Agenda and minutes

Deacon Jaqueline Esama-John from the Enfield Methodist Circuit performed a blessing.

The Mayor welcome everyone to the Chamber.  He gave his condolences to the family and friends of Sir David Amess MP who had recently passed away. The Mayor spoke about the events he had attended during Black History Month and on Rememberance Day.

The Mayor congratulated the Hosuing Advisory Service for being shortlisted for an award on the way homeless is prevented and managed within the borough.

The Meridian Water Team were presented with two awards one for Public/Private Partnerships and one for Diversity & Inclusion.

The minutes of the meeting held on 22 September 2021 were agreed subject to the councillors attendance being reviewed.

Members of the Council are invited to identify any disclosable pecuniary, other pecuniary or non pecuniary interests relating to items on the agenda.

The following members declared interests in the below items:

·         Councillor Dey declared an interest in the Polling district and polling place review recommendations, and motions 11.1 & 11.9

·         Councillor Erbil declared an interest as a member of Energetik

·         Councillor Thorp declared an interest in the Polling district and polling place review recommendations, and motion 11.9

·         Councillor Laban declared an interest in motion 11.1

·         Councillor Neville declared an interest in motion 11.1

·         Councillor Taylor declared an interest in motion 11.

·         Councillor Aksanoglu declared an interest in motion 11.

To receive the report of Executive Director of Resources on the Treasury Management Mid Year report.

The Council is asked to note the report and approve the 2021/22 Mid Year Treasury Management position.

Councillor Maguire moved, and Councillor Caliskan seconded, the report and Councillor Maguire introduced the report noted the following key points:

·         The report details the investment and earnings which will be used to build public facilities within the borough.

·         The tables within the report set out the balance sheet summary, the borrowing position, borrowing maturity, the cost of borrowing and the Council’s investments within the last six months

·         All borrowing by the council is a combination of long term and medium-term borrowing.

The administration made the following key points:

·         The report shows a direction of reduction of borrowing

·         There are low interest rates so it was felt it was a wise time to invest for future generations.

·         The housing programme is ambitious and additional borrowing will allow for affordable housing to be created.

The majority opposition made the following key points:

·         Concerns were raised about the level of borrowing

·         Concerns were raised about how interest rate changes could affect residents.

·         Sixty-five percent of the loans mature in between 10 to 40 years time.

·         There are plans to borrow a further one billion pounds which would be affected by increased interest rates.

·         Concerns were raised about building on the green belt.

·         It was felt the scale of housing projects need to be reviewed.

·         It was discussed how when inflation rises interest rates often increase too which creates a huge level of uncertainty for the next year.

The minority opposition made the point that borrowing to invest is not unusual, although as projects are lasting longer there is a need for the Council to take stock of its current position.

Following the discussions, was put to a vote:

AGREE – 25

AGAINST – 15

ABSTAIN – 7

The Treasury Management Mid Year Report was agreed.

To receive a report of the Chief Executive on the Polling District and Polling Place Review.

The Council is asked to agree the recommendations set out in paragraph 2 of the report.

Councillor Tim Leaver moved, and Councillor Bedekova seconded, the report. Whilst introducing the report Councillor Leaver made the following points:

·         The recommendations of the report propose adopting the polling districts and places found in the review.

·         The adopted polling districts and places will be used from the May 2022 election.

·         Officers were thanked for the compressive report and review.

·         The report and recommendations have previously been reviewed and agreed by the General Purposes Committee.

·         It was positive to see how all councillors have engaged with the review to share their knowledge.

The administration made the following points:

·         Officers and members were thanked for their collaborative work.

·         Time was taken to think of former Councillor Bond who had a detailed understanding and input into the beginning of this review.

The majority opposition made the following points:

·         Councillors spoke in support of the report and thanked officers for their work on this difficult task.

·         There had been concerns how these types of reviews can make or break communities but members have complete confidence in the review.

The minority opposition made the following points:

·         That the Group fully endorsed the report.

·         Officers were thanked for their work on the review.

·         Councillors were pleased to see a reduction on schools being used for polling stations.

Following the discussions, the report was unanimously agreed.  

To receive the report of the Executive Director of People on the Safeguarding Enfield Annual Report 2020/21.

The Council is asked to note the successes and challenges that have risen from safeguarding activity in the period 2020-21.

Councillor Cazimoglu moved the Safeguarding Enfield Annual Report. During her introduction she raised the following key points:

·         The report focuses on tackling safeguarding adults in the community and shows how challenges were managed during the Covid-19

·         The Safeguarding Enfield Annual Report has been to the relevant scrutiny panels and has received positive impact.

·         The report has been to Cabinet in September 2021.

·         The report celebrates the progress made within the area.

·         There is a strong response from the Council to domestic abuse reports and more investment is being made on dealing with safeguarding concerns.

The administration made the following points during the discussion:

·         Thanked officers and the Partnerships for their work.

·         The pandemic was a terrible time for looked after residents and officers ensured the vulnerable were supported and looked after.

·         All sides of the Chamber have worked hard to ensure safeguarded adults & children are looked after.

·         Council noted Councillor Vince's hard work on the Adult & Children’s Panel.

The majority opposition made the following points during the discussion:

·         Support the report and its contents.

·         Would like to see a shorter version of the report in future.

·         Officers were thanked for their work.

·         Welcomed that the correspondences from an incident that occurred this year will be published once the current review is completed.

The minority opposition made the following points during the discussion:

·         Congratulated officers, the directors support and the Safeguarding Partnership Board.

·         Concerns were raised about the relevant Cabinet Member not attending the Safeguarding Partnership Board.

Following discussion the Council unanimously AGREED to

1.    Note, in order to draw attention to the key safeguarding risks facing vulnerable residents and to raise the profile of the initiatives being carried out to prevent and tackle these issues.

2.    Note the successes and challenges that have risen from safeguarding activity in the period 2020-21.

3.    Note that the draft report was considered at the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel and comments made have resulted in amen

To receive the report of the Executive Director of Place on the Gambling Act 2005 – Gambling Policy & Casino Resolution.

The Council is asked to agree the Sixth Edition Gambling Policy, and continue the resolution to prevent casino operators from locating within the borough.

Councillor Taylor moved, and Councillor Sava seconded, the report. During his introductory remarks Councillor Taylor spoke about the following:

·         Officers were thanked for the report.

·         The report asks members to agree the changes to the Gambling Policy and agree that casino operators should be prevented from locating within the borough.

·         The changes in 2005 had led to an increase in betting shops, and clusters of betting shops, within the borough.

·         Select Committees have suggested that local authorities should be able to have the same level of rules they do for alcohol and gambling.

·         The Licensing Committee endorse the report.

The administration made the below comments on the report:

·         It was felt the Gambling Act targets deprived areas and communities.

·         Gambling poses a serious risk to the borough’s young people.

·         It is the responsibility of national and local authorities to deal with this issue.

·         Encouraged those working in the industry to join a trade union.

·         Housing betting facilities on the high street stops small businesses being able to exist.

The majority opposition made the below comments on the report:

·         0.5% of the population have a serious problem with gambling so support the proposals.

·         The Council has been consistent in saying it will not a support a casino in the borough.

·         The number of local objections to gambling facilities have increased.

·         Would like to see a cross-party review of the Gambling Act.

·         For the Licensing Committee to refuse a license they must be able to show it doesn’t comply with the Council’s Statement of Principles.

The minority opposition made the below comments on the report:

·         Felt the Gambling Act was to blame and it raises a moral issue.

·         Would provide support to the report and a no casino policy.

·         There is a social harm caused to families, individuals and children because of gambling.

·         Important to remember that many people work in these establishments so there is a need to not be derogatory towards them. These people will also need protecting if their employment was to suffer

Following the discussion the report and its proposals were unanimously AGREED to:

1.    To agree the changes to the Sixth Edition Gambling Policy.

2.    To agree to continue the resolution to prevent casino operators from locating within the borough

Members are asked to note the questions submitted for written response. Responses to the questions will be published the day before the meeting.

Members of the Council noted the written councillor questions and answers to their supplementary questions.

It was noted that Councillor Gunawardena’s urgent question would receive a written answer after the meeting.

Members asked the below supplementary questions:

Question 1, Councillor Taylor to Councillor Cazimoglu:

What is being done to deal with the pressures at A&E departments across the country?

The NHS is under huge pressure with tax payer’s money being spent as private hospitals. Ambulances are waiting outside hospitals with patients. Concerns have been raised with the CCG, NHS and North Middlesex Hospital around this. A triage system is being introduced to help with emergencies, GP access will be able to be booked for face to face appointments whilst accessing the risk of patients waiting for longer period of time. The A&E Delivery Board are reviewing the rapid response activity in the community and re-direction activity. A wider sub group is being set up to review waiting times.

Question 2, Councillor Laban to Councillor Barnes:

No supplementary question.

Question 3, Councillor Levy to Councillor Barnes: How the Climate Action Group was considered a response to the climate emergency declaration?

There are many climate emergency groups in Enfield and the Climate Action Group includes many, but not all of these.

Question 4, Councillor E.Erbil to Councillor Cazimoglu: What plans have the Government included in the Social Care reform announcement to address work force issues which will be impacted by mandatory vaccinations of health care staff?

The health and social care bill is silent on the issue of workforce. NHS workers are extremely fragile due to the lack of funding over many years. This means the NHS is unable to meet the current demands and adequately reward their workforces.

Question 5, Councillor Laban to Councillor Caliskan: The Mayor of London’s response to the Local Plan consultation asks the Council to take a brownfield site first, criticizing the current approach. Will Councillor Caliskan take a brownfield approach to the Local Plan and redact plans to build on the green belt?

The draft Local Plan recognises the “brownfield sites first” approach, and recognises the there is a huge amount green belt and industrial land in the borough which creates challenges to meet the housing targets. The current approach helps create needed homes in the borough and meet the housing targets. Members were urged to read the draft Local Plan and put forward brownfield sites that have yet to be identified. Locations have been found that are well connected to create homes.

Question 6, Councillor Levy to Councillor Jewel: Is it right to say that at the moment the LED lights compared to Haringey are less luminescent and how does this provide safety to residents walking in residential streets?

Further information on whether these lights a less bright, in particularly light 6, and this will be provided to the Councillor.

Question 7, Councillor Leaver to Councillor Maguire: Has the ongoing impact of Covid-19 been reflected in the future funding?

No announcement  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

10       

11       

11.1      MOTION TO THE COUNCIL IN THE NAME OF COUNCILLOR AKSANOGLU

Cladding

Enfield Council Supports the End Our Cladding Scandal campaign and calls for the government to provide active remedies to resolve the cladding scandal in the country which is affecting leaseholders and residents in Enfield.

The Council notes:

• The Government has made it a requirement to remove all cladding that presents a fire risk and remediation of unsafe wall systems on the walls of existing residential buildings of any height after the Grenfell disaster. This is affecting not only buildings with the ACM Cladding used on Greenfell, but many other buildings incorporating materials which could be flammable – including balconies and wooden panels.

• The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the UK Council of Mortgage Lenders agreed an industry-standard External Wall System fire review process, which takes place through a EWS1 form.

• An EWS1 form shows that the building is “safe”. Lenders often value properties at £0. Many leaseholders are unable to secure a mortgage over their properties. leaseholders are trapped in their ‘unsafe’ homes unless they are able to pay the huge sums of money often required to address the fire safety issues highlighted in the EWS1 form. Many people face bankruptcy by this even before remediation bills can be passed on.

• It is estimated that at the current rate it will take over 150 years to complete the remediation work required to the number of known unsafe properties over 18 metres.

• Whilst the Government has provided some funding to support the remediation of unsafe cladding, this only covers a bare minimum number of buildings requiring remediation works.

• For buildings under 18 meters tall, the Government has provided no funding at all as a result of this funding shortfall the costs of remediation works are being passed on to leaseholders, who are blameless for this situation and bought their properties in good faith.

• There are many Enfield residents affected by this issue including Prowse Court in Edmonton and many leaseholders are facing high bills to rectify the issue.

Council also notes:

That giving leaseholders loans to pay for the repairs, whatever the terms, is not an acceptable solution, as this is placing the long-term financial burden on them.

Council calls for:

• The council supports the end our Cladding Scandal Campaign, which makes the following 10 demands:

1)    The government must lead an urgent national effort to remove all dangerous cladding from buildings by June 2022.

2)    The Building Safety Fund must cover all buildings, regardless of height, and a range of internal and external fire safety defects, not just cladding.

3)    The government should provide the money up front and then seek to recover it from any responsible parties or via a temporary levy on development.

4)    Social housing providers must have full and equal access to the fund.

5)    The government must compel building owners or managers to be honest with residents about fire safety defects.

6)    The government should cover the cost of  ...  view the full agenda text for item 11.

Councillor Rawlings moved, and Councillor Laban seconded the below urgent  motion:

The reason why it is being submitted as an emergency motion is because the

statement made by José Manuel Entrecanales at COP26 happened on the

Monday after the Friday deadline for motions.

This Council resolves:

On (8 November 2021), Acciona’s CEO, José Manuel Entrecanales, during a COP26 panel event stated:

“The massive oversizing of the [Edmonton] plant is something that is beyond our control. It’s a specific issue of the plant. About the waste-to-energy concept, you would probably agree with me that it’s a transition mechanism — maybe not innLondon, that is a debatable argument.”

Acciona is the only remaining bidder left in the procurement process to win the

contract to redevelop the energy from waste (EfW) plant.

In response to Mr Entrecanales’ statement - we call on the Administration to carry out the following:

·         Call on the North London Waste Authority to pause the scheme; and

·         Call on the North London Waste Authority to review the project taking into account the most recent projections of waste arising, treatment capacity and the finances of the scheme which have doubled from £650 million to £1.2 billion.

Councillor Nesil Caliskan moved an amendment to the above motion:

This Council resolves:

On (8 November 2021), Acciona’s CEO, Jose? Manuel Entrecanales, during a COP26 panel event stated:

“The massive oversizing of the [Edmonton] plant is something that is beyond our control. It’s a specific issue of the plant. About the waste-to-energy concept, you would probably agree with me that it’s a transition mechanism — maybe not in London, that is a debatable argument.”

Acciona is the only remaining bidder left in the procurement process to win the contract to redevelop the energy from waste (EfW) plant.
 

In response to Mr Entrecanales’ statement – Enfield Council:

§ Calls on the North London Waste Authority to consider Mr Entrecanales’ comments in its 16^th December 2021 Authority meeting, and to offer reassurance to residents concerning the size of the proposed Energy Recovery Facility.

§ Will write to the Chair of the North London Waste Authority asking for their response to calls made for a ‘pause and review’ concerning the proposed Energy Recovery Facility.

§ Notes that a root and branch cost review was carried out for the project in 2019, in line with best practice on major infrastructure projects; and calls on the NLWA to continue to scrutinise costs and rigorously monitor expenditure to ensure value for money.

§ Urges the North London Waste Authority to redouble its efforts to educate residents on the benefits of recycling and its positive effect on fighting climate change.

Following discussion the amended motion was AGREED.

To confirm changes to Committee memberships agreed since the last meeting.

Any changes received once the agenda has been published with be tabled on the Council update sheet at the meeting.

NOTED there were no amendments to Committee memberships.

To confirm changes to outside bodies memberships agreed since the last meeting.

Any changes received once the agenda has been published with be tabled on the Council update sheet at the meeting.

NOTED there were no amendments to the Outside Bodies.

To note the date of the next Council meeting as 26 January 2022.

The date of the next meeting was NOTED as 24 February 2022.