16.1 In the name of Councillor Taylor
The Council notes the report of the Boundary Commission published on 6 March.
16.2 In the name of Councillor Stafford
Enfield Council notes that, starting in October 2013, Universal Credit will begin to replace Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Support for Mortgage Interest.
The Council recognises that Universal Credit is a household benefit and that the income from Universal Credit will therefore be critical to the household incomes of thousands of its residents who are both in and out of work.
The Council therefore believes that the quality of the Universal Credit “service” will be important to the lives of its citizens and that the planned reliance on a web based delivery model backed up by remote call centres without the inclusion of a local, easily accessible, face to face service element puts the successful introduction of Universal Credit at significant risk.
The Council therefore resolves to approach DWP and raise its concerns to develop jointly with DWP local arrangements for the delivery of Universal Credit and to report back on progress to full Council later in 2012 specifically addressing the resources required and responses to the following basic questions:
· How will someone apply locally?
· Where will they apply locally?
· Where will they take required documents locally?
· Where will the local “Universal Credit” office be and what office accommodation will be required?
· How will the skills and experiences of existing benefit staff be utilised and how many staff will be needed?
· How does an individual citizen get face to face advice and help if they have a problem?
16.3 In the name of Councillor Sitkin
Council notes the implications of the Government budget on Enfield residents.
16.4 In the name of Councillor Cazimoglu
Women are being hit hardest by this Government's economic policies - losing twice as much as men from tax credits, pay, pensions and benefit changes. We urge the Tory-led government to assess the cumulative impact of their policy and funding changes to women's lives and safety. We therefore ask for a full report on how these legislative changes will impact upon the women of Enfield.
16.5 In the name of Councillor Lavender
This Council recognises the important role played by the Green Belt in
(i) providing passive open space,
(ii) providing publicly accessible recreation (particularly enjoyed by those who otherwise do not have access to private gardens),
(iii) maintaining a sustainable environment for wildlife,
(i) inhibiting inappropriate development and arresting climate change and
(ii) preserving a sense of history and identity to Enfield, Edmonton and Southgate.
This Council recognises that its ability to maintain, preserve and provide such facilities and/or attributes is enhanced when its powers as planning authority are combined with the proper exercise of its power as landlord.
This council notes the uproar and concern caused by recent decisions of the Labour Council to dispose of interests in the Green Belt within the London Borough of Enfield.
This council therefore resolves not to make any further decision to dispose of any property interest within the Green Belt applicable to any land within the boundaries of the London Borough of Enfield
(i) without a full impact assessment being published in relation to the above issues and
(ii) unless such decision is made by cabinet and is not subject to delegation to members or officers.
Minutes:
The remaining motion listed on the agenda, as set out below, lapsed due to lack of time:
1.1 In the name of Councillor Lavender
This Council recognises the important role played by the Green Belt in
(i) providing passive open space;
(ii) providing publicly accessible recreation (particularly enjoyed by those who otherwise do not have access to private gardens);
(iii) maintaining a sustainable environment for wildlife;
(iv) inhibiting inappropriate development and arresting climate change; and
(v) preserving a sense of history and identity to Enfield, Edmonton and Southgate.
This Council recognises that its ability to maintain, preserve and provide such facilities and/or attributes is enhanced when its powers as planning authority are combined with the proper exercise of its power as landlord.
This Council notes the uproar and concern caused by recent decisions of the Labour Council to dispose of interests in the Green Belt within the London Borough of Enfield.
This Council therefore resolves not to make any further decision to dispose of any property interest within the Green Belt applicable to any land within the boundaries of the London Borough of Enfield
(i) without a full impact assessment being published in relation to the above issues; and
(ii) unless such decision is made by cabinet and is not subject to delegation to members or officers.”