Minutes:
The Mayor welcomed everyone to the Chamber for the first Ordinary Council of the Autumn and hoped that all were well following the special meeting convened to commemorate the late Queen Elizabeth II.
There had been many events that the Mayor had been invited to, which the Mayor highlighted and included Enfield’s diverse community and she had been overwhelmed by the welcome she had received, for example, the Windrush Anchor Festival, Asure Community Event, Eid Gala, Chariots Festival, an event honouring 20 years of the Congolese Community, the month of Sundays events at Snells Park, Ashfield Parade in Southgate, and Edmonton Shopping Centre and the Youth Talent Event at the Youth Zone of Eagles Boxing Club.
Special thanks were given to Julia Clarke who had retired as Deputy Head of the Prince of Wales Primary School after over 30 years of service. Recognition of Julia’s contribution to the Religion and Identity project, where she worked with the university of Westminster to create a scheme of work for Religious Education that was taught throughout the school and had directly led to Alevism being recognised in the UK as a religion – the first country in the world to do so was noted. This scheme of work was now taught in schools across Enfield and the country.
On the 2nd September 2022, the Mayor attended the borough’s twinned town of Gladbeck with her daughter, Jannaya and Cllr Elisa Morreale for the weekend. The welcome they received had been wonderful and the Mayor was so happy to be able to be part of the Appeltatenfest this year, after an absence of two years, reaffirming the relationship between the towns, which was now 52 years old.
It had been a great pleasure to meet up with other London Mayors at the London Pearly Kings and Queens Society Harvest Festival Service, a wonderful tradition in London.
The Mayor had also attended the Enfield Voluntary Action Volunteering Ceremony at the Civic Centre and had been inspired to see so many caring people who worked hard to help those who needed support.
Another ceremony attended by the Mayor had been the commendation of the new North Area Borough Commander, Caroline Haines. The Mayor congratulated Caroline on her new appointment.
Black History month in October allowed everyone to celebrate the huge diversity of the borough and the determination and triumph of those who had settled here to make a life for themselves. The Mayor had attended a Windrush Event at the Millfield Theatre, which showcased 20 stories. The Mayor stated that she had been humbled by their resilience and strength.
On the 8th October 2022, the Mayor held an Awareness Day for Domestic Violence, how it affected the mental health of young children and the support services available in Boundary Hall, Edmonton. Many stallholders attended and provided information and advice. It was very useful for the stallholders to network with each other and share valuable information. The Mayor would continue to raise awareness of this issue throughout the Mayoral year.
The Mayor had continued to enjoy attending the citizenship ceremonies and had observed that the numbers had increased in recent weeks. It was pleasing to be able to see the number of people who attended each week. The Mayor stated that she was honoured that so many new citizens had chosen Enfield and sent them all her best wishes for a happy and healthy life in our borough.
The Mayor asserted that it was very important to her that the meeting ran smoothly. Members were reminded that anyone who wished to speak should stand unless they were unable to do so and should address the meeting through the Mayor. Members were asked to treat each other courteously and with respect; to allow debate to take place so that all elected members had an opportunity to participate fully in the democratic process.
Members were asked to listen politely when a fellow Councillor spoke and not to talk amongst themselves whilst another Member was addressing the meeting. The Mayor acknowledged that, whilst Members may disagree with each other politically, it was possible to challenge robustly and to do so professionally and respectfully.
The Mayor announced her intention to preside over the meeting in a firm but fair manner. Opportunities would be given to Members on both sides of the Chamber to speak. Rudeness and discourteous interruption would not be tolerated. Members were further reminded that when she stood members must take their seat and to wait until she invited them to speak.
The Mayor then invited the Acting Young Mayor, Mustafa Berk AK, to update the Chamber on his activities in his elected role.
The Acting Young Mayor described his personal projects which included promoting cultural awareness and future opportunities for the youth of Enfield, including the idea of Shadow Youth Cabinet members, sitting in on Cabinet meetings.
Councillors were asked to promote the Youth Parliament, to encourage the young people to participate in the opportunity to take part in the discussions about what would happen to them, what they wanted to see happen in the Council and where they lived and to have a say and a presence in politics.
In future there would be 20 elected representatives of the youth of Enfield from the ages of 11 to seventeen. The elections would take place in January 2023.
The Acting Young Mayor stated that another personal project was to develop a new curriculum which was started during the current COVID-19 where new lessons were implemented in schools, which the young people of Enfield believed accurately represented what the future held for them and presented information that they may not necessarily learn in school.
The Acting Young Mayor, on behalf of the young people of Enfield, shared some comments made to him and the discussion that they had. The main thing arising from the discussion were the issues affecting everyone attending the North Middlesex Hospital following the redevelopment of the Chase Farm Hospital site.
The Acting Young Mayor drew the attention of the Council to these issues, which had directly affected the underprivileged youth of Enfield, who had felt that what was available to them was not necessarily the best.
A further issue raised by the Acting Young Mayor was in relation to the safer street draft proposals and the provision of street shelters, which could be used by young people to take cover from the rain and to meet others.
The young people also wanted more direct connection between the Council and foster care youth and those living in accommodation wanted to see increased interactions with them.
Additionally, the young people wanted to have more opportunities for those aged from 19 to 25. The elected representative was currently up until the age of 18.
Regrettably, the Mayor made a sad announcement, as some of those present may have known, Kaunchita Maudhub passed away recently following a brave battle with a recently diagnosed cancer.
Kaunchita worked for Enfield Council for almost 27 years, firstly in Legal Services and since 2003 in the Community Safety Team - helping people across the borough whose lives were impacted by the anti-social behaviour of others. She gave her time selflessly and generously and her expertise and calmness under pressure were respected and admired by all.
The Mayor offered, on behalf of the Council, condolences to Kaunchita’s family, friends, and colleagues at this very sad time.
Members stood to join the Mayor in a minutes’ silence.