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. 

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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 notice of filming at meetings and attendees noted this information.

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were apologies for absence from Cllr Jogee.

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 20 below. New items of exempt business will be dealt with at Item 26 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 put forward.

On occasions part of the Cabinet meeting will be held in private and will not be open to the public if an item is being considered that is likely to lead to the disclosure of exempt or confidential information. In accordance with the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 (the “Regulations”), members of the public can make representations about why that part of the meeting should be open to the public.

This agenda contains exempt items as set out at Item 21: 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.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 7 November 2023 as a correct record.

RESOLVED

To approve and sign  the minutes of the meeting held on the 7^th November 2023 as a correct record of the meeting.

To consider any requests received in accordance with Standing Orders.

The Leader of the Council had accepted a deputation request from Park Road Lido User Group in relation to agenda Item 9 - Leisure Management.

Sharon Louth addressed the Cabinet and set out the deputation on behalf of Park Road Lido User Group.

NOTED:

• Park Road Lido User Group is a group of over 1000 swimmers passionate about the Lido. The group emphasised the positive impact it had on Haringey residents. The group expressed concerns for the Lido’s future and explained that this was a vital part of Haringey’s leisure offer. They wanted to be reassured that the Lido was sufficiently considered in future plans and closure during the winter period was a particular worry for residents. They contended that the report on leisure services lacked vision and clarity and that there was no specific mention of swimming.

• The deputation party felt that the report spoke of reputational risk to the Council if it were to contract out to another failing leisure provider and believed it didn’t give similar weight to the Council failing due to a lack of expertise or financial backing or had sufficient information to truly assess the risks.

• The leisure services report recommended Council delivery; however, in the deputation’s view, the contents of the report did not make convincing arguments for this. The group thought it was important for members to consider whether without any current resident consultation, the right information was provided to make an effective decision at this meeting.

There were questions from Cllr Hakata and Cllr Chandwani to the deputation party and they responded as follows:

• Historically, the Council had not kept the Lido open effectively. The group recognised the pressures on the Council budget, and due to this it was viewed as at a higher risk being a Council managed facility than an external contracted facility. The deputation felt that an external provider would have more experience in running the Lido as a business.

• There were examples given of where the running of services by a private company had worked well, for example the London Fields Lido. The group questioned whether there had been discussion of how private companies worked on services in other local authorities.

The Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities & Leisure responded to the deputation. She reaffirmed that the Council would be looking carefully at how leisure services were run and would be listening to resident’s views and concerns. She also provided reassurance that indoor and outdoor swimming would be a consideration in the long-term vision planned for the leisure provision across the borough. The cost of keeping the Lido open had been included in budget estimates and officers had also included the estimates for energy saving measures. The plan would be to keep the Lido open all year round, the Council wanted to invest in the Lido to reduce the running costs and improve the income generating potential. In terms of running the service, the Council have in house knowledge to effectively do this. It was estimated that Fusion  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

The Council’s Constitution at  Part four Section E paragraph 2.2 advises that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee or Scrutiny Review Panel chooses to consider a report which forms part of the Budget and Policy Framework then its views shall be included in the report submitted to the Cabinet or Cabinet Member who shall take them into account in drawing up firm proposals for submission to the Council.

The Housing Strategy is a Budget and Policy Framework document set out at Article 2 – paragraph 4.01

The Housing, Planning and Development Scrutiny Panel considered this report  at their meeting  on the 14 November 2023 and their comments are included within the report at agenda item 11.

The Housing, Planning and Development Scrutiny Panel considered the Housing strategy at their meeting on the 14 November 2023 and their comments were included within the report at agenda item 11.

Report of the Director of Environment and Resident Experience. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities & Leisure and the Director of Environment and Resident Experience.

This report details a recommendation on future provision of leisure management in the borough.

The Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities & Leisure introduced the report, which considered the arrangements for the future provision of leisure services in the borough and recommended bringing this service in-house.

The Cabinet Member outlined that the three key sites providing leisure facilities: Tottenham Green, Park Road and Broadwater Farm. This report followed the July Cabinet decision to review the leisure provision and subsequent termination of the Leisure Services Contract with Fusion.

The Cabinet Member underlined the key focus of the administration on enabling residents to live healthy lives, through ending social isolation and providing access to leisure services. This was central to the health and wellbeing of residents and helping them lead healthy lives. This was the underpinning objective when considering future leisure arrangements.

The Cabinet Member continued that by ending the contract with Fusion, the Council would bring leisure services in-house, democratising and taking full control over the running of the leisure centres at Tottenham Green, Park Road and Broadwater Farm. The Council aimed to build on the success of New River Sport & Fitness, which was brought in-house in August 2021 and was now delivering better and more inclusive services to residents and communities.

In response to questions from Councillors: Hakata, das Neves, Chandwani, White and Cawley - Harrison the following information was provided:

-       In relation to engaging with residents on the insourced provision, the Council had spent time engaging with residents, as a whole, and were also encouraging those which had not used the service to also participate in the engagement process. Thought was being given to future provision which was responsive to the leisure services wanted by residents and how and when the engagement would take place. This would likely be in phases to ensure that the Council were listening and hearing as many residents as possible.

-       With regards to tacking health inequalities in the borough and having better health outcomes for residents in later life, the service would be looking at: what issues there were that preventing some groups accessing the service, co-locating services and looking to work with partners like the NHS and public health to provide those wrap around services, ensuring there was a holistic approach and providing the activities to improve approach to fitness.

-       Regarding the proposed insourcing model offering equity of provision in both the east and west of the borough, the service had spent a lot of time considering the service offer across the three leisure sites and it was recognised that the provision at Broadwater Farm Centre can be overlooked. There would be engagement with residents on the new service offer at Broadwater Farm. They would be looking to understand the enablers to increase usage and the type of wrap around services needed to support a wellbeing offer.

-       Achievements highlighted at the New River Sport & Fitness centre were the successful links made with the Autism Hub and after school activities, in key time slots between 3:00 and 6:00pm, and development of an older  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

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

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

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Local Investment introduced the report which updated Cabinet on the Quarter 2 budget monitoring and Council's financial position. The report sought approval for any changes to the Council’s revenue or capital budgets required to respond to the changing financial scenario and the delivery of the MTFS.

The Cabinet Member highlighted the following:

-       General Fund forecast at Quarter 2 illustrated an overspend of £20.8m, broadly in line with the Quarter 1 figure.

-       Underfunding of Adults Social Care continued to put pressure on the Council budget.

-       The Government’s recent Autumn Statement and its failure to recognise the pressure on Local Authorities and the care services.

-        Focus on reducing the in-year overspend.

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

-       That the Council had a contingency should it be required as the Council would like to avoid using the main reserves. There were sufficient resources to undertake the approach to manage the potential variation on  net expenditure, without resorting to some of the exceptional measures and interventions that were becoming more prevalent in other Councils.

-       In relation to the Digital Together programme, all packages were being reviewed and the rise of costs such as the licencing fees for software contributed to expenses in this area. The Cabinet was assured that mitigating actions were being taken where possible.

RESOLVED

1. To note the forecast total revenue outturn variance for the General Fund of £20.9m comprising £17.0m base budget and £3.9m (savings delivery challenges and note that Directors are developing actions to bring the forecast down before the end of the year. (Section 6, Table 1, Table 2 and Appendices 1 & 3).

2. To note the net DSG forecast of £2.5m overspend. (Section 6 and Appendix 1).

3. To note the net Housing Revenue Account (HRA) forecast is £1.7m lower than the budgeted surplus. (Section 6 and Appendices 1 and 2).

4. To note the forecast GF and HRA Capital expenditure of £353.458m in 2023/24 (including 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 2 2023/24 (Appendix 7a).

6. To approve the debt write-offs in Quarter 2 2023/24 (Appendix 7b).

7. To approve the revenue budget virements and receipt of grants as set out in Appendix 6.

8. To approve the proposed budget adjustments and virements to the capital programme as set out in Table 3 and Appendices 5 and 6.

Reasons for decision

A strong financial management framework, including oversight by Members and senior management, is an essential part of delivering the Council’s priorities and statutory duties. This is made more critically important than ever because of the uncertainties surrounding the wider economic outlook.

Alternative options considered

The report of the management of the Council’s financial resources is a key

part of the role of the Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) in helping

members to exercise their role and no other options have therefore been

considered.

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

This report seeks agreement of Haringey's Housing Strategy 2023-2028, following public consultation.

The Cabinet Member for Council Housebuilding, Placemaking, and Local Economy and the Assistant Director for Housing introduced the report which sought agreement of Haringey's Housing Strategy 2023-2028, following public consultation.

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

-       The Local Plan had a policy on affordable housing for all new schemes, this sought out a split of 70% social rented housing and 30% intermediate housing. Officers would seek intermediate housing as part of any negotiations.

-       The Council were not the only party building affordable homes in the borough. There were several significant registered social landlord’s schemes and private developers bringing forward affordable housing.

-       The evidence from the housing needs work showed that some forms of intermediate housing were not affordable in Haringey’s context. Officers were looking more at providing intermediate rent options, this would be more accessible for the target groups.

-       The Council have had their first meeting with the Homelessness Reduction Board. This had a high turn-out from partners and was a positive step forward.

-       Following the Annual Rough Sleeper count, there was a total number of 49 rough sleepers. The Council needed to have to have a joined-up approach to address the issue and help get residents into stable homes. Housing First was one of the pathways which would enable this, the Council had just been successful in a bid for finance behind this scheme.

-     The Council were building accessible homes to lifetime home standards.

RESOLVED

1. To note the outcome of the consultation process summarised at 6.7-6.9 of this report and set out in the Report at Appendix 2

2. To adopt the new Housing Strategy attached as Appendix 1 and summarised in paragraphs 6.5 to 6.22.

3. To note that the Housing Planning and Development scrutiny Panel have no changes to the Housing Strategy and recommend Cabinet note their comments set out below at paragraphs 9.1 to 9.8 in accordance with Part four Section E paragraph 2.2 of the Council’s Constitution.

4. To note that the Housing Planning and Development scrutiny Panel have no changes to the Housing Strategy and recommend Cabinet note their comments set out below at paragraphs 9.1 to 9.8 in accordance with Part four Section E paragraph 2.2 of the Council’s Constitution.

Reasons for decision

A robust strategy is widely recognised as essential to the delivery of local

authorities' housing functions. Haringey’s current Housing Strategy ran from

2017-2022. A new Housing Strategy is required.

In March 2022, Cabinet agreed a draft Housing Strategy as the basis for a formal consultation on the Council’s approach to housing in Haringey over the next five years. Officers duly consulted on that draft Housing Strategy for

twelve weeks between September and December 2022. As set out in paras

6.7 to 6.9, and in Appendix 2, the consultation showed strong support for most

of the proposals in the draft Strategy. Officers have analysed the comments

received during that consultation and as a result have made a number of

changes  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

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

This report seeks approval to appoint the recommended winning contractor to complete a new build development comprising 45 council homes on the Brunel Walk N15 site with associated amenity and the reconfiguration and enhancement of existing amenity on the Turner Avenue Estate and to appropriate the land for planning purposes to facilitate the development process.

The Cabinet Member for Council Housebuilding, Placemaking, and Local

Economy introduced the report which sought approval to appoint the recommended winning contractor to complete a new build development comprising 45 Council homes on the Brunel Walk N15 site with associated amenity and the reconfiguration and enhancement of existing amenity on the Turner Avenue Estate and to appropriate the land for planning purposes to facilitate the development process.

In response to questions Cllr Hakata and Cllr Cawley Harrison, the following was noted:

• In the development there would be a high level of insulation in all homes, green roofs, solar panels, and air source heat pumps. The running costs for the tenants moving into these homes would be low. The enhancements to the environment and the extra trees would massively increase biodiversity. This was a net zero carbon scheme.

• Due diligence had been carried out on the contractor. The Council would do everything they could to limit exposure. The contract at hand was a fixed price contract, in terms of limiting exposure it was a reputable contractor with a healthy balance sheet.

Further to considering exempt information at item 22,

RESOLVED

1. To approve the appointment of Contractor A, identified in the exempt part of the report, to undertake the new build works to provide a total of 45 new homes at Brunel Walk and enhancement to the Turner Avenue estate amenity for a total contract sum set out in the exempt part of the report; and approves the client contingency sum set out in the exempt part of the report.

2. To approve the appropriation of the Brunel Walk and Turner Avenue development site edged red on the plan titled ‘Development Plan’, attached at Appendix 1, from housing purposes to planning purposes under section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972 as it is no longer required for the purpose which it is currently held, and for the purpose of carrying out the development as set out in part 6 of this report.

3. To approve the use of the Council’s powers under Section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 to override easements and other third party rights and interests infringed upon by the Brunel Walk and Turner Avenue estate development, under planning permission Ref: HGY/2022/2723.

4. To delegate to the Director of Placemaking & Housing, after consultation with the Director of Finance and the Cabinet Member for Council House building, Placemaking, and Local Economy, authority to make payments of compensation as a result of genuine claims of third party rights affected by the Brunel Walk and Turner Avenue development and payable as a result of the recommendation 3.1.3, within the existing scheme of delegation.

5. To approve the appropriation of Brunel Walk and Turner Avenue development site edged red in the plan titled ‘Development Plan’, attached at Appendix 1, from planning purposes back to housing purposes under Section 19 of the Housing Act 1985, after practical completion of the development.

6. To approve the total scheme cost set out in the exempt part  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

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

The report sets out details of the proposed budget for 2024-25 and MTFS to 2028-29, including savings, growth and capital proposals. The report will also set out details of provisional funding for 2024-25 and, if available, the remainder of the planning period and highlight areas of risk. The report recommends that the budget proposals be released for public consultation and Scrutiny consideration. 

The report also includes details of the proposed HRA budget for 2024-25 and MTFS to 2028-29, including proposed 5-year capital investment and funding.

It sets out the proposed changes to the rent levels for Council tenants in General Needs and Sheltered/Supported homes, and residents in temporary accommodation

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Local Investment introduced the report which set out details of the draft General Fund (GF) Budget for 2024/25; the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2024/29; the draft HRA Budget 2024/25 and it’s draft Business Plan including estimated income (funding) and expenditure adjustments, as well as the draft capital programmes for both funds. The report sought approval to:submit the detailed budget proposals to Overview and Scrutiny Committee and its Panels in December 2023 and January 2024 for scrutiny and comments; and to commence public consultation on the 2024/25 Budget and MTFS 2024- 29.

The Cabinet Member highlighted that Councils in England faced a funding gap of £4bn over the next two years. Next year’s budget was being developed against a backdrop of continued government austerity and increasing demand for the services. The recent government autumn statement, which did not provide local authorities with additional funding or the assurance that further funding, would be available in the Local Government Finance Settlement expected in January 2024.

It was noted that in the coming financial year the Council would need to fill a substantial financial gap but it was not an outlier and not at the position of issuing a section 114 notice and would be in a position to be able to put forward a budget package to Full Council for approval. Officers were working hard to put forward proposals to plug this gap.

The Cabinet Member continued to set out the stark national economic context that the Council and other Councils were working in which had manifested over a number of years of government cuts in funding, increasing in demand and cost of Adult social care, cost of living crisis, inflation rises and impact of increased interest rates as a result of the mini budget of 2022.

The Cabinet Member outlined that the budget priorities for spend responded to these economic factors and £25.5m growth has been built into this draft budget solely for the demand led services: £20.4m for Adult social care; £3.0m for Temporary Accommodation and £2.1m for Children’s.

In response to questions from Cllr das Neves, Cllr Gordon, Cllr Hakata and Cllr Cawley- Harrison, the following information was provided.

-       Recognised that Adults Services had done a lot of work on addressing the overspend and to reducing the cost of Adult social care. There was assurance that there were a number of work streams in place to continue this focus and Council had worked hard to ensure that there was a right size budget available to Adults service and this meant improved forecasting so help understand the likely expected budget pressures coming through to the service in the short, medium, and long term. An example of this was young people who were coming through from Children Services with significant needs and that would need continued support needed from Adult’s Services once they turned 18. This cohort was already recognised as a growth area and work on right sized budget would help  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

Report of the Director of Placemaking and Housing. To be introduced by Cabinet Member for Housing Services, Private Renters, and Planning and the Operational Director of Housing Services and Building Safety.

The report follows the 5 Yr. Asset Management Strategy which was approved by Cabinet in Jan 2021 and updated to ensure if reflects current Council priorities and financial assumptions.  It also addresses legislative and regulatory changes that have come into force since 2021.

The Cabinet Member Housing Services, Private Renters, and Planning introduced the report which sought approval of updated Housing Asset Management Strategy 2023 to 2028 (attached at Appendix 1).

The report followed the 5 year Asset Management Strategy which was approved by Cabinet in Jan 2021 and  was updated to ensure it reflected current Council priorities and financial assumptions. It also addressed legislative and regulatory changes that had come into force since 2021.

The Cabinet Member outlined that the following aims of the strategy:

-       Key to delivering some of the Council’s most important and ambitious Housing commitments .

-       A guide for making transparent, financially sound, and resident focused decisions about future investments.

-       Commitment to being a good landlord and reflected the commitments the Council set out in the Housing Improvement Plan.

-       Ensuring the Council meets legislative and regulatory requirements that guarantee safe, sustainable, and secure homes.

-       Zero-tolerance policy to damp and mould, as part of our wider commitment to bring all Council homes to the Decent Homes Standard by 2028.

-       Supports Haringey’s ambition to become a Net Zero carbon borough by 2041 through improving the energy efficiency of resident’s homes.

In response to questions from Cllr Cawley – Harrison the following was noted:

-       That the Council takes a proactive approach with both active and passive ventilation was rolled out in relation to damp and mould prevention.

-       The ‘Housing Asset Management Strategy 2023-2028’ was a live document and any changes would be reflected in the document regarding the decent homes standard.

-       That the Council aimed to exceed the decent home standard for its properties.

-       Leaseholders were valued by the Council as equal stakeholders and would be consulted earlier in any statutory consultation process going forward.

RESOLVED

To approve the updated Housing Asset Management Strategy 2023 to 2028 (attached at Appendix 1).

Reasons for decision

The existing Housing Asset Management Strategy 2020 to 2025, requires

updating to ensure it reflects the changed context in which Haringey will

manage, maintain and invest in the Council’s housing stock over the next five

years.

This includes significant changes in:

i. the building safety regulatory framework and the additional duties for

Councils set out in the Building Safety Act (2022).

ii. the wider regulatory requirements introduced by the Social Housing

Regulation Act (2023).

iii. national and local targets relating to energy efficiency and carbon

reduction.

In addition, following the Council’s referral to the Social Housing Regulator

earlier in 2023, and the adoption of a new Housing Improvement Plan, the

Housing Asset Management Strategy needs updating to ensure it reflects the

relevant commitments set out in the Plan, specifically in relation to regulatory

and legislative compliance, which includes all Council housing stock meeting the Decent Homes Standard by 2028.

The strategy also needs updating so that it reflects, and is in alignment with, the current HRA Business Plan and proposals in the draft Medium Term Financial Strategy 2024/25 to 2027/28 to increase overall investment in the housing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

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

The Council's income policy requires an annual review of the level of the fees and charges levied upon service users .This report considers the relevant factors affecting the review of fees and charges, identifies those services where an increase is being proposed and seeks: Approval to increase the fee or charge rate to those services where an increase is proposed in line with inflation or Members agreement where an alternative approach is being proposed.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Local Investment introduced the report which sought agreement to increase in the Fees and Charges proposed from the start of the financial year 2024/25, in line with inflation to offset the costs increases associated with those service, or to agree alternatives where circumstances indicated this is more appropriate.

The Cabinet Member highlighted the following:

-       The income generated by many Councils’ fees and charges represented an increasingly significant proportion of their income, and therefore decisions on future charges had an increasingly greater effect on the sustainability of their services covered by those charges.

-       That in order to protect the Council’s ability to provide the services needed or enjoyed by many, there was a need to ensure that the Council can continue to cover the costs of their provision.

-       Recognised the pressure that the cost-of-living crisis was putting on households, however little choice other than to look to ensure that the Council maintain income in real terms.

-       Continue with policy of annual increases linked to CPI inflation rates. Increases in fees and charges outlined in the report were both necessary and appropriate.

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

-       In relation to highways and parking operations fees and charges outlined on appendix II of the report, the Council was in line with other neighbouring London Boroughs and charged lower than many. Although there were concerns around the impact of deciphering between the lower and higher emitting vehicles when it came to charges, lower emitting vehicles still had a part in pollution within the borough.

-       The Council had one of the lowest charges for garden waste collection in comparison with other London Boroughs. There was no intention to lower garden waste charges through subsiding the costs from the Council.

-       A review was underway around garden waste charges and early findings suggested that many residents did not use the garden waste bins every week, this review will be part of the co-produced work with residents.

RESOLVED

1. To agree the proposed non-statutory fees and charges to be levied by the Council with effect from 1 April 2024, unless otherwise stated, and as detailed in Section 8 and Appendices I, and III – XIII taking into account the findings of any equalities assessments as set out in section 11 of the report.

2. To note the statutory fees and charges to be levied by the Council with

effect from 1 April 2024.

3. To note that the Council’s draft 2024/25 Budget and Medium-Term

Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2024/25-2028/29 assumes that the changes to Fees and Charges set out in this report are agreed.

4. To authorise officers to proceed to statutory notification and / or

consultation of increases to existing parking fees and charges as set out in Appendix II and to note that the proposed charges may only be

implemented subject to the outcome of any required notification and or consultation procedures as may be prescribed in legislation.

Reasons  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

Report of the Director for Placemaking and Housing. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing Services, Private Renters and Planning.

The report will set out the operation and maintenance contract for the localised communal heating systems also known as energy networks to individual properties and estates, and a separate dormant contract subject to setting up an energy company.

The Cabinet Member Housing Services, Private Renters, and Planning introduced the report which sought approval of operation and maintenance contracts for its portfolios of current and future heating systems provided through DENs.

The Cabinet Member outlined the following:

-       The Council required the support of specialist contractors to deliver operational maintenance and repairs to communal heating systems (also known as localised, decentralised energy networks) programmes. These programmes were critical to the comfort and safety of residents, supporting Haringey in ensuring it meets its duties to provide safe and decent homes for its tenants.

-       Maintenance of these systems required a high level of competency and specialist knowledge as well as access to specialist parts and supply chain. Quality and consistency in service provision was a priority, however the market for provision of this comprehensive service is currently limited.

-       The current arrangements relied on a number of different providers operating under ad-hoc arrangements which are vulnerable to changes in provision and performance as a result of having no long-term contract and/or commitment in place.

-       The Council cannot allow this service to fail due to lack of suitable contracts and competent resources, which at this time must be outsourced. By ensuring there is a suitable long-term supplier in place, the Council would demonstrate commitment to improving the quality of housing provided.

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

-       The efficiencies in the approach taken to procure two ‘sister’ contracts, was explained to be more attractive proposal to the market given provision of this comprehensive service was currently limited.

-       The contract cost was subsumed in rent costs and not an additional service charge.

-       Residents would continue to report any communal heating issues through the Council process and not through the contract provider.

 Further to considering exempt information at item 23,

RESOLVED

1. To note the contents of Appendix A Exempt Report, and

2. To approve the preliminary award of the main (Housing) call-off contract to Contractor A for the operation and maintenance of existing and future DENs servicing HRA properties, subject to S20 for a maximum value of £10.2m for a 5-year, plus 5-year contract term, (Contract 1) and

3. To approve the preliminary award of a second call-off contract, also to

Contractor A, that would remain dormant, and will only become active if the Council decides to create an Energy Services Company, ESCo, (Contract 2) (see also 4.6 and 6.11 below) but is for maximum value of £10.6m and would co-terminate with contract 1 at the end of its term. Contract 2 will remain dormant subject to any future Cabinet decision whether or not to set up an ESCo. If the ESCo were set up, Contract 2 would be available to be Novated by the Council to the ESCo and then activated.

4. To Delegate authority to the Director of Placemaking & Housing, in

consultation with the Head of Legal Services, to finalise and award both of the contracts following completion of the Section 20  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

Report of the Director of Environment and Resident Experience. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities & Leisure and the Assistant Director for Direct Services.

This report seeks approval to enter into contract with a contractor to deliver the replacement bridge and associated works pertaining to Stanhope Road Bridge.

The Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities & Leisure introduced the report which sought approval to enter into contract with a contractor to deliver the replacement bridge and associated works pertaining to Stanhope Road Bridge.

The location and area of the bridge were outlined by the Cabinet Member and it was noted that following structural inspection and assessment, Stanhope Road Bridge was identified as needing urgent intervention with replacement being the most appropriate option.

The recommendations within the report for the appointment of the preferred bidder to deliver the Stanhope Road Bridge replacement works ensured that this essential scheme was delivered.

The project aimed to improve the overall quality of Haringey’s green transport network and encourage active travel, as well as enhancing resident experience by providing a connection to green spaces, as well as improve accessibility by means of a ramp to provide step-free access from Stanhope Road up to the Parkland Walk

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

-       12 trees agreed to be planted

-       The bridge works were set to begin in February 2024 and, with the landscaping work, would last approximately a year.

-       With regard to mitigating plans for accessibility while the works on Stanhope Bridge were carried out, it was noted that there were plans for stop points on Parkland Walk both sides of Stanhope Road near the existing bridge.

Further to considering exempt information at item 24,

RESOLVED

1. To approve the award of the contract for ‘Stanhope Road Bridge Replacement Works’ to Bidder 1 for the sum of £3,036,620.93 +VAT as permitted under Contracting Standing Order (CSO) 9.07.01(d).

2. To approve the additional provisional sum making up the scheme risk and contingency, as detailed within the (exempt) Part B of this report.

3. To authorise the issue of a letter of intent (LOI) for the amount detailed within the (exempt) Part B of this report, as permitted under CSO 9.07.3.

Reasons for decision

There are significant defects to the masonry abutment and signs of movement to the substructure of Stanhope Road bridge. The structure was placed under a movement monitoring regime to track the deterioration in these defects and temporary props were installed to provide additional support. Ongoing monitoring since 2020 shows there is a continued decline in the condition of the bridge structure, with critical defects expected to be reached by 2027.

A competitive tendering exercise was undertaken to secure a contractor to

deliver the "Stanhope Road Bridge Replacement Works". Through this process, Bidder 1 scored the highest and demonstrated that it should be awarded the contract.

The tender sum submitted by Bidder 1 is less than the pre-tender estimate prepared by an external cost consultant and is therefore deemed to be good value.

By awarding the contract to Bidder 1, the Council is securing the delivery of the "Stanhope Road Bridge Replacement Works". It is intended that the main bridge works be conducted between February 2024 and November 2024.

The works delivered by the scheme are essential  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

To note the minutes of the following:

Cabinet Member Signing

25 October 2023

27 October 2023

7 November 2023 10.30

7 November 2023 14.30

9 November 2023

14 November 2023

RESOLVED

To note the minutes of the following Cabinet Signings:

25 October 2023

27 October 2023

7 November 2023 10.30

7 November 2023 14.30

9 November 2023

14 November 2023

To note the delegated decisions taken by Directors.

RESOLVED

To note the delegated and significant actions taken by Directors.

As per item 3.

None

Note from the Democratic Services and Scrutiny Manager

Items 22 to 25 allow for consideration of exempt information in relation to items 12,16, 17, and 6.

TO RESOLVE

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as items 22 - 25 contain exempt information as defined under paragraphs 3 and 5, Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972:

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

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

RESOLVED

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as items 22 - 25 contained exempt information as defined under paragraphs 3 and 5, Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972:

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

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

As per item 12.

The Cabinet considered the exempt information and agreed the exempt recommendations and the public recommendations set out at item 40.

As per item 16.

Cabinet considered the exempt information  and agreed the exempt recommendations  and agreed the public recommendations set out at item 44.

As per item 17.

Cabinet considered the exempt information and agreed the recommendations as per item agenda item 45.

To confirm and sign the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 7 November 2023 as a correct record.

RESOLVED

To approve the  exempt minutes of the meeting held on the 7 November 2023.

As per item 3.

None