Agenda and minutes

Venue: MS Teams

Contact: Ayshe Simsek, Democratic Services & Scrutiny Manager 

Note: To watch, click the link on the agenda fronsheet or paste the following into your browser - https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YTk3YjgwNDMtM2NjNy00ZDBlLTk0NTctYjc0ZDkwZDk5ODg3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%226ddfa760-8cd5-44a8-8e48-d8ca487731c3%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2202aebd75-93bf-41ed-8a06-f0d41259aac0%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d&btype=a&role=a 

Items
No. Item

455.

FILMING AT MEETINGS

Please note that this meeting will be 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. 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, you are consenting to being filmed and to the possible use of those images and sound recordings

 

Minutes:

The Leader informed all present that the meeting was to be streamed live on the Council’s website.

456.

Apologies

To receive any apologies for absence.

Minutes:

Apologies for lateness were received from Councillor Amin.

457.

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 26 below. New items of exempt business will be dealt with at item 29 below).

Minutes:

None.

458.

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:

None.

459.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 284 KB

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 9 February 2021 as a correct record.

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 9 February 2021 be approved as a correct record.

 

Councillor Bull gave apologies for his early departure from the meeting due to ill-health.

460.

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 [27] : Exclusion of the Press and Public.  No representations with regard to these have been received.

 

This is the formal 5 clear day notice under the Regulations to confirm that this Cabinet meeting will be partly held in private for the reasons set out in this Agenda.

 

 

Minutes:

None received.

461.

Deputations/Petitions/Questions

To consider any requests received in accordance with Standing Orders.

Minutes:

None received.

462.

Matters Referred to Cabinet by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Minutes:

None.

463.

2020/21 Finance Update Quarter 3 pdf icon PDF 1 MB

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

 

This report will provide an update on the Quarter 3 budget monitoring and will seek approval for any revenue or capital budget changes required to respond to the changing financial scenario and the delivery of the MTFS.

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategic Regeneration introduced the report which outlined the budget position at Quarter 3 (Period 9) of the 2020/21 financial year, including General Fund Revenue, Capital, Housing Revenue Account and Dedicated Schools Grant budgets.  The Cabinet Member referred to the impact of Covid-19 on the borough and the financial impact on the current year’s agreed budget was set out very clearly in the report.  He added that it remained critical that the Council maintained its strong financial management at this time in order to continue to do the best for all who live and work in the borough.

 

The Cabinet Member responded to questions from Councillor Emery:

-           In terms of overspend in the high needs block, Haringey was not unique in this situation and Local Authorities were working together to lobby the Government to ensure that funding was provided to meet the funding gaps experienced by many Councils.

-           Whilst it was not good to use reserves to fund budget gaps, the Cabinet Member stated that he and the Finance team would do what they could to ensure that the budget gap was reduced by looking at where savings could be made.

-           The debt write-offs were historic and could not remain in the accounts, therefore the necessary steps needed to be taken to remove these.  Systems had been put in place to ensure any services provided by the Council in terms of payroll services, the money would be provided first to the Council and then payments made, which was a change to the previous system.

 

RESOLVED to

 

1.         Note the forecast revenue outturn for the General Fund (GF), including the impact of Covid, and known and estimated levels of announcedCovid funding, is a net overspend of £8.1m (Q2 £9.8m). This is before any further emergency grant support (Section 6, Tables 1a and 1b, and Appendix 1 of the report). This excludes the DSG forecast.

 

2.         Note that Directors have been asked to focus on actions to bring the forecast overspend down before the end of the year.

 

3.         Note the net Housing Revenue Account (HRA) forecast of £4.2m (Q2 £4.2m) overspend (Section 6, Table 2, and Appendix 2 of the report).

 

4.         Note the net DSG forecast of £6.5m (Q2 £5.3m) overspend, the actions being taken to seek to address this and the potential implications for the GF (Section 7 and Table 3 of the report).

 

5.         Note the forecast budget savings position in 2020/21 which indicates that £7.7m (47%) (Q2 £7.3m (45%) may not be achieved. (Section 8, Table 4 and Appendix 3 of the report).  This is incorporated in the GF budget pressures addressed in recommendation 3.1 above.

 

6.         Approve the proposed budget adjustments and virements to the capital programme as set out in Table 5 and Appendix 5 of the report and note the forecast expenditure of £198m (£218m Qtr2) in 2020/21 which equates to 37% (40% Qtr2) of the revised capital budget (Section 9, Table 5 and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 463.

464.

Insourcing of Security Services pdf icon PDF 459 KB

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

 

The report will ask Cabinet to approve the creation of an in-house security team to sit within the Operational Facilities Management service.

 

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategic Regeneration introduced the report which sought approval for the creation of an inhouse security team in line with the Council’s Insourcing Policy.  An inhouse security service would allow the Council to respond to the changing profile of its buildings and how they are used, and also provide greater control over the service to improve management and performance in line with related teams within Operational Facilities Management.  The existing workforce would benefit from significantly improved terms and conditions including better pay, annual leave, sickness and pension entitlement through the Local Government Pension Scheme.  The security workforce employed by the current provider currently comprised of local staff, with over 95% living in Haringey and the remainder living in neighbouring boroughs.

 

The Leader gave thanks to the team of officers who had worked to deliver insourcing, which was right for the Borough and would provide a better service for local people.

 

The Cabinet Member responded to questions from Councillor Emery:

-           The insourcing of the security service would provide better terms and conditions for local people employed by the current provider. 

-           All current staff would be covered under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) Regulations.  There would be no redundancies made.  The current contract paid staff at London Living Wage, which would continue.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.      That Cabinet approves the insourcing of corporate security services from the current provider United Guarding Services (UGS) in accordance with the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) Regulations.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

In October 2019 Haringey’s Cabinet approved and adopted an Insourcing Policy. The Insourcing Policy includes a commitment to a structured approach to support sustained progress on this agenda by:

           making it easier for us to work collaboratively with our communities in the design and delivery of public services which reflect what they need, recognising that service delivery is a core element of our relationship with residents.

           strengthening our organisational sustainability and resilience, by further developing the skills and knowledge of our workforce; and our organisational capacity and infrastructure.

           increasing the numbers of locally employed people who will benefit from the excellent terms and conditions we offer as an employer.

           opening services to increased scrutiny and accountability to drive improved outcomes; and,

           squeezing the maximum financial and social value from each pound spent.

 

The Council’s Facilities Management (FM) service was the first major insource initiative brought inhouse following the publication of the Insourcing Policy.  The initial Cabinet decision to undertake an insource of FM in 2019 noted that ‘a review of security services will be conducted in a later phase to identify the most appropriate delivery model’.

 

Following completion of the core FM project, a further service review was undertaken by officers to identify the Council’s needs in relation to security.  This service review was tasked with reviewing a range of options to consider what future security arrangements would be most appropriate for the Council in future.  The scope and findings of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 464.

465.

Haringey Fairness Commission pdf icon PDF 234 KB

[Report of the Director for Customers, Transformation and Resources.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Transformation and Public Realm Investment]

 

Report to provide an update on the implementation of Fairness Commission recommendations and agree priority actions in the context of Covid impacts.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Note: Councillor Amin joined the meeting during this item.

 

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Corporate Services introduced the report which set out the progress made in implementing the Fairness Commission recommendations to date; the plan to set out how Fairness Commission recommendations would be implemented as part of the Borough Plan refresh; and the proposal to consult Fairness Commissioners as part of the production of a forthcoming report in June 2012.

 

The Cabinet Member responded to questions from Councillor Emery:

-           Fairness Commissioners were not asked of any party allegiance when invited to join the Commission.

-           Haringey was one of eight London Boroughs to have failed the Housing Delivery Test.  It was important to note that this was a patently unfair measure of housing delivery, as it relied on developers building out on Planning Permissions which had been granted.  The test took into account a three year period which wasn’t reflective of the true picture of house building which was lumpy.  The Haringey Planning Department were one of the best performing planning services in London.

-           Part of the Commission involved reviewing significant evidence on different perspectives on economic models.

 

RESOLVED to

 

1.         Note the progress made implementing Fairness Commission recommendations to date (including as part of the Covid-19 response), including on the areas which have received particular attention as part of our response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

2.         Note the plan to set out how Fairness Commission recommendations will be implemented as part of the Borough Plan refresh, due to come to Cabinet for decision in June 2021.

 

3.         Note the proposal to consult Fairness Commissioners as part of the production  of June 2021 Cabinet report.

 

Reasons for decision

 

The Fairness Commission was established in July 2018, with the aim of better understanding the causes of unfairness in the borough through conversations with residents and other local stakeholders and developing practical recommendations for how the council and partners can tackle inequality and work to better support residents, communities and businesses in Haringey.

 

In its final report (February 2020), the Fairness Commission made a set of  recommendations to redress social, economic and political inequalities in the borough. A Cabinet report receiving the Commission’s report and recommendations noted the positive contribution evidence from the Commission had already made to informing on a number of important organisational agendas.

 

Within weeks of the publication of this final report, the UK went into the first national lockdown, and in the year since, the disproportionate impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on some of our residents has reinforced the need to address the injustices highlighted by the Commission, particularly: tackling poverty; prioritising equity and inclusion; and addressing structural inequality.

 

Learning from the Commission has helped shape our emergency response to the pandemic, including some of the ways we have worked differently with our communities and partners and in some of the new ways of delivering services. This impact is captured in a ‘Recovery and Renewal’ Cabinet report (December 2020), which is intended to inform  ...  view the full minutes text for item 465.

466.

Climate Change Action Plan pdf icon PDF 575 KB

[Report of the Director for Housing, Regeneration and Planning.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Equalities and Leisure]

 

This report and appendix sets out the actions required by the borough stakeholders, the Council, and Government to achieve a Net Zero Carbon Borough by 2041.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Equalities and Leisure introduced the report which set out the results of public engagement on the Borough’s Climate Change Action Plan and sought approval to the Council’s responses to the engagement process, agree the alteration made to the Action Plan and to formally adopt the Haringey Climate Action Plan.

 

Joe Baker, Head of Carbon Management responded to questions from Councillor Emery:

-           The local volunteer network was a request from the community.  It enabled co-delivery of the Climate Change Action Plan.  The network would be facilitated by Council staff.

-           Targets would be monitored and reported as part of the Annual Carbon Report.

 

RESOLVED to

 

1.           Accept the results of the community engagement on the draft Haringey Climate Change Action Plan and the alterations made as a result of the feedback;

 

2.           Agree the alterations within the Haringey Climate Change Action Plan that have been made based on the community’s feedback;

 

3.           Agree to adopt the updated Haringey Climate Change Action Plan

 

Reasons for decision

 

Delivering a net zero carbon borough by 2050 is an objective in the Borough Plan 2019-23. However, in light of the new scientific evidence published in the report Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2018), Full Council in March 2019 agreed to declare a climate emergency, and to review this date for delivery with a view to bringing it forward in recognition of that emergency. 

 

In March 2020 the Council agreed to publish and consult on the draft Haringey Climate Change Action Plan. The Action Plan sets out the actions required with a challenging but realistic timeframe to reduce the borough’s carbon footprint. It sets out the actions which are already funded, the additional funding that is needed and the legislative changes needed. It also outlines the delivery routes with national, and regional government, as well as the work required from borough’s stakeholders. Between October 2020 and January 2021, the Council undertook engagement across the Haringey Community. This information has been used to inform the draft Action Plan and set clearer priorities for the Council and community to focus on.

 

National and regional governments have increased their focus and funding on the delivery of “Green Growth” and funding related to COVID recovery plans for England all have a focus on a green recovery. The Action Plan now reflects these changes at a national and regional level and new funding opportunities. This Action Plan will enable the Council to secure these funding streams.

 

Alternative options considered

 

Reflect a limited number of points from the community in the CCAP. This was rejected as the Climate Change ambition and its delivery is far wider than just the Council. The Council only directly manages approx. 8% of the borough’s total carbon footprint. This covers all council buildings, the majority of the schools, the Council’s fleet and the Council’s housing stock managed through Homes for Haringey. Therefore, if the borough is to deliver  ...  view the full minutes text for item 466.

467.

Highways and Public Realm Investment Plan pdf icon PDF 570 KB

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

 

To set out the capital and revenue investment in highways and Public Realm improvements schemes (2021/22).

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Transformation and Public Realm Investment introduced the report which sought approval for the Highways Investment Plan for 2021/22 financial year.  Transport played a pivotal role in daily lives with the global pandemic highlighting the need to provide welcoming and accessible streets and public realm to facilitate daily walks and socialising outdoors.  It was important to keep up the investment in Haringey’s streets and continue the aim to ensure that Haringey has a high quality and safe highway with a reliable public transport system, accessible to all.  The Cabinet Member thanked staff in the Highways team for their work on the plan.

 

The Cabinet Member and Peter Boddy, Highways and Traffic Manager, responded to questions from the Cabinet and Councillor Emery:

-           Although Lordship Lane covered a number of wards, only the worst sections of the road would be repaired due to funding limitations.

-           A formula was used to assess the maintenance proposals and only those with a score above 65 were included in the programme.  As more investment was provided, the criteria would be lowered and more roads would be included in the programme going forward.

 

RESOLVED to:

 

1.         Approve the Highways Investment Plan for 2021/22 financial year as set out in section 7 of the report; and

 

2.         Give delegated authority to the Head of Highways and Parking, consequential on the Highways Investment Plan:

·      To make decisions relating to scheme design and implementation;

·      To carry out consultation;

·      To consider representations received in response to consultation and to report significant or substantial concerns back to the relevant Cabinet Member; and

·      To make traffic management orders, where there are no valid objections.

 

Reasons for Decision

 

This HIP sets out the Council’s highways and traffic projects for the coming financial year and how they align with the Council’s strategic objectives.

 

The report provides detail of the funding arrangements and seeks authority to proceed with the development and delivery of these projects subject to appropriate consultation.

 

Alternative options considered

 

No other options were considered. The Council has a statutory obligation to maintain the public highway network.

 

Allocated funding is not sufficient to cover all maintenance requirements and the proposals prioritises the essential works that needs to be delivered. The 2021/22 investment plan has been informed by the Council’s Transport Strategy and LIP3 which involved consultation with key stakeholders. The maintenance works programme has been prioritised through highway condition surveys by officers, visual inspections, and concerns raised by Members and by the wider community.

468.

Street Lighting Investment Plan pdf icon PDF 612 KB

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

 

To set out the capital and revenue street lighting investment for 2020/2021.

 

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Transformation and Public Realm Investment introduced the report which sought approval for the implementation of the Street Lighting Investment Plan for the 2021/22 financial year.  An upgrade to the street lighting system was well overdue, and would contribute to the safe use of the highway for motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, including motorcyclists.  It also supported strong and safe communities by reducing crime and the fear of crime.  The programme included the implementation of a Smart Lighting System, an intelligent control system used to manage street lighting networks with benefits such as greater energy saving, fewer non-working lights and the flexibility to change and override setting to meet specific operational needs. 

 

Councillor Bull thanked the team for highlighting roads in White Hart Lane ward where improved street lighting was needed.  He referred to the issues on the Roundway and hoped that the new lighting would help to improve the lives of people living in the area.

 

Peter Boddy, Highways and Traffic Manager, responded to questions from Councillor Emery:

-           The payback period for the scheme was dependent on the rate increase of energy costs.  Projections had been made on low, medium and high energy inflation rates and assumptions were based on those projections.  The payback period based on the worst case was 7-10 years.

-           Actual savings in terms of the current budget were relatively low.  The main savings would be achieved by protecting the Council from spiralling energy costs in the future.

 

RESOLVED to

 

1.         Approve the Street Lighting Investment Plan for the 2021/22 financial year, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report – Tables 1 to Tables 5

 

2.         Give delegated authority to the Head of Highways and Parking, consequential on the Street Lighting Investment Plan:

·      To make decisions relating to scheme design and implementation;

·      To carry out consultation;

·      To consider representations received in response to consultation and to report significant or substantial concerns back to the relevant Cabinet Member; and

·      To make traffic management orders, where there are no valid objections.

 

Reasons for Decision

Street lighting is an important element of the transport network because of the safety and confidence it brings to road users.Investment in the infrastructure is required to ensure that the Council maintains a fit-for-purpose highway infrastructure asset in accordance with nationally accepted asset management principles.

 

Alternative options considered

There are no other relevant options. The 2021/22 investment plan has been shaped by Borough Plan priorities, as well as the Council’s Transport Strategy and the draft Climate Change Action Plan. The lantern and column replacement programme has been developed through electrical and structural condition surveys, scouting, visual inspections and lighting levels, ensuring that investment is targeted where most needed.

469.

Parking Investment Plan pdf icon PDF 898 KB

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

 

To set out the investment in parking schemes and programmes for 2021.

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Transformation and Public Realm Investment introduced the report which sought approval for the Parking Investment Plan for 2021/22 financial year.  There were a number of outcomes from the plan, including removal of footway parking, reviewing CPZs and reviewing visitors parking permit policies.

 

In response to Councillor Bull, the Cabinet Member advised that all signage was uniform across the county in accordance with the Department for Transport guidelines and could not be amended by the Council.  Nevertheless, it could be possible to add additional signage to provide a clearer understanding of parking zone boundaries.

 

The Cabinet Member responded to questions from Councillor Emery:

-           The Cabinet Member advised that she was aware of the issues with the two proposed CPZs in Muswell Hill where certain roads were not covered by either CPZ, and advised that officers were looking into how this could be best dealt with.  Ward Councillors would be updated.

-           Phase 1 and 2 of the contactless payments were identified by looking at footfall areas and how the parking bays were used.  There was a wider framework document which could be circulated to Councillor Emery.

 

RESOLVED to

 

1.         Approve the Parking Investment Plan for 2021/22 financial year as set out in section 6 of the report,subject to the consultations not raising any significant or substantial issues; and

 

2.         Give delegated authority to the Head of Highways and Parking, consequential on the Parking Investment Plan:

·      To make decisions relating to scheme design and implementation;

·      To carry out consultation;

·      To consider representations received in response to consultation and to report significant or substantial concerns back to the relevant Cabinet Member; and

·      To make traffic management orders, where there are no valid objections.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

Parking matters to a wide range of stakeholders. Residents need sensible, safe and fair access to their homes, whether they are drivers or users of other forms of transport. For many residents, sustainable modes of transport will be the preferred option.  It is therefore essential that the borough’s controlled parking zones (CPZs) complement walking and cycling measures as well as improving public transport reliability.

 

For others, using the car is the only option to retain independence, necessary for work, to get around or to make busy and complex lives work. The approach to parking needs to balance all these demands so that residents feel we are have given regard to their needs, whilst considering the Council’s commitment through Haringey’s Transport Strategy to increase journeys taken by walking and cycling, helping to improve air quality and the health and wellbeing of our residents. 

 

Businesses require adequate loading provision for their servicing needs. Some also consider easy access to parking an important aspect to draw people into our town centres and shopping areas.

 

Parking is also considered important by partners, whether it is the emergency services and their need for quick access to situations, or cultural and arts organisations and their desire to attract audiences from outside as well as within Haringey.

 

However,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 469.

470.

Disabled Parking Action Plan pdf icon PDF 339 KB

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

 

To consolidate all improvements being implemented or planned to improve access to disabled parking, as well as seeking approval for further policy changes and associated investment.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Transformation and Public Realm Investment introduced the report which sought approval to increase the length of existing disabled parking bays to 6.6 metres to achieve consistency with new parking bays and achieve compliance with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016; and to provide exemptions in relation to parking restrictions for Blue Badge Holders awaiting replacement of stolen Blue Badges, for up to 3 weeks.  The Disabled Parking Action Plan had been informed through feedback from disabled motorists and their representative groups working either directly with the Cabinet Member, the service, or through the review carried out by the Environment and Community Safety Scrutiny Panel.  The range of improvements being made to the delivery of disabled parking services in Haringey would make a real difference to the lives of many disabled residents.

 

Councillor Bull praised the pro-active response to the Blue Badge theft issue.

 

RESOLVED to

 

1.         Agree that Blue Badge Holders awaiting the replacement of a stolen Blue Badge are exempt from the parking restrictions for up to 3 weeks;

 

2.         Agree the increase in length of existing disabled parking bays to 6.6 metres to achieve consistency with any new disabled parking bays that are provided and compliance with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016; and

 

3.         Give delegated approval to the Head of Highways and Parking:

·  To make decisions relating to scheme design and implementation;

·  To carry out consultation;

·  To consider representations received in response to consultation and to report significant or substantial concerns back to the relevant Cabinet Member; and

·  To make traffic management orders, where there are no valid objections.

 

Reasons for decision

 

The Council has a statutory obligation to provide disabled parking facilities and to effectively manage the local delivery of the national Blue Badge scheme. This needs to be done in a manner that is meaningful and meets the requirements of disabled people.

 

This Disabled Parking Action Plan, including new proposals, will improve the service offer and ensure the delivery of a compliant and fit-for-purpose service. 

 

Alternative options considered

 

Disabled parking provision will be kept under constant review to ensure that the parking needs of disabled residents and visitors are met. The consolidated Disabled Parking Action Plan is comprehensive, and no other options were considered at this point in time.

471.

Road Safety Investment Plan pdf icon PDF 622 KB

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

 

To set out the Council's road safety programme for 2021/22 and how it contributes to achieving the Mayor For London's road accident reduction targets (Vision Zero).

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Transformation and Public Realm Investment introduced the report for the Road Safety Investment Plan for the 2021/22 financial year.  The plan included four key strands of work: Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan; road safety projects; pedestrian crossing projects; and ongoing behavioural change programmes and educational work.  The four strands would be aligned to the draft Walking and Cycling Action Plan, and also supplement the substantial investment set out within our investment plans.

 

In response to a question from Councillor Bull, the Cabinet Member advised that whilst it was frustrating that works had not commenced on The Roundway crossings, it was reliant on working with TfL, who had responsibility for traffic signalling.  TfL currently had a large number of staff on furlough so it was not currently possible to proceed with any works.

 

The Cabinet Member responded to questions from Councillor Emery:

-           Accident data was provided by the Met Police which gave a good evidence base to where accidents occurred.

-           Walking was a versatile mode of transport and investment in pavements, crossings, street lighting was constantly happening to enhance the experience for all residents.

 

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Corporate Services advised that where it was possible to convert cycle lanes to mandatory lanes without consultation the Council would do so as soon as possible.

 

RESOLVED to

 

1.         Approve the Road Safety Investment Plan for the 2021/22 financial year, as set out in paragraphs 6.13 to 6.34, subject to the consultations not raising any significant or substantial issues; and

 

2.         Give delegated authority to the Head of Highways and Parking, consequential on the Road Safety Investment Plan:

·      To make decisions relating to scheme design and implementation;

·      To carry out consultation;

·      To consider representations received in response to consultation and to report significant or substantial concerns back to the relevant Cabinet Member; and

·      To make traffic management orders, where there are no valid objections.

 

Reasons for Decision

 

The authority has a statutory duty under section 39 of the 1988 Road Traffic Act to “take steps both to reduce and prevent accidents”. It must also prepare and carry out a programme of measures designed to promote road safety.

 

This report recommends the programme for 2021/22, as well as identifying a new strategy document to assist in prioritisation in 2021/22 and in future years.

 

Alternative options considered

 

None. The authority has a statutory duty as set out in 4.1.

 

The preparation of a Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan with a supporting evidence base (borough road safety assessment) will enable the authority to target its investment where it is most needed.  This strategy will set the direction for future investment plans.

472.

Flood Water Management Investment Plan pdf icon PDF 286 KB

[Report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Equalities and Leisure]

 

To set out the capital and revenue investment in Flood Water management, including drainage programme for 2021/22.

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Transformation and Public Realm Investment introduced the report which sought approval for the Flood Water Management Investment Plan (FWMIP) for the 2021/22 financial year.  In line with the Borough Plan 2019-23, the Flood Risk Management Strategy and Asset Management Strategy, the Council would be investing £869,000 into a range of proposals with the aim of flood prevention and drainage improvements to the public realm.

 

Councillor Bull asked for reassurance that the Council would work with Homes for Haringey to carry out works in Larkspur Close to look at flooding and protecting the culvert from future floods.  The Cabinet Member advised that the Director for Environment and Neighbourhoods was looking at a range of issues and would ensure that joined up working with all partners took place to improve the area.

 

In response to a question from Councillor Emery, the Cabinet Member advised that paragraph 6.6 of the report outlined the joint bid with local residents to the Environment Agency for flood resilience proposals.

 

RESOLVED to

 

1.         Approve the Flood Water Management Investment Plan for the 2021/22 financial year as set out in the attached Appendix 1 of the report.

 

2.         Give delegated approval to the Head of Highways and Parking, consequential on the Flood Water Management Investment Plan:

·      To make decisions relating to scheme design and implementation;

·      To carry out consultation;

·      To consider representations received in response to consultation and to report significant or substantial concerns back to the relevant Cabinet Member; and

·      To make traffic management orders, where there are no valid objections.

 

Reasons for Decision

 

The FWMIP sets out the Council’s flood water management and highways drainage resilience projects for the coming financial year and how they align with the Council’s strategic objectives.

 

The report provides detail of the funding arrangements and seeks authority to proceed with the development and delivery of these projects. Some of those projects will be subject to appropriate consultation.

 

Alternative options considered.

 

No other options were considered. The Council has a statutory obligation to maintain the public highway network.  The Council is the lead local flood authority in the borough and responsible fortaking the lead in managing flood risk from surface water, groundwater, reservoirs, rivers and some of the smaller watercourses. This 2021/22 investment plan has been informed by the Council’s Transport Strategy, Asset Management Strategy and Flood Risk Management Strategy. The projects proposed are those that have already been identified as priorities and start the process of reducing the risk of future flooding in the borough.

 

The funding for the proposed projects comes from Council resources approved by Cabinet in December 2020 as part of the Capital Programme and external grant received since the approval of the Highways Works Plan 2020/21

473.

Street Cleansing Strategy and plan adoption pdf icon PDF 276 KB

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

 

Adoption of a Cleaner Haringey strategy and delivery plan with enhanced focus on cleansing standards and enforcement actions.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Transformation and Public Realm Investment introduced the report which sought approval for a Cleaner Haringey Strategy to provide a high-level framework to deliver on the Council’s ambition for Haringey to be a place with strong, resilient and connected communities where people can lead active and healthy lives in an environment that is safe, clean and green.  The report set out a plan to tackle four priorities: fight illegal rubbish dumping; keep streets free from litter and detritus; tackle graffiti and flyposting; and ensure waste is sufficiently contained in bins.

 

In response to Councillor Bull, the Cabinet Member advised that accumulated rubbish around train stations was not a unique problem to Haringey.  It was important to inform residents that this land did not belong to the Council, and it was time to put pressure on Network Rail to take responsibility for the accumulated rubbish on their land.

 

In response to Councillor Emery, the Cabinet Member advised that the Veolia pick up rate for flytipping was very high at 97%.  It was important to note that not all waste reported by residents was in the public realm and so could not be removed by Veolia.

 

RESOLVED to

 

1.         Approve the Cleaner Haringey Strategy as attached at Appendix 1 of the report.  

 

2.         Delegate authority to the Director of Environment & Neighbourhoods in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transformation & Public Realm Investment, to make minor amendments to the Strategy as and when required.

 

Reasons for decision

 

The challenges of waste management in Haringey are substantial and an ongoing key concern for our residents and business owners. We know that these challenges will increase as more people move into the borough and more businesses decide to locate to Haringey on the back of our successful regeneration plans. 

 

We know from the work we have carried out over the last 18 months that a concerted effort, driven by clear priorities can deliver results.  Our success in tackling problematic fly tips, waste containment issues and increasing our engagement with local communities is evident.  We need to build on our work to date and believe that our Cleaner Haringey Strategy offers a framework that clearer sets out the challenges and concerns of our communities, understands the changing nature of our borough and offers four clear priorities, a set of deliverables and outcome measures for us to work towards and be held accountable for.

The Strategy has been informed by reviewing service data, resident surveys and member feedback. The Strategy outlines a number of short to medium term actions that will be undertaken within the remit of Waste Client that satisfy four priorities:

·                     Fight illegal rubbish dumping

·                     Keep our streets free from litter and detritus

·                     Tackle the blight of graffiti and fly posting

·                     Ensure waste is sufficiently contained in bins

 

Alternative options considered

 

Do Nothing

 

There is clear ambition in Haringey for a cleaner environment, as captured in the Borough Plan’s Place Priority. Doing nothing would not be consistent with this level of ambition.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 473.

474.

Discretionary Housing Payments Policy 2021-22 pdf icon PDF 280 KB

[Report of the Director for Customers, Transformation and Resources.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Transformation and Public Realm Investment]

 

To agree the Policy/criteria for access to Discretionary Housing Payments.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Transformation and Public Realm Investment introduced the report which sought approval for Haringey’s Discretionary Housing Payments Policy 2021/22, which set the methodology to determine the award of individual Discretionary Housing Payments during the financial year 2021/22.  The needs of Haringey’s residents had increased during Covid, and additional funding would be required to fill the gap if the allocation from the DWP was not increased.

 

In response to Councillor Emery, the Cabinet Member confirmed that Haringey had not returned any DHP allocation to the DWP.  For the current financial year, the allocation was £2.02m, the Council had allocated £2.2m and topped up by a further £300k which was likely to be exceeded also.

 

RESOLVED to

 

1.         Approve Haringey’s Discretionary Housing Payments Policy 2021/22 (set out in  Appendix A of the report) as the methodology to determine the award of individual Discretionary Housing Payments during the financial year 2021/22 having regard to the Equalities Impact Assessment (set out in Appendix B of the report).

 

2.         To note that at the time of writing this report the DWP have not confirmed the DHP allocation to Haringey for 2021/22. If notification arrives after this Cabinet meeting, Cabinet will be notified of the figure in the Quarter One budget monitoring report.

 

Reasons for Decision

 

The DHP Policy must be reviewed and approved every year in line with the changing funding allocated by the DWP.

 

Alternative Options Considered

 

None

475.

New River Sports Ground - Options Appraisal pdf icon PDF 766 KB

[Report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Equalities and Leisure]

 

The report will set out the options available to the council for the future management of New River Sports Ground following the transfer of the lease back to the council.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Equalities and Leisure introduced the report which sought approval for the ‘run directly’ option to establish an in-house leisure management operation to manage New River Sport and Fitness.  The report also sought approval to vire £0.305m from the General Fund capital programme contingency to fund the capital costs.

 

Simon Farrow, Highways, Parking, Parks & Open Space Manager, responded to questions from Councillor Emery:

-                 Mr Farrow had previous experience of working as part of the team running New River.  A close relationship had been maintained with Fusion over the years so the inhouse team had a good understanding of how it worked. 

-                 Work had been carried out with consultants to put together the strategy and on balance it was considered to be a good business case.

 

RESOLVED to

 

1.         Approve the ‘Run Directly’ option outlined in paragraphs 6.15 to 6.46 of the report and establish an in-house leisure management operation to manage New River Sport and Fitness.

 

2.        Delegate authority to the Assistant Director Direct Services to set the actual date of transfer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Equalities and Leisure.

 

3.         Agree to vire £0.305m from the approved general fund capital programme contingency to fund the capital costs set out in paragraph 6.38 of the report.

 

Reasons for decision

 

Run Directly is the option that can best deliver the Council’s objectives of implementing the new management arrangement within the 12 months of the short-term lease.  This option will allow the Council direct control and ensure that the management and activity programme is closely aligned to the Borough Plan Outcomes.

 

The business plan projects that the Council should, under stable operating conditions, be able to operate New River on a break-even basis. Allowing for mobilisation costs and essential capital upgrades, the cost of this option is less than the reintegration option.

 

This option allows the Council to review its actual performance in 2-3 years’ time and consider in a post-pandemic period if this remains the best option for the Council.

 

Alternative options considered

 

The Council set out to assess six options in line with its agreed insourcing policy. The following four options were ruled out as part of that assessment on the basis that they did not meet the high importance criteria set by the Council (see table at para 6.4): 

 

1.         Sale of the site

2.         Leasing the site on similar terms

3.         Tender to a new provider

4.         Run via a local authority trading company

 

The options of Run Directly and reintegration with the existing leisure management contract are set out within this report.

 

The option to reintegrate New River within the existing leisure management contract is not being recommended for several reasons.

 

Firstly, the proposal from Fusion would require the Council to subsidise the cost of running New River by £399k over the next three years. This is more than the cost of the Council mobilising its own operation and making the business plan critical improvements identified  ...  view the full minutes text for item 475.

476.

New delivery Model for Adult learning disabilities day opportunities pdf icon PDF 686 KB

[Report of the Director of Adults and Health.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health]

 

Proposal for a new model of delivering day opportunities for adults with learning disabilities following a public consultation.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Adults and Health introduced the report which sought approval for a new model of learning disability day opportunities following a period of consultation.

The consultation process received feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, and the proposals were and would continue to be shaped by users, carers and other stakeholders as they were implemented.

 

Councillor Bull placed on record his thanks to Councillor James for her engagement with service users to shape a transformation to the previous offer.

 

Councillor James and Charlotte Pomery, Assistant Director for Commissioning, responded to questions from Councillor Emery:

-           During the consultation, one of the important issues that was raised was around independent pathways. Due to this, a process of adaptation and redesign had already begun, taking into account the points raised in the consultation.  The pathway would be renamed as a ‘development’ pathway, and would be co-produced.  There would be access to a building space for all on the pathway, along with access to a dedicated team who would be responsible for looking after and monitoring the support for the cohort.  It was important to ensure that a meaningful experience was provided.

-           Written material on Care Act assessments and reviews was already provided to service users.  Advocacy was available for those who needed it.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.           To consider and take into account the feedback from the consultation undertaken as set out at Paragraphs 6.10 and Appendix 2 of the report;

 

2.           To consider and take into account the equalities impact assessment of the proposals on protected groups and action proposed to mitigate the impact as set out in Paragraphs 8.3 and Appendix 3 of the report; and 

 

3.           To approve the following new model for Learning Disability Day Opportunities to take effect from 1st April 2021:

 

3.1         In respect of Ermine Road

a)  Transforming Ermine Road to be a centre of excellence supporting people with severe to profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), complex health needs, physical and/or sensory impairments.

b)  Decommissioning the autism support service at Ermine Road.

c)  Supporting those who attend Ermine Road who have low or moderate support needs to plan alternative, more community focused support during the day, based on their needs, interests, friendships and life goals.

d)  Creating greater capacity at Ermine Road.

 

3.2       In respect of Waltheof Gardens

 

e)  Creating a dedicated service for people with complex learning disabilities and autism.

f)   Creating an Autism Hub.

 

3.3         In respect of out of borough day opportunity users

 

g)  Bringing some of the out of borough day opportunity users back to borough.

 

Reasons for decision

 

Users and carers have been consulted on Haringey’s new learning disability and autism day opportunities offer. 360 users and families were directly notified about the consultation. 11% of those notified of the consultation returned a completed survey. 5.5% of those notified about the consultation attended a consultation meeting. 20% of those notified of the consultation were contacted by officers for a telephone discussion about the proposals.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 476.

477.

Annual Childcare Sufficiency Report: 2020 pdf icon PDF 293 KB

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

 

The Childcare Act 2006 places a duty on the Council to ensure there is enough childcare within its area for working parents and parents who wish to train or study.  The Annual Childcare Sufficiency  Report provides an update on the availability of childcare provision in Haringey for 0 to 14 year olds and  (up to 18 for disabled children) and progress on the implementation of the Council's Childcare Action Plan 2019-2022 .

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Families set out the report which noted the Annual Childcare Sufficiency Report for 2020.  The report set out the current landscape for childcare in Haringey in the context both of Covid-19 and wider patterns of take up and demand.  It also considered the affordability, accessibility and quality of provision and how any gaps in childcare would be addressed.

 

RESOLVED to

 

1.         Note the 2020 Annual Childcare Sufficiency Report.

 

Reasons for decision

 

The reason for the recommendation is that a decision to approve the proposed Annual Childcare Sufficiency Report 2020 (Appendix 1), will ensure that the Council is fulfilling its statutory duty, under the Childcare Act 2006.

 

In addition, the Annual Childcare Sufficiency Report will provide an updated representation of Haringey’s childcare market, enabling the Council to develop childcare plans to support the market and maximise childcare participation in the future. 

           

Alternative options considered

 

The requirement to complete an Annual Childcare Sufficiency Report is part of the statutory requirement placed on the Council by the Childcare Act 2006. 

478.

Highgate School Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) adoption pdf icon PDF 460 KB

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

 

The existing Local Plan site allocation for the site requires a SPD to be produced to guide future planning applications.  The School intends to submit planning applications in 2021 for rationalisation, enhancement and accessibility improvements for the site and this SPD provides guidance for that.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Corporate Services introduced the report which sought approval for the adoption of the Highgate School Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) following the consultation process.  The Cabinet Member advised that the Regulatory Committee had been consulted at its meeting on 25 February and their comments had been included in the report and the SPD prior to publication.

 

Rob Krzyszowski, Interim Assistant Director for Planning, Building Services and Sustainability, responded to Councillor Emery’s question regarding sustainability standards on site.  Mr Krzyszowski advised that at planning applications must be determined using the planning policy in place at the point of determination so it would not be possible to future fit for when works may begin on site.  The Council used the highest standards and was confident that a good standard would be achieved on this site.

 

RESOLVED to

 

1.         Note the representations received in response to the consultation on the Draft SPD, the Council’s responses to these set out in Appendix A of the report, and the consequent changes proposed to the Draft SPD before adoption.

 

2.         Note the comments and recommendations of Regulatory Committee of 25 February 2021 regarding the changes proposed to the SPD

 

3.         Adopt the Highgate School SPD attached at Appendix B of the report.

 

Reasons for decision

 

Public consultation took place on the Draft SPD for 8 weeks from 26 October 2020 to 21 December 2020. The responses to the consultation have been considered and it is recommended that a series of changes are made to the SPD before it is adopted. Once adopted the SPD will be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications relating to the School, a series of which are expected to come forward in the near future. The SPD will provide guidance to help preserve the special character, heritage and amenity of the local area in line with the adopted Local Plan’s Site Allocation for the School and will discharge the Council’s commitment in the Local Plan to prepare an SPD for the site.

 

Alternative options considered

 

The alternative options considered are:

 

Option 1 – Not to adopt the SPD. The disadvantages of this are that the Council would not meet the commitment in the Site Allocations Local Plan document to bring forward an SPD for the School, it would not have specific adopted guidance to inform the submission and determination of future planning applications relating to the School, there would be no agreed strategic approach to the School’s development as a whole, and an ad-hoc way of dealing with estate wide issues would not give the local community the overall picture of the School’s development intentions and it would not enable the community to comment and input into the School’s long-term development in a meaningful way. Rather residents and businesses would only be able to comment on individual applications without this wider context.

 

Option 2: To adopt the SPD without any changes to the SPD following public consultation. This option would be contrary to legislation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 478.

479.

Minutes of Other Bodies pdf icon PDF 201 KB

To note the minutes of the following:

 

Cabinet Signing  15 .02.2021

Urgent Decision   16.02.2021

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED to note the minutes of the following:

 

Cabinet Signing  15.02.2021

Urgent Decision  16.02.2021

480.

New Items of Urgent Business

To consider any items admitted at Item 3 above.

Minutes:

None.

481.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

Note from the Democratic Services and Scrutiny Manager

 

Item 28 allows for consideration of exempt information in relation to item 5.

 

 

TO RESOLVE

 

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as the items below, contain exempt information, as defined under paragraph 3 and 5, Part 1, schedule 12A of the Local Government Act:     

 

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

 

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

 

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the consideration of agenda items 28-29 as they contain exempt information as defined in Section 100a of the Local Government Act 1972; Paragraph 3 - information relating to the business or financial affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information), and Paragraph 5 – Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.

482.

Exempt Minutes

To approve the exempt minutes from the meeting held on the 9th of February 2021.

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the exempt minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 9 February 2021 be approved as a correct record.

483.

New Items of Exempt Urgent Business

To consider any items admitted at Item 3 above.

 

Minutes:

None.