The Cabinet of Enfield Council met on Wednesday 10 September 2025 to discuss a range of important issues, approving recommendations on the 2025/26 Quarter 1 Revenue and Capital Monitoring Report, the 2025/26 Quarter 1 Treasury Management Monitoring Report, and the sale of Biodiversity Net Gain units at Forty Hall Parkland. The Cabinet also agreed to progress with a Compulsory Purchase Order for Cheshire House and Shropshire House to enable housing development, and approved the Council Housing Asset Management Strategy. Additionally, a Digital Data and Artificial Intelligence Strategy was agreed, and the Traveller Local Plan Regulation 19 consultation was approved. Several key decisions were made regarding the delivery of council homes, including the acquisition of land at Crews Hill and the development scheme at Upton and Raynham Road.

2025/26 Quarter 1 Revenue and Capital Monitoring Report

The Cabinet noted the final General Fund revenue outturn for 2024/25, which showed an overspend of £6.2 million. This was primarily driven by pressures in People Services (£5.2 million), Housing Temporary Accommodation (£8.4 million), and a Housing Benefit Subsidy loss (£4.8 million). Despite these challenges, General Fund reserves increased slightly to £75.8 million, supported by the application of £20 million in capital receipts as Exceptional Financial Support.

For the first quarter of 2025/26, the Council is forecasting a General Fund overspend of £6.6 million. This is largely attributed to sustained demand in Adult Social Care, Children's Services, and Housing Temporary Accommodation. While this represents an improvement compared to the previous year, underlying demand remains high and costs have increased. Savings of £5.1 million have been identified, replacing the planned drawdown from reserves.

The report also detailed progress on savings targets, noting that £16.1 million are on track for delivery, £1.9 million will be deferred, and £0.8 million are not expected to be delivered. Capital receipts are being used strategically to support transformation and reduce service overspends, with £9.0 million earmarked for projects including ERP implementation and the Income and Debt team.

The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) continues to face pressure, with a projected overspend of £3.0 million in the High Needs block, increasing the cumulative deficit to £20.4 million. The Collection Fund forecast shows a surplus of £4.2 million, with Enfield's share amounting to £1.8 million. Council Tax collection performance at the end of June 2025 was slightly below target, while Business Rates collection was strong.

Capital expenditure at Quarter 1 is forecast at £448.5 million against an approved budget of £521.6 million, reflecting revised delivery expectations and cost efficiencies. Significant adjustments include reductions in the Meridian Water and Temporary Accommodation leases programmes. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue position shows a minor overspend of £0.2 million, funded from HRA reserves, while the HRA capital programme is forecast at £140.4 million against a budget of £145.6 million.

2025/26 Quarter 1 Treasury Management Monitoring Report

The Cabinet noted the borrowing and investment position as at 30th June 2025 and Quarter 1 estimates for the financial year 2025/26. The estimated overall cost of debt to the Council's General Fund for 2025/26 is £31.4 million. While this is in line with the budget, it includes a lower interest charge due to reduced borrowing in the preceding year, offset by transfers to reserves, including the Energetik reserve, which is considered prudent. The Council remains within its affordability targets for debt financing. Gross external debt was £1.286 billion at the end of March 2025, reducing to £1.276 billion by 30th June. Investment income is forecast at £4.5 million, slightly above budget. To mitigate against expected falls in returns, loans have been advanced to selected Councils at fixed rates. Interest payable on new borrowing is expected to be 5.20% against a budgeted 5.00%, with a concessionary rate for HRA borrowing in place until March 2026. Transfers to the Energetik reserve are assumed to be £1.3 million in 2025/26, £1 million above budget, considered prudent given ongoing delays relating to Meridian Water. The report confirmed compliance with all Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators.

Selling Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Units at Forty Hall Parkland

The Cabinet agreed in principle to sell Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units at Forty Hall Parkland. The income generated from these sales will be ring-fenced for habitat-appropriate maintenance and capital works investment at the parkland, all to BNG specifications. A detailed scheme will be developed in the coming months and submitted to the Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture and Open Spaces for approval. Authority was delegated to the Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture and Open Spaces to agree to enter into a Conservation Covenant, s106 agreement, or any other legal construct required to create the BNG scheme at Forty Hall. Authority was also delegated to the Director of Environment and Communities to appoint a Habitat Bank Broker if required and to enter into all necessary legal agreements for the scheme's implementation.

Digital, Data and Artificial Intelligence Strategy

The Cabinet agreed to the Council-wide Digital, Data and Artificial Intelligence Strategy. This strategy aims to promote the Council's Plan 2023-26, deliver accessible and improved services, and support the Council's Workforce Strategy. Digital Services will develop a council-wide delivery plan and roadmap, including measures and timelines, to incorporate these into the Digital Services Portfolio for 2026/27 and beyond.

Traveller Local Plan Regulation 19

The Cabinet agreed to recommend to Full Council the approval of the Proposed Submission Traveller Local Plan (TLP) for publication for a minimum six-week public consultation. This plan outlines how Enfield Council will meet the accommodation needs of Gypsies, Travellers, and Travelling Showpeople over the TLP period (2020/21 to 2040/41). The Cabinet also recommended approval of the Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA), Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA), and Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) for publication. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Environment and Communities, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to make minor amendments to the documents before consultation and to commence the consultation period. Following consultation, authority was delegated to submit the TLP and associated documents to the Secretary of State for independent examination.

Council Housing Asset Management Strategy

The Cabinet recommended to Full Council the approval of the Council Housing Asset Management Strategy 2025-2029. This strategy outlines how the Council will manage and maintain its housing assets to align with corporate aims and regulatory requirements. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Housing and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing, to agree an annual programme of investment works to Council Housing in accordance with the approved strategy.

Long Leasing Funding - Capital Drawdown

The Cabinet approved the drawdown of £309,239,680 within the Temporary Accommodation (TA) capital budget of £660 million for the leasing of properties for use as temporary accommodation in 2025-26 and 2026-27. This measure is intended to address the rising costs and contracting supply of temporary accommodation in the private rented sector.

Joyce and Snells Estate Regeneration Compulsory Purchase Order

The Cabinet approved the making of the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for Wadham House, part of the Joyce and Snells Estate, to acquire all property and third-party rights. This decision is crucial for enabling the demolition of Wadham House and the construction of new housing as part of the wider estate regeneration masterplan, which aims to deliver 2,028 new homes, with at least 50% being affordable. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Housing and Regeneration, in consultation with the Director of Law and Governance, to manage the CPO process. The Cabinet also approved the appropriation of land for planning purposes and noted key decisions relating to the project, including the appointment of a Principal Contractor and the securing of GLA grant funding.

Cheshire House and Shropshire House Compulsory Purchase Order

The Cabinet approved the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for Cheshire House and Shropshire House. This decision is necessary due to serious structural defects identified in the buildings, making them unsafe for long-term occupation and prohibitively expensive to repair. The CPO will enable the Council to acquire outstanding property interests and secure vacant possession for the demolition of the blocks, paving the way for the delivery of new housing and contributing to the Council's housing targets. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Housing and Regeneration, in consultation with the Director of Law and Governance, to manage the CPO process. The Cabinet also approved the proposal to demolish the blocks and delegate authority for considering development options for new replacement homes to the Executive Director of Housing and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing.

Delivery of Council Homes in Crews Hill

The Cabinet agreed in principle to the acquisition of land at Crews Hill for the purpose of developing a scheme to provide 58 council homes. Authority was delegated to the Cabinet Member for Housing to agree to the acquisition upon advice from external lawyers regarding the legal structure. The total scheme costs are detailed in Part 2 of the report. Authority was also delegated to the Executive Director of Housing and Regeneration, in consultation with the Director of Law and Governance, to enter into land and build contracts or any other legal agreements.

Delivery of Upton and Raynham Road Development Scheme

The Cabinet approved entering into a JCT Design and Build Main Works Contract with Contractor B for the tendered contract sum to deliver 135 affordable homes, comprising 42 Social Rent, 66 London Affordable Rent, and 27 Shared Equity homes. They also agreed the defined area for prioritisation for the allocation of new rented homes as Scott House and the Joyce and Snells estate. Approval was given for the spend outlined in Part 2 of the report for the Upton and Raynham project, aligning with the approved HRA AHP capital programme. Approval was also given for the spend on wider estate works within the approved capital investment programme budget. Authority was delegated to the Cabinet Member for Housing to agree the appropriation of land identified if deemed necessary, and to the Executive Director for Housing and Regeneration to make or apply for any stopping up or diversion orders, with authority delegated to the Cabinet Member for Housing to approve such orders subject to necessary consultation and processes.