Agenda item

A report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. This provides updates on the activities undertaken by Associate Cabinet Members up to September 2015. (Non key)

(Report No.112)

(8.25 – 8.30 pm)

Councillor Doug Taylor (Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.112) providing updates on the activities undertaken by the three Associate Cabinet Members up to September 2015.

NOTED

1.               Councillor Taylor invited the three Associate Cabinet Members to comment on their recent activities as outlined in the update reports presented to the Cabinet with this report.

2.               Councillor Charalambous outlined the range of activities which he had undertaken over the last six months. He continued to support his Cabinet colleagues and represented the Council on a range of cross ward boundary projects including Broomfield House, Cycle Enfield, the Enfield Partnership Board and Crossrail 2. He had attended a number of ward forum meetings. Councillor Charalambous highlighted the strategic role undertaken by Associate Cabinet Members and the way in which this supported the Cabinet in its responsibilities and decision-making.

3.               Councillor Pite supported the comments listed in 2 above and in addition highlighted the work that she had been involved with in developing a strategic approach to the continuing pressures on parking near schools. As an Associate Cabinet Member a wider view could be taken of issues of concern rather than focusing on issues within one ward only. This was valuable in moving issues forward for the benefit of the Borough. With regard to the proposed planning meeting for parents to discuss plans for secondary school provision, as set out in her update, Members were advised that this meeting would take place in January 2016.

4.               Councillor Savva enjoyed his role as an Associate Cabinet Member and the support that they offered to their Cabinet Member colleagues. The Associate Cabinet Members provided an important focus for the public. Councillor Savva highlighted the work that he was undertaking to enhance the support available to children in poverty, for example, in the provision of adequate clothing for school. He would continue to work with the Interim Director of Schools and Children’s Services to develop strategies with the Borough’s schools and governing bodies.

5.               In response to the comments above, Councillor Brett highlighted the discussions that she had had with Council officers to support families in need of additional food provision and outlined a scheme called “Fairshare” which was currently conducting a pilot scheme in Lambeth.

6.               Councillor Taylor, supported by Cabinet Members, expressed thanks and appreciation to the Associate Cabinet Members for the valuable work that they undertook on behalf of the Council; their role was supportive and helpful to the Cabinet. It was noted that a formal review of the role of the Associate Cabinet Members would be undertaken in 2016, as detailed in the report.

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 prepare the Council for future challenges arising from significant future budgetary pressures and changes to wider Government Policy.

DECISION: The Cabinet

1.               Noted the progress made in exercising the new roles of the Associate Cabinet Members and the updates provided through the work programme outcomes summaries of activities up to September 2015.

2.               Agreed that further outcomes updates be presented to Cabinet in May 2016 and November 2016.

3.               Agreed that a formal evaluation of the impact of the Associate Cabinet Member role was to be commenced in early 2016 and a report with recommendations would come to Cabinet in May 2016.

Reason: To note the first work programme updates as presented. To agree that further updates would come forward in May 2016 and November 2016 with a formal evaluation to be commenced in January 2016 that would report back into Cabinet by May 2016.

(Non key)