The Full Council of Haringey Council met on Monday 22 July 2024 to discuss a range of matters, including the council's relationship with the new Labour government, electoral reform, and appointments to various outside bodies. The meeting also included a question and answer session covering topics such as the use of council-owned properties, the redevelopment of the Civic Centre, and tackling the climate crisis.

Working with a Labour Government

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to considering a motion on Working with a Labour Government . The motion noted the recent General Election results, which saw the Labour Party form a majority government, and highlighted the presence of four Labour MPs representing Haringey. The council was scheduled to consider the Labour government's commitments to fiscal responsibility, multi-year funding settlements for local authorities, and plans for wider devolution. The motion also referenced the government's proposed housing targets and the ongoing financial pressures faced by local authorities. The council was expected to consider a resolution to work collaboratively with the new Labour government and the Mayor of London, and to write to the Prime Minister and other relevant ministers to congratulate them and reaffirm a commitment to partnership.

Proportional Representation

Another key item for discussion was a motion concerning Proportional Representation (PR) for UK general and local elections. The motion was scheduled to outline the historical origins of the First Past the Post system, its perceived disproportionality in recent elections, and the support for PR within the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats. The council was expected to consider arguments that PR ensures all votes have equal value and could lead to higher voter turnout and improved decision-making. The proposed resolution included joining the 'Councils for PR' campaign and writing to the government to advocate for a change in electoral laws.

Questions to Cabinet Members

The meeting was scheduled to include a question and answer session where councillors could pose questions to Cabinet Members. Councillor Makbule Gunes (Chair of the Children and Young People's Scrutiny Panel) was due to ask Councillor Ruth Gordon (Cabinet Member for Placemaking, and Local Economy) about the council's efforts to ensure council-owned properties benefit the community. Councillor Alessandra Rossetti was scheduled to inquire with Councillor Gordon about the financial projections for the redevelopment of the Civic Centre and any risks of contract price escalation.

Councillor Emily Arkell (Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure) was expected to respond to Councillor Pippa Connor (Chair of the Adults and Health Scrutiny Panel) regarding steps taken to ensure parks are accessible. Councillor Ibrahim Ali was due to ask Councillor Mike Hakata (Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment, and Transport) about the council's approach to tackling the climate crisis. Councillor Seema Chandwani (Cabinet Member for Resident Services & Tackling Inequality) was to be questioned by Councillor Connor about due diligence on contractors, following instances of contractors going out of business. Councillor Lucia das Neves (Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care, and Wellbeing) was to be asked by Councillor Cathy Brennan about the council's work to prevent the impact of gambling harms.

Councillor Sarah Williams (Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning (Deputy Leader)) was scheduled to be asked by Councillor Mary Mason about the provision of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for disabled residents in high-rise council blocks, referencing the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Councillor Luke Cawley-Harrison (Leader of the Opposition) was to question Councillor Dana Carlin (Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services) regarding the council's financial standing, referencing data from the local government watchdog, Oflog.

Appointments to Outside Bodies

The council was scheduled to consider appointments to various outside bodies. This included noting changes to nominations for association bodies exercising executive functions, such as the LGA Grants Committee, where Councillor Peray Ahmet (Leader of the Council) was nominated as the lead representative for Haringey. The report detailed nominations for a range of organisations, including the Local Government Association, London Councils, and various trusts and foundations. The report outlined the capacity in which members were nominated, the duration of appointments, and any other relevant terms and conditions, with a note that future nominations to voluntary or community bodies would generally be in a non-voting, observer capacity.

Other Business

The meeting agenda also included receiving the report of the Chief Executive, which was expected to cover proportionality and appointments to committees, and the report of the Monitoring Officer and Head of Legal Services. There was also a verbal item from the Leader of the Council, Councillor Peray Ahmet, on mid-term achievements. The council was also scheduled to consider requests to receive deputations and/or petitions, and to answer questions in accordance with council rules of procedure. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 20th May 2024 were also to be approved.