Agenda and minutes

The Mayor invited Rabi Mariathasan to read his poem which is set out below:

THE RIGHT TO SPRING

Enfield and Edmonton written in Domesday

had each a church of over three hundred

the former a forest full of rich Londoners

gets market charter in 1303 where

commerce by industry grows ever stronger.

Today how like forest it climbs and expands

with a tall car park and bridge to wares

above roads with changed dance steps around new and old

New Palace Exchange hugs old Palace Gardens,

embrace that by industry grows ever stronger.

Shout, People’s Edmonton today is the day

new shops awake and municipal housing

a bright leisure centre, civic facilities,

Asda’s green mountain of prisms that sparkle

the now that by industry shines ever stronger.

Hushed on a green,  laid with benches,  a fountain

the new central library wings

to the sun. Like a starship it winks at its brother

smoked glass obelisk bristling with strength

a strength that by industry grows ever stronger.

Three houses that merged in 1965

Enfield and Edmonton, Southgate too.

Mauling red bearing*  on our  coat of arms is

the ‘Enfield’ or Enfield beast, roars as our logo

to herald, ascending, in shadow no longer

where fame fed by industry grows ever stronger.

The Mayor made the following announcements:

1.         Formont Centre

Back in December I attended the launch of the Formont Centre, I would like to Congratulate Ray James and his Team for the amazing work undertaken to support severely disabled residents.  I will also be attending their production of the Wizard of Oz this Friday at Millfield Theatre.

2.         25^th year of the London Parade on New Years Day

I would like to congratulate Art Start for their efforts in taking 5^th place and earning £3,000 for the Mayor’s Charity. 

A presentation of the cheque for £3,000 will soon be held at the Civic Centre, with medals being presented to all those who participated and contributed to the parade.

3.         Burns Night Event

My Burns Night event was held last Saturday at Capel Manor.  Everyone enjoyed themselves and a good amount of money was raised for the Mayor’s charity.

4.         Schools Debating Competition

The Mayor’s Award for debating was held yesterday, 4 schools took part with Enfield Grammar School coming out the winners, and they will now go on to represent Enfield at the London-wide event.

5.         Poetry Competition

Entries are coming in thick and fast and, at the last count, the judges will have over 350 poems to read through.

6.         Poetry & Jazz evening

I would like to inform members that on Friday 12 February there will be a Poetry & Jazz evening at the Dugdale Centre.

7.         Holocaust Memorial Day

I can confirm that the Council’s annual commemoration for Holocaust Memorial Day tomorrow will take place in the Dugdale Centre from 6pm.  The programme will include contributions from Raynham Primary School and Oasis Academy.

8.         Award for improvement in carbon efficiency

I am pleased to advise the Council, that Enfield has won an award for improvement in carbon efficiency ‘Carbon Trust Standard’ in recognition of steps it has taken to reduce carbon footprint the standard has been around for 3 years and the London Borough of Enfield is one of the only London boroughs to win it.

9.         Standards Committee observer

I would like to welcome Dr Elliot Finer to the Council meeting this evening. Dr Finer is an independent member on the Council's Standards Committee and is with us tonight in an observer capacity.

To approve, as a correct record, the minutes of the Council meeting held on 10 November 2010.

AGREED that the minutes of the Council meeting held on 11 November 2010 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Headley and E Savva.  Apologies for lateness were received from Councillors Bond and Zetter.

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.

John Austin the Assistant Director of Corporate Governance advised members that in view of the possible implications for charities of Item 10 – London Boroughs Grants Scheme 2011-2012 (Report No. 159) that any member who has a position of control or management of any of the organisations affected by the proposed changes to the Grants Scheme had in his opinion a prejudicial interest on the grounds that it could affect the financial position of the organisation concerned.

He also advised that any member with a prejudicial interest must declare that fact, cannot speak or vote and must withdraw from the meeting for that item.

John Austin also advised members with regard to Item 13.2 – Motion In the name of Councillor Oykener (Housing Benefit Cap/ More Affordable Social Housing) that the wording of the motion focused on the impact that the cap would have on people in Enfield, emphasised the need for more affordable social housing and did not explicitly or directly ask for the decision to impose the cap to be revoked. Therefore members who were tenants (whether Council or otherwise) and landlords, did not in his view have a prejudicial interest.

Councillor Anolue declared a personal interest in Item 13.3 – Motion In the name of Councillor McGowan (NHS reforms), being an employee of the North Middlesex University Hospital Trust.

Councillors Anolue, Charalambous and Hassan declared prejudicial interests on Item 10 – London Boroughs Grants Scheme 2011-2012 as they were on the management board of a charity. They left the room during the consideration of the item and did not participate in the subsequent vote.

To receive the report of the Chief Executive (No. 108A) seeking approval of the new Council Strategy to sit alongside the Business Plan.  The strategy sets out the vision for the organisation for the next four years, it details the Council’s values and sets out each of the Council’s strategic aims and associated priorities, linked to the new administration’s manifesto commitments.

The recommendations set out in the report were endorsed at the Cabinet meeting held on 24 November 2010.

Councillor Georgiou moved and Councillor Goddard seconded the report of the Chief Executive (No. 108A) seeking approval of the new Council Strategy to sit alongside the Business Plan.  The strategy sets out the vision for the organisation for the next four years, it details the Council’s values and sets out each of the Council’s strategic aims and associated priorities, linked to the new administration’s manifesto commitments.

NOTED that the recommendations set out in the report were endorsed at the Cabinet meeting held on 24 November 2010.

During the debate Councillor Rye moved and Councillor Prescott seconded the following amendment:

To add a further recommendation – 2.3 that the strategy be brought back to Council in 3 months with a costed action plan that includes milestones and targets.

Following a short debate the amendment was put to the vote and lost with the following result:

For: 25

Against: 32

Abstained: 0

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

For: 45

Against: 0

Abstained: 1

AGREED

1.         the Council Strategy, ‘Enfield – A Fairer Future for All’

2.         the Council Strategy be used to inform the Council’s Budget setting process.

To receive the report of the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources (No. 104A) informing Members of the current position regarding the Council’s 2010 to 2015 capital programme taking into account the latest monitoring information on the progress of the schemes. The report also requests the agreement of revised prudential indicators for the next 5 years including the impact of the PFI’s.

The recommendations set out in the report were endorsed at the Cabinet meeting held on 24 November 2010.

Councillor Stafford moved and Councillor Simon seconded the report of the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources (No. 104A) informing Members of the current position regarding the Council’s 2010 to 2015 capital programme taking into account the latest monitoring information on the progress of the schemes. The report also requests the agreement of revised prudential indicators for the next 5 years including the impact of the PFI’s.

NOTED that the recommendations set out in the report were endorsed at the Cabinet meeting held on 24 November 2010.

Following a lengthy debate the recommendations set out in the report were put to the vote and agreed with the following result:

For: 33

Against: 0

Abstained: 25

AGREED:

1.         the forecast outturn detailed in Appendix A of the report is noted, with spend to date of 18.62% of revised budget (as detailed in Appendix B of the report)

2.         the revised prudential indicators are approved and will be reviewed again once the 2010/11 out-turn position is finalised.

3.         to note the reduction of the capital programme by £8.6m in 2010/11 and £3.6m in 2011/12 following a review that identified specific projects as medium/low priority.

To receive the report of the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care (No. 140A) seeking the making of two Compulsory Purchase Orders (Orders) in respect of the following properties under Section 17 of the Housing Act 1985 and the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 (as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004): 25 Canonbury Road, EN1 3LW, and 81 Croyland Road, N9 7BE.

The recommendations set out in the report were endorsed at the Cabinet meeting held on 15 December 2010.

Councillor Oykener moved and Councillor Rye seconded the report of the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care (No. 140A) seeking the making of two Compulsory Purchase Orders (Orders) in respect of the following properties under Section 17 of the Housing Act 1985 and the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 (as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004): 25 Canonbury Road, EN1 3LW, and 81 Croyland Road, N9 7BE.

NOTED that the recommendations set out in the report were endorsed at the Cabinet meeting held on 15 December 2010.

AGREED

1.         the making of two Compulsory Purchase Orders (Orders) in respect of the following properties under Section 17 of the Housing Act 1985 and the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 (as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004): 25 Canonbury Road, EN1 3LW, and 81 Croyland Road, N9 7BE, as shown on the plans (appendices 1-2) attached to the report.

2.         the preparation of Orders, and supporting documentation and the taking of all necessary steps (including the conduct of a Public Inquiry if necessary) to obtain confirmation of the Orders by the Secretary of State.

3.         the acquisition of the properties (either compulsorily or by agreement) following confirmation of the Orders, the payment of compensation and statutory interest and the institution or defending of proceedings where necessary.

4.         the disposal of the properties in accordance with the Property Procedure Rules.

5.         the identification and prioritisation of financial and staff resources in order to maintain the ongoing CPO programme in the event that funding from the North London Sub-Region is reduced or ceases in 2011/12 and thereafter.

To receive the joint report of the Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Corporate Resources (No. 159) considering a proposed revision of Enfield’s subscription to the London Council’s Grants Scheme in 2011/12.

This report is to be considered at the Cabinet meeting to be held on 19 January 2011.

Councillor Anwar moved and Councillor Stafford seconded the joint report of the Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Corporate Resources (No. 159) considering a proposed revision of Enfield’s subscription to the London Council’s Grants Scheme in 2011/12.

NOTED that with the exception of 2.2 (d) the recommendations set out in the report were endorsed at the Cabinet meeting held on 19 January 2011.

During the debate Councillor Neville moved and Councillor Rye seconded the following amendment:

That the delegation to the Cabinet member set out in recommendation 2.2 (e) be revised so that any decision to continue support a project would require a joint decision by two Cabinet Members.

Following a short debate the amendment was put to the vote and lost with the following result:

For: 24

Against: 30

Abstained: 0

AGREED:

1.         to formally accept the recommendations contained in London Councils Circular 24/10.

2.         the proposed revision of Enfield’s subscription to the London Council’s Grants Scheme in 2011/12 of £496,479.

3.         that the Council notifies London Council’s of this decision within the deadline for the decision of no later than 31 January 2011.

4.         that the Council devolve the decision on continuing to support projects currently funded through the Grants Scheme serving Enfield to the lead Cabinet Member subject to the completion of our own equality impact assessment and performance management evaluations of these projects that will conclude by 31 March 2011.

Councillor Taylor moved and Councillor G Savva seconded a proposal 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 Items 13.3, 13.1,13.2, 13.4 and 11 as the next items of business.

This was put to the vote and agreed with the following result:

For: 30

Against: 25

Abstained: 0

At 9.05 pm the Mayor adjourned the meeting for a period of 10 minutes.

13.1    In the name of Councillor Neville

“The Council welcomes and supports the government’s proposals for ending the dependency culture which has grown, particularly under the last Labour government, to unsustainable levels and which delivers little benefit to individuals and actively discourages claimants from seeking work."

13.2    In the name of Councillor Oykener

“This Council believes:

1.         that less well-off people should not be pushed into Outer London Boroughs and the Mayor of London should emphatically resist any attempt to recreate a London where the rich and poor cannot live together; and

2.         that the answer to solving Enfield’s, and London’s, housing situation is to build more affordable housing.

This Council resolves that the Leader of the Council write to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and the Mayor of London, bringing to their attention the expected impact on Enfield as a result of the Housing Benefit Cap and the need for more affordable social housing.”

13.3    In the name of Councillor McGowan

“Contrary to its commitment in the Conservative Party manifesto, the Conservative-led government is planning a top down reorganisation of the NHS.  Enfield Council believes that this broken promise by the Conservatives to reform the NHS, and with the future of Chase Farm Hospital already under threat, will make the health of local residents worse.

This Council commits itself to defending the health interest of local people by opposing the Conservative-led government's detrimental NHS reforms.”

13.4    In the name of Councillor Taylor

“Enfield Council notes the increase in VAT of 2.5% from January 2011.  The Chancellor, George Osborne, described this as a progressive tax rise but many see this as a tax on the poorest and a major hit for retailers.  At this time, Enfield Council opposes this and agrees to make our opposition to the VAT rise known to the Chancellor”.

1.         Councillor McGowan moved and Councillor Hamilton seconded, the following motion:

“Contrary to its commitment in the Conservative Party manifesto, the Conservative-led government is planning a top down reorganisation of the NHS.  Enfield Council believes that this broken promise by the Conservatives to reform the NHS, and with the future of Chase Farm Hospital already under threat, will make the health of local residents worse.

This Council commits itself to defending the health interest of local people by opposing the Conservative-led government's detrimental NHS reforms.”

Following a lengthy debate the motion was put to the vote and agreed with the following result:

For: 33

Against: 22

Abstained: 0

The motions set out below lapsed due to lack of time:

a.         In the name of Councillor Neville

“The Council welcomes and supports the government’s proposals for ending the dependency culture which has grown, particularly under the last Labour government, to unsustainable levels and which delivers little benefit to individuals and actively discourages claimants from seeking work."

b.         In the name of Councillor Oykener

“This Council believes:

1.         that less well-off people should not be pushed into Outer London Boroughs and the Mayor of London should emphatically resist any attempt to recreate a London where the rich and poor cannot live together; and

2.         that the answer to solving Enfield’s, and London’s, housing situation is to build more affordable housing.

This Council resolves that the Leader of the Council write to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and the Mayor of London, bringing to their attention the expected impact on Enfield as a result of the Housing Benefit Cap and the need for more affordable social housing.”

c.         In the name of Councillor Taylor

“Enfield Council notes the increase in VAT of 2.5% from January 2011.  The Chancellor, George Osborne, described this as a progressive tax rise but many see this as a tax on the poorest and a major hit for retailers.  At this time, Enfield Council opposes this and agrees to make our opposition to the VAT rise known to the Chancellor”.

NOTED

1.         that in accordance with Council Procedure, Rule 8 (page 4-7 – part 4), the Mayor advised the Council that the time available for the meeting had elapsed and the remaining items of business would be dealt with in accordance with the expedited procedure.

2.         that the remaining items of business would be put to the vote without debate.

To receive the report of the Director of Environment (No. 155) seeking approval to the proposed clarification to the Gold Resolution and arrangements for mutual aid.

This report is to be considered at the Cabinet meeting to be held on 19 January 2011.

RECEIVED the report of the Director of Environment (No. 155) seeking approval to the proposed clarification to the Gold Resolution and arrangements for mutual aid.

NOTED that the recommendations set out in the report were endorsed at the Cabinet meeting held on 19 January 2011.

AGREED the proposed clarifications to the Gold Resolution and arrangements for mutual aid set out below:

1.         Coordination of Local Authority Effort

London Local Authority Gold to be convened during a ‘rise tide’ event (such as pandemic influenza of severe weather) and where Gold Command have not been activated due to it not being a ‘blue light’ event. LLAG will guide and give advice but not have any authority to incur expenditure (unless a London Partnership meeting is held and the agreement of London Councils is Secured).

2.         Minimum Essential Expenditure

If a ‘blue light’ emergency situation arises and where obtaining confirmation on expenditure from the affected council is not possible, London Local Authority Gold may need to take immediate action to safeguard life or property, prevent suffering or promote a return of normality. They will exercise their delegated powers which would include incurring levels of expenditure up to the sum of and not exceeding £1m on behalf of the affected borough. LLGA will take every attempt to obtain authorisation for spend from local authorities; however the Gold Resolution contains no actual requirement for them to do so.

3.         Arrangement for Mutual Aid

The memorandum provides a more formal footing for participating authorities to endeavour to provide assistance to another participating authority. This assistance may take the form of provision of personnel and/or equipment in the event of, or in anticipation of an emergency. This is not intended to be legally binding but an accepted set of guidelines.

12.1    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.

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

The forty four questions and responses are attached to the agenda.

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

None received.

2.         Questions by Councillors

NOTED the forty four questions, on the Council’s agenda, which received a written reply by the relevant Cabinet Member.

Council is asked to note the decision taken and the reasons for urgency.  The decision set out below was made in accordance with the Council’s Constitution and Scrutiny Rules of Procedure (Paragraph 17.3 – relating to the waiving of the requirement to allow a 5-day call-in period):

i.          Contract Hire of 43 Tipper Vehicles

Decision:

The award of a contract following a retendering exercise for the contract hire of 43 tipper vehicles to be used across the Council.

Reason for Urgency:

The Council was advised on the 9^th November that the existing vehicle contract hire supplier was to cease trading and the Council could either purchase the vehicles or they were to be returned within 7 days.  It was therefore essential that the new successful contractor be advised immediately so the new vehicles can be ordered without delay.  In addition the urgent award will enable officers to agree temporary arrangements with SHB Hirer Limited who have agreed that they will purchase all of the vehicles in question from TLS and will provide the vehicles to the Council on the same payment arrangements which the Council had with TLS.

NOTED the decision taken and the reason for urgency set out below was made in accordance with the Council’s Constitution and Scrutiny Rules of Procedure (Paragraph 17.3 – relating to the waiving of the requirement to allow a 5-day call-in period):

i.          Contract Hire of 43 Tipper Vehicles

Decision:

The award of a contract following a retendering exercise for the contract hire of 43 tipper vehicles to be used across the Council.

Reason for Urgency:

The Council was advised on the 9^th November that the existing vehicle contract hire supplier was to cease trading and the Council could either purchase the vehicles or they were to be returned within 7 days.  It was therefore essential that the new successful contractor be advised immediately so the new vehicles can be ordered without delay.  In addition the urgent award will enable officers to agree temporary arrangements with SHB Hirer Limited who have agreed that they will purchase all of the vehicles in question from TLS and will provide the vehicles to the Council on the same payment arrangements which the Council had with TLS.

To confirm the following changes to committee memberships:

i.          Licensing Committee

Councillors Hamilton and Lamprecht to be replace Councillors Cole and Zinkin.

ii.         Conservation Advisory Group

Councillor D Pearce to replace Councillor Lamprecht.

iii.        Education Staff Forum / JCGT

Vacancy to replace Councillor Cazimoglu.

iv.        Secondary Tuition Centre

Councillor E Hayward to replace Councillor D Pearce.

AGREED the following changes to committee memberships:

1.         Licensing Committee - Councillors Delman, Hamilton and Lamprecht to replace Councillors Laban, Cole and Zinkin.

2.         Conservation Advisory Group - Councillor D Pearce to replace Councillor Lamprecht.

3.         Education Staff Forum/JCGT - Vacancy to replace Councillor Lamprecht.

4.         Secondary Tuition Centre - Councillor E Hayward to replace Councillor D Pearce.

5.         Planning Committee - Councillor Waterhouse to replace Councillor Neville.

6.         Audit Committee - Councillor Laban to replace Councillor Delman.

7.         Fostering Panel - Councillor Vince to fill vacancy.

To confirm the following changes to nominations to outside bodies:

i.          Management Boards of Hazelwood and St Anne’s playing field and sports facilities

To appoint Councillor Charalambous to the above boards.

ii.         Community Business Enfield

Councillor Cazimoglu to replace Councillor Bakir.

AGREED the following changes to nominations to outside bodies:

1.         Management Boards of Hazelwood and St Anne’s playing field and sports facilities - to appoint Councillor Charalambous to the above boards.

2.         Community Business Enfield - Councillor Cazimoglu to replace Councillor Bakir.

None received.

None received.

The next meeting of the Council will be held on Wednesday 2 March 2011 at 7.00 p.m. at the Civic Centre.

NOTED that the next meeting of the Council was to be held on Wednesday 2 March 2011 at 7.00 p.m. at the Civic Centre.