Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ian Barnes, Ergin Erbil and Katherine Chibah.

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

There were no declarations of interest.

To note, that no requests for deputations have been received for presentation to this Cabinet meeting.

NOTED that no requests for deputations had been received for presentation to this Cabinet meeting.

To confirm the minutes of the previous Cabinet meeting held on 7 July 2021.

AGREED that the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 7 July 2021 be confirmed as a correct record.

AGREED to vary the order of the agenda to allow Councillor Achilleas Georgiou to present the referral from Scrutiny to Cabinet and keep another engagement. The minutes follow the order of the meeting.

A report from the Director of Law and Governance is attached. (Non Key)

The Chair invited Councillor Achilleas Georgiou, as previous Chair of the Children, Young People and Education Scrutiny Panel to introduce the report of the Director of Law and Governance.

NOTED

1.    Concerns around issues on mental health and the impact of Covid-19 on school pupils, teachers and support staff had been brought to the Scrutiny Panel’s attention, and key lines of enquiry were pursued.

2.    The resulting recommendations were agreed by Overview & Scrutiny Committee to be referred to Cabinet. The proposal for a mental health charter would be a good opportunity to highlight the issues and work in partnership with stakeholders.

3.    An amendment to para 21 of the report was suggested, as there would be workforce implications if nothing was done.

4.  The Chair thanked Councillor Georgiou for his contribution, and for the suggested amendment. The recommendations and proposed charter were supported. It was understood that preliminary work was underway, and that progress would be reported to the Health & Wellbeing Board.

Alternative Options Considered: 

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee, under the Council’s Constitution, has the right to make comment or make recommendations to the Cabinet.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to approve the recommendation from the Children, Young People and Education Scrutiny Panel and ask officers to action the following:

•  The Council should produce an action orientated mental health charter & policy and provide the resources to make changes that will support young people and staff on matters such as information, uncertainty and staff wellbeing.

•  In producing this the Council is asked to work with the various stakeholders including Education Unions, Enfield Youth Parliament with the involvement of the Children Young People and Education Scrutiny Panel.

Reason:  In discharging their scrutiny functions, the Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Scrutiny Panel Chairs are entitled to report with recommendations to Cabinet.

(Non-Key)

A report from the Executive Officer Place is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5319)

Councillor Gina Needs (Cabinet Member for Social Housing) introduced the report of the Executive Director Place seeking approval for the implementation of the Intermediate Housing Policy operational structure.

NOTED

1.    A solid framework would be set for how decisions were made, and for fairness for service users.

2.    Enfield aimed to encourage a range of intermediate housing in the borough.

3.    The creation of an intermediate housing register would benefit residents by promoting intermediate housing schemes and matching residents to them.

Alternative Options Considered:  NOTED the details of all options considered as set out in paragraphs 81 to 84 of the report.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed

1.  To approve the promotion and creation of an intermediate housing register with the aim of making Intermediate Housing more accessible to Enfield residents and support development in the Borough.

2.  That the Intermediate Housing Policy adopted by the Cabinet on 15 July 2020 will need further amendments to incorporate the changes outlined in the report and to delegate this to the Director of Housing and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Social Housing.

Reason:  NOTED the detailed reasons for the proposals as set out in paragraphs 7 to 9 of the report.

(Key decision – reference number 5319)

A report from the Executive Director Place is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5343)

Councillor Nesil Caliskan (Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Executive Director Place seeking approval of proposals for the redevelopment of Joyce Avenue and Snell’s Park.

NOTED

1.    Subject to the outcome of the ballot, the proposals would transform the estates and the wider Fore Street area.

2.    Face to face engagement with residents had now resumed.

3.    Attention was drawn to the GLA funding conditions.

4.  Members welcomed the proposals for regeneration and improvements to this area, and the placemaking aspects of the scheme.

5.  An increase in numbers of family sized homes was proposed, and housing to meet the needs of residents.

6.  Confidence was expressed in the Council’s ability to deliver the scheme and the financial model was sound and robust.

7.  It was anticipated that a planning application would be submitted after the ballot, in the New Year / Spring 2022.

Alternative Options Considered: 

The Council had explored various delivery and financing routes, including non-demolition and newbuild. The condition of the current blocks and the known anti-social behaviour on the estate was a matter of concern that only a redevelopment will help to address.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to

1. Approve the financial model on the basis of the assumptions in the base case for Joyce and Snell’s over the period 2023-2038/39 and note the capital requirements.

2. Approve, for recommendation to Council, an addition to the Capital programme of £42m made up of an increase in HRA £124.7m and a reduction in General Fund £82.7m reflecting a revised mix of units against that of the original scheme included in the approved budget. Addition is made up of a reduction of £196.5m for 2021/22 to 2030/31 offset by an increase of £238.5m for 2031/32 to 2037/38 and these will be reflected in the Budget and MTFP updates to Cabinet 9 February 2022.

3. Note a reduction in the overall borrowing requirement for the scheme, against the approved budget approved by Council 2 March 2021 (KD5210 & KD5211) all phases, as a result of increased grant and capital receipts assumed in the financial base case and Council’s overall borrowing remains under £2bn cap, everything else remaining constant although the position will be kept under review as part of the HRA Business Plan update.

4. Authorise capital expenditure for leaseholder buyback for Phases 0-3 Joyce and Snell’s, for programme years 2022/23 to 2026/27 up to £55m, which is assumed within the overall financial base case.

5. Approve the extension of appointments and additional expenditure for design and professional services up to a total budget (£10m) including project management, preparation of a masterplan and planning application, legal advisors and procurement support, to be committed in years 2021 to 2023.

6. Subject to any resident feedback during the ongoing consultation period, approve the draft Landlord Offer for rehousing tenants and leaseholders as appended to this report and commencement of the S105 consultation; and delegate to Director of Housing and Regeneration in consultation Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Housing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

A report from the Executive Director Resources is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5334)

Councillor Mary Maguire (Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement) introduced the report of the Executive Director Resources setting out the Council’s revenue budget monitoring position.

NOTED

1.    Whilst the position for Quarter 1 identified some significant pressures, the underlying budget position remained robust, and officers were keeping spending under review and Pressures Challenge Boards were looking at the most significant pressure areas.

2.    In respect of SEN transport pressures, analysis suggested they were mainly due to an increase in the numbers of pupils eligible for transport. All aspects of the transport offer were currently being reviewed.

3.    More detail on cost pressure on Council Tax Support and Council services would be available in the next quarters.

Alternative Options Considered: 

Not relevant in the context of this report.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to

1.    Note the balanced position of the General Fund after the use of £3m contingency and £3.9m overspend in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) forecasted revenue outturn position for 2021/22.

2.    Note the Covid-19 impact of £32.6m which is expected to be funded by Government grants.

3.    Note the progress made on the journey to setting a robust and resilient budget.

4.    Request Executive Directors continue to work with Cabinet Members to robustly manage the underlying budget position and implement savings, whilst managing, mitigating and minimising the Covid-19 financial impact.

5.    Note the forecast level of reserves and implications for 2021/22 and challenging financial position over the life of the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP).

Reason:  To ensure that Members are aware of the forecast outturn position, including the level of reserves for the authority, including all major variances which are contributing to the outturn position and the mitigating actions being taken and proposed to manage the financial position for 2021/22.

(Key decision – reference number 5334)

A report from the Executive Director Resources is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5335)

Councillor Mary Maguire (Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement) introduced the report of the Executive Director Resources informing members on the current position of the Council’s 10 Year Capital Programme.

NOTED

1.     The reprofiling of budgets were highlighted, and that the budget for Reardon Court redevelopment was transferred from the general fund to the HRA.

2.     Officers were assessing the impact of wider external economic factors on specific programmes.

3.     Officers would continue to strive to maximise external grants and contributions.

Alternative Options Considered: 

Not relevant in the context of this report.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to note

1.    The inclusion of the following capital programmes and updated grant funding, as detailed in Tables 3 and 4. The programmes listed below, were included as ‘Requested Additions’ in the Council’s 10 Year Capital Programme and have now been granted approval to spend:

 Alleygating (KD5103)

 Flood Alleviation (KD5279)

 Highways and Street Scene (KD5103)

 Community Safety (Operational decision)

 Energetik (KD5304)

 IT Investment (Record of Decision)

2.    Appendix A of the report detailed the revised 10 Year Capital Programme including all programmes with approval to spend. The total budget is £1.646bn.

3.    Appendix B of the report detailed requested additions, that are subject to further approval.

4.    Appendix C of the report detailed the total revised 10 Year Capital Programme. The total budget is £2.866bn.

Reason:  The Council’s Capital Programme is regularly reviewed, and monitoring reports are submitted to Cabinet on a quarterly basis.

(Key decision – reference number 5335)

A report from the Executive Director Resources is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5336)

Councillor Mary Maguire (Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement) introduced the report of the Executive Director Resources informing the Cabinet of the current forecast outturn position of the HRA, covering both revenue and capital expenditure associated with delivering the Council’s Housing service.

NOTED

1.    Emerging pressures were highlighted, particularly the impacts of Covid-19.

2.    Details in respect of scheme costs of Upton & Raynham, Exeter Road 1 and Exeter Road 2&3 were shown in para 65 of the report, and the benefits of the regeneration and placemaking were stressed.

Alternative Options Considered: 

Not relevant in the context of this report.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to

1.    Note the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) forecast outturn position for 2021/22 for both revenue and capital.

2.    Note the revenue Covid-19 impact of £0.408m.

3.    Approve the procurement of a single contractor for Exeter Road and Upton & Raynham to administer the investment/placemaking and development works, with final budget approval at award of tender stage.

4.    Note that the funding of the additional costs to deliver Upton and Rainham & Exeter Road Phase 2 and 3, as detailed in paragraph 65 of the report, will be finalised and reported as part of the Q2 Monitoring report.

Reason:  The Council’s Capital Programme is regularly reviewed, and monitoring reports are submitted to Cabinet on a quarterly basis. The Council continually strives to maximise external grants and contributions and attract new income streams to fund projects wherever possible and minimise the need to borrow.

(Key decision – reference number 5336)

A report from the Executive Director People is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5331)

Councillor Alev Cazimoglu (Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care) introduced the report of the Executive Director People seeking approval for the Parkview House Residential Care Home direct contract award.

NOTED

1.    The factors justifying the direct award were highlighted.

2.    Officers did not recommend a block contract arrangement

3.    It was advised that there was a brokerage service in Adult Social Care to provide advice on choices. A commissioning team across Adult Social Care, and linking with colleagues in Procurement, negotiated contracts.

Alternative Options Considered: 

NOTED the details of other options considered as set out in paragraphs 41 to 45 of the report

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to

1.    Endorse and approve to directly award a 2+2+2-year care and support contract for Residential Care Services to Sanctuary Housing Association. Commencing on 1 October 2021 until 30 September 2023 (with the option to extend for 2 years to 30 September 2025 plus a further 2 years to 30 September 2027). The award will provide vulnerable residents with continued access to vital care services at a good value price per bed as detailed in the confidential Appendix to the report.

2.    Delegate the formal approval of the 2+2-year extensions periods of the contract, subject to satisfactory performance, to the statutory Director of Health & Adult Social Care in consultation with the Cabinet member for Health and Adult Social Care.

3.    Approve a waiver of Contract Procedure Rules to enable the direct award of contract to Sanctuary Housing Association.

4.    Delegate to the Director of Adult Social Care to finalise and agree the terms of the contract with Sanctuary Housing Association in consultation with the Director of Law and Governance.

Reason:  NOTED the detailed reasons for the proposals as set out in paragraphs 8 to 11 of the report.

(Key decision – reference number 5331)

A report from the Executive Director People is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5365)

Councillor Alev Cazimoglu (Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care) introduced the report of the Executive Director People providing details of the 2021/2022 funding arrangement between the London Borough of Enfield and NHS North Central London Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

NOTED

1.    No significant changes to funding arrangements agreed in 2020/21 were proposed, and both parties were seeking to renew the Section 75 Agreement again for 2021/22.

2.    The response to the Covid-19 pandemic was reflected on, and heartfelt thanks were expressed for everything which was done, and which continued to be done in Enfield.

Alternative Options Considered: 

•  The pooled budget arrangement has been an effective way of for the Commissioning Clinical Group and the Council to pull resource together to support some of the most vulnerable people in the community. A collaborative approach to meeting both organisations strategic goals has delivered the desired outcomes.

•  NHS England guidance requires the pooling of the Better Care Fund to be via a Section 75 Agreement.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to

1.  Note the arrangements for pooled funding.

2.  Delegate formal sign off of the Section 75 Agreement between NHS North Central London CCG and the Council to the Director of Health and Adult Social Care as the approved statutory DASS (Director of Adult Social Services).

3.  Within the financial year 2021/22 the Director for Adult Social Care can make minor amendments throughout the year to the schemes and funding arrangements based on the Government Guidance published in 2019 up until the formal national guidance is available and launched.

Reason:  NOTED the detailed reasons for the proposals as set out in paragraphs 9 to 11 of the report.

(Key decision – reference number 5365)

A report from the Executive Director Place is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5371)

Councillor Mary Maguire (Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement) introduced the report of the Executive Director Place seeking approval for the continuation of the annual Corporate Condition Programmes for 2021/22 and 2022/23.

NOTED

1.    The works delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic were now complete.

2.    A revised schedule of CCP works for noting would be circulated to Members as a confidential appendix to the meeting minutes.

Alternative Options Considered: 

•  Do nothing – this is not a sustainable option because building condition will continue to degrade and will become unsuitable or unfit for purpose and potentially unsafe to operate as well as reducing in value.

•  Do less – this is not a sustainable option as the building condition survey data shows the estimated total backlog for capital condition works on corporate properties had risen to £18m and needs to be halted and slowly reversed.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to

1.  Approve the allocation of capital funding for the Corporate Condition Programmes (CCP) of £2.650m for 2021/22 and £2.809m for 2022/23 in line with the Council Capital Strategy.

2.  Delegate authority to the Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement to approve variations to the proposed schemes within the Corporate Condition Programme (CCP) allocation for 2021/22 and 2022/23.

Reason:

1.  The Council’s Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) describes the approach to the management of the Council’s property assets, including a set of core principles. Those principles include achieving 100% compliance and managing the portfolio to reduce expenditure and increase income.

2.  The Corporate Condition Programme (CCP) addresses major repair works to the corporate property portfolio. The CCP does not cover schools, or housing maintenance, which are subject to different funding streams. The CCP (formerly known as the Building Improvement Programme / BIP) has been a regular programme for many years. The CCP comprises works that the Council is contractually obligated to carry out; works to address health and safety and other compliance risks and major repairs to ensure buildings remain operational and fit for purpose.

(Key decision – reference number 5371)

A report from the Executive Director People is attached. (Non Key)

Councillor Alev Cazimoglu (Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care) and Councillor Mahtab Uddin (Cabinet Member for Children’s Services) introduced the report of the Executive Director People noting the Safeguarding Partnership’s activity to protect adults and children in 2020-21.

NOTED

1.    The excellent work of staff, volunteers and partners during a challenging year was highlighted and Members expressed their appreciation.

2.    The draft report was considered at the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel and comments made had resulted in amendments to the final report.

3.    The report would be presented to Council in November.

4.  Attention was drawn to action against modern slavery and domestic abuse.

5.  The Leader commented that this was one of the most important reports which was submitted to Cabinet and Council, and thanked officers and the safeguarding boards and all involved in the report.

Alternative Options Considered: 

•  Producing two annual reports (including these priorities), one for the Safeguarding Adults Board and another for the Safeguarding Children Partnership, was considered.

•  Feedback from residents is that they are more likely to engage with one report and one conversation about abuse and risk, rather than two.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to

1.  Note the Safeguarding Enfield Annual Report 2020-21, presented 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.  Commend the Safeguarding Enfield Annual Report 2020-21 to Council. The report will be presented at the 17 November 2021 Council meeting.

Reason:  Noting the Annual Report at Cabinet and Council enables Enfield Council to demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding adults at risk, children and young people throughout the organisation.

(Non-Key)

A report from the Director of Law and Governance is attached. (Non Key)

 NOTED

1.    Jeremy Chambers (Director of Law and Governance) confirmed that the annual scrutiny work programmes for 2021/22 would be submitted to Council on 22 September 2021.

2.    No comments were received from Cabinet.

3.    Cabinet looked forward to working with Scrutiny over the year.

Alternative Options Considered: 

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee is required, under the Council’s Constitution, to present an annual scrutiny work programme to Council for adoption.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to approve the annual scrutiny work programmes for 2021/22 for the Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Standing Panels.

Reason:  The Council’s Constitution requires that the scrutiny work programmes are adopted by Council on the recommendation of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, following consultation with the Cabinet and the Executive Management Team (EMT).

(Non-Key)

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

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

To note that the next meeting of the Cabinet is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 13 October 2021 at 7.15pm.

NOTED that the next meeting of the Cabinet is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 13 October 2021 at 7:15pm.