The Council of Redbridge met on Thursday, 19 May 2011, to discuss a range of important issues, including the adoption of new legislation to combat criminal activity, the approval of the Safer Redbridge Strategy, and significant changes to the council's senior management structure. A key decision made was the adoption of Section 75 of the London Local Authorities Act 2007, which will require businesses operating as 'accommodation addresses' to register with the council and maintain detailed records, thereby enhancing the ability of enforcement agencies to identify individuals involved in criminal activities.

Adoption of Section 75 of the London Local Authorities Act 2007

The council adopted Section 75 of the London Local Authorities Act 2007, which will come into effect on 1 July 2011. This legislation aims to tackle criminal activities by requiring businesses that provide 'accommodation addresses' – essentially a trading address for clients who may not have a physical presence – to register with the council. These businesses will also be mandated to keep detailed records of their clients, which will be accessible to enforcement agencies such as Trading Standards and the Police. This measure is intended to prevent individuals involved in criminal enterprises from using these services to conceal their identities and evade detection. The decision followed a recommendation from the Cabinet, which had considered the report on 3rd May 2011.

Approval of the Safer Redbridge Strategy 2011-12

The council approved the Safer Redbridge Strategy for 2011-12. This interim strategy, developed by the Community Safety Partnership, outlines priorities for tackling crime, disorder, and anti-social behaviour across the borough. The strategy focuses on three key areas: burglary, anti-social behaviour and hate crime, and violence against women and girls. These priorities were identified through a strategic assessment of crime and disorder problems within Redbridge. The strategy emphasizes collaboration between statutory and voluntary organisations to create a safer environment for residents, workers, and visitors. The Cabinet had previously considered and recommended this strategy for approval on 3rd May 2011.

Changes to Senior Management Structure

Significant changes to the council's senior management structure were agreed upon, primarily due to the externalisation of Culture, Sport, and Community Learning functions to Vision-Redbridge Culture and Leisure (VRCL ). Consequently, the post of Chief Culture, Sport and Community Learning Officer will be deleted. The responsibilities related to the policing of the council's parks and open spaces, previously held by this officer, will be transferred to the Chief Community Safety Officer. This transfer includes any additional functions arising from an agreement with the Metropolitan Police to provide policing services in these areas. The council also noted the client monitoring arrangements and agreed to delegate ancillary implementation tasks to the Chief Executive. Additionally, the job title of Chief Street Scene Officer will be changed to Chief Highways and Cleansing Officer .

Changes to Standing Orders

The council agreed to changes to Standing Orders 16 and 21, concerning the summoning of extraordinary council meetings and the process for business motions. The revised Standing Order 16 clarifies the conditions under which the Mayor, councillors, or chief officers can call an extraordinary meeting, and outlines the business that can be considered. The amendments to Standing Order 21 detail the requirements for submitting business motions, including the timeframe for submission and the criteria for a motion to be considered in order, which must be relevant to the council's functions or a national/local matter with a significant impact on the borough.

Requisitioned Decision: Purchase of Police Officers

A requisitioned decision regarding the Purchase of Police Officers was debated, stemming from a Cabinet decision on 3rd May 2011. The Cabinet had resolved to discontinue the council's Parks Police service and instead purchase officers from the Metropolitan Police Authority under a buy one get one free scheme, supplemented by additional Park Keepers. The contract with the Metropolitan Police Authority was proposed to be for three years, with specific provisions for daily police coverage in parks. However, an amendment moved by Councillor Gurdial Bhamra and seconded by Councillor Aziz Ahmed Choudhury sought to refer the matter back to the Cabinet. The amendment argued that the proposal was short-sighted, neglected the specific needs of policing parks by diverting Metropolitan Police resources to other tasks, and that the council should instead press the Mayor of London for additional Metropolitan Police Officers. Following a debate, the amendment was not carried, and the Cabinet's original decision to take no action and allow the Cabinet's decision to stand was upheld.

Questions from Members

Several questions were raised by members of the council. Councillor Wes Streeting questioned Councillor Paul Prince, Leader of the Council, regarding the redevelopment of Ilford station and the impact of government budget cuts. Councillor Streeting also inquired about the Secretary of State for Transport's stance on the station's regeneration. Councillor Dev Sharma asked Councillor Prince about the cost recovery of his Meet the Leader sessions, leading to a discussion about the necessity and effectiveness of such public engagement. Councillor Alex Phillips enquired about the council's efforts to encourage people into work, with Councillor Prince highlighting the launch of Work Redbridge. Councillor Andy Walker questioned Councillor Alan Edward Weinberg MBE, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, about advice given to Chadwell parents regarding school placements, and Councillor Robert C. Littlewood followed up on transport for children attending schools outside their immediate area. Councillor Harold William Moth raised concerns with Councillor Mrs. Ann Elizabeth Candy, Cabinet Member for Highways, about parking restrictions in Beehive Lane and the implementation of budget option HES306. Finally, Councillor Gwyneth Deakins asked Councillor Robin A. Turbefield, Cabinet Member for Housing, about the selection process for the interim Chief Executive of Redbridge Homes and the associated costs.

Petitions Presented

Two petitions were presented. Councillor Michael Stark presented a petition from residents of Woodford Green requesting action to remove parking restrictions in Woodford Broadway. Councillor Ross J. Hatfull presented a petition from residents objecting to the proposed disbandment of the Redbridge Parks Police. Both petitions were referred to the Petitions Officer and relevant officers for further consideration. A further petition regarding the Parks Police, with over 2,190 signatories, was presented for debate, objecting to the proposed disbandment of the current Parks Police Service and the implementation of its replacement. The council noted the petition and stated that its decision on the requisitioned matter concerning the purchase of police officers would be relayed to the petition organiser.

Mayor's Announcements and Other Business

The Mayor presented an award to the Sport and Physical Activity Team for the Pro Active East Partner of the year award 2011. The council also formally approved the minutes of the previous meeting held on 17th March 2011, with minor amendments. No correspondence was received, and there were no questions from members of the public. The council also appointed members to various committees and other bodies, including ordinary committees, the Standards Committee, the Licensing Committee, and regional planning committees.

Promotion of Cycling

In response to an unanswered question from Councillor Alex Phillips, Councillor Mrs. Ann Elizabeth Candy, Cabinet Member for Highways, outlined plans to promote cycling in Redbridge. The council has secured an additional £385,000 over three years to support cycling initiatives. These efforts are based on the 3 E's approach: Education, Engineering, and Events. Education includes Bike Clubs in schools and cycle training. Engineering involves the delivery of cycle lanes and the installation of cycle stands, with planned improvements to local routes and cycle hubs. Promotional events such as Bike Week and the Inspiration Festival are also scheduled.