Agenda and minutes
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To receive apologies for absence Additional documents: Minutes: There were no apologies for absence.
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Additional documents: Minutes: The Assistant Chief Executive – Mr Young advised that there were 2 late items of business, which could not be available earlier, and which would need to be dealt with at the meeting.
Item 12 – To receive reports from the following Bodies
Report No 1 2012/13 of the Cabinet meeting – 13 November 2012
Mr Young advised that the report of Cabinet of 13 November 2012 required consideration and adoption by Full Council in respect of the Revision of Statement of Gambling Policy. The report was late for consideration and could not be forwarded to Full Council until Cabinet had considered the proposals on 13 November 2012.
Item 13 – Questions and Written Answers
Mr Young advised that notice of questions was not requested until 8 clear days before the meeting, following which the matters raised had to be researched and replies prepared to be given at the meeting.
The Mayor agreed to take Item 12(ii) – Report No1 2012/13 under the provision and in accordance with Section 100B (4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972.
The Mayor MOVED a variation to the order of business to consider agenda Item 12 after Item 8, and this was agreed nemine contradicente.
NOTED
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Declarations of Interest 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.
Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Rahman-Khan declared a personal interest in Item 14 – Motion C as a family member working full time received tax credits.
The Chief Whip sought guidance from the Head of Legal Services and Monitoring officer in respect of deputation request from the Pinkham Way Alliance, and any issues for Members in respect of being members of the Council’s Planning Sub-Committee, or the North London Waste Authority (NLWA).
Mr Ryan advised the meeting that in noting the deputation from the Pinkham Way Alliance at Agenda item 9 and the more broad debate on Waste under the Haringey debate at Agenda item 11, in his capacity as Monitoring Officer he was giving advice to members on interests so that members may be clear on their ability to participate in the debate and not say anything to prejudice themselves from participation in future decisions in respect of waste disposal, in particular planning applications.
Mr Ryan advised that it was important to be aware that the Haringey debate was not a decision-making matter but rather an opportunity for a general exchange of views on issues of importance to the Council. In these circumstances a broad range of views may be exchanged and it was possible that there would be at least passing reference to planning applications in relation to waste disposal in the borough, a matter upon which decisions would be made by planning members in the future. Similar comments applied to the deputation.
Mr Ryan commented that in respect of the current members of the Planning Sub-Committee, or those trained to be substitutes, may be required at a future point to determine planning applications regarding waste disposal in the borough but that this would notprejudice them from participating in these items. Nevertheless those members needed to be careful not to express views which demonstrated a closed mind upon the subject as that may be regarded as amounting to predetermination of any question which would come forward for decision in the future. Other members who were not currently members of the Planning Sub-Committee, but may be in future years, might also wish to take account of this to safeguard their position should they be required to participate in future planning decisions relating to waste disposal in the borough.
Mr Ryan further advised that Members of the NLWA may wish to declare a personal interest in both items arising from their membership of that authority. Under the current code of conduct there was no requirement to declare personal interests, but members may do so if they wished Mr Ryan concluded that he hoped that the advice would assist members to participate appropriately in the debate.
Councillor Dogus declared a personal interest in Item 9 – Deputation from the Pinkham Way Alliance, and Item 11 – Haringey Debate as resident close to the area of Pinkham Way.
Councillor Meehan declared a personal interest in Item 9 - Deputation from the Pinkham Way Alliance, and Item 11 – Haringey Debate, as ... view the full minutes text for item 42. |
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Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
That the minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 16 July 2012, and 16 October 2012 be signed as a true record.
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To receive such communications as the Mayor may lay before the Council Additional documents: Minutes: i. Presentation of Andy Ludlow Homelessness Award 2012
The Mayor announced with pleasure that Haringey's Hearthstone centre, which offered domestic violence advice and support, had won a prestigious award. The Mayor advised that the Andy Ludlow Homelessness Award 2012 recognised the innovative approach Hearthstone had taken to help survivors of domestic abuse in the borough and help them avoid becoming homeless and this has been recognised with this award.
Councillor Bevan advised that for more than a decade, the Andy Ludlow Homelessness Awards had been established as the foremost awards recognising innovative work to tackle homelessness in London. The awards were sponsored by the London Housing Foundation, the 33 London councils and Shelter and were run by London Councils. Hearthstone developed a holistic approach to addressing domestic violence, encouraging greater co-operation between the agencies to improve the experience for the survivor and this was recognised with this award.
Councillor Bevan advised that the award was especially poignant for Haringey Council as Andy Ludlow was a much respected director of housing and social services in the borough.
The Mayor asked the team to come forward to receive their award.
The team were:
Sophie Dixon, Hearthstone Manager Cynthia Greer, Senior Hearthstone Support Worker Karen Vincent, Hearthstone Support Worker Hayley Holohan, Hearthstone Support Worker Margaret Symister, Hearthstone administrator and one additional member of staff in the team who was on leave – Abigail Brennan, Hearthstone Support Worker
Following a brief summary of how the award monies would be used within the centre, and further congratulations from Councillor Watson the team received a round of applause from members of the Council.
NOTED
ii. Presentation from the Mayor’s Charity “Action for Kids”
The Mayor introduced Mr David Budd from Action for Kids, the Mayor’s Charity and ask him to give a brief presentation and answer questions on the work the organisation was doing.
Mr Budd addressed the meeting highlighting the Mayor’s positive involvement in the past 6 months by his visiting the Action for Kids Offices and getting to know the staff and better understanding the Charity’s aims, and attending the Trustee Board meeting. The mains aims of the Charity were to work with kids in developing confidence and to equip them with the requisite skills to get them ready for a job in the world of work through the creation of jobs and opportunities.
Mr Butt referred to the Mayor attending a number of charity events including the annual City Beach Volley ball event where £50K was raised for the Charity. Mr Butt advised that the most challenging aspects of the Charity’s work were to assist in developing personal CVs and placing individuals in work experience placements, and the Charity’s Transition Officer was the key person who worked with businesses etc to secure placements for work experience. Mr Butt then asked Ms Nolan to speak.
Ms Nolan commented on her experiences with Action for Kids since she was 16 (some 6 years ) and the work they did to build self ... view the full minutes text for item 44. |
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To receive the report of the Assistant Chief Executive and Interim Head of Paid Service Additional documents: Minutes: There were no matters to report.
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To receive the report of the Monitoring Officer and Head of Legal Services Additional documents: Minutes: There were no matters to report.
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To make appointments to Outside Bodies Additional documents: Minutes: The Chief Whip – Councillor Egan MOVED the recommendation as set out in the circulated report.
Councillor Wilson asked that the Minority Group’s opposition to the proposed appointment be registered as whilst he had no doubt the nominated member – Cllr Egan would serve the position well, Cllr Egan served a Ward in the north the Borough, and it was not close in local vicinity to Finsbury Park and that the vacancy should be filled by a Liberal Democrat Councillor serving in the vicinity of the Park.
Councillor Egan responded that he had been recommended as part of the commitment to the One Borough/One Future policy that the Council had adopted. It was then
RESOLVED:
That the appointment to the outside bodies be approved, as detailed in the Appendix to the report.
The Mayor then advised that the meeting would next consider Item 12 as agreed earlier at agenda item 2.
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To receive reports from the following bodies (i) Corporate Committee Report No.2 - 2012/13 Additional documents:
Minutes: i CORPORATE COMMITTEE REPORT NO 2 2012/13
Councillor Meehan – Chair of the Corporate Committee MOVED the recommendations as contained in the report of the Corporate Committee of 27 September 2012 in respect of Treasury Management 2012/13 Mid Year Activity &Performance Update.
RESOLVED:
That the Treasury Management activity undertaken during the first half of 2012/13 and the performance achieved be noted.
ii. CABINET REPORT NO 1 - 2012/13
Councillor Kober – Chair of Cabinet MOVED the recommendations as contained in the report of Cabinet of 13 November 2012 in respect of the revised Statement of Gambling Policy 2013-2016 as detailed in appendix 1 to the circulated report.
RESOLVED: That approval be given to the adoption of the revised Statement of Gambling Policy 2013-2016 as detailed in appendix 1 to the circulated report.
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To consider requests to receive Deputations and/or Petitions and, if approved, to receive them Additional documents: Minutes: There were two deputations to address the meeting, and one petition.
The first deputation was received from Jonathan Boswell and Nicky Pryce in respect of Second Annual Carbon Report. Mr Boswell commented that he was speaking on behalf of local environmental campaigners who try to live sustainably and raise awareness of climate change.
In advising that he was a member of the cross party Haringey 40:20 Steering Group together with other local and community /environmental groups, Mr Boswell commented on the excellence of the report before the Council. He also advised that as he and Nicky were Grandparents they were acutely concerned regarding the future the world was facing with the evident environmental crisis, the deepening recession, poverty levels both nationally and locally in Haringey, together with the direct and indirect changes in climate and extreme weather conditions, of floods and devastation in the wake of the recent Hurricane Sandy. Mr Boswell commented that whilst the 40:20 target was ambitious to meet this target, it required more than just Local Authority efforts. In praising the excellence of the Haringey Carbon Commission report, every effort was needed locally and nationally to achieve these goals in order to make Haringey a more environmentally sound place to live.
Mr Pryce emphasised that it was possible to change direction, to reduce carbon emissions while at the same time generating sustainable jobs and creating growth in the local economy. The ‘green’ economy was one of the few sectors of the economy that had shown growth in recent years, and measures such as reducing energy consumption would reduce utility costs, freeing up more money to be spent in the local community. More ambitiously, a community utility company, harnessing sustainable sources of power, could create new jobs and reduce people’s bills, but would require partnership between the Council, local businesses, individual residents and the Government. The steering group praised the Council for its progress so far, but there was more to be done, and would require a national effort. All Councillors were invited to give this work their full support.
Members asked questions of the deputation and received responses thereto.
The Cabinet Member for Finance and Carbon Reduction responded to the deputation and thanked both speakers for highlighting the need to take firm action on climate change. The carbon commission would continue to work with community bodies on these issues, and individuals also needed to take decisions to reduce carbon emissions and meet targets. There was a need for a political consensus in order to drive this forward, as ultimately these were issues affecting everyone’s future.
The second deputation was received from Stephen Brice – on behalf of Pinkham Way Alliance in respect of the Waste Debate on the agenda later in the proceedings. Mr Brice advised that the long term contract the Council was entering into with the North London Waste Alliance with regard to the Pinkham Way site would lead to the risk of financial penalties, were the Council to produce insufficient waste to meet ... view the full minutes text for item 49. |
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Second Annual Carbon Report The Annual Carbon report is not circulated in hard form but can be viewed in the agenda pack on line. You can also use the attached links to view the full reports on line.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Cabinet Member Finance and Sustainability – Councillor Goldberg presented Haringey’s Second Annual Carbon report, which set out very clearly the actions the borough would take in order to reduce carbon emissions in Haringey by 40% by 2020. There was a very clear environmental and economic case for undertaking this work, as the economic cost to the UK, were climate change not addressed, would be severe. It was understood that this was the only report of its kind in the country to a Full Council, and demonstrated, in a transparent way, Haringey’s commitment to this issue. As set out in the report, progress had been made, for example the zero carbon community centre, sustainable investment fund, green light business support and low carbon zone, but there was still much more to do, given the scale of the challenge. Climate change should change the way in which enterprise was thought about, and encourage the consumption of locally-made products, supporting local businesses. Climate change was real, and would continue to have an impact on the UK economy; the case for action was clear. Cllr Goldberg commended the report to Full Council.
Mr Andrew Raingold - Executive Director at Aldersgate Group, addressed the meeting following Cllr Goldberg’s introduction. Representing a diverse group of business and political leaders, Mr Raingold advised that environmental policy, if designed in the right way, was a key driver for the economy, and his group campaigned for policies that would improve companies’ monitoring and managing of their carbon emissions. Being green and economic growth were not mutually exclusive; there was a need to frame what a green economy would look like, and what policies were required in order to achieve it. There were significant risks for the UK economy related to climate change, not least as a result of an increase in commodity prices associated with climate change. At the same time, there were significant economic opportunities around the ambitious targets set for the reduction in carbon emissions; the UK had a trade surplus with its key partners for environmental goods and services, and the industry was a key job creator, but this was a globally competitive market. Consistent policy around this issue was essential in order to deliver further development. Mr Raingold advised that he was delighted to be able to contribute to the Haringey Carbon Commission, which was a positive and ambitious initiative, which brought opportunities to develop the local economy, create jobs, reduce fuel costs and deliver health benefits to the borough, at the same time as reducing emissions.
In response to questions regarding the implementation of EU climate-change legislation at a national level, Mr Raingold advised that there was need for action at an EU-level in order to make climate change legislation effective, as the necessary drivers and policy signals were not currently there.
Councillor Goldberg concluded the debate and thanked Mr Raingold for his presentation. There was a clear case for Haringey to take the lead on this issue, which related to inequality and ... view the full minutes text for item 50. |
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Haringey Debate - Waste and Waste Disposal in the 21st Century; Issues and Techniques To consider the issue of waste and waste disposal and where the Council currently is with disposal and techniques, what is likely to happen with waste disposal in the future, and what the options are for solving any associated problems.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Assistant Chief Executive outlined the procedure for the fifth occasion where the Council had a Haringey Debate.
The opposition spokesperson – Councillor Solomon gave an introduction of the debate on the issue of waste and waste disposal and where the Council currently is with disposal and techniques, what is likely to happen with waste disposal in the future, and what the options are for solving any associated problems.
Councillor Solomon introduced Dr Andrew Tubb – from the University of the West of England.
Dr Tubb addressed the meeting and stated that one of the disadvantages of a 25-year contract was that you would be unable to take advantage of emerging technologies, and would be tied into what was in place when the contract was issued. It was not possible to predict what would happen in the next 25 years, and long term contracts were unable to take this into account. The level of risk associated with such a contract would depend on the estimates that had been made regarding anticipated waste amounts for the duration of the contract. Dr Tubb provided information on different waste technologies and their value for money, and indicated that MBT ranked among the lowest for value for money delivered. There were many factors which contributed to the level of waste generated, and the trend for a reduction in waste was likely to continue and even accelerate. It was possible, with the right technologies, to divert 95% of waste from landfill – these solutions were all open to the Council.
Following this the Mayor announced that there would be 45 minutes for debating, with a maximum of 3 minutes speaking time for each speaker. A 45 minute debate then took place.
In response to a question from Cllr Stanton regarding how the assertions made in his presentation could be tested, Dr Tubb advised that a full life cycle analysis of the various options was the only way to really test them, but that this might be difficult to undertake without assistance from external expertise.
Cllr Erskine highlighted that there were a number of ways in which people could individually reduce the level of waste they produce, by choosing to buy products with less packaging, by buying less, by reusing and by repairing. People could always look back at the supply chain of products, and ask companies what they were doing to make their products more recyclable.
Cllr Wilson stated that it was important to bring people with you when introducing changes, and that to this end, consultation was essential. This had not happened when the fortnightly waste collection was rolled out; there should have been a specific pilot, with feedback taken into account and lessons learnt from. As a consequence, work by scrutiny indicated that 40% of residents were not satisfied with the new arrangements. There was a need to recognise that a one size fits all approach was not appropriate across the whole borough, and this had led to issues, which could ... view the full minutes text for item 51. |
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To answer questions, if any, in accordance with Council Rules of Procedure Nos. 9 & 10 ORAL QUESTION 1 - TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR FINANCE AND CARBON REDUCTION FROM COUNCILLOR WILSON: Can the cabinet member explain why the auditor refused to sign off Haringey's accounts until 11pm on the last working day before the legal deadline? ORAL QUESTION 2 - TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES FROM COUNCILLOR BASU: Can the cabinet member outline what we know so far about proposed changes to local policing models in London and Haringey.
ORAL QUESTION 3 - TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT FROM COUNCILLOR NEWTON: Merton Council will be making all of its car parks free on weekends running up to Christmas. Will Haringey Council follow their example and introduce 30 minutes of free parking in Haringey’s shopping areas and high streets in the run up to Christmas? ORAL QUESTION 4 - TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT FROM COUNCILLOR GIBSON : Can the cabinet member update us on recent work tackling the clustering of betting shops on Haringey’s high streets?
ORAL QUESTION 5 - TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT FROM COUNCILLOR REECE: Will she follow Islington Council's lead and implement a 20mph limit across all roads in Haringey to reduce accidents and make our streets safer? ORAL QUESTION 6 - TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR FINANCE AND CARBON REDUCTION FROM COUNCILLOR CHRISTOPHIDES After the recent publication of the Carbon Commission, can the portfolio holder outline some next steps for Haringey’s plans to reduce carbon emissions and create a green economy locally?
ORAL QUESTION 7 - TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR FINANCE AND CARBON REDUCTION FROM COUNCILLOR WILLIAMS:
Why did he vote against a Lib Dem budget amendment in February to give a £250 bonus to low paid staff?
ORAL QUESTION 8 - TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT FROM COUNCILLOR BRABAZON Can the cabinet member update us on the council’s work to tackle problems around HMOs in the borough?
Additional documents: Minutes:
Due to the late hour oral questions 1-8 were not reached and written answers would be supplied to these questions
NOTED |
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To consider the following Motions in accordance with Council Rules of Procedure No. 13 MOTION C 2012/13
Councillor Goldberg has given notice that he will MOVE the following MOTION:
This Council believes:
- With many low and middle income families struggling with the impact of tax and benefit changes and rising household costs, it is wrong for the Government to prioritise giving a £40,000 income tax cut to 14,000 millionaires across the UK in April 2013. - This is particularly the case given that low income households with children in Haringey have been disproportionately hit by cuts in working tax credits since April 2012
This council notes:
- Around 1880 Haringey families in part time work have seen their working tax credits cut by up to £3,870 a year as a result of the Government increasing the amount of hours couples are required to work from 16 to 24 hours - In the current economic climate, the majority of couples in part time work will find it difficult to increase their hours in order to be eligible for tax credits. - The cuts in working tax credits are impacting the lives of around 5000 children in Haringey - For those families affected by the tax credit changes, the cut negates any small benefit obtained from the rise in the income tax threshold introduced in April 2012 - The cuts in working tax credits undermine the Government’s claims to be ‘making work pay’ as extra financial support for the low paid in part time work is withdrawn at a time of squeezed household budgets and record high childcare costs - Of those who benefit from the cut in the 50p tax rate next year, 86% will be men and 14% women
This Council resolves:
- To write to the chancellor asking that he cancels the proposed cut in the top rate of income tax being introduced in April 2013 - To ask the chancellor that he use the autumn statement to reinstate working tax credits for low paid households working fewer than 24 hours a week.
Motion D 2012/13
Councillor Strang has given notice that he will MOVE the following MOTION:
The Council acknowledges
· that local businesses are struggling in the tough economic circumstances. · that changes to parking fees would attract more shoppers to Haringey’s high streets and boost local trade. · that local traders in Muswell Hill and other areas have already expressed concerns about parking fees and have asked for them to be changed to help their businesses.
The Council notes
· Labour controlled Merton Council has introduced free parking at the council’s car parks over the Christmas period. · That a number of other councils also provide some form of free parking at Christmas including: Stockport, Epping Forest, Liverpool, Newcastle, and East Riding. · There is a total surplus of over £5.5m in the account used for parking income, this is an increase over last year of over £2.2m. · That the pay and display review in March last year re-banded Muswell Hill, Crouch End and Green Lanes from the medium parking charge to the High parking ... view the full agenda text for item 53. Additional documents: Minutes: Motions C & D (2012/13)
Motions C & D were not reached due to the late hour.
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