The Haringey Cabinet met on Tuesday 6th February 2024 to discuss and approve the council's budget for the upcoming financial year and medium-term financial strategy. Key decisions included approving a 2.99% increase in Council Tax and a 2% increase for the Adult Social Care Precept, alongside significant savings proposals across various council services. The Cabinet also approved funding for new affordable homes, the appointment of a commercial property management provider for the Wood Green Enterprise Hub, and the creation of new SEND resource provisions.

Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy Approved

The Cabinet approved the proposed General Fund Budget for 2024/25 and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) through to 2028/29. This includes a £279.305m General Fund budget requirement for 2024/25, with a 2.99% increase in Council Tax and an additional 2% for the Adult Social Care Precept. The decision to approve these budget proposals will be put forward for onward approval by Full Council on 4th March 2024.

The council faces significant financial challenges, with a projected budget gap of £16.9m for 2025/26. To balance the 2024/25 budget, a drawdown of £5.9m from the Strategic Budget Planning Reserves is required. The report highlighted reduced government funding over the last 14 years, increased demand for social care services, and rising inflation as key drivers of these pressures. Despite these challenges, the council committed to continuing to resource libraries, children's centres, parks, leisure facilities, affordable homes, and youth services.

The Cabinet also approved changes to rent levels for residents in temporary accommodation, council tenants, and shared ownership rents, which will increase average weekly rents. Changes to service charges for tenants were also agreed.

New Affordable Homes and Housing Initiatives Approved

Several key decisions were made regarding the acquisition and development of affordable homes across the borough.

Acquisition of New Affordable Homes at St Ann's Hospital Site

Cabinet approved the long leasehold acquisition of 38 sheltered homes at pre-construction stage within Phase 1a of the residential scheme being delivered on land at the former St Ann's General Hospital. This acquisition, supported by GLA Grant Funding, will contribute to the council's target of building 3,000 Council homes by 2031. An Option Agreement was also approved for the potential purchase of up to 116 additional affordable homes in subsequent phases of the development.

Acceptance of SHAP Funding for Homes for Rough Sleepers

The Cabinet approved the acceptance of £2,011,642 in Capital grant funding and £1,007,468 in Revenue grant funding from the Mayor's Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP). This funding will enable the acquisition of 10 homes for residents with experience of rough sleeping and support 20 clients in a Housing First service over three years. This initiative is a key step in the council's commitment to ending street homelessness in Haringey.

Approval for Meanwhile Use of Osborne Grove Nursing Home as Rough Sleeper Night Shelter

Cabinet approved the meanwhile use of the Osborne Grove Nursing Home building to operate as a night shelter for rough sleepers from April 2024 until March 2025. This decision also includes bringing the night shelter support provision in-house, terminating the current Thames Reach Ltd contract. This move aims to provide immediate accommodation for those experiencing homelessness while long-term options for the building and site are considered.

Acceptance of LAHF Housing First Funding

The Cabinet approved the acceptance of £7,644,000 in capital grant funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF2) programme. This funding will support the acquisition of up to 30 new homes, providing a new start for 30 Afghan families and freeing up temporary accommodation, thereby easing wider homelessness pressures.

Acquisition of Property at 10 Gourley Street

Approval was granted for the acquisition of the freehold interest in the property at 10 Gourley Street, N15 5NG, as part of the wider land assembly strategy for the Gourley Triangle site. This acquisition, funded by the Future High Streets Fund, is considered a sound investment that will cover holding costs through rental income until future redevelopment can commence.

Commercial Property Management Provider Appointed for Wood Green Enterprise Hub

The Cabinet approved the appointment of a third-party supplier to manage the Wood Green Enterprise Hub at 40 Cumberland Road for an initial three-year period, with options to extend for up to five years. This interim measure will allow the council to develop its internal capacity for self-delivery of workspace management. The Enterprise Hub aims to support local businesses, create growth opportunities, and transform an underutilised building into a hub for local people.

New SEND Resource Provisions Approved

Cabinet approved the creation of six new SEND resource provisions within Haringey, which will create 118 additional places for children and young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, autism spectrum condition (ASC), and complex needs. These provisions will be delivered within the Safety Valve Programme funding envelope of £12.4m, aiming to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND and contribute to a balanced budget for the High Needs Block.

School Admissions Arrangements Determined

The Cabinet determined the council's admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools for the academic year 2025/26. This includes approving the proposal to reduce the published admission number (PAN) for three primary schools: St Mary's Priory RC Junior, St Francis de Sales RC Junior, and St Ignatius RC Primary. These reductions are a response to falling demand for school places and aim to improve school viability and educational provision. The council's fair access protocol was also agreed.

Extension of Home Support and Reablement Contracts

Approval was given for an 18-month extension to twelve existing contracts for the provision of bundled hours home support and reablement services. This extension, from 1 March 2024 to 31 August 2025, is expected to cost a maximum of £15,064,920, with an estimated spend of £12.3m based on current utilisation. The extension aims to ensure continuity of care and build upon the positive performance observed under the current contracts.

School Streets Projects to be Implemented

Cabinet agreed to the implementation of eight new School Streets projects at various primary and secondary schools across the borough. These initiatives aim to reduce air pollution, promote active travel, and enhance road safety for children. The decision follows statutory consultation, where objections were considered and officer responses were provided. The Head of Highways and Parking was authorised to make all necessary traffic management orders and undertake the required works.

Haringey SEND Top Up and High Needs Funding Banding Approved

The Cabinet approved proposed changes to the banding descriptors used to allocate funding for children and young people with SEND in Haringey's early years and statutory school-aged settings. These changes, developed through extensive stakeholder consultation and as a condition of the Safety Valve agreement with the DfE, aim to create a fairer, more transparent, and equitable system for allocating SEND funding. The revised descriptors will provide a better description of children's needs and ensure funding is targeted more effectively.

Other Matters Noted

Minutes from previous Cabinet Member Signing meetings and the Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee were noted. The Cabinet also noted the outcome of the statutory consultation on proposed changes to the Essential Service Permit scheme and the contract award for a new Capacity Building Partner for the Voluntary and Community Sector.