Agenda and minutes

Please note: This meeting may be filmed for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council's internet site - at the start of the meeting the Chair will confirm if all or part of the meeting is being filmed. The images and sound recording may be used for training purposes within the Council.

Generally the public seating areas are not filmed. However, 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 for webcasting and/or training purposes.

If you have any queries regarding this, please contact the Committee Clerk

at the meeting.

The meeting was webcast on the Council’s website.

There were no apologies for absence.

The Chair will consider the admission of any late items of urgent business. (Late items will be considered under the agenda item where they appear. New items will be dealt with at item below. New items of exempt business will be dealt with at item below).

The Chair agreed to admit the report ‘Response by Overview and Scrutiny Committee to Consultations on the Haringey Primary Care Strategy and Application for Foundation Status by the Whittington Hospital’ as urgent business.  The reason given for urgency was that the closing date for the consultations in the report had passed and thus responses needed to be submitted as soon as is possible.

A member with a personal interest in a matter who attends a meeting of the authority at which the matter is considered must disclose to that meeting the existence and nature of that interest at the commencement of that consideration, or when the interest becomes apparent.

A member with a personal interest in a matter also has a prejudicial interest in that matter if the interest is one which a member of the public with knowledge of the relevant facts would reasonably regard as so significant that it is likely to prejudice the member's judgment of the public interest and if this interest affects their financial position or the financial position of a person or body as described in paragraph 8 of the Code of Conduct and/or if it relates to the determining of any approval, consent, licence, permission or registration in relation to them or any person or body described in paragraph 8 of the Code of Conduct.

Councillor Davies declared a personal interest in respect of items 8, 9, 14, 15 and 17 on account of him being an employee of the Healthcare Commission.

Councillor Jones declared a personal interest in respect of item 12, in that she was a Member of the Children and Young People’s Consultative Committee.

To consider any requests received in accordance with Standing Orders.

There were no such items.

Briefing and answers to questions from Councillor Brian Haley, Cabinet Member for Environment and Conservation.

Councillor Brian Haley, the Cabinet Member for Environment and Conservation provided to the committee answers to

 questions submitted in advance by Members and a briefing on the key issues contained within his portfolio.

Members enquired with regards to the perceived declining standard of Street Cleaning, particularly in Northumberland Park ward.  The Cabinet Member agreed to look into the matter and attend a walkabout in the ward with Councillor John Bevan.  He also confirmed that the Council’s litter bins were regularly audited and stated his intention to consult on the placement of new bins.

The Cabinet Member confirmed the Council’s commitment for all street lighting to be renewed, and stated that although this was a very large financial commitment, a number of joint initiatives were ongoing.

In response to an enquiry about the Community Clear-Up, the Cabinet Member stated that it had been paid for out on a nowexhausted funding stream.  Any future scheme would have to be paid for out of the Council’s budget.

RESOLVED:

1. That the Cabinet Member undertake a walkabout around Northumberland Park ward with Councillor John Bevan, and that he provide feedback to the committee on its results.

2. That the Assistant Director – Streetscene provide to the committee information on action to combat the rubbish dumping situation at Highfield Close.

3. That the Assistant Director – Streetscene provide information on the tackling of other rubbish dumping ‘hotspots’.

4. That the briefing and answers to the questions be noted.

(Report from the Head of Urban Environment)  To report on progress in achieving the recommendations of the March 2006 Scrutiny Report on repairs to highways and footpaths.

The committee received a report on progress in achieving the recommendations of the March 2006 Scrutiny Report on repairs to highways and footpaths.

Members stated their belief that the quality of much of the road repair work which took place across the borough was poor, and stated their desire to see this improve.  Officers stated that although there had been investment over the previous years, long-term investment in highway infrastructure needed to be addressed.  In terms of inadequate repairs, a number of cases had been brought to the Council’s attention; Member’s were assured that action had been taken and these had now been brought up to the required standard.  Members were also informed that consultants had produced a draft action plan to which the Council was currently considering a response.

RESOLVED:

1. That the committee express their disappointment with the progress made to date, and request that a further update be brought before the committee in six months time.

2. That the progress to date and further action as laid out in the report be noted.

Briefing and answers to questions from Councillor Nilgun Canver, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Safer Communities

Councillor Nilgun Canver, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Safer Communities, provided to the committee answers to questions submitted in advance by Members and a briefing on the key issues contained within her portfolio.  Members thanked her for her comprehensive briefing and the good work being carried out in her portfolio.

The Cabinet Member stated that she was proud of the general reduction in crime figures during her tenure, with targets frequently being met and cutting-edge work on anti-social behaviour being carried out by the Council’s ASBAT team.  She informed the committees on initiatives to reduce the fear of crime, engaging with the public to pulicise the reduction in crime to increase a feeling of safety.  

The Cabinet Member also stated that the Youth Offending Service was working with victims as well as young offenders, although it was a priority for all agencies to work more closely with victims of crime.  Fear of crime was attempting to be decreased through visits by Safer Neighbourhoods Teams to Youth Centres and Schools, and work with young people carried out by the Peace Alliance.

Members enquired about the legal drug, Khat, the usage of which was prevalent within the Somali community.  Members of the committee were informed that the government had been lobbied with regards to its proscription.

In response the question 70% of Planning Enforcement cases were unsuccessful, Officers explained that large numbers of ‘phase 1’ cases, those being over 4 years old, were closed at the start of the project with a number of ‘phase 2’ (those less than 4 years old) also being closed.  The percentage rate was however much better for ‘phase three’ cases, those that being dealt with as they arose rather than as part of a backlog.

In response to concern over safety on buses, Members were informed that a Safer Transport Team had been launched two months ago, and that input on experience of bus usage on the borough would be welcomed by the Cabinet Member.

Members were informed that bicycles for wardens were not currently being utilised as much as they could, but this was expected to improve when the warden headquarters moved to a new location.

RESOLVED:

1. That Officers investigate the possibility of surveying ward Councillors on their experience of bus usage in the borough.

2. That the answers and briefing be noted.

Presentation from the PCT

Councillor Davies declared a personal interest in respect of this item on account of him being an employee of the Healthcare Commission.

Helen Brown of the Primary Care Trust provided to the committee an update on current developments in relation to the Hornsey Hospital project.

The committee learned that preliminary work on the site was already taking place, with an estimated completion date of March 2009.  A newsletter was currently being worked on , with the intention to liaise with the Council on its distribution.

Members raised concerns on the breaking up of the GP networks, particularly in relation to the transport for those attending the polyclinics.  The PCT stated that they recognised that transport was a concern, and that work would be done on this topic, with input from the Council welcomed.

In terms of further forums available for dialogue between the PCT and relevant groups as the project progressed, the PCT stated that they were in the process of making links with the appropriate bodies.  The HSP and the Well-Being Partnership Board were also suggested as forums for engagement.

RESOLVED:

1.       That the Hornsey Hospital Communications Strategy be brought before a future meeting of the committee upon its completion.

2.       That the update be noted.

(Report of the Chair of Overview & Scrutiny Committee)  To comment on the proposal by Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust to close Pine Ward at St. Ann’s Hospital.

Please note: a paper from the Mental Health Trust on this option will be distributed with the second despatch.

Councillor Davies declared a personal interest in respect of this item on account of him being an employee of the Healthcare Commission.

Alan Beaton from the Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust addressed the committee on the proposal to close the Pine Ward at St. Ann’s Hospital.

It was noted that the facility currently had fifteen empty beds, with the facility currently being used for delayed discharge beds.  It was stated that the closure of the Pine Ward would allow for the required refurbishment of the Green Trees unit.

David Hendell of the Patient Public Involvement Forum addressed the committee stating their support of the proposals, allowing as they did for future refurbishment of facilities at the hospital.  The Mental Health Trust stated that the usage of the savings gained by the closure had still to be determined, although they were keen to address gaps in demands in servuces for Older People and Communties.  Any re-investment of savings from the changes in community services in the borough would be raised in discussions between Haringey Council, the PCT and the Mental Health Trust.  The Council was assured that the proposals bore no cost to the London Borough of Haringey.

The committee agreed that the changes did not constitute a substantial variation to services, and thanked and the Patient Public Involvement Forum for their representations.

RESOLVED:

1. That the committee be informed on the proposed usage for savings arising from the closure.

2. That the committee note that the changes as set out in the report to not constitute a Substantial Variation to services.

(Report of the Director of Housing Management)  To update the response to the report of the Scrutiny Review of Estate Parking.

This report updated the committee on the response to the report of the Scrutiny Review of Estate Parking.

Officers updated Members on current developments, including the Visitor Parking scheme which was shortly to be phased in, as well as the upcoming retendering of the estate parking contract.  Officers stated that they were happy with the current contract and that current complaints levels were low.

Councillor Bevan congratulated Homes for Haringey on their responses to his recent enquiries, and requested that parking permits be made available for purchase at Customer Service Centres.  Officers responded that the lack of facilitiy for holding cash currently prevented this, but that that plans were being drawn-up to place kiosks in Service Centres in the near future, enabling permits to be purchased in these locations.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the committee note the progress to date as set out in the report.

(Report of the Director of the Children & Young People’s Service)  To inform Council Members about the improving educational attainment of children in the care of Haringey and the measures in place which support them in their achievements.

Councillor Jones declared a personal interest in respect this item, in that she was a Member of the Children and Young People’s Consultative Committee.

The committee received this report into the feasibility of a full scrutiny review on Raising the Education Achievements of Looked After Children.

Officers reported on a number of developments with regards to raising attainment, including a successful pilot mentoring scheme, expressing a desire that Council Members become mentors in the next year of the scheme.  They also responded to Member queries regarding the usage of private companies, stating that since the deregulation of services to Children in Care meant that these were provided by a mixture of in-house, voluntary sector and private providers.

In light of the current workload of Scrutiny Members, it was agreed that the possibility of a review on this topic be included during the selection process for the next programme of Reviews.

RESOLVED:

1. That a review on this topic be considered during the selection of the next programme of Scrutiny Reviews.

2. That the recommendations as set out in the report be agreed.

(Report of the Assistant Chief Executive – Policy, Performance, Partnerships and Communications)  To give to the committee information on developments since the adoption of the Consultation Strategy in 2002.

The committee received an update on the Council’s consultation strategy, detailing developments since strategy’s adoption in 2002.  The committee was also shown a demonstration of the consultation system currently available on the Council’s website.

Members thanked Officers for their demonstration, and were assured that that although the website was an important tool of communication, it was not the only means by which residents of the borough were engaged.

In response to an enquiry about bringing all consultation in-house with a dedicated consultation team, Officers cited budget implications together with the desire of individual departments to keep control of their consultations as a reason for not progressing in this direction.  Individual departments were able to use their expertise in their given areas to carry out full consultations, with support as necessary from the Consultation Team.

Members pressed the need for the manageing of expectation with regards to consultation, stressing that it was a mechanism for the Council to listen to the view of residents.  Members noted that the Consultation team were reviewing the way in which CPZ consultations were carried out with an eye to future projcets, and welcomed Member input on this topic.  Members also agreed to visit the consultation website and feedback their experiences to Offficers.

RESOLVED:

1. That Members visit the current consultation website and feedback to Officers on their experience.

2. That Members comments at the meeting be forwarded onto Officers.

3. That the draft revised consultation strategy be distributed to Members for their comments.

4. That the report be noted.

(Report of the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee)  To report on the consultation process for the Healthcare for London: A Framework for Action report by NHS London and to agree Haringey’s participation in a joint committee to consider the report.

Councillor Davies declared a personal interest in respect of this item on account of him being an employee of the Healthcare Commission.

The committee received a report on the consultation process for the Healthcare for London: A Framework for Action report by NHS London and agreed in principle Haringey’s participation in a Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee to examine the report in detail.

Members learned that approxiamtely half of London boroughs had signed up to the Joint Committee thus far, with more expected soon.  The size of the committee allowed only one Member per Council; for Haringey this would be Councillor Bull, with a Liberal Democrat Member of the committee as his nominated deputy.

RESOLVED:

1. That recommendation 3 be amended so a Liberal Democrat Member of the committee be Councillor Bull’s nominated deputy on the Joint Committee.

2. That, subject to the above, the recommendations in the report be agreed.

(Report of the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee)  To agree a process for considering a response to the public consultations being undertaken by the Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust and the North Middlesex University Hospital on their applications for foundation status.

Councillor Davies declared a personal interest in respect of this item on account of him being an employee of the Healthcare Commission.

The committee agreed the process for considering a response to the public consultations being undertaken by the Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust and the North Middlesex Hospital on their applications for foundation status.

RESOLVED:

1. That the Scrutiny Review Panel be set up as stated in the report.

2. That the scope and terms of reference for the review be approved.

RESPONSE BY OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE TO CONSULTATIONS ON THE HARINGEY PRIMARY CARE STRATEGY AND APPLICATION FOR FOUNDATION STATUS BY THE WHITTINGTON HOSPITAL

The Chair agreed to admit this report as urgent business because the deadline for the consultations in question had passed and responses therefore needed to be submitted as soon as possible.

Councillor Davies declared a personal interest in respect of this item on account of him being an employee of the Healthcare Commission.

The committee received this report on progress with responses to NHS consultations on the Haringey Primary Care Strategy and the application for foundation status by the Whittington Hospital which were currently being undertaken by panels of Members set up by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

In view of the need to submit responses to the consultation before the next meeting of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee on 3 December, the committee agreed to delegate authority to the Assistant Chief Executive (Policy, Performance, Partnerships and Communication) to approve the final responses of each of the panels of members set up to consider the issues, in consultation with the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the recommendations in the report be agreed.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on September 10^th 2007.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the minutes of the meeting held on 10^th September 2007 be confirmed and signed.