Agenda and minutes

Imam Muhiuddin from Jalalia Jamme Masjeed, Enfield gave a blessing.

There was no business transacted under this item.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Hannah Dyson, Thomas Fawns, Joanne Laban, Nia Stevens and George Savva MBE.

The Mayor welcomed everyone to the Chamber.

A sad announcement was made of the sad loss of former Councillor and Past Mayor, Choudhury Anwar. Former Councillor Anwar was a valued member of Enfield Council staff in 1983 when he joined as the first Director of the Racial Equalities Council, he left in 1985 to take up a job in Waltham Forest Council until he retired in 1998. He worked tirelessly for the voluntary sector in Enfield and other boroughs.  He was a dedicated public servant for Enfield for many years, being a ward councillor between 2006-2014, representing Ponders End Ward. He was inaugurated as Mayor of Enfield in May 2013 when he announced that he would not be standing in the next elections in 2014.

Councillors were invited to say a few words in commemoration of the late Choudhury Anwar.

Councillor Kate Anolue spoke of when Choudhury was her Deputy Mayor in 2012-2013, he was extremely helpful, and they always collaborated well together during her mayoralty.

Councillor Michael Rye OBE referred to Choudhury Anwar as ‘Mr Ponders End’, he was always cheerful and immaculately turned out. As a long serving councillor, he was very active in a number of groups and had good relationships with many across the chamber, the council and within the wider community.

Councillor Doug Taylor spoke of Choudhury Anwar’s many roles in the Council including being Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion and Capacity Building in the Third Sector and the borough, his motivation and passion to fight against injustice and inequality and his long-lasting impact on Enfield. He also spoke of the privilege of being Choudhury’s ward colleague during his time on the Council and the active and respected role he played within the council and the community led to him being awarded an MBE.

Councillor Sabri Ozaydin reminisced on when he was the Mayor of Enfield and Choudhury had invited him to an opening of a care home where the Minister at the time Alok Sharma was also in attendance. The Councillor spoke of the pride he felt to be part of an event that would provide support and an important service to the community.

Councillor Nawshad Ali spoke of Choudhury being a role model within the community, invested his time, worked hard and stood up for those who were struggling and could not speak up for themselves. He also spoke of Choudhury’s popularity within the community which was abundantly clear by the level of attendance at his funeral by people from all walks of life.

The Mayor had also sadly been informed of the passing of former Enfield Councillor, Mr Neil Aves who served as a ward councillor for Palmers Green Ward from 1994-2002, the latter years he was the Council’s Housing Lead. He later worked at Slough Council as the Director of Housing.

Members were invited to say a few words in commemoration of the late Neil Aves.

Councillor Doug Taylor advised Neil Aves was part of the first Labour council for many  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

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

At the Mayor’s invitation, the Director of Law and Governance provided advice to members on the need to declare any relevant interests.

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

Items 10 and 11 – Councillor Sabri Ozaydin who is a director of Housing Gateway Ltd.

Items 10 and  11 – Councillor Doug Taylor who is a director of Energetik.

To agree the minutes from the Annual Council meeting held on Wednesday 15 May 2024 and the Freedom of the Borough Ceremony held on Wednesday 19 June 2024 as a correct record.

The minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 15 May 2024 and the Freedom of the Borough Ceremony held on 19 June 2024 were AGREED as a correct record as set out in the Supplementary Agenda.

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

Councillor Edward Smith introduced the Opposition Priority Business paper on Protecting Enfield’s Libraries and Leisure Services.

Councillor Edward Smith noted that the consultation of the draft library strategy was called-in by the opposition on 14 August 2024. They are robustly opposed to the closure of 8 libraries and reduction of the leisure service and suspect that once the public become aware of the proposals there will be a high level of objection against the strategy. Councillor Smith noted that the prolonged closure of the swimming pools at Edmonton and Southbury leisure centres has left members of the public and schools feeling very frustrated as they are being left without suitable leisure provisions despite the appointment of GLL as the new leisure provider.

Councillor Smith stated that libraries and Leisure Centres are highly valued and well used by residents and funding needs to be prioritised in order to reopen and keep these essential services operating effectively. The paper set out the benefits of retaining the library service in its current form which the Opposition feels brings social and educational benefits, value to the community in terms of social inclusion and contribution to combatting loneliness.

Councillor Chinelo Anyanwu, Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture and Public Spaces responded that the Council is committed to enhancing the current offering to library users and residents to ensure there are comprehensive, well-resourced and sustainable library services which provide space and resources for all, and which will have a positive impact on lives.

The consultation proposals are informed by a variety of needs from the communities from different parts of the borough, the accessibility of the library buildings by different modes of transport and feedback from the phase 1 engagement, as well as taking into consideration operational and maintenance costs. Enfield has managed to maintain 16 libraries when the average in London is 12 and the lowest being just 6 despite the 42% reduction in government grants and funding. Since 2016, more than 108 council run libraries have been closed or run by voluntary groups. Councillor Anyanwu noted that  reviewing the library strategy is crucial to ensure it meets the needs of those who live, work, and study in the borough. Phase 1 involved engaging with residents and stakeholders, while the current Phase 2 focuses on consultation. This phase aims to gather feedback from stakeholders to understand the potential impacts of the draft proposal and to collect suggestions for mitigating those impacts or finding alternative ways to achieve the same level of savings. The Cabinet member emphasised that no decision had been made at this stage.

Members of the opposition expressed concern that the potential closure of 8 libraries would have an adverse impact on residents, including students, who use libraries for homework and who require space and access to free computers, and the elderly who may find it difficult to travel much further to attend a library. In their opinion, from a financial perspective, the argument for closure is weak, as the expenditure on libraries is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To elect the Leader of the Council.

Councillor Tim Leaver moved, and Cllr Sabri Ozaydin seconded, the nomination of Councillor Ergin Erbil as the new Leader of the Council following the resignation from that position of Councillor Nesil Caliskan. No other nominations were received.

Councillor Ergin Erbil thanked the former Leader, Councillor Caliskan, for her years of service and dedication to the borough, the people of Enfield, communities and local businesses. He noted that Enfield and its residents have and will continue to benefit immensely from her leadership, and she will forever be a role model to young women everywhere.

Councillor Nesil Caliskan thanked those who sent messages when she was elected as MP for Barking in July. She was deeply honoured to lead the borough where she was born and grew up in and thanked the residents who gave her the opportunity. Her role as Leader allowed her to progress into other areas and serving on national boards including as an executive member for London Councils collaborating with colleagues cross party across London. After having been a councillor for almost a decade in Jubilee Ward, and six years as Leader of the Council, she advised this would be her last Full Council meeting before resigning as a councillor after the party conference season.

She thanked Ian Davis, Chief Executive, and senior officers past and present that she had the pleasure of working with who she described as brilliant public servants. She also thanked the Enfield Labour Group Office who are diligent, professional and patient. She wished the new Leader and Deputy Leader well in their new roles.

Members were invited to say a few words of thanks to Councillor Nesil Caliskan and congratulated Councillor Ergin Erbil.

Councillor Alessandro Georgiou congratulated Councillor Caliskan on her election as Barking MP and wished her every success in the new challenge of governing nationally. She was always a woman of her word, and she broke the glass ceiling of becoming the first female leader from a BAME background. He stated that Councillor Ergin Erbil will face some challenges including financial and environmental, but he will treat him the same as he did the former leader. He will always champion when someone from Enfield succeeds and congratulated him on his election.

Councillor Kate Anolue described Councillor Caliskan as a strong confident woman who speaks heart and mind and strives to empowering women and to speak up for themselves.

Councillor Nicki Adeleke supported Councillor Ergin Erbil as the new Leader. She thanked Cllr Nesil Caliskan for her support as without it they would not have stood as a councillor, she always offered encouragement and advice and always celebrated her successes including on becoming elected as a councillor which given her the courage to support and cheer on more young women.

Councillor Gina Needs commended Councillor Caliskan on the excellent job she had done as Council Leader especially during Covid. She spoke of the appreciation she felt and thanked for all the support she has been shown as a Cabinet Member since 2019  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To note the appointment of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet by the Leader of the Council as set out on the list of appointments and delegation of executive powers.

Councillor Ergin Erbil confirmed the appointments to his Cabinet and delegated all executive powers to them to be exercised within their portfolios as set out below:

Deputy Leader: Councillor Tim Leaver

Children’s Services: Councillor Abdul Abdullahi

Community Cohesion & Enforcement: Councillor Gina Needs

Environment, Culture & Public Spaces: Councillor Chinelo Anyanwu      

Climate Action & Placemaking: Councillor Sabri Ozaydin                

Health & Social Care: Councillor Alev Cazimoglu                            

Planning & Regulatory Services: Councillor Susan Erbil

Housing: Councillor Ayten Guzel

Transport & Waste: Councillor Rick Jewell

The council is asked to approve the Regulation 18 Consultation on the Draft Traveller Local Plan (TLP).

In accordance with the guillotine arrangements in the Council Procedure Rules, the recommendations in the report were put to the vote without debate and were AGREED.

The council is asked to agree the 2024/25 to 2033/34 Capital programme budget amendments & updates to the 2023/24 and 2024/25 Flexible use of capital receipts.

In accordance with the guillotine arrangements in the Council Procedure Rules, the recommendations in the report were put to the vote without debate and were AGREED.

The council is asked to approve the 2023/24 Treasury Outturn.

In accordance with the guillotine arrangements in the Council Procedure Rules, the recommendations were put to the vote without debate and were AGREED.

To agree the Scrutiny Annual Work Programmes for 2024/25.

In accordance with the guillotine arrangements in the Council Procedure Rules, the recommendations were put to the vote without debate and were AGREED.

To receive the Annual Report of the General Purposes Committee for 2023/24.

In accordance with the guillotine arrangements in the Council Procedure Rules, the recommendations were put to the vote without debate and were AGREED.

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

In accordance with the guillotine arrangements in the Council Procedure Rules, answers to questions were taken as printed in the Supplementary Agenda.

15.1  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.    Involve older people, including those experiencing or at risk of loneliness in mapping local services and co-producing solutions.? 

4.    Support the voluntary and community sector to build referral partnerships with frontline healthcare staff, fire services and social workers. 

Strategic: 

5.?To take active interest and role in ensuring the public health problem of social isolation in Enfield is recognised and assessed. 

6.?To regularly measure loneliness and mapping need through Joint Needs Assessment and lifestyle surveys. Use this to monitor impact of interventions. 

7.    To ensure addressing loneliness and isolation is part of any "ageing well "or "mental health" or other relevant priority in Health Scrutiny Panel. 

8.    To protect subsidies for public transport for over-60's and improve accessibility to public and community support. 

9.    To protect the borough's open spaces and Green Belt being encroached by development and allow the general public to enjoy the health benefits it brings. 

10.  Agree a plan, in conjunction with the Health Scrutiny, Adult Social Services and children services to take action to prevent and reduce loneliness.

15.2  Motion in the name of Councillor Maria Alexandrou

All blue badge holders to be exempt from all LTNs in Enfield.

When other boroughs are ensuring all blue badge holders are allowed to travel in and out of the implemented LTNs, it is only right that Enfield Council considers this policy.

In the name of equality and fairness, as blue badge holders are impacted  ...  view the full agenda text for item 15.

In accordance with the guillotine arrangements in the Council Procedure Rules all Motions LAPSED and were not debated.

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.

In accordance with the guillotine arrangements in the Council Procedure Rules the following changes to committee memberships were noted:

Changes to the Cabinet and their delegated executive functions are as set out on the list of appointments.

Councillor Suna Hurman to replace Councillor Sabri Ozaydin on General Purposes Committee and Councillor Josh Abey to become Vice Chair on General Purposes Committee.

Councillor Ergin Erbil to replace Councillor Nesil Caliskan as Chair of the Staff Appeals, Appointments and Renumeration Committee and Councillor Tim Leaver to replace Councillor Ergin Erbil as Vice Chair of the Staff Appeals, Appointments and Renumeration Committee.

Councillor Nelly Gyosheva to replace Councillor Suna Hurman as Chair of the Equalities Board and Councillor Gina Needs to replace Councillor Ergin Erbil on the Equalities Board.

Councillor Nelly Gyosheva to replace Councillor Ahmet Oykener on the Local Pension Board.

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.

In accordance with the guillotine arrangements in the Council Procedure Rules the following changes to outside body memberships were noted:

Councillor Ergin Erbil to replace Councillor Nesil Caliskan on London Councils Leaders’ Committee and Councillor Tim Leaver to replace Councillor Ergin Erbil as a Deputy.

Councillor Alev Cazimoglu to replace Councillor Nesil Caliskan on London Councils Grants Committee and Councillor Tim Leaver to replace Councillor Ergin Erbil as a Deputy.

Councillor Sabri Ozaydin to replace Councillor Ergin Erbil on London Councils Transport and Environment Committee.

Councillor Ergin Erbil to replace Councillor Nesil Caliskan on London Councils Greater London Employment Forum and Councillor Chinelo Anyanwu to replace Councillor Susan Erbil as a Deputy.

Councillor Ergin Erbil to replace Councillor Nesil Caliskan on London Councils Limited.

Councillor Ergin Erbil to replace Councillor Nesil Caliskan on Local Government Association General Assembly.

Councillor Sabri Ozaydin to replace Councillor Ergin Erbil on Enfield Enterprise Agency Management Board (Trading as Enterprise Enfield).

Councillor Ergin Erbil to replace Councillor Nesil Caliskan on Local London.

Councillor Suna Hurman to replace Councillor Bektas Ozer on North London Waste Authority.

Councillor Suna Hurman to replace Councillor Tim Leaver on the Royal Free NHS Foundation Hospital Trust – Council of Governors.

To note that the date of the next Council meeting will be Wednesday 6 November 2024 at 7pm.

The date of the next meeting was NOTED as Wednesday 6 November 2024 at 7pm.