Agenda and minutes

Rabbi Danny Rich of Southgate Progressive Synagogue gave a blessing.

There was no business transacted under this item.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Chinelo Anyanwu, Hivran Dalkaya, Chris Dey, Hannah Dyson, Elif Erbil, Nelly Gyosheva, James Hockney, Doris Jiagge, and Ruby Sampson.

The Mayor welcomed everyone to the Chamber.

The Mayor began by sending her heartfelt condolences to all the families that have been affected by the recent earthquake in Morocco and the recent flood damage caused by Storm Daniel in Libya, where over 5000 have died and many more missing. It is often hard to find the right words at a time like this. She prayed that they may find peace, comfort and all the support they need in the days to come.

The Mayor took part in a ‘walkabout’ in Enfield in June, visiting local businesses and sharing her chosen charities with them. She received many donations and was delighted to meet as many people as possible. She would be holding a similar event in the autumn to raise awareness of her chosen charities, namely autism and cancer.

The Mayor was pleased to mention and thank Jo Fear who was present tonight, and who most councillors and officers would know. Jo recently retired in August of this year after 46 years of dedicated and loyal service. Jo had worked in various roles within the Education service, as an assessor for special educational needs, and then as an officer in school admissions, and was finally appointed as Head of Service of Admissions and Education Welfare in 2014. The Mayor was delighted to present Jo with a certificate and flowers as a thank you and appreciation for her service to both the council and the people of Enfield.

The Mayor was pleased to congratulate Cllr Georgiou and his wife on the arrival of their baby boy, and to congratulate Cllr Elif Erbil and her husband on the arrival of their baby girl in August, and to Cllr Dogan and his wife who recently had a baby girl.

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.

The Mayor noted that, unfortunately, the Young Mayor was not able to attend this evening, but Sila Karapinar, the Young Deputy Mayor, was present, and was invited to update the Chamber on their activities in their elected roles.

Sila Karapinar expressed thanks for the opportunity to speak as Young Deputy Mayor of Enfield and a member of the Enfield Youth Council.

The Youth Council had worked together and created a video and questionnaire for the young people of Enfield to vote on to choose which two priorities from the Empowering Young Enfield Plan they should focus on in their campaign. After receiving all the votes, they would be focusing on the two priorities: education and safety.

They had met with Peter Nathan, Director of Education, and Lucy Nutt, Head of School and Early Years Improvement Service to discuss what we think needs improving in the education sector. Their concerns were expressed and many  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To receive and agree the minutes of the previous meeting of Council held on Wednesday 14 June 20223 as a correct record.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on 14 June 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 declaring interests in advance of this meeting.

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

Item 6 – Cllr Sabri Ozaydin as a director of Housing Gateway Limited.

Items 8, and 9 – Cllr Doug Taylor as a director of Energetik.

14.2 – Motion on Enfield golf courses and clubs – Cllr Laban had a keen golfer in the family, Cllr Julian Sampson is a member of an Enfield golf club, Cllr Skelton is a member of an Enfield golf club, Cllr Supple is a member of an Enfield golf club, Cllr Taylor is a member of an Enfield golf club.

14.3 – Motion on the Armed Forces Covenant – Cllr Grumi is a member of the Royal British Legion.

14.7 – Motion on sewage discharges into rivers – Cllr Doug Taylor is employed by Consumer Council for Water.

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

Cllr Lee Chamberlain introduced the Opposition Priority Business paper on the Provision and Maintenance of Housing by London Borough of Enfield.

Cllr Chamberlain expressed that the current Administration was failing to provide adequate housing as required. Cllr Chamberlain felt there should be a building by building review, and the information from that review should be made available to residents who could validate if it was correct. Plans should be set out clearly so residents were fully aware of the Council’s intentions. The Administration was invited to make necessary changes to improve its housing delivery. It was hoped the proposals would be received in the spirit they were sent.

Cllr Caliskan responded that the country was suffering a housing crisis, and the national cost of living crisis had worsened the housing situation. This Administration had a housing investment programme, but that had been affected by higher costs of construction, and had to refocus and reprofile so it could be financially responsible. The Opposition had consistently opposed housing schemes and borrowing to invest in housing stock, and had opposed affordable housing in their wards. The paper did not offer solutions. The Council was already carrying out stock surveys on a rolling basis.

Opposition members expressed concerns particularly in relation to the delays to delivery of housing at Meridian Water; allowing Council-owned family houses to be sold off by auction; and use of prefabricated modular developments. The Housing Scrutiny Panel should meet more frequently and have an expanded role. Management of the Housing Revenue Account was questioned. Greater provision of affordable housing was needed in the borough, but in appropriate ways and locations.

In response, members raised that the borough had faced doubling rates of homelessness this year and was affected by central government’s policies, and cutting of housing budgets. Despite the cuts, the Administration had ambitious plans and were investing in homes and estates. Opposition members were urged not to undermine the Administration’s efforts, but to work with them.

During the debate, a procedural motion was moved by Cllr Ozaydin and seconded by Cllr Ergin Erbil 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.

During the extended debate, a further procedural motion was moved by Cllr Ozaydin and seconded by Cllr Ergin Erbil 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.

Cllr Georgiou highlighted the responsibilities of the Administration around the Shires Estate’s problems; a large percentage of the housing stock not meeting the decent homes standard; high spending on temporary accommodation and poor conditions for residents; out of borough placements; lack of clarity around prefabricated modular developments; the debt sunk into Meridian Water; money wasted by Housing Gateway; and insufficient scrutiny permitted of housing processes.

Cllr Caliskan responded that the proposed recommendations in the opposition business paper lacked substance. Previously agreed reports set  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

A procedural motion was moved by Cllr Ozaydin and seconded by Councillor Ergin Erbil under paragraph 13.20 (iii) of the Council’s Procedure Rules to change the order of business on the agenda so that Items in the order 12, 7, 9 and 8 would be taken as the next items of business which was put to the vote and AGREED.

The minutes follow the order of the meeting.

1.    This report seeks approval for arrangements for the period of maternity leave taken by the Leader of the Council.

Cllr Nia Stevens moved, and Cllr Alessandro Georgiou seconded, the report.

As Chair of the Equalities Board, Cllr Stevens was proud to note the Council’s members’ allowance scheme provisions for maternity leave. This was morally right particularly for a Council Leader, and would allow the Deputy Leader to cover the responsibilities and to receive a Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) on a pro rata basis for the period of the temporary appointment.

Cllr Georgiou congratulated Cllr Caliskan on her news and welcomed the proposed arrangements; this was a good step being taken as a local authority, a reminder of the importance of family, and to allow time to be spent with children.

The recommendations were put to the vote and AGREED.

AGREED

I. To increase the SRA of the Deputy Leader during the period of absence of the Leader on maternity leave as detailed in paragraph 6 of the report.

II. To delegate authority to the Monitoring Officer to agree the start and end date for the increased allowance, after which date the SRA for the Deputy Leader will revert to its current level.

Council is asked to agree the Youth Justice Strategic Plan for 2023/24.

Cllr Abdul Abdullahi moved, and Cllr Rick Jewell seconded, the report.

Cllr Abdullahi thanked staff in the Youth Justice Service who supported our young people. It was highlighted that under 18 year olds suffered disproportionately from crime, often at the hands of other young people, and needed to be treated fairly so they could make a constructive contribution to society. The strategic plan identified key priorities, and would lead to improved outcomes for children. Members supported the child first approach across the Youth Justice system. A steady reduction in serious youth violence and reduction in school exclusions in Enfield was noted.

The Opposition welcomed the Plan and the clear action points. It was noted that some of the milestone dates in the Plan had already passed before it’s submission to Council. It was also hoped there was work in relation to recent drop-off in school and college attendance to engage young people. Members were pleased to support the Council and partners to maintain their good record in Youth Justice services.

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

Council is asked to note the report.

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

Cllr Leaver introduced the report which reported the outturn and activities of the Council’s Treasury Management function during 2022/23 and showed performance against the previous period. The recent economic context was highlighted. An update on borrowing was set out. Members noted reassurances from the Leader in respect of long-term borrowing. The Administration borrowed to invest, particularly in house building and affordable homes, and to meet its objectives, and had been prudent. It did not make risky investments.

The Opposition thanked the Cabinet Member and officers for the clear report. It was noted that a main issue was of maturing debt, and there would be a need to take steps to reduce the debt, and to manage repayments going forward. The amount of borrowing had led to the significant burden now being faced. More details would be expected in due course in respect of reprofiling of the capital programme.

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

Recommendation from Cabinet, to approve the carry forward of £10.2m unspent budgets from 2022/23 to future years, including 2023/24 (Appendix B), of which £2.2m is to be funded by borrowing.

At the beginning of the debate, a procedural motion was moved by Cllr Sabri Ozaydin and seconded by Cllr Ergin Erbil under paragraph 13.20 (viii) of the Council’s Procedure Rules to extend the time for reports for a further 10 minutes which was AGREED.

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

Cllr Leaver introduced the report which provided information on the capital outturn to March 2023, and also looked forward to the development of the Council’s 2024/25 capital strategy. The requirement for the carry forward of £10.2m unspent budgets was set out. Variances to spend by departments were highlighted. It was right to pause to consider the larger projects to ensure value for money and delivery for residents. This would be followed up as part of the medium term financial plan and the budget for 2024/25. The Leader highlighted the government review of HIF grant programmes which delayed commencement of Meridian Water infrastructure works, and that the increase in interest rates meant that Housing Gateway planned acquisitions were paused, but the principle was correct.

The Opposition welcomed and supported the carry forward of budget for the next financial year, but not the borrowing underlying it. It was right to restrict use of new borrowing and to pause and re-size programmes and to only proceed with works where there was a financially viable business case. Continued monitoring and oversight would be needed. There were large variances from other departments, including Education and Digital Services, as a result of the Council not driving projects through with the urgency required, and there had been slippage in previous years too.

During the debate, a procedural motion was moved by Cllr Michael Rye and seconded by Cllr Alessandro Georgiou under paragraph 13.20 (viii) of the Council’s Procedure Rules to extend the debate for a further 10 minutes which was not agreed.

A procedural motion was moved by Cllr Sabri Ozaydin and seconded by Cllr Ergin Erbil under paragraph 13.20 (viii) of the Council’s Procedure Rules to extend the debate for a further 5 minutes which was AGREED.

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

A procedural motion was moved by Cllr Sabri Ozaydin and seconded by Cllr Ergin Erbil 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, and to change the order of Motions so that Motion numbers 14.15, 14.14, 14.10 would be taken in that order before the remainder of the Motions, which was put to the vote and AGREED.

14.1    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 16^{th of} September, sparking world-wide protests.

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

14.2    Motion in the name of Councillor Julian Sampson

·         Over 2,000 Enfield residents are members of Enfield clubs, of which approximately 900 are resident in an N postcode,

·         Of these residents, almost 700 are women and over 200 are under 18 years old.

·         Irrespective of membership basis, over 60,000 members of the public who were not golf club members played golf at one of the Enfield clubs in the y/e 31/12/22;

·         All Enfield clubs are open to non-members throughout the week and year, with only some weekend times reserved for members;

·         These non-members would have paid a price from as little as £18 to £125 at the most, depending on which course and the time of year;

·         For a four-hour round this represents an hourly rate of £4.50 to £31.25 / hour;

·         Enfield clubs have outreach programmes to attract men, women and young people from all socio-economic groups not traditionally associated with golf;

·         Enfield clubs host and support local civic groups through their use of club facilities, often at discounted rates.

·         Golf clubs are probably the most bio-diverse outdoor leisure / sporting facility there is, being more biodiverse than any football / rugby / tennis / hockey club;

·         Enfield golf clubs are all making efforts to phase out the use of chemicals and fertilisers, following National Course Sustainability programmes;

·         Enfield golf clubs are making additional habitats for flora and fauna, including log piling, wildflower seeding and hedgerow maintenance.

Council resolves

·         that Enfield golf courses are a community asset to be valued, not an investment to be priced;

·         that Enfield golf clubs and courses should be protected in any development plans;

·         that the Cabinet Member for Public Spaces, Culture and Local Economy and the Director of Leisure, Park and Culture should meet with a delegation from Enfield golf clubs to explore ways in which their relationships can be developed for the mutual benefit of residents, club members and other users.

14.3    Motion in the name of Councillor Chris Dey

Enfield Council notes:

The obligations it owes to the Armed Forces community within the London Borough of Enfield as enshrined in the Armed Forces Covenant; that the Armed Forces community should not face disadvantage in the provision of services and that special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given the most.

•           Enfield Council along with all other local authorities in Great Britain, has proudly signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

•           That in the course of their service in His Majesty’s Armed Forces, some members of the Armed Forces Community, by virtue of the often dangerous and risky nature of their work, or environments in which they are required to operate, become wounded, injured or sick in  ...  view the full agenda text for item 13.

14.15  Motion in the name of Councillor Nia Stevens

“Council notes that, on the 31^st of August, with just 4 days to go before the start of the school term, the Department of Education demanded that 104 schools close all or some buildings due to structural risks associated with the use of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). No additional funding was made available from the government to support these sudden closures.

Council believes that it should not have taken the recent sudden building collapses last month for the RAAC to be treated as an emergency, given the 5 years since the Kent school collapse.

This is a crisis created by chronic underinvestment in school buildings, and has caused disruption for school staff and pupils.  Parents, teachers and pupils at schools housed in older concrete buildings are anxious, with new schools being identified as at risk.

Enfield Council resolves to

·    Work with affected schools in Enfield to ensure pupil and staff safety while minimising disruption to learning

·    Communicate with parents and pupils to clarify risks and explain safety measures

·    Call on the government to give schools the money to undertake all repairs and investments needed to make buildings safe over their long-term future.

·    Call on the government to offer financial support to all schools impacted by full or partial building closures.”

Following the debate, the Motion was AGREED.

14.14  Motion in the name of Councillor Alev Cazimoglu

“Immunisations are one of the most effective and cost-effective ways to prevent disease.  Despite this childhood Immunisation uptake across Enfield, North Central London ICB and London is lower than that required for ‘herd immunity’.

Within the above there is growing concern across London regarding the potential for an outbreak of a number of vaccine preventable disease but especially measles. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has estimated that in London this might mean an outbreak of between 40-140,000 cases of which 25% might require hospitalisation. 

This Council calls on the government to take the following actions:

·       Increase access to vaccination for children through pharmacies, hospital ED departments, outpatient clinics and other health care settings ensuring that all health services share responsibility for increasing immunisation

·       Tackle disinformation / misinformation as a life-threatening intervention

·       Improve NHS systems to collect data and allow the better targeting of vaccine initiatives

·       Making it easier for residents to see what immunisations they’ve received e.g. through NHS App.

·       Providing additional resources to engage with communities with low vaccine uptake.

The Council therefore calls upon all Councillors to write to the Secretary of State for Health (the Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP) expressing their concern at the low uptake of childhood immunisation and calling for implementation of the above actions.”

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

Following the debate, the Motion was AGREED.

The remainder  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

To agree the Annual Report for 2022/23 and the Scrutiny Annual Work Programmes for 2023/24.

The recommendations in this report were put to the meeting under the guillotine arrangements and were AGREED.

The Opposition advised they would have agreed the report.

To receive the Annual Report of the General Purposes Committee 2022/23.

The recommendations in this report were put to the meeting under the guillotine arrangements and were AGREED.

The Opposition advised they would have agreed the report.

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

In accordance with the guillotine arrangements, answers to questions were taken as printed in the supplementary agenda.

To confirm any changes to committee memberships.

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

There were no changes to committee memberships.

To confirm any changes to outside body memberships.

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

There were no changes to outside body memberships.

To note the agreed date of the next Council meeting as Wednesday 22 November 2023 at 7pm.

The date of the next meeting was NOTED as Wednesday 22 November 2023 at 7.00pm.