancies

and reduced hours, which will put even more strain

on the provider services.

We can even see some of these charity shops

close down entirely.

This would obviously be a great shame,

as charities offer a huge amount to the area.

Take Wandsworth Carers Centre, for example,

also based in my ward of Ballum,

provides information and support

for those looking after an adult or child

who has a learning, mental, or physical disability,

or a long -term illness,

meaning they are unable to manage without help.

As I stressed in my unanswered letter

to the cabinet member for the voluntary sector

on the 18th of November,

given the very real prospect

of challenging financial times on the horizon,

it's important the Labour administration acknowledges

and offers support to this sector.

I ask, has the cabinet member spoken to, for example,

Catherine Lohr's settlement,

Citizens' Advice Wandsworth, Age UK Wandsworth,

or HomeStart to understand what the financial damage

the budget will be on them?

Or does her comment from the last finance committee

still stand, that there are no issues

from these organizations that she's spoken to.

Another point to remember, these organizations also

rely on financial support from the council by way of grants.

It wasn't so long ago the Labor Administration

made promises to strengthen and review the voluntary sector.

A new grant fund was even set up to help these organizations

respond through the cost of living crisis.

Madam Mayor, going back to my unanswered letter again,

I highlighted the administration's program of capacity building grants must have rested

on certain assumptions about the financial resilience of the sector in Wandsworth.

Those assumptions must be looked at again to ensure the viability of both the voluntary

sector and the council's substantial financial assistance to it.

I also asked the cabinet member to carry out a detailed impact analysis of the budget on

the voluntary sector and to bring the paper to the next

finance committee meeting outlining the threats facing

this sector and what mitigating measures the council will need

to introduce to shore up the aims of its grants program.

This request was also ignored and no surprise,

no paper presented at the last finance committee last week.

So it strikes me as very odd that the cabinet member is

so silent on this subject, especially as she owns

her own charity based in Wandsworth.

And given there is a real possibility

the budget will have a negative impact

on the program of financial support to this sector,

Madam Mayor, I'm sure we all want the voluntary sector

to thrive and succeed in Wandsworth.

So I therefore ask that this motion be supported

by everyone here tonight.

I would also like to wish you all a restful time

over the winter recess and hope we don't get

two -way down by casework concerning missed waste collections.

Yes, it's still happening.

And irresponsibly dumped Christmas trees.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Hedges.

Councillor Akinola.

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

Merry Christmas, everybody.

I guess because you've mentioned my organisation, I have to declare an interest or something.

I've got an interest.

So firstly I wanted to just wish to ask everybody if, you know, especially on that side, it

seems as you're so concerned about businesses, whether you actually went out on small business

Saturday and bought something locally.

I hope you did.

That would be great.

But let's be honest, and I'm sure you've heard this now, how many times?

22 billion times.

It is your fault, your party's fault, that there is a £22 billion black hole in the country's finances.

Your party not only made up a whole bunch of figures, left a black hole, but also left a tattered economic framework.

And no coherent plan for recovery. And of course a cabbage.

For years, your approach was to plaster over the cracks with empty promises and short -term

fixes while critical services were left to deteriorate, such as the NHS and our schools.

And this lack of foresight has burdened us with underfunded services and a fragile economy.

We and our party can't afford to continue with your mistakes.

Our party labour is fixing the economy to ensure stability, equity and prosperity for

all of our future generations.

And yes, this Budget did force the Chancellor to tackle difficult and take difficult decisions

to tackle 14 years of negligence and mismanagement by the previous Government.

But at least we are committed to rebuilding a fairer and more resilient economy, one that

it is important to prioritize people, not just rhetoric and optics.

So you've been laying into the budget all week and in fact this entire paper is just

the same question a million times.

All of the questions here are the same questions about national insurance.

There's very little I can add to what my colleagues previously have said about the budget.

But I think it's essential that we consider both the challenges and the measures brought

in to alleviate its effect. The raise in national insurance will actually raise 25 billion annually,

which is a vital contribution to public services like the NHS, which have suffered due to the

previous government's failure to adequately plan or invest. My colleague spoke about employment

allowance, the Wandsworth winter allowance, roads and schools, but your questions asked

me specifically about Wandsworth. So we are a borough of SMEs and 93 % employ fewer than

ten people, which means that Wandsworth is uniquely positioned to weather this storm

better than other areas. For these businesses, the increased employment

allowance will mitigate much of the national insurance contribution increase, ensuring

that their growth and stability remain intact. In addition to addressing this, the budget

includes several other measures designed to support workers and businesses alike. The

legal minimum wage for over 21s will rise to £12 .21 an hour and for 18 to 20 year olds

it will increase to £10 an hour.

And this step towards a unified adult rate ensures workers will benefit from a fairer

wage while businesses continue to attract and retain talent.

Of course in Wandsworth we already encourage people to pay the London living wage, which

is still higher than this, and has been reflected in grants, in the level of grants that we

provide to our VCS sector.

In fact, it has only been through constant communication with the VCS and businesses

that we have improved the services offered to him.

I just want to point out that your letter did not at all ask me to speak to KLS or Homebase.

It was very vague, so yeah, I didn't respond to it, but you didn't ask me to do that.

No one's talking to you.

In addition to this, the main rate of corporation tax remains unchanged at 25 % of profits for over a quarter of a million, providing stability for larger enterprises.

The budget also addresses social equity through adjustments to state benefits, and the maximum earning threshold rising for carers from 151 pounds to 195 pounds a week.

and these changes will protect the most vulnerable in our society

and I know will be welcomed by the VCS sector

as it reduces their reliance on services when people have more cash in their pockets.

So yes, the raise the...

Yes, national insurance contributions does introduce new costs for businesses

but it represents a balanced approach.

It ensures that smaller businesses like the majority here in Wandsworth

remain protected while contributing to the collective good.

Thank you. The much -anticipated Labour Budget, the

first they have delivered since the glory years of the Great Recession 15 years ago,

when output collapsed by more than at any time since the 1930s depression,

has laid bare the party's ideological opposition to business and job creation in this country.

The administration should be proud.

Imitation is the highest form of flattery after all.

It is no coincidence that this Labour government has followed in the example of this Labour -run council,

taking to leadership like ones with council,

an Ebenezer Scrooge, a Labour Party hiking council rents and piling costs on businesses,

charities, schools and social care providers, and cancelling Christmas for many.

Maybe the leader might be visited by the ghosts of Christmas's past, to be taken on a journey

to Wandsworth under the Conservatives, to see the benefits to residents of lower rents,

more satisfied tenants, the absence of debt, bins actually collected, and a government

that didn't raise taxes on businesses to fund payoffs to political allies and the unions.

The Ghost of Christmas Present might point out their 14 years of convincing the British

people that fiscal constraints don't exist and then betraying them might have worrying

consequences for political credibility and electoral chances.

Guess what?

The Christmas turkeys have come home to roost.

They promised more and more spending without taxes needing to rise, but now, having taken

power, their only solution is to hike taxes, bar humbug indeed.

The increase in employer -nash insurance contributions, the reduction of the threshold for payments,

and cut business rate discounts sends an unambiguous signal that they do not value jobs in the

various sectors they claim to champion.

And it's not just businesses, it's children's nurseries, charities, and the social care

sector too.

We can only hope that the leader and the prime minister

see the error of their ways when confronted

by the third ghost of the future,

as they see these sectors groaning

under the strain of endlessly rising costs

and demoralized when they should be encouraged.

Nurseries are closing, and high streets in Wandsworth,

already struggling, now face further decline.

On social care, the Labour Party continues

to show weakness and confusion.

The promises of a 35 % full pay restoration for junior doctors

comes almost certainly at the expense of lower paid workers in the health service.

Meanwhile the adult care social care system described by every expert as the

weakest link in our health network remains ignored and underfunded. The

consequences for ones with the stark care providers in our boroughs face over

a billion in additional costs due to the combination of national insurance

contribution hikes and increased national living wage requirements. An

average care home where margins are incredibly low now faces an additional

125 ,000 annually in unobserved costs.

This is not just unsustainable,

it's a disaster waiting to happen

with closures inevitable and services slashed.

The ripple effects will devastate vulnerable residents

and place even greater strain on the NHS.

Our schools too are under pressure

with head teachers already struggling

to make the sums work and keep the schools running.

Labour's tax hikes and the pay increases

will only worsen the situation,

forcing schools to make impossible decisions

about staffing levels.

And charities so vital to our community

have been completely disregarded with their financial assumptions upended by

Labour's refusal to exempt them from national insurance contribution

increases. The Labour Party claims to care about these sectors but their

actions tell a different story. They should do all they can to persuade the

government to take a different path. You can live in the past present and the

future and you can still sponge away the writing on this stone. Change course and

your leader can make his chains far lighter yet. Thank you Madam Mayor. Merry Christmas.

Thank you, Councillor, and it's great to hear that lots of you have the festive spirit.

And just on that, there's also a panto happening in the Civic Suite where you can book tickets

online.

So, as there was no amendments to this motion, so we can now move straight to the vote by

show of hands and by division if necessary.

So all those in favor of the motion.

All those against.

Next.

Any abstentions?

The substantial motion is not carried in favour of the donor.

So there was 23 for and 31 against and zero abstentions.

Moving on to questions to the cabinet members which will now take place.

25 minutes is starting now. Moving on to question 12.

Question 12 to the cabinet member. Thank you.

Councillor Akinola. Thank you. It feels like this is round two

of the question I just answered, but longer. I don't really know what to say to you at

this point, Councillor Hedges, that I haven't said a minute ago, that wasn't said by previous

colleagues, I can tell you that on the 6th of November I actually had a meeting with

the businesses, and on the 13th of November I sent out my agenda for my meeting with the

voluntary sector and your letter arrived too late to actually do anything.

So your letter got to me on, I think it was the 18th.

Yeah, so I'm way ahead of you as normal.

Supplementary Madam Mayor.

I thank the cabinet member for her answer.

There are a number of businesses on Ballum High Road, as you know, in my ward that are

You are already struggling, that haven't been listened to by you,

and struggling with

the profit margins, so I would like to know what value would

she consider as a little more as this could potentially tip some

of these businesses over into administration? Thank you.

a little more? In your answer you refer to, instead of raising

taxes for workers, some businesses... I am so sorry, Councillor Hedges, but we agreed

under the standing order that there would not be a second supplementary. If you would

like to clarify that question, that would be great.

Yes, please. Thank you madame for allowing me to clarify and what I was referring to was your point about the

Sentence where you say instead of raising taxes for workers

Some businesses will pay a little more to help fund the public services that we rely on and that's the clarification

Thank you, I guess that will be business to business depending on how many

employees they have. I'm not sure, I don't want you to clarify this anymore because I'm

fed up with talking about national insurance because it's all we're going to talk about.

But I would be happy to talk to you about, offline, about the businesses that are struggling.

I'm happy to do a walkabout with you. I know that the High Streets team are regularly out

there. I meet with, you know, businesses once a month anyway. So if there are businesses

that I'm not meeting with, I'm happy to get in touch with them and speak to them.

Thank you. Councillor Worrall.

You can borrow your neighbours.

Thank you. Second supplementary. Ironically, tonight's speeches and questions have mentioned

for the first time in ages the voluntary sector numerous times and I am quite surprised.

In your speech, you mentioned that you are in dialogue with the voluntary sector.

I wonder if you could please elaborate on the mechanisms that you use to engage in dialogue with the voluntary sector.

Council Laconola?

Absolutely delighted I'm going to say. I'm delighted to tell you about this.

So we have a voluntary sector meeting that happens every two months.

It's well attended by 40 to 60 different organizations

from across the borough who bring their thoughts.

And so we did speak to them about national insurance

very shortly after the budget announcement

and how they thought it might affect them

and made some suggestions as to how we would mitigate this

alongside them, co -produce solutions together.

Alongside that, we're also speaking to them

about the very first volunteer strategy.

So I also couldn't respond to that other part

of the motion that asked for us to revise a strategy

that doesn't exist.

So we also speak to them about that.

And we have a newsletter that goes out once a month.

And that was being put together

by this amazing volunteer sector team

that didn't exist until we came into power again

and was led until very recently

by the amazing Amelia Willis.

I know she's not going to be watching, but I think she's absolutely excellent.

And we're sad to have lost her.

And I also have a WhatsApp group where I just share grants and things that the voluntary

sector might be able to use.

That goes out to them as and when that happens.

And twice a year we have a meeting where we bring everybody together and then share with

them the things that we're doing in the council across every department and also get views

from them. So we have a very good dialogue with them, one that didn't exist before in

the past 44 years, as Councillor Hedges mentioned, I am a member of the voluntary sector and

I know that never existed, that kind of relationship existed with the Council until we took power.

Thank you.

Thank you Councillor Akinola.

question number 13

Councillor Dobries

Councillor Henderson. Thank you Madam Mayor. And also thank you Councillor Dobries for asking this very

important question which I know impacts upon a very considerable number of

people. Staying well in winter, winter is undoubtedly one of the most pressurised

in those times of the year.

And certainly it is vitally important

that we continue with our tremendous support

for residents during this very difficult time.

I mean, much all we do is actually

enshrined in a comprehensive winter health plan,

which has been discussed thoroughly with the NHS

and also the voluntary community organizations as well.

They are integral parts of the system

in terms of providing support to local residents.

We've also taken to brief all staff within the council

in order to give assistance and to give advice

to people who actually need it.

And that I think is certainly a very considerable

and significant development.

We will continue with our winter health messaging

through the right side, through a wide range of

different media as well, social media.

That is also very important.

And of course we will continue with a number of

please be well established contributions

which we actually make.

I mean RAP, which is essentially a joint project

between Richmond and Wandsworth supports residents

with heating and insulation.

The health bus will continue, and that certainly

is very popular and is very well supported.

In particular, the health bus of course administers

vaccines, it gives advice, it certainly undertakes

health checks, et cetera, and also even gives advice

on energy saving tips.

In addition, we're working very collaboratively

with the NHS in terms of providing community health clinics.

and that again is vitally important

that our residents are actually vaccinated.

And to that end, there is a major initiative

around increasing vaccinations throughout the borough.

There are some parts of the cohort of residents

that have in the past been certainly difficult to reach

in terms of vaccinations.

I think we're making very considerable progress

in relation to that.

But that approach is very much targeted

because we actually know the people

or the groups of people and the residents

and the geography.

So it is actually a very systematic approach.

In addition of course we have community spaces.

We have opened up council buildings

and in addition have provided family hubs

for example in Roehampton and also in Battersea

which provide a very key resource.

libraries have had their hours of opening extended.

While I am actually answering the question,

I was asked, what are we doing to ensure

the residents of the borough are well?

And I'm actually explaining what,

I mean fundamental things.

And Thinking Works, for example,

provide a winter award for service.

Also, winter payments of up to 300 pounds

Madam Mayor, he's laughing at you.

I'm not laughing at you, I'm maybe laughing at you.

Please carry on Councillor Henderson.

I'm not laughing at you because you quite clearly do not understand the very first principles of how we actually protect residents in this borough from winter or indeed anything else associated with health issues.

Sorry.

Please, let's respect all members.

Sorry, did I give you the invitation to speak, Councillor?

Sorry, did I give you the invitation?

I have not invited you to speak, sorry.

Councillor Henderson, please carry on.

And I apologise for the disruptions.

This is uncalled for, this is not appropriate.

Sorry, I do not see anywhere where it says that he's got a timed answer response time.

Madam, I am answering the question.

Now you may not actually like the answer

because it does actually show.

Madam Mayor, you have the power under the procedural rules

to move him on.

But he hasn't finished his question.

You can take the monitoring off your device on this.

He hasn't finished answering his question.

How can I move on?

How long are we gonna let him carry on for?

20 minutes, 30 minutes?

Well, I'm sure he's. I'm just curious.

I don't need to answer these questions.

I am going to go back to Councillor Henderson and we are going to stop being rude, okay?

Councillor Henderson, please carry on and ignore the disruptions.

I will do, thank you.

I think it is extremely disappointing that the members opposite seem to have engaged

upon a quite deliberate policy of disruption.

We have actually listened to their speeches without interruption and they should actually

have, especially at this very time of Christmas, have the sensitivity and good practice to

do so.

Councillor Henderson, I understand, but please just answer the question.

Yeah, okay, fine.

I'm not feeling too good about this whole situation myself.

I mean, this has become like a mockery.

It just feels like pantomime happening here, so please carry on, Councillor Henderson.

Yeah.

Now, I think really what actually this comes to in a nutshell is we are providing much,

much more support for residents than the party opposite ever did in the past 44 years.

Thank you, Councillor Henderson.

Councillor Dobries, do you have a supplementary?

At the last health overview and scrutiny committee, we had a really important paper on homelessness

and health and needs assessment and it had some pretty damning findings so what

is the council doing especially in winter when temperatures start to fall

to help homeless people this winter? Thank you for your question.

Councillor Henderson. Thanks again to you Councillor O 'Briens for focusing upon a

really important topic, homelessness and health. A really comprehensive report was

actually presented both the Health and Well -being Board

and the Health and Scrutiny Committee.

And indeed, it did provoke a very lively debate.

I have to say some aspects of that report

are frankly very, very challenging.

That's the understatement.

It's the first needs assessment

which has actually been undertaken

on this particular subject since 2013.

And the reason why it was undertaken

is precisely because homelessness

has gone through the roof.

It is at its worst level since 2010

under the previous administration,

both locally and nationally.

Waiting lists are at a record high

as a consequence of their policies.

And what we're actually trying to do

is to tackle the consequences of that.

I mean, it has to be said that homelessness

is actually quite, has a wide definition.

I mean, it isn't just simply people

who are quite literally sleeping out rough.

It can involve obviously people

in temporary accommodation,

people who are staying with friends

and a wide range of other people.

So it is not very much a multifaceted issue.

And needless to say, the needs assessment

identified a whole range of problems,

both physical and mental,

and in particular extremely damaging implications

for children who actually live with families.

Now, in terms of what we're actually doing,

this is not gonna be solved overnight.

We are putting in place a range of very strategic measures

in order to ensure that people have far greater access

to a whole range of NHS and clinical services.

We're certainly working with the NHS

and the voluntary sector in order to achieve that.

And we're also giving considerably more support.

In terms of our immediate actions...

Madam Mayor, can we move to an end to the answer so we can get on to another question, please?

Well, I am answering the question.

An answer all night long, but we're not going to get to the question, are we?

In terms of our immediate support, we've actually engaged an extra 30 staff specifically on homelessness,

and we're actually bucking the trend from nationally, temporary accommodation is going through the roof.

in one sort of reality...

I'm sorry, madam, this is hopeless.

Will you take the monitoring officer's advice on your powers to move the meeting along?

I am addressing a...

I think it is quite typical, isn't it?

They're not interested in homelessness and health because they actually caused it.

It's embarrassing.

They are embarrassing.

Their attitude tonight has been completely embarrassing.

Thank you.

then we are looking at next year's increases to social rents

that you will do all you can to oppose those,

not impose yet another eight plus percent increase

in social rents in this borough.

Council Anderson.

Yeah, thank you.

Thank you for that question.

In fact, the rents which have actually been increased

are certainly below in inflation.

And certainly council rents are much, much lower

than what prevails in the private sector.

the private sector owners have really gone through the roof

and that I think is where the principal problem exists.

What I will say is,

although I'm obviously not the cabinet member for housing,

the cabinet does have a very thorough discussion

when setting or agreeing to rent increases,

which takes into account the social consequences

and implications of that.

We also do have a very generous scheme

of supporting people and I do know

that the last finance committee, I think,

wrote off a considerable number of debts.

So we are sympathetic.

We will continue to monitor the situation

to ensure the rents are actually affordable.

And that is a commitment I'm sure that I can give

on behalf of myself and certainly colleagues in the cabinet.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Anderson.

Question number 14.

Councillor Gray.

Oh.

Move on.

On behalf of Councillor Graham and Councillor Humphries, I ask the right hon. Member for

the Cabinet.

The Councillor is 14.

Thank you for your question. The increases in national insurance contributions will add

around £3 .4 million to the direct payroll costs, and this includes £500 ,000 to the

Housing Revenue Account. Staff employed by the Council on fixed -term contracts are included

in these figures. For agency staff, the Council is not responsible for national insurance

contributions for these staff because they are employed by their agency. We will expect

the daily rates for agency staff to increase from next April. We cannot quantify at this

stage. One of the main projects in the change programme is the greater employer to attract

and retain staff to ensure we are not over reliant on agency staff, which will help us

control costs. The Government has given the public sector assurances that any direct costs

from the change to employers' national insurance contributions will be covered by grant, but

they have also confirmed that any indirect costs from contractors and partners will not

be covered. I don't have much more information to share with

Councillor Graham or Councillor Humphries at this stage, as officers

are still working on quantifying the overall impact, with the aim of including

this in the budgets being set for next year. But it is worth noting that the

Chancellor delivered a budget with a range of new measures

that Wandsworth residents will benefit from, including a rise in the minimum

wage and an increase in the state pension. The Budget protected people's pay slips

from higher taxes. The Conservatives wasted billions of pounds of taxpayers' money crashing

the economy, leaving our public services diminished. This Government has a long -term plan to repair

the public finances, increase investment in the NHS and other public services, and increase

investment in the economy to unlock growth. The Budget allocated over £4 billion in additional

funding for local government services, this is a real -terms increase, with at least £600

million of new funding for social care. SEND and homelessness services are also receiving

more money, alongside billions more for the NHS and schools.

National insurance is a key component of funding for public services, and the Budget will raise

revenue to support public services, particularly in health and social care. The Budget will

provide the much -needed income to allow investment in public services which have been run down

by the previous Government. These measures were commended by the International Monetary

Fund. In addition, after six years of single -year settlements under the previous Government,

we welcome the news of future multi -year settlements, which will enable us to make strategic planning

and investment decisions. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Ireland. Moving on to Councillor Graham, second supplementary.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. I didn't admittedly catch the first part of her answer, but I don't think

there was an answer to the question at the very least. It is interesting that last year this

Council received a real terms increase to its funding, which was described in the Council press

releases of real terms cut.

This year, we could well end up with a real terms cut,

given all of the factors involved.

And yet they're already describing it

as a real terms increase before they even know what it is.

It's extraordinary.

But can't the cabinet member at least admit this.

Given the pressures that the Labour government is

going to put on the council's own finances,

this is not the time to borrow over one and a half billion

pounds when the costs are fully totaled.

Thank you.

Council Ireland.

Thank you.

Well, we don't have the full figures yet.

We'll know by the 19th of December just what this settlement will be.

So really, the information I've given you is based on the information that we have.

We will be borrowing money to build homes, a thousand new social homes for our residents,

which is sorely needed.

Fourteen thousand families on the council waiting list.

over 3 ,000 children will wake up on Christmas morning in temporary accommodation.

Absolutely appalling.

So yes, we do think it's a good idea to borrow money to invest in our services.

Thank you.

Second supplementary.

Madam.

Councillor Lawler.

Thank you.

I think let's not forget the impact of 14 years of cuts over the last government.

It was a political choice to sell off playgrounds, cut library hours, not build enough affordable

homes, not build enough council homes, and invest properly in social care.

The cabinet member mentioned a 50 % cut in real terms, a 50 % cut in the government grant,

sorry.

What does that mean in cash terms, please?

Councillor Leland.

Thank you for your question.

That is over £100 million in cash terms, of course that is a lot more in real terms.

One thing that has really suffered from this, while our statutory responsibilities have

increased and demand for our services have increased, we have had less money from the

Government.

The increase we have had in the last couple of years has not made up for the huge cuts

since the coalition Government in 2010.

again. These cuts have devastated the lives of many of our residents and they are turning

to us for help.

Just to look at the context of London, London's population has increased by over 800 ,000 since

2010, yet overall resources available are 18 % lower in real terms. According to the

Institute of Fiscal Studies, there is a 17 % gap between London need and actual funding.

This is the highest gap in the country.

I agree austerity was a political choice and its effects have been

devastating, particularly for residents who rely on public services.

These actions have consequences.

The funding formula has not been updated since 2013 and they no longer

reflect need.

This is driving competition between boroughs across London for the

limited supply of services for temporary accommodation, care

workers and placements for children looked after, resulting in escalating costs.

Councils across London are facing financial difficulties. We are still recovering from

the hyperinflation created by the catastrophic Kamikaze mini -budget. Many of our residents

are still struggling with the cost of living crisis and inadequate supply of private rented

homes. This Council is taking positive action to boost the local supply of affordable housing,

including our Homes for Wandsworth policy building a thousand new social

homes, a policy not supported by the minority party and we are proud to have

the largest cost of living support package in London which has transformed

the lives of many of our residents directly and through our local

reinvigorated voluntary organisations and community partners. Again another

policy not supported by the minority party. Thank you.

Thank you. Moving on to now report number one, items for decision. I move reception

of the report and will ask the Council whether they approve the recommendations in paragraph

one, statement of licensing policy and principles under the Gambling Act 2005, paper number

paper No. 24 -302. Are the recommendations approved? Thank you. Paragraph 2, procurement

governance update and changes, paper No. 24 -342. Are the recommendations approved? All those

it in favour? All those against? Any abstentions? Thank you. The recommendations have been approved.

Paragraph number three.

We'll read the numbers, please.

Okay.

Four thirty -two against twenty -one, one abstention.

Thank you.

So four thirty -two against twenty -one and one abstention.

Paper paragraph three has been withdrawn.

Paragraph four, Treasury Management Mid -Year Review.

paper number 24 -380. Are the recommendations approved?

Thank you. Item 9 is a matter of local or topical interest. We have received notice of two matters

to consider this evening. Councillor Lee, you have up to three minutes to speak on the matter

being raised by the Labour group, which is celebrating hornsworth's success in supporting

leading and championing their social work employees.

Councillor Lee.

Thank you Madam Mayor and good evening everyone.

So I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our Children's Services Department

who have been awarded Supportive Social Work Employer at the prestigious Social Worker of

Awards 2024. Social work is a profession of immense challenges. It is demanding and emotive.

Our social workers navigate complex caseloads while building trust and developing meaningful

relationships with our children and families that they support. It is a balancing act that

requires dedication, resilience and compassion. Day after day they play an essential role

in the lives of our residents, from safeguarding our most vulnerable youngest children,

to helping support families and help young people overcome challenges and achieve their potential.

As a council, we recognise that to deliver this vital support,

we must create an environment where our social workers feel valued, empowered and equipped to succeed.

I am proud that Wandsworth was specifically recognised for fostering an empowering, collaborative

and innovative workplace culture. This approach has brought measurable benefits. By improving

retention rates, we have reduced reliance on agency staff and recruitment costs. This

has saved the Council money. More importantly, it has ensured continuity of care for the

children, young people and families in our borough.

For those navigating difficult circumstances,

having a consistent and trusted professional by their side

is an invaluable source of stability and hope.

I want to extend congratulations to Anna Popovici,

Kate Stock and the entire Children's Services team

for making this achievement possible.

This award also reaffirms our commitment as a council to become a great employer,

not just for our social workers but for everyone who works with this organisation.

We are committed to being an employer that listens, learns and adapts.

As councillors, we must also reflect on our contribution to shaping this culture.

On our overview and scrutiny committees, are we providing constructive challenge?

Are we acting as critical friends?

Through our members' inquiries in council meetings with officers, are we engaging with

professionalism and respect?

In the spirit of Christmas and this festive period, I ask that we take a moment to reflect

on our individual influence and that in the new year we take inspiration from the achievements

of our children's team and strive to also create empowering, collaborative and innovative

working environments across every corner of our council.

This is what our staff deserve, this is what our officers deserve and this is what our

residents deserve.

Thank you.

APPLAUSE

Thank you, Councillor Lee.

Councillor Stock, would you like to answer?

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

Thank you, Councillor Lee, for spotlighting our achievement

and thank you for your reflections just now on how as members

we can consider that reflection and achievement and think about the way that it impacts our

work.

So our workforce is our greatest asset because to improve outcomes for children, staff must

be empowered to build trusted relationships with families.

We are unapologetic in prioritising our ambition to be a supportive employer.

We aspire to get the best out of our employees so they can get the best out of the families

they work with. Our relational way of working requires us to have this as our foundation.

And I too would like to thank our Executive Director, Anna Popovici, for her leadership

in making this a reality. To demonstrate our impact, this is what a young person has said

about their social worker. You've helped me a lot and you've shown me that you are happy

for me. My social worker is always available for me and she is honest with the plans. She

is really helpful and we have a great relationship. We are immensely proud of the work our social

workers and multidisciplinary practitioners do to keep children safe and well. That's

why this Labour administration wants to be a great employer, by investing in modern offices,

embedding development opportunities and new schemes to improve staff well -being.

All with a very clear aim to attract and retain the very best people.

Unfortunately, Wandsworth Tory's record was of children's services that Ofsted judged to be

failing children. Under their inadequate leadership, the use of agency staff spiraled out of control,

peaking at nearly 40 % of social care staff.

That disproportionately higher agency costs

meant that over 60 % of the entire council's revenue spend

was spent fixing the problems they caused.

An irresponsible use of taxpayers' money

are perhaps an example of the Conservatives

putting ideology above outcomes.

In contrast, this Labour council has worked to fix the foundations

to improve children's life chances.

We have worked to strengthen our staff retention

and recruitment and build a workforce with shared values.

And the impact of that is clear.

As of September, our agency rates have reduced to 9%,

well below the 2023 London average of 23%.

So this council can and should be proud of its achievements,

but we are not complacent.

We recognise that children's needs are changing and so must we. So we will be a

forward -looking innovative council and strive to make our best even better and

to do so we are cultivating an environment where everybody can feel

empowered to participate, innovate and lead. Why? Because it really matters to me

that we deliver better support for every child because every child matters.

Thank you Councillor Stark and well done Miss Popovich and Children's Services

for all your achievements. For the second matter of local or topical interest

could I ask Councillor Corner to speak on the issue being raised by the

Conservative Group, which is the failure of Wandsworth Council to bring an end to the

ongoing protest on Riverside Walk in Nine Elms, and the repeated failure of leadership

by the Council's administration to stand up for Wandsworth's residents in the face of

disruptive protests.

Councillor Lecourne, you have three minutes, starting now.

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

I wish to raise a really important issue about the ongoing protest at Riverside Walk in Nynam's

and the failure of the council leadership to effectively respond to the disruption and distress

it has caused since it began on the 1st of September. The right to protest is of course

a cornerstone of any democratic society but we must also be clear that this right does not extend

to causing unchecked disruption, damage and intimidation to the communities in which protests

occur, and this is particularly important in areas where protests can be expected, like

near the US Embassy. For almost four months, residents on the

Nine Elms Lane have endured excessive noise late into the night, the defacement of public

property with political slogans, and the erection of tents and lighting of fires in public spaces.

A key walkway into the borough has been blocked, making our area look terrible in the run -up

to being the London borough of culture,

the sense of safety and security,

particularly for those walking in the area late at night,

has been undermined.

Councillor Justin and I have worked

with the police in residence,

asked questions at two meetings of full council,

written to the mayor of London,

and presented a petition signed

by over 200 local people to this council.

We have also written to the leader of the council,

but no reply has been received.

Despite the mounting disruption

and repeated calls for intervention, the Council's administration has failed to act. This inaction

has sent a dangerous message that disruptive and intimidating protesters can act with impunity

in our borough. This is not an isolated incident. Residents have seen similar protests disrupt

other areas of Wandsworth in recent years, with no action being taken then either. The

latest chapter of this catalogue of failures. The administration needs to do

better. It needs to strike a better balance between upholding the right to

protest and protecting the rights of residents to live in a safe and secure

environment. They really need to state publicly that they do not believe the

current protest at the Nine Elms Pavilion is acceptable. They should apply

for an injunction to end the current protest because it has broken the

number of laws and cause such disruption. They should ensure the damage done by protesters

in the area is repaired and made good, to include the removal of graffiti and repairs

to any damaged parts of the streetscape in the area, and they need to set out a framework

by which the Council will use to manage protests across the borough in the future.

The Council leadership also needs to commit to working more collaboratively with residents

and other agencies, particularly the police, in the management of all major protests.

This administration said it would run a listening council.

Now is the time to live up to that.

They need to protect our community, uphold the law and ensure that protests do not infringe

on the rights of others to live in peace and safety.

Thank you.

Councillor Hogg, you have three minutes should you wish to respond.

I'd like to thank the Councillor for raising that important issue.

Community safety is the top priority for this Council.

Council is one of the basics that Council must provide before anything else matters.

We work incredibly closely with the police to manage protests, as you say, balancing

their legitimate right to protest with the needs of the local community.

The police conduct regular engagement with the protesters down at the Nine Elms site,

which they keep us closely sighted on.

We are monitoring the situation and we're confident that the police are taking the right

approach to managing what has been a peaceful protest.

The community has fed back positively about the police and the council's response.

I would note that there is a long tradition of protest in Battersea.

Residents there have campaigned against the slave trade, animal testing, the Boer War, women's rights, environmental issues,

and of course, more recently when you tried to close Battersea Arts Centre and charge children £2 .50 to use a playground.

Wandsworth Labour's record on community safety speaks for itself. We've invested in new CCTV

officers providing considerably more monitoring time in one of London's largest CCTV networks.

Police regularly feedback on how important and effective this is. It has caught criminals,

it has helped to save lives. We've doubled the number of community safety officers in

the borough and we've doubled support for victims of domestic violence. We will continue

to work for a society where people feel safe to go about their lives and also feel safe

to express their political views because they are two sides of the same coin.

I appreciate you find these protests irritating but I hope you can see the overall and central

value of dissent.

I'm proud that this is a country where we distrust authority, including political leaders.

You can show up and shout at us.

That's the absolute core of what we do.

And it works.

In Britain we combine persistent division with relative harmony.

We learn to disagree well and we see the eventual compromise we reach as victory, not betrayal.

We're proud to be a country that both loves peace and quiet and has that restless and

demanding conscience.

So those are the two sides to the coin.

Without dissent, without error correction, without protest, we wouldn't have had those

debates about religious liberty, about equality, about the rights of women, about foreign affairs

and democracy.

And I think we're all the better for having those debates.

Thank you, Councillor Hoag. The whips have agreed that Item 17 will be taken next. Item

17 is the motion on compassion at Christmas. Can I ask Councillor Hawke to move and Councillor

Ambasch to second the motion in their names. An amendment to the motion has also been circulated.

May I ask Councillors Hamilton and Suttors to move and second their amendment?

I am happy to move.

Thank you.

There is actually no vote on that.

Point of order.

Councillor Corner, what point of order?

Can you see I'm speaking?

I am still speaking.

Standing order 16, point of order.

There is a vote on this.

There is a motion on the same topic

at the end of the meeting.

Thank you, Councillor Corner.

I was coming to that, that there will be a movement.

We're not thinking we do it now while we're here.

We waited two hours to get this part of the meeting.

Well, you could have asked them to move this forward.

This could have been more moved forward before two hours.

Madam Mayor, on a point of order, 16.

Sorry, there is no point of order here.

I'm allowed to make a point of order, you haven't heard what it is yet.

It's entirely within your rights and prerogatives to bring that vote forward

so that it can be heard by those in the gallery and they can go home.

If you wish to do that, you can and there's nothing stopping you.

And you could have brought this up two hours earlier as well.

If I could invite Councillor Ambas. Thank you. Did I say that? No, I did not. I did

not say them words. Do not say that. Do not say things which are not true.

You can bring it forward, Madam Mayor.

Madam Mayor, we would like to offer you some solidarity from our side for the mansplaining

that is going on and the constant interruptions and heckling, which quite frankly are not

appropriate to the Mayor at all. So, apologies for their behaviour.

Dear residents and viewers, can you hear I am talking?

Can you hear I am talking?

Sorry, can you hear that I'm talking?

I'm addressing the...

I want to respect residents' time. Can you please bring the vote forward?

What? Are you talking about respect to me?

Let me tell the residents, we had a meeting beforehand.

The Whips knew about this, both sides knew about this, but nobody decided to bring it forward then.

And...

So, do not make me look like I am the one on this position.

from the monitoring officer you can bring it forward now. Your whip and you knew about this.

Your whip and you knew about this.

There is nothing to stop you bringing it forward now.

It is my choice, it is my choice and you could have moved this two hours before you knew your residence.

Madam.

Sorry, stop. You knew your residence.

The residence.

Sorry, can you just excuse me.

It's not ours, it's the residents that are asking to bring it forward, Madam Mayor.

residents, I understand that you've been sitting here for nearly two hours and I

understand that you've had to face a lot of disruptions and a lot of unnecessary

behavior tonight and I sympathize with you and so therefore I am going to be

moving the vote forward. Sorry I don't understand what there's to talking about.

the floor.

Thank you.

Also residents, this could have been moved two hours forward,

but the Councillors did not ask me or did not tell me about

this. They've had further, they've had enough ample time to

tell me about this.

We have an agreed order of business which is that one motion comes from one party in

one meeting first and then the next meeting it's from the other party it comes first.

So what's now being requested is that we reverse the order of the motions. Well, unless you're

just saying that we're just going to vote on it without speeches, which I'm sure none

of us would mind.

That's just completely untrue. That is completely untrue. We've had the main motions.

Sorry, Councillor Richard Jones, please. This I please with disruptions. I've told, sorry,

I have told the residents that I am going to go for the vote. Okay, so now everything has changed

So now I am looking for the correct place. So please just give me a moment

Item 18 is the motion on the failure of Wandsworth Council to bring an end to the ongoing protest on Riverside walk

in Nine Elms and the repeated failure of leadership by the council's

administration to stand up for Wandsworth residents in the face of disruptive protests.

Can I ask... Can you have a division on this please? Name vote, name vote.

Sorry I haven't even finished, can you just let me finish? Have some manners.

Can I ask Councillor Corner, sorry I'm still speaking.

Can I ask Councillor Corner to move and Councillor Justin to second the motion in their names?

I would like to propose the motion and have a named vote.

Seconded.

Thank you.

Councillors, please indicate for, against or abstain.

Councillor Acunola. Against.

Councillor Ambach. Against.

Councillor Anand. Against.

Councillor Apps. Against.

Councillor Austin. For.

Councillor Ayres. Against.

Councillor Belton. Against.

Councillor Burchill. For.

Councillor Boswell. Against.

Councillor Brooks. For.

Councillor Caddy. For.

Councillor Colchay. Against.

Councillor Cooper. Not here.

Councillor Corner. For.

Councillor Critchard. Against.

Councillor Crivelli. For.

Councillor Davies. Against.

Councillor de la Soja. For.

Councillor Dickardam. Against.

Councillor Dobre. Against.

Councillor French. Against.

Councillor Fraser. Against.

Councillor gasser against Councillor gosh aim for councilor Govindia

Councillor mrs. Graham for Councillor Graham for Councillor Grimston for Councillor Hamilton

Councillor hedges for

Councillor Henderson

against Councillor hog

Councillor Humphries

Councillor Ireland

Councillor Jeffries for Councillor Justin for Councillor lawless

Not here.

Councillor Lee.

Councillor Locher.

Not here.

No.

Councillor Marshall.

Against.

Councillor Mayorkas.

Against.

Councillor Osborne.

Against.

Councillor Owens.

For.

Councillor Paul.

Against.

Councillor Pridham.

For.

Councillor Richard -Jones.

for councillor Rigby against councillor stock against councillor Sutter's for

councillor sweet for for councillor tiller against councillor for our charge

against councillor white against councillor Worrell against councillor

power.

I am going to read it to you by an opening counsel I will read it

through as to the remains of my destiny corporation.

I do think that actually imitating and pretending you are voting when someone is not here is

actually a fairly appalling thing to happen in a democratic organisation.

I would wish you to have a word.

I am not sure who it was that someone quite clearly tried to vote when they had no right

to vote.

I think that undermines the whole system.

I'm sorry.

Thank you for your apology.

Noted.

22 against 30.

The motion is lost.

Thank you.

Councillor Ambash, would you like to speak?

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

I hope we might get all party support for compassion and for fairness.

This does not mean that we agree on everything, but similarly to the way we work on the Grants

committee, a joint vote would show that we can act and work together on

occasions. I'm going to say something about the cost of living program, the low

council tax, access for all and debt and sound financial management. Our ambitious

cost of living program helps those who are struggling with finance, with heating

their accommodation and putting food on the table for their families. One of the

One of the many excellent projects that the Council is running is extending our warm spaces in libraries

while offering children activities and energy advice sessions.

We are making winter payments worth up to 300 pounds for our elderly residents

who are not currently in receipt of pension credit but are on Council tax reduction scheme.

By working in partnership with the voluntary sector

so we can reach parts of the community

that are hard to reach,

many projects now use volunteer help

from those who are themselves receiving help.

Many projects are helping residents and communities

become more financially sustainable in the longer term.

A recent grant we made on the grants committee

was to St. Michael's and St. Stephen's churches

to open their doors to those in the community

and other community organizations,

offering community lunches, advice sessions,

homework clubs, intergenerational activities,

and much more.

Councillors, please do encourage new

and emerging community groups in your ward

to bid for our start -up grants

to extend the voluntary sector activities.

Council tax hits those on low incomes hardest,

so it is right to restrict increases.

We remain proud to have the lowest council tax

in the country.

We have exempted 10 ,000 households on lowest incomes

from paying any council tax in Wandsworth.

Those with the broadest shoulders should pay more,

so we agreed with all party support

that those with second properties

should pay double council tax.

The council is being proactive in helping residents

access benefits using LIFT to identify beneficiaries,

auto enrollment for free school meals,

and encouraging take -up of pension credit

and attendance allowance.

Access for All gives free access to leisure facilities

such as swimming, gym, pitch and parched tennis,

and ensures all residents, including children,

and have equal opportunities.

There are discounted rates for Battersea fireworks

and Exmouth pantomimes.

All parties on the finance committee agreed

a fair debt charter, which means the council works fairly

with residents to help resolve matters

where residents have debts owing to the council.

On sound financial management, our reserves

are in good health with over 200 million pounds compared with many other authorities that

are struggling. Our finance staff have done well this year in realising strong performance

on our investment income. We support prudent borrowing to gain substantial long -term housing

assets and reduce paying so much for emergency temporary accommodation. So this year our

temporary accommodation is costing about 30 million pounds.

Further, local permanent housing is much better

for families, staying near their family support

and support networks and maintaining children

in stable local education.

So let's debate the details of exactly how we act fairly.

But let's all agree that we share compassionate values.

And I hope you will show this by voting unanimously

for this motion.

Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Ambersch. Councillor Sattis.

I'm just not used to speaking in this chamber anymore. I'll start off by saying that I rather

like the title of the motion and note that it chimes with your tagline structured around

the idea of a more compassionate and fairer council. But it's not lost on me that in using

this phraseology, and in many of your words tonight, you throw shade on the previous administration,

not always fairly, and you sprinkle a little fairy dust on the decisions you take. I must

also point out that some of the matters that are listed are legacy issues and have their

and the work of the previous administration

and the Conservative government.

You can find more details of these in the counter motion.

But let me get back to the main thrust of my speech.

I may be wrong, but I believe that your substantive

decisions, who and what to support,

appears to rely heavily on the work

of your various commissions,

ostensibly independent, but stuck to the gills

with left -leaning individuals.

This allows your policy to be formulated by Salima slicing through your manifesto commitment

of ambitious for all to become ambitious for some.

And so in the spirit of Compassion at Christmas, I have come up with my own list.

They may not be as worthy as some of the ones you have spoken about, but they're what residents

talk to me about and surely we should be listening.

Number one, police deployment, and we just had the Nine Elms debate.

Residents want to be able to rely upon the police and on their local teams.

So when they are abstracted, which they are now frequently, they leave the local area

uncovered.

To my mind, if you call yourself the West Putney S &T, you should be in West Putney.

And that seems to serve to me that we have a lack of police numbers and that it's only

going to get worse.

So can I ask the administration to assure council that I am speaking with the commissioner

about this and what they intend to do?

Number two, we have covered this in part tonight.

Pensioners not in receipt of pension credit who have lost their winter fuel benefit.

Remember when you upped your allowances?

Do you remember what you said to us?

Well, not many people can afford to be a councilor so we need to pay more.

I don't think many people can afford to be a pensioner on a basic pension in Wandsworth

in the winter of 2024.

These are residents who paid their stamp yet only get a tad over the pension credit and

none of the additional benefits.

This inequality is hardly in line with your manifesto promise of prosperity for all.

I would ask you whether you could do better.

I know you have made a tad of a change by allowing two, three hundred pounds for those

under 80 and those above 80, but honestly, I don't think it's enough.

Number three on my list is Bradstow School.

If ever we needed compassion, it is here.

To be honest, it broke my heart when I heard the news that you were thinking of closing

Bradstow, but it's not my heart we should worry about.

It's the heart of the 68 pupils and their families.

A residential school of excellence for children with severe autism and fragile eggs.

I would like to ask how many of you have visited?

I have and I was really moved.

It is irreplaceable and once it's gone, it's gone.

Introduce change management if it needs it.

Set on those councils that aren't paying their bills but for heaven's sake find a way to

keep it open. And finally on my list of requests tonight, I would like to refer to tomorrow's

planning committee, Ashburton Estate Applications. And again, I went back to your manifesto of

2022. You promised to be a listening council that gives you the residents' control. You

said you, that is the resident, would decide what housing is built in your neighbourhood.

Well, that definitely hasn't happened here. You have been faced with a wall of opposition

which you've blamed on us, but I promise you, even without our support, the residents would

have kicked off. I always think we do not really own anything as a council. We are custodians.

We manage land and resources for the people of Wandsworth, and it is where will it should

be respected and lead. And just because you live in a council housing should not mean

your voice residents less. I really hope that tomorrow night we will be listened to. Thank

you so much and happy Christmas to everybody.

Thank you Councillor Sattus. Councillor Boswell.

Thank you very much, Madam Mayor.

This time of year can be a time of reflection as well as celebration.

I wanted to use this speech not only to celebrate all the numerous examples of kindness, fairness

and compassion woven into this administration's policies, but also to remember what has been

done in this borough over the years.

The unkindness, the unkindness of policies designed to drive out of Wandsworth people

that need social housing and are in need of public services.

The unkindness and unfairness meted out by the Conservative -led government of Cameron

and Osborne.

It was unkindness and unfairness dressed up as austerity in order to cut and cut public

services as Councillor Arlen said a political choice.

I was here a decade ago, a bit over, where these cuts were being made in Wandsworth,

closing down youth clubs, Sure Start centres, one o 'clock clubs, adventure playgrounds and

and even an attempt to close down a library that was being used by more children than

any other library in the borough.

I saw that and I witnessed that.

I was angry about it then and I'm still angry about it now.

So in contrast to this administration's values of fairness, kindness and compassion, we're

launching a play strategy and a youth strategy that have kindness woven into them.

The compassion to understand the value of having somewhere to go and someone to talk to after a bad day at school.

Or when things are tough at home. That's the last thing you cut.

And whether you're five years old or 25 years old, our youth strategy targets children all the way through and up to 25 years old for those with special educational needs.

far wider than the national average of 8 to 16. And the kindness and fairness of

our Go Find Them strategy, where those in need of services are proactively sought

out, taking the services to them where they are and breaking down the barriers

to access, not waiting for them to come to us. And our family hubs in Battersea

and Roehampton, where services are now all in one place

and families can register births at the same time

as dropping off kids at soft play,

access health services, get immunizations,

see a health visitor, and get a free hot drink

and access wifi, compassion.

I also want to say that in my opinion,

there has been far too much unkindness.

And I was going to say, in this country and around the world, but the way that people

have behaved in this chamber tonight, that's unkind and unfair, and I'm horrified.

There's been far too much in recent years of this unkindness, and to go back to my speech,

none more so than the previous government's attitude to refugees and asylum seekers.

stirring up hatred against people who often through no fault of their own

arrive on our shores seeking refuge. Like Yusuf, not his real name, an

unaccompanied minor from Afghanistan who is placed with Wandsworth foster carers.

I spend a lot of time meeting our foster carers and children and young people in

the Councillors' care and I met Yusuf's foster mum a few months ago with

you, Madam Mayor, I think you'll probably remember this. And she told me his story.

He had walked from Afghanistan, crossing five countries, staying in passenger houses en

route, and sometimes on his own, and sometimes with others, before eventually crossing the

channel and arriving at Dover. And I asked his foster carer how a refugee youngster arriving

at Dover had been placed in care in Wandsworth and she said because Wandsworth takes its

share, because Wandsworth takes its share and that is because we are a borough of sanctuary

and in that processing centre on that day in Dover Wandsworth was there on the road

to stepping up and offering a place in care for an unaccompanied minor and thank you so

much to Councillor Varatharaj and the whole team that fought for us to be a

borough of Council and Yousif incidentally is now thriving and doing

really well at school and wanting to study engineering. I commend this motion

to the chamber.

Thank you Councillor Pazor. Councillor Hamilton. Thank you very much Madam Mayor.

It's a pleasure to speak in this debate this evening.

And can I also begin by welcoming Councillor Sutter's,

who I think is the ultimate voice of common sense

back to the chamber this evening.

I know we're all delighted to see you here.

Given that it's Christmas,

I'd hope to start on a more optimistic note,

but I do feel that I should start by,

I think, taking issue with what Councillor Boswell

has said, particularly about the Conservative Party's record

when it comes to refugees

and to those coming to this country to seek sanctuary and to seek protection

from dictatorial regimes and those that abuse your their human rights. I'm

delighted as all members of this group to hear of the example of Yusef and to

hear how well that he is doing but I cannot let it be said that the

Conservative Party who in government implemented one of the largest

resettlement schemes for refugees coming from Ukraine is somehow uncaring. I

cannot also look at our own benches and the family backgrounds and personal

stories of members of our own group and allow that to go unchallenged. I will continue my

remarks that looks to the world and always welcomes refugees to our shore. I also wanted

to thank Councillor Ambash for the comments that he made this evening. Serving with him

on the Grants Committee but also having served under him as Mayor, he has been a paragon

of fairness throughout my dealings with him and I know that the approach that he brings

to Grants is a hugely consensual one that Councillor Hedges and myself on the Grants

Committee have hugely welcomed. So a big thank you to Councillor Ambash for much of the work

that he has done to work with us over the last year.

Now when I look at the shopping list of items that was included by the administration on

their motion this evening, there's much superficially to welcome. A lot of this sounds good and

of course at this time of year we all welcome the idea of compassion. But as Councillor

As Professor Sutter said in her own remarks this evening,

it is important that we remember

that when we look behind this advent calendar

of Labour -supposed achievements,

behind them lies 44 years of Conservative administration.

It is the Conservative Party's reserves,

understanding that you don't just spend money,

but you save it for difficult times,

which has allowed the Council, in these difficult moments,

to be generous and to extend the hand of support

to those who need it so badly.

But it is important of course also to touch upon where this Labour

administration's policies are not doing well, are not serving the people of this

borough. And when it comes to compassion the issue of housing is an extremely

important one. Now the motion refers to sound financial management but I think

it's important to know that the borrowing which the administration is

proposing totals $668 million for the next 10 years with interest payments of

606 million and over the next 50 years, that is estimated to be 1 .5 billion.

Compassion cannot simply be today, but it also needs to be tomorrow.

And the ability to invest in difficult times is built on things like reserves, not a pile

of debt, which is that the Labour Party are pursuing in office.

Similarly, when it comes to one's human dignity, having a place to live, feeling secure, a

Home is the most important thing you can have,

and Councillor Henderson made reference

to that earlier this evening.

But the reality is, over the last two years,

this administration has raised housing rents

by 15%, more than 15%.

At the same time, if you compare rent arrears

in this borough to the year 1920,

there were 7 ,752 properties that were in rent arrears.

As of the 7th of December, that figure has gone up

to 17 ,487 with a 30 % increase over the last year alone.

I would question whether the Labour Party's focus

on increasing rents, increasing charges,

wherever it may be and whatever committee we sit on,

is really serving the needs of residents of this borough,

particularly when it comes to the ability

and the need to feel safe in one's own home.

Now there's obviously ideological dividing lines

that exist between the Conservative Party

and the Labour Party.

The Labour Party likes to tax, likes to take money,

likes to spend money, and likes to run social programs.

Some of those are necessary, and we as a conservative group

would never argue against them.

But when it comes to compassion,

the most important things that people can feel

are being safe in their own home,

which is why I think this evening's behavior

on the part of the Labour Party,

when it comes to protests in Nine Elms

that are materially damaging the quality of people's life,

That doesn't indicate compassion.

It indicates that you're ignoring the views of residents.

Similarly, when it comes to issues in relation to housing and the future of housing policy

in this borough, we're heading down a road with the proposed revisions to the local plan

that will come in front of this council to take away the ability of people or restrict

the ability of people to buy their own home as opposed to live in social rental accommodation.

And we as Conservatives believe people should be able to own their own home, to get on the

housing ladder to enjoy the benefits of policies like right to buy that have

transformed so many lives. So whilst I respect the spirit of the motion put

forward by the Labour Party this evening and I believe that many of your members

believe you are doing the right thing, I would urge you as we enter the new year

to take a good look at your policies and see are they serving the aspirations of

the people of Wandsworth. Are they really serving their ability to get ahead in

life? Because the greatest thing that we can do to demonstrate compassion in this

borough is to give people a leg up, to give them an opportunity to own and to give them

an opportunity to have a future properly in this borough.

Thank you very much and have a great Christmas.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Hamilton.

Councillor Dickerton.

Yeah, thanks.

I'm going to use my time this evening to try and address the points that have been raised

by the opposition, which I think has broadly fallen into a number of categories.

So I'm gonna try cover rents, planning reform,

the issue around safety, community policing,

and the financial question of conservative party reserves

and borrowing and the questions of saving up for tomorrow.

Before I do that though, I think it's worth stating

that in the simplest possible terms,

the project that I see myself as part of,

that I think this group sees themselves as part of

and that motivates me to get up every morning,

is the project of trying to redistribute

resources and power, right?

That's the starting point, because some people

can kind of manage themselves when they're faced

with the market forces that have come to dominate our lives,

but others can't.

And I think their lives, their contributions,

their aspirations are just as important.

And I think that's what's at the heart of this motion

is that this council wants to intervene

to try and protect those who can't survive in this world

and which market forces come to dominate our lives.

And so it's unsurprising why social housing

has become such an obsession of mine

because it's, you know,

uncontrolled speculative housing markets

have led to one of the most basic human rights,

basic human needs, shelter over your head,

becoming basically unavailable to people

within a single generation in this borough.

And I think we're still trying to grapple

with the consequences and reality of that.

And to be frank, we are firefighting.

We're firefighting that crisis.

We're using all the powers we have at our disposal

to try and protect those at the sharpest end.

And some of that is gonna have more than just a focus

on access to resources,

because we know that our resources are limited

by the factors of national government, of what we can do as a council, but we are, and

you know we are, because you criticise us for doing it, squeezing every possible avenue

to direct those resources to those at the sharpest end when it comes to the housing

crisis and doing everything in our power to try and alleviate some of the unfairness there.

So I'm going to focus first on rents.

So the rents question that you raise, we've tackled this at this council before.

we set rents in line with the government guidance on CPI plus one. Now for decades your Conservative administration

consistently raised rents above the government guidance

regularly and then you would often freeze just before a political cycle. This is evidenced by the

statistics of the last 20 years. Then there was a four -year cut by George Osborne.

Now the purpose of that cut was to remove money from the housing revenue account that we use to try and

maintain our properties in order to try and reduce the benefits bill. That was the purpose

of it. And so for us, serious financial management is making sure that we have a healthy HRA.

And so most of the most vulnerable residents when these rent increases have happened, which

are statutory CPI plus one, it's set by the government, we meet those so that our housing

revenue account is protected, we can look after our stock, and those residents on housing

benefit don't get hit because their benefit has risen in line with that. And those who

work, which I think is going to be your point, those who don't have access to benefit, we

are focusing all our resources to make sure that they are protected.

Now, the renter is questioned, as formulated from this.

So we're monitoring it very closely.

The large jump is to do with universal move to universal credit.

So the figures are scary and we're worried about them, but one of the issues that you've

picked up in the big jump from 7 ,000 to 17 ,000 is that move from the benefit being directly

paid to the council to going onto universal credit, which means that there are some delays.

Now we're going to come to this council with a transparent breakdown of how many of those are these

Administrational delays that are causing that and how many of these are people that need support

And looking after and we are we are willing to do that is part of our administration's priorities

the second thing I want to talk about before I run out of time is the issue of

Borrowing and the issue of the Conservative Party resources, right?

Because while I was in opposition

We desperately asked you to borrow on the housing revenue account when interest rates were almost 0 .1 percent

that you could have saved this borough

millions and millions of pounds

that we could have spent on building housing

on long -term public works loan board loans.

Now, no, no, no, no, absolutely,

we still have thousands of families

who are in temporary accommodation,

which is costing us in the long run.

If we'd have taken out those loans then,

we would have saved money.

We know this, and I can understand some of the logics

why you might have done it at the time,

but that was a missed opportunity.

This council can't wait, this council cannot wait

and allow the housing crisis to get worse.

it cannot allow increased 4 ,000 families

to be in temporary accommodation long term.

That is an existential financial crisis

for local authorities all across London

and across the country.

And so by borrowing to invest, it's just like a mortgage.

It's an incredibly responsible thing to do.

I'm happy to give way.

I'm grateful to him.

I do think it's to his credit that he is one of the few

members of this administration who will give way

and who doesn't shy away from the debate.

So I do credit him for that.

Does he accept though that on his plans he's borrowing money over 50 years

To build a relatively small number of units and it's going to take him what a good 10 years to build them all out

It's a drop in the ocean at a housing crisis

Shouldn't he if he really wanted to borrow money and make an immediate impact borrow it to buy up properties

Which arguably he could do cheaper than building them. I

Think that's an important point to make and one that needs to be on the record is that we do we do purchase properties

But the idea that you can compare a brand new to modern spec green brand new council home to a to a purchase back

To say it's a drop in the ocean

fundamentally misunderstands the reality of the lived experience of the people that we talk to every single day these thousands homes will not be in

A drop in the ocean to the thousands of families on the waiting list and the way that allocations work means that by building a

Thousand homes you're housing

3 ,000 4 ,000 individuals in this borough who are otherwise would be placed in poor quality simple combination or stuck in overcrowd accommodation

This is the business that we are in the business of changing lives the business of giving people an opportunity

To get on in life and a social and secure affordable rent

Over their heads is one of the most important things we can do

And if that if this counts as a drop in the ocean saving

4 ,000 people 5 ,000 people then that is the best life's work

I could ever commit myself to and that's why we'd like you to support this motion and

Sadly the light the light the light has gone red

But 50 ,000 people have had access to free swim and gym because of the access for all program

I mean, I think you really need to reflect on how significant the Access Forward program is. You should look into it. It's incredible

It means that some of the unaccompanied refugees who arrive here can just you know can go and

Spend time with other young people in sports facilities that we run. It's an incredible program

So sadly I've run out of time, but this council is dedicated to trying to make this a fairer more equal borough

We are willing to open ourselves up to criticism

But we have serious moral commitments and most commitments are not just because we think that it's a nice thing to do

We think it's imperative we get to make people's lives better in this bar.

Thank you, Councillor Dickerton.

The matter now before the Council is the amendment moved by Councillor Hamilton and seconded by Councillor Sutters.

All those in favour of the amendment.

All those against?

Any abstentions?

Thank you.

So we've got four 22 31 against and zero abstentions. The motion is the amendment is carried. It's not

carried. Sorry it's not carried. Okay so now.

So all those in favour of the substantive motion.

All those against? Any abstentions?

The motion is carried by 32 for in favour and zero against and 21 abstentions.

Madam Mayor, thank you. Firstly, I would like to thank you for chairing this evening and

doing so with fortitude and with determination. So thank you so much. And secondly, as we're

all looking forward to Mincepies as well, now that we've sat for more than two and a

hours and I move that we move the remaining business of the council agenda

is disposed of under procedure in standing order 32. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Do we have a seconder? Thank you. As the council has that for more

than two and a half hours it has been moved and seconded that the remaining

items of business and tonight's agenda be disposed of in accordance with the

provisions of Standing Order No. 32, which means that the necessary motions to deal with

reports for decision shall be formally moved and seconded and immediately voted on without

debate. Is the motion to deal with the remaining business in this way agreed?

All those in favour? All those against?

Next?

Any abstentions?

The motion is carried forward.

31 for, 22 against and zero abstentions.

The motion is carried.

The motion is still carried forward.

4 .30 against 22 and one abstention.

Moving on to Executive Report No. 2.

I move reception of the report.

Can Paragraphs 1 to 11 and Paragraphs 12 to 14 in the supplementary paper be received

for information?

Agreed?

Do they want to vote?

Is it agreed?

Thank you.

Item number 12 is from the Planning Applications Committee. Report number 3,

Councillor Belton. Thank you. So paragraphs 1 to 2 from pages 117 are for

information. Item 13 is from the Joint Staffing Committee. Report number 4,

Councillor Hogg. Thank you. Item 14 is from

I'm sorry. Paragraphs one on page 119 is for information. Item 14 is from the

General Purposes Committee report number five.

Councillor Osborne. Yes, formerly Madam Mayor but Merry Christmas everybody.

Paragraphs 1 on page 121 are for information. Item 15 is from Health and Wellbeing Board.

Report number 6, Councillor Henderson. Thank you, Madam Mayor, Paragraphs 1 to 5

for information. I think we could all do with a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank

you. Thank you, Councillor Henderson. Paragraphs

1 to 5 from page 123 are for information. Item 19 is a report by the Director of Law

and Governance on the Members' Allowance Scheme to apply in 2024 to 2025, paper No.

24 to 402. Is the report noted for information?

Okay.

So all those in favour of noting for information. Please indicate for again

against or abstain

against councillor Crichard for councillor Crabelli councillor Davis

councillor de la sujou against councillor Dickerton for councillor

Dobre for councillor French for councillor Fraser for councillor gasser

for councillor go Shane against councillor Govindia councillor mrs.

Graham councillor Graham councillor Grimston against councillor Hamilton

councillor hedges against councillor Henderson for councillor hog councillor

Humphreys councillor Ireland councillor Jeffries against councillor Justin

against councillor lawless council Lee for councillor Locker

Councillor Marshall. For.

Councillor Mayakras. For.

Councillor Osborne. For.

Councillor Owens. Against.

Councillor Paul. For.

Councillor Pridham. Against.

Councillor Richard Jones. Against.

Councillor Rigby. For.

Councillor Stock. For.

Councillor Suttors. Against.

Councillor Sweet, Councillor Tiller, 4.

Councillor Vartheraj, 4.

Councillor White, 4.

Councillor Worrall, 4.

Councillor Yates, 4.

The report is noted for information. The results of the recorded vote are 4, 31, against 22,

and 0 abstentions. The report is noted for information.

Item number 20 is a revised proposed amendment to committee memberships and outside bodies.

paper number 24 to a dash 403 403. Are the recommendations approved?

Thank you councillors that concludes the business of the meeting for this evening.

We welcome your comments

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Council - Wednesday 11 December 2024, 7:30pm - Wandsworth Council Webcasting

CouncilWednesday, 11th December 2024 at 7:30pm

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Wednesday, 11th December 2024 at 7:30pm