Local Forums Notes 14 March 2016, Orchard Community Hall

At Local Forums the Question Time section is approximately one and a half hours and is designed to allow a discussion of the topics raised by members of the public. The questions have been ordered by theme and do not represent the order the questions were asked at the meeting. The notes present a summary of the key topics covered at the meeting. To hear the full discussions please join us at a future Local Forum.

Panel Members Cllr Jas Athwal (Chair) – Leader of the Council, Labour, Mayfield Ward Cllr Paul Canal – Leader of the Conservative Party, Bridge Ward Cllr Gwyneth Deakins – Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party, Roding Ward Cllr Ross Hatfull – Cabinet Member for Housing, Payments and Benefits, Labour, Valentines Ward Andy Donald, Chief Executive

Question Answer Transport and Highways

Transport for London (TfL) is the highway authority responsible for Charlie Browns The traffic at Charlie Browns roundabout is roundabout and any plans which involve changes to the roundabout need getting worse, with journeys from South approval from them. The Council has been lobbying for a number of years for traffic Woodford tube station taking up to 45 minutes. lights to be installed in order to manage traffic in the area and it has received 1 Has Charlie Browns roundabout been allocated confirmation that plans for this work will take place in December 2017. The panel on the highways budget for future work and welcomed the decision by TfL to carry out this necessary work but warned that does the Council have any plans to install traffic similar proposals had been made before and had been cancelled. The Council will lights at the roundabout? ensure that there is a clear commitment from TfL to carry out the work promised and to hold them accountable for their actions, making sure that the proposals to address the problems at the roundabout and work for motorists, cyclists and

Local Forums Notes 14 March 2016, Orchard Community Hall

Question Answer pedestrians alike.

The panel commented that there are similar problems with congestion and accidents at Redbridge roundabout, and that the Council will continue to engage with TfL and push for them to carry out the necessary improvements needed.

The Council’s Head of Engineering confirmed that speed bumps would not be There continues to be a number of serious allowed at Charlie Brown roundabout due to the volume of traffic in the area. Other accidents and collisions at the Charlie Browns traffic calming measures which could be introduced in the area will be considered roundabout. Will the Council look into 2 by the Council as an alternative. The recent accident at the roundabout is currently installing traffic calming measures such as under police investigation and the findings will be shared with the Council in due speed bumps and traffic signs to address this course. The Council continues to work closely with the police to ensure future issue? accidents in the area are preventable.

At the last Local Forum a resident was informed that they would receive a letter from Council The Council’s Head of Environmental Services confirmed he will be attending a officers acknowledging the opening of the handover meeting on Wednesday 16th March with the contractors of the toilets. The Barkingside public toilets. No letter was 3 toilets will then be opened, providing all necessary checks and requirement have received so can the Council confirm when the been met. toilets will now be open to the public?

Local Forums Notes 14 March 2016, Orchard Community Hall

Question Answer

The decision to remove the railings on Broadmead Road was not one taken by the Why were the railings removed from Council but by TfL. TfL have a policy of removing “street furniture” and the railings Broadmead Road? They are needed to protect 4 on Broadmead Road were deemed to be unnecessary. The Panel raised concerns on the large number of children in the area from the decision by TfL to remove the railings in question. the busy road and oncoming traffic.

Residents are concerned about the infrequency of a number of bus routes in Redbridge, Cliff Woolnoth confirmed that he is in contact with the operators of the bus routes 5 particularly buses 20, 179 and the W13. What in question and will raise the matter of infrequent buses with them. action is the Council taking to ensure that there are more frequent buses for residents?

A consultation was held last year on the proposed changes to the 462 bus route to serve Council officers are in contact with the resident who raised this question and are 6 Forest Road. The new route was due to begin in looking into the matter and will provide a response in due course. January of this year but this has been delayed. What is the current situation?

A number of pavements have been broken by The cost to repair pavement breakages as a result of building renovation will be companies using heavy good vehicles whilst paid for by those responsible for it, providing council officers have witnessed the 7 carrying out renovations to Woodbridge High offence occurring. In many incidents damage to pavements have already occurred School. Do these companies have to pay for any and this makes it harder to enforce who is responsible for any repair payments. The damages caused and will the Council ensure Council has powers under the Highways Act 1980 to take action against

Local Forums Notes 14 March 2016, Orchard Community Hall

Question Answer they charge for such breakages? perpetrators who commit this offence. The Highways Enforcement Team and the Redbridge Enforcement Team work together to identify offences and offenders and then take the relevant action where possible.

Residents can report any breakages they witness to the Council here or to their local ward councillors to ensure that those causing damage are held accountable.

Residents are finding it increasingly difficult to park as commuters travelling by tube and the Council officers confirmed they have received an application for a resident’s coaches from Bancroft’s school are parking in parking permit at the Ray Lodge Estate and are currently processing the request. residential areas on and around Snakes Lane Given the large number of permits and parking applications submitted to the 8 East. A resident’s parking permit for the Ray highways department awaiting assessment, the Council cannot commit at this time Lodge Estate was submitted to the Council to to a final date as to when the application in question will be approved or not. address this issue, can the Council provide an update on its progress?

Following receipt of a petition from local businesses for customer parking a consultation exercise was carried out in December 2013. The results were reported

to Area 2 Committee who approved the introduction of a Pay and Display parking Was a public consultation held before the scheme. Several representations, including a petition, were received during the introduction of parking meters and double 9 statutory consultation process. As a result of this some minor design amendments yellow lines on Snakes Lane East and who is the were made and the scheme was introduced experimentally in September 2015. contractor responsible for the meters?

The pay and display machines are purchased from a company named Parkeon. They are maintained by London Borough of Redbridge with assistance from Apcoa Parking and Parkeon.

Local Forums Notes 14 March 2016, Orchard Community Hall

Question Answer

Redbridge is one of the lowest revenue generating boroughs and supports reinvestment into the Borough through fines collected from illegal parking. The Council currently offers 30 minutes free parking on a parking meter in any public place across the Borough and this has been welcomed by both residents and local businesses. Further information on parking charges can be found here

An accident on the corner of St Barnabas Road may have been caused as a result of the parking space available to motorists on the road. Can Council’s Head of Engineering confirmed that officers would look into this matter 10 the Council consider extending the single and consider the proposal suggested. yellow line on the road and removing the parking space? This could prevent future accidents.

At the last Local Forum a resident raised a concern regarding the use of warrants when Council officers are in an email dialogue with the resident in question and are 11 vehicles are clamped or removed. Can the looking into the issues raised. Council provide a further response to their use?

Housing

The resident who raised this question was advised to leave their details with Elaine 12 A resident of the Orchard Estate raised a Gosling, Head of Housing Management, who would look into this matter. concern that a fellow resident within her

Local Forums Notes 14 March 2016, Orchard Community Hall

Question Answer housing block has been commandeering a communal washing line. What can the Council do to stop this continued practice?

Residents have complained about the quality of service provided by Morrison Facilities Services, the company contracted to carry out maintenance and repairs on properties on the Orchard Estate. Concerns include:

The panel confirmed that all the issues raised by residents of the Orchard Estate will  Not responding to residents’ complaints; be looked into by the Council’s housing officers and brought to the attention of  Cancelling appointments and failing to Morrisons. The standard of work carried out by Morrisons should be regularly reschedule appointments; and monitored to ensure they deliver the quality level or service expected from both 13  Failing to adequately fix priority residents and the Council as their employers. Residents were advised to leave their problems such as leaks and heating, details with housing officers and local ward councillors in attendance at the forum resulting in problems reoccurring. who would take up the issues raised on their behalf.

A resident raised complaints regarding the conditions of the communal doorways and entrances and the presence of birds and their nests on the outside ledges of properties

Local Forums Notes 14 March 2016, Orchard Community Hall

Question Answer

The resident who raised these issues was asked to leave their details with Elaine A local resident raised concerns about excessive Gosling who would look into the incident of excess noise as a matter of importance. noise from an upstairs neighbour and the It was confirmed by housing officers that all communal lifts in the Orchard Estate 14 condition of the communal lifts within their are regularly cleaned and inspected, and that the lift in question would be further block of flats. What action is the Council taking monitored. to address these issues?

An enquiry was made for another green rubbish bin to be provided for Beehive Court as the It was noted that the request for a new bin would be taken up by the resident’s current one was left unemptied for over two local councillors in Cranbrook ward. The Panel thanked the resident for providing weeks and had been attracting vermin. The 15 positive feedback relating to the sub-contractor employed by the Council. The resident who raised this concern also Council welcomes feedback from residents and will use the responses to ensure it commented on the good work of the sub- reaches the right decision when employing companies to deliver Council services. contractors used by the Council to clear away foliage and branches in the surrounding area.

The panel confirmed that there will be a new Housing Panel website which will provide residents and tenants with a greater level of information on the services

available and the Borough’s housing plan. There needs to be improved There is a lack of information online regarding communication and awareness of housing panels and tenant meetings which act future housing plans in the Borough and 16 as important platforms for addressing the concerns of residents. The panel and a services available to tenants. More number of residents attending the Forum encouraged other residents to attend accountability is needed from the Council. these housing meetings and to join the panels, particularly those in operation at

the Orchard Estate.

Local Forums Notes 14 March 2016, Orchard Community Hall

Question Answer Further information on how residents can get involved with housing in Redbridge can be found here

Community Safety

The panel agreed that residents should not have to live in a society where incidents like this occur. Redbridge’s new enforcement team will be operating throughout

the borough outside standard working hours and are very visible to residents Individuals who are drunk and disorderly and should they need their assistance. Mark Benbow, Head of Community Safety and those who harass residents for money continue Enforcement, confirmed that the Council are working closely with the police and to congregate outside Gants Hill tube station at that the area in question is covered by CCTV to record any incidents that take place. 17 night. A resident’s daughter has been accosted The local community police and safer neighbourhood teams are working together twice and followed home on a number of to reduce crime and ensure residents feel safer in their communities. Further occasions. Can the tube station be policed to information can be found here prevent this?

The resident who raised this concern was advised to leave their details with Council officers who would look into the matter further.

Residents in Liston Way are concerned that no The enforcement team is working with housing officers and the police to address action is being taken to address the actions of the individual in question as a matter of priority. The residents who raised this

another resident who is involved in drugs, concern were asked to leave their details with council officers to assist in dealing

begging and solicitation. A number of reports with the issue. The Leader acknowledged that this incident had been affecting 18 have been made but to no avail. What measures residents for far too long and that he and local ward councillors would be kept are the Council taking to resolve these updated on any action taken. problems?

Local Forums Notes 14 March 2016, Orchard Community Hall

Question Answer

The resident who raised this concern was advised to leave their details with the Head of Community Safety who would be able to look into the matter and provide a more detailed response in relation to the area in question. The panel suggested that residents should also raise any local concerns with their ward councillors who will be able to contact council officers directly for responses and updates. Further information on resident’s local ward councillors can be found here

Residents in the local area are concerned with The panel reconfirmed the commitment to tackling these ongoing problems and 19 the congregation of gangs and people using that gangs, drug dealing and using drugs will not be tolerated in Redbridge. The drugs. police are working closely with the Redbridge Enforcement Team and safer

neighbourhood police teams to tackle these issues and ensuring that residents in Redbridge remain safe.

Residents are encouraged to report any incidents to the Council, with further information on keeping Redbridge safe found here

There is concern that an alleyway near to a resident’s property on Goldhaze Close is being used by individuals taking drugs and dumping The resident who raised this issue was advised to leave their details with Cllr Canal, 20 rubbish illegally. Residents have cleared the the local councillor for Bridge ward where the residents resides, who would take up area themselves a number of times but would the matter. like the Council to take action and reprimand those responsible.

Local Forums Notes 14 March 2016, Orchard Community Hall

Question Answer

The recent incident involving housing benefit fraud was a complex case that took place across a number of London Boroughs including Redbridge. It was as a result of the hard work of Redbridge Council’s fraud team in partnership with the police How does the Council plan to recuperate the and neighbouring boroughs that the case was taken to court and the individuals in 21 alleged £578,000 from the recently uncovered question were brought to justice. The conviction has prevented the fraud from housing benefit scheme? continuing and costing Redbridge potentially millions more in fraudulent benefit claims. The Council will be working vigorously to recuperate the money it has lost to the fraudsters through the courts. Further information on the case be found here

Planning The Leader confirmed that the Library needs protection and that renovations to the building are also needed as it cannot continue in its current condition. The Council is committed to preserving all the libraries in Redbridge and not having to close them as many other local authorities have done so to address budget cuts. The current Woodford Library will be temporarily moved to Hawkey Hall and this will allow local residents to continue using the services provided. The panel was 22 What is the current situation regarding mindful that the relocation of the library to Hawkey Hall could have a potential Woodford Library? impact on the nearby South Woodford Library.

The existing library building will be refurbished and the Council has no plans at the moment for its long term future. Any future decision that will be taken will involve a public consultation period which residents are encouraged to participate in when the time comes.

Local Forums Notes 14 March 2016, Orchard Community Hall

Question Answer

The Public Liaison Transport Forum was previously available for residents to attend to raise any questions or concerns relating the transport in Redbridge. This liaison forum was deemed to be ineffective and was dissolved, with all matters relating to transport being moved to the External Scrutiny Panel. The Scrutiny Panel meets Does Redbridge still have a public transport twice a year with major public transport providers to Redbridge and members of 23 forum? the public are able to attend each meeting. Ward councillors are able to attend each meeting and the panel suggested that residents can contact their local representatives with any transport issues they may have which can be raised on their behalf. The next meeting will be held on the 18th July at the Town Hall and further information on the External Scrutiny Panel can be found here

Cleansing

There is a build-up of leaves and branches on Every road in Redbridge is serviced within a 10 day cycle by the Council’s street the roads of South Woodford. What action is cleansing team, with weekly green waste collection for residents every Friday. 24 the Council taking to address this and to clear Further information on street cleansing can be found here and residents can report the roads and pavements for residents and incidents of litter and waste here motorists?

Leisure How successful is the gym at South Woodford 25 Library? The gym at South Woodford is proving to be very successful as a well used and

Local Forums Notes 14 March 2016, Orchard Community Hall

Question Answer valued addition to the local community. Membership has exceeded expectations with 579 members (the target was 450 by March 2016) alongside the regular system of “pay as you” visit customers. There are currently in excess of 2,500 visits to the gym each week and the total income for the financial year 2015/16 will be circa £260,000.

Questions submitted online

The London Borough of Redbridge requested that Transport for London (TfL) review the possibility of providing a bus service along Forest Road in Fairlop, which is an area of the Borough that is not served by a bus route at present. As a consequence TfL proposed to change route 462 to meet this request, which would bring some local residents closer to the local bus network and provide new direct links to the leisure facilities along Forest Road, including Fairlop Waters Country Park. Why does London Buses route 462 have to be re-routed to serve Fairlop? It would be more A number of issues were considered when deciding whether to either commission advantageous to install a new bus route and a new bus route or amend an existing route. For example a single deck vehicle is have it terminate at Elmbridge Road instead. required to pass under the Underground railway bridge at Fairlop station and bus route 167 serves Fencepiece Road. The decision was taken that amending the 462 route was the best solution in this instance.

TfL undertook a consultation on amending the 462 route from 6 February 2015 to 20 March 2015. Full details of the consultation can be found at https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/route-462. 77% of the responses supported or partially supported the proposals, 21% said they did not support the proposals, and 2% were not sure, or did not answer.

Local Forums Notes 14 March 2016, Orchard Community Hall

Question Answer

The condition of the streets in Redbridge is At this moment, the Council has no plans to introduce wheeled bins which if appalling especially in South Ilford around implemented would cost £4.2 million. This cost would include a one off costs for Cranbrook Rd and Ilford lane areas. As more new bins and the fitment of bin lifts to vehicles. There would also be an increase in houses on Ilford Lane are being granted the yearly collection cost (currently £2.87 million), of £1.41 million. There is a case permission to convert into shop premises the for the containerisation of domestic waste to reduce spillage caused by foraging concerns grow for local residents. Ilford is animals and careless packaging and both wheeled bins and the use of traditional becoming an unpleasant place to live we are dustbins are ways of achieving this. rifled by litter, fly tipping and rat infestation. One initiative I would ask you to consider would The current refuse and recycling contract runs until July 2019 but the process of be the provision of wheelie bins to the retendering the contact will begin shortly, which will take into account issues such borough. This would minimise the rat as value for money, improvements to the service, customer satisfaction and good infestation as it has been proven in practice within the waste industry. neighbouring boroughs. Refuse collection day in my area leaves the streets looking a tip In the meantime the Council will continue to encourage householders to contain where rats and foxes have torn open bin liners their waste in dustbins and will also provide standard dustbins to the public at to look for food. competitive prices.

How does Redbridge Council justify increasing Overall Council Tax has increased by 1.78% for 2016/17, the first increase in council the council tax for residents whilst making cuts tax for six years. That percentage increase – which works out as 47 pence per week to their services? for an average Band D property – includes an increase of 1.99% for the Councils services as well as the Government's social care precept of 2% which will go to fund pressures on adult social care services. We also have to include in the overall household Council Tax bill the Mayor of London’s Greater London Authority (GLA) precept which funds the Police, Fire Brigade and Transport for London and as this has gone down by 6.4%, overall the increase is 1.78%.

Local Forums Notes 14 March 2016, Orchard Community Hall

Question Answer

Since 2010, the Council has reduced spending by £78m and in a way that has had as little impact on residents as possible. The Council faces an enormous financial challenge due to a cut in support from the Government and an unfair funding formula which means we are underfunded by around £11m per annum compared to other parts of London. Central government has reduced the general grant given to the council since 2010 by 42% and plans to reduce it further and plans to end our general grant to all local authorities by 2020. The Council’s budget for 2016/17 includes the impact of £16m of savings and efficiencies proposals.

Does the Council agree with me that the Council The Council will continue to ensure that residents remain informed on the future of should publish a story on their website about the King George A&E and any decisions relating to this using the most appropriate the recent Wes Streeting public meeting on means. saving King George A&E along with any comments from the Conservative and Liberal Democrats per previous practice and also plug all future events organised by the campaign?

The questions raised involve complex issues which the Council’s Health Scrutiny Does the panel share my concerns about the 29 Committee will be able to provide responses to given it is the appropriate Council acute beds cut along with the Doctors and forum for scrutiny of BHRUT. The Health Scrutiny Committee will continue to

Nurses who staff them from King George and remain the appropriate body of the Council for addressing such matters. A report Queens Hospitals last year which may be a for debate at the next Council meeting on the 17th March relating to King George factor in: Hospital date will be considered.

Local Forums Notes 14 March 2016, Orchard Community Hall

Question Answer

(a) In the higher than expected death rates published in the March BHRUT board papers at page 94 (at time of writing it is unclear as to what the time period sought, a clarification has been sought from BHRUT)

(b) Long waiting times for surgery at the Trust for which the Chief Executive of BHRUT Matthew Hopkins recently issued an apology for.

The Council has no authority over London flight paths so cannot regulate over aircraft noise. Residents who have concerns on the noise of aircrafts passing over Redbridge should contact London City Airport, information on which can be found What is the Council doing about the noise here pollution across the borough? What about the Any decision to introduce noise barriers on the M11 and North Circular would be flight path from London City airport, and taken by the Highways Agency and Transport for London, the bodies responsible increased air and motorway traffic? How about for maintaining the roads in questions. The Council would be informed of any such the elevated parts of M11 and North Circular proposals and would work closely with the organisations to ensure their successful having no noise barriers? What about the lack completion. of speed cameras on major streets like

Broadmead Rd/A1009 which also impedes The Council has no authority to introduce safety (speed) cameras as these can only pedestrian safety? be approved, installed and maintained by TfL. TfL have strict justification criteria for the introduction of these devices based on accident records and traffic speeds Broadmead Road does not meet this criteria so TfL would not approve a camera on this road.

Local Forums Notes 14 March 2016, Orchard Community Hall

Question Answer

Residents who have concerns over noise nuisance in their area can contact the Council or the Redbridge Enforcement Team to report an issue, information on which can be found here