Issue - meetings

The Leader had received requests for three representations at the meeting.

• Dan Labbad of Lendlease put forward the first representation  in relation to the HDV report at item 8.

• The second deputation was from Ms Mirca Morera in relation to item 9 on the agenda, the Fairness Commission launch.

• The third representation was put forward by Unison in relation to Shared Digital Service implementation report at item 12.

The Leader started the meeting by considering the representation from Dan Labbad.

Dan Labbad – Lendlease

Mr Labbad thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak at the meeting. He outlined that Lendlease had been working to support housing ambitions in the borough for three years. However, Lendlease accepted that the new administration did not want to continue with the model developed by the previous administration. Mr Labbad instead focused on the issues that could be agreed upon. These were, in his view, as follows:

• 10,000 households on the housing waiting list in Haringey
• Urgent need for new homes
• Capability to deliver these homes at pace and scale.
• Need for the Council to keep public assets and minimise exposure to risk
•  Council setting the agenda on affordable and social housing including adhering to Council policies such as right to return.

Mr Labbad emphasised that the Council cannot deliver on meeting housing need by itself nor can the private sector also deliver this solely. Mr Labbad contended that the Council needed capable and willing partners to deliver on its Housing agenda. Mr Labbad re-iterated that the partnership offered by the HDV was flexible enough to still offer these opportunities. Mr Labbad highlighted the clear advice provided from a QC expert in public procurement which also verified this.

M Labbad referred to the report which highlighted that the Council had invested time and money over 4 years in the HDV. Mr Labbad asked the Cabinet to take a little longer to explore opportunities and options with Lendlease, which was keen to continue working with the Council to meet the community’s needs.

Mr Labbad explained that the public procurement process, followed for the HDV did not allow engagement with the local community. Dissimilarly, in the High Road West regeneration project, for which the contract had been signed in December, there had been extensive community activities and local people were benefiting from regeneration. Mr Labbad invited the Cabinet to visit Lendlease’s other London regeneration projects, in particular Elephant Park in Southwark where the Council had worked with Lendlease for over 8 years. Mr Labbad encouraged Cabinet Members to speak with community representatives in Elephant Park to understand more fully the nature of the partnership working completed. Lendlease had a number of projects in London and was proud of their work for delivering regeneration.

Mr Labbad, on behalf of Lendlease, acknowledged the right of the local authorities to lead and direct on what is needed in communities, in particular level of affordable homes. It was also important for Lendlease to keep its word and deliver  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28