Agenda and minutes

Reverend Dr Nikodemos Anagnostopoulos of The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Demetrius, Edmontongave the blessing.

There was no business under this item.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Gina Needs, Margaret Greer, Alessandro Georgiou and Julian Sampson.

The Mayor thanked everyone for attending her Mayor Making Ceremony on the 10th May. She felt truly loved and welcomed as Mayor.

The Mayor paid tribute to the late Conservative Councillor for Grange Ward from 2002-2006 Mr Francis Ingham. Francis passed away in March 2023 aged 47, and this was the first opportunity the Council has had at a normal business meeting of the Council to pay respects. Sincere condolences went out to his family and friends.

Other Councillors were invited to speak. Councillor Chris Joannides, Councillor Michael Rye and Councillor Doug Taylor gave moving tributes.

A minute’s silence was observed in respect for Mr Ingham; and for the people who were tragically killed in Nottingham yesterday, one of whom was a valued member of the Southgate Hockey Club.

The Mayor had been delighted to attend the citizenship ceremonies. They are very special ceremonies as the attendees are so happy and excited to be present and receive their certificates.

The Mayor attended a number of London Mayors’ events such as the Southwark Charity Ball at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and a multi faith event run by Barnet Council. She received an invite to honour the new Chair of Newham, and the Mayor of Redbridge invited her to the Boishakhi Mela and Eid Celebrations.

There had been many Borough-wide events that the Mayor attended such as:

-           First Give Final at Kingsmead School where they raised £1000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

-           Bridgewood House Care Home to award them with the best dressed house during the Kings Coronation.

-           Nightingale Cancer Support Centre Night Hike.

-           Tavla Community Centre.

The Mayor had decided to base her charity on the themes of cancer and autism and is currently making plans to raise awareness and decide which local charities would benefit the most from our charitable support.

The Mayor recalled the Bishop of Edmonton attending the Council meeting last September in tribute to the Queen. The Right Reverend Rob Wickham would be taking up a new role as Chief Executive of the Church Urban Fund, and she wished to congratulate him, and wish him all the best in his new role.

The 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.

To receive and agree the minutes of the previous meeting of Council held on Wednesday 10 May 2023 as a correct record.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on 10 May 2023 were AGREED.

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 Monitoring Officer had circulated some helpful advice on member interests in advance of this meeting.

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

10.2 – Motion on affordable housing and the decision of the Secretary of State not to call in the development at Cockfosters Underground Station – Councillor David Skelton was a member of the Levelling Up Advisory Council.

10.3 – Motion on ensuring autistic people have equal opportunities in education, training and employment – Councillor Michael Rye has a nephew with autism, Councillor James Hockney has a member of the family with autism, Councillor Ruby Sampson has a member of the family with autism, Councillor Thomas Fawns has a member of the family with autism, Councillor Nicki Adeleke has a member of the family with autism, and Councillor Lee Chamberlain has a daughter who is a mental health care nurse.

10.19 – Motion on roads in Grange Park ward and traffic calming – Councillor Andy Milne lives on one of the roads mentioned in the Motion, and Councillor Ruby Sampson lives on one of the roads mentioned in the Motion.

Council is asked to agree the Council Plan for 2023-2026.

Councillor Nesil Caliskan moved, and Councillor Ergin Erbil seconded, the report.

Councillor Caliskan introduced the report and asked the Council to note the objectives of the new Council Plan.

The priority for more and better homes was particularly welcomed. The plan would support the commitment for the Council to become carbon neutral. The aim was to become the greenest borough in London, with delivery of clean and green spaces.

The Opposition expressed disappointment in the strategy and that it lacked substance and measurable actions. The Labour manifesto pledge in respect of an outdoor lido was highlighted as not mentioned in the plan.

During the debate, a procedural motion was moved by Councillor Sabri Ozaydin and seconded by Councillor Ergin Erbil under paragraph 13.21 (ii) of the Council’s Procedure Rules that the question be now put. The Mayor held that the item had not been sufficiently discussed and permitted a further two speakers.

The Opposition expressed concerns regarding current standards in the borough, particularly in respect of littering, road congestion, parks maintenance and failures in housing development, whilst fees and charges and Council Tax had been increased.

The Administration stated that this was a strong and robust plan, and that there had already been positive developments such as the new skills academy, installation of wetlands, tree planting, traffic calming and school streets. Increases in fees were necessitated by the national economic situation and reduced funding from government.

Following the debate, the recommendation was put to the vote and AGREED.

AGREED to agree and adopt the new Council Plan 2023-26: Investing in Enfield.

Council is asked to agree the budget for the acquisition of leaseholder interests.

Councillor Nesil Caliskan moved, and Councillor Ergin Erbil seconded, the report.

Councillor Caliskan introduced the report and asked the Council to approve expenditure needed to plan for the future of Cheshire and Shropshire Houses. There had been consultation with the residents, who were thanked for their patience. The Council would make a fair, clear and consistent offer to the residents.

The progress was welcomed and members noted that there had been a return to a safe heating supply. There needed to be a full decommissioning and decanting of both blocks.

Officers and ward councillors were thanked for their hard work during the difficulties experienced at Cheshire and Shropshire Houses.

The Opposition expressed disappointment that the process had taken as long as it had and that the funding would come from borrowing. There was concern regarding vagueness around the offer to tenants and some members felt the report was limited in scope. The Opposition stated that residents had been living in unsatisfactory conditions for years and they had been subject to a lack of care and diligence. Follow up reports to Council would be expected.

Following the debate, the recommendation was put to the vote and AGREED.

AGREED following the decision of the Cabinet to vacate the Shropshire and Cheshire blocks and other associated matters, to approve the budget for the acquisition of leaseholder interests.

To note the contents of this report and its findings/recommendations.

Councillor Nesil Caliskan moved, and Councillor Ergin Erbil seconded, the report.

Councillor Caliskan introduced the report and thanked everyone who took part in the Corporate Peer Challenge review, highlighting key findings from the review. She was pleased that it was recognised that the Council was ambitious in its vision. The review recommendations would also drive improvement.

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

Members were delighted with the positive feedback from the review. The Council’s political leadership was strong; social care provision was considered good; the Council’s financial approach was complimented and a number of manifesto commitments were seen to be already delivered. Councillor Abdul Abdullahi requested that appreciation of the work of the Council’s social workers was recorded.

The Opposition highlighted criticism of Council communications and customer experience, particularly via digital technology, which reflected residents’ frustration. The recommendation to ensure a clear focus in respect of regeneration was also noted. The action plan was concerning as it lacked detail and timelines.

An update on progress on the recommendations would be brought forward in six months’ time.

Following the debate, the recommendations were put to the vote and AGREED.

AGREED

I. To note the contents of the report and its findings/recommendations as set out at Appendix 1.

II. To note the agreed action plan of Enfield Council to meet recommendations made by the Local Government Association in its Corporate Peer Challenge report.

III. To note that it is the intention of the Local Government Association Corporate Challenge peer assessment team to return to Enfield Council in October 2023 to conduct a 6-month progress review against recommendations made as set out in the action plan at Appendix 2.

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.

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 Motions so that Motion numbers 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.11, 10.5, 10.6 and 10.8 would be taken in that order and AGREED.

10.1 Motion in the name of Councillor Ayten Guzel

Enfield Council welcomes the work of the Fair Tax Foundation and resolves to register as a Fair Tax Council. This registration requires signatories to:

·       lead by example and demonstrate good practice in our tax conduct, right across our activities

·       ensure IR35 is implemented robustly, and contractors pay a fair share of employment taxes

·       to not use offshore vehicles for the purchase of land and property where this leads to reduced payments of stamp duty

·       undertake due diligence to ensure that not-for-profit structures are not being used inappropriately as an artificial device to reduce the payment of tax and business rates

·       demand clarity on the ultimate beneficial ownership of suppliers and their consolidated profit & loss position

·       promote the Fair Tax Mark certification for any business in which we have a significant stake and where corporation tax is due

·       support calls for urgent reform of UK law to enable local authorities to better penalise poor tax conduct and reward good tax conduct through their procurement policies.

10.2  Motion in the name of Councillor Nesil Caliskan

Enfield Council welcomes the decision of the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities not to call in the development of Cockfosters London Underground Station. This development would provide over 350 new and affordable homes that are urgently needed both in Enfield and across London.

The Council believes that providing affordable housing in a well-connected area is an important priority and regrets the delays to block the development when better-quality housing is desperately needed by so many of our residents.

The Council resolves to continue supporting affordable, sustainable developments that help to end the housing crisis and to give residents the right of a secure roof over their heads.

10.3   Motion in the name of Councillor Nicki Adeleke

Council recognises that people with autism are more likely to face prejudice and discrimination in their lifetime, that 921 children and 126 young adults have healthcare plans for autism, and 571 adults have an autism classification in Enfield.

There are some great facilities in the borough for autistic people, including SEND schools, support in mainstream schools, our voluntary organisations, and the Enfield Learning Disability Partnership Board champion the rights of people with learning disabilities and their carers.

However, more work is needed to ensure autistic people have equal opportunities in education, training, and employment, so they can live as fulfilled a life as they are able.

The Council will:

1.    Work with local communities, autistic children, and adults to raise awareness of autism and the challenges faced by autistic people

2.    Work to increase the number of school places for autistic children within the borough in mainstream and SEND schools

3.    Provide support so that when autistic children transition to adulthood, adequate support is available to enter work or further training

4.    Work with local communities, voluntary and charitable organisations to combat loneliness and other health and wellbeing challenges among autistic adults

10.4  Motion in the name of  ...  view the full agenda text for item 10.

10.1  Motion in the name of Councillor Ayten Guzel

“Enfield Council welcomes the work of the Fair Tax Foundation and resolves to register as a Fair Tax Council. This registration requires signatories to:

·       lead by example and demonstrate good practice in our tax conduct, right across our activities

·       ensure IR35 is implemented robustly, and contractors pay a fair share of employment taxes

·       to not use offshore vehicles for the purchase of land and property where this leads to reduced payments of stamp duty

·       undertake due diligence to ensure that not-for-profit structures are not being used inappropriately as an artificial device to reduce the payment of tax and business rates

·       demand clarity on the ultimate beneficial ownership of suppliers and their consolidated profit & loss position

·       promote the Fair Tax Mark certification for any business in which we have a significant stake and where corporation tax is due

·       support calls for urgent reform of UK law to enable local authorities to better penalise poor tax conduct and reward good tax conduct through their procurement policies.”

Following the debate, the Motion was AGREED.

10.3  Motion in the name of Councillor Nicki Adeleke

“Council recognises that people with autism are more likely to face prejudice and discrimination in their lifetime, that 921 children and 126 young adults have healthcare plans for autism, and 571 adults have an autism classification in Enfield.

There are some great facilities in the borough for autistic people, including SEND schools, support in mainstream schools, our voluntary organisations, and the Enfield Learning Disability Partnership Board champion the rights of people with learning disabilities and their carers.

However, more work is needed to ensure autistic people have equal opportunities in education, training, and employment, so they can live as fulfilled a life as they are able.

The Council will:

1.    Work with local communities, autistic children, and adults to raise awareness of autism and the challenges faced by autistic people

2.    Work to increase the number of school places for autistic children within the borough in mainstream and SEND schools

3.    Provide support so that when autistic children transition to adulthood, adequate support is available to enter work or further training

4.    Work with local communities, voluntary and charitable organisations to combat loneliness and other health and wellbeing challenges among autistic adults.”

Following the debate, the Motion was AGREED.

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 20 minutes which was AGREED.

10.4  Motion in the name of Councillor Josh Abey

“Council notes the Government’s recent decision to drop plans to abolish the leasehold system, which the Secretary of State for Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities promised in January 2023.

Council believes that the UK’s current leasehold laws are feudal and archaic, with thousands of leaseholders across the country facing devastating bills to tackle cladding and necessary fire safety works due to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

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.

Cllr Kate Anolue to replace Cllr Ahmet Hasan on Health & Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel.

Cllr Nelly Gyosheva to replace Cllr Margaret Greer and Cllr Ahmet Hasan to replace Cllr Josh Abey on Regeneration & Economic Development Scrutiny Panel.

Cllr Josh Abey to replace Cllr Doug Taylor on the Planning Committee. Cllr Mahym Bedekova replace Cllr Bektas Ozer as Vice Chair on the Planning Committee.

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

The following changes to committee memberships were NOTED under the guillotine arrangements:

Councillor Kate Anolue to replace Councillor Ahmet Hasan on the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel.

Councillor Nelly Gyosheva to replace Councillor Margaret Greer and Councillor Ahmet Hasan to replace Councillor Josh Abey on the Regeneration and Economic Development Scrutiny Panel.

Councillor Josh Abey to replace Councillor Doug Taylor on the Planning Committee. Councillor Mahym Bedekova replace Councillor Bektas Ozer as Vice Chair on the Planning Committee.

Cllr Chris James to replace Cllr Alev Cazimoglu on the Joint Health Overview Scrutiny Committee for North Central London Sector.

Cllr Pat Gregory to replace Cllr Ruby Sampson on the Learning Difficulties Partnership Board.

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

The following changes to nominations on outside bodies were NOTED under the guillotine arrangements:

Councillor Chris James to replace Councillor Alev Cazimoglu on the Joint Health Overview Scrutiny Committee for North Central London Sector.

Councillor Pat Gregory to replace Councillor Ruby Sampson on the Learning Disabilities Partnership Board.

To note the agreed date of the next Council meeting as Wednesday 27 September 2023 at 7pm.

The date of the next meeting was NOTED as Wednesday 27 September 2023 at 7.00pm.