Issue - meetings

The report sets out the proposed Cabinet response to the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the Haringey Development Vehicle as proposed by Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel.

Councillor Ibrahim, Chair of the Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel introduced the scrutiny review on the HDV, which followed on from the previous scrutiny review completed on the governance of the HDV and was presented to Cabinet at the February meeting. At this February meeting, there was an overarching concern about the Council taking forward the establishment of the HDV. Since then work had been undertaken to further refine and negotiate the HDV and the Panel had been undertaking further scrutiny of the proposed HDV. The Panel had gathered a wide range of evidence from: Universities, regeneration experts, Councillors from other boroughs, local residents, and local stakeholders; culminating in 30 recommendations for Cabinet to consider.

Councillor Ibrahim drew attention to recommendation 12 [page 54] which was not fully agreed, concerning the exclusivity clause. Since completion of the scrutiny review, the exclusivity percentage had now been published with the HDV papers and was calculated at 60%. Given the life span of the HDV was 20 years, Cllr Ibrahim was still concerned that this percentage may not represent best value for the Council in 10 to 15 years’ time. Although there would be best value assessments completed on a site by site basis, there was still concern that the Council’s financial position was not protected and it was not clear if there would be cost implications to withdrawing from this percentage agreement at a later date.

Councillor Ibrahim referred to the premise for taking forward the HDV, which was the business plan agreed by Cabinet in 2015, and whether this was now applicable given the political and financial changes over the last two years.

Councillor Ibrahim further sought clarification on the position for right of return and target rent application.

Councillor Ibrahim raised concerns about the magnitude of information contained in the appendices packs for consideration at item 10, establishment of the HDV, which had not been shared with the scrutiny panel in their review process.

There were further questions put forward from Councillors Engert, Brabazon, Tucker, and Carter and the following information was noted:

• In relation to the commitment on right of return, the Leader responded to this, and highlighted the 20th of June Cabinet decision on the Estate Renewal Re- housing and Payments Policy which makes clear commitments to, tenants, leaseholders and freeholders on re - housing and also makes clear that this Council policy will apply to HDV schemes and Housing Association schemes which are promoted by the Council. Appendix 1a page 109 [paragraph 5.8.1] – supplementary pack, which is the summary of the legal documents, also explicitly set out the commitment to right of return in the Land Assembly Agreement where there is demolition of estates.

• The Cabinet Member explained that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee continue to have a role in scrutinising the HDV. Staff from the HDV can be invited to attend the Committee meetings as other associated bodies working with Council do.

• The Cabinet Member was happy to continue to attend Overview and Scrutiny meetings  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34