Agenda for Cabinet on Wednesday, 20th December, 2017, 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 Councillor Ayfer Orhan (Cabinet Member for Education, Children’s Services and Protection) and Bindi Nagra (Assistant Director Strategy and Resources, Health, Housing and Adult Social Care).

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 in respect of any item listed on the agenda.

3.

URGENT ITEMS

The Chair 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 Report No.114 – Revenue Monitoring Report – October 2017 (Minute No.8 below refers). These requirements state that agendas and reports should be circulated at least 5 clear days in advance of meetings.

 

AGREED, that this report 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 report be referred to full Council:

 

1.               Report No.112 – Enfield Safeguarding Children Board Annual Report 2016/17 (for noting and information only)

 

Minutes:

AGREED, that the following report be referred to full Council:

 

1.     Report No.112 – Enfield Safeguarding Children Board Annual Report 2016/17 (for noting and information only)

 

At this point in the meeting, Councillor Taylor varied the order of the agenda and considered Report No.119 – Disposal of Southgate House. The minutes follow the order of the published agenda, Minute No.13 below refers.

6.

ENFIELD SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 2016/17 pdf icon PDF 235 KB

A report from the Executive Director of Children’s Services is attached. (Non key)

(Report No.112)

(8.20 – 8.30 pm)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Doug Taylor (Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services (No.112) presenting the Enfield Safeguarding Children Board Annual Report 2016-17.

 

Councillor Taylor welcomed Geraldine Gavin, Independent Chair of the Enfield Safeguarding Children’s Board, to the meeting and invited her to present the Annual report to the Cabinet. Members received a comprehensive and informative presentation on the Annual Report and the work of the Board including the following points:

 

·       2016/17 had been a positive year with the Board working within a well-established partnership.

·       2017/18 would bring new and increased challenges with the implementation of new legislation which would abolish Children’s Safeguarding Boards. Work was being undertaken on the transitional arrangements and plans for the future arrangements. Dialogue would continue with all of the agencies involved.

·       The work undertaken by the Board was highlighted, as detailed in the Annual report.

·       The extreme budget pressures being experienced were recognised.

·       The importance of early intervention in cases was noted.

 

Councillor Taylor thanked Geraldine Gavin for her informative introduction to the work of the Board. Following the presentation, comments and questions were invited from Cabinet Members.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That the new legislation would set out the shared responsibilities of the three statutory agencies: the local authority, police service, and clinical commissioning group. The potential risks and complications were acknowledged. Considerable work was being undertaken to prepare for the changes in arrangements. Consultation was currently taking place. Whilst it was acknowledged that some of the changes were viewed positively there was still a considerable amount of work to do. It would be important to avoid duplication in moving forward and to ensure that resources were used as effectively as possible.

 

2.               Members suggested that a Shadow Board be established to test the new relationships between the agencies and to minimise any risks in moving forward.  The complexity of the work was acknowledged together with the changes and pressures being experienced within the three key agencies.

 

3.               The work being undertaken to monitor and mitigate risks, particularly during the transitional period, were outlined to Members. It would be important to continue to review and provide effective challenge in moving forward.

 

4.               The content of the Annual report and summary of the activities undertaken during 2016/17. Whilst the report did not include specific statistics, it highlighted current themes and identified potential areas of risk. The work which had been undertaken was acknowledged and discussed.

 

5.               In moving forward, it was suggested that an effectiveness matrix be established particularly in the light of the new arrangements. It would be important to establish appropriate mechanisms to measure performance. However, it was acknowledged that performance indicators should not be solely relied upon. Other measures were also important including effective audit and review work and thorough Ofsted inspections. This was a complex and broad area of work.

 

6.               In response to questions raised, it was noted that a wide range of awareness raising sessions would be provided on the new arrangements including various forums and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

7.

ISSUES ARISING FROM THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE pdf icon PDF 360 KB

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Scrutiny Work Stream Report

 

To receive a report from the Scrutiny Work Stream.

(Report No.113)

(8.30 – 8.35 pm)

Minutes:

Councillor Doug Taylor (Leader of the Council) invited Councillor Nesil Cazimoglu, as Vice Chair of the Scrutiny Work Stream, to present the report (No.113) to the Cabinet.

 

Councillor Nesil Cazimoglu presented the report and the following issues arose.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That the Government’s Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Taskforce had found that around 75% of mental health problems in adult life (not including dementia) start by the age of 18. Early help stops young people falling into crisis and avoids expensive and longer-term treatment in adulthood. One in ten children needed support or treatment for mental health problems.

 

2.               That the Scrutiny work stream had acknowledged the current difficult financial climate. A number of recommendations had been made and agreed by the Cabinet Member and Executive Director as set out in Appendix A of the report. The specific recommendations were highlighted to Cabinet and the implications in moving forward including maximum waiting times; public health funding; and, future procurement support.

 

3.               That the Care Quality Commission had recently completed an initial review of mental health services for children and young people. The Government had issued a Green Paper setting out a number of recommendations which officers were currently reviewing.

 

4.               Members welcomed the report. It was an important area of work and the current budget restrictions were acknowledged. The Council would continue to work closely with its partners to achieve the best outcomes possible and to fully utilise all of the services available.

 

5.               The positive impact of the fluoride programme, as detailed in paragraph 11.6 of the report.

 

6.               That the Government had recently commissioned a national review of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services; ten local authorities had been inspected, including Enfield. It had been concluded that the services provided had been effective but that more were required. It was anticipated that the review would conclude next year.

 

7.               That whilst it was the intention to provide care as close to home as possible for children in crisis (section 9.2 of the report referred), all cases were considered on an individual basis and the most appropriate care provided.

 

8.               The statements made with regard to public health funding, as set out in paragraphs 11.10 and 11.11 of the report. It was noted that the funding available had to meet a number of legally prescribed functions and therefore the discretionary element of funding available was limited. The increasing pressure on available funding was acknowledged together with the need for continual review to ensure that the resources available were being allocated effectively.

 

9.               The importance of awareness raising of the services available to children and young people.

 

Councillor Nesil Cazimoglu expressed her thanks to the Chair of the Scrutiny work stream and the officers who had supported the work undertaken.

 

Alternative Options Considered: None

 

DECISION: The Cabinet noted, for information, the following recommendations and the actions agreed by the Cabinet Member and Executive Director as set out in Appendix A of the report and listed below:

 

1.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.

Revenue Monitoring Report - October 2017 pdf icon PDF 307 KB

A report from the Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services will be circulated as soon as possible. (Key decision – reference number 4547)

(Report No.114)

(8.35 – 8.40 pm)

TO FOLLOW

 

Minutes:

Councillor Dino Lemonides (Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency) introduced the report of the Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.114) setting out the Council’s revenue budget monitoring position based on information to the end of October 2017.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That the revenue budget forecast remained at an outturn position of £5.6m overspend for 2017/18.

 

2.               The £500k costs that had been incurred to deal with traveller incursions as set out in Appendix A2 of the report.

 

3.               The continued demands on services within Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and Children’s Services as set out in Appendices A4 and A5. There had been a slight improvement in the Schools Budget (Dedicated Schools Grant), as detailed in the report, Appendix A6.

 

4.               The Executive Management Team was continuing to take action to mitigate the forecast overspends.

 

Alternative Options Considered: Not applicable to this report.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to note:

 

1.               The £5.6m overspend revenue outturn projection.

 

2.               That Cabinet Members would continue to work with Executive Directors to implement action plans to reduce the forecast overspend in 2017/18.

 

3.               The mitigating actions proposed to date by Executive Directors of overspending departments as set out in Appendix A to the report.

 

Reason: To ensure that Members were aware of the projected budgetary position, 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 4547)

9.

CAPITAL PROGRAMME MONITOR: SECOND QUARTER SEPTEMBER 2017 pdf icon PDF 108 KB

A report from the Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. (Non key)

(Report No.115)

(8.40 – 8.45 pm)

Minutes:

Councillor Dino Lemonides (Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency) introduced the report of the Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.115) informing Members of the current position up to the end of September 2017 regarding the Council’s Capital Programme (2017-21).

 

NOTED

 

1.               That the approved capital budget for the current financial year 2017/18 was summarised in Table 1 of the report. This provided the latest position reflecting updated project expenditure profiles.

 

2.               That Table 2 in the report summarised the budget re-profiling, the projects highlighted in section 4 of the report were noted.

 

3.               That Table 3 in the report set out the additions to the Programme and, Table 4 the reductions.

 

4.               The indicative programme set out in section 5 and Appendix A of the report.

 

Alternative Options Considered: Not applicable to this report.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet

 

1.               Agreed the revised four-year approved programme totalling £718.1m and the indicative programme of £57.6m as set out in Appendix A of the report.

 

2.               Noted that the additions to the programme were for information only and either required no additional borrowing as they were grant funded or had already been approved as part of the Council’s democratic process as detailed in Table 3 of the report.

 

Reason: To inform Members of the current position regarding the Council’s Capital Programme (2017-21).

(Non-key)

10.

Budget 2018/19: Tranche Two Savings pdf icon PDF 76 KB

A report from the Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. (Key decision – reference number 4603)

(Report No.116)

(8.45 – 8.50 pm)

Minutes:

Councillor Dino Lemonides (Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency) introduced the report of the Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.116) updating Cabinet on proposals for the second tranche of savings as part of the budget preparations for 2018/19.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That the first tranche of savings proposals totalling £5.4m had been reported to Cabinet in July 2017. An update on the second tranche of savings proposals was set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

 

2.               The approach to balancing the budget for 2018/19 and the work streams that had been established as detailed in section 4 of the report.

 

3.               That the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement details had just been announced and would be factored into the final budget report to Cabinet and Council in February.

 

Alternative Options Considered: Not applicable to this report.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet

 

1.               Noted the progress made to date in the preparation of the 2018/19 budget.

 

2.               Agreed the second tranche of savings proposals for 2018/19 and beyond set out in Appendix 1 of the report. These would be included in the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for 2018/19 and future years.  

 

Reason: Cabinet needed to manage the 2018/19 financial planning process having regard to constraints in public spending.

(Key decision – reference number 4603)

11.

TUC DYING TO WORK CHARTER pdf icon PDF 91 KB

A report from the Chief Executive is attached. (Non key)

(Report No.117)

(8.50 – 8.55 pm)

Minutes:

Councillor Dino Lemonides (Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency) introduced the report of the Chief Executive (No.117).

 

NOTED

 

1.               That the Charter would confirm the Council’s current informal policy. The Charter was voluntary and part of a campaign to protect employees who were diagnosed with a terminal condition.

 

2.               In response to Members’ discussion, consideration would be given to assess whether any further improvements to staff conditions could be introduced specifically in relation to women.

 

3.               That over 50 employers had signed the Charter; Members questioned how many of these employers were other local authorities.

 

Alternative Options Considered: The option of not signing the Charter would be illogical, given that the Council adheres to the commitments contained in the Charter.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed

 

1.               To note the work the Council undertakes to support employees who were diagnosed with a terminal condition.

 

2.               That with immediate effect, the Council agrees to adopt the Dying to Work Charter.

 

Reason: As detailed in paragraph 3.3 of the report.

(Non key)

12.

Quarterly Corporate Performance Report pdf icon PDF 221 KB

A report from the Chief Executive is attached. (Key decision – reference number 4521)

(Report No.118)

(8.55 – 9.00 pm)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Achilleas Georgiou (Deputy Leader) introduced the report of the Chief Executive (No.118) providing the latest quarterly report on the Corporate Performance Scorecard.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That a revised version of the report had been circulated for Members’ consideration.

 

2.               For information only, the progress being made towards achieving the identified key priorities for Enfield.

 

3.               That 70 performance indicators were being reported, of which 68 had targets. Of these 37 (54.40%) were at green; 23 (33.80%) were at amber; and, 8 (11.8%) were at red. Members compared these to the 2016/17 figures as detailed in the report. Overall the performance indicators were moving in the right direction. Members’ attention was drawn to a number of the specific indicators as set out below:

 

·       Housing and Homelessness: the number of households living in temporary accommodation had showed an increase of 194. The positive work in bringing empty homes back into use in private sector housing was highlighted.

·       Adult Social Care: There had been a slight improvement in the number of clients reviewed in the year (of clients receiving any long term service)

·       Safeguarding Children: the positive indicator with regard to the number of children looked after per 10,000 population aged under 18 years.

·       Libraries: the number of visits being made to libraries was noted; and the need to investigate the reasons for a reduction in visits at particular libraries, as set out in the report.

·       Sport and Leisure: whilst there had been a reduction in the number of young people attending sports development sessions this had been balanced against an increase in the number of visits to the Borough’s leisure centres.

·       Income Collection, Debt Recovery and Benefit Processing: noted the positive indicator regarding the processing of new housing benefit claims.

·       Other Corporate Indicators: A number of additional interventions had been put in place to manage sickness absence.

 

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.

 

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

(Key decision – reference number 4521)

13.

Disposal of Southgate House pdf icon PDF 166 KB

A report from the Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. (Key decision – reference number 4581)

(Report No.119)

(9.00 – 9.05 pm)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Dino Lemonides (Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency) introduced the report of the Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.119) seeking approval for the sale of Southgate House, and the associated former caretaker’s detached house.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That it was considered in the Council’s overall best interests to sell, subject to the receipt of satisfactory financial offers, given the maintenance and security liabilities and in order to assist in funding capital spending.

 

2.               That these properties had been acquired in 2016 as part of the purchase of the former Minchenden School site for the provision of a new autistic secondary school, as detailed in paragraph 1.2 and section 3 of the report.

 

3.               The planning constraints that would apply to a Grade 2 listed building.

 

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED, that retention of the property would incur an increasing and substantial maintenance and management liability, and significant ongoing security and protection costs. The Council did not require the building for its own purposes or occupation and the disposal could achieve a worthwhile contribution to assist Council finances.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed

 

1.               That approval be given in principle to the disposal of Southgate House, High Street, Southgate, N14.

 

2.               To delegate the method of sale and the approval of agreed terms of sale to the Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency in consultation with the Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services.

 

Reason: Potential disposal of the property was recommended as being in the Council’s best financial interests, and to reduce current “holding” costs.

(Key decision – reference number 4581)

14.

ADDRESSING MEMBER REVIEW OF PREVENTION AND EARLY INTERVENTION CONTRACT AWARDS FOR OUTCOMES 3 AND 6

A report from the Executive Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services will be circulated as soon as possible. (Report No.121, agenda part two also refers) (Key decision – reference number 4555)

(Report No.120)

(9.05 – 9.10 pm)

TO FOLLOW

Minutes:

NOTED, that this item had been deferred. The existing Adult Social Care Voluntary Sector funding arrangements had recently been the subject of a commissioning and procurement process. At the Cabinet meeting on 18October 2017, Cabinet had approved the award of lots across 6 outcomes. Subsequently it had been agreed with the Overview and Scrutiny Committee that, in the light of concerns raised by Members, the decision to award Lots 3 and 6 to CommUNITY Barnet would be referred back to Cabinet for further consideration. Officers were continuing to conduct due diligence into CommUNITY Barnet and a more detailed report to Cabinet would follow at a later date. Requests for deputations to Cabinet on this item would be considered by the Chair in the usual way. (Minute No.21 below also referred)

15.

CABINET AGENDA PLANNING - FUTURE ITEMS pdf icon PDF 141 KB

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

Minutes:

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

16.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 198 KB

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 15 November 2017.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

AGREED, that the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 15 November 2017 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

17.

LOCAL PLAN CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE - MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 16 NOVEMBER 2017 pdf icon PDF 84 KB

To note, for information, the minutes of a meeting of the Local Plan Cabinet Sub-Committee held on 16 November 2017.

Minutes:

NOTED, for information only, the minutes of a meeting of the Local Plan Cabinet Sub-Committee held on 16 November 2017.

18.

ENFIELD STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

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

Minutes:

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

19.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

To note that the next meeting of the Cabinet is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 24 January 2018.

Minutes:

AGREED, that the next meeting of the Cabinet take place on Wednesday 24 January 2018 at 8.15pm.

20.

EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

To consider passing a resolution under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972 excluding 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 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)

Minutes:

RESOLVED, in accordance with Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the press and the public from the meeting for the items listed on part two 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).

21.

ADDRESSING MEMBER REVIEW OF PREVENTION AND EARLY INTERVENTION CONTRACT AWARDS FOR OUTCOMES 3 AND 6

A report from the Executive Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services will be circulated as soon as possible. This should be read in conjunction with Report No.120, agenda part one refers. (Key decision – reference number 4555)

 

(This item will contain 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.121)

TO FOLLOW

Minutes:

NOTED, that this item had been deferred (Minute No.14 above also referred).

22.

MERIDIAN WATER: PROGRESS UPDATE

To receive, a verbal update on the progress of the Meridian Water project.

 

(This item will contain 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:

Gary Barnes (Acting Executive Director of Regeneration and Environment) provided a verbal update on the progress of the Meridian Water project, setting out the current position and the proposed timescales for moving forward.