Agenda and minutes

Father Emmanuel from St Edmunds Church gave the blessing. 

The Mayor made the following announcements:

(a)       Death of former Councillors

The Mayor began her announcements with the sad news that two former councillors had recently passed away.  Mark Fenton who represented the former Craig Park ward from May 1982 and served continuously until May 2002, and Annette Dreblow who had represented Chase Ward between 2004 and May 2010.

In addition Members were advised that the actor Ron Moody (who had a strong local connection with Enfield), had also recently passed away.

Members were requested to join the Mayor in standing to observe a moments silence in memory of Mark, Annette and Ron.

(b)      The Queens Award for Voluntary Service

The Mayor provided a brief history of this unique UK national honour, which had been created by her Majesty to mark the Golden Jubilee in 2002 and to recognise the outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups of volunteers. The award had the equivalent status for voluntary groups as the MBE had for individuals and set a national benchmark for excellence in volunteering.  Winners were announced each year on the 2^nd June, to coincide with the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.

This year 187 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups had received the prestigious award, which the Mayor felt had shown that the voluntary sector was thriving and full of innovative ideas to tackle community challenges.  Of the 187 awards, only seven went to groups in Greater London (there were 13 nominations) and of those, two were in Enfield - Edmonton Eagles Amateur Boxing Club and One-to-One Enfield.  These groups would now be able to use the award cipher on their documentation and in the next few months a certificate signed by Her Majesty and a crystal trophy were due to be presented by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant.  Members joined the Mayor in congratulating both organisations on their wonderful achievement.

(c)       Re-enactment of the Magna Carta

The Mayor advised that she had recently attended an event re-enacting the Magna Carta.  She had thoroughly enjoyed representing the Borough at the event and congratulated all those who took part.

(d)     Other Engagements

The Mayor advised that her first month as Mayor had been very busy, including visiting various schools to present certificates and trophies.  She had also met with fellow London Mayors having being introduced to many of them at the London Mayor’s event held at Capel Manor.

(d)      Mayor’s Thanksgiving Service & Reception

Finally the Mayor reminded members of her forthcoming Civic Thanksgiving Service and Reception to be held on the 4^th July at 2pm at St Edmunds’ Roman Catholic Church, 115 Hertford Road.  All Members were welcome to attend. 

(e)       Member Conduct

As this was her first business meeting, the Mayor felt it would be helpful to outline the standards of behaviour she would expect both sides of the chamber to observe during her year in office.  Whilst doing her best to ensure that Council meetings were chaired fairly and efficiently, it was recognised that there would be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

To approve, as a correct record, the minutes of the Council meeting held on Wednesday 13^th May 2015.

AGREED that the minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 13 May 2015 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ali Bakir, Dogan Delman, Christiana During, Alessandro Georgiou, Daniel Pearce and Haydar Ulus.

Apologies for lateness were received from Councillors Guney Dogan, Erin Celebi and Michael Lavender.

The following interests were declared in relation to items on the agenda:

(a)    Item 11 (Report No. 11 Part 1 agenda) and Item 2 (Report No.16 Part 2 agenda) - Mobilisation and Operation of Lee Valley Heat Network (LVHN)

·                Councillors Oykener, Sitkin and Taylor declared non-pecuniary interests as council appointed representatives on the Board for Lee Valley Heat Network Ltd.

(b)    Item 17 (Report No. 10 Part 1 agenda) and Item 4 (Report No. 15 Part 2 agenda): Housing Gateway Ltd Annual Report

·                Councillors Achilleas Georgiou, Oykener and Stafford declared non-pecuniary interests as council appointed representatives on the Board for Housing Gateway Ltd.

·                Councillor Laban declared a Disclosable Pecuniary in relation to her employment by an organisation referred to within the report

Before moving on to deal with Opposition Business, Councillor Stewart moved and Councillor Taylor seconded a proposal, under paragraph 2.2 (page 4-6) of the Council Procedure Rules, to move the order of items so that the following were dealt with immediately following Opposition Business:

·                Motion 19.4: In the name of Councillor Anderson relating to fly-tipping

·                Motion 19.1: In the name of Councillor Neville relating to the conduct of a councillor

·                Emergency Motion submitted in the name of Councillor Hamilton relating to funding for Primary Care and GP services in Enfield

·                Agenda Item 16: Enfield OFSTED Improvement Plan (Report No.5)

·                Agenda Item 10: Library Development Strategy 2015-2018 (Report No.7)

·                Item 17 (Report No. 10 Part 1 agenda) and Item 4 (Report No. 15 Part 2 agenda): Housing Gateway Ltd Annual Report

The change in the order of the agenda was agreed, without a vote.

Please note the minutes reflect the order in which the agenda items were dealt with at the meeting.

An issues paper prepared by the Opposition Group is attached for the consideration of Council.

The Council Procedure Rules relating to Opposition Business are also attached for information.

Councillor Laban introduced the issues paper, prepared by the Opposition Group.  Issues highlighted were as follows:

1.         Keeping the boroughs streets clean was a statutory responsibility for the Council and was important not only in terms of resident’s health and wellbeing but also in terms of the quality of the environment and how the Council was judged as a local authority.

2.      The need to recognise the impact of environmental issues on the borough “brand” and how any deterioration in the service, particularly in relation to waste collection and street cleansing would affect perceptions amongst residents, customers and potential investors about the Council’s ability to deliver its core service and manage large scale projects and functions.

3.      The need to ensure that the boroughs streets were kept clean and free from fly tipping in order to reinforce the fact that Enfield remained a good place to live, work, visit and do business.

4.      Concerns had been identified about the current standard of street cleansing along with levels of fly tipping across the borough, supported by images provided within the Opposition Business paper.  Fly tipping rates had been rising year on year since 2012 with the Council also failing to meet its own residual waste target level, according to the most recent Quarterly Performance monitoring report.

5.      Whilst it was anticipated that the Majority Group would highlight reductions in Government funding in response to their paper the Opposition Group felt the impact of the following policies introduced by the current Administration also needed to be highlighted:

·                Increase in fees for the bulky waste collection service;

·                Change in operating procedures at the Barrowell Green Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC);

·                Introduction of a charge for providing large wheeled bins

6.      In addition the Opposition Group felt that the current arrangements for reporting incidents of fly tipping were over complicated and not customer friendly, with the recently established social media campaign #cleanupenfield given as an example of how the process could be made more customer friendly and streamlined.

As a result of these issues the Opposition Group had identified the following actions, recommended within their Business Paper as a means to achieve the improvements felt necessary to Enfield’s street scene:

(a)     make it easier for the public to report fly tipping via social media, website, phone and email;

(b)     take a strategic approach to areas where fly tipping was happening on a recurring basis;

(c)     install cameras where fly tipping was prevalent;

(d)     ensure greater integration between Environment and the Council Housing fly tip crews;

(e)     introduce a fly tipping amnesty day where people could leave bulky waste out for collection free of charge;

(f)      review fees and charges for bulky waste collection to make it more affordable to use the service;

(g)     issue a clear communication message to fly tippers that enforcement action would be taken

(h)     establish a community engagement campaign on the right way to dispose of rubbish.

Councillor Anderson, Cabinet Member for Environment, responded on behalf of the Majority Group  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

1.1    Following on from consideration of Opposition Business, Councillor Anderson moved and Councillor Chibah seconded the following motion:

“Fly tipping is endemic across the country costing taxpayers up to £850m each year.  Earlier this year, the Communities and Local Government Select Committee accused Westminster of a “lack of vigour, if not complacency” on tackling this growing problem.

Though Enfield Council has one of the best records in the country in tackling this scourge, we recognise that more needs to be done.  This Council, therefore, calls on the Government to heed the conclusions of the Select Committee report by creating a National Litter Strategy for England with a clear framework for action, underpinned with a coordinating role for local councils.

In addition we ask the Government:

(1)     to re-invest the millions from landfill tax receipts into tackling commercial fly-tipping;

(2)     to introduce a £1,000 fixed penalty notice for fly-tipping offences and make it easier for local authorities to enforce it; and

(3)     to address the outdated, slow and resource intensive process for dealing with waste on private land with a 7 day enforcement process along with higher fines for land owners who fail to comply.”

Having been moved and seconded, Councillor Laban then moved and Councillor Neville seconded the following amendment to the motion:

·                To delete the second sentence in the first paragraph and replace the second paragraph with the following:

“We recognise that more needs to be done.  Therefore Enfield Council agrees to send a joint letter from the Cabinet Member for Environment and Shadow Cabinet Member for Environment to the Rt Hon. Elizabeth Truss M.P., Secretary of State for Environment and ask for the creation of a National Litter Strategy to aid in combating the problem of fly tipping.”

In response to the amendment, Councillor Anderson advised that the Majority Group would have no objection to the proposal for a joint letter but would not be willing to accept deletion of reference to the outcome of the review undertaken by the Communities and Local Government Select Committee.

Prior to any further debate, John Austin (Assistant Director Governance Projects) advised that if it was not possible to agree a way forward on the amendment then its consideration would to be subject to the usual rules of debate under the Council Procedure Rules.

In order to clarify matters Councillor Laban advised that the Opposition Group would be willing to proceed on the basis of their amendment now requiring the following changes to the original motion:

·                Reference to “Westminster” in the second sentence of the first paragraph being amended to “the former coalition government”; and

·                To the letter for which approval was being sought in the second paragraph to be a joint letter from the Cabinet Member for Environment and Shadow Cabinet Member for Environment to the Rt Hon. Elizabeth Truss M.P., Secretary of State for Environment and ask for the creation of a National Litter Strategy to aid in combating the problem of fly tipping.

Councillor Anderson advised that the Majority  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

The Mayor advised that she had agreed (in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.6) to accept the following item as an emergency motion, with copies tabled for members at the meeting.  This had been on the basis of the reasons for urgency provided in advance of the meeting.

Having welcomed the Mayor’s decision, Councillor Hamilton moved and Councillor Alev Cazimoglu seconded the following motion:

“Enfield Council believes that general practice is the solution to many of the current problems facing the NHS but general practice cannot achieve its full potential while being seriously damaged by:

·                the continuing disinvestment in general practice;

·                the lack of premises investment;

·                the rapid reduction in the number of GPs due to government policies;

We know that going forward between now and 2020, Enfield will have a real shortage of GPs and primary care provision.  The need in Enfield is more urgent given the closure of Chase Farm Hospital A&E.

On 19 June 2015 the Secretary of State for Health announced that 5,000 doctors were needed to fix the health crisis.

Both in terms of the number of GPs and practice surgery facilities the Government has made a commitment for 7 day NHS service.  The same commitment made in 2010!

The number of GPs in Enfield is expected to have to rise by 84 from its current levels of 167 over the next five years—an increase of some 50%, and that just to get adequate cover by 2020.   According to the Royal College of General Practitioners, that leaves Enfield the 17th worst hit Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) out of 212 across the country.

Enfield Council  is committed to doing all that we can to lobby government and work with the CCG to make adequate funding available as a matter of urgency  to address the Primary Care service in Enfield in order to meet the health care needs for Enfield Residents.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care is requested to create a campaign strategy and lobby approach to Government so that Enfield Council, with partners, are best placed as early as possible to pressurise the Government for extra resources for Enfield residents”

In opening the debate on the motion, Councillor Neville moved and Councillor Rye seconded the following amendment:

(a)       To end the first paragraph after “NHS” and delete the following wording “but general practice cannot achieve its full potential while being seriously damaged by:

·                the continuing disinvestment in general practice;

·                the lack of premises investment;

·                the rapid reduction in the number of GPs due to government policies;”

(b)       To amend the final paragraph as follows (changes highlighted in bold) in order to ensure a joint approach towards the development and delivery of any lobbying campaign:

“The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care and Shadow Cabinet Member is are requested to write a joint letter to the Secretary of State and create a campaign strategy and lobby approach to Government so that Enfield Council, with partners are best placed as early as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

To receive a report from the Director of Schools and Children’s Services presenting the Enfield Ofsted Improvement Plan following the inspection in Enfield from 20 January to 11 February 2015.     (Report No.5)

(Non key)

Members are asked to note that Cabinet are due to consider the report on 17^th June 2015.  As part of this process it has been recommended that the report also be referred on to Council for information.  The decision made by Cabinet on 17^th June 2015 will be reported to Council on the amendment sheet tabled at the meeting.

Councillor Orhan moved and Councillor Uzoanya seconded the report from the Director of Schools and Children’s Services (No.5) presenting the outcome of an OFSTED inspection of services within Enfield for children in need of help and protection, children looked after and care leavers along with the effectiveness of the Local Safeguarding Children Board undertaken in January/February 2015.  The report also highlighted the key actions identified within the OFSTED Improvement Plan as an outcome of the inspection.

NOTED

1.      Cabinet (17^th June 2015) had agreed the recommendations in the report along with its referral onto Council for noting and information.

2.      The background to the inspection process undertaken, as detailed in section 3 of the report.

3.      The Inspectors had found that the Local Authority led effective services which had resulted in an overall judgement that children’s services in Enfield were Good.  In addition the Inspectors judged the Enfield Safeguarding Children Board (ESCB) as Good based around the arrangements in place to evaluate the effectiveness of what was done by the Authority and ESCB partners to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

4.      Nationally less than 25% of Authorities had received an overall judgement of Good with Enfield, at the time, being the only London Authority to have achieved the rating.

5.      The thanks expressed by members across the Council for the hard work of those staff involved in the delivery of these services given the challenges faced.  The Cabinet Member, supported by colleagues across the Council, also took the opportunity, at what was to be his final Council meeting, to recognise and thank Andrew Fraser as Director of Schools & Children’s Services for his dedication, knowledge and skill in leading the service.

6.      Notwithstanding the judgement received, the inspection had identified 15 recommendations designed to further improve services to vulnerable children and these had formed the basis of the OFSTED Improvement Plan.  11 of these related to children’s services and 4 to the effectiveness of the ESCB.  Each recommendation had clear actions and lead officers identified as responsible for their delivery with progress to be monitored and overseen by the ESCB, Lead Cabinet Member, Director and Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

7.      Whilst also welcoming the outcome of the inspection, the Opposition Group highlighted a need to ensure that focus was maintained on the direct outcomes arising from the actions identified in response to the recommendations within the OFSTED Improvement Plan.

8.      The strong political commitment identified by the Cabinet Member towards children’s services in Enfield and innovative nature of actions already being delivered or identified in response to the recommendations within the OFSTED Improvement Plan.  At the same time Members advised they had recognised the need to avoid complacency and to ensure that ongoing and future challenges (including issues around the calculation of funding support) were addressed, with the example provided of the establishment of the cross party Task Group on Child Sexual Exploitation as one such initiative.  The work of the Children in Care Council (KRATOS) was also highlighted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

Given the time available to complete the business on the agenda and items which both Groups had indicated they still wished to consider, Councillor Stewart moved and Councillor Uzoanya seconded a further proposal to change the order of business on the agenda under paragraph 2.2 (page 4-6) of the Council Procedure Rules to enable the following to be taken as the next items of business:

·                Item 23 – Exclusion of the Press & Public.

·                Part 2  Agenda Item 1 – Alma Estate Regeneration Programme Update (including Dujardin Mews Project) (Report No.227A)

·                Part 2 Agenda Item 2 – Mobilisation and Operation of the Lee Valley Heat Network (Report No.16)

The change in the order of the agenda was agreed, without a vote.

Please note the minutes reflect the order in which the agenda items were dealt with at the meeting.

To consider passing a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 excluding the press and public from the meeting for the items of business listed on part 2 of the agenda on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in those paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act (as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006).

(Members are asked to refer to the part two agenda).

Given that the next two items agreed for consideration had been listed on the Part 2 agenda Council agreed the following resolution, without a vote, to exclude the press and public:

AGREED in accordance with Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the press and public from the meeting for consideration of Items 1 and 2 listed on Part 2 of the agenda on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act (as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006).

To receive a report from the Director of Regeneration and Environment and Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services providing additional details in support of the update provided on both schemes.                                                                                         (Report No.227A)

(Key Decision – Reference Number 3967)

Please note Report No.225A on the Part 1 agenda also refers

Members are asked to note that the report was approved by Cabinet on 29^th April 2015.  Council is therefore being asked to note the additional information provided as part of the approval being sought for inclusion of the funding on the Capital Programme.

(This document contains exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person – including the authority holding that information) of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended)

Councillor Oykener moved and Councillor Stafford seconded the report of the Director of Regeneration and Environment and Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.227) providing an update on the Alma Estate, including Dujardin Mews, regeneration scheme.

NOTED

1.      The report had been submitted for consideration in conjunction with Report 225A on the Part 1 Agenda. (Min.44 refers) following its approval by Cabinet on 29^th April 2015.

2.      The progress made in relation to delivery of both the Alma and Dujardin Mews schemes, as detailed within the Part 1 and Part 2 reports.  This had included the Council entering into a Development Agreement for the scheme to redevelop the Alma Estate and into a construction contract with a building contractor for Dujardin Mews.

3.      The size and complexity of the regeneration schemes, which were now being treated as two separate projects, with Cabinet having agreed a number of changes (subject to approval of the necessary funding by Council) designed to bring forward both developments and delivery of associated Council housing.  Key changes requiring additional financial approval had included:

a.      the need to increase funding to the developer in relation to the Alma Estate scheme as a result of changes in the phasing, numbers and sizes of housing now being delivered in earlier phases of the scheme and to cover an increase in build costs;

b.      an increase in the costs associated with the need to obtain vacant possession of properties on the Alma Estate due to an increase in property prices since the scheme had originally been approved;

c.       an increase in project and staffing costs to reflect the increase in size and complexity of the scheme and the inclusion of additional facilities such as Welcome Point within the scheme.

4.      Whilst supportive of both schemes, concerns were raised by the Opposition Group in relation to the overall % increase in costs and what they felt to be the limited detail within the report to justify the reasons for these.  It was felt these issues supported more general concerns expressed about the oversight and project management arrangements for major schemes of this type and need to ensure that the Housing Board was fully engaged in this process.

5.      In response to the concerns highlighted in 4. above members attention was drawn to the fact that the additional costs identified were partly due to be offset through additional capital receipts with the schemes combined currently projecting an improved financial position and the HRA Business Plan remaining affordable.  The wider oversight issue raised in relation to the role of the Housing Board had, however, been recognised by the Cabinet Member for Housing & Housing Regeneration with consideration already being given as to how the role of the Board could be developed in this respect.

The recommendations in the report were then put to the vote and agreed as follows:

AGREED

(1)     To note progress being made in obtaining vacant possession on the Alma Estate and approve (as recommended by Cabinet) an increase  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

Given the remaining time available before the meeting was due to end and indication from both Groups that they still wished to consider the report relating to the Mobilisation and Operation of the Lee Valley Heat Network Councillor Neville moved and Councillor Taylor seconded a proposal under Council Procedural Rule 11(m) to extend the meeting for an additional period of 15 minutes.  This was agreed unanimously without a vote.

To receive the report of the Director - Regeneration and Environment providing additional details in support of the approvals being sought relating to the mobilisation and operation of Lee Valley Heat Network (LVHN).

(Report No.16)

(Key Decision – Reference Number 4080)

Please note Report No.11 on the Part 1 agenda also refers.

Members are asked to note:

·                The attached report is due to be considered by Cabinet on 17^th June 2015.  Subject to Cabinet approval of the report, Council will be asked to note the additional information provided in support of the approval being sought for the addition of the project development costs within the Capital Programme.

·                The decision made by Cabinet on 17^th June 2015 will be reported to Council as part of the amendment sheet tabled at the meeting.

(This document contains exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person – including the authority holding that information) of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended)

Councillor Sitkin moved and Councillor Savva seconded the report of the Director of Regeneration and Environment (No.16) relating to mobilisation and operation of the Lee Valley Heat Network (LVHN).

NOTED

1.      The report had been submitted for consideration in conjunction with Report 11 on the Part 1 Agenda. (Min.46 refers) following its approval by Cabinet on 17^th June 2015.  Whilst the majority of background information had been included within the accompanying Part 1 report, members agreed that consideration should remain within Part 2 of the agenda, given the intended focus of the debate around the financial issues outlined within the supporting information contained in the Part 2 report.

2.      Cabinet had agreed the recommendations in the Part 1 report and noted the supporting financial information within the Part 2 report which had resulted in recommendation of the additional costs identified for inclusion within the Capital Programme.

3.      The progress made to date on delivery of a major infrastructure project within the borough as detailed within section 3.6 of the accompanying Part 1 report, which had included:

a.      the commencement of three key procurement exercises relating to the design, build and operation of the strategic heat network to Meridian Water; operation and maintenance of three satellite schemes at Ladderswood, Alma Road and New Avenue; and provision of a customer service for the entire network;

b.      nurturing of investor confidence and support  for the Business Plan; and

c.       recruitment of a strong project team involving expert technical and consultancy support from across the decentralised energy sector;

4.      The next steps planned in delivery of the project, as detailed in section 3.6 – 3.10 of the Part 1 report and breakdown of the additional funding being recommended for approval, which would be drawn down from funds already identified within the Council’s indicative Capital Programme.

5.      The concerns highlighted by the Opposition Group in relation to:

a.      what they felt to be the significant financial risks associated with delivery of the scheme and its potential impact on the delivery and viability of the Meridian Water development; and

b.      what was felt to be the limited opportunities available for wider member  oversight and scrutiny in relation to operation of the Holdco and management of risks as the project developed;

6.      In response to 5. above, the Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Business Regeneration highlighted what were felt to be the robust risk management procedures already established in order to monitor and mitigate, as far as possible, the risks identified.

Following a short debate the recommended inclusion of the additional funding within the Capital Programme was then put to the vote and agreed as follows:

AGREED to approve, as recommended by Cabinet, the inclusion of the £2.143m project development costs, as detailed within the Part 2 report, on the Council’s approved Capital Programme.

(Exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)) of Schedule 12A to the Local  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

The Mayor advised, at this stage of the meeting, that the time available to complete the agenda had now elapsed so Council Procedure Rule 8 would apply.

The Council then moved back into Part 1 of the agenda.

NOTED that in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 8 (page 4-8 – Part 4), the remaining items of business on the Council agenda were considered without debate.

To receive a report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services seeking approval of the new Leisure & Culture Strategy: Active & Creative 2015-2020.   (Report No.220A)

(Key Decision – Reference Number 4015)

Members are asked to note that the Strategy and Action Plan were approved (as amended) for recommendation onto Council, by Cabinet on 29 April 2015.

RECEIVED the report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.220A) seeking approval to the new Leisure and Culture Strategy: Active and Creative 2015-2020.

NOTED that the Strategy and Action Plan had been approved (as amended within the report) for recommendation on to Council, by Cabinet on 29^th April 2015.

AGREED to approve and adopt the new Leisure and Culture Strategy: Active and Creative 2015-2020.

To receive a report from the Director - Regeneration & Environment & Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services providing an update on the development of both schemes.         (Report No.225A)

(Key Decision – Reference Number 3967)

Please note Item 1 (Report No.227A) on the Part 2 agenda also refers.

Members are asked to note the report was approved by Cabinet on 29^th April 2015.  Council is only being asked to approve the increase of funding within the Capital Programme to cover the additional costs of the schemes.

RECEIVED the report of the Director of Regeneration and Environment and Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.225A) providing a programme update on development of the Alma Estate and Dujardin Mews schemes.

NOTED the report had been submitted for consideration in conjunction with Report 227A on the Part 2 Agenda. (Min.39 refers) following its approval by Cabinet on 29^th April 2015.

AGREED to note the following decisions taken by Cabinet on 29^th April 2015, in support of the decision already taken  under the Part 2 agenda (Min.39 refers) regarding the inclusion of funding within the Capital Programme:

(1)       To note in relation to both schemes, that all of the recommendations could be achieved without exceeding the combined budget for the two schemes.

(2)     In relation to the Alma Estate:

(a)       Cabinet had noted the progress being made in obtaining vacant possession on the Alma Estate as detailed in para 3.11 and 3.12 of the report and approved the budget detailed in the part 2 report from the Housing Revenue Account to obtain vacant possession of the homes.

(b)      Cabinet had agreed the proposal at para 3.27 of the report to increase the number of Council homes included in Phase 1 of the proposed redevelopment of the Alma Estate from 80 to approximately 98, subject to planning.

(c)     Cabinet had noted that, based on current predictions of tenants indicating they would like to remain on the Estate, there was a risk that the Council might be required to purchase additional new Council homes. A report to acquire further properties from Countryside would be submitted to Cabinet for approval once numbers and budget requirements had been finalised.

(d)     Cabinet had agreed the proposal at para 3.33 of the report to construct the retail element detailed in the part 2 report for inclusion in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the proposed redevelopment of the Alma Estate.

(e)     Cabinet had agreed the proposal at para 3.36 of the report to bring forward the development of Phase 1 of the proposed redevelopment of the Alma Estate and authorised the Council to give an undertaking for the amount detailed in the part 2 report to Countryside to underwrite the costs of demolition.

(f)      Cabinet had agreed the proposal at para 3.41 of the report to include homes for older people within the proposed redevelopment of the Alma Estate and to delegate authority to the Director of Regeneration and Environment, acting in consultation with the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services, to agree terms for a Deed of Variation to facilitate the inclusion of the extra care homes.

(g)     Cabinet had agreed to delegate authority to the Director of Regeneration and Environment, acting in consultation with the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services, to agree whether or not to exercise the Council’s option to purchase the right to receive the ground rental income stream from Countryside on the terms contained in the Development Agreement.

(h)     Cabinet had agreed to delegate authority  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

To receive a report from the Director of Finance, Resources & Customer Services seeking approval to the Library Development Strategy 2015-2018.                                 (Report No.7)

(Key Decision – Reference Number 4043)

Members are asked to note:

·                The attached report is due to be considered by Cabinet on 17^th June 2015.  Subject to Cabinet approval of the report, Council is being asked to formally approve and adopt the Library Development Strategy 2015-2018 and to the addition of the additional budget provision identified within the Capital Programme.  The recommendations for consideration by Council have been highlighted in bold within the report.

·                The decision made by Cabinet on 17^th June 2015 will be reported to Council as part of the Council amendment sheet tabled at the meeting.

RECEIVED the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.7) seeking approval of a new Library Development Strategy 2015-2018 and the investment necessary to realise the vision.

NOTED

1.      Cabinet (17^th June 2015) had agreed the recommendations within the report, with the Strategy and funding for the capital works required at Edmonton Green Library referred on to Council for approval.

2.      The following amendment to para 5.10 of the report, agreed by Cabinet when approving the Strategy for recommendation on to Council (as detailed on the amendment sheet tabled at the meeting):

“5.10      Bring to an end the mobile library service and existing/new customers who cannot attend a physical library will be offered a different service through an extended Home Library Delivery Service which will be supported by volunteers.”

AGREED

(1)     To approve (as recommended by Cabinet) the Library Development Strategy, as detailed in Appendix C of the report, on the basis of delivering Option 1 from the consultation options (subject to the amendment to section 5.10 of the report noted above).

(2)     To approve the capital works required to deliver the improvements to the Edmonton Green Library, as detailed within the report (up to £5m) for inclusion on the Council’s Capital programme with the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services and Cabinet Member for Finance Efficiency given delegated authority to start procurement and award contracts subject to further key decision notifications.

To receive a report from the Director – Regeneration & Environment seeking a number of approvals relating to the mobilisation and operation of Lee Valley Heat Network (LVHN).      (Report No.11)

(Key Decision – Reference Number 4080)

Please note Item 2 (Report No.16) on the Part 2 agenda also refers.

Members are asked to note:

·                The attached report is due to be considered by Cabinet on 17^th June 2015.  Subject to Cabinet approval of the report, Council is only being asked to approve the addition of the project development costs identified within the Capital Programme.  The specific recommendation for consideration by Council has been highlighted in bold within the report.

·                The decision made by Cabinet on 17^th June 2015 will be reported to Council as part of the Council amendment sheet tabled at the meeting.

RECEIVED the report from the Director of Regeneration and Environment (No.11) regarding the mobilisation and operation of the Lee Valley Heat Network.

NOTED the report had been submitted for consideration in conjunction with Report 16 on the Part 2 Agenda. (Min.41 refers) following its approval by Cabinet on 17^th June 2015.

AGREED to note the decisions taken by Cabinet (17^th June 2015) relating to the Governance, Finance and Procurement matters identified in relation to the Lee Valley Heat Network and in support of the decision taken under Part 2 (Min.41 refers) of the agenda to approve (as recommended by Cabinet) the inclusion of the £2.143m project development costs within the Council’s approved Capital Programme.

Councillors Oykener, Sitkin and Taylor declared non-pecuniary interests in this item.

To receive a report from the Director of Health, Housing & Adult Social Care seeking approval to commission the design and construction of a dual registered care home and the approach towards procurement of the service delivery aspect for the project.         (Report No.12)

(Key Decision – Reference Number 4089)

Please note Item 3 (Report No.17) on the Part 2 agenda also refers.

Members are asked to note:

·                The attached report is due to be considered by Cabinet on 17^th June 2015.  Subject to Cabinet approval of the recommendations, Council is being asked to note this report in support of the approval being sought to the addition of the costs identified for the scheme within the Capital Programme.

·                The decision made by Cabinet on 17^th June 2015 will be reported to Council as part of the Council amendment sheet tabled at the meeting.

RECEIVED the report of the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care (No.12) seeking approval to commission the design and construction of a dual registered care home and the approach towards procurement of the service delivery aspect for the project.

NOTED

1.      Cabinet (17^th June 2015) had approved entering into a Stage 2 building contract for the construction of the facility, subject to Council approving the additional capital costs within the capital programme.

2.      The detailed recommendations and supporting financial information relating to the capital costs had been included in an accompanying report (No.17) to be considered on the Part 2 Council agenda (Min.58 refers).

AGREED to note the content of the report in support of the approval being sought within the Part 2 report, to the addition of the costs identified for the scheme within the Capital Programme.

To receive the annual report from the London Borough of Enfield’s Councillor Conduct Committee for 2014/15.  The report sets out the key issues dealt with by the committee during the past year.

The report was agreed at the Councillor Conduct Committee meeting held on 30th April 2015.

RECEIVED the Annual Report from the Councillor Conduct Committee detailing the key issues dealt with by the Committee during 2014/15.

NOTED that the report had been agreed and recommended to Council for approval, by the Councillor Conduct Committee on 30^th April 2015.

AGREED to approve the Councillor Conduct Committee Annual Report 2014/15.

To receive a report from the Assistant Director Human Resources detailing changes to the Council’s Constitution required as a result of changes proposed under the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) Amendment Regulations 2015, which came into force on 11 May 2015.

(Report No.21)

(Non-Key)

The amended Regulations require that new provisions in respect of taking disciplinary action against the Head of Paid Service, the Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Finance Officer are incorporated into the Council’s Constitution, with the report seeking approval to the changes required.

RECEIVED the report from the Assistant Director Human Resources detailing changes required to the Council’s Constitution as a result of changes within the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) Amendment Regulations 2015, which had come into force on 11 May 2015.  These changes related to the taking of disciplinary action against the Head of Paid Service, Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer.

AGREED

(1)     To approve the amendments to the Constitution, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report, arising from the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) Amendment Regulations 2015.

(2)     To delegate authority to the Remuneration Committee to approve the introduction of the new detailed model dismissal procedure for the Head of Paid Service, Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Finance Officer, arising from the requirements within the Regulations.

At the Council meeting on 25 March 2015 members received a report from the Director of Finance, Resources & Customer Services (No.207) detailing a number of new governance requirements introduced under the Public Service Pension Act 2013 relating to public service (including Local Government) pension schemes.  These changes included the establishment of a Local Pension Board with a role to assist in securing compliance with the new regulations and other legislation and ensure efficient and effective administration of the Pension Fund.  In order to distinguish between the role of the newly created Local Pension Board and that of the existing Pension Board (whose role is to make decisions on behalf of the Council as Administering Authority for the LBE Pension Fund) it was agreed that the Pension Board should be renamed as the Pension Policy and Investment Committee, with that body combining the role of the previous Pension Board and Investment Sub Committee.

Under the Members Allowance Scheme, as set out in Part 6 of the Council’s Constitution, the Chair of the previous titled Pension Board receives a Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) of £2,000 per year.  Given the change in governance arrangements introduced as a result of the Act and role of the newly established Local Pension Board, it is recommended that this allowance now be divided between the Chairs of both the Pension Policy & Investment Committee and the Local Pension Board on the basis of £1000 per position.

The payment of the additional SRA proposed is permissible within the guidance accompanying the regulations relating to the Members Allowance Scheme and will be funded from within existing resources.  Payment of the allowance for the Local Pension Board will only be eligible to a councillor.

Recommendation:

In order to reflect the change in governance arrangements relating to administration of the Pension Fund, Council is asked to amend Schedule 1 of the Members Allowance Scheme, as follows:

(1)       replace reference to Chair of Pensions Board with Chair of Pension Policy & Investment Committee and amend the level of SRA for that post to £1000.

(2)       Add the Chair of the Local Pension Board as a post to receive an SRA – with an allocation of £1000.

RECEIVED an update from the Director of Finance, Resources & Customer Services, listed on the agenda as Item 15 relating to the Members Allowance Scheme for 2015/16.

NOTED

1.         Council (25 March 2015) had approved, following changes introduced under the Public Service Pension Act 2013 the establishment of a Local Pension Board and to rename the Council’s existing Pension Board as the Pension Policy and Investment Committee.

2.         Under the Members Allowances Scheme (Part 6 of the Constitution - Paragraph 6.3 (c)) the chair of the previous titled Pension Board received a Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) of £2,000 per year but given the change in governance arrangements and role of the newly established Board, Council was now being asked to consider dividing the allowance between the chairs of the Pension Policy and Investment Committee and Local Pension Board.

AGREED to approve the following amendments to Schedule 1 of the Members Allowance Scheme in order to reflect the change in governance arrangements relating to administration of the Pension Fund:

(1)     To replace reference to Chair of Pensions Board with Chair of Pension Policy & Investment Committee and amend the level of Special Responsibility Allowance for that post to £1,000.

(2)     To add the Chair of the Local Pension Board as a post to receive a Special Responsibility Allowance (if filled by a councillor) – with an allocation of £1,000

To receive a report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services presenting the Housing Gateway Limited First Annual Report.

(Report No.10)

(Non-Key)

Please note Item 4 (Report No.15) on the Part 2 agenda also refers.

Members are asked to note that Cabinet are due to consider the report on 17^th June 2015.  As part of this process it has been recommended that the report also be referred on to Council for information.  The decision made by Cabinet on 17^th June 2015 will be reported to Council as part of the amendment sheet tabled at the meeting.

RECEIVED the report for the Director of Finance, Housing and Customer Services (No.10) presenting the Housing Gateway Limited First Annual Report.

NOTED

1.      Cabinet (17^th June 2015) had considered and approved the report and recommended that if be referred on to Council for information.

2.      The report was accompanied by a Part 2 agenda item (Report No.15) which had also been referred to Council for information (Min.59 refers).

AGREED to note, subject to consideration of the accompanying Part 2 report, the contents of the first Housing Gateway Limited Annual report.

Councillor Joanne Laban declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in this item.  As the matter was dealt with under the guillotine she did not withdraw from the meeting but took no part in the process for dealing with the report.

Councillors Achilleas Georgiou, Oykener and Stafford declared non-pecuniary interests in this item.

18.1  Urgent Questions (Part 4 - Paragraph 9.2.(b) of Constitution – Page 4-9)

With the permission of the Mayor, questions on urgent issues may be tabled with the proviso of a subsequent written response if the issue requires research or is considered by the Mayor to be minor.

Please note that the Mayor will decide whether a question is urgent or not.

The definition of an urgent question is “An issue which could not reasonably have been foreseen or anticipated prior to the deadline for the submission of questions and which needs to be considered before the next meeting of the Council.”

Submission of urgent questions to Council requires the Member when submitting the question to specify why the issue could not have been reasonably foreseen prior to the deadline and why it has to be considered before the next meeting.  A supplementary question is not permitted.

18.2  Councillors’ Questions (Part 4 – Paragraph 9.2(a) of Constitution – Page 4 - 8)

The list of seventy questions and their written responses are attached to the agenda.

1.1      Urgent Question

The Mayor advised that in accordance with the criteria set out in the Constitution, she had accepted the following as an urgent question:

From Councillor Milne to Councillor Orhan, Cabinet Member for Education, Children’s Services and Protection:

The Cabinet Member will be aware that recent figures released by the London Assembly in a report “London’s Children: Missing from Care” reveals that Enfield has one of the highest numbers of children in care going missing.  The figures show that 110 children went missing from care 251 times in the last year and that there has been a 722% increase in missing children in borough placements.

Can the Cabinet Member explain to the Council:

(a)       why this is happening;

(b)       What steps she is putting in place to ensure these children are properly looked after as they should be; and

(c)        What action is she taking to ensure that those responsible for looking after these children are attending to their jobs properly.

A written response to the question from the Cabinet Member for Education, Children’s Services & Protection had been tabled (on the amendment sheet) at the meeting.  Under the Council Procedure Rules no supplementary question was permitted.

1.2    Questions by Councillors

NOTED

1.      The seventy questions on the Council agenda and written responses provided by the relevant Cabinet Members and Associate Cabinet Members.

2.      The updated copy of the Appendix provided as part of the response to Question 48 (tabled with the amendment sheet) providing a reformatted breakdown of Controlled Parking Zone enforcement costs.

19.1    In the name of Councillor Neville:

“It has recently come to light that Councillor Nesimi Erbil was convicted of two fraud related offences in relation to his license to drive a London taxi (black cab), the convictions having occurred last September.

The council is of the view that these offences, being offences of dishonesty render Councillor Erbil unfit to serve on the council and accordingly calls upon him to resign his seat forthwith.”

19.2    In the name of Councillor Neville:

“Enfield Council congratulates the Conservative Party on winning the General

Election on 7th May 2015, thus providing the United Kingdom with stable majority party government independent of the whims and fantasies of minor parties, and welcomes the referendum to be held in 2017 on  Britain`s future relationship with the European Union. Enfield Council will seek to work in a constructive manner with the new Conservative Government for the benefit of the Enfield community.”

19.3    In the name of Councillor Sitkin:

“Under this pro-enterprise Labour Administration, Enfield Council commits to remaining open for business.”

19.4    In the name of Councillor Anderson:

“Fly tipping is endemic across the country costing taxpayers up to £850m each year.  Earlier this year, the Communities and Local Government Select Committee accused Westminster of a “lack of vigour, if not complacency” on tackling this growing problem.

Though Enfield Council has one of the best records in the country in tackling this scourge, we recognise that more needs to be done.  This Council, therefore, calls on the Government to heed the conclusions of the Select Committee report by creating a National Litter Strategy for England with a clear framework for action, underpinned with a coordinating role for local councils.

In addition we ask the Government:

(1)     to re-invest the millions from landfill tax receipts into tackling commercial fly-tipping;

(2)     to introduce a £1,000 fixed penalty notice for fly-tipping offences and make it easier for local authorities to enforce it; and

(3)     to address the outdated, slow and resource intensive process for dealing with waste on private land with a 7 day enforcement process along with higher fines for land owners who fail to comply.”

The following motions listed on the agenda lapsed due to lack of time:

1.1    In the name of Councillor Neville:

“Enfield Council congratulates the Conservative Party on winning the General

Election on 7th May 2015, thus providing the United Kingdom with stable majority party government independent of the whims and fantasies of minor parties, and welcomes the referendum to be held in 2017 on  Britain`s future relationship with the European Union. Enfield Council will seek to work in a constructive manner with the new Conservative Government for the benefit of the Enfield community.”

1.2       In the name of Councillor Sitkin:

“Under this pro-enterprise Labour Administration, Enfield Council commits to remaining open for business.”

To confirm the following changes to committee memberships:

(a)       Green Belt Forum

Councillor Steven to replace Councillor J. Charalambous

Please note any additional changes notified once the final agenda has been published will be tabled on the Council amendment sheet at the meeting.

AGREED the following changes to committee memberships:

(1)       Green Belt Forum

Councillor Steven to replace Councillor J.Charalambous

(2)     Members and Democratic Services Group

To note that Councillor Simon had been appointed as chair of the Group.

To confirm the following change to nominations on outside bodies:

(a)     Safer Neighbourhood Board

Councillor Milne to be replaced by Councillor Dines

(b)     Enfield Racial Equality Council

Councillor J.Charalambous to be replaced by Councillor D.Pearce

Please note any further changes notified once the final agenda has been published will be tabled on the Council amendment sheet at the meeting.

AGREED the following changes to nominations on outside bodies: 

(1)     Edmonton United Charities

Councillor Savva to be replaced by a vacancy.

(2)     Enfield Racial Equality Council

Councillor J.Charalambous to be replaced by Councillor D.Pearce

(3)     Health & Social Partnership Boards

(a)     Older People

Councillor Jiagge to be replaced by Councillor Pite

(b)     Carers

Councillor Jiagge to fill vacancy

(4)     Safer Neighbourhood Board

Councillor Milne to be replaced by Councillor Dines

To note that the next meeting of the Council will be held on Thursday 24 September 2015 at 7.00 p.m. at the Civic Centre.

NOTED the next meeting of the Council would be held at 7.00pm on Thursday 24^th September May 2015 at the Civic Centre.

AGREED in accordance with Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the press and public from the meeting for consideration of Items 1 and 2 listed on Part 2 of the agenda on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act (as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006).

To receive a report from the Director of Health, Housing & Adult Social Care seeking approval to commission the design and construction of a dual registered care home and the approach towards procurement of the service delivery aspect of the project.           (Report No.17)

(Key Decision – Reference Number 4089)

Please note Report No.12 on the Part 1 agenda also refers.

Members are asked to note:

·                The attached report is due to be considered by Cabinet on 17^th June 2015.  Subject to Cabinet approval of the report, Council will be asked to note the additional information provided and approve inclusion of the additional costs identified within the Capital Programme.  The recommendation for specific consideration by Council has been highlighted in bold within the report.

·                The decision made by Cabinet on 17^th June 2015 will be reported to Council as part of the Council amendment sheet tabled at the meeting.

(This document contains exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person – including the authority holding that information) of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended).

RECEIVED the report of the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care (No.17) seeking approval to commission the design and construction of a dual registered care home and the approach towards procurement, funding and delivery of the project.

NOTED

1.      the report had been submitted for consideration in conjunction with Report 12 on the Part 1 Agenda. (Min.47 refers) following approval by Cabinet on 17 June 2015.

2.      the decision made by Cabinet in relation to project development and costs and on the award of contract, which had been subject to approval of the additional capital costs detailed within the report.

AGREED, as recommended by Cabinet, to approve the additional capital cost of £2.647m (on the basis of the detail within section 6.1 of the report) for inclusion within the Capital Programme having noted that the estimated running and capital financing costs could be contained within the Medium Term Financial Plan provision.

(Exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)) of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 as amended).

To receive a report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services presenting the Housing Gateway Limited First Annual Report.

(Report No.15)

(Non-Key)

Please note Report No.10 on the Part 1 agenda also refers.

Members are asked to note that Cabinet are due to consider the report on 17^th June 2015.  As part of this process it has been recommended that the report also be referred on to Council for information.  This report provides additional supporting information for Members to note in relation to the Annual Report.  The decision made by Cabinet on 17^th June 2015 will be reported to Council as part of the amendment sheet tabled at the meeting.

 (This document contains exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person – including the authority holding that information) of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended).

RECEIVED the report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.15) presenting the first Housing Gateway Limited Annual Report, including details on the associated financial model.

NOTED the report had been submitted to Council for information in conjunction with Report 10 on the Part 1 Agenda. (Min.51 refers) following approval by Cabinet on 17 June 2015.

AGREED to note the contents of the first Housing Gateway Limited Annual Report.

 (Exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)) of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 as amended).

Councillors Joanne declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in this item.  As the matter was dealt with under the guillotine she did not withdraw from the meeting but took no part in the process for dealing with the report.

Councillors Achilleas Georgiou, Oykener and Stafford declared non-pecuniary interests in this item.