Agenda and minutes

Anthony Fisher from the Salisbury House Poets read the following poem:

Poetry of Enfield

Fired in brick hand made in Clay Hill

to radiate from Victorian houses

it runs through the ground, drawn up by trees

to suffuse the air.  Poetry vivifies Enfield.

Henry VIII rode and hunted here

filled his lungs and blood with excitement

that fomented his poetry and visions of England

as he rested in Elsyng Palace.

He would have written Greensleeves here

and this:

For my pastance

Hunt, song and dance.

My heart is set...*

to Anne Boleyn

No more to you at this present, mine own darling, for lack of time, but that I would you were in mine arms, or I in yours, for I think it long since I kissed you.
Written after the killing of a hart ...**

Elizabeth I could glide from her palace

through the long brick-arched tunnel

under the market to St. Andrew’s church.

Threads of subterranean poetry

would have entangled her.  She wrote:

My care is like a shadow in the sun

follows me flying, flies when I pursue it.***

Long before she had written:

No part deformed out of kind,

nor yet so ugly half can be

as is the inward suspicious mind.****

Rayleigh who lay down his cloak for his Queen

in nearby maiden’s brook just by Elsyng Palace

lived in Chase Side when it was full of trees

whose pollen dusted him with rhyme,

trickled through to fertilize his inspiration:

Even such is time, which takes in trust

our youth our joys, and all we have

and pays us back with age and dust.*****

The Mayor made the following announcements:

1          Mayor’s Statement

I wish to make this statement now in relation to a subject that has certainly been in the news during the last week or so. There is a motion on the agenda later but I will not be participating in that debate as I do not wish to compromise my impartiality as chairman. I also do not wish to pre-empt or prejudice what will be said by other members but I think it’s important for me to make a statement setting the record straight. I would have made this statement anyway, irrespective of the motion under item 15.1.

We have just listened to a wonderful poem about Enfield and I hope members enjoyed it as much as I did. We have also had prayers in the Mayor’s Parlour before the Council meeting and I thank all those who came along. I want to hold prayers before each meeting and include as many representatives as possible from different religions across the Borough. My actions have not been anti-religious or anti-prayer. On the contrary, I am a practicing Christian and value the power of prayer. However, I do not believe in imposing prayer on everybody and I have therefore given people the option of joining me in the parlour if they wish, whilst also promoting the arts in the Borough with the poetry readings at Council.

2.         Bowes Primary School

Welcome to pupils from Bowes School who have joined us tonight as winners of the Primary Schools Debating Competition this year.  Please come forward to receive your trophy.    They will stay for some of our debate tonight.

3.         Notable Events

On Sunday 27 June I attended the Armed Forces Celebration Parade organised by the Enfield British Legion. I was joined by other dignitaries in the Market Square where we took the salute of the march past which was formed by  air cadets, sea cadets, army cadets and some veterans to commemorate Armed Forces Day.

I also laid a wreath at the Baltic Memorial in memory of all those lost in the Arctic Campaign.

On Saturday I attended the Annual Beating of the Retreat which was a very colourful occasion.  I am delighted to say that 1^st Enfield Boys Brigade Unit was presented with the London Colours which they keep for a year.

The launch of the Mayor’s Poetry Competition will be on 15^th July in the Mayor’s Parlour.  All money raised from this will go to the Mayor’s Charity Appeal.   I am delighted to say that Mario Petrucci, former Poet Laureate of the Imperial War Museum and resident of Enfield will be the judge.

4.         Death of former Cllr Lyn Romain

I am sad to inform you of the death of former Councillor Lyn Romain last Saturday, I would like to invite Councillor Brett to address the Council.”

Councillor Brett expressed her sadness on the recent passing of Lyn Romain, she felt that the borough had lost an important ambassador for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

To approve, as a correct record, the minutes of the Council meeting held on 26 May 2010.

AGREED that the minutes of the Council meeting held on 26 May 2010 be agreed and signed as a correct record.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Anolue, Barker, Bond, During and Prescott.

Members of the Council 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.

Members had no declarations of interest in respect of the items on the agenda.

An issues paper prepared by the Conservative Group is attached for the consideration of Council.

The Constitution Procedure Rules relating to Opposition Business are attached for information.

Councillor Hall introduced the issues paper prepared by the Conservative Group.  He set out his concerns regarding the deliverability of the manifesto which had failed to set out how the commitments made would be funded. 

He highlighted the £2.1m commitment to provide devolved funding to Area Forums.  He asked how this initiative would be funded and asked how much would be given to each specific ward.  He sought the provision of a costed action plan for both revenue and capital expenditure with this being monitored at each Cabinet meeting. 

He felt that it was vital for the programme to be costed, but felt that the Labour Group had made promises it would be unable to keep and the residents of Enfield would be able to rely on the Conservative Group to scrutinise any proposals and protect their interests.

Councillor Taylor responded on behalf of the Majority Group.  He confirmed that the manifesto had set out the values of the Labour Group.  The programme it contained also set out the philosophy and ideas of this new administration.  The 4 year programme would be delivered carefully and strategically and he did not propose to set out a rigid timetable at this stage. 

He confirmed that the administration would bring forward reports on a regular basis to Cabinet and Council detailing the programme and policies for approval, this would be implemented in aneffective and sustainable way.  He highlighted the £50m black hole in the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan left by the outgoing Conservative Administration.  He felt that it was for the electorate of Enfield to judge the delivery of the programme and not the Conservative Group.

He felt that it was not this administration that was being reckless with Council’s budget but the Lib-Con Government nationally with the proposed 25% cut in resources and the impact that would have on services.

Councillor Lavender summed up the debate on behalf of the Conservative Group, he proposed that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee consider on a regular basis a costed action plan setting out the manifesto commitments / priorities of the new administration.  He felt that this was a “dodgy manifesto” that would provide the weapons of financial destruction to the Council’s finances and he did not believe it could be delivered in 45 years by this Labour Group.

Councillor Waterhouse seconded the above proposal.

The proposal was then put to the vote and lost with the following result:

For: 23

Against: 32

Abstained: 0

In response to the debate, Councillor Taylor confirmed his view that the electorate would be the ultimate arbiter and it was right that the programme should be monitored, the administration held to account and this would be done through regular reports to Cabinet and Council.

To receive the seventh Annual Report of the London Borough of Enfield’s Standards Committee for 2009/10 (No. 17). The report sets out the key issues dealt with by the committee during the past year and looks ahead to its priorities for 2010/11. The report was agreed at the Standards Committee meeting held on 22 April 2010.

Mr Lawrence Greenberg – Vice Chairman of the Standards Committee moved and Councillor Simon seconded the seventh Annual Report of the London Borough of Enfield’s Standards Committee for 2009/10 (No. 17).

NOTED that

1.         the report set out the key issues dealt with by the Committee during the past year and looks ahead to its priorities for 2010/11.

2.         the report was agreed at the Standards Committee meeting held on 22 April 2010.

AGREED the Standards Committee Annual Report for 2009/2010.

The Mayor proposed to change the order of business on the agenda under paragraph 2.2 (page 4-5) of the Council’s Procedure Rules to enable the meeting to take Item 11 – Appointment of Independent Member to the Standards Committee as the next item of business. This was agreed by the meeting.

To receive the report of the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources (No. 19) seeking Council approval to the appointment of a third independent member to the Standards Committee.  Interviews are taking place on 23 June 2010.

Mr Lawrence Greenberg – Vice Chairman of the Standards Committee moved and Councillor Cranfield seconded the report of the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources (No. 19) seeking Council approval to the appointment of a third independent member to the Standards Committee.

AGREED

1.      to endorse the recommendation of the Appointment Panel that the membership of the Standards Committee be increased from three independent members to four with immediate effect.

2.      to endorse the recommendation of the Appointment Panel that Dr Finer and Mr James be appointed as the independent members of the Standards Committee, subject to references, to fill the current vacancies in accordance with the Council’s Constitution for a period of four years (May 2014), subject to the review detailed in (3) below.

3.      that the number of independent members on the Standards Committee be reviewed by Council at the end of this Municipal Year.

To receive the Scrutiny Annual Report (No. 18) detailing the work undertaken by the Council’s scrutiny function over the 2009/10 Municipal Year.  The report was agreed at the Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 22 April 2010.

Councillor Simon moved and Councillor A Pearce seconded the Scrutiny Annual Report (No. 18) detailing the work undertaken by the Council’s scrutiny function over the 2009/10 Municipal Year. 

NOTED that the report was agreed at the Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 22 April 2010.

AGREED

1.         the Scrutiny Annual Report for 2009/10 for publication.

2.         to note the areas identified as future challenges for the Enfield scrutiny function within the Annual Report.

To receive the Audit Committee Annual Report for 2009/10 (No. 20).  The report sets out how the Audit Committee has undertaken its role effectively, covering a wide range of topics and ensuring that appropriate governance and control arrangements are in place to protect the interests of the Council and the community generally.  The report is to be considered at the Audit Committee meeting on 29 June 2010.  The outcome will be reported to Council on the 30^th.

Councillor Lemonides moved and Councillor Brett seconded the Audit Committee Annual Report for 2009/10 (No. 20) setting out how the Audit Committee has undertaken its role effectively, covering a wide range of topics and ensuring that appropriate governance and control arrangements are in place to protect the interests of the Council and the community generally. 

NOTED

1.         that the report was endorsed at the Audit Committee meeting held on 29 June 2010. 

2.         the thanks expressed by Councillor Lemonides to James Rolfe – Director of Finance and Corporate Resources, John Austin – Assistant Director Corporate Governance and to Councillors Delman and Hall for their support and hard work over the last Municipal Year.

AGREED the Audit Committee Annual Report for 2009/10. 

To receive the report of the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources (No. 21) setting out a number of recommendations to Council agreed at the Governance Review Group meeting held on 21 June 2010.

Councillor Taylor moved and Councillor Constantinides seconded the report of the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources (No. 21) setting out a number of recommendations to Council agreed at the Governance Review Group meeting held on 21 June 2010.

Following a short debate the recommendations below were put to the vote:

Recommendations 2.1 – 2.4

For: 33

Against: 0

Abstained: 23

Recommendation 2.7

For: 33

Against: 0

Abstained: 23

AGREED

1.         that Members be given the option of being provided with either a Council laptop or a mobile telephone with email and web capabilities, subject to further consultation being undertaken with the Leaders of both groups on the detailed costs, including those for telephone calls.

2.         that Members be canvassed as to whether they would prefer to receive a laptop or mobile telephone, and if opting for a mobile telephone, which particular type and model from the options presented by the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources.  

3.         that the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources be given delegated authority to decide on which type and model of mobile telephone be issued to Members once survey results have been collated, based upon usability benefits, costs and compatibility to the Council’s IT systems.  

4.         that if a Member chooses to receive a mobile telephone and does not already have a Centrex telephone line installed at their home, no Centrex line be installed.  

5.         that there be no increase in Member allowances in 2010/2011.

6.         that allowances are considered annually by Council and a more detailed review of the scheme be undertaken for implementation in 2011/2012. 

7.         the special responsibility allowance (SRA) for the additional Cabinet Member be funded in line with the proposal set out paragraph 3.12 of the report.

To receive the report of the Childrens’ Services Scrutiny Panel (No. 4A). This interim report of the Under 18’s Conception Working Group sets out the view of Members of the Panel that the working group should continue into the next municipal year as there is considerably more work to be done on raising aspirations, and our conception rate remains high.  However, the current Chairman and Panel members have identified recommendations and ask that these are endorsed by Council.  The recommendations set out in the report were endorsed at the Cabinet meeting held on 17 June 2010.

Councillor Cranfield moved and Councillor Goddard seconded the report of the Childrens’ Services Scrutiny Panel (No. 4A).

NOTED

1.         that the interim report of the Under 18’s Conception Working Group sets out the view of Members of the Panel that the working group should continue into the next municipal year as there is considerably more work to be done on raising aspirations, and conception rates remain high.  However, the current Chairman and Panel members have identified recommendations and ask that these are endorsed by Council. 

2.         the recommendations set out in the report were endorsed at the Cabinet meeting held on 17 June 2010.

AGREED

1.         that a report be presented to a future meeting of the Childrens’ Services Scrutiny Panel on the number of common assessment framework (CAF’s) and the Panel review the effectiveness of the team supporting the child.

2.         to work with schools to identify disadvantaged young children in primary years 5 and 6 such as those living in poverty, with low educational attainment, poor performance and attendance and low aspirations, to develop a programme of work to try to raise their aspirations.

3.         for the Teenage Pregnancy Data Sub-Group to advise the Partnership Board on the data required, and for all Partners to resolve data collation issues for their particular contribution to ensure that the data is collated in a useful and timely manner.

4.         for the Council, NHS Enfield and partners to prioritise and raise the profile of preventing under 18 conceptions.  To review capacity within the operational and implementation services to ensure they are sufficiently resourced to make a difference to the outcomes of young people.

5.         funding should be allocated on a more strategic basis and prioritised on areas of need shown through evidence and data on intervention projects that will make a difference and break the cycle of low aspiration and poverty.  The child poverty strategy should be linked closely with this process.

6.         the Panel would strongly support the continuation of a programme being run similar to the Teens and Toddlers programme within the Youth Support Service Schools Team.

7.         that the Council and its partners ensure that the Common Assessment Framework (CAF’s) are completed by all staff when undertaking an assessment of the needs of a child, particularly GP’s and schools.

8.         that all schools, including Academies, work with the Council and its partners to fully participate in the preventative work being undertaken to reduce under 18 conceptions, and that Academies work with the Council to provide data which will inform the strategy for the prevention of under 18 conceptions.

9.         that a report be presented to a future meeting of the Childrens’ Services Scrutiny Panel on the number of common assessment framework (CAF’s) completed and the Panel review the frameworks effectiveness in helping the teams supporting the child.

14.1    Urgent Questions (Part 4 - Paragraph 9.2.(b) of Constitution – Page 4-9)

With the permission of the Mayor, questions on urgent issues may be tabled with the proviso of a subsequent written response if the issue requires research or is considered by the Mayor to be minor.

Please note that the Mayor will decide whether a question is urgent or not. 

The definition of an urgent question is “An issue which could not reasonably have been foreseen or anticipated prior to the deadline for the submission of questions and which needs to be considered before the next meeting of the Council.”

Submission of urgent questions to Council requires the Member when submitting the question to specify why the issue could not have been reasonably foreseen prior to the deadline and why it has to be considered before the next meeting. 

A supplementary question is not permitted.

14.2    Councillors’ Questions (Part 4 – Paragraph 9.2(a) of Constitution – Page 4 - 8)

The thirty nine questions and responses are attached to the agenda.

1.         Urgent Questions (Part 4 - Paragraph 9.2.(b) of Constitution – Page 4-9)

One urgent question had been received, but the Mayor had ruled that the question did not meet the criteria set out in the constitution and the Councillor concerned would receive a response by e-mail.

2.         Questions by Councillors

NOTED

1.         the thirty eight questions, on the Council’s agenda, which received a written reply by the relevant Cabinet Member.

2.         the amendment to the response to Question 2 tabled at the meeting.

3.         the following supplementary questions received for the questions indicated below:

Question 1 from Councillor Lamprecht to Councillor Taylor, Leader of the Council

“Can you confirm that existing staff will also be informed and will Councillor Taylor perhaps consider apologising to the Council for this abuse?”

Reply from Councillor Taylor:

”My response to the question is clear and I believe that the asking of such questions is an abuse of process and a waste of Council Taxpayers money and perhaps the Councillor would like to apologise for putting down such a ridiculous question.”

Question 2 from Councillor Hamilton to Councillor Stafford, Cabinet Member for Finance, Facilities and Human Resources

"Can Councillor Stafford comment on the cruel in year cuts imposed by the Con-Dem government and the anticipated impact on services?”

Reply from Councillor Stafford:

"No, we were not anticipating these cuts and as they have come mid-year, the effect is even worse than widely publicised as the full year cost is likely to be £14m"

Question 3 from Councillor Kaye to Councillor Orhan, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services

“Are you going to be a member of the Safeguarding Board and the Corporate Parenting Group?”

Reply from Councillor Orhan:

“Yes.”

Question 4 from Councillor Brett to Councillor Taylor, Leader of the Council

"Can the Leader inform the Council of the other activities in the borough that took place to mark Armed Forces week?"

Reply from Councillor Taylor:

“The Mayor has already referred to this in her announcements, but a march past was held, unfortunately attendance was affected by world cup football.  I and other local dignitaries took the salute and marched via the Civic Centre to the Royal British Legion in Enfield.  I would like to place on record our support for the armed forces and those serving their country.  Perhaps we can look in future with the British Legion at other imaginative ways of demonstrating our support for our armed forces.”

Question 5 from Councillor Hall to Councillor Stafford, Cabinet Member for Finance, Facilities and Human Resources

“Can you confirm the cuts to be made and when they will be implemented?”

Reply from Councillor Stafford:

“I have a detailed briefing on this and will provide a written answer to your question.”

Question 7 from Councillor Maynard to Councillor Orhan, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services

“What responses have been received to date on this and I hope that this process will be conducted in a spirit of openness?”  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

15.1    In the name of Councillor Hurer

“The members of this Council reflect the boroughs different faiths. Previous Conservative Mayors recognised this and prayers were led by clerics representing the Borough’s three dominant religions, namely Judaism, Christianity & Islam.

This we believe advanced members understanding of each others faiths, community cohesion and led by example tolerance of these faiths, particularly after the events of 7/7 which led to an increase in Islamaphobia.

The Council regrets the undemocratic decision to abolish prayers at the beginning of full Council replacing it with poetry reading. The Council undertakes to reinstate prayers from the next meeting of the full Council.”

Councillor Hurer moved and Councillor Zinkin seconded, the following motion:

“The members of this Council reflect the boroughs different faiths. Previous Conservative Mayors recognised this and prayers were led by clerics representing the Borough’s three dominant religions, namely Judaism, Christianity & Islam.

This we believe advanced members understanding of each others faiths, community cohesion and led by example tolerance of these faiths, particularly after the events of 7/7 which led to an increase in Islamaphobia.

The Council regrets the undemocratic decision to abolish prayers at the beginning of full Council replacing it with poetry reading. The Council undertakes to reinstate prayers from the next meeting of the full Council.”

During the debate Councillor Georgiou moved and Councillor Brett seconded the following amendment:

“The Council congratulates this Mayor for advancing community cohesion by:

1.         continuing to hold prayers, which are now in the Mayor’s parlour prior to the Council meeting and open to all.

2.         promoting the arts, in particular poetry.”

Following a lengthy debate, the amendment was then put to the vote and agreed with the following result:

For: 32

Against: 21

Abstained: 0

Following a further debate, the substantive motion was then put to the vote and agreed with the following result:

For: 32

Against: 21

Abstained: 0

16.1    To increase the membership of the Tourism and Twinning Working Party from 5 to 7 Members (4 Majority / 3 Opposition Members).

16.2    To confirm the revised committee memberships list (Attached – Circulation 2).

16.3    To confirm any changes to committee memberships.

AGREED the following changes to Committee Memberships:

1.         Tourism & Twinning Working Party - To appoint Councillor Laban to vacancy.

2.         Audit Committee - To appoint Councillor Ibrahim Vice Chairman.

3.         Enfield Leisure Centres Ltd. Scrutiny Commission - Two Labour vacancies – names to be notified.

4.         Member Governor Forum - To appoint Councillors Bakir and Cole to vacancies.

5.         Complaints Against Curriculum Panel - To appoint Councillor Constantinides to vacancy.

6.         Edmonton Partnership Working Party - Councillor Hall to replace vacancy.

17.2    To confirm the revised nominations to outside bodies list (Attached – Circulation 2).

17.2    To confirm any changes to nominations to outside bodies.

AGREED to the following changes to Nominations to Outside Bodies:

1.         Edmonton United Charities - To note existing appointments:

Mr Ford – 8.11.10

Mr Croshaw – 27.1.13

Up to 2 further representatives (9 in total)

2.         North London Waste Planning Members Group - 1 Labour vacancy – name to be notified.

3.         London Borough of Enfield / Enfield Racial Equality Council - To appoint Councillor Cranfield.

None received.

None.

The next meeting of the Council will be held on Wednesday 22 September 2010 at 7.00 p.m. at the Civic Centre.

NOTED that the next meeting of the Council was to be held on Wednesday 22 September 2010 at 7.00 p.m. at the Civic Centre.