Agenda and minutes

Not required. 

The Council Choir will sing a song in recognition of the United Nations International Day of Peace. 

In a break with tradition, instead of a blessing from the Mayor’s chaplain, on account of it being the United Nations International Day of Peace, the Council choir sang the Louis Armstrong’s classic “What a Wonderful World”. 

In introducing the song, the Mayor quoted the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon “Let us all work together to help all human beings achieve dignity and equality to build a greener planet and to make sure no one is left behind.”

The Mayor made the following announcements: 

The Mayor began by hoping that everyone had enjoyed their summer and saying that she had been very busy since the last Council meeting, 10 weeks ago. 

1.               Engagements since the last Council

Since then the Mayor’s engagements had included the following: 

·       An end of year Mass at St Ignatius School.

·       The launch of the Firs Farm Wetlands Festival.  She hoped that this area would be enjoyed by local residents for years to come. 

·       A Central Criminal Court lunch at the Old Bailey, at the invitation of the High Sheriff.

·       The Enfield Sounds Great Instrument Amnesty in Palace Gardens.  A large number of instruments had been donated including a cello, a violin, a very old recorder and many keyboards and guitars.  She had been touched by the generosity of Enfield residents.  Buskers had raised £300 for her charity on the day.  She added that her son had given up a week of his holiday to repair and clean the instruments, ready for distribution. 

·       Hosting an large group of 130 Chinese young people – only 30 had been expected - with whom she was photographed.  They had all learned a lot from each other. 

·       A Mamma Mia Film Night in Town Park with delicious food and drink, which had raised £1,600 for the Mayor’s charity.  Fun was had by all. 

The Mayor thanked officers in the Mayoral Team and the Deputy Mayor and her consorts for their support as well as the people of Enfield for their invitations. 

2.               Visit to Gladbeck in Germany

The Mayor had also visited Gladbeck, a town that was twinned with Enfield, together with her husband, Councillor Erin Celebi and Paul Everitt (Millfield Arts Centre Manger).  They had all been treated with affection and friendship and gained a valuable cross country insight into each other’s countries. 

The Mayor was looking forward to greeting a group of young people from Gladbeck who will soon be coming to Enfield to play football.  She was planning to host a small reception for them in the Mayor’s Parlour.  Gifts received from Gladbeck were also on display in the Parlour. 

3.               Mayor’s Fun Run

The Mayor’s Fun Run was held last Sunday.  The Mayor said that it had been inspirational and hundreds of people had turned out including many female councillors and pupils from Waverley School.  She praised the winners and the Council’s leisure team for doing such a good job promoting health and wellbeing in Enfield.

4.               Future Engagements

Future engagements include:

·       A fundraising evening in honour of the Mayor’s Charity organised by Southgate Light Opera on Friday and Saturday 23 and 24 of September 2016.

·       A visit to the Parker Day Centre on Friday morning to see the benefits of music played by local residents to those suffering with dementia.

·       Finally the Mayor said that she was looking forward to welcoming Enfield Paralympians and Olympians to a reception in the Mayor’s Parlour.  Members would be invited to join her in congratulating them.  There  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 13 July 2016 as a correct record. 

The minutes of the meeting held on 13 July 2016 were received and agreed as a correct record. 

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bond, David Sanders, Jukes, Lavender, Neville, AM Pearce and Uzonanya. 

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

The Monitoring Officer advised that all members had been granted a standard dispensation by the Councillor Conduct Committee in May 2013 in relation to matters relating to members’ allowances. 

This meant that during any discussion relating to this issue they were able to remain in the meeting, take part in the discussion and vote. 

Councillor Achilleas Georgiou, Dino Lemonides, and Ahmet Oykener declared non pecuniary interests in items 16 and 27 as they were directors on the Housing Gateway Limited Board. 

To receive pursuant to Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) a report from the Director of Finance, Resources & Customer Services including details of a petition that has been received which meets the criteria (in terms of the number of signatures) for debate at Council.

                                                                                          (Report No: 85)

This report should be read in conjunction with Report No: 86 on the Part 2 agenda. 

The Council received pursuant to Section 100(B) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) a report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services including details of a petition that has been received which meets the criteria (in terms of numbers of signatures) for debate at Council.

Vicki Dungate, Chair of the Federation of Enfield Community Associations, presented the petition to Council, on behalf of the Lead Petitioner.

NOTED

1.               The petition contained the request that Enfield Council reconsider its decision not to renew the lease of the Federation of Enfield Community Associations (FECA) Advice Centre at 11 Mottingham Road, Edmonton, N9 8DX. 

2.               The Monitoring Officer advised the chamber that consideration of the petition will be split into part 1 and part 2 of the meeting.  Part 2 following the exclusion of the press and public.  This will allow councillors to debate the subject matter and to avoid any infringement of sub judice.  (See also minute 25)

3.               The comments from the lead petitioner including:

·       Her support for the FECA advice and guidance centre was non-political.

·       There was a need for a face to face advice service in Enfield, particularly in the light of the current changes to council services.

·       Her thanks to the many supporters who had attended the meeting that evening.

Following the presentation of the Petition, Councillor Alessandro Georgiou moved and Councillor Laban seconded a proposal under paragraph 2.2(b) of the Council Procedure Rules to change the order of items on the agenda so that the following would be dealt with as the next item of business:

·       Item 24 - Petition on the Part 2 Agenda

The change in order of the agenda was put to the vote and not agreed.

For:  18

Against: 37

Abstentions:  0

At this point in the proceedings, Councillor Laban referred to Council Procedure Rule 21.2 and expressed concern that it was unlikely that there would be enough time to debate the item if left to the end of the agenda.  As a result she and all the Opposition members present withdrew from the meeting and did not return. 

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

The Council rules relating to Opposition Business are attached for information. 

Due to the absence of the Opposition, the Opposition Business Paper was not considered at the meeting. 

To receive a report from Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services providing an update on the Boundary Commission for England’s 2018 review of Parliamentary constituency boundaries as they affect Enfield.

Councillor Jemal moved and Councillor Bambos Charalambous seconded a report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services providing an update on the Boundary Commission for England’s 2018 review of Parliamentary constituency boundaries as they affect Enfield (Report No: 87). 

NOTED

1.               The tribute to James Kinsella (Head of Governance and Electoral Services) for producing the report so quickly.

2.               The regret of the majority party at the proposed reduction in the number of MPs. 

3.               Regret at the proposed deletion of the Enfield Southgate constituency.

4.               That Enfield would be directly affected.  Under the proposals, five MPs would have an interest in the borough.  Administering elections in the borough would be more complicated as more boroughs would be involved. 

5.               A date would be arranged for a meeting of the Electoral Review Panel to discuss the details of the proposals and to decide what formal response the Council would make to the consultation. 

6.               Concern on behalf of the Majority Group that the changes amounted to gerrymandering.  To reduce the number of elected Labour representatives in the House of Commons while increasing the number of unelected representatives in the House of Lords could be seen as increasing the democratic deficit. 

7.               Regret at the absence of the Opposition for this debate but the hope that an appropriate cross party consensus could be reached as a response on the issue. 

AGREED

1.               To note the publication of the initial parliamentary constituency boundary review proposals by the Boundary Commission for England and the timetable for the review process.

2.               To refer the review proposals on to the Electoral Review Panel for more detailed consideration and in order to consider whether Council should be recommended to make formal representations to the Boundary Commission of England as part of the review process.

To receive a report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services setting out the preferred option for the Montagu Estate’s redevelopment.

(Report No.69)

(Key decision – reference number 4357)

The report will need to be read in conjunction with Report No.74, on the Part 2 agenda.

Council is being asked to approve the additions to the Council’s capital programme for as set out in recommendations 2.7 and 2.11 with further details in the Part 2 report and to note the other recommendations agreed by Cabinet at the meeting held on 6 September 2016. 

Councillor Sitkin moved and Councillor Lemonides seconded the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services on the Montagu Estate Redevelopment.  (Report No: 69)

NOTED

1.               The report was considered in conjunction with report No: 74 on the part 2 agenda. (See Minute 26).

2.               The majority party view that there was not enough development space in the borough so that intensifying development on the Council’s own land was one of the key options.  The Montagu Estate, which was mainly owned by the Council, had been developed haphazardly in the past, was in poor repair, and so it made sense to knock it down and rebuild, making more efficient use of the space available.

3.               Financial analysis supported this option.  Rebuilding would provide more space for more businesses which would enable higher levels of employment, people would therefore be able to buy more goods and this would generate more taxes.

AGREED

1.              To note that Cabinet had approved the various options available for the use of the Montagu Industrial Estate and the economic and financial rationale for the establishment of a joint venture special purpose vehicle.

2.              To note that Cabinet had approved the redevelopment of the Montagu Industrial Estate for employment uses with the objective of securing wider economic and social regeneration benefits, as well as generating revenue funds for the Council to reinvest in Council services, and approves the demolition of Unecol House to facilitate the phased redevelopment of the Montagu Industrial Estate.

3.              To note that Cabinet had approved the establishment of a special purpose vehicle, joint venture LLP, to take forward the redevelopment of the estate and delegates authority to the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services in consultation with the Assistant Director (Legal and Governance Services) and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency to enter negotiations, finalise the terms and enter into agreements associated with establishing the special purpose vehicle.

4.              To note that Cabinet had approved the use of the Council’s real assets (property) located in the Montagu Estate to be used as an equity stake for the Council in the Joint Venture special purpose vehicle and delegates authority to the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency, and the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Business Development to  transfer these assets into the special purpose vehicle as and when required (subject to compliance with the Council’s Property Procedure Rules (PPRs)).

5.              To note that Cabinet had approved the procurement of a joint venture partner with which to form the special purpose vehicle and delegates authority to the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency and, the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Business Development to enter into negotiations, finalise the terms and enter into agreement with the procured recommended development partner.

6.              To approve the addition to the Council’s capital programme to fund the creation of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

To receive a report from Overview & Scrutiny Committee setting out the Scrutiny Annual Work Programme and Workstreams identified for 2016/17.            

Council is being asked to approve the report and to agree that the Head of Governance and Electoral Services be designated as the Council’s Statutory Scrutiny Officer as detailed in section 6 of the report.

                                                                                           (Report No: 61)

Councillor Levy moved and Councillor Abdullahi seconded the report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee setting out the Scrutiny Annual Work Programme and Workstreams identified for 2016/17. 

NOTED

1.               The report had been considered at Cabinet at its meeting on 6 September 2016. 

2.               Councillor Levy’s view that the scrutiny function was an important part of the democratic process and it was the duty of the Overview and Scrutiny Chair to uphold its impartiality and robustness.  

3.               The work programme and workstreams had first been approved at an Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 25 May 2016. 

4.               The two standing panels on health and crime were working well, each with their own work programme.  The workstreams were also effective.  Three were due to come forward with recommendations in the near future including those on Meridian Water, Enforcement and Council Communications. 

5.               Deep probing work was being carried out on the quality of communications, including working with residents on their concerns.

6.               The work plan was flexible: items could be added if new issues arose.

7.               New innovations included a community call in for members of the Cabinet, single item agendas, Councillor Lemonides is due to speak on the budget process, pioneering pre decision scrutiny and scrutiny in a day. 

8.               Thanks to the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny for his work during the year. 

AGREED

1.               To approve the scrutiny work programme and workstreams for 2016/17.

2.               To approve that the Head of Governance and Electoral Services was designated as the Council’s Statutory Scrutiny Officer as detailed in section 6 of the report.  

To receive a report from the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services summarising the need to secure additional high quality nursing supply for Enfield residents which is affordable and compliant with Care Quality Commission standards.                                                                                        (Report No: 67)

(Key decision – reference number 4337)

The report will need to be read in conjunction with Report No.72 on the Part two agenda.                                      

Members are asked to note that Council is being asked to note the recommendations approved by Cabinet at their meeting on 6 September 2016 and to approve the inclusion of the capital budgets for the scheme as in recommendation 2.2 and as detailed further in the Part 2 report. 

Councillor Cazimoglu moved and Councillor Lemonides seconded the report of the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services summarising the need to secure additional high quality nursing supply for Enfield residents which was affordable and compliant with Care Quality Commission standards.  (Report No: 67)

NOTED

1.               The report was considered in conjunction with report number 72 on the Part 2 Agenda.  (See Minute 27)

2.               There was an increasing shortage of nursing and dementia residential care in the borough.  The numbers of beds available had been reduced to single figures and there was an upward pressure on the cost of providing them.  Other boroughs are prepared to pay more than Enfield.  Problems accessing care also leads to a delay in discharges from acute beds. 

3.               There are increasing numbers of people over 65.  In 2015 Enfield needed 1,300 beds:  it is estimated that this will reach 1,780 by 2025.

4.               Securing high quality affordable beds is a high priority.  It was important to act now to meet the needs of elderly and vulnerable residents as well as providing the Council with an additional revenue stream. 

5.               The Council would have nomination rights on all the new beds.  Doing nothing would create even more pressure on existing beds.

6.               The report outlines the project in more detail. 

AGREED

1.              To note that Cabinet had approved the delegation to the Director(s) of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and Finance, Resources and Customer Services, in consultation with Cabinet member(s) for Health and Social Care and Finance and Efficiency, the approval to appoint a contractor(s) to deliver the demolition and redevelopment of the Coppice Wood Lodge site for the purposes of a new care home.

2.              To note that Cabinet had approved the redevelopment of the Coppice Wood Lodge Care Home Facility and recommended to Council the approval of additional funds to the Capital Programme as detailed within Part II of this report.

3.              To note that Cabinet had delegated authority to the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care to approve the submission of a planning application for a new care facility at Coppice Wood Lodge Site.

4.              To note that Cabinet had delegated authority to the Director(s) of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and Finance, Resources and Customer Services in conjunction with Cabinet Member(s) for Health and Social Care and Finance and Efficiency to appoint a service provider.

5.              To note that Cabinet had approved the capital expenditure for Pre-construction services up to Contract Award from the Capital Programme as detailed within Part II of this report.

To receive a report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services to present the Council’s Annual Treasury Outturn Report for 2015-16 in accordance with Treasury Management Practices.  It is a regulatory requirement for Council to receive this report by 30 September each year. 

(Report No:  29)

This report was accepted by Cabinet on 7 July 2016.

Councillor Lemonides moved and Councillor Oykener seconded the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services presenting the Treasury Annual Outturn report for 2015-16 in accordance with Treasury Management practices.  (Report No: 29). 

NOTED

1.               It is regulatory requirement for Council to receive this report by 30 September each year. 

2.               That the Council had been able to retrieve the £5m with interest that had been lost when the Icelandic Heritable Bank went under in 2008. 

3.               Outstanding debt had increased by £125m from 2014/15.  Much of the extra borrowing had been used to fund major regeneration schemes, property acquisitions and other long term projects. 

4.               Doing nothing would cost more in the long term.  The extra expenditure was creating extra revenue for the Council, about £1m per year. 

AGREED to accept the Treasury Outturn report for 2015/16.   

To receive and note the report from the Trent Park Working Group setting out the work carried out by the Group since its first meeting. 

(Report No:  81)

Members are asked to note that the working group was established by Council on 25March 2015 with a requirement to report back to Council when the work was complete. 

Members are asked to note that the report has been approved by the working group members, following their last meeting held on 23 August 2016. 

Councillor Charalambous moved and Councillor Stewart seconded the report of the Trent Park Working Group summarising the work of the group since being set up by Council in March 2015.  (Report No: 81)

NOTED

1.               Eight meetings had been held since the group was first set up.  The group had worked well together with good cross party co-operation. 

2.               The proposals being put forward for preserving the house and guaranteeing public access, were better than could have been foreseen when the group began its work.  This was a good outcome for the borough. 

3.               Thanks to officers for their strong support in getting the best deal for the borough. 

AGREED to note the contents of the report as set out in appendix A. 

To receive the annual report from the London Borough of Enfield Audit and Risk Management Committee for 2015/16, covering the key issues dealt with by the Committee over the past year.

Members are asked to note that the report was approved for referral on to Council by the Audit and Risk Management Committee on 4 July 2016. 

Councillor Maguire moved and Councillor Dogan seconded the annual report of the Audit and Risk Management Committee for 2015/16. 

NOTED

1.               The report had been referred on to Council following the approval by the Audit and Risk Management Committee.

2.               Councillor Maguire’s thanks on behalf of the Council to all the officers involved, to Councillor Dogan, her Vice Chair and Councillor Lemonides, the previous Chair, as well as the other committee members for their help and support. 

3.               The role of the Audit and Risk Management Committee was to ensure that arrangements were in place to make sure that the Council is scrupulous in its accountancy procedures. 

4.               Issues considered over the year included risk registers, reducing the number of contract waivers granted, counter fraud, treasury management, Enfield 2017, deprivation of liberty safeguards and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).

5.               The Committee had benefited from the advice of the newly appointed Independent Member, Chaitali Roy, who was thanked for her support. 

AGREED to approve the Audit and Risk Management Committee Annual Report for 2015/16.   

To receive a report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services seeking approval for an additional loan from London Borough of Enfield in order for Housing Gateway Limited to purchase a large property block.

(Report No:  83)

(Key decision – reference number 4326)                

The report will need to be read in conjunction with the Report No: 84 on the Part 2 agenda.                                             

Councillor Oykener moved and Councillor Lemonides seconded the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (Report No:  83) seeking Council approval for a loan to Housing Gateway Limited. 

NOTED

1.               This report was considered in conjunction with the report (Report No:  84) on the Part 2 agenda. (See Minute 28)

2.               The Leader, under the Cabinet Urgent Action Procedure, had approved a report to enable Housing Gateway Limited to purchase Southbury House, a five story block, recently refurbished, with 124 units on the Southbury Road.  This could be used to house people who would otherwise have to be placed in nightly paid accommodation which was much more expensive for the Council. 

3.               Council were being asked to approve the addition to the Council’s Capital Programme to release the required funds to Housing Gateway Limited.  

4.               The situation was urgent, as although the agent had accepted Enfield’s offer, it needed to be confirmed quickly.  Other authorities were interested in the building which they would use to place their homeless people.  This would create added pressure on Enfield’s public services. 

AGREED

1.              To note that the Leader had agreed, under the Cabinet Urgent Action Procedure, to recommend to Council that additional funding should be allocated to the Capital Programme to enable the purchase of a block of 124 units and its use as temporary accommodation. 

2.              To  approve new Council borrowing (as set out in Part 2) and on-lend this to Housing Gateway Limited (HGL) in accordance with the Facility Letter, to allow the purchase of 124 units. This will require an addition to the existing capital programme fully funded by repayments from HGL.

3.              To approve new borrowing by the Council (as set out in Part 2) for the Affordable Housing Capital Programme (currently shown as part of the Indicative Capital Programme budget) and for this funding to be provided to HGL for the purchase of the Block.

4.              To note that the project will result in a net cost saving to the Council which will help meet the pressure on nightly paid accommodation. This saving will be taking into account in the 2017-18 budget and medium term financial plan.

5.              To note that the terms of the Facility Letter were agreed by the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services; Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care; Cabinet Member for Finance; and Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Regeneration in September 2014 and the HGL Board of Directors in April 2014.

6.              To note that the treasury management decisions regarding the Council’s borrowing to enable the on-lending to HGL will be subject to the Council’s existing Treasury Management Strategy.

7.               To note that, although an offer has been submitted, the purchase of the block is not complete and negotiations are ongoing.

In the name of Councillor Alessandro Georgiou:

“This Council recognises that the Union Flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a symbol of Freedom and represents all that is great about the United Kingdom.

The Council will therefore have the Union Flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland present in all full Council meetings.  The flag will have a prominent place either hanging behind the Mayor of Enfield’s chair or on a flagpole to the right of the Mayor.”

In the name of Councillor Alessandro Georgiou

“60,481 residents from across the London Borough of Enfield have voted to leave the European Union.  They are joined by 17,410,472 or 52% of votes cast of the British electorate in leaving the European Union.  As the country has voted to leave the European Union, this Council therefore will write to all three of the Borough’s Members of Parliament asking them to respect the democratic will of the British people.”

In the name of Councillor Taylor

“The Council notes the importance of motivated and properly supported junior doctors to the health of Enfield residents.

The Council calls upon the Secretary of State to negotiate with the BMA, in good faith, to ensure we have a safe NHS and for the Government to properly fund the NHS to meet public need.”

In the name of Councillor Delman

“This Council is very concerned that the majority of our libraries are being effectively downsized and their management handed over to volunteers and community groups. This is likely to lead to reductions in stock and poor service to our customers. Whilst we acknowledge that some changes are inevitable, we believe that it is possible to retain professional management at our libraries. We therefore call upon this Labour Administration to re-examine the available management options in order to establish if full professional management is feasible.”

In the name of Councillor Pite

“It is widely reported that an update to the Department of Education’s (DfE) Design in Fire Safety in Schools BB100 states that “Building Regulations do not require the installation of fire sprinkler suppression systems in school buildings for life safety”. All fire service professionals, the Chief Fire Officers Association, the Fire Brigades Union, the Fire Sector Federation, have condemned this bewildering, inexplicable and retrograde change to the regulations.

In recent years many children in Enfield have had the opportunity to learn in brand new buildings protected from the risk of fire by the appropriate installation of fire sprinklers under the guidance of BB100. There are many new schools to come and in future young people may not be afforded the same protection.

This Council believes that this is a cross party concern that affects many young people in Enfield and asks the Lead members of both parties to write to the Government requesting an explanation of the change and the reinstatement of the 2007 guidance in BB100 “Designs in Fire Safety in Schools” that established the “expectation  ...  view the full agenda text for item 18.

Motion 17.1  in the name of Councillor Alessandro Georgiou

In the absence of Councillor Georgiou and in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.4 Councillor Stewart moved and Councillor Bambos Charalambous seconded the following motion:  

“This Council recognises that the Union Flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a symbol of Freedom and represents all that is great about the United Kingdom.

The Council will therefore have the Union Flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland present in all full Council meetings.  The flag will have a prominent place either hanging behind the Mayor of Enfield’s chair or on a flagpole to the right of the Mayor.”

This motion was put to the vote and not agreed with the following result:

For:  0

Against:  36

Abstentions:  0

Motion 17.3 in the name of Councillor Taylor

Councillor Taylor moved and Councillor Savva seconded the following motion:

“The Council notes the importance of motivated and properly supported junior doctors to the health of Enfield residents.

The Council calls upon the Secretary of State to negotiate with the BMA, in good faith, to ensure we have a safe NHS and for the Government to properly fund the NHS to meet public need.”

Following a debate the motion was put to the vote and agreed with the following result:

For:  37

Against: 0

Abstentions:  0

Motion 17.5 in the name of Councillor Pite

Councillor Pite moved and Councillor Brett seconded the following motion: 

“It is widely reported that an update to the Department of Education’s (DfE) Design in Fire Safety in Schools BB100 states that “Building Regulations do not require the installation of fire sprinkler suppression systems in school buildings for life safety”. All fire service professionals, the Chief Fire Officers Association, the Fire Brigades Union, the Fire Sector Federation, have condemned this bewildering, inexplicable and retrograde change to the regulations.

In recent years many children in Enfield have had the opportunity to learn in brand new buildings protected from the risk of fire by the appropriate installation of fire sprinklers under the guidance of BB100. There are many new schools to come and in future young people may not be afforded the same protection.

This Council believes that this is a cross party concern that affects many young people in Enfield and asks the Lead members of both parties to write to the Government requesting an explanation of the change and the reinstatement of the 2007 guidance in BB100 “Designs in Fire Safety in Schools” that established the “expectation that all new schools will have fire sprinklers fitted”.

Following a debate, the motion was put to the vote and agreed with the following result:

For:  37

Against:  0

Abstentions: 0 

Motion 17.6 in the name of Councillor Laban

In the absence of Councillor Laban and in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.4 Councillor Stewart moved and Councillor Taylor seconded the following motion: 

“The Council resolves to hear the petition apparently containing approximately 3500  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

16.1    Urgent Questions (Part 4 - Paragraph 10.2.(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. 

16.2    Councillors’ Questions (Part 4 – Paragraph 10.2(a) of Constitution – Page 4 - 8)

The list of 37 questions will follow and the responses will be published on Tuesday 20 September 2016, the day before the meeting. 

1.1           Urgent Questions

None received.

1.2           Questions by Councillors

NOTED

1.               The thirty seven questions on the Council agenda and written responses provided by the relevant Cabinet members.

2.               The following supplementary questions and responses received, for the questions indicated below: 

Question 4 (Forthcoming Budget Round) from Councillor Savva to Councillor Lemonides, Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency

“Will the Cabinet Member engage members of the Council in consultation on the budget?”

Reply from Councillor Lemonides:

“I welcome input on the budget discussions and have set up a working group to consider the budget.  Public meetings will be held in January and February 2016 including a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and I welcome anyone who wishes to write to me on any areas during the budget setting process, doing so.”

Question 6 (Meridian Water Construction Schemes) from Councillor Ekechi to Councillor Sitkin (Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Business Development)

“Can the Cabinet Member tell us how many construction jobs will be created to build Meridian Water?” 

Reply from Councillor Sitkin

“Ten thousand jobs will be created.  We are looking at ways to overcome the difficulties of finding people for construction jobs, to encourage people to take up the training to gain the skills to enable them to fill the jobs”. 

Question 8 (Annual Adult Safeguarding Board Report) from Councillor N Cazimoglu to Councillor A Cazimoglu (Cabinet Member for Adult Health and Social Care)

“In view of the increased number of concerns being raised in relation to adult safeguarding, as referenced in paragraph 3 of your response, can you say how really important it is to have an approach which will held get the numbers down?

Reply from Councillor A Cazimoglu:

“Yes I agree.  It is great work that we do, but we are not complacent and want to improve.  We are the envy of other councils having achieved a gold standard validation of our services. Adults at risk are placed at the centre of decision making.  This is a concept developed in Enfield which has been recognised as good practice and has been included in the Government Guidance produced for the Care Act 2014.  We have an early warning system in place which enables early investigation to provide support at an earlier stage.  Independent investigations are routine. We have the quality checkers who provide independent challenge, we learn from the feedback we receive and this provides ongoing assurance.”

Question 24 (Fracking in Enfield) from Councillor Chibah to Councillor Taylor (Leader of the Council)

“Does the leader anticipate any circumstances where there might be an interest in fracking in Enfield?”

Reply from Councillor Taylor: 

“I don’t think that Enfield has a geological structure which would encourage fracking.  But any proposals for fracking would have to meet stringent requirements.  If there was a fracking application the conditions listed in my earlier response would offer robust strictures”.

Council is asked to note the details provided of decisions taken under the Council’s urgency procedure relating to the waiver of call in and where necessary the requirement for notice on the Key Decision List along with the reasons for urgency.  

The decision has been made in accordance with the urgency procedures set out in Paragraph 17.3 of Chapter 4.2 (Scrutiny) and Paragraph 16 of Chapter 4.6 (Access to Information) of the Council’s Constitution. 

NOTED the details provided of a decision taken under the Council’s urgency procedure relating to a waiver of call in.  The decision had been made in accordance with the urgency procedures set out in paragraph 17.3 of Chapter 4.2 (Scrutiny) and Paragraph 16 of Chapter 4.6 (Access to Information) of the Council’s Constitution. 

·       Decision taken by the Director of Finance Resources and Customer Services concerning the Housing Quarterly Electricity Contract Renewal.  

To confirm the following changes to the committee memberships.

Public Transport Consultative Group: 

The membership, following the revisions to the group’s terms of reference at the last Council meeting, to be confirmed as follows: 

Councillor Daniel Anderson

Councillor Dinah Barry

Councillor Chris Bond

Councillor Erin Celebi

Councillor Christiana During

Councillor Peter Fallart

Councillor Eric Jukes

Councillor Vicki Pite

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

AGREED to confirm the following: 

Revised Membership for the Public Transport Consultative Group: 

Councillor Daniel Anderson

Councillor Dinah Barry

Councillor Chris Bond

Councillor Erin Celebi

Councillor Christiana During

Councillor Peter Fallart

Councillor Eric Jukes

Councillor Vicki Pite

Fostering Panel

Councillor Ekechi to replace Councillor Hurman. 

To confirm any changes notified to the nominations on outside bodies.

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

AGREED the following change in the nominations to outside bodies:

·       Councillor Nesil Cazimoglu to replace Councillor Lemonides on Enfield Norse Limited. 

None received. 

None.

To consider passing a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 excluding the press and public from the meeting for any  items of business moved to the part 2 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) as listed on the agenda.

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 Item 1 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 pursuant to Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) a report from the Director of Finance, Resources & Customer Services including details of a petition that has been received which meets the criteria (in terms of the number of signatures) for debate at Council.

                                                                                          (Report No:  86)

This report should be read in conjunction with Report No: 85 on the Part 1 agenda. 

(This document contains exempt information as defined in Paragraph 5 (information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings) of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended)

Councillor Achilleas Georgiou moved and Councillor Oykener seconded the part 2 report on the petition entitled “Save Our Local Advice Centre” which was received earlier in the meeting. 

NOTED

1.               That the report was considered in conjunction with Report No 85 on the Part 1 Agenda. (See Minute 7)

2.               The list of dates and the sequence of events which had led the Council to take Court proceedings, starting with the letting of the advice centre lease in 1995.

3.               The governance of the Council community hall lettings, when managed by FECA between 2011 and 2014.

4.               That the Council was waiting for court determination on the lease and the hall lettings cases.  A court hearing on both matters was due to take place on 27 October 2016. 

AGREED to note that, given the matter raised was subject to ongoing legal proceedings, at this stage no further action would be taken and due process would be followed.

To receive a report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services.  This should be read in conjunction with Report No.69, on the Part One agenda.

(Report No.74)

(Key decision – reference number 4357)

Council is being asked to approve the additions to the capital programme set out in recommendations 2.7 and 2.11 and to note the other recommendations agreed by Cabinet at the meeting held on 6 September 2016. 

(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 Lemonides moved and Councillor Savva seconded the part 2 report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (Report No: 74) setting out the proposals for asset management on the Montagu Estate. 

NOTED

1.               This report was considered in conjunction with report No: 69 on the part 1 agenda. (See minute 11)

2.               Having considered all options for the estate, it had been agreed that it should be maintained for commercial and industrial use, for which there was much demand. 

3.               The redevelopment would regenerate the area for future generations through a joint venture and would give the Council a good return on its investment. 

4.               That Cabinet had agreed recommendations 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10 as set out in the part 1 and 2 reports. 

AGREED

1.          To approve the addition of  a sum set out in the part 2 report to the Council’s capital programme to fund the creation of the SPV, that will manage the redevelopment of the Montagu estate  to be funded from borrowing as detailed in section 8.1 with other sums to be allocated in 2016/17; in 2017/18; and a further sum per annum for three years from 2017/1

2.          To approve as recommended by Cabinet the addition of a sum detailed in the part 2 report to the Council’s capital programme to fund the acquisition of property on the Montagu Estate, which is to be funded from Borrowing in the 2017/18 financial year.

3.          To approve as recommended by Cabinet the additional sum as detailed in the part 2 report to the Capital Programme for the demolition of Unecol House as detailed in the report.   

To receive a report from the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services. This should be read in conjunction with Report No.67 on the part one agenda.

(Report No.72)

(Key decision – reference number 4337)

Members are asked to note that Council is being asked to approve the inclusion of the capital budgets for the scheme. 

(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 Lemonides moved and Councillor A Cazimoglu seconded the part 2 report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services on Reprovision 2 – Care Home Capital Funding and Procurement. (Report No: 72)

NOTED

1.               This report was considered in conjunction with the part 1 report, number 67. (See also minute 13)

2.               The new home will be Care Quality Commission compliant, provide value for money and the whole re-provision project will enable the creation of a state of the art, fit for purpose new care home for borough residents. 

AGREED

1.               To approve, as recommended by Cabinet, the addition of funds to the Capital Programme of a sum set out in the part 2 report for the total scheme expenditure including the proposed works, technical services, furniture and equipment and any other associated costs and note potential opportunities to use receipts as detailed in paragraph 5.6 to offset this.

2.               To note that Cabinet had approved the capital expenditure for pre-construction services up to contract award from the Capital Programme up to a sum set out in the part 2 report. 

To receive a report from the Director of Finance Resources and Customer Services seeking approval for an additional loan from London Borough of Enfield in order for Housing Gateway Limited to purchase a large property block.

(Report No: 84)

 (Key decision – reference number 4326)                                                       

This report should be read in conjunction to Report No: 83 on the Part 1 agenda.

(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 Lemonides seconded the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services seeking approval for an additional loan from the London Borough of Enfield to Housing Gateway Limited to enable purchase of a large property block.  (Report No: 84). 

NOTED

1.               This report was considered in conjunction with report no: 83 on the part 1 agenda.  (See also Minute 17)

2.               Council was being asked to approve the increases to the capital programme.

AGREED

1.              To approve new borrowing by the Council in 2016-17 of the figure stated in the part 2 report and on-lend this to Housing Gateway Limited (HGL) in accordance with the Facility Letter to allow the purchase of 124 units. This will require an addition to the existing capital programme fully funded by repayments from HGL.

2.              To approve new borrowing by the Council in 2016-17 of the figure stated in the part 2 report from the Affordable Housing Capital Programme (Currently shown as part of the Indicative Capital programme budget) and provide this to HGL for the purchase of the property.

3.               To note the project will result in a net cost saving to the Council as set out within the financial implications which will help reduce the budget pressure on nightly paid accommodation. This saving will be taking into account in the 2017-18 budget and medium term financial plan.