Agenda, decisions and draft 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.

RESOLVED:

The filming at meetings notice was noted.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillor Ali and Councillor Gordon.

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 15 below. New items of exempt business will be dealt with at Item 19 below).

There were 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 were 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 x: 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 none.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 9 December 2025 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting on 9 December 2025 were discussed

RESOLVED:

The minutes of the meeting on 9 December 2025 were agreed as a true and accurate record of proceedings.

To consider any requests received in accordance with Standing Orders.

There were none.

For Cabinet to note (if any).

There were none.

Report of the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources (S151 Officer). To be presented by the Cabinet Member for Housing & Planning (Deputy Leader).

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST FOR THIS ITEM:

None

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Approved the acquisition of the long leasehold interest in 12 flats at the property for housing purposes, for the purchase price as set out in the Part B (Exempt) report and based on the draft Heads of Terms contained in the Part B (Exempt) report.
   
   
2. Approved the total scheme cost for the acquisition as contained in the Part B (Exempt) report.
   
   
3. Approved the payment to Estate Office Investments Ltd (Estate Office) as contained in the Part B (Exempt) report.
   
   
4. Noted that it was proposed that grant funding from the Greater London Authority (GLA) would be used to part fund the acquisition with the option to use additional funding from the General Fund under an approved allocation for acquisitions through the CHAP programme. The amount of grant funding was contained in the Part B (Exempt) report.
   
   
5. In the event GLA funding was not available, Cabinet approval was sought for the use of right to buy (RTB) receipts. The amount of grant funding was contained in the Exempt Part B (Exempt) report.
   
   
6. Pursuant to the previous recommendation, where RTB funding was used, approved the grant of leases of these homes for a term not exceeding 7 years to the Haringey Community Benefit Society (HCBS) who, in turn, would let these homes at Local Housing Allowance (LHA).
   
   
7. Approved that the lettings of these homes were made in accordance with the grant funding conditions, and that the Neighbourhood Moves Scheme would not apply to these homes.
   
   
8. Granted delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources following consultation with the Head of Legal and Lead Member for Housing to finalise the Heads of Terms, agree the purchase price, finalise legal documentation and complete the transactions.
   
   

Reasons for decision

The acquisition of these properties resulted in 12 additional new council homes helping the council make good on its pledge to acquire and build 3,000 council homes by 2031.

The homes were expected to be of a good standard and to accord with the GLA’s design standards as set out in the London Plan.

Alternative options considered

Not to acquire the homes. This option was rejected because it would have been a missed opportunity for the Council to:
• Secure 12 new Council homes.
• Purchase homes at a commercially advantageous price and payment structure.
• Assist in maintaining momentum and progress in the overall aspiration to provide affordable housing in the borough.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, and Deputy Leader of the Council introduced the report.

It was explained that the Council had acquired 12 homes to be let at council rents at 67 Lawrence Road. It was noted that five of the flats were two-bedroom family homes, and four were wheelchair accessible and that each flat included a private balcony or terrace, and the site included a shared communal garden.

The Council had worked to increase the supply of affordable housing in the borough on an ongoing basis, with the aim of providing more residents with access to rented housing at council rent levels.

Following questions from Cllr Emery, the following points were made:

• Information was provided to explain that the site was originally owned by a private developer and had since been purchased by the Council.
  
  
• The Cabinet Member explained that the acquisition of these properties were part of the Council’s target to acquire 250 properties per year. It was explained that these acquisitions were additional to the target of building 2000 new homes.
  
  
• It was explained that the Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system within the site would need to meet planning requirements to prevent overheating.
  
  

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Approved the acquisition of the long leasehold interest in 12 flats at the property for housing purposes, for the purchase price as set out in the Part B (Exempt) report and based on the draft Heads of Terms contained in the Part B (Exempt) report.
   
   
2. Approved the total scheme cost for the acquisition as contained in the Part B (Exempt) report.
   
   
3. Approved the payment to Estate Office Investments Ltd (Estate Office) as contained in the Part B (Exempt) report.
   
   
4. Noted that it was proposed that grant funding from the Greater London Authority (GLA) would be used to part fund the acquisition with the option to use additional funding from the General Fund under an approved allocation for acquisitions through the CHAP programme. The amount of grant funding was contained in the Part B (Exempt) report.
   
   
5. In the event GLA funding was not available, Cabinet approval was sought for the use of right to buy (RTB) receipts. The amount of grant funding was contained in the Exempt Part B (Exempt) report.
   
   
6. Pursuant to the previous recommendation, where RTB funding was used, approved the grant of leases of these homes for a term not exceeding 7 years to the Haringey Community Benefit Society (HCBS) who, in turn, would let these homes at Local Housing Allowance (LHA).
   
   
7. Approved that the lettings of these homes were made in accordance with the grant funding conditions, and that the Neighbourhood Moves Scheme would not apply to these homes.
   
   
8. Granted delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources following consultation with the Head of Legal and Lead Member for Housing to finalise the Heads of Terms, agree the purchase price, finalise legal documentation and complete the transactions.
   
   

Reasons for decision

The acquisition of these properties resulted in 12 additional new council homes  ...  view the full minutes text for item 379.

Report of the Corporate Director of Adults, Housing and Health. To be presented by the Cabinet Member for Housing & Planning (Deputy Leader);

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST FOR THIS ITEM:

None

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Approved the updated Damp and Mould Policy at Appendix 1, having had regard to the Equality Impact Assessment at Appendix 2, to come into effect from 3 February 2026.
   
   
2. Delegated to the Corporate Director Adults, Housing and Health in consultation with the relevant Cabinet member for Housing and Planning any future changes to this policy required by changes to legal or regulatory requirements arising in the three-year period before the policy was due for review.
   
   

Reasons for decision

This policy outlined the Council’s approach to tenancy management for Council tenants and for their wider households. It also helped the Council meet the Social Housing Regulator’s consumer standards, specifically the Tenancy Standard and the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard.

Alternative options considered

The Council could have treated all damp and mould cases via its existing repairs process and decided not to design and implement a damp and mould policy. This option was rejected since there was an expectation, from government and residents, that the Council, as a social housing landlord, would have a policy in place which set out its approach to dealing with issues relating to damp and mould.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, and Deputy Leader of the Council introduced the report.

It was explained by the Cabinet Member that the Council aimed to improve fairness across Haringey, including ensuring that residents had access to safe, warm and affordable homes. Damp and mould were identified as issues that should not be present in residential properties. It was explained that the Council sought to address these conditions as part of its housing responsibilities.

It was stressed that the Council adopted a zero?tolerance approach to damp and mould. This policy, first introduced in 2023, was updated to reflect the introduction of Awaab’s Law and the associated new timescales for responding to damp and mould. It outlined how the council intended to provide and maintain dry, warm and healthy homes for tenants and leaseholders.

It was explained that resident insight had contributed to the development of the policy, including input from the Resident Voice Board and the Residents’ Repairs and Maintenance Continuous Improvement Group. These groups provided ongoing engagement in the formation of housing policies.

It was noted that, across the borough, the Council had retrofitted and refurbished council homes. The Estate Renovation Plan allocated more than £500 million to home improvement works over a ten?year period.

Following questions from Cllr Emery, the following points were made:

• It was highlighted that the Government was reviewing potentially increasing powers to monitor the private rented sector for alleviating damp and mould. It was noted that the proposed policy was focussed on Council owned properties, however it was stressed that the Council worked to regulate the private sector on damp and mould, to ensure that residents did not live in damp and mouldy premises.
  
  
• It was explained that the usage of different types of insulation in Council owned properties would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and the most appropriate would be installed.
  
  
• It was noted that the Council was reviewing a range of options for energy provision as part of the asset management strategy and electrical inspection programme, and would implement the most appropriate option.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Approved the updated Damp and Mould Policy at Appendix 1, having had regard to the Equality Impact Assessment at Appendix 2, to come into effect from 3 February 2026.
   
   
2. Delegated to the Corporate Director Adults, Housing and Health in consultation with the relevant Cabinet member for Housing and Planning any future changes to this policy required by changes to legal or regulatory requirements arising in the three-year period before the policy was due for review.
   
   

Reasons for decision

This policy outlined the Council’s approach to tenancy management for Council tenants and for their wider households. It also helped the Council meet the Social Housing Regulator’s consumer standards, specifically the Tenancy Standard and the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard.

Alternative options considered

The Council could have treated all damp and mould cases via its existing repairs process and decided not to design and implement a damp and mould policy. This option was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 380.

Report of the Corporate Director of Culture, Strategy and Communities. To be presented by the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST FOR THIS ITEM:

None

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Approved the draft Haringey Library Strategy 2026–30.1.
   
   
2. Noted the findings of the consultation report and updated Equalities Impact Assessment.
   
   

Reasons for decision

The Council had a statutory duty under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 to provide a ‘comprehensive and efficient’ library service for those who lived, worked or studied in the borough. The duty was supplemented by government guidance, which although not statutory, still had to be taken into account. The guidance advised that changes to library services should be based on strategic plans and consideration of alternative delivery models, and on careful assessment of needs and consideration of impacts and mitigations.

When the Council adopted revised operating hours for the library service in December 2024, in the absence of a specific library strategy, it used the principles which already underpinned its Arts & Culture Strategy – Access, Collaboration, Equity, Growth, Lifelong Learning, Visibility & Representation – to inform that decision. The Council also committed as part of that decision to developing a dedicated library strategy to underpin future development of the library service and put it on a sustainable footing for the future. This report gave effect to that commitment, following detailed consultation and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders.

Alternative options considered

The Council could have decided not to adopt a Library Strategy. However, this would have left the library service without an underpinning strategic direction and would have undermined the Council’s conformity with its statutory duty in respect of library provision. This option was therefore not recommended.

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure introduced the report.

It was stressed by the Cabinet Member that libraries functioned as community facilities providing access to books, information and services. In Haringey, libraries had long operated as places where residents of different ages and backgrounds could access learning resources and participate in community activities. It was explained that the Library Strategy set out a long?term plan for the future use and development of these facilities to ensure they remained accessible, relevant and adaptable.

The Cabinet Member stressed that the strategy was informed by engagement and consultation with young people, residents, staff, partners and stakeholders across the borough. Participants contributed through surveys, workshops, focus groups and community discussions. This feedback helped identify the aspects of library services that residents valued and the areas they wished to see developed. The strategy established a direction of travel supported by individual library plans, which would be developed alongside friends/supporter groups and relevant engagement groups to ensure that actions reflected local priorities.

It was explained that the strategy outlined how libraries would contribute to Haringey’s wider priorities relating to equality, opportunity and sustainability, while incorporating developments in service delivery and technology. The document drew on resident feedback collected during the consultation process.

Following questions from Cllrs Brabazon, Carlin and Emery, the following points were made:

• It was explained that the recent initiatives that had been introduced to highlight the year of reading were looking to encourage schools and young people to engage with libraries and encourage reading wherever possible. It was stressed that this was a part of the strategy. It was additionally noted that the needs of young people for libraries were considered as part of engagement for the strategy and that there had been a series of events which were undertaken at libraries focussed on involving young people.
  
  
• It was noted that the strategy highlighted that libraries were cultural and community assets. It was stressed that the Council had worked to prioritise the affordability and the quality of the service. It was also explained that the strategy noted changes of use over time, including digital borrowing, which the Council had worked, as part of the strategy, to make accessible and relevant.
  
  
• It was explained that the Cabinet had been clear on opening hours for libraries in December 2024, and that it had been a difficult decision to make. It was stressed that the Council made the decision based on quantitative data. It was additionally noted that the Council was looking at ways to ensure library sustainability, which included potential future changes to opening hours.
  
  
• It was explained, following questions relating to developing a Library of Things, that this would not be financially viable in Haringey.
  
  
• It was noted that there had been a staffing restructure as part of changes to library opening hours in December 2024. As part of this, there had been the development of a Community Librarian, which would allow for a better connection with the community. It was explained  ...  view the full minutes text for item 381.

Report of the Corporate Director of Environment and Resident Experience. To be presented by the Leader of the Council.

DECLARATINS OF INTEREST FOR THIS ITEM:

None

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Approved the Single Use Plastics Policy 2026 and accompanying Single Use Plastics Action Plan, which outlined how the Council would reduce SUPs, both within its operations and across the borough.
   
   

Reasons for decision

Haringey Council was committed to doing everything possible to respond to the climate emergency and improve sustainability across its own operations and in the borough of Haringey.

Reducing consumption of SUPs across the Council’s offices and the borough saved money, reduced waste, improved the environment and decreased the number of harmful plastics ending up in the world’s oceans or in landfill.

Haringey Council had already taken bold steps to reduce SUPs. The last SUP policy successfully delivered a wide range of plastic reduction initiatives including the introduction of water fountains for refillable bottles and recyclable drink cups in Council offices.

This decision supported the Council’s Climate Emergency declaration and contributed to borough-wide carbon reduction targets. It also aligned with the Corporate Delivery Plan, particularly the strategic themes of Responding to the Climate Emergency and Place and Economy.

Haringey’s last original SUP Policy ran from 2020 to 2022. Post-COVID, many Council practices had changed; for example, changes in building usage and remote working affected SUP consumption and waste. Some actions outlined in the original plan were no longer applicable or relevant to current ways of working.

The national and regional landscape around SUP had also changed significantly since 2020, which meant the original policy did not reflect recent developments in legislation, borough-wide sustainability goals, or best practice guidance from ReLondon and London Councils.

At a regional level, London Councils, ReLondon, and WRAP launched the “One World Living Single-Use Plastics Pledge” in 2025, encouraging boroughs to commit to reducing SUPs across their operations and supply chains. This new updated SUP policy reflected how Haringey actively aligned with this pledge.

The Policy and Action Plan highlighted the borough’s commitment to eliminate problematic single-use plastics and transition to reuse in Council operations and delivered services. It aligned with a growing regional movement across London and was in tandem with the Council’s commitment to the single-use plastics pledge in partnership with London Councils, ReLondon and WRAP.

Alternative options considered

Doing nothing was rejected. This would have left the Council with an outdated SUP Policy, which did not reflect how the Council’s operations had changed, or changes in the regional and national policy landscape. Not updating the policy would not have supported the Corporate Delivery Plan or the Haringey Climate Action Plan.

Doing a Council Plan only was rejected. This would have focused only on the Council as an organisation and on the influence the Council had across the borough. The Council was well placed to help reduce SUPs beyond its own organisation. To only focus on SUP the Council directly used would have missed opportunities, such as SUPs at events, SUPs in schools and SUPs used by the Council’s partners, which were a vital part of achieving the Council’s aim.

The Cabinet Member for Resident Services and Tackling Inequality introduced the report.

It was explained by the Cabinet Member that Haringey Council was positioned to address the issue of single use plastics (SUPs) and that its priority was to reduce unnecessary use of SUPs across council services, buildings and schools, and to influence reductions in use across the wider borough.

It was explained that Haringey’s previous SUP policy ran from 2020 to 2022 and delivered a range of plastic?reduction initiatives. The updated policy supported Theme 2 of the Corporate Delivery Plan, Responding to the Climate Emergency, and Objective C4 of the Haringey Climate Change Action Plan. The revised Action Plan was structured around four areas: council operations, schools, residents and businesses. The actions focused on internal processes such as procurement and staff engagement; partnership work with schools to reduce SUPs; resident awareness initiatives; and collaboration with businesses and event organisers to reduce plastic use.

Following questions from Cllr Emery, the following points were made:

• It was explained that the proposed Single Use Plastics Policy would set the example to remove single-use plastics across all Council events.
  
  
• It was explained that the Council wouldn’t use the Single-Use Plastics Policy as a requirement for partners to work with the Council, and that the Council aims  However, it was explained the Single-Use Plastics Policy would be a part of the social value element of scoring for procurement exercises across the Council.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Approved the Single Use Plastics Policy 2026 and accompanying Single Use Plastics Action Plan, which outlined how the Council would reduce SUPs, both within its operations and across the borough.
   
   

Reasons for decision

Haringey Council was committed to doing everything possible to respond to the climate emergency and improve sustainability across its own operations and in the borough of Haringey.

Reducing consumption of SUPs across the Council’s offices and the borough saved money, reduced waste, improved the environment and decreased the number of harmful plastics ending up in the world’s oceans or in landfill.

Haringey Council had already taken bold steps to reduce SUPs. The last SUP policy successfully delivered a wide range of plastic reduction initiatives including the introduction of water fountains for refillable bottles and recyclable drink cups in Council offices.

This decision supported the Council’s Climate Emergency declaration and contributed to borough-wide carbon reduction targets. It also aligned with the Corporate Delivery Plan, particularly the strategic themes of Responding to the Climate Emergency and Place and Economy.

Haringey’s last original SUP Policy ran from 2020 to 2022. Post-COVID, many Council practices had changed; for example, changes in building usage and remote working affected SUP consumption and waste. Some actions outlined in the original plan were no longer applicable or relevant to current ways of working.

The national and regional landscape around SUP had also changed significantly since 2020, which meant the original policy did not reflect recent developments in legislation, borough-wide sustainability goals, or best practice guidance from ReLondon and London Councils.

At a regional  ...  view the full minutes text for item 382.

To note the minutes of the following:

Cabinet Member Signing

·       27 November 2025, 11.30am - Chettle Court, Cordell House, Edgecot Grove Structural Remediation Works/ Extension of Contract for Mobile Workforce Management Technology

·       1 December 2025 10.30 am - Park View Secondary School Block A Roof Replacement - Award of Contract for Construction Related Consultancy Services

·       4 December 2025 11.45 am - Variation of contracts for the delivery of fire safety works.

·       4 Dec 2025 1.00 pm - Broadwater Farm Fire Risk Assessment & Award of Construction Contract

·       8 December 2025 1.00 pm - Variation of Libraries Operating Hours – Confirmation

·       18 December 2025 11.30 am - Coleridge Primary School - Condition Works - Permission to initiate tender action for a Construction Works Contract

·       18 December 2025 1.00 pm - Award print/post services contract to support Revenues and Benefits, Housing, Planning and Pensions

·       5 January 2026 3.00 pm - Kenneth Robbins House - Correction of Contractor's Name/ Kenneth Robbins House - Correction of Contractor's Name/ To award a new asbestos contract and appoint a UKAS accredited asbestos contractor

The minutes of other bodies were discussed.

RESOLVED:

The minutes of other bodies were noted.

To note the delegated decisions taken by Directors.

The list of significant and delegated decisions were discussed.

RESOLVED:

The list of significant and delegated decisions were noted.

As per item 3.

There were none.

Note from the Committees Manager

Item 17 allows for consideration of exempt information in relation to item 9.

TO RESOLVE

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as items 17, 18, 19 contains exempt information as defined under paragraphs 3 and 5, 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).

Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as item 12 contains exempt information as defined under paragraph 1, Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972: Information relating to an individual.

Exempt reports relating to item 9.

The exempt report was discussed.

RESOLVED:

The exempt recommendations were agreed and noted.

To confirm and sign the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 9 December 2025as a correct record.

The exempt minutes of the meeting on 9 December 2025 were discussed

RESOLVED:

The exempt minutes of the meeting on 9 December 2025 were agreed as a true and accurate record of proceedings.

As per item 3.

There was none.