Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Goldberg.

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 14 below. New items of exempt business will be dealt with at Item 16 below).

There were no items of urgent business 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.

Cllr Demirci declared a personal interest by virtue of his staff membership of UNISON.

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.

No representations were received.

Sean Fox addressed the Cabinet in his role as chair of the employee side and set out the Unions concerns about the scale and nature of the budget reductions and the affect they would have on the communities in the borough.  In particular, the Unions raised on behalf of their members, concerns about:

·         Black and ethnic minority communities, women, and the lower paid. The EQIA was indicating a disproportionate impact of the savings on these groups and in turn the unions felt there would also be an impact on vulnerable service users.

·         Staff - 633 positions would be affected over three years by the proposed savings .The workforce plan was indicating likely future changes to the voluntary redundancy policy and the intention of this caveat was questionable. An unacceptable voluntary reduction policy would test industrial relations.

·         Savings proposed to the Adult Services and Children’s Services which indicated a stop in direct services with a deliberate reliance on the private sector to provide services which the council, in this area had not been successful with, in the past.

·         Apparent scaling back of children centres which would affect vulnerable families.

·         Reduction in Youth Services which the Unions felt had already been significantly reduced in the past and would have an impact on community tensions.

·          The future of Pendarren House  which was a long running school and youth resort

·         Frontline services and vulnerable services users.

The Employee side recommended stopping the use of consultants and finding more internal solutions by instead working with existing staff and also bringing the ALMO back in house.

In accordance with committee procedure rules, the Leader asked Cabinet Members to put forward questions to the deputation.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration reminded the Employee’s side that the council did not have any control over making the required £70m budget reduction which was due to Central Government reduction in funding.  Children’s and Adults services were the biggest spending areas of the council’s budget and would inevitably  be part of budget reduction proposals He asked what alternatives/suggestions  the Employee side  could put forward  to making the required reductions. In response the employee side that they were putting forward the concerns of their members and the community and had already highlighted their alternative actions at the end of their presentation.

The Leader further responded to the points raised in the deputation. There were large parts of the budget proposals which the Cabinet had no pleasure in putting forward but there had already been £117m of budget reductions over the last 4 years and there were no palatable reductions left. There was also a need to keep available in the council’s financial resources some flexibility for the council transform and make the necessary service changes so that the council does not manage decline . The Leader reiterated that the council could not set a deficit budget as some other public agencies and neither could they go forward with a yearly budget exercise. Bringing together the corporate plan, workforce plan and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 776.

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

Cllr Bevan addressed the Cabinet and advised that his concerns expressed about RTB receipts at the last meeting  had not been included in the minutes. The Leader asked  that the committee clerk take forward these amendments.

The remaining  minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on the 18^th November were agreed as an accurate record of the meeting.

(Report of the Chief Executive  - To be  introduced by the  Leader of the Council)

This report sets out the next steps in relation to the Council’s budget, Corporate Plan and Workforce Planning for the next three years.  Specifically it seeks agreement to move to consultation on the Medium Term Financial Strategy, Corporate Plan and associated documents, as well as starting an engagement programme with staff on the Workforce Plan.

The Leader introduced the report and began by explaining that the council were required to make £70m savings, following a reduction in central government funding and further to the representations made by the Unions, shared concerns about the negative impact on the community and vulnerable groups. The Leader reminded the meeting about the amount of savings already made by the council in the last four years and the difficulty now in making savings that would not have an effect on communities.

The Leader continued to thank staff for their significant effort in compiling a three year picture of the budget as this will aid the council in being clear in the future about what it can do and allow a serious debate on the proposals going forward.

The Leader explained: the thinking behind having a three year budget as opposed to a one year budget, the importance of being clear on what the council was trying to achieve, having a vision and, reducing the cost base and further allowing transformation of what the council does for the betterment of residents. This included focusing on: working better on preventing  costs  occurring, helping families experiencing problems earlier, helping older people  to stay at home  in supported living arrangements  with independence,  focusing on making the economy more competitive,  and  providing young people with the tools to succeed in life. Although the council would have a less budget it would need to be sharply focused to achieve these aims.

The Leader spoke about being confident for the future of the borough  and referred to the  improved results in GCSE’s which was nationally recognised, award winning parks, and lower crime. The borough could also be proud of its active communities and ‘building a stronger Haringey together’, meant coming together with partners and communities to achieve this aim.

Although there were budget reductions, the borough would be seeking to bring in £1billion of investment to increase housing and new jobs, as growth was essential in to sustaining the council’s future. The Leader re-iterated that the role of the council was not to manage decline but to come forward with a vision, ideals and sense of purpose to make the borough better.

The Cabinet Member for Resources and Culture continued introducing the report, by informing the meeting about the preceding two months of public consultation with residents and councillors about the future spend priorities for the borough. He placed on record some answers to the questions that had been asked in the consultation process:

·         The sum of £70m was based on information received by the council about the central government reductions and although this was an estimate the council would continue to evaluate this figure but it may also mean the savings task figure going up.

·         Increasing council tax by 2% would only accumulate £600k a year in additional funds which would not solve the savings issue. Increasing the council tax to higher percentage would require a referendum and the costs of completing this exercise would outweigh  ...  view the full minutes text for item 778.

(Report of the Director of Regeneration, Planning and Development - To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration). This report sets out the feedback received as part of the consultation on the High Road West Regeneration Proposals and asks Cabinet Members to consider the results of this, and previous consultation, and to agree the High Road West Masterplan Framework and supporting documentation.

This report also sets out how the rehousing process will work for Love Lane residents and the resource requirements needed to ensure that the Council can meet the assurances set out in the Love Lane Resident Guides and Business Charter.  The report also sets out the next steps for the High Road West Regeneration Scheme.

Please note that due to the size of the masterplan  it could not be attached to the agenda pack.

The masterplan can be accessed at www.haringey.gov.uk/highroadwest and hard copies are available at Tottenham Green Library, Marcus Garvey Library and Civic Centre Wood Green.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration  which set out  an  exciting and deliverable vision for the North Tottenham area with 1200 new homes, increased green spaces,   new public spaces, business space and, stronger town centre area.

The Cabinet Member emphasised the extensive work completed with local residents on compiling plans for this part of Tottenham and this was evidenced in the appendices attached, including a resident’s charter, business charter, leaseholder guide, and secure council tenant guide. The Cabinet noted that Love Lane residents had also been given access to an independent advisor when developing their charter.

 The Leader further referred to the Residents Charter and advised that the council could not, at the moment, give a firm promise that council tenants returning to their new homes in the housing development would remain tenants of the council. This was subject to ongoing legal examination. However, the Leader advised that the council would do everything they could to meet this commitment.

 It was further noted that the key principles the High Road Masterplan will feed into the Tottenham area action plans, through to he community infrastructure plans which includes providing improved health facilities and schools in the area.

 In response to Cllr Elliott’s question on whether the   proposed land pooling agreement with Spurs, referred to at recommendation 10, would provide the football club with more leverage in the area, it was noted that Spurs, along with the council were significant land owners in the Tottenham area and this recommendation was   to allow the council to explore options for how best to work together in this area of Tottenham.

RESOLVED

1. That the results of the High Road West regeneration proposals consultation set out in the High Road West Consultation Feedback Report found at Appendix 1. This includes the S105 consultation undertaken with secure council tenants living on the Love Lane Estate  be noted

2. That in light of the consultation and feedback received over the past two years, and having regard for the regeneration benefits summarised within this report, the High Road West Masterplan Framework which can be found at Appendix 2 be agreed.

3. That the Equalities Impact Assessment (Appendix 11) be noted.

4. That the draft Secure Council Tenant, Leaseholder and Private Tenant Guides and Business Charter found at Appendices 5, 6, 7 and 10  be approved and  that delegated authority is given  to the Director of Regeneration, Planning and Development in consultation with Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration to agree and review the associated procedures which are outlined in the documents.

5. That the Love Lane Resident Charter as set out in Appendix 4 be approved and reviewed by Cabinet on an annual basis.

6. The indicative phasing plan, which can be found at Appendix 8, be noted and the commencement of the re-housing process for phase 1 of the Love Lane Estate be agreed. This will require all secure Council tenants within phase 1 to be put on the housing register and awarded  ‘Band A’ priority  ...  view the full minutes text for item 779.

(Report of the Deputy Chief Executive -To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children and Families). Cabinet will be asked to agree :

·         the proposed admission arrangements for 2016/17

·         that consultation on the proposed admission arrangements will take place between 2 January 2015 and 27 February 2015

·         that following the consultation, the final arrangements will be agreed by a member signing in March 2015

·         that the co-ordinated scheme can be published on 1 January 2015

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children and Families, which  set out the role of the council as an admission authority for community schools,  this involved  publishing a co-ordinated scheme  which sets out  the procedures  all schools and academies  must follow  to co-ordinate  the admission process  for the reception and secondary  transfer admissions round to ensure that all residents  are offered a school place. This also included setting out the procedure to be followed when schools are over subscribed.

RESOLVED

      i.        That the proposed admission arrangements for 2016/17 be agreed.

    ii.        That consultation on the proposed admission arrangements takes place between 2 January 2015 and 27 February 2015.

   iii.        That follows the consultation, the final arrangements be agreed by a Cabinet Member signing in March 2015.

   iv.        That the co-ordinated scheme be published on 1 January 2015.

Alternative options considered

The council are required by the School Admissions Code (para 1.42 – 1.45) to consult on our admission arrangements between 1 November and 1 March for a minimum period of eight weeks.

Reasons for decision

 To ensure that the admission arrangements are consulted upon and co-ordinated scheme is set in accordance with the mandatory provisions of the School Admissions code.

(Report of the Deputy Chief Executive –  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children and Families)Cabinet are asked to consider the outline proposal for the future operating model for Children and Young People’s Services (i.e. Universal Services and Early Help; Targeted Early Help; and Core Social Care Function for Acute and Complex Needs); and  agree that a further Cabinet report, setting out the detail of the proposed operating model,  be provided in March 2015 for a decision.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children and Families which set out a way to deliver an improved Children’s Service with a reduced budget envelope whilst taking forward early help, helping families and communities support themselves with improved networks and an integrated delivery model. The system of support for families included fewer social worker changes in support to families and provides interesting approach to  social work.

RESOLVED

That the outline proposal for the future operating model for Children and Young People’s Services (i.e. Universal Services and Early Help; Targeted Early Help; and Core Social Care Function for Acute and Complex Needs) be noted and   that a further Cabinet report setting out the detail of the proposed operating model  be provided in March 2015 for a decision.

(Report of the Deputy Chief Executive - To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children and Families).  Cabinet to consider the Ofsted Action plan which was recently ratified by Ofsted alongside a briefing  with information about progress to date and planned activity.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children and Families which was for noting purposes and  provided Members with  the  detailed  OFSTED plan. This had recently been ratified by OFSTED  and information about progress to date and planned activity was contained in the attached report. Although around 75% of the actions were marked as closed, this only indicated that the required tasks around the OFSTED recommendation had been completed and  the Children’s  Services would be working hard  to ensure the actions were totally embedded in service working. Therefore it was important to note these actions as in progress.

In response to a question from Cllr Elliott about the number of assessments completed in 45 days, it was noted that, as of today, 94% of assessments had been completed within timescales.

 In answer to a further question from Cllr Elliott about engaging with foster carers  about the training they would like or think they need, especially new ones, there had been a Fostering conference held in November  to  which  all foster carers had been invited and there had been discussion about their training needs. There had also followed a Fostering celebration day which  was well received  by Foster carers and there would be further training days taking place in  January 2015.

RESOLVED

That the report be noted.

To note the minutes of the following:

a)    Cabinet Member Signing - 20 November 2014

RESOLVED

That the Cabinet Member Signing minutes of the 20^th November be noted.

To note the Significant and Delegated Actions taken by Directors between meetings.

Cllr Elliott asked why  the council  was spending £400,000 on legal advice for the Tottenham regeneration. The Director for Planning Regeneration and Development responded and clarified that this was specialist legal advice procured from  Pincentmasons  who would support  the council with advice on how to take forward a number of landholdings in Tottenham earmarked for regeneration and also advise on how  the  council can borrow against the HRA for increased housing. They will further provide the early  work on developing a delivery vehicle  to attract further funding  to deliver regeneration in the borough.

RESOLVED

That the delegated and significant actions   taken during November by officers be noted.

None

Note from the Democratic Services Manager

Item 16 allows for the consideration of exempt information in relation to Item 2 (if any items are admitted).

RESOLVED:

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

Not required

None