Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Nesil Caliskan, Chinelo Anyanwu, Tim Leaver, and Mustafa Cetinkaya.

In the absence of the Leader, Councillor Ergin Erbil deputised and chaired the meeting.

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.

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 confirm the minutes of the previous Cabinet meeting held on 13 September 2023.

AGREED that the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 13 September 2023 be confirmed as a correct record.

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

Cllr Ergin Erbil (Deputy Leader) introduced the report of the Chief Executive, reflecting the first quarter performance (April 2023 – June 2023) in delivering on the Council priorities. Monitoring performance ensured the level and quality of service and value for money were maintained and enabled appropriate action where performance was deteriorating.

The latest data for the adult social care indicators now being monitored by Office for Local Government was highlighted. Members’ attention was also drawn to improvements in respect of residual waste, and recycling contamination. Council housing complaints performance had recorded a significant improvement.

In response to Members’ queries, the targeted work to further improve performance and process in respect of Member Enquiries was confirmed, and assurance provided regarding delivery of good quality affordable homes.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to:

Note the progress being made against the key priority indicators for Enfield.

The report sets out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

(Non Key)

A report from the Executive Director of People is attached.  (Non Key)

Cllr Alev Cazimoglu (Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care) introduced the report of the Executive Director – People, to note the activity of the Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB). Updates from partners were also included at Appendix A of the report. Cllr Cazimoglu recorded thanks to the SAB and all partners and Council officers for their work.

In response to Members’ questions, the importance of feedback via community engagement was stressed. Details were also provided in respect of Enfield’s work with Assistive Technology which had proved a very effective tool to keep people safe and improve the lives of vulnerable residents.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed:

I.  To note the Annual Report. Noting the report at Cabinet, Scrutiny and Council enables Enfield Council to demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding adults at risk throughout the organisation. The report is a partnership document and as such is agreed at the Safeguarding Adults Board.

II.  To commend the report to the November Council meeting for noting.

The report sets out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

(Non Key)

A report from the Executive Director of People is attached.  (Non Key)

Cllr Abdul Abdullahi (Cabinet Member for Children’s Services) introduced the report of the Executive Director – People, to note the activity of the Enfield Children’s Safeguarding Partnership (ECSP) in 2022/23 and the priorities of the partnership for 2023/24. Cllr Abdullahi thanked all those involved for their excellent work.

In response to Members’ questions, clarification was provided in respect of Operation Engage, and details given regarding trauma informed practice.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed:

I.  To note the Annual Report. Noting the report at Cabinet, Scrutiny and Council enables Enfield Council to demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding children and young people throughout the organisation. The report is a partnership document and as such is agreed at the Safeguarding Children Partnership Executive Group.

II.  To commend the report to the November Council meeting for noting.

The report sets out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

(Non Key)

A report from the Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration is attached.  (Key decision – reference number 5656)

Cllr George Savva (Cabinet Member for Social Housing) introduced the report of the Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration, supporting Council Housing tenants and leaseholders to feel safe and to live in a safe environment. Members’ attention was drawn to the introduction of 12 new service standards, and joint approach with residents, partner services and agencies. Training days had been held for caretakers, who were thanked for their work.

In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed that the good practice guidance of the Housing Ombudsman had informed the policy. Performance would be monitored, using the performance indicators and regular reporting, and there would be a review of the new policy after six months.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed:

I.  To approve the Council Housing Antisocial Behaviour Policy 2023-28.

II.  To delegate to Joanne Drew, Director of Housing and Regeneration, authority to make minor changes to the policy to ensure operational effectiveness as required.

The report sets out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

(Key decision – reference number 5656)

A report from the Executive Director – Resources / Strategic Director – Housing and Regeneration is attached.  (Non Key)

Cllr George Savva (Cabinet Member for Social Housing) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Resources, providing an update of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Period 5 forecast outturn position for 2023-24 covering both revenue and capital expenditure associated with delivering the Council’s Housing service. The Council’s housing development programme was ambitious. Despite the challenges and cost pressures, the Administration was determined to deliver.

In response to Members’ questions, officers confirmed that the Council would adhere to its landlord obligations, and worked to get best value for money from spending. Details of the funding in respect of the GLA programme would be known in November, but the Council was building a pipeline of properties in anticipation. In respect of acquisitions, £10M was set aside in advance of a GLA Right to Buy Back scheme.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed:

I.  To note the Period 5 forecast outturn position for 2023/24 for both revenue and capital.

II.  To note, that buybacks supported from the GLA Land fund are being progressed across the estate and beyond the properties affected by the current 0-3 phases, this is in order to support the delivery of the Joyce and Snells regeneration scheme.

The report sets out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

(Non Key)

To note that the next meeting of the Cabinet is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 15 November 2023 at 7.00pm.

NOTED the next meeting of the Cabinet was scheduled to take place on Wednesday 15 November 2023 at 7:00pm.