Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Goldberg and Councillor Strickland.

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 17 below. New items of exempt business will be dealt with at Item 21 below).

There were no items of urgent business.

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.

A deputation was received from Mr Mario Petrou in relation to the Tottenham Area Actions Plan, Site Allocations DPD and housing targets for the borough set out in the Greater London Authority (GLA) London Plan.

Mr Petrou began by noting that in addition to his deputation to Cabinet he had also made written representations to the Assistant Director Planning and the GLA regarding his concerns in relation to the above. Mr Petrou acknowledged that the Council had expressed concern regarding the increase in the GLA target for new housing in the borough and suggested that this should be reiterated. He also noted that more affluent and less densely populated London Boroughs were being asked to meet new housing targets lower than those set for Haringey.

Mr Petrou also contended that planning documents used by the Council were inconsistent and that figures and information contained within them were misleading. He noted that he had submitted a Freedom of Information Act request in order to obtain clarification as to how the figures were determined.

Mr Petrou noted that he and the signatories to the deputation wanted to see a harmonisation of Haringey’s planning policies and the introduction of an indicator around the impact of HMOs upon neighbouring properties.

In conclusion Mr Petrou noted that he had made a Deputation to Council in July 2013 where he had highlighted areas where he considered that there were inconsistencies in figures upon which planning policies were based and that he felt that these had not been properly responded to by Members.

The Leader thanked Mr Petrou for his deputation and noted that there were no questions from Cabinet Members.

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Councillor Demirci, responded to Mr Petrou’s deputation and began by thanking him for attending the meeting. Councillor Demirci noted that there was currently a consultation process underway in relation to site allocations and that he would present a report to Cabinet in the Autumn setting out the outcomes of this. He noted that, as Mr Petrou stated, the Council had formally responded to the GLA’s consultation on the London Plan and that this could be viewed on the GLA’s website.

Councillor Demirci noted that, along with all of the London Boroughs, Haringey would need to play a role in delivering the new housing that was required in the capital. With regard to Mr Petrou’s assertion that data used to inform planning polices and information supplied to the GLA was incorrect Councillor Demirci noted that planning officers had already responded to Mr Petrou on this point.

In conclusion Councillor Demirci noted that he would be engaging with stakeholders over the Autumn as the second phase of consultation took place on the site allocations and that as part of this he would be happy to meet with Mr Petrou. 

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 18 March 2014 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 18 March 2014 be confirmed as a correct record.

A deputation was received from Mr Marion Petrou in relation to ???

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 18 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.

No representations were received.

(Report of the Deputy Chief Executive. To be introduced by the Leader of the Council). The report seeks agreement to a review of the Council’s Corporate Plan and to the preparation of a three year Corporate Plan (2015/16 – 2017/18) in consultation with Members.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Leader of the Council, which sought agreement to a review of the Council’s Corporate Plan and to the preparation of a new three year Corporate Plan for 2015/16 – 2017/18.

In introducing the report the Leader noted that the review of the Corporate Plan was being undertaken so that the document would reflect the new Administration’s manifesto commitments and feedback from residents. As set out in the new Administration’s manifesto, improving the lives of residents and further reducing inequalities across the borough would be the main aim of the Corporate Plan. Key areas of focus would include education, health, housing, employment and the medium to long term regeneration work being undertaken in the borough.

In response to a question it was noted that Cabinet would received reports setting out the progress made in meeting the objectives of the Corporate Plan. It was noted that new ways of translating the work that was being undertaken as part of the Corporate Plan to residents were needed and there was agreement that there should be discussion with officers outside the meeting to determine how this could be done most effectively.

RESOLVED:

1. That it be agreed that a review of the Council’s Corporate Plan should take place in the light of the Administration’s manifesto and resident feedback, including the recent ‘Britain Thinks’ consultation and;

2. That it be agreed that a three year Corporate Plan (2015/16 – 2017/18) should be prepared, in consultation with Members and that work should also begin in developing:

The Medium Term Financial Strategy (Assistant Director for Finance)

The Council’s Workforce Plan (Assistant Director for Human Resources)

An updated Performance Management (Delivery) Framework (Assistant Director for Commissioning)

A Commissioning Framework (Assistant Director for Commissioning)

Alternative options considered

No applicable.

Reasons for decision

A new Corporate Plan is required following the election of a new Administration and the start of a new electoral term.

In addition Local government more generally is experiencing a continuing era of change and there are changes and improvements that are needed to the way we work with and for our residents and customers which need to be reflected in our organisational priorities.

(Report of the Assistant Director Finance. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Resources and Culture). The report sets out the provisional outturn position for the General Fund, Housing Revenue Account, the Dedicated Schools Budget, the Collection Fund and the Capital Programme for 2013/14.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Resources and Culture, which set out the provisional revenue and capital outturn for 2013/14 and the number of proposed transfers to specific reserves. The report also set out the provisional outturn position for the General Fund, Housing Revenue Account, the Dedicated Schools Budget, the Collection Fund and the Capital Programme 2013/14.

In introducing the report the Cabinet Member for Resources and Culture noted that the Council had continued to manage its budget whilst protecting front line services despite severe government cuts. The Council’s draft Statement of Accounts for 2013/14 was currently being finalised and would be subject to audit before being submitted to the Corporate Committee in September for approval.

In response to two questions from the Leader of the Opposition, it was noted that although the cost of redundancies made by schools were met by the Council, decisions regarding staff and redundancies were made by schools themselves and therefore the Council was limited in its ability to control these costs. With regard to a question in relation to the redevelopment of Hornsey Town Hall and the costs attached to the ‘gateway review’, which was referred to in Appendix 2 of the report; Cabinet was advised that as part of a redevelopment project such as this it was usual to have a review of this kind in order to review all of the options available. A full report setting out the findings of the gateway review would be considered by Cabinet on 15 July.

RESOLVED:

1. That the provisional General Fund revenue outturn of a £5.491m surplus for 2013/14 be noted;

2. That the reasons for variations  be noted and that the planned transfers to reserves (£15.320m) detailed in Appendix 1 and section 10 be approved;

3. That the provisional Housing Revenue Account (HRA) outturn surplus of an additional £8.091m above the budgeted surplus level and the reasons for variances set out in Appendix 2 be noted;

4. That approval be given to the creation of a new HRA smoothing reserve to hold asset value fluctuations as described in paragraph 7.2 and 7.3;

5. That the provisional outturn of a £4.789m under spend for schools’ delegated budgets that increases schools’ balances to £11.719m at the end of 2013/14 be noted;

6. That the provisional Collection Fund surplus of £9.066m of which £7.221m (79.6%) is the Council’s share be noted;

7. That the provisional capital outturn of a £18.74m programme variance and the reasons for variations, which is mainly project slippage, set out in Appendix 3 be noted;

8. That approval be given to capital carry forward requests of £10.27m set out in Appendix 4 noting in particular the need to consider financing options pending resolution on the delayed capital receipts from 2013/14; and

9. That it be noted that the Council’s draft Statement of Accounts for 2013/14 would be approved by the Chief Financial Officer by 30 June 2014. The accounts are subject to audit and the final audited accounts would be presented to the Corporate Committee  ...  view the full minutes text for item 657.

(Report of the Interim Chief Operating Officer. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Resources and Culture). The report seeks approval to agree and adopt the Business Rates Retail Relief and Reoccupation Relief Policy for the financial years 2014-15 and 2015-16.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Resources and Culture, which sought approval to adopt the Business Rates Relief and Retail Relief Policy for the financial years 2014/15 and 2015/16.

In response to a question from the Leader of the Opposition it was noted that the policy would be implemented next month. There was agreement that it would be useful if Councillors were provided with a briefing note on the new policy in order to enable them to provide information to residents and the Leader requested that officers draft something to this effect for circulation to Members.

RESOLVED:

That the Business Rates Relief and Retail Relief Policy for the financial years 2014/15 and 2015/16 be agreed and adopted for 2014/15 and 2015/16.

Alternative options considered

Haringey Council wants to support local retail businesses within Haringey to respond to the changing environment. It is also clear within Government guidance that there is an expectation that Council’s will grant these relief types where applicable. Additionally central Government is reimbursing the actual costs for the local element of relief where it has been awarded to applicable properties within the guidance. Therefore the Council has not considered the option not to apply this relief.

Reasons for decisions

To provide support to retail businesses to allow business premises to respond to the changing way that people shop.

(Report of the Director of Regeneration, Planning and Development. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Planning). The report sets out issues raised during public consultation and seeks agreement to adopt the revised Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for Finsbury Park Town Centre.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Planning, which sought agreement to formally adopt the Finsbury Park Town Centre Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

In response to a question as to role of the SPD document, as opposed to the site allocation documents currently being consulted upon, Cabinet was advised that the Council was consulting on a number of sites around Finsbury Park. At the moment the site allocations were in the first stage of consultation and Cabinet would receive a report on the outcome of these in October before the second stage of consultation commenced. 

RESOLVED:

1. That the key points raised during public consultation and the proposed response, as detailed in the consultation report, (set out in Appendix 2 of the report) be noted;

2. That approval be given to adopt the revised SPD for Finsbury Park Town Centre (set out in Appendix 1 of the report);

3. That it be noted that the Cabinets of Islington and Hackney Council’s would also be asked to adopt the updated SPD;

4. That approval be given to delegate authority to the Director of Regeneration, Planning and Development to agree, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, any necessary minor revisions following approval by the Cabinets of Islington and Hackney Councils (subject to the call-in process).

Alternative options considered

No alternative options have been identified. 

Reasons for decision

To support the partnership with Islington and Hackney to achieve cross borough delivery of strategic policy, planning and public services in the Finsbury Park area. The adoption of the SPD as a spatial strategy in order to manage the future development of the area is also vital.

(Report of the Director of Regeneration, Planning and Development. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children and Families). The report seeks approval to appoint the recommended contractor to deliver replacement roofing and associated works at Hornsey School for Girls.

Exempt information pertaining to the report is set out under Item 19 below.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children and Families, which sought approval to an award of contract for replacement roofing and associated works at Hornsey School for Girls.

Exempt information pertaining to the report was considered at Item 19 below.

RESOLVED:

        i.            That approval be given to award a contract to Lakehouse Contracts Ltd for the sum of £405,887.33;

      ii.            That approval be given to issue a letter of intent prior to formal contract signature for 10% of the contract value at £40,588.

    iii.            That approval be given to the  establishment of a specific capital budget, not to exceed £593 279, as outlined in section 1.5 exempt information to this report, funded from the already approved budget allocated for schools.

Alternative options considered

Four options were considered during feasibility for the pitched sports hall roof and two for the dance studio flat roof.The feasibility report considered the various options, with emphasis on flexibility, programme, impact on the school and financial viability.

The four options for the Sports Hall roof were:

1.      Overlay the existing asbestos sheet roof and cut in new roof lights

2.      Replace the existing roof in full and replace with polycarbonate roof lights, gutters down pipes and roof mounted fans

3.      Replace as above but without roof lights or roof fans but use translucent panels and wall mounted fans

4.      Replace using a composite system and to include polycarbonate roof lights with all fans roof mounted.

All options included upgrading the lighting which was deemed in poor condition. In considering design, procurement and construction periods and the need to ensure business continuity for the school option 4 is recommended.

Other options would have meant potentially more than one contractor being involved which was deemed to be unacceptable due to potential cost, programme and warranty issues. The two options considered for the Dance Studio flat roof were:

1.      Overlay of existing roof using a built up felt system including the replacement of roof lights and extract fans

2.      Overlay of the existing roof using a single ply system, including the replacement of roof lights and extract fans

Option 1 is recommended as offering best value for money.

These are both permanent solutions which carry a minimum 20 year warranty on the basis that annual maintenance is undertaken correctly by the school. The works are programmed to commence in the school holidays which also allows for asbestos removal works to take place with minimum staff on site.

The works have been designed to RIBA Stage H (Stage 4/5 under the new RIBA guidelines). All works including the asbestos removal will be managed by one contractor to provide continuity and value for money.

Reasons for decision

To award a contract that will enable the timely mobilisation and construction of works to Hornsey School for Girls.

(Report of the Interim Chief Operating Officer. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing). The report seeks agreement to an award of contract to deliver an Investment Grade Proposal (IGP) and a programme of works as per the information contained in the IGP.

Exempt information pertaining to the report is set out under Item 20 below.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Leader of the Council, which sought approval to an award of contract for the Re:Fit Energy Efficiency Programme.

In introducing the report the Leader noted that Haringey had led on the low carbon agenda as the first borough in the UK to sign the Friends of the Earth pledge to reduce borough wide emissions by 40% by 2020. In order to demonstrate this commitment the Council had committed to deliver a 40% reduction from Local Authority operations by 2014/15, five years ahead of the borough wide target. In order to drive this forward the Re:Fit Programme, created by the Greater London Authority, would enable to the Council to consolidate the remaining programme with a single Energy Services Company.  In addition to reducing carbon emissions a reduction in the Council’s electricity and gas consumption was guaranteed by the selected provider.

In response to a question from the Leader of the Opposition, Cabinet was advised that monitoring arrangements were built into the contract and that if the programme failed to deliver in whole, or in part, the provider would pay the Council equivalent of any savings shortfall.

RESOLVED:

That the contract be awarded to Imtech Limited to deliver:

a)      An Investment Grade Proposal (“IGP”) – a document which details specifically the work that will be done, the energy conservation measures that will be installed and provides a binding price and guarantee of energy/carbon savings.

b)      A programme of works as per the information contained in the IGP.

Alternative Options Considered

Do nothing – It was recognised that when the Council’s Carbon Management Target was agreed, prevailing technologies would only deliver a 27% reduction, with the remaining 13% achievable only through market innovation. In this context, the Council’s target is an aspirational one, and the Council has already exceeded a 27% reduction. In addition:

With the Academies programme gaining more conversions each year, it is possible that natural attrition will propel the Council to the closer to the 40% reduction, as the associated carbon emission will no longer be within the Council’s footprint (the Council has no operational control of Academy assets).

Inaction is incompatible with the Council’s proactive policies on Carbon Management, including the Haringey 40:20 initiative. The Council will not see the medium term benefits of greater energy and carbon cost avoidance.

Business as usual – Business Units within the Council work collaboratively to identify opportunities and implement ad-hoc energy efficiency projects, which is unlikely to facilitate the 40% reduction target.

Moving forwards, ad-hoc delivery would ensure that a limited number of projects are supported leading up to the target deadline of 2014/15, and that the Sustainable Investment Fund (“SIF”) is utilised only as and when funds become available.

The Council would be required to procure and project manage each initiative which will bottleneck resource for other requirements, such as mandatory reporting (Carbon Reduction Commitment, Greenhouse Gas Protocol) and billing query management.

Re:Fit – utilising Re:Fit will consolidate a number of energy efficiency opportunities  ...  view the full minutes text for item 661.

(Report of the Chief Executive. To be introduced by the Leader of the Council). The report seeks approval to re-establish Cabinet bodies for 2014/15.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Leader of the Council, which sought agreement to make appointments to Cabinet bodies for 2014/15. The report also sought agreement not to re-establish the Children’s Safeguarding Policy and Practice Advisory Committee for 2014/15.

In introducing the report the Leader noted that the Liberal Democrat appointments, which had been listed as ‘to be confirmed’ within the original report, had now been added and that these were; Councillor Hare for the Adults Safeguarding Advisory Committee and; Councillor Hare and Councillor Morris for the Corporate Parenting Committee. In addition Councillor Hearn had replaced Councillor Egan as one of the proposed appointments to the Adults Safeguarding Advisory Committee

The Cabinet Member for Children and Families noted that consideration had been given as to how the role of Children’s Safeguarding Policy and Practice Advisory Committee would be met and there was agreement that Children’s Overview and Scrutiny Panel could take on some of the Committee’s functions and reduce duplication that currently occurred.

RESOLVED:

1. That Cabinet establish the Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee, the Adult Safeguarding Advisory Committee and the London Housing Consortium and that the terms of reference for these bodies be noted;

2. That Cabinet appoint the Members indicated below to serve on the Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee, the Adult Safeguarding Advisory Committee and the London Housing Consortium Joint Committee:

Adults Safeguarding Advisory Committee

Councillor Hearn

Councillor Opoku

Councillor Hare

Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee

Councillor Berryman

Councillor Gunes

Councillor Stennett

Councillor Waters

Councillor Weston

Councillor Morris

Councillor Hare

London Housing Consortium

Councillor Bevan

Councillor Strickland

That Cabinet discontinue the arrangement for Children’s Safeguarding Policy and Practice Advisory Committee.

(Report of the Chief Executive. To be introduced by the Leader of the Council). The report seeks approval to re-establish partnership bodies for 2014/15.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Leader of the Council, which sought agreement to make appointments to partnership bodies for 2014/15.

In introducing the report the Leader noted that the Liberal Democrat appointments, which had been listed as ‘to be confirmed’ within the original report had now been confirmed as; Councillor Morris for the Children’s Trust and; Councillor Newton for the Community Safety Partnership.

RESOLVED:

1. That Cabinet appoint the Members indicated below to serve on the Children’s Trust and Community Safety Partnership for the 2014/15 municipal year and note the Members appointed by Council on 9 June 2014 to serve on the Health and Wellbeing Board for the 2014/15 municipal year:

Children’s Trust

Councillor (Ex Officio)

Councillor Chair (Ex Officio)

Councillor Morris

Community Safety Partnership

Councillor Vanier

Councillor Waters

Councillor Newton

Health and Wellbeing Board

Councillor Kober

Councillor Waters

2. That the terms of reference for each body appended to this report be noted.

To note delegated and significant actions taken by Directors since the previous Cabinet meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

To note the minutes of the following:

a)    Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee – 6 March 2014

b)    Cabinet Member Signing - 25 March 2014

c)    Cabinet Member Signing - 27 March 2014

d)    Safeguarding Children Policy and Practice Advisory Committee – 1 April 2014  

e)    Decision by the Leader  - 3 April 2014

f)     Cabinet Member Signing - 8 April 2014

g)    Cabinet Member Signing - 9 April 2014

h)    Decision by the Leader - 10 April 2014

i)     Decision by the Leader - 1 May 2014

j)      Decision by the Leader - 10 June 2014

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meetings set out below be noted:

a)      Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee – 6 March 2014

b)      Cabinet Member Signing - 25 March 2014

c)      Cabinet Member Signing - 27 March 2014

d)      Safeguarding Children Policy and Practice Advisory Committee – 1 April 2014 

e)      Decision by the Leader  - 3 April 2014

f)       Cabinet Member Signing - 8 April 2014

g)      Cabinet Member Signing - 9 April 2014

h)      Decision by the Leader - 10 April 2014

i)        Decision by the Leader - 1 May 2014

j)        Decision by the Leader - 10 June 2014

To consider any new items of urgent business admitted at Item 2 above.

There were no new items of urgent business.

Note from the Head of Local Democracy and Member Services

Items 19, 20 and 21 allow for the consideration of exempt information in relation to Items  11, 12 and 2 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 paragraphs 3 and 5, Part 1, schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

RESOLVED:

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

To consider exempt information pertaining to Item 11 above.

Exempt information pertaining to Item 11 was considered.

To consider exempt information pertaining to Item 12 above.

Exempt information pertaining to Item 12 was considered.

There were no new items of exempt urgent business.