Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mustafa Cetinkaya (Associate Cabinet Member – Enfield South East) and Ahmet Hasan (Associate Cabinet Member – Enfield North).

An apology for lateness was received from Councillor Alev Cazimoglu (Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care).

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.

A report from the Executive Director – Place is attached.

Councillor Nesil Caliskan (Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Place (No.57) responding to the climate change emergency.

NOTED

1.            That this was an important item for the Cabinet’s consideration and responded to the climate change emergency as set out in detail in the report. Members’ noted the recent campaign and activities that had been taking place to highlight the issue.

2.            The report set out the Council’s proposals for moving forward. It was noted that Enfield had already introduced a number of positive initiatives detailed in the report, but it was recognised that more still needed to be done to address the serious matter of climate change.

3.            The recommendation to establish a Climate Emergency Task Force comprising of officers and Members. As part of this it was intended to update the Sustainable Enfield Plan by 2020 and submit it to a future Cabinet meeting for approval. It was proposed to make a commitment to make Enfield council carbon neutral by 2030, or earlier if possible.

4.            A detailed discussion followed and Members raised a number of points for clarification and further information including the issues set out below.

5.            It was noted that Councillor Nesil Caliskan (Leader of the Council) and Councillor Ian Barnes (Deputy Leader) had recently met with representatives of Extinction Rebellion. The meeting had been constructive and their aims and concerns had been discussed. The proposed Task Force, to be led by Councillor Barnes, would give further detailed consideration to a number of matters that had been discussed; including a proposed Climate Summit to be held in Enfield later in the year. Members recognised the issues that needed to be addressed and the further work required.

6.            The Council’s role in promoting and facilitating educational programmes for the Borough utilising the Borough’s network of Schools and engaging with school children and young people on influencing future behaviours.

7.            The criticism that the Council had received previously when implementing a number of issues that would have a positive effect on climate change, such as Cycle Enfield. Other Council initiatives included the introduction of rain gardens and a comprehensive tree planting programme, both of which had a number of benefits for the environment.

8.            That it was important to have short term goals alongside a number of initiatives that would have long-term effects.

9.            That sustainable transport would be a key issue for the Borough including the need to ensure that Enfield had a well-connected public transport system. Such issues would be considered as part of appropriate Borough plans in order to reduce emissions and, promote a healthier environment. The positive results on levels of air pollution as a result of tree planting and “green walls” was highlighted.

10.         The national initiatives that were being promoted, for example tree planting on farms, and the need for the Council to explore all funding options available in support of the implementation of the aims and objectives outlined in the report.

11.         In response to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

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 12 June 2019.

AGREED, that the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 12 June 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 Wednesday 17 July 2019 at 7.15pm.

NOTED, that the next meeting of the Cabinet was scheduled to take place on Wednesday 17 July 2019 at 7.15pm.