Agenda and minutes

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.

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

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Goldberg, Councillor Vanier, Councillor Strickland and Councillor Morton.

Apologies for lateness were received from Cllr McNamara

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 15 below. New items of exempt business will be dealt with at Item 19 below).

No items of urgent business were put forward.

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.

There were no declarations of interest put forward.

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 [17&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.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on  the 15^th September 2015 as a correct record.

The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on the 15^th September  2015 were agreed as an accurate record.

To consider any requests received in accordance with Standing Orders.

The Leader of the Council invited Mr Will Spokes to put forward his representations relating to Item 12, Haringey Local Plan.

Mr Spokes, was speaking on behalf of the Defend Crouch End group, and began by objecting to the inclusion of Site Allocation 51[site in between 72-96 Park Road and Lynton road in the Site Allocations development Plan] and asked for this site’s removal from the plan.  He referred to the lack of proper information provided to local residents and business, earlier this year in the consultation period, about the inclusion of this site in the DPD. Mr Spokes set out the circumstances in which the local residents and businesses had become aware of its inclusion in the DPD which he felt did not reflect the principles of good communication and he questioned if this was indicative of the consultation, as a whole, on all the local planning documents.

Mr Spokes contested the proposed height of the development at this site which would have a detrimental impact on the existing neighbourhood, with an immediate changed physical environment for households living in close quarters to the site .He also highlighted the closure of the existing discreet and unique businesses, currently taking up the site, to make way for the housing which was not in keeping with the boroughs employment commitments. He felt that due consideration had not been given to the impact of having additional housing in the area. This was in terms of parking, environment and schools. There was an obvious bias to housing development but he questioned how any mixed use employment space could be continued at this site.

The Leader provided some assurance to the deputation explaining that the Local Plan, at this stage, set out in theory what uses can be made of the site. Any eventual  changes to the site would be subject to planning permission where local concerns can also be put forward

In response to the Leader’s question on the local group’s level of opposition to housing on this site, the deputation advised that they had a pragmatic stance. However, any housing development would need to be completed in a manner which was sympathetic to the existing area and would need to keep the community and local stakeholders in the area satisfied.

The Cabinet Member for Planning further responded to the deputation by acknowledging the concerns received both in writing and in separate meetings with residents and businesses about this site.

In response to the concerns on height, and the loss of employment on the site, the Cabinet Member for Planning advised the deputation party that there was already an existing planning consent for the northern part of the site for a 5 storey building providing for 40 net residential units. Therefore the planning documents of the Council could not discount the existing planning permission, or the principles of development that it has established on this site. Given the significant need for housing and affordable employment space in the borough this site was considered  ...  view the full minutes text for item 88.

[Report  of the Chief Operating Officer. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Resources and Culture.]Monitoring report on forecast spend against budget and consideration of any proposed budget virements

The Cabinet Member for Resources and Culture introduced the report which set out the range of indicators relevant to the Council’s overall financial health. These included the forecast financial revenue and capital outturns for 2015/16 based on actual performance to 31 August 2015.

Cabinet were further asked to consider the proposed management actions set out in this report and approve the budget adjustments (virements) in Appendix 1 as required by Financial Regulations.

The current budget overspend reflected the current increased demand for services, against a decrease in the budget base of the Council. The Cabinet Member for Resources and Culture continued to be concerned about the overspend in Children’s and Adults. In terms of housing spend, it was evident that nationally, as well as locally, there was not enough housing available, increasing the cost of temporary accommodation.

 In terms of the recent announcements about the devolution of business rate income to local Councils, the Council were wanting to see more equalisation and will endeavour to maximise the opportunities provided by devolution of this budget.

The Cabinet Member set out the measures being taken forward to deal with the overspending areas in the budget. This would include carefully exploring the overspending areas according to Council Priority to understand whether: the overall savings trajectory is likely to be met, whether savings will be met next year, or if the savings plans in place need more acceleration. The Cabinet Member would be leading a series of Star Chamber meetings with head of budgets to take this analysis forward.

The Cabinet Member for Resources and Culture  would also be bringing forward an Budget Monitoring report to the November Cabinet to keep  Cabinet fully abreast  of the  impact of   actions, changes being made to the budget, and  progress  to reduce the overspend. It was important to note that, due to the sensible reserves budgeting policy, the Council were in a better position to meet the anticipated increased demands for services. However there would continue to be more focus on bringing the overspend down.

Cllr Engert questioned the ongoing required Adult and Children’s services budget savings, and the risk of depleting reserves, if these savings cannot be met. The Cabinet Member explained that there had been a lot of work to explore the issues in these two services including: if there were legitimate issues with meeting timelines for savings targets, the impact of the financial models being used by the service areas, considering social care packages in place.

Overall, the Cabinet Member for Resources and Culture would be considering the Council’s savings trajectory for the next year and how it will be achieved and also having conversations with Cabinet Members on their priority areas.

There was a separate risk reserves in place and the Council were required by its external auditors to have £15 to £20m in reserves.

The Leader provided a further context to the budget pressures being seen, by explaining that virtually all London boroughs were experiencing a demand pressures for Adults  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89.

[Report of the Chief Operating Officer. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member  for  Housing and Regeneration.] This report updates Cabinet on progress being made to establish the private sector lettings agency, Move 51Degrees North.  This is a subsidiary of Homes for Haringey and has been set up to offer an effective, good quality and affordable alternative landlords and tenants in the private rented market.  This initiative is a direct commission for Homes for Haringey by the Council, to support key priorities in the drive to improve Housing within this Borough.

The Leader introduced the report which set out on progress being made to establish the private sector lettings agency, Move 51Degrees North.  This was a subsidiary of Homes for Haringey and has been set up to offer an effective, good quality and affordable alternative landlords and tenants in the private rented market.  This initiative was a direct commission for Homes for Haringey by the Council, to support key priorities in the drive to improve Housing within this Borough.

This was a key manifesto commitment which would enable the Council to intervene in this unregulated sector and ensure a good private housing service with better fees and better standards of accommodation.

RESOLVED

To note the report

Alternative Options considered.

This was an information report with no decision attached.

Reasons for Decision

Not applicable

Report of the Director for Planning, Regeneration and Development. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration.]. The report will seek agreement to a land swap  with the London Centre for Cerebral Palsy of a site at 54/56 Muswell Hill for a Council site at Coppetts Road (former Greenfields school).

The Leader of the Council introduced the report which set out the sale of the former Greenfields School site to the Peter Rigby Trust, founder of The London Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy, in return for the long lease site at 54/56 Muswell Hill .The Trust were currently leasing the use of the Greenfields school site on a short term lease but wanted to stay on site permanently as the site was, ideal from an educational point of view, for the children attending. The site was also designated for Educational use.  The acquisition of the long term lease of 54/56 Muswell Hill in turn provided an opportunity for the Council to acquire a site in the heart of Muswell Hill which will provide 6 affordable housing units and ground floor accommodation which will be available for use by the Council and the community.

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

• That it was too early to set out decisions on how the Council will consult with the community on the use of the ground floor at 54-56 Muswell Hill as so far, understandably, the Council activity had been focused on acquiring the long term lease of 54-56 Muswell Hill and releasing the Greenfield site was at the edge of the borough boundary.

• The decision on fitting out the ground floor of 54-56 Muswell Hill depended on the outcome of the evaluation of the associated budgets and assessing whether there are also external funding opportunities available to support the fit out. The budget decision on  this will likely come forward to Cabinet in due course

It was further agreed that Cllr Engert  be provided with a fuller version of the ground floor map, included at appendix B, setting out the precise  square footage available to the Council for the community space.

RESOLVED

1. To declare the Greenfield Site shown edged red on the plan attached (Appendix A) surplus to requirements.
2. To authorise an option to dispose of the Greenfield Site  to The Peter Rigby Trust for a sum as set out in Part B of this report and  based on the Heads of Terms attached (Appendix C).
3. To agree to the acquisition of PRT Property shown edged red on the attached plan in Appendix B from the Peter Rigby Trust based on a 999 year lease for a sum as set out in Part B of this report and based on the Heads of Terms attached at Appendix C.
4. To agree to the conversion of the upper floors of the PRT Property immediately on completion of the acquisition subject to planning into 6 one bed flats available for shared ownership affordable housing and that the ground floor will be available for Council use.
5. To note the expected cost of the fit out of the proposed 6 one bed flats set out in 6.25 to be funded from existing budgets.
6. To note that the fit out costs of the ground floor are as set out in 6.25, and agree that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 91.

[Report of the Chief Operating Officer. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Resources and Culture.] The report will seek endorsement  to   the proposal and approach for procuring  additional IT resources from a framework to enable the Council to access a range of IT skills to deliver IT enabled Transformation over the next two years in a flexible and cost effective manner

The Cabinet Member for Resources and Culture introduced the report which sought approval to procure a specialist organisation as the Council’s partner for the provision of additional skilled IT staff. This partner would provide the additional resources required to deliver the technology elements of the Council’s transformation programmes that are being delivered in the Council over the next 12-18 months.

In response to Cllr Engert’s question, it was clarified that the proposed arrangement would provide the Council with the flexibility to call on required expert and specialist IT staff when needed, at a lower cost, and at a lower staffing daily rate compared to the   use of contracts to access this support.

RESOLVED

To approve the IT Staffing Resource Plan outlined, including procurement of a specialist IT resourcing partner with a total contract value not exceeding £1.70m.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing, i.e. use the existing IT teams to deliver the transformation and priority work. 

The current level of resources will not be able to meet the current timelines set by the priority outcome and transformation programmes.

Buy in contractors piecemeal from the marketplace as and when each specific requirement occurs.

Buying in contractors from agencies on a piecemeal basis will not be cost effective or efficient. Our requirements will need flexibility where contractors may come in for a few days at the beginning of a project and then 3 days per week for a period (for instance). Contractors are normally hired for minimum periods of 3 months, anything less than this and there would be a significant premium to pay as you would need to pay a retainer.   

Reason for decision

A decision is required as the size of the requested contract is over delegated authority limits for officers

[Report of the Director for Planning, Regeneration, and Development. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Planning.] Following Haringey's Local Plan Documents Consultation carried out between February and March 2015, the Planning Policy Team are seeking approval from Cabinet to go to Examination in Public on the amended Local Plan Documents. The Cabinet papers will provide a summary of the responses received to the public consultation and an explanation of how and why the comments were or were not taken into account in the redrafting of the Local Plan Documents.

Due to the size of the Consultation Statements and Sustainability Appraisals  contained at appendices B,D, F , H, I a hard copy has been placed in the Members room at the Civic Centre, in  the borough’s  Libraries  and  the documents have been published with the agenda and can be viewed on the Council’s website at:

http://www.minutes.haringey.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?Cld=118&Mld=7300&Ver=4

The Cabinet Member for Planning introduced the report which set out progression of these 4 important planning documents: Alterations to Strategic Policies, Development Management DPD, Site Allocations DPD, and Tottenham Area Action Plan to the next stage of Plan preparation.

The Cabinet Member for Planning explained the role of each of these documents for the Council, and as the Local Planning Authority, to proactively manage development needs and change in the Borough, ensuring it is directed to where it is best accommodated and being able to resist inappropriate poorly located schemes. This included:

The Alterations to the Strategic Policies reiterated the Council’s commitment to delivering more housing to meet local needs but targeting this to areas that would benefit significantly from substantial inward investment including better transport services, improved environmental quality, and new jobs.

This spatial strategy allowed the Council to recognise and protect its valued local open spaces, the residential amenity and heritage that add to the character of our neighbourhoods, and making the best of employment sites for continued employment uses.

The role of all the other draft planning documents was to give effect to this agreed spatial strategy.

The Cabinet Member for Planning reported that, since the consultation period closed in March 2015, the Planning Policy team had sifted through some 600 letters and emails and 6 petitions containing over 6,000 comments.  The petitions included one for Lynton Rd with 126 signatures, one for Pinkham Way with 1154 signatures, and 4 separate petitions on Lordship Rec/ Broadwater Farm totalling 395 signatures). In addition officers had undertaken meetings and discussions with a range of interested parties on a range of subjects and sites.

The reports included in the agenda pack contained the updated Local Plan documents, along with the Consultation Reports with the comments received and responses to these.

The spatial strategy was updated to reflect Haringey’s increased housing target is contained at Appendix A on pages 119 to 214.

The “Development Management DPD” at Appendix C, included a “design charter” for all new development (page 223) and important policies to cover the protection of family homes (page 257), open spaces (Pages 264-269), shops (pages 304-312) and community facilities (Pages 314 -318).

The “Site Allocations DPD” (pages 351 to 573) included designations for key sites such as Alexandra Palace and the Highgate Bowl, and the opportunities in Wood Green, Hornsey and Green Lanes, which translated into allocations for some 7,500 new homes and 75,000m² of new employment floor-space.

Elsewhere within the “Tottenham Area Action Plan” at Appendix G contained detailed site by site development requirements covering the new opportunities in one of London’s Housing Zones – as well as reflecting the distinctive heritage, character and economy across Tottenham.

The Cabinet Member for Planning provided an overview of the tone and feeling regarding the consultation process on the last set of documents. There were a range of comments about the content and the way in which the Council had engaged with communities, members and developers as part  ...  view the full minutes text for item 93.

To note the minutes of the following:

Cabinet  Member Signing 7^th September 2015

Cabinet Member Signing 18^th September

Cabinet Member Signing 22^nd September

Cabinet Member Signing 1^st October

Cabinet Member Signing 1^st October

Cabinet Members Signing on 5^th October

Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee 6 July 2015

RESOLVED

To note the minutes of the following:

Cabinet  Member Signing 7^th September 2015

Cabinet Member Signing 18^th September

Cabinet Member Signing 22^nd September

Cabinet Member Signing 1^st October

Cabinet Member Signing 1^st October

Cabinet Members Signing on 5^th October

Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee 6 July 2015

RESOLVED

To note the directors actions taken in September.

To consider any items admitted at Item 3 above.

None

Note from the Head of Democratic Services

Items 17 and 18, 19 allow for the consideration of exempt information in relation to Items ,10 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, 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 paragraph 3, Part 1, schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972

As per item 10

As per item 91.

Cabinet 15^th September 2015

The exempt part of the minutes for the 15^th September 2015 were agreed as an accurate record.

None