Agenda and minutes

Reverend Archimandrite Dr Nikodemos Anagnostopoulos of St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Edmonton gave the blessing.

There was no business transacted under this item, but the Deputy Mayor chaired this meeting in the absence of the Mayor.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Chinelo Anyanwu, Esin Gunes, Chris James, Doris Jiagge, Gina Needs, Ahmet Oykener, Michael Rye and Jim Steven.

The Deputy Mayor welcomed everyone to her first meeting as Chair of Council, in place of her worshipful the Mayor, who was unable to attend this evening and sent her apologies.

The Mayor has been busy over the Christmas period, attending events and productions. The Deputy Mayor has been supporting her and was lucky enough to have undertaken her first Citizenship Ceremony in November. The Deputy Mayor was honoured to be part of this special day for the new residents of Enfield, who arrived in their finery – it was lovely to see so many people settling into our diverse borough.

The Deputy Mayor reminded all members of the Mayors Quiz Night on the 3rd February and her Gala Dinner on the 28th February. Invitations have been sent out and responses are awaited from those yet to reply.

The Deputy Mayor requested members’ continued professional and orderly conduct during this meeting and reminded them that any members wishing to speak should stand unless they are not able to do so and should address the meeting through her and continue to treat each other courteously and with respect during political interactions.

The Deputy Mayor said she intended to preside over this meeting in a firm but fair manner and would give opportunities to members on both sides of the Chamber to speak but would not tolerate rude and discourteous interruption. She reminded members that they should sit when she stands and that they should be wait until invited to speak.

The Deputy Mayor advised that if members would like to ask for an extension of time, or if they would wish to move any other type of procedural motion, they should do so at the end of a speech and not in the middle of it and should specify the relevant procedural rule.

The Deputy Mayor then invited the Young Mayor, Mustafa Berk AK, to update the Chamber on his activities in his elected role. The Young Mayor commented on the success of work with charities that is going on in different schools due to events that are being held.

The Young Mayor announced that there was Elections taking place for the Enfield Youth Council (EYC) where 20 young people would be appointed as new members and two young people to the UK Youth Parliament to represent the views and needs of Enfield children and young people at national level.

To receive and agree the minutes of the previous meeting of Council held on Wednesday 16 November 2022 as a correct record.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on 16 November 2022 were received and AGREED as a correct record.

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

The following Councillors declared pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests in the following items:

Item 6 – Opposition Priority Business on the Future of Whitewebbs – Councillors Andrew Thorp, Andy Milne, Thomas Fawns, Doug Taylor, George Savva, and Sinan Boztas as season ticket holders of THFC, and Councillor Chris Dey as a close family member had a THFC season ticket.

Item 7 – Treasury Management Mid-Year report for 2022/23 – Councillor Sabri Ozaydin as a director of Housing Gateway and Councillor Doug Taylor as a director of Energetik.

11.1 – Motion on England Lionesses – Councillor Andy Milne, whose daughter has been selected to represent the Lionesses U18 Team.

11.2 – Motion on Crossrail 2 - Councillor Ruby Sampson as she works for the Railway Industry Association.

11.6 – Motion on Squirrel Scouts 1^st Birthday – Councillors Andrew Thorp, Chris Dey and Emma Supple due to their involvement with the Guide and Scouts Association, and Adrian Grumi due to his involvement with the Army Cadets.

11.7 – Motion on ULEZ – Councillors Alessandro Georgiou and Ergin Erbil as they work for the Greater London Authority.

11.9 – Motion on Traffic calming measures in Grange Park ward – Councillors Ruby Sampson, Andy Milne, Julian Sampson as they live on one of the roads mentioned in the Motion.

11.15 – Motion on People with Autism in the Borough – Councillor James Hockney has a member of his family with Autism.

11.16 – Motion on NHS – Councillors Chamberlain and Yuruk as they have a family member who works for the NHS; Councillors Hannah Dyson, Elif Erbil, Nicki Adeleke and Nawshad Ali as they work for the NHS; and Councillor Tim Leaver as he is on the board of Governors for the Royal Free.

An issues paper prepared by the Opposition Group is attached for information.

Councillor David Skelton introduced the Opposition Priority Business paper on the Future of Whitewebbs which contained a number of recommendations.

Councillor Skelton highlighted the importance of Whitewebbs Park to residents and the importance of preserving the natural environment, improving the quality of life in the borough and, crucially, maintaining trust in those who govern the Council.

Concerns were expressed that the proposal for the future use of Whitewebbs by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club (THFC) would not permit Whitewebbs to be fully open to the public. It was noted that there were strong concerns over the lack of suitability of THFC to run the park as it has not demonstrated competence or experience in running a public space. Further, it was felt that the payments of £2m over 25 years would not offer a good return for the Council.

It was alleged that the engagement with residents had been poor, and this impacted on the public’s confidence in the Council’s ability to involve local residents, particularly as there had been no public consultation in the bidding process. There was a criticism that a statutory notice had been posted on the back of a toilet door and that consultation had commenced just before Christmas.

Councillor Caliskan acknowledged that there will be some residents who will wish to object to any plans for Whitewebbs because they believe the golf course should have remained open, regardless of the cost to the taxpayer. Councillor Caliskan advised that the Council is seeking a future for Whitewebbs golf course that is financially sound but equally enhances the green space, maintains the beautiful woodlands, and increases access for more Enfield residents.

It was suggested that Whitewebbs park is one of the most important public spaces in the borough and is a hub of biodiversity for 78 species of birds, ancient woodlands, and a variety of plants but that the renovation of the park would require major earth moving and re-landscaping which would have a negative impact on the biodiversity.

In response, members noted that the proposals would allow for the re-wilding of Whitewebbs park and investment in the woodlands. Despite the Whitewebbs woods being excluded from the lease, the responsibility of improving, paths, fences, and bridleways is part of the proposal. This would make the park more accessible for walking, cycling and horse riding as well as providing jobs and opportunities for the residents of Enfield and investment in grassroots sport for young people across the borough.

During the debate, a procedural motion was moved by Councillor Sabri Ozaydin and seconded by Councillor Chris Dey under paragraph 13.20 (viii) of the Council’s Procedure Rules to extend the debate for a further 15 minutes which was put to the vote and AGREED.

Following the extended debate, a procedural motion was moved and seconded under paragraph 13.20 (v) of the Council’s Procedure Rules that the question be now put which was put to the vote and AGREED.

Councillor Caliskan said that the Administration would not sign the lease  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To update Council on the Treasury Management position of the Council for the first half of the 2022/23 financial year.

Councillor Tim Leaver moved, and Councillor Nesil Caliskan seconded, the report.

Councillor Tim Leaver introduced the report and asked the Council to note the activities of the Council’s Treasury management function over the half year period ended 30 September 2022. It shows the performance of the Treasury activities including borrowing that finances the Council’s investments in the borough, in line with the Council’s Corporate Plan which was agreed in February 2022.

The Ukrainian war, interest rates, the base rate going from 0.35% to 2.25%, the cost-of-living crisis which continues to be a hardship for residents as well as the inflation rate currently at 10.1% which have all had an impact on the Treasury management function.

It was highlighted that the borrowing outstanding has been reduced by £2.95m since 31 March 2022 to £1,012.2m as of 30 September 2022 which is funded by the Public Works Loan Board. The average interest rate for Enfield’s external debt was 2.54% as of 30 September 2022 compared to the average rate of 2.59% during 2022/23.

The Opposition expressed disappointment that the Council Plan was to repay the debt but instead the debt has doubled, and they have repeatedly warned the Administration of the risks of doing so. The debt has increased from £24m last year to £30m this year. The Council report states that the Council is revaluating its borrowing, and this is the first year where the Council has not been able to restructure its own debt. Over the next 2 years, there will be a proposed debt bubble of £192m and if this debt needs refinancing, the payments will increase and may result in £3m worth of cuts to front line services.

Members responded that if there is the prospect of getting lower interest rates then local authorities regularly revaluate, reprofile or restructure their debt and investments which has not been possible at the moment with record high interest rates. The Council’s transparent approach to its budgeting continues to be robust and resilient which allows members of the opposition to be able to scrutinise and ask questions with regards to the budget.

Following the debate, Members AGREED TO NOTE the report.

Councillor Alessandro Georgiou wanted it recorded that the Conservative Group would have voted against this item but did not on the basis it was for noting.

To recommend for Council approval the 2023/24 Council Tax and Business rate bases. 

Councillor Tim Leaver moved, and Councillor Nesil Caliskan seconded, the report.

The Director of Law & Governance read out a statement on the rules relating to arrears of Council Tax. Members were asked if they had any arrears of Council Tax outstanding for two months or more and, if so, to declare the arrears and withdraw from the meeting. The Director of Law & Governance advised that according to the Council’s records there were no Members with such outstanding arrears but that the onus was on members to make the declaration if necessary.

Councillor Tim Leaver then introduced the report and asked the Council to agree the Council Tax rate as well as Business Rate Tax. The Council Tax and Business Rate tax bases must be agreed and notified to the Secretary of State and any precepting authorities (the Greater London Authority) by 31 January of each financial year.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that the Council Tax increase limit was increased from 1.99% to 2.99 % for 2023/24, with Adult Social Care precept limit increased from, 1% to 2%. This gives local authorities the option of increasing Council Tax by a maximum of 4.99% in 2023/24, beyond which a local referendum would be required, and this is the rate that Enfield Council will be setting for the period 2023/24.

The Opposition expressed their concerns that despite the Government giving the Council a 20% grant increase and the Council’s reserves being higher than 5 years ago; there has been an increase in Council Tax, Business Rates tax, charge for green waste bins, the GLA precept and ULEZ which will impact the poorest residents in the borough. The proposal will see support cut from 6,500 low income working households where the majority are situated in the East of the borough. This undermines the Government’s effort to support residents with the introduction of schemes such as the Energy support cap which showed savings of up to £900 for households. There were 15 different grants that businesses could apply for during Covid, and the Government is investing £500m to help small businesses against proposed increases.

Members acknowledged that the Council would be setting a Council Tax rate which ensured that it could continue to provide services that are fair to residents whilst protecting the most vulnerable communities. The Council is offering extra support and signposting for struggling residents as well as extended payment arrangements so smaller payments can be made over a longer period.

Following the debate, Councillor Sabri Ozaydin moved, and Councillor Alessandro Georgiou seconded, a procedural motion under paragraph 13.20 (v) of the Council’s Procedure Rules that the question now be put.

The Council Tax Base 2023/24 as set out in the report was AGREED with the following votes:

For (31)

Abstentions (23)

The non-domestic rating income estimate for 2023/24 as set out in the report was AGREED.

Council is asked to note the report for the Modern Slavery Strategy 2023-28.

Councillor Alev Cazimoglu moved, and Councillor Abdul Abdullahiseconded, the report.

Councillor Alev Cazimoglu introduced the report and explained that the Modern Slavery Act 2015 placed a statutory duty on local authorities to become first responders alongside the police in supporting victims and reporting of this crime. The Council is at the forefront of tackling this crime and supporting survivors to recovery by being providers of social housing and safeguarding services for adults and children and through our disruptions activities via England’s first Modern Slavery Team in a local authority which was established in January 2020.

The new five-year strategy is ambitious and is crucial for developing a clear vision of partnership collaborating with the police to tackle this horrendous crime. The strategy has a clear objective of a community that will not tolerate Modern Slavery and exploitation and the Modern Slavery Team’s Action Plan will help to take meaningful steps towards the realisation of these priorities.

The Opposition expressed concerns that as there is a split between the Children and Adults services and that anyone who is involved in a serious case review may be at risk of falling between the two services and potentially being missed completely. The Modern Slavery team focuses on delivering the strategy aimed at potential victims aged 18+ however, there are similar action plans and strategies underway in Children’s Services.

The Council has a responsibility with regards to the supply chain ensuring that its contractors and/or sub-contractors are not engaged in Modern Slavery. It would be useful if the report/strategy included if any contractor and any contractor that uses a subcontractor and has engaged in Modern Slavery should never be able to work for the local authority again and to be struck off any future lists.

It was acknowledged that Modern Slavery targets the most vulnerable in our society and victims are subject to the most appalling mistreatment and that a clear robust strategy and further report coming to full council was welcomed.

During the debate, a procedural motion was moved by Councillor Sabri Ozaydin and seconded by Councillor Chris Dey under paragraph 13.20 (viii) of the Council’s Procedure Rules to extend the debate for a further 10 minutes which was put to the vote and AGREED.

Members acknowledged that the Council’s Modern Slavery Team, a dedicated team focused on helping the most vulnerable in society made a total of 6-8 referrals to the Home Office where 4-5% of referrals were children exploited by gangs and criminal organisations. Criminal exploitation is the most common type of concern received by the Modern Slavery Team. This includes child criminal exploitation which is 44% of concerns, and adult criminal exploitation which accounts for 16%. This is followed by sexual exploitation is 15% and labour exploitation (15%) and financial exploitation (10%).

The extended period for debate of this item having then lapsed, a procedural motion was moved by Councillor Chris Dey and seconded by Councillor Sabri Ozaydin under paragraph 13.20 (viii) of the Council’s Procedure Rules to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

A procedural motion was moved by Councillor Sabri Ozaydin and seconded by Councillor Chris Dey under paragraph 13.20 (iii) of the Council’s Procedure Rules to change the order of business on the agenda so the Motions would be taken as the next item of business which was put to the vote and AGREED.

Councillor Sabri Ozaydin moved to change the order of Motions so that Motion numbers 11.3 and 11.16 would be taken in that order which was seconded by Councillor Chris Dey and AGREED.

11.1    Motion in the name of Councillor George Savva

Enfield Council congratulates the England Lionesses in their amazing achievements, winning in the 2022 Euro final, beating Germany 2-1, and bringing football home.

11.2    Motion in the name of Councillor Doug Taylor

Council reaffirms its support for Crossrail 2 as a project which can generate growth for the borough and improve connectivity both into central London but also Northwards. It is for Government and Mayor of London to create the opportunities for the project, but Enfield will give its support.

11.3    Motion in the name of Councillor Maria Alexandrou

The celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science commemorates the invaluable role of women in this field.

Over the years, incredible women like Margaret Hamilton and Katherine Johnson pushed the boundaries in space travel and were pioneers in mankind’s quest to reach to moon.

The 11th February is the date this International Day is celebrated.

This year’s theme is Equality and Diversity.

Let us unite and acknowledge the accomplishments of women that continue to explore the depths of science and applaud the women that innovate and are an inspiration to others.

11.4    Motion in the name of Councillor Maria Alexandrou

We condemn the shocking brutality that led to the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini on the 16th September, sparking world-wide protests.

We stand together in support of Amini’s family and the brave people of Iran demanding Freedom.

11.5    Motion in the name of Councillor Chris Joannides

This Council notes that loneliness and isolation are a public health issue that must be tackled at a local, as well as national level. It is estimated one in ten people of pensionable age living in the London borough of Enfield are likely to be classed as lonely or severely lonely.”

This Council believes:

1.    Loneliness increases the risk of people falling into depression and suicide.

2.    Loneliness increases the risk of heart disease and puts people at greater risk of blood clots and heart attacks.

3.    Being chronically lonely is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

4.    Loneliness makes people more likely to drink more alcohol, eat more and exercise less.

5.    Raising awareness of the health impact of loneliness is important because it affects older people's mortality and morbidity.

6.    Councillors and the local authority as a whole can play a key leadership role in ensuring Enfield is an area in which people maintain and forge social connections.

7.    Enfield Council's Health, Adult Social Services and Children's services scrutiny panels must play a central role in mapping local services and supporting local interventions to help reduce social isolation and loneliness.

Enfield Council will work at three levels to address loneliness:

One to one:

1.    Improve information and advice on existing services and activities that reduce loneliness and isolation. Make sure this information is available both off and online.

2.    Launch a local campaign to raise awareness of the health effects of loneliness and isolation amongst target risk groups.

Neighbourhood:

3  ...  view the full agenda text for item 11.

11.3    Motion in the name of Councillor Maria Alexandrou

“The celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science commemorates the invaluable role of women in this field.

Over the years, incredible women like Margaret Hamilton and Katherine Johnson pushed the boundaries in space travel and were pioneers in mankind’s quest to reach to moon.

The 11th February is the date this International Day is celebrated.

This year’s theme is Equality and Diversity.

Let us unite and acknowledge the accomplishments of women that continue to explore the depths of science and applaud the women that innovate and are an inspiration to others”

During the debate, a procedural motion was moved by Councillor Sabri Ozaydin and seconded by Councillor Chris Dey under paragraph 13.20 (viii) of the Council’s Procedure Rules to extend the debate for a further 10 minutes which was put to the vote and AGREED.

Following the debate, the Motion was AGREED.

The remainder of Motions lapsed under the guillotine arrangements.

The list of questions and their written responses will be published prior to the meeting.

This item was noted under the guillotine arrangements. Answers to questions were provided in the supplementary agenda circulated at the meeting.

Councillor Maria Alexandrou to replace Councillor Stephanos Ioannou on the Environment Forum.

Any further changes received once the agenda has been published will be included in the supplementary Agenda to be circulated at the meeting.

The following changes to committee memberships were AGREED:

Councillor Maria Alexandrou to replace Councillor Stephanos Ioannou on the Environment Forum.

Councillor Maria Alexandrou to replace Councillor Stephanos Ioannou on the Environment and Climate Action Scrutiny Panel.

Councillor Rick Jewell to replace Councillor Nesil Caliskan on the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.

Any further changes received once the agenda has been published will be included in the supplementary Agenda to be circulated at the meeting.

The following changes to nominations on outside bodies were AGREED:

Councillor Rick Jewell to replace Councillor Nesil Caliskan on the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.

To note the agreed date of the next Council meeting as Thursday 23 February 2023.

The date of the next meeting was NOTED as 23 February 2023.