Issue - meetings

Councillor Mark Ingleby, Chair of the Panel, informed the meeting that he had requested that the Panel should consider the decision taken by the Executive Director of Corporate Resources relating to the “Full Fibre Broadband for Lewisham Residents”.  Speaking on the issue, Councillor Ingleby welcomed statements that the work would assist in the promotion and improvement of economic and social wellbeing of the borough, but that he was unclear about the method of constructing the digital services, and wanted clarification that there would be a rigorous control in the implementation of the proposals.

In response, the Digital Lead Officer confirmed to the Panel that quality procedures from templates set out by the Government relating to public engagements, and fire and building regulations would strictly be followed in the process.  Therefore, it was unlikely that implementation would include over-ground telecommunication mast.  The Panel also noted that progress would be monitored by a Project Officer for delivery in accordance with expected standard. Therefore, should there be any concern during the construction, contractors would be requested to stop work until those were addressed.

Councillor Millbank enquired about socio-economic benefits of implementing the digital services, considering the cost-of-living issue which the Council was currently addressing, and the need for digital inclusion for residents. 

In response, the Public Digital Lead Officer stated that the Council had benchmarked other councils that had implemented similar networks.  Therefore, it was likely that implementation in Lewisham would result in the optimisation of employment and apprenticeship opportunities, the provision of digital training, and benefits for residents from competitive discounted rates on special tariffs because there would be multiple broadband providers.  Furthermore, depending on the scope of the rollout, the Council would negotiate with the providers to deliver free digital connections access in public spaces and community areas within buildings, such as hotels and community centres.  The Executive Director of Corporate Resources added that a mandate in the Electronic Communications Code required digital companies to install broadband fibre at cost-neutral to them.

Commenting on further responses by the Executive Director of Corporate Resources, Councillor Millbank expressed satisfaction that the Council would negotiate with the corporate arm of delivering companies to maximise social value for residents, and that a report-back on progress would be provided for consideration by Members at a future date.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

Councillor Paul Maslin, Chair of the Panel, informed the meeting that he had received a request from Councillor Mark Ingleby for Members to consider the decision taken under delegated authority by the Executive Director of Corporate Services regarding “Contract Award Approval for Beckenham Park Place”.

In addressing the meeting, Councillor Ingleby stated that in 2014/15, Phoenix Housing Association (Phoenix) suggested planting ideas in Downham fields, with an initiative to include local participation but that the Council did not allocate budget for the work since the expectations were placed on housing associations.  Commenting on that background information, Councillor Ingleby highlighted the context to questions he wished to raise by quoting paragraph 3.6 of the report upon which the Mayor and Cabinet decision was based as follows: “At London-wide level, the Mayor of London’s Environment Strategy 2018 brings together approaches to every aspect of London’s environment, integrating the following areas: air quality, green infrastructure, climate change mitigation and energy, waste, adapting to climate change, ambient noise and low carbon circular economy”.  Considering that, and the potential for the local circular economy to complement the Council’s current plans and vision, with increasing focus on climate change emergency, Councillor Ingleby enquired whether the Council would consider the suitability of Beckenham Place Park East project for managed horticulture or, adapt the social idea of community involvement of creative ideas for a more specialised allotment project likened to the Phoenix’s approach. 

In response, the Director of Communities, Partnership and Leisure advised the Panel that the Beckenham Place Park environment was on a flood plain.  However, as he was not a horticulturalist expert, he would enquire from the architects and provide a response on the suitability of the grounds.

Councillor Ingleby provided a subtext to the response, commenting that food growing initiatives had a potential for local involvement and creative ideas.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.