Here are some of the key decisions and motions agreed by the Full Council at a meeting held on 21 January 2009.
Council Tax Base and Discounts
The Council Tax Base for 2009-10 was agreed.
Statutory discounts would be applicable and, where the Council was able to exercise a degree of local discretion, it was agreed the statutory minimum discount of 10 per cent would be set for second homes and a zero per cent discount for empty dwellings.
It was also agreed the Council would press the Secretary of State to grant councils the discretion to eliminate second home discounts.
Local Development Framework
The Core Strategy Options Report was approved for statutory public consultation.
The Lewisham Core Strategy sets out the vision, objectives, strategy and policies that will guide development and regeneration in the borough over the next 15 years. Major change is anticipated and there is a need to plan for this with a focus on Lewisham, Catford, Deptford and New Cross.
Stock Transfer: Orchard Estate and Village Court
It was agreed to make an application to the Secretary of State under Section 32 of the Housing Act 1985 for the transfer of the Orchard Estate and Village Court neighbourhoods to Broomleigh Housing Association. This would allow for high level investment in the properties and to raise them to the decent homes standard.
Subject to securing the consent from the Secretary of State, the transfer could take place on 26 January 2009.
Motions
a) The following motion was carried: Inauguration of Barack Obama
“In the spirit of the longstanding ties of friendship between the United Kingdom and the United States of America this council recognises the historic election of Barack Obama as the 44th President and resolves to send a letter of congratulation. We further recognise that his achievement offers inspiration to all the diverse people of this borough and demonstrates that they too can make their voices heard and make change happen. We, as locally elected politicians, also take inspiration and we pledge anew to do all we can to make Lewisham a place where equality of opportunity is reality not rhetoric.”
b) The following motion was carried with amendment: Youth Violence
“This Council is deeply concerned about youth violence in Lewisham, in particular knife crime. While the vast majority of young people enjoy safe and positive lives, the lives of a few are destroyed by youth violence. A new coalition of concerned citizens and youth organisations across southeast London have joined together to create the ENOUGH! campaign to Make Youth Violence History.
The aims of ENOUGH! are to bolster support for existing youth organisations, inspire new volunteers to work to end youth violence, secure funding from local and central government for this work, and promote positive images of young people.
As one of a wide range of ways to tackle this issue, this Council supports the ENOUGH! campaign and urges relevant senior officers to join the next meeting of ENOUGH! in the new year and refer this matter to the Safer Lewisham Partnership to look into practical solutions to this serious issue.”
For more details see the meeting papers.