The Council Assembly meeting scheduled for Wednesday 25 January 2012 was set to cover a range of topics, with a significant focus on environmental issues. Discussions were also planned regarding council tax, the potential registration of a new village green, and the disposal of council property.

Themed Debate: Environment

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a themed debate on the environment. Councillor Barrie Hargrove, Cabinet Member for Transport, Environment and Recycling, was scheduled to present on the theme. The debate was intended to include public questions and members' motions related to environmental concerns.

Several motions were put forward for discussion:

• Carbon Neutral Council by 2020: This motion, proposed by Councillor Geoffrey Thornton and seconded by Councillor James Barber, called for the council to become carbon neutral by 2020. It noted the council's contribution to borough carbon emissions and regretted a perceived lack of new initiatives in the council's energy and carbon reduction strategy. The motion recommended innovative approaches, including developing a green energy plant at the Elephant and Castle regeneration site and insulating all council homes.
• Environment: Proposed by Councillor Dan Garfield and seconded by Councillor Darren Merrill, this motion emphasised the importance of protecting the natural environment, even during times of austerity. It called for councillors to work together on innovative ways to tackle carbon emissions and protect the environment. The motion also highlighted the council's transport plan, its efforts in energy efficiency, and the introduction of food waste recycling.
• Making Southwark a Cycling Borough: Moved by Councillor Mark Gettleson and seconded by Councillor Lisa Rajan, this motion expressed condolences for the tragic death of Ellie Carey and noted the number of cyclists killed or seriously injured on Southwark's roads. It called for an increase in the target for cycling to 20% and for improved safety on roads, particularly Tower Bridge Road and Abbey Street.

Members' Question Time

Members of the council were scheduled to ask a series of questions to the Leader and Cabinet Members. These questions covered a wide array of topics, including:

• Confidence in Cabinet Members for Housing and Health and Adult Social Care following the death of Mr Frederick Watts.
• Consultation efforts regarding the council's 2012/13 budget.
• The number of post offices closed in Southwark under the previous Labour government.
• The impact of the Mayor's decision to increase public transport fares.
• The council's preparations for the 2012 Olympic Games.
• Plans for the Livesey Museum building.
• The council's warden service and its impact on vulnerable residents.
• The establishment of Southwark's health and wellbeing board.
• The council's response to complaints regarding the taxicard service.
• The impact of the proposed Alternative Olympic Route Network on Southwark residents.
• The council's efforts to encourage and develop partnerships with local businesses in Peckham.
• The impact of the proposed new flexibilities in social housing allocations under the Localism Act 2011.
• The average compensation paid for the surrender of leases on the Heygate estate.
• Details of road improvements in Grange Road and Southwark Park Road.
• The number of potholes fixed in Borough and Bankside.
• The council's actions regarding rat running through the Cherry Gardens Estate and Millpond Estate.
• The use of LED lighting in social housing.
• The council's plans for the Nunhead and East Peckham Renewal Area.

Motions Referred to Cabinet

The meeting was also scheduled to receive a report back on motions that had previously been referred to the Cabinet from Council Assembly. Two such motions were detailed:

• Community Response to August's Disturbances: This motion, originally moved by Councillor Michael Situ and seconded by Councillor Rowena Davis, acknowledged the disturbances and looting in August 2011 but highlighted the positive community response. It called for the Leader to update members on the council's response to the disturbances and the initial findings of community conversations aimed at understanding the causes and building civil society. The Cabinet had noted and agreed this motion.
• Payday Loans: Moved by Councillor Martin Seaton and seconded by Councillor Kevin Ahern, this motion expressed concern about the prevalence of payday loan shops in the borough, particularly in Peckham and on Walworth Road. It highlighted the exploitative interest rates and the negative impact on financially vulnerable residents. The motion called for alternative low-cost loan options to be made available and welcomed proposals from London Mutual Credit Union. The Cabinet had agreed this motion.

Disposal of Badminton House

A report for decision concerned the disposal of the freehold interest in Badminton House, Quorn Road, SE22. The Council Assembly was asked to approve an application to the Secretary of State for the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) for consent to the disposal of the property. This followed a recommendation from the Cabinet on 13 December 2011. The disposal was intended to generate a capital receipt to replenish the Housing Investment Programme, which had funded the East Dulwich Estate regeneration.

Application for Village Green Registration

The Council Assembly was asked to consider and agree an application for the registration of a new Town or Village Green at King's Stairs Gardens, Jamaica Road, London SE16. The application was made under the Commons Act 2006, based on the claim that local inhabitants had enjoyed lawful sports and pastimes on the land as of right for at least 20 years. No objections to the application had been received during the consultation period.

Rescheduling of Council Assembly Meeting

A report recommended that the Council Assembly consider rescheduling its February meeting. Specifically, it was proposed to move the council tax setting meeting from Wednesday 22 February 2012 to Wednesday 29 February 2012. This change was suggested to allow more time to incorporate the Greater London Assembly precept and to align with the meeting dates of neighbouring boroughs such as Lambeth and Lewisham. To implement this change, Council Assembly Procedure Rule 2.1 would need to be suspended.

Council Tax Base for 2012/13

The meeting was scheduled to set the council tax base for the financial year 2012/13. This involved determining the number of Band D equivalent properties within the borough and its parishes. The report also recommended an increase in the assumed collection level for council tax from 96% to 96.25%. This calculation is a statutory requirement to inform preceptors of the council tax base by 31 January 2012.