Agenda for Council on Wednesday, 14th June, 2017, 7.00 pm

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Silver Street, Enfield, EN1 3XA. View directions

Contact: Penelope Williams  Email: penelope.williams@enfield.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

1.

Election if Required of the Chair/Deputy Chair of the Meeting

Minutes:

Not required. 

2.

Mayor's Chaplain to give a Blessing

Minutes:

Ian Gallagher from St James’ Church, Enfield Highway and Brimsdown, gave the blessing. 

3.

Mayor's Announcements in Connection with the Ordinary Business of the Council

Minutes:

The Mayor welcomed everyone to the meeting. 

 

The Mayor began by reflecting on the terrible atrocities in Manchester and London Bridge which had left the whole country in turmoil.  She said such terrible acts of violence are not to be tolerated.  She had visited Manchester on Thursday 25 May 2017 (a personal event booked to launch Women at the Game) and laid flowers on behalf of Enfield Council.  The Mayor had been devastated to have had to do the same again on 5 June 2017 when she had attended the London Vigil with Councillor Doug Taylor to offer condolences to those affected by the atrocities at London Bridge.  She said “Our thoughts go out to all those families and friends affected”. 

 

The Mayor referred to the terrible knife murders that had taken place in the borough and commended the excellent work of the police force in tackling them, head on with courage and strength.  As well as showing respect and trust to parents/teachers and residents, in the areas affected.  She noted, with admiration, that residents themselves had led a number of events to raise awareness and to bring about a change in knife crime. 

 

The Mayor was sure that everyone would join with her in expressing sympathy to all those involved in the terrible fire in West London, that had occurred on the day of the meeting, and, once again, in expressing thanks to our wonderful emergency services. 

 

1.               Events since Annual Council on 10 May 2017

 

12 May 2017 – the Mayor had attended the Chance UK AGM.  The Mayor said that she was so grateful to them for the wonderful work that they did.

 

The Night Hike (in aid of the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre) – which the Mayor had unfortunately not been able to walk herself this year, but at which she had been glad to be represented by so many others.

 

1 June 2017 Grand Opening Ceremony at the Hindu Temple which she had been delighted to take part in.  The Mayor said that there had been some truly magnificent dancing and that she was so pleased that these cultural celebrations were taking place in our diverse borough. 

 

Garden Party and Annual Mayor’s Day at Capel Manor both events had been a real treat and the Mayor congratulated Capel Manor for arranging these worthwhile occasions, which were always so enjoyable. 

 

6 June 2017 - Finale of the Living a Healthy Life at Community House, Edmonton, where she had been treated to a healthy lunch.  She hoped to keep up with the healthy eating theme. 

 

12 June 2017 – Official Opening of Monmouth Road Green - the Mayor had been pleased to open this space with local school children, for young and old to enjoy, alongside the restored crescent which made a beautiful addition to Edmonton. 

 

13 June 2017 - New View 50 – a campaign designed to showcase the top 50 public sector leaders from the BAME (Black and Minority Ethnic) community.  However she felt that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

4.

Apologies

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bakir, David-Sanders, During, Hurman, Jukes, Lavender, Neville, Orhan and Simon. 

5.

Minutes of the Meetings held on 10 May 2017 pdf icon PDF 120 KB

5.1           To approve the minutes of the Extraordinary Council meeting held on 10 May 2017 at 6pm as a correct record.

 

5.2           To approve the minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 10 May 2017 at 7pm as a correct record. 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of the following meetings were agreed as a correct record.

 

1.               Extraordinary Council Meeting – Wednesday 10 May 2017 at 6pm

2.               Annual Council Meeting – Wednesday 10 May 2017 at 7pm. 

6.

Declaration of Interests

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

Minutes:

Councillor Alessandro Georgiou declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in Item 8.7 - Motion in the name of Councillor Joanne Laban - concerning extension of the Mayor of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone.  The company for which he worked had a client who was involved in the industry. 

7.

Opposition Priority Business - Knife Crime in Enfield pdf icon PDF 146 KB

The Council rules relating to Opposition Priority Business are attached for information.

 

Due to Parliamentary General Election Purdah restrictions the Opposition Priority Business Paper will be published as a “to follow” paper after the General Election on Friday 9 June 2017. 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Laban introduced the issues paper, prepared by the Opposition Group.

 

Issues highlighted were as follows: 

 

1.               The duty of the Opposition was to bring forward for debate, issues that were important to the local community.  Knife crime was felt to be one such issue.

 

2.               Over the last 3 months knife crime had become a regular occurrence:  there had been six incidents since April 2017, with three incidents recently happening in one week.  These incidents were destroying the lives of victims, their families and their communities and affecting the reputation of the borough.  Concerns had also been bought up in the recent General Election Campaign.

 

3.               This was not a party political issue, but was something where the parties should work together, on behalf of residents, to find out why it was happening and what could be done to prevent it. 

 

4.               In 2008, following a previous spate of violent crime, the cross party Life Opportunities for Young People in Enfield Commission had been set up, producing a report with recommendations including on care and support within the family, housing, health care, education and attainment, leisure, work, safety and security, supporting the third sector and improving the inclusion of disengaged and alienated communities.  Times had moved on since then and resources were under greater pressure. 

 

5.               A new strategy of action was now required, this was felt to be a borough emergency and all (the police, the community and the council, the GLA and the Conservative Government) should work together to promote action to tackle the incidents of violent crime.

 

6.               The Council should increase closer working with local agencies and schools to make people feel safe in their communities.  Councillors were asked to come together and to agree the recommendations in the Opposition Business Paper. 

 

Councillor Fonyonga, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health, responded on behalf of the Majority Group highlighting: 

 

1.               That she was disappointed in the OPB paper as it did not suggest anything new:  all the recommendations included in the paper were, in her opinion, already being implemented. 

 

2.               A public meeting involving senior representatives from the Metropolitan Police had been held last month, with both the current and former MP attending and a second had been organised for the following week. 

 

 

3.               The scrutiny structure existed to examine issues on a bi partisan basis. 

 

4.               Cressida Dick, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, was currently well aware of the need for more police resources and has herself written to the Prime minister to ask for more. 

 

5.               Members and officers were in contact with and had already met Sophie Linden, the Deputy Mayor for Policing, and future meetings had been arranged.  The Deputy Mayor was also limited in what she could do because of lack of funding. 

 

6.               Schools and youth institutions already worked closely with the police and had been doing so for many years.  Operation Crest, an initiative to combat youth violence and reduce knife crime had been delivered to around 3,000  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.

Change in the Order of Business

Minutes:

Councillor Stewart moved and Councillor Taylor seconded a proposal under paragraph 2.2(B) of the Council procedure rules to change the order of items on the agenda to take the urgent motion first, followed by an urgent question and then by motions 8.3, 8.5 and 8.8 as the next items of business.

 

The change in the order was agreed, after a vote, with the following outcome:

 

For:  33

Against:  0

Abstentions:  18  

 

The minutes reflect the order of the meeting. 

9.

Motions

Motion 8.1:  In the name of Councillor Nesimi Erbil

 

“When visiting the Council’s reception area, I am aware that some residents struggle to communicate, as English is not their first Language.

 

This motion is asking the Council, as a matter of urgency to hire staff who are multi-lingual and can communicate using sign language on the Civic Centre Reception.”

 

Motion 8.2: In the name of Councillor Krystle Fonyonga

 

Due to Parliamentary General Election Purdah restrictions, this motion on police numbers, will be published after the general election on Friday 9 June 2017. 

 

Motion 8.3: In the name of Councillor Doug Taylor

 

“Enfield Council expresses its sincere condolences to all those who suffered injury or loss in the Manchester terrorist attack and the London Bridge attack. 

 

Attacks on the fabric of our society cannot be tolerated but social cohesion cannot be allowed to be fractured by those who seek to divide us.

 

Enfield reaffirms its commitment to stronger communities.”

 

Motion 8.4: In the name of Councillor Ayfer Orhan

 

“This Council notes the new Government’s manifesto pledges on Education and the impact this will have on schools’ budgets in Enfield.”

 

Motion 8.5: In the name of Councillor Doug Taylor

 

“Enfield Council notes the manifesto pledges made by the new Government in terms of the effect on local government”.

 

Motion 8.6:  In the name of Councillor Ayfer Orhan

 

“This Council notes the new Government’s manifesto pledges on Free School Meals and the impact it will have on pupils”.

 

Motion 8.7:  In the name of Councillor Joanne Laban

 

“Enfield Council believes that air quality is an important issue in our borough. However the Mayor of London’s proposal to extend the Ultra-Low Emission Zone to the North Circular is not the solution that Enfield requires. Enfield Council agrees to seek alternative measures that will make a real difference to Enfield residents.”

 

Motion 8.8:  In the name of Councillor Edward Smith

 

“The Council welcomes the petition by the Enfield Borough Over 50s Forum for Fairer Funding which has now reached its target of 10,000 signatures. The Council resolves to set up a bi-partisan working party to address the unfair nature of the Government’s funding formula as it affects local government in Greater London.”

Minutes:

Urgent Motion

 

Council noted that the Mayor had agreed to accept an urgent motion under Part 4 paragraph 11.6 of the constitution. 

 

The motion had been accepted as urgent, as notice as under Part 4, Paragraph 11 could not reasonably have been given for the following reasons: 

 

1.               Because the London attack occurred after the normal deadline for the receipt of motions (Friday 2 June 2017), it could not have been foreseen.

 

2.               The matter could not wait until the next council meeting because the attack had elevated the need for urgent action to be taken by the Council to address this issue of public safety, as an emergency.

 

Urgent motion in the name of Councillor Fonyonga:

 

Councillor Fonyonga moved and Councillor Georgiou seconded the following urgent motion: 

 

“The terror attack in London Bridge, combined with the recent spate of knife crimes across London confirm the need for a properly funded police service to be a priority. Suitably resourced neighbourhood policing is clearly essential to the ability of the police to gather sufficient intelligence to prevent crimes and help keep us safe.  

 

Enfield council is therefore disgusted by the disgraceful, short-sighted and dangerous cuts to police funding by the Conservative government since 2010, which have put the safety of our residents at risk.

 

This Council calls on the leaders of both the Labour and Conservative group in Enfield to send an urgent joint letter to the Home Secretary calling for:

 

1) an immediate commitment from the government to substantially increase their funding to the police

 

2) the national Resource Allocation Formula to be re-run to ensure that Enfield are finally allocated our fair share of police resources.”

 

Councillor Laban moved an amendment to the urgent motion, seconded by Councillor Jason Charalambous.  The amendment proposed was to remove the following paragraph from the above motion:

 

“Enfield council is therefore disgusted by the disgraceful, short-sighted and dangerous cuts to police funding by the Conservative government since 2010, which have put the safety of our residents at risk”.

 

Following the debate the amendment was put to the vote and not agreed with the following result:

 

For:  18

Against:  33

Abstentions:  0

 

A vote was then taken on the un-amended substantive motion.  This was agreed with the following result:

 

For:  33

Against:  18

Abstentions:  0

10.

Councillor Question Time pdf icon PDF 380 KB

9.1     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.

 

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

 

The list of questions and their written responses will be published on Tuesday 13 June 2017. 

Minutes:

1.       Urgent Questions

 

Council noted that the Mayor had agreed to accept the following urgent questions below (under Part 4 – Paragraph 9.2 (b) of the Constitution for the following reason:

 

This was an issue that could not reasonably have been foreseen or anticipated prior to the deadline for the submission of questions and which needed to be considered before the next meeting of the Council.  The fire at Grenfell Tower happened in the early hours of the morning of the 14 June 2017. 

 

1.               Question from Councillor Levy to Councillor Taylor, Leader of the Council

“Would the Leader of the Council, on behalf of the people of Enfield, please provide a statement in reaction to the horrendous fire that occurred overnight at Grenfell Tower in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea?”

 

Reply from Councillor Taylor: 

 

“Councillor Taylor began by saying that his thoughts and prayers were with the people who had been affected by this unimaginable horror.  He also paid tribute to the emergency services.  He felt it was too early to draw simple conclusions and there would be time for a proper reflection on the causes, but he wanted to give some reassurance to members.

 

Enfield had 52 high rise blocks which each received a fire risk assessment every year.  The Council worked in partnership with the London Fire Brigade on a Partnership Board which enabled the Council to learn from events and to share best practice. 

 

There was a programme to install emergency lighting in all high rise blocks which did not have them and in the interim the Council was installing photoluminescent strips pending full wired installations. 

 

A fire door replacement programme for all flats without fire doors was carried out between 2010 and 2012.  This included providing doors for leaseholders at no extra cost to them.  Every flat also had a hard wired smoke alarm.

 

Twenty blocks had been clad since 2007 and officers were double checking fire safety compliance on all of these – this would have been a clear contractual requirement. 

 

The fire brigade used a hydrant supply to access water in an emergency, residential low pressure issues would not affect this access.

 

Cleaners inspect tower blocks every day as part of their cleaning rota and liaise with residents to maintain safety standards.

 

Following the tragic events, officers were arranging a top to bottom audit of all tower blocks and hoped to complete this in the next two days. 

 

Councillor Taylor said that he would ensure that members were appraised in due course when he was in a better position to report what further actions, if any, may be required to ensure the safety of Enfield residents. 

 

Officers would be supporting the pan London actions arising from the temporary crisis and he shared their desire to support our London neighbours at this difficult time.  This was a terribly tragic event from which everyone must learn lessons, upon which the Council would act. 

 

2.               Question from Councillor Laban to Councillor Taylor, Leader of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

11.

Motions

Minutes:

Motion 8.3: In the name of Councillor Doug Taylor

 

Councillor Taylor moved and Councillor Laban seconded the following motion: 

 

“Enfield Council expresses its sincere condolences to all those who suffered injury or loss in the Manchester terrorist attack and the London Bridge attack. 

 

Attacks on the fabric of our society cannot be tolerated but social cohesion cannot be allowed to be fractured by those who seek to divide us.

 

Enfield reaffirms its commitment to stronger communities.”

 

Following a debate, the motion was put to the vote and agreed unanimously with cross party support. 

 

Motion 8.5: In the name of Councillor Doug Taylor

 

Councillor Taylor moved and Councillor Bambos Charalambous seconded an alteration to the motion: 

 

“Enfield Council notes the manifesto pledges made by the new Government in terms of the effect on local government”.

 

The motion was altered as follows: 

 

“Enfield Council notes the manifesto pledges made by the Conservative Party who are seeking to form a Government with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

 

Enfield Council agrees to continue to press individually and via London Councils for the needs of our residents and oppose policies against the interests of the local community, particularly which undermine fairness, sustainable and stronger communities and growth.”

 

Following a debate, the altered motion was put to the vote and agreed with the following result:

 

For:  32

Against:  0

Abstentions:  18

 

Motion 8.8:  In the name of Councillor Edward Smith

 

Councillor Smith moved and Councillor Anne Marie Pearce seconded the following motion: 

 

“The Council welcomes the petition by the Enfield Borough Over 50s Forum for Fairer Funding which has now reached its target of 10,000 signatures. The Council resolves to set up a bi-partisan working party to address the unfair nature of the Government’s funding formula as it affects local government in Greater London.”

 

Councillor Taylor moved and Councillor Achilleas Georgiou seconded an amendment to the motion to read: 

 

“The Council welcomes the petition by the Enfield Borough Over 50s Forum for Fairer Funding which has now reached its target of 10,000 signatures. The Council resolves to support set up a bi-partisan cross boroughworking party to address the unfair nature of the Government’s funding formula as it affects local government in Outer Greater London.”

 

Following the debate the amendment was put to the vote and agreed unanimously with cross party support.

 

The amended motion was then put to the vote and agreed unanimously with cross party support. 

 

DURATION OF THE TIME ALLOCATED FOR MOTIONS

 

The Mayor advised at this stage of the meeting that the time available for motions had now elapsed, so Council procedure rule 9 would apply.

 

NOTED that in accordance with Council procedure rule 9 the remaining motions lapsed due to lack of time.

 

Motion 8.1:  In the name of Councillor Nesimi Erbil

 

“When visiting the Council’s reception area, I am aware that some residents struggle to communicate, as English is not their first Language.

 

This motion is asking the Council, as a matter of urgency to hire staff who are multi-lingual  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

12.

Councillor Question Time

Minutes:

1.1           Questions by Councillors

 

NOTED

 

1.               The forty questions on the Council agenda and written responses provided by the relevant Cabinet Members. 

 

2.               The revised table provided below which replaced the table provided as the original response to question 28. 

 

Question 28 – from Councillor Laban to Councillor Sitkin, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Business Development

 

Mayor's office cost in allowances, expenses and staffing during the years 2014/15, 2015/16 and 2016/17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2014/5

2015/6

2016/7

 

 

 

 

Staffing costs

73,964

86,738

80,522

 

 

 

 

Mayor's Allowances

14,788

14,788

14,788

Deputy Mayor's allowances

5,876

5,876

5,876

Other Costs

10,435

14,515

10,369

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

105,063

121,917

111,555

 

The other costs cover a range of expenditure including the Mayoral car and driver, staff mobile phones, insurance, events costs, printing and photocopying.

 

3.               The following supplementary questions and responses received, for the questions indicated below:

 

Question 1 (Results of Enfield Lock By Election) from Councillor Maguire to Councillor Taylor, Leader of the Council

 

Can I thank the Leader of the Council for that information and I am sure he agrees that is an excellent result and congratulations to Councillor Erbil.  Would Councillor Taylor remind members of the achievements of this Labour administration that have led to the people of Enfield giving this Council this vote of confidence? 

 

Reply from Councillor Taylor

 

“This is a fantastic achievement following eight years in office and reflects the improvements in education and council housing which have been achieved, despite reduced funding.  Our policies have been endorsed by the electorate in the election of Councillor Elif Erbil at Enfield Lock.  That is a great day for Enfield and long may it continue.  He expressed concern that if things carried on in this way, there would be no Tories left in Enfield”. 

 

Question 4 (New Telephony System) from Councillor Laban to Councillor Achilleas Georgiou, Deputy Leader. 

 

“In the response it is stated that the system is due to go live in June, as it is now June, when will this happen?”

 

Reply from Councillor Achilleas Georgiou

 

“The system is ready to go live”. 

 

Question 5 (Encouraging people to vote) from Councillor Jemal to Councillor Achilleas Georgiou, Deputy Leader

 

“Was the outcome of the voter registration campaign positive?”

 

Reply from Councillor Achilleas Georgiou

 

“Lots of time and effort has been spent calculating how to get people to register to vote and encouraging them to vote using many different methods including effectively social media.  The campaign was successful as more people voted. The result proved it not just because of the election of three Labour MPs in Enfield.  There was a high turnout across the borough.  People were motivated and the Council did work hard to encourage people to vote and when people work hard to encourage them, more people are motivated to go out and vote.”

 

Question 9 (Financial Outturn 2016/17) from Councillor Keazor to Councillor Lemonides, Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency

 

“What does the level spend outturn look like and how have we achieved it?” 

 

Reply from Councillor Lemonides

 

“For the past  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

13.

Committee Membership

To confirm the following change to Committee memberships:

 

·       Enfield Strategic Partnership:  Councillor Taylor to replace Councillor Sitkin. 

 

Any other changes received after the agenda has been published will be tabled on the Council update sheet at the meeting. 

Minutes:

AGREED to confirm the following changes to Committee Memberships:

 

·       Enfield Strategic Partnership – Councillor Taylor to replace Councillor Sitkin

·       Planning Committee – Councillor Elif Erbil to fill the vacancy. 

14.

Nominations to Outside Bodies

To confirm any changes notified to the nominations on outside bodies.

 

No changes have been notified to date.  Any changes notified once the agenda is published will be tabled on the Council update sheet at the meeting. 

Minutes:

There were no changes to the nominations to outside bodies. 

15.

Independent Person - Extension of Term of Appointment pdf icon PDF 196 KB

To receive a report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services recommending a 2 year extension to term of appointment of one of the Council’s Independent Person’s.                         (Report No: 7)

 

There is no statutory limit on the length of time an Independent Person can serve and the members of the Councillor Conduct Committee felt this extension would enable the Council to retain the knowledge and experience gained in the role.

 

Recommendation:  Council is therefore asked to approve the extension of the term of appointment for Christine Chamberlain as an Independent Person for a two year period expiring on 30 June 2019.

Minutes:

Councillor Stewart moved and Councillor Vince seconded the report of the Executive Director Finance, Resources and Customer Services recommending a two year extension to the appointment of Christine Chamberlain, Independent Person. 

 

AGREED to extend the term of appointment of Christine Chamberlain (Independent Person) by two years to 30 June 2019. 

16.

Called in Decisions

None received. 

Minutes:

None received. 

17.

Date of Next Meeting

Members are asked to note that the next ordinary meeting of the Council is due to take place on Wednesday 19 July 2017 at 7pm at Enfield Civic Centre. 

Minutes:

NOTED that the date of the next ordinary Council meeting would take place on Wednesday 19 July 2017 at 7pm at the Civic Centre.