Agenda item

To consider any deputation requests. The deadline for the receipt of deputation requests is midnight Wednesday 25 October 2017.

The deputation requests had not been circulated five clear days in advance of the meeting. The chair agreed to accept these as urgent as the requests had been received in line with the constitutional deadline for the receipt of deputation requests. Two requests were received after the deadline, which the chair agreed to accept for reasons of urgency and lateness.

RESOLVED:

That the deputation requests be received.

On behalf of dog owners in Southwark

The deputation spokesperson addressed the meeting in respect of the introduction of public space protection orders (PSPOs) to tackle dog related anti-social behaviour. The deputation expressed their dissatisfaction with the process surrounding the recently proposed Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), the restrictions on dog owners and the approach taken to gaining new powers. The deputation outlined the impact of the consultation process and expressed their views on why they felt this process was flawed.

Friends of Nunhead Cemetery

The deputation wished to make the case for restrictions on dogs in Nunhead Cemetery over and above those recommended by officers in the report, relating to the introduction of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs). The deputation expressed the view that dogs should be permitted in the cemetery, but that they should be kept on leads in all areas and at all times. It was argued that having dog controls in cemeteries was the norm and a survey of London Boroughs demonstrated that most councils excluded dogs completely from the cemetery. The council’s consultation proposed a maximum of 4 dogs per walker and is believed that Southwark should keep to this number (73% agreed or strongly agreed).

Home care workers

Councillor Victoria Mills having declared a disclosable pecuniary interest, withdrew from the meeting while this deputation was being heard and discussed.

Sue Plain addressed the cabinet on behalf of home care workers in respect of cross referencing the fairer futures procurement strategy and trade union recognition. Home care workers were disproportionately female and may experience elements of bad practice; they therefore required union support and assistance. It was in this context that concern was expressed about the recognition of trade unions. Individuals on their own often felt unable to complain and require union support to do so. Sue Plain suggested a number of amendments to elements of the home care report to reinforce trade union recognition.

Councillor Victoria Mills returned to the meeting at the conclusion of this deputation.

Leaseholders, Northchurch, Aylesbury Estate

The leaseholders referred to various cabinet reports/decisions and the lack of reference within these to the compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) required. Additionally leaseholders had been informed at a meeting on 9 May 2017 that their properties were not required for CPO. Confirmation had been received from the planning department that the original plans had not changed regarding Northchurch. The deputation were therefore querying why a CPO was needed and, felt that the cabinet were misled on the 29 September 2017 and 9 May 2017. It was explained that there were still no new planning applications, so the leaseholders have not been able to look at any of the proposed plans. The leaseholders explained that they had just received letters of the CPO in the last day or so, with obvious upset and distress arising. The deputation felt that there was no compelling reason for cabinet to deprive the leaseholders of their homes and requested that cabinet not agree to commencing compulsory purchase.

Parents and Carers Association (in respect of the disability hub)

Cabinet considered representations from the parents and carers association in respect of Item 21: The Outcome of the Consultation Exercise on Changes to Day Centre Provision at Queens Road and Riverside and the Development of a Disability Hub. The association expressed concerns about the consultation process and assessments that were being undertaken. In terms of assessments. it was felt that they were not being carried out properly, with translations (when needed) not always being provided. While the idea of a hub was seen as a good idea, the rate of change had been difficult.

In response to the issues raised by the deputation, the strategic director of children’s and adult services outlined the extensive consultation that had taken place and engagement with parents and carers. The strategic director expressed the commitment to continue to work and support families in the transition. If any particular concerns about assessments or other issues are arising, these would be investigated if details were provided.