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

RESOLVED:

To note the filming procedure

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were none.

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 25 below. New items of exempt business will be dealt with at Item 32 below).

There was none.

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

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

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

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

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

There were none.

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 x: 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.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 18 March 2025 as a correct record.

The minutes of the previous meeting, dated 18 March 2025, were discussed

RESOLVED:

The minutes of the previous meeting, dated 18 March 2025, were approved as a true and accurate record of proceedings.

To consider any requests received in accordance with Standing Orders.

A deputation was received from Mr Dave Morris as per standing orders in the Haringey Constitution, Part Four, Section B, Paragraph 30.

Mr Morris made the following points as part of his deputation:

• He explained the historic and current policy of the Council’s support of Community Centres in the borough. He explained that the current Cabinet had committed to improved partnership working, which was welcomed, but stressed that there needed to be a focus on securing appropriate leases for buildings utilised. He explained that there needed to be a 100% rent offset based on services provided by Community Centres, which would benefit the Council through the lessening of the burden on Council services. He explained that he recognised the current financial challenges, but noted that good partnership work with the community would help resolve pressures on Council services with the Council’s support.
  
  
• It was explained that there were concerns with the Social Value Matrix and the potential for constraints on officers to meet arbitrary targets.
  
  

The Cabinet Member for Communities made the following points in response:

• That the Voluntary, Community and Faith sector provides vital support to communities, including most vulnerable, and that the Council welcomes their support. It was stressed that the Council was working to seek common ground with the Voluntary, Community and Faith sector within the policy framework, and that the policy aimed to create a good framework and stability for these groups. It was explained that the Council had worked to co-produce the policy with Voluntary, Community and Faith sector groups
  
  
• It was explained that the Council’s property portfolio needed significant attention, as it had not been managed well in the past, and that this policy sought to address some of the issues.
  
  
• It was explained that the Community Assets Social Value policy, which had been developed by the Council in collaboration with Voluntary, Community and Faith sector, aligned with the approach which had been taken by other comparable local authorities.
  
  
• The social value criteria was outlined and it was explained that this would be used to assess the impact of the service for the community. It was additionally explained that the request for a 100% rent offset was not sustainable for the Council, and that the 80% proposed offset would be sufficient, and that funds raised would provide support in maintaining buildings, as well as officer time to help community groups to develop their offer further.
  
  
• It was stressed that the Council would continue to work with VCFS partners and will work to find an effective way of acknowledging and valuing the services provided.
  
  
• It was explained that the Council was working with early adopters to understand impact, and the Council was also open to amending capping arrangements following work with early adopters. It was stressed the need to test the Social Value Matrix with early adopters to consider the impacts on community groups.

RESOLVED:

1. To note the deputation

Following discussion on this item, it was asked whether the Community Assets Social Value Policy, linked  ...  view the full minutes text for item 175.

Report of the Director of Director of Culture, Strategy & Engagement. To be presented by the Cabinet Member for Communities

The Cabinet Member for Communities introduced the report.

They explained that the report set out the new policy to determine subsidy levels on leases for voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations operating out of council buildings and that this was an opportunity to ensure equality, equity, and fairness across Haringey assets, as well as support for organisations that brought social value to Haringey.

It was stressed that the Council recognised the importance of the work carried out by our VCS and the services it provided, especially at a time when global instability had a significant impact on our residents’ wellbeing and living standards.

Voluntary and community organisations worked closely with the council to deliver highly valued services and activities across the borough. However, there had been a historical lack of consistency in how we managed our property portfolio, including our Community Assets Portfolio.

The Cabinet Member explained that some rents were zero or peppercorn, while others approached market rates. Many leases had expired, and there was no formal policy or framework for determining the basis on which VCS organisations should occupy Council-owned buildings.

It was additionally noted that the Council’s proposed Strategic Asset Management and Property Improvement Plan (SAMPIP) 2023–2028, which this policy aligned with, committed to addressing these inconsistencies, which left the council vulnerable to perceptions of unfair treatment, lack of transparency, and ambiguity.

In line with our Haringey Deal, since March 2024, we engaged in extensive collaboration and consultations with a wide range of VCS and community networks in our borough. It was explained that the feedback received shaped the policy to ensure it was as robust and fair as possible.

In response to comments and questions from Cllr Brabazon, Arkell and Connor, the following information was shared:

• It was explained by the Cabinet Member that the rent for each site utilised by a community group would need to be assessed on own merits, but noted an example of community centre on a full repair lease, on £150,000 per year, would have a 80% social value rent reduction to £30,000 per year, which would be utilised for repairs.
  
  
• It was explained by the Cabinet Member that other comparable local authorities had undertaken similar schemes to the one proposed by Haringey.
  
  
• How to ensure equality of access. It was explained that Haringey Community Collaborative would provide support to grass root organisations to ensure that they can get the highest value possible.
  
  
• It was noted by officers that long term leases would be generally referred back to Cabinet, while short term leases could potentially be taken at an officer level. It was explained that this would be dependant, generally, on lease length and value, rather than repair liabilities.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Noted the engagement work conducted since the Cabinet meeting of 12 March 2024 to co-design and consult on a social value matrix for this policy,
   
   
2. Adopted the policy entitled ‘Community Assets Social Value Subsidy’ and approved the use of the self-assessment form.
   
   
3. Approved the implementation of this policy,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 176.

For Cabinet to note (if any).

There were none.

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

The Cabinet Member for Resident Services and Tackling Inequality introduced the report.

It was explained that the report explained the plan to deliver parking controls and management in the programme areas under my portfolio. With safety playing a key role, it was important that, where the Council provided parking for motor vehicles, it did not create a safety risk. It was explained that the Council was keen to provide a safe and accessible space for those using footways, whether on foot, wheeling or pushing prams. It was highlighted that enforcement played a part in creating a safe environment, whilst ensuring parking and servicing only took place where permitted, and the Red Route trialled in Brantwood Road had shown improved compliance with parking controls through the replacement of enforcement by foot with remote enforcement. This scheme was since made permanent and this report brought forward two other areas that would have benefited from a similar approach. It was recognised by the Council that parking was an essential public service and that residents needed safe and fair access to their homes, whether they were drivers or users of other forms of transport. It was stressed that provision of parking for those with a Blue Badge was especially important to ensure they had access to their local high streets and amenities whether leisure or otherwise. It was explained that it was important to take a balanced approach whilst being mindful of the various policies and objectives of the Council, including those that prioritised walking and cycling.

It was explained that the report set out the 5-year investment plan and referenced other developments planned or underway that would impact parking provision. The Cabinet Member explained that, to deliver change and manage parking in the future, it was important that funding was set aside from Council Capital beyond the then-current 5-year investment plan period to facilitate this.

In response to comments and questions from Cllr Connor, the following information was shared:

• It was questioned whether no-idling signs could be included as part of the plan. The Cabinet Member agreed that this could be implemented. It was additionally explained that the Council was working with Trade Unions to discuss with Council drivers to discourage idling wherever possible.
  
  
• That the Council had worked with residents to ensure a good balance of road yellow road markings in local areas. However, it was stressed that there was a priority to minimise risk of accidents at road junctions through the utilisation of yellow road markings for pedestrian safety.
  
  
• That the Council would consult with local Councillors on developments and adjustments to street furniture on adjacent wards. It was stressed that engagement in areas which would have an effect on multiple wards would take place with Councillors from those wards. 

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Agreed the 5-year Parking Investment Plan for 2025/26 – 2029/30
   
   
2. Delegated, where appropriate, authority to the Head of Highways and Parking:
   1. To make decisions relating to scheme design and implementation.
   2. To carry out consultations and, in compliance with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 178.

Report of the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources. To be presented by Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, and Deputy Leader of the Council

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, and Deputy Leader of the Council introduced the report.

It was explained that the proposed acquisition would deliver twenty-nine additional new council homes on the 76 Mayes Road site, providing much-needed high-quality and affordable housing for those who were living in temporary accommodation. It was stressed that the Council was seeing a homelessness emergency across the UK, felt particularly acutely in London. It was explained that, as of November 2024, 183,000 Londoners were estimated to be homeless and living in temporary accommodation arranged by their local borough. London boroughs were collectively spending £4 million daily on temporary  accommodation. It was explained that, in Haringey, the Council had managed to keep numbers in temporary accommodation relatively stable, despite an anticipated 13% increase by year-end in the number of people experiencing homelessness and approaching the council for support. It was explained that this was partly due to schemes like this, which provided stable long-term accommodation for people to move into.

It was noted that, out of the twenty-nine affordable homes, eight were two-bedroom and eleven were three-bedroom, providing much-needed accommodation for families on the waiting list.

The Cabinet Member explained that housing contributed to 50% of emissions in the borough. The houses on the Mayes Road site helped deliver on our ambition to reach net zero in the borough by 2041 through improved energy efficiency standards and the potential to connect to a District Energy Network (DEN) in the future.

In response to comments and questions from Cllr Hakata and Cllr Connor, the following information was shared:

• It was explained by the Cabinet Member that there would be a net bio-diversity gain for the site and that they would be proposed to be above planning policy minimums for energy efficiency. 
  
  
• It was explained by officers that the Council was buying 29 properties on the site, and that these were contained within a block, but were not the entire block, and therefore could not acquire the freehold at a reasonable cost.
  
  
• Officers explained the legal advice given on liabilities and noted that the utilisation of Right to Buy receipts subsidised the purchase of the properties and that this also ensured that the purchases would not be subject to stamp duty.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Approved the acquisition of 29 council homes at the Former Petrol Filling Station, 76 Mayes Road, Wood Green N22 6SY for the payment as set out in the Part B (Exempt) report and based on the draft Heads of Terms contained in the Part B (Exempt) report.
   
   
2. Approved the total scheme cost for the acquisition as contained in the Part B (Exempt) report.
   
   
3. Approved the use of Right to Buy (RtB) for the transaction. The total amount of RtB receipts was contained in the Part B (Exempt) report.
   
   
4. Granted delegated authority to the Director of Capital Projects and Property, following consultation with the Head of Legal and Lead Member for Housing, to finalise the Heads of Terms, agree the final legal  ...  view the full minutes text for item 179.

Report of the Corporate Director of Adults, Housing and Health. To be presented by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, and Deputy Leader of the Council.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, and Deputy Leader of the Council introduced the report.

It was stressed that nothing was more important than residents’ safety and that the Council was committed to ensuring that the Council’s 20,000 tenants, leaseholders, and their families lived in safe homes where they could thrive. It was explained that these policies were an important next step in the transformation of the Council’s landlord services and that they aligned with broader plans to enhance housing services for tenants and leaseholders and to improve the quality of Council homes, as outlined in the Housing Strategy 2024–2029 and the Housing Improvement Plan.

It was additionally explained that these policies helped the Council meet the government’s Social Housing Regulator’s consumer standards. They outlined the reasonable steps the Council would take to ensure the health and safety of tenants in their homes and communal areas.

It was stressed that the insights and experiences of our residents, particularly through the Resident Voice Board, played a key role in shaping these policies. This Group, comprising tenants and leaseholders, ensured ongoing resident engagement and co-creation in housing policies.

In response to comments and questions from Cllr Hakata, Cllr Connor, the following information was shared:

• It was explained the Building Safety Policies had been written in collaboration with leaseholders and tenants. However, it was stressed that fire safety was paramount to the development of Building Safety Policy and that it would always take precedence. It was explained that experts would determine the operational matters relating to ensuring fire safety. Officers explained that there had been some work undertaken to ensure this safety while also addressing the concerns of residents.
  
  
• It was explained that residents in tower blocks had their own building safety manager, and appraisals were taken on a regular basis, as well as ensure that compliance checks were undertaken to address concerns around building safety. This was to reflect the changes to building safety following the Grenfell Review.
  
  
• It was explained that there was a requirement to regularly review policies and undertake a review if there were any changes in regulations, which would ensure that policies were up to date with central government regulations.
  
  
• Concerns with reporting structure for residents. Resident engagement strategy bespoke to individual high rise buildings, and additionally have an allocated building safety manager who manages building compliance and manage building safety concerns.
  
  
• It was explained that the Council did not undertake fire risk assessments on an ad hoc basis and that it applied the Central Government fire risk appraisal tool, which the Council utilises to assess priority order and frequency of assessments, and the publicly available standard for fire risk assessment.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet

1. Approved the draft:
   1. Asbestos Safety Policy; Access for Emergencies, Safety or Welfare Policy;
   2. Electrical Safety Policy;
   3. Fire and Structural Safety Policy;
   4. Gas and Heating Safety Policy;
   5. Lift Safety Policy; and Water Hygiene Policy

to come into effect from 6 May 2025.

2. To delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Adults, Housing and Health  ...  view the full minutes text for item 180.

Report of the Corporate Director of Environment and Resident Experience. To be presented by the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport

The Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport introduced the report.

It was explained that car clubs were an important and powerful tool that helped reshape the Council’s relationship with transportation.

It was suggested that car clubs created ripple effects that extended far beyond the realm of transport in its traditional sense and reshaped urban landscapes, freed up valuable space previously dedicated to parking, and enabled the creation of more liveable, people-centric environments.

It was explained that the adoption of car clubs had the potential to fundamentally alter the way we thought about mobility in our cities and create a holistic vision of sustainable transport that integrated car clubs with public transport and active travel.

It was explained that car clubs were aimed to work in synergy with investments in public transport, cycling infrastructure, and pedestrian priority schemes, and create a borough that prioritised people over cars.

In response to comments and questions from Cllr Connor, the following information was shared:

• Officers explained that a five-year timescale was the expected reasonable timeframe to allow for the development of a customer base for car clubs in the borough.
  
  
• It was explained that the Council had been working with car club operators to develop fair and equitable fees and charges.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Noted the responses received as part of the community engagement on the future of fixed bay car club services in Haringey.
   
   
2. Waived the provisions of the Council’s Contract Standing Order (CSO) 9.01.1 (requirement to let a contract following publication of appropriate advertisement) and approved the appointment of the Fixed Bay selected supplier for the 79 car club bays, with the possibility of expansion across the borough for the next 44 months.
   
   
3. Waived the provisions of CSO 9.01.1 and approved the appointment of the selected supplier for the Fixed Bay Pilot programme to introduce a new provider of car club services in the borough and expand its service over the next five years, with the possibility of extending for a further two years at annual intervals, subject to performance.
   
   
4. Waived the provisions of CSO 9.01.1 and approved entering into formal agreements with the selected suppliers of each service to deliver the fixed bay car club services, as permitted under CSO 9.07.1(d). The anticipated contract start date was 1st June 2025. The Fixed Bay contract lasted for 44 months, ending on 31st January 2029. The Pilot programme contract lasted for five years, ending on 31st May 2030.

Reasons for Decision

Car clubs were a vital service in Haringey, aiming to reduce car reliance by catering to residual car trips within the borough and reducing the need for private vehicle ownership. This, in turn, freed up space that could be repurposed for other uses. The Corporate Delivery Plan for 2022–2023 included the retendering of the car club contract to introduce multiple operators in the borough, enhancing service quality and availability. The re-tendering of fixed bay car club services was a key aim within the “A Zero Carbon and Climate Resilient Haringey”  ...  view the full minutes text for item 181.

Report of the Corporate Director of Environment and Resident Experience. To be presented by the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport

The Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport introduced the report.

The Cabinet member explained that the proposed Air Quality Action Plan set out measures to improve air quality in Haringey between 2025 and 2030. This Action Plan would replace the Council’s third plan (2019–2024), published in 2019. It was explained that Haringey remained committed to making the borough a better place to live and work. Air quality affected everyone living and working in the borough and was therefore an integral part of this vision.

The Cabinet Member explained that there were a number of initiatives already in place to improve air quality both London-wide and locally, and that these had been working well. The Council intended to build on these initiatives to further encourage active travel, implement transport improvements, reduce emissions from new developments, and reduce exposure for residents. It was explained that the proposed Action Plan outlined how the Council would work together to meet national air quality objectives for nitrogen dioxide (NO?) and PM10. It was stressed that the Council recognised that this could not be achieved alone and took a partnership approach, both across Haringey and with adjoining boroughs.

Haringey had previously been awarded Cleaner Air Borough Status by the Greater London Authority (GLA), which meant the borough met the following principles: political leadership, taking action, leading by example, using the planning system, informing the public, and integrating air quality into the public health system. While the GLA no longer awarded Clean Air Borough Status to individual boroughs, these principles and examples of best practice continued to be incorporated into the action plan.

In response to comments and questions from Cllr das Neves and Cllr Connor, the following information was shared:

• It was asked what the impact of the Air Quality Action Plan would be on resident experience and what the expected achievements of the plan would be. It was explained that the Council wanted to ensure that residents had the ability to help in tackling climate change was accessible to residents, including behaviour and information sharing programmes were included to ensure accessibility. It was highlighted that the Council was working collaboratively with other teams, including the public health team and schools’ team to ensure that there was a joined-up approach to tackling air pollutions issues and reduce preventative deaths due to poor air quality.
  
  
• It was explained that the Council undertook traffic assessments for School Streets to ensure that the other adjacent roads would not become dangerous. It was additionally explained that the Council was undertaking consultation work to understand the impact upon the road network to ensure a positive scheme.
  
  
• It was explained that the KPIs of the Air Quality Action Plan were reported on annually.
  
  

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Noted the content of the draft Air Quality Action Plan.
   
   
2. Agreed to consult on the Draft AQAP 2025–2030 in accordance with the consultation plan.
   
   
3. Delegated the sign-off of the Final AQAP, following public consultation, to the Director of Environment and Resident Experience, and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 182.

Report of the Corporate Director of Environment and Resident Experience. To be presented by the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport

The Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport introduced the report.

The Cabinet Member explained that the array of projects related to the Community Carbon Fund over the first four years was a testament to the remarkable spirit of innovation and collaboration they represented.

The Cabinet Member highlighted the community response, including schools tackling food waste, Haringey Borough Women's Football Club creating recycling solutions for sports equipment, and community centres upgrading to energy-efficient lighting, which suggested a borough-wide commitment to climate action that spanned every sector of the community.

The Cabinet Member explained that the engagement statistics for the Community Carbon Fund showed that 36 projects were delivered across the borough, leveraging an additional £261,000 in match funding and creating lasting partnerships between community organisations that might otherwise never have collaborated.

He explained that, as the programme looked toward the next four years, the aim was to increase the annual funding pot to £100,000. The proposed enhancements directly responded to community feedback, making the fund more accessible and impactful. By shifting application deadlines away from the busy holiday period, more groups were enabled to develop thoughtful proposals. It was stressed that a stronger focus on high-impact carbon reduction projects maximised environmental benefits, while the introduction of mandatory carbon literacy training created a ripple effect of knowledge and advocacy throughout the borough, equipping community leaders to inspire wider climate action beyond their funded projects.

It was explained that the fund exemplified the Haringey Deal in action and that it sought to share power with communities and creating genuine opportunities for residents to shape the climate response.

In response to comments and questions from Cllr Connor, the following information was shared:

• It was explained by officers that the outcomes of grant utilisation by community groups were recorded in the Annual Carbon Report.
  
  
• It was explained by the Cabinet Member that the Borough of Culture was aimed to bring together the whole borough and that it aimed to utilise culture to help tackling climate change and improve engagement.
  
  
• It was explained that the Council issued a short questionnaire to prospective community representatives to understand their background and experience and allocate the best candidate. It was explained that the criteria for selection of community representatives would be further developed to ensure the best candidate.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Noted the Cabinet decision on 11th February 2025 to allocate £0.64m of the Carbon Offset Fund monies collected under s106 obligations for the extension of the Haringey Community Carbon Fund and its administration. The spend over four financial years was agreed at:
   1. £100k per funding year in community grants (total £400k)
   2. £60k per funding year to manage and promote the fund (total £240k).
      
      
2. Noted the current process, and agreed to the changes to the Haringey Community Carbon Fund for Years 5 to 8 following internal and external engagement to improve the management of the fund and delivery of outcomes.
   
   
3. Agreed that the decision to allocate the annual funding to specific carbon reduction bids in this period  ...  view the full minutes text for item 183.

Report of the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources. To be presented by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, and Deputy Leader of the Council.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, and Deputy Leader of the Council introduced the report.

It was explained that Haringey was a borough with diverse needs when it came to housing and that the Council was committed to making the borough a place where everyone could thrive, no matter how complex their needs. It was explained that around a third of residents in the greatest need on the housing waiting list had a disability, or a family member with a disability, living in homes that were overcrowded or did not meet their medical requirements. The bespoke housing programme was an important part of the Council’s needs-led approach to solving the housing crisis.

The Cabinet Member explained that the proposal for Grasmere Court delivered three new large council rent homes that were designed to meet the needs of the families who would live in them. This was a particularly special scheme, as the Council was able to design a home to suit a family with very specific challenges for which there was no suitable property in the Housing portfolio, and the impact on the family was immeasurable. This scheme enabled a family to move out of overcrowded accommodation and live together in a home that suited their needs and enabled a new level of independence that would have otherwise been impossible.

It was stressed that the Council had committed to building 3,000 new council homes by 2031 to help tackle the acute need for affordable housing in the borough—a demand directly caused by the national housing crisis. Haringey had already made great strides towards this target, with work either completed or under way on over 2,000 homes across the borough. All homes had high levels of insulation, efficient heating systems and solar panels that kept running costs low and avoided overheating. They were constructed with responsibly sourced and environmentally friendly materials.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Pursuant to the Council’s Contract Standing Order (CSO) 9.07.1(d), approved the appointment of Contractor A to undertake the new build works to provide a total of three homes at Council rent for the total contract sum set out in the exempt part of the report; and approved the client contingency sum set out in the exempt part of the report.
   
   
2. Approved the appropriation of the Grasmere Court development site edged red on the plan titled ‘Development Plan’ from housing purposes to planning purposes under Section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972, as it was no longer required for the purpose for which it was currently held, and for the purpose of carrying out the development as set out in part 6 of the report.
   
   
3. Approved 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 Grasmere Court estate development, under planning permission Ref: HGY/2024/2098.
   
   
4. Delegated authority to the Assistant Director for Capital Projects and Property, after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 184.

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

The Cabinet Member for Resident Services and Tackling Inequality introduced the report.

It was explained that highways played a pivotal role in daily life and that Haringey was one of London’s best-connected boroughs, with a local highway network that was well used. It was additionally stressed that Haringey would be the host of the Borough of Culture and UEFA European Football Championships in 2027 and 2028, and that there was a particular focus on allocating capital funding for carriageway and footway maintenance in the initial three years of the delivery plan to ensure safe access to all relevant venues.

It was explained that there would also be a focus across service areas to ensure alignment with other funded work streams contributing to the overall fabric of the public realm, and that external funding was sought wherever possible to supplement the Council’s own funding.

The Council had adopted highway asset management policies and practices that ensured the greatest benefit for the whole community. It was noted that longer-term planning could now take place, ensuring the best use of resources, including alignment with other improvements to the public realm, planned utility works where opportunities arose, and, in addition, the phased introduction of new innovative treatments as they emerged.

It was explained that the proposal set out the first 5-year Delivery Plan, comprising some £35.775m investment to improve Haringey’s highway infrastructure. This included over £2m towards essential repairs to three highways bridge structures—namely Ferry Lane, Wareham Road and Cornwall Road—to be delivered in year one, and £4.925m of street lighting improvements to be delivered over the 5-year period. Should any additional funding have been allocated to the Council, where possible, these funds were to be considered first to reduce the Council’s borrowing.

It was explained that engagement with residents, businesses, and other interested parties continued to take place during the development of major highway schemes, thereby allowing contributions to design solutions where applicable.

In response to comments and questions from Cllr Hakata and Cllr Connor, the following information was shared:

• Officers noted that the Council was in discussions with Transport for London regarding a local Lane Rental Scheme and had mapped out potential roads which this could be applied to.
  
  
• Officers explained that the Council would be able to comply with the Department for Transport’s requirement to submit a local highway’s maintenance transparency report, additionally noting that not much officer time would need to be spent compiling this as the information was already held by officers. The limited amount of time needed would be an excellent return on investment in securing the 25% incentive fund component of the overall £571k Government allocation.
  
  
• The Cabinet Member explained that £35 million was allocated to highway assets in 2025/26. It was additionally noted that, over the previous five years, £60 million had been spent, which additionally included S106, CIL, and other external funding.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Approved the Highways and Street Lighting 5-Year Investment Plans in Appendices 1 and 2 of the report.
   
   
2. Delegated decisions relating  ...  view the full minutes text for item 185.

Report of the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources. To be presented by the Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Local Economy

The Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Local Economy introduced the report.

It was explained that the Council owned a broad range of property assets in Haringey, from corporate properties where staff provided services, to our schools' estate, retail units, tenanted industrial estates, and community spaces. As well as being a valued source of income to the Council, and providing social value to our residents, these properties also required significant running and maintenance costs. It was explained that the Council had to ensure that they were managing these assets to the highest standard on behalf of council taxpayers and for the benefit of all residents, and in line with the aspirations set out in the Corporate Delivery Plan.

The Cabinet Member highlighted that the Strategic Assets Management and Property Improvement Plan (SAMPIP) provided the Council with a robust and transparent process to care for these properties in line with statutory regulations, and to make decisions on these assets, including whether to maintain, invest, divest, or repurpose them. It was explained that this second annual update provided Cabinet with a report on the progress made against its objectives. This included the conclusion of the property audit work, the full resourcing of the Capital Projects and Property team, the opening of four family hubs by the end of March 2025, and the approval of the final business case for the refurbishment of the Civic Centre.

It was noted that the Council continually revised and renewed its approach, working alongside the appropriate scrutinising bodies and collaborating across directorates. Several of our outputs and priorities had been achieved through actions implemented in years 1 and 2. Therefore, it was proposed to reduce the number of objectives in the plan from 10 to 6, closing objectives 1, 7, 8, and 9 that had largely been completed, and incorporating any ongoing outputs under these into the remaining objectives to provide more streamlined and efficient reporting.

In response to comments and questions from Cllr Hakata, Cllr das Neves and Cllr Connor, the following information was shared:

• It was explained by officers that there were 630 Properties in the property portfolio that didn’t meet Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) standards. However, it was explained that the role of the Council as the Corporate Landlord would be to assess buildings and determine what actions would need to be taken to understand requirements to improve sustainability. It was noted that EPCs were assessed when a lease comes up for renewal, and it was explained that the Council was working to improve on these wherever possible.
  
  
• It was noted that there was a challenge in managing the different needs of the Council estate and the use of Council buildings. Officers explained that the Council was developing more in this area, and explained that they would like to see more proactivity, and work more with the Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector.
  
  
• It was explained that the Council had been successful in securing funding for Family Hub for 2025/26.
  
  

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Noted the year  ...  view the full minutes text for item 186.

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

The Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families introduced the report.

It was stressed that every child and young person, wherever they lived in the borough, deserved an excellent education, and the Council was committed to supporting schools in delivering high-quality teaching, learning, and support across Haringey. It was explained that, in recent years, as widely reported, Haringey, like many other London local authorities, had been experiencing a significant decrease in pupil numbers, which caused some schools to face serious and irreversible financial and sustainability pressures. The critical London-wide factors – lower birth rates, the cap on rent benefits, families leaving the capital due to the housing crisis, Brexit, and the Covid-19 pandemic – resulted in a reduction in demand for primary school places, through no fault of the Council or schools.

School leaders and the Council had been working to mitigate the risks from falling rolls, especially for schools at risk of closure or amalgamation. Measures included restructuring staff, reducing support staff, limiting extracurricular activities such as school trips, combining year groups (vertical grouping), capping class sizes, and requiring deficit recovery plans.

It was explained that the Council had a statutory duty to ensure there were sufficient high-quality school places, and that places were planned effectively. Financial pressure had a significant impact on schools and threatened the stability and quality of education. The Council needed to ensure that all children had access to excellent education to fulfil their potential – hence the consideration of the difficult option of closure for these two schools.

Significant concerns had been raised about the schools’ long-term sustainability, particularly regarding financial viability and their ability to attract new pupils – partly due to a declining birth rate and a sharp reduction in demand for faith school places across the borough. For these reasons, and following a full pre-publication consultation, the Cabinet Member recommended that the Council proceed with publishing the statutory notice. Although alternative options had been considered (including academisation), the rapid decline in school places and financial challenges made it impossible to pursue them seriously. As of March 2025, the schools had a combined roll of only 51 pupils, with some year groups entirely empty.

It was highlighted that many families had already been offered alternative schools via in-year admissions, and children had settled well. If closure was confirmed, the Council would ensure remaining families were supported in transitioning to new schools, including a dedicated admissions officer available on-site and by phone. There were sufficient places in local schools rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted to accommodate all displaced pupils. The Council also recognised that children with SEND, including those with EHCPs, would need tailored support. All EHCP families had attended review meetings to evaluate progress and plan next steps, including possible alternative provision.

It was explained that, if the process moved forward, all staff would receive individualised support and access to normal redeployment procedures. Staff would be added to the Council’s redeployment register and offered support including CV and interview  ...  view the full minutes text for item 187.

Report of the Corporate Director of Environment and Resident Experience. To be presented by the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport introduced the report.

The Cabinet Member explained that the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding represented a practical partnership between central government, local government, and the private sector, allowing the Council to deliver charging points for residents without off-street parking. It was explained that, by working collaboratively with six London boroughs and leveraging £1.25 million of government funding alongside private sector investment, the Council was able to create infrastructure that addressed one of the most significant barriers to electric vehicle adoption.

It was highlighted that there was a need to develop a reliable charging infrastructure to remove a physical and psychological barrier to transitioning to electric vehicles.

The partnership model at the heart of this project demonstrated the power of coordination between different levels of government and commercial operators. Working together enabled the Council to maximise resources and deliver strategic deployment of charging infrastructure across the borough. It was explained that this approach ensured more equitable access for all residents while eliminating the financial risk to the Council.

It was clarified that every charging point installed became part of the Council’s broader commitment to cleaner air, reduced carbon emissions, and a more sustainable transport network. The Cabinet Member noted that, by making electric vehicles a visible, accessible option on the streets, the Council helped transform how residents moved around the borough. This project was one part of Haringey’s ambitious plans to decarbonise the transport network, creating the foundation for meaningful climate action through partnership, investment, and forward-thinking urban planning.

In response to comments and questions from Cllr Connor, the following information was shared:

• Officers explained that the lead borough for co-ordination of the fund was chosen based on the amount of resource that could be allocated to the project by a borough, stressing that this would be a resource intensive project.
  
  
• Officers explained that, given current financial challenges, the Council would be reviewing charges across charging bays. It was explained that the Council had already undertaken formal consultation on the costs for using electric vehicle charging bays already and those charges were now in operation.
  
  
• It was stressed that the Council would aim to diversify the suppliers and speed of charging points across the boroughs to ensure choice in prices for users.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Approved the Council accepting Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (“LEVI”) funding, administered by the Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (“OZEV”), for the purpose of procuring on-street electric vehicle charging infrastructure within Haringey. The individual funding agreement, with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, was for the sum of £1,257,333.
   
   
2. Noted that the Council would be collaboratively procuring, as part of a partnership of six London boroughs, a Charge Point Operator(s) (“CPO”) to supply, install, operate, and maintain on-street electric vehicle chargepoints (“EVCPs”) in Haringey.
   
   
3. Noted that the Council would be required to sign an inter-borough legal agreement, to delegate authority to a lead partner borough to lead the procurement of a Charge Point Operator(s) to supply,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 188.

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

The Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families introduced the report.

It was explained that the Council was required to ensure that it provided sufficient services to meet its statutory responsibilities to arrange education for children who could not attend school due to health needs and other reasons. Therefore, pupils who required individual or small group tuition in a non-school environment needed to have suitable educational arrangements in place to meet their needs.

It was stressed by the Cabinet Member that the arrangements for delivering such a service were required to ensure that the service was high quality, delivered positive outcomes for children and young people, and provided value for money for the Council.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. In accordance with Contract Standing Order 2.01(b) (approval to proceed with a procurement in excess of £500k), 7.01 (establishment of a framework), and Section 49 of the Procurement Act 2023, approved the establishment of an open framework for tuition services for a period of eight years.
   
   
2. Delegated the award of the suppliers onto the Framework to the Chief Procurement Officer.

Reasons for Decision

Commissioning this provision via the recommended procurement approach of an open framework in line with the Procurement Act  2023 supported and enabled the delivery of high-quality, value-for-money tuition services. This ensured that children and young people who could not attend school and required tuition support were able to access education.

Through this mechanism, quality and price were standardised. Providers were required to meet minimum quality standards and adhere to competitive pricing mechanisms and specified quality assurance measures, thereby ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act 2023.

The procurement of an open framework was considered the most suitable and efficient route to market. It offered the Council the potential to swiftly access a range of providers, more effectively than alternative procurement approaches. Providers were able to apply to join the framework periodically throughout its duration, ensuring that competition and choice remained present to meet the varied educational needs of children and young people.

Opportunities to secure efficiencies, high-quality services, and cost savings were enabled through this procurement route, including improved tracking of usage and expenditure and increased market competition.

Procuring the proposed option offered the opportunity to secure efficiencies that aligned with the aims and objectives of the Safety Valve agreement.

Allowing other public sector organisations to access the framework made it more attractive to suppliers, leveraged collaborative purchasing power, and promoted efficiency across the public sector with minimal additional effort.

Under the Procurement Act 2023, the Council had the flexibility to establish an open framework that allowed for direct awards, mini competitions, block contracts, pilot operations, and negotiated fees following competition. This ensured the Council achieved best value while maintaining required quality standards.

Alternative Options Considered

Option 2: Extend and increase the capacity of Haringey Tuition in the Community Service.

The Haringey Tuition in the Community Service continued to provide education in small group settings for pupils, mainly aged 11–16. The commissioning of the open framework did not affect the continuation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 189.

Report of the Corporate Director of Finance and Resource. To be presented by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, and Deputy Leader of the Council.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, and Deputy Leader of the Council introduced the report.

It was explained that Haringey Council’s housebuilding programme directly responded to the urgent need for affordable and environmentally sustainable homes, enabling people to settle and thrive in the borough. The housing emergency was a national issue, but was particularly acute in London. By November 2024, record numbers of people had been experiencing homelessness, with an estimated 183,000 Londoners homeless and living in temporary accommodation arranged by their local boroughs. London boroughs collectively spent £4 million daily on temporary accommodation.

The Cabinet Member noted the historic underspending on housing development, compounded by policies such as Right to Buy, which had left council housing stock severely depleted at a time when it was most needed. Haringey Council responded to this crisis with one of the most ambitious housebuilding programmes in the UK. As of March 2025, the Council had completed 721 new council homes, with construction underway on 1,358 homes. The Council remained on track to potentially exceed its target of 3,000 new, high-quality council homes by 2031, as outlined in the Corporate Delivery Plan and Housing Delivery Strategy. The programme also focused on zero-carbon development in line with Haringey’s net-zero target by 2041, which was especially important given that around half the borough’s emissions came from buildings.

Since the last Cabinet update, 522 homes were completed across 12 sites, including 85 three- and four-bed homes, which addressed the needs of families facing homelessness or overcrowding. In 2024, the Watts Close scheme—Haringey’s first net-zero scheme—won the Building Development of the Year award from Unlock Net Zero, and the team received the UK Housing's 'Council of the Year' award. Three of the Council’s schemes had been occupied for over a year, with resident feedback largely positive; 95% of survey respondents at Rosa Luxemburg reported satisfaction.

It was stressed that finding new build sites in a densely built urban area remained a challenge. As the programme progressed, the Council needed to think creatively to identify suitable locations. Eight further under-used sites—including car parks and vacant lots—were proposed for inclusion in the programme. These sites had the potential to deliver over 255 council homes and five pitches for Gypsy-Roma-Traveller communities, whose housing needs are often overlooked.

This work demonstrated Haringey’s ongoing commitment to serving its most vulnerable residents and building a legacy of affordable housing for generations to come.

In response to comments and questions from Cllr Connor, the following information was shared:

• It was asked what proportion of homes expected to be Passivhaus. Officers offered to provide a written response to Cllr Connor. It was additionally explained that performance on delivery of Passivhaus was high, but noted that some sites were not possible due to the nature of the building.
  
  
• Officers noted that the Avenue Mews scheme was unable to be viable following work to determine its viability as a scheme.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1          Approved the removal of three sites from the programme—251 Lordship Lane, Avenue  ...  view the full minutes text for item 190.

To note the minutes of the following:

Cabinet Member Signing

17 March 2025 The Brook on Broadwaters Safety Valve Project - Award of

Construction Works Contract

21 March 2025 Variation of the contract with Northgate Vehicle Hire Ltd for the provision of operational vehicles Date of Decision

24th March, 2025 Leaseholder Building Insurance Arrangements

27th March, 2025 Re-procurement of construction works delivering new housing schemes at: Cornwall Road N15 5BN and Morley Avenue N22 6NT

31 March 2025 Alexandra Primary School Safety Valve Project - Award of

Construction Works Contract

4 April 2025 Request for approval to accept the Drug and Alcohol Treatment

and Recovery Improvement Grant (DATRIG). In addition, delegate

authority to the Director of Public Health to award contracts

pertinent to this grant.

4 April 2025 Request to accept additional funding for Stop Smoking Service

from Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and vary the

existing contract for Integrated Lifestyle Change programme to

enhance the level of Haringey smoking cessation services for

2025/26.

The minutes of other bodies were discussed.

RESOLVED:

The minutes of other bodies were noted

To note the delegated decisions taken by Directors.

The significant and delegated decisions taken by officers were discussed.

RESOLVED:

The significant and delegated decisions were noted

As per item 3

There were none.

Note from the Committees Manager

Items 27, 28, 29 and 30 allow for consideration of exempt information in relation to items 10,12,16 and 22.

TO RESOLVE

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as items 27, 28, 29 and 30 contain exempt information as defined under paragraphs 3, 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).

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as items 27, 28, 29 and 30 contain exempt information as defined under paragraph 3, 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).

Approval of housing construction contract and land appropriation, Grasmere Court N22 8QR - EXEMPT APPENDIX was discussed

RESOLVED:

That the Approval of housing construction contract and land appropriation, Grasmere Court N22 8QR - EXEMPT APPENDIX was noted

The Acquisition of 29 Council homes at 76 Mayes Road, Wood Green, N22 6SY - EXEMPT APPENDIX was discussed

RESOLVED:

The Acquisition of 29 Council homes at 76 Mayes Road, Wood Green, N22 6SY - EXEMPT APPENDIX was noted

The Waiver and Award of Three Concession Contracts to Operate and Expand Car Club Services in Haringey (Fixed Bays and Pilot) Over the Next 5 Years - EXEMPT APPENDIX was discussed

RESOLVED:

The Waiver and Award of Three Concession Contracts to Operate and Expand Car Club Services in Haringey (Fixed Bays and Pilot) Over the Next 5 Years - EXEMPT APPENDIX was noted

The Updates on the Council Housing Delivery Programme - EXEMPT APPENDIX was discussed

RESOLVED:

The Updates on the Council Housing Delivery Programme - EXEMPT APPENDIX was noted

As per item 3

There was none.