Agenda and minutes

Cabinet
Tuesday, 10th December, 2024 6.30 pm

Venue: George Meehan House, 294 High Road, Wood Green, N22 8JZ

Contact: Ayshe Simsek, Democratic Services and Scrutiny Manager  Email: ayshe.simsek@haringey.gov.uk

Note: There is limited seating due to health and safety requirements and priority will be given to public participating in the meeting 

Items
No. Item

76.

Filming at Meetings

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.

Minutes:

The Chair referred to the filming at meetings notice, and attendees noted this information.

77.

Apologies

To receive any apologies for absence.

Minutes:

There were apologies for absence from Cllr das Neves.

78.

Urgent Business

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 23 below. New items of exempt business will be dealt with at Item 26 below).

Minutes:

The Democratic Services and Scrutiny Manager advised the meeting that  there was one item of late business to consider with item 9, this was a letter from Highgate Library Action Group, which  needed to be  considered with the Consultation Report (Appendix 4), in the report’s section for Organisational Responses (page 355, Appendix 1).

 

The Leader of the Council accepted  this item of late business for the reasons outlined in the cover page tabled at the meeting.

 

79.

Declarations of Interest

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.

Minutes:

 Cllr Chandwani declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in item 16 in accordance with the member code of conduct - part 2 paragraph 4.1 and would recuse herself for this item in accordance with paragraph 4.2.

 

Cllr Williams declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in item 18 in accordance with the member code of conduct - part 2 paragraph 4.1 and would recuse herself for this item in accordance with paragraph 4.2.

80.

Notice of Intention to Conduct Business in Private, any Representations Received and the Response to any such Representations

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 24: 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.

Minutes:

There were no representations received.

81.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 425 KB

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2024 as a correct record.

Minutes:

RESOLVED

 

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2024 as a correct record.

82.

Deputations/Petitions/Questions

To consider any requests received in accordance with Standing Orders.

Minutes:

There was a deputation put forward from Haringey Living Streets in support of the recommendations on making permanent the LTN trials in Bounds Green, West Green, Bruce Grove, and St Ann’s.

 

Lee VilinskyChair of Healthy Streets and Tottenham spoke in support of the LTN’s, and he congratulated the Council on successfully implementing three schemes and commended their commitment to a divisive but essential initiative. Mr Vilinsky shared that, on a personal level, the schemes had made it safer for him and his three children to walk or cycle to Downhills Park and Lordship Rec and he continued to outline the community benefits achieved in the LTN areas.

 

A desire was expressed for an expanded active travel network, particularly benefiting families and individuals new to cycling or wheeling. Mr Vilinsky highlighted ongoing challenges, including increased traffic from Spurs events, the Drum Sheds, and future developments like Meridian Water, which could disproportionately impact their neighbourhood without further action. Acknowledging that change takes time, he stated that this decision was a significant step forward and urged Haringey to accelerate efforts towards creating a healthier, more sustainable environment.

 

Mohammed Eljaouhari a resident of St Ann's ward spoke on behalf of the wider Haringey Living Streets Group. He expressed that it had been a long road to get to this position and felt the journey has just begun since the initial proposals were announced a few years ago through the implementation of the streets for people initiative. 

 

There had been voices on both sides advocating for and against the LTN schemes.

Mr Eljaouhari spoke about the positive benefits that he had seen with the changes such as a safer environment where children played in the streets, neighbours interacted more, and businesses continued to thrive. He asked the Council  to  implement  more LTN’and deliver promised further crossings and cycle lanes in the borough.

 

Mr Eljaouhari emphasised the importance of taking the next steps promptly to reassure residents that the initiatives were part of a broader, long-term plan. He referenced the Walking and Cycling Action Plan published two years earlier, which outlined Haringey’s goals to lead in climate action, reduce pollution and road collisions, and enhance the urban environment. He reminded the Council that public support for these efforts, which existed before the introduction of the low-traffic measures, had only grown stronger over time.

 

Councillor Hakata thanked the group for their deputation and emphasised the crucial role they played in advocating for change throughout the process. He acknowledged that none of the progress in Haringey’s local streets would have been possible without residents leading the way and speaking out. Also, it was stated that if the Cabinet voted to retain the schemes, they would form part of a broader plan. This plan, outlined in the Walking and Cycling Action Plan, included initiatives such as strategic cycle lanes, school streets, bike hangars, greening projects, and public realm improvements to create liveable and sociable neighbourhoods. The importance of ensuring these efforts benefitted everyone and continue to be co-produced  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82.

83.

Matters Referred to Cabinet by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

For Cabinet to note (if any).

Minutes:

NONE

84.

Review of Libraries Operating Hours pdf icon PDF 2 MB

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

 

Following public consultation on different options, this report contains proposals to modify library opening hours across the borough.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure introduced the report which set out the results of the public consultation around different options proposed to vary the operating hours of the borough’s libraries and recommended an in-principle decision to adopt revised Option 3, subject to consultation with affected staff, as the best option for the Council to continue to deliver a comprehensive and efficient library service within its reduced budget envelope.

 

The Cabinet Member spoke of the protection and support of libraries and highlighted that in recent years the Council had invested nearly £5m to upgrade and make branch libraries accessible. She also highlighted that the borough had some of the longest library hours in London in recent years. Unfortunately, due to the ever-increasing costs of adult and children’s social care and the housing crisis which had pushed many residents into temporary accommodation, the point had been reached now where it was no longer sustainable to maintain such long hours, especially at times of the day when there were not many people coming into libraries.

 

In August, the Council launched a public consultation which ran to mid-October. The consultation focused on proposed adjustments to operating hours. This process was collaborative and evidence-based, looking both at library footfall analysis and feedback from residents, the Friends of Reading & Education (FORE) and other community groups.

 

It was noted that arising from the consultation there was a strong preference from residents and library users to maintain lunchtime openings, create more consistent hours and prioritise Sunday and evening opening times. A key change emphasised was that the Council would be keeping both Hornsey and Marcus Garvey library open on Sundays. The Cabinet Member expressed that the Council wanted to keep as much library space open as possible, especially for children and young people studying.

The Council had listened during the engagement process and were now proposing changes to the proposed schedule of opening hours which was contained in the paper.

Going forward, the Council were committed to developing a strategic plan to ensure libraries remain sustainable and fit for the future. This would include modernising library services, exploring more income generation opportunities and adapting to the evolving needs of our communities – particularly in the post-pandemic landscape. The Council were especially focused on engaging the next generation of library users.

It was noted that to reduce the day-to-day staff costs of libraries by reducing hours for now, preserved the investment in library buildings in recent years and reflected the value given to them as public assets.

The following information was provided in response to questions from Cllr Ovat, Cllr Gordon, Cllr Hakata, Cllr Brabazon, Cllr Brennan and Cllr Cawley- Harrison.

 

-       The Council had carried out a detailed equality impact assessment as the needs of residents who lived closest to Highgate Library in the west of the borough were very different from those who relied on the Coombs Croft Library in the east of the borough. The Council had observed and worked within legal duties to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 84.

85.

2024/25 Finance Update Quarter 2 pdf icon PDF 2 MB

Report of the Director of Finance. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services.

 

This report will provide an update on the Quarter 2 budget monitoring and Council's financial position. It will seek approval for any changes to the Council's revenue or capital budgets required to respond to the changing financial scenario and the delivery of the MTFS.

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services introduced the report which set out the budget update covering the position at Quarter 2 (Period 6) of the 2024/25 financial year including General Fund (GF) Revenue, Capital, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budgets. The report focused on significant budget variances including those arising from the forecast non-achievement of approved Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) savings.

 

The following issues were outlined by the Cabinet Member:

 

-       Haringey, amongst other boroughs, continued to face considerable in year demand pressures, particularly in the cost and complexity of delivering adult social care, children’s social care and the rise in costs of securing temporary accommodation for homeless households.

 

-       The need to continue to be ambitious for the borough and residents despite difficult financial circumstances and maintain the achievements and aims of the Council such as: 98% of all schools good or outstanding,  Children’s services graded ‘Good’ by Ofsted, SEND receiving the highest possible grading, delivering 3,000 new, high quality Council homes by 2031, planting thousands of trees and continuing Haringey Works to provide local employment.

 

-       Haringey was considered an outer London borough for funding purposes (although inner London for statistical purposes) but has all the pressures of an inner London borough with the additional burden of lower business rates receipts and an average of band C for Council tax.

 

-       The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) continued to show pressure, caused primarily by the continued high number of void properties, the rising cost of repairs and dealing with damp and mould. This had been mitigated by a reduction in capital spend and some staff vacancies. The HRA budget overspend was still well within the £8m set aside annually for capital investment.

 

-       The capital programme was under constant review to reduce the revenue implications of any additional borrowing.

 

-       The Council were working on agreed Budget for 2025/26 and medium-term financial strategy (MTFS). The impact of in-year pressures on next year’s budget and Corporate Delivery Plan were well recognised and officers were working on all measures to reduce demand.

 

In response to comments and questions from Cllr Cawley- Harrison, the following information was shared.

 

-       Responding to the remark on the significant and worrying increase in the Council’s budget gap since the last quarterly update report to Cabinet, and concern about the confidence in the budget setting process together with the frequency of budget monitoring reports, it was noted that part of the overspend was due to now better being able to quantify budget risks, particularly in terms of bad debts provision, and housing benefit payment issues. The Director of Finance would be introducing a half year position report to avoid some surprises in the budget forecast going forward. There was also a second piece of work being completed on providing assurance about next year's budget and this was the detailed review on the delivery of savings with more realistic assumptions, which was also now showing an impact in figures  ...  view the full minutes text for item 85.

86.

HRA 2025/26- 2029/30 Budget/MTFS pdf icon PDF 690 KB

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

 

Cabinet to note the proposed Housing revenue account capital programme and revenue budgets, which includes proposed tenants rent & service charge increases for 2025/26.

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning (Deputy Leader) introduced the report which proposed  the draft annual business plan for its Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2025/26, as part of the wider budget/MTFS proposals. The Housing Revenue Account covered income and expenditure relating to the Council’s own housing stock. It was an account that is ring-fenced from the Council’s general fund, as required by the Local Government Act 1989. The HRA business plan considers projected income and expenditure over a 10- and 30-year period and the income generated from tenants and leaseholders was used solely for the purpose of investment in its homes, in delivering new Council homes, and providing good quality services to tenants and leaseholders.

In response to questions from Cllr Cawley- Harrison, the following information was noted.

-       With regards to the confidence in the reserve position of the HRA, the annual revenue contribution to capital outlay (RCCO), which was the revenue surplus after expenditure, set out in the plan was to maintain an ongoing £8m minimum annual surplus. The plan also assumed a year on year working balance of £20m. This increased position was established at the end of 2021/22 and was recommended to be retained to enable the Council to deal with any unforeseen risks in the light of the extensive programme it was undertaking and the challenging external environmental factors.

 

-       Regarding the assertion that failure to invest in housing stock long-term had an  impact on repair costs and the associated overspend on repair costs from adopting a fire-fighting approach to repairs, it was noted that the fundamental issue was that rents had not kept up with inflation for many years, as rents had been capped by successive governments. The result of this was an under-investment in housing stock over many years. The Cabinet Member set out that there was a move in government for rent convergence, which would see rent levels brought back in line with where they should have been. The Cabinet Member cautiously welcomed this proposal and advised that it would help local authorities with investment and sustainability of their housing stock.

 

-       In relation to general needs void properties and clearing this backlog to address the budget surplus gap in the HRA, the Operational Director for Housing challenged the assertion that the Council had failed to make improvements in turning around void properties. It was commented that last year the Council had a backlog of voids going back many years. As of the current financial year, that back-log had reduced. . However, at the same time there had also been around 350 properties that had become void in the current financial year, so there was significant churn in this area. Of the 350 voids, 120 of those were the direct result of a Neighbourhood Moves scheme. The Operational Director of Housing acknowledged that the number of voids was higher than the organisation would like it to be. However, the issue was that a significant number of new voids were coming  ...  view the full minutes text for item 86.

87.

Scheme of Financial Regulations & Standing Orders for Schools pdf icon PDF 284 KB

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

 

Cabinet to note proposed regulations and standing orders for schools.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Schools introduced the report which contained the Scheme of Financial Regulations and Standing Orders for Schools and set out the financial relationship between the Council and the maintained schools in the Borough. The Council was required to have an up to date and agreed Scheme for Financing schools.

 

The following was outlined by the Cabinet Member:

 

-       In an environment where financial pressures are increasing right across the public sector it is important that the controls on how schools operate and use their delegated budgets are brought up to date.

 

-       The attached report set of financial regulations and standing orders for schools refreshes previous versions of the document reflecting current DfE guidance, and changes in the operational environment in the Council as well as schools.

 

-       The financial regulations and standing orders have been shared with schools and considered by the School’s Forum.

 

-       Once approved by Cabinet, the document will be published on the Council’s website, and a copy will be sent to the Head Teacher and Chair of Governors of each school.

 

RESOLVED

 

 

  1. To approve the Scheme of Financial Regulations and Standing Orders for Schools

 

  1. To note that schools have been consulted on the regulations and standing orders and have been endorsed by the Schools Forum on 16 July 2024.

 

Reasons for decision

 

The Financial Regulations and Standing Orders for Schools have not been updated for a considerable period of time. The attached document revises and updates the regulations and standing orders based on current DfE guidance.

 

The role of the scheme sets out the financial relationship between the local authority and the maintained schools which it funds and describes requirements relating to financial management and associated issues, binding both on the local authority and on schools.

 

This is issue 16 of statutory guidance given by the Secretary of State pursuant to s.48(4) and paragraph 2A (2) of Schedule 14 to the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, School Standards and Framework Act 1998.

 

Local authorities are required to publish schemes for financing schools, setting out the financial relationship between them and the schools they maintain. This guidance lists the provisions which a local authority’s scheme must, should or may include. Schemes need not follow the format used in this guidance, except for the text of directed revisions.

 

Alternative options considered.

 

No other options considered as preparation and publication of the Scheme for Financing Schools is a statutory requirement with which local authorities must comply.

88.

Fees & Charges 2025-26 pdf icon PDF 294 KB

Report of the Director of Finance. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services.

 

 

The Council's income policy requires an annual review of the level of the fees and charges levied upon service users .This report considers the relevant factors affecting the review of fees and charges and identifies those services where an increase is being proposed.

 

 

 

Please note that this report does not contain proposed changes to daily Visitor Permits as the consultation ended on the 23rd of November. This will now be considered as part of the Parking Policy and Strategy  report in January  2025.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services introduced the report which   set out the Fees and Charges proposed from the start of the financial year 2025/26, proposing increases to offset the cost increases associated with those services, or alternative values where circumstances indicate this is more appropriate.

The Cabinet Member outlined that the proposed changes aimed to support the Council’s ambition for a fairer, greener borough. It was emphasised that to protect the Council’s ability to provide essential services, it was necessary to ensure that the costs of these services could be covered.

Acknowledging the ongoing challenges many households faced due to the cost of living; these factors had been considered when setting the fees and charges for the coming year. However, it was noted that the fees and charges must align with and support the Council’s priorities. After considering all relevant factors, the proposed fees and charges were deemed necessary and appropriate, and the report was commended to the Cabinet.

In response to questions from Councillor Cawley-Harrison, the following was noted:

 

-          Regarding why visitor day permits were omitted from the fees and charges table, it was clarified that changes to these permits were not included as the parking consultation was still ongoing at the time of the report collation. Decisions regarding the permits would be addressed in the parking policy and strategy report in January 2025.

 

-          Regarding not significantly increasing fees for large commercial events, such as those in Finsbury Park, it was explained that the Council had a multi-year agreement with festival organisers, and the proposed fees reflected this arrangement.

 

-          In relation to the introduction of a new charge for hiring main library spaces, and whether this might lead to reduced library opening hours, it was clarified that hiring main library spaces would not typically result in closures. Libraries were designed to remain flexible and open for public use, even when parts of the space were hired out. The Council had benchmarked charges to ensure they remained competitive and accessible, and it was confirmed that the intention was to maintain library accessibility. A follow-up would be conducted to confirm that this policy was being implemented as intended.

 

RESOLVED

 

  1. To agree the proposed non-statutory fees and charges to be levied by the Council with effect from 1 April 2025, unless otherwise stated, and as detailed in Section 8 and Appendices I – XIII.

 

  1. To note the statutory fees and charges to be levied by the Council with effect from 1 April 2025.

 

  1. To note that the Council’s draft 2025/26 Budget and Medium-Term

Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2025/26-2029/30 assumes that the changes to Fees and Charges set out in this report are agreed.

 

  1. To note that any subsequent in-year changes or additions to the fees and charges proposed in this report may be approved by Lead Member.

 

  1. To authorise officers to proceed to statutory notification on proposed increases to parking fees and charges as set out in Appendix II and to note that there is a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 88.

89.

LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review Report and Action Plan Update pdf icon PDF 239 KB

Report of the Chief Executive. To be introduced by the Leader of the Council.

 

Findings from the Progress Review visit that took place in June 2024, as a follow-up to the Corporate Peer Challenge that took place in May 2023.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council introduced the report for this item. It was noted that the Council had taken part in the peer challenge in May 2023, and this review showed the improvements that had been made on core Haringey deal priorities. The report demonstrated that good progress had been made to encourage communities to participate in decision making processes; for example, more than 700 residents were engaged to help shape the 10-year Borough Vision. In terms of some of the areas which were highlighted as requiring further improvement, these included the fact that there were not many opportunities for members and senior officers to interact outside of formal meetings to improve trust and confidence.

The following was noted in response to questions from Cllr Cawley Harrison –

-       In terms of the capital programmes, recommendations were around the governance, oversight and the size, all of which were works in progress at this stage. Some of the improvements that were set out in the report would be presented to Overview and Scrutiny Committee. There was still work to do to ensure that the overall governance was in place.

 

-       Officers were working to create different spaces for wider member and officer engagement. Efforts were put in to identify different ways of reaching members and providing information to them, a lot of these initiatives were driven by the Cabinet Member for Resident Services and Tackling Inequality. The Member bulletin had been revamped and officers had put a lot of effort into reminding officers to brief ward members about initiatives going on in their ward. This was an ongoing piece of work.

RESOLVED

 

  1. To note the findings set out in the report at Appendix A, which was produced by the LGA following the Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review that took place in June 2024.

 

  1. To note the updates to the recommendations set out in the action plan at Appendix B.

 

Reasons for decision

 

There is an expectation that all Councils who take part in LGA Corporate Peer Challenges publish the reports that are produced as part of the process and take action in response to them.

 

This paper publishes the report that was produced by the LGA following the Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review that took place in June 2024.

 

The recommendations are important in helping the Council improve, including building stronger relationships with residents and communities in Haringey and providing better, more efficient services.

 

Alongside the LGA’s report, the update on the action plan sets out what the Council is doing to respond to the recommendations from 2023, including specific actions, when they will be delivered, and who will be responsible for delivering them.

 

 Alternative options considered.

 

As this report is to share information and provide an update on committed actions, the only alternative is to not publish or share updates on this. It was decided this is not an appropriate option as the LGA expect the Council to be open and transparent and this is consistent with our approach and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89.

90.

Adopting a new Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Policy for council tenants and leaseholders, and those approaching the council as homeless pdf icon PDF 315 KB

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

 

Considering a new policy to apply to all Haringey Council tenants, leaseholders and those approaching the Council due to homelessness because of domestic abuse: The Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls policy.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning (Deputy Leader) introduced the report which sought approval of the new Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Policy for  Council tenants and leaseholders and those approaching the Council as homeless sets out an aim to improve the safety of those asking for assistance from our housing service affected by domestic abuse and other abuses that come under the ‘Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)’ umbrella including men and boys. This covers Council tenants, leaseholders and those approaching the Council as homeless. 

The Deputy Leader highlighted that this was the last day of the ‘Sixteen days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence’ campaign. She emphasised the Council’s commitment to supporting the safety of victims of gender-based violence and it’s zero tolerance toward domestic abuse to residents in their properties as well as those approaching the Council as homeless.

She stated that the Policy outlined the Council’s commitment to meeting the social and emotional needs of those experiencing domestic abuse. It also outlined response times, and the nature of the support given to victims of domestic abuse and survivors to enable them to make informed choices. An ‘all-staff approach’ had been employed so that every staff contact with residents was maximised to ensure the safety of victims.

Insights from the Resident Voice Board had been instrumental in shaping this policy. The Board had consisted of 15 residents of diverse tenures that reported into the Placemaking and Housing Board. The Cabinet Member expressed her gratitude to those who contributed as this had ensured the policy better reflected the need of communities.

In response to questions from Cllr Chandwani, Cllr Hakata, and Cllr Cawley – Harrison, the following information provided.

 

-       In response to questions about the monitoring of the effectiveness of the approach and whether the results could be brought to Cabinet for discussion, the Cabinet Member stated that monitoring occurred through their partner at Hearthstone.  All-staff training was key to make every contact with the Council (contractor, repairperson etc) count toward the safety of the victim. The Hearthstone Manager stated that data was collected and monitored across the borough and in partnership with many organisations. Insight could be given as to how housing staff were signposting to other agencies and how they were recording data, and also making sure that other agencies were recording contact too.  She was working on special accreditation for the service to ensure policies were stringent enough. She added that The Social Housing Regulator would also monitor contact. 

-       A question was raised as to how the Council could ensure that its approach toward the victim was consistent across the services as often those experiencing, or who were survivors of domestic abuse, were in financial debt which may affect Council tax debt etc. It was highlighted that these services may put additional pressure on the victim in their approach to recover debt. In response to this, the Cabinet Member emphasised that cross Council and multiagency working would be essential. She  ...  view the full minutes text for item 90.

91.

Review of St. Ann's Low Traffic Neighbourhood trial pdf icon PDF 910 KB

Report of the Director for Environment and Resident Services. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment & Transport.

 

Consider all feedback, objections and monitoring data of the trial LTN and decide whether to make permanent the associated traffic orders.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cllr Chandwani left the meeting room.

 

The Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport introduced the report for this item which was seeking approval to make the trial LTN permanenting St Ann’s.

 

In summary the Cabinet member outlined that the journey to transform the St Ann's neighbourhood had been long and challenging, but it was a journey members had to take for the health of residents. The consultation on this scheme revealed strong local support.

 

The LTN laid the groundwork for this transformation of the borough. Crucially, LTNs would be the catalyst to tackle the long-standing issues on the main roads. The Cabinet Member gave assurances that the Council were listening to residents’ views and would continue to refine and improve this work. Early on, officers listened to households with blue badges and health conditions and brought in exemptions.

 

The following was noted in response to questions from Cllr Cawley Harrison.

 

-       It took time for these schemes to really enact changes. However, in terms of the details, there were a number of issues which had to be taken into account. The week in which the traffic counts were taken prior to the LTN and then post the LTN were quite divergent. Prior to the LTN there was dry weather throughout the entire count period, whereas post the LTN it was a week of continuous rain; this would have an impact on active travel numbers and take up.

 

-       With dockless cycling, the numbers rose exponentially during the period of the trial. If this scheme was made permanent, a lot of public realm improvements could be made. This would make it safer and more pleasant to walk and cycle around the LTN area and beyond. Officers were looking at protected cycle lanes and bus priority routes on the boundary roads as an example. The Council were looking at this holistically through all the aspects, not just within the LTNs themselves.

 

RESOLVED

 

  1. To consider the measured impact of the trial LTN as set out in the Monitoring Reports, Appendix A1 and A2.

 

  1. To consider the responses received to the non-statutory public consultations and the statutory consultation, including objections to the experimental traffic orders, as set out in the Consultation Reports, Appendix B1 to B4.

 

  1. To approve the recommended responses to main themes of objection, as set out in Appendix C.

 

  1. To consider and discharges the Council’s statutory duties under section 16 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 and section 122 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

 

  1. To consider and discharges the Council’s statutory duties under the Equality Act 2010 including the discharge of the Public Sector Equality Duty and any impact on Human Rights and approve the updated Equality Impact Assessment, Appendix D.

 

  1. To agree that the Council shall exercise its discretion to not cause a public inquiry to be called.

 

  1. To approve making the trial LTN permanent.

 

  1. To delegate authority to the Head of Highways and Parking for the making of traffic orders which give permanent effect to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 91.

92.

Review of Bounds Green Low Traffic Neighbourhood trial pdf icon PDF 911 KB

Report of the Director for Environment and Resident Services. To be introduced by Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment & Transport.

 

Consider all feedback, objections and monitoring data of the trial LTN and decide whether to make permanent the associated traffic orders.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cllr Chandwani returned to the meeting room.

 

The Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment, and Transport introduced the report for Bounds Green LTN scheme and sought approval to make permanent the LTN Tria in Bounds Green.

The Cabinet Member further outlined that   the scheme had delivered on its objectives.

·         There had been a 66% decrease in traffic on internal roads.

·         An increase of 2% of traffic on boundary roads.

·         The trial has seen a 50% reduction in traffic collisions on internal roads and a 17% decrease in traffic collisions on boundary roads.

·         There was work in progress to improve bus reliability on Durnsford Road and a commitment from the team to address the long-standing issues on the boundary roads to include all those who rely on the roads.

·         The team had reinstated the Transport Inclusion Group to ensure that those with a disability, their carers, and those with a long-term health condition could be heard, and their suggestions then incorporated into the scheme. 

·         He stated that his team would continue to refine and improve the scheme in order to create a happier, healthier and more vibrant Bounds Green.

 

The following questions were raised and responded to, from Cllr Cawley – Harrison.

-       Responding on the disparity in support for the scheme, between those living within, and those living on the boundaries of the LTN and addressing their wellbeing, it was noted that ultimately traffic belonged on main roads and not on internal roads. He added that in other similar schemes, over time, the boundary roads had seen an overall decrease in traffic. In addition to this, the Council team were putting into place measures to make bus journeys along Durnsford Road the most efficient and cost-effective way to travel for residents.

 

-       Another question was raised around the evidence of a healthier lifestyle gathered from residents and the disparity in the overall support that residents felt. The Cabinet Member agreed that although evidence suggested that there were more people walking and cycling than before, support for the scheme in the resident consultation was not reflective of that. He pointed out that car owners had been disproportionately represented in the consultation (up to 80% had access to a car) and that this was beyond the census figures. Although, there was a disparity between the data and perceptions, the aim was to include everyone in the objectives. For this he felt that co-production was key going forward.

 

 

RESOLVED

 

 

  1. To consider the measured impact of the trial LTN as set out in the Monitoring Reports, Appendix A1 and A2.

 

  1. To consider the responses received to the non-statutory public consultations and the statutory consultation, including objections to the experimental traffic orders, as set out in the Consultation Reports, Appendix B1 to B4.

 

  1. To approve the recommended responses to main themes of objection, as set out in Appendix C.

 

  1. To consider and discharge the Council’s statutory duties under section 16 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 and section 122 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act  ...  view the full minutes text for item 92.

93.

Review of Bruce Grove West Green Low Traffic Neighbourhood trial pdf icon PDF 921 KB

Report of the Director for Environment and Resident Services. To be introduced  by the Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment & Transport.

 

Consider all feedback, objections and monitoring data of the trial LTN (including trial HGV ban on Belmont Road / Downhills Way) and decide whether to make permanent the associated traffic orders.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Sarah Williams left the meeting room for the consideration of this item at 7.02pm

 

Councillor Mike Hakata, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment, and Transport introduced the report which sought approval to make the LTN trial in Bruce Grove and West Green permanent.

 

In response to questions from Cllr Chandwani and Cllr Cawley- Harrison the following was noted.

 

  • There was a team that had been working on designing, managing and running various road schemes.
  • In relation to emergency works, from the beginning, there had been a procedure for diversion through LTN’s and School Streets in the event of planned emergency street works. The procedure was created at the start without being able to live test how those the interventions would work. A review could be held regarding the procedure as a way forward.
  • In relation to the smooth running of public transport in LTN’s and boundary roads, it was important to have reliable sustainable transport. There had been high disruption at the beginning, but this had eased off.
  • The Council’s estates had always been designed according to LTN principles. The Council needed to be mindful of this and its subsequential impacts. The Council had begun the work of exploring solutions which would redress some of the issues on Broadwater Farm.
  • In relation to the process and protocols in place, the traffic team can undertake a review to make sure that LTNs were optimised and as effective as possible. One protocol in place was designed to ensure that there was flexibility to open and ease congestion where there were delays due to road works or other such issues. Sometimes when there were road accidents, the Council was not always notified of them early enough and it was difficult for the Council to be immediately responsive. When the Council was aware, being able to open or make a decision around opening to redirect traffic was always something the Council was able to consider.
  • In relation to undertaking a review, the Council would make a commitment to do it within the next few months.
  • The ongoing projects such as trying to improve bus journey times and reliability was in the feasibility stage. There was a similar scheme around West Green Road looking at improving bus journey reliability and also looking at how to manage traffic flow through CCTV cameras. The same was true for Belmont Road and West Green Road and other roads in the borough. including the Tottenham area. All these were underway to help manage congestion.
  • On average, across all LTN areas, there had been a reduction in road danger of 34% - a reduction in collisions. This was a reduction of one third. However, Bruce Grove, West Green, the most deprived of all three LTNs with some of the lowest car ownership numbers had seen a reduction of 56%. This was a reduction of around 20 serious collisions over a year. What had been shown across LTN areas and throughout the wider nation itself, was there had been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 93.

94.

To approve decision to implement a borough wide PSPO pdf icon PDF 474 KB

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

There are currently 12 Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) in the borough. 11 relate to the control of alcohol and one relating to dog control. These were extended on 18th October 2023 for a period of 18 months and will expire on 30 April 2025. The responses in previous consultations on these PSPOs, have expressed a demand for a borough wide alcohol control PSPO. In addition, discussion with the Police, Councillors and other stake holders has indicated an appetite to consider introducing a borough wide PSPO to address other behaviours that are having a detrimental impact on the community. To explore this further the Council undertook a co-design process to obtain the views of residents and other stakeholders and a 19-week public consultation.

On 18th March 2024, the Lead Member for Community Safety and Cohesion gave approval to consult on a proposal for a Borough-wide PSPO and the purpose of this report is to present the outcome of the consultation and to seek approval for a 3-year borough-wide PSPO. If approved the Borough-wide PSPO will come into force with effect from 1st May 2025 and shall remain in place for 3 years.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Communities introduced the report which sought approval of a Borough-wide PSPO to come into force with effect from 1st May 2025 and to remain in place for 3 years.

 

In response to question from Cllr Hakata and Cllr Cawley- Harrison, the following information was provided.

 

-       The Council was committed to safeguarding vulnerable groups. It had incorporated reasonable exemptions within the proposals to take into account vulnerable groups, such as those with disabilities, children and street homelessness. The Council also prioritised support for vulnerable groups and aimed to protect, not penalise vulnerable groups. There were no ‘on the spot’ fines for PSPO breaches and the emphasis was on taking a fair and measured approach by signposting individuals to relevant services. The team worked closely with support and outreach services to undertake preventative and supportive initiatives. The enforcement of PSPOs were managed and monitored by the local authority. Additionally, Police would be required to submit a witness statement to the Council for triage and assurance. This process added an additional safeguard ensuring enforcement decisions were consistent and individual circumstances were taken into consideration. The implementation would be regularly reviewed by the Council. Anyone issued with a fine had a right to appeal or could also raise a complaint.

 

-       Drug paraphernalia was removed was removed from the PSPO based on the advice received from the Council’s legal service.

 

-       All the costs were funded into the actual PSPOs signage and information to raise awareness.

 

 

RESOLVED

 

  1. To note the results of the consultation on the PSPO and:

 

  1. To note the results of the consultation as contained in Appendix 2 of this document.

 

  1. To approve the introduction of the revised borough wide PSPO for alcohol control and other detrimental activities as detailed in the proposed draft PSPO at Appendix 1.

 

  1. To agree, in light of the consultation responses contained in appendix 2 of this report, the proposal to not take forward restrictions in respect of:

 

-       Any person who, without reasonable excuse, uses, shares, or supplies others with any psychoactive substances (including Spice and other substances known for legal highs) or marijuana/weed, in any public place within the restricted area, commits an offence.

 

-       Any person who is in possession of any drug paraphernalia (including cannabis grinders or crack cocaine pipes), in any public place within the restricted area, without reasonable excuse, commits an offence.

 

  1. Any person who, without reasonable excuse, behaves in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm, or distress to any person(s) commits an offence. Examples of such behaviour include use of offensive, threatening or abusive language.

 

  1. Any person who spits in the restricted area, without reasonable excuse, commits an offence.

 

9.         Notes the alterations to the prohibitions consulted on following responses received as outlined below:

i. Removing ‘Being in possession of an open vessel(s) of intoxicating liquor in a public place’ prohibition 1.

 

ii. Clarifying that the restriction relating to riding a bicycle, moped, e-scooter or e[1]bike  ...  view the full minutes text for item 94.

95.

Brownfield Land Release Fund Grant Funding Agreement pdf icon PDF 309 KB

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

 

For approval to enter into a grant funding agreement with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to receive Brownfield Land Release Grant.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning introduced the report, emphasising the importance of affordable housing in building a fairer and greener Borough and noting that the Council was on track to build more than 3,000 new high quality Council homes by 2031. The Cabinet Member noted that building new homes in a built-up area would almost always involve reclaiming Greenfield or brownfield sites and so the Council worked with partners to make strong bids for government brownfield funding to restore and bring sites into social use. The report further set out:

-          That this tranche of brownfield funding would bring another £3m into the borough and help to build 223 new Council homes for local residents.

-          More than 77% of these 223 new homes would be two-bedrooms or more.

-          Across the Council’s housebuilding programme, nearly 40% of the homes were three-bedrooms or more. The target was to reach at least 50% but additional external funding would be required to make this possible.

-          High standards were aimed for with new Council homes including on energy efficiency, size and design in addition to attention to landscaping and facilities around new buildings.

 

In response to questions from Cllr Cawley-Harrison, the following was noted.

-          Regarding the changing financial outlook, including the Council’s capital programme and HRA, the Cabinet Member confirmed that all schemes in the report remained financially viable.

-          Regarding the possibility of grant funding being recalled in the event that the funding was spent but the scheme later became unviable, the Cabinet Member confirmed that this would not occur. Jack Goulde, Acting Head of Housing Development, explained that a number of governance processes were required before work could begin on a scheme. The most important of these was to run a competitive and compliant tendering process to ensure that the correct contractor was tended on the basis of a completed scheme. This would come back to Cabinet for approval before the tendering process went live.

 

RESOLVED

 

 

1.          To retrospectively approve the acceptance by the Director of Finance of the receipt from the MHCLG of £2,747,057 in capital funding via the Brownfield Land Release Fund to pay for infrastructure works, including demolition, substructure and drainage works, preparatory ground works, utilities works and associated infrastructure provision, at 505-511 Archway Road, Dawlish Road, Grasmere Court and Selby Urban Village, as permitted under Contracted Standing Order (CSO) 17.1

 

2.          To retrospectively approves that the grant sum is added to the HRA Budget.

3.          To note the reasons for the retrospective approval as outlined in 6.2.

 

Reasons for decision

The decision to accept the grant would support the delivery of four significant housing development schemes: - 505-511 Archway Road is expected to deliver sixteen homes in the Highgate ward, completing in 2026. Dawlish Road is expected to deliver two homes in the Tottenham Hale ward, completing in 2026. Grasmere Court is expected to deliver three homes in the Woodside ward, completing in 2026 and Selby Urban Village is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 95.

96.

Minutes of Other Bodies pdf icon PDF 208 KB

To note the minutes of the following:

 

Cabinet Member Signing

 

5 November 2024

19 November 2024

21 November 2024

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

To note the minutes of the following:

 

Cabinet Member Signing

 

5 November 2024

19 November 2024

21 November 2024

 

 

 

97.

Significant and Delegated Actions pdf icon PDF 100 KB

To note the delegated decisions taken by Directors.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED

 

To note the delegated decisions taken by Directors.

 

98.

New Items of Urgent Business

As per item 3.

Minutes:

None

99.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

Note from the Democratic Services and Scrutiny Manager

 

Items 25, 26 allow for consideration of exempt information in relation to items 6.

 

TO RESOLVE

 

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as items 25 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.

Minutes:

 

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.

 

100.

EXEMPT - Minutes

To confirm and sign the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2024 as a correct record.

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

 

To approve the exempt minutes of the meeting held on the 12 November 2024 as a correct record.

 

101.

New Items of Exempt Urgent Business

As per item 3.

Minutes:

None