Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Chinelo Anyanwu and Gina Needs.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ergin Erbil, welcomed everyone to the meeting, including Guy Clifton from Grant Thornton Auditors who was observing this evening’s 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 8 January 2025.

AGREED that the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 8 January 2025 be confirmed as a correct record.

A report from the Director of HR and OD is attached.  (Non Key)

Cabinet received the report of the Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development, proposing amendments to the Council’s policy agreed in 2024 for adoption in the financial year 2025/26.

In response to Members’ queries regarding the benefits of having the policy in place, it was clarified that it permitted officers, councillors and residents to have a clear statement of principles underlying decisions on use of public funds. In response to further queries on attraction of the best candidates to LB Enfield, the value and composition of the remuneration package offered to senior managers was confirmed as a key factor in enabling the Council to attract, recruit, motivate, and retain staff with the necessary skills, and that the benefits were benchmarked across other boroughs and local authorities.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed the statutory Pay Policy Statement attached as Appendix 1 of the report and referral on to Full Council.

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

A report from the Executive Director – Environment and Communities is attached.  (Key Decision – reference number 5851)

Cllr Ergin Erbil (Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Environment and Communities, providing feedback on the recent consultation on the review of libraries in the borough and seeking approval for a revised draft Library Strategy. He emphasised the long period of consultation and analysis, and the importance of having an efficient and modern library service fit for purpose for all of the borough’s residents, in accordance with the Public Libraries and Museums Act. The proposals would retain nine libraries, close seven, and declassify Angel Raynham Library as a public library. The service had to be reviewed in the light of serious financial challenges. Oakwood Library’s retention was welcomed, and discussions were taking place in relation to a community space at Enfield Island Village. Officers confirmed the intensive research, engagement and consultation, and that Department for Culture, Media & Sport guidance was followed during the process.

Cabinet received a written update to the report in respect of paragraph 63.

In response to Members’ queries regarding investment into libraries, it was confirmed there would be investment in maintenance, look and feel of library buildings, carbon efficiency and digital services and self service kiosks. Over £3.5m investment was proposed over the next ten years.

In response to Members’ queries regarding the impact of the consultation feedback on the final strategy, it was confirmed that the first phase of engagement had informed the recommendations which were produced for consultation. There had been responses from around 2400 residents at the second consultation: this feedback was outlined in the report and was acted upon. As a result, the proposals were revised: to keep Oakwood Library open, to keep a community hub at Enfield Island Village, and to work with local schools.

In response to further queries, it was confirmed that Enfield had one of the highest numbers of libraries in any London borough, and had managed to protect libraries over many years. In the context of around 800 libraries closing across the country, the Council was now in the position of having to review the library service to consider how it may be delivered in a more efficient way.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to:

I. Recommend that Full Council adopt the revised draft Library Strategy, which is appended to the report (Appendix 1).

II. Note the findings from the Equality Impact Assessment shown in Appendix 3 and the feedback to the consultation exercise summarised in Appendix 5.

III. Endorse the proposals within the library strategy to:

            i. Retain the library service at Ordnance Unity Centre, Edmonton Green, Ponders End, Fore Street, Millfield House, Palmers Green, Enfield Town, Oakwood and Ridge Avenue.

ii. Retain the home library service and digital library service.

iii. Close Bullsmoor, Enfield Highway, Enfield Island Village, Bowes Road, Southgate, Winchmore Hill and John Jackson libraries.

iv. Formally declassify Angel Raynham library located within the primary school as a public library.

The report sets out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

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

Cllr Tim Leaver (Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Resources, setting out the Council’s revenue forecast outturn position for 2024/25 as at the end of December 2024, Quarter 3. The adverse net variance would impact the Council’s reserves. The key issues behind the overspend were detailed in the report and included Temporary Accommodation, Children’s Services and Housing Benefit Subsidy loss. The closing balance of reserves was noted; and forecast reserves and forecast capital receipts balances were highlighted. Additional financial support from the government was anticipated to restore the Council’s position on reserves.

In response to Members’ queries regarding the Council’s support for local economic growth, the Leader highlighted business rate policies and the rollover government scheme in respect of business rate relief for the hospitality sector; and town centre regeneration projects. In response to further queries, it was confirmed that other support from the government which benefitted Enfield included the Recovery Grant, Children’s Social Care Prevention Grant, additional funding for public health, and multi-year funding settlements.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to note:

I.             An adverse net variance of £9.0m is reported in respect of financial year 2024/25, after the application of the specific earmarked reserve for Temporary Accommodation, £7.7m and the flexible use of capital receipts £5.4m.

II.            Progress on savings set in the original 2024/25 budget and those deferred from 2023/24 as laid out in Appendices B and C, with a projected shortfall in delivery in-year of £2.1m.

III.          The impact of the forecast on the Council’s reserves balances as set out in paragraphs 108 to 119 and Tables 5 and 6 and the consequences this has for longer-term financial resilience.

IV.          The forecast in-year overspend on the Dedicated Schools Grant of £4.5m, leading to a projected cumulative deficit of £19.3m. which has increased from the deficit of £17.3m reported at Quarter 2.

V.           The latest forecasts for projects funded by the flexible use of capital receipts in 2024/25 as set out in Appendix E.

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

A report from the Executive Director – Resources is attached.  (Key Decision – reference number 5784)

Cllr Tim Leaver (Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Resources, presenting, for recommendation to Council for approval, the Council’s General Fund revenue budget for 2025/26 along with the Council’s revised 5-year Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) covering the period 2025/26 to 2029/30. The proposals were the culmination of the 2025/26 budget planning programme and for delivery of manifesto commitments. The Council would be setting a balanced budget. The increase in spending from 2024/25 to 2025/26 was highlighted. Bridging of the budget gap was emphasized, including three tranches of savings, additional income, and seeking additional financial support. An additional £10m would be raised by the Council Tax increase.

Cabinet received a written update to the report in respect of paragraphs 83 and 109 and Appendix 13.

In response to Members’ queries regarding social care, it was confirmed there would be increases in budgets including for adult social care to provide better home care, nursing care and disabled services, and for children’s services.

In response to Members’ request for assurance there would be no cuts to essential services, the Leader confirmed the budget involved no cuts to adult or children’s social care, or to waste collection. Overall spend would increase.

Officers confirmed work was ongoing to minimise use of reserves; and advised on risks from uncertainties and that Members would continue to be updated through the year.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to:

I.             Recommend to Council to set the Council Tax Requirement for Enfield at £174.544m for 2025/26 set out in the Statutory Budget Determination for 2025/26 as set out in Appendix 22 to the report.

II.            Recommend to Council to set the Council Tax at Band D for Enfield for 2025/26 at £1,673.64.

III.          Note that the Band D property rate in 2025/26 for Enfield will be £1,673.64. This includes a 2.99% general Council Tax increase and a 2.00% Adult Social Care Precept and represents an increase of £1.53 per week.

IV.          Note the Council will levy a Council Tax of £490.38 at Band D on behalf of the Greater London Authority which is a 4.03% increase: equivalent to an increase of £0.36 per week for a Band D property.

V.           Note that the combined increases will lead to a Band D property total of £2,164.02, a 4.77% increase on the 2024/25 level, equivalent to an increase of £1.89 per week for a Band D property.

VI.          Note that the 2025/26 Council Tax Base for Enfield agreed by Council on 22 January 2025 is 104,291, an increase of 1,337 on 2024/25, in accordance with Regulation 3 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992 made under the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (as amended).

VII.        Note that business rates income is due to increase by £0.4m from £98.5m in 2024/25 to £98.9m in 2025/26.

VIII.       Note the feedback from the Budget Consultation at Appendix 19a.

IX.          Note the minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Meeting on 20 January 2025  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

A report from the Executive Director – Resources is attached.  (Key Decision – reference number 5769)

Cllr Tim Leaver (Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Resources, presenting the 2025/26 Capital Strategy and the detailed ten-year capital programme and outcomes. The proposals for investment in the borough remained ambitious, including a leasing arrangement for housing for temporary accommodation. The Council invested prudently and affordably, and met its prudential indicators. A change in the basis of MRP had been introduced following an independent review. The capital programme also included investing in Energetik and HGL.

In response to Members’ queries regarding green energy projects, it was confirmed these would lead to environmental improvements and included investment in electric vehicle charging stations and decarbonising the borough.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to:

I.             Recommend that Council:

a. Approves the Capital Strategy 2025/26 to 2034/35;

b. Approves a Capital budget for 2025/26 of £493.8m (General Fund £365.6m, HRA £128.2m);

c. Approves the carry forward of £43.1m from the 2024/25 budget as requested at Period 8 (November);

d. Delegates authority to Cabinet to approve any further carry forward requests as part of the outturn process for 2024/25;

e. Delegates to Cabinet to move additional projects into the approved Capital Programme up to a total of £12m per annum as follows:

  i. £2m per annum borrowing-financed contingency for any essential emerging expenditure from 2025/26

  ii. £10m borrowing financed Pipeline programme projects listed in Appendix B6;

f. Delegates authority to the Council’s Section 151 Officer to transfer unspent borrowing of up to £500k between projects in the capital programme;

g. Delegates authority to the Cabinet Member for Housing to agree capital investment in temporary accommodation solutions (excluding long leases) up to £30m and subject to a financial appraisal and business case.

II.            Note :

a. The ten-year programme of £2.19bn as detailed in Appendix B5;

b. The total Pipeline programme of £96.50m, of which £30.10m relates to HGL loans and £15.31m will be funded from external grants and other contributions;

c. The 2025/26 total Pipeline programme of £20.33m, including £4.06m of funding from external contributions;

d. All projects in the Pipeline programme (including those that may be funded from the £12m delegation above), are subject to the approval of a financial appraisal and business case in accordance with capital programme governance.

e. The removal of previous assumptions to use general fund capital receipts to finance the capital programme and repay historic borrowing, in order to make them available for Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) and flexible use of capital receipts. Meridian Water receipts will continue to be used to repay Meridian Water debt.

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

A report from the Executive Director – Resources / Strategic Director of Housing & Regeneration is attached.  (Key Decision – reference number 5771)

Cllr Ayten Guzel (Cabinet Member for Housing) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Resources / Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration, setting out the proposed HRA 30-Year Business Plan, the HRA Revenue Budget for 2025/26 and the ten-year Capital Programme for investment in current stock and development and regeneration. Key points were the aim for delivery of 1500 new council homes, and the investment in modernisation of existing council homes, and in safety. Following the rent standard, rents will increase in line with CPI+1% in 2025/26. The Council had chosen not to raise rents more than that as it wished to keep them affordable.

In response to Members’ queries regarding prioritisation of safety of tenants, it was advised that significant investment had been made in homes to meet all regulatory requirements, fire safety, and maintaining health and safety for residents and properties. The piloted enhanced community concierge arrangements with the roving security service had received positive feedback, especially where anti-social behaviour had been a concern.

 DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to:

Recommend that Council:

I.             Approves the detailed HRA Revenue Budget of £84.6m for 2025/26 as shown in paragraph 56;

II.            Approves the 10-year HRA Capital Development Programme of £576.7m to deliver c. 1,500 new homes and hurdle rates to assess viability for schemes as set out from paragraph 67;

III.          Approves the next five years RTB programme expenditure of £62.1m as set out from paragraph 86;

IV.          Approves the updated HRA debt profile and borrowing requirements (including appropriation) of £228.9m over the next 10 years as set out from paragraph 76;

V.           Approves the revised 10-year HRA Investment in Stock Programme of £264.2m for existing council homes as set out from paragraph 61;

VI.          Approves additional capital budget for the purchase of fleet vehicles for the repairs and caretakers service at a one-off cost of £2.53m;

VII.        Approves a rent increase of 2.7% in line with Government guidelines noting the social, affordable and shared ownership rent levels for the HRA properties in 2025/26.

VIII.       Recognising the significant investment made in existing homes, approves to increase the formula rents on re-let properties by 5%, as part of the rent flexibility included within the Governments Rent Standard;

IX.          Approves the level of service charges for 2025/26 for those tenants and leaseholders receiving eligible services at an average increase of £0.33p per week. These include proposals for new service charge for the enhanced concierge security service and estate enhancement team, these will be implemented from April 2025 subject to resident consultation, as set out from paragraph 37.

X.           Approves the charges for garages, parking bay and community halls rents as set out from paragraph 49;

XI.          Approves a Disposal strategy for the sale of void one bed or studio flats.

Note that:

XII.        The heating charges for 2025/26 for those properties on communal heating systems (both electric and gas) as set out in paragraph 43;

XIII.       The reduction in the Joyce and Snells budget envelope, to reflect the inclusion of phases  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

A report from the Executive Director – Resources is attached.  (Key Decision – reference number 5770)

Cllr Tim Leaver (Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Resources, setting out the Council’s proposed Treasury Management Strategy Statement (TMSS) and ten-year strategy for the period 2025/26 to 2034/35. The prudent approach to borrowing was emphasized. Benefitting from locked in low interest rates, the Councils average cost of borrowing on its existing debt was 3.1% and was expected to remain at this level in 2025/26. Borrowing would peak in 2027/28 then would reduce: the prudential indicators would continue to be met.

In response to Members’ queries, it was clarified that exceptional financial support from the government would be brought into reserves to increase the Council’s financial resilience.

Thanks were recorded to officers in Resources and Housing for their hard work in balancing budgets in the light of serious financial challenges.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to recommend that Council approves:

I.             The Treasury Management Strategy 2025/26 and supporting appendices;

II.            Delegation to Cabinet of the Quarterly monitoring of the Council’s Treasury position including, Prudential Indicators as part of the quarterly monitoring cycle, with the exception of the Mid-year update and Outturn reports which will be submitted to Council for approval;

III.          Increase of the Authorised Limit for borrowing and leases from £1.56bn in 2024/25 to £1.93bn in 2025/26 as described in para 16.

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

To note that the next meeting of the Cabinet is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 12 March 2025 at 7:00pm.

NOTED the next meeting of the Cabinet was scheduled to take place on Wednesday 12 March 2025 at 7:00pm.