This week in Enfield:

Burger King Licence Application Cancelled Amidst Public Safety Concerns

A planned Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on Wednesday, January 14th, was cancelled, meaning a decision on a new premises licence for a Burger King at 6 Chase Side, London, N14 5PA will be delayed. The application sought to allow the fast-food restaurant to operate 24 hours a day, with late-night refreshment hours extending to 5 am.

Concerns were raised by both the Metropolitan Police and the Licensing Authority regarding the potential for increased crime, disorder, and public nuisance, particularly given the premises' location within the Southgate Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ). The police representation, made on behalf of the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, argued for reduced operating hours, aligning with other establishments in the area. The Licensing Authority echoed these concerns, highlighting the risk of anti-social behaviour and disturbance to local residents.

The applicant, BKUK Group Ltd, had proposed measures such as CCTV and staff training to mitigate these risks. However, the objections from responsible authorities indicate a significant divergence on whether the proposed hours would uphold the licensing objectives, which include the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the prevention of public nuisance. The cancellation means these crucial discussions and potential compromises will need to be rescheduled.

• Find out more: Licensing Sub-Committee meeting details

Council Pushes Forward with Ambitious Rewilding Project

Enfield Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday, January 14th, to discuss the Enfield Chase Landscape Recovery Project (ECLR), a significant initiative aiming to restore nature across approximately 1,500 hectares of farmland and parkland in north-west Enfield. This ambitious project, described as London's largest rewilding effort, seeks to combat climate change, reduce flood risk, and enhance public access to green spaces.

The council is proposed to act as the Single Legal Entity (SLE) for the project, which will be externally funded and aims to attract substantial investment from government and private sources. A Blended Finance Plan has been developed, outlining projected income and expenditure over two decades, with a focus on environmental restoration, public amenities, and visitor infrastructure.

This project directly aligns with the Council Plan 2023-26, Enfield's Climate Action Plan, and the Blue and Green Strategy, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship and creating a more sustainable borough for all residents. The Cabinet's consideration of this project signals a proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges and enhancing the natural landscape for future generations.

• Find out more: Cabinet meeting details

Leisure Centres See Surge in Visitors and Memberships

The Culture and Environment Scrutiny Panel met on Tuesday, January 13th, to review the performance of the council's leisure centres, managed by Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL) trading as Better. The report highlighted a significant increase in customer visits, projected to reach 1.2 million in 2025, and a substantial rise in membership numbers.

• Increased Usage: Southbury Leisure Centre was the busiest facility, while Arnos Swimming Pool saw the fewest visits. The majority of users are local residents, with some coming from neighbouring boroughs.
• Membership Growth: Health and fitness memberships rose by nearly 15%, and participation in the Learn to Swim programme increased by over 26%. This growth is attributed to the council's investment in its leisure facilities.
• Customer Satisfaction: Customer satisfaction ratings have improved, with Trustpilot scores rising and Net Promoter Scores (NPS) showing a positive trend, indicating more people are recommending the centres.
• Edmonton Leisure Centre Investment: The Edmonton Leisure Centre has undergone significant refurbishment with a £2.5 million council investment, alongside over £5 million from GLL, ensuring its future viability.

The panel also discussed emerging competition from private gyms, but the report indicated that marketing campaigns are planned to maintain market share. The performance of these centres is crucial for promoting active lifestyles and supporting the Council Plan priority of Strong, Healthy and Safe Communities.

• Find out more: Culture and Environment Scrutiny Panel meeting details

Other Matters

• Schools Funding Debates: The Schools Forum met on Wednesday, January 14th, to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for 2026/27. The forum reviewed proposed allocations for schools, high needs provision, and early years, noting a net reduction in the DSG schools block funding due to declining pupil numbers. The forum also heard annual reports from the Flourish Outreach Service for Visual Impairment and the Hearing Support Service. Schools Forum meeting details
• Safer Neighbourhoods Update: The Safer Neighbourhood Board met on Monday, January 12th, to receive updates on ward teams, police activity, and the stability of Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs). The agenda also included a review of arrest and conviction rates and ward newsletters. Safer Neighbourhood Board meeting details
• Ward Forums Held: Ward Forums for Southbury, Haselbury, Upper Edmonton, and Lower Edmonton were scheduled to take place between Tuesday, January 13th, and Thursday, January 15th. These forums provide a platform for residents to engage with local councillors and discuss neighbourhood issues.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Bullsmoor Ward Forum will meet on Thursday, January 22nd, 2026. Bullsmoor Ward Forum
• The Council will meet on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026, to discuss various motions and reports, including the Council Tax Base Report. Council
• The Overview & Scrutiny Committee will meet on Monday, January 19th, 2026, to scrutinise the council's budget proposals and treasury management strategy. Overview & Scrutiny Committee
• The Winchmore Hill Ward Forum will meet on Saturday, January 24th, 2026. Winchmore Hill Ward Forum
• The Ridgeway Ward Forum will meet on Monday, January 26th, 2026. Ridgeway Ward Forum
• The Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel will meet on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026, to discuss the Enfield Local Plan, digital planning services, and private rented property licensing. Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel
• The Pension Policy & Investment Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026. Pension Policy & Investment Committee
• The Audit Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026. Audit Committee

This week in Enfield:

Recycling Centre Future Sparks Debate: Will Services Change?

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, January 7th, to discuss the future of the Barrowell Green Recycling Centre. The core of the discussion was a call-in initiated by councillors concerned that the proposed transfer of the site to the North London Waste Authority (NLWA) might lead to a reduction in services for residents, even if the site isn't formally closed by Enfield Council.

Councillor Lee Chamberlain and others raised alarms that while the plan is to transfer operations to NLWA's company, LondonEnergy Ltd, the decision might not sufficiently protect against the site's effective closure to the public. This is a critical issue for residents who rely on the centre for disposing of waste and recycling.

However, the report presented to the committee outlined several safeguards designed to ensure Enfield's continued involvement and consultation on any future changes. These include:

• Direct Borough Representation: Enfield will retain a voice in NLWA decision-making bodies, which include elected representatives from all seven constituent boroughs.
• Formal Advisory Structures: Directors from each borough participate in NLWA advisory boards, influencing policy and operational decisions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Any proposed changes to services, including potential closure, would typically undergo full public consultation.
• Reversion Clause: The agreement allows for the site to be transferred back to Enfield Council.
• Lease Restrictions: A lease agreement will restrict the site's use exclusively to a public reuse and recycling centre.

The report also explained that NLWA has no financial incentive to reduce services, as boroughs contribute based on resident usage. Any reduction would primarily benefit the boroughs, not NLWA. The transfer is seen as the best value-for-money solution for Enfield, especially as the current contract with Suez Recycling and Recovery UK Ltd expires on March 31, 2026.

The committee was scheduled to consider referring the decision back to the Cabinet Member for Transport & Waste to seek stronger protections against service loss.

• Find out more: Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting details

Top Council Roles: Director Interviews Held

The Staff Appeals, Appointment And Remuneration Committee met on Thursday, January 8th, to conduct final stage interviews for two crucial director-level positions: Director of Planning & Growth and Director of Transport, Climate & Place. These interviews are vital for shaping the council's strategic direction and service delivery in key areas.

The committee members were provided with confidential documentation to score candidates, focusing on their suitability for these senior leadership roles. The outcome of these interviews will significantly impact how Enfield plans for its future development and addresses environmental and transport challenges.

• Find out more: Staff Appeals, Appointment And Remuneration Committee meeting details

Other Matters

• Bush Hill Park Ward Forum: A meeting of the Bush Hill Park Ward Forum was held on Wednesday, January 7th. Bush Hill Park Ward Forum meeting details

Upcoming Meetings

• The Southbury Ward Forum will meet on Tuesday, January 13th, 2026. Southbury Ward Forum
• The Safer Neighbourhood Board will meet on Monday, January 12th, 2026, to discuss police updates and ward team activities. Safer Neighbourhood Board
• The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 14th, 2026, has been cancelled. Licensing Sub-Committee
• The Schools Forum will meet on Wednesday, January 14th, 2026. Schools Forum
• The Culture and Environment Scrutiny Panel will meet on Tuesday, January 13th, 2026, to review leisure centre performance. Culture and Environment Scrutiny Panel
• The Cabinet will meet on Wednesday, January 14th, 2026, to discuss Q2 performance, the Enfield Chase Landscape Recovery Project, and land disposal. Cabinet
• The Haselbury Ward Forum will meet on Thursday, January 15th, 2026. Haselbury Ward Forum
• The Upper Edmonton Ward Forum will meet on Thursday, January 15th, 2026. Upper Edmonton Ward Forum
• The Lower Edmonton Ward Forum will meet on Thursday, January 15th, 2026. Lower Edmonton Ward Forum
• The Council will meet on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026. Council
• The Overview & Scrutiny Committee will meet on Monday, January 19th, 2026, to discuss the budget and treasury management. Overview & Scrutiny Committee
• The Bullsmoor Ward Forum will meet on Thursday, January 22nd, 2026. Bullsmoor Ward Forum
• The Winchmore Hill Ward Forum will meet on Saturday, January 24th, 2026. Winchmore Hill Ward Forum

This week in Enfield:

Council Faces Tough Choices in Draft Budget Amidst Funding Uncertainty

The Enfield Council cabinet met this week to discuss the draft Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) update for 2026/27 to 2030/31, outlining a challenging financial landscape and proposed savings targets. Cabinet With significant demand pressures in social care and homelessness services, and uncertainty surrounding future funding, the council is grappling with difficult decisions to balance its budget.

• Savings Targets: The cabinet agreed in principle to new savings and income targets of £15.4 million for 2026/27, including £10.5 million from service redesign and efficiencies, and £4.9 million from income generation.
• Funding Uncertainty: The report highlighted uncertainty around funding for 2026/27 due to Fair Funding reforms, with the outcome expected to be announced in the provisional Local Government Financial settlement later this month.
• Budget Gap: The report presented two scenarios, with a low funding scenario potentially leaving a budget gap of up to £18 million.
• Demand Pressures: Demand pressures are forecast to increase by £46 million for 2026/27, with significant increases in adult social care, children's social care, and temporary accommodation.
• Exceptional Financial Support: Enfield Council has applied for Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) of £30 million due to pressures in homelessness and social care.
• Fee Increases: The report included proposed increases to fees and charges across service departments for 2026/27, with most services increasing charges by CPI[^4] at 3.4%. [^4]: CPI stands for Consumer Price Index, a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services.

Violence Against Women and Girls: New Strategy Aims for Prevention and Support

The Healthy and Safe Communities Scrutiny Panel reviewed the Enfield Safer Stronger Communities Board (SSCB) Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2026-30, a plan designed to prevent violence, respond to immediate risks, and provide long-term support for survivors. Healthy and Safe Communities Scrutiny Panel The strategy aligns with the Domestic Violence Act 2021, which requires local authorities to support victims of domestic abuse.

• Victim-Centred Approach: The strategy emphasizes a victim-centred approach, ensuring that the voices of victims and survivors are heard and represented.
• Public Health Approach: The strategy is based on a three-tiered public health approach: preventing violence, responding to immediate risk, and providing long-term support.
• Shared Vision: The strategy's vision is to Create a borough where all residents live a life free from domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.
• Key Priorities: The agreed priorities include supporting all victims and survivors, tackling the root causes of violence, responding to changing forms of harassment, and holding perpetrators accountable.
• White Ribbon Campaign: Enfield Council supports the national White Ribbon Campaign, challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours.

Schools Capital Programme: Focus Shifts to Special Needs Provision

The cabinet also discussed the updated Schools Capital Programme Strategic Delivery Plan for 2025/26 - 2027/28, with a revised spend of £13.4 million for the schools' 2025/26 capital budget. Cabinet A key focus is on increasing Special Education Needs (SEN) pupil places, particularly in light of potential changes to national policy.

• SEN Provision: The report noted that the Department for Education (DfE) had paused its commitment to progress the SEN Wave Programmes intended to deliver two new special schools at Portcullis Lodge and Addison House.
• Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill: The report said that the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, may have a significant impact on the council's future plans for SEN provision, as it proposes repealing the academy presumption route for establishing new schools, allowing councils to propose new schools (including SEN).
• Delegated Authority: The cabinet was asked to delegate authority to the Executive Director of People to approve the award of works and services contracts up to the value of £5 million, and to add and omit projects to the programme from the approved contingency budgets.
• Completed Projects: The report detailed completed condition related projects, including windows and doors replacements, flooring works, roofing works, and heating works at various schools across the borough.
• Chace Community School: Reconstruction of Chace Community School commenced in April 2025 and was progressing well, with the new school building scheduled for completion in September 2026.

Other Matters

• Safer Stronger Communities Performance: The Healthy and Safe Communities Scrutiny Panel received a performance report from the Safer Stronger Communities Board, providing key highlights from crime data for Enfield up to October 2025. Healthy and Safe Communities Scrutiny Panel
• Community Cohesion: The Healthy and Safe Communities Scrutiny Panel received information about ongoing community cohesion work and relevant hate crime data for the borough. Healthy and Safe Communities Scrutiny Panel
• Mayor's Charity Appeal Fund: The Mayor's Charity Appeal Fund meeting included discussion of the fund's accounts, the distribution of funds raised in 2024-25, and the charities to be supported in 2025-26. Mayor's Charity Appeal Fund Meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Enfield Lock Ward Forum will meet on Tuesday 16 December 2025. Enfield Lock Ward Forum
• The Corporate Parenting Group will meet on Wednesday 17 December 2025. Corporate Parenting Group

This week in Enfield:

Council Grapples with Rising Domestic Abuse and Hate Crime

The Equalities Board met this week to confront pressing issues of domestic abuse, health inequalities, and hate crime in Enfield. Equalities Board While overall hate crime has decreased, Islamophobic and antisemitic incidents are on the rise, and domestic abuse remains a significant concern.

Domestic Abuse: A Victim-Centred Approach

The board reviewed the draft Safer Stronger Communities Board (SSCB) Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2026-30, which aims to prevent violence, respond to immediate risks, and provide long-term support for survivors.

• Concerning Statistics: Between October 2024 and September 2025, there were 3,446 domestic abuse offences recorded in Enfield.
• Ranking High: Enfield ranks 13th highest among London boroughs for domestic abuse offences per 1,000 population.
• Emerging Themes: Since 2016, 18 Domestic Related Homicide Reviews in Enfield have identified mental health, drugs and alcohol, and cultural pressures as recurring factors.
• Women's Night Safety Charter: Enfield Council is leading the establishment of a Women's Night Safety Charter, with over 60 businesses having adopted it to date.

Health Inequalities: An Inverse L of Disadvantage

The board also discussed the stark health inequalities across Enfield, with poorer health outcomes concentrated in an inverse L shape from Enfield Lock to Edmonton to New Southgate.

• Child Poverty: Enfield is the 8th most deprived borough in London in terms of child poverty.
• Housing Insecurity: Enfield has the 9th highest rate of residents housed in temporary accommodation¹.
• Life Expectancy Gap: Male life expectancy ranges from 75.9 years in Upper Edmonton to 83.3 years in Grange.
• Obesity and Smoking: Over 62% of adults are overweight or obese, and smoking prevalence stands at 15%, both exceeding London and national averages.
• Dementia: The prevalence of dementia among people aged 65 and over is 5.3%, the highest rate in London.

Hate Crime: Racist and Religious Incidents Dominate

The board received an update on hate crime in Enfield, revealing a complex picture.

• Overall Decrease: There were 580 hate crime offences recorded in the twelve months leading up to November 2025, an 11% decrease over the same period the previous year.
• Racist and Religious Hate: Racist and religious hate crime offences reduced by 9.7% but still account for approximately 93% of all reported incidents.
• Rising Islamophobia and Antisemitism: Islamophobic and antisemitic hate crime offences increased.
• Community Engagement: Community Safety works closely with community partners to tackle hate crime through collaborative initiatives, including training events, publicity campaigns and engagement events.

Schools Forum Debates Funding Transfers Amidst Rising Special Needs Costs

The Schools Forum met to discuss school funding arrangements and a proposed transfer of funds to support students with special needs. Schools Forum With the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) facing a significant deficit, the forum considered a controversial move to shift money from mainstream schools to high needs provisions.

Funding Shortfall: High Needs Overspend Creates Deficit

The forum heard that the DSG is facing a cumulative deficit forecast of £21.889 million, driven by rising costs for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision.

• DSG Decrease: The DSG allocation before recoupment² and deductions was £462.681 million, a decrease of £1.450 million since December 2024.
• High Needs Overspend: The Quarter 2 monitoring position showed an expected overspend in the high needs area of £4.471 million.

Block Transfer: Shifting Funds to High Needs

The forum was asked to agree to transfer 0.5% from the DSG Schools Block to the High Needs Block to support mainstream schools with high numbers of pupils with Education, Health and Care plans (EHCPs).

• Limited Flexibility: The Department for Education (DfE) allows local authorities to transfer up to 0.5% of the Schools Block into another DSG block, with Schools Forum approval.
• Continued Transfer: The local authority proposed to continue transferring 0.5% of the total Schools Block allocation to the High Needs Block in the 2026/27 financial year.

De-Delegation: Maintaining Services for Maintained Schools

The Schools Forum was asked to consider and agree proposals for de-delegated services for maintained schools for the 2026/27 financial year.

• Services Covered: De-delegated services cover contingencies (GDPR³), free school meals eligibility, CLEAPSS⁴ licences and subscriptions, trade union facilities time, and additional school improvement services for secondary schools.
• Maintaining Services: The report proposed maintaining the current de-delegated services in 2026/27, applying a 3.5% uplift to reflect inflation.

Health Board Focuses on Strategy and Support for Independence

The Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss action plans related to the Enfield Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy and the council's Supporting Independency Strategy. Health and Wellbeing Board The board also received an update on the Damp and Mould Taskforce activity following the introduction of Awaab's Law.

Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy: Addressing Key Priorities

The board received an update on the Enfield Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy action plans and key performance indicators (KPIs). The strategy focuses on three priorities: Start Well, Live Well, and Age Well.

• Start Well: Supporting children and young people to maintain good emotional wellbeing and mental health.
• Live Well: Supporting residents to manage their major conditions.
• Age Well: Helping every Enfield resident prevent the risks of age-related ill health.

Supporting Independency Strategy: Empowering Residents

The Health and Wellbeing Board noted the end-of-year review for 2024/25, providing a summary of overall progress against the priorities and actions set out in the Supporting Independence Strategy 2023-2027.

• Key Achievements: Commissioning of Prevention & Early Intervention Contracts, delivery of accessible extra care homes, and increased referrals to the Welfare Advice & Debt Support Team.
• Focus for 2025/26: Further embedding Prevention & Early Intervention, expanding the council's Assistive Technology offer, and increasing accommodation options for people with disabilities.

Scrutiny Panel Examines Education Performance and Family Hubs

The Thriving Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel discussed education performance, family hubs, children's social care complaints, and school attendance and exclusion rates. Thriving Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel The panel also reviewed its work programme for the upcoming year.

Education Borough Profile: Strengths and Challenges

The panel received an annual education performance report, offering an analysis of the 2025 attainment outcomes for children and young people in the borough.

• Positive Ratings: 100% of schools in the borough were rated as good or better in all four main Ofsted inspection areas.
• Declining Suspensions: Suspension rates declined in both primary and secondary schools in 2023/24, and were below the national average.
• Key Stage 2 Success: All achievement metrics in key stage 2 were securely above the national average, with some in line with the London average.
• Disparities: Outcomes for pupils with EHCP showed girls perform better than boys, and Black Caribbean girls perform much better than Black Caribbean boys.

Family Hubs: A Positive Impact

The panel received a report providing a progress update on Family Hubs and Start for Life services, and the positive impact that the hubs and services delivered from the hubs were having in relation to Enfield's parents and carers, children and young people.

• Funding: Enfield's Family Hubs and Start for Life funding allocation was £5,854,825 for the period 2022–2025.
• Improved Access: Enfield's Family Hubs have successfully brought together a diverse and comprehensive range of services for children, young people, and families.

Children's Social Care Complaints: A Decrease in Volume

The panel received the Children's Social Care Annual Statutory Complaints Report 2024/25.

• Decreased Complaints: Complaint volumes decreased from the previous year figure of 18 stage 1 complaints.
• Main Reasons: The main reasons for stage 1 complaints were social worker interactions, and quality of service delivered.
• Compliments: 38 compliments were received by Children's Social Care, which is approximately four times more than there were complaints.

School Attendance and Exclusions: A Mixed Picture

The panel received an update on the borough's attendance and exclusion rates.

• Attendance Drop: When looking at the term 2 data, attendance dropped both across London and Nationally, and that Enfield's attendance dropped, and persistent absence increased more than the others.
• Low Exclusion Rate: Enfield had the 2nd lowest permanent exclusion rate in London for 2023/24, and ranked 4th out of the local authorities in England for the lowest permanent exclusion rate.

Pension Board Reviews Fund Performance and Strategy

The Local Pension Board met to review the Enfield Pension Fund's performance, funding strategy, and administration. Local Pension Board The board also discussed the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF) quarterly update.

Funding Strategy Statement: Ensuring Long-Term Stability

The Local Pension Board noted and commented on the draft version of the Funding Strategy Statement (FSS), and the initial results of the 2025 valuation for the whole fund.

• Key Elements: The FSS sets out how the Enfield Pension Fund will meet its liabilities to pension holders in the future, including the fund's investment strategy, risk management, and collaboration with employers.

Pension Fund Annual Report: A Comprehensive Overview

The Local Pension Board noted the contents of the Enfield Pension Fund Annual Report and Accounts.

• Performance Summary: The annual report provides an overview of the fund's performance, activities, and governance arrangements during the financial year.

Pensions Administration Performance: Monitoring Key Indicators

The Local Pension Board noted the contents of the quarterly monitoring report of pensions administration performance targets and indicators, including the risk register.

• Key Areas: The report covers benefit calculations and payments, member communications, data quality and security, and risk management.

LAPFF Quarterly Update: Promoting Responsible Investment

The Pension Board noted the contents of the LAPFF quarterly update, which gives details on the LAPFF company engagements for the quarter.

• ESG Focus: The LAPFF engages with companies on behalf of its member funds to promote responsible investment practices and address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.

Other Matters

• Edmonton Green Ward Forum: The Edmonton Green Ward Forum met to discuss local issues. Edmonton Green Ward Forum
• Oakwood Ward Forum: The Oakwood Ward Forum met to discuss local issues. Oakwood Ward Forum

Upcoming Meetings

• The Healthy and Safe Communities Scrutiny Panel will meet on Tuesday 09 December 2025 to discuss the Enfield Safer Stronger Communities Board Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2026-30, community cohesion work, and the Safer Stronger Communities Performance Report. Healthy and Safe Communities Scrutiny Panel
• The Cabinet will meet on Wednesday 10 December 2025 to discuss the medium term financial plan, and the schools capital programme. Cabinet
• The Mayor's Charity Appeal Fund Meeting will take place on Monday 08 December 2025. Mayor's Charity Appeal Fund Meeting
• The Enfield Lock Ward Forum will meet on Tuesday 16 December 2025. Enfield Lock Ward Forum
• The Corporate Parenting Group will meet on Wednesday 17 December 2025. Corporate Parenting Group
• The Overview & Scrutiny Committee will meet on Wednesday 17 December 2025. Overview & Scrutiny Committee