The Council meeting scheduled for 1 July 2026 was set to cover a range of important topics, including the council's financial performance, proposed changes to its constitution, and various motions put forward by councillors on issues such as housing, environmental concerns, and children's services. The meeting also included a session for councillors to ask questions of the Cabinet.

Treasury Management Outturn Report 2025/26

The Council was scheduled to review the Treasury Management Outturn Report for the financial year 2025/26. This report details the council's borrowing, cash investment, and cash management activities. It was noted that the council met all prudential indicators for treasury management activities, including affordability, liquidity, risk, and borrowing limits. Total external borrowing remained stable at £1.29 billion. The report also highlighted that the cost of borrowing for the General Fund was £26.5 million, which was £4.9 million lower than budgeted, partly due to lower-than-expected capital expenditure and higher cash balances. The report also detailed the council's investments in its subsidiaries, Energetik and Housing Gateway Limited (HGL), and the financial support provided to schools.

Changes to the Constitution

A report was presented proposing several changes to the Council's Constitution. These included the removal of a member allowance for Associate Cabinet Members, the establishment of a new Conservation and Heritage Advisory Board with a proposed Chair's allowance, and minor amendments to the Staffing Panel. Other proposed changes aimed to clarify Cabinet portfolios and delegations, update provisions for urgent decision-making, and consolidate a list of statutory and proper officers. The report also addressed the continuity of posts in local authority election years and proposed adjustments to the number of questions allocated to different political groups and the arrangements for Opposition Business.

Appointment of Independent Persons

The Council was asked to agree to the appointment of Gary Rogers and Joan Mansfield as Independent Persons for the purposes of code of conduct matters. The report highlighted that the role of an Independent Person, established by the Localism Act 2011, is to provide an impartial view on complaints against councillors and ethical governance issues. The council currently appoints two Independent Persons to ensure sufficient capacity for timely complaint investigation.

Questions to the Leader and Cabinet Members

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to councillors asking questions of the Leader of the Council, Alessandro Georgiou, and various Cabinet Members. These questions covered a wide array of issues:

• Whitewebbs Oak and Park: Councillor Reece Fox and Councillor Maxwell Day inquired about the council's position on the Whitewebbs Oak and Whitewebbs Park, respectively. Councillor Alessandro Georgiou stated that a positive way forward had been agreed for the Whitewebbs Oak, involving a donation for restoration and tree planting. Regarding Whitewebbs Park, he confirmed the withdrawal from the New Town process and stated that the council would await the outcome of a judicial review before considering the future use of the park. Councillor Doug Taylor also questioned the intention for the historic use of the land at Whitewebbs following the cancellation of the lease with Tottenham Hotspur.
• Children's Services and Safeguarding: Councillor Abdul Abdullahi questioned the governance assessment undertaken before combining the roles of Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Chief Whip, and the evidence supporting this arrangement's capacity for safeguarding leadership. Councillor Chris Dey, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, reassured the council that he would diligently carry out his duties. Councillor Sarah Jons asked about financial support for schools where pupils have medical needs but do not meet SEND thresholds, and Councillor Betty Achayo inquired about early years opportunities for children.
• Environment and Waste Management: Councillor Sarah Jons asked about the council's ecological expertise and staffing model. Councillor Maria Alexandrou, Cabinet Member for Environment, outlined a combined model of in-house knowledge, cross-service working, and external support. Councillor Kiran Mistry and Councillor Sinan Boztas enquired about the timeline and funding for reintroducing weekly bin collections. Councillor Ian Barnes asked about measures to tackle fly-tipping and deter repeat offenders. Councillor Bambos Charalambous and Councillor Paul Pratt asked about the timeline for reviewing Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) and when LTN cameras would be turned off, respectively. Councillor Penny Heathwood also raised concerns about road changes in the Southbury Road, Trinity Avenue, and Great Cambridge Road area. Councillor Alev Cazimoglu questioned the sustainability of freezing green bin charges and its fairness. Councillor Dino Lemonides asked about action being taken to decrease the misuse of allotments.
• Housing and Planning: Councillor Susan Erbil put forward a motion concerning Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), proposing a reduction in the concentration threshold and stronger planning policies. Councillor Joanne Laban put forward a motion calling for support in withdrawing from the New Towns programme. Councillor Ayten Guzel questioned the Leader about the formal withdrawal from the New Town process. Councillor Penny Heathwood asked about the council's response to concerns regarding the proposed overdevelopment of the Southbury cinema site. Councillor Elisa Morreale, Cabinet Member for Licensing, outlined policies and enforcement measures to limit HMO over-concentration. Councillor Lee Chamberlain, Cabinet Member for Housing and Technology, set out priorities for families in council housing and temporary accommodation.
• Climate Change and Schools: Councillor Mahym Bedekova and Councillor Ian Barnes put forward motions addressing the impacts of climate change on schools and reaffirming commitment to the Enfield Climate Action Plan 2024, respectively.
• Council Assets and Culture: Councillor Chris Dey asked about the timeline for repairs and refurbishment of play equipment in Enfield Town Park. Councillor Margaret Greer questioned the decision to cut face-to-face services at Ordnance Unity Centre Library and Fore Street Library. Councillor Peter Charalambos asked about the administration's actions to protect heritage and restore civic pride. Councillor Hivran Dalkaya inquired about secured funding for improvements to children's play areas.
• Other Matters: Councillor Alev Cazimoglu put forward a motion regarding the allocation of public health funding. Councillor Elisa Morreale, Cabinet Member for Licensing, addressed concerns about organised crime in Southgate. Councillor Alessandro Georgiou responded to a question about the flying of national flags and the decision not to fly the Pride flag. Councillor Susan Erbil asked about Trading Standards and Operation Shadow.

Motions

In addition to the questions, several motions were scheduled for discussion:

• Cycle Hanger Review: Councillor Kiran Mistry proposed a borough-wide review of cycle hanger locations to assess their impact on road safety, visibility, and traffic flow.
• Withdrawal from New Towns Programme: Councillor Joanne Laban proposed that the council call on its Members of Parliament and GLA Member to support the council's withdrawal from the New Towns programme.
• Traveller Plan: Councillor Bambos Charalambous called for an amended Traveller Plan that would remove proposed sites near the A10 and identify more suitable locations.
• Support for Pupils with Medical Conditions: Councillor Sarah Jons proposed a review of support and funding routes for schools regarding pupils with medical needs who require additional support but do not meet SEND thresholds.
• Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Chief Whip Roles: Councillor Abdul Abdullahi proposed that the roles of Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Chief Whip be separated to ensure undivided focus on safeguarding.
• Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs): Councillor Susan Erbil proposed a review of HMO planning policies, consultation on reducing the concentration threshold, and stronger planning protections.
• Allotment Bonfires: Councillor Ian Barnes proposed the introduction of Fixed Penalty Notices for allotment bonfire offences and a review of further legal powers.
• Climate Change Adaptation in Schools: Councillor Mahym Bedekova proposed that the council work with the Mayor of London and the UK Government to accelerate funding for school retrofitting to improve resilience to extreme heat.
• Enfield Climate Action Plan 2024: Councillor Ian Barnes proposed reaffirming commitment to the Enfield Climate Action Plan 2024 and its targets.
• Public Health Funding: Councillor Alev Cazimoglu proposed that the council demonstrate how public health funding contributes to the Government's prevention agenda and is targeted towards communities with the greatest health inequalities.

Committee Memberships and Outside Bodies

The meeting also included agenda items to confirm any changes to committee memberships and nominations to outside bodies.