Agenda item

A report from the Commercial Director is attached. (Key decision – reference number 4742)

(Report No.91)

(8.35 – 8.40 pm)

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Property and Assets) introduced the report of the Commercial Director (No.91) presenting the Commercial Strategy, setting the vision for Enfield to be a resilient, innovative and enterprising Council delivering sustainable services that meet resident needs.

NOTED

1.            That the Strategy had been considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee as part of the pre-decision scrutiny process. The relevant minutes of the meeting held on 11 October were circulated. The comments of the Committee had been noted and would be responded to in due course.

2.            The difficult challenge being faced by the Council, and many councils, of managing funding reductions together with increased demand for essential services. It was therefore necessary for a more holistic and innovative approach to be taken to stimulate income generation.

3.            As set out in the report, if a more commercial approach could be successfully implemented by the Council, it could play a significant role in helping to sustain the service provision that meets local need and simultaneously could add wider value that would boost growth, support vulnerable communities and protect the environment.

4.            The proposal to create a Commercial Board as outlined in the report, which would work holistically across the whole Council. It was noted that the Council already had a number of successful commercial ventures and the Council would seek to build on the good work already achieved.

5.            That the Strategy would continue to evolve and develop. Overall, the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had been positive and that of a critical friend. It was further noted that discussions would take place with other local authorities to share examples of experience and good practice. 

6.            Members supported the proposals and aspirations of the approach and looked forward to further progress and development of viable projects with financial benefits. The importance of learning from experience and from other local authorities was acknowledged.

7.            Councillor Derek Levy (Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee) was invited to address the Cabinet and highlight the issues raised in the Committee’s consideration of the report and Commercial Strategy, as set out in the minute extract circulated at the meeting. The Committee had been supportive and recommended adoption of the Strategy. In doing so, Members had noted the need for the identification of key risks and more detailed financial context of the proposals. The style of the wording of the document had also been discussed.

8.            In conclusion, Councillor Caliskan thanked Councillor Levy and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for their consideration which had been worthwhile and helpful. Thanks were also expressed to the officers who had been involved in the development of the document.

Alternative Options Considered: Not to have a Commercial Strategy and to rely on alternative approaches to meeting local needs with fewer resources.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to

1.         note the draft minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee tabled at the meeting.

2.         Approve the Commercial Strategy (Appendix 1 to the report), plan on a page (Appendix 2 to the report), and the indicative year 1 pipeline (Appendix 3 to the report).

Reason: The successful adoption of the strategy would deliver multiple benefits, as set out in section 5 of the report.

(Key decision – reference number 4742)