Agenda and minutes

Venue: Civic Centre, High Road, Wood Green, N22 8LE. View directions

Contact: Ayshe Simsek, Principal Committee Co-ordinator 

Media

Items
No. Item

74.

FILMING AT MEETINGS

Please note that this meeting may be filmed or recorded by the Council for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council’s internet site or by anyone attending the meeting using any communication method. Although we ask members of the public recording, filming or reporting on the meeting not to include the public seating areas, members of the public attending the meeting should be aware that we cannot guarantee that they will not be filmed or recorded by others attending the meeting. Members of the public participating in the meeting (e.g. making deputations, asking questions, making oral protests) should be aware that they are likely to be filmed, recorded or reported on. 

 

By entering the meeting room and using the public seating area, you are consenting to being filmed and to the possible use of those images and sound recordings.

 

The chair of the meeting has the discretion to terminate or suspend filming or recording, if in his or her opinion continuation of the filming, recording or reporting would disrupt or prejudice the proceedings, infringe the rights of any individual or may lead to the breach of a legal obligation by the Council.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The  Leader referred to agenda item 1 as shown on the agenda in respect of filming at this meeting and Members noted this Information.

75.

Apologies

To receive any apologies for absence.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Vanier.

76.

Urgent Business

The Chair will consider the admission of any late items of Urgent Business. (Late items of Urgent Business will be considered under the agenda item where they appear. New items of Urgent Business will be dealt with under Item 28 below. New items of exempt business will be dealt with at Item 32 below).

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no items of urgent business to consider.

77.

Declarations of Interest

A Member with a disclosable pecuniary interest or a prejudicial interest in a matter who attends a meeting of the authority at which the matter is considered:

 

(i) must disclose the interest at the start of the meeting or when the interest becomes apparent, and

(ii) may not participate in any discussion or vote on the matter and must withdraw from the meeting room.

 

A Member who discloses at a meeting a disclosable pecuniary interest which is not registered in the Register of Members’ Interests or the subject of a pending notification must notify the Monitoring Officer of the interest within 28 days of the disclosure.

 

Disclosable pecuniary interests, personal interests and prejudicial interests are defined at Paragraphs 5-7 and Appendix A of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

None

78.

Notice of Intention to Conduct Business in Private, any Representations Received and the Response to any such Representations

On occasions part of the Cabinet meeting will be held in private and will not be open to the public if an item is being considered that is likely to lead to the disclosure of exempt or confidential information. In accordance with the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 (the “Regulations”), members of the public can make representations about why that part of the meeting should be open to the public.

 

This agenda contains exempt items as set out at Item [29] : Exclusion of the Press and Public.  No representations with regard to these have been received.

 

This is the formal 5 clear day notice under the Regulations to confirm that this Cabinet meeting will be partly held in private for the reasons set out in this Agenda.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

No representations were received.

79.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 222 KB

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 13 September 2016 as a correct record.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on the 13th of September were agreed as a correct record.

 

The Leader varied the agenda to enable Cabinet to consider the Deputation, received in relation to item 15, Preferred Bidder to Secure the Future of Hornsey Town Hall, and also agreed to bring forward the consideration of the open part of this procurement report, so that it immediately followed the Deputation. The Leader reminded the meeting that this decision would require Cabinet to consider exempt information, at item 30.Therefore any discussion on item 15 would need to relate to information contained in the open part of the report.

 

80.

Matters Referred to Cabinet by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

For Cabinet to note the Overview and Scrutiny Reviews on Cycling and  Community Safety in Parks   contained at items 8&9 on the agenda . Cabinet will be further be asked to approve the responses to the recommendations set out in Appendix  2 of  the reports  included at items 8&9.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet would consider two Scrutiny reviews and the Cabinet proposed responses to the review recommendations at items 8 & 9.

 

81.

Cycling - Scrutiny Review and Cabinet Response to Recommendations pdf icon PDF 753 KB

To consider the Cycling Scrutiny Review and agree the Cabinet’s response to the recommendations.

 

Councillor Jogee to introduce the Scrutiny Review.

 

Councillor Ahmet to provide the Cabinet Response to the Scrutiny recommendations.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader invited Councillor Jogee to present the Scrutiny review findings on Cycling.

 

Cllr Jogee provided some background to the review by explaining that Cycling can often be viewed as a niche issue but it was, in many ways, a far broader debate about the sort of streets and neighbourhoods that residents want to live in. It could play a significant part in making streets clean, welcoming, safe and healthy places to live learn and work.

 

Cllr Jogee advised that there have been massive increases in cycling in London over recent years but there was still huge untapped potential for further increase, particularly in the suburbs. Realising this potential could mean fewer cars, less congestion, cleaner air and a more active population so the potential benefits are considerable particularly in use in economic uncertain times

 

Councillor Jogee welcomed the Cabinet responses to the Scrutiny Panel review recommendations with 18 of the 20 recommendation fully accepted. The review was a thorough and detailed piece of work and Cllr Jogee thanked Councillor colleagues who participated in the review as well as the Principal Scrutiny officer, Rob Mack.

 

The review panel had worked hard to ensure stakeholders were involved in the review and important issues were raised in the review which Cllr Jogee hoped to see progress on.

 

Councillor Ahmet, Cabinet Member for Environment, responded to the review findings and outlined thatthe Corporate Plan was explicit in setting out the Council’s aspiration to become one of the most cycle friendly boroughs in London. The vast majority of recommendations made in the scrutiny review were proposed for agreement and the Cabinet Member was confident that they would assist the Council in delivering on this pledge.

 

Reducing private car journeys by increasing cycling rates could also play a key part in achieving improvements to air quality, noise reduction and support sustainable development.

 

The Cabinet Member supported and shared the Mayor of London’s vision for cycling in London and was determined to play a part in making that a reality in Haringey. The Panel’s work would be integral to the preparation of the Cycling and Walking Strategy which will set out how to deliver an ambitious template for increasing cycling rates throughout the borough.

 

RESOLVED

 

To agree the responses to the recommendations.

 

82.

Community Safety in Parks - Scrutiny Review and Cabinet Response to Recommendations pdf icon PDF 171 KB

To consider the Overview and Scrutiny Recommendations on Community Safety in Parks and Cabinet to agree the responses to the recommendations at appendix 2.

 

·         Councillor Jogee to introduce the Scrutiny Review

 

·         Councillor Ahmet  to introduce the Cabinet Response.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Jogee introduced the Environment and Community Safety Scrutiny Panel Review on Safety in Parks. The review was set up to address concerns about crime in parks that were raised following a couple of serious incidents.  Reassuringly, the Panel found that crime levels within Haringey parks were comparatively low and that there was no evidence of any significant increase recently.  Although, this did not mean that improvements were not possible and the review flagged some up.

 

Councillor Jogee continued to highlight three particular recommendations which were partially accepted. In relation to recommendation 5, 14 of the boroughs parks were locked at night. The panel recognised the importance of locking the parks at night through discussion with local community groups. Recommendation 7 proposed series of pilots to trial different approaches to handle bin collection, and the response to recommendation 8 was welcomed.

 

Councillor Ahmet responded and advised that there had also been discussion with Cllr Ayisi, Cabinet Member for Communities, on the response to the recommendations. Councillor Ahmet advised that parks were well used in the borough and crime levels remain low. The review was commended and the few partially accepted recommendations would just need some more enhancing and working through with, residents, Councillors and Friends of Parks Groups.

 

RESOLVED

 

To approve the responses to the recommendations.

 

83.

Deputations/Petitions/Questions

To consider any requests received in accordance with Standing Orders.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader advised that a Deputation request had been received from the Hornsey Town Hall Appreciation Society in relation to item 15, Preferred Bidder to Secure the Future of Hornsey Town Hall, and invited Mr Tibber, the lead spokesperson, to put forward his Deputation to Cabinet.

 

Mr Tibber then came forward and handed a petition to the Leader which had been collated in response to the Cabinet report proposals and, within a week, attracted over 2300 signatures. The Deputation was further requesting the Cabinet consider the petition/report from the Hornsey Town Hall Appreciation Society and defer decision making on the preferred bidder for Hornsey Town Hall for one month.

 

Mr Tibber focused the Deputation’s presentation on challenging the recommendation based on the three key aspects where the successful bidder scored higher than the unsuccessful bidder, as set out within the report.

 

The Deputation contested the following:

 

  • Whether the preferred bidder carried a lower planning risk and contended that a fresh planning application would be needed to take forward the preferred bidder’s plans for a Hotel and it could not be done under a S73.  Mr Tibber explained the Appreciation Society has received its own planning advice to this effect.

 

  • That the guarantees required by the Council on the development work and ongoing operation of the building and community access would be difficult to enforce as the successful bidder was based in the Cayman Islands.  Mr Tibber questioned why a bidder would offer a guarantee.

 

  • The legality around the special purpose vehicle being set up for the project, as this is currently not in existence.

 

Mr Tibber continued to refer to there not being a need for a Hotel in Crouch End and further emphasised the overseas status of the bidder which he claimed went against recent mayoral announcements on tackling the sale of domestic assets to overseas investors.

 

The Deputation asked the Cabinet to consider the employment impact of moving 74 businesses, located in the Town Hall, and highlighted the issues currently being experienced with relocation.

 

The Deputation concluded by asking Cabinet to consider the impact of the decision which could incur expensive legal challenges and the proposed decision being inconsistent with the Council’s Community Strategy. Mr Tibber asked Cabinet to pause and further consult on the proposals before making a decision on the future of Hornsey Town Hall.

 

The Leader thanked Mr Tibber for his Deputation and asked Cabinet Member colleagues to put forward their questions to the Deputation party.

 

Councillor Arthur, Cabinet Member for Finance and Health and a ward Councillor for Crouch End, questioned the concerns raised on planning risk, as the planning strategy put forward, within the tender submission of the unsuccessful bidder, was scored as providing a greater risk to the Council; with the preferred bidder scoring better on the planning strategy they put forward in their bid. Cllr Arthur asked for the response to be within the context of the public procurement and assessing the bids put forward.

 

Cllr Arthur asked the Deputation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 83.

84.

For Cabinet to endorse the decision for the Council to accept CLG's proposal for a 4 year settlement pdf icon PDF 133 KB

[Report of the Chief Operating Officer. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Health.]The CLG has given Council’s the opportunity to accept a 4-year settlement for 17/18-20/21.  In exchange the Council must provide CLG with an efficiency plan.  The report is proposing that Cabinet  submit the agreed and  published Medium Term Financial Plan agreed in February 2015

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Health introduced the report which sought approval to submitting an Efficiency Plan [which would be the already approved MTFS (2015/16 – 2017/18) with an additional narrative around the third and fourth year] to the CLG as part of securing a 4-year funding settlement.

Submission of the Efficiency Plan would enable the Council to access minimum funding allocations for Revenue Support Grant (RSG) up to 2019/20.

In response to Cllr Engert’s question, agreed that a written response is provided on the RSG figure.

 

RESOLVED

That Cabinet recommend Full Council:-

 

1.    To approve acceptance to the offer of a 4-year funding allocation for 2016/17 to 2019/20 and the submission of the existing MTFS with additional narrative for 2018/19 and 2019/20 as the Efficiency Plan to the Department of Communities and Local Government before 14th October 2016.

 

Reasons for decision

Accepting the offer provides some certainty for medium-term financial planning purposes

 

Alternative options considered

The Council could choose to not accept the 4 year deal. Whilst there is no guarantee that the 4 year deal is entirely safe given the volatility of government funding, by not accepting the Council risks the Government reducing funding in future years due to non compliance.

 

85.

Financial Budget Monitoring Update[August 2016 position] pdf icon PDF 405 KB

[Report of the Chief Operating Officer. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Health]Cabinet will consider a Monitoring report on the forecast of spend against the budget  and any  required decisions  on re- profiling and adjustment of  capital expenditure.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Health introduced the report which set out the 2016/17 Period 5 financial position; including Revenue, Capital, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).

Cabinet noted the reduction in the overspend of £5m, since quarter 1, with improvements in the Children’s Services and Adult’s Services budgets together with central controls on spend which were beginning to have an impact.

 

In response to Councillor Engert’s questions, the following information was noted:

 

·         The £0.6m additional capital allocation for Hornsey Town Hall was not to allow new spending but to rectify the underestimated budget allocation. The additional funding was needed to pay for security and maintenance cost.

 

·         The corporate contingencies referred to in section 6.3, were not funding released from reserves but where the cost of borrowing had been lower than anticipated, allowing the release of funds allocated for borrowing costs.

 

·         The 0.2m increased overspend for Osborne Grove was related to a combination of issues. This included the ongoing staffing and restructure proposals that were in the process of being implemented, along with the process of finding a ‘not for profit’ provider which was taking longer than anticipated.

 

RESOLVED

1.    To consider the report and the Council’s 2016/17 Period 5 financial position in respect of revenue and capital expenditure;

2.    To note the risks and mitigating actions, including spend controls identified in this report in the context of the Council’s on-going budget management responsibilities; and

3.    To approve £580k for the Hornsey Town Hall capital budget.  There are sufficient funds in Capital programme to cover this cost

 

Reasons for decision

A strong financial management framework, including oversight by Members and senior management, is an essential part of delivering the Council’s priorities and statutory duties.

 

Alternative options considered

This is the 2016/17 Period 5 Financial Report.  As such, there are no alternative options.

 

86.

Approval of Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) for 2017/18 pdf icon PDF 282 KB

[Report of the Chief Operating Officer. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Health.]Review of proposed Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2017/18. The Scheme needs to be approved each year by Full Council regardless of any changes.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Health introduced the report which set out the details of the review of Haringey’s current Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) 2016/17 and the recommendations for Haringey’s CTRS for 2017/18 taking into consideration the assessment of options and an Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA). 

 

Cabinet noted that the proposal to maintain the current scheme .The Cabinet Member advised that to increase the minimum payment would cause low income residents more financial difficulties, but to also to reduce the minimum payment would have an impact on the budget.

 

RESOLVED

 

That Cabinet recommend to Full Council:

 

1.    To note that an Equalities Impact Assessment (Appendix E) has been undertaken in relation to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and that the findings of this EIA must be taken into account when making a decision regarding the Scheme for 2017/18.

 

2.    To agree to adopt the Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2017/18 as contained in Appendix C and therefore retains the same Scheme agreed for 2013/14 and continued since.

 

  1. Accordingly, the scheme as summarised in Appendix A and set out in full at Appendix C will continue to apply for 2017/18:

                      I.        That pensioners will continue to receive support for the payment of Council Tax.

                    II.        That those in receipt of certain disability benefits continue to receive support for the payment of Council Tax.

                   III.        For all working age claimants, the extent of Council Tax Support available will continue to be capped at 80.2% of Council Tax liability.  In other words, working age claimants will continue to receive the same level of Council Tax Support as 2013/14, this amount representing a 19.8% reduction in the level of Council Tax Support available as compared with the amount of Council Tax Benefit received in 2012/2013.

 

  1. For Authority to be given to the Chief Operating Officer and Assistant Director of the Shared Service Centre to take all appropriate steps to implement and administer the Scheme.

 

Reasons for Decision

 

The recommendation to retain the current scheme continues to support the Government’s initiative of work incentives and pays due regard to the challenging financial climate we are currently in.

 

In recognition of the vulnerable sectors of society, we have supportive measures in place. It is proposed that these continue into 2017/18. Maintaining the current scheme ensures that these protected claimants will not be further disadvantaged.

 

Although performance remains higher than originally anticipated, there remains a shortfall in collection.  This coupled with the fact that the Revenue Support Grant has been reduced by over 50%, equating to over £50m, has meant that the Council has had to implement significant service reductions and efficiency savings.  As a result it is not possible for the Council to expand the scheme to include protection for other groups.

 

Alternative Options Considered

 

In accordance with paragraph 5 of Schedule 1A to the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (the 1992 Act), each financial year the Council is required to consider whether to revise or replace its scheme.  One option for the Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 86.

87.

Shared Digital Service - Approval for Cloud Procurement pdf icon PDF 104 KB

[Report of the  Chief Operating Officer. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources.Cabinet to note the approach in the attached draft Joint committee report  as an example of the way the Shared Service will operate and be governed.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources introduced the report which provided an example of the way the Shared ICT Service will operate and be governed.

 

The first initiative of the Shared Service would be to renew data centre provision across the three boroughs through the procurement of a single, joint cloud-based service. The decision on this procurement was delegated to the Shared Service Joint Committee and the attached report outlined the approach being taken. 

 

The Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources also took the opportunity to thank the Head of Digital Services and ICT for her continued work over the past year in bringing together the shared ICT service with Camden and Islington and wished her well in her new role at OneSource.

 

RESOLVED

 

To note the report.

 

Reason for decisions

 

Not required as a noting report.

 

Alternative options

 

Not required as a noting report.

 

88.

Recommendation of a preferred bidder to secure the future of Hornsey Town Hall pdf icon PDF 244 KB

[Report of the  Director for Planning, Regeneration and Development. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member  for Housing, Regeneration and Planning.]In June 2015 Cabinet agreed objectives and delivery parameters for the Hornsey Town Hall project and approved the site to be taken to market through a public procurement process. This report will update on the procurement and recommend to Cabinet a preferred bidder who the Council will enter into a long lease with for the Hornsey Town Hall site.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning introduced the report which set out the tendering process which had been undertaken to select a bidder that would be able to provide a financial and sustainable future for Hornsey Town Hall.

 

The Cabinet Member continued to provide some context for the decision going forward, with a reminder of activity undertaken by the Council and local stakeholders, including the Hornsey Town Hall Creative Trust, over the last 10 years, and reiterated the Council’s commitment to community access which required the highest scoring category in the process. He referred to the Mountview proposals, which had disappointingly not eventually proved financially viable.

 

The Cabinet Member emphasised that a solution for Hornsey Town Hall had to be commercially viable. He drew attention to the lengthy, detailed and robust procurement process which he had politically overseen and had been completed effectively, in line, with procurement requirements. Given the high running costs of the building and high restoration costs, the preferred bidder provided a balanced solution, maintaining community access. Therefore agreement was sought from Cabinet for the Far East Consortium International Ltd (“FEC”), the highest scoring bidder, to be appointed as the preferred bidder for HTH.

 

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning referred to section 2.5 of the report, which had briefly tried to summarise the report and was not the basis of the recommendation to Cabinet. Instead section 6.25 clearly sets out that following an assessment of the planning strategy of the bidders, the preferred bidder put forward a proposal with lower planning risk. The Cabinet Member re-iterated that the advice of independent planning advisers had been sought when making this decision.

 

The Leader also reminded the meeting of some of the background to Hornsey Town Hall, in particular the Planning Committee meeting decisions in July 2010, where the main objections had been concerned with the scale of the residential development, including concerns on daylight as well as other considerations which arise from having large residential areas.

 

The Leader invited questions firstly from non Cabinet Members and the following information was provided in response to questions/concerns:

 

  • Cabinet were making a decision on the procurement process which was triggered in 2015 and not on the parameters of the existing planning consent given by Committee in 2010. The number of affordable units had been set at 4 units due to the high cost of restoring the building.

 

  • There was no information to hand on the exact square metres for use for the Hotel. However the preferred bidder was keen to have a presence in and around the Town Hall to answer detailed questions from residents and discuss detailed plans as they are developed with the community.

 

  • The Leader referred to the Cabinet report in 2009 where residential development was seen as an enabler to refurbish the building. Knight and Frank advice on affordable housing was 70% private and 30% affordable. However, in 2010 when going to planning committee and while working with Creative Trust on a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 88.

89.

Adoption of Housing Strategy [ 2017- 2222] pdf icon PDF 298 KB

[The report of the  Director for Planning, Regeneration and Development. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning.]Cabinet to agree the Housing Strategy and put this forward to Full Council in November for adoption.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning introduced Haringey’s Housing Strategy, following completion of a second stage of consultation for agreement and referral to full Council for adoption.

 

Although there was an existing Housing Strategy in place, the Cabinet Member felt it important to revise the strategy in response to a changed legislative and market environment and to set out clearly what the Council was trying to achieve for housing in the borough with a vision and priorities. Also, at the same time, having flexibility in the strategy to respond to nationally changing housing environment.

 

The Cabinet Member outlined the importance of housing: in building strong and successful communities, its impact on health, in childhood, in old age, and for influencing life chances.

 

The Cabinet Member set out the 4 housing priorities/objectives being followed which also underpinned the proceeding housing Cabinet reports on the agenda concerned with Housing supply, Temporary accommodation, Housing investment and intermediate housing. This included:

 

·         A step change in new homes being built – there was an evident need to build more homes as there was shortage of all types of housing and all types of    tenure as set out in the report due to previous government polices limiting the new build of homes. There was a need to serve people on low income left behind in the open market.

 

·         Improve support and help to prevent homelessness. The number of preventions had gone up through working with Home for Haringey but there was more to do.

 

·         Quality of housing for all residents includes working with providers in the borough to improve the quality of homes, being tougher on the design of the private homes, pushing up the quality of homes in the private rented sector.

 

·         Delivering wider community benefits such as more jobs and apprenticeships.

 

The Cabinet Member referred to the engagement with residents and homelessness residents when developing the strategy and spoke of the challenges being put forward to housing providers through the housing strategy discussions, generating new ideas to come forward, and demonstrating the Leadership value of the strategy.

 

In response to Councillor Engert’s questions:

 

  • Tougher action was being taken forward on bringing empty private homes into use with more home owners coming forward to find solutions for these homes.

 

·         The AD for Regeneration provided examples of where flexible finance options had been taken forward to increase the numbers of affordable housing. At Hornsey depot where a change in the pricing of the Council land was taken forward to facilitate a higher number of affordable homes, also work with a Development Vehicle in which the Council takes an equity stake and brings in partners – High Road West  was an example of this

 

  • All tenure of homes retro fitted - The grant from government to promote and provide funding for retrofit in private homes was ending and had had a good take up. Future zero carbon requirements for new homes will allow Councils to collect money from developers to meet this environmental requirement and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89.

90.

Housing Supply Plan and Temporary Accommodation Placements Policy pdf icon PDF 259 KB

[The report of the  Director for Planning, Regeneration and Development. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning.]To adopt a Housing Supply Plan, including the Temporary Accommodation Placements Policy following consultation.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning introduced the report which sought approval to the housing supply plan and temporary accommodation placements policy.

 

The Cabinet Member referred to the aspect of the report that deals with Temporary Accommodation placements. The increased housing market pressure and benefit changes had made it difficult for the Council to afford to place people in the borough at a price they can afford. The priority was to keep people in the borough, in particular the most vulnerable, and the report explained how families will be prioritised according to their circumstances.

 

The Cabinet Member drew attention to the support package for families being relocated which was summarised in the report. He had asked Council officers to   meet with other Councils that had already been locating families outside of London, to complete this package. Furthermore, the consultation on this proposed package had been undertaken with people directly affected in Temporary Accommodation and people likely to be affected by this policy.

 

In response to Cllr Engert’s questions:

 

  • The 31 new Council homes were more expensive than initially envisaged as they were placed on small sites, and subject to increased construction inflation, in turn leading to a higher running cost. Agreed a written response is provided to Councillor Engert on the cost of the 31 homes.

 

  • Paragraph 8.6 indicated that £281k would fund 250 AST’s. This was an invest to save proposal which, in the longer term, would yield more results in terms of preventing homelessness and reducing the need for expensive TA.

 

RESOLVED

 

  1. To approve the Housing Supply Plan set out in appendix 1.Cabinet notes that the Plan requires regular updating and delegate’s authority to the Director of Regeneration, Planning & Development to maintain a current and comprehensive plan in line with prevailing conditions and requirements. 

 

  1. To note the consultation feedback and the revised Equalities Impact Assessment for the Temporary Accommodation Placements Policy, attached as appendix 2 and appendix 3 respectively.

 

  1. To approve the Temporary Accommodation Placements Policy, attached as appendix 4.

 

  1. To approve the support package for households placed outside London set out in paragraph 6.25, which has been finalised following consultation, and notes the budget implications set out in paragraphs 6.28-6.29.

 

Reason for decisions

 

A decision is necessary for the Council to establish and maintain a current and comprehensive plan for all forms of housing supply in the borough, in order that housing need can be identified and supply initiatives formulated for all forms of permanent and temporary accommodation required meeting that housing need (recommendation 3.1).

 

It is necessary for the Council to take into account the results of consultation and the revised Equalities Impact Assessment in considering approval of the Temporary Accommodation Placements Policy (recommendation 3.2).

 

Having consulted on the Temporary Accommodation Placements Policy and considered the revised Equalities Impact Assessment, a decision on approval of the policy is required in order that it can be adopted and implemented (recommendation 3.3) and that officers are able to demonstrate a clear rationale, agreed eligibility criteria  ...  view the full minutes text for item 90.

91.

Stock Investment and Estate Renewal Policy pdf icon PDF 263 KB

[The report of the  Director for Planning, Regeneration and Development. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning.]To approve an updated Stock Investment and Estate Renewal Policy for council owned housing and land.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning introduced the report which set out a new local standard for homes, following the expiry of the decent homes standard .The report proposed a more asset based management strategy where the Council can sell more expensive stock to build more affordable housing stock.

 

In response to questions from Cllr Engert the following information was noted:

 

·         Impractical to agree each high value Council housing sale at Cabinet and this would  be completed through officer delegation with the  governance details of this process to be clarified and discussed at a future scrutiny meeting.

 

·         Expectation that the development vehicle will not ‘cherry pick’ more financially viable easy sites and operate according to a variety of sites, if impossible and not viable to develop a site then cannot enforce this but there is a pre – agreed portfolio of sites to limit this situation and the Council will have an equal stake on the development vehicle board and can also safeguard against this type of situation.

 

·         The Council had objected to the selling of high value homes but were required to follow this government policy. The Cabinet Member clarified that the Council can only sell a property when void  and this  will not be easy to implement but there will be a set criteria followed as set out in the report

 

·         Cllr Strickland provided a reminder that the 40% target of affordable housing was subject to viability and the two schemes mentioned in Tottenham were part of a regeneration, development and restoration and renewal scheme including community facilities which causes higher cost and means difficulties in meeting the 40% target. The Council will always continue to push for 40% affordable housing but there was a need to be honest in the report that the cost of developments makes it difficult to meet this target.

 

RESOLVED

 

  1. To approve the adoption of a new standard for investment in the Council’s stock, as set out in paragraphs 6.13 – 6.18 and appendix 1.

 

  1. To approve the principle of active asset management that will be detailed in the Council’s new Asset Management Delivery Plan, to ensure that the best stock is retained and invested in and assets are appraised for possible disposal when necessary using a Stock Options Appraisal process as illustrated in appendix 2.

 

  1. To agree that the receipts from the sale of Housing Revenue Account (HRA) assets will be ring fenced to the HRA and applied to payment of the required levy and to funding the two for one replacement programme or other approved new supply initiatives.

 

  1. To delegate authority to approve the detailed Asset Management Plan and investment programme, and any variations to it, to the Director of Regeneration, Planning and Development after consultation with the Lead Member for Housing and the Chief Operating Officer;

 

  1. To note the programme of continuous engagement with residents described in paragraphs 6.23 – 6.24, to ensure that tenants and leaseholders are aware of the new standard of investment and the choices  ...  view the full minutes text for item 91.

92.

Housing Allocations Scheme, Tenancy Strategy and Homelessness Delivery Plan pdf icon PDF 274 KB

[The report of the  Director for Planning, Regeneration and Development. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning.]To seek authority to consult on: (a) proposals to update the Housing Allocations Scheme and Tenancy Strategy b) draft Homelessness Delivery Plan.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning introduced the report which set out the potential changes that will be consulted upon, in three policy and delivery areas - the Housing Allocations Policy, the Tenancy Strategy and the Homelessness Delivery Plan.  These changes were necessary to support achievement of the new Housing Strategy or to comply with changes in legislation.

 

RESOLVED

 

To authorise public consultation with residents, partners and stakeholders on:

 

1.    The proposed changes to the Council’s Housing Allocations Scheme set out in appendix 1.

2.    The proposed changes to the Council’s Tenancy Strategy set out in appendix 2.

3.    The new Homelessness Strategy and Delivery Plan set out in appendix 3.

 

Reasons for decision

 

A decision is required to ensure that the Council complies with its obligations to consult about changes in housing services.  There is a legal requirement that before making major changes to its Allocations Scheme the Council consults private registered providers of social housing and registered providers with whom we have nominations rights.  It is also good practice to consult residents.

 

There is a statutory duty to consult the Greater London Authority (GLA) and registered providers operating in the borough on its Tenancy Strategy; and again, it is considered best practice to consult more widely and the Council has done so previously.

 

The Homelessness Act 2002 requires local authorities to carry out a homelessness review of their area and from that information publish a homelessness strategy. The Council published its last 5 year Homelessness Strategy in 2012, as a multi-agency document delivered with partners.  The Council wishes to consult widely on a new homelessness plan and the views of our partners and all stakeholders are critical in developing this.  A decision is required to ensure that the Council properly engages with partners and stakeholders in tackling homelessness in the borough.

 

Alternative options considered

 

An alternative approach to the Allocations Policy would be to make no further changes to the Policy, which was last reviewed in 2014 (changes arising from that review were adopted in September 2015).  There is some merit in this approach as changing the Allocations Policy is an extensive exercise, and should be undertaken only when there is a need to make amendments as a result of legislation, policy change or case law.  However, there are a number of environmental and legal factors driving the need for change, such as the reducing supply of housing; and the need to ensure that those most unable to solve their housing problems in the open market are supported.  It has therefore been decided to bring forward these changes which should assist the Council achieve its objectives of ensuring that those most in need receive assistance, and that those most able to find alternative housing to social housing, are assisted to do so.  It is also important that the Allocations Policy supports the Council’s current and changing policy objectives, as reflected in the new Housing Strategy.

 

There is no alternative to consulting on a new Tenancy Strategy.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 92.

93.

Intermediate Housing Policy pdf icon PDF 208 KB

[[The report of the  Director for Planning, Regeneration and Development. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning.]To seek authority to consult on a draft Intermediate Housing Policy which includes the criteria for the allocation of new shared ownership homes.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning introduced the report which sought approval to consult on how the Council will allocate homes for the intermediate range of income groups.  The report also set out some operational requirements that need to be considered in order that the policy, when approved, to be delivered effectively. 

 

RESOLVED

 

To approve the draft Intermediate Housing Allocations Policy, set out at Appendix 2, for consultation prior to formal adoption in 2017.

 

Reasons for decision

 

Currently, the Council has no policy for allocating Intermediate housing, either for sale or for rent.  Intermediate housing is becoming an increasingly important part of the housing offer, and this is emphasised in our new Housing Strategy.  As the housing market becomes ever more difficult for households on a range of incomes to access, it is important that the Council takes all possible steps to influence the intermediate market to make sure it is really meeting the needs of Haringey residents.

The Council also wants to influence future provision, based on its analysis of the needs of Haringey residents, and this will be better targeted with more specific knowledge of the housing needs of households in the median range of incomes in the borough. 

 

Finally, the Council is proposing to consult of a new Housing Allocations Policy which may limit those able to register, to people on lower income levels.  It is important that the Council has an alternative offer to make to those who will no longer be able to access the Register for Social Housing.  A new Intermediate Housing Allocations Policy is therefore required, in order to make it clear to applicants and partners, how intermediate housing in the borough is allocated.

 

Alternative options considered

 

The option was considered, of taking no proactive steps, and leaving Intermediate Housing to be allocated by external providers, as now.  This was rejected, first because the new Housing Strategy makes it clear that Intermediate Housing will play an increasingly important part of the housing provision in the borough, and the Council needs to be sure that local Haringey residents benefit from it. 

 

Secondly, there is a strategic imperative set out in the Housing Strategy, to meet the housing needs of households with a range of incomes who cannot meet their needs in the open housing market.  The Council also needs its own Intermediate Housing Policy because it is building new shared ownership units itself, and they need to be allocated in line with a published policy to ensure that there is a transparent and fair process to allocate these homes. This policy is important as it has the potential to enable social housing tenants to purchase homes, releasing units in the social housing sector, where households have incomes that enable them to access home ownership on a shared ownership basis.

 

94.

Admission to Schools - Proposed Admission Arrangements for 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 2 MB

[Report of the assistant Director for Schools and Learning. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children and Families.]To consider the proposed

arrangements for admission to the Borough's community settings at nursery, primary, junior and secondary level and to St Aidan's Voluntary Controlled School and for sixth form admission for the year 2018/19, for consultation.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Children and Families introduced the report which proposed a 6 week statutory consultation on school admission arrangements for 2018/19.The Cabinet Member advised Cabinet Member colleagues that these were largely a continuation of the current arrangements.

 

 

RESOLVED

 

1.    To agree to consult on the proposed admission arrangements, including in year arrangements, for 2018/19;

2.    To agree to consult on the proposed IYFAP which, if agreed by a Member Lead signing in January 2017, would be used from 1 March 2017;

3.    To agree the co-ordinated scheme for 2018/19 as set out in Appendices 2 and 3 of this report, and that the scheme can be published on the Haringey website on 1 January 2017

4.    To note that consultation on the proposed admission arrangements is scheduled to take place between 27 October 2016 and 8 December 2016;

5.    To note that following the consultation, a report will be prepared summarising the representations received from the consultation and a decision on the final admission arrangements and the In Year Fair Access Protocol will be taken by Lead Member signing in January 2017.

 

Reasons for decision

 

This report and the consultation that will flow from it if the report’s recommendations are agreed will ensure that our proposed admission arrangements for 2018/19 are consulted upon and the co-ordinated scheme is set in accordance with the mandatory provisions of the School Admissions Code 2014.

 

We consult on our admission arrangements annually irrespective of whether or not there is a proposed change to the arrangements[1]. This is to ensure transparency and openness on the contents of our arrangements and to allowparents, carers and other stakeholders who might not previously been interested in admission arrangements (perhaps because they didn’t have a child of school age) to make a representation which can then be considered as part of the determination of the arrangements.

 

Alternative options considered

 

We are required by the School Admissions Code 2014 (Para 1.42 – 1.45 of the Code) to carry out any consultation on our admission arrangements between 1 October and 31 January each year for a minimum period of six weeks. We are not proposing any changes to the proposed admission arrangements for the year 2018/19 apart from a small number of minor technical changes which include a) that the required number of primary heads needed to sit on Primary IYFAP shall be no less than 3, and that all year 6 in-year applications will be offered through Primary IYFAP once the October PLASC of the same year has taken place (first Thursday of October).   However, as set out in Para 4.2 above, we consult annually on our arrangements irrespective of whether we are proposing any changes, to allow transparency and openness in the process.

 



[1] The Schools Admission Code 2014 (Para 1.42) sets out that when changes are proposed to admission arrangements, all admission authorities must consult on their admission arrangements (including any supplementary information form) that will apply for admission applications the following school  ...  view the full minutes text for item 94.

95.

Proposed consultation on an adjustment to the PANs of the Borough's community secondary schools to move them to PANs divisible by 30, replacing the current PANs that are divisible by 27 pdf icon PDF 4 MB

[Report of the Assistant Director for Schools and Learning. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children and Families.The Borough's secondary

community schools currently have PANs (Published Admission Numbers) divisible by 27 but it is expected that the emerging National Schools Funding Formula (NSFF) will be based on secondary school intakes of 30 and a funding ration close to the national average. the Haringey secondary school intake needs to come in to line with other local authorities to prevent Haringey secondary schools being financially disadvantaged by the continuation of historical practices.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Children and families introduced the report which was proposing, for consultation, a move to bigger class sizes of 30 for secondary schools, to meet the emerging school funding formula criteria for 2018/19 and which would allow the Council to provide additional school places, limiting expensive capital cost in the future.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.    To note the twofold reasons for seeking to carry out consultation on the  adjustment of  the PANs of the Council’s community secondary schools:

 

1.1)     Preventing the Council’s secondary community schools from suffering a financial disadvantage when the new National Schools Funding Formula (NFF) – based on secondary school intakes of class sizes of 30 – is implemented; and

 

1.2)  Enabling the Council’s community secondary schools to provide additional year 7 places to accommodate a projected increase in pupil place demand between 2018 and 2025 without the need for the expansion of any single (or more) secondary school(s). 

 

2.    To agree to consultation being carried out between November and December 2016 on proposed adjustments to the Council’s community secondary school PANs, as set out in paragraph 4.1, to take effect from admission year 2018/2019, which would help ensure that the Council’s community secondary schools can maximise financial conditions by securing classes of 30 to reflect the broad national picture.  Such a move also allows provision of further additional year 7 places which will address the projected deficit of year 7 places from 2018 as set out by current projections and illustrated in the graph at Figure 1 to this report.

 

Reasons for decision

This report recommends the commencement of consultation (November 2016) on adjustments to the PANs of the Council’s community secondary schools.  Table 1 below sets out the current and proposed PAN for each community secondary school.

 

           

Name of school

Current PAN

Proposed PAN

Gladesmore Community School

243

270

Highgate Wood School

243

270

Hornsey School for Girls

162

150

Northumberland Park Community School

210

240

Park View School

216

240

            Table 1: Current and proposed PANs for Haringey’s secondary community schools

 

These proposed adjustments are primarily a response to an emerging national funding formula that will mean that local adjustments historically made to allow our secondary schools to operate based on class sizes of 27 will be removed, and further that the NFF will be based on secondary school intakes of class sizes of 30 putting the Council’s secondary schools at a funding disadvantage.

 

This consultation will allow us to gather views from key stakeholders on whether we should proceed with this move.  Schools other than community schools will also be invited to set out their views although these schools (free schools, academies and foundation schools) will be considering their own positions in relation to the NFF and the impact for them if they remain at PANs wholly divisible by 27.

 

In addition to the financial imperative for community secondary schools of a move to class sizes of 30, such a change would also allow us to increase the number of year 7  ...  view the full minutes text for item 95.

96.

Local Implementation Plan Annual Spending Submission 2017/18 pdf icon PDF 223 KB

[Report of the Assistant Director for Planning. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Environment.] The report seeks approval for the Council’s  proposed Transport LIP spending submission for 2017/18.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Environment introduced the report which set out the

bid for money, annually, to deliver projects in their local implementation plan.

Cabinet noted that this was an interim submission, while awaiting the Mayors transport strategy which will likely take a year to produce.

 

The Council had commenced the preparation of a new Transport Strategy and this will be supported by a Cycling and Walking strategy and a Parking Plan but will be minded to what the Mayors transport strategy will produce. The LIP will also be targeting additional resource for road user strategies.

 

In response to Cllr Engert’s question:

 

Often deprivation was a component in disproportionate number of pedestrian and child injuries on roads in the borough compared to other boroughs Agreed details of the collision map are provided in writing and details on how the injuries will be reduced.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.    To approve the Annual Spending Submission for 2017/18 as set out in Appendix 2 of this report.

 

2.    To note the progress to date on delivering against our LIP and Corporate Plan targets.

 

Reasons for decision

 

The LIP submission provides a major source of funding to deliver transport projects and programmes.

 

Alternative options considered

 

The Annual Spending Submission supports our approved LIP covering 2011 to 2031. It is, therefore, not considered necessary to consider other options.

 

97.

Appointment of a Social Supermarket Provider pdf icon PDF 190 KB

[Report of the Director for Tottenham. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Social Inclusion & Sustainability]To confirm the appointment of Community Shop as the social supermarket provider for Northumberland Park.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Economic development, social inclusion and sustainability introduced the report which sought approval to award a Concession Contract to the Community Shop C.I.C. (Community Interest Company) to operate a Social Supermarket facility at the Eric Allin Centre on Northumberland Park for a period of up to 10 years.

 

The Cabinet Member outlined that social supermarkets have been recognised by the GLA as a positive way of supporting those on low incomes, tackling poor diet and overcoming health inequalities, through the provision of surplus stock being sold at heavily subsidised prices. The structured support and development programme sitting alongside membership aligned with the socio-economic aims of our regeneration programme in Northumberland Park by assisting members to improve their economic and social wellbeing.

 

In response to a local resident’s questions asked outside of the meeting:

 

  1. The address for the social supermarket will remain the same (i.e. ‘Northumberland Park Social Supermarket’, Eric Allin Centre, and Kenneth Robbins House] and keep the reference to Eric Allin, a recognised popular Tottenham community figure.

 

  1. Social supermarket governance expected to involve community members fully both formally (whether through something like a steering group, community forum or as board members) and informally (through presentations to the three Residents Associations etc).

 

  1. The social supermarket was located in the very east of the Northumberland Park ward. It had a membership limit of 750 members at any one time which was a considerable number but due to the levels of deprivation in Northumberland Park can unfortunately be filled very easily by residents of Northumberland Park alone. The impact of the improvements a social supermarket can bring are magnified if it affects a large number of people within the same community, this is particularly true of Northumberland Park where unemployment and low wages are particularly prevalent within the relatively small area of the Northumberland Park estate. Therefore, if it was extended to residents of White Hart Lane (or Bruce Grove) ward its impact could be somewhat watered down. To some extent this is a pilot and the Council will see the impact it has. If it is as successful as then there may be scope to extend outwards to other wards or introduce something similar that can be equally beneficial to residents of those wards.

 

 

RESOLVED

 

  1. In accordance with CSO 9.06.1(d),  to approve the award of a Concession Contract to Community Shop C.I.C., for an initial period of 5 years with  options to extend for further periods of 3 and 2 years, to set up and operate a Social Supermarket at the Eric Allin Centre in Northumberland Park;

 

  1. To approve a budget for this project of £185,000 as an addition to the capital programme, financed by £85,000 from the Council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and £100,000 of grant funding allocated to the Council by the Greater London Authority (GLA) for this project;

 

  1. To approve provision in the Concession Contract for a payment to Community Shop C.I.C. towards the capital costs of setting up of the Social Supermarket during  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97.

98.

Office Accommodation Strategy pdf icon PDF 242 KB

[Report of the Director for Planning, Regeneration and Development. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources.]Cabinet to consider  the Council's Future  office accommodation requirements and recommendations.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources introduced the report which proposed relocating the Council office towards the Clarendon Road/ Coburg Road area, to release prime accommodation for redevelopment and to encourage a significant footfall to walk away from the High Street, creating depth to the currently narrow retail strip and meeting regeneration objectives for Wood Green.

Cabinet noted that existing accommodation is deteriorating, expensive to run and no longer fit for purpose. No one building was of sufficient size to accommodate the requirements of the Council in the future. The existing office sites were included in the Haringey Development Vehicle. In order to enable that development to take place the buildings will need to be vacated. Moving to a single new building would create an opportunity to save on the Council’s revenue costs, reduce the amount of space the Council occupies and its Carbon footprint.

In response to Councillor Engert’s questions it was noted:

  • Cross Rail 2 update  – public consultation on November 17th  in the borough ,by  that time council will have knowledge on a preferred route , and  there are more positive soundings about a north/ west  branch of the route.

 

  • In relation to the £10m allocation to the new Council building, given the Council’s commitment to Wood Green regeneration, having a stake in the regeneration in wood green, though significant landholding is required to support regeneration and the same strategy that has been followed in Tottenham.

 

  • Current staff numbers were 2703.

 

RESOLVED

  1. To note that a bid for £425,000 from the Transformation Fund has been submitted to Resources Priority Board in order to appoint a Programme Team to deliver the Future Ways of Working programme to complete the business case over the remainder of 2016/17. The business case will be brought back to Cabinet with a five year plan for the delivery of the programme;

 

  1. That the head leasehold interest in the sites set out in Part B of this report be acquired by the Council.  A budget of up to £10m is approved to acquire both head leases from the Council’s site acquisition fund. That the final price and heads of terms for both sites be delegated to the Director of Regeneration, Planning and Development in consultation with the Section 151 officer and Lead member for Corporate Resources;

 

 

  1. That if the headlesses cannot be acquired, then in the alternative, a joint venture be agreed with the head lesses in order to procure the building of both sites or either site within the same budget as in (b), and the heads of terms of the joint venture be delegated to the Director of Regeneration, Planning and Development in consultation with the Section 151 officer and the Lead member for Corporate Resources.

 

  1. That the sites identified in Part B of this report be included as a site for the HDV and become part of the Competitive Dialogue process and to note that the details of the delivery of the new office development will be reported at a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 98.

99.

Minutes of Other Bodies pdf icon PDF 126 KB

To note the minutes of the following:

 

Leader’s Signing 4th October 2016

Corporate Parenting Advisory committee – 4th July 2016

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED

 

To note the minutes of the following:

 

Leader’s Signing 4th October 2016

Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee – 4th July 2016

 

100.

Significant and Delegated Actions pdf icon PDF 206 KB

To note significant  and delegated actions taken by Directors in September 2016.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED

 

To note the delegated decisions  taken by Directors in September.

101.

New Items of Urgent Business

To consider any items admitted at Item 2 above.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

None

102.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

Note from the Democratic Services &Scrutiny Manager

 

Items 30,31 and 32 and  allow for the consideration of exempt information in relation to items, 15, 25 and 3 respectively.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as the items below contain exempt information, as defined under paragraph, 3 and 5 Part 1, schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as the items below contain exempt information, as defined under paragraph, 3 and 5 Part 1, schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

 

103.

Recommendation of a preferred bidder to secure the future of Hornsey Town Hall

As per item 15.

Minutes:

As per item 88.

104.

Office Accommodation Strategy

As per item 25.

Minutes:

As per item 98.

105.

New Items of Exempt Urgent Business

To consider any items admitted at Item 3 above.

 

Minutes:

None