<AI1>

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Bambos Charalambous (Cabinet Member for Young People and Culture, Leisure, Sports and the Olympics) and Andrew Fraser (Co-Director of Education, Children's Services and Leisure).

</AI1>

<AI2>

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

There were no declarations of interest.

</AI2>

<AI3>

URGENT ITEMS

NOTED that the reports listed on the agenda had been circulated in accordance with the requirements of the Council's Constitution and the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Amendment Regulations 2002. These requirements state that agendas and reports should be circulated at least 5 clear days in advance of meetings.

</AI3>

<AI4>

DEPUTATIONS AND PETITIONS

NOTED that no requests for deputations (with or without petitions) had been received for presentation to this Cabinet meeting.

</AI4>

<AI5>

CAPITAL OUTTURN 2009/10

Councillor Andrew Stafford (Cabinet Member for Finance, Facilities and Human Resources) introduced the report of the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources (No.27) informing Members of the capital investment undertaken in 2009/10, and the way in which it had been funded. The report also included the outturn position for the Prudential Indicators.

NOTED the service achievements and individual projects, and an analysis of the variations in the programme, as detailed in the report.

Alternative Options Considered: None.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed that

1. the achievements and improved outcomes resulting from the Council's investments in capital projects be noted (as detailed in section 4 of the report);

2. the funding of the Council's capital expenditure as set out in the report be agreed (as detailed in paragraph 5.3 of the report);

3. the outturn for the Council's prudential indicators be noted (as set out in section 6 of the report)

4. total resources of £19.537m (both general and earmarked) be added to the overall resources available to the Council to finance the capital programme for 2010/11 onwards (as detailed in section 5 of the report).

Reason: To inform members of the final position on capital expenditure and financing for the year.

(Key decision - reference number 3092)

</AI5>

<AI6>

REVENUE OUTTURN 2009/10

Councillor Andrew Stafford (Cabinet Member for Finance, Facilities and Human Resources) introduced the report of the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources (No.28) setting out the overall Council General Fund and Housing Revenue Account outturn position for 2009/10.

NOTED

1. in response to a question regarding the installation of a security perimeter fence around the Civic Centre, that the work had been costed and was due to start shortly;

2. that there had been an overspend on the running costs of producing additional issues of the Our Enfield Magazine (as detailed in paragraph 10.2 of the report). This had been due to an increased frequency in the production of the magazine from March 2009 onwards beyond the original budget assumption of a bi-monthly publication;

3. the anticipated substantial budget cuts in the coming financial years. Cabinet Members were asked to ensure that rigorous assessments were made of departmental spending against the Council's priorities. Services would need to be delivered as efficiently as possible.

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED the options set out with regard to use of underspends were as previously agreed in the February monitoring report.

DECISION: The Cabinet noted the General Fund and HRA outturn for 2009/10, including the position in relation to funding project carry forwards in order to complete ongoing commitments (section 12 of the report referred) and the decisions taken to allocate funding arising from the Council's outturn position to:

Reason: To ensure that Members were aware of the outturn position for the authority including all major variances which had contributed to the outturn position.

(Key decision - reference number 3093)

</AI6>

<AI7>

REVENUE MONITORING REPORT MAY 2010

Councillor Andrew Stafford (Cabinet Member for Finance, Facilities and Human Resources) introduced the report of the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources (No.29) setting out the Council's revenue budget monitoring position for 2010/11 based on information to the end of May 2010. The report indicated a projected level spend in 2010/11.

NOTED

1. a summary of the projected variances against budget as detailed in table 1, paragraph 4.1 of the report;

2. that in order to provide an overall picture of the Authority's budget, an analysis over budget heads had been detailed in paragraph 4.5 of the report;

3. that there were a number of general risks to the Council being able to match expenditure with resources this financial year as set out in paragraph 11.3 of the report;

4. Members welcomed the transfer of funding to an earmarked reserve for the purpose of creating a sustainable service development programme with the voluntary sector (decision 3 below refers). Councillor Del Goddard highlighted the need for the programme to encompass the wider third sector including not-for-profit organisations.

Alternative Options Considered: Not applicable to this report.

DECISION: The Cabinet

1. noted the revenue outturn projection of level spend after taking into account the proposed use of procurement savings, to create a reserve to fund a sustainable service development programme with the voluntary sector;

2. noted the work currently being undertaken to address the £6.89m additional savings requirement for 2010/11;

3. agreed that £1.9m of the procurement savings relating to the IT and Leisure contracts be transferred to an earmarked reserve for the purpose of creating a sustainable service development programme with the third sector;

4. agreed that the Departments reporting pressures, should continue to formulate action plans to ensure that they remain within budget in 2010/11.

Reason: To ensure that Members were aware of the projected budgetary position for the Authority, including all major budget pressures and underspends which had contributed to the present monthly position that were likely to affect the final outturn.

(Key decision - reference number 3094)

</AI7>

<AI8>

2010/11 IN-YEAR BUDGET REDUCTIONS

Councillor Andrew Stafford (Cabinet Member for Finance, Facilities and Human Resources) introduced the report of the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources (No.30) setting out for approval proposed 2010/11 in year budget reductions.

NOTED

1. the announcement of Central Government's in-year savings would result in Enfield receiving £6.885m less grant than expected. Urgent action was required to implement the savings proposals as soon as possible in order to maintain a balanced budget. Appendix 1 set out the detailed savings proposals;

2. that service areas had considered the implications of the savings proposals. Members expressed their thanks to officers for responding quickly and noted that in so doing the negative impact on services had been minimised and compulsory redundancies avoided.

Alternative Options Considered: The alternative option would be to take no action at this stage. The risk to the authority of not taking action to retain a balanced budget was that more drastic action might be necessary at a later stage to maintain the financial integrity of the authority, which would be more likely to impact services.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed the package of savings set out in the report for implementation within the current financial year.

Reason: To agree the 2010/11 budget reductions in order to meet Enfield's allocation of the £1.16b savings in local government spending.

(Rule 15 - Key decision - reference number U152/3108)

</AI8>

<AI9>

2011/12 BUDGET PROCESS AND MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL STRATEGY UPDATE 2011-16

Councillor Andrew Stafford (Cabinet Member for Finance, Facilities and Human Resources) introduced the report of the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources (No.31) setting out the Council's approach to the 2011/12 financial planning round and the update of the Medium Term Financial Plan 2011-16, so that the detailed work programme could be finalised, to inform Cabinet decisions later in the year.

NOTED

1. the current 2011/12 budget forecast as set out in section 4.5 of the report and the anticipated funding gaps for 2011-16;

2. that the budget process would reflect the Council's priorities and manifesto commitments. Section 4.6 of the report set out the proposed approach to bridging the gap for 2011/12 to 2015/16. Difficult decisions would need to be made. A proactive approach would be adopted. Members noted the detrimental effects of the Government's decision regarding the Building Schools for the Future programme and the potential additional pressures on the Council's Capital Programme;

3. the budget consultation process as set out in paragraph 4.8 of the report. This would be subject to further discussion. The consultation would need to be open and honest and not raise unrealistic expectations. Members needed to be mindful that the forecast budget pressures could increase. Officers would be working on options and alternatives for Members' consideration.

Alternative Options Considered: No alternative options were being considered.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed

1. the approach to the 2011/12 budget planning round, including the approach to be adopted to the budget consultation;

2. the approach to the update of the Medium Term Financial Plan 2011-16.

Reason: To agree the approach to the 2011/12 financial planning round.

(No-key)

</AI9>

<AI10>

INCOME COLLECTION OUTTURN - 2009/10

Councillor Andrew Stafford (Cabinet Member for Finance, Facilities and Human Resources) introduced the report of the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources (No.32) providing information regarding income collection performance against the 2009/10 targets and setting out this year's collection targets.

NOTED

1. the value of income collectable (2009/10) for each of the main areas, as set out in paragraph 3.2 of the report;

2. the targets for 2010/11 and the factors which had been taken into consideration when setting the targets, as set out in section 4 of the report;

3. the good collection rates which had been achieved and the measures of support currently in place. Councillor Ayfer Orhan highlighted the need for the Council to review and enhance as far as possible the ways in which vulnerable families could be supported in the current economic climate.

Alternative Options Considered: None.

DECISION: The Cabinet noted the 2009/10 performance and the 2010/11 income collection targets.

Reason: To inform Members of income collection performance and targets.

(Key decision - reference number 3099)

Councillor Andrew Stafford took this opportunity on behalf of the Cabinet to express his thanks and appreciation to Hitesh Jolapara, Assistant Director of Finance and Corporate Resources, who was leaving the Council on 16 July 2010.

</AI10>

<AI11>

REFORM OF HOUSING FINANCE - SELF FINANCING

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing and Area Improvements) introduced the report of the Director of Place Shaping and Enterprise and Director of Finance and Corporate Resources (No.33) advising Members on the consultation currently being undertaken by Communities and Local Government (CLG) on the reform of the Housing Revenue Account.

NOTED that the consultation had commenced under the previous Government, therefore the Council's response was set in the context of emerging coalition Government priorities, with no commitment as yet on the details of the reforms. The response was based on an “offer” which had been made to each local authority. It was anticipated that further information would be forthcoming in the autumn.

Alternative Options Considered: The only alternative would be to submit a response declining the offer. The modelling undertaken supported the view that the offer was beneficial.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed the Enfield response on the offer to Communities and Local Government (CLG).

Reason: As detailed in the conclusions of the report.

(Key decision - reference number 3089)

</AI11>

<AI12>

PONDERS END RECREATION GROUND

Councillor Del Goddard (Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Improving Localities) introduced the report of the Director of Place Shaping and Enterprise (No.34) seeking approval to release funding to facilitate a new central pedestrian/cycle avenue and smaller connecting footpaths through Ponders End Recreation Ground, along with a mounded amphitheatre and ramped access to bandstand.

NOTED

1. that Members welcomed the continuing programme of works which would improve the quality of life for residents in Ponders End;

2. the letter of support from the Ponders End Community Development Trust appended to the report. Members noted that whilst the Trust was collectively supportive of the proposals, further discussions would be taking place with regard to the route of the cycle avenue and whether it should be routed to the north or south of the amphitheatre. Councillor Taylor emphasised the need for any outstanding conflict to be resolved.

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED the alternative options considered as detailed in section 5 of the report.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed that £395,680 be released from the Place Shaping Capital Programme of £4.45m.

Reason: The reasons for the recommendations were as detailed in section 6 of the report.

(Key decision - reference number 3079)

</AI12>

<AI13>

PARKING AND PERMIT CHARGES

Councillor Chris Bond (Cabinet Member for Environment, Street Scene and Parks) introduced the report of the Director of Environment and Street Scene (No.35) setting out a variety of proposals for parking and permit charges.

NOTED

1. that the report detailed a range of proposals in relation to parking across the Borough. The proposals included the introduction of controlled parking zone (CPZ) permits based on emissions/engine size; discounted rates for CPZ permits for the over 65's; trader permits to support local businesses; parent permits; increase in off street parking charges; and, parking charges within parks (with income generated to be re-invested in parks);

2. the proposals would be subject to a statutory and non statutory consultation exercise together with parking surveys. Councillor Chris Bond would report back to Cabinet on the outcome of the consultation and the decisions to subsequently be taken under his delegated authority;

3. Members noted the proposals and how the Council manifesto pledges were being supported. Members welcomed the introduction of traders permits which would support small local businesses.

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED the alternative options which had been considered as detailed in section 6 of the report.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed

1. in principle, the schedule of on and off street charges as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report. To delegate authority to the Cabinet Member for Environment, Street Scene and Parks for final approval, if necessary with minor modifications, on consideration of any representation from the proposed consultation;

2. that future increases in parking charges were set no more frequently than bi-annually and that increases were capped to inflation to the nearest acceptable coin to be agreed by the Cabinet Member for Environment, Street Scene and Parks;

3. in principle, to charge for CPZ parking permits in accordance with either engine size, CO2 emissions or a combination of both for implementation April 2011 and that residents be allowed to purchase additional permits for additional cars as detailed in paragraph 4.2.1 of the report;

4. to the introduction of a discounted rate on all permit applications for residents in Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) over the age of 65 from 1 April 2011;

5. in principle, the introduction of commuter parking permits from April 2011 to allow parking in dedicated parking bays within CPZ's where there was spare capacity;

6. to the introduction of trade and parents' permits for use in CPZ resident permit bays only;

7. to approve that blue badge holders who were residents within a Controlled Parking Zone be given a free resident's permit to display in their vehicles instead of the blue badge to help prevent theft of blue badges from April 2011;

8. in principle, the introduction of engine size/CO2 emission based charges car park season tickets and annual business permits as proposed in decision 3 above;

9. to approve in principle the introduction of Sunday and Bank Holiday Parking charges in Enfield Town only, subject to parking usage surveys being carried out and the need being justified with final approval being delegated to the Cabinet Member subject to consideration of any representations from statutory consultation;

10. in principle to the introduction of parking charges in two car parks which were currently free: Fords Grove N21, Glyn Road EN3 subject to parking usage surveys and the need being justified;

11. in principle to the introduction of parking charges in parks car parks subject to parking usage surveys and the need being justified;

12. subject to approval of decisions 3, 5, 8, 9, 10 and 11 above, the detailed decisions be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Environment, Street Scene and Parks;

13. consequent to the consultation on the car parking charges, the Council would consider the responses and, produce such further reports as required.

Reason: As detailed in section 7 of the report.

(Key decision - reference number 3097)

</AI13>

<AI14>

2009/10 END OF YEAR PERFORMANCE OUTTURN REPORT

Councillor Achilleas Georgiou (Deputy Leader, Public and Service Delivery) introduced the report of the Chief Executive (No.36) presenting the 2009/10 end of year performance data against the key corporate and partnership performance indicators.

NOTED

1. that following recent changes to Government, the Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) had since been abolished. Consideration was currently being given to what would replace the CAA, the Local Area Agreement (LAA) and the National Indicator Set (NIS), an announcement was expected later in the year;

2. that the second payment of the Performance Reward Grant from the Local Area Agreement 2006-2009 had been withheld, paragraph 3.3 of the report referred;

3. the indicators which were under performing against targets as set out in section 4 of the report. Members discussed the individual indicators outlined. Further reports would be received by the Cabinet on a quarterly basis.

Alternative Options Considered: None.

DECISION: The Cabinet noted progress made towards delivering the identified key priority indicators for Enfield.

Reason: To update Cabinet on the progress made against all key priority performance indicators for the Council and Enfield Strategic Partnership.

(Non-key)

</AI14>

<AI15>

PRIMARY PUPIL PLACES: TEN YEAR STRATEGY UPDATE

Councillor Ayfer Orhan (Cabinet Member for Education and Children's Services) introduced the report of the Co-Directors of Education, Children's Services and Leisure (No.37) describing progress to implement the ten year strategy to meet the growing demand for primary school places.

NOTED

1. that the Pupil Places Working Group, Children's Services Scrutiny Panel, had been re-established and would be considering in detail the accuracy of the data and forecasts for planning for future pupil places. A number of strategic questions would be considered, as set out in section 3.10 of the report. A further report would be presented to Cabinet in due course;

2. the background to the strategy and the pressures on primary pupil places which needed to be addressed. Councillor Orhan outlined the work which was being undertaken. Current figures indicated that the highest deficit of places was likely to be in the Eastern part of the Borough. The Council would consider the Borough's needs as a whole. Members noted with concern the negative impact of the Government's decision regarding the Building Schools for the Future programme and the effect that this could have on the future provision of pupil places. Members would challenge this decision at every opportunity. Members would be working with Officers to ensure that the educational provision for pupils in the Borough would not suffer;

3. that a meeting of the Pupil Places Working Group had taken place on 12 July 2010. The Panel had discussed the potential shortage of reception places for pupils in September 2010 and a number of comments had been made. Councillor Goddard, who had attended the Working Group meeting to hand over to the new Chairman, Councillor Ingrid Cranfield, reported that the Group would be undertaking further work on the data and detailed forecasts available. The Group would consider all contributory factors including housing provision and place shaping developments as well as the trends in the level of future demand for pupil places. The Working Group had made the following recommendations:

4. the difficulties currently being faced by Worcesters Primary School and the reasons for delaying any potential expansion at the School;

5. the effect net loss in the provision of pupil places. Neil Rousell, Co-Director of Education, Children's Services and Leisure, provided Members with the current detailed figures and how the potential pressures could be addressed by the Council including emergency bulge classes to be put in place by Christmas 2010;

6. that further discussions were required on both short and long-term provision to ensure that the level of demand continued to be met;

7. Councillor Taylor highlighted the need for the Council to have a sufficient “buffer” of pupil places to meet unexpected demand;

8. Councillor Taylor reported that Officers had been asked to consider the consequences of the Government's decision to cap Housing Benefit and how this could impact on pupil projections for the Borough;

9. Neil Rousell (Co-Director of Education, Children's Services and Leisure) explained the need to carefully balance permanent and temporary expansions to ensure that there was not a surplus of pupil places in the Borough in the future.

Alternative Options Considered: The report to Cabinet in the early autumn would identify alternative options.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to note the progress that had been made and agreed the process for developing an augmented strategy set out in paragraph 3.10 of the report.

Reason: It was important for Cabinet to have an agreed approach to the development of an augmented strategy to provide sufficient primary school places.

(Non-key)

</AI15>

<AI16>

ISSUES ARISING FROM THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY PANEL/SCRUTINY PANELS

NOTED that no items had been received for consideration at this meeting.

</AI16>

<AI17>

ITEMS TO BE REFERRED TO THE COUNCIL

NOTED that there were no items to be referred to the Council.

</AI17>

<AI18>

CABINET AGENDA PLANNING - FUTURE ITEMS

NOTED

1. the list of provisional items scheduled for future Cabinet meetings;

2. that the report on Primary Pupil Places: Ten Year Strategy Update would be presented to the October Cabinet meeting, not September as currently listed.

</AI18>

<AI19>

KEY DECISIONS FOR INCLUSION ON THE COUNCIL'S FORWARD PLAN

NOTED that the next Forward Plan was due to be published on 16 July 2010, this would cover the period from 1 August to 30 November 2010.

</AI19>

<AI20>

MINUTES

AGREED that the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 17 June 2010 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

</AI20>

<AI21>

ENFIELD STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FEEDBACK

Councillor Doug Taylor (Leader of the Council) reported on a recent meeting of the Enfield Strategic Partnership which had considered the forthcoming budget reductions. The long-term future of the Partnership would be considered including the extent of change and pooled working opportunities.

</AI21>

<AI22>

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

NOTED that the next meeting of the Cabinet was scheduled to take place on Wednesday 15 September 2010 at 8.00pm at the Civic Centre.

</AI22>

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