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Weekly updates
Enfield Council Seeks Finance Directors, Ward Forums Convene
This week in Enfield:
Finance Director Roles Up For Grabs
The Staff Appeals, Appointment And Remuneration Committee met on Wednesday to interview candidates for two Director of Finance positions: Director of Finance - Corporate and Director of Finance - Capital & Commercial. Staff Appeals, Appointment And Remuneration Committee
The committee was scheduled to interview candidates for the roles, which are critical for managing the council's finances and ensuring financial stability. The meeting was held in two parts, with the second part closed to the public due to the discussion of confidential information about the candidates.
The appointment of these roles is crucial because:
- The Director of Finance - Corporate is responsible for overseeing the council's overall financial strategy and ensuring sound financial management.
- The Director of Finance - Capital & Commercial is responsible for managing the council's capital projects and commercial activities, ensuring efficient use of resources and value for money.
Ward Forums Convene
This week, three ward forums took place across Enfield, providing a platform for residents to engage with councillors and discuss local issues.
- The Highfield Ward Forum met on Wednesday. Highfield Ward Forum
- The Jubilee Ward Forum met on Tuesday. Jubilee Ward Forum
- The Palmers Green Ward Forum met on Wednesday. Palmers Green Ward Forum
Unfortunately, no transcripts or videos were provided for these meetings.
Upcoming Meetings
- The Equalities Board will meet on Monday 21 July 2025. Equalities Board
- The Grange Park Ward Forum will meet on Tuesday 22 July 2025. Grange Park Ward Forum
- The Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday 22 July 2025. Planning Committee
- The General Purposes Committee will meet on Wednesday 23 July 2025. General Purposes Committee
- The Pension Policy & Investment Committee will meet on Wednesday 30 July 2025. Pension Policy & Investment Committee
Enfield Council: Friday meeting & upcoming ward forums
This week in Enfield:
Meeting on Friday 11 July 2025
A meeting was scheduled for Friday 11 July 2025, but no transcript or video was provided. Meeting on Friday 11 July 2025
Upcoming Meetings
- The Jubilee Ward Forum will meet on Tuesday 15 July 2025. Jubilee Ward Forum
- The Highfield Ward Forum will meet on Wednesday 16 July 2025. Highfield Ward Forum
- The Palmers Green Ward Forum will meet on Wednesday 16 July 2025. Palmers Green Ward Forum
- The Staff Appeals, Appointment And Remuneration Committee will meet on Wednesday 16 July 2025. Staff Appeals, Appointment And Remuneration Committee
- The Equalities Board will meet on Monday 21 July 2025. Equalities Board
- The Grange Park Ward Forum will meet on Tuesday 22 July 2025. Grange Park Ward Forum
- The Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday 22 July 2025. Planning Committee
- The General Purposes Committee will meet on Wednesday 23 July 2025. General Purposes Committee
Enfield Schools Face Deficits, Pension Fund Assesses ESG
This week in Enfield:
Schools Face Financial Strain as Deficits Rise
Enfield schools are facing increasing financial pressures, with 15 schools reporting a deficit revenue balance totaling £6.4 million as of March 31, 2025. This was discussed at the Schools Forum meeting on Wednesday. This represents an increase of £0.5 million from the previous year. The Enfield Scheme for Financing Schools requires schools in deficit to have a recovery plan to clear the deficit within three years, or an agreed period with the local authority.
The Schools Forum noted that the local authority is reviewing arrangements for individual schools in deficit and will be putting in place updated formal licensed deficit agreements, deficit recovery plans, and repayment schedules. The report also detailed the criteria for issuing a notice of concern or warning letters to schools, including having a deficit budget of over 5% of income, an increasing deficit, concerns about the deficit recovery plan, failure to provide key documentation, or non-cooperation with the local authority.
At the same time, eight schools reported surplus balances above the threshold of 5% and £100,000, totaling £1.67 million above the threshold.
This situation could lead to:
- Reduced resources for students, including fewer staff and limited extracurricular activities.
- Increased pressure on teachers and staff to manage larger class sizes and heavier workloads.
- Potential school closures or mergers if deficits are not addressed.
Pension Fund Assesses Governance and ESG Issues
The Local Pension Board met on Thursday to discuss the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), including a quarterly monitoring report, a self-assessment against the Pensions Regulator's code of practice, and the plan for the triennial valuation of the pension fund.
Ravi Lakhani, Head of Pension Investments, presented the findings of a self-assessment conducted to evaluate the Enfield Pension Fund's compliance with the Pension Regulator's (TPR) code of practice. The self-assessment serves as a foundation for ensuring that the Fund's governance practices meet the highest standards and align with statutory obligations.
Fund officers concluded that the overall results of the self-assessment indicate the fund is in a strong position, with 95% of requirements fully met. There was only one requirement that had a non-completed rating, relating to a skills and experience audit of the board and PPIC to identify gaps and imbalances. This will be addressed later in the calendar year when members of the board and PPIC have completed their online training and self-assessment, and results of gaps in knowledge and understanding will be reported back to officers.
The board also received an update on various Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) issues that the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF) have been engaged with for the quarter ending March 2025.
For this reporting period, LAPFF engaged with various companies on different topics including Human Rights, Conflict-affected and high risk areas(CAHRS's), Climate change and Governance. Highlights from the report included:
- Continued company responses to LAPFF's December 2024 FTSE 100 letter; including discussions with Next PLC and Aviva PLC on operations in conflict-affected and high-risk areas (CAHRAs).
- Engagements with Iberdrola SA, SSE PLC, Drax Group PLC, BP PLC and Shell PLC on strategies to decarbonise energy supply and consumption.
- Meetings with Persimmon PLC and Barratt Redrow PLC on decarbonisation and readiness for the Future Homes Standard; Governance engagement with Vistry Group PLC on the company's combined CEO and Chair role.
- LAPFF instigating dialogue with banks on shifting capital away from fossil fuel expansion toward clean energy investment, following high media attention on climate rollbacks by oil & gas majors.
- Engagements with Procter & Gamble and Nestlé SA through Nature Action 100, focusing on encouraging improvement in nature-related disclosures.
- Ongoing discussions with companies including Bank Leumi, Bezeq, Home Depot, EV manufacturers, and luxury goods companies on their human rights' due diligence in high-risk supply chains.
Other Matters
- General Purposes Committee: The General Purposes Committee met on Monday 30 June 2025, but no transcript or video was provided.
Upcoming Meetings
- The meeting that was scheduled for Friday 11 July 2025 has no name or agenda available. Meeting on Friday 11 July 2025
- The Jubilee Ward Forum will meet on Tuesday 15 July 2025. Jubilee Ward Forum
- The Highfield Ward Forum will meet on Wednesday 16 July 2025. Highfield Ward Forum
- The Palmers Green Ward Forum will meet on Wednesday 16 July 2025. Palmers Green Ward Forum
- The Overview & Scrutiny Committee will meet on Wednesday 16 July 2025. Overview & Scrutiny Committee
Enfield debates divestment, approves housing strategy, LTN changes?
This week in Enfield:
Council Debates Divestment from Companies Accused of International Law Violations
Enfield Council convened on Tuesday, June 24th, to discuss a petition signed by over 3,300 residents urging the council to divest from companies allegedly complicit in serious violations of international and humanitarian law. The Council meeting provided a platform for the petition organiser to present their case, followed by a 15-minute discussion among councillors.
The petition asserts that divestment is a moral imperative
and a tangible demonstration of Enfield Council's dedication to justice and human rights. Councillors considered various options, including taking the action requested, commissioning further investigation, or making recommendations to inform a decision by the council executive. The outcome of this debate could significantly impact the council's investment strategy and its stance on ethical investment.
Enfield's Housing & Growth Strategy 2025-2030 Approved
The Council meeting also saw the approval of the Housing & Growth Strategy 2025-2030. This strategy outlines the council's vision for increasing the number of high-quality homes in Enfield through partnerships and long-term investment.
The strategy focuses on seven key priorities:
- Increasing the supply of affordable homes for local residents.
- Investing in and improving existing council-owned housing stock.
- Raising standards in the private rented sector to protect tenants.
- Addressing the ongoing homelessness crisis in the borough.
- Providing a range of specialist housing options for those with specific needs.
- Delivering carbon-neutral and resilient homes and services to combat climate change.
- Creating healthy, well-connected, digitally enabled, inclusive, and well-managed neighbourhoods.
The strategy emphasizes affordability, safety, accessibility, carbon neutrality, and digital connectivity as key principles for future housing developments. The council has acknowledged that fulfilling this vision and meeting its legal obligations will require additional resources from the government.
Blue Badge Exemption from LTNs Proposed
A motion was put forward at the Council meeting calling for all blue badge holders to be exempt from all Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in Enfield. Councillor Maria Alexandrou argued that LTNs disproportionately affect blue badge holders, restricting their access and causing hardship. The motion urged the council to engage with disability groups to better understand their travel challenges and reliance on cars. The outcome of this motion could significantly impact the accessibility of LTNs for disabled residents.
Safer Neighbourhoods Board Discusses Crime and Community Safety
The Enfield Safer Neighbourhood Board convened on Monday, June 23rd, to discuss a range of issues related to crime and community safety. The Safer Neighbourhood Board meeting included a presentation from Chief Inspector Rob Gibbs of Enfield Safer Neighbourhoods, covering strategic updates on schools and youth, town centres, retail crime, and parks. The presentation also included data on total notifiable crime in Enfield, including ASB incidents, robbery, theft, burglary, and hate crime. The board also received an update on MOPAC funding for 2025/26 and verbal updates from Ward Panel Chairs on local issues and concerns.
Other Matters
- Armed Forces Covenant: Councillor Chris Dey proposed a motion to disregard military compensation as income when assessing applications for benefits, aiming to ensure veterans receive the support they need. Council meeting
- Gambling Harm: Councillor Susan Erbil presented a motion supporting Brent Council's Six Point Plan for Gambling Reform, seeking to empower councils to regulate gambling premises and reduce gambling-related harm. Council meeting
- Treasury Management: The council discussed the Treasury Management Outturn Report for 2024/25, providing an update on borrowing and investment activities. Council meeting
- The Town Ward Forum and Edmonton Green Ward Forum both met on Thursday 26 June 2025. Town Ward Forum Edmonton Green Ward Forum
Upcoming Meetings
- The General Purposes Committee will meet on Monday 30 June 2025. General Purposes Committee
- The Schools Forum will meet on Wednesday 02 July 2025. Schools Forum
- The Local Pension Board will meet on Thursday 03 July 2025. Local Pension Board
Enfield to Debate Divestment & LTN Exemptions for Blue Badges
This week in Enfield:
Council to Vote on Divestment from Companies Involved in International Law Violations
Enfield Council is set to debate a petition with over 3,300 signatures calling for the council to divest from companies allegedly complicit in serious violations of international and humanitarian law at its meeting on Tuesday 24 June 2025. The Council meeting will allow the petition organiser to present their case, followed by a discussion among councillors.
The petition argues that divestment is a moral imperative
and a demonstration of the council's commitment to justice and human rights. The council will consider options ranging from taking the action requested to commissioning further investigation.
Housing & Growth Strategy 2025-2030 Up for Approval
Also at the Council meeting, councillors will vote on the proposed Housing & Growth Strategy 2025-2030. The strategy aims to create more and better homes in Enfield by working in partnership and bringing in long-term investment.
Key priorities include:
- Building affordable homes
- Improving council homes
- Raising standards in the private rented sector
- Tackling homelessness
- Providing specialist housing
- Delivering carbon-neutral homes
- Creating healthy, inclusive neighbourhoods
The strategy has been informed by engagement with residents, council officers, and partners, and will be monitored quarterly by an Officer Board.
LTN Exemptions for Blue Badge Holders Debated
A motion calling for all blue badge holders to be exempt from all Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in Enfield will be debated at the Council meeting. Councillor Maria Alexandrou argues that LTNs disproportionately impact blue badge holders, restricting their access and causing hardship. The motion urges the council to engage with disability groups to understand their travel difficulties and dependency on cars.
Other Matters
- Military Compensation: A motion from Councillor Chris Dey seeks to ensure that military compensation is not considered income when assessing applications for benefits, ensuring veterans receive the welfare support they need. Council meeting
- Gambling Venues: Councillor Susan Erbil is proposing a motion to support Brent Council's Six Point Plan for Gambling Reform, aiming to give councils more power to regulate gambling premises and reduce gambling-related harm. Council meeting
- Treasury Management: The council will discuss the Treasury Management Outturn Report for 2024/25, providing an update on borrowing and investment activities. Council meeting
- The Whitewebbs Ward Forum met on Monday 16 June 2025. Whitewebbs Ward Forum
- The Planning Committee met on Tuesday 17 June 2025. Planning Committee
- The Corporate Parenting Group met on Wednesday 18 June 2025. Corporate Parenting Group
- The Oakwood Ward Forum met on Wednesday 18 June 2025. Oakwood Ward Forum
Upcoming Meetings
- Safer Neighbourhood Board will meet on Monday 23 June 2025 to discuss police updates, MOPAC funding, and ward updates. Safer Neighbourhood Board
- Council will meet on Tuesday 24 June 2025 to discuss the Housing & Growth Strategy, a petition on divestment, and motions on military compensation and LTN exemptions. Council
- Town Ward Forum will meet on Thursday 26 June 2025. Town Ward Forum
- Edmonton Green Ward Forum will meet on Thursday 26 June 2025. Edmonton Green Ward Forum
- General Purposes Committee will meet on Monday 30 June 2025. General Purposes Committee
- Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday 01 July 2025. Planning Committee
- Schools Forum will meet on Wednesday 02 July 2025. Schools Forum
- Local Pension Board will meet on Thursday 03 July 2025. Local Pension Board
Recent meetings
General Purposes Committee - Wednesday, 23rd July, 2025 7.00 pm
We do not yet have a summary for this meeting. Since it is very recent, this may be because we have not yet processed it. Please check back later.
Planning Committee - Tuesday, 22nd July, 2025 7.00 pm
The Enfield Council Planning Committee was scheduled to meet on 22 July 2025 to discuss planning applications for a first floor rear extension to a supermarket, and to extend the duration of a temporary planning permission at the Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre[^1]. The committee was also scheduled to note the dates of future meetings and the report of the Head of Planning and Building Control, Karen Page.
Grange Park Ward Forum - Tuesday, 22nd July, 2025 7.30 pm
The Grange Park Ward Forum met on 22 July 2025, inviting residents of Grange Park to listen to and discuss issues within the community. The agenda for the meeting included updates from the Grange Park Ward Safer Neighbours Team (Police), updates from councillors, a question time for councillors, and any other business.
Work Programme Planning, Equalities Board - Monday, 21st July, 2025 7.00 pm
The Enfield Council Equalities Board met on Monday 21 July 2025 to discuss the annual equalities report, agree on a work programme for the coming year, and note the terms of reference for the board.
Final Interviews, Staff Appeals, Appointment And Remuneration Committee - Wednesday, 16th July, 2025 9.35 am
The Staff Appeals, Appointment and Remuneration Committee of Enfield Council was scheduled to meet on Wednesday 16 July 2025. The meeting was scheduled to include interviewing candidates for two Director of Finance positions. The press and public were expected to be excluded from the meeting due to the confidential nature of the information to be discussed.
Palmers Green Ward Forum - Wednesday, 16th July, 2025 7.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Highfield Ward Forum - Wednesday, 16th July, 2025 7.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Jubilee Ward Forum - Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 7.30 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Joint Health Overview Scrutiny Committee for North Central London Sector - Friday, 11th July, 2025 10.00 am
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Local Pension Board - Thursday, 3rd July, 2025 10.00 am
The Enfield Council Local Pension Board convened on 3 July 2025, to discuss key issues impacting the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). The board reviewed a quarterly monitoring report, and a self-assessment against The Pension Regulator's code of practice, and also examined the plan for the 2025 triennial valuation.
Upcoming meetings
Pension Policy & Investment Committee - Wednesday, 30th July, 2025 10.00 am
Final Interviews, Staff Appeals, Appointment And Remuneration Committee - Thursday, 31st July, 2025 9.35 am
Planning Committee - Tuesday, 5th August, 2025 7.00 pm, PROVISIONAL