Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

Councillor Rye apologised for the delayed start of the meeting.

Members of the Cabinet are invited to identify any personal or prejudicial interests relevant to items on the agenda. Please refer to the guidance note attached to the agenda.

NOTED the following declarations of interests:

1.            Councillor Edward Smith – Report Nos. 205 and 207 – Stock Reinvestment Programme – Procurement of Major Works Constructor Partner – personal interest in his capacity as a Director of Enfield Homes (Minute Nos.11 and 24 below refer).

2.            Councillor Glynis Vince – Report No.199 – Capital Programme and Prudential Indicator Monitoring Third Quarter 2008/09 – personal interest in her capacity as a Governor of Turin Grove School (Minute No.5 below refers).

3.            Councillor Ertan Hurer – Report No.199 – Capital Programme and Prudential Indicator Monitoring Third Quarter 2008/09 – personal interest in his capacity as a Governor of Highfield Primary School (Minute No.5 below refers).

4.            Councillor Matthew Laban – Report No.203 – Additional Primary Pupil Places 2009/10 Onwards: Implementation Plan and Funding Strategy – personal interest in his capacity as a Governor of Honilands Primary School (Minute No.9 below refers).  

The Chairman will consider the admission of any late reports (listed on the agenda but circulated late) which have not been circulated in accordance with the requirements of the Council’s Constitution and the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Amendment Regulations 2002.

Note: The above requirements state that agendas and reports should be circulated at least 5 clear working days in advance of meetings.

NOTED that            the reports listed on the agenda had been circulated in accordance with the requirements of the Council’s Constitution and the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Amendment Regulations 2002. These requirements state that agendas and reports should be circulated at least 5 clear days in advance of meetings.

To note that no requests for deputations (with or without petitions) have been received for presentation to this Cabinet meeting.

NOTED that there were no deputations (with or without petitions) to be received by the Cabinet at this meeting. 

A report from the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources is attached. This informs Members of the current position regarding the Council’s 2008 to 2013 capital programme taking into account the latest monitoring information on the progress of schemes. (Key decision – reference number 2776)

(Report No.199)

Councillor Ertan Hurer (Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources) introduced the report of the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources (No.199) informing Members of the current position regarding the Council’s 2008 to 2013 capital programme taking into account the latest monitoring information on the progress of schemes.  

NOTED the projected expenditure and variances in the capital programme as set out in the report. Members’ attention was drawn to the appendices of the report setting out the progress monitoring reports of the capital schemes.

Alternative Options Considered: None.      

DECISION: The Cabinet

1.         noted the outcome of the third quarter’s capital monitoring and review exercise for the current year and the position regarding the Council’s prudential indicators;

2.         noted that the indicators for 2009/10 onwards had been reviewed as part of the 2009/10 budget process and review of the medium term financial plan and had been reported to Council on 25 February 2009;

3.            agreed to confirm the addition to the capital programme of further earmarked resources totalling £4.627m (considered in section 4 of the report);

4.         noted a net pressure of £2.167m in the use of the Council’s General Resources of which £1.960m refers to Education, Children’s Services and Leisure – proposals to address this pressure were set out in the report on Primary School Places (Minute No.9 refers);

5.         noted the intention to undertake a full review of the capital programme in 2009/10.

Reason: To maintain a prudent view of capital resources available to allow time to review the best possible use of them in the light of Council objectives to finance future capital developments.

(Key decision – reference number 2776)

A report from the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources is attached. This sets out the Council’s revenue budget monitoring position for 2008/09 based on information to the end of December 2008.  (Key decision – reference number 2777)

(Report No.200)

Councillor Ertan Hurer (Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources) introduced the report of the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources (No.163) setting out the Council’s revenue budget monitoring position for 2008/09 based on information to the end of December 2008. 

NOTED

1.         the risks and uncertainties as set out in paragraph 3.7 of the report including the current economic environment and the establishment of an interest rate equalisation reserve;

2.         the earmarked reserves as set out in section 9 of the report and the reduction in the level of reserves estimated for 2009 and 2010.

Alternative Options Considered: Not applicable to this report.      

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to set aside the projected underspend for the purposes described in paragraph 3.7 of the report.

Reason: To ensure that Members were aware of the projected budgetary position for the Authority, including all major budget pressures and underspends which had contributed to the present monthly position and that were likely to affect the final outturn.

(Key decision – reference number 2777)

A report from the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources is attached. This presents an updated Risk Management Strategy reflecting current thinking and best practice. (Non-key)

(Report No.201)

Councillor Ertan Hurer (Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources) introduced the report of the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources (No.201) presenting an updated Risk Management Strategy reflecting current thinking and best practice.    

NOTED

1.         that the updated Strategy had previously been considered by the Audit Committee;

2.         that the Strategy set out the roles and responsibilities for both Members and Officers;

3.         the importance of regular monitoring of the Council’s risk register with Members being made aware of instances of high residual risk (red category specified in the report) and when any significant changes occurred within this risk range. Members noted that the risk register was regularly monitored by the Corporate Management Board however it was felt that the information relating to individual Departments should be shared with the appropriate Cabinet Member(s);

4.         that section 9 of the Risk Strategy referred to the review of the Council’s Corporate Risk Register and the role of the Risk Management Working Group. The Strategy should include reference to each Cabinet Member having ownership of the risks within their own portfolio area together with the relevant Director. Reports should be made to the Cabinet and Audit Committee as appropriate in reviewing the risks identified. It was proposed that the Corporate Risk Register be considered by the Cabinet on a six monthly basis, as a part two report. The Audit Committee should monitor closely those residual risks with a score of 16 and over and where any significant changes occurred.  

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED the following alternative options:

1.         not having a Risk Strategy would be contrary to current best practice and to corporate governance requirements; 

2.            keeping the existing Risk Strategy would not reflect current thinking as best practice;

3.         as part of the production of the revised Risk Strategy, draft versions were supplied to both the Council’s Corporate Management Board and also Grant Thornton the Council’s external auditors. Comments received had been taken into account in the version attached to the report.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that the revised Risk Management Strategy be agreed, subject to the comments of Members as detailed above.

Reason: To reflect current best practice and enhance and further embed risk management across the Council. 

(Non-key)

A report from the Director of Environment and Street Scene is attached. This gives details of the settlement for transport related spending within the Local Implementation Plan (LIP) for 2009/10 and outlines the implications for the Council’s programme of transport schemes. (Key decision – reference number 2822)

(Report No.202)

Councillor Terence Neville (Cabinet Member for Environment and Street Scene) introduced the report of the Director of Environment and Street Scene (No.202) detailing the settlement for transport related spending within the Local Implementation Plan (LIP) for 2009/10 and outlining the implications for the Council’s programme of transport schemes.

NOTED

1.         that Enfield had been allocated £2.688m for 2009/10, as detailed in section 5 of the report. The report set out in detail how the funding was to be allocated. Councillor Neville explained to Members the funding for the maintenance of principal roads in Enfield and how this compared to other London Boroughs. It was noted that Enfield’s principal roads were relatively well-maintained in relation to other areas of London. Members noted the significant investment which had been made by the Council in recent years;

2.         the range of schemes to be funded within the Local Implementation Plan, as detailed in the report, including safety schemes, walking and cycling. Members discussed the provision of cycle routes and reiterated the view that these should be provided away from main roads where possible. Views on this issue were currently being sought by TfL;

3.         that the reference to Salisbury School in the report should be amended to read Turin Grove School;

4.         that Councillor Edward Smith highlighted the proposed area based scheme for Southgate Town Centre, as set out in the report. It was noted that a further bid for funding would be made in due course and that any scheme would be subject to consultation, including with the Ward Councillors. The current traffic congestion experienced in the area was noted.

Alternative Options Considered: None. The LIP was a statutory requirement arising from the GLA Act 1999.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed

1.         the expenditure of £860,000, the programme, and schemes for the Principal Road Renewal Programme for 2009/10 as given in Section 6.9 of the report;

2.         the expenditure of £472,000, the programme and schemes for Local Safety for 2009/10 as given in Section 6.9 and associated consultation and Traffic Management Orders subject to agreement with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Street Scene;

3.         the expenditure of £300,000, the programme and schemes for 20 mph Zones for 2009/10 as given in Section 6.9 and associated consultation and Traffic Management Orders subject to agreement with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Street Scene;

4.         the expenditure of £25,000, the programme and schemes for the Road Safety Education, Training and Publicity Programme for 2009/10;

5.         the expenditure of £190,000 for the Walking Programme for 2009/10;

6.         the expenditure of £165,000, the programme and schemes for Cycling (London Cycle Network Plus) for 2009/10 and associated consultation and Traffic Management Orders subject to agreement with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Street Scene;

7.         the expenditure of £115,000, the programme and schemes for Cycling (Non London Cycle Network Plus) for 2009/10;

8.         the expenditure of £77,000, and the programme for Bus Stop Accessibility for 2009/10. The schemes and associated consultation and Traffic Management Orders would be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

A report from the Joint Interim Director of Education, Children’s Services and Leisure is attached. This takes forward the implementation of recommendations agreed in earlier reports proposing a five-year capital strategy to add nine forms of entry across Enfield’s primary schools. (Key decision – reference number 2809)

(Report No.203)

Councillor Glynis Vince (Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services) introduced the report of the Director of Education, Children’s Services and Leisure (No.203) taking forward the implementation of recommendations agreed in earlier reports proposing a five-year capital strategy to add nine forms of entry across Enfield’s primary schools.

NOTED the additional pressure on the provision of school places with an increase in the number of families moving into the Borough. To date there had been no significant impact arising from the current economic climate and a reduction in the take up of independent school places, this would continue to be monitored.

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED the alternative options considered as detailed in section 7 of the report. Many community schools in the Borough had already been expanded in recent decades to meet previous increases in demand for places, so a number of the remaining options had emerged in the voluntary aided sector.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed

1.         the Governing Bodies of St John and St James CE, St Mary’s Catholic and Cuckoo Hall Schools be asked to agree, as admission authorities, to the permanent expansions of their schools with effect from September 2009;

2.         the Governing Body of St Michael’s CE School be asked to agree, following further consultation and feasibility appraisal, to the permanent expansion of the school with effect from September 2010, subject to approval of the funding strategy as set out in the report;

3.         other schools in the Enfield Town area be approached with a view to admitting an additional Reception class in 2009/10 in the absence of additional places at St Michael’s CE School;

4.            design to tender work proceeds on schemes at Firs Farm, Eversley, Honilands and Suffolks Schools and that the agreement of Governing Bodies be sought to the implementation of their expansion schemes and the admission of additional pupils from September 2009, subject to approval of the funding strategy set out in the report;

5.         work proceeds to develop a scheme to provide two primary forms of entry within the Oasis Academy Hadley, subject to Council’s approval of the 2009/10 Capital Programme;

6.         the Authority continues to pursue with the Archdiocese of Westminster options for the future provision of additional Catholic primary school places;

7.         a £400k provision in 2009/10 be made in the short term for the building works necessary to accommodate additional pupils at Alma, Chesterfield and Houndsfield Primary Schools to ease the Authority’s immediate problems with the shortage of pupil places;

8.         further resources be allocated for the various schemes as set out in Appendix 1 of the report including

·       £3.2m to enable the completion of the main phase of works at St John and St James CE School, bringing the total scheme allocation to £6.5m;

·       £2.5m to enable the completion of the expansion scheme at St Mary’s Catholic School, bringing the total allocation of £4.2m;

·       £4.927m to enable the completion of the expansion scheme at Firs Farm School, bringing the total allocation to £7.6m;

9.            approval be given  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

A report from the Director of Health and Adult Social Care will be circulated as soon as possible. This seeks approval to award a contract for an integrated personal care and housing related support service at Skinners Court. (Report No.206, agenda part two also refers) (Key decision – reference number 2764)

(Report No.204)

NOTED that the report of the Director of Health and Adult Social Care (No.204) had been deferred for consideration at a future Cabinet meeting (Minute No.23 below also referred).

(Key decision – reference number 2764)

A report from the Director of Place Shaping and Enterprise is attached. This seeks approval to enter into a contract for the purpose of delivering a four-year contract to support the stock investment and decent homes works programme to the Council housing stock. (Report No.207, agenda part two also refers) (Key decision – reference number 2729)

(Report No.205)

Councillor Matthew Laban (Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety) introduced the report of the Director of Place Shaping and Enterprise (No.205) seeking approval to enter into a contract for the purpose of delivering a four-year contract to support the stock investment and decent homes works programme to the Council housing stock.

NOTED that Minute No.24 below also referred. Members discussed the contract in part two of the meeting.

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED the alternative options considered as set out in section 4 of the report.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed, subject to their consideration of Report No.207, detailed in Minute No.24 below:

1.         that the Council enter into a contract with the tenderer mentioned in section 2.1 of the part 2 report (Minute No.24 below also refers);

2.         that consultant services for the provision of client agents, cost consultants and Constructor Design and Management Co-ordinator be provided in the first instance through existing framework agreements and in the longer term through future procured frameworks/contracts (to be subject to a separate report and authority approval);

3.            subject to 1 above, that the Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety be granted delegated authority to commit expenditure of funds against projects to develop employers requirements under the block capital funding allowance, where not already attained or instructed and seek from the appointed constructor partner the accompanying contractors proposals;

4.         that subject to this approval, and subject to the receipt of satisfactory and value for money contractor proposals, and satisfactory completion of statutory leaseholder notice of works consultation, that the Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety be authorised to accept individual section proposals;

By such delegated authority the Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety had authority to confirm acceptance to issue instruction to the constructor partner in accordance with the contract to deliver a programme of works in support of and in accordance with the works priorities and criteria agreed under the Council’s Housing Asset Management Plan, details of which were contained in Appendix A to the report.

Reason: The reasons for the above recommendations were set out in full in section 5 of the report.

(Key decision – reference number 2729)

No items have been received for consideration at this meeting.

Members are advised that at its meeting on 16 February 2009 the Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the call-in of the previous Cabinet decision regarding the “Outcome of a Feasibility Study for a Purpose Built Dual Registered Residential and Nursing Care Facility for Older People” (Minute No.6 of 21 January 2009 refers). The Committee confirmed the Cabinet decision.

NOTED that at its meeting on 16 February 2009 the Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the call-in of the previous Cabinet decision regarding the “Outcome of a Feasibility Study for a Purpose Built Dual Registered Residential and Nursing Care Facility for Older People” (Minute No.6 of 21 January 2009 refers). The Committee confirmed the Cabinet decision.

To confirm any items to be referred to the Council.

AGREED that the following report be referred to the Council:

1.            Report No.201 – Revised Risk Management Strategy

Attached is a provisional list of items scheduled for future Cabinet meetings.

NOTED the list of provisional items scheduled for future Cabinet meetings.

Members are asked to consider any forthcoming key decisions for inclusion on the Council’s Forward Plan.

Note: the next Forward Plan is due to be published on 17 March 2009, this will cover the period from 1 April to 31 July 2009.

NOTED that the next Forward Plan was due to be published on 17 March 2009. The Plan would cover the period from 1 April to 31 July 2009.

To receive, for information, the minutes of a meeting of the Local Development Framework Cabinet Sub-Committee held on 22 January 2009.

NOTED the Minutes of a meeting of the Local Development Framework Cabinet Sub-Committee held on 22 January 2009.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 11 February 2009.

AGREED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 22 January 2009 be confirmed and signed by the Leader as a correct record.

To identify any matters arising from the above minutes.

There were no matters arising from the minutes.

To receive an oral update from members of the Enfield Strategic Partnership Board (Councillors Michael Rye (Chairman) and Michael Lavender).

There was currently nothing to report to Members with regard to the Enfield Strategic Partnership.

Cabinet members may wish to take this opportunity to raise any issues which may be of interest to Cabinet colleagues.

20.1Leader of the Council

Councillor Michael Rye (Leader of the Council) was pleased to report that the Council had been awarded 4 stars by the Audit Commission, a sign of excellence. This demonstrated the significant progress that the Council had made. Councillor Rye read out to Members the Summary of the Direction of Travel for the authority which was a fair and balanced judgement. It demonstrated that the Council was improving well and had the capacity for further improvement. Councillor Rye took this opportunity to express his thanks and appreciation to Cabinet Members past and present, Conservative Group Members, the Chief Executive and officers throughout the Council who had contributed to the success and progress of the authority.

Councillor Rye also reported on a positive meeting which had taken place with the two Deputy Mayors of London and the North London Strategic Alliance considering partnership working and future funding possibilities. It was noted that a more consultative and flexible approach was now being adopted.

20.2Adult Social Services

Councillor Edward Smith (Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services) was pleased to report that the Council had been successful in winning a Beacon Award for its work in supporting Independent Living for Disabled Adults. The award ceremony had taken place the previous evening and had been attended by a number of Members, Officers and service users from Enfield. Councillor Smith noted that the competition element of the award process had resulted in improved services and increased levels of motivation. Councillor Smith paid tribute to Ray James, Director of Health and Adult Social Care, and his team for the excellent work which had resulted in the award. The bid had received outstanding scores in every element of the award.

Members also acknowledged the contribution which had been made by Councillor Alan Barker, previous Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services.

Councillor Smith was also pleased to note the contribution which Adult Social Services had made in the achievement of the Council’s recent 4 star assessment by the Audit Commission.

20.3Customer Focus, Communications and Corporate Improvement

Councillor Ann Zinkin (Cabinet Member for Customer Focus, Communications and Corporate Improvement) had also attended the Beacon Award ceremony the previous evening and reiterated the significant achievement of the Council in receiving the award.

Councillor Zinkin was pleased to advise Members that a number of teams within the Council had maintained their ISO 9001:2000 certification following recent reviews. The Teams included Concessionary Travel, Translation and Interpreting Services, General Enquiries and Print and Design Services. The review system was rigorous and all teams had demonstrated excellent quality management. Congratulations were extended to all officers involved.

20.4Education and Children’s Services

Councillor Glynis Vince (Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services) was pleased to report that 94% of Enfield parents had been allocated a school of their preference at secondary transfer. Approximately 61% had received their first preference school.

Members were advised that the rate of teenage pregnancies in the Borough had reduced by 13%.

Councillor Vince reported that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

The next meeting of the Cabinet is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 25 March 2009 at 8.00pm at the Civic Centre.

NOTED that            the next meeting of the Cabinet had been scheduled to take place on Wednesday 25 March 2009 at 8.00pm at the Civic Centre.

To consider passing a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 excluding the press and public from the meeting for the items of business listed on part 2 of the agenda on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in those paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act (as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006). (Members are asked to refer to the part 2 agenda)

RESOLVED in accordance with the principles of Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act (as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006).

NOTED that the report of the Director of Health and Adult Social Care (No.206) had been deferred for consideration at a future Cabinet meeting (Minute No.10 above also referred).

(Key decision – reference number 2764)

Councillor Matthew Laban (Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety) introduced the report of the Director of Place Shaping and Enterprise (No.207) which was circulated at the meeting for Members only. 

NOTED

1.         that Minute No.11 above also refers;

2.         that further advice had been received in response to the questions raised by Members at the last meeting. Members expressed concern at the time which they had been given in which to consider the report and stated that in future where the Cabinet is corporately involved in such a contract there was a need for Members to be involved in the process from the beginning and to be briefed on the methodology to be used. The Chief Executive would be undertaking a review of such procurement processes and procedures to be followed in the future;

3.         in response to individual Member questions, assurances were provided by officers with regard to the companies involved and the measures within the contract to mitigate the risks to the Council. Members were advised in detail of the processes to be followed with regard to the initial five schemes of work, as detailed in the report, and the need for satisfactory performance in all aspects of the work and its delivery prior to further schemes of work being undertaken;

4.            Members’ request that a further report be presented to Cabinet at the mid point of the first five schemes on the progress to date and the proposals for future schemes subject to satisfactory performance having been achieved;

5.         in response to a question raised it was noted that the contract offered value for money for the Council and the arrangements within the contract to safeguard this were explained;

6.         that the Cabinet was making its decision based on the professional advice of the Council’s Section 151 Officer, the Chief Executive of Enfield Council and the Chief Executive of Enfield Homes.

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED that the alternative options considered were set out in Report No.205, Minute No.11 above refers.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed that

1.         the Council enters into a contract with the company detailed in the report, for works and associated constructor design fees (detailed in the report) in respect of the first five sections of the works and provisional sums (detailed in the report) in respect of the remaining sections subject to the completion of statutory leaseholder notice of proposal consultation;

2.         that the five sections of work set out in table 4 of the report be approved for commencement subject to leaseholder consultation;

3.         a further report be presented to Cabinet at the mid point of the first five schemes, as detailed in noted 4 above.

Reason: The selection of a major works construction partner was necessary for the Council to expand the delivery of its Decent Homes programme, meet tenant and leaseholder expectations on accelerated improvements to the Council’s housing stock, and access additional government funding in 2009/10. 

(Exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.