Agenda item

A report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. This sets out in more detail the role of the new Associate Cabinet Members. (Non key)

(Report No.42)

(8.35 – 8.40 pm)

Councillor Achilleas Georgiou (Deputy Leader) introduced the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.42) setting out in more detail the role of the new Associate Cabinet Members.

NOTED

1.               That the report set out in more detail the roles and responsibilities of the three Associate Cabinet Members (ACMs) following the Council decision taken in June 2014. The three spatial areas were detailed in section 3.2 of the report. Ward members would be supported by the ACMs on spatial issues. The ACMs would chair their respective area partnership boards and provide a focal point for ward business in their respective spatial areas. The ACMs would also attend the Enfield Strategic Partnership Board, as set out in the report. The North Circular Area Action Plan was a good example of a significant spatial issue.

2.               That each ACM would be developing a work programme, as detailed in section 3.6 of the report.

3.               That an evaluation process would commence in January 2016 to report to Cabinet in April 2016, section 3.9 of the report referred.

4.               That the strategic role of the ACM dictated that a close watching brief on Council wide activity in their respective areas was maintained. As part of their remit, ACMs would proactively take note of the delegated action reports (DARs) coming forward through the Publication of Decision and Key Decision lists to ensure that this important aspect of their work was observed and any opportunities arising were followed up. This wording would be included with the guidance for ACMs.

5.               Councillor Bambos Charalambous (Associate Cabinet Member – Enfield West) outlined the work which was being undertaken within his area in establishing the new ward forums, each with different needs and expectations. The ACM was a rewarding role involving a number of spatial issues including Cycle Enfield and the Mayor of London Infrastructure report on which consultation was to take place.

6.               Councillor George Savva (Associate Cabinet Member – Enfield South East) reiterated that this was a challenging role. Work was being undertaken in establishing the future structures of the ward forums and how best to engage with the current police forums.

7.               Councillor Ozzie Uzoanya (Associate Cabinet Member – Enfield North) outlined the work which he was undertaking in communicating the role of ACMs and establishing the foundations on which to build on. Clear structures were being put in place for the new ward forums.

8.               Members supported the role and responsibilities of the ACMs.

Alternative Options Considered: The option to continue with the present arrangements had been considered but discounted on the grounds that they would not meet the new democratic imperative being sought by the administration and would fail to address a new identified opportunity to improve how the Council and its members works with and delivers services into the local community.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed that

1.               The role and responsibilities of Associate Cabinet Members as set out in detail in the report be approved.

2.               The means of assessing the effectiveness of Associate Cabinet Members be approved.

3.               The recommendation to commence a formal evaluation of the Associate Cabinet Member approach in January 2016 be approved.

Reason: To confirm the roles and responsibilities of the new Associate Cabinet Member posts. To confirm the methods of holding the post holders to account and setting of a timely date for a formal evaluation to take place.

(Non key)