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 of the Council referred to the filming at meetings notice and this information was noted by the attendees.

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were apologies for absence from Cllr Arkell.

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

There were no items of urgent business 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 20: Exclusion of the Press and Public. No representations with regard to these have been received.

This is the formal five 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 in relation to the exempt items.

A Member with a disclosable pecuniary interest or a prejudicial interest in a matter who attends a meeting of the authority at which the matter is considered:

(i) must disclose the interest at the start of the meeting or when the interest becomes apparent, and

(ii) may not participate in any discussion or vote on the matter and must withdraw from the meeting room.

A Member who discloses at a meeting a disclosable pecuniary interest which is not registered in the Register of Members’ Interests or the subject of a pending notification must notify the Monitoring Officer of the interest within 28 days of the disclosure.

Disclosable pecuniary interests, personal interests and prejudicial interests are defined at Paragraphs 5-7 and Appendix A of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

Cllr Chandwani and Cllr Hakata declared a personal interest in item 11 in accordance with the Member Code of Conduct at part five of the Council’s Constitution, and paragraph 6.2(i)

Cllr Hakata declared an interest in item 12 and would recuse himself from the meeting for this item.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 17 September 2024 as a correct record.

RESOLVED

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on the 17^th of September 2024 as an accurate record of the meeting.

To consider any requests received in accordance with Standing Orders.

None received

For Cabinet to note (if any).

None

Report of the Director for Culture, Strategy, and Engagement. To be introduced by the Leader of the Council.

This paper sets out the long-term strategic priorities of the Council and has been codeveloped with residents and stakeholders across the Borough.

The Leader of the Council introduced the report, which sought approval to the 10-year vision for the borough.

The Leader of the Council highlighted the following:

-       The vision built on the work already done on the Haringey Deal, which sets out the Council’s way of working and commitment to designing Council services and developing a different relationship with residents, and the Corporate Delivery Plan that sets out the Councils’ delivery ambitions over a 4-year period.

-       The vision responds to the recommendation from the Local Government Association’s Corporate Peer Challenge in May 2023 for a longer-term vision for the decade ahead.

-       The vision sets out a framework to maximise links with partners and stakeholders to build coalitions that help with the delivery of local priorities. It also embeds leadership of the equality, diversity, and Inclusion agenda.

The Leader of the Council concluded, that based on the engagement undertaken to create the vision, the attached document recognises the strengths of the borough and what feels authentically Haringey. It sets out a longer-term ambition where the Council works together with partners and residents to deliver an ‘A place where we can all belong and thrive’.

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

-       Regarding, the sequencing of the Corporate Delivery Plan and Borough Vision and which should have been taken forward first, the Corporate Delivery Plan was at its second iteration and was an action plan and the emphasis of the administration had been about taking actions and were already ‘doing’ the  actions of the vision  and had a strong  delivery model  in the Corporate Plan to enable this.

-       Partners and stakeholders had been involved in workshops and the Council worked with partners to ensure that they were able to input to the vision and this had taken longer to set up because the priority had been giving a full opportunity for a wide engagement exercise.

-       The consultation on the vision also drew on existing engagements taking place on key Council strategies that were being undertaken in the same period.

-       There would be use of existing governance arrangements such as forums and established partnership groups to progress the objectives and if these did not match the aimed for objective then they would be changes or creation of an engagement channel to meet this need.

-       The workshops had been attended by 48 different organisations and consultation had included staff as well. However, if there were gaps identified in the engagement planning outlined, the Cabinet was happy to receive feedback on this.

RESOLVED

To adopt the Haringey 2035 document at Appendix A to this report and agree for it to proceed to Full Council on 18 November 2024.

Reasons for decision

Haringey 2035 sets a ten-year vision for the borough. The document sets the ambition for the whole borough and a framework through which the ambition would be realised.

The Borough Vision should be seen as a foundational document setting out the shared  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

Report of the Director for Culture, Strategy and Engagement. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for  Culture and Leisure.

To develop a Culture Strategy for the borough. Our vision is to build strong and meaningful partnerships with local communities and wider partners so that all residents and visitors are benefiting from the social and economic impact of a vibrant cultural and creative Haringey.

The Leader introduced the report which sought approval of the Arts & Culture Strategy.

The Leader of the Council outlined the following:

-       Being awarded the status of London Borough of Culture in 2027 marked an exciting new chapter for Haringey.

-       This was the first Culture Strategy being developed in over two decades, outlining the borough aims, ambitions, and objectives in a particularly timely manner.

-       The vision was to foster a new approach to Haringey’s culture and creativity, ensuring that everyone in the Borough can participate in and benefit from cultural activities.

-       A key focus of the strategy was collaboration, and the aim was to develop an action plan that will guide efforts and strengthen partnerships across the community.

-       Commitment to nurturing and retaining homegrown talent, making Haringey a vibrant hub for creatives. Additionally, aim to expand audiences for civic events, ensuring that they resonate with all residents.

-       Whilst preparing for the London Borough of Culture in 2027, goals included inspiring residents, celebrating borough’s rich heritage, enabling individuals to see themselves reflected in borough events, and fostering connections between communities. Ultimately, aspiring to create a long-lasting legacy for culture in the Borough.

Following questions from Cllr Hakata and Cllr Barnes, the following information was shared.

-       In response to delivery of the strategy in the backdrop of financial constraints and maximising output, this was a partnership orientated plan, and the delivery plan would be delivered by partners and also by involving residents. There were already cultural activities organised and contributed to by community groups and partner and agencies. Therefore, the Council were building on the already rich cultural activity that went on in the borough. The Council were envisaging that the joint work with partners, would hopefully enable greater access to external funding and this would be in addition to the £1.3million funding already obtained from being awarded Borough of Culture. There was also opportunity to access heritage funding and other sources of funding as well as the opportunity to seek sponsorship. Therefore, drawing in extra resources was part of the sustainable future for Culture Strategy going forward.

-       In relation to the recognition of the Borough of Culture being measured, this would be recognised though the level of support that activities and events attract which was already substantial. This was further also already apparent with the activities  set out in the strategy and the variety of venues in the borough working with the Council. The Council would also be considering the locations that people were coming from to the activities in the borough and mapping this to inform the Borough of Culture events and activities. In addition, ensuring activities were for a wide range of groups such as young people and also getting them involved in this early planning work on events and initiatives.

-       In relation to the contention of whether there would be a genuinely co -designed Libraries Strategy, the Leader of the Council put on the record that the Council had taken  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

Report of the Interim Director for Placemaking and Housing. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning(Deputy Leader).

Considering two new policies for adoption across the Council's landlord services: the Housing Income Collection Policy and the Housing Arrears Policy

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning (Deputy Leader) introduced the report which sought approval to:

-       The Housing Income Collection Policy which set out how the Council manages its housing income collection effectively by describing what the Council will do to collect and support tenants to pay their rent.

-       The new Housing Arrears Policy which explained the Council’s approach to minimising rent and service charge arrears.

It was noted that the two policies had been prepared as separate documents to make them as concise and easy to understand. The Housing Income Collection Policy had been written separately from the Housing Arrears Policy to emphasise the Council’s support of a ‘Rent First’ approach. The Housing Arrears Policy demonstrated the Council's supporting measures in place to minimise arrears if timely payment cannot be made.

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

-       Regarding the information at paragraph 6.13 and the query of whether a tenant must be in credit to be entered into the prize draw, clarification would be provided in writing.

-       That the aim of the prize draw was to increase the number of tenants paying their rent by direct debit as this was the best payment method possible.

-       In relation to the current picture for on time payment for rents and supporting tenants in managing and sustaining rent payments, it was noted that the financial inclusion team supported and brought in additional income of £5m of unclaimed benefits that tenants were entitled to. In terms of support, there were a number of support packages such as:

-       New tenancy sign up induction involving advice on benefit entitlement.

-       Signposting tenants to external debt buyers services who can provide financial management advice where the debt is not housing related.

-       Income and expenditure assessment for tenants in arrears with a supportive consideration of the repayment period taking account family circumstances.

-       Eviction considered as an absolute last resort with an internal eviction panel that comprises of housing staff, including housing demand, before a decision is made to with proceedings.

RESOLVED

To approve the draft Housing Income Collection Policy and the draft Housing Arrears Policy to come into effect from 25 October 2024.

Reasons for decision

These newly drafted clear and accessible policies will outline the Council’s approach to income management for Council tenants and for their wider households.

The new policies will help the Council meet the Social Housing Regulator’s consumer standards, specifically the Tenancy Standard and the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard.

Alternative options considered

We could continue to not have policies in place for this service. This option was rejected because it would not meet the Council’s needs or those of its tenants. Introducing these new policies will assist the Council to meet the Social Housing Regulator’s Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard requirement to deliver fair, reasonable, accessible and transparent policies. This option would also not meet our commitment to introduce updated policies in the Housing Strategy 2024 ? 2029 and the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

Report of the Director for Children’s Services. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families.

To seek agreement to commence a statutory consultation on the options for the future of Tiverton Primary School.

Cllr Hakata left the room (7.00pm)

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Schools introduced the report which set out options for the future of Tiverton Primary School and sought agreement from the Cabinet to commence consultation on these options. The reasons for this decision were set out as follows:

-       Continued fall in demand for school places in PA3, Tiverton was currently operating as a 1fe primary school. Prior to 2020, the school had a published admission number (PAN) of 60. This was reduced to 30 from September 2020 to align with demand.

-       The school now had 176 children on roll as of September 2024, a reduction by 50%. This is owing to in-year movement and a larger cohort of Year 6 pupils that have transitioned to secondary school and a smaller cohort of only 25 pupils that starting in Reception.

-       Falling school rolls results in reduced funding and means that extremely difficult for a school to remain financially viable when pupil numbers are falling as most school funding is pupil-based in line with the School’s National Funding Formula. Unused or vacant school places created an immediate cost pressure for a school through a reduced budget, which in turn can affect the overall sustainability and quality of education standards.

-       Concerns stemming from the internal audit report issued to Tiverton Primary School in June 2024, which provided an overall assurance rating of ‘Limited Assurance’. There were serious weaknesses identified in key financial processes which places the school at risk of longer-term financial viability. The school is under a licensed deficit scheme and is receiving support from the local authority to help it achieve a balanced financial position, however, it still remains at risk of unviability due to falling rolls.

The Cabinet Member advised Cabinet the views of governors from Tiverton Primary as well as other local schools would be sought. The school’s team would be gathering feedback on the proposals from parents and staff and other stakeholders that may be impacted by any of options that may be progressed.

In proposing the options set out in the attached report, careful consideration and weight had been given to:

a)         the financial viability of Tiverton Primary School if it were to remain open;

b)         the opportunity for another primary school to federate with Tiverton Primary School and whether this could lead to a sustainable solution;

c)         whether any other school in the local area might be willing to amalgamate with Tiverton Primary and has the physical capacity to accommodate all the displaced pupils onto its site;

d)         whether Seven Sisters as the nearest community school with the same type and characteristic as Tiverton Primary School was the best possible option for an amalgamation

e)         whether or not there would be sufficient primary school places in the local area that could provide a suitable alternative for displaced pupils

Whilst options for the future of the school were being considered, the Cabinet Member emphasised that the Council remained firmly committed to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

Report of the Director of Culture, Strategy, and Engagement. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Resident Services & Tackling Inequality.

This report provides an update on how we are seeking to learn from the feedback we receive from residents and use this to shape and improve our services. Appendix one will also provide the annual data for staff compliments, complaints, Members Enquiries, Freedom of Information requests and Ombudsman cases.

Cllr Hakata returned to the room at 7.11pm.

The Cabinet Member for Resident Services and Tackling Inequality introduced the report which put forward annual data for staff compliments, complaints, members enquiries and ombudsman cases.

In response to questions from Cllr Hakata and Cllr Barnes, the following information was noted:

-       Regarding developing cultural change within the services for responding to complaints, this was a continued leadership priority and meant changing to a borough that listens. This objective was being facilitated in a variety of ways through staff training, management oversight, engagement with residents, proactively providing information to mitigate complaints and enquiries. Furthermore, developing a culture that complaints were everyone's responsibility and considered as a nugget of insight.

-       The members inquiry email inbox was temporarily unavailable in the previous week, and this was an IT glitch and resolved quite promptly.

-       Children’s social care services related complaints were often long and complex and could be delayed due a number of factors including awaiting a case verdict, a report from a psychologist, a report from an independent inquiry, or needing to look through extensive files. The Director for Children’s Services added that, usually whilst the complaint is being processed, the social work team will need to prioritise continuing working with the family. However, the social workers will be aware that management need to answer the complaint and usually at earlier stages of a complaint, this will happen. However, when it became more complicated, such as a care proceedings case with a child subject to protection plan, then the social worker will carry on with the work trying to resolve the issues in real time rather than respond to the complaint. In relation to the specific information in the report on the response rate, of 2 cases out of 28 responded to on time, the Director would make contact with the Feedback Manager on this issue.

-       Regarding the increased number of complaints progressed through the Ombudsman and upheld against Haringey by the Housing Ombudsman, which was more than double from the previous year, the reason for the increase was the change in how housing complaints were classified and reported according to the previous government’s guidance.

RESOLVED

To note the contents of this report and the appendices.

Reasons for decision

N/A as non- key decision

Report of the Director for Resident Services and Environment. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Communities.

Adoption of revised Gambling Act Policy within the Borough. The Policy will go to Full Council on the 18th of November.

The Cabinet Member for Communities introduced the report which sought approval of the Council’s Statement of Gambling Policy for the Gambling Act 2005 for the years 2025-2028. This report advised of the outcome of the consultation which was set out at Table 1 and 2 of the report with most responders expressing their dislike of gambling in general terms.

The review built on information for the Local Area Profiles. These profiles would provide a good evidence base of gambling in the local area and help identify any future risks, which will inform the decision-making process.

In response to comments and questions from Cllr das Neves, and Cllr Brabazon, the following was noted.

-       That the Council was restricted in this policy and limited on actions due to national legislation . However, the consultation provided the Council with useful information around the feelings and concerns of residents across the borough and highlighted the unique work of the borough on gambling harms with extensive work around services which also entailed listening to the voices of those affected by the gambling harms. The Council would look to continuing to improve the protections of people in the borough and beyond from gambling harm.

-       In relation to ongoing work going on with London Councils or the Local Government Association to try and influence changes to legislation and to tackle the concentration of betting shops or adult gaming centres, this was being taken forward. The Council were exploring ways with partners on how to make the case for a reform legislation and ensure there were changes to the regulations. The licensing team were working with public health led by the Cabinet Member for Adults, Social Care and Health and this would be one of the areas to explore.

RESOLVED

1. To approve the Statement of Gambling Policy 2025 – 2028 at Appendix 1and recommend to Full Council that it be adopted with effect from 31st

January 2025, taking into consideration:

i) the outcome of the consultation set out in paragraph 8.3 of the

report and

ii) the equality impact assessment in Appendix 3.

2. To agree that Full Council should resolve that, in respect of new casinos, no premises licences shall be granted after the date that this resolution comes into effect and that this resolution shall come into effect on 31st January 2025.
3. To note the supplementary guidance containing the local area profile information at Appendix 2.

Reasons for decision

The Council is obliged to review and adopt A Statement of Licencing Policy for Gambling every three years. The current policy is due to expire in January 2025. Therefore, a new policy must be adopted.

Alternative options considered

No alternatives were considered. It is a legislative requirement that the policy be reviewed at least every three years, and that a public consultation is carried out.

Failure to review and adopt the statement of gambling policy would result in the

Council failing to comply with legislation.

Report of the Interim Director for Placemaking and Housing. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for  Housing and Planning(Deputy Leader).

This report recommends appointing a contractor to complete the Council's scheme to deliver fifteen Council homes for Council rent.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning (Deputy Leader) introduced the report which sought Cabinet’s approval to appoint the recommended contractor to complete a new build development of 15 new Council homes on Land adjacent Wat Tyler House, Boyton Road N8 7AU. The scheme comprised of six one-bedroom flats, one of which was fully adaptable, eight two-bedroom flats and one three-bedroom flat. The scheme would improve the existing public realm. Detailed planning permission was granted on 1st June 2023.

Cabinet was asked in light of the formal procurement exercise to approve the appropriation of the land edged red on the development plan at Appendix 1 from housing for planning purposes to facilitate the development process. This would allow the Council to utilise its powers to override any third-party interests and rights (subject to engagement with any potential claimants) and then to appropriate the land back to housing following practical completion of the development.

In response to questions from Cllr Carlin and Cllr Barnes, it was noted that there would be an opportunity for downsizing and one bedroom and two-bedroom properties would be available to other residents in Wat Tyler House to free up the family sized home offers. The expected start date on the site was January 2025.

Further to considering exempt information and exempt recommendation at item 21,

RESOLVED

1. To approve the appointment of Contractor A, identified in the exempt part of the report, to undertake the new build works to provide a total of fifteen new homes let at social rents at Wat Tyler House for a contract sum set out in the exempt part of the report; and approves sum set out in the exempt part of the report.

2. To approve the appropriation of Land adjacent to Wat Tyler House shown edged red on the plan titled ‘Development Plan’ attached at Appendix 1, from housing purposes to planning purposes pursuant to section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972 as it is no longer required for the purposes which it is currently held, and for the purposes of carrying the development as set out in part 6 of this report.

3. To approve the use of the Council’s powers under Section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 to override easements and other third-party rights and interests infringed upon by the Wat Tyler House development, under planning permission Ref: HGY/2022/3858.

4. To delegate to the Director of Placemaking & Housing, after consultation with the Director of Finance and the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning (Deputy Leader) authority to make payments of compensation as a result of genuine claims of third-party rights affected by the Wat Tyler House development and payable as a result of the recommendation 3.1.3, within the existing scheme of delegation.

5. To approve the appropriation of Land adjacent Wat Tyler House site shown edged red in the plan titled ‘Development Plan’ attached at Appendix 1, from planning purposes back to housing purposes under Section 19 of the Housing Act 1985, after practical completion of the development.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

Report of the Director of Environment and Resident Experience. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Resident Services & Tackling Inequality.

Decision in relation to the Waste & Street Cleansing Service Review, considering who will deliver services from 2027 and how services will be designed.

The Cabinet Member for Resident Services and Tackling Inequality introduced the report, which set out the outcome of a series of assessments, which had been delivered under the ‘Waste Service Review’, focusing on developing recommendations across three broad areas:

-       Service Delivery – who will deliver the services (i.e. in-house, outsourced contract, further extension of the current contract, Local Authority Trading Company (LATCo)),

-       Service Design – how will services be designed to improve recycling and waste minimisation performance (i.e. smaller waste containers/frequency of collections etc), and improve cleanliness of streets

-       Fleet – how will we transition to a Zero Emission (ZE) fleet.

The existing contract with Veolia had been in place for almost 14 years and was due to expire in April 2027. Following the Waste Service Review and subsequent consultation exercise, it was now proposed that the Council undertake a procurement process to approve a service provider to deliver recycling and waste collection, street cleansing and ancillary services from April 2027.

In response to questions from Cllr Hakata and Cllr Barnes, the following information was noted:

-       In relation to having a full commitment to Electrical Vehicles in the first instance, it was important to note that there was no decision, at this meeting, on going to procurement on the operational mode of vehicles and the aim was to continue to look for the least polluting options that were available to the Council. The report set out the cost modelling that had been carried out for the different options. This noted that an electrified fleet was substantially more expensive to the organisation, both in terms of the vehicles and also the infrastructure set up costs, but the Council remained optimistic that over time as battery technology in particular would to evolve and improve bringing prices down.

-       The Director for Environment and Resident Experience added that the HVO option provided significant improvement in terms of the carbon position in comparison to the existing fleet. In conclusion, the report contained the information that was currently available on potential zero emission fleets and the commitment was to continue considering the best options.

-       In response to the question of a reduced household waste bin size being connected with increase in fly tipping, there was no evidence or correlation that showed that boroughs who have the smaller household waste bin size have a higher proportion of fly tipping. This was an issue in London and major cities, regardless of the bin size.

-       Evidence showed that the garden recycling rate was not significantly impacted by moving from weekly to fortnightly collections. Haringey were one of the only a few London boroughs that still had weekly garden waste collection and were rarely collecting all bins. However, the aim was still to keep this service and keep it attractive to people at the right price but ensure that there were fewer truck journeys affecting the environment. There was no evidence to suggest that two weekly garden waste collection reduced  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

To note the minutes of the following:

Cabinet Member Signing

12 September 2024

12 September 2024

16^th  September 2024

26 September 2024

RESOLVED

To note the minutes of the following:

Cabinet Member Signings

12 September 2024

12 September 2024

16^th  September 2024

26 September 2024

To note the delegated decisions taken by Directors.

RESOLVED

To note the delegated decisions taken by Directors.

As per item 3.

None

Note from the Democratic Services and Scrutiny Manager

Items 21 to 24 allow for consideration of exempt information in relation to items 15, 16 and 6

TO RESOLVE

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as items 21 to 24 contain exempt information as defined under paragraphs 3 and 5, Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972:

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 items 21 to 24 contained exempt information as defined under paragraphs 3 and 5, Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972:

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

As per item 15.

The Cabinet considered the exempt information and agreed the exempt recommendations. They further considered and agreed the recommendation in the public report as outlined at item 39.

As per item 16.

The Cabinet noted the exempt information in the exempt appendices A and B and in particular the outcome of the  best value  consultation and  the indicative cost of the  fleet. They continued to approve the resolutions as outlined at item 40.

To confirm and sign the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 17 September 2024 as a correct record.

RESOLVED

To approve the exempt minutes of the meeting held on the 17^th of September 2024.

As per item 3.

None