The Full Council of Haringey Council met on Thursday, 14th March 2024, to discuss a range of important issues, including the council's carbon reduction efforts, community safety strategies, and the annual budget. Key decisions made included the approval of the 2024/25 budget and medium-term financial strategy, the adoption of a new Housing Strategy, and the approval of updated Members' Allowances and Council Procedure Rules.

Thirteenth Annual Carbon Report (2023)

Councillor Mike Hakata, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, and the Climate Emergency, presented the Thirteenth Annual Carbon Report (2023) [Public reports pack 14th-Mar-2024 19.30 Full Council.pdf#page=225]. The report detailed Haringey's progress towards its ambitious target of becoming a Net Zero Carbon Borough by 2041 and a Net Zero Carbon Council by 2027. While overall emissions have decreased by 17% since 2015, a slight increase of 1.18% was noted between 2020 and 2021, attributed to the post-COVID rebound effect. Despite this, Haringey's emissions per capita remain lower than the London average. The report highlighted ongoing efforts in various sectors, including council operations, housing, transport, energy, and community initiatives, to further reduce carbon emissions. Key projects mentioned include the upgrade of street lighting to LEDs, the installation of solar PV systems, the electrification of the council's vehicle fleet, and the expansion of School Streets and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs). The council also committed to continuing its work on renewable energy networks and supporting community-led carbon reduction projects through the Haringey Community Carbon Fund. The report was recommended for publication, and councillors were urged to continue supporting carbon reduction efforts.

Final Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2024-25

Councillor Dana Carlin, Cabinet Member for Finance and Local Investment, presented the final budget for 2024/25 and the 2024-29 Medium-Term Financial Strategy [Public reports pack 14th-Mar-2024 19.30 Full Council.pdf#page=438]. Following a debate and a vote, the council approved a 2.99% increase in Haringey's element of the Council Tax, with an additional 2% for the Adult Social Care Precept. The General Fund budget requirement for 2024/25 was set at £302.05m, and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget for 2024/29 was also approved. The council also agreed to implement a 100% premium on long-term empty dwellings and properties occupied periodically, effective from April 1, 2024. Several amendments to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme were agreed to ensure fairness and consistency, including disregarding certain payments and updating references to Scottish and Welsh legislation. The council also noted the Greater London Authority (GLA) precept.

Housing Strategy

Councillor Ruth Gordon, Cabinet Member for Council House Building, Placemaking, and Local Economy, presented the new Housing Strategy [Public reports pack 14th-Mar-2024 19.30 Full Council.pdf#page=250]. The strategy outlines the council's vision and approach to housing in Haringey over the next five years. Following a consultation, the strategy was adopted by the council.

Community Safety Strategy

Councillor Adam Jogee, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion, presented the Community Safety Strategy [Public reports pack 14th-Mar-2024 19.30 Full Council.pdf#page=19]. The strategy, developed through extensive consultation with residents and partners, aims to tackle key issues such as serious violence, violence against women and girls, exploitation, and anti-social behaviour, while also building public confidence in local services. The strategy was recommended for approval by Full Council as part of the Council's Policy Framework.

Members' Allowances Scheme and Council Procedure Rules

Councillor Ibrahim Ali, Chair of Standards Committee, presented recommendations for changes to the Members' Allowances Scheme and Council Procedure Rules [Standards Report and Minutes Supplementary Pack 14th-Mar-2024 19.30 Full Council.pdf]. The council approved a new Members' Allowances Scheme for the municipal year 2024/25, which includes an increase in the Basic Allowance to £11,701 and adjustments to Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) based on the Independent Remuneration Panel's report. The scheme also includes provisions for carers' allowances and updates to maternity, adoption, paternity, and sickness leave policies for councillors. Changes to Council Standing Orders and the Full Council Protocol were also agreed, including the deletion of the Haringey Debate provision, adjustments to the process for motions, and an increase in the number of oral questions allowed from backbench councillors.

Other Business

The council also received reports from the Audit Committee regarding the appointment of independent advisors and from the Cabinet on the Hate Crime Strategy. The Mayor's communications were also noted.

The meeting also included a Mayoral Debate on Celebrating Haringey Through Sport and the Arts, which provided an opportunity to discuss the importance of extracurricular activities for young people and the role of cultural provision in providing positive experiences.

A deputation from local residents, Paul Burnham and others, addressed the council regarding proposed increases to service and tenant charges, arguing that they were unjustified and would adversely affect tenants' living standards. Councillor Sarah Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing Services, Private Renters and Planning, responded, explaining the challenging financial environment and the need to recover costs for services.

The meeting also addressed the designation of Josephine Lyseight as the Section 151 Officer for an interim period.

The council also noted the report of the Chief Executive regarding the designation of the Council's Section 151 Officer.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the minutes from previous council meetings held on 13 November 2023, 20 November 2023, and 12 February 2024.