Agenda and minutes

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The Chair referred to the notice of filming at meetings and attendees noted this information.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Chandwani and Councillor Jogee.

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 22 below. New items of exempt business will be dealt with at Item 27 below).

None.

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.

Councillor Williams declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in respect of items 7, 9 & 10 and advised that in accordance with Part 5 Paragraph 4.2 of the Council’s Constitution, she would be withdrawing from the meeting whilst those items were considered.

Councillor das Neves also declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in respect of items 7, 9 & 10 and advised that in accordance with Part 5 Paragraph 4.2 of the Council’s Constitution, she would be withdrawing from the meeting whilst those items were considered.

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 23: Exclusion of the Press and Public. No representations with regard to these have been received.

This is the formal five 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.

None.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 13^th of June 2023 as a correct record.

RESOLVED

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 13 June 2023 as a correct record.

Clerks note:  The Chair varied the order of the agenda to move item 7 to be taken after item 9 on the agenda.  The minutes follow the order of the meeting.

For Cabinet to note (if any).

None.

Report of the Director of Environment and Resident Experience.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport, and Deputy Leader of the Council.

Interim review of feedback received through application process and report on consultation/ discussion with affected groups, in particular LTN disability including group, a dedicated group set up to discuss exemption procedure. Recommendation on decision for any changes proposed.

Appendices are attached in a separate pack.

Clerks note: Councillor das Neves and Councillor Williams left the meeting at the start of this item.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport, and Deputy Leader of the Council, introduced the report which set out feedback on the interim review carried out of the available exemptions and related process for the three trial Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in the Borough (Bounds Green, Bruce Grove West Green, and St Ann’s).  The report set out various changes to the exemptions process.

Councillor Brabazon commented that the LTN inclusion group had been a really positive exercise, and membership had covered a range of organisations and representative groups.

In response to questions from Councillor da Costa, the following was noted:

-               The Council were very committed to ensuring that residents were fully engaged with, particularly those with health conditions and disabilities.  A survey had been carried out with carers, and workshops held with Disability Action Haringey.  As the scheme progressed, further engagement was carried out with other groups via the LTN inclusion group.  It was important that no additional obstacles were added to the lives of people already facing obstacles in terms of mobility around the borough.

-               One of the main additions to the exemptions process was to ensure that all Blue Badge holders would have access to all LTNs in the borough. 

-               At the current time, it was felt that the proposed additions to the process would have a bigger impact then the allow exemptions for taxis.

RESOLVED to

1.            Note the summary of feedback received in respect of the Council’s existing Low Traffic Neighbourhoods Exemption Criteria and Applications Process.

2.            Agree that, in addition to exemptions already contained within the Council’s Low Traffic Neighbourhoods Exemption Criteria and Applications Process, that supplementary exemptions will be applied to the three trial LTNs (Bounds Green, Bruce Grove West Green and St Ann’s) as follows:

a)    Allow all Blue Badge holders with a valid Blue Badge and whose main address is within the Borough of Haringey to register one motor vehicle for exemption from the three trial LTNs (but only traffic filters which have the Except Permit Holder sign).

b)    Allow SEND transport organised by the Council to be exempt from diagonal traffic filters in the three trial LTNs.

c)    With permission of the Council, authorised by the Assistant Director for Direct Services, allow any vehicle to be exempt from specified camera enforced traffic filters in the three LTNs.

3.            Authorises the Head of Highways and Parking to make the necessary experimental traffic orders to give effect to the recommendations.

4.            Note that any representations made during the statutory objection period associated with the experimental traffic orders referred to in recommendation 3 will be presented to Cabinet, alongside a final monitoring report, when a decision will be sought on whether to make the provisions of the experimental traffic orders permanent.

Reasons for decision

As part of the interim review of the three trial LTNs that the Council has implemented, a review has  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To consider any requests received in accordance with Standing Orders.

Deputation 1

Victoria Ward presented the deputation to Cabinet. The key points of the deputation are summarised as follows:

• LTNs were not in the Labour manifesto and nobody voted for them. It was claimed that before LTNs were introduced, 56% of residents did not want them and that, since then, the administration had failed to bring the public along with them on this journey.
• LTNs were based on DfT data that was withdrawn, due to a catalogue of errors. The Cabinet Member had advised residents that it was all about the data. However, the deputation party contended that every piece of data that had been used in support of LTNs had been discredited. Cabinet was asked to read the data and to understand it before pushing ahead.
• It was put forward that at a meeting in February, the Leader and Cabinet Member dismissed those opposing LTNs as alt-right and climate change deniers. This was a wholly unfair characterisation and showed contempt for residents.
• The interim report sought to simply support the policy, rather than interrogate it
• The main justifications for LTNs were summarised as; a comprehensive consultation, to reduce pollution, to help people live active and more healthier lives and to reduce collisions. It was suggested that all of these had failed and that rather: There had been a negligible impact on pollution; cycling had reduced since LTNs were created; there was no data available around collisions but that traffic had increased on roads.
• The other key justification given for introducing LTNs was around to reduce rat running. It was suggested that the success of this goal was undermined by poor data for the following reasons:
  • The baseline was taken after the introduction of the Enfield Bowes LTN, so traffic on boundary roads had already increased
  • The technology used did not count cars travelling under 10km, none of the sitting traffic is counted and the detail behind this has not been released
  • The way cars were counted for the baseline inflated the number of cars registered inside the LTNs prior to the change, which was admitted in the report but dismissed.
  • Even if the car count was down, it was suggested that the Council did not track how far those cars are travelling. Ms Ward advised that she travelled 4.4km further every time she left the house, so the car count was meaningless

• It was commented that the increase in traffic on boundary roads had directly led to a reduction in the number of buses and increased journey times.
• Government funding for the schemes had been dropped, they were widely acknowledged as being badly implemented and counterproductive. It was commented that the Transport Secretary told councils on Sunday to withdraw unpopular schemes.
• The Council had received 2.5k formal objections to the scheme and public opposition to the scheme was reflected in reduced a vote share at recent bye-elections.
• The deputation party requested that Cabinet look at the data in detail, not just the summary, and that they did not just  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

Report of the Director of Environment and Resident Experience.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport, and Deputy Leader of the Council.

Note the interim reviews undertaken of the operation of the Bruce Grove West Green LTN, St Ann's LTN and Bounds Green LTN and consider recommendations for any appropriate adjustments to be made under a new Experimental Traffic Management Order (ETMO). The report informs on the impacts of the LTN schemes to date and makes recommendations for changes where this is practicable to help mitigate against some of the identified negative impacts of the schemes. Any changes to the ETMO will trigger a further six-month statutory consultation period to come into place.

Appendices are attached in a separate pack.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport, and Deputy Leader of the Council, introduced the report which set out the results of an interim review of the three trial Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), which were implemented in 2022.

In response to questions from Councillor Hymas, the following was noted:

-               There was not a ‘do nothing’ options in terms of the climate agenda.  The schemes would be monitored carefully and it was hoped that improvements would continue to be made.  It would be a disservice to the borough not to expand the schemes, if the trial areas continued to deliver on their aims.

In response to questions from Councillor da Costa , the following was noted:

-               There had been a reduction in speeding on roads, and this would continue to be monitored.

-               A full data set on air quality would be available after 12 months of monitoring.  However, borough trends showed a 13% increase of air pollution on the roads and roadsides, but within LTN areas, the roadside and ambient readings had been much lower.

RESOLVED to

1.            Note the results of the interim LTN reviews summarised in Sections seven (Bruce Grove  West Green LTN),  eight (St Ann’s LTN), nine (Bounds Green LTN) and detailed in Appendix A1, A2 and A3 (Monitoring Data),   Appendix B1, B2 and B3 (Feedback) and Appendix C (Business Perception Surveys) and Appendix  D (Footfall and Mastercard Spend Data).

2.            Agree the following physical changes to the Bruce Grove West Green LTN:

•     Remove traffic filter at Linley Road, permitting motor vehicle access in both directions.

•      Permit motor vehicle access on The Avenue in westbound direction, eastbound to remain restricted.

•      Remove traffic filter in Moorefield Road (revert road to one-way), permitting motor vehicle access.

•      Introduce a 7.5 tonne weight limit on Downhills Way and Belmont Road with camera enforcement.

3.            Agree the following physical change to the St Ann’s LTN:

·           Move the traffic filter at Avenue Road approximately 10 metres north, removing 4 parking bays to form a turning space.

4.            Authorise the Head of Highways and Parking to revoke and make all necessary new ETOs to give effect to recommendation 3.2 and 3.3 which will trigger a further statutory objection period of 6 months.

5.            Authorise the implementation of changes to the Bruce Grove West Green LTN, subject to the statutory requirements associated with 3.2 and 3.3 and 3.4 following the preparation of detailed designs.

6.            Note the new ETOs will be made to remain in effect for the maximum duration of eighteen months but aiming to decide on the future of the LTNs well in advance of reaching this.

7.            Note that any representations made during the statutory objection period associated with the experimental traffic orders referred to in recommendation

Report of the Director of Environment and Resident Experience.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport, and Deputy Leader of the Council.

Determine whether 6 new School Streets should be implemented, deferred or not proceed. Six new School Streets were implemented in March 2022 in 3 Phase One LTN areas. These are trial schemes under experimental traffic orders (ETMO). The report informs of the monitoring and consultation feedback after 1 year. The report makes recommendations for the confirmation of the School Streets by the making of permanent traffic orders where appropriate.

Appendices are attached in a separate pack.

Councillor das Neves and Councillor Williams returned to the meeting at this point.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport, and Deputy Leader of the Council, introduced the report which reported on the impact of six School Streets within the three Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, and sought approval to make permanent all Experimental Traffic Orders associated with the six School Streets.

Councillor Brabazon added that she was pleased to see the reference to Jane Jacobs in the report, and added that if children were getting a safer journey to school, there was nothing to dislike about School Streets.

In response to Councillor das Neves, it was noted that the schools were fully in support of the proposals.  School drop offs and pick ups were much better than before, and both parents and teachers were happy with the implementation of School Streets.

In response to questions from Councillor da Costa , the following was noted:

-               The air quality data for Seven Sisters school had been normalised in relation to other baseline data used for air quality.

RESOLVED to

1.            Note the outcome of the trial of six School Streets, as detailed in the Monitoring Report (Appendix A).

2.            Consider the objections made in respect of each School Street (Appendix B) and officer responses to the objections raised (Appendix C).

3.            Approve the making permanent of all ETOs associated with all six School Streets show in the plans (Appendix A3), subject to the outcome of any statutory traffic order procedure.

Reasons for decision

School Streets are a key priority for the Council, as set out within the School Street Plan^[1], the Walking and Cycling Action Plan^[2] and the Corporate Delivery Plan 2022-2024^[3]. 

The reasons for recommendation 3.3 are based upon the evidence collected during the ETO period and the positive benefits that the School Streets have delivered, as discussed in Section 7.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing - i.e. to let the experimental traffic orders lapse.

The Council would therefore fail to deliver on the motion passed by Full Council in March 2019, which set out a commitment to deliver School Streets at primary schools across the borough.

Failure to retain these School Streets would be contrary to the objectives set out in the Transport Strategy, the Climate Change Action Plan and the Walking and Cycling Action Plan.

Extend the length of the experimental period before a decision is made.

This option was rejected because, if time runs out on the ETO, the default position is that the order lapses and is no longer enforceable. Alongside this, there is evidence from other School Streets projects that little would change or be gained within an extra 6-month time period (where possible).

Report of the Director of Environment and Resident Experience.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport, and Deputy Leader of the Council.

Determine whether the road closure in Clinton Road at junction with West Green Road should be implemented, deferred or not proceed. Clinton Road closure was implemented in March 2022 in the St Ann's LTN area. This is a trial scheme under experimental traffic orders (ETMO). The report informs of the consultation feedback. The report makes recommendations for the making of permanent traffic orders where appropriate.

Appendices are attached in a separate pack.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport, and Deputy Leader of the Council, introduced the report which reported on the impact of the trial prohibition of motor vehicles in Clinton Road, N15, at the junction with West Green Road which was introduced under an experimental traffic order (ETO) in March 2022, and sought approval to make the traffic orders permanent for the prohibition of motor vehicles in Clinton Road at the junction with West Green Road.

RESOLVED to

1.            Note the outcome of the trial prohibition of motor vehicles in Clinton Road at its junction with West Green Road (see plan in Appendix A); and

2.            Consider the objections received to the experimental traffic order (ETO) and officer’s response to themes raised, as set out in Section 8 of this report.

3.            Approve the making of a permanent traffic management order (TMO) subject to the outcome of any statutory traffic order procedures.

Reasons for decision

The reason for recommendation 3.1 is to ensure Cabinet has all the information necessary to reach a decision on how to proceed with respect to this experimental scheme which came into operation in March 2022.  The six-month statutory objection period has ended, and the 18-month trial period (maximum period allowed under legislation) will expire in September 2023.

The reason for recommendation 3.2 is to ensure compliance with Regulation 23 of The Local Authorities' Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996. In particular, the order making authority must consider all objections made and not withdrawn prior to making an order that gives permanent effect to an experimental order.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing - i.e. to let the experimental traffic order lapse

This option was rejected as the performance of the experimental scheme is effective in meeting the objectives of traffic reduction and tackling anti-social behaviour. Do nothing will result in removal of the scheme infrastructure and therefore likely return of the issues experienced with anti-social behaviour.

Failure to retain an effective motor vehicle restriction would be contrary to the objectives set out in the Transport Strategy, the Climate Change Action Plan and the Walking and Cycling Action Plan.

Report of the Director of Finance.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Local Investment.

This report sets out the 2022/23 provisional outturn for the General Fund, HRA, DSG and the Capital Programme compared to budget. It will seek approval for any changes to the Council’s revenue or capital budgets required to respond to the changing financial scenario and the delivery of the MTFS.  It also includes proposed transfers to/from reserves, revenue and capital carry forward requests and any budget virements, adjustments and grant acceptances.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Local Investment introduced the report which set out the provisional outturn for 2022-23 for the General Fund, HRA, DSG and the Capital Programme compared to budget.  It provided explanations of significant under/overspends and included proposed transfers to/from reserves, revenue and capital carry forward requests and any budget virements or adjustments.

In response to questions from Councillor da Costa it was noted:

-               Officers were already working ideas for future savings.  It was important to note    that savings did not necessarily mean cuts, and officers were looking at delivery of      services to ensure that value for money achieved in all aspects.

-               All capital programmes needed to be viable, and viability would be tested against             increased interest rates.  However, at the same time, the Cabinet would also need          to discuss priorities in terms of capital projects, so some projects would go ahead     and others not, depending on those priorities.

-               Further discussions needed to take place in terms of voids.

RESOLVED to

1.            Note the provisional revenue and capital outturn for 2022-23 as detailed in the report;

2.            Approve the capital carry forwards in Appendix 3;

3.            Approve the appropriations to/from reserves at Appendix 4;

4.            Approve the budget virements as set out in Appendix 5;

5.            Note the debt write-offs approved by officers in Quarter 4 2022-23 as set out in    Appendix 6;

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. 

It is necessary at year end to resolve the treatment of related balance sheet accounts, in light of the experience during the year and knowledge of the Council’s future position and requirements.

Alternative options considered

The Director of Finance, as Section 151 Officer, has a duty to consider and propose decisions in the best interests of the authority’s finances and that best support the delivery of the agreed corporate delivery  plan outcomes whilst maintaining financial sustainability.

This report of the Director of Finance has addressed these points. Therefore, no other options have been presented. 

Report of the Director of Placemaking and Housing.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing Services, Private Renters and Planning.

Cabinet are asked to note the Council’s commitment to the Voluntary Undertaking Agreement with the RSH and delegate the final agreement details to the Chief Executive.

Appendix included in a separate  pack.

The Cabinet Member for Housing Services, Private Renters and Planning introduced the report which set out the additional step of entering into a Voluntary Undertaking with the Regulator for Social Housing, following the self-referral in 2023.  The report looked to demonstrate the Council’s commitment to ensure that it was working openly and transparently with the RSH with the aim of achieving full compliance and discharge of the Notice.

In response to questions from Councillor da Costa it was noted:

-               There had already been significant work to produce tangible outcomes in terms of             repair works.  There would now be a single point of contact for residents, rather    than having a number of operatives dealing with the same issue.

-               There would be criticisms, but a lot of work had been started to address issues     and learn from the past to make improvements.

-               In regard to the fire risk assessment backlog, the backlog had been cleared and   processes would be put in place to ensure that there would be no future backlogs.

-               At the point of self-referral, there were over 8000 properties that did not have a     valid electrical safety certificate.  This had been reduced to 398 properties, and this number was mainly due to operatives being unable to access the properties.

RESOLVED to

1.            Note the content of the Voluntary Undertaking attached as Appendix 1.

2.            Delegate authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with Director Placemaking and Housing, and the Head of Legal and Governance to enter into a voluntary undertaking with the Regulator for Social Housing, and to agree any subsequent changes

3.            Note that on 18 April 2023, Cabinet agreed that annual assurance statement updates will be provided to Council which will include updates on the Regulatory notice.   

Reasons for decision

It is essential that as a landlord the Council provides a good service to tenants and leaseholders, and as a minimum complies with all regulatory and statutory duties. Residents need to be assured that the Council is committed to improving its services, that it has a clear plan to do so, and is holding itself accountable.

Section 125 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 allows a social housing provider to present to the RSH a Voluntary Undertaking which requires Cabinet approval.

Alternative options considered

Alternative options include not approving a Voluntary Agreement with the RSH however the RSH does have a range of enforcement tools that may be used to ensure compliance against each of the regulatory standards, and if the Council cannot demonstrate a willingness to work in partnership with the RSH or their response is considered inadequate, the RSH may take enforcement action. Therefore, offering a Voluntary Undertaking to the regulator is the recommended option.

Report of the Director of Environment and Resident Experience.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Leisure.

Approval to adopt the Parks and Greenspaces Strategy and its supporting plans.

Appendices are attached in a separate pack.

The Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Leisure introduced the report which sought approval for the adoption of the Parks and Greenspaces Strategy.

Councillor Hakata commended the report, and paid tribute to the Council’s Conservation Manager who had compiled the biodiversity action plan.

Councillor Gordon added that this strategy was testament to the way this administration had prioritised open green spaces, and pushing forward protected spaces.

In response to questions from Councillor da Costa it was noted:

-               Consultation in Priory Park was ongoing, and a lot of enquiries had been received           in relation to locking the tennis courts. 

-               In terms of the woodland plans, it was expected that first drafts would be ready by             Autumn 2023. 

RESOLVED to

1.            Adopt the Parks and Greenspaces Strategy and the other plans identified in para 1.3.

2.            Delegate authority to the Assistant Director Direct Services, after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Leisure, to agree any minor amendments to the documents and to agree and publish an annual action plan.

3.            Agree that a formal review of the documents, objectives, and progress towards achieving the aims of the Parks and Greenspaces Strategy is reported to Cabinet every five years following adoption.

Reasons for decision

Previous strategic documents have all expired and therefore this means the borough has no agreed strategy for the management, improvement and enhancement of the parks and greenspaces in the borough.

The documents have the support of many stakeholders who collaborated with the Council to identify the priorities, needs and aspirations which are embodied in the new Parks and Greenspaces Strategy and its supporting plans, policies, and standards.

The Parks and Greenspaces Strategy is aspirational, seeking to make the parks and greenspaces in the borough truly inclusive for the whole community in Haringey. If achieved, then everyone will have the opportunity to benefit from the uplift in their wellbeing, have spaces that have adapted to climate change and enjoy a quality experience for all.

Funding and sustaining the outcomes hoped for in this strategy will always be a challenge in the current local government climate. However, as has been witnessed in Haringey on numerous occasions, starting from a position of collaboration can achieve much greater outcomes.

Alternative options considered.

The only other option would have been to not produce a new strategy or the supporting plans. This would have weakened the Council’s position. There would be no clear policy framework within which Councillors and officers could work. Decisions and opportunities would have to be weighed against their merits and not in relation to the agreed strategic aims and objectives. Without a strategy, the Council is in a weaker position to bid for external funding.

Report of the Director of Adults, Health and Communities.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing Services, Private Renters and Planning.

Request for approval to publish Rough Sleeping Strategy 2023-2027.

Appendices are attached in a separate pack.

The Cabinet Member for Housing Services, Private Renters and Planning introduced the report which sought approval of the Rough Sleeping Strategy.

In response to questions from Councillor da Costa it was noted:

-              Majority of people rough sleeping in the borough had unclear immigration status, with no recourse to public funds.  It was believed that this had been exacerbated by the cost of living crisis, with many working cash in hand and living in unsecure accommodation.

-              Officers were carrying out a lot of work around the ‘hidden homeless’ and this covered LGBTQ+ people, woman and other minorities.  The strategy made   reference to this work.

RESOLVED to

1.            Approve the Rough Sleeping Strategy attached at Appendix 1.

2.            Note the significant resident and stakeholder co-production undertaken throughout 2021 and 2022. Specifically, to note that the commitments and activities within the strategy were co-produced by residents with lived experience of homelessness, council staff and partners using a participatory democracy approach, which included a public legislative theatre event in January 2022, facilitated with support from Arts and Homelessness International.

3.            Note the public consultation and amendments made to the draft strategy following Cabinet Member Signing

4.            Note the following:

·         We will commit to developing a delivery plan to sit underneath the Strategy which will set out how we will work with partners to deliver on the commitments, and that this will specifically include how we will work with partners in mental health and probation to prevent rough sleeping

·         We will ensure that the delivery plan includes a robust communication strategy and will also set out how the aims articulated in the Strategy will be scrutinised over its lifetime

·         We will update the graphics shown in the Strategy prior to publishing to ensure they represent the diversity of the borough

·         We will ensure that an accessible version of the Strategy is made available prior to publishing following approval of content at Cabinet

Reasons for decision

Rough sleeping is one of the most harmful and visible consequences of an unequal society. People affected by it are disproportionately victims of abuse and exploitation, more likely to die prematurely and less likely to secure their legal rights and fair access to health services. In 21-22, 268 people slept rough on the streets of Haringey; the cost-of-living crisis, ongoing impact of Covid-19 and a challenging national policy environment means this figure is likely to increase in the coming years.

Haringey’s current Rough Sleeping Strategy was written in 2018. A new strategy is required to reflect the significant reduction in rough sleeping achieved in the previous strategy period, and to restate our ambition to end rough sleeping and articulate the commitments and activities needed to do this. 

The Rough Sleeping Strategy is not a statutory requirement and therefore a statutory consultation is not required. However, the Council is committed to enabling all residents to actively participate in strategy development, as such, a comprehensive consultation took place to seek the views of those who had been involved in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

Report of the Director of Placemaking and Housing.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Council Housebuilding, Placemaking and Local Economy.

A report providing Members with an overview of the Down Lane Park improvement programme in advance of a planning application being submitted and the Phase 1 works progressing to delivery. The report seeks approval to enter into Funding Agreement with the GLA for £0.75m Green and Resilient Spaces funding and to extend the current contract with Levitt Bernstein to deliver all phases of works.

Appendices are attached in a separate pack.

The Cabinet Member for Council Housebuilding, Placemaking and Development introduced the report which set out the proposals for Down Lane Park following the decision made by Cabinet in June 2023 to transform the park into a destination park at the heart of the neighbourhood.

Following consideration of exempt information at item 24 it was:

RESOLVED to

1.            Note the co-designed masterplan, works packages and programme budget of £9.1m for the Down Lane Park Improvement Programme, and the proposed delivery approach comprising Phase 1 being delivered under permitted development (which will be the subject of the GRS funding agreement) and submission of a planning application for the wider masterplan in autumn 2023.

2.            Accept £750,000 Green and Resilient Spaces Funding from the Mayor of London to support the delivery of Phase 1 of the Down Lane Park Improvement Programme, and associated community development workstreams, as part of a total programme budget of £9.1m; and delegate authority to Director of Placemaking and Housing to enter into the Funding Agreement and to approve any future variations to the Funding Agreement.

3.            Approve the variation of the existing contract with Levitt Bernstein Associates Ltd, in accordance with CSO 10.02.1(b), so as to increase the value of the contract, by an additional £456,880 + VAT so that the total contract value will be £954,539 + VAT for the delivery of all phases of work.

4.            Delegate authority to Director Environment and Neighbourhoods to approve the Management and Maintenance Plan for the Park prior to completion of each phase of works on site.

Reasons for decision

Approve receipt of £0.75m Mayor of London Green & Resilient Spaces Funding

The Green and Resilient Spaces Funding for this project is a major investment by the Mayor of London in the park and the Tottenham Hale neighbourhood as a whole. The fund supports large-scale, ambitious projects that future-proof the capital from the climate emergency and the programme was awarded the highest possible grant of £750,000.

This funding will unlock a range of deliverables set out in Appendix 2 alongside a package of Community Development activities to be delivered by the Council’s community partner, Living Under One Sun (see para 6.7). 

The £750,000 GRS funding will supplement the wider programme budget (at Appendix 1) establishing a full budget for the park improvement programme of £9.1m. This will enable the project to progress towards full, rather than piecemeal and longitudinal, delivery of the Council and the community’s vision for the park.

Increase the fee for Lead Designer to reflect increased delivery budget

Levitt Bernstein Associates have built a good working relationship with the community on this project and have the necessary ability and experience to listen and respond accordingly, which is fundamental in building trust and securing positive outcomes from a co-design process. They have been an integral part of the co-design process for 18 months and have been exposed to discussions throughout which must be fully considered and reflected in all stages of the design process.

Their current fee covers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

Report of the Director of Environment and Resident Experience.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport, and Deputy Leader of the Council.

Many residents, particularly those who live in flats in the borough find it difficult to keep bicycles at home due to a lack of storage space. The Council, therefore, has a commitment and a rolling programme to provide more secure cycle storage facilities on-street and off-street at suitable locations for residents' use. This report is to award a contract to supply, install, manage and maintain cycle storage facilities on behalf of the Council.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport, and Deputy Leader of the Council, introduced the report which sought approval to award a contract to the preferred bidder for a total value of £908k+VAT to supply, install, manage and maintain cycle storage facilities in the borough on behalf of the Council.

In response to questions from Councillor da Costa, the following was noted:

-               It was difficult to be specific on the number of cycle hangers that would be installed, but officers would seek to maximise the amount as much as possible through single traffic management orders.

Following consideration of exempt information at item 25 it was,

RESOLVED to

1.            Approve the award of a contract to the preferred Bidder, pursuant to a call-off from a framework agreement set up by Waltham Forest Council, as allowed under CSO 7.01(b), for three years with an option for a two-year extension exercisable at the Council’s sole discretion, to supply, install, manage and maintain cycle storage facilities in the borough.

Reasons for decision

Encouraging more people to cycle is a vital part of Haringey Council's plan to tackle congestion, improve air quality, promote physical activity and improve accessibility.  The Council is committed to the promotion of cycling as a serious mode of transport.

One of the barriers to taking up cycling by residents’ is the lack of safe place to store their bicycle. This contract is being awarded to address this barrier by ensuring that more cycle storage units are installed on and off-street at suitable locations across the borough for residents’ use.

The scope of work required includes supplying,installing, managing, and maintaining cycle storage facilities and associated equipment.

Alternative options considered

A do-nothing approach was considered but this was rejected as it would be against the Council's commitment to providing more secure cycle storage units (cycle hangars) on and off street, for residents’ use.

Report of the Director of Environment and Resident Experience.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Leisure.

Options for the future of Haringey's Leisure services.

The Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Leisure introduced the report which set out the Council’s intentions to undertake a review of Haringey’s leisure services and provision across the borough.

In response to questions from Councillor , the following was noted:

-               The Monitoring Officer’s view was that the exempt report would not be released to the Leader of the Opposition.  She stated that the relevant scrutiny committee would have options open to it in terms of reviewing the report.

The recommendations were contained in the exempt report.

To note the minutes of the following:

Cabinet Member Signing

19 June 2023

23 June 2023

Urgent Decisions

15 June 2023

RESOLVED

To note the minutes of other bodies.

To note the delegated decisions taken by Directors.

RESOLVED

To note the significant and delegated actions.

None.

Note from the Democratic Services and Scrutiny Manager

Items 24, 25 and 26 allow for consideration of exempt information in relation to items 17, 18 and 19

TO RESOLVE

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as items 24, 25 and 26 contain exempt information as defined under paragraphs 3 and 5, Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972:

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.

RESOLVED

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as items 24, 25 and 26 contain exempt information as defined under paragraphs 3 and 5, Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972:

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.

Exempt  information pertaining to item 17.

The exempt information was noted.

Exempt information pertaining to item 18.

The exempt information was noted.

Exempt information and exempt recommendations relating to item 19.

The exempt information was noted.

As per item 3.

None.