Agenda and minutes

Apologies for lateness was received from Councillor Lister, and for absence from Councillors Dillon, Featherstone, E. Prescott and Simpson.

See items 128 & 129.

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 judgement of the public interest.

Members were asked by the Mayor to declare any personal interest in respect of items on the agenda.  In accordance with Part 2 of the Members Code of Conduct set out in the Council Constitution, any Member disclosing a personal interest which was also prejudicial would be asked to withdraw from the Chamber during consideration of the item and neither were they to seek to improperly influence a decision on the said item.

The Members stated below made declarations as follows:

Councillor Dobbie declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Motion Q as an employee of the North Middlesex Hospital NHS Health Trust.  He also declared a personal and prejudicial interest in item 13a the report of the Executive on the homes for Haringey delivery plan as a member of the Shadow ALMO board. He left the chamber during discussion of these items.

Councillor Haley declared a personal interest in relation to Motion Q as a representative on Camden and Islington Health Authority. He left the chamber during discussion of the item.

Councillor Hoban declared a personal interest in relation to Motion Q as I am an NHS employee.

Councillor Makanji declared a personal interest in relation to Motion Q as chairman of the Whittington (Hospital) Trust.

Councillor Milner declared a personal interest in relation to Motion Q as the executive director of the primary care trust in London. He left the chamber during discussion of the item.

Cllr Manheim declared a personal interest in relation to Motion Q as she was employed as an independent contractor by the primary care trust of Haringey.

Councillor Winskill declared a personal interest in relation to Motion Q as a member of the friends of Hornsey central hospital.

Copies of the Minutes having been circulated, they were taken as read.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 20 February 2006 be signed as a true record.

1.      On behalf of the Council, the Mayor extended a warm welcome to the Authority’s new Chief Executive Dr Ita O’Donovan who joined Haringey from Stoke. The Mayor commented that the Authority looked forward to working with Dr O’Donovan and wished her a very successful and fruitful time in Haringey.

2.      The Mayor sadly reported the death of John La Rose whose funeral took place the previous Monday in Wood Green.  Many members of the council and residents would know of his contribution to the Borough.

The Mayor asked, and Councillor Diakides said some words in memory of Mr La Rose.

3.      The Mayor thanked all those who supported the fundraising Ball at the Decorium on Saturday 18 March 2006. It was a very successful evening which raised many thousands for the Prostate Cancer Unit at North Middlesex Hospital.

4.      The Mayor advised that the Leader, in his statement, would pay tribute to those 15 Councillors who were standing down at the next Borough elections on May 4^th 2006. 

In the first part of the statement the Leader paid tribute to the 15 Councillors who were standing down at the next Borough elections on May 4^th 2006. The Leader of the Opposition spoke in response and also paid a collective tribute to the 15 retiring Councillors.

The Mayor then presented each of the 15 Councillors with certificates of service as follows: 

Cllr Bax, Cllr Blanchard, Cllr Jean Brown, Cllr Herbie Brown, Cllr Dawson, Cllr Dillon*, Cllr Featherstone*, Cllr Floyd, Cllr Gilbert*, Cllr Krokou, Cllr Makanji, Cllr Millar, Cllr Reynolds*, Cllr Robertson, Cllr Simpson*

* denotes Members absent – certificates were collected on their behalf.

The Leader and the Council sent their best wishes to former Councillor Gilbert who had resigned due to personal family reasons.

The Leader then continued with his statement.

 
RESOLVED:

That the statement by the Leader of the Council in respect of the achievements of the administration over the past 4 years in improving the services provided to the people of Haringey and their well being, be noted. The Leader of the Opposition spoke in response.

The Borough Commander gave a brief outline of the initiatives of the Metropolitan Police Service, working in conjunction with Haringey Borough Council. Members asked questions and were responded to by the Borough Commander.

RESOLVED:

 That the presentation by the Haringey Borough Commander – Simon O’Brien - of the Metropolitan Police Service be noted.

There were no matters to report.

There were no matters to report.

There were no matters to report.

The Mayor reported that there had three requests for deputations to the Council meeting.

The first request from the Caribbean Senior Citizens Association regarding the Welbourne Centre was referred to the Executive to be heard at its meeting on 21 March 2006.  A request to submit a petition by the Caribbean Senior Citizens Association had also been referred to the Executive on 21 March 2006. 

The second request from Mr Huzar regarding the proposed development of Pembroke Works, London N8 was also referred to the Executive to be heard at its meeting on 21 March 2006.

The third request from the Alexandra Palace Television Group had been referred to the Alexandra Palace and Park Board and will be heard at its meeting on 11 April 2006.

There were no other deputations, or requests for petitions to be submitted.

Oral Question 1 – To the Leader of the Council from Cllr Neil Williams

If he thinks it is appropriate for the Labour party to hold its ‘campaign team’ meetings in River Park House.

Oral Question 2 – To the Executive Member for Children and Young People from Cllr Jean Brown

Would he highlight the achievements of Children’s Services in the past four years and outline his vision for another four years under Labour?

Oral Question 3 – To the Executive Member for Crime and Community Safety from Cllr Aitken

What information has she about possible closures and disposals of Police Stations in the Borough?

Oral Question 4 – To the Executive Member for Environment and Conservation from Cllr Q Prescott

Would he highlight what he sees as the achievements of this Labour administration in the past four years, How would he like to see the Better Haringey Project develop in the coming four years under another Labour Council?

Oral Question 5 – To the Executive Member for Environment and Conservation from Cllr Edge

If he can confirm that the council’s graffiti hotline is a dedicated number with staff deployed specifically to deal with the reporting of graffiti.

Oral Question 6 – To the Executive Member for Enterprise and Regeneration from Cllr E Prescott

Would he highlight the achievements in this field over the past four years and outline what he would like to see in the coming four years under another Labour Council?

Oral Question 7 – To the Executive Member for Organisational Development and Performance from Cllr Hoban

If he will please inform me of measures being taken by the Council to improve public access to the Haringey Website

Oral Question 8 – To the Executive Member for Crime and Community Safety from Cllr Bevan

What does she believe are the key achievements on community safety in the borough for this administration?”  

Oral Question 9 – To the Executive Member for Social Services and Health from Cllr Engert

Following the Council's decision of the 31st January 2006 to close Cooperscroft and Trentfield residential care homes, and in light of the decision to withdraw from the plans to place a care home and centre for the care of those with dementia on the Hornsey Central Hospital site, what assurance can the Council give that adequate provision of care for the elderly, especially those with dementia, will be maintained in the borough?

Oral Question 10 – To the Executive Member for Community Involvement from Cllr Patel

Would she highlight the achievements in opening up council services and community engagement over the past four years? How would shelike to see community involvement develop in the coming four years under another Labour Council?

Written Question 1 – To the Executive Member for Children and Young People from Cllr Krokou

Could he outline what Early Years Provision we have here in Haringey?

Written Question 2 – To the Executive Member for Social Services and Health from Cllr Makanji

Could she  ...  view the full agenda text for item 128.

The Mayor agreed to the admission of this report as urgent business.  Under Standing Orders, notice of questions was not requested until five clear days before the meeting, following which matters raised had to be researched and replies prepared, in order to be given at the meeting.

There were 10 oral questions and 20 for written answer. Oral Questions 6 -10 were not reached in the allotted time and written answers would therefore be supplied to these questions.

a)     The Executive – Reports 16,17 & 18 – 2005/6

b)     General Purposes Committee – Reports 5 & 6 – 2005/6

c)      Audit Committee – Report 1 – 2005/6

The Mayor agreed to the admission of Executive report 18, and report number 6 of General Purposes Committee as urgent business. Both reports were late because the meetings of the Special Executive and General Purposes Committee were only held last week on 14 and 16 March respectively after the despatch of the Council Summons on 10 March 2006. The report of the Executive of 14 March and General Purposes Committee of 16 March 2006 were urgent as they contained recommendations to the Council.

The Leader welcomed Dr Ita O’Donovan as Chief Executive and paid tribute to Max Caller who had acted as Interim Chief Executive since July 2005 and wished him well for the future.

Councillor Aitken paid tribute to Councillor Rice’s chairship of the General Purposes Committee and in particular to how the Constitution revisions had be dealt with.

RESOLVED:

1.      That reports 16, 17 & 18  /2005-6 of the Executive be received and adopted.

2.      That the recommendations contained in Executive report 18 concerning: Homes for Haringey Delivery Plan, Children and Young People’s Plan 2006-9, and co-ordinating the response to Emergencies in London, be agreed.

3.      That reports 5 & 6 / 2005-6 of the General Purposes Committee be received and adopted.

4.      That the recommendation of the General Purposes Committee of 2 March 2006  in respect of amendments  to Contract Standing Orders (Procedure Rules) be adopted, and that Part G.3 of the Council’s Constitution be amended accordingly with effect from 1 April 2006;

5.      That the recommendation of the General Purposes Committee of 2 March 2006  in respect of amendments to the Scheme of Delegation to Officers, Financial Regulations and Officer Structure be adopted, and that Parts F.7, G.2, K.1, and K.5  of the Council’s Constitution be amended accordingly;

6.      That the recommendation of the General Purposes Committee of 2 March 2006  in respect of adopting the Scheme of Members’ Allowances for the year 2006/07 be adopted, and replacing the entire Section C.7 and that the Council’s Constitution be amended accordingly.

7.      That the recommendation of the General Purposes Committee of 2 March 2006  in respect of adopting an extension of the ALG arrangements for co-ordinating the response to emergencies be adopted, and that Part J1 of  the Council’s Constitution be amended accordingly.

8.      That the recommendation of the General Purposes Committee of 16 March 2006  in respect of decision making in election year be adopted, and that Part H1 and E7 of the Council’s Constitution be amended accordingly.

9.      That the report of the Audit Committee of matters considered by that Committee during the Municipal Year 2005/06 be received and that the recommendations concerning the Annual Audit and Inspection Letter be adopted.

MOTION P (2005/06):

Councillor Meehan has given notice that he will move in the following terms:

“This Council welcomes the new Bruce Grove youth centre, and the additional new centre being built on the site focusing on performing arts and media.

This council notes that youth services provide a crucial outreach mechanism to reach out to young people, and supports the purchase of three mobile units for hard to reach young people.

This council also notes the importance of innovative youth services as a means of getting young people involved in their communities. The Duke of Edinburgh scheme offers a chance for young people to participate in local projects as well as encouraging them to develop a skill and get involved in a sport. And so, the Council welcomes the new Duke of Edinburgh’s Award centre that is based at the new state of the art training centre at St Thomas More School, and wishes success to all those who are currently working towards getting an award”.

MOTION Q (2005/06):

Councillor Hoban has given notice that he will move in the following terms:

“Haringey Council notes with concern that:

a)     the Secretary of State has predicted a high deficit in the NHS budget for 2005-06

b)     Deficits in NHS Trust budgets have been caused by Trusts trying to fulfil objectives set not by them, but by the Government.

c)      Such deficits mean that Community Hospitals in Haringey face cuts or even closure.

d)     There is an absence of local accountability over major decisions affecting local health services

e)     The Government’s incoherent reform programme in the NHS has made it impossible for NHS Trusts to plan effectively

f)        There may be increased calls on Haringey Local Authority services as a result of these deficits

Haringey Council believes that:

                                       I.      Community Hospitals offer a vital local service to patients and their families

                                     II.      Provision of good quality care close to home is particularly important for elderly or vulnerable patients

                                    III.      Community Hospitals treating less serious cases relieve the pressure of work on acute hospitals

Haringey Council calls for the Leader, Chief Executive and Haringey’s MP’s to lobby for:

1.      Urgent Government action to address the consequences of NHS Trust deficits

2.      The Government to re-evaluate its target driven approach, to allow clinicians to make judgements based on clinical need and to ensure that patients being treated in the community do not lose out

3.      Development of Community Hospitals and other local health units to allow for an increasing range of treatments, such as diagnostic and rehabilitation services, traditionally available only in large hospitals, to be delivered in the community

4.      Any necessary reconfiguration of local services to be subject to full local consultation with patient and community groups

5.      Long-term reform of the NHS to be based on the principle of greater local democratic accountability”

MOTION R (2005/06):

Councillor Hare has given notice that he will move in the following terms:

“That this Council, as a recognised Fair Trade Council  that aims  ...  view the full agenda text for item 130.

MOTION P(2005/06):

It was moved by Councillor Meehan and seconded by Councillor Q Prescott that:

“This Council welcomes the new Bruce Grove youth centre, and the additional new centre being built on the site focusing on performing arts and media.

This council notes that youth services provide a crucial outreach mechanism to reach out to young people, and supports the purchase of three mobile units for hard to reach young people.

This council also notes the importance of innovative youth services as a means of getting young people involved in their communities. The Duke of Edinburgh scheme offers a chance for young people to participate in local projects as well as encouraging them to develop a skill and get involved in a sport. And so, the Council welcomes the new Duke of Edinburgh’s Award centre that is based at the new state of the art training centre at St Thomas More School, and wishes success to all those who are currently working towards getting an award.”

The Motion was then put to the meeting and declared CARRIED.

It was moved by Councillor Hoban and seconded by Councillor Newton

that:

“Haringey Council notes with concern that:

a)     the Secretary of State has predicted a high deficit in the NHS budget for 2005-06

b)     Deficits in NHS Trust budgets have been caused by Trusts trying to fulfil objectives set not by them, but by the Government.

c)      Such deficits mean that Community Hospitals in Haringey face cuts or even closure.

d)     There is an absence of local accountability over major decisions affecting local health services

e)     The Government’s incoherent reform programme in the NHS has made it impossible for NHS Trusts to plan effectively

f)        There may be increased calls on Haringey Local Authority services as a result of these deficits

Haringey Council believes that:

                               I.      Community Hospitals offer a vital local service to patients and their families

                              II.      Provision of good quality care close to home is particularly important for elderly or vulnerable patients

                            III.      Community Hospitals treating less serious cases relieve the pressure of work on acute hospitals

Haringey Council calls for the Leader, Chief Executive and Haringey’s MP’s to lobby for:

1.      Urgent Government action to address the consequences of NHS Trust deficits

2.      The Government to re-evaluate its target driven approach, to allow clinicians to make judgements based on clinical need and to ensure that patients being treated in the community do not lose out

3.      Development of Community Hospitals and other local health units to allow for an increasing range of treatments, such as diagnostic and rehabilitation services, traditionally available only in large hospitals, to be delivered in the community

4.      Any necessary reconfiguration of local services to be subject to full local consultation with patient and community groups

5.      Long-term reform of the NHS to be based on the principle of greater local democratic accountability. “

An amendment to the motion was moved by Councillor Wynne and seconded by Councillor Manheim proposing :

Delete all after “Haringey Council” and insert:

·        “Acknowledges the fact that the financial position in the local NHS is problematic.  It also acknowledges that this position will inevitably have some impact on jointly delivered services.

·        Believes that joint working is essential to both overcoming these issues and in the delivery of high-quality services to Haringey residents.

·        Believes that in Haringey that there is a willingness on the part of the NHS and other partners to increase partnership working to achieve our jointly recognised aims and objectives.

·        Welcomes the White Paper on adult social care which further facilitates partnership working by introducing budget setting and performance management frameworks within the NHS which are aligned to those of Local Authorities.

·        Believes that there are many examples of how partnership working has had a positive impact on the lives of people in Haringey.  These include;

o       Our performance in the rate of delayed discharges,

o       The direct planning and delivery of specialist services for people with mental health problems or learning difficulties and,

o       The provision of a wide range of jointly delivered intermediate care and short-term facilities to prevent hospital admission.

·        Believes that the role of Scrutiny has been key in this administration in providing local accountability over major decisions affecting both local health services and social care services.

·        Believes that the government has taken into account regional differences when considering NHS reorganisation and patient led commissioning.  In particular the government has recognised the specificity of London in agreeing to maintain co-terminous PCTs.  This will further encourage partnership working and the delivery of efficient joint services.

·        Believes that whole system planning is the only way to deliver long term efficiencies in the delivery of quality services to the residents of Haringey and that all government actions in this area are making this possible. “

The Amendment was then put to the meeting and declared CARRIED.

The substantive Motion was then put to the meeting and declared CARRIED.

Motion R was not reached before 10pm.