Agenda and minutes

Imam Saifur Rahman from Quran Academy gave a blessing.

There was no business transacted under this item.

Apologies were received from Councillors Chinelo Anyanwu, Guney Dogan, Ergin Erbil, Suna Hurman, Rick Jewell, Andy Milne, Gina Needs, Tom O’Halloran, Nia Stevens and Eylem Yuruk.

Councillors Mahmut Aksanoglu, Sinan Boztas, and Thomas Fawns were absent from the meeting.

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

The Mayor thanked his Deputy Mayor, Cllr Margaret Greer for her continued support and for attending many events on his behalf during the Christmas period.

The Mayor welcomed Cllr Ian Barnes to his first council meeting following the by-election in November.

The Mayor took the opportunity to give thoughts and prayers to those who had lost their lives and possessions in the recent fires in Los Angeles.

A sad announcement was made of the sad loss of former Deputy Lieutenant,  Council Leader, Mayor and Freeman of the Borough, Graham Eustance OBE.

Councillors were invited to say a few words in commemoration of the late Graham Eustance OBE.

Councillor Michael Rye OBE described Graham as a significant figure in the borough’s history over the past 50 years. He served on Enfield Council for 42 years, initially elected for Willow Ward, which later became Town Ward.

In 1964, he decided to run for councillor due to a proposed ring road through Enfield Town that would threaten St Andrew’s Church and Churchyard. As a church member, he found this unacceptable, motivating him to stand for election. His leadership abilities were evident early on when he attended Chace Boys, a Secondary Modern School, where he was Head Boy, a role he took great pride in.

During his time on the council, he served on nearly every committee, with a particular focus on Housing and Social Housing. As Chairman of Housing, he even lived in a tower block in Edmonton for a period of two weeks to understand the living conditions of council tenants. He successfully sought and secured European investment towards regeneration in Edmonton.

He also enjoyed serving on external bodies, with a keen interest in public transport. He served on the London Canals Committee, which involved extensive travel around London by boat. As Housing Associations grew, he served on Newlon Housing Board and continued his involvement even after stepping down from the council.

Councillor Rye fondly recalled the joy and memories of going on several holidays with Graham.

Councillor Doug Taylor praised Councillor Michael Rye OBE for his heartfelt tribute to Graham Eustance, who will be greatly missed.

He noted that serving as a councillor for 42 years is a testament to both longevity and dedication to the borough. Graham’s service included two terms as Mayor and six years as Leader of the Council.

He first met Graham in 1998 when he became a councillor and described him as a warm, approachable, and spirited individual, qualities that are vital in politics. Although Graham was a conservative at heart, he was always open to considering the other side of the argument.

Graham was also deeply involved in community groups and played a key role in the early efforts to secure land for Chicken Shed.

On behalf of the Labour Group, Doug extended his condolences to Graham’s family and wished he may rest in peace.

The Mayor will  ...  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.

The following councillors declared non-pecuniary interests in the below items:

Item 11 – Councillor Josh Abey declared a non-pecuniary interest in the item on Treasury Management as he is a director of Housing Gateway Ltd.

Item 11 – Councillor Doug Taylor declared a non-pecuniary interest in the item on Treasury Management as he is a director of Energetik.

Motion 13.14 – Councillor Elif Erbil declared a non-pecuniary interest in the motion on the NHS as she works for the NHS.

Motion 13.14 – Councillor Hannah Dyson declared a non-pecuniary interest in the motion on the NHS as she works for the NHS.

To agree the minutes of the previous meeting of council held on Wednesday 6 November 2024 as a correct record.

The minutes from the previous council meeting held on Wednesday 6 November 2024 were AGREED as a correct record.

To receive a report from the Director of Law and Governance detailing a petition received. (To Follow)

This item was withdrawn from the agenda.

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

Cllr Ruby Sampson introduced the Opposition Priority Business paper on Sexual Health Provision in Enfield.

Cllr Ruby Sampson welcomed the news to reverse the decision of the proposed closure of the Town sexual health clinic, noting that closing it would have exacerbated the health inequality between the western and eastern parts of the borough.

Cllr Ruby Sampson emphasised that council services should be local, accessible, and inclusive. The sexual health situation in Enfield is alarming, with the Town clinic conducting approximately 8,000 consultations for sexually transmitted infection tests annually. Despite this, Enfield ranks 25th out of 150 local authorities for high HIV prevalence and gonorrhoea diagnoses. While at-home test kits are available, they do not cover a full range of diseases, genital mutilation, or sexual abuse, and the instructions at present are only in English. Therefore, in-person testing, where translators are available during appointments, would be more beneficial for residents.

Cllr Alev Cazimoglu (Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care) responded that the Opposition had prematurely used their OPB to discuss this item, as there were no plans to close the clinics. The Opposition had been kept well-informed and up to date on this issue, including being notified in December 2024 that an informal agreement had been reached to keep the clinic open, with a paper scheduled to go to the Healthy and Safe Communities Scrutiny Panel next week.

The Cabinet Member acknowledged that the council always strives to improve services for its residents. Despite a 24% decrease in government funding, the council has maintained good services and facilities and has transitioned to a tariff-based model to provide better value services. They confirmed that the existing clinics will remain open and continue to provide essential services to the community. The council will continue to collaborate with women’s health services at White Lodge, ensuring the availability of sexual health services, including private care provision for long-acting and reversible contraception, as well as e-service online testing and in-clinic testing.

Members of the Opposition supported the decision to keep the clinics open, as closing them would have forced residents to travel outside the borough, potentially deterring them due to the cost and effort involved. Some residents might find it difficult or uncomfortable to visit their local GP surgery, whereas attending a health clinic offers anonymity and could be more appealing. It was encouraging to see that cervical cancer screening has been part of the services offered for the past 18 months. This test can save approximately 5,000 lives each year in the UK.

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

The Majority Group responded that the clinic provides accessible services and tools for residents to take charge of their own sexual health confidentially with the continuation of providing in person services and is a vital  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Council is asked to agree and adopt the draft Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2024-30.

Cllr Alev Cazimoglu (Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care) moved, and Cllr Andrew Thorp seconded, the report.

Cllr Alev Cazimoglu introduced the report of the draft Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy and outlined the Health and Wellbeing Board’s approach for developing a joint action plan and reporting procedure to track progress.

Members expressed their support for the strategy and the council’s vision to empower every Enfield resident to live healthier for longer; and the long-term ambition is for every resident to Start Well, Live Well and Age Well. Members also thanked the officers and councillors involved in developing the strategy.

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

Council is asked to agree the Council Tax base and Business Rates Tax base for 2025/26. (To Follow)

The Mayor acknowledged that Councillors had received written advice from the Monitoring Officer relating to section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 prior to the meeting and invited Councillors to declare if any were in arrears of Council Tax which had been outstanding for more than two months. There were no declarations.

Cllr Tim Leaver (Deputy Leader) moved, and Cllr Sabri Ozaydin (Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Placemaking) seconded, the report.

Cllr Tim Leaver introduced the report, which recommended the Council Tax and Business Rate bases for 2025/26. These must be agreed and notified to the Secretary of State and the Greater London Authority by the 31st January.

There were no changes announced in the 2024 Autumn Statement relating to the Council Tax increase limits and so the 2024/25 permitted increases remain. Therefore, the proposed limits for 2025/26 will be 2.99% for Core Council Tax and a further 2.00% for Adult Social Care precept, giving local authorities the option of increasing Council Tax by a maximum of 4.99% in 2025/26, beyond which a local referendum would be required.

The proposed schedule of discounts and premiums were set out in the report. Proposed changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme were currently subject to consultation and would be submitted to the next meeting of Council for approval. The report also set out information in relation to the 2025/26 Business Rate base and the transitional relief scheme.

The Opposition expressed their concerns that despite the business rates retention giving the Council 30% of business rate income, debt maintenance took up a lot of funds. There were proposed above-inflation increases in fees and charges, and cuts to some services. Pledges regarding Council Tax Support had been broken; the proposed changes would impact the worst-off residents in the borough. The Council Tax increase would come at time when residents were facing increased costs of living and most of whom are in the east of the borough.

Members stated that Enfield Council had one of the strongest schemes for Council Tax Support in London, and a significant percentage of residents received a discount.

Council was asked to:

I.             Agree, in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of the Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012, that the amount calculated by the London Borough of Enfield as its Council Tax Base for 2025/26 shall be 104,291 Band D equivalents based on a 94.99% collection rate;

II.            Note the proposed 2025/26 business rates (NNDR) estimated total net yield of £132.1m, for all preceptors (Central Government, GLA and LB Enfield) based on current information available and delegates to the Executive Director of Resources authority to determine the business rates estimate for 2025/26 and certify the final NNDR1 form prior to its submission by the deadline of 31 January 2025;

III.          Note the implementation of the revised discretionary power to levy a Council Tax premium of 100% in respect of second homes from 1 April 2025, having made the necessary determination one year in advance in February  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

Council is asked to note the quarter 3 forecast outturn position for 2024/25 for both revenue and capital and to agree the other recommendations in the report.

Cllr Ayten Guzel (Cabinet Member for Housing) moved, and Cllr Tim Leaver (Deputy Leader) seconded, the report.

Cllr Ayten Guzel introduced the report and provided an update of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) forecast outturn position for 2024/25 at Quarter 3, covering both revenue and capital expenditure associated with delivering the Council Housing service for the benefit of tenants and leaseholders. The report presented an overall positive position, success in delivering significant improvements to housing stock, and enhancements to services including the roving security patrols were highlighted.

Members of the Opposition expressed concerns that there are still residents living in the structurally unsound Shires tower blocks two years after they were decommissioned and due to be decanted which is unacceptable, and it should be made a priority to rehouse these residents into safe and appropriate accommodation as soon as possible.

The Majority Group responded the administration is taking the necessary steps continue to invest in council homes to deliver improvement to decency standards, comply with building, fire safety regulations, and improve the energy performance of its council properties alongside continuing to deliver new council homes through development, estate regeneration and acquisitions programmes.

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

Council is asked to note the borrowing and investments position and estimates as at 30^th September 2024.

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.

Council is asked to approve a dispensation for Councillors Gina Needs and Nia Stevens from the requirements of Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 which will remain in place until further notice.

Under the provisions of Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972, a councillor must have approval by the authority if they are unable to attend a meeting of the authority for a period of six consecutive months. The dispensation must be granted prior to the expiry of that period. This request complies.

Under the provisions of Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972, a councillor must have approval by the authority if they are unable to attend a meeting of the authority for a period of six consecutive months. The dispensation must be granted prior to the expiry of that period. This request complies.

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 approved a dispensation which will remain in place until further notice, for Councillors Gina Needs and Nia Stevens from the requirements of Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972.

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.

13.1 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 severely by these schemes, they should have access without the fear of penalty notices.

I urge the council to have meaningful engagement with disability groups. This will help the council better understand the difficulties in travelling, such as using public transport and the dependency on cars for hospital appointments.

With over 11,700 blue badge holders in Enfield, the LTNs are creating hardships that didn't exist before the implementation of Enfield’s LTNs.

I urge the council to review the impact on those with mobility issues and support them by giving exemptions to all blue badge holders in Enfield.

13.2 Motion in the name of Councillor Maria Alexandrou

International men’s Day began in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago by Jerome Singh to commemorate his father’s birthday.

Today, it is celebrated in over 93 countries and is a global awareness campaign celebrating positive values. This year’s theme is Positive Role Models.

November is the month that focuses on men’s health, and I urge the council to focus support on MEN’s mental well-being.

13.3 Motion in the name of Councillor Lee Chamberlain

This Council notes the continued failure to restore the Grovelands Park Cafe and toilets since the roof was damaged last January. It also notes a tarp was not even put on the roof ward councillors intervened. It therefore instructs officers to see that the building is restored without further delay.   

13.4 Motion in the name of Councillor Lee Chamberlain

This Council recognises the benefit provided by Woodcroft Wildspace including the space it provides for the Little Sparks play and bereavement charity. It recognises the huge investment in time and effort put into the space by the volunteers, providing the borough with a unique wildspace.  It furthermore directs council officers to support and ensure the continued future of the space in its current form and undertakes to honour the commitments made to the space by numerous councillors from both main parties.

13.5 Motion in the name of Councillor Lee Chamberlain

This council recognises the crucial role our local libraries provide across the borough and recognises that to remove that service would be a dereliction of duty. It notes that the current proposed cuts will disproportionately impact on the young, old and vulnerable who exist in all of our wards. Having been rated as the 10th most indebted council in the country, paying multiples in interest of the entire cost of the library service, the council resolves to ask the Administration to retain all of our libraries and look again at its finances; with the priority being to reduce its crippling interest payments, while protecting frontline services. 

13.6 Motion  ...  view the full agenda text for item 14.

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

To confirm the following changes to committee memberships:

Councillor Ian Barnes to replace Councillor Nia Stevens on General Purposes Committee and serve as Chair.

Councillor Chris Dey to replace Councillor Joanne Laban on General Purposes Committee.

Councillor Kate Anolue to be a member of the Staff Appeals, Appointment and Remuneration Committee.

Councillor Joanne Laban to replace Councillor Maria Alexandrou on Staff Appeals, Appointment and Remuneration Committee.

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:

Councillor Ian Barnes to replace Councillor Nia Stevens on General Purposes Committee and serve as Chair.

Councillor Chris Dey to replace Councillor Joanne Laban on General Purposes Committee.

Councillor Kate Anolue to be a member of the Staff Appeals, Appointment and Remuneration Committee.

Councillor Joanne Laban to replace Councillor Maria Alexandrou on Staff Appeals, Appointment and Remuneration Committee.

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.

The date of the next meeting of Council will be Thursday 27 February 2025.

The date of the next meeting was NOTED as Thursday 27 February 2025 at 7pm.