Agenda and minutes

Please note that this meeting may be filmed or recorded by the Council for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council’s internet site or by anyone attending the meeting using any communication method. Although we ask members of the public recording, filming or reporting on the meeting not to include the public seating areas, members of the public attending the meeting should be aware that we cannot guarantee that they will not be filmed or recorded by others attending the meeting. Members of the public participating in the meeting (e.g. making deputations, asking questions, making oral protests) should be aware that they are likely to be filmed, recorded or reported on. 

By entering the meeting room and using the public seating area, you are consenting to being filmed and to the possible use of those images and sound recordings.

The chair of the meeting has the discretion to terminate or suspend filming or recording, if in his or her opinion continuation of the filming, recording or reporting would disrupt or prejudice the proceedings, infringe the rights of any individual or may lead to the breach of a legal obligation by the Council.

The Leader advised that this was the first official meeting since the death of the Queen. There were national protocols of course for meetings and events during the period of mourning. It was noted that Parliament was not sitting this week, but the Council  were following the protocol that local government meetings should go ahead.

The Leader informed the meeting and public attendees that the Council had opened books of condolence in Haringey on Friday at George Meehan House, Tottenham Town Hall, Bruce Castle Museum and all libraries. Flowers were being laid here at George Meehan House as well as Tottenham Town Hall and Bruce Castle Park.

This was a  significant moment in modern history. The country had not seen the passing of a monarch  for more than seven decades. This came  at a time of change with a new government and the worst cost of living crisis in generations. The Leader spoke about everyone in Haringey  thinking about what the Queen represented, a thread of consistency and stability known for generations, and the new era to come.

The Leader continued to lead the meeting in a minute of reflection before opening  the meeting.

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

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 14 below. New items of exempt business will be dealt with at Item 18 below).

There were no items of urgent business.

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 no declarations of interest.

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 17: 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 on the exempt items.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meetings held on 5 July 2022 and 19 July 2022 as a correct record.

RESOLVED

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meetings held on 5 July 2022 and 19 July 2022 as a correct record.

For Cabinet to note (if any).

There were no matters for consideration.

To consider any requests received in accordance with Standing Orders.

There were no deputations, petitions, or questions.

Report of the Director of Finance to be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Local Investment.

This report will provide an update on the Quarter 1 budget monitoring and Council's financial position. It will seek approval for any changes to the Council's revenue or capital budgets required to respond to the changing financial scenario and the delivery of the Medium Term Financial Strategy.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Local Investment introduced the report which provided an update on the Quarter 1 budget monitoring and Council's financial position. It will seek approval for any changes to the Council's revenue or capital budgets required to respond to the changing financial scenario and the delivery of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy.

The Cabinet Member outlined that, in the last report on the 2021/22 financial outturn, it had been highlighted that there would be budgetary pressures on the Council during the coming financial year, predominately from external factors such as the economic landscape and continuing demand for services. The impact of this on the Council’s financial plans was demonstrated in the full year estimated spend levels reported at quarter 1. It was commented that there were also growing levels of inflation and wider economic pressures and the Council would need to maximise the delivery of a challenging savings programme, whilst focusing on mitigating actions that will bring down the current spend estimates. It was noted that Directors had been tasked with revisiting all current plans for options to contribute efficiencies and assessing how they can gain more traction on the delivery of savings programmes. It was considered unlikely that economic stability at a national level would be achieved in the short or even medium term and it was noted that the Council would need to focus on actions that were within its control to stabilise the budget position as far as possible this year.

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

-       In relation to the delivery of savings, it was explained that the amber rated items were live and the red rated items  listed were currently indicating that they were not deliverable.

-       It was noted that all directorates within the Council were considering whether there was any further capacity for savings.

-       In relation to the viability of the capital and housebuilding programmes in the current economic situation, it was noted that the  scheme business models needed  to take account of these changes and that work for this was ongoing.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the forecast total revenue outturn for the General Fund of £15.7m comprising £5.6m base budget and £10.1m (51%) savings delivery challenges. Note that Directors are developing actions to bring the forecast down before the end of the year. (Section 6, Table 1 and Appendices 1 & 3).

2.    To note the net DSG forecast of £3.8m overspend. (Section 6 and Appendix 1).

3.    To note the net Housing Revenue Account (HRA) forecast a breakeven at this time in the year (Section 6 and Appendices 1 and 2).

4.    To note the forecast GF & HRA Capital expenditure of £337.6m in 2022/23 (excluding enabling budgets) which equates to 72% of the revised capital budget (Section 8 and Appendix 4).

5.    To note the debt write-offs approved in Quarter 1 2022/23 (Appendix 7).

6.    To approve the extension of the current loan to the Credit Union as set out  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

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

Cabinet approval is required to participate in the national Safety Valve Programme which sets out proposals to achieve an in year balanced budget within the High Needs Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant.

Please be advised that the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny has agreed that the call-in procedure shall not apply to this  decision. This is because the decision is urgent and any delay in implementation caused by the call-in procedure would seriously prejudice the Council's or the public's interests due to the fact that  continued growth in High Needs expenditure remains unmitigated, the cumulative deficit is currently estimated at £83m by 27/28. Therefore, this is  a critical financial risk to the Council;  and entry into the Safety Valve programme is the best option to mitigate this risk.  Haringey will be unable to complete a submission to the Department for Education within their deadline if the call-in period is not waivered. This decision will ensure that the deadline is met. Accordingly, the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee has agreed that the decision is both reasonable in all circumstances and that it should be treated as a matter of urgency. This is in accordance with Part 4, Section H, and Paragraph 18 (a) and (b) of the Council Constitution.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families introduced the report which noted that Cabinet approval was required to participate in the national Safety Valve Programme which set out proposals to achieve an in year balanced budget within the High Needs Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).

It was noted that the Council had been invited by the Department for Education (DfE) to make an application to participate in the 2022/23 Safety Valve Programme which was designed to assist local authorities in reducing overspends in their High Needs Block expenditure for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It was explained that Haringey was predicted to have a significant SEND overspend by 2027/28 which, if unaddressed, could seriously impact council finances. It was highlighted that the government offer, whereby  High Needs Block  deficits could be eliminated, was subject to the Council developing a series of detailed plans for systemic change and service transformation.

The Cabinet Member explained that the service was already engaged in a process of wider strategic transformation of SEND Services. This was underpinned by a written Statement of Action and was in partnership with key stakeholders in schools, the wider education health and care sectors, children, young people, and their families. It was added that key strands for the Council’s approach were set out in the report and provided the basis for a SEND service which aimed to intervene early, to provide the support required, and to provide services locally in the borough.

In response to questions from Cabinet Members, the following information was noted:

-       That the Safety Valve Programme would expand on the existing written Statement of Action and SEND Strategy. It was anticipated that the Safety Valve Programme would bring additional pace to deliver the ongoing systemic changes that were already taking place within the service.

-       Overspends in the High Needs Block were not uncommon and that this was a national issue. It was explained that, following a reform in 2014, the age range for SEND had been extended but without a corresponding increase in funding.

-       Haringey had been invited to participate in the programme by the DfE but that there had been a previous wave of invites to other councils.

-       The Cabinet Member was confident that young people with SEND would not be disadvantaged by the programme. It was stated that this provided an opportunity to review and improve current practice, in addition to the ongoing work to improve how SEND services were delivered.

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

-       That the DSG was currently ringfenced and the deficit could not be paid by the Council’s General Fund. It was explained that, under the programme, authorities whose plans demonstrated lasting sustainability would receive funding instalments to eliminate their  deficits. It was considered that this was the best option to eliminate or minimise the deficit position in the future. It was added that some improvements made in the service over the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

Report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods to be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Communities and Civic Life.

This report seeks approval to consult on a draft Parks and Greenspaces Strategy and its supporting plans.

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Civic Life introduced the report, which sought approval to consult on a draft Parks and Greenspaces Strategy and its supporting plans.

The Cabinet Member drew attention to key aims of the new strategy – inclusion and wellbeing, climate change and sustainability, and quality of service. The existing strategy was about to expire, and the attached proposed draft strategy would start from 2023 to 2038.

Noted the new strategy’s reframed approach to accessibility and inclusion, in particular response to groups that feel they have barriers to accessing the borough’s parks and green spaces.

There would be an extensive consultation starting from 26 September to 27th of November.

In response to questions from Cabinet Members, the following information was noted:

-       There would be an executive summary to support resident’s engagement with the consultation.

-       That plans in the strategy connected with the watercourse and flood risk plan, tree and woodland plan, biodiversity action plan and CINC review which designated 10 new sites of importance to nature conservation.

-       Identified funding to revisit multi-play in the Bruce Castle Park and Priory Park.

-       Recognised that children and young people engaged in water play.  The consultation on the strategy was an opportunity to discuss modernising water play delivery and this was being co - produced with park users, including families and all community groups.

-       The Council wanted to be as green as possible and there was responsibility for managing invasive species and this would need to be balanced against the desire to eradicate certain pesticides. The Council would monitor the situation, particularly relating to the EU review of the use of glyphosate, due by the end of 2022. The Assistant Director Direct Services would also be updating information in the draft documentation regarding pesticides and assurance was provided that the use of chemicals was a continual consideration with assessments completed.

-       Responding to the issue of flood risk and protecting parks from climate change, the service had the ability to discharge rainfall into existing water courses and Thames Water sewers, if a flooding situation occurred, although it was known that there was an issue with the capacity of some Thames Water sewers. There was therefore forthcoming dialogue planned with Thames Water and the Environment Agency to explore capacity issues and ensure contingency plans were effective as possible. The Council considers blue spaces in parks in conjunction with greenspaces. It is also looking to develop further sustainable drainage schemes, as set out in the Flood Water Management Investment Plan report from March 2022.

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

-       To support the new strategy, the directorate would be applying for additional funding through the capital programme to support some of the tree planting work.

-       The Council is continuing to aim to deliver 10,000 trees by 2030 using available resources in the budget, as well as seeking support for this priority from outside agencies. The aspiration is to plant 2,000  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

Report of the Director of Placemaking and Housing. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Council Housebuilding, Placemaking, and Development.

This report seeks Cabinet approval for the appointment of a sales and marketing agent identified through competitive tendering to provide a variety of services in relation to the homes that the Council will build for market sale in order to cross-subsidise the delivery of a new generation of council homes for local residents.

The Cabinet Member for Council Housebuilding, Placemaking, and Development introduced the report which sought approval for the appointment of a sales and marketing agent identified through competitive tendering to provide a variety of services in relation to the homes that the Council would build for market sale in order to cross-subsidise the delivery of a new generation of council homes for local residents.

It was noted that the appointment for sales and marketing agent services was capped at a maximum of £3.9 million over five years.

The Cabinet Member continued to outline the following issues which supported the  need to take the  decision forward:

-       High demand for council homes coupled with commitment to delivering high quality council homes and to enable viable delivery, there had been access to GLA grants and borrowing but in addition, there needs to be efficient market sales of private homes.

-       Assurance that the contract level was the maximum expenditure and decision did not mean that the Council would be spending the full amount.

-       Council did not have expertise for sales and marketing homes and the provider would be able to provide efficiencies and consistency of branding.

-       This was not an exclusive agreement, and the Council could use local estate agents as well for smaller purchases.

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

-       That the absolute maximum expenditure would be £3.9m as set out in the report. The estate agency services would be on a commission basis for each home sold and this was included in this figure, with the percentage commission set out in the exempt report.

-       There are no current plans for increase in the numbers of private homes provided to ensure viability.

-       This decision was a necessity to ensure that each housing delivery scheme, as it went forward, was financially viable, meeting the overall objectives of the housing delivery programme.

-        That in regard to the query on fees, section 6.17.1 – 6.17.7 of the report provided this information. In summary, this set out that £499,000 was for the consultancy items and the rest of expenditure was on fixed fee basis. The additional £3.4m expenditure was on a percentage fee basis and there would need to be a progression of sales to reach the £3.9m figure set out.

-       This was a competitive percentage fee offer, of which the detail was set out  in exempt part of report. If a different agreement had been sought on a site-by-site basis, this would not have been as competitive as the fixed fee offer for the Council.

-       The Council did not have a large sales programme to take forward of private homes but some individual large schemes, such as Ashley road depot and some later regeneration programmes, would have a higher concentration of homes that required marketing and local sales agents would struggle with these schemes.

Following consideration of the exempt information, it was

RESOLVED

To approve that a contract be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

To note the minutes of the following:

Cabinet Member Signing

15 July 2022

22 July 2022

25 July 2022

28 July 2022 (10am)

28 July 2022 (2pm)

1 August 2022

3 August 2022

9 August 2022 (11am)

9 August 2022 (12pm)

RESOLVED

To note the minutes of other bodies.

As per item 3.

There were no items of urgent business.

Note from the Democratic Services and Scrutiny Manager

Items 16 to 18 allow for consideration of exempt information in relation to items 12, 6, and 3.

TO RESOLVE

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as items 18-20 contain exempt information as defined under paragraphs 3 and 5, Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972:

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

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

RESOLVED

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the consideration of agenda items 16 to 18 as they contained exempt information as defined in Section 100a of the Local Government Act 1972; Paragraph 3 – information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information; Paragraph 5 – information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.

As per item 12.

The Committee considered the exempt information.

To confirm and sign the exempt minutes of the meetings held on 19 July 2022as a correct record.

RESOLVED

To confirm and sign the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2022 as a correct record.

As per item 3.

There were no new items of exempt urgent business.