Agenda for Cabinet on Wednesday, 7th July, 2021, 6.00 pm

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Silver Street, Enfield, EN1 3XA. View directions

Contact: Email: Democracy@enfield.gov.uk 

Items
No. Item

1.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Minutes:

NOTED

 

1.    Thanks were expressed to Council officers and Members of the Opposition for agreement for the meeting to be held at this earlier time.

2.    Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Rick Jewell, Ergin Erbil, Mustafa Cetinkaya, Katherine Chibah, Ahmet Hasan and Mahtab Uddin, and from Ian Davis (Chief Executive).

2.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

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.

3.

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.

4.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 165 KB

To confirm the minutes of the previous Cabinet meeting held on 16 June 2021.

Minutes:

AGREED that the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 16 June 2021 be confirmed as a correct record.

5.

MERIDIAN WATER COMMUNITY CHEST FUND pdf icon PDF 414 KB

A report from the Executive Director Place is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5293)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Nesil Caliskan (Leader) introduced the report of the Executive Director Place in respect of the Meridian Water Community Chest Fund, its governance and ambitions.

 

NOTED

 

1.    The key ambitions were to ensure that local communities were primary beneficiaries from the Meridian Water development, and that the neighbouring Edmonton wards would be lifted out of the top 10% most deprived in the UK.

2.    The conditions for working with the local authority for the private sector were making contributions towards social value, and the Community Chest was a way of capturing this.

3.    The programme would help deliver against the recommendations for the community and voluntary sector as set out in the Enfield Poverty and Inequality Commission Report.

4.    The programme would start from September 2021, with the first grants hoped to be awarded in Spring 2022.

 

Alternative Options Considered: 

  A full analysis of the potential for wholly external grant fund distribution was undertaken (i.e fully allocated to an external body to disseminate) but the need for the Council to retain control over the budget and process long term was identified of being the most practical, flexible and sensible approach, not least that further grant contributions in the future from other developers, contractors and tenants/occupiers will boost the fund and extend the longevity of the process.

  The MW Community Chest Fund closely aligns itself with that of the NCIL Enfield Neighbourhood Fund via criteria and nature of projects but is a distinct process due to the nature of the funding received to deliver the programme and that the focus is on the three Edmonton Wards only initially. The potential of the funds to develop significant strategic projects bids is acknowledged and officers of the Council will seek to cross reference allocations, projects, successful bids and other outcomes in regular meetings.

 

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to

1.  Agree the allocation of funding secured and received by the Council from Meridian Water contractors, developers and consultants for the purposes of a long-term rolling Meridian Water ‘Community Chest Grants Fund’. This fund will be distributed to communities of the three Edmonton Wards by means of a grant funding programme. These organisations or even informal groups with a constitution or Terms of Reference can apply for funding to address a community need in their area. It is envisaged that this funding programme will run throughout the lifetime of Meridian Water’s development attracting contributions from developers/ partners yet to be appointed.

2.  Approve the governance details as set out at Appendix 1 of the report.

3.  Delegate approval of the final formal documentation for the grant scheme (including applicant guidance notes; scoring assessment forms; application form templates; grant agreement template and other ancillary documentation) to the Director of Meridian Water in consultation with the Director of Law and Governance.

4.  Approve that the decision making as to a successful application will be made by the Executive Director for Place via recommendations from officers and community representatives.

5.  Approve the allocation of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.

EMPTY HOMES STRATEGY pdf icon PDF 443 KB

A report from the Executive Director Place is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5330)

Minutes:

Councillor Gina Needs (Cabinet Member for Social Housing) introduced the report of the Executive Director Place seeking approval of the Empty Homes Strategy.

 

NOTED

 

1.    There was a need to make best use of all housing stock, and a range of options had been developed to maximise the numbers of empty properties brought back into use.

2.    The intention was that wherever possible, homes brought back into use would be let to residents in need through Enfield Let.

3.    Owners could receive advice on letting their property from the Landlord Advice Line 020 8379 4320.

 

Alternative Options Considered: 

  To carry on the current approach of grant funding a small number of properties to bring them back into use. This would not significantly increase the supply of homes available to vulnerable residents and poorer households.

  To close the grants programme. This would save the Council £200,000 pa but the lost opportunity costs would be significantly higher than this.

 

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to

1.  Approve the Empty Homes Strategy for 2021-26.

2.  Delegate to the Director of Housing and Regeneration the investment of up to £200k per annum for the next 5 years on empty homes initiatives as outlined in this strategy at section 8 of the Empty Homes Strategy.

3.  Delegate to the Director of Housing and Regeneration the authority to update the payment limits in section 8 of the strategy

 

Reason:  NOTED the detailed reasons for the proposals as set out in paragraphs 1 to 12 of the report.

 

(Key decision – reference number 5330)

7.

CONTRACT AWARD FOR THE VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR OUTCOME 3 - SUPPORTING PEOPLE TO IMPROVE THEIR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING AND IMPROVING SELF-MANAGEMENT pdf icon PDF 210 KB

A report from the Executive Director People is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5095)

 

(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).

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Alev Cazimoglu (Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care) introduced the report of the Executive Director People seeking approval for contract award.

 

NOTED

 

1.    The opportunity to award this tender now was timely as it had been reviewed and adapted to take into account effects of the Covid pandemic.

2.    Full details of the bids and tender evaluation were set out in the restricted annex to the report.

3.    The emphasis on prevention was an important approach.

4.    An end of year review would be carried out of Voluntary and Community Sector service areas and reported to the Health and Wellbeing Board.

 

Alternative Options Considered: 

The option was considered not to progress with the tender. However, this would leave a gap in the overall service model for the Voluntary and Community Sector outcome areas; and more specifically a gap in the Voluntary and Community Sector service offer for the Mental Health Wellbeing Hub.

 

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to award the Voluntary and Community Sector Outcome 3 contract to Enfield Voluntary Action for a period of 39 months.

 

Reason: 

The tender completes the initial Council Vision of six Outcome Areas agreed with the Voluntary and Community Sector and agreed by Cabinet in 2017.

 

(Key decision – reference number 5095)

8.

DEVELOPMENT OF LAND FORMERLY KNOWN AS REARDON COURT pdf icon PDF 551 KB

A report from the Executive Director Place is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5344)

 

(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).

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Nesil Caliskan (Leader) introduced the report of the Executive Director Place seeking approval to progress the Reardon Court extra-care scheme.

 

NOTED

 

1.    There had been a chance to re-evaluate the business case and amend the scheme so it was more suitable.

2.    Additional GLA funding and an extension to the grant milestones to March 2022 had been negotiated.

3.    The scheme would deliver additional adult social care accommodation in the borough, supporting older people. It would provide a high quality safe alternative to residential care to those who would like to continue to live independently.

 

Alternative Options Considered: 

A range of options were considered, including disposal to another party to build the accommodation for the Council. Although this reduces call on debt for the Council, a disposal would mean the Council is not able to own or manage the units and therefore cannot control lets.

 

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to

1.  Approve the extension of professional services and expenditure for the preparation of a revised design and planning application and budget for the main construction to be committed in 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.

2.  Approve the appropriation of Reardon Court from the General Fund to the HRA in accordance with the capital financing rules and valuation which has regard to the intended development for social housing.

3.  Accept the grant funding, or in the event that GLA grant funding is not confirmed, approve the allocation of Right to Buy receipts towards the costs of development.

4.  Delegate authority to approve the final scheme proposal and tenure mix to the Director of Housing and Regeneration, in consultation with the Director for Adult Social Care.

5.  Delegate authority to approve the procurement strategy for the delivery of the Reardon Court extra-care scheme, including consideration of frameworks for direct award route to secure a start on site by March 2022, to the Director for Housing and Regeneration in consultation with the Executive Director for Resources and the Director of Law and Governance.

6. Delegate authority to award and enter into the main build contract, professional service contracts, GLA grant funding agreement and any other ancillary documents and consents required in relation to the development of Reardon Court extra-care scheme to the Executive Director for Place.

7.  Approve the operational structure, including any proposals for commissioning a care provider, to the Director for Adult Social Care in consultation with the Director for Housing and Regeneration.

 

Reason:  NOTED the detailed reasons for the proposals as set out in paragraphs 9 to 13 of the report.

 

(Key decision – reference number 5344)

9.

QUARTERLY CORPORATE PERFORMANCE REPORT (Q4) pdf icon PDF 245 KB

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Ian Barnes (Deputy Leader) introduced the report of the Executive Director Resources showing the Quarter 4 performance for 2020/21.

 

NOTED

 

1.    Performance was shown against the aims and priorities set out in the Council Business Plan.

2.    Climate Change indicators were being developed and initial Key Performance Indicators were included in the report.

3.    The Covid pandemic had impacted on a number of the measures.

4.    Attention was drawn to priority Key Performance Indicators that were underperforming in Appendix 2 to the report and the action plans drawn up in respect of improvement.

 

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 delivering the key priority indicators for Enfield.

 

Reason: 

The report is part of the Quarterly timetable for Cabinet to review performance.

 

(Non-Key)

10.

ORDER OF THE AGENDA

Minutes:

AGREED to vary the order of the agenda in respect of the series of financial reports to be more appropriately ordered. The minutes follow the order of the meeting.

11.

REVENUE OUTTURN REPORT 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 1 MB

A report from the Executive Director Resources is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5325)

Minutes:

Councillor Mary Maguire (Cabinet Member for Finance & Procurement) introduced the report of the Executive Director Resources setting out the Council’s outturn position for 2020/21.

 

NOTED

 

1.    The revenue outturn was reporting a balanced budget and strengthened financial position despite the uncertainty created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

2.    The Council had acted early to manage the financial impact of the pandemic.

3.    Uncertainty continued, in particular from the unknown financial legacy of Covid-19 and around long-term funding of local government, and the Council must remain vigilant.

4.    Officers were thanked for their hard work on budget responsibility.

 

Alternative Options Considered: 

Not relevant in the context of this report.

 

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to

1.  Note the positive impact the Council’s early actions to respond the financial impact of the pandemic has had on strengthening the Council’s finances.

2.  Note the General Fund and Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) revenue outturn position for 2020/21.

3.  Note the balanced position and strengthened reserves as at outturn.

4.  Note the costs of Covid-19 and compensating government grant support received during 2020/21.

5.  Note the progress made on the journey to setting a robust and resilient budget.

6.  Note the level of reserves as at 31st March 2021 have been strengthened, providing resilience for the anticipated enduring financial impact of Covid-19 and ongoing uncertain funding levels.

 

Reason: 

To ensure that members are aware of the outturn position, including the level of reserves for the authority, including all major variances which are contributing to the outturn position and the mitigating actions taken to manage the financial position for 2020/21.

 

(Key decision – reference number 5325)

12.

HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT (HRA) OUTTURN REPORT 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 398 KB

A report from the Executive Director Resources is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5329)

Minutes:

Councillor Mary Maguire (Cabinet Member for Finance & Procurement) introduced the report of the Executive Director Resources setting out the outturn position of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2020/21.

 

NOTED

 

1.    The Better Council Homes programme and Development Strategy had continued to be delivered during the Covid-19 pandemic.

2.    The actual positions were set out against forecasts.

3.    The reprofiling of HRA programmes were set out from paragraph 30 of the report and in Appendix A; and Appendices B and C set out further analysis of the revenue outturn position.

4.    Investment and achievements despite the pandemic were highlighted, together with the success of Enfield Repairs Direct, and continued commitment to improving Council housing stock.

 

Alternative Options Considered: 

Not relevant in the context of this report.

 

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to note:

1.  Total expenditure on the HRA Capital Programme for 2020/21 is £54.269m, against the Period 8 forecast of £74.871m, as detailed from paragraph 25 of the report.

2.  The total reprofiling of £20.602m on the HRA programmes.

3.  Project outcomes for the HRA programmes from paragraph 30 of the report.

4.  Variance analysis for the HRA programmes from paragraph 71 of the report.

5.  Funding of the HRA capital expenditure for 2020/21 as detailed in Table 3.

6.  The reprofiling of the planned capital receipt for Nicholls House of £2.1m in favour of additional grant of £0.750m and revenue generating HRA units over the life of the 30 year business plan and beyond.

7.  Additional GLA grant of circa £14m and the recycling of Right To Buy (RTB) receipts of circa £8m to fund future capital projects.

8.  The HRA revenue outturn position of £1.165m positive variance to budget, excluding the impact of Covid-19, shown in Table 4.

9.  The revenue Covid-19 impact of £1.688m to be met by Covid-19 grant, shown in Table 4.

10.  The overall HRA revenue outturn position of £0.523m, an increase from Quarter 3 estimated outturn position of £0.208m, with variance analysis from paragraph 83 of the report.

 

Reason: 

1.  To update Cabinet on the year end HRA Capital Programme position, including project outputs.

2.  To update Cabinet on the year end HRA Revenue position, including variance analysis.

 

(Key decision – reference number 5329)

13.

CAPITAL OUTTURN REPORT 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 527 KB

A report from the Executive Director Resources is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5324)

Minutes:

Councillor Mary Maguire (Cabinet Member for Finance & Procurement) introduced the report of the Executive Director Resources detailing the outturn position of the Council’s 2020/21 Capital Programme.

 

NOTED

 

1.    Actual outturns were set out against forecasts.

2.    Tables 1 and 2 detailed expenditure, and Table 3 detailed reprofiling.

3.    There had been some slippage due to Covid-19 impacts, but also positive schemes and project progression reported.

 

Alternative Options Considered: 

Not relevant to this report.

 

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to note:

1.  Total expenditure on the Capital Programme for 2020/21 is £157.033m, against the Period 8 forecast of £220.760m, as detailed from paragraph 15 of the report.

2.  The total reprofiling of £63.781m comprising £43.181m on General Fund programmes and £20.600m on HRA programmes from paragraph 19 of the report.

3.  Project outcomes for the General Fund programmes from paragraph 23 of the report.

4.  Variance analysis for the General Fund programmes from paragraph 74 of the report.

5.  Funding of the Council’s capital expenditure for 2020/21 as detailed in Table 7.

 

Reason: 

To update Cabinet on the year end Capital Programme position, including project outputs.

 

(Key decision – reference number 5324)

14.

TREASURY MANAGEMENT OUTTURN REPORT 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 500 KB

A report from the Executive Director Resources is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5328)

Minutes:

Councillor Mary Maguire (Cabinet Member for Finance & Procurement) introduced the report of the Executive Director Resources detailing the activities of the Council’s Treasury Management function during the 2020/21 financial year.

 

NOTED

 

1.    The key points in paragraph 1 of the report set out outstanding borrowing, capital financing requirement, and interest paid and earned.

2.    Loans held by the Council were detailed.

3.    The strategy of debt maturity to spread the risk of high interest rates, and differing types of loans, was clarified.

 

Alternative Options Considered: 

1.  The CIPFA TM code require that the Council establishes arrangements for monitoring its investments and borrowing activities hence the performance and activities of the Council’s treasury operations is being reported to this Committee on a regular basis.

2.  This report is required to comply with the Council’s Treasury Management Policy statement, agreed by Council.

 

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to

1.  Note and comment on the contents of the report.

2.  Forward the Treasury Management Outturn report on to Council.

 

Reason: 

To inform Council on the Treasury Management performance for the financial year 2020/21.

 

(Key decision – reference number 5328)

15.

MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL STRATEGY 2022/23 TO 2026/27 pdf icon PDF 183 KB

A report from the Executive Director Resources is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5326)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Mary Maguire (Cabinet Member for Finance & Procurement) introduced the report of the Executive Director Resources setting out the forecast financial position for Enfield over the next five years and setting out the strategy and approach to ensure that the Council delivers its Corporate Plan objectives within available resources.

 

NOTED

 

1.    A comprehensive approach was set out to deal with the financial challenges faced.

2.    An updated borough profile at Section 4 of the Strategy; a refresh of financial assumptions; the ongoing impact of Covid-19; and climate statistics had been included.

3.    Continuing financial uncertainty was highlighted across local government, as well as the ongoing impact of Covid-19 and Brexit.

 

Alternative Options Considered: 

None.

 

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to

1.  Agree the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2022/23 to 2026/27 attached at Appendix A to the report.

2.  Note the financial uncertainty that continues to prevail in local government with continual single year settlements and continuous delays to the introduction of Fair Funding, Business Rates Reset and a long term sustainable funding solution for social care.

3.  Note the financial challenge over the medium term with a funding gap of £13.685m in 2022/23 and £46.673m over the medium term, 2022/23 to 2026/27.

4.  Agree the approach to delivering savings to address the funding gap set out in paragraphs 30 to 32 of the report and in Section 8 of the Strategy.

 

Reason: 

1.  The report sets out the significant uncertainty and financial challenges faced by Enfield Council and with this backdrop it is essential that that the Council has a comprehensive Strategy which provides the context which the Council is operating, is clear on the assumptions on funding and spend pressures and has a robust approach to delivery.

2.  Although Government has only provided a single year settlement for a number of years the Council continues to plan its revenue finances over the medium term to ensure its finances are robust and resilient and it is able to respond to change in agile manner. Further, the Five Year Medium Term Financial Strategy is complemented by a Ten Year Capital Programme and Treasury Strategy setting out the investment ambitions for the Borough and importantly providing transparency on the capital financing impact of those ambitions.

 

(Key decision – reference number 5326)

16.

CAPITAL STRATEGY 2022/23 TO 2031/32 pdf icon PDF 167 KB

A report from the Executive Director Resources is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5327)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Mary Maguire (Cabinet Member for Finance & Procurement) introduced the report of the Executive Director Resources setting out the 2022/23 Capital Strategy.

 

NOTED

 

1.    The main purpose of the Capital Strategy was to ensure the Council’s investment in capital projects supported the delivery of its corporate objectives.

2.    The strategy would facilitate long term financial planning and would provide a framework within which the Council’s investment plans could be delivered. It set out objectives and governance arrangements.

3.    A borrowing cap would be introduced and maintained.

4.    The capital programme would be funded from different sources as detailed in the report.

5.    Commercial activities were covered in the strategy. The Council would consider commercial capital investment opportunities where they met wider Council priorities.

6.    Local government had the power to generate economic growth and Enfield could play a part in getting the London economy going again.

 

Alternative Options Considered: 

None.

 

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to recommend to Council to approve the 2022/23 Capital Strategy attached in Appendix 1 to the report.

 

Reason:  NOTED the detailed reasons for the proposals as set out in paragraphs 9 to 12 of the report.

 

(Key decision – reference number 5327)

17.

CABINET AGENDA PLANNING - FUTURE ITEMS pdf icon PDF 150 KB

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

Minutes:

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

18.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

To note that the next meeting of the Cabinet is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 15 September 2021 at 7.15pm.

Minutes:

NOTED that the next meeting of the Cabinet is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 15 September 2021 at 7:15pm.