Agenda for Cabinet on Wednesday, 15th July, 2020, 7.15 pm

Agenda and minutes

Contact: Jacqui Hurst Tel: 0208 379 4096. E-mail:  jacqui.hurst@enfield.gov.uk 

Note: Please copy and paste the following link into your web browser to watch the meetinghttps://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDFlZmQ4YzQtMmFmOS00NzYwLWFhZGItYWY1YjQ2Mjc2ODZi%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22cc18b91d-1bb2-4d9b-ac76-7a4447488d49%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22570e18d6-4c90-4547-909d-816f41364024%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d 

Items
No. Item

1.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Minutes:

There were no apologies for absence. An apology for lateness was received from Councillor Ergin Erbil (Associate Cabinet Member).

2.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

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

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest.

3.

DEPUTATIONS

To consider any requests for deputations that have been received for presentation to this Cabinet meeting.

Minutes:

Councillor Nesil Caliskan (Leader of the Council) advised Members that a deputation request to this meeting had been received which had been refused due to the length of the agenda under consideration.

4.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 269 KB

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 10 June 2020.

Minutes:

AGREED, that the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 10 June 2020 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

5.

Capital Outturn 2019/20 pdf icon PDF 237 KB

A report from the Executive Director – Resources is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5149)

 

Minutes:

Councillor Mary Maguire (Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Resources detailing the outturn position of the Council’s 2019/20 Capital Programme.

 

NOTED

 

1.            That there were some minor changes to the paragraph numbers referred to in paragraphs 7, 8 and 9 of the report which were reflected in the decisions listed below.

 

2.            That this was the fourth and final report of 2019/20, following similar monitoring reports as at Period 3 (Quarter 1), Period 6 (Quarter 2) and Period 8.

 

3.            That at Period 8 (November), the forecast outturn position for 2019/20 across the General Fund and HRA was £215.4m. The actual outturn was £186.3m which represented 86% spend, compared to Period 8 forecast.

 

4.            The report set out the total reprofiling of £19.3m on General Fund programmes and £10.0m on HRA programmes.

 

5.            That 2020/21 was the first year of the Council changing to a 10 year capital programme which aligned with the 10 year Treasury management strategy.

 

6.            That tables 1 and 2 of the report set out a summary outturn by Directorate and the capital outturn summary.

 

7.            The general fund project outcomes as detailed in the report were highlighted which set out the significant investment in the Borough.

 

8.            That table 3 of the report set out the variance analysis and Table 4 the Housing Revenue Account Capital Outturn. The main elements of the report were highlighted for Members and, it was noted that the Treasury Management Outturn report (detailed in Minute No.7 below) included further information on the external borrowing used by the Council to finance a portion of the capital programme.

 

9.            The projects included in the report to support the Council’s actions to take climate change including the planting of 400 trees with more planned, flood alleviation works, the introduction of LED lighting on-street, and low traffic neighbourhood initiatives.

 

10.         Members welcomed the investment in supporting its most vulnerable residents and helping them experience a better quality of life at home.

 

11.         The investment in education and creation of additional special education needs (SEN) places were highlighted, as set out in the report.

 

12.         Members were also pleased to note the investment and significant progress in relation to Meridian Water as detailed in the report.

 

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED, that there were no alternative options relevant to this report.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to note

 

1.            The total expenditure on the Capital Programme for 2019/20 was £186.3m, against the Period 8 forecast of £215.4m, as detailed from paragraph 13 of the report.

 

2.            The total reprofiling of £19.3m on General Fund programmes and £10.0m on HRA programmes.

 

3.            Project outcomes for the General Fund programmes from paragraph 24 of the report.

 

4.            Variance analysis for the General Fund programmes from paragraph 91 of the report.

 

5.            HRA Capital Outturn from paragraph 114 of the report.

 

6.            Funding of the Council’s capital expenditure for 2019/20 from paragraph 168 of the report.

 

Reason: To update Cabinet on the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.

Revenue Outturn 2019/20 pdf icon PDF 683 KB

A report from the Executive Director – Resources is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5151)

 

Minutes:

Councillor Mary Maguire (Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Resources setting out the revenue outturn position for 2019/20.

 

NOTED

 

1.            That the report set out the overall General Fund Revenue; Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Dedicated Schools Grant outturn for 2019/20, with details of variations provided in the Appendices of the report. A summary of the year end reserves and balances position was set out in detail in Appendix J of the report.

 

2.            The general fund revenue outturn position set out in the report and summarised in Table 1.

 

3.            The trend of improvements in budget setting as noted in paragraphs 20 and 21 of the report. Improved budget setting had reduced the reliance of the Council on capital receipts to manage this position.

 

4.            The detailed explanation of significant budget variations summarised in the report and Appendices B to E of the report. Members noted the continuing budget pressures being faced.

 

5.            The flexible use of capital receipts detailed in the report and in Appendix G of the report. Enfield had chosen this flexibility to fund a number of transformation projects in the last four years (paragraph 86 of the report referred).

 

6.            That the year end position for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) had changed to a £3.2m positive variance which had been moved into HRA reserves.

 

7.            The outturn position for the Dedicated Schools Grant as detailed in the report and Appendix I.

 

8.            That the Council’s General Fund reserves had remained stable, Members’ attention was drawn to the detailed information on the earmarked reserves in the report and summarised in Appendix J of the report. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and school balances had large in-year deficits of £5.6m and £4.0m leading to an overall deficit of £7.7m. A plan to bring the DSG funded services into surplus and a strategy to work with schools in financial difficulty was underway (paragraph 111 of the report referred).

 

9.            That the reserves overall were limited, especially in view of the challenging savings targets for 2021/22 and 2022/23. It was important to maintain a tight control on spend, deliver existing savings plans and recover lost income positions due to Covid-19, as highlighted in the report.

 

10.         Regarding the Collection Fund, Council Tax had recorded a £5.3m loss at 31 March 2020 due to collection levels falling below budgeted targets. The negative economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic as set out in the report was highlighted. The effect on the council tax collection rates and expected fall in business rate income were noted.

 

11.         That the Medium-Term Financial Strategy also referred, as detailed in Minute No.8 below. The Council would continue to lobby the Government for the funding pledged in dealing with the pandemic.

 

12.         That the report set out in detail the revenue outturn position and a clear approach going forward. The outturn position demonstrated the robustness of the Council’s financial monitoring.

 

13.         That in response to the coronavirus pandemic,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

7.

Annual Treasury Management Outturn Report 2019/20 pdf icon PDF 363 KB

A report from the Executive Director – Resources is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5152)

 

Minutes:

Councillor Mary Maguire (Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Resources outlining the activities of the Council’s Treasury Management function during the 2019/20 financial year.

 

NOTED

 

1.            The key points of the report as highlighted including the borrowing outstanding, the capital financing requirement, average interest rates and investments and net borrowing. The Council had adopted the CIPFA Code (paragraph 7 of the report referred) which required the Council to approve treasury management half yearly and annual reports.

 

2.            The information summarised in the report was outlined to Members including the borrowing update, capital financing requirement, cost of borrowing and investments as detailed in report. As at 31 March 2020 the Council held £986.9m of loans, an increase of £142.1m to previous year closing balance which was due to the Council’s funding strategy for its capital programme. Outstanding loans on 31 March 2020 were summarised in Table 3 of the report and included loans that had been made to the Council’s companies, as set out in the report.

 

3.            The economic background set out in the report including references to the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit.

 

4.            The interest rate information and factors regarding the Public Works Loan Board as detailed in the report.

 

5.            The proposals set out in the report and reflected in the decisions below and recommendations to Council.

 

6.            That the Annual Treasury Management Outturn report demonstrated the sound financial management of the Council with prudent investments that would seek to improve the lives of the Borough’s residents. The Council’s Section 151 Officer, the Executive Director – Resources, confirmed that over the reporting year all treasury management activities had been carried out in accordance with the approved limits and, the prudential indicators set out in the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy statement.

 

Alternative Options Considered: None, not appropriate for this report.

 

DECISION: Cabinet agreed to

 

1.            Note and comment on the contents of the report, as detailed above.

 

2.            Recommend the 2019/20 Treasury Management Outturn report to Council.

 

3.            Recommend to Council to approve the removal of 75% cap on total aggregate investments in money market funds (MMFs).

 

4.            Recommend to Council to approve new money limit of £25m for each eligible counter party (Bank and MMF) meeting the Council’s current criteria for high quality institution.

 

Reason: To inform Council of the Treasury Management performance for the financial year 2019/20.

(Key decision – reference number 5152)

 

8.

Medium Term Financial Strategy 2021/22 to 2025/26 pdf icon PDF 173 KB

A report from the Executive Director – Resources is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5150)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Mary Maguire (Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Resources setting out how the Council would allocate its resources over the medium term to deliver the Council’s objectives during a period of both huge uncertainty and financial challenge.

 

NOTED

 

1.            That the Council had agreed a five-year Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) covering the period 2020/21 to 2024/25 at Council in February 2020. This report updated the assumptions from that time and set out the Strategy for agreeing the 2021/22 Budget and the MTFP for 2021/22 to 2025/26. The Council was now in a totally different position due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the challenging times ahead were highlighted. The Council had a sound financial position and balanced budget in February. Paragraphs 18, 19 and 20 of the report provided an update on the MTFP assumptions. A best case assumption had been drawn which opened the year one gap to £18.613 and with the rolling forward of the Plan to 2025/26 there was a five year gap of £58.594m. The refresh of the financial assumptions was detailed in full in section 5 of the Plan. The funding gap arising from the cost of dealing with the pandemic and the Government funding received was highlighted. The in year response to financial pressures arising from Covid-19 was set out in section 6 of the Strategy.

 

2.            The difficulty in accurately forecasting the impact on Council Tax income due to the ongoing issue of a significant number of residents being furloughed and the potential rise in unemployment rates and, the impact on businesses in the Borough.

 

3.            In addition to the uncertainty of the ongoing economic impact of the pandemic, Members noted the continuing need for fairer funding from the Government and the demographic pressures being faced by the Council as set out in the report and Strategy. The Council would continue to lobby the Government on funding issues, as set out in decision 6 below.

 

4.            The approach being taken to the identification of savings detailed in the report and reflected in the decisions below. Further reports would be presented to Cabinet in due course.

 

5.            That Members and Officers were continuing to work hard to continue to support its most vulnerable residents.

 

6.            The significance of the economic situation and the resulting instability in the local economy which would require the Council to provide and increased level of support to the Borough’s vulnerable residents. The pressures on local government finances was highlighted together with the need for the Government to honour its funding commitments to Councils.

 

7.            The significant and continuing pressures on the provision of Adult Social Care, the demographic factors in the Borough and the statutory duties to meet. Members acknowledged the challenges in continuing to support its vulnerable residents. Additional costs had been incurred during the pandemic, for example, in the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the testing facilities required.

 

8.            That the pressures were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

9.

Quarterly Corporate Performance Report (Quarter 4) pdf icon PDF 246 KB

A report from the Executive Director – Resources is attached. (Non key)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Ian Barnes (Deputy Leader) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Resources presenting the quarterly report on the Corporate performance scoreboard reflecting the Council priorities.

 

NOTED

 

1.            That the report reflected the Council priorities as outlined in the new Council Business Plan for quarter four performance for 2019/20 covering January to March 2020. The next report would cover the period of the pandemic and its impact on the performance indicators.

 

2.            That Appendix 2 to the report focused on a selection of priority key performance indicators that were underperforming and had detailed action plans in place. It was noted that the Customer Service performance had improved significantly. The positive progress on the highlighted indicators was noted as set out in the report. Quarterly meetings would continue to monitor the action plans and progress made. Members noted the actions and performance to date.

 

3.            The challenging area of temporary accommodation provision and the two reports to be considered by the Cabinet on the way forward (as detailed in Minute Nos. 10 and 11 below).

 

Alternative Options Considered: Not to report regularly on the Council’s performance in a public report. This would make it difficult to assess progress made on achieving the Council’s main priorities and to demonstrate the value for money being provided by council services.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to note, for information only, the progress being made towards delivering the key priority indicators for Enfield.

 

Reason: The report was part of the quarterly timetable for Cabinet to review performance.

(Non key)

10.

Homelessness in Enfield 3 pdf icon PDF 435 KB

A report from the Executive Director – Place is attached. (Key decision – reference number 4682)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Gina Needs (Cabinet Member for Social Housing) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Place presenting the third report to Cabinet on Homelessness in Enfield.

 

NOTED

 

1.            That this report set out the Council’s approach to ensuring that residents had access to properties from a wide range of tenures from social rent to shared ownership.

 

2.            The proposals set out in the report to support the Council’s objectives of preventing homelessness, reshaping the housing market including through the introduction of an ethical lettings agency by Housing Gateway Ltd. and the private sector licensing scheme. The range of support initiatives being provided were outlined as detailed in the report.

 

3.            That the policies would enable the Council to support residents in accessing the right accommodation for them through a range of options, and in so doing provide long-term support and reduce the use of temporary accommodation.

 

4.            Members welcomed the detailed report which demonstrated the Council’s commitment to the prevention of homelessness in the Borough.

 

5.            In response to questions raised, Members were advised of the consultation responses that had been received and the range of respondents engaged which was a good representation of residents in the Borough.

 

6.            That living rooms would not be counted as bedrooms in the policy.

 

7.            That the allocations scheme was a core part of the Council’s homelessness strategy and its aim was to be a fair and honest policy for residents in housing allocations. The importance of the provision of good quality housing was highlighted.

 

8.            The negative impact that the pandemic had had on individuals through rising unemployment and the increased risk of homelessness. The Council would continue to seek to prevent homelessness and seek to provide sustainable housing options. In doing so, the importance of maintaining decent housing standards was highlighted.

 

9.            The Council would continue to work with its partners to take an early intervention approach through a range of options, as set out in the report, and so continue to reduce the number of households placed in temporary accommodation.

 

10.         In considering the report, the work of the Poverty and Reducing Inequality Board was highlighted and how this report would help support the recommendations of the Board, which the Leader of the Council chaired.

 

11.         A discussion took place on the provision of housing options for key workers in the Borough, including the estate regeneration developments and discussions with North Middlesex University Hospital; the importance of affordable housing provision was highlighted.

 

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED, the following alternative options that had been considered:

Allocations: The primary option considered was to continue with the current approach. This would see an increasing number of households staying in temporary accommodation for long periods. This would also prevent the Council from being able to assist other groups in need.

Placement Policy: The Placement Policy codifies the approach to the use of the private rented sector. The transformation programme was based on making best use to the private rented sector. Without a formally  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

11.

Rough Sleepers Local Delivery Plan pdf icon PDF 165 KB

A report from the Executive Director – Place is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5166)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Gina Needs (Cabinet Member for Social Housing) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Place seeking approval of the local delivery plan for rough sleepers and to support the Council’s efforts to secure funding to deliver the plan.

 

NOTED

 

1.            The requirement for all rough sleepers to be accommodated at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic as set out in the report. The Council had provided approximately 290 rough sleepers with emergency accommodation since March 2020.

 

2.            The positive and significant support that had been provided to the individuals involved.

 

3.            That approval was being sought to the Local Delivery Plan for rough sleepers and to support the Council’s efforts to secure funding to deliver the Plan, as detailed in the report. Members noted the significant financial costs and pressures being faced as set out in the report. The Council would continue to lobby the Government for funding to meet the costs incurred to date and the requirements going forward.

 

4.            The wide range of different support needs and the difficulties being faced, including for those people with no recourse to public funds, and, those with significant health issues, as outlined in the report. This Plan represented a once in a lifetime opportunity to effectively end rough sleeping in the borough.

 

5.            That this Plan would enable the Council to provide support for those vulnerable residents who it may not have been possible to engage with previously. It was hoped that long-term accommodation could be facilitated for those in need, as outlined in detail in the Plan.

 

6.            In response to questions raised, Members were advised of the approximate number of people still rough sleeping in the Borough who had rejected offers of help from the council to date.

 

7.            The measures being implemented by the Council, as previously considered, to support non-priority single people in their housing needs.

 

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED that the alternative options would be:

1.            To simply end the provision of accommodation. This would see the majority returning to rough sleeping and the re-establishment of encampments across the borough. This option had been ruled out as unacceptable.

2.            To continue the existing arrangements. The costs of this would be significantly higher than moving people into other forms of housing and would mean placing people out of borough for an extended period.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed

 

1.            The approach on the support and accommodation of rough sleepers.

 

2.            To support the efforts to secure funding to implement the plan.

 

3.            To support efforts to secure government policy change as set out in paragraphs 30 and 31 of the report

 

Reason: To approve the Local Delivery Plan for rough sleepers and to support efforts to secure funding to deliver the plan, for the reasons detailed in the report.

(Key decision – reference number 5166)

12.

Adoption of the Enfield Climate Action Plan pdf icon PDF 442 KB

A report from the Executive Director – Place is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5136)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Ian Barnes (Deputy Leader) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Place providing an overview of Enfield’s Climate Action Plan and seeking approval for its adoption.

 

NOTED

 

1.            That the Enfield Climate Action Plan had been prepared in response to the Council’s previous declaration of a climate emergency with the aim of making Enfield Council a carbon neutral organisation by 2030. The Plan was innovative and ambitious and the significant work that has been undertaken to date was acknowledged.

 

2.            That, as detailed in the report, a Climate Change Task Force had been set up to support the Council in managing its response to the declared climate emergency.

 

3.            The range of challenging but deliverable actions as detailed in the Plan. Examples, including, a programme to retrofit streetlamps with LED bulbs; the development of low traffic neighbourhoods, school streets, reforestation in northern Enfield, electrification of our fleet and new ways of working.

 

4.            The Council is prepared for multiple energy futures with leading experience in heat pump technology, decentralised energy through our company Energetik and the ambition to aim for standards such as Passivhaus.

 

5.            That the Plan set out targets and actions for the Council and the Borough as a whole. The Council had already made its commitment to climate change clear and a number of the actions set out in the Plan had already been funded, for example, Energetik, LED lights on-street and new woodlands. Some actions would require additional resources and funding from within the Council, while others would need external funding, particularly from central and regional government.

 

6.            The Climate Action Plan would influence other Council plans and strategies. The progress of the Plan would be closely monitored and regularly reported on.

 

7.            The brief positive impact that the Covid 19 pandemic had had on carbon emissions with the use of fewer private vehicles and increased walking and cycling.

 

8.            That, the majority of actions in the Climate Action Plan revolve around our ambitious borough wide Net Zero emissions target for 2040. This is a full decade ahead of the national target.

 

9.            That the next planned engagement event would a virtual launch of the Enfield Climate Action Plan in the summer. A key part of delivering the Action Plan was an extensive long-term engagement programme with all stakeholders, as set out in the document. The Plan had been guided by the Climate Change Task Force and developed with input from across the Council. It had been informed by engagement with climate change organisations and the public. The report sought approval to delegate responsibility for implementation of the Plan to the Executive Director – Place in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member, as set out in the decision below.

 

10.         That thanks and appreciation were expressed to the officers involved in the development of the Plan, and to the local groups and residents for their valuable input and feedback to the consultation.

 

11.         That the Action Plan was comprehensive, ambitious and deliverable.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

13.

CABINET AGENDA PLANNING - FUTURE ITEMS pdf icon PDF 142 KB

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

Minutes:

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

14.

DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS

To note that Cabinet meetings are scheduled to take place on Wednesday 5 August and 16 September 2020. 

Minutes:

NOTED, that Cabinet meetings were scheduled to take place on Wednesday 5 August 2020 and Wednesday 16 September 2020 at 7.15pm.

 

(Note: The August meeting has been cancelled).