Agenda for Cabinet on Wednesday, 21st October, 2015, 8.15 pm

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Conference Room, Civic Centre, Silver Street, Enfield, EN1 3XA. View directions

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

Items
No. Item

1.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Nneka Keazor (Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport), Yasemin Brett (Cabinet Member for Community Organisations and Culture) and Vicki Pite (Associate Cabinet Member).

2.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

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 declared in respect of any items listed on the agenda.

3.

URGENT ITEMS

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.

Minutes:

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 with the exception of the reports listed below. These requirements state that agendas and reports should be circulated at least 5 clear days in advance of meetings.

 

1.     Report Nos. 87 and 91 – Estate Renewal Programme 2016-2025

2.     Report No.88 – Meridian Water and Ponders End High Street (Electric Quarter): Programme Update

 

AGREED that the above reports be considered at this meeting.

4.

DEPUTATIONS

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

Minutes:

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

5.

ITEMS TO BE REFERRED TO THE COUNCIL

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

 

1.     Report No.78 – Enfield Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2014-15 (for information and noting only)

2.     Report No.79 – Enfield Safeguarding Children Board Annual Report 2014-15 (for information and noting only)

Minutes:

AGREED that the following reports be referred to full Council for information and noting only:

 

1.     Report No.78 – Enfield Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2014-15

2.     Report No.79 – Enfield Safeguarding Children Board Annual Report 2014-15

6.

ENFIELD SAFEGUARDING ADULTS BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 2014-15 pdf icon PDF 171 KB

A report from the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care is attached. This presents the Enfield Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2014-15. (Non key)

 

Members are asked to note that the Chair of the Enfield Safeguarding Adults Board has been invited to attend the meeting in order to present the annual report.

(Report No.78)

(8.20 – 8.25 pm)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Alev Cazimoglu (Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care) introduced the report of the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care (No.78) presenting the Enfield Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2014-15.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That the annual report highlighted the accomplishments of a partnership working together with local people, service users and carers to prevent and respond robustly to the abuse of adults at risk, as detailed in full in the report.

 

2.               That Marian Harrington, Chair of the Enfield Safeguarding Adults Board, had been invited to attend the meeting in order to present the annual report to the Cabinet. Marian Harrington highlighted for Members’ consideration areas within the Annual report where the Board had done well; areas which had required improvement; and, the focus areas for the coming year. As set out below:

 

·       The involvement of people who use the adults safeguarding services and have been involved in the safeguarding process had been strengthened. Lessons had been learnt from experiences and, information effectively fed back to staff to inform future practice.

·       One of the biggest shifts during the year had been in embedding “Making Safeguarding Personal”, as detailed in the annual report. Enfield had been assessed as operating at the “gold” standard for this work.

·       The Board was reliant on the commitment and involvement of all of its partners.

·       Preparations were on-going for the implementation of the Care Act 2014 with partners and staff members. Appropriate training had been undertaken.

·       The work undertaken in setting up a multi-agency safeguarding hub was outlined; this involved a range of professionals who received concerns and alerts related to adults at risk, as set out in the annual report.

·       Key people representing the Police and Clinical Commissioning Group had left the Board during 2014/15 and there had been a delay in appointing their replacements. However, two new appointments had now been made who were again fully committed to the work of the Board and, the effective involvement of their respective agencies.

·       The need to seek financial contributions from partner agencies was highlighted; the majority of funding required was currently met by the Council.

·       There had been an increase in the number of referrals following the introduction of the Mental Capacity Act.

·       The main focus for the coming year was to continue to develop an effective prevention strategy; fully embed the implementation of the Care Act 2014; and, continue to work closely with the Community Safety Team on issues including domestic violence, hate crime and female genital mutilation. The continued need for effective partnership working was highlighted.

 

3.               In response to the presentation of the annual report, Members were invited to comment, and the following issues were highlighted. Councillor Taylor expressed his concerns over the potential detrimental effects that could be experienced if the anticipated cuts to the metropolitan police service were implemented, particularly for adults who were deemed to be at a low level of vulnerability. The effects of any cuts to the partner agencies would need to be carefully monitored. 

 

4.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

7.

ENFIELD SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 2014-15 pdf icon PDF 414 KB

A report from the Interim Director of Children’s Services is attached. This presents the Enfield Safeguarding Children’s Board Annual Report 2014-15. (Non key)

 

Members are asked to note that the Chair of the Enfield Safeguarding Children Board has been invited to attend the meeting in order to present the annual report.

(Report No.79)

(8.25 – 8.30 pm)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Ayfer Orhan (Cabinet Member for Education, Children’s Services and Protection) introduced the report of the Interim Director of Children’s Services (No.79) presenting the Enfield Safeguarding Children Board Annual Report 2014-15.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That the Children Act 2004 placed a duty on every local authority to establish a local Safeguarding Children Board. Enfield Safeguarding Children Board was made up of statutory and voluntary partners, as detailed in section 3.1 of the report.

 

2.               Councillor Orhan highlighted for Members the statutory safeguarding responsibilities outlined in the annual report and the level of risk. The contribution of the Council’s partner agencies was noted together with the potential detrimental effects of forthcoming funding cuts to the Council and its partners. Concerns were highlighted at the potential impact on the delivery of key elements of the Council’s statutory responsibilities. The partner agencies involved in the work of the Board were diligent and fully engaged and thanks were expressed to them.

 

3.               That the Chair of the Enfield Safeguarding Children Board, Geraldine Gavin, had extended her apologies for absence for the Cabinet meeting. Anne Stoker, Head of Safeguarding, Quality and Principal Social Worker, presented the annual report to the Cabinet and highlighted the following issues for consideration:

 

·       Following an Ofsted inspection in January and February 2015 the work of the Enfield Children Safeguarding Board had been judged as “Good”. Whilst there were areas to improve on, the Ofsted judgement had illustrated that the Board partnership was a strong one.

·       Members’ attention was drawn to the summary of achievements detailed in the annual report. Anne Stoker outlined the main achievements. This included the development and support of the “Enfield Young Safeguarding Champions Group”, a quote from one young member of the group had been included in the annual report and was noted by Members. This was a positive message and illustrated how the needs of young people were being addressed through the work undertaken.

·       Anne Stoker outlined the areas of work carried out including focus on child sexual exploitation and female genital mutilation.

·       Effective staff safeguarding training was undertaken and regularly reviewed.

·       The Board was not complacent and continued to look to improve and learn lessons from experience, including effective serious case reviews. Information sharing was imperative and the Board would continue to support the development of a single point of entry.

·       The Board would continue to focus on a number of areas including domestic abuse, child sexual exploitation, female genital mutilation and radicalisation.

·       The importance of early intervention and prevention strategies was highlighted.

 

4.               In conclusion of the presentation Members were invited to comment. The following issues arose in discussion. Councillor Taylor highlighted the establishment of the Council’s Child Sexual Exploitation Group that would report back to full Council in due course.

 

5.               Members’ recognised the Council’s safeguarding responsibilities and noted the good practices of the Board and partner agencies, as set out in the annual report.

 

6.               Councillor Orhan concluded that the Council was focused on two key areas – early intervention and prevention.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.

Revenue Monitoring Report: August 2015 pdf icon PDF 134 KB

A report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. This provides the latest revenue monitoring position as at 31 August 2015 for the Council as a whole.  (Key decision – reference number 4149)

(Report No.80)

(8.30 – 8.35 pm)

Minutes:

Councillor Andrew Stafford (Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency) introduced the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.80) setting out the Council’s revenue budget monitoring position based on information to the end of August 2015.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That the report forecast an outturn position of £4.0m overspend for 2015/16. This figure took account of the mitigation of the Enfield 2017 shortfall in 2015-16 of £7.1m that would be met from reserves in 2015/16. This would be fully achieved in 2016/17.

 

2.               The departmental monitoring information, budget pressures and projected savings, as set out in section 5 and the appendices to the report.

 

3.               Members noted in particular the financial pressures faced by Health, Housing and Adult Social Services and, Children’s Services. Any overspend by Health, Housing and Adult Social Services would be met through the use of one off earmarked reserves (paragraph 5.4 of the report referred).

 

4.               Tony Theodoulou, Interim Director of Children’s Services, outlined the pressures faced by Children’s Services through an increased number of unaccompanied asylum seeking children and families with no recourse to public funds. Local Authorities were continuing to lobby Central Government for appropriate funding to meet these growing demands.

 

5.               The achievement of savings as set out in section 8 and appendix C of the report.

 

6.               The capital programme and treasury management activity continued to be sound and financially prudent.

 

7.               The enormity of the Council’s 2017 programme was recognised. It was noted that the number of compulsory redundancies was minimal.

 

8.               Councillor Orhan highlighted her concerns and the need for adequate Government funding to meet the growing demand for children’s services. This was echoed by Councillor Cazimoglu in relation to Health, Housing and Adult Social Care.

 

Alternative Options Considered: Not applicable to this report.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed

 

1.               To note the revenue outturn projection.

 

2.               That departments reporting pressures should formulate and implement action plans to ensure that all possible actions were undertaken to remain within budget in 2015/16.

 

Reason: To ensure that Members were aware of the projected budgetary position for the Authority, including all major budget pressures and underspends which had contributed to the present monthly position and that were likely to affect the final outturn.

(Key decision – reference number 4149)

9.

ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING POLICY AND GUIDANCE pdf icon PDF 230 KB

A report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. This presents the updated anti-money laundering policy and guidance for its implementation. (Non key)

(Report No.81)

(8.35 – 8.40 pm)

Minutes:

Councillor Andrew Stafford (Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency) introduced the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.81) presenting the updated anti-money laundering policy and guidance.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That whilst it was not law for the Council to have an anti-money laundering policy, it was important to raise awareness of an individual’s and the organisation’s responsibilities for preventing and responding to suspicions of money laundering. The documents supported the Council’s zero tolerance to fraud and identified the internal controls required to prevent and respond to instances of money laundering.

 

2.               Christine Webster, Head of Internal Audit and Risk Management, responded to Members’ questions in respect of the policy. Awareness among staff would be raised by a programme of specific training, targeted towards those who were more likely to be exposed to money laundering practices (for example, those handling cash transactions). Councillors would be invited to training as well. In response to issues raised, Christine Webster outlined the Council’s responsibilities, level of activity, resources required and, key areas to be targeted.

 

3.               James Rolfe, Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services, outlined the Council’s controlled framework to manage such issues appropriately and ensure adequate and appropriate monitoring. The role of Members, the Corporate Management Board and the Council’s Monitoring Officers was highlighted. Effective and adequate measures were in place.

 

Alternative Options Considered: There were no other options which could be considered as these matters need to reported to the Cabinet and Audit Committee.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to note the updated anti-money laundering policy, and guidance for its implementation, as approved by the Audit Committee at its meeting on 9 July 2015.

 

Reason: This report was being brought to the attention of the Cabinet at the request of the Audit Committee who had approved the policy and guidance at its meeting held on 9 July 2015.

(Non key)

10.

CORPORATE RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY pdf icon PDF 598 KB

A report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. This presents the refreshed Corporate Risk Management Strategy for the Council. (Non key)

(Report No.82)

(8.40 – 8.45 pm)

Minutes:

Councillor Andrew Stafford (Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency) introduced the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.82) presenting a refreshed Corporate Risk Management Strategy for the Council.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That Members’ attention was drawn to the main changes which had been made to the original risk management strategy as a result of the review, as set out in section 3.3 of the report.

 

2.               That Members were advised to familiarise themselves with the Strategy which would now be rolled-out across the Council.

 

Alternative Options Considered: There were no alternative options to consider as a refreshed Corporate Risk Management Strategy had to be presented to the Audit Committee for approval.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet reviewed and agreed to approve the refreshed Corporate Risk Management Strategy, as approved by the Audit Committee at its meeting on 9 July 2015.

 

Reason: A Risk Management Strategy provided guidance on the organisation’s approach to risk management including roles and responsibilities for the management of risks.

(Non key)

11.

Quarterly Corporate Performance Report pdf icon PDF 220 KB

A report from the Chief Executive is attached. This presents the latest available performance data at the end of quarter one 2015/16. (Key decision – reference number 4143)

(Report No.83)

(8.45 – 8.50 pm)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Achilleas Georgiou (Deputy Leader) introduced the report of the Chief Executive (No.83) outlining the latest available performance data at the end of quarter one 2015/16.

 

NOTED

 

1.               Councillor Georgiou drew Members’ attention to three areas within the indicators as detailed below:

 

·       (c) Safeguarding Children – 189 child protection reviews had been carried out with 100% being dealt with within the required timescales. Congratulations were extended to those officers involved and a question raised as to whether this number of reviews was particularly high.

·       (g) Income collection, debt recovery and benefit processing – the indicators on target were encouraging however concerns were raised regarding the processing times for new claims for housing benefit/council tax support, and for benefit change in circumstances.

·       (a) Employment and worklessness – the percentage of 16 to 19 year olds who were not in employment or training (NEET) was encouraging, the percentage was below the same period for last year.

 

2.               In response to the issues raised with regard to safeguarding children, Tony Theodoulou, Interim Director of Children’s Services, confirmed that there had been an increase in the level of activity, thought to be due to population growth and demographic changes. This was not unusual and was broadly in line with other comparative London Boroughs. Members were advised of the number of child protection plans in place and the processes for monitoring and review.

 

3.               Councillor Sitkin provided the updated figures for the employment rate in Enfield, as of September 2015 the percentage had risen to 72.7%, with a fall in the number of residents claiming Job Seekers’ allowance to 4135.

 

4.               Councillor Oykener gave assurances that work was being done to improve the rate of responsive repairs as set out in the schedule of indicators, section (a) - housing and homelessness.

 

5.               Councillor Taylor was concerned to note the increase in crime rates in the Borough in relation to theft from the person and violence with injury. Councillor Taylor again highlighted the detrimental effects that any cuts to the metropolitan police would have on crime levels in the Borough. The Council would continue to lobby its MPs with regard to proposed cuts to the police service.

 

 

Alternative Options Considered: Not to report regularly on the Council’s performance. 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 progress made towards delivering the identified key priority indicators for Enfield.

 

Reason: To update Cabinet on the progress made against all key priority performance indicators for the Council.

(Key decision – reference number 4143)

12.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Tenancy Policy and HRA Rent Setting Policy pdf icon PDF 225 KB

A report from the Director of Regeneration and Environment is attached. This presents an updated HRA Tenancy Policy and HRA Rent Setting Policy for the Council. (Key decision – reference number 4126)

(Report No.84)

(8.50 – 8.55 pm)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing and Housing Regeneration) introduced the report of the Director of Regeneration and Environment (No.84) presenting an updated Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Tenancy Policy and HRA Rent Setting Policy for the Council.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That the HRA Tenancy Policy would remain as published in December 2013 with minor amendments to bring it up to date, as set out in Appendix A to the report. The updated HRA Rent Setting Policy clarified the direction that the Council would take in setting its HRA rents with effect from 1 April 2016, Appendix B to the report referred.

 

2.               Councillor Oykener highlighted the effect of the Government’s new Welfare Reform and Work Bill 2015 as set out in the report. This would have a significant impact on the HRA 30 year business plan; a comprehensive review of the Plan was therefore currently being undertaken.

 

3.               Members were advised of the Council’s current approach to tenancies and affordable rent levels. The potential impact of further Government legislation was noted. Further reports would be presented to Cabinet at the appropriate time for consideration.

 

Alternative Options Considered: The Council was required by its own Tenancy Strategy, and by law, to publish a Tenancy Policy. It was also good practice to publish a Rent Setting Policy (section 4 of the report referred).

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed

 

1.               The updated Housing Revenue Account Tenancy Policy and Housing Revenue Account Rent Setting Policy as appended and circulated with the Cabinet report.

 

2.               To note the proposal to review these policies on an annual basis.

 

3.               To note that the Government’s new rent proposals (about to become legislation) create large shortfalls in the Council’s HRA 30 year Business Plan which would need to be addressed.

 

4.               That the Council seek clarification from Central Government as to how the proposal to charge higher rents to tenants on higher incomes would work in practice.

 

Reason: Section 5 of the report set out in full the reasons for the recommendations in the report. It was proposed that the two policies would be reviewed annually so that they remain current and continue to reflect the Council’s ambitions around maximising the delivery of affordable housing.  

(Key decision – reference number 4126)

13.

Strategy and approach to delivering pupil places pdf icon PDF 271 KB

A report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services and Chief Education Officer is attached. This sets out the Council’s approach to the provision of school places for Enfield residents and updates the strategy for the provision of places. (Key decision – reference number 4141)

(Report No.85)

(8.55 – 9.00 pm)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Ayfer Orhan (Cabinet Member for Education, Children’s Services and Protection) introduced the report of Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services and the Interim Chief Education Officer (No.85) setting out the approach to the provision of school places for Enfield residents and updating the strategy for the provision of places.

 

NOTED

 

1.               Councillor Orhan commended the strategy and approach to delivering pupil places. The strategy was regularly reviewed to meet the latest projections and assessment of demand for pupil places in the Borough. The statutory responsibilities of the council were highlighted as detailed in the report. Members’ attention was drawn to section 2.8 of the Strategy which summarised the need for primary pupil places.

 

2.               Jenny Tosh, Interim Chief Education Officer, praised the effective and ongoing joined up working being undertaken and also acknowledged the collaborative working with the Borough’s schools. The Strategy now also focused on the demand for both secondary and special pupil places. The Borough was running out of existing school sites for expansion and therefore future demand may need to be met through the acquisition of new sites.

 

3.               In response to a question raised by Councillor Taylor regarding the provision of excess supply of pupil places to increase the level of parental choice, Jenny Tosh outlined the detrimental financial effects on schools if the level of supply exceeded the level of demand. Members noted the effects of free schools and academies on the Council’s ability to plan and provide school places in the areas of most demand.

 

4.               It was noted that the level of Government funding provided was dependant on how demand was identified, for example, if basic need. Government funding was provided for current need rather than projected need.

 

5.               Councillor Orhan highlighted the duty placed on local authorities to plan for pupil places and the de-stablising effect that the introduction of free schools and academies could have on effective future projections.

 

Alternative Options Considered: The Council has a statutory responsibility to provide the necessary school places. The School Expansion Programme creates a mechanism to assist with the delivery of extra capacity required. Failure to provide enough school places was not an option. Section 4 of the report referred.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to approve

 

1.               The updated strategy to provide the additional school places required up to 2019 and the continuation of the school expansion programme.

 

2.               That the overall programme budget allocation was maintained at £62.83 million but updated when a separate report was brought forward on any land acquisitions required to facilitate provision of extra places in the North Central area (in the vicinity of the proposed residential development at Chase Farm) and potentially Minchenden for special needs places.

 

3.               Delegated authority to the Cabinet Member for Education, Children’s Services and Protection and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency in consultation with the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services, the Chief Education Officer or the Assistant Director of Strategic Property Services, to take decisions on:

 

·       The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

14.

Alma - Appropriation for Planning Purposes pdf icon PDF 98 KB

A report from the Director of Regeneration and Environment is attached. This seeks authority for the council to use its powers to appropriate land for planning purposes to enable the Alma Estate development to proceed. (Key decision – reference number 4195)

(Report No.86)

(9.00 – 9.05 pm)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing and Housing Regeneration) introduced the report of the Director of Regeneration and Environment (No.86) seeking approval for the Council to use its powers to appropriate for planning of the Alma development site to proceed without frustration in respect of any claimed third party rights.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That the development was of strategic importance to the Council as the Alma Estate was subject to a major regeneration initiative.  

 

Alternative Options Considered: Not appropriating the land for planning purposes could result in serious delays if a third party sought to assert any rights over the development site. It would also put the Council in breach of the Development Agreement that had been entered into with the developer Countryside Properties.  

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed, in accordance with section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972, to resolve to appropriate the Council owned land contained in the Alma development site (as set out in Appendix 1 of the report) from its present holding purposes to planning purposes and to authorise the exercise of the Council’s powers set out in section 237 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to override all adverse rights.

 

Reason: To help enable the development of the Alma development site the Council must ensure that the Council owned land within the site as set out in Appendix 1 of the report, would be held for the purpose of section 237 to enable the development to continue ahead without the encumbrance of third party rights.

(Key decision – reference number 4195)

15.

ESTATE RENEWAL PROGRAMME 2016-2025 pdf icon PDF 290 KB

A report from the Director of Regeneration and Environment will be circulated as soon as possible. This sets out a programme of further estate renewal schemes for 2016-2025. (Report No.91, agenda part two also refers). (Key decision – reference number 3980)

(Report No.87)

(9.05 – 9.10 pm)

TO FOLLOW

Minutes:

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing and Housing Regeneration introduced the report of the Director of Regeneration and Environment (No.87) setting out a programme of further estate renewal schemes for 2016-2025.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That Report No.91 also referred as detailed in Minute No.24 below.

 

2.               That the schemes were proposed to be developed over the next few years and would cover a range of interventions including full estate redevelopment, partial development and infill development. The aim of the estate renewal programme was to bring forward delivery of at least 250 additional homes each year from 2017/18. The schemes would only be delivered if cost neutrality could be achieved. Alternative funding options might have to be pursued, as detailed in the report.

 

3.               That within the overall programme, approval for individual schemes and their budgets would be returned to Cabinet for approval.

 

4.               The contribution that the schemes would have to the economic well-being of the Borough and to meet recognised housing needs.

 

5.               Councillor Taylor drew Members’ attention to paragraph 3.12.4 of the report, in order to reduce the pressures on overall letting supply all new schemes would be considered for how they could be developed in such a way that the need for decanting was reduced.

 

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED that the report gave Members the option of supporting proposals for various levels of redevelopment for the estates that were listed (paragraph 4.1 of the report referred). Alternative options had been considered and rejected prior to this report as these either did not meet the needs of the Council in seeking to fulfil its obligations to maintain its properties, as set out in detail in paragraph 4.2 of the report.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed

 

1.               To approve the programme of estate renewal schemes, noting that it was intended to achieve delivery on a cost neutral basis.

 

2.               To approve a feasibility budget in order to further work up plans and proposals for the schemes listed in appendix 1 of the part 2 report (No.91, Minute No.24 below refers).

 

3.               That within the overall programme, approval for individual schemes and their budgets was returned to Cabinet for approval.

 

4.               To note the significant contribution this programme would make towards meeting the Council’s housing delivery target of 798 a year minimum until 2024/25.

 

5.               To approve the undertaking of consultation on the proposed schemes.

 

Reason: To recommend the next phase of estate renewal schemes so that the Council could deliver: better condition housing stock; improved housing estates, retail and other facilities; contribute to meeting London Mayor and Council house building targets; increased net housing stock; the Council’s responsibilities and duties to provide accommodation for those that need it and those that choose to live in Enfield; better economic and social outcomes for the borough’s residents; improved energy efficiency by connecting to the LVHN; an estate renewal programme that could be delivered on an overall cost neutral basis.  

(Key decision – reference number 3980)

16.

MERIDIAN WATER AND PONDERS END HIGH STREET (ELECTRIC QUARTER): PROGRAMME UPDATE pdf icon PDF 207 KB

A report from the Director of Regeneration and Environment will be circulated as soon as possible. This seeks authority to move the regeneration forward. (Key decision – reference numbers 4033/3687)

(Report No.88)

(9.10 – 9.15 pm)

TO FOLLOW

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Alan Sitkin (Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Business Development introduced the report of the Director of Regeneration and Environment (No.88) seeking approval to provide further authorisations to move the regeneration of both Meridian Water and Ponders End High Street (Electric Quarter) forward so that they could improve opportunities for the local communities.

 

NOTED

 

1.               The Overarching Borough Agreement with the GLA for Meridian Water as set out in appendix 1 of the report.

 

2.               Councillor Sitkin drew Members’ attention to the main elements of the report including the proposed work on the design and development of the new Meridian Water station vision in conjunction with Network Rail. Endorsement of the Council’s bid to the Mayor of London’s Regeneration Fund was sought, this would support the creation of over 300 new jobs, a training centre and a new viewing gallery at Meridian Water. Members’ noted paragraph 6.6 of the report with regard to the creation of new jobs.

 

3.               The proposals detailed in the report in relation to Ponders End. In respect of recommendation 2.6 of the report, Councillor Sitkin wished to insert the words “up to” in relation to the allocation of £0.5m to fund feasibility work on the revitalisation of Ponders End High Street (decision 6 below refers).

 

4.               Councillor Oykener outlined the value to the Borough of achieving Housing Zone status for Meridian Water, this would unlock £25m of investment into affordable housing in the area.

 

5.               In respect of the Ponders End “Electric Quarter” regeneration, Councillor Taylor requested that proposals be brought forward in recognition of the contribution of Joseph Swan to the area as part of the Borough’s local heritage.

 

Alternative Options Considered: As set out in the body of the report.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to

 

1.               Approve the terms of the Overarching Borough Agreement (as set out in Appendix 1 of the report) with the GLA, which governed the Meridian Water Housing Zone obligations and authorised the Authorised Legal Officer to sign the contract on behalf of Enfield Council.

 

2.               Authorise £1.6m from the existing Neighbourhood Regeneration capital programme to enable the design and development of the new station vision in conjunction with Network Rail.

 

3.               Note and endorse the Council’s bid to the Mayor’s London Regeneration Fund which would support the creation of over 300 new jobs, a training centre and a new viewing gallery at Meridian Water.

 

4.               Authorise £1.35m of the existing Neighbourhood Regeneration Capital programme to forward fund part of the London Regeneration Fund bid expenditure.

 

5.               Authorise the Council to underwrite the initial cost of demolition and meanwhile uses from the existing Neighbourhood Regeneration capital programme in the sum of £1.2m to advance delivery of the “Electric Quarter”.

 

6.               Authorise the allocation of up to £0.5m from the existing Neighbourhood Regeneration Capital Programme to fund feasibility work on the revitalisation of Ponders End High Street.

 

Reason: These are two priority areas for the Council and the measures set out in the report help to improve opportunities for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

17.

Future Options for Improvements to Enfield's Nursing and Residential Dementia Care Services pdf icon PDF 241 KB

A report from the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care is attached. This considers strategic recommendations for the future care provision of nursing and residential dementia care services for the Borough. (Report No.92, agenda part two also refers). (Key decision – reference number 4189)

(Report No.89)

(9.15 – 9.20 pm)

Minutes:

Councillor Alev Cazimoglu (Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care) introduced the report of the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care (No.89) outlining future options for improvements to Enfield’s Nursing and Residential Dementia Care Services.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That Report No. 92, also referred as detailed in Minute No.25 below.

 

2.               That the report set out the longer-term strategic recommendations for the future care provision of nursing and residential dementia care services in the Borough. The demand for provision was outlined, as set out in paragraph 1.2 of the report. In order to manage these pressures effectively, it was proposed that the Council plans for a new nursing dementia care home to be built within the next three years.

 

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED that the following options had been considered, as set out in full in section 5 of the report: Do Nothing; Purchase Care Home Beds out of Borough; and, Plan for the Build of a new nursing care home.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to

 

1.               Note the contents of the report along with the part two report (detailed in Minute No.25 below) to support the wider strategic aims of future nursing and residential dementia care provision in the Borough.

 

2.               Approve the strategic approach of building a new care home with nursing within the next three years.

 

3.               Authorise officers to commence feasibility, scoping, planning and commissioning for a new circa 70 bed care home, including the tendering of a building contractor and/or care provider.

 

4.               Delegate to the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care and Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency, responsibility for the identification and approval of the site for a new care home.

 

5.               Receive a further report on the procurement process of the building contractor and/or care provider.

 

Reason: By developing a wider strategy for residential and nursing care provision in the Borough, the Council could work across the current offering to co-ordinate the response to the issues outlined in the report and deliver a strategic long-term vision. Through building a new facility, the Council would be able to develop new capacity on an existing site, ensuring the quality of the building and the on-going flexibility of use as circumstances change, while also optimising the use of Council owned assets across the Borough.

(Key decision – reference number 4189)

18.

CABINET AGENDA PLANNING - FUTURE ITEMS pdf icon PDF 146 KB

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

Minutes:

NOTED

 

1.               The provisional list of items scheduled for future Cabinet meetings.

 

2.               Ian Davis, Director of Regeneration and Environment, took this opportunity to update Members on the Local Plan Review as follows:

 

The Core Strategy adopted in 2010 had served the Council well over the last five years but government policy and external factors, many of which were beyond our control, meant that the Council would be in a weakened position if we did not review it now. 

 

·       Government policy required local plans to be kept up to date.  This was reinforced in the Government’s Productivity Plan published earlier this year which expected local authorities to have plans in place by early 2017, stating it would intervene if they failed.

 

·       The Mayor’s new London Plan had been adopted in March and included significantly higher minimum homes and jobs targets for the borough, based on new population forecasts and economic indicators.  Boroughs must now update their own plans to ensure they met the legal obligation to be in general conformity with the London Plan.

 

·       The borough’s population was expected to exceed 400,000 by the early 2030s based on government projections.  To ensure we could build sustainably and protect the quality of life in the borough, we needed to have a clear plan for where and how much growth in homes, jobs, and enabling infrastructure could be accommodated.  

 

·       Enfield was an attractive place to live and had lower than London average house prices and rental levels. This together with the Government’s benefits reforms had meant that Enfield had experienced disproportionate in-migration placing particular pressure on the private rented housing sector. Enfield had also experienced a significant increase in the number of households in temporary accommodation (over 2,700 households).  The new Plan needed to help tackle these growing problems.

 

·       The Council needed to maximise the opportunities arising from its location such as the London-Stansted-Cambridge growth corridor, and major infrastructure projects including Crossrail 2.  An adopted and up to date local plan would help support the Council’s case in lobbying for and bringing forward investment. 

 

·       National policy and legislation had reduced local authority control over matters such as changes of use (e.g. on the high street and in industrial areas), domestic extensions and schools.  We needed to be able to respond to this.

 

The Local Plan Cabinet Sub Committee would be considering the key issues and challenges facing the borough over the coming months.  This work would be constrained by requirements of national planning policy and the London Plan.  At this early stage, Cabinet was advised that the Council was required to consider all issues facing the borough and a wide range of potential options for dealing with them, and consult on them.

 

It was expected that a new draft Plan would be published next year and adopted in 2017. By taking a proactive approach it meant that the Council would be in a stronger position to manage the scale of change ahead. Full consultation would take place and a report brought before  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

19.

ISSUES ARISING FROM THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

No issues have been submitted for consideration at this meeting.

Minutes:

NOTED that no issues had been submitted for consideration at this meeting.

20.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 176 KB

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 16 September 2015.

Minutes:

AGREED that the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 16 September 2015 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

 

Councillor Taylor reminded Members of the recent establishment of a Cabinet Sub-Committee to consider the refugee crisis.

21.

ENFIELD STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

To note that there are no written updates to be received at this meeting.

Minutes:

NOTED that there were no written updates to be received at this meeting.

22.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

To note that the next meeting of the Cabinet is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 18 November 2015 at 8.15pm.

Minutes:

NOTED that the next meeting of the Cabinet was scheduled to take place on Wednesday 18 November 2015 at 8.15pm.

23.

EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

To consider passing a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 excluding the press and the 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 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 two agenda)

Minutes:

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

 

24.

ESTATE RENEWAL PROGRAMME

A report from the Director of Regeneration and Environment will be circulated as soon as possible. This should be read in conjunction with Report No.87, agenda part one refers. (Key decision – reference number 3980)

(Report No.91)

(9.30 – 9.35 pm)

TO FOLLOW

 

(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)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing and Housing Regeneration introduced the report of the Director of Regeneration and Environment (No.91).

 

NOTED

 

1.               That Report No.87 also referred, as detailed in Minute No.15 above.

 

Alternative Options Considered: As detailed in Report No.87, Minute No.15 above referred.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to approve

 

1.               The programme of estate renewal schemes as set out in appendix 1 to the report.

 

2.               The associated initial feasibility budgets as set out in paragraph 6.1 of the report.

 

Reason: As detailed in Report No.87, Minute No.15 above referred.

(Key decision – reference number 3980)

25.

FUTURE OPTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO ENFIELD'S NURSING AND RESIDENTIAL DEMENTIA CARE SERVICES

A report from the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care is attached. This should be read in conjunction with Report No.89, agenda part one refers. (Key decision – reference number 4189)

(Report No.92)

(9.35 – 9.40 pm)

 

(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)

 

Minutes:

Councillor Alev Cazimoglu (Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care) introduced the report of the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care (No.92).

 

NOTED

 

1.               That Report No.89 also referred as detailed in Minute No.17 above.

 

Alternative Options Considered: As detailed in Report No.89, Minute No.17 above referred.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to

 

1.               Note the contents of the report along with the part one report (as detailed in Minute No.17 above).

 

2.               Officers undertaking a consultation with residents, their relatives and staff at Honeysuckle House on the proposal to build a new care home to which residents and staff would transfer to during 2018, consistent with any statutory requirements.

 

3.               Officers undertaking a consultation with residents, their relatives and staff at Parkview House on the proposal to sell the freehold to the land occupied by Parkview House, consistent with any statutory requirements, as applicable.

 

4.               Approve direct negotiations with Sanctuary Housing Association on the sale of the freehold land occupied by Parkview House, subject to an independent valuation by the Council.

 

Reason: As detailed in Report No.89, Minute No.17 above referred.

(Key decision – reference number 4189)