Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Ayfer Orhan (Cabinet Member for Children and Young People).

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

Members were reminded, by the Assistant Director Legal, of the need to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest in respect of Report No.151 – Budget 2013/14 and Medium Term Financial Plan (General Fund) (Minute No.6 below refers) as the report considered the members’ allowances scheme. All Cabinet Members present declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in the above report. In response the Assistant Director Legal, as Acting Monitoring Officer, granted a dispensation under Section 33 of the Localism Act 2011 to those Members present to remain in the meeting and consider the report.

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing) declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in Report No.155 – North Circular Area Action Plan Proposed Submission Stage (Minute No.10 below refers). Councillor Oykener left the meeting for this item and took no part in the discussion.

The Chairman will consider the admission of any reports (listed on the agenda but circulated late) which have not been circulated in accordance with the requirements of the Council’s Constitution and the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information and Meetings) (England) Regulations 2012.

Note: The above requirements state that agendas and reports should be circulated at least 5 clear working days in advance of meetings.

NOTED that the reports listed on the agenda had been circulated in accordance with the requirements of the Council’s Constitution and the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information and Meetings) (England) Regulations 2012. These requirements state that agendas and reports should be circulated at least 5 clear days in advance of meetings.

To note that no requests for deputations (with or without petitions) have been received for presentation to this Cabinet meeting.

NOTED that no requests for deputations (with or without petitions) had been received for presentation to this Cabinet meeting.

To confirm that the following items be referred to full Council:

1.                  Report Nos. 151 and 158 – Budget 2013/14 and Medium Term Financial Plan (General Fund)

2.         Report No.152 – Housing Revenue Account Estimates 2013/14 and Rent Setting (HRA and Temporary Accommodation)

3.         Report No.155 – North Circular Area Action Plan Proposed Submission Stage

In addition, Members are asked to consider whether they wish to refer the following report to Council for noting only:

1.         Report No.153 - Fairness for All – Equality and Diversity Annual Report 2012

AGREED that the following items be referred to full Council:

1.         Report Nos. 151 and 158 – Budget 2013/14 and Medium Term Financial Plan (General Fund)

2.         Report No.152 – Housing Revenue Account Estimates 2013/14 and Rent Setting (HRA and Temporary Accommodation)

3.         Report No.155 – North Circular Area Action Plan Proposed Submission Stage

In addition, Members agreed to refer the following report to Council for noting only:

4.         Report No.153 – Fairness for All – Equality and Diversity Annual Report 2012

A report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. This seeks approval, for recommendation to full Council, of the Budget 2013/14 and Medium Term Financial Plan (General Fund). (Report No.158, agenda part two also refers).  (Key decision – reference number 3620)

(Report No.151)

(8.20 – 8.35 pm)

Councillor Andrew Stafford (Cabinet Member for Finance and Property) introduced the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.151) presenting the Budget 2013/14 and Medium Term Financial Plan (General Fund) for recommendation to full Council.

NOTED

1.         that Report No.158 also referred, as detailed in Minute No.21 below;

2.         the level of savings which the Council had achieved over 3 years,  totalling £60m. The Council had made the savings with a nil increase in the level of Council Tax and, at a time of reduced Government subsidy and the current economic climate;

3.         that the Council was on course to meet the budget target for 2014/15;

4.         the results of the budget consultation as detailed in the report and outlined in the “to follow” paper which had been circulated to all Members detailing the feedback from the Scrutiny Panels and Area Forums;

5.         the detail contained within section 10.5 of the report and the outcome of recent work undertaken by the Local Government Association and supported by further London specific analysis by London Councils on potential future funding pressures. The objective was to make the Government aware that the reduction in council funding at current levels was unsustainable without cutting services;

6.         that Members’ attention was drawn to section 10.8 of the report with regard to the combined effects of the Government’s policy reforms on councils’ finances;

7.         that the Council was committed to supporting the development of the Local Plans setting out action plans for areas in the borough following the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework. Funding provision was in place for the first phases of the plan and funding would be incorporated into the Medium Term Financial Plan as required. The Council was on course to ensure that planning applications and policies were in place;

8.         section 5.6 of the report with regard to Public Health. Local authorities would, from April 2013, take over responsibility from the NHS, for improving the health and well-being of their local population and reducing health inequalities. Councillor Hamilton highlighted a number of financial concerns as set out in the report;

9.         that the report would be debated fully at the Council meeting on 27 February 2013.

Alternative Options Considered: The Council had an extensive budget planning and consultation process during which a wide range of options were considered in detail before recommendations were made. Issues raised and discussed had greatly contributed to the report including information from the Budget Consultation set out elsewhere in the report.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

1.         the attention of Members is drawn to the comments in paragraph 2.12 of the report regarding S106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 which requires any Member who is two months or more in arrears on their Council Tax to declare their position and not to vote on any issue that could affect the calculation of the budget or Council Tax.

2.         with regard to the revenue budget for 2-13/14 it is recommended that Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

A report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services and Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care is attached. This seeks  approval, for recommendation to full Council, the revenue estimates of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2013/14 and the updated position on the HRA 30 year business plan . (Key decision – reference number 3621)

(Report No.152)

(8.35 – 8.45 pm)

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing) introduced the report of the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.152) presenting for approval by full Council the revenue estimates of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2013/14 and the updated position on the HRA 30 year business plan.

NOTED

1.         the recommendation that the rents be increased in line with national social rent policy which would result in an average increase of 3.9% for Enfield tenants. This was in common with other local authorities. Enfield’s level of increase was one of lowest in London. The increase would result in an average rent rise of £3.61;

2.         the proposed service charges as detailed in the report;

3.         that the updated HRA 30 Year Business Plan was appended to the report, Appendix 9 to the report referred;

4.         that agreement was being sought to the total HRA capital programme of £47.5m; this would include works to Council homes and estate regeneration schemes;

5.         that the Proposed Temporary Accommodation rents for 2013/14 were appended to the report, Appendix 5 to the report referred. The rents were unchanged from 2012/13.

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED that two alternatives had been considered; these were not increasing rents in line with the national social rent policy as recommended by the Government and increasing rents above this guideline. These two options were both discounted. If rents were not increased this would mean significant loss of income and would undermine the business plan in future years. The HRA self financing settlement was based on the assumption that rents were increased in lien with national social rent policy. If rents were increased above this policy this would put additional unnecessary financial pressures on tenants.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

1.         that the detailed revenue estimates of the Housing Revenue Account for 2013/14 be approved.

2.         that the rents be increased in line with national social rent policy. This will result in an average increase of 3.9% for Enfield tenants.

3.         that all void properties be re-let at target rent.

4.         the level of service charges as set out in paragraph 6.1 of the report for those properties receiving the services be agreed for 2013/14.

5.         that the proposals for increases in other income as detailed in Appendices 2 and 3 be agreed for 2013/14.

6.         that the Temporary Accommodation rents as set out in Appendix 5 of the report be agreed for 2013/14.

7.         that the total HRA capital programme of £47.5m be agreed.

8.         that authority should be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Housing and the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care to approve tenders for Decent Homes and General Works.

Reason: In view of the implications of the alternatives mentioned in paragraph 19 of the report, it is recommended to increase rents in line with national social rent policy and Government guidance on self financing.

(Key decision – reference number 3621)

A report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. This presents Enfield Council’s Equality and Diversity Scheme Annual Report 2012. (Non-key)

(Report No.153)

(8.45 – 8.50 pm)

Councillor Christine Hamilton (Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing and Public Health) introduced the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.153) asking Cabinet to consider and approve Enfield Council’s Equality and Diversity Scheme Annual Report 2012.

NOTED

1.         that this report supported the Council’s Vision from 2010, as set out in the Annual Report. The report detailed what the Council had done in the last year, and what was planned for the future to meet the duties placed on all public sector bodies under the Equality Act 2010;

2.         that the Government’s Red Tape Challenge was reviewing the Public Sector Equality Duty “to establish whether it was operating as intended”. The law could therefore change in the near future;

3.         that the full Annual Report 2012 was attached to the report and would be available on the Council’s website, and an executive summary would be sent to all interested stakeholders. Copies would also be available in the Group Offices and Members’ Library;

4.         that the Annual Report included a section on how the Council planned to increase participation in public life, and the latest population figures for the Borough;

5.         that the Council’s new Public Health responsibilities would also be included within future reports, alongside all other Council services.

Alternative Options Considered: No alternative options had been considered as this was a statutory obligation.

DECISION: The Cabinet considered and approved the Annual Report.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that the report be noted for information only.

Reason: The proposed recommendations would ensure that the Council fully complies with the new legislation. The recommendations also meet the requirements of the Equality Framework for Local Government for which the Council is currently seeking accreditation at the excellent level.

(Non key)

A report from the Chief Executive is attached. This highlights the key findings from the 2012 Enfield Residents’ Survey. (Non key)

(Report No.154)

(8.50 – 8.55 pm)

Councillor Achilleas Georgiou (Deputy Leader) introduced the report of the Chief Executive (No.154) highlighting the key findings from the 2012 Enfield Residents’ survey.

NOTED

1.         the contents of the report and the findings detailed in section 4 of the report;

2.         the intention to present relevant findings to Departmental Management Teams, and other forums for further information;

3.         that the survey had been conducted on behalf of the Council by ICM Research between 1 October and 12 November 2012. Overall, the findings were positive. Satisfaction with the Council had improved significantly and more residents felt that the quality of Council services was good. Members were pleased with the results at a time of unprecedented Government cuts and reduction in funding. Good services were still being provided by the Council;

4.         that significant increases in satisfaction were evident in several service areas including refuse collection, doorstep recycling, parks, libraries, highways maintenance and schools. Members noted the detailed results as outlined in the report. It was noted that at a time of significant primary school expansions, residents’ satisfaction with primary schools had increased;

5.         that there had been an increase in the number of respondents who felt that their local area is one in which “people from different backgrounds get on well together”;

6.         that Members welcomed the results with regard to residents feeling safer in their own areas;

7.         the positive outcomes with regard to the perceptions of the Council being “efficient and well run”  and “other aspects of the Council’s image” (section 4 of the report referred). The positive results had been made possible by the commitment of both Members and Officers to providing excellent Council services. Members were not complacent for the future and would continue to strive for continuous improvement.

Alternative Options Considered: None.

Reason: For the findings to be considered and discussed, so that the Council better understands residents’ perceptions on the services provided, thus aiding service prioritisation and planning improvements.

(Non key)

A report from the Director of Regeneration, Leisure and Culture is attached. This seeks approval, for recommendation to Council, of the proposed submission North Circular Area Action Plan and the subsequent consultation and submission, together with the necessary supporting documents to the Secretary of State for independent examination. (Key decision – reference number 3609)

(Report No.155)

(8.55 – 9.00 pm)

Note: Reference copies of the North Circular Area Action Plan will be placed in the Members’ Library, Group Offices and on the Council’s website.

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing) left the meeting for the this item.

Councillor Del Goddard (Cabinet Member for Business and Regeneration) introduced the report of the Director of Regeneration, Leisure and Culture (No.155) seeking approval of the proposed submission North Circular Area Action Plan and the subsequent consultation and submission, together with the necessary supporting documents to the Secretary of State for independent examination.

NOTED

1.         that the report had to come to Cabinet and Council as the proposal was the final one before submission to the Planning Inspectorate. Previous meetings had taken place with the local Ward Councillors and the Local Plan Cabinet Sub-Committee;

2.         that a schedule of minor changes to the North Circular Area Action Plan: Proposed Submission was circulated at the meeting and is set out below:

A report from the Director of Environment is attached. This details a procurement process recently undertaken in order to obtain competitive tenders for undertaking responsive maintenance, planned preventative maintenance and minor works to the Council’s non housing property portfolio. (Report No.159, agenda part two also refers). (Key decision – reference number 3604)

(Report No.156)

(9.00 – 9.05 pm)

Councillor Chris Bond (Cabinet Member for Environment) introduced the report of the Director – Environment (No. 156) detailing a procurement process recently undertaken in order to obtain competitive tenders for undertaking responsive maintenance, planned preventative maintenance and minor works to the Council’s non housing property portfolio.

NOTED that Report No.159 also referred, as detailed in Minute No.22 below.

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED the alternative options considered as detailed in section 6 of the report.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to award the contract for Lot 1 Building as detailed in the recommendations in the part 2 report, Report No.159, Minute No.22 below refers.

Reason: The Council had a legal obligation to ensure that its corporate buildings were maintained in a safe and fit for purpose condition, section 7 of the report referred.

(Key decision – reference number 3604)

A report from the Director of Environment is attached. This details a procurement process recently undertaken in order to obtain competitive tenders for undertaking responsive maintenance, planned preventative maintenance and minor works to the Council’s non housing property portfolio.(Report No.160, agenda part two also refers) (Key decision – reference number 3605)

(Report No.157)

(9.05 – 9.10 pm)

Councillor Chris Bond (Cabinet Member for Environment) introduced the report of the Director - Environment (No.157) detailing a procurement process recently undertaken in order to obtain competitive tenders for undertaking responsive maintenance, planned preventative maintenance and minor works to the Council’s non-housing property portfolio.

NOTED that Report No.160 also referred as detailed in Minute No.23 below.

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED the alternative options which had been considered as set out in full in section 6 of the report.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to award the contract for Lot 2 Mechanical and Electrical as detailed in Report No.160, Minute No.23 below refers.

Reason: The Council had a legal obligation to ensure that its corporate buildings were maintained in a safe and fit for purpose condition, section 7 of the report referred.

(Key decision – reference number 3605)

No items have been received for consideration at this meeting.

NOTED the no items had been received for consideration at this meeting.

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

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

Members are asked to consider any forthcoming key decisions for inclusion on the Council’s Notice of Key Decision List.

Note: the next Notice of Key Decision List is due to be published on 26 February 2013, this will be effective from 1 April 2013.

NOTED that the next Notice of Key Decision list was due to be published on 26 February 2013, this would be effective from 1 April 2013.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 23 January 2013.

AGREED that the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 23 January 2013 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To receive, for information, the minutes of a meeting of the Enfield Residents’ Priority Fund Cabinet Sub-Committee held on 15 January 2013.

NOTED the minutes of a meeting of the Enfield Residents’ Priority Fund Cabinet Sub-Committee held on 15 January 2013.

There are no written updates to be received at this meeting.

NOTED that there was no written update to be received at this meeting.

To note that the next meeting of the Cabinet is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 20 March 2013 at 8.15pm.

NOTED that the next meeting of the Cabinet was scheduled to take place on Wednesday 20 March 2013 at 8.15pm.

To consider passing a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 excluding the press and public from the meeting for any items of business listed on part 2 of the agenda on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in those paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act (as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006).

(Members are asked to refer to the part 2 agenda).

RESOLVED in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the items of business listed on part 2 of the agenda on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of confidential information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act (as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006).

A report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. This should be read in conjunction with Report No.151, agenda part one refers. (Key decision – reference number 3620)

(This document contains exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)) of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 as amended).

(Report No.158)

(9.20 – 9.25 pm)

Councillor Andrew Stafford (Cabinet Member for Finance and Property) introduced the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.158) providing the commercially sensitive information relating to the Pest Control and Commercial Waste Fees and Charges for Environmental Services for 2013/14.

Alternative Options Considered: As detailed in Report No.151, Minute No.6 above refers.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL to agree the Pest Control and Commercial Waste Fees and Charges for Environmental Services as set out in section 3.1 of the report.

Reason: As detailed in Report No.151, Minute No.6 above refers.

(Key decision – reference number 3620)

A report from the Director of Environment is attached. This should be read in conjunction with Report No.,156, agenda part one refers. (Key decision – reference number 3604)

(This document contains exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)) of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 as amended).

(Report No.159)

(9.25 – 9.30 pm)

Councillor Chris Bond (Cabinet Member for Environment) introduced the report of the Director – Environment (No.159).

NOTED

1.         that Report No. 156 also referred, as detailed in Minute No.11 above;

2.         that the report recommended the acceptance of the lowest bid received, as detailed in the report;

3.         the notional savings as set out in the report.

Alternative Options Considered: As detailed in Report No.156, Minute No.11 above refers.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed

1.         to award the contract for Lot 1 Building to the company detailed in recommendation 2.1 of the report, in the notional two year contract sum as detailed in recommendation 2.1 of the report.

2.         in the event that the company (detailed in recommendation 2.1 of the report) withdraw their tender to award the contract for Lot 1 Building to the second lowest contractor, as detailed in recommendation 2.2 of the report, in the notional two year contract sum as detailed in recommendation 2.2 of the report.

3.         to delegate to the Cabinet Member for Environment authority to enact the extension clause or clauses within the contract should that be in the Council’s best interest at the time to do so.

Reason: As detailed in Report No.156, Minute No.11 above refers.

(Key decision – reference number 3604)

A report from the Director of Environment is attached. This should be read in conjunction with Report No.157, agenda part one refers. (Key decision – reference number 3605)

(This document contains exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)) of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 as amended).

(Report No.160)

(9.30 – 9.35 pm)

Councillor Chris Bond (Cabinet Member for Environment) introduced the report of the Director – Environment (No.160).

NOTED

1.         that Report No.157 also referred, as detailed in Minute No.12 above.

2.         that the report recommended the acceptance of the lowest bid received, as detailed in the report;

3.         the notional savings as set out in the report.

Alternative Options Considered: As detailed in Report No.157, Minute No.12 above refers.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed

1.         to award the contract for Lot 2 Mechanical and Electrical to the company detailed in recommendation 2.1 of the report, in the notional two year contract sum as detailed in recommendation 2.1 of the report.

2.         in the event that the company (detailed in recommendation 2.2 of the report) withdraw their tender to award the contract for Lot 2 Mechanical and Electrical to the second lowest contractor, as detailed in recommendation 2.2 of the report, in the notional two year contract sum as detailed in recommendation 2.2 of the report.

3.         to delegate to the Cabinet Member for Environment authority to enact the extension clause or clauses within the contract should that be in the Council’s best interest at the time to do so.

Reason: As detailed in Report No.157, Minute No.12 above refers.

(Key decision – reference number 3605)