10.1 Motion in the name of Councillor Ayten Guzel
Enfield Council welcomes the work of the Fair Tax Foundation and resolves to register as a Fair Tax Council. This registration requires signatories to:
· lead by example and demonstrate good practice in our tax conduct, right across our activities
· ensure IR35 is implemented robustly, and contractors pay a fair share of employment taxes
· to not use offshore vehicles for the purchase of land and property where this leads to reduced payments of stamp duty
· undertake due diligence to ensure that not-for-profit structures are not being used inappropriately as an artificial device to reduce the payment of tax and business rates
· demand clarity on the ultimate beneficial ownership of suppliers and their consolidated profit & loss position
· promote the Fair Tax Mark certification for any business in which we have a significant stake and where corporation tax is due
· support calls for urgent reform of UK law to enable local authorities to better penalise poor tax conduct and reward good tax conduct through their procurement policies.
10.2 Motion in the name of Councillor Nesil Caliskan
Enfield Council welcomes the decision of the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities not to call in the development of Cockfosters London Underground Station. This development would provide over 350 new and affordable homes that are urgently needed both in Enfield and across London.
The Council believes that providing affordable housing in a well-connected area is an important priority and regrets the delays to block the development when better-quality housing is desperately needed by so many of our residents.
The Council resolves to continue supporting affordable, sustainable developments that help to end the housing crisis and to give residents the right of a secure roof over their heads.
10.3 Motion in the name of Councillor Nicki Adeleke
Council recognises that people with autism are more likely to face prejudice and discrimination in their lifetime, that 921 children and 126 young adults have healthcare plans for autism, and 571 adults have an autism classification in Enfield.
There are some great facilities in the borough for autistic people, including SEND schools, support in mainstream schools, our voluntary organisations, and the Enfield Learning Disability Partnership Board champion the rights of people with learning disabilities and their carers.
However, more work is needed to ensure autistic people have equal opportunities in education, training, and employment, so they can live as fulfilled a life as they are able.
The Council will:
1. Work with local communities, autistic children, and adults to raise awareness of autism and the challenges faced by autistic people
2. Work to increase the number of school places for autistic children within the borough in mainstream and SEND schools
3. Provide support so that when autistic children transition to adulthood, adequate support is available to enter work or further training
4. Work with local communities, voluntary and charitable organisations to combat loneliness and other health and wellbeing challenges among autistic adults
10.4 Motion in the name of Councillor Josh Abey
Council notes the Government’s recent decision to drop plans to abolish the leasehold system, which the Secretary of State for Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities promised in January 2023.
Council believes that the UK’s current leasehold laws are feudal and archaic, with thousands of leaseholders across the country facing devastating bills to tackle cladding and necessary fire safety works due to unscrupulous developers.
Council resolves to urge the Government to support calls by the Shadow Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities Secretary to:
· end the sale of new leasehold houses
· introduce a right for existing leaseholders to extend a lease to 990 years with zero ground rent
· bring forward the Law Commission proposals to reform the process of enfranchisement valuation
10.5 Motion in the name of Councillor Doug Taylor
The Council notes that the Government has recently published its reforms of the Gambling Act (2005). Local government have been lobbying for reform of gambling regulations for many years and for the removal of the ‘aim to permit’ provisions in the Gambling Act. This provision sets out that licensing authorities must accept applications for gambling premises unless there is a valid reason why they should not be.
The Council believes that ‘aim to permit’ are an infringement of local democracy – local councils know what is best for their local high streets and town centres.
The Council resolves to work with the Local Government Association to lobby the Government to give councils the freedom to refuse new premises licences, by scrapping the ‘aim to permit’ provision in the Gambling Act.
10.6 Motion in the name of Councillor Ayten Guzel
Recent data from the NHS on children’s health show that Enfield was ranked as the fourth-worst borough in London for obesity in four and five-year-olds. 25.5% of four and five-year-olds and 41.7% of ten and eleven-year-olds were found to be either overweight or obese.
This Council believes we need to help children and young people establish healthy eating habits from an early age to tackle existing and future health inequalities in Enfield.
‘Fast food' outlets are shops that are popular with students. The nutritional quality of the food available is generally poor and some shops use ‘student offers' specifically to target schoolchildren.
Enfield Council must do what it can to reduce unhealthy eating amongst children, limit the opportunities that young people have to eat ‘fast food', and create a healthier borough.
This Council agrees to review all relevant supplementary planning document to manage the proliferation of fast-food outlets in particular areas, resisting the opening of new hot food takeaways near schools and youth facilities.
10.7 Motion in the name of Councillor Ayten Guzel
Pertussis or Whooping Cough is a respiratory infection that can cause severe symptoms or death in unvaccinated individuals. It is of particular risk to unprotected babies. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection.
Current uptake of pertussis vaccination is low resulting in many babies being unprotected from birth until their first vaccination.
To increase immunisation uptake of the Whooping Cough vaccination, Enfield Council will implement a collaborative campaign with NHS maternity services and VCS partners, focusing on pregnant women and their families to encourage uptake in whopping cough vaccination.
10.8 Motion in the name of Councillor Bektas Ozer
This Council notes that:
· The mismanagement of the NHS by central government has resulted in more than 7 million people currently waiting for treatment – the highest on record. Years of cuts to the NHS has left our health system unprepared and overwhelmed.
· Government ministers continue to ignore the crisis in our NHS. Ambulances queue outside hospitals and patients are treated in corridors in Enfield and across the country. Alongside this, seven million people in the UK continue to wait for elective treatment.
· In the Borough of Enfield, hundreds of people wait for 4 weeks or more to see a GP.
· NHS staff provide an enormously important service to our communities, and they have the Council’s support. Nurses, and all NHS staff, should be paid a decent wage.
The Council agrees to:
1. Write to the Prime Minister, our local MPs, and the relevant government ministers to call for:
a. Adequate funding for the NHS across the country
b. Fair funding for Enfield’s NHS services
2. Work with local NHS services and commissioners for better GP provision in the borough.
10.9 Motion in the name of Councillor Thomas Fawns
Council notes that England is facing a housing crisis of supply and affordability. The latest government statistics on homelessness in England show 101,300 households are currently living in temporary accommodation, the highest figure since 2005.
The Council believes that not enough homes are being built — one of the answers to the housing crisis.
Council also believes that this crisis is being exacerbated by the Local Housing Allowance rates freeze – the amount of money a Universal Credit and Housing Benefit claimant can expect to receive to cover their rent in the private rented sector – which has been frozen since 2020.
According to London Councils, just 8.8% of rental properties in London are available at LHA levels, and in some parts of London it is more like 0.1%. The cost to rent a two-bed home in Enfield is around £1,500 per month, while the maximum housing benefit for an Enfield two-bed home is £1,296.
The Council believes the Government should listen to the cross-party Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee in its call for LHA rates to match rents, so more families are not priced out of areas like Enfield.
The Council resolves to join the lobbying efforts of the Local Government Association, London Councils, charities Z2K and Shelter and others in calling for LHA rates to rise to stop low-income families from being priced out of the borough.
10.10 Motion in the name of Councillor Ergin Erbil
This Council notes that:
· The mismanagement of the economy by central government has caused the highest levels of inflation in 40 years, rising interest rates and stagnant economic growth.
· Household energy bills have skyrocketed over the last year – 96% higher than last winter – while just over 16,000 households in Enfield are already fuel poor.
· The effects of climate change are intensifying the impact of energy prices, increasing pressures on families and businesses.
· As the cost-of-living increases, people and businesses are less able to finance adaptations to improve energy efficiency and to prepare for extreme weather events.
· More families need help. Yet steeply increasing inflation means this Council’s ability to mitigate impacts and provide essential services is increasingly challenging.
The Council agrees to:
1. Recognise that the Cost of Living and Climate Crisis are connected and jointly require attention to ensure the wellbeing of local people and businesses.
2. Make decisions on investment and delivery that, wherever possible, contribute to environmental and social benefits across Enfield.
3. Advocate for more robust, affordable public transport that connects employees with work, links students to education and reduces carbon emissions.
4. Work with social landlords operating in Enfield to review the energy efficiency of their housing stock, recognising that poor insulation and inefficient heating are key factors in the rising cost-of-living.
5. Write to the Prime Minister, our local MPs, and the relevant government ministers to call for:
a. Increased financial support for residents, with most support provided to low-income households.
b. Lobby government to deliver a more ambitious nationwide commitment to fund improvements in the energy efficiency of homes, resulting in energy bill reductions and environmental benefits.
c. Insulation schemes and renewable energy generation programmes funded by fossil fuel profits.
10.11 Motion in the name of Councillor Nia Stevens
Every June since 2008, people from across the UK have celebrated Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller History Month. To mark the occasion, on the 1st June, Enfield Council raised the GRT flag outside the Civic Centre building.
GRT History Month helps to tackle prejudice, challenge myths and to amplify the voices of Gypsies, Roma, and Travellers in wider society
Enfield Council welcomes the raising of the flag and thanks all those involved in organising this symbolic gesture, including representatives from the GRT community who attended the ceremony.
The Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community are part of Enfield’s diverse and vibrant population. This Council reaffirms our commitment to supporting the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller community in our borough.
10.12 Motion in the name of Councillor Rick Jewell
Council believes the Mayor of London is leading the way in the fight against air pollution, tackling toxic air and improving everyone’s health. Poor air quality disproportionately affects the most vulnerable in our communities: children, older people and those with heart and lung conditions.
The Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) currently covering inner-London will expand to cover most of the borough on 29th August. 76% of vehicles registered in Enfield are already ULEZ compliant, however, to represent those who do not have a compliant car, last month the Leader and I highlighted their concerns to the Mayor of London.
Council welcomes the recent announcement by the Mayor of London that he will expand the eligibility criteria for the scrappage scheme, meaning more Enfield residents will benefit from support to help swap polluting vehicles for cleaner alternatives.
Council resolves to promote the scrappage scheme to eligible residents, so local people are ready make the switch to cleaner, greener, and compliant vehicles.
10.13 Motion in the name of Councillor Maria Alexandrou
We condemn the shocking brutality that led to the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini on the 16th September 2022, sparking world-wide protests.
We stand together in support of Amini’s family and the brave people of Iran demanding Freedom.
10.14 Motion in the name of Councillor Lee Chamberlain
In the light of the Grenfell fire tragedy Enfield Council undertakes to rethink its proposals to build a high-rise tower with only a single staircase for escape at Meridian Water. It furthermore undertakes to adopt a policy of requiring at least two separate evacuation routes with separate exit options in all new high-rise blocks.
A single staircase is dependent on secondary systems such as sprinklers working; and the staircase and its exit being usable to provide a safe escape route. Historically sprinklers have not been favoured by public authorities as they can be set off for a variety of reasons and can take some time to restore to readiness for future use. A policy of having residents wait in their flats, rather than evacuate the building, was a contributory factor to the high loss of life at Grenfell. Any scenario where evacuation was prevented would force that approach on residents in a building too high to be evacuated from by other means, such as ladders.
I note that the use of a shared exit point for two staircases in a block was given as reason for refusal of a tower block planning application by LBE, it seems reasonable that this logic should also be applied to the Meridian Water development. While the Meridian Water proposal may conform with current legislation, that legislation is expected to be revised and multiple escape routes are likely to form part of the new requirements. The Government has already issued a public letter to building authorities regarding such matters, following concerns being raised over single staircase tower blocks.
As a public body we have a duty to ensure resident safety and should be seeking to set standards in line with common sense, and at least equal to those we set for other developments.
I therefore ask that Councillors support this motion.
10.15 Motion in the name of Councillor Chris Joannides
Enfield Council notes that World AIDS Day on the 1st December is an opportunity to show support and solidarity for people living with HIV. Furthermore, we remember those who have lost their lives because of Aids, and we honour memories by breaking down the stigma attached to people who have HIV.
This Council fully supports World Aids Day and supports the objectives of the national HIV Action Plan, which are:
1. ensuring effective co-ordination of prevention, treatment, and care
2. reducing levels of undiagnosed HIV and transmission in the UK and
3. effective monitoring of HIV resources and improved accountability
and commits to flying the "red ribbon" flag on 1st December, and future World AIDS Day and, during the week after World AIDS day, to promote the sale of Red Ribbons at public points controlled by Enfield Council.
The Council further notes that:
1. HIV is no longer a death sentence and HIV treatment and medication as prescribed helps people with HIV to live a natural life span.
2. HIV treatment is available to everyone living in the UK regardless of social-economic status
3. People living with HIV have their rights protected under the Equal Opportunities Act 2010 and should not be discriminated against.
4. Recognises a number of voluntary organisations including the National AIDS Trust, Body and Soul charity and Terence Higgins and are commended for their work in helping people living with HIV and their families.
10.16 Motion in the name of Councillor Chris Joannides
This Council notes that loneliness and isolation are a public health issue that must be tackled at a local, as well as national level. It is estimated one in ten people of pensionable age living in the London borough of Enfield are likely to be classed as lonely or severely lonely.
This Council believes:
10.17 Motion in the name of Councillor Chris Joannides
This Council will sign up to the Miscarriage Association's Pregnancy Loss Pledge to tackle the stigma associated with miscarriage and supports the campaign which wants to introduce paid leave for families who experience a miscarriage.
Miscarriage is the most common kind of pregnancy loss, affecting around one in four pregnancies in the UK.
The Council recognises the emotional trauma and loss suffered by parents as a result of stillbirths and miscarriages. As such, Enfield Council aims to improve support for parents by encouraging work environments where employers show empathy and understanding so employees who have been impacted do not have to use sick or annual holiday leave.’
10.18 Motion in the name of Councillor Paul Pratt
Arnos Grove is a ward which has the North Circular as a perimeter / boundary road. Traffic is diverted or re-routed on a daily basis along residential roads through the ward which are inappropriate for large vehicles such as tipper trucks, articulated wagons, coaches etc.
Residents from roads such as Dawlish Avenue, Morton Way, Powys Lane, Broomfield Lane, and surrounding roads are fed up with this and want it to stop.
It is only a matter of time before a fatality is a consequence. Shamefully and despite the high levels of Council Tax revenue from households in Arnos Grove, it is Council policy that prevention is not better than cure. I quote 'there is not a number of injury collisions that would guarantee [traffic calming] funding, we prioritise locations with the highest collision rates first.'
This Council agrees that it is inappropriate to wait for a fatality or serious incident to occur. Conversely, where the principal of prevention is better than cure can be applied, that this should be the default.
10.19 Motion in the name of Councillor Christopher Dey
The following roads in Grange Park ward urgently need some traffic calming measures to slow the speed of the traffic. Residents do not want a ghastly ‘Low Traffic Neighbourhood’ they do want to be consulted on what can be done to slow the speed of the traffic. The affected roads concerned are Old Park Ridings, The Grangeway, Vera Avenue, Green Dragon Lane, Green Moore Link, Bush Hill. The Council agrees to allocate more funding to road safety projects.
Minutes:
10.1 Motion in the name of Councillor Ayten Guzel
“Enfield Council welcomes the work of the Fair Tax Foundation and resolves to register as a Fair Tax Council. This registration requires signatories to:
· lead by example and demonstrate good practice in our tax conduct, right across our activities
· ensure IR35 is implemented robustly, and contractors pay a fair share of employment taxes
· to not use offshore vehicles for the purchase of land and property where this leads to reduced payments of stamp duty
· undertake due diligence to ensure that not-for-profit structures are not being used inappropriately as an artificial device to reduce the payment of tax and business rates
· demand clarity on the ultimate beneficial ownership of suppliers and their consolidated profit & loss position
· promote the Fair Tax Mark certification for any business in which we have a significant stake and where corporation tax is due
· support calls for urgent reform of UK law to enable local authorities to better penalise poor tax conduct and reward good tax conduct through their procurement policies.”
Following the debate, the Motion was AGREED.
10.3 Motion in the name of Councillor Nicki Adeleke
“Council recognises that people with autism are more likely to face prejudice and discrimination in their lifetime, that 921 children and 126 young adults have healthcare plans for autism, and 571 adults have an autism classification in Enfield.
There are some great facilities in the borough for autistic people, including SEND schools, support in mainstream schools, our voluntary organisations, and the Enfield Learning Disability Partnership Board champion the rights of people with learning disabilities and their carers.
However, more work is needed to ensure autistic people have equal opportunities in education, training, and employment, so they can live as fulfilled a life as they are able.
The Council will:
1. Work with local communities, autistic children, and adults to raise awareness of autism and the challenges faced by autistic people
2. Work to increase the number of school places for autistic children within the borough in mainstream and SEND schools
3. Provide support so that when autistic children transition to adulthood, adequate support is available to enter work or further training
4. Work with local communities, voluntary and charitable organisations to combat loneliness and other health and wellbeing challenges among autistic adults.”
Following the debate, the Motion was AGREED.
During the debate, a procedural motion was moved by Councillor Sabri Ozaydin and seconded by Councillor Chris Dey under paragraph 13.20 (viii) of the Council’s Procedure Rules to extend the debate for a further 20 minutes which was AGREED.
10.4 Motion in the name of Councillor Josh Abey
“Council notes the Government’s recent decision to drop plans to abolish the leasehold system, which the Secretary of State for Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities promised in January 2023.
Council believes that the UK’s current leasehold laws are feudal and archaic, with thousands of leaseholders across the country facing devastating bills to tackle cladding and necessary fire safety works due to unscrupulous developers.
Council resolves to urge the Government to support calls by the Shadow Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities Secretary to:
· end the sale of new leasehold houses
· introduce a right for existing leaseholders to extend a lease to 990 years with zero ground rent
· bring forward the Law Commission proposals to reform the process of enfranchisement valuation.”
Following the debate, the Motion was AGREED.
10.11 Motion in the name of Councillor Nia Stevens
“Every June since 2008, people from across the UK have celebrated Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller History Month. To mark the occasion, on the 1st June, Enfield Council raised the GRT flag outside the Civic Centre building.
GRT History Month helps to tackle prejudice, challenge myths and to amplify the voices of Gypsies, Roma, and Travellers in wider society
Enfield Council welcomes the raising of the flag and thanks all those involved in organising this symbolic gesture, including representatives from the GRT community who attended the ceremony.
The Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community are part of Enfield’s diverse and vibrant population. This Council reaffirms our commitment to supporting the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller community in our borough.”
During the debate, a procedural motion was moved by Councillor Sabri Ozaydin and seconded by Councillor Ergin Erbil under paragraph 13.20 (viii) of the Council’s Procedure Rules to extend the debate for a further 30 minutes which was AGREED.
Following the debate, the Motion was AGREED.
10.5 Motion in the name of Councillor Doug Taylor
“The Council notes that the Government has recently published its reforms of the Gambling Act (2005). Local government have been lobbying for reform of gambling regulations for many years and for the removal of the ‘aim to permit’ provisions in the Gambling Act. This provision sets out that licensing authorities must accept applications for gambling premises unless there is a valid reason why they should not be.
The Council believes that ‘aim to permit’ are an infringement of local democracy – local councils know what is best for their local high streets and town centres.
The Council resolves to work with the Local Government Association to lobby the Government to give councils the freedom to refuse new premises licences, by scrapping the ‘aim to permit’ provision in the Gambling Act.”
Following the debate, the Motion was AGREED.
The remainder of Motions LAPSED under the guillotine arrangements.