COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

1 Question from Councillor Matt Hartley, to Councillor Christine Grice, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources

Can the Cabinet Member provide an update on working arrangements that have been put in place between the Council's Universal Credit Support Team and Citizens Advice, following the DWP's funding of Citizens Advice to deliver Help To Claim? How many residents have been referred between the two?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Matt Hartley for his question.

The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Help to Claim Service is now co-located at Jobcentre to assist claimants with new claims for Universal Credit, and assist with queries up until first payment. The CAB took this over completely from the end of April following the new staff being trained and allowing for a smooth transition period. The CAB also receive queries through their national telephone line, and via their online webchat.

Whilst it would be rare for the council to refer existing UC customers back to the CAB, since the CAB offers the initial part of the claim process, the council recognises that the CAB is still currently embedding in the Help to Claim model which has been set by Citizens Advice nationally, whilst also going through a reorganisation due to changes in their funding. Communication is on-going with them to update their required data sharing agreements to allow the CAB to accept referrals directly, and to continue to ensure that the two services are adapting to what is needed and to avoid duplication of service. Myself and the new Director of Finance are looking to visit the CAB in due course.

The Jobcentre recently provided statistics which showed there were 7908 claimants in receipt of UC at the end of May. They report that Woolwich JCP is the busiest jobcentre in South London for claims getting to first payment per week, which is averaging between 150-200 claims per week.

ITEM NO: 9 The Universal Support team now provide alternative outreach at Woolwich JCP to support claimants who are already on UC and experiencing any difficulties, as well as receiving referrals from a range of departments and services including Housing, Oxleas and the Jobcentre. Both the CAB and Universal Support team attend the UC Advice Hub at the Clockhouse Community Centre. We are routinely supporting clients to reduce the deductions being applied to their UC award, identifying additional benefit entitlement, challenging and resolving entitlement issues, and wider budgeting help. The service is increasingly working with clients with complex needs who require a range of holistic support and interventions to assist them to be able to manage themselves.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

2 Question from Councillor Matt Hartley, to Councillor Danny Thorpe, Leader of the Council

What is the Leader of the Council's assessment of the High Court ruling last month which rejected Waltham Forest and Hackney Council's judicial review against the government's instruction to stop publishing their council- run magazines on a fortnightly basis?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Matt Hartley for his question.

I am sure that the ruling came as a disappointment to our colleagues in Waltham Forest and Hackney and that they are considering the impact this will have on their residents who are not online.

I am also glad that we have an agreement with the government to be able to produce our own printed information in the form of Info each fortnight. It is essential that we promote our services to those who don’t browse the web or post on social media, as it is these residents who are often most in need.

In fact I was recently contacted by an older resident who had heard, incorrectly, that Royal Greenwich information was to be made digital only. He was distressed and quite angry that this decision would isolate himself and his peers – he was adamant that regular printed information was a lifeline for them.

I am sorry that the residents of Waltham Forest and Hackney will no longer benefit from a resource that cost effectively delivers information to their doorstep. Here in Royal Greenwich, ensuring residents have equal access to information, and our services, will continue to be underpinned by both print and digital promotion.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

3 Question from Councillor Matt Hartley, to Councillor David Gardner, Cabinet Member for Public Realm

Can the Deputy Leader provide an update on his top three priorities in his new cabinet brief?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Matt Hartley for his question.

I have four top priorities including closing the budget gap in street services. The other three policy priorities which should all support our Greener Greenwich strategy and Climate Emergency are:

1) Adopting a Strategy and Plan moving “Towards Zero Waste” and reversing the recent decline in recycling/composting rates to put RBG on track for our 2025 and 2030 targets; 2) Promoting a high quality, greener and cleaner Public Realm throughout the Borough working alongside relevant Cabinet colleagues; 3) Promoting the manifesto commitment of creating Healthy Streets at every opportunity and as part of the systematic plan cognisant of resources, logistical challenges and the importance of public consultation.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

4 Question from Councillor Matt Hartley, to Councillor Christine Grice, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources

Can the Cabinet Member provide an update on the development of the new Medium Term Financial Strategy? If there is to be a one-year Spending Review, as has been speculated, what would be the implications for the development of the new MTFS?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Matt Hartley for his question.

It is essential that the Council understands its financial environment if it is able to plan in a sustainable way and as a responsible authority, the Royal Borough of Greenwich operates on a four year budget strategy. We do this to ensure that we use all of our resources to make the biggest impact we can, whether it is supporting people with disabilities, looking after children, maintaining community centres or cleaning the streets, the council strives to provide the best possible services.

It is deeply disturbing that the promised spending review does not appear to deliver that security. A one year approach is wholly unsatisfactory and this Council, along with many others, is developing a four plan, because pressures such as those on temporary accommodation, arising from homeless families are happening right now.

In the simplest terms, the population has grown and more people have had to use our services, so we are planning ahead. However, we await the new Prime Minister and his team to determine how much more funding will be cut from the residents of this borough.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

5 Question from Councillor Matt Hartley, to Councillor Christine Grice, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources

Can the Cabinet Member provide an update on how many and what proportion of Council Tax payers pay by direct debit?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Matt Hartley for his question.

The number of Council Tax payers using Direct Debit as a payment method as at 30th June 2019 has increased to 63,789 representing 54% of the council tax base.

The rate is monitored monthly to ensure we continue the increase in the number of Council Tax payers using this method of payment. We have:

 introduced further payment reminder notifications and enclosed Direct Debit mandate forms with all reminders

 worked with colleagues in Communication to design a new Direct Debit campaign and the mandates that accompany the reminders are a result

 updated the Council’s home web page to promote the availability of Direct Debt

 introduced “any date” payments allowing residents to choose their preferred payment date

 trained front line contact staff to promote Direct Debit as the primary method of payment when new residents move into the Borough.

In addition to trying to increase the number of Direct Debit payments we have also introduced a range of other methods to increase our “in-year collection”.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

6 Question from Councillor Matt Hartley, to Councillor Denise Scott-McDonald, Cabinet Member for Air Quality, Sustainability and Transport

Can the Cabinet Member provide a timeline for the development of the new Greenwich Carbon Neutral Plan between now and January 2020, as agreed at the last Full Council meeting?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Matt Hartley for his question.

Work on developing a carbon neutral plan has already started. To ensure the final action plan is robust and delivers on its ambitious target, it will have to be based on a range of specialist, technical, analyses. This includes an independent audit of Council services.

This will require specialist technical input, which the Council will have to procure through the proper processes, before the required analyses can then be undertaken. It will require:

 Time to collect evidence and assess the proposed actions.  Detailed plans for the options chosen, including financial models and funding options.  Evaluation of the opportunities to deliver co-benefits to our residents through job creation, air quality improvements and tackling fuel poverty.

We also need to make sure that views of stakeholders are taken into account.

Following this approach, we will work to publish the first part of our 2030 Carbon Neutral Plan for the Council by January 2020.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

7 Question from Councillor Matt Hartley, to Councillor Averil Lekau, Cabinet Member for Adult’s Social Care and Health

Can the Cabinet Member provide an update on the Council's response to the welcome new Blue Badge guidelines published by MHCLG last month, expanding the scheme to residents with 'hidden disabilities'? What is the likely impact in Greenwich?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Matt Hartley for his question.

HAS is aware that Councillors are keen for the new Blue Badge regulations on invisible disabilities to be implemented.

In preparation for the implementation of the new guidelines The Mobility Team that processes new applications has recently been restructured.

 All Mobility Officers are now trained to manage all aspects of the service, rather than one defined administrative area.

 These officers are highly skilled with a good knowledge of DfT guidelines and have been trained to cover all Mobility tasks.

 The officers are now certifying all supportive documentation for applications and are working closely with the Fraud team to help identify and to minimise fraud.

 The officers are undertaking Outreach Support surgeries which involves lone working. (this has been well received by Councillors)

 An additional Officer has been recruited to the Team in anticipation of the increased volume of applications

ITEM NO: 9  All Staff in the Mobility Team have been provided with information and guidance on the new regulations and revised criteria and how they will be applied in Greenwich

The Mobility team are currently processing 400 blue badges, 60 taxi cards, 300 Freedom Passes and 20 parking bays on a monthly basis. These figures are likely to double following the implementation of the new criteria.

We are also in the final stages of procuring and agreeing a contract with a provider to complete Mobility Assessments for those individuals who may meet the discretionary criteria for the provision of a Blue badge, including those individuals eligible to apply under the new regulations for ‘invisible disabilities’. Key to the procurement was the ability and preparedness of the new provider to be able to assess individuals under the new criteria for invisible disabilities.

We therefore believe that HAS and the Council are well prepared for the implementation of the new criteria for Blue Badges on the 30th August 2019.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

8 Question from Councillor Matt Hartley, to Councillor Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Apprenticeships

Can the Cabinet Member provide an update on actions taken by the administration so far in meeting its manifesto commitment to "plan for Social Enterprise Zones – geographical areas in the Borough that have a small number of incubator units for Small, Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to encourage start-ups, co-operatives and social enterprises"?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Matt Hartley for his question.

The Council has been exploring innovative ways to deliver this manifesto priority and I am pleased to say that good progress has been made in establishing social enterprise zones and flexible workspace, suitable for start-ups and SMEs in key geographical areas in the borough.

Thanks to funding secured from the Big Issue and SAP (a leading software company) with match funding from the Council, Greenwich is one of the first two boroughs to pilot the Social Enterprise Academy Schools programme in London. This programme has been created by the social enterprise charity Social Enterprise Academy and will see the creation of ten social enterprises all trading within local schools located across the borough.

The programme offers school students: - An understanding of the social enterprise business model; - hands-on experience of setting up and running a social enterprise; - practical opportunities to build confidence and to work with a social entrepreneur mentor; - a chance to build valuable life and functional skills including leadership, citizenships and entrepreneurship.

The Leader of the Council will formally launch this programme in the autumn. ITEM NO: 9 The Council is committed to ensuring the development of the right type of affordable workspace suitable for start-ups and for SMEs looking to expand. There are a number of council-led workspace projects being developed in the borough including:

Power Station: which will see the refurbishment of the Grade II Listed building transformed into 3000sqm of flexible workspace for SMEs alongside a range of ancillary services.  Nathan Way: which will deliver 22 modern light industrial units in offering c. 5500sqm of accommodation across three single storey buildings with individual unit sizes ranging from 186sqm to 338sqm to cater for high demand from SMEs for space of this nature.

The Council continues to collaborate with social enterprises and not for profit cooperatives such as Greenwich Cooperative Development Agency (GCDA) and Greenwich Enterprise Board (GEB), which deliver the right type of flexible and affordable space, designed with SMEs in mind from the outset.

For example:

Made in Greenwich: GCDA has taken over a former artist’s studio in central Greenwich and launched this as a cooperative community hub and shop in July. It will help support many of the boroughs artists and budding entrepreneurs enabling them to showcase local produced food, arts and crafts - including the goods of individuals graduating from the council’s funded business support programmes. The council is putting its support behind this new shop and is supporting GCDA to develop a programme of activity to support cooperative activities at this location.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

9 Question from Councillor Matt Hartley, to Councillor Averil Lekau, Cabinet Member for Adult’s Social Care and Health

Can I thank the Cabinet Member for inviting me to further contribute to the development of the Greenwich Against Loneliness policy, following the cross-party motion we passed last year, and welcome plans to pilot new approaches, starting on the Coldharbour estate. Can she confirm a timetable for this pilot and a timetable for wider roll-out across the borough?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Matt Hartley for his question.

Following a Council motion against loneliness, Members requested further work by Officers to understand more about how loneliness and social isolation impact in different areas of the borough, and recommendations for ideas around which volunteering campaigns and community activities aimed at increasing connectedness, could align.

Officers from Health and Adults Services, Housing, Public Health and Communications met to share information on what is known and recommendations for next steps.

Public health colleagues have worked on data sets that help to build a picture of geographical locations in the borough where loneliness or isolation may be a problem for people. These include census data on who is living alone; households claiming Council Tax single person discount; and using the Policy in Practice tool, households that where people are living alone, may be financially struggling, at risk or in crisis and therefore with limited resources to change their situation. By overlaying this information, it is possible to identify certain areas of the borough where citizens may have an increased risk of being isolated or lonely.

A further piece of work focusing specifically on Coldharbour (one of the areas highlighted from the research), identified that there are in the region of ITEM NO: 9 96 households in the area that are at risk of isolation through poverty and living conditions. Officers sought agreement to undertake further work with local people in this area to gain greater insight into the challenges and to co- produce some of the solutions with the community.

Officers are developing an initiative that could be piloted in Coldharbour. The initiative proposes using an assets or strength based approach working with local people including council tenants to co-produce initiatives or campaigns that would aim to connect local residents, reducing loneliness and isolation. By piloting this approach in one area officers would be able to assess the level of interest in such schemes.

A steering group that includes Officers from Adults, Public Health, Children’s services, Housing and Communications, Ward Councillors and the Voluntary Sector is being established to take this initiative forward with the aim of engaging local residents in September/October. The initiative will be evaluated and if proves successful then will be rolled out to other areas in the new year.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

10 Question from Councillor Nigel Fletcher, to Councillor Danny Thorpe, Leader of the Council

When does the Leader of the Council anticipates being in a position to put forward firm proposals for the future of Winter Garden, following the engagement event at Parksfest this week?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Nigel Fletcher for his question.

We are some time away from bringing forward firm proposals. Last Sunday’s event was a very early engagement to try to reach as many local people as possible and to encourage them to give us their suggestions on possible uses.

We also used the Parksfest event to invite the public to give us their contact details so that we can continue to engage and consult as we work towards firm proposals with the community.

We have not concluded our negotiations with the University of Greenwich so we want to engage with as many local and interested people as we can ahead of that. In the autumn we aim to start developing a full engagement programme so that we are able to work towards proposals as quickly as possible once the Winter Gardens have returned to the Council’s custodianship.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

11 Question from Councillor Nigel Fletcher, to Councillor Danny Thorpe, Leader of the Council

Can the Leader of the Council list the responsibilities of each member of his Cabinet, and make a statement on how he monitors performance of Members against their agreed objectives?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Nigel Fletcher for his question.

The list of responsibilities was published in line with the Council’s Constitution, at the time of the Annual Meeting, as it is every year.

They are published in the Council’s Constitution, Part 3, Schedule A - Executive Functions, 1. Cabinet Members and Portfolios.

Performance is monitored by regular one-to-one meetings as well as delivery of the Corporate Plan

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

12 Question from Councillor Nigel Fletcher, to Councillor David Gardner, Cabinet Member for Public Realm

Will the Cabinet Member prioritise action to deal with vehicles driving onto Passey Place, following the site visit that took place recently?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Nigel Fletcher for his question.

We had a successful walk along High Street and Passey Place last Thursday morning.

The High Street was extremely clean and we passed a couple of operatives out sweeping/picking. There were some issues with stains (coffee, oil/petrol stains where cars and motorbikes had previously parked illegally on the pavement etc.) but these should be eliminated by the jetwashing at the end of July.

There were a few issues about parking in restricted areas which were dealt with and there just happened to be a parking warden around on hand. We all confronted a few selfish motorists. But the issues were relatively minor and I believe are worse late at night. A new crossing was being installed and there was a temporary refuge. Generally the traffic was flowing well and everyone appreciated the new bright High Street.

In Passey Place, which does look really good, there is an issue about confusion – as one patch is access only for some resident/business parking at the back, and the remainder is no access at all. Those present very much thought that a rising bollard with a passcode could be the answer to only allow those living above the shops or essential business use access. Unfortunately, there would be a cost to this so the idea is likely to remain an aspiration as Council budgets are extremely stretched.

ITEM NO: 9 In the meantime, officers are considering putting in a No Through Road – Access Only sign at the junction with North Park to make it clearer that motorists should not drive into Passey Place.

I hope that is helpful, But on a sunny day, despite the normal minor issues, I thought it looked splendid. Great public realm.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

13 Question from Councillor Geoffrey Brighty, to Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Community Safety

The Department of Transport will be testing acoustic cameras, which will detect and identify vehicles breaking legal noise limits, with a view to giving out fines. Given the noise endured by residents in some parts of this Borough from noisy motorbikes and modified cars will the Council be welcoming these tests and working with the DoT to get them installed on the worst affected roads here if they prove to be a success ?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Geoffrey Brighty for his question.

Noise has a serious effect on health and the Royal Borough is keen to minimise the noise arising from transport.

Alongside our work to reduce the volume of noise-generating motorised traffic, through our work to shift the majority of trips to walking, cycling and public transport, the technology to tackle individual illegally-loud vehicles is an exciting prospect.

Officers will be watching the results of the Department for Transport’s tests, exploring what application they might feasibly have in Royal Greenwich, and doing what is appropriate to support national efforts.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

14 Question from Councillor Geoffrey Brighty, to Councillor Denise Scott-McDonald, Cabinet Member for Air Quality, Sustainability and Transport

In response to a petition I presented on behalf of Dinsdale Road residents asking for a review of the recently introduced CPZ the report back to Council stated a review would be included in the 2019/20 CPZ works programme. In March Officers advised that the review of the Westcombe CPZ was, along with other neighbouring CPZs, planned for June/July. Can the Cabinet Member give an up-date ?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Geoffrey Brighty for his question.

The review of the Westcombe CPZ and neighbouring East Greenwich zones is included in the 2019 / 20 CPZ works programme and residents, businesses and other stakeholders will receive the satisfaction survey material. This will be undertaken in the Autumn avoiding the summer holiday period.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

15 Question from Councillor Geoffrey Brighty, to Councillor Denise Scott-McDonald, Cabinet Member for Air Quality, Sustainability and Transport

Residents in the Park Road area have expressed concerns about traffic speeds. The Council says it “will continue to monitor the traffic conditions”. Can the Cabinet Member confirm that includes an automatic traffic survey to record speeds ?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Geoffrey Brighty for his question.

I understand that the Council’s Traffic team responded to you on this issue last month, which made clear that Kidbrooke Park Road would be included in the annual borough wide review of collisions. This review will be utilised to prioritise our limited road safety budget to identify the Local Safety Scheme programme for next financial year. Should the next review identify Kidbrooke Park Road as a high priority for treatment then an automatic traffic survey would be undertaken to determine vehicle speeds.

In the meantime residents are encouraged to engage with the Community Roadwatch scheme, if they have not already done so.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

16 Question from Councillor Geoffrey Brighty, to Councillor Sizwe James, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth

Can the Cabinet Member advise how the Council’s discussions with Crown Estate are proceeding on the future of the former public conveniences on Blackheath ?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Geoffrey Brighty for his question.

The discussions are continuing with a view to finding a solution that will satisfy both parties’ requirements and bring this property back into beneficial use. A meeting has been proposed to discuss the options and the best way forward.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

17 Question from Councillor Pat Greenwell, to Councillor Averil Lekau, Cabinet Member for Adult’s Social Care and Health

On the 17th of June I attended a presentation on Assistive Technology and was very impressed with the range of equipment available. What action is the Cabinet Member taking to explore further use of this new technology?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Pat Greenwell for her question.

Enabling RBG residents of all ages to access Assistive Technology to enable them to live as independently as possible is going to be increasingly critical. It will assist with proportionate care, enhance independence and safety and has potential to reduce reliance on Council services.

There is significant potential to improve outcomes for residents of Royal Greenwich using assistive technology for people of all ages and needs. RBG has a Telecare service which is one element of an assistive technology offer. It currently delivers a service to 3000 people in their own home, as well as a 1000 people who live in sheltered accommodation but the average current user is in their eighties. It needs to be noted that the expectations of new service users will change over the next decade. People who are currently in their fifties and sixties, who are very familiar with a smart phone and use a range of technology in their daily lives and will want access to assistive technology. Having a richer more and diverse offer for residents with a Learning Disability or Physical Disability is a priority.

In order to progress development of an offer Health and Adult Services are along with other colleagues and Directorates across the council developing an Assistive Technology strategy that will provide a scope and a plan for delivery.

The strategy will include addressing the following work which is underway:

ITEM NO: 9  Ensuring that the Telecare offer is fit for purpose for future digital developments.

 Using funding secured through a bid to provide five hundred Keynetics bluetooth key safes have been purchased to improve service delivery to residents. This allows the arrival time and duration of care services to be monitored, as well as provide reassurance text messages and emails to relatives if they desire, to confirm that care has been delivered.

 Royal Greenwich have purchased 15 Just Checking units and a project has been implemented around the integration of this work stream in Royal Greenwich. Just Checking is a system which is able to provide an activity monitoring service to help care professionals get the right support to the right people at the right time. Small wireless sensors are installed in the person’s home, or supported living, by Velcro. There are no microphones and no cameras; it just detects movement. Charts are produced to evidence a person’s abilities and whether any additional support may be required. Just Checking supports care professionals with evidence and insight to bring transparency, peace of mind and efficiencies to person centred care planning. Through understanding what the person’s patterns of activity/movement are the right level of care can be put in place.

 Bidding for external funding to pilot Brain In Hand to support people with Autism and an acquired brain injury. Brain in Hand works with the individual to set their goals and identify the practical solutions that will help them overcome the challenges they face in day to day life. Solutions, prompts and reminders are entered into their Brain in Hand system. From the app users can see their diary, receive reminders and prompts and quickly find their best coping strategies when needed. Being clear about the investment and resources required to deliver this alongside the benefits.

 Being clear about how the offer to residents is communicated in the most effective way

 Identifying the ways to resource and sustain the offer

Clearly, we would hope that the benefits of such solutions are contained within the long overdue and much anticipated Government’s Green Paper on Adult Social Care, whenever it comes.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

18 Question from Councillor Pat Greenwell, to Councillor Chris Kirby, Cabinet Member for Housing

What is regarded as an acceptable period of time for reported housing repairs to be actioned and how does the system work?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Pat Greenwell for her question.

Tenants of the Royal Borough of Greenwich can request repairs to their home and to communal areas. Leaseholders of the Royal Borough of Greenwich can only request repairs to communal areas.

We have target times for different types of repairs and these are detailed in the housing repairs guide (pages 7-9).

We aim to carry out emergency repairs within two hours. Emergency repairs are:  no drinking water supply  burst pipes and you cannot stop the water leak  blocked drains and toilets causing flooding  complete power failure in your home  dangerous structures, such as ceilings, walls and chimneys  fire or storm damage to your property  securing your property after a break-in  enabling you to regain entry if you have lost your key  lift breakdowns.

We aim to carry out urgent repairs within one to five working days. Urgent repairs are:

One working day  total loss of electricity  unsafe power, lighting socket or electric fitting  total loss of water supply ITEM NO: 9  loss of gas supply  blocked flue to open fire or boiler  loss of heating including hot water (1 November to 30 April)  blocked or leaking toilet or toilet not flushing  leaking water pipe, heating pipe, tank or cistern  insecure external window, door or lock.

Three working days  partial loss of electricity  blocked bath, basin or sink  rotten timber flooring or stair tread  loose or detached bannister or hand rail  tap that cannot be turned on or off at all  loss of heating including hot water (1 May to 31 October)  partial loss of water supply.

Five working days  leaking roof  door entry phone not working  mechanical extractor fans not working.

We aim to carry out all other repairs within 20 working days. Exceptions to these are more complex repairs or those of a specialist nature, where additional works or technical inspections may be required. More complex repairs require varying degrees of planning, and we endeavour to keep tenants informed through this process.

We recently reported our performance on repairs to the July meeting of the Housing and Anti-Poverty Scrutiny Committee. The report and appendices can be found at: http://committees.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=575&MI d=6282

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

19 Question from Councillor Pat Greenwell, to Councillor Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Apprenticeships

At March Council I asked what the current legislation is regarding the parking of delivery bikes outside fast food outlets. I was told that because there is nowhere for them to display tickets they are exempt from fines. Have the fast food outlets on Eltham High Street been visited yet to remind them of their responsibility? The situation is getting worse with as many as 7or 8 bikes parking together at one time.

Reply –

I thank Councillor Pat Greenwell for her question.

The response previously given regarding legislation relating to the parking of delivery bikes, motorcycles (without a sidecar) and scooters, is that they may park freely in any residents bay, business bay, pay and display bay, or shared use bay, without time limit.

Motorcycles may not be parked on the pavement obstructing the public highway, except on roads where parking is permitted in marked bays on the footway, or where a road is listed by the Council as exempt from footway enforcement. Eltham High Street, for example, is not on the exemption list and the council has powers to enforce in this location and elsewhere as described above.

Businesses have been advised previously that if the issue persists then consideration would be given to introducing parking restrictions that would prevent vehicles from returning to the same set of parking bays over a set period of time.

Arrangements have been made to visit businesses again, urging them to be more responsible, highlight the health and safety risks this form of precarious parking can cause to the public safety of pedestrians, to avoid this matter escalating further.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

20 Question from Councillor Charlie Davis, to Councillor Chris Kirby, Cabinet Member for Housing

At the previous Council meeting, Councillor Kirby mentioned that the new Council house building project would have a gold standard consultation process. Can Councillor Kirby give a brief but detailed narrative of what this will involve?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Charlie Davis for his question.

The Council has adopted a series of new measures to engage local residents which is already paying dividends and which I believe can be viewed as a gold standard by other local councils.

We have adopted a “green paper” stage on key consultations so people can have their say at an earlier stage in decision making. We have also made better use of social media, Greenwich Info and face to face consultations to signpost people to live consultations. This was carried out to great effect in relation to Pocket Living:

439 individuals responded to this consultation. Of those that responded, 139 were from the affected estates and 300 lived elsewhere. We received responses from across the borough which were mapped out in the scrutiny report we provided at the time.

We achieved this through drop-ins events in the day time and evening on each estate; letters to every affected resident; door knocking to encourage residents to complete the survey (either by hard copy or online); making the online survey available to interested parties who were not residents; writing to nearby streets; writing to public sector employees who could be eligible for this type of housing and using all the Council’s usual communication channels to highlight the consultation.

ITEM NO: 9 And we have continued to use our tactic of tailoring consultations to meet the requirements of their audiences. This is evident in:

• Our initial consultation on releasing under-utilised council plots for social housing • Our consultation on the new Waterfront Leisure Centre • Avery Hill Winter Gardens

The numbers speak for themselves with almost 2,500 people responding on the Waterfront plans with focus groups being used to drill down into the proposals so that the next stage of design can really reflect their priorities. We also had about 1,400 responses to our engagement exercise on the Greenwich town centre liveable neighbourhood scheme.

We will seek to adopt a similar approach over our plans to build new council homes to address the nationwide social housing crisis ignored by this Government. The fact there are around 17,000 families on our housing waiting list is nothing short of a scandal which can be lay directly at their door.

Our plans, which have been made possible with significant investment of funding from the Mayor of London’s Building Council Homes for Londoners scheme, will help to ensure hundreds of additional local families have a place a place they are proud to call home.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

21 Question from Councillor Charlie Davis, to Councillor David Gardner, Cabinet Member for Public Realm

Can the Cabinet Member confirm how the Council funded the current street cleaner used on High Streets in the Borough?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Charlie Davis for his question.

Street services has two jet washing machines used to cleanse our high streets between March – October every year. They work to a schedule to ensure each high street is deep cleansed twice during this time.

The cost of one machine was funded through the Eltham High Street project and the second machine was purchased through revenue resources in Street Services.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

22 Question from Councillor Charlie Davis, to Councillor Danny Thorpe, Leader of the Council

The Leader of the Council mentioned at the last Council meeting the cutting of funding in 2010 for Crossrail, and that he believed the Government could have gone further with funding the project more recently. Can the Leader confirm which public service he would have cut to fund Crossrail, given his Mayor’s failure to keep Crossrail within budget, and given the mess in which the last Labour government decided to leave our country’s finances?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Charlie Davis for his question.

I am happy provide him with ideas for how his Government could have saved huge swathes of public funding on a number of their vanity projects. However I regret to inform Councillor Davis that it is too late for him to launch his leadership bid at this stage.

In no particular order, I would have cancelled:

£30m spent by former Mayor Johnson on Garden Bridge saving £30m on something that never actually came in to being.

£10m spent by former Mayor Johnson on an estuary airport when pigs were more likely to fly than aeroplanes from that location.

£24m spent by former Mayor Johnson on the cable car which has never taken off whilst funding for the Woolwich Crossrail station had to be underwritten by the Council and our partners

£240m spent on free school in areas that don’t need them according to the Public Accounts Select Committee.

£500,000 handed over as a grant by Michael Gove, ignoring his own ITEM NO: 9 government’s guidelines, to the New Schools Network which was headed up by his former special adviser whose role was to provide impartial advice on setting up free schools.

The millions of pounds in redundancy handed out to nearly 4,000 NHS staff in who were made redundant and then re-employed over three-and-a-half years.

The millions of pounds wasted on the roll out of Universal Credit which according to the Chair of the Public Accounts Select Committee who estimated that of the £425million spent on the roll out in 2014, most of it was likely to be wasted.

Failing Grayling’s contract with the ferry company that owns no ferries leaving us footing the bill for £33m in compensation.

The estimated £310m plus of compensation that the Government has had to set aside in compensation to the Windrush victims as a result of the hostile environment the introduced on the back of the 2014 Immigration Act. A xenophobic policy which has helped to create the divided society, encouraged the popularity of right wing parties and left us in the mess that we are all now in with no effective government and no apparent plan for how to implement Brexit or how to unite the country.

With more time, I could possibly identify funding for HS2.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

23 Question from Councillor Charlie Davis, to Councillor Danny Thorpe, Leader of the Council

I notice the Labour Party decided to remove reference to helping local businesses in by removing business rates and using more imaginative solutions to help businesses from our motion at Council last month. Can the Leader, as the proposer of the motion, confirm this was merely an oversight, and that the Council will offer this to all Abbey Wood and Woolwich based businesses that have been impacted by Crossrail delays?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Charlie Davis for his question.

The Council offer a broad range of support to help local businesses in the borough and we recognise that the delay Crossrail has on businesses in Abbey Wood and Woolwich presents a unique set of challenges.

I have instructed officers in the Council’s Business Engagement team to meet with the impacted businesses to best understand the appropriate package of support to provide. It is within the Councils discretion to agree business rate relief on the grounds of hardship for businesses that are struggling and these applications are considered on a case by case basis. It would not be prudent to pre-empt this as the only plausible solution before we have explored all avenues and other forms of support that might be more appropriate in driving footfall and sales.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

24 Question from Councillor Charlie Davis, to Councillor Danny Thorpe, Leader of the Council

What conversations has the Leader of the Council had with the New Wine Church following the last Council meeting?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Charlie Davis for his question.

The New Wine Church contacted us to advise that their speaker had previously held the views that had apparently been published. The church is emphatic that it welcomes everyone and that the theme of the latest series of sermons was on the subject of ‘God’s Grace’. The church says the theme is especially dear to it because the New Wine Church ‘emphatically demonstrates God’s loving welcome to every human being, regardless of their status, creed, colour or orientation. As always we are happy to welcome everyone in the community to our worship services’.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

25 Question from Councillor Charlie Davis, to Councillor Denise Scott-McDonald, Cabinet Member for Air Quality, Sustainability and Transport

Can the Cabinet member confirm the total amount in grant funding the Council received from TfL for the Eltham Park to Edith Nesbitt Walk section of the Quietway Scheme? Additionally, can the Cabinet Member confirm whether the Council contributed any funding to the installation of the scheme? And whether the Council has incurred any on-going cost from maintaining that section of the route thus far?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Charlie Davis for his question.

The total amount of funding received by the Council from Transport for London for the section of the Quietway scheme referred to, part of the Greenwich to Bexleyheath Quietway, is £85,425.

This covered fees for the implementation and construction of the scheme. The Council has not contributed additional funding to deliver the scheme.

Maintenance costs for the scheme area have not increased since the scheme’s introduction.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

26 Question from Councillor Spencer Drury, to Councillor Denise Scott-McDonald, Cabinet Member for Air Quality, Sustainability and Transport

Could the Cabinet Member provide an update on the change to parking arrangements for three areas in Eltham North Ward:-

a. Eltham Park Gardens - has there been any progress with the CPZ plan and consultation since the last Council meeting? b. Strongbow Estate - what progress has there been with changing the hours of the CPZ there? c. Glenlea Road - what progress has there been with removing parking charges at the weekend?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Spencer Drury for his question.

The outcome of the Eltham CPZ review and proposed changes are due to be presented to me shortly, following which they will be shared with Ward Councillors before distributing to residents, businesses and other stakeholders. As stated in June the changes will be implemented as a priority.

There are currently no plans to amend the hours of operation of the CPZ controls on Strongbow Road and Strongbow Crescent but we are changing those ‘free’ bays to ‘permit holder only’ to limit the number of commuters and non-residents parking here. The traffic order for this change has been advertised and no objections were received so the changes can now progress. A letter is being prepared for delivery to residents confirming that the changes are to be implemented and it is anticipated that this will be delivered by the end of this month with the changes implemented in August.

The traffic order for the changes in Glenlea Road was advertised in conjunction with those for Strongbow Road and Strongbow Crescent and, similarly, received no objections so can now proceed. The associated ITEM NO: 9 software changes are being planned with the machine supplier and it is anticipated that the changes will also be made in August.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

27 Question from Councillor Spencer Drury, to Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Community Safety

I note that the Cabinet Member has issued a press release regarding the launch of ‘Eltham Townwatch’. Can the Cabinet Member confirm how long this app had been being developed for, who has developed it and how much has it cost? In terms of effectiveness, could the Cabinet Member confirm what impact she hopes or expects the app to have on crime around Eltham?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Spencer Drury for his question.

Eltham Townwatch is an online communication and information sharing service powered by ‘Schemelink’, an external developer who operate 340 crime reduction schemes across the country. Schemelink was launched in 2006 and offered ‘pubwatch’ and ‘shopwatch’ schemes. There are 340 schemes being powered by Schemelink across the country that all UK police forces support, as well as support from the local authorities that the schemes currently operate in.

In 2016, The Safer Communities Team were awarded funding from MOPAC under the ‘London Crime Prevention Fund’. The purpose of the bid was to reduce the levels of crime and anti-social behaviour, as well as increase the reporting of business crime in four of our main Town Centre’s, using problem-solving methodologies to provide innovative, long term and sustainable solutions. The funding is currently in year 3 of 4. A consultation with stakeholders in Eltham Town Centre took place in 2016 to assess what they felt the priority areas should be for this funding, alongside crime statistics from the MET Police- the highest priority area for Eltham Town Centre were theft offences which included theft from the person, theft other and shoplifting.

One of the key objectives of was to increase reporting channels and to support stakeholders to become more resilient to crime. Eltham Townwatch ITEM NO: 9 enables the instant sharing of information, CCTV and communication to support stakeholder to build resilience to these types of crime whilst also building a picture of prolific offenders who come to the Town Centre with the sole intention of committing crimes. It also offers a reporting tool to log incidents. These incidents may contain accounts of incidents that wouldn’t normally be felt ‘serious enough to report’ or may be the missing piece police or council officers need in order to achieve a prosecution. Crime prevention advice is delivered to stakeholders, ensuring they are always up to date with how offenders are currently targeting businesses i.e. overnight burglaries.

It is hoped that the outcome of implementing Townwatch is that we will see a reduction in opportunists coming to Eltham to commit theft offences, a reduction in anti-social behaviour and an increase in successful prosecutions for offenders. Those who receive police or council intervention could be banned from the Town Centre with the ‘ban-from-one, ban-from-all’. This would see a reduction in offences and incidents as prolific offenders are not as able to commit crimes.

To facilitate the initial take-up of the scheme, funding from the London Crime Prevention Fund was used to purchase 50 membership vouchers to offer to stakeholders on a first come first serve basis. The vouchers were purchased at a discounted cost at £29.99 each, costing a total of £1499.50.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

28 Question from Councillor Spencer Drury, to Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Community Safety

I am aware that the Council has once again written to the 227 Special Guardians in the Royal Borough of Greenwich informing them of the intention to reduce their allowance if they already receive Child Tax Credits. Can the Cabinet Member confirm:

A. Why they have chosen to change this policy and what consultation was undertaken prior to the decision being taken? B. How much money the Council expects to save per Special Guardian per annum as a result of this policy change? C. How much does the Council spend on average per looked after child per annum?

Does the Cabinet Member consider that it is right to reduce the allowance received by individuals who have chosen to raise a child which is not their own?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Spencer Drury for his question(s).

A. Why they have chosen to change this policy and what consultation was undertaken prior to the decision being taken?

Greenwich Children’s Services adhere to the Pan London Protocols for Special Guardianship Order financial support, apart from one element of the protocol in relation to taking into account Child tax credits.

The regulatory framework provides that such allowances should only be paid where the local authority consider that it is necessary to ensure that the special guardian or prospective special guardian can look after the child and should give consideration of means in relation to any such provision.

ITEM NO: 9 The regulatory framework further states that account should be taken of “any other grant, benefit, allowance or resource which is available to the person” in respect of the child’s needs as a result of becoming a special guardian of the child; however the Council at the time decided that only Child Benefit would be considered. The three subsequent iterations of the statutory guidance are all clear that “Financial support paid under these Regulations cannot duplicate any other payment available to the special guardian or prospective special guardian”.

Special Guardians were first advised of the prospective changes in August 2018. Since that time there has been an on-going process of consultation with Special Guardians at their monthly Special Guardians Support Group facilitated by the Fostering Service. The proposed changes to payments has been a regular topic and Special Guardians have had the opportunity to share their views about the changes.

A letter was sent on the 28th of May advising them that the Council had completed the review and would be proposing to implement the changes in September 2019. A report will now be brought forward to Cabinet outlining the outcome of the consultation and presenting members with options for implementation. Special Guardians will continue to be subject to an annual financial review about individual circumstances so the impact of these changes will be kept under review.

B. How much money the Council expects to save per Special Guardian per annum as a result of this policy change?

This is difficult to forecast accurately as it depends upon the number of Special Guardians who receive welfare benefits for the child. However, from current information held we understand that 50 Special Guardians were eligible to claim child tax credit for 71 children over the course of 2018/19 amounting to a sum of £180,668.84. If Royal Borough of Greenwich were to implement the statutory guidance fully and not duplicate any benefits received from elsewhere for children subject to Special Guardianship, then the annual spend for 2018/19 would have been reduced by this amount.

In the past three years we have had a year on year increase in the number of Special Guardians being approved. This has also increased spend for Special Guardianship allowances, as set out in the table below. Over three years spend has increased by £476,130.56.

ITEM NO: 9 Year No. of SGs No. of children Total allowances 2016/17 184 249 £1,868,507.88 2017/18 209 289 £2,092,793.43 2018/19 220 303 £2,344,638.44

C. How much does the Council spend on average per looked after child per annum?

The differing needs and circumstances of the children influences the nature and type of placement considered suitable for their needs.

An in-house foster placement costs from £8,000 a year. Children in residential placements or independent foster placements will cost much more, the cost varying depending on the specialist provision delivered.

Does the Cabinet Member consider that it is right to reduce the allowance received by individuals who have chosen to raise a child which is not their own?

In the main Special Guardians are family members caring for children who are already part of their family – their nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

The primary motive for bringing up a child is not financial reward. As with all children being brought up by their parents/families the Government provides a framework of financial support which includes Child Benefit and Tax Credits for those carers who qualify.

Special Guardians with an income less than £35K will continue to get a means tested Core Allowance for caring for these children. This will mean that they are still getting more income than families living on benefits.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

29 Question from Councillor Matt Clare, to Councillor Denise Scott- McDonald, Cabinet Member for Air Quality, Sustainability and Transport

At last months full Council meeting where there was unanimous agreement that Greenwich declare a Climate Change Emergency we spoke of ideas and measures from the opposition to combat climate change which have previously been rejected.

Many of these are very low-cost, self funding and/or could be funded by community and business participation. There is no one golden measure for dealing with climate change - many local initiatives and action will bring great results.

Can a commitment be made that the Cabinet Members meet with opposition Councillors to review these and other ideas with an open mind and work in a cross-party minute to deliver where feasible?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Matt Clare for his question.

Climate change is a local, national and global issue of the utmost importance, on which we should all collaborate. I have already asked Officers to arrange a meeting with Councillors to both brief them in more detail on the challenges and to gather their ideas.

If you wish to email me any immediate ideas, I will be happy to receive them.

ITEM NO: 9 COUNCIL

17 JULY 2019

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

30 Question from Councillor Matt Clare, to Councillor Denise Scott- McDonald, Cabinet Member for Air Quality, Sustainability and Transport

Finally work has commenced on Cycle Superhighway 4 (currently on Tooley Street) after years of unacceptable delays.

This route is absolutely essential for our residents to reach the City and West End safely by bike.

Would the Cabinet Member please confirm how the Council will hold TfL to account for the timely delivery of this essential piece of infrastructure? Would the Cabinet Member also please confirm how a concrete commitment to the CS4 extension to Woolwich (with a delivery date) is progressing ?

Reply –

I thank Councillor Matt Clare for his question.

I am pleased that Transport for London have recently commenced construction of Cycle Superhighway 4 and understand that the Greenwich section is anticipated to commence next spring.

We have been working closely with TfL to develop the designs and are in the process of finalising the detailed design as well as coordinating and planning the works on the network. This will result in an agreement for TfL to undertake works on our road network, which will include the proposed works dates.

TfL contractors will use extended working hours (8am- 6pm Monday to Saturday, with potential for Sunday working if required) to reduce the length of construction.

I can assure you that we will monitor this work and hold TfL to account for timely delivery. ITEM NO: 9 We are also working closely with TfL on the extension of CS4 to Woolwich and initial consultation on the route is planned for later this year. The outcome of this and subsequent approvals and scheme development will determine when this route will be delivered- we will be pressing for this to be as early as possible.

ITEM NO: 9