LONDON BOROUGH OF TOWER HAMLETSCOUNCIL MEETINGWEDNESDAY 21st JANUARY 2015
QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BYMEMBERS OF THE PUBLICREPORT OF THE SERVICE HEAD,
DEMOCRATIC SERVICESSUMMARY1.

Set out overleaf are the questions submitted by members of the public, for
response by the Mayor or appropriate Cabinet Member at the Council Meetingon 21st January 2015.

2.

The Council’s Constitution sets a maximum time limit of twenty minutes forthis item.

3.

A questioner who has put a question in person may also put one brief
supplementary question without notice to the Member who has replied to hisor her original question. A supplementary question must arise directly out of
the original question or the reply. Supplementary questions and Members’
responses to written and supplementary questions are each limited to twominutes.

4.

Any question which cannot be dealt with during the twenty minutes allocatedfor public questions, either because of lack of time or because of nonattendance of the questioner or the Member to whom it was put, will be dealt
with by way of a written answer.

5.

Unless the Speaker of Council decides otherwise, no discussion will takeplace on any question, but any Member of the Council may move, without
discussion, that the matter raised by a question be referred for considerationby the Cabinet or the appropriate Committee or Sub-Committee.

QUESTIONS
Nine public questions have been submitted as set out below:6.1

Question from Ms Margaret Bradley:

Why are the leaseholder services provided by Tower Hamlets Homes so dreadful?
6.2

Question from Mr P.B. Prasad:We believe that the East End Homes (EEH) have not met their responsibilities under
the terms and spirit of the transfer of stock agreement as outlined in the 34 clausesof the main documents which they signed back in 2006. They seem to have flouted
the promise to make improvements to the Holland Estate. Despite this blatantdisregard, the company – EEH – wishes to now demolish our homes to make a profit
which we fully oppose and will fight against. We know that the Mayor Rahman andTower Hamlets First is a listening administration and have a strong track record on
housing related matters nationally. With this in mind, could the Executive Membershed some light on the conduct of EEH and their plans and whether the Council thinkthat it is the right approach by East End Homes to deal with our housing stock andthe local residents in such an irresponsible way?
6.3

Question from Ms Ghulshana Begum:

In November 2014, women in Tower Hamlets and up and down the country, proudly
celebrated White Ribbon Day to eliminate violence against women and to hope for aworld where women and girls can live free from the fear of violence. Could theExecutive Member please provide an update about what Tower Hamlets Council isdoing to promote this important initiative in the Borough?
6.4

Question from Mr Mark Taylor:

Forced evictions when reporting or asking for repairs, unacceptable standards androgue landlords continue to pose serious problems for tenants and renters and are
negatively affecting many lives. The Coalition Government’s welfare reform has
exacerbated the situation. A great majority has experienced problems in their homesof damp, mould, leaking roofs or windows, electrical hazards, animal infestations andgas leaks. In its current state, the private rental market does not function to ensurethat homes are let in a decent condition.
Could the Executive Members provide an update in relation to Tower Hamlets andthe Council’s Licensing Scheme to ensure such issues are being looked at andaddressed in Tower Hamlets on a priority basis?

6.5

Question from Mr Azizur Rahaman:

How are the Government cuts affecting the people and Tower Hamlets Council?
Could you give a full breakdown of cuts since 2010 by the Government and otherfunding bodies for the Council?
6.6

Question from Ms Eileen Short:

On January 31st tenant organisations, trade unions and housing campaigners fromall over London will come together on the March for Homes. As the general election
approaches, we want to make sure politicians don't forget the millions of people many of them in Tower Hamlets - who are in housing need. Everyone deserves adecent home. We demand investment in council housing, rent control and securityof tenure. Can the Lead Member for Housing please state if the Council will support
the March for Homes and welcome it to the borough if it passes through Tower
Hamlets?
6.7

Question from Mr Lukman Miah:

Could you tell us what powers actually the so-called Pickles’ Commissioners haveand how does it affect service delivery by the Council. Can they stop the Mayor or
Executive Members from their duty of serving the residents?
6.8

Question from Mr Khairul Alam:

Considering the fact that St Dunstan's has the most new houses built, what is theCouncil doing to fulfil the promise made in the increased parking manifesto?
6.9

Question from Ms Momina Begum:

As a result of budgetary pressure and Government cuts, the Council was considering
closing some nurseries in the Borough. Some residents, especially mothers of thoseaffected, were not happy with that option and rightly so.
Have you taken the time to listen to these concerns of the effected residents or not?
And could you provide an update please?