Agenda and minutes

Nick Chandra from the Revival Christian Church of Enfield gave a blessing.

There was no business transacted under this item.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Adeleke, Anyanwu, Dalkaya, Dyson, Fox, Hockney, Hurman, Jiagge, Needs, Skelton, Steven and Stevens.

Councillor Fawns was absent from the meeting.

The Mayor welcomed everyone to the Chamber and gave some feedback on his recent and future engagements.

The Mayor highlighted the date of the Mayors  annual gala to be held on Friday, 28th February 2025, in the Grand Hall at Enfield Grammar School.  Invitations for the gala would be sent out shortly. The Mayor was pleased to welcome councillors and fellow London Mayors to join him at the event.

The Mayor looked forward to participating in the New Year’s Day Parade in January 2025 and hopes to win a prize for his chosen charities.

The Mayor congratulated Cllr Bektas Ozer on his recent marriage.

The Mayor will be representing the Council and the residents of Enfield, along with the Deputy Mayor, Leader, and Leader of the Opposition, at Remembrance services across the Borough this Sunday, and at Broomfield Park on Monday the 11th. Poppies and a collection box were available outside the Chamber for those who wished to contribute, and the Mayor requested everyone to join in a minute’s silence in remembrance.

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 8 – Councillor Ruby Sampson declared a non-pecuniary interest in the item on the Licensing and Gambling Policies as she works for a trade body in the hospitality sector.

Motion 10.10 - Councillor Tim Leaver declared a pecuniary interest in the motion on World AIDS Day as he runs a foundation that undertakes research into HIV and the effects of the disease.

To agree the minutes of the previous meeting of council held on Wednesday 18 September 2024 as a correct record.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on 18 September 2024 were AGREED as a correct record.

Council is asked to agree and adopt the Our Active Wellbeing Strategy, and the proposed delivery plan.

Cllr Ergin Erbil Leader of the Council moved, and Cllr Alev Cazimoglu seconded, the report.

Cllr Ergin Erbil introduced the report and highlighted that since the expiration of the Leisure & Culture Strategy (2015 – 2020), the impact of the global Covid-19 pandemic, has resulted in lower levels of physical activity across the country and a declining level of health. The new strategy, ‘Our Active Wellbeing’, has been developed to tackle declining physical activity across communities and to deliver improvements to facilities, make participating in sports easier and provide support for local community sports clubs.

Members of the Opposition welcomed the strategy and fully supported its aims and objectives but had concerns on its ability to deliver all that was being proposed. The necessity of examining the specifics and focusing on actionable items that the council can deliver was emphasised.

It was expressed that the opposition would have liked to have seen more collaboration between officers and schools to promote better health and wellbeing, and a more initiative-taking approach with regards to maintaining the boroughs leisure centres

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

A procedural motion was moved by Councillor Bektas Ozer and seconded by Councillor Chris Dey under paragraph 13.20 (viii) of the Council’s Procedure Rules to extend the debate on reports for a further 30 minutes which was put to the vote and AGREED.

Council is asked to agree and adopt the Enfield Youth Justice Strategic Plan for 2024-2026.

Cllr Abdul Abdullahi Cabinet member for Childrens Services moved, and Cllr Chris James seconded, the report.

Cllr Abdul Abdullahi introduced the report, the vision and strategic priorities in the Plan, and  highlighting the collaborative approach between multiple agencies.

Cllr Abdullahi thanked staff in the Youth Justice Service who supported young people in the borough. 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.

The Opposition welcomed the Plan and the clear action points but urged the council along with its partners to redouble its efforts to reduce the high number of youth violence victims.

Members were pleased to support the Council and its partners to maintain their good record in Youth Justice Services and the child first approach across the Youth Justice system.

A further procedural motion was moved by Councillor Bektas Ozer and seconded by Councillor Chris Dey under paragraph 13.20 (viii) of the Council’s Procedure Rules to extend the debate on reports for a further 30 minutes which was put to the vote and AGREED.

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

Council is asked to agree and adopt the Statement of Licensing Policy (Alcohol) and the Gambling Statement of Licensing Principles.

Cllr Susan Erbil Cabinet member for Planning & Regulatory Services moved, and Cllr Taylor seconded the report.

Cllr Susan Erbil introduced the report and the revised policies and principles which had been subject to an extended period of public consultation which had run from May to August 2024.

Cllr Susan Erbil highlighted the introduction of two new Cumulative Impact Zones (CIZ) in Bowes and Palmers Green which would operate on a 24-hour basis to limit the number of premises in high-risk areas.

A procedural motion was moved by Councillor Bektas Ozer and seconded by Councillor Chris Dey under paragraph 13.20 (viii) of the Council’s Procedure Rules to extend the debate on reports for a further 30 minutes which was put to the vote and AGREED.

Members expressed their support for both policies and thanks were conveyed to the officers for their efforts.

The Opposition expressed support for the policies but urged the government to review the current legislation on licensing and gambling. They also raised concerns that the CIZ might impede the opening of new hospitality venues, potentially resulting in empty shops and an increase in anti-social behaviour.

Following the debate, the recommendations were put to the vote and AGREED.</AI9>

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

Members of the Council noted the written responses to council questions as printed in the Supplementary Agenda.

Members asked the following supplementary questions, and it was noted that questions 2, 4 6 and 8 would have written responses provided after the meeting.

Question 1 from Councillor Nelly Gyosheva to Councillor Ergin Erbil

Will the Council offer similar events to residents like the Black Tech Fest event?

Answer from Councillor Ergin Erbil

The council recognises the importance of networking and opportunities for residents always seeks to ensure that minority groups are properly represented in the work it does.

Cllr Erbil would engage with officers to ensure that the Council offers an inclusive range of events like Black Tech Fest. The event was the largest event of its kind in Europe, attracting over 7,000 attendees, and Cllr Erbil was proud that the Council was able to host it in Enfield. Cllr Erbil highlighted that there were some excellent employers in attendance from multinational businesses and local employers. The event was held at the Drumsheds venue which can hold up to 16,000 people.

Cllr Erbil hoped the council would continue to work with its stakeholders to deliver similar events in the future for the young people in the borough.

Question 2 from Councillor Maria Alexandrou to Councillor Chinelo Anyanwu

How many street trees will be planted this winter especially in the East of the Borough?

Answer from Councillor Ergin Erbil (in the absence of Councillor Chinelo Anyanwu)

Since 2022, the council has planted over 1,200 trees which is way beyond the Administration’s manifesto pledge.

The Council has created new woodlands and there are 130,000 more trees to be delivered for the term 2024/25. The Local Plan also seeks to deliver new forests, new parks, woodlands, wetlands, and wildflower meadows.

Cllr Erbil recently sent a letter to His Majesty, The King, inviting him to plant some of the trees with the Council and launch one of the wildflower meadows.

Cllr Erbil agreed to provide Cllr Alexandrou with a written response setting out the exact numbers of trees due to be planted in the east of the borough this winter.

Question 4 from Councillor Chris Dey to Councillor Ergin Erbil

Could the policy be reviewed to ensure that officers with enforcement roles are required to be on the ground rather than working from home?

Answer from Councillor Ergin Erbil

Cllr Erbil explained that he did not have the information to hand regarding the enforcement officers role but agreed to send the information to the questioner .

The initial response outlined, that the council provides flexible working hours to its staff especially following Covid. The working style classifications help ensure that the council's flexible working arrangements are tailored to the specific needs of different job roles.

Question 5 from Councillor Doug Taylor to Councillor Susan Erbil

How does Enfield Council ensure that gambling premises operate responsibly and protect vulnerable residents and what controls are in place to prevent large casinos opening in Enfield?

Answer from Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.1 Motion in the name of Councillor Bektas Ozer

Council notes that:

There is great concern at reports that Thames Water continues to discharge raw sewage into Enfield’s waterways and rivers.

Sewage spills into England’s rivers and seas by water companies more than doubled in 2023. The Environment Agency reports that there were 3.6 million hours of spills in 2023, compared to 1.75 million hours in 2022.

This practice negatively impacts the quality of our natural water sources, with some charities alleging that storm overflows are being misused and under-reported.

Environment Agency data indicates that storm overflows were used 15 times within Enfield's local authority boundaries in 2022 alone, discharging for a total of approximately 121 hours.

Enfield Council shares The Rivers Trust’s concerns that storm overflows are being used during hot periods—a significant risk as England faces increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves.

Discharging untreated sewage in dry weather is harmful to both human health and river ecosystems.

The regulator Ofwat has been too weak in allowing Thames Water to continue to contaminate our waterways and the Government must empower them to hold the company to account.

Council believes that:

The rules on sewage discharges must be tightened, and enforcement must be improved in collaboration with the Environment Agency.

The Government must continue to put pressure on water companies to establish further legal requirements and regulations to monitor all sewage outlets, impose fines on companies that fail to comply, and set a legally binding target to reduce dumping events.

The Government should proceed with its plans to ban water companies from making a profit, as set out as a recommendation from the new commission established by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Council believes that the profiteering of a basic utility has had disastrous consequences, with a dwindling water supply and a rapid growth in the amount of sewage dumped, all while water companies have collectively paid £78bn in dividends since privatisation.

Given the recent commitments by the new government, including the Prime Minister’s emphasis on personal responsibility at water companies, Enfield Council calls on the Government to enforce these responsibilities rigorously. The Prime Minister has highlighted the need for water companies to prioritise environmental stewardship, and this council urges the government to continue its commitment to holding water companies accountable.

Council therefore resolves to:

·         Write to the relevant Government Ministers, requesting immediate action to lower the risks of untreated sewage discharges into our rivers.

·         Call on the Government to ensure that Thames Water are not permitted to pass on their debts to customers through higher bills whilst shareholders receive millions in bonuses.

10.2 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 more  ...  view the full agenda text for item 10.

A procedural motion was moved by Councillor Bektas Ozer 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 number 10.10 would be taken first and was AGREED.

Cllr Tim Leaver declared a pecuniary interest in Motion 10.10, excused himself from the debate and left the Chamber.

10.10 Motion in the name of Councillor Chris Joannides

“Enfield Council notes that World AIDS Day on the 1st December is an opportunity to show support and solidarity for people living with HIV. This year’s theme is “Remember and Commit”, furthermore, we remember those who have lost their lives because of AIDS, and we honour their memories by breaking down the stigma attached to people who have HIV.

This Council fully supports World AIDS Day and supports the objectives of the national HIV Action Plan, which are:

1. Ensure effective co-ordination of prevention, treatment, and care.

2. Reducing levels of undiagnosed HIV and transmission in the UK.

3. Effective monitoring of HIV resources and improved accountability and commits to flying the “Red Ribbon” flag on Sunday 1st December, and during the week after World AIDS Day to promote the sale of Red Ribbons at the public points controlled by the Enfield Council.

Enfield Council further notes that:

1. HIV is no longer a death sentence and HIV treatment and medication as prescribed helps people with the virus to live a natural life span.

2. HIV treatment is available to everyone living in the UK regardless of social-economic status.

3. People living with HIV have their rights protected under the Equal Opportunities Act 2010 and should not be discriminated against.

4. Recognises several voluntary organisations including the National AIDS Trust, Body and Soul charity and Terence Higgins Trust are commended for their work in helping people living with HIV and their families.”

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

A procedural motion was then moved by Councillor Bektas Ozer and seconded by Councillor Chris Dey under paragraph 13.20 (iv) of the Council’s Procedure Rules to proceed to the next business which was put to the vote and AGREED.

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

The Council is required to designate an employee as the Chief Finance Officer (Section 151 Officer).

Members are asked to confirm the designation of the function of Section 151 Officer to Jo Moore following her successful appointment to the permanent role of Executive Director of Resources.

Members AGREED that Jo Moore be designated as the Chief Finance Officer (S151 Role) following her successful appointment to the permanent role of Executive Director for Resources.

To confirm the following changes to committee memberships:

Councillor Mahym Bedekova to serve as Chair and Councillor Nelly Gyosheva to serve as Vice Chair on Planning Committee.

Councillor George Savva to replace Councillor Sinan Boztas on Planning Committee.

Councillor Suna Hurman to replace Councillor Bektas Ozer on Planning Committee.

Councillor Suna Hurman to serve as Chair and Councillor Nelly Gyosheva to serve as Vice Chair on Licensing Committee.

Councillor Ahmet Hasan to replace Councillor Mahmut Aksanoglu on Licensing Committee.

Councillor Nelly Gyosheva to replace Councillor Hivran Dalkaya on Licensing Committee.

Councillor Mahmut Aksanoglu to replace Councillor Suna Hurman and to serve as Vice Chair on General Purposes Committee.

Councillor Nawshad Ali to replace Councillor Destiny Karakus on General Purposes Committee.

Councillor Hivran Dalkaya to replace Councillor Josh Abey on General Purposes Committee.

Councillor Hivran Dalkaya to be a member on the Equalities Board.

Councillor Bektas Ozer to replace Councillor Sabri Ozaydin as Chair of the Councillor Conduct Committee.

Any 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 noted:

Councillor Mahym Bedekova to serve as Chair and Councillor Nelly Gyosheva to serve as Vice Chair on Planning Committee

Councillor George Savva to replace Councillor Sinan Boztas on Planning Committee

Councillor Suna Hurman to replace Councillor Bektas Ozer on Planning Committee

Councillor Suna Hurman to serve as Chair and Councillor Nelly Gyosheva to serve as Vice Chair on Licensing Committee

Councillor Ahmet Hasan to replace Councillor Mahmut Aksanoglu on Licensing Committee

Councillor Nelly Gyosheva to replace Councillor Hivran Dalkaya on Licensing Committee

Councillor Mahmut Aksanoglu to replace Councillor Suna Hurman and to serve as Vice Chair on General Purposes

Committee Councillor Nawshad Ali to replace Councillor Destiny Karakus on General Purposes Committee

Councillor Hivran Dalkaya to replace Councillor Josh Abey on General Purposes Committee.

Councillor Hivran Dalkaya to be a member on the Equalities Board.

Councillor Bektas Ozer to replace Councillor Sabri Ozaydin as Chair of the Councillor Conduct Committee.

To confirm the following changes to outside body memberships:

Councillor Sinan Boztas to replace Councillor Suna Hurman on the North London Waste Authority.

Councillor Josh Abey to replace Councillor Sabri Ozaydin on Housing Gateway Ltd.

Councillor Sabri Ozaydin to replace Councillor Rick Jewell on London Councils Grants Committee.

Councillor Kate Anolue to replace Councillor Josh Abey on Enfield Citizens Advice Bureau.

Any 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 outside body memberships were noted:

Councillor Sinan Boztas to replace Councillor Suna Hurman on the North London Waste Authority.

Councillor Josh Abey to replace Councillor Sabri Ozaydin on Housing Gateway Ltd.

Councillor Sabri Ozaydin to replace Councillor Rick Jewell on London Council Grants Committee.

Councillor Kate Anolue to replace Councillor Josh Abey on Enfield Citizens Advice Bureau.

To note that the date of the next Council meeting will be Wednesday 22 January 2025.

The date of the next meeting was NOTED as Wednesday 22 January 2025 at 7pm.