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 Chair referred to the filming at public meetings notice, and Members noted this information.

RESOLVED:

To note the filming procedure.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Cllrs das Neves, Brabazon and Carlin.

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

There was none

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

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

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

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

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

There was none

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

This agenda contains exempt items as set out at Item 19: 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.

The notice of Intention to Conduct Business in Private was noted.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 11 February 2025 as a correct record.

The minutes of the previous meeting, 11 February 2025, were discussed.

RESOLVED:

The minutes of the previous meeting, 11 February 2025, were agreed as a true and accurate record of proceedings.

To consider any requests received in accordance with Standing Orders.

There was none.

For Cabinet to note (if any).

There was none.

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

The Leader of the Council introduced the report. She explained that councils across London and the country faced rises in the cost and need for social care and temporary accommodation, noting that  the cost of temporary accommodation in London had increased by 68% the previous year. It was also noted that the cost of adult social care was projected to be almost £1m higher than in quarter 2, with a rise in the number of people requiring support packages and the number of adults aged 50-64 requiring physical disability or mental health support. The cost of local public services was set to be £37.2m higher than projected the previous year.

It was explained that Haringey was a borough with high levels of deprivation and inequalities between east and west. It was explained that the Council was being ambitious for the borough and residents despite the difficult financial circumstances and that the Council worked to make the borough fairer and greener with the tools and funds that we had.

It was explained that 98% of all schools were good or outstanding, Haringey Children’s services had been graded ‘Good’ by Ofsted, and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities services had received the highest possible grading. It was explained that the priority capital investments were continuing, especially where they saved the Council revenue costs in the long run.

It was explained that the Council continued to build new council homes, creating affordable homes that residents needed and reducing the costs that unaffordable housing caused for other public services. It was explained that the Council were on the way to delivering at least 3,000 new, high-quality council homes by 2031, with more than 700 completed and 2,000 under construction. It was highlighted that the Council were planting thousands of street trees. It was additionally explained that Haringey Learns helped adults obtain the education they needed to progress, and Haringey Works, the Council’s bespoke employment support service, had assisted hundreds of residents into work.

It was noted that, for historic reasons, Haringey was considered an outer London borough for funding purposes (although inner London for statistical purposes) but had all the cost pressures of an inner London borough. It was additionally stressed that the Council had lower-than-average business rates receipts and a lower-than-average band C (rather than D) for Council Tax, which meant lower revenue for the local budget.

The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was affected by the rising cost of repairs, the high number of voids, and the number of properties that required renovation work to address damp and mould. It was stressed that the Council’s capital programme was under constant review to reduce the revenue costs of borrowing and a number of projects had been paused. For the Council’s General Fund, it was explained that around £20m in efficiency savings had been identified and had put in place extraordinary measures to reduce spending.

Following questions from Cllrs Hakata and Emery, the following information was shared:

• Officers explained the actions that the Council had taken  ...  view the full minutes text for item 154.

Report of the Director of Director of Culture, Strategy & Engagement. To be presented by the Leader of the Council.

The Leader of the Council introduced the report. It was explained that the Council’s Corporate Delivery Plan set out an ambitious agenda for the Council and aimed to put into effect the vision for a fairer, greener Haringey.

It was stressed that the Council continued to face a challenging context in which to deliver the Council’s plan. It was additionally noted that the legacy of local government being underfunded was combined with pressures on budgets due to the rising costs of temporary accommodation and social care. It was noted that, despite this challenging context, the overall picture showed that 92% were green or amber. Some notable achievements included bringing leisure services in-house on 1 October 2024 and investing in facilities. It was explained that the Council had made good progress on delivering 3,000 new council homes, which were vital in tackling the Haringey housing crisis.

The Leader explained that was important that the Council were transparent about where we had not achieved the milestone or timescales we expected to, with an explanation of why this was the case.

Following questions from Cllr Emery, the following information was shared:

• Officers explained that the Council had worked to encourage decarbonisation of developments wherever possible, noting that this would be done this through work with government and with local developers. It was explained that the Council would continue to work to de-carbon buildings and prioritise green energy in the borough.
  
  
• Officers explained that the Council was confident in the direction of travel for Adults Social Care improvement and future outcomes of CQC inspections which reflected the green Red, Amber, Green (RAG) rating given to it in the report. It was also noted that the Improvement Board would continue to monitor the progress on this improvement. 

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Noted the high-level progress made against the delivery of the commitments as set out in the Corporate Delivery Plan 2024-2026 as of the end of December 2024 (Quarter 3 reporting period 2024/25).
   
   
2. Agreed that there would be no further reporting against the Decentralised Energy Network, the Borough Idling Plan, and the introduction of healthy school zones, as work had been paused or stopped in respect of these items.
   
   

Reasons for decision

This report was part of the regular reporting to Cabinet cycle.

Alternative options considered

Not reporting: This would not have allowed us to track progress against outcomes that we were committed to in our Corporate Delivery Plan.

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

The Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, and Deputy Leader of the Council introduced the report. She explained that the Council had a duty to deliver high-quality mental health services for the borough to promote well-being, reduce crises and diminish health inequalities.

It was explained that the number of people in Haringey who experienced serious mental illness was increasing and that in 2023/24 there was 1.37% an increase from 1.28% in 2022/23 and was significantly higher than the London average of 1.1%. 10.5% of Haringey residents were suffering from depression in 2023/24, an increase from 7.7% in 2018/19.

It was noted that the Council was seeking approval to extend contracts for housing-related support to ensure the continuity of care of those that rely on these services. It was explained that under the Mental Health Act, the Council was obligated to provide aftercare services that would help address complex mental health needs, reduce deterioration risk and prevent costly readmissions. The extension would also provide the necessary time to evaluate and co-design improvements to the current services as well as harmonise with Adult Social Care pathways.

Following questions from Cllrs Hakata and Emery, the following information was shared:

• Officers explained that benchmarking with comparable London authorities had been undertaken, and that costs for these services were comparable.
  
  
• Officers explained that there had been a reported increase in need for mental health pathway services, and that the Council was seeking to extend the scope of contract to meet this need. It was explained that the Council would undertake a full review to understand need and requirements to meet any future demand and review potential different models of delivery. Officers explained that they had begun engaging with the market for the future procurement of this service, and that this contract was to ensure current stability while the service considers future models of delivery.
  
  

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.    Approved, in accordance with Contract Standing Order 10.02.1(b):

a.    a variation to the extension period allowed within the terms of the six (6) contracts for Housing Related Support Mental Health Pathway Services, from two (2) years to three (3) years, with the implementation of the three (3) years extension commencing on 1 April 2025; and

b.    vary the contract term of the two additional contracts let to Metropolitan Housing Trust Limited (trading as Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing Association), to extend the Mental Health Flexible Support Service for a period of three (3) years commencing on 1st April 2025, and the Mental Health Intensive Support Service for a further period of nineteen (19) months commencing on 1 July 2025. 

2.    Delegated authority to the appropriate portfolio 2nd tier officer, to consider financial impact of changes to rates of employer’s National Insurance contribution and approve any further contract variation(s) on case by case.

3.    Noted that these contracts provided 100 units of supported accommodation and 88 units of community floating support for individuals with mental health needs. The estimated total cost of the proposed extension will  ...  view the full minutes text for item 156.

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

The Cabinet Member for Resident Services and Tackling Inequality introduced the report. It was explained that the Council would work to invest in flood prevention measures and drainage improvements to reduce the possibility of flood damage for residents.

It was explained that Climate change was likely to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall and the risk of flooding.

The Council had invested in its drainage infrastructure over the last few years and proposals had been put forward for further capital investment of £4.8m over the next five years, which would also be supported by annual revenue funded gully cleansing programmes.

It was explained that this investment would allow the Council to carry out repairs to faulty road gullies and their drainage pipes, along with the installation of sustainable drainage schemes across the borough.This would be supplemented with external funding opportunities from the Greater London Authority, Thames Water, the Environment Agency and any other bidding opportunities as they arise.

It was highlighted that, despite investment, it was expected that the Council would still see some flooding occurring primarily due to drainage infrastructure’s inability to cope with intensive rainfall events. It was stressed that the Council would continue to lobby Thames Water to maintain their assets through cleansing, repairs and by upgrading their assets. The Council would additionally continue to seek funding opportunities from external funding sources to complement its own investment for flood risk reduction measures.

The Cabinet Member explained that the Council would continue to work with residents, community groups, businesses, and other interested parties to co-design flood reduction schemes that alter the existing infrastructure. It was explained that this engagement would extend to any proposed disruption resulting from construction works and the maintenance of the soft landscaping in some Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) features. It was explained that the Council would also work with communities to build resilience and help them protect themselves from flooding.

Following questions from Cllrs Hakata and Emery, the following information was shared:

• Officers explained that Haringey contained significant numbers of waterways within it, and that the adequate numbers of SuDS were required to alleviate the risk of these overflowing and causing damage to residents and businesses in the borough.
  
  
• It was explained that it was difficult to measure the success of flood prevention measures, due to lack of severe rainfall over the past few years. However, it was noted that success had been achieved during current rainfall levels.
  
  
• The Cabinet Member stressed that the current Victorian infrastructure was no longer fit for purpose. The Cabinet Member noted that they were lobbying for the improvement of any areas of Thames Water infrastructure that required improvement, which included Park Road and other misconnections.
  
  
• Officers explained that the Council had cleared gullies after 2021, and that previous attempts to clear had been impeded by parked cars within gullies. The Council would suspend parking bays to ensure that gullies could be cleared.
  
  

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.    Approved the updated LFRMS for the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 157.

Report of the Director of Placemaking and Housing. To be presented by the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure.

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure introduced the report. It was explained that on 1 October 2024, Haringey Council insourced leisure services. It was explained that the provision of leisure services was key to helping our residents in the future, to enable them to lead active, healthy lives whilst also tackling the wider determinants of ill health, such as social isolation and loneliness. It was stressed that access to sports and leisure facilities was central to health and wellbeing for residents of all ages and we want to play an important role in tackling health inequalities experienced by many residents and help them lead more active lives.

With leisure services back under Council control, it was explained that the Council would be able to make the changes, upgrades and refurbishments required to ensure the sites were safe, clean and well maintained and are of a standard that all residents deserve and expect. The Cabinet Member highlighted the upgrades at Tottenham Green leisure centre and explained that the Council was also bringing forward improvements at Park Road at the same time and to Broadwater Farm Community Centre too.

It was stressed that, since leisure services were insourced, alongside the existing improvements to the sites, planning work had been taking place to procure the company identified in the exempt part of the report to deliver upgrades to changing rooms, ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010 requirements and redecorate the centres.

The Cabinet Member noted that the proposed improvements were the second round of improvements to Tottenham Green which would enable a greater use of the centre by a wider group of residents in Haringey and support them to pursue and maintain a healthy and fulfilling life, with dignity by staying active, safe and connected with their local community.

Following questions from Cllr Emery, the following information was shared:

• Officers explained that the location was held in the General Fund, and that any improvements made would therefore be funded through that funding stream.
  
  
• Officers explained that the Council was working on the forward maintenance plan for the building, that it was an iterative process, and that the proposed project formed part of the first stages of the overall forward maintenance plan, which would be developed and reflected in future reports.
  
  
• It was explained by the Cabinet Member that the buildings were in a poor state as they were brought back in house. However, it was stressed that the Council had worked to bring the buildings back into an improved state through investment. It was also noted that the one of the advantages of bringing back in house were that leisure services and strategies would be able to be integrated with parks to allow for a holistic approach.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Approved the award of a contract to Bidder A, for the Phase 2 refurbishments works at Tottenham Green Leisure Centre, for the sum of £687,418.82.
   
   
2. Approved a contingency amount of 10% of the contract value, to be managed by the Haringey  ...  view the full minutes text for item 158.

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

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, and Deputy Leader of the Council introduced the report. It was explained that the Local Development Scheme set out the Council’s commitment to publish Haringey’s draft Local Plan for consultation in  Summer 2026 and to adopt the final version by February 2027. It was explained that the Local Plan set a framework for place-making and managing new developments in the borough, making it a key component for the delivery of the Borough Vision and the Haringey Deal.

The Cabinet Member noted that, since the existing Local Plan was adopted in 2017, the Council had seen a number of significant changes, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the adoption of a new London Plan, the Council’s declaration of a climate emergency, and explained that this had forced a revision of the strategic aspirations for Haringey. It was explained that the Council needed a Local Plan that answered new challenges and delivers on the vision of what the Council wanted for the borough by 2035.

It was explained that the Local Development Scheme was planned to build on the first set of consultations with residents in 2020/21, with a second set in July-September 2025. It was explained that it was important that the Council demonstrated to residents the intent to deliver a new Local Plan and ensure that the Council heard everyone's voice, including the voices of those that are too often overlooked.

Following questions from Cllrs Hakata and Emery, the following information was shared:

• It was stressed by officers and the Cabinet Member that engagement was critical to the development of the Local Plan and that the Council would seek to involve as many stakeholders as possible. It was explained that engagement was a continuous process and that the Council had contacted a variety of stakeholders to seek feedback. It was explained that, when Cabinet would be asked to approve the upcoming Draft Local Plan for consultation, a detailed Communications and Engagement Plan would be prepared for review and consideration. 
  
  
• It was explained by officers and the Cabinet Member that resource implications had caused some of the previous slippage in timings, which had since been resolved, with a fully resourced planning policy team. It was explained that the Planning Policy team had worked to undertake as much work as possible in house to ensure lower costs wherever possible, which had also increased some of the timescales.
  
  

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Approved the revised Local Development Scheme (LDS) at Appendix A for publication following the conclusion of the Call-In period as noted and endorsed by Strategic Planning Committee.
   
   

Reasons for decision

Under Section 15 (1) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended), the Council had a statutory duty to maintain an up-to-date LDS. The revised LDS fulfils this duty, reflecting the current timetable for the preparation of the Council’s new Local Plan.

In light of the changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in December 2024, the Deputy Prime Minister asked that all local  ...  view the full minutes text for item 159.

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

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, and Deputy Leader of the Council introduced the report. The proposal to build 37 energy-efficient Council homes was explained, noting that the work would seek to provide high-quality and affordable housing for local people, including families and those with disabilities.

It was stressed that housing was a top priority for Haringey, and that the Council had committed to the delivery of 3,000 new high-quality Council homes for residents by 2031. It was highlighted that the need for new affordable homes was urgent and increasing and that the wait list time for residents on the Housing Register for two or three-bedroom houses was between 4 and 13 years. It was explained that the Lansdowne Road development would enable the Council to provide much-needed stable homes to those living in temporary, overcrowded and unsuitable accommodation. It was noted that, out of the 37 properties, 27 were proposed to be two-bedroom, with 3 of these being fully adaptable for residents with disabilities, and 3 will be three-bedroom homes.

In addition to housing, the development would feature play facilities and additional trees, planting, and seating areas for old and new residents alike to enjoy. Additional cycle storage and enhanced refuse and recycling facilities will also address concerns of existing residents.

It was explained that, as a landlord, Haringey Council had the responsibility to ensure energy bills were fair and affordable for our tenants and that our homes allow us to reach net zero-carbon. It was noted that the environmental benefits of the proposed homes, including cost-saving energy efficiency measures, meet the Mayor of London's high housing design standards and the Council’s own sustainability targets.

Following questions from Cllrs Hakata, Ovat and Emery, the following information was shared:

• The Cabinet Member explained that Haringey had undertaken positive steps in the development of new Council homes, which other authorities had struggled to overcome.
  
  
• Following questions regarding risk of failure of delivery and price rises, it was explained by officers that there were fixed price contracts for any development. It was also stressed that the Council employed retention clauses, which would ensure the maximum level of protection. It was stressed that this was not a total guarantee against contractor failure, but that it was a good mitigation against failure.
  
  
• Officers explained that there had been some viability challenges with the scheme which had required the undertaking of some value engineering, including the market being in a better place and the acquisition of additional grant funding from the Greater London Authority. It was explained that this work had caused some delays to the development of the scheme.
  
  
• Officers stressed that there was an arrangement to ensure that works would be undertaken on schedule.
  
  

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet: 

1.   Approved the appointment of Contractor A, identified in the exempt part of the report, to undertake the new build works to provide a total of thirty-seven new homes let social rent at Lansdowne Road for a contract sum set out in the exempt  ...  view the full minutes text for item 160.

To note the minutes of the following:

Cabinet Member Signing

5 February 2025 – Parking Strategy and Policy

5 February 2025 – Charges review – Feedback to statutory consultation

17 February 2025 - Toxicology Services

17 February 2025 - Enforcement Agents

The inutes of other bodies were discussed.

RESOLVED:

The minutes of other bodies were noted.

To note the delegated decisions taken by Directors.

The significant and delegated actions were discussed.

RESOLVED:

The significant and delegated actions were noted.

As per item 3

There were none.

Note from the Committees Manager

Items 20, 21 and 22  allow for consideration of exempt information in relation to items 11, 13 and 15.

TO RESOLVE

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as items 20 and 21 contain exempt information as defined under paragraph 3, Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972:

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

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as items 20,21,22 contain exempt information as defined under paragraph 3, Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972: Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

The exempt information relating to the item on the Extension and variation of the contracts for Mental Health Pathway services was discussed.

RESOLVED:

To consider exempt information

The exempt information relating to the item on the Contractor selection for new council homes on Lansdowne Road sites, N17 was discussed.

RESOLVED:

To consider exempt information

The exempt information relating to the item on the Tottenham Green Leisure Centre - Phase Two of Year One Works was discussed.

RESOLVED:

To consider exempt information

As per item 3

There were none.