Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mary Maguire (Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement) and Guney Dogan (Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability).

An apology for lateness was received from Councillor Nneka Keazor (Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion).

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 item listed on the agenda.

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

There were no deputations to this Cabinet meeting.

A report from Sarah Cary, Executive Director Place, is attached.  (Key decision - reference number 4982) 

                                    (Report No: 164)

Councillor Nesil Caliskan (Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Place (No.164) recommending the Edmonton Leeside Area Action Plan for adoption. 

NOTED

1.            The background to the development of the Edmonton Leeside Area Action Plan as detailed in the report.

2.            That the Edmonton Leeside Area Action Plan (ELAAP) would form part of Enfield’s Local Plan and would specifically deliver the spatial vision and land use strategy for the first phases of the Council’s flagship regeneration area of Meridian Water, as set out in the report.

3.            The Plan would also encourage other private stakeholders within Meridian Water to join the Council’s vision and aspirations with for example, the provision of affordable housing; public spaces; low carbon heat network; and, high quality design standards. The Plan covered a period of 12 years. The Council’s borough-wide approach to the use of strategic industrial land was also highlighted.

4.            A detailed discussion took place on the development of the ELAAP; the processes which had been followed and the desired outcomes, as set out in the report and appendices. Members noted the issues which had been raised by the Inspector and how the points raised had been addressed.

5.            The Council’s target for the delivery of 5,000 new homes over the next 12 years. Members noted that the development of Meridian Water was over a 25-year period. The proposals for meanwhile uses for the land were also noted.

6.            Members questioned how the Plan would address the issue of climate change. It was noted that the Plan contained specific policies with regard to connecting to the Council’s low carbon heat network; which would help to address the issue of climate change in the Borough.

Alternative Options Considered: None considered as having an adopted and comprehensive planning framework for the area provided a basis for setting the area specific planning policies by which decisions on development would be guided. This was essential to support the Council’s regeneration programme, particularly in light of on-going as well as future investment opportunities.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to

1.            Note receipt of the Planning Inspector’s final report (set out in Annex 1 of the report) that concluded the Edmonton Leeside Area Action Plan was “sound” and legally compliant subject to the Main Modifications being incorporated into the final plan.

2.            Recommend to Council formal adoption of the Edmonton Leeside Area Action Plan (Annex 2 to the report) to form part of Enfield’s Local Plan.

Reason: NOTED, the reasons for the recommendations as set out in section 4.1 of the report.

(Key decision – reference number 4982)

A report from Sarah Cary, Executive Director Place is attached.  (Key decision - reference number 4999)

                                                         (Report No:  165)

Councillor George Savva (Cabinet Member for Licensing and Regulatory Services) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Place (No.165) proposing the implementation of a borough-wide additional licensing scheme in all wards and a selective licensing scheme in 14 wards.

NOTED

1.            The detailed proposals set out within the report and the reasons for the recommendations. Members acknowledged the thorough and detailed work that had been undertaken over a significant period of time by Council officers with relevant consultants, to reach this stage and expressed their thanks and appreciation to them.

2.            The schemes would benefit all residents in the Borough and result in improvements in the standard of housing in the private rented sector, as set out in the report. The proposed licensing fees compared favourably to other London Boroughs, as detailed in the report.

3.            The importance of good quality housing in tackling deprivation and inequality and promoting good health and education was highlighted.

4.            The schemes would not be profit making but are intended to improve the quality of accommodation for people living in this sector. It was anticipated that up to 71 officers would be employed to implement the schemes which will include responding to issues of concern, undertake inspections and enforcement.

5.            Following the Cabinet Member’s introduction above, Mr Doug Wilkinson (Director of Environment and Operational Services) outlined in detail the proposed schemes and highlighted issues for Members’ consideration as set out below:

“The Report for the introduction of Selective and Additional Licensing Schemes in the Private Rented Sector to Cabinet 22 January 2020

 by  Doug Wilkinson – Director of Environment and Operational Services

Members are aware that we have been working on this for over a year along with Cadence and MetaStreet, who are experts in this industry. We have been gathering evidence, modelling and consulting -  with a number of presentations given to members over that time.

This cabinet paper brings all of that work together  and sets out our proposals seeking approval to introduce two licensing schemes covering about 30,000 private rented properties they are:

§  A borough wide additional HMO licensing scheme

These are smaller HMOs occupied by 3 or 4 persons forming more than one household and sharing kitchens/bathrooms (Additional Licences) – across all 21 wards of the borough,

and

§  A Selective licensing scheme for 14 wards,

These are properties occupied by single family households (Selective Licences) - eg one person, a couple or family, this will apply to 14 wards in the east and south of the Borough, namely: Bowes, Edmonton Green, Enfield Highway, Enfield Lock, Haselbury, Jubilee, Lower Edmonton, Palmers Green, Ponders End, Southbury, Southgate Green, Turkey Street, Upper Edmonton and Chase.

This is with the purpose of undertaking inspections and enforcement to address the large-scale issues to

·         Improve housing conditions

·         Improve standards of property management

·         Act on factors to reduce deprivation (eg overcrowding, poor energy efficiency), and

·         Reduce anti-social behaviour

The evidence:

The cabinet report and appendices provide the review undertaken of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

A report from Sarah Cary, Executive Director Place is attached.  (Key decision - reference number 4841) 

                                                (Report No: 166)

Councillor Nesil Caliskan (Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Place (No.166) presenting the Housing and Growth Strategy.

NOTED

1.            That the Housing and Growth Strategy set out the overarching vision and direction of the Council in relation to delivering housing growth and balanced housing markets in Enfield for the benefit of all residents.

2.            The key aims of the Strategy as set out in the report which sought to address the housing crisis within the Borough. The last Strategy had been produced in 2012.

3.            Members discussed the current housing situation and highlighted the rise in private sector rents in proportion to the average salary and the significant rise in homelessness.

4.            That this Strategy was ambitious and sought to increase more and better housing provision in the Borough; to address current inequalities; provide a more balanced housing market; and enable local people to access good quality housing.

5.            The five bold ambitions of the Strategy as set out in section 4 of the report and summarised below:

·         More affordable homes for local people

·         Invest in and be proud of our council homes

·         Quality and variety in private housing

·         Inclusive placemaking

·         Accessible housing pathways and homes for everyone

6.            The principles of the Strategy as set out in section 4 of the report. The Strategy set out a new ambitious and radical approach with significant targets to increase the supply of new homes in the Borough. This represented a part of the overall work being introduced by the Council in addressing housing needs including; homelessness services; private sector licensing; housing repairs service; estate regeneration; and partnership working.

7.            The Council’s priority regarding the importance of housing provision in the Borough was discussed and highlighted.

8.            Members expressed their support for the Strategy and were proud of the progress being made in the provision of safe, secure and affordable homes. The Council had also committed to improving its existing housing and sought to continue to raise standards in housing provision.

9.            Questions were invited and a detailed discussion took place. Issues raised included the provision of specialist housing to meet the needs of residents with additional needs to allow them to live independently in their own homes. The measures being taken to improve affordability of housing and how this would help to shape the local housing market. The work being done by the Council to reduce and prevent homelessness. The provision of accessible housing for families and young people with long-term physical needs and the work currently being undertaken in reviewing the Council’s housing allocations priorities. Members were advised of the variety of measures in place and planned.

10.         In addition, Members were advised the appropriate housing support services would be based within the community to support residents and respond to areas where high levels of risk were identified. The current issues including a population growth in the Borough; and an increase in the cost of rents and residential housing; and, an increase in homelessness.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

A report of Sarah Cary, Executive Director - Place is attached.  (Key decision - reference number 5049) 

                                                (Report No:  167)

Councillor Gina Needs (Cabinet Member for Social Housing) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Place (No.167) providing an update and setting out further proposals to address the issue of homelessness in Enfield.

NOTED

1.            That the report set out progress to date since September 2019 and sought approval to progress to the next stage.

2.         The problems being faced in Enfield and the progress being made through the prevention and support measures detailed in the report. The Council would continue to work with residents to intervene at an early stage in order to prevent homelessness and improve the housing situation within the Borough.

3.         The specific recommendations set out in the report and reflected in the decisions below regarding joining Capital Letters as an “A” Member; the introduction of Enfield Lets; and, the joining the Single Homelessness Prevention Service. The implications of these proposals were explained in full to Members, as detailed in the report.

4.         that a new housing allocations scheme was currently being developed and would be presented to a future Cabinet meeting for approval.

5.         An overview of the proposed Housing Advisory Service was set out in Appendix A to the report. The service would be geographically dispersed, with staff being located in those wards with the highest level of need, as set out in section 3 of the report.

6.         Members noted the financial implications of the proposals as detailed in section 12 of the report.

7.         Questions were invited from the Cabinet Members and a detailed discussion took place on the proposals and their implications. Issues raised included the measures being undertaken to support single people through the Single Homelessness Prevention Service (section 10 of the report referred); the role and impact of both Capital Letters and Enfield Let which were explained in detail to Members. The role of Housing Gateway Ltd. with regard to Enfield Lets was described in detail, as set out in the report, which would in effect be an ethical lettings agency acting on behalf of the Council through Housing Gateway Ltd. 

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED, the alternative options which had been considered as set out in detail in section 11 of the report in relation to Capital Letters and Enfield Let; and, Single Homelessness Prevention Service.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to

1.            Join Capital Letters as an “A” member in Phase 2 (April 2020) subject to agreement of the terms of joining Capital Letters (the Members Agreement). This to be authorised by the Director of Law and Governance.

2.            Nominate the Director of Housing and Regeneration to the Board of Capital Letters.

3.            Nominate the Leader Member for Social Housing to the Borough Representative Body of Capital Letters.

4.            Approve the phased mobilisation of Enfield Let commencing April 2020 as a trading division of Housing Gateway Ltd., subject to the approval of the Board of Housing Gateway to the viability of the Business Plan with authority delegated to the Leader of the Council in consultation with the Cabinet  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

A report from Sarah Cary, Executive Director – Place, is attached.  (Agenda part 2 also refers) (Key decision - reference number 4945)

                                                                                                         (Report No:  168)

Councillor Nesil Caliskan (Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Place (No.168) seeking approval to acquire the current Pressure Reduction Station (PRS) on the terms set out in the report.

NOTED

1.            That the report was seeking authority to acquire the current pressure reduction station (PRS) from Cadent; to transfer to Cadent a small parcel of existing Council land on which Cadent would construct a new PRS; and, then grant by the Council to Cadent of ancillary rights in relation to the transferred land as detailed in the report.

2.            That the financial information was contained within the part two report, Report No.180, Minute No.16 below referred.

3.            The report set out why it was recommended that the Council undertake this land swap and acquire the former PRS site at this time.

4.            The acquisition was included within the overall budget for Meridian Water. The approval of the land acquisition required a decision by Cabinet.

5.            In response to questions raised, it was noted that there was no specific planning in place for this piece of land at present, but it would have the capacity for approximately 140 homes in the future. This area was outside of the phase one Meridian Water development.

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED, the detailed alternative options that had been considered as set out in full in section 4 of the report.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to approve

1.            The acquisition by the Council of the 0.88 acre plot of land which currently housed the Pressure Reduction Station site for the figures set out in the confidential schedule in the part two report (Report No.180, Minute No.16 below referred).

2.            The disposal by the Council of the 0.07 acre plot of land to the north of Willoughby Land for the construction and maintenance of a new Pressure Reduction Station facility for the figures set out in the confidential schedule.

3.            The granting of a 3-metre exclusion zone surrounding the boundary of the land to be transferred together with suitable access rights over land to Albany Road.

4.            The granting of a building licence to Cadent required for the construction of the new Pressure Reduction Station.

5.            Delegation to the Director of Meridian Water in consultation with the Acting Executive Director of Resources to approve entering into the land swap agreement subject to a review of the overall financial position of the deal following the receipt of the C4 estimate for the new Pressure Reduction Station.

6.            Delegation to the Director of Law and Governance to complete all necessary documents to formalise the sale and purchase of land and the grant of a building licence on the basis of the Heads of Terms attached to the confidential schedule in the part two report (Report No.180, Minute No.16 below referred).

7.            Delegation to the Director of Meridian Water to approve remediation and enabling works on the Pressure Reduction Site for the figures set out in the confidential schedule in the part two report  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

A report from Sarah Cary, Executive Director – Place is attached. (Agenda part two also refers). (Key decision – reference number 4832)

(Report No:  169)

Councillor Nesil Caliskan (Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Place (No.169) recommending that Cabinet resolve to make the London Borough of Enfield (Meridian Water Strategic Infrastructure Works) Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to assemble the necessary land to enable the delivery infrastructure for the Meridian Water regeneration programme.

NOTED

1.            The detailed proposals set out within the report. The Council had a proven record or acquisition without the use of a CPO but it would be valuable in negotiations and would be applied if necessary.

2.            The financial information was provided within a part two report, Report No.170, Minute No.17 below referred.

3.            In response to questions raised by Members, the reasons for not being able to CPO all required interests at the same time was explained in detail. The financial constraints of the Council were noted. Meridian Water represented a development over a period of 25 years. The Council also needed to balance its financial commitments with other estate developments outside of Meridian Water for the benefit of the Borough as a whole.

4.            The Council would continue to work closely with the private sector and its partners in progressing the development.

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED, the detailed alternative options that had been considered as set out in full in section 4 of the report including: do not pursue a compulsory purchase order (CPO); wait until there is certainty over funding and planning before making the CPO; or, undertake a CPO for the whole area.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to

1.            Authorise a Compulsory Purchase Order pursuant to sections 226(1)(a) and 226(3) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and section 13 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 for the acquisition of land, interests and new rights within the area identified and shown edged red (the Order Land) in the Order map at Appendix 1 of the report (the Order Map) for the delivery of infrastructure at Meridian Water.

2.            Authorise, in accordance with section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972 the appropriation of land owned by the Council within the Order Land, to planning purposes pursuant to section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016, so development may proceed without obstruction in respect of any claimed third-party rights.

3.            Note (i) funding is in place for the land assembly and CPO costs (see Section 6.1 of the report), and (ii) funding for the SIW is contingent on release of HIF funding as set out in the body of the report.

4.            Delegate to the Programme Director of Meridian Water in consultation with the Acting Executive Director of Resources and Director of Law and Governance, the authority to make the CPO.

5.            Delegate to the Executive Director – Place, in consultation with the Director of Law and Governance, the power to effect all subsequent steps for the CPO including: confirming and implementation of the Order and to take all necessary steps to give effect to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

A report from Tony Theodoulou, Executive Director People, is attached. (Key decision - reference number 5035)         

                        (Report No: 159)

Councillor Alev Cazimoglu (Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care) introduced the report of the Executive Director – People (No.159) on the future operating model of Independence and Wellbeing Ltd. (IWE) from 2020/21.

NOTED

1.            Members expressed thanks and appreciation to Officers for a clear and transparent report which clearly set out the proposed decision on the future of IWE Ltd. The Council’s continued priority was to deliver high quality and sustainable services to its most vulnerable residents.

2.            That the report recommended dissolving the Company and transferring the services back in-house to the Council. The reasons for this were explained in detail as set out in the report. This decision was being taken within a challenging financial environment and continued Government austerity measures which were impacting on the private and public sectors.

3.            Members and Officers present praised the front-line staff that were providing these essential services and recognised their importance and dedication to the service users. The terms and conditions of staff would be maintained.

4.            In response to questions raised, Members were advised of the benefits of insourcing the service and how the public and private sectors compared. The importance of continuing to provide good quality services was highlighted within a challenging and financially difficult environment. It was noted that insourcing services demonstrated better outcomes for residents. Outsourcing services did not generally result in financial savings.

5.            Members were advised that approximately 300 staff members were involved. The staff were a valuable asset; they were on duty 365 days a year to look after the vulnerable service users and provide an essential service. The Unions had been involved in discussions and had been positive to the proposals. There would be ongoing engagement with the Unions.

6.            That when IWE Ltd. had been established a review was proposed after a period of three years, this had now taken place with the resulting proposals as set out in the report.

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED, the alternative options that had been considered as set out in full in section 4 of the report.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to

1.            Approve the dissolution of IWE Ltd. as an Enfield Council trading company and executive board.

2.            Approve the transfer of services currently provided by IWE Ltd. to the Council.

3.            Note that the proposed arrangement would be a relevant transfer under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006, and all employees of IWE Ltd. meeting the relevant criteria under the Regulations would automatically transfer to the Council.

4.            To delegate responsibility to the Executive Director – People in consultation with the Director of Law and Governance and the Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development to implement the above recommendations, including taking all actions required by the Council as shareholder to effect the dissolution of IWE Ltd. and the executive board.

Reason: It was the view of the Council that in-sourcing the services would better serve the Council’s own policy of in-sourcing where it made sense to do so,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

A report from Fay Hammond, Executive Director - Resources is attached.  (Non Key)     

                                                                                    (Report No:  171)

Councillor Ian Barnes (Deputy Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Resources (No.171) presenting the quarterly corporate performance report.

NOTED

1.            That Appendix 1 to the report showed the quarter two performance for 2019/20 and compared it to the Council’s performance across the previous four quarters for a series of key performance indicators. The officers involved were thanked for their work in collating and presenting the information before Members.

2.            That amendments had been made to the quarterly performance report following feedback from Members and from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, as explained in the report (section 3.3 of the report referred).

3.            That Appendix 2 to the report focused on a selection of priority key performance indicators that were underperforming, as detailed in section 3 of the report and outlined at the meeting. The detailed action plans and progress being made were highlighted to Members.

4.            The detailed performance information set out in the report (section 4 referred) and the appendices to the report. Specific examples included with the report were highlighted and discussed by Members. In particular, the improvements which had been made in Adult Social Care, as detailed in Appendix 1 were noted and praised; Enfield was a top performer. Members expressed their thanks and appreciation to the frontline social care staff who worked tirelessly all year, including the holiday periods, for vulnerable service users. Council worked closely with colleagues from the local hospitals to support vulnerable adults leaving hospital and to provide support to enable them to return to their own homes wherever possible. The range of service provision was outlined to Members.

Alternative Options Considered: Not to report regularly on the Council’s performance in a public report. 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, for information only, the progress being made towards achieving the identified key priorities for Enfield.

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

(Non key)

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

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

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 4 December 2020.

AGREED, that the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 4 December 2019 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

To note that the next meeting of the Cabinet is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 28 January 2020.

NOTED, that the next Cabinet meeting was scheduled to take place on Tuesday 28 January 2020 at 7.15pm.

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 two agenda)

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 of business 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).

A part 2 report of Sarah Cary, Executive Director Place is attached.  (This should be read in conjunction with Report No.168 on the part 1 agenda).  (Key decision - reference number 4945)

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

(Report No: 180)

Councillor Nesil Caliskan (Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Place (No.180).

NOTED

1.            That Report No.168 also referred as detailed in Minute No.8 above.

2.            The detail of the confidential schedule set out in section 2 of the report.

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED, the alternative options that had been considered as set out in Report No.168 (Minute No.8 above refers) and in section 4 of the report.

Reasons: NOTED, the reasons for the recommendations as set out in Report No.168 (Minute No.8 above refers) and in section 5 of the report.

(Key decision – reference number 4945)

A part 2 report of Sarah Cary, Executive Director Place is attached.  (This should be read in conjunction with Report No.169 on the part 1 agenda).  (Key decision - reference number 4832)

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

(Report No: 170)

Councillor Nesil Caliskan (Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Place (No.170).

NOTED

1.            That Report No.169 also referred as detailed in Minute No.9 above.

2.            The detailed financial information provided within the report.

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED, the alternative options that had been considered as detailed in Minute No.9 above.

Reason: NOTED, the reasons for the recommendations as detailed in Minute No.9 above.

(Key decision – reference number 4832)