Agenda for Council on Tuesday, 19th September, 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.

The Mayor's Chaplain to give a Blessing

Minutes:

The Mayor’s Chaplain, Martin Legg, an Independent Lay Preacher gave the blessing. 

3.

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

Minutes:

The Mayor welcomed everyone to the meeting and hoped that they had enjoyed the summer. 

 

1.              Engagements since the last Council meeting

 

Since the last meeting the Mayor and Deputy Mayor had attended five citizenship ceremonies.  The Mayor said that she had been pleased to see so many people being made citizens of the borough, arriving with a sense of pride, in their finery. 

 

Other engagements included:

 

·         Events at Forty Hall including Love Forty Hall Park Day, Reggae on the Lawn and Spirit of Ukraine.  There was a great turn out from all over Enfield. 

·         11th Annual Chariot Festival

·         Opening of the Marketplace Summer Fun Fair

·         Mayor’s Fun Run 17 September 2017 where hundreds of residents, including many of the Mayor’s own family had taken part.  The Mayor said that she was pleased to see how much support the Mayor had and that she had already put herself down to take part next year - in the 3K not the 10K. 

·         Livestock Music Festival on 29 July 2017 – a great success.

·         Launch of the Camden Brewery in Enfield

·         Bangla Mela – an exciting event

·         Enfield Town Football Club – The Mayor said that she was a keen supporter of the club and tried to get to as many home games as possible.  That night Enfield Town had been playing against Hanwell Town in an FA Cup game.  The Mayor regretted that she was not able to attend. 

·         Inauguration of the Defibrillator Kiosk in the Enfield Town Marketplace.

·         Masta Plasta Event – presenting the Queen’s Award for Enterprise at Broomfield Park.  The Mayor expressed delight that such excellent work was being produced in the borough. 

·         Canning Square Fun Day – a great morning out with residents celebrating their community

 

The Deputy Mayor had attended: 

 

·         The Enfield Carnival in August 2017 where she had a thoroughly great time

·         The Arts and Photography Exhibition organised by Park Avenue Physical Disability Resource Centre – where she had been amazed at the work that had been produced.

·         The Toddler, Baby and Bump Show at the Dugdale Centre – another exceptional event.

 

In September the Mayor also visited Gladbeck, Enfield’s twin town in Germany, with Councillor Eric Jukes and Paul Everitt, Arts and Culture Manager.  The Mayor said that it was an interesting experience and she was hopeful that some mutual joint working could be achieved for the future. 

 

2.              Mayor’s Charity

 

The Mayor said that her charity was now gathering speed and there were some exciting events due to take place in the coming months. 

 

Over £1,000 had been raised at the Quiz Night on the 28 July 2017.  For which the Mayor thanked everyone who had attended.

 

A MacMillan Coffee Morning to be held in the Mayor’s Parlour, was being organised for the 29 September 2017, to which she urged as many as possible to attend. 

 

The Mayor was also planning a Charity Blues Night with the Chickenshed Theatre on 22 October 2017.  This was in addition to several other fundraisers to be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

4.

Minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2017 pdf icon PDF 234 KB

To receive and agree the minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2017. 

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2017 were confirmed as a correct record. 

5.

Apologies

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Barry, Chamberlain, David-Sanders, Lavender, Lemonides, McGowan, Simon, and for lateness from Councillor Levy. 

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 Oykener declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in Motion 10.4 in the name of Councillor Alev Cazimoglu on the crisis in social care and Councillor Alessandro Geogiou declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in Item 13.1 Motion in the name of Councillor Laban on the extension of the Mayor of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone as he worked for a company which had a client who was involved in the industry. 

7.

Change in 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 and to take Motion 10.5 in the name of Councillor Orhan as the next item of business. 

 

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

 

For:  34

Against:  19

Abstentions:  0

 

The minutes reflect the order of the meeting. 

8.

Motions

Minutes:

Motion 10.5

 

Councillor Orhan moved and Councillor Fonyonga seconded the following motion: 

 

“We on this side are very proud, that despite the huge cuts from central government we, in Enfield, have been able to keep all 17 libraries within the Borough of Enfield open, whilst other London Authorities have had to cut their Library services. We are spending over 9 million modernising and working with partners to bring our libraries into the 21st Century.

 

The Council agrees that libraries today in the modern age should not just be places where residents read or borrow books but be a place for the wider community to use and interact with the Council.

 

This Council agrees with the present strategy and with working with partners and the local community to deliver on the aspirations of the strategy. We further agree that the elected members could be actively engaging with the local community groups to seek volunteers and support our Library staff.

 

Council agrees to promote its Library Service to local residents.”

 

Following a debate the motion was approved after a vote with the following result: 

 

For:  33

Against:  19

Abstentions: 1

9.

Opposition Business: Library Service Provision in Enfield Highway pdf icon PDF 147 KB

An issues paper prepared by the Opposition Group is attached for consideration of Council.

 

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

1.               Issues highlighted by Councillor Laban were as follows: 

 

·       That the Enfield Highway Carnegie Library, built in 1909, was one of the few old buildings in Eastern Enfield.  It was the Opposition’s view that it should be preserved and should continue to be used as a library.

 

·       That answers were needed as to why the proposals involving the Sexual Health Clinic had not worked out and what could be done to find another partner which would enable the library to continue as a library.

 

·       Why it had happened that both Edmonton Green and Enfield Highway libraries had been put under refurbishment at the same time, in one of the most deprived parts of the borough.

 

·       Why the library had been closed, stripped of fixtures and fittings and the books put into storage so prematurely and why the books could not have been made available to other libraries.

 

·       Concern at the lack of communication with the public about the library closure. 

 

·       The view that first floor office accommodation in a nearby business centre was not an appropriate library replacement. 

 

·       That for a similar cost to that of providing the inadequate temporary library - a bus with two computers and a shelf of best sellers - the original library could have been kept open. 

 

·       Concern that the Council had only managed to recruit 50 of the required 200 volunteers to help run the libraries.

 

·       That the public deserved an apology from the Cabinet member for the way that this matter had been handled.

 

2.               Councillor Orhan, Cabinet Member for Education, Children’s Services and Protection, responded on behalf of the Majority Group highlighting:

 

·       That it had been a clear manifesto commitment to keep the boroughs’ libraries open and this had been adhered to.  Councillor Orhan was proud of the library offer and proud that Enfield had the highest number of libraries in London.  All in the context of huge reductions in Government grants and a 48% reduction in revenue.

 

·       The new proposals for Enfield Highway Library were in her view the best option.  The library would be in a new improved location, it was a large airy open space fit for the 21st Century, accessible and modern.  A cost effective way of delivering on the library strategy enabling the Council to retain a much used facility.  With excellent internet connectivity, public access to council services and including a specialist resource for local businesses and new start-ups. 

 

·       Councillor Orhan invited members to visit the new building.

 

·       A temporary mobile library had been provided during the closure to give residents access to library services.  Residents were also able to visit the borough’s other libraries.

 

·       Plans for the old library building included options for community use. 

 

3.               Other issues highlighted during the debate were as follows: 

 

a.               The need highlighted by the members of the Opposition Group:

 

·       To acknowledge the concern about the failure of the Cabinet members involved to ensure that projects were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.

Overview and Scrutiny Annual Work Programme and Workstreams 2017/18 pdf icon PDF 306 KB

To receive a report from Overview & Scrutiny Committee setting out the Scrutiny Annual Work Programme and Workstreams identified for 2017/18.                                                                                     (Report No:49)

 

Council is asked to note that Cabinet will be considering this report at their meeting on 13 September 2017.  Any comments from Cabinet will be included on the Council update sheet at the meeting. 

Minutes:

Councillor Levy proposed and Councillor Smith seconded the report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee setting out the Scrutiny Work programme and work streams identified for 2017/18.  (Report No: 49)

 

NOTED

 

1.               That Cabinet had considered the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Work programme 2017/18 at their meeting on 13 September 2017 and recommended approval to Council.

 

2.               Councillor Levy’s speech in support of the work he had done as the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee over the past 3 years and more including

 

·       His dedication to the work of the Council not only on Scrutiny, but also on the quasi-judicial licensing and planning committees, and the local pension board, as well as for his constituents in Southbury Ward.

 

·       His pledge to continue with his work until the end of his term of office.

 

·       His comments about the behaviour of his fellow councillors on both sides of the chamber and the hope that members would in future reflect on what he had said and respect for others, standards of behaviour, and debate would improve. 

 

·       That the work programme had been carefully put together, fully discussed, and agreed by all members of Overview and Scrutiny.  It had an inbuilt flexibility to enable discussion of other topical or urgent items which might occur. 

 

·       This year there would be more single item agendas, larger local projects requiring more in depth analysis and more joint meetings with other committees where it was felt that the subject matter warranted it. 

 

·       Another work stream, which had yet to be scoped, would be added to the programme, on the topic of loneliness and isolation. 

 

3.               The comments of Councillor Smith for the Opposition:

 

·       The work programme covered a wide range of topics although there were subjects which had not been included.

 

·       His view that the scrutiny function served a useful purpose which was better than nothing.  Call in was an important tool a chance to analyse key decisions in detail although there were some concerns about the lack of frank exchange and discussion. 

 

·       As Chair of the Crime Standing Work Stream he would be looking at the possible merger of police services in both Enfield and Haringey and knife crime.

 

·       His support for the other work streams planned.

 

·       Concern about the lack of sufficient commitment to scrutiny on the part of back bench members. 

 

4.               The response of Councillor Levy including:

 

·       His thanks for the tributes and respect he had been shown. 

 

·       His apologies to Councillor Laban and Councillor Rye for past behaviour.

 

·       The arguments for more research support for scrutiny, which he had expressed at Cabinet, the preceding week, which would give more validity to the work streams. 

 

·       The introduction of call-ins of a different kind whereby Cabinet Members were invited to attend meetings to discuss issues in advance to avoid call ins being necessary. 

 

·       That many more members should be prepared to do some work and take a greater role in the scrutiny function. 

 

AGREED to approve the scrutiny work programme and work  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

11.

RIPA (Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act) - Changes to Policy pdf icon PDF 146 KB

To receive a report from the Monitoring Officer setting out a review of the Council’s Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) policy.

                                                                                            (Report No:   37A)

 

Council is asked to approve the new version of the Council’s RIPA Policy and Procedure Document and notes the provision to remove the requirement for the Audit and Risk Management Committee to receive quarterly reports if RIPA powers are not used within the preceding quarter.

 

The report was approved by the Audit and Risk Management Committee on 5 July 2017. 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Maguire proposed and Councillor Guney seconded the report of the Monitoring Officer setting out a review of the Council’s Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) policy.  (Report No:  37A)

 

NOTED

 

1.               That the Council was being asked to approve the updated procedure which included the removal of the requirement for the Audit and Risk Management Committee to receive quarterly reports if RIPA powers were not used within the preceding quarter.

 

2.               RIPA powers existed to aid the prevention and detection of crime.  There were strict guidelines on their use and the Audit and Risk Management Committee had the responsibility to monitor this and to ensure that the law is complied with on behalf of the Council.

 

3.               Councillor Neville agreed with the updated procedure, saying that RIPA powers were serious and should only be used sparingly.  The powers were invaluable, but it was essential to balance the rights of the majority against those on the other side. 

 

AGREED to approve the new version of the Council’s RIPA (Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act) Policy and Procedure document and to note the removal of the requirement for the Audit and Risk Management Committee to receive quarterly reports if RIPA powers are not used within the preceding quarter. 

12.

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 and to take the following items in the following order:

 

10.6    Motion in the name of Councillor Brett

10.4    Motion in the name of Councillor A Cazimoglu

10.3    Motion in the name of Councillor Pite

 

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

 

For:  32

Against:  13

Abstentions:  0

 

The minutes reflect the order of the meeting. 

13.

Motions

10.1    Motion 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.”

 

10.2    Motion in the name of Councillor Ertan Hurer

 

“The tragic events of the Grenfell Tower fire has highlighted the important issue of Council’s not being fully aware of who is living in these tower blocks.  This has meant that the true number of the people living there before the fire may never be known.  Enfield Council in response resolves to carry out an inspection of both residential and commercial properties to ensure that the terms of the tenancies are complied with so that we can be assured that in future the consequences of any fire or other disaster in council owned property can be dealt with as effectively and quickly as possible.”

 

10.3    Motion in the name of Councillor Vicki Pite

 

“The Mayor of London launched The London Borough of Culture competition at the start of this month. The process of submitting an application will bring together Enfield's Cultural organisations and build on the good work done through Enfield Festivals and Events. There is so much to celebrate about Culture in Enfield including Europe’s most inclusive theatre at Chickenshed, accessibility and participation at Millfield, rich heritage and award winning organic farming at Forty Hall and community led Festivals and Events in parks across the borough. Along with our Museums, Theatres, Community Cinema, Community Arts Organisations, Jazz and Blues Clubs, Choirs, Orchestras and Enfield Music Service we have what it takes to make us London's Borough of Culture. This Council unanimously supports the bid.”

 

10.4    Motion in the name of Councillor Alev Cazimoglu

 

“Social Care is in crisis, and it is decisions made in Downing Street that have brought us to this point.  The Prime Minister, Theresa May, must stop turning a blind eye to the problems in social care and address the funding crisis urgently.  Cuts to NHS services are compounding the problem.

 

Since 2010 local authorities social care budgets have been cut by £4.6 billion.  In Enfield we have seen our council budget cut by 40%.

 

Labour has warned time and again of the growing crisis in social Care.  The competing pressures of an ageing population and chronic underfunding cannot go on.

 

This Council should write to Theresa May demanding that she must act now to make sure that councils like Enfield have the money to provide quality social care for all who need it.”

 

10.5    Motion in the name of Councillor Ayfer Orhan

 

“We on this side are very proud, that despite the huge cuts from central government we, in Enfield, have been able to keep all 17 libraries within the Borough of Enfield open, whilst other London Authorities have had to cut their Library  ...  view the full agenda text for item 13.

Minutes:

10.6    Motion in the name of Councillor Yasemin Brett

 

Councillor Brett proposed and Councillor Oykener seconded the following motion: 

 

“Enfield Council requests the Department for Work and Pensions and the Conservative government to reconsider rolling out Universal Credit in Enfield from November 2017.

The start of the rollout in November means that families claiming Universal Credit for the first time will be left without benefit payments in the run up to Christmas.

 

Those switching over to Universal Credit from other existing benefits, will also risk a significant disruption to benefit income at a challenging time of year for low income households.

 

The DWP and government must be aware that many statutory and voluntary services are closed or operating at a reduced level over the Christmas period and assistance for local families who are in practical and financial difficulty will be exacerbated.

 

We call on the Leader to write to the Secretary of State to express the opinion of the Council.”

 

Following the debate the motion was agreed unanimously. 

 

10.4    Motion in the name of Councillor Alev Cazimoglu

 

Councillor Alev Cazimoglu moved and Councillor Taylor seconded the following motion: 

 

“Social Care is in crisis, and it is decisions made in Downing Street that have brought us to this point.  The Prime Minister, Theresa May, must stop turning a blind eye to the problems in social care and address the funding crisis urgently.  Cuts to NHS services are compounding the problem.

 

Since 2010 local authorities social care budgets have been cut by £4.6 billion.  In Enfield we have seen our council budget cut by 40%.

 

Labour has warned time and again of the growing crisis in social Care.  The competing pressures of an ageing population and chronic underfunding cannot go on.

 

This Council should write to Theresa May demanding that she must act now to make sure that councils like Enfield have the money to provide quality social care for all who need it.”

 

Following the debate the motion was put to the vote and agreed with the following result.

 

For:  32

Against:  0

Abstentions: 19

 

Councillor Oykener declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in this motion.  He left the meeting while it was being debated and did not vote on it. 

 

Duration of the time allowed 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.

 

Motions 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.7, 10.8 and 10.9 lapsed under the guillotine arrangements.

14.

Councillor Question Time pdf icon PDF 326 KB

11.1    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. 

 

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

 

Please note:  The list of questions and their written responses will be published on Monday 18 September 2017. 

Minutes:

1.               Urgent Questions

 

There were no urgent questions.

 

2.               Questions by Councillors

 

NOTED

 

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

 

2.               The following supplementary questions and responses received for the questions listed below:

 

Question 1 (Edmonton Green Library Refurbishment) from Councillor Abdulahi to Councillor Orhan, Cabinet Member for Education, Children’s Services and Protection

 

Councillor Abdullahi asked whether the Cabinet Member would be inviting all councillors from both sides to the re-opening of Edmonton Green Library.    

 

Reply from Councillor Orhan

 

Councillor Orhan replied that all councillors from both sides would be invited and she would be honoured if the entire council would attend the re-opening of the refurbished Library.  

 

Question 3 (Boyfriend Material Campaign) from Councillor Doyle to Councillor Fonyonga, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health

 

What warning signs do you flag to young women in the campaigns?

       

Reply from Councillor Fonyonga

 

“The common warning signs include jealous and possessive behaviour, if he knows different ways to hit you that won’t show, if the problem isolates you from family and friends”. 

 

Question 4 (Mayor of London’s Plans for Police Front Counters) from Councillor Laban to Councillor Fonyonga, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health

 

Councillor Laban asked why will not Councillor Fonyonga join me in condemning the Mayor of London’s plans to leave just one police front counter in Enfield.  Policing in London is the responsibility of the Mayor, not the Government.  How can it be fair that Enfield has the same number of police counters as Islington?”

 

Reply from Councillor Fonyonga

 

Councillor Fonyonga said that you can talk about how the Mayor chooses to slice the cake but when the Government refuses to give enough cake, that is to provide sufficient funding for the Metropolitan Police Service, then you are talking about a share of nothing. 

 

Since 2010, because of lack of funding from Central Government, the Metropolitan Police has had to make cuts of £600m, with a further £400m demanded by 2020. There is not enough money to allow the Metropolitan Police to provide all services. The priority therefore has to be providing enough police officers to protect our streets.

 

Question 6 (Disposal of Enfield Town and Southgate Police Stations) from Councillor Laban to Councillor Taylor, Leader of the Council

 

Council Laban asked what has the Mayor done for Enfield, since being elected, that makes it impossible for Leader of the Council to join her in writing a letter in response to the Mayor’s MOPAC (Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime) Consultation?  She felt that the Mayor had a choice about how many police counters he had in each borough and asked why he had chosen to give Enfield the same number as Islington? 

 

Reply from Councillor Taylor:

 

Councillor Taylor referred Councillor Laban to the response to Question 2.  He said that there was a debate to be had on the adequacy of funding provided for the Metropolitan Police.  He felt that it was a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

15.

Committee Membership

To confirm any changes to Committee memberships.

 

Please note no changes have been notified to date.  Any received once the agenda has been published with be tabled on the Council update sheet at the meeting. 

Minutes:

There were no changes to committee memberships. 

16.

Nominations to Outside Bodies

To confirm any changes to the nominations on outside bodies:  No changes have been notified to date. 

 

Members are asked to note that any changes notified after the agenda has been published will be reported to Council on the update sheet to be tabled at the meeting. 

Minutes:

Council agreed to confirm the following change to the nominations on outside bodies:

 

·       Enfield Norse:  Councillor Nesil Cazimoglu to replace Councillor Lemonides. 

17.

Called in Decisions

None received. 

Minutes:

None received. 

18.

Date of Next Meeting

To note the date agreed for the next Council meeting:

 

·       Wednesday 22 November 2017 at 7pm at Enfield Civic Centre. 

Minutes:

NOTED that the next ordinary Council meeting would take place on Wednesday 22 November 2017 at 7pm.