Agenda and minutes

The Reverend Martin Legg, Associate Minister, Bush Hill Park United Reform Church gave the blessing.

The Mayor made the following announcements:

·                He thanked the Reverend Martin Legg for offering the blessing.

·                He reminded councillors that the Mayor’s Spring Ball would be taking place on Saturday 29 March 2014 and hoped that all would be able to attend.

·                Members were advised that two long serving officers, Rhoda Aldridge, the Mayor’s Secretary, and Neil Rousell, Director of Regeneration, Leisure and Culture, would be retiring at the end of March 2014.  Personal thanks and best wishes were given to Rhoda Aldridge for the support provided during his time as Mayor and on behalf of all other Mayors with whom she had worked over the years.  Members from both Groups were then given the opportunity to pay their own tributes to both officers.

Councillor Taylor expressed thanks to Rhoda Aldridge, who had started working with the Council in 1987.  He referred to the fact that over her 27 years she had helped to raise more than £630,000 for good causes supported by the Mayors Charity and without her it was not felt that the various Mayors would have been able to fulfil their duties so effectively.  He wished her well for the future and a happy retirement.

Councillor Laban seconded Councillor Taylor’s tribute and thanked Rhoda for her support and work undertaken to support the office of Mayor.

Councillor Goddard gave thanks to Neil Rousell, whom he had known for a long time and who had held many positions at Enfield, both in education and lately regeneration.  He praised his energy, versatility, commitment, judgement and gravitas, skills that he felt were especially useful when dealing with various developers and the Greater London Assembly over the years.  He also wished him well in his retirement.

Councillor Lavender echoed Councillor Goddard’s praises and added his own personal thanks.  Councillor R. Hayward also added his congratulations.

To approve, as a correct record, the minutes of the Council meeting held on Wednesday 29 January 2014.

AGREED that the minutes of the Council meeting held on 29 January 2014 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Before moving on, Councillor Neville raised a point of accuracy regarding Min.106 (1.2) – Motion on privatisation of the Probation Service.  He referred to an exchange of comments during the debate on this item which had led to the Mayor asking the other member concerned to consider withdrawing remarks made during the debate.  Concern was expressed that this request had not been recorded in the minutes.

John Austin (Assistant Director Corporate Governance) advised that the content of the minute was consistent with the style and practice adopted in Enfield for many years and under different Administrations.  If, however, members felt that the minutes did not represent a correct or accurate record of the meeting they would be entitled to agree an appropriate amendment.

Having noted the comments made, the Mayor ruled that as the minutes had already been formally moved, seconded and agreed (without amendment) prior to the point of accuracy having been raised the Council should proceed to the next item of business on the agenda.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ali Bakir, Alan Barker, Chris Bond, Yusuf Cicek, Marcus East, Jonas Hall, Eric Jukes, Jon Kaye, Henry Lamprecht, Paul McCannah, Tom Waterhouse and Lionel Zetter.  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.  This dispensation is in effect until May 2014, so will apply for this meeting.

Council noted that the Councillor Conduct Committee (14 February 2013)  had 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.  Members were advised that the dispensation was in effect until May 2014, so would apply to agenda items 8 & 9.

Members noted the reminder that Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 would, however, 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 8).

Having noted the advice provided, there were no declaration of interests.

To receive a report from the Director of Finance, Resources & Customer Services proposing changes to the Council’s Constitution to incorporate an amendment to the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) Regulations 2014 which came into force on 25th February 2014.  The amended regulations require that a recorded vote is taken in respect of the substantive budget motion and any amendments that are proposed to it.

(Report No.215)

Councillor Simon moved and Councillor Brett seconded the report (No. 215) of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services proposing changes to the Council’s Constitution to incorporate an amendment to the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) Regulations2014, which had come into force on 25 February 2014.

NOTED

1.         The amended regulations, introduced by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), now required that a recorded vote was taken in respect of the Council’s substantive budget motion and any amendments that were proposed to it.

2.         Whilst supportive of the need for transparency in the decision making process, Members expressed concern at the lack of consultation on the Regulations prior to their introduction, which had been undertaken on a mandatory basis by DCLG.

3.         The changes proposed to the Constitution as a result of the Regulations had been detailed in Appendix 1 of the report.  It was proposed to base the recorded vote on a roll call and as no further guidance had been issued the advice was that this would need to apply to votes taken on each specific recommendation within the Budget Setting Report.

AGREED to approve the amendments to the Constitution relating to the introduction of recorded votes on the substantive budget setting motion and any amendments, as required within the Local Authorities (standing orders) (England) Regulations2014 and set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

To receive the report of the Director of Finance, Resources & Customer Services presenting for approval the Budget for 2014/15 and Medium Term Financial Plan (General Fund).            (Report No.178A)

(Key Decision – Reference No.3764)

Members are asked to note that:

·               Recommendations 2.1 – 2.12 (as amended) were endorsed and recommended onto Council for formal approval by Cabinet on 12 February 2014.

·               The report will need to be considered in conjunction with Report No.186A 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.178A) presenting for approval the Budget for 2014/15 and Medium Term Financial Plan (General Fund).

NOTED

1.         The recommendations within the report 2.2 - 2.12 had been endorsed and referred to Council for formal approval by Cabinet on 12 February 2014.

2.         The report was considered in conjunction with Report No.186A on the Part 2 Council agenda (Min.131 refers).

3.         The outcome from the budget consultation process undertaken on the proposals for 2014/15 as detailed within section 4 and Appendix 1 (b) of the report.

3.         The Leader of the Council’s thanks to James Rolfe (Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services) and his officers for the preparation of the budget and to all those who had taken part in the consultation process.

4.         The ongoing pressures on the Council’s budget as a result of the large scale reduction in local government funding by central Government, increasing level of demand on services and the negative impact of the funding allocation damping mechanism.

5.         The prudent and realistic approach highlighted by the Leader of the Council towards management of the Council’s resources and delivery of a balanced budget.  Despite the reductions in funding and pressures created locally by the current economic climate and Government’s welfare reform programme, significant efficiencies had been achieved and the long term sustainability of key services had been maintained alongside a four year freeze in the level of Council Tax.

6.         The approach towards management of the Council’s resources both looking forward within the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) and looking back had been designed to:

a.      reflect the Administration’s key priorities, commitments and core aims of Fairness for All; Growth & Sustainability and Strong Communities; and

b.      provide protection towards social care users, safeguarding for children and those most at risk, as well as keeping the borough clean, tidy and well maintained, running an ambitious cultural and regeneration programme, including projects in Ponders End, Meridian Water, Angel Road, Lea Valley Heat and Power Network, and providing good quality affordable housing whilst reducing costs.

7.      The need to recognise:

a.      the ongoing financial pressure on the Council, which would continue to require difficult and tough decisions in relation to service provision and delivery of the Council’s priorities.

b.      the additional support provided for local business in relation to business rate relief and improvements in Council Tax and debt collection performance

c.       that, whilst borrowing in relation to the Capital Programme would need to be increased, the levels identified remained affordable and within the required prudential indicators.

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

a.         Management and stewardship of the Council’s resources by the current Administration and ability of the MTFP to address the significant funding gap identified from 2015-16 and beyond in relation to both the Revenue and Capital Programme.

b.      what was felt to be the limited nature and choices  ...  view the full minutes text for item 119.

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 2014/15 and the updated position on the HRA 30 year business plan.

(Report No.179A)

(Key Decision – Reference No.3855)

Members are asked to note that the recommendations in the report were endorsed and approved for recommendation onto Council by Cabinet on 12 February 2014.

Councillor Oykener moved and Councillor Georgiou seconded the joint report of the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care & Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.179A) presenting for approval the revenue estimates of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2014/15 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 to Council at the Cabinet meeting held on 12 February 2014.

2.      The background to the proposed rent charges for 2014/15, as detailed within section 5 and Appendix 5 of the report.  The 2014/15 rent level had been subject to an average increase of 4.6% but this had been in line with national social housing rent policy and compared well with other local authorities.  The increase also reflected the continued convergence towards formula rents by 2015/16.

3.      The background to the proposed service charges for 2014/15, as detailed within section 6 of the report.

4.      The Housing Revenue Account Business Plan had been updated to reflect the new level of rents and service charges and progress on delivery of the estate renewal and decent homes programme.

5.      The efficiencies achieved in relation to the reduction in Enfield Homes Management fee for 2014/15, as detailed within section 14 of the report.

6.      No change was being proposed in relation to Temporary Accommodation rents for 2014/15, as detailed within section 10 of the report.

7.      Whilst supportive of the recommendations within the report (recognising the convergence towards formula rents), concerns were raised by the Opposition Group regarding:

a.      the increase in borrowing identified in relation to the HRA Capital Programme  and Government cap, particularly in relation to the affordability of the proposals for investment in the private rented sector approved by Cabinet (12 February 14); and

b.      following on from a. above, the overall approach towards dealing with the increasing demand and cost on Temporary Accommodation and need to consider a wider range of alternative options, including a council house building programme and working more closely with other local authorities to free up additional land for development.

8.      In response to the concerns raised under 7. above, the Deputy Leader highlighted a need to recognise the work undertaken by the Council to tackle the number of households within Temporary Accommodation and impact of the Government’s welfare reform programme and funding allocation in terms of creating additional pressure.  The proposals for investing in the private sector had been subject to detailed financial modelling and designed as an option for addressing these pressures.

9.      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 2014/15

(2)    That the rents be increased in line with national social rent policy. This would result  ...  view the full minutes text for item 120.

NOTED that in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 8 (page 4-8 – Part 4), the Mayor advised that the time available for the meeting had now elapsed.

The remaining items of business on the agenda were therefore considered without debate.

To receive a report from the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care & Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Care seeking approval to inclusion of the borrowing requirement for the investment in private rented sector scheme on the Capital Programme.      (Report No.184A)

Please note Report No.189A on the Part 2 agenda also refers.

Members are asked to note that the recommendations in the report were approved by Cabinet on 12 February 2014.  Council is only being asked to approve the addition of the borrowing requirement for the scheme on the Council’s Capital Programme.  (Key Decision – Reference Number 3782)

RECEIVED the joint report (Report No. 184A) from the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and Director of Finance and Resources and Customer Care seeking approval to the inclusion of the borrowing requirement for the investment in the private rented sector scheme on the Capital Programme.

NOTED

1.         The investment in Private Rented Sector scheme had been approved by Cabinet on 12 February 2014, with Council only being asked to approve the addition of the borrowing requirement for the scheme on the Council’s Capital Programme. 

2.         The provision of supporting information on the financial borrowing requirement within Item 2 on the Part 2 Council agenda (Min.132 refers).

AGREED that approval be given to the addition of the borrowing requirement identified, for the investment in the Private Rented Sector scheme, to the capital works programme, as detailed within Report No.189A on the Part 2 agenda (Min.132 refers).

To receive the report of the Chief Executive presenting the Council’s Statutory Pay Policy Statement for consideration and approval.                      (Report No.216)

Members are asked to note that the draft Policy Statement was considered and approved for recommendation onto Council, at the Remuneration Sub Committee on 3 February 2014.

RECEIVED the report of the Chief Executive (No.216) presenting the Council’s Annual Statutory Pay Policy Statement for consideration and approval.

NOTED that the policy statement and proposed amendments (as detailed within section 3 of the report) had been considered and approved for recommendation on to Council, by the Remuneration Sub Committee held on 3 February 2014.

AGREED to adopt the Statutory Pay Policy Statement attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

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)

The list of sixty one questions received and their written responses are attached to the agenda.

1.1.   Urgent Questions

None received.

1.2.   Questions by Councillors

NOTED the sixty one questions on the Council agenda and written responses provided by the relevant Cabinet Member or Scrutiny Chair.

13.1    In the name of Councillor Sitkin:

“This Council notes how reduced central government funding of Enfield, including the 7% grant damping, has diminished the resources available to local residents.  It asserts that there are alternative sources that central government could mobilise, specifically a Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) on the speculative activities that have accelerated the enrichment of the few to the detriment of the many.  It therefore calls upon the government to levy the FTT and use the proceeds to increase central grants to local authorities like Enfield.”

13.2    In the name of Councillor Rye:

“Enfield Council appreciates the hard work of its staff, especially during a period when frequently the Council has to deliver good quality services with less resources.”

13.3    In the name of Councillor Orhan:

“Increasingly this Council is having to support families whose immigration status has not been resolved by Government. Currently, the Council is supporting 105 families, an increase on last year.

Undoubtedly this is a difficult position for these families as they are in a state of limbo. Some have been in this position for almost 5 years. As their immigration status remains unresolved, this Council is obliged under legislation to provide, social care, housing and education for these families and their children.

There is an estimated cost to the Council of £1,037,408.00 for the financial year 2013/2014.

The Council agrees that the Leader of the Council should pursue this with the objective of resolving the situation for these families, and gaining reimbursement from the Government for costs the Council has incurred.”

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

1.1       In the name of Councillor Sitkin:

“This Council notes how reduced central government funding of Enfield, including the 7% grant damping, has diminished the resources available to local residents.  It asserts that there are alternative sources that central government could mobilise, specifically a Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) on the speculative activities that have accelerated the enrichment of the few to the detriment of the many.  It therefore calls upon the government to levy the FTT and use the proceeds to increase central grants to local authorities like Enfield.”

1.2       In the name of Councillor Rye:

“Enfield Council appreciates the hard work of its staff, especially during a period when frequently the Council has to deliver good quality services with less resources.”

1.3       In the name of Councillor Orhan:

“Increasingly this Council is having to support families whose immigration status has not been resolved by Government. Currently, the Council is supporting 105 families, an increase on last year.

Undoubtedly this is a difficult position for these families as they are in a state of limbo. Some have been in this position for almost 5 years. As their immigration status remains unresolved, this Council is obliged under legislation to provide, social care, housing and education for these families and their children.

There is an estimated cost to the Council of £1,037,408.00 for the financial year 2013/2014.

The Council agrees that the Leader of the Council should pursue this with the objective of resolving the situation for these families, and gaining reimbursement from the Government for costs the Council has incurred.”

To confirm any changes notified to committee memberships

There were no changes to committee memberships. 

To confirm any changes to outside body memberships.

There were no changes to outside body memberships. 

Members are asked to note that the next meeting of the Council will be held on Wednesday 2 April 2014 at 7.00 p.m. at the Civic Centre. 

NOTED that the next meeting of the Council would be held at 7pm on Wednesday 2 April 2014 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 items of business listed on part 2 of the agenda on the grounds that they 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 seeking approval, as part of the 2014/15 Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan, to fees and charges for Environmental Services.

The report will need to be considered in conjunction with Report No.178A on the Part 1 Council agenda.                                                                                                          (Report No.186A)

(Key decision – reference number 3764)

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 12 February 2014.

(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).

RECEIVED a report from the Director of Finance, Resources & Customer Services (No.186A) detailing information relating to the Pest Control, Commercial Waste, Sports Pitches and Schools Health and Safety Fees and Charges for Environmental Services for 2014/15.

NOTED the report had been submitted in conjunction with Report No178A on the Part 1 agenda (Min.119 refers).  The recommendation in the report had been endorsed and recommended onto Council, at the Cabinet meeting held on 12 February 2014.

AGREED that the Pest Control, Commercial Waste, Sports Pitches and Schools Health and Safety Fees and Changes for Environmental Services be approved, 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)

In accordance with the newly introduced Standing Order Regulations 2014 the vote recorded in relation to above decision was as follows:

For: 31

Councillor Kate Anolue

Councillor Catriona Bearryman

Councillor Yasemin Brett

Councillor Jayne Buckland

Councillor Alev Cazimoglu

Councillor Bambos Charlambous

Councillor Christopher Cole

Councillor Andreas Constantinides

Councillor Christopher Deacon

Councillor Christiana During

Councillor Patrician Ekechi

Councillor Achilleas Georgiou

Councillor Del Goddard

Councillor Christine Hamilton

Councillor Ahmet Hasan

Councillor Tahsin Ibrahim

Councillor Nneka Keazor

Councillor Dino Lemonides

Councillor Derek Levy

Councillor Donald McGowan

Councillor Chris Murphy

Councillor Ayfer Orhan

Councillor Ahmet Oykener

Councillor Geoffrey Robinson

Councillor George Savva

Councillor Rohini Simbodyal

Councillor Toby Simon

Councillor Alan Sitkin

Councillor Andrew Stafford

Councillor Doug Taylor

Councillor Ozzie Uzoanya

Against: 0

Abstentions:  17

Councillor Lee Chamberlain

Councillor Anwar Chaudhury

Councillor Ingrid Cranfield

Councillor Don Delman

Councillor Elaine Hayward

Councillor Robert Hayward

Councillor Ertan Hurer

Councillor Joanne Laban

Councillor Michael Lavender

Councillor Simon Maynard

Councillor Terence Neville

Councillor Anne Marie Pearce

Councillor Daniel Pearce

Councillor Martin Prescott

Councillor Michael Rye

Councillor Edward Smith

Councillor Glynis Vince

ENTo receive a report from the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care & Director of Finance, Resources and Customer providing details of the borrowing requirement for the investment in private rented sector scheme.

(Report No.189A)

Please note Report No.184A on the Part 1 agenda also refers.

Members are asked to note that the recommendations in the report were approved by Cabinet on 12 February 2014, with Council being asked to approve the addition of the borrowing requirement for the scheme on the Council’s Capital Programme.  (Key Decision – Reference Number 3782)

(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).

RECEIVED a joint report (Report No. 189A) from the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services providing further details of the borrowing requirement for the Investment in Private Rented Scheme.

NOTED the report had been submitted for consideration in conjunction with Report 184A on the Part 1 Agenda. (Min.122 refers).

AGREED

(1)     To approve the addition of the capital borrowing requirement detailed within the report, to the capital works programme over a five year period  and to note that a phased approach would be taken to the purchase of properties, based on housing need and market availability.

(2)     To note that the terms and content of borrowing decisions would be subject to the Council’s existing governance and Treasury Management arrangements.

The above recommendations were put to the vote and approved with the following result:

For: 31

Against: 0

Abstentions: 15

(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).