This week in Enfield:

Senior Staff Appointments Decided Behind Closed Doors

The Staff Appeals, Appointment And Remuneration Committee met this week to interview candidates for two senior positions: Executive Director of Environment & Communities and Director of Property Services. Staff Appeals, Appointment And Remuneration Committee The committee then excluded the press and public from the meeting to protect the privacy of the candidates.

The Executive Director of Environment & Communities is responsible for services including waste management, parks, and sustainability initiatives. The Director of Property Services manages the council's property portfolio.

The Local Government Act 1972 prevents the public from accessing details about the candidates.

Pension Fund Considers Future Investment Strategy Amidst Government Changes

The Pension Policy & Investment Committee convened to discuss the future of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) in light of the government's response to a recent consultation. Pension Policy & Investment Committee The consultation, initiated by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in July 2024, aims to consolidate investments, enhance sustainability, and improve fund performance.

Key proposals from the government include:

• Requiring Administering Authorities (AAs) to delegate investment strategy implementation and asset management to their investment pool, such as London CIV.
• Establishing pools as FCA-regulated investment management companies.
• Requiring AAs to outline their approach to local investment, including setting targets and reporting on impact.

The report pack stated that council officers would collaborate with London CIV to transition private market assets to London CIV management by 31 March 2026.

The committee also considered assumptions for the 2025 triennial valuation¹ of the pension fund. These assumptions are critical for determining the financial health and future funding requirements of the pension fund. Key financial assumptions included a discount rate of 5.9% per annum and salary increases of 3.8% per annum.

Other Matters

• Investment Update: The Pension Policy & Investment Committee was scheduled to receive an investment update and outlook on the Enfield Pension Fund investments and managers. Pension Policy & Investment Committee
• Impact of Tariffs: The Pension Policy & Investment Committee was scheduled to note a report regarding the impact of tariffs. Pension Policy & Investment Committee
• London CIV Transition Plan: The Pension Policy & Investment Committee was scheduled to note an update on the London CIV transition plan and the performance of equity funds. Pension Policy & Investment Committee

Upcoming Meetings

• The Councillor Conduct Committee will meet on Tuesday 12 August 2025. Councillor Conduct Committee

This week in Enfield:

Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre's Temporary Permission Extended

The Planning Committee met on Tuesday and discussed an application to extend the temporary planning permission for a building at the Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre, Hotspur Way, until January 31, 2028. Planning Committee The original permission, granted in 2021, allowed for a temporary building to provide training facilities, a sports pitch, car parking, and landscaping.

The extension aims to support the continued development of the Club's women's football programme until a permanent women's training facility is ready. As part of the original permission, Tottenham Hotspur Football Co Ltd committed to providing 150 school visits, a commitment that will continue during the extended period.

Equalities Board Focuses on Eliminating Discrimination

The Equalities Board met on Monday to discuss the Annual Equalities Report 2024/25, agree on a work programme for the coming year, and review the board's terms of reference. Equalities Board The board's terms of reference state that it is the forum by which the Council can oversee its processes to eliminate discrimination on the protected characteristics as defined by the Equalities Act 2010.

These characteristics include:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

The board is responsible for monitoring the council's performance against equality legislation, advising on new policies, raising awareness of service user needs, and promoting a diverse workforce.

General Purposes Committee Reviews Finances, Procurement, and Elections

The General Purposes Committee convened on Wednesday to discuss a range of critical issues, including the council's financial health, procurement practices, and preparations for future elections. General Purposes Committee

Financial Oversight

The committee reviewed the council's statement of accounts and pension fund accounts for 2023/24, along with external audit findings. They also received an update on the draft accounts for 2024/25, which were published on June 30, 2025, with a public inspection period running until August 11, 2025.

Procurement and Contract Compliance

The committee received an annual update on procurement services' activities, compliance with contract procedure rules¹, approved waivers, and procurement spending information. Total third-party spend for April 2024 to March 2025 was £1.09 billion, with £359.3 million subject to procurement. Spend with Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) was £43.2 million, equating to 12% of total spend.

Election Preparations

The committee discussed recommendations for polling places to be designated as polling stations for the Local Elections on May 7, 2026. They also considered a proposal to trial the Modern Democracy Polling App in one polling station per ward, aiming to automate polling day processes and improve the voter experience. The report pack stated that the estimated cost of staffing the May 2026 elections based on current staffing levels was £163,230.34, and that revised staffing levels using the Modern Polling app would reduce the cost to £126,548.60, delivering an estimated saving of £36,681.74.

Internal Audit Findings

The committee noted the Annual School Internal Audit Report 2024-25, which found that full scope internal audits were carried out at 3 schools, each of which received a Reasonable assurance opinion. The committee also noted the work completed by the Internal Audit and Counter Fraud teams, which prevented £2,528,895 of fraud and detected £203,128 of fraud.

Other Matters

• Grange Park Ward Forum: The Grange Park Ward Forum met on Tuesday, inviting residents to discuss community issues with councillors and the Safer Neighbours Team. Grange Park Ward Forum

Upcoming Meetings

• The Pension Policy & Investment Committee will meet on Wednesday 30 July 2025. Pension Policy & Investment Committee
• The Staff Appeals, Appointment And Remuneration Committee will meet on Thursday 31 July 2025. Staff Appeals, Appointment And Remuneration Committee
• The Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday 05 August 2025. Planning Committee

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

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