Agenda and minutes

Agreed.

Received a report based on a survey carried out in the Borough in 2002 / 2003 exploring the experiences of LGBT people living and working in the Borough and identifies key issues and concerns which will help to inform policy and service planning.

Agreed, in order to respond proactively to the European Union Directive on sexual orientation and deliver on existing policy commitments in the Council’s Corporate Equalities and Diversity Policy Framework, to:

1.  Approve the contents of the report;

2.  the LGBT Strategic Statement of Intent; based upon the recommendations contained in the ‘Breaking the Silence’ Report;

3.  Endorse the establishment of an LGBT consultative mechanism and proposals to continue work with the local LGBT communities through the Council and the Partnership; and

4.  Recommend that the Report and its Executive Summary be formally referred to the Barking and Dagenham Partnership.

Received a report seeking the Council’s endorsement of proposals by Transport for London (TfL) to develop the first phase of the East London Transit (ELT) as a bus based Intermediate Mode System from Ilford, via Barking Town Centre, to Barking Riverside and Dagenham Dock.  The report also outlined TfL’s proposed route and technology as well as highlighting issues for consideration.

Agreed, in order to contribute to the Council’s Community Priorities of “Regenerating the Local Economy” and “Making Barking and Dagenham Cleaner, Greener and Safer”, to the principle of the East London Transit, subject to the following conditions:

1. TfL must ensure that any bus based system developed is capable of being upgraded to a tram within 10 years subject to increasing demand.

2. In developing a bus based system, TfL must ensure that no works compromise a future upgrade to tram.

3. TfL must ensure that the bus technology used is constantly upgraded to remain leading edge.

4. TfL must fund and work with the Council, using all available technology to enforce parking restrictions along the route.

5. TfL must ensure that the frequency of service is at least every five to eight minutes to ensure that a modal shift from private cars to public transport is achieved.

6. TfL must fund the relocation of part of the Barking Town Centre Street Market to London Road including the costs of any revised traffic management scheme and alterations to the public highway in line with the Barking Town Centre Public Realm Town Code.

7. In implementation of the ELT route from Fanshawe Avenue Roundabout through thepedestrianised parts of Barking Town Centre as far as the former Westbury Public House TfL must design and implement any revisions to the Public Realm (public highway) in line with the Barking Town Centre Public Realm Town Code.

8. In the detailed design of the scheme in and around Barking Town Centre TfL must take account of the major regeneration schemes.

Received the Best Value Performance Plan monitoring report for the first quarter 2004 / 2005.  The Management Team gave a presentation on, and we discussed, performance against a range of key Performance Indicators within the Plan.

Agreed to receive further reports on the following two areas:

1. The proposed recycling pilot scheme to take place on the Harts Lane Estate; and

2. The performance of schools in the Borough in relation to school exclusions and Local Education Authority provision for excluded pupils.

Noted a report providing an update on the Council’s revenue and capital position from the beginning of April to the end of June 2004.  The report also highlighted continuing pressures on Education, totalling about £0.6 million, some pressures in Corporate Strategy and the current position of the Housing Revenue Account

Agreed, as a matter of good financial practise, that:

1. The Director of Education, Arts and Libraries is to present to the Executive a detailed report on the 2004 / 2005 Education Budget position with a proposed Action Plan;

2. The Director of Education, Arts and Libraries is to ensure continued delivery of this proposed Action Plan and that the Director of Corporate Strategy similarly identifies and delivers an Action Plan; and

3. Further updates on their progress be presented in future budget monitoring reports.

Noted a report providing an update on the continued refinement of the Council’s ethnic monitoring systems.

Agreed to exclude the public and press for the remainder of the meeting, as the business was confidential.

* Items considered as a matter of urgency with the consent of the Chair under Section 100 (4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972.