The Cabinet met on Tuesday 16 January 2024 to discuss a range of important issues, including amendments to the Estate Parking Management Scheme, the Housing Annual Report, and proposals for Council Tax premiums on empty and periodically occupied properties. Key decisions were made regarding the future of leisure services, the award of contracts for essential services, and the procurement of a new capacity building partner for the voluntary and community sector.

Amendments to the Estate Parking Management Scheme

Cabinet approved amendments to the Estate Parking Management Scheme (EPMS), which will see parking enforcement brought in-house and managed by Haringey Council's Parking Services. The new scheme will introduce charges for estate resident parking permits, aligning them with Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) permits and introducing emissions-based pricing. A limit of one permit per household is proposed to reduce parking pressure and encourage sustainable transport. The scheme will also ensure provision for disabled residents and carers, with free permits available for Blue Badge holders and carers. Residents will be consulted on the design of parking arrangements on their specific estates.

Housing Annual Report 2022-23

The Cabinet received and approved the Housing Annual Report for 2022-23. This is the first report produced since housing services were brought back in-house in June 2022. The report details the service's performance against the Regulator of Social Housing's consumer standards, highlighting achievements and areas for improvement. It acknowledges that while progress has been made in areas such as fire and electrical safety, and tackling damp and mould, there is still work to be done to address the repairs backlog and improve tenant satisfaction. The report also details the considerable progress made in engaging residents in the improvement journey.

Council Tax Premiums on Empty and Periodically Occupied Properties

Two key decisions were made regarding Council Tax premiums to address the housing crisis and encourage properties back into use.

Firstly, Cabinet recommended to Full Council that a 100% premium be applied to substantially furnished dwellings that are periodically occupied and have no resident. This measure, in line with the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023, aims to deter properties from being kept empty and encourage their use for permanent residency.

Secondly, Cabinet recommended to Full Council that the time allowed before a Council Tax premium is payable on long-term empty properties be reduced from two years to one year, also in accordance with the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. This change, effective from 1 April 2024, aims to further incentivise owners to bring empty properties back into use more quickly. The Council will continue to offer reductions or waivers in cases of exceptional hardship.

Leisure Management

Cabinet resolved to bring Haringey Council's leisure services back in-house, ending the contract with Fusion Lifestyle. This decision, effective no later than 2nd October 2024, aims to give the Council full control over the running of leisure centres at Tottenham Green, Park Road, and Broadwater Farm. The Council intends to build on the success of the New River Sport & Fitness centre, which was brought in-house in August 2021 and is now delivering improved services. The revenue budget and capital programme implications of this decision will be included in the draft Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2024/25.

Contract Award for the New Capacity Building Partner for the Voluntary and Community Sector

Cabinet approved the award of a three-year contract, with an option to extend for up to four further years, to a successful tenderer for the Provision of Capacity Building Partner for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS). This new contract, commencing 1st April 2024, focuses on capacity building and aims to ensure equitable access to support and external funding opportunities for Haringey's diverse VCS. The service specification has been redesigned following engagement with the sector to be more innovative, responsive, and strategically aligned. Delivery will be monitored quarterly against agreed targets and outcomes.

Amendments to the Estate Parking Management Scheme

Cabinet approved amendments to the Estate Parking Management Scheme (EPMS), which will see parking enforcement brought in-house and managed by Haringey Council's Parking Services. The new scheme will introduce charges for estate resident parking permits, aligning them with Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) permits and introducing emissions-based pricing. A limit of one permit per household is proposed to reduce parking pressure and encourage sustainable transport. The scheme will also ensure provision for disabled residents and carers, with free permits available for Blue Badge holders and carers. Residents will be consulted on the design of parking arrangements on their specific estates.

Determination of Council Tax Premiums

Cabinet recommended to Full Council that a 100% Council Tax premium be applied to substantially furnished dwellings that are periodically occupied and have no resident, effective from 1 April 2025. This aims to deter properties from being kept empty and encourage their use for permanent residency. Additionally, Cabinet recommended that the time allowed before a Council Tax premium is payable on long-term empty properties be reduced from two years to one year, effective from 1 April 2024. This change, in line with the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023, aims to bring more empty properties back into use.

Report on the Outcome of Statutory Consultation on Proposed Changes to the Essential Service Permit Scheme

Cabinet approved the implementation of changes to the Essential Service Permit (ESP) scheme following statutory consultation. These changes include an increase in ESP charges by 10% and an £80 surcharge for diesel-fuelled vehicles, aligning the scheme with wider permit pricing policy. Council staff ESPs will become transferable 'Team' permits, with vehicle-specific permits retained on a needs basis. Regulated foster carers with children up to the age of 15 will be eligible for a subsidised ESP. Schools will receive an allocation of 20 transferable parking permits at £200 each annually, with an additional 10 available at a surcharge of £100 each. These changes aim to balance the needs of essential service providers with the Council's transport and air quality objectives.

Contract Award for the New Capacity Building Partner for the Voluntary and Community Sector

Cabinet approved the award of a three-year contract, with an option to extend for up to four further years, to a successful tenderer for the Provision of Capacity Building Partner for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS). This new contract, commencing 1st April 2024, focuses on capacity building and aims to ensure equitable access to support and external funding opportunities for Haringey's diverse VCS. The service specification has been redesigned following engagement with the sector to be more innovative, responsive, and strategically aligned. Delivery will be monitored quarterly against agreed targets and outcomes.

Other Decisions

Cabinet also noted the minutes of various Cabinet Member Signing meetings and other bodies, as well as significant and delegated actions taken by Directors. Exempt information was considered for several items, including contract awards and minutes, with the press and public excluded from these discussions.