Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Alev Cazimoglu (Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care), Councillor Ayfer Orhan (Cabinet Member for Education, Children’s Services and Protection), Councillor George Savva (Associate Cabinet Member – Enfield South East), and Ian Davis (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 in respect of any items listed on the agenda.

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.

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 following report:

Report No.184 – Adoption of Playing Pitch Strategy (Minute No.6 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 the meeting.

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

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

To note that there are no items to be referred to the Council.

NOTED, that there were no items to be referred to the Council.

A report from the Executive Director of Regeneration and Environment will be circulated as soon as possible. (Key decision – reference number 4654)

(Report No.184)

(6.05 – 6.10 pm)

TO FOLLOW

Councillor Daniel Anderson (Cabinet Member for Environment) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Regeneration and Environment (No.184) seeking approval to the adoption of the Playing Pitch Strategy.

NOTED

1.               That this was a substantial, important and exciting document which sought to guide future investment, development, and improvements for the Borough’s sports pitches and associated facilities. The Strategy focussed on the five sports of cricket, football, hockey, rugby union and tennis. In addition, the Council’s sole netball facility was included within the Strategy because the Broomfield Park courts were a dual netball and tennis court facility.

2.               The Strategy considered a range of factors including current provision, the level of demand, potential for growth, any limitations and future proposals going forward.

3.               Councillor Fonyonga expressed her support for the Strategy which had been developed in partnership with a range of agencies including Sport England, the national sports governing bodies, and local sports clubs. The Strategy would assist the Council in attracting investment into sports pitches from regional funders and through Section 106 contributions and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

4.               The importance of such sports provision and the positive impact on public health, as recognised within the Strategy. The Strategy was commended to Members for adoption.

5.               The popularity of basketball in areas of the Borough was noted together with its positive community benefit. A request was made for future consideration of this sport within the context of the Strategy whilst acknowledging that it was a wider issue that the specific matter of sports pitches currently being addressed within the document. Members were advised of the investment that had been made for basketball provision in the Borough.

6.               Members sought clarification on the methodology used in assessing current levels of demand as outlined within the Strategy and proposals for use of the facilities at times of low demand. Members were advised of the extensive discussions which had taken place and the national data available. The Strategy would be subject to annual review, as outlined in the report, and would be important in applying for external funding to support such sports provision.

7.               Councillor Taylor noted his membership of the London Sports Board as a representative of London Councils. The Board was encouraging all local authorities to have such a Strategy.

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED, that the alternative option considered was not to develop a Playing Pitch Strategy, although this had been discounted because that approach would not allow the prioritisation of future pitch improvements or access to external sources of sports funding.

DECISION: Cabinet agreed to

1.               Approve adoption of the Playing Pitch Strategy (2018-2023), that included the action plan for the five sports and the site-by-site recommendations that encompass the priorities for protecting sites from development, pitch maintenance improvements, and investment to upgrade facilities.

2.               Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Regeneration and Environment to approve the allocation of capital funding sourced either externally or from developer contributions (including Section 106 Planning Agreements) to the priority projects  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

A report from the Executive Director of Regeneration and Environment is attached. (Key decision – reference number 4591)

(Report No.185)

(6.10 – 6.15 pm)

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing and Housing Regeneration) introduced the report of the Executive Director of Regeneration and Environment (No.185) seeking approval to the disposal of HRA assets to Red Lion Homes.

NOTED

1.               That this was another innovative approach being taken by the Council supporting the provision of social housing. The Government’s Right to Buy policy was explained together with the financial implications for the Council if it was required to hand back Right to Buy receipts, as detailed in full in the report.

2.               The current costs to the Council in renting properties to support the provision of social housing in the Borough to meet housing demands.

3.               The proposal for the development of Red Lion Homes as a Not For Profit Registered Provider as set out in the report. Members were advised that the proposals would comply with Government regulations and, noted the ways in which the council would be able to exercise control in going forward.

4.               This was an innovative proposal to support the delivery of social housing and comply with Government regulations regarding Right to Buy Receipts. Members further noted that Enfield was due to feature in a forthcoming BBC documentary on the national Housing Crisis.

5.               Members expressed their support for the proposals and also acknowledged the increasing pressures being faced by residents as a result of changes to new welfare reform legislation.

6.               An amendment to recommendation 2.4 of the report with the addition of the Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services to the delegated authority being sought, as reflected in decision 4 below.

7.               Councillor Edward Smith, on behalf of the Opposition, raised a number of questions for clarification including the timescales involved, the funding proposals, the response of existing registered providers, and the proposals for going forward, including the formal registration of Red Lion Homes with the Regulator for Social Housing as a Registered Provider.

8.               Detailed responses were provided with regard to the Council’s current situation on Right to Buy receipts and estimates in going forward. The financial implications for the Council and the increasing demands for social housing were outlined. It was intended to implement the proposals as soon as possible following formal registration. It was noted that a Cabinet Member and Council officer would be on the membership of the Board of Red Lions Homes, as detailed in the report.

Alternative Options Considered: The Council could decide not to provide Red Lion Homes with land and properties to help it establish itself for the provision of affordable housing. However, the HRA would not be able to fund all these schemes itself as there was insufficient funding within the HRA to do so. By using Red Lion Homes match funding was provided by the Registered Provider itself and meant HRA resources could be used elsewhere.

As set out in the report, the Council had had limited success in funding the other Registered Providers working in Enfield. Of 36 Registered Providers only four had schemes  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Scrutiny Work Stream

A report from the Scrutiny work stream is attached for consideration.

(Report No.186)

(6.15 – 6.20 pm)

Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Scrutiny Work Stream

Councillor Doug Taylor (Leader of the Council) invited Councillor Mike Rye, as Chair of the Scrutiny Work Stream, to present the report (No.186) to the Cabinet.

Councillor Mike Rye presented the report and the following issues arose.

NOTED

1.               The duties placed on local authorities under current legislation, as set out in the report.

2.               Councillor Rye expressed this thanks to the Scrutiny Support Officers, Claire Johnson and Andy Ellis, and to other members of the work stream.

3.               The work stream had considered the current situation and had taken evidence from a range of partners and Council officers as highlighted within the report.

4.               Members were advised of the number of referrals which had been made by Enfield for children affected by County Lines.

5.               The recommendations set out in the report and the responses received. The report and its recommendations were commended to the Cabinet.

6.               Councillor Derek Levy as Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, reinforced the positive and important work undertaken by the Scrutiny function of the Council and, the positive recommendations arising. He emphasised the importance of Member participation in the scrutiny role.

7.               The importance of sharing information and expertise with appropriate community organisations within the Borough.

8.               Tony Theodoulou (Executive Director of Children’s Services) was pleased to report that a lead officer had now been identified within the Council and an action plan was being formulated with anticipated completion in the Autumn. To date, 200 targeted staff within the Council had received training; this would continue to be rolled out as appropriate.

9.               That the report and its findings would be shared with the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner as an example of good practice.

Councillor Taylor thanked Councillor Rye for his presentation and informative report to the Cabinet.

Alternative Options Considered: None, the Council needed to continue to raise awareness which would lead to identification of incidents which could then be reported.

DECISION: The Cabinet noted, for information, the following recommendations from the work stream and the comments of the Cabinet Member and Executive Directors as set out in Appendix A of the report and listed below:

1.               For Enfield Council to address through its procurement practices the elimination of slavery in its supply chains.

2.               The Executive Management Team had agreed to identify a lead officer to raise the profile within the organisation and produce an action plan to tackle human trafficking and modern slavery with a corporate approach and work with the police, NHS and the voluntary sector to identify and report victims via the national Referral Mechanism.

3.               As part of the action plan to approve a programme of regular training to appropriate frontline staff so that they could recognise and identify potential victims of human trafficking and modern slavery. As part of the action plan, to establish a corporate group to ensure that tackling modern slavery had a joined-up approach across the council and its partners.

4.               To provide training for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

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.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 22 March 2018.

AGREED, that the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 22 March 2018 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

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

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

To note, that this is the last scheduled Cabinet meeting in the current municipal year.

Members will be advised of the Cabinet meeting dates for the new municipal year in due course, following the agreement of the new Council Calendar of Meetings 2018/2019.

NOTED, that this was the last scheduled Cabinet meeting in the current municipal year. Members would be advised of the Cabinet meeting dates for the new municipal year in due course, following the agreement of the new Council Calendar of Meetings 2018/2019.

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)

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 item listed on part two of the agenda on the grounds that it involves 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).

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)

Sarah Cary (Executive Director of Regeneration and Environment) provided a verbal update to Members on the progress of the Meridian Water project setting out the current position and the next steps together with the proposed timescales going forward. Officer and Members briefings would take place prior to further reports being presented to appropriate Cabinet meetings in the new municipal year.

Opposition Members present asked that consideration be given to the involvement of the Opposition in the briefings if possible. In response to a discussion on anticipated timescales for future decision-making it was noted that the decision would be taken as quickly as possible and, as slowly as necessary. A careful and considered approach had been adopted throughout with advice sought from both internal and external professional advisers, this approach should continue in going forward with the process.

As this was the last Cabinet meeting in the current Council administration, Councillor Achilleas Georgiou (Deputy Leader) took this opportunity to pay tribute to two Members of the Cabinet who would not be standing for re-election in the forthcoming Council elections – Councillor Krystle Fonyonga (Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health) and Councillor Alan Sitkin (Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Business Development). Councillor Georgiou also added that this had been a successful Cabinet with all Members adding value. He also praised the introduction of Associate Cabinet Members and recognised their important contribution.

Councillor Georgiou praised the energy and enthusiasm of Councillor Sitkin and his positive impact on the redevelopment of industrial estates in the Borough and variety of sustainability projects. He had been successful in encouraging businesses to the Borough together with the creation of jobs. His achievements were recognised.

Councillor Georgiou highlighted the progress achieved through Councillor Fonyonga including the fight against domestic violence and, the support of public health and sports initiatives. A number of pioneering activities had been introduced. Councillor Fonyonga’s skill as a persuasive and eloquent public speaker was also acknowledged.

Councillor Georgiou, on behalf of the Cabinet, extended thanks and future best wishes to them both.