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 the notice of filming at meetings and attendees noted this information. The meeting was not being broadcast live but was being recorded and would be made available on the Council’s website.

There  were apologies for absence from  Councillors Bull and Hearn.

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 20 below. New items of exempt business will be dealt with at Item 29 below).

The Leader advised the meeting that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had decided at its meeting of the 3rd of December to refer the decision taken by Cabinet on 12th of November, on the Award of Contract for the provision of SEND Transport Transformation Consultancy Services back to Cabinet. The recommendations of Scrutiny would therefore be dealt with at Agenda item 7.

This was in accordance with the Call-in Procedure in the Council’s Constitution (Part 4 Section H), which set out the 5 working day requirement for Cabinet to reconsider this decision before taking a final decision.

The Leader had also received a late deputation from Mrs Marta Garcia de la Vega which he had agreed to accept for consideration at this meeting as it related to this late item.

The Cabinet further agreed to vary the agenda to allow consideration of item 8, deputations, petitions and questions prior to item 7.

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.

The Leader declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in item 11 as a garage licence holder and would recuse himself from the meeting for consideration of this item.

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 [21] : 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 received at the agenda publication stage in relation to the exempt items on the agenda.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 12^th November 2019 as a correct record.

RESOLVED

To approve the  Cabinet minutes for the 12^th of November 2019 as an accurate record  of the meeting.

The Leader invited Mrs Marta Garcia de la Vega to come forward and make her representations to the meeting.

Mrs Marta Garcia de la Vega addressed the Cabinet as a parent, carer and founder representative of SendPACT a local parent group, working to support SEND families in the borough. She was speaking to oppose the agreement of the contract award for the provision of SEND Transport Transformation Consultancy Services at agenda item 7. She was also speaking from her experience as a parent carer and user of SEND transport. In Mrs Garcia de la Vega’s view , prior to 2015, the SEND transport service had been working well in the borough but after the reforms to the SEND transport were taken forward in post 2015, that issues had been arising. Mrs Marta Garcia de la Vega felt that instead of reductions in the funding envelope for this service area, it needed more investment to support SEND children.

Mrs Garcia de la Vega spoke about the general lack of consultation with parents about changes to the SEND transport service and wanted evidence of this past consultation mentioned in the report. She questioned the potential impact of providing a gainshare for a private company for supporting this transport service and what this would mean for the provision. In her view this seemed to be a private business making profit from helping the Council make savings to the SEND transport service. The agreement of this contract implied this, which was worrying for her as SEND service user. She further questioned how a service can be improved by making a 20% cut in the budget.

She referred to the political beliefs of the Cabinet and to their local commitment to not privatising services and also to their vow to involve the community in their decision making. She asked that they uphold these principles and ensure that parents were consulted on changes to the SEND transport service and included in the matters that affect their children. Mrs Garcia de la Vega wanted her deputation to be considered as an intervention and reminder to uphold these principles and position.

In response to questions from Councillors, Chandwani, Ibrahim, Amin, and James, the deputation, Mrs Marta Garcia de la Vega, responded and advised the following:

• A new policy concerning SEND transport reforms had been drafted in late 2015 and been subject to consultation with parents who were not happy with the draft as it did not reflect their experiences or struggles. A final policy was subsequently released not taking forward any of the parents’ concerns previously raised. In 2016 there were many difficulties experienced with the SEND transport service and concerns expressed. The process for accessing transport changed in 2017 and now included a 10-page form for completion which was not easily completed and required many supporting documentation. This was only available online and not felt to be an inclusive way of submitting information to the Council. Many parents of SEND children did not have time to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 105.

The Leader invited the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny to address the Cabinet and to report on the outcome of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s consideration of the Cabinet’s decision on the Award of Contract for the Provision of SEND Transport Transformation Consultancy Services on 12^th November 2019.

The Cabinet noted that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered each of the items raised in the call in form and heard evidence from officers, the Cabinet Member for Children and Families, parents of children with special educational needs as well as a head teacher of Lancastrian School. The Committee had further considered the officer response to each of the issues raised in the call in form and had discussion in the exempt part of the meeting. It was clear that the SEND service provision required attention and that there was a desire from families to participate in the decision making and involvement in co – production to improve the service.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee did not find the decision to be outside the budgetary framework nor the policy framework and continued to refer the decision back to Cabinet for reconsideration along with some clear recommendations on how the work should take place with parents, carers and families.

The Cabinet considered the following Overview and Scrutiny recommendations and the Cabinet Member provided a response to each of the recommendations, which were all accepted and agreed.

Response to the recommendations made by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee

Recommendation 1: That Cabinet strengthens co-production in the

SEND transport transformation process prior to phase 1 of the contract

Agreed. It was further proposed that Cabinet receives assurance from the Lead Member and the Director of Children’s Services that co-production is, and will continue to be, an essential element of decision making in regard to the identification and implementation of SEND Transport transformation Priorities.

Recommendation 2: That Cabinet follow best practice in good

Governance in formulating the Steering Group referred to during the

Meeting, and in doing so that it refer to parent and carer advocates and

Respected co-production organisations.

Agreed. It was proposed Cabinet further receives assurance from the Lead Member and the Director of Children’s Services that best practice in good governance has been and will continue to be followed in formulating the Steering Group. This was referred to during the meeting, along with its membership and leadership, which also refers to parent and carer advocates and respected co-production organisations. An Action going forward would be establishing the Reference group with access to respected coproduction organisations. The group will include parents, carer advocates. It was proposed Cabinet receive an assurance report at least annually from this group.

Recommendation 3: That Cabinet co-produce the terms of reference for

The Steering Group and that the membership of the group follows best

Practice examples.

This was agreed and the service would further support implementation, and further strengthen the recommendation by adding the co-produced expected ethos and behaviours of the group. It was further added that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 106.

[Report of the Director of Finance. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategic Regeneration.]

This report will provide an update on the Quarter 2 budget monitoring and will seek approval for any budget changes required to respond to the changing financial scenario and the delivery of the MTFS.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategic Regeneration introduced this report which provided an update on the Quarter 2 budget monitoring and sought approval for any budget changes required to respond to the changing financial scenario and the delivery of the MTFS.

The Cabinet Member was pleased to be able to report that the General Fund budget position and delivery of agreed savings was in a more robust position this financial year, and believed that this was due to the decisions taken when setting this year’s budget which sought to ensure that these were set to be as realistic as possible within the overall available resource envelope.

The Cabinet Member noted that the final agreed 2019/20 Budget reflected a number of actions taken to de-risk the base budget position. This mainly focussed on addressing the budget pressures in the two People related services which had been significantly overspent in 2018/19. These actions were intended to provide greater confidence of managing within the agreed budget as well as delivering agreed budget reduction proposals.

The Cabinet Member informed the GF revenue forecast of £5.2m overspend presented had remained stable at the level reported in Qtr1 and was significantly below the £15.9m reported in the same period in 2018/19 (which was before the application of budget contingencies of £6.6m in that year). This evidenced that the approach to setting the budget was sound and was having the intended consequence. Two of the most significant budget pressures driving the forecast overspend had been considered in the draft 2020/21 Budget/MTFS 2020-2025 proposals. Officers continued to focus on strategies to bring the in-year overspend down with the aim of achieving a balanced outturn by year end.

The Cabinet Member closed by drawing Member’s attention to two final points. The first was the increased forecast DSG overspend now standing at £5.1m. This was a matter of real concern and pressure needed to be put on Government to recognise this issue and come forward with a sustainable solution. The second point was that there was a new appendix to the quarterly budget update reports which provided Members with a record of debt write-offs across the various debt fields.

In response to questions from Councillor Dennison, the following information was provided:

• Regarding the spending pressure on the housing General Fund and temporary accommodation, Officers forecast that the Council would receive enough flexible Housing Support Grant to continue to support this function through to next year. The Council had been taking action that would seek to ease pressure in future years, such as through the Community Benefit Society.
• Regarding the savings on Alexandra House which would not be achieved, Officers noted the original saving represented a wider savings across the estate.

• Regarding the High Road West Business, the Cabinet Member noted there were a number of conversations taking place, not only with the Council but with the GLA and Mayor of London. Talks were focusing on looking at increasing the number of social housing units provided within the scheme. Thus  ...  view the full minutes text for item 107.

[Report of the Director of Finance. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategic Regeneration.]

This report sets out details of the draft proposed budget for 2020/21 and MTFS to 2024/25, including budget reductions, growth and capital proposals.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategic Regeneration introduced this report which provided details of the draft proposed budget for 2020/21 and MTFS to 2024/25, including budget reductions, growth and capital proposals.

The Cabinet Member highlighted the proposals set out in this report contained the initial five-year Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2020-2025 that would provide a financial plan during this unprecedented period of uncertainty for Local Authority budgeting. This report still had a budget gap of £0.6m for 2020/21 and work would continue over the next two months to identify solutions to bridge this and in order for a legal, balanced budget to be presented to Cabinet in February 2020.

The Cabinet Member informed the budget monitoring reports presented this year highlighted the progress that had been made on stabilising budgets and confirms that the action taken in setting the 2019/20 Budget was appropriate. Whilst the Council were still forecasting an in year overspend at Quarter Two, the future impact of the main underlying pressures had been addressed as part of the 2020/21 Budget now proposed. The Council also taken advantage of making live budgeting decisions in year such as the approval of a suite of invest to save proposals in Children’s services which were well underway and would contribute to better outcomes for our young people and their families.

The Cabinet Member noted last year’s budget put in place additional funding for a number of priorities. The Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) was extended to a maximum of 100% for our least well-off families with children. This came into effect on 1st April 2019 and is proposed here to be continued for 2020/21. The 2019/20 Budget also provided ongoing investment into a school meals pilot and a youth services programme, alarge portion of which had been used to fund the Summer Holiday Programme which offered morethan 150 activities with 19,602 young people taking part.

The Cabinet Member highlighted that whilst resources continued to be limited, this Draft Budget proposed the introduction from April 2020 of London Living Wage (LLW) rates for Council contracted Homecare staff and also those working in Extra Care Sheltered Housing; additionally, an uplift had been applied to Social Care Direct Payments to individuals in line with LLW rates. Further, an additional sum had also been built in to provide ongoing extra capacity to increase apprenticeship numbers within the Council and across other organisations within the Borough.

The Cabinet Member updated that the £0.6m gap currently forecast for 2020/21 was a much-improved position to that presented a year ago when we still had £6.5m gap to resolve (£7.5m in 17/18). The Cabinet Member believed the Council was in a stronger position as a result of the significant work put into the last budget process to write off unachievable savings targets, improved savings delivery and aligning our resources more effectively to reflect the real pressures and growth felt in our two People services. It must also be recognised the impact that the additional funding  ...  view the full minutes text for item 108.

[Report of the Director of Finance. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategic Regeneration.]

This report sets out the Fees & Charges that are proposed to be applied to services from the start of 2020/21.

The Leader, Councillor Ejiofor, recused himself from the meeting following his earlier declaration of interest. [20.40] and the Deputy Leader took the chair.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategic Regeneration introduced this report which provided details on the Fees & Charges that are proposed to be applied to services from the start of 2020/21.

The Cabinet Member emphasised that, as part of the Council’s on-going financial planning, it was important to comply with the Council’s policy to review our fees and charges, as a minimum annually, taking account of issues such as the general economic climate, the Council’s overall financial position and delivery of the objectives of the Borough Plan.

The Cabinet Member outlined that, taking all the relevant factors into account, the increases in fees and charges proposed in this report were appropriate, and therefore commended this report to the Cabinet.

In response to questions from Councillor Dennison, the following information was provided:

• Regarding whether the hire charge for Finsbury Park was enough to offset the disruption caused by large events, the Cabinet Member would liaise with the relevant Member responsible for the charge’s companies paid to hire Finsbury Park to ensure that this was the case.
• Regarding whether the green charges in Appendix VII were reviewed, the Cabinet Member confirmed they were and that appropriate revisions to these charges were made.

RESOLVED

a)    To agree the proposed fees and charges to be levied by the Council with effect from 1 April 2020, unless otherwise stated, and as detailed in Section 8 and Appendices I – XIII taking into account the findings of equalities assessments as set out in section 10 of the report.

b)    To note that the Council’s draft 2020/21 Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2020/21-2024/25 assumes that the changes to Fees & Charges set out in this report are agreed.

Reasons for Decision

It is a requirement to review fees and charges as a minimum annually. The financial position of the Council supports the view that levels of fees and charges should be maximised where possible taking into account all relevant factors including the effect on service users and any consequent demand for services.

Alternative options considered

This report summarises the conclusions after consideration of a range of alternative approaches dependent on particular services and relevant factors. As such a range of alternative options ranging from no increase to differentiated rates of increases have been considered and reflected in this report.

[Report of the Assistant Director of Corporate Governance (Monitoring Officer). To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Corporate and Civic Services.]

This report requests Cabinet consider and respond to the Local Government Ombudsman finding with regard to Ms B – bankruptcy.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate and Civic Services introduced this report which requested Cabinet consider and respond to the Local Government Ombudsman finding with regard to Ms B – bankruptcy.

The Cabinet Member informed that the Ombudsman had made a report finding fault with the Council in relation to a complaint made by Ms B and had asked the Council to take certain steps to remedy that fault. This report summarised the Ombudsman’s report and the steps that have already been taken. It also proposed further steps to be taken by the Council in response to the report.

The Cabinet Member noted the service had apologised for the mistakes made and was determined to learn from them. Members were required to consider the Ombudsman’s report (shown at Appendix 1) and the steps it was proposed to take in response with the Cabinet Member recommending that the findings, recommendations and compensation payments be approved.

In response to questions from Councillor Dennison, the Cabinet Member confirmed that to prevent an issue of this kind occurring again, the Council would be putting in place all the recommendations of the Local Government Ombudsman. Information would also be better shared between officers and the relevant Cabinet Member.

RESOLVED

1. To accept the findings and recommendations of the Ombudsman in the report dated 17th September 2019, as shown at Appendix 1.
2. To authorise officers’ reduction of Ms B’s debt by £3,400 as compensation, as set out in paragraphs 4.2 and 4.8 below.
3. To authorise officers to compensate Ms B by applying to annul her bankruptcy and paying the court and trustee costs of doing so up a value of £20,000, as set out in paragraph 4.6 below.
4. To adopt this report as the Council’s formal response under s.31 Local Government Act 1974, to be communicated to the Ombudsman.
5. To adopt this report as the Cabinet’s formal response as required by s.5A Local Government and Housing Act 1989, to be distributed to all members and the Monitoring Officer.

Reasons for Decision

Overview

As set out in the Ombudsman’s report, Ms B has been found to have suffered injustices as a result of faults on behalf of the Council. In summary:

• The Council’s procedure was to consider bankruptcy only if there were sufficient assets to pay the debt and costs incurred.
• Ms B’s property was mistakenly assessed as having sufficient equity to allow the Council’s debts and costs to be recovered. However, there was in fact insufficient equity.
• Therefore, bankruptcy was pursued contrary to the Council’s procedure.
• As part of good practice, the Council contacted the local authority where Ms B lives to ascertain any vulnerabilities Ms B might have. However, Ms B worked for her local authority and her colleagues were informed of her debt to the Council, causing her considerable professional embarrassment. The Council should have identified that Ms B worked for her local authority because this had been evident from her email signature.
• Ms B made a subject access request to the Council. The Information Commissioner  ...  view the full minutes text for item 110.

[Report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods.]

This report presents Haringey’s Reduction and Recycling Plan (RRP) for approval.  Production of an RRP is a requirement of the Mayor of London's Environment Strategy and applies to all London boroughs.

The Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods introduced Haringey’s Reduction and Recycling Plan (RRP) for approval. Production of an RRP was a requirement of the Mayor of London's Environment Strategy and applied to all London boroughs

The Cabinet Member informed that London Boroughs had a statutory duty to act in general conformity with the London Environment Strategy prepared by the Mayor of London. The London Environment Plan required London boroughs to produce a Recycling and Reduction Plan (RRP) to set out how they each would contribute to the Mayor of London's Environment strategy targets and comply with minimum service standards. This was required to be submitted by 20th December 2019. The Council's submission was contained in the appendix to the report. Section 5 outlined the Mayor of London's Environment Strategy and its objectives. Section 4.1.4 of the report illustrated the Key Mayoral requirements and the Council's compliance, which included the Council complying with a weekly food waste collection; carrying out the collection of the six main dry materials; being on track to achieve 45% recycling rate by 2025.

The Cabinet Member noted that as well as agreeing this submission, Members were being asked to agree changes to the Borough Plan. Section 4.2 outlined those changes. As there could be changes to the Recycling and Reduction Plan based on feedback from the GLA, Members were being asked to delegate those changes to the Director of Neighbourhoods and Environments to implement. Possible changes were highlighted at section 4.3. However, the Council had preliminary feedback from the GLA which can be found in section 8. The Council was also conducting an external review of recycling, funded by the GLA, details of which can be seen in section 9.

The Cabinet Member highlighted that stage one of the review had been completed and stage was due to be completed in January 2020.

The Cabinet Member asked Member to agree the report and its recommendations, which sought Cabinet to:

• Submit the recycling and Reduction Plan to the GLA;
• Agree to amend the Borough Plan to update the reduction in households waste targets; and
• Delegate authority to the Director (in consultation with the Cabinet Member) to make changes to the Recycling and Reduction Plan if feedback from the GLA required it.

[The Leader took the Chair at 20.47]

In response to questions from Councillor Dennison, the following information was provided:

• Regarding the recycling rate dropping to 32.9%, the Cabinet Member noted stricter legislative requirements had come into force on what was acceptable to be recycled and, as a consequence, a large amount of the recycling by the Council had been rejected. The Council was looking at ways to promote the education of residents to only include from household waste recycling products which were acceptable to be recycled.
• Regarding fly tipping, the Cabinet Member stated there was no conclusive evidence to show this had increased overall and noted there were times during the year where fly tipping was more prevalent. Further, the Council was reducing the cost of bulky  ...  view the full minutes text for item 111.

[Report of the Director of Housing, Regeneration and Planning. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal.]

This report considers the appointment of a design team to deliver a range of projects on the Broadwater Farm estate, including the development of detailed designs for new homes.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal introduced this report which considered the appointment of a design team to deliver a range of projects on the Broadwater Farm estate, including the development of detailed designs for new homes.

The Cabinet Member noted that when Cabinet previously took the difficult decision to rehouse residents on the Broadwater Farm estate from Tang mere and Northolt blocks following safety concerns, it also committed to re-providing all homes lost through demolition with new Council homes at Council rents and the right of return. This report followed detailed work by officers to develop a comprehensive brief to appoint designers to support us in this ambition. Through this work the Council would not only develop designs for high quality new homes on the estate but would bring forward proposals to enhance the public realm and maximise the value of existing community assets, such as the community and health centres.

The Cabinet informed that residents and the Council’s partners would play a key role in this work taking forward an iterative design process, which would require their input from the start and through each design stage to achieve the right outcomes. This would ensure that the Council’s plans have resident support which it has committed to put to the test through a resident ballot once plans are ready.

The Cabinet Member closed by extending thanks to members of the Broadwater Farm Residents’ Association who provided resident input to officers when evaluating the tender submissions, despite having reservations prior.

In response to questions from Councillor Dennison, the following information was provided:

• The Cabinet Member confirmed the consultants had experience in handling projects of this scale and type.
• The Cabinet Member confirmed residents would play an ongoing role in the design process moving forward. Officers noted the architects selected had a proven track record of developing estates around the country and co-designing with residents.
• A like for like had been embedded in the contract to ensure there was the same minimum number of social housing provided at Tangmere and Northolt as before.

Further to considering exempt information at item 22,

RESOLVED

1. To approve the award of the contract for the Broadwater Farm Design Architects - Urban Design Framework to Bidder A for the maximum sum of £1,396,357.60, in accordance with the provisions of the Council’s Contract Standing Order (CSO) 7.01 (B));
2. To authorise the issue of a Letter of Intent for an amount not to exceed 10% of the value of the contract;
3. To approve a contingency allowance in the amount set out in paragraph 2.1 of the exempt report delegates power to the Director of Housing, Regeneration and Planning to approve any necessary variations to the contract to accommodate unavoidable cost increases within the contingency allowance.

Reasons for decision

The appointment of the preferred bidder will enable the Council to progress with the delivery of new replacement homes for Tangmere and Northolt sites in accordance with Cabinet commitments made in November 2018.

Alongside the design of new  ...  view the full minutes text for item 112.

[Report of the Director of Housing, Regeneration and Planning. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategic Regeneration.]

This report seeks approval for the acquisition of a property located at 3 Shaftesbury Road, N18 1SW (“the Property”), to support the relocation of businesses situated within the High Road West regeneration area.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategic Regeneration introduced this report which sought approval for the acquisition of a property located at 3 Shaftesbury Road, N18 1SW (“the Property”), to support the relocation of businesses situated within the High Road West regeneration area.

The Cabinet Member highlighted that the acquisition of this asset, as outlined in the report, demonstrated a strong commitment by the Council to respond to the needs of businesses and provides the opportunity for them to continue in the local area, supporting the local economy and employment. The Council was committed to working with residents and businesses in delivering High Road West and providing the new Council homes, library and learning centre, commercial and retail space, high quality public realm and community park and community benefits that were required in the area.

In response to questions from Councillor Dennison, the following information was provided:

• The Cabinet Member noted it was not for the Council to consult as to whether the businesses in the Peacock industrial estate agreed to the Council acquiring a site. It was for the Council to ensure that the necessary provisions were there to offer businesses in the area.
• The Cabinet Member recognised businesses would be affected by the proposed changes in the area and the Council was doing all it could to ensure that there were alternative locations to offer affected businesses.
• Regarding offering replacement premises on the same contractual terms, the Cabinet Member noted that would be a discussion between officers and the affected local businesses but would largely be dependent on what was available.

Further to considering exempt information at item 23,

RESOLVED

1. To agree the purchase of the freehold interest in the Property known as “3 Shaftesbury Road, N18 1SW” (and shown edged red on the plan in Appendix 1) for the purchase price [referred to in the exempt part of the report] to be held in the General Fund and agree a total sum (referred to in the exempt part of the report) for the acquisition from the Strategic Acquisitions Budget [this paragraph includes information in the exempt part of the report]
2. To give delegated authority to the Director of Housing, Regeneration and Planning after consultation with the Leader and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategic Regeneration, to agree the final contract for the acquisition of the Property.
3. To give delegated authority to the Director of Housing, Regeneration and Planning after consultation with the Leader and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategic Regeneration, to agree the disposal of the Property to any businesses affected by the High Road West scheme, on the basis of progressing the objectives of the scheme, including Heads of Terms and final contract for its disposal and any works and fees required to facilitate that disposal.

Reasons for decision

The Council owns approximately a third of the land within the High Road West masterplan area and needs to acquire the outstanding land currently in third party ownership to deliver the wider benefits of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 113.

[Report of the Director of Housing, Regeneration and Planning. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal.]

This report seeks approval from Cabinet to acquire the freehold portfolio of properties in Barnet from the International Bible Student Association (IBSA) and spend the sum specified in the exempt report on these homes.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal introduced this report which sought approval from Cabinet to acquire the freehold portfolio of properties in Barnet and spend the sum specified in the exempt report on these homes.

The Cabinet Member was delighted that Haringey had the chance to acquire these homes which were mostly of family sized housing. They were good quality, they were for the most part family-sized and they would provide homeless households, or those needing supported housing, with somewhere to live that is safe, stable and well maintained – a place where individuals and families would have a better chance.

The Cabinet Member highlighted that if the acquisition were to be approved, these properties would be leased to the Haringey Community Benefit Society (the CBS) for a period of seven years to provide homes for homeless households or used to deliver supported housing for those with additional support needs.

The Cabinet Member closed by noting the report sought approval from Cabinet to acquire the properties and spend the sum specified in the exempt report on these homes.

Further to considering exempt information at item 24,

RESOLVED

1. To approve the purchase, for the price set out in the exempt part of the report, of the freehold interest in a portfolio of 92 properties from the Seller, for housing purposes and subject to satisfactory Legal and Strategic Property Unit due diligence processes, such as title checks, building condition surveys, servicing records and statutory compliance and agrees that the total sum to be spent on the purchase shall be the amount set out in the exempt part of the report.
2. To delegate authority to the Director of Housing, Regeneration and Planning, after consultation with the Director of Finance and the Lead Member for Housing and Estate Renewal, to agree the final terms of the acquisition.
3. To agree that these homes be leased to the CBS for a period of up to seven years unless the Director of Housing, Regeneration and Planning agrees their retention in Council stock for use as supported housing pursuant to 3.4.
4. To agree that officers investigate the feasibility of using a number of the homes as supported housing and delegates authority to the Director of Housing, Regeneration and Planning after consultation with the Director of Finance, the Director of Adults and Health, the Lead Member for Housing and the Lead Member for Adults and Health, on presentation of a business case to agree their use as such.

Reasons for decision

This acquisition represents an opportunity for the Council to secure 92 good-quality homes with a high proportion of family sized accommodation. These can be used to provide homeless households with temporary accommodation or long-term settled homes but may also be used for residents with support needs, subject to completion of the appropriate business case.

The portfolio consists of 20 one-bedroom, 64 two-bedroom, 2 three-bedroom and 6 four-bedroom properties. Once acquired the properties will be leased to the CBS and allocated to households under a Nominations Agreement.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 114.

[Report of the Director of Housing, Regeneration and Planning. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal.]

This report seeks Cabinet approval for the acquisition from Berkeley Square Developments ARS Limited (“BSD”) of the freehold interest of a block of flats to be known as 1A Ashley Gardens

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal introduced this report which sought approval for the acquisition from Berkeley Square Developments ARS Limited (“BSD”) of the freehold interest of a block of flats to be known as 1A Ashley Gardens.

The Cabinet Member noted 1A Ashley Gardens would provide 104 high quality new Council homes at Council rents by May 2022.

Further to considering exempt information at item 25,

RESOLVED

1. To approve the acquisition of the freehold of the property known as 1A Ashley Gardens, Tottenham Hale (shown edged red on the plan attached as Appendix 1) from Berkeley Square Developments ARS Limited for a sum of [EXEMPT], subject to a Red Book valuation and final Heads of Terms. The acquisition will comprise of the development of 108 new build homes, of which 104 will be Council homes for Council rent, plus two commercial units. Four homes and the two non-residential units will be leased back to BSD on 999-year leases. There are nine car spaces also included as part of the proposed package. The acquisition will be based on the draft Heads of Terms (subject to the final version) attached at Appendix 2. The total costs for the acquisition are [EXEMPT] which include SDLT and legal and property costs as set out in the Finance comments at section 8 of this report.
2. To delegate authority to agree the final Heads of Terms and the final documentation, including the Development Agreement, to the Director of Housing, Planning and Regeneration after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategic Regeneration, and with advice from the Director of Finance and the Assistant Director for Corporate Governance

Reasons for decision

The freehold acquisition of the 1A Ashley Gardens site will allow the Council to secure the rapid delivery of Council homes at Council rents.

This responds to local aspirations to see an increase in the number of new social rented homes delivered. By delivering ten per cent of the Borough Plan target of one thousand Council homes at Council rents by May 2022, it helps meet a key commitment of the Administration. It also delivers an improved mix of affordable housing within the scheme and in Tottenham Hale, which better meets the needs of local people.

Alternative options considered

Not to acquire the homes. This would require Berkeley Square Developments ARS Limited (BSD) to dispose of the homes to a Private Registered Provider on the basis of the current consented scheme which comprises 64 Shared Ownership homes and 33 homes at London Affordable Rent. This option was dismissed for three reasons:

• The borough would lose 64 homes for social rent because they would be sold on a Shared Ownership basis as per current planning permission.
• If the Council does not acquire these properties, the developer may delay the delivery of this scheme significantly until it could dispose to a registered provider.
• The Council would lose the benefit of having negotiated a revised mix  ...  view the full minutes text for item 115.

[Report of the Director of Housing, Regeneration and Planning. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal.]

This report seeks authority to enter into a Deed of Variation based on the draft heads of terms agreed in a proposed Letter from the Council to Newlon set out in Appendix B, enabling the £6.5m RTB funding to be spent on the Ferry Lane garage site and the Monument Way site, and/or other sites in the borough which will result in the delivery of the affordable housing

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal introduced this report which sought authority to enter into a Deed of Variation based on the draft heads of terms agreed in a proposed Letter from the Council to Newlon set out in Appendix B, enabling the £6.5m RTB funding to be spent on the Ferry Lane garage site and the Monument Way site, and/or other sites in the borough which will result in the delivery of the affordable housing

The Cabinet Member noted the Council’s Borough Plan included objectives to increase the supply of new affordable housing, which was also reflected in our Housing Strategy. The Council had now put in place a direct delivery programme to work towards building 1,000 new Council homes at Council rents by 2022. This represents a positive use of current RTB receipts, which we would no longer choose to allocate to delivery by external partners, as was done in March 2016. However, the amendment of that Original Funding Agreement will ensure that those funds are spent within the borough of Haringey and not returned to Government.

The Cabinet Member closed by noting the Council was demonstrating its commitment to the development of new, high-quality affordable rented homes for local people.

In response to questions from Councillor Brabazon, the following information was provided:

• The Cabinet Member confirmed the Ferry Lane garage site was located on Ferry Lane near Hale Wharf.
• Regarding the Monument Way development, the Cabinet Member recognised there were concerns around this.
• Officers noted retention of resources in the borough was key and so the Council had been working with the housing association Newlon to other areas of spend towards the delivery of affordable housing, and to refine estimates of spend at the Monument Way site up to the end of the 2019/20 financial year. Consequently, it was identified that significant spend was incurred towards the acquisition of the Ferry Lane Garage Site, which was intended to deliver affordable housing in due course. The Council’s main objective was to ensure that any money was not returned to the GLA but rather utilised in the borough where possible.
• The Cabinet Member noted discussions had been made regarding the housing mix on the proposed new site. Officers added that the Cabinet Member had requested that a provision for larger units be included in the Funding Agreement, in order to minimise or avoid one bed units where possible.

Further to considering exempt information at item 26,

RESOLVED

1. To agree the reallocation of the £6.5m RTB funding from use solely on the Monument Way site, to also include use on the Ferry Lane garage site and any other sites, and for the provision of 54 affordable rented homes to be provided on other sites (including Monument Way site, Ferry Lane garage site and other sites in the borough) as set out in paragraph 6.4 of this report, and for the Council to enter into a Deed of Variation based on the draft heads of terms contained in a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 116.

[Report of the Director of Housing, Regeneration and Planning. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategic Regeneration.]

This report sets out the basis of the proposal to acquire the NHS building in Burgoyne Road and the feasibility work required to set up the proposed use as a refuge facility for survivors of domestic abuse

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategic Regeneration introduced this report which set out the basis of the proposal to acquire the NHS building in Burgoyne Road and the feasibility work required to set up the proposed use as a refuge facility for survivors of domestic abuse.

The Cabinet Member was delighted to present this report which offered an opportunity for the Council to acquire a building from a local NHS Trust, which was currently unused, in order to create a refuge facility for survivors of domestic abuse and so to better meet local needs. The model of refuge provision proposed here was progressive and would change the local response to women escaping domestic abuse over time.

It was noted that though being described as being in Wood Green, the property concerned was located on Harringay Ladder near the railway stations.

The Cabinet Member claimed the acquisition would be a fantastic addition to the borough and thanked officers for their work in bringing about this acquisition to Cabinet.

In response to questions from Councillor Chandwani, the following information was provided:

• The Cabinet Member confirmed the building would have security built into the design.

Further to considering exempt information at item 27,

RESOLVED

1. To agree the acquisition of the freehold interest in the property known as the former NHS Clinic, Burgoyne Road, Wood Green (as shown edged in red on the plan in Appendix A) from the Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health National Health Service Trust for the purposes set out in section 6. of this report and for a sum set out in Part B of the report plus estimated costs of acquisition set out in Part B of the report.
2. To note that following a period of options appraisal, cost and development planning, a further report will be brought back to Cabinet for approval of the final business case for the site. This will include a plan which will include detailed designs, capital and revenue costs for the preferred option and a funding, delivery and operation strategy.

Reasons for decision

The Council are in a position to acquire the freehold of the building from the NHS Trust prior to the property being marketed for sale in the open market. A price has been agreed on the basis that the price represents best consideration to the NHS. Should the Council withdraw then the site is likely to be marketed on the open market.

The acquisition of the property will enable the Council to take forward the proposal to refurbish or develop the site for a new facility to provide a refuge facility for survivors of domestic abuse. This will bring a currently vacant NHS building into use for an important Council service need supporting the Council’s current Borough Plan needs.

Alternative options considered

The alternative is not to acquire the freehold interest in the property. This would forfeit the opportunity to provide a much needed refuge facility for survivors of domestic abuse at this site.

To consider any items admitted at Item 3 above.

None

Note from the Acting Democratic Services and Scrutiny Manager

Items 22 to 28 allow for consideration of exempt information in relation to items 14 to 19.

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:

·         Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

·         Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.

RESOLVED

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as the remaining items  contained exempt information as defined under paragraph 3 and 5  of  Part 1 schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

As per item 14.

 As per the exempt minutes and item 112.

As per item 15.

As per the exempt minutes and item 113.

As per item 16.

As per the exempt minutes and item 114.

As per item 17.

As per the exempt minutes and item 115.

As per item 18.

As per the exempt minutes and item 116.

As per  item 19.

As per the exempt minutes and item 117.

12^th November  2019

To approve the exempt minutes of the meeting held on the 12^th November 2019.

To consider any items admitted at Item 3 above.

As per item 106 and the exempt minutes.