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 the meeting and Members noted this information.

There were no apologies for absence.

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 24 below. New items of exempt business will be dealt with at Item 28 below).

The Leader advised the meeting that there was a late item to consider in relation to item 7. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on the 1^st of March, after the publication of Cabinet papers to consider the Adults and Health Scrutiny Panel recommendation, in relation to Osborne Grove Nursing Home. Following this meeting, the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny compiled a report which was put forward for consideration in accordance with Cabinet procedure rules section 2.3, paragraph C and Scrutiny Procedure Rules in part 4 section G of the Constitution.

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 [25] : 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.

There were no representations relating  to items on the exempt part of the agenda.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 13 February 2018 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 13^th of February 2018 were agreed as an accurate record of the meeting.

To consider matters referred to Cabinet  from Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The Leader of the Council invited Councillor Connor, Chair of the Adults and Health Scrutiny Panel to introduce the Scrutiny report on Osborne Grove Nursing Home.

Cllr Connor put forward to Cabinet a recommendation to pause the implementation of the decision to close Osborne Grove Nursing Home, allowing the options appraisal for the provision of nursing care on the site to be taken into account.

Cllr Connor contended that the December decision to close the nursing home had been taken on the understanding that an Options Appraisal for the site would be considered at the January Cabinet meeting. However, as this had been delayed, a pause in the decision to close the Nursing Home was felt appropriate until this information became available.

The reasons for a pause in closure of the nursing home were further put forward by Cllr Connor. This included considering the risks of moving elderly people from the nursing home, the Council’s overarching duty of care to the Osborne Grove residents, and the consultation results, which indicated strongly against closure. The July 2017 Care Quality Commission findings were also referred to as these acknowledged the   improvements to the home, since previous inspections.

Cllr Connor referred to the ‘requires improvement’ CQC rating for Osborne Grove and questioned why a similar closure action was not being taken forward with Priscilla Wakefield Nursing Home, which was also rated as ‘requires improvement’.

Cllr Connor contended that Osborne Grove residents were likely to move to placements outside of the borough given there were no ‘good’ CQC rated nursing homes in the borough. As a consequence, there would be waiting lists for entry to the nursing homes and residents could be subject to, potentially, two moves.

Cllr Connor concluded by urging Cabinet to pause closure until the Options Appraisal was available. This time would enable further support to be given to staff to improve their confidence and care provision. Also, Cllr Connor suggested that the Care Quality Commission could be called back to assess the quality of care in this interim period to further provide assurance.

The Leader asked the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Culture to respond, adding that no new information had been put forward to Cabinet from Scrutiny to consider a pause in closure. In addition, the CQC July inspection findings referred to had already been considered at the December Cabinet meeting.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Culture thanked Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Adults and Health Scrutiny Panel for the time and attention given to ensuring that the process for the closure of Osborne Grove Nursing Home was carried out as smoothly as possible. Cllr Vanier further thanked family carers, staff members and other stakeholders who attended Adults and Health Scrutiny Panel on 8^th February and made representations on behalf of their loved ones, currently living at Osborne Grove Nursing Home.

The Cabinet Member continued to provide the following response to the Scrutiny recommendation:

• The decision to close a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 193.

There were no deputations, petitions or questions put forward.

[Report of the interim Strategic Director for Planning, Regeneration and Development. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration.] The purpose of this report is to set out the next steps for developing a leaseholder offer for Love Lane leaseholders, following the recent engagement and consultation on the ‘Enhanced Love Lane Leaseholder Offer document’  (Appendix 1) which set out the Council’s proposed offer to Love Lane leaseholders.

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning introduced the report, which set out the next steps for developing a leaseholder offer for Love Lane leaseholders.

The Cabinet Member advised that the Council had received legal advice that the consultation on the leaseholder offer for Love Lane leaseholders had two challenges and there was a need to re-consult on the leaseholder offer. Therefore, the report was seeking approval to re- consult and also seeking a delegation to the Strategic Director of Regeneration, Planning and Development and the s151 Officer to agree all third party acquisitions (including all acquisition prices, costs, compensation packages and fees) within the High Road West Regeneration area (other than any compulsory acquisitions).

The Cabinet Member emphasised that the Council had been working hard with leaseholders on the offer and remained committed to continuing this work.

In response to questions from Cllr Engert and Cllr Brabazon, the following information was noted:

• In relation to the requirement to re-consult, it was important to note the significant and wide officer effort involved in planning, organising and delivery of consultation. However, as this process often involved complex legal issues, sometimes issues could emerge later on.

• With regard to the constitutional question raised on the delegations to the director, this recommendation was required to provide necessary authority for the Council to negotiate private treaty agreements and CPO action was only a last resort. Paragraph 5.3 of the report further demonstrated that there were a significant number of property interests within the High Road West area, which were anticipated to be above £500,000 and as such, a Cabinet decision would be required for every acquisition. Given that each Cabinet decision had up to a three-month lead in process, seeking Cabinet approval would not only cause time delays, it would also considerably congest the Cabinet agenda. It was absolutely the case, to ensure the successful delivery of the Scheme, Officers needed to be able to negotiate and finalise transactions in an expedient manner so that third party interests are happy to transact with the Council. The Monitoring officer also confirmed that, as this was a delegation from Cabinet, it did not require a change to the Constitution and consideration at Standards Committee.

• The Cabinet Member emphasised that the consultation needed to be re – run to provide clarity on two issues. Firstly, to set out why the commitments within the offer are the Council’s preferred set of commitments. Secondly, to clarify the definitions of resident and non-resident leaseholder in the Love Lane Offer and to be aligned with the definitions set out in the Leaseholder Guide (agreed by Cabinet in 2014).

• With regard to the accessibility of the consultation documentation, this was felt appropriate, considering there were complicated issues and movement of funds to be explained. However, the Cabinet Member offered to liaise with the Council Communications team about further ways to improve the understanding of the consultation documentation by leaseholders and tenants. It was important to note that the consultation documentation had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 195.

[Report of the Interim Chief Finance Officer. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Health.]This report will  provide Cabinet with an update on budget performance for the year to date and likely financial outturn position for 2017/18.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Health introduced the report, which set out the 2017/18 Quarter 3 (Q3) financial position for the Council; including the Revenue, Capital, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budgets.

Most of the information contained in the report had been communicated in the in budget report to full Council in February. Since the previous quarterly update, there had been a slight budget improvement but the General Fund was projecting an overspend of £5.4m a there was an underspend in HRA of £1.8m

Cabinet were asked to consider the proposed management actions set out in the report and to approve the budget adjustments (virements) in Appendix 4 as required by Financial Regulations.

In response to questions from Councillor Engert

• There had been some over optimism when putting forward some savings in the budget last year. However, the recent budget report had factored this, and in particular ,there were no new savings for Priority 1 put forward for 2018/19 and savings for 2018/19 -2019/20 would be monitored closely. Service areas had focused on initiatives agreed by Cabinet such as early help, prevention and using less agency staff. Lessons had been learnt but there was a growth in the numbers of Looked after Children in Haringey and across the country.  Therefore, it was important to keep in mind the context of austerity and cuts when considering this service area.

• In relation to the increased budget allocation for the relocation of the Civic Centre, this was associated with the Registrar’s office move to Woodside House. The refurbishment was required to allow this commercial service to provide weddings at Woodside House in the summer.

• The Cabinet Member for Children and Families further highlighted that, where there was a rising demand in Children’s Service, the Council must ensure children are safe and there are costs involved in this responsibility. However, there were measures in place to ensure the budget remains stable.

• The Inclusion Service was a new service, that had started trading in September 2017 and the Cabinet Member for Children and Families would write to Cllr Engert on the expected bookings.

RESOLVED

1. To note the Q3 forecast revenue outturn for the General Fund of £5.4m overspend, including corporate items and the proposed mitigation to deliver a balanced outturn position. (Sections 6 & 7, Table 1 and Appendix 1);
2. To note the net HRA forecast position of £1.8m underspend. (Section 7, Table 2 and Appendix 2);
3. To note the position on DSG spend during 2017/18 and forecast closing reserve figure (Section 8, Table 3);
4. To note the latest capital position with forecast capital expenditure of £97.3m in 2017/18. (Section 9, Table 4);
5. To note the risks and mitigating actions identified in the report in the context of the Council’s on-going budget management responsibilities/savings, as detailed in Appendices 3 (a) (g);
6. To note the measures in place to reduce overspend in service areas; and
7. To approve and note the budget virements set out in Appendix 4 of this report.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 196.

[Report of the  Chief Executive. To be introduced by the Leader of the Council.] Cabinet will receive an update on Corporate Plan delivery.

The Leader introduced the report which set out the progress and delivery against the Corporate Plan objectives agreed in February 2015.

In response to questions from Cllr Engert, the following was noted:

• With regard to the performance on repairing potholes, the Council had recognised that there were issues with the contract and were considering alternative ways, through the contract, of dealing with potholes. The Cabinet Member for Environment offered to write back to Cllr Engert on this issue.

• In relation to performance against targets for litter, the Council were right to set an ambitious target. It was important to recognise litter, debris is a concern for all residents, and the Council strive to achieve the best performance for them. Similarly, the performance target for cycle travel demonstrated the councils ambition for improving cycling travel numbers

• Homes for Haringey were running a series of workshops with tenants to understand the areas of dissatisfaction with the service and allow plans to be put in place. The support to leaseholders was previously discussed at Cabinet and Scrutiny, in particular concerns about re-charges. There was an ongoing project being led by the Homes for Haringey Director for Operations to address these issues.

• There was a London wide increase in violence with injury and robbery, and the Council, in partnership with the Police, were working to reach a decline in numbers of incidents.

RESOLVED

To note the key achievements made in the period covered by Haringey Council’s Corporate Plan 2015-18.

Reasons for decision

Not required as a noting report

Alternative Options considered

Not required as a noting report.

[Report of the Director of Housing and Growth. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning.] This report sets out the new Homelessness Strategy which has been developed following that consultation and subsequent further work with the Homelessness Forum. This new strategy sits alongside a new Rough Sleeping Strategy.

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning introduced the report, which set out the new Homelessness Strategy, meeting a strategic objective of the Housing strategy, which was to “Improve support and help to prevent homelessness”.

The strategy aimed to reduce the financial and human costs of homelessness  through intervening earlier to prevent homelessness, increasing the supply of accommodation available and meeting the needs of those already in Temporary Accommodation.

The draft Homelessness Strategy had been developed collaboratively with partners across the borough including statutory service providers, voluntary and community organisations, and people using our services. Officers would continue working closely with these groups and individuals to develop the strategic delivery plan. 

RESOLVED

1. To note the Equalities Impact Assessment at Appendix 2

2. To approve the draft Homelessness Strategy set out in Appendix 1, and, in particular, the priorities of the strategy which are as follows:

        (a)        Intervening earlier to prevent homelessness (as set out in section 7.1)

        (b)        Increasing the supply of accommodation available (as set out in section    7.2)

(c)Meeting the needs of those already in temporary accommodation (as set out in section 7.3)

Reasons for decision

Homelessness in Haringey remains a persistent challenge, with the second highest level of homelessness in the country. A radically different approach that drives whole systems change is necessary. Haringey needs a new culture for dealing with homelessness; rooted in honesty about what is and is not possible and based on finding solutions and offering support.

The shared strategic vision and priorities set out in the Homelessness Strategy will guide our homelessness prevention and relief activities with partners and our communities over the coming years. This strategy is necessary to ensure our approach is appropriate, co-ordinated and that we are held to account on delivery.

The recommendation in 3.1 is to ensure the Council has met its duties under the Equality Act 2010.

The recommendation in 3.2 is to ensure that the Council meets its statutory duty to carry out a homelessness review and publish a Homelessness Strategy. The Council published its last Homelessness Strategy in 2012.

Alternative options considered

Not to produce a Homelessness Strategy. The Council would be failing in its statutory obligations if it failed to produce an up to date Homelessness Strategy. The lack of a strategy would also render the council less effective in setting out its strategic approach to tackling homelessness and would make partnership working more difficult without a clear agreed direction.

Alternative priorities within the Homelessness Strategy were considered and discounted:

• A ‘Gatekeeping’ approach to homelessness. By making it harder for people to get help from the council, numbers in temporary accommodation could be minimised. This option was discounted as it does not reflect the new statutory framework of the Homelessness Reduction Act and the wider focus on prevention set out in the Council’s Corporate Plan.
• A focus on moving significantly more households out of London. Whilst this option may need to be reviewed in future, it is currently not deemed to be in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 198.

[Report of the Director of Housing and Growth. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning.] This report sets out the new Rough Sleeping Strategy, which has been developed that consultation and subsequent further work with the Homelessness Forum, service users and other strategic partners. This new strategy sits alongside the new Homelessness Strategy.

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning set out the new Rough Sleeping Strategy, which had been developed following consultation and subsequent further work with the Homelessness Forum, service users and other strategic partners.

The key objectives of the strategy were rapid intervention, improving the health and wellbeing and resilience of rough sleepers, seeking to protect rough sleepers from the risk of violence and tackling street activity associated with rough sleeping.

RESOLVED

1.To note the equalities impact assessment at appendix 2.

2.To approve the draft Rough Sleeping Strategy set out in Appendix 1, and, in particular, the priorities of the strategy that are as follows:

(a)   Rapid intervention to offer a route off the street for all (as set out in section 7.4)

(b)   Improving health, wellbeing and resilience (as set out in section 7.5)

(c)   Tackling street activity (as set out in section 7.6)

Reasons for decision

Homelessness in Haringey remains a persistent challenge, with the second highest level of homelessness in the country. A radically different approach that drives whole systems change is necessary. Haringey needs a new culture for dealing with homelessness; rooted in honesty about what is and is not possible and based on finding solutions and offering support.

The strategic vision and priorities set out in the Rough Sleeping Strategy will guide our homelessness prevention and relief activities with partners and our communities over the coming years. The strategy is necessary to ensure our approach is appropriate, co-ordinated and that we are held to account on delivery.

The recommendation in 3.1 is to ensure the Council has met its duties under the Equality Act 2010.

The recommendation in 3.2 is to ensure that the Council specifically addresses the significant increase in rough sleeping in the borough and asks for a clear, distinctive and specific commitment from partners and residents.

Alternative options considered

Not to produce a Rough Sleeping Strategy

It is not mandatory to have a standalone Rough Sleeping Strategy. However, there has been a significant increase in rough sleeping in the borough. There has also been an ask of the council for a clear, distinctive and specific commitment to address this issue from partners and residents. Therefore, not having a standalone Rough Sleeping Strategy would fail to signal the Council’s intent on this issue and its commitment to act on feedback from stakeholders.

[Report of the Director of Housing and Growth. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning.] Cabinet will be asked to agree minor amendments to the Allocations Policy which are required to ensure that the Council’s policies are fully compliant with the new Homelessness Reduction Act and support the delivery of aims set out in the new Homelessness Strategy.

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning introduced the report, which outlined the updates required for the Housing Allocations Policy to be compliant with the new Homelessness Reduction Act, which comes into effect in April 2018.

RESOLVED

To approve the minor amendments to the Housing Allocations Policy 2015 set out in Appendix 1, to ensure that Reasonable Preference is extended to those who are at the Prevention and Relief stages of an application, as required by the Homelessness Reduction Act.

Reasons for decision

The recommendation in 3.1 is because minor changes to the Housing Allocations Policy are required to ensure that it is compliant with the Homelessness Reduction Act.

Alternative options considered

Not to make any amendments to the Housing Allocations Policy. It could be argued that the extension of the Reasonable Preference category under the Homelessness Reduction Act is implicit in the existing wording. However, the amendments proposed make it clear that the Council is fully compliant with the new Homelessness Reduction Act.

[Report of the Interim Strategic Director for Planning, Regeneration and Development. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Economic Development. Social Inclusion and Sustainability.] The report will be seeking authority to enter into a grant agreement with the GLA, subject to successful grant application.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Sustainability and Social inclusion introduced the report, which detailed the Council’s submission of a Good Growth Fund bid called “Connecting Wood Green” and was seeking authority to enter into a grant agreement with the Greater London Authority (GLA) in the event of the bid being successful.

The Cabinet Member advised that the Council were still awaiting final confirmation on whether the grant had been successful, although Members were asked to note that officers have been advised that should the application be successful the funding will be 100% grant, so instead of £700k grant and £200k loan Haringey will be awarded a £900k grant.

This did not change the recommendations in the report, but Members were asked to note the following updates to the report:

-          Para 4.2 –  The Connecting Wood Green bid was for a £700,000 grant plus a £200,000 loan to contribute to projects with a total value of £2.2m, but the GLA have advised that they are minded to award a 100% grant and so that funding will be a £900k grant and no loan.

-          Para 8.1- Reference to the loan agreements (second bullet point) with third parties can be omitted

-          Para 8.2- The Connecting Wood Green bid was for a £700,000 grant plus a £200,000 loan to contribute to projects with a total value of £2.2m, but the GLA have advised that they are minded to award a 100% grant and so that funding will be a £900k grant and no loan.

-          Para 8.3 – Table of finances to be amended so that the £200k loan element of the project for The Gas Works Project is omitted and the grant for The Gas Works Project is increased from £300k to £500k.

-          Para 8.7 - Finance comments about the loan and having in place adequate controls for its repayment can be omitted

-          Para 8.8- Reference to the loan agreements with third parties can be omitted

-          Para 8.12 – Legal comments about the loan can be omitted

RESOLVED

1. In the event of the “Connecting Wood Green” application to the GLA’s Good Growth Fund being successful, to give delegated authority to the Strategic Director of Regeneration, Planning and Development and the S151 Officer, after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Social Inclusion and Sustainability, to approve the Good Growth Fund grant agreement with the GLA.

2. In the event of the “Connecting Wood Green” application to the GLA’s Good Growth Fund being successful, to give delegated authority to the Strategic Director of Regeneration, Planning and Development and the S151 Officer, after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Social Inclusion and Sustainability, to approve grant agreements with third parties using the sources of funding as set out in the Connecting Wood Green bid proposal, up to the maximum amount of grant funding for each of the three projects as set out in the proposal, subject to compliance with State Aid legislation.

Reasons  ...  view the full minutes text for item 201.

[Report of the Assistant Director for Planning. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning.] Cabinet are asked to adopt the Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document.

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning introduced the report, which provided a summary of the comments received to consultation, highlighting the key issues raised, and how the Council intend to address these in finalising the Planning Obligations SPD.

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning highlighted the importance of the Council updating its guidance on planning obligations to ensure securing the necessary commitments and funding from new developments to deliver the infrastructure and community benefits needed to realise ambitions for the borough, its residents, businesses and environment.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the comments received to consultation on the draft Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and the Council’s proposed response, as set out in the Consultation Statement at Appendix A and in the tracked changes version of the final Planning Obligations SPD at Appendix B.

2. To adopt the revised Planning Obligations SPD (provided at Appendix B) as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications.

Reasons for decision

The revised Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) will give greater clarity to the Council’s procedures and requirements for securing planning obligations, including financial contributions and affordable housing.

Alternative options considered

No other alternative options have been considered on the basis that planning obligations are necessary to ensure the economic, social and environmental impacts arising as a result of a new development proposal are appropriately considered and mitigated.

[Report of the Assistant Director for Planning. To be introduced by the Leader of the Council.] To agree a new transport strategy that clearly sets out the transport objectives and priorities that will provide the context for preparing more detailed plans, policies, and bids for investment and works over the next 10 years. Decision to adopt the Transport Strategy following public consultation.

The Cabinet Member for Environment introduced the report, which sought approval of the Haringey Transport Strategy, following a six-week public consultation. The report outlined the consultation carried out, the responses received and how the draft was proposed to be amended.

RESOLVED

To adopt the Haringey Transport strategy.

Reason for decision

The Transport Strategy is needed to ensure clarity around the Council’s strategy and priorities for managing the local transport network and to support the delivery of corporate priorities for growth and regeneration as well as improving health and environmental quality.

The absence of a Strategy runs the risk of decisions about investment in transport being made in an uncoordinated manner. A new strategy is particular important to target resources effectively following the Local Implementation Plan funding cuts announcement by Transport for London in their 2018 business plan.

Alternative Options considered

The Council could rely on the Mayor of London’s Transport Strategy and the North London sub-regional Transport Plan to provide the Strategy and priorities locally. However, while Haringey shares many of the same transport challenges as the rest of London and the sub-region, these higher-level strategies and plans fail to recognise variations in approach based upon local context, and therein, the weight to be afforded to the realisation of specific objectives and priorities.

[Report of the Interim Director for Children’s Services. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children and Families.]

This report makes a number of recommendations based on the need to address and incorporate recent findings from the Joint Targeted Area Inspection (JTAI) of the multi-agency response to abuse and neglect in Haringey, which took place in December 2017 and the vision referred to in the letter published by the JTAI on 30 January 2018, with the “Future Operating Model for Children’s Services” approved in March 2015, and with reference to legislative changes which will replace Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards with new local partnership arrangements.

The report also seeks agreement to review commissioning activity which brings together all Council services currently contributing to children’s well-being in Haringey, including services provided to or commissioned for their parents’ needs so that in time the fully developed operating model increasingly reflects a whole authority collaboration that maximises outcomes for vulnerable children and their families in Haringey.

The Cabinet Member for Children and Families introduced the report which sought agreement to  a number of recommendations based on the need to address and incorporate recent findings from the Joint Targeted Area Inspection (JTAI) of the multi-agency response to abuse and neglect in Haringey, which took place in December 2017 and the vision referred to in the letter published by the JTAI on the 30 January 2018, with the “Future Operating Model for Children’s Services” approved in March 2015, and with reference to legislative changes which will replace Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards with new local partnership arrangements.

The report further sought agreement to a review of those services in the Council (e.g. services provided to children and/or their parents by Public Health or Adult Services) ensuring that services provided to support better outcomes for children and families are effectively co-ordinated and aligned into a “Think Family” approach. In time, this would produce a fully developed operating model increasingly reflecting a “whole authority” collaboration that maximises outcomes for vulnerable children and their families in Haringey.

RESOLVED

1. To note the published letter from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Her Majesty’s Inspection of Constabulary (HMIC), Her Majesty’s Inspection of Probation (HMIP) Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), and Ofsted dated 30 January 2018 emerging from the Joint Targeted Area Inspection (JTAI) of the multi-agency response to abuse and neglect which took place in Haringey between 4-8 December 2017, a copy of which is attached as Appendix 2. Also, the next steps for the Director of Children’s Services to prepare a written statement of proposed action responding to JTAI findings.
   
   
2. To note that the written statement should be a multi-agency response involving the national probation service (NPS), the community rehabilitation company (CRC), the clinical commissioning group for Haringey (CCG), the metropolitan police service (MPS) and the local authority including its health providers. The response should set out the actions for the above partners individually where appropriate and for the partnership as a whole.
    
3. To note that the written statement of action must be sent to Ofsted no later than 11 May 2018 and that the statement will inform the key lines of enquiry (KLOEs) at any future joint or single agency activity by the inspectorates.
   
   
4. To note the need for a comprehensive timely and detailed response to JTAI findings (representing all partners including the LA and its health providers) as the next inspection of Local Authority Children’s Services (ILACS) is expected during the current calendar year.
   
   
5. To note the legislative changes identified in the “Children and Social Work Act 2017” with particular reference to the proposed abolition of Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards and their replacement by local arrangements made by the police, the CCG and the Local Authority.
   
   
6. To agree the principles of the evolving model of Early Help and as set out in paragraphs 6.4, and 7.2 to 7.10.
   
   
7. To agree that the vision to enable children to access help at an earlier stage and to use  ...  view the full minutes text for item 204.

[Report of the Interim Director for Children’s Services. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children and Families.] Refresh of LAC Sufficiency Strategy for 2018-21 setting out how Haringey Council will ensure there is sufficient and appropriate accommodation for children in care.

The Cabinet Member for Children and Families introduced the report, which set out the draft Looked after Children Sufficiency Strategy for approval. Cabinet noted that the Council had a statutory duty to publish this Strategy in order to identify how it would meet its duties to ensure that there is sufficient accommodation for looked after children that meets their needs and is within the local authority area.

RESOLVED

To approve the Looked after Children Sufficiency Strategy attached as Appendix 1.

Reasons for decision

Councils are required to review and refresh their LAC Sufficiency Strategies regularly to take account of changing demographics, shifting patters of demand and developments in the market. This strategy will replace the previous Sufficiency Strategy, which ran until the end of December 2017, offering an opportunity to present refreshed data and some innovative approaches to the challenges of LAC sufficiency.

Alternative options considered

It is a statutory requirement for the Council to produce a Looked after Children Sufficiency Strategy and for it to be made publically accessible. Alternative options were not therefore considered.

[Report  of the Interim Strategic Director for Planning, Regeneration and Development. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for  Corporate Resources.] Disposal of site on Bernard Road in order to bring forward a workspace led development.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources introduced the report, which sought authority to declare the Council owned site at Bernard Road N17 (outlined on the plan in Appendix 1) as surplus to requirements. It also sought authority to appropriate the site for planning purposes (subject to planning permission being granted) and to dispose of the freehold of the site to GCAP Investments Limited, a developer who owns the neighbouring land parcel. The disposal will facilitate a workspace-led scheme across the combined sites.

The Cabinet Member further advised that the Local Plan had highlighted the need for more workspace in the borough and this report enabled progress to this quota. The site at Bernard Road currently housed five low quality business units, and the new development would accommodate 40 new businesses and 240 jobs.

In response to questions from Cllr Vanier and Cllr Engert:

• The land valuation was arrived at by a property specialist commissioned by the   Council who had undertaken evaluation of the site and confirmed that the price represented best consideration to the Council in terms of value.

• The green space currently available would be relocated to the same site. There was currently 630 square metre of green space, which would increase to 1000 square metres when relocated to the south of the site. This green space would have soft landscaping and be available for public use.

• The planning application is due to be considered by Planning Committee next Monday. As part of that application, officers are proposing that the lands will be designated as public open space through the section 106 agreement. . The purpose of this is to ensure that the land is held as public open space now and in the future.  It was reiterated that existing business can move back to the site and the smallest unit was expected to cost £365 a month, so there was genuine affordable workspace to help existing businesses and house additional businesses.

Further  to considering exempt information at item 27,

RESOLVED

1. To confirm that the piece of land held for Housing purposes (vertical hatching in the plan attached as Appendix 1a) and the piece of land held in the General Fund (grey shading in the plan attached as Appendix 1a) are no longer required for the purposes for which they are held and declare them surplus to requirements.
2. To agree, subject to the approval of the submitted planning application (planning reference HGY/2017/3584), to the appropriation of both pieces of land (as shown edged black in the plan attached as Appendix 1a) for planning purposes under section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972, so that such land shall have the benefit of section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016.
3. To agree the disposal of the Council’s freehold interest in the land (as set out in the plan edged black in Appendix 1a) to GCAP Investments Limited for a sum set out in Part B of this report and set out in the Heads of Terms attached in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 206.

[Report of the Director of Public Health. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning.]A strategic commitment to LGBT+ inclusivity with an action plan for delivery.

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning introduced the report which highlighted the importance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and/or Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and Non-Binary (LGBT+) inclusion and Cabinet’s commitment to equality for this group of staff and residents. It included an action plan, which outlines some of the specific actions the Council will be making for LGBT+ staff and residents.

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning, outlined the Council’s work on LGBT issues, including:  internal work initiatives with staff, working with Stonewall to support young LGBT people who are being bullied, completing internal audits to assess equality, organising a staff network and instigating a process of data collection to assess LGBT applicants and progression in the organisation. Equally, through  the supported housing review, the Council  had recognised they might not be meeting the housing needs of some LGBT groups i.e. elderly LGBT living in supported accommodation who may have health issues or younger BAME LGBT people, fleeing family persecution and becoming homeless.  There was a key gap recognised, and a more systematic approach needed. It was important to start this conversation on housing needs for LGBT+ with the Council and housing providers.

The report set out an action plan to generate conversation on the gaps in provision and aid development of a wider strategy in consultation with LGBT+ community, staff, and stakeholders. The report sets out four initial priorities for discussion:

• Giving LGBT+ residents a stronger voice in shaping priorities and services to ensure that they meet the needs of LGBT+ residents

• Exercising system leadership across the networks of service providers supporting LGBT+ residents.

• Making Haringey a safe and welcoming place to live, work and visit for LGBT+ people.

• Making Haringey Council an LGBT+ inclusive workplace.

In response to questions:

• The challenges to tackle were service providers understanding the needs of the LGBT+ residents in commissioned housing.

• This work was important in terms of inclusivity and the visibility of inclusiveness. It was important for this work on supporting LGBT +  to not  be seen as a side-line, recognising that  LGBT+ residents contribute to the borough but also have support needs, and may also be disproportionately victims of hate crime. It was important to provide challenge to the mainstream  but keep distinctive, in terms of what the particular needs of the community are.

• Issue of intersexuality was not understood by housing providers. For example, a BAME LGBT person may be facing significant trouble at home and may become homeless because of this. Currently, this housing need issue is not understood. Equally, a homosexual elderly man who may have health support needs will also need specific housing support and this will  also need to be understood by the housing provider.

• Voluntary sector element had changed over the years with reduction in funding, impacting on LGBT+ organisations. A positive development was a meeting of Haringey LGBT network, facilitated by the Council, to get together a community network and consider, as a group, seeking grant funding. The Director  ...  view the full minutes text for item 207.

To note the minutes of the following:

·         Cabinet Member signing 2^nd February 2018

·         Cabinet Member signing 6 February 2018 10am

·         Cabinet Member signing 6^th February 2018 1.30pm

·         Cabinet Member signing 7^th of February 2018 10.30am

RESOLVED

To note the minutes of the following:

·         Cabinet Member signing 2^nd February 2018

·         Cabinet Member signing 6 February 2018 10am

·         Cabinet Member signing 6^th February 2018 1.30pm

·         Cabinet Member signing 7^th of February 2018 10.30am

To note delegated and significant actions taken by Directors in February 2018.

RESOLVED

To note the significant and delegated actions taken by directors in February 2018.

To consider any items admitted at Item 3 above.

None

Note from the Democratic Services &Scrutiny Manager

Item 26, 27, and 28 allow for the consideration of exempt information in relation to items 9,  20 &  3 respectively.

TO RESOLVE

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  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 agenda items 25 and 26 contained exempt information as defined under paragraph 3, part 1 schedule 12A of the local government Act 1972.

As per item 9

As per item 195.

As per item 20.

As per item 206.

None