Agenda and minutes

The election of a Chairman/Deputy Chairman of the meeting was not required. 

The Mayor’s Chaplain to give a blessing. 

Father Emmanuel – Parish Priest of St Edmonds Church, Edmonton, gave the blessing.

The Mayor made the following announcements: 

·              She thanked Father Emmanuel for offering the blessing.

The Mayor highlighted the following achievements:

(a)    Primary School Public Speaking Competition

The Mayor advised that she was delighted to be joined at the meeting by Michael Deane, a pupil at Bowes Primary School, as winner of the Primary Public Speaking Competition.

She then invited Michael to read his winning speech to the Council, with Members warmly congratulating him afterwards on his achievement.

(b)    Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge

The Mayor advised that she was also delighted to welcome Rashawn Grant to the meeting, as winner of the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge.

Rashawn was invited to read his winning entry to the meeting, for which he was also warmly congratulated afterwards by the Council.

(c)    Enfield Youth Parliament

The Mayor welcomed Giles Abban, Jake Orros, Doni Jones & Yousif Alawoad, who she advised had been invited to attend the meeting in order to update Members on the work they had been undertaking as the elected representatives on Enfield Youth Parliament.

The representatives had been elected by over 9000 young people across the borough with the following achievements highlighted as part of the update:

·              inclusion of views from young people in the development of various major regeneration projects across the borough;

·              representation of Enfield Youth Parliament at a number of national and regional youth summits;

·              the election of a representative from Enfield on the UK Youth Parliament;

·              implementation of a national campaign designed to make the education system more relevant to everyday life; and

·              engagement and support for projects under the Invest in Us & I Aspire schemes.

The Mayor and Council thanked the representatives, along with the Youth Workers supporting them, for attending the meeting and the update provided.

Members were reminded that the Mayors Spring Ball would be taking place on Saturday 16^th March at Forty Hall and thanked for their support of the event.

To approve, as a correct record, the minutes of the Council meeting held on Wednesday 30 January 2013.

AGREED that the minutes of the Council meeting held on 30 January 2013 be confirmed and signed as a correct record

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ali Bakir, Jonas Hall, Eric Jukes, Paul McCannah, Daniel Pearce and Rohini Simbodyal.  An apology for lateness was received from Councillor Simon Maynard.

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

Council is asked to note that the Councillor Conduct Committee (14 February 2013) agreed to grant a general dispensation under section 31 (4) (c) of the Councillor Code of Conduct allowing all members to participate in the debate and vote on decisions relating to the setting of the Council Tax, Housing Rents and Members Allowance Scheme.

John Austin (Assistant Director Corporate Governance) reminded members of the requirements within the new Member Code of Conduct, relating to the declaration of interests.  The code had introduced a new category of disclosable pecuniary interests (DPIs) which in effect had replaced the previous category of prejudicial interests, but had not exempted these requirements (as under the previous framework) in relation to decisions on the setting of Council Tax, Housing Rents & Members Allowances.

The Mayor advised that in order to enable members to participate in the debate and vote on the Council Tax, Housing Rents and Members Allowances scheme the Councillor Conduct Committee on 14 February 2013 had agreed to grant a general dispensation under section 31 (4) (c) of the Councillor Code of Conduct which would apply to agenda items 7 & 8.  This would allow all members to participate in the decision on these items and had been approved on the grounds that it would be in the interests of persons living in the Borough for as many members as possible to be able to debate and decide on the issues in question.

Confirmation was provided that Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 would still require any Member who was two or more months in arrears on their Council Tax to declare their position and not vote on any issue that could affect the calculation of the budget or Council Tax (under agenda item 7).

Members were then asked to identify any interests in any other agenda items, with the following declarations made:

Agenda Item 9 : North Circular Area Action Plan Proposed Submission Stage - Councillor Oykener declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest as he was the landlord of a property in the area covered within the Plan.  He did not participate in the debate or vote and withdrew from the meeting for consideration of this item.

Agenda item 10 – Review & Adoption of Statutory Pay Policy Statement – Councillor Laban declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest as her mother was a Council employee.  This item was subsequently withdrawn from consideration at the meeting.

To receive the report of the Director of Finance, Resources & Customer Services presenting for approval the Budget for 2013/14 and Medium Term Financial Plan (General Fund).(Report No.151A)

(Key Decision – Reference No.3620)

Members are asked to note that:

·              Recommendations 2.1 – 2.11 were endorsed and recommended onto Council for formal approval by Cabinet on 13 February 2013.

·              The report will need to be considered in conjunction with Report No.158 on the Part 2 Council agenda

Councillor Taylor moved and Councillor Stafford seconded the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.151A) presenting for approval the Budget for 2013/14 and Medium Term Financial Plan (General Fund).

NOTED

1.      The recommendations within the report (with the exception of 2.12 which had been added for Council) had been endorsed and referred onto Council, at the Cabinet meeting held on 12 February 2013.

2.      The outcome from the budget consultation process undertaken on the proposals for 2013/14, as detailed within section 4 and Appendix 1 of the report.

3.      The ongoing pressures on the Council’s budget as a result of the large scale reduction in local government funding by Central Government and the current economic climate alongside the need to manage increasing levels on demand on services and the negative impact of the funding allocation damping mechanism.

4.            The significant level of savings already delivered and ongoing need for further reductions to be achieved in relation to maintaining a balanced budget position.  It had been recognised that the ongoing strategy to delivery the required level of savings would require hard decisions in relation to service provision but these had and would continue to be undertaken on a prudent basis to avoid creating unnecessary pain and to protect the long term sustainability of services.

5.            The savings identified to date and budget proposals for 2013/14 and beyond had been:

a.      developed to reflect the Administrations key priorities, commitments  and achievements and core aims of Fairness for All; Growth & Sustainability and Strong Communities; and

b.      achieved alongside a further 0% recommended increase in Council Tax and increased satisfaction levels in relation to the management and provision of services by the Council.

6.            The concerns highlighted by the Opposition Group in relation to:

a.            The Strategy in place to continue delivering a balanced budget given the size of the budget deficit and approach outlined within the Council’s budget consultation paper and current Medium Term Financial Plan to 2015-16 and beyond.

b.      The planned management and ongoing use of reserves and balances and provisions being made for future management of the Council’s financial position outside of any borrowing requirement.

c.      The assumptions on which delivery of the 2013/14 budget proposals and Medium Term Financial Strategy had been based, with specific reference to the level of inflation, ability to manage the level of demand on services and generate additional income.

7.      The thanks to Council officers for their support and efforts in delivery of the budget proposals alongside the key achievements made by the current Administration.

AGREED

(1)    to note S106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 which required any Member who was two months or more in arrears on their Council Tax to declare their position and not to vote on any issue that could affect the calculation of the budget or Council tax.

(2)    With regard to the revenue budget for 2013/14:

(a)    The council tax requirement for Enfield be set at £96.343m in 2013/14;

(b)    Subject to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 135.

To receive the joint report of the Directors of Health, Housing & Adult Social Care & Finance, Resources and Customer Services presenting for approval the revenue estimates of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2013/14 and the updated position on the HRA 30 year business plan.

(Report No.152A)

(Key Decision – Reference No.3621)

Members are asked to note that the recommendations in the report were endorsed and approved for recommendation onto Council by Cabinet on 13 February 2013.

Councillor Oykener moved and Councillor Georgiou seconded the joint report of the Directors of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care & Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.152A) presenting for approval the revenue estimates of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2013/14 and the updated position on the HRA 30 year business plan.

NOTED

1.      The recommendations set out in the report had been endorsed and recommended onto Council at the Cabinet meeting held on 13 February 2013.

2.      The background to development of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) estimates and rent setting proposals for 2013/14, which had been designed to reflect:

a.      the introduction of the HRA self financing system; and

b.      the requirements and assumptions within the Council’s HRA Business Plan

3.      In accordance with the HRA Business Plan the proposals for 2013/14 had included an increase in housing rents and service charges.  Whilst the recommended increase had been in line with national social rent policy and government guidelines on self financing it had been set at as minimal a level as possible in order to support ongoing delivery of the Business Plan and the Council’s wider estate regeneration proposals.

4.      The need to recognise the future impact of the Government’s welfare reforms and benefit changes on the HRA, due to be implemented from 2013/14 onwards.

5.      Whilst supportive of the recommendations within the report, concerns were raised by the Opposition Group regarding management of the Council’s overall budget deficit and need to consider alternative methods of addressing demand on services, particularly in relation the provision of temporary accommodation for homeless households.

6.      The thanks to Council officers for their support and efforts in delivery of the budget proposals alongside the key achievements in relation to the housing service.

Following a further period of debate the recommendations in the report were approved, without a vote.

AGREED

(1)    To approve the detailed revenue estimates of the Housing Revenue Account for 2013/14

(2)    That the rents be increased in line with national social rent policy. This would result in an average increase of 3.9% for Enfield tenants.

(3)    That all void properties be re let at target rent.

(4)    The level of service charges for 2013/14 as set out in Paragraph 6.1 of the report for those properties receiving the services.

(5)    The proposals for increases in other income for 2013/14, as detailed in Appendices 2 and 3 of the report.

(6)    The Temporary Accommodation rents for 2013/14, as set out in Appendix 5 of the report.

(7)    The total HRA capital programme of £47.5m.

(8)    To note that Cabinet agreed authority should be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Housing and the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care to approve tenders for Decent Homes and General Works.

To receive a report from the Director of Regeneration Leisure & Culture seeking approval of the proposed submission North Circular Area Action Plan and the subsequent consultation and submission, together with the necessary supporting documents to the Secretary of State for independent examination.

(Report No. 155A)

(Key decision – reference number 3609)

Members are asked to note:

·              the recommendations within the report were endorsed and approved for referral onto Council by Cabinet on 13 February 2013.

·              A copy of the detailed Action Plan will be available (for reference) in the Members Library, Group Offices and also with this agenda via the Democracy page of the Councils website.  If required additional copies will be available by contacting James Kinsella (Governance Team Manager).

Councillor Goddard moved and Councillor Georgiou seconded the report from the Director of Regeneration, Leisure & Culture (No.155A) seeking approval of the proposed submission North Circular Area Action Plan (NCAAP) and the subsequent consultation and submission, together with the necessary supporting documents to the Secretary of State for independent examination.

NOTED

1.      The recommendations within the report had been considered and referred onto Council for approval by Cabinet on 13 February 2013.

2.      The background to preparation of the NCAAP, as detailed in section 3 of the report.

3.      The schedule of minor changes to the Plan set out in section 3.12 of the report, which had been agreed for incorporation into the Plan publication document following consultation with ward councillors, Local Plan Cabinet Sub Committee and Cabinet.

4.      The next steps in the development of the Plan and submission process, as detailed in section 4 of the report, which would include a further period of public consultation on the proposed Submission Area Action Plan.

5.      The concerns highlighted by the Opposition Group at proposal 6 within the minor schedule of changes which would amend the local plan policies map to remove the designated safeguarded line, on adoption of the NCAAP.

As a result of the concerns raised Councillor Prescott moved and Councillor Rye seconded an amendment to the recommendations within the report seeking the inclusion of an additional recommendation requiring an amendment to the NCAAP to avoid it encroaching on site lines.  The amendment was subsequently withdrawn, after a period of further debate, with members noting the opportunity to address the concerns identified through the next stage in the public consultation process.

The recommendations in the report were then approved without a vote, subject to 1 abstention being recorded.

AGREED

(1)    To approve the proposed submission North Circular Area Action Plan (incorporating the changes detailed in section 3.12 of the report) for an extended statutory publication of 7 weeks and subsequent submission to the Secretary of State.

(2)    The Cabinet member for Business & Regeneration be authorised to approve the publication of the Sustainability Appraisal and Equality Impact Assessment of the proposed submission North Circular Area Action Plan.

(3)    The Director of Regeneration, Leisure & Culture, in consultation with the Cabinet member for Business & Regeneration, approve appropriate changes to the proposed submission version of the North Circular Area Action Plan and undertake any further consultation required in the run up to and during the public examination process into the document, in response to representations received, requests from the Planning Inspector and any emerging evidence, guidance or legal advice.  Changes of a substantive nature may be considered by the Local Plan Cabinet Sub Committee.

NOTED in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 8 (page 4-7 – Part 4), the Mayor advised the Council that the time available for the meeting had now elapsed and the remaining items of business would be dealt with in accordance with the expedited procedure.

The remaining items of business were then considered without debate.

To receive the report of the Chief Executive presenting the Council’s Statutory Pay Policy Statement for consideration and approval.            (Report No.171)

Members are asked to note that the draft Policy Statement was considered and approved for recommendation onto Council, at the Remuneration Sub Committee on 12 February 2013.

The Assistant Director Corporate Governance advised that the report from the Chief Executive (No.171) had been withdrawn from the agenda to enable consideration to be given to additional guidance from the Secretary of State received following publication of the report.

To receive the report of the Director of Finance, Resources & Customer Services presenting Enfield Council’s Equality and Diversity Scheme Annual Report 2012.  (Report No.153)

(Non-Key)

Members are asked to note that the report was considered and approved by Cabinet on 13 February 2013 and recommended onto Council for information and noting.

RECEIVED the report of the Director of Finance, Resources & Customer Services (No.153) presenting Enfield Council’s Equality & Diversity Scheme Annual Report 2012.

NOTED that the report was considered and approved by Cabinet on 13 February 2013 and had been referred onto Council for information only.

AGREED to note the Equality & Diversity Annual Report 2012.

12.1    Urgent Questions (Part 4 - Paragraph 9.2.(b) of Constitution – Page 4-9)

With the permission of the Mayor, questions on urgent issues may be tabled with the proviso of a subsequent written response if the issue requires research or is considered by the Mayor to be minor.

Please note that the Mayor will decide whether a question is urgent or not.

The definition of an urgent question is “An issue which could not reasonably have been foreseen or anticipated prior to the deadline for the submission of questions and which needs to be considered before the next meeting of the Council.”

Submission of urgent questions to Council requires the Member when submitting the question to specify why the issue could not have been reasonably foreseen prior to the deadline and why it has to be considered before the next meeting.  A supplementary question is not permitted.

12.2    Councillors’ Questions (Part 4 – Paragraph 9.2(a) of Constitution – Page 4 - 8)

No questions had been submitted for written response at the meeting.

1.1.   Urgent Questions

None received.

1.2.   Questions by Councillors

NOTED that no questions had been submitted for written response.

13.1    In the name of Councillor Goddard

“This Council believes that the recent report, No Stone Unturned - In pursuit of Growth - by the Right Honourable Lord Heseltine, provides a possible framework for sustainable growth not only in the UK but in Enfield and our region and sub region.

This Council endorses the general principle within the report that Local Government (Local and Regional) has the capability to generate growth if only it was supported by Government.

Whilst there may be issues regarding some of the 89 recommendations which may be open to debate, Council calls upon the Government and The Mayor to begin the process of considering and implementing the proposals and therefore suggests to the LGA a range of regional seminars to discuss the report.”

13.2         In the name of Councillor Hamilton

“We ask this Council to note the One Billion Rising Campaign, and the call to end violence against women and girls; and we call on Enfield Council to support the call to introduce statutory provisions to make personal, social and health education, include a zero tolerance approach to violence and abuse in relationships.

We call on this Council to invite a speaker from the national campaign to address the Council meeting in November to mark White Ribbon Day, in recognition that Enfield Council was the first London Authority to be awarded white ribbon status for its work on raising awareness and tackling violence against women and girls.”

The following motions listed on the agenda lapsed due to lack of time:

1.1    In the name of Councillor Goddard

“This Council believes that the recent report, No Stone Unturned - In pursuit of Growth - by the Right Honourable Lord Heseltine, provides a possible framework for sustainable growth not only in the UK but in Enfield and our region and sub region.

This Council endorses the general principle within the report that Local Government (Local and Regional) has the capability to generate growth if only it was supported by Government.

Whilst there may be issues regarding some of the 89 recommendations which may be open to debate, Council calls upon the Government and The Mayor to begin the process of considering and implementing the proposals and therefore suggests to the LGA a range of regional seminars to discuss the report.”

1.2       In the name of Councillor Hamilton

“We ask this Council to note the One Billion Rising Campaign, and the call to end violence against women and girls; and we call on Enfield Council to support the call to introduce statutory provisions to make personal, social and health education, include a zero tolerance approach to violence and abuse in relationships.

We call on this Council to invite a speaker from the national campaign to address the Council meeting in November to mark White Ribbon Day, in recognition that Enfield Council was the first London Authority to be awarded white ribbon status for its work on raising awareness and tackling violence against women and girls.”

To receive the report of the Director of Finance, Resources & Customer Services asking Council to re determine the constitution and political balance of the committees, joint committees and panels that have been set up for the discharge of the Council’s functions, following a recent change in the political makeup of the Council.    TO FOLLOW

(Report No.172)

NOTED that following discussion with both Groups prior to the meeting it had been agreed that the item would now be dealt with under the changes being proposed to Committee Memberships.

To confirm any changes to committee memberships.

AGREED the following changes to committee memberships

(1)    Older People & Vulnerable Adults Scrutiny Panel – Councillor Joannides to be replaced by vacancy

(2)    Pension Fund Board – Councillor Jukes to replace Councillor Hall

(3)    Learning Difficulties Partnership Board – Councillor Joannides to be replaced by a vacancy

(4)    Green Belt Forum – Councillor East to replace Councillor D.Pearce

To confirm any changes to outside body memberships.

AGREED the following changes to the membership of outside bodies:

(1)    Health & Well Being Shadow Board – Councillor Bond (as Cabinet member for Environment) to fill newly created position on Board

(2)    Enfield, Essex & Hertfordshire Border Liaison Group – Councillor Laban to replace Councillor Lamprecht

(3)    Health & Social Partnership Board

(a)    Mental Health – Councillor A.M.Pearce to replace Councillor Joannides

(b)    Carers – Councillor Headley to replace Councillor Joannides

(c)    Older People – Councillor Headley to replace Councillor A.M.Pearce

(4)    Single Homeless Forum – Councillor Smith to replace Councillor Joannides

Council is asked to note the details provided of decisions taken under the Council’s urgency procedure relating to the waiver of call-in and, where necessary, the Forward Plan along with the reasons for urgency.  These decisions have been made in accordance with the urgency procedures set out in Paragraph 17.3 of Chapter 4.2 (Scrutiny) and Paragraph 16 of Chapter 4.6 (Access to Information)of the Council’s Constitution.

NOTED the details of the following decision taken under the Council’s urgency procedure relating to the waiver of call-in and, where necessary, the period of notice for key decisions along with the reasons for urgency. These decision had been made in accordance with the urgency procedures set out in Paragraph 17.3 of Chapter 4.2 (Scrutiny) and Paragraph 16 of Chapter 4.6 (Access to Information) of the Council’s Constitution:

1.      Approval of Project Orders – Primary Expansion Programme (Rule 16)

None received.

None received.  

Members are asked to note that the next meeting of the Council will be held on Wednesday 27 March 2013 at 7.00 p.m. at the Civic Centre. 

NOTED that the next meeting of the Council would be held at 7pm on 27 March 2013 at the Civic Centre.

AGREED to pass a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the item of business listed on part 2 of the agenda on the grounds that it involved 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).

To receive a report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services. This should be read in conjunction with Report No.151A, agenda Part One refers.                                                                                (Report No.158)

(Key decision – reference number 3620)

(This document 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).

Members are asked to note that the recommendation set out in the report was endorsed and recommended for approval to Council, at the Cabinet meeting held on 13 February 2013.

RECEIVED a report from the Director of Finance, Resources & Customer Services (No.158) detailing commercially sensitive information relating to the Pest Control and Commercial Waste Fees and Charges for Environmental Services for 2013/14.

NOTED the report had been submitted in conjunction with Report No151A on the Part 1 agenda (Min.135 refers).  The recommendation in the report had been endorsed and recommended onto Council, at the Cabinet meeting held on 13 February 2013.

AGREED that the Pest Control and Commercial Waste Fees and Changes for Environmental Services be approved for 2013/14, as detailed in section 3.1 of the report.

(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)