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 Members present to item 1 on the agenda in respect of filming at the meeting.  Members noted the information contained therein.

Apologies for absence were received from Mr Chapman (Parent Governor representative) and Ms Denny (Church representative).

None.

None.

None.

Councillor Jogee presented the final report of the Scrutiny Review on Blue Badges and Supporting Better Access to Parking for Disabled People.  He reported that approval of the report had been delayed by the cancellation of the Committee’s meeting on 12 March.  He felt that the report’s recommendations were realistic and would provide tangible improvements for disabled people.  In answer to a question, he stated that the Covid-19 pandemic had brought many of the issues referred to in the report into sharper focus.  Approval of the report’s recommendations would provide an opportunity for action to be taken swiftly to address them.

RESOLVED:

That the final report of the review into Blue Badges and Supporting Better Access to Parking for Disabled People be approved.

Verbal Update.

Councillor Sarah James, the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, gave a short overview of key developments within her portfolio and, in particular, the response to the Covid-19 crisis and next steps arising from it. The following key points were noted:

a.    She gave her condolences to those within the local community who had lost loved ones during the pandemic.  A virtual book of condolences would be opened. She acknowledged the contribution of the local voluntary and community sector in responding to the crisis.  Large numbers of people within the borough were coping with loss and, in addition, there had also been a severe economic impact, with a 550% increase in Universal Credit claims;

b.    People from Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities had been severely affected by the crisis, with disproportionately high death rates.  Going forward, further consideration would need to be given to the wider determinants of health;

c.    The response to the pandemic had been undertaken with a range of partners. There were now new discharge hubs at the North Middlesex and Whittington hospitals and this was enabling discharges to take place far quicker. The Community Reablement Service had significantly increased its capacity.  The “Proud to Care” initiative had facilitated the successful recruitment of care workers and other boroughs were now emulating this campaign.  A new model of Intermediate Care had also been developed.  In addition, supplies of emergency Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) had also been provided where required;

d.    Public Health had played a key part in responding to the crisis and were instrumental in developing a local outbreak plan.  There were more than 9,000 people in Haringey who were shielding and over half had registered on the government’s website. Many residents had needed essential supplies and Connected Communities had responded to this, including the provision of food parcels.  Around 9,000 people had contacted the Connected Communities helpline, which could provide a wide range of support including information, advice and guidance.  All calls were triaged for any safeguarding issues;

e.    Food had been the top issue and there were now two food hubs within the borough.  Some direct purchasing of food had taken place and the food available included hot meals for those who needed them.  30% of those receiving food parcels needed them due to financial issues.  The remainder had been unable to access food;

f.     Lack of digital access was a particular issue and the voluntary and community sector were helping to address this;

g.    Responding to the crisis had been a partnership effort and much stronger links had been developed, especially with the voluntary and community sector.  700 volunteers had assisted with the response.  A grant of £600,000 had been made available to voluntary and community sector organisations in order to assist with the further development of the sector;

h.    A Community Impact Assessment was being undertaken.  In particular, the effect on the BAME community was being considered and a number of recommendations had been made to the Health and Well Being Board.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

Verbal Update

Councillor Kaushika Amin, the Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Families gave a short overview of key developments within her portfolio and, in particular, the response to the Covid-19 crisis as well as the next steps.  The following key points were noted:

a.    The crisis had severely impacted on children and young people within the borough.  The vast majority of them were currently not attending school and there were implications arising from this for their education and mental health and well-being;

b.    There had been a recent High Court judgement which had been critical of the Council and specifically the Disabilities Team. A Peer Review of the service, led by an independent practitioner, had been set up by the Council in response.  The approach was recommended by London Councils.   There would also be an audit of cases to ensure that they were no others where there might be similar issues;

c.    During the last three months, it had been necessary to conduct much work virtually or by mobile phone.  The Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) had been mainly office based but engagement had also taken face-to-face, with the use of PPE if necessary;

d.    There had been a considerable amount of work undertaken with schools, including twice weekly virtual meetings involving Haringey Education Partnership.  There had also been meetings with Headteachers and teaching unions regarding safety concerns on the re-opening of schools.  There were now over 4,000 children back in school; and

e.    A full holiday programme for children and young people was planned, which would include both virtual and annual events.  It would be advertised both through booklets and on-line.

Councillor Dogan reported that he and the Chair had met Councillor Brabazon, the then Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Families and the Director of Children’s Services to discuss the court case and steps that had been taken to address the matters that had arisen.   In answer to a question, the Cabinet Member stated that the Peer Review would aim to report by the end of June.  It was to be led by Islington Council, who had been identified as Haringey’s “partner in practice”.  The report would be available in six weeks’ time.  The audit of all cases would be undertaken by an independent practitioner and would look at all live cases.  There was also a court work project taking place that would aim to ensure that good practice was put in place.   The aim of these processes was to identify what had gone wrong and to prevent it from happening again.  The structure of the Disabilities Team would be looked at as part of this process. 

In answer to a question, the Cabinet Member acknowledged the need for independence in the review so that those undertaking it were not familiar to people within the service.  Haringey was part of a London wide project to share experience and challenge though and had been linked with Islington as part of this.   It was nevertheless important that Islington was held to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

To agree the minutes of the following meetings as a correct record.

·         14^th January 2020

·         23^rd January 2020

·         26^th May 2020

The Committee agreed that its review on Fire Safety in High Rise Blocks would be re-visited in the light of the recent fire at Firs House and that updated terms of reference be drafted to take this forward.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Committee’s review on the issue of Fire Safety in High Rise Blocks be re-visited and updated terms of reference be drafted; and

2.    That the minutes of the meetings of 14th January, 23rd January and 26th May 2020 be approved.

20^th July

·         20^th July 2020;

·         6 October 2020:

·         23 November 2020;

·         12 January 2021;

·         18 January 2021; and

·         15 March 2021.