Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Ayfer Orhan (Cabinet Member for Education, Children’s Services and Protection), Councillor Andrew Stafford (Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency) and, Rob Leak (Chief Executive).

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 declared in respect of any items listed on the agenda.

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 consider any deputation request received for this Cabinet meeting.

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

To agree that there are no reports to be referred to full Council.

NOTED, that there were no reports to be referred to full Council.

A report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. This provides the latest revenue monitoring position as at 30 September 2015 and, a budget 2016/17 update.  (Key decision – reference number 4150)

(Report No.111)

(8.20 – 8.25 pm)

Councillor Doug Taylor (Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.111) setting out the Council’s revenue budget monitoring position based on information to the end of September 2015.

NOTED

1.               James Rolfe (Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services) highlighted issues within the report for Members’ consideration. The report forecast an outturn position of £2.7m overspend for 2015/16, this figure had reduced from previous forecasts and action was in hand to continue to reduce this further. Appendix D to the report set out the new savings proposals for 2016/17, as detailed in decision 4 below.

2.               A report would be provided to the next Cabinet meeting setting out the analysis of the Spending Review and as much detail as possible as to the implications for Enfield, paragraph 9.9 of the report referred. This would be dependent on the publication of the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement. If necessary a supplementary “to follow” paper would be circulated for the December Cabinet meeting, as detailed in decision 5 below.

3.               A major review of the HRA Business Plan had been undertaken, as detailed in Appendix E of the report and decision 7 below.

4.               In response to a question raised by Councillor Brett, James Rolfe explained the funding in relation to the Empty Property Strategy as set out in Appendix A4 of the report. It was noted that the Council had received external grant funding in respect of this work.

5.               Councillor Cazimoglu expressed her concern regarding the projected overspend for Children’s Services, as detailed in the report, and the impact that this could have on the levels of savings required by other Council departments. It was noted that the demographic changes in the Borough had an impact across a wide range of Council services. James Rolfe outlined the work that was being undertaken to address such budget pressures and noted how Enfield compared to other London Boroughs. Members would be asked to take decisions regarding the next year’s Council budget in due course.

6.               In response to a question raised by Councillor Sitkin, James Rolfe explained the Council’s strategy and actions in relation to short and long-term borrowing and how this impacted on the Council’s budget forecasts, as set out in Appendix B of the report.

Alternative Options Considered: Not applicable to this report.

DECISION: The Cabinet

1.               Noted the £2.7m departmental overspend revenue outturn projection.

2.               Agreed 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. An exercise to reduce agency staff across the Borough was currently being finalised in order to achieve an in-year saving of £1.5m. This would be part of the mitigation actions in order to manage the departmental overspend. This was reflected in the September projection.

3.               Noted the progress made to date in the preparation of the 2016/17 budget.

4.               Agreed the new savings proposals for 2016-17 set out in Appendix  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

A report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. This provides updates on the activities undertaken by Associate Cabinet Members up to September 2015. (Non key)

(Report No.112)

(8.25 – 8.30 pm)

Councillor Doug Taylor (Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.112) providing updates on the activities undertaken by the three Associate Cabinet Members up to September 2015.

NOTED

1.               Councillor Taylor invited the three Associate Cabinet Members to comment on their recent activities as outlined in the update reports presented to the Cabinet with this report.

2.               Councillor Charalambous outlined the range of activities which he had undertaken over the last six months. He continued to support his Cabinet colleagues and represented the Council on a range of cross ward boundary projects including Broomfield House, Cycle Enfield, the Enfield Partnership Board and Crossrail 2. He had attended a number of ward forum meetings. Councillor Charalambous highlighted the strategic role undertaken by Associate Cabinet Members and the way in which this supported the Cabinet in its responsibilities and decision-making.

3.               Councillor Pite supported the comments listed in 2 above and in addition highlighted the work that she had been involved with in developing a strategic approach to the continuing pressures on parking near schools. As an Associate Cabinet Member a wider view could be taken of issues of concern rather than focusing on issues within one ward only. This was valuable in moving issues forward for the benefit of the Borough. With regard to the proposed planning meeting for parents to discuss plans for secondary school provision, as set out in her update, Members were advised that this meeting would take place in January 2016.

4.               Councillor Savva enjoyed his role as an Associate Cabinet Member and the support that they offered to their Cabinet Member colleagues. The Associate Cabinet Members provided an important focus for the public. Councillor Savva highlighted the work that he was undertaking to enhance the support available to children in poverty, for example, in the provision of adequate clothing for school. He would continue to work with the Interim Director of Schools and Children’s Services to develop strategies with the Borough’s schools and governing bodies.

5.               In response to the comments above, Councillor Brett highlighted the discussions that she had had with Council officers to support families in need of additional food provision and outlined a scheme called “Fairshare” which was currently conducting a pilot scheme in Lambeth.

6.               Councillor Taylor, supported by Cabinet Members, expressed thanks and appreciation to the Associate Cabinet Members for the valuable work that they undertook on behalf of the Council; their role was supportive and helpful to the Cabinet. It was noted that a formal review of the role of the Associate Cabinet Members would be undertaken in 2016, as detailed in the report.

Alternative Options Considered: The option to continue with the present arrangements had been considered but discounted on the grounds that they would not meet the new democratic imperative being sought by the administration and would fail to prepare the Council for future challenges arising from significant future budgetary pressures and changes to wider Government Policy.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

A report from the Director of Regeneration and Environment and Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. This outlines proposals for setting up a registered provider and procuring an investment partner for the registered provider. (Key decision – reference number 4205)

(Report No.113)

(8.30 – 8.35 pm)

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing and Housing Regeneration) introduced the report of the Director of Regeneration and Environment and Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.113) outlining proposals for setting up a registered provider and procuring an investment partner for the registered provider.

NOTED

1.               Councillor Oykener explained in detail to Members the innovative proposals and the reasons for them, as set out in full in the report. The initial aim of the For Profit Registered Provider would be to purchase completed properties on Council led housing development schemes that it would then retain ownership of and manage with the use of contracted managing agents. In order to meet the condition for spending the retained right to buy receipts, the Council could not have a controlling interest in the new company. The opportunities that would be provided by moving forward with these proposals were outlined to Members.

2.               In addition to the proposals set out in the report, officers would continue to investigate alternative delivery models for future consideration by Members.

3.               In response to questions raised by Cabinet Members, Councillor Oykener explained in detail all of the Council’s housing elements and the roles and responsibilities undertaken through the following: Housing Gateway; Enfield Innovations; Registered Provider: and, the Housing Revenue Account. The functions of all of these elements were outlined and the way forward explained in full. In conclusion, Members expressed their support for the proposals, as set out in the report.

4.               Councillor Taylor highlighted the need to use existing examples from elsewhere to inform the way forward. It was noted that a new company name would be required.

5.               Councillor Oykener concluded that it was the Council’s intention to build more homes. He outlined the potential financial implications for the Council.

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED the detailed alternative options which had been considered as set out in section 4 of the report which included the following:

·       The Council could decide not to spend the retained right to buy receipts already received.

·       The Council could choose to withdraw from the right to buy one for one scheme now and return all receipts retained with effect from quarter 3 (December) this year.

·       The Council could attempt to spend all the money on the provision of new Council homes within the HRA

·       The Council could enter a joint venture registered provider with one or more other Councils. This option was being further considered.

DECISION: The Cabinet

1.               Noted that a budget of a maximum of £120k, was required to engage consultants to assist with the setting up of a new registered provider company, seek registration of the new registered provider company as a registered provider, and to procure an investment partner. This cost would be recouped against future corporation tax liability once the company was set up.

2.               Agreed to authorise, in principle, the setting up of a new Limited Liability Company with the intention that this new company once formed seeks to become a registered provider.

3.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

A report from the Chief Executive and Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. This outlines the progress made on the Enfield 2017 Programme. (Key decision – reference number 4228)

(Report No.114)

(8.35 – 8.40 pm)

Councillor Doug Taylor (Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Chief Executive and Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.114) outlining the progress made on the Enfield 2017 Transformation Programme.

NOTED

1.               That there was an additional recommendation to the report as follows and set out in decision 10 below: “The Assistant Director Legal and Governance would clarify responsibility of the Cabinet Member portfolios in light of the implementation of the Enfield 2017 transformation programme and would provide a briefing to a future informal Cabinet meeting”.

2.               James Rolfe (Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services) highlighted a number of issues within the report for Members’ consideration and outlined in detail the proposals set out in recommendations 2.7 and 2.8 of the report (decisions 7 and 8 below refer). Significant progress had been made and the programme was on track to deliver. Positive feedback had been received from customers and staff to date. It was recognised that there was still a lot more work to be done but significant achievements had already been reached, as set out in full in the report.

3.               James Rolfe outlined both the short term and long term proposals for the creation of the Procurement and Commissioning Hub as set out in recommendations 2.7 and 2.8 and section 3 of the report. Members were advised of the future benefits that this would provide to the Council.

4.               Councillor Taylor invited questions from the Cabinet Members and the following points were raised during discussion.

5.               Councillor Oykener advised Members that he had asked officers to commission a report into the risk surrounding the unique nature of the HRA rental income. This was to ensure that there was no reduction in HRA rental income performance. The review was on-going and because of the nature of the HRA, the outcome of the review would be reported to him as the Cabinet Member for Housing and Housing Regeneration. Councillor Oykener undertook to report back to Cabinet on the findings of this report.

6.               Councillor Cazimoglu noted that the spend this year on the programme and associated staffing was projected to be £13.4m, as set out in recommendation 2.6 of the report. Councillor Cazimoglu questioned the release of such a significant proportion of the budget at this stage in the project. In response, James Rolfe explained that the release of monies was linked to delivery and a lot of investment was required early on in the project for example in the necessary digital developments and design work. This was in line with agreed payment structures and was as expected. The total project was on track to deliver the identified savings.

7.               Councillor Sitkin highlighted paragraph 3.3.2 of the report detailing that the hubs would be supported by a revised IT platform that would enhance self-service. This would also reduce the duplication of data provision.

8.               In response to a question raised by Councillor Sitkin, the previously agreed People Principle of: “We will institute an initial recruitment freeze  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

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.

No issues have been submitted for consideration at this meeting.

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

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 21 October 2015.

AGREED that the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 21 October 2015 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

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

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

1.               Councillor Doug Taylor took this opportunity to advise Members that he, together with the Mayor and Opposition Leader, had written to the Mayor of Courbevoie on behalf of all the people of the London Borough of Enfield, to show our support and solidarity with the people of Courbevoie, Paris and France, following the terrible events that had taken place on Friday 13 November 2015. Cabinet endorsed the sentiments of the letter and extended their collective support of the actions which had been taken following the terrible events.

2.               Councillor Ahmet Oykener was pleased to report that he had today attended an event at London Olympia, “Homes 2015”, where he had been invited to speak on Enfield’s housing developments and future proposals in the Borough. The event had been well-attended and had raised Enfield’s profile.

To note that the next meeting of the Cabinet is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 16 December 2015 at 8.15pm.

NOTED, that the next meeting of the Cabinet was scheduled to take place on Wednesday 16 December 2015 at 8.15pm.

Councillors Georgiou and Cazimoglu extended their apologies for absence for this meeting