Agenda for Cabinet on Wednesday, 14th February, 2018, 7.00 pm

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Conference Room, Civic Centre, Silver Street, Enfield, EN1 3XA. View directions

Contact: Jacqui Hurst Tel: 0208 379 4096. E-mail:  jacqui.hurst@enfield.gov.uk 

Items
No. Item

1.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Dino Lemonides (Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency) and Jeremy Chambers (Director of Law and Governance).

 

An apology for lateness was received from Councillor Krystle Fonyonga (Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health).

2.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

Members of the Cabinet are invited to identify any disclosable pecuniary, other pecuniary or non pecuniary interests relevant to items on the agenda.

Minutes:

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing and Housing Regeneration) declared a potential future disclosable pecuniary interest in Report No.148 – Older People’s Housing and Care Project (Minute No.9 below refers) due to his employment and a potential for future involvement in the project. Councillor Oykener left the meeting for this item and took no part in the discussion.  

3.

URGENT ITEMS

The Chair will consider the admission of any reports (listed on the agenda but circulated late) which have not been circulated in accordance with the requirements of the Council’s Constitution and the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information and Meetings) (England) Regulations 2012.

Note: the above requirements state that agendas and reports should be circulated at least 5 clear working days in advance of meetings.

Minutes:

NOTED, that the reports listed on the agenda had been circulated in accordance with the requirements of the Council’s Constitution and the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information and Meetings) (England) Regulations 2012 with the exception of the following report:

 

Report No.146 – Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan Budget 2018/19, Rent Setting and Service Charges

 

These requirements state that agendas and reports should be circulated at least 5 clear days in advance of meetings.

 

AGREED, that this report be considered at this meeting.

4.

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.

5.

ITEMS TO BE REFERRED TO THE COUNCIL

To agree that the following reports be referred to full Council:

 

1.          Report Nos. 145 and 152 – Budget 2018/19 and Medium Term Financial Plan 2018/19 to 2021/22 (General Fund)

2.          Report No.146 – Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan  Budget 2018/19, Rent Setting and Service Charges

Minutes:

AGREED, that the following reports be referred to full Council:

 

1.               Report Nos. 145 and 152 – Budget 2018/19 and Medium Term Financial Plan 2018/19 to 2021/22 (General Fund)

2.               Report No.146 – Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan Budget 2018/19, Rent Setting and Service Charges

6.

Budget 2018/19 and Medium Term Financial Plan 2018/19 to 2021/22 (GENERAL FUND) pdf icon PDF 4 MB

A report from the Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. (Report No.152, agenda part two also refers) (Key decision – reference number 4597)

(Report No.145)

(7.05 – 7.15 pm)

 

Minutes:

Councillor Doug Taylor (Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.145) setting out the general revenue budget and council tax for 2018/19 financial year. The report also updated the Council’s medium term financial strategy in the light of those decisions. James Rolfe (Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services) outlined the report in detail for Members’ consideration.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That Report No.152 also referred as detailed in Minute No.17 below. The reports would be considered and fully debated at the Council meeting on 21 February 2018.

 

2.               That the report set out proposals for a balanced budget for 2018/19. James Rolfe extended his thanks and appreciation to all those who had been involved in the formulation of the budget proposals now being presented.

 

3.               Members’ attention was drawn to major Government initiatives which would affect Local Government funding in the future, as set out in the report. Initiatives included the Fair Funding Review which the Government was planning to implement in April 2020. A consultation document had been published in December 2017 – “Fair funding review: a review of relative needs and resources” which the Council would be responding to. The Business Rate Retention proposals were also highlighted as set out in section 5 of the report.

 

4.               The additional funding allocations to Adult Social Care and Children’s Services as outlined in the report.

 

5.               An additional recommendation to the report as set out in the decision below, “to delegate authority to the Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency and the Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services to agree any necessary changes in preparation of the Budget 2018/19 and Medium Term Financial Plan Report to Council on 21 February 2018”.

 

6.               The continuing financial pressures on the Council in going forward. Members’ noted that £500k of central contingency had been ring-fenced for Children’s Services to meet growing demand pressures on service provision.

 

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED that the Council operated a budget planning and consultation process during which a wide range of options were considered in detail before recommendations were made. Issues raised and discussed had greatly contributed to this report including information from the Budget Consultation set out in the report. As part of its planning for both 2018/19 and future years the Council had considered future levels of Council Tax.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: The Cabinet agreed to make the following resolutions and recommendations to Council:

 

1.               With regard to the revenue budget for 2018/19 to recommend to Council:

(i)              To set the Council Tax Requirement for Enfield at £121.079m in 2018/19.

(ii)             To set the Council Tax at Band D for Enfield’s services for 2018/19 at £1,261.17 (paragraph 8.1 of the report referred), being a 2.99% general Council Tax increase and a 2.00% Adult Social Care Precept.

(iii)            To approve the statutory calculations and resolutions as set out in Appendix 10 of the report.

 

2.               With regard to the Prudential Code and the Capital Programme  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

7.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan Budget 2018/19, Rent Setting and Service Charges pdf icon PDF 420 KB

A report from the Chief Executive and Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services will be circulated as soon as possible. (Key decision – reference number 4586)

(Report No.146)

(7.15 – 7.20 pm)

TO FOLLOW

Minutes:

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing and Housing Regeneration) introduced the report of the Chief Executive and Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.146) setting out the proposed HRA 30-Year Business Plan, the detailed HRA Revenue Budget for 2018/19, the five-year Capital Programme and Right to Buy (RTB) One for One Receipts programme (2018/19 to 2022/23).

 

NOTED

 

1.               That this was the annual Housing Revenue Account (HRA) report covering: the HRA 30-Year Business Plan; the HRA Budget 2018/19 and five-year Capital Programme; Rent setting 2018/19 for HRA properties; proposed service charges 2018/19; and, heating charges.

 

2.               An additional recommendation to the report, referred to in paragraph 15.2 of the report, and detailed in recommendation 8 to Council below. Cabinet was asked to agree to delegate authority to the Cabinet Member for Housing and Housing Regeneration and the Chief Executive to approve tenders for Major Works in order that contracts could be let and works carried out more efficiently. This delegation had been in place for several years.

 

3.               That the details of the HRA 30-year business plan were set out in the report. Resources would be tightly constrained; with an assumption that the Council would borrow £32m over the next 2 years leaving an £8m headroom. Members’ noted the risks and sensitivities to the plan including additional works due to the Grenfell fire including the decision to install sprinkler systems in all high-rise stock totalling £8.4m and spending Right to Buy receipts, as detailed in the report. The Council had written to the Government seeking funding for these additional works; no response had been received to date.

 

4.               That within the HRA budget 2018/19 several services were being reviewed; efficiency savings of £333k had so far been identified with further savings expected during 2018/19, as outlined in the report.

 

5.               That over the next five years, the Council was proposing to spend a total of £237m on HRA capital schemes, detailed in the report, which would include major works to stock and estate renewal.

 

6.               That HRA rents would go down by 1% again in 2018/19 and 2019/20 but from April 2020 the Government had agreed that rents could be increased by CPI plus 1%, this would enable the Council to have the ability to develop new affordable homes.

 

7.               The proposals for HRA service charges 2018/19 for tenants and leaseholders as set out in the report. The phase one review had been completed. Service charges had been discussed with the Customer Voice and the Housing Board.

 

8.               The proposed changes to heating charges as detailed in paragraph 14 of the report.

 

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED

 

1.               Since the Government implemented the Social Housing Policy which implemented a rent reduction of 1% the Council’s income had considerably reduced. This created a shortfall in the business plan and other income sources had been maximised where possible. A number of different options had been considered around budget levels required both for 2018/19 and in the medium term.

2.               Efficiency  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.

Revenue Monitoring Report 2017/18: December 2017 pdf icon PDF 270 KB

A report from the Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. (Key decision – reference number 4549)

(Report No.147)

(7.20 – 7.25 pm)

 

Minutes:

Councillor Doug Taylor (Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.147) setting out the Council’s revenue budget monitoring position based on information to the end of December 2017. James Rolfe (Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services) outlined the detail of the report for Members’ consideration.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That the revenue budget forecast reflected an outturn position of £3.8m overspend for 2017/18, which was a £0.2m improvement on the November forecast position.

 

2.               That Table 2 in the report set out the forecast projected departmental outturn variances. Work would continue to further reduce the projected overspend position. The appendices to the report set out in detail the departmental pressures and mitigating actions.

 

3.               That Appendix A6 of the report set out the variations to the Schools’ Budgets which did not form part of the General Fund position but were presented for information. This highlighted the significant funding pressures that were being faced by Schools.

 

4.               An error in Appendix A2 of the report in respect of Regeneration and Environment, Commercial Services Parks which should record an adverse rather than favourable variation.

 

Alternative Options Considered: Not applicable to this report.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to note

 

1.               The £3.8m overspend revenue outturn projection.

 

2.               That Cabinet Members would continue to work with Executive Directors to implement action plans to reduce the forecast overspend in 2017/18.

 

3.               The mitigating actions proposed to date by Executive Directors of overspending departments as set out in Appendix A of the report.

 

Reason: To ensure that Members were aware of the projected budgetary position, including all major budget pressures and underspends which had contributed to the present monthly position and that were likely to affect the final outturn.  

(Key decision – reference number 4549)

9.

Older People's Housing and Care Project pdf icon PDF 230 KB

A report from the Director of Adult Social Care and Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. (Key decision – reference number 4624)

(Report No.148)

(7.25 – 7.30 pm)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing and Housing Regeneration) left the meeting for this item, Minute No.2 above referred.

 

Councillor Alev Cazimoglu (Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care) introduced the report of the Director of Adult Social Care and Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.148) seeking approval for Council officers to lead the local consideration and development of an Older People’s Housing and Care Project in line with the principles of development set out in the report.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That this was an exciting project that would benefit some of the Borough’s most vulnerable residents.

 

2.               That the demographic of Enfield was changing. People were living longer, but not always in good health (paragraph 1.1 of the report referred). The number of people in Enfield over 65 years of age was forecast to increase by 23% over 10 years (paragraph 1.2 of the report). Innovative approaches were required across housing and care that could effectively respond to the needs identified. The development of an Enfield based Older People’s Housing and Care Project was one such approach.

 

3.               The local context with regard to current supply, increasing demand and projected future supply requirements as set out in the report. To maintain Enfield’s existing level of retirement housing supply (proportional to the population of older people), it was projected that approximately 325 additional retirement homes would be required by 2025.

 

4.               The proposals and benefits of co-locating specialist housing services with health, leisure and multi-generational facilities, including nursery services, as outlined in the report. Opportunities could be maximised for maintaining independence and also facilitate continuity of care as the needs of an individual escalated.

 

5.               The considerable work which had been undertaken by officers in gathering evidence and data and, reviewing existing examples of such provision in other areas.

 

6.               Members expressed their support of the proposals and drew on their own personal experiences in considering the way forward.

 

7.               In response to questions raised, it was explained that there were a number of options to be considered in going forward and that no decisions had been made at this stage. There was the potential to work with a number of partners and draw on a wide range of expertise across various sectors to bring together all of the future services and facilities required. There would be significant interest in moving this project forward for the benefit of the Borough and its residents. Members highlighted the diversity of the Borough and the need to ensure that any project took into account the varying cultural and religious background of its residents to ensure that all individual needs were taken into account and catered for in any future service provision. A full equalities impact assessment would be undertaken at the appropriate stages of the project’s development. Assurances were provided that such needs were considered in all such service provision.

 

8.               That this item was due to be considered further at a forthcoming meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.

GOVERNANCE OF ENFIELD'S TRADING COMPANIES pdf icon PDF 206 KB

A report from the Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. (Non key)

(Report No.149)

(7.30 – 7.35 pm)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Doug Taylor (Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.149) updating on the findings of a review of the Council’s companies at both an entity and group level, and making recommendations on setting up an Oversight Board (referred to as the Shareholder Board).

 

NOTED

 

1.               That Appendix 3 to the report set out the proposed Company reporting structure. In response to a question raised with regard to the Oversight Committee for the Independence and Well Being Company, and HoldCo for energetic; it was noted that subject to the proposed review by the new Shareholder Board, this Oversight Committee might no longer be required.

 

2.               The proposal in recommendation 2.2 of the report that for consistency only one Councillor (Cabinet Member) should sit on each Company Board. Members felt that this proposal should form part of the review to be undertaken by the Shareholder Board to ensure that this proposal would be appropriate for each Company. Members proposed therefore to note rather than agree the proposal at this stage, as reflected in decision 2 below.

 

3.               The proposed timescales for the review and implementation of the proposals in moving forward. It was felt that the proposed review of the current arrangements should start in the current municipal year with a view to the full implementation in the light of the review, starting in the new municipal year.

 

4.               That the initial membership of the Shareholder Board would be:

 

Councillor Achilleas Georgiou (Deputy Leader)

Councillor Daniel Anderson (Cabinet Member for Environment)

Councillor Yasemin Brett (Cabinet Member for Community, Arts and Culture)

Councillor Krystle Fonyonga (Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health

 

The membership would be reviewed at the start of the new municipal year and in the light of the initial review being undertaken.

 

5.               In response to questions raised, it was noted that the Companies were subject to internal audit programmes, as appropriate to the individual Company and, that external auditors were also appointed. Audit reports were publicly available and the Freedom of Information Act principles also applied to the Companies. As a sub-committee of Cabinet, meetings of the Shareholder Board would be held in public, subject to the normal restrictions on part two information.

 

6.               The role of the Shareholder Board as a Cabinet Sub-Committee was outlined and, how this was distinct from the role undertaken by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

 

7.               The success of the companies involved and the need for a strategic overview of them all. The Shareholder Board would consider the strategic direction of each company, set targets, monitor progress and consider areas of mutual benefit and development.

 

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

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed

 

1.               To set up a sub-committee of Cabinet to be referred to as the Shareholder Board, which would take on oversight and, directional responsibilities for all of the Council’s companies. The initial  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

11.

ISSUES ARISING FROM THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

To note that there are currently no issues arising from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for consideration at this meeting.

 

Minutes:

NOTED, that there were currently no issues arising from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for consideration at this meeting.

12.

CABINET AGENDA PLANNING - FUTURE ITEMS pdf icon PDF 135 KB

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

Minutes:

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

13.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 209 KB

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 24 January 2018.

Minutes:

AGREED, that the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 24 January 2018 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

14.

ENFIELD STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

To note that there are no written updates to be received.

Minutes:

NOTED, that there were no written updates to be received at this meeting.

15.

DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS

To note that the next meeting of the Cabinet is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 14 March 2018 at 8.15pm.

Minutes:

AGREED, that the next meeting of the Cabinet take place on Wednesday 14 March 2018 at 8.15pm.

 

NOTED, that the following meeting scheduled for Wednesday 18 April 2018 would start at 7.00pm.

16.

EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

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 2 agenda)

Minutes:

RESOLVED, in accordance with Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the press and the public from the meeting for the items 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).

17.

BUDGET 2018/19 AND MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL PLAN 2018/19 TO 2021/22 (GENERAL FUND)

A report from the Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. This should be read in conjunction with Report No.145, agenda part one refers. (Key decision – reference number 4597)

 

(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.152)

 

 

Minutes:

Councillor Doug Taylor (Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.152). James Rolfe (Executive Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services) outlined the detail of the report for Members’ consideration.

 

NOTED

 

1.               The commercially sensitive information relating to fees and charges, as detailed in the report.

 

2.               That any proposed increases were mainly due to inflation, market and policy changes.

 

Alternative Options Considered: As detailed in Report No.145, Minute No.6 above refers.

 

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL  that the Pest Control, Commercial Waste, Schedule 2 waste, clinical waste, Planning pre-application service, Parks events and outdoor facilities, People Transport Services, Fleet services fees and charges for Environmental Services; as well as the Schools Health and Safety charges and Print Services charges within the Chief Executive’s Department and also the Safe and Connected charges within Finance, Resources and Customer Services be agreed as set out in Section 3 and Appendices 1, 2 and 3 of the report.

 

Reason: As detailed in Report No.145, Minute No.6 above refers.

(Key decision – reference number 4597)

18.

MERIDIAN WATER: PROGRESS UPDATE

To receive, a verbal update on the progress of the Meridian Water project.

 

(This item will contain 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)

 

Minutes:

Gary Barnes (Acting Executive Director of Regeneration and Environment) provided a verbal update to Members on the progress of the Meridian Water project setting out the current position and the next steps. A report would be presented to a future Cabinet meeting, when appropriate.