The Culture, Community Safety & Environment Scrutiny Panel was scheduled to discuss a range of topics, including an update from the Metropolitan Police, a review of cycling safety, and the draft library strategy. The panel was also set to receive an update on transport and travel and review its work programme.

Metropolitan Police Update Report

The panel was scheduled to receive an update from the Metropolitan Police. The specific details of this update were not available in the provided documents, as the report was listed as Papers to follow. ¹

Scrutiny Review of Cycling Safety - Evidence Gathering

A significant item on the agenda was the evidence gathering for a scrutiny review of cycling safety. The panel was expected to examine issues related to the safety of cyclists and other road users. This review aimed to ensure safe, shared spaces for all road users, extending beyond cyclists and powered two-wheelers to consider the impact on pedestrians and other residents. The review was intended to explore the duality of roads for cycling and the safety concerns surrounding two-wheeled vehicles, potentially examining collision and accident data to identify current issues. The Head of Transport and Travel indicated that while comprehensive datasets on cycling and powered two-wheeler safety were not available, current data showed a rise in collisions involving powered two-wheelers, often linked to the growth of the delivery industry and inexperienced riders. Initiatives such as the Pavements Are for Pedestrians campaign were mentioned as efforts to address these risks. The panel was also to consider perception data from previous consultations and explore the possibility of a perception survey to gauge public opinion.

Update on Transport and Travel

An update on transport and travel was scheduled for discussion. This would likely cover various aspects of the council's transport initiatives. The report pack indicated that the scope for the review of the Walking and Cycling Action Plan was wide, and specific data on dockless and cycle usage in Haringey had been provided. The panel was expected to discuss the next steps for this review and any data or support needed.

Draft Library Strategy - 2026-2030

The panel was scheduled to consider the draft Library Strategy for 2026-2030. This strategy aimed to ensure libraries remain inclusive, accessible, and responsive to diverse needs, going beyond socioeconomic factors. Concerns were raised regarding the strategy's consideration of older residents, individuals with physical disabilities, people with mental health challenges, children with special educational needs, neurodiverse individuals, and those requiring digital and practical resources. The strategy was developed following extensive consultation, including in-person sessions, targeted outreach, and partnerships with various organisations. The draft strategy addressed accessibility through audits and partnerships, committed to tailored provision for children with special educational needs, and included support for home-educating families. Libraries were also highlighted as playing a key role in Haringey's Borough of Culture 2027. The strategy aimed for libraries to be welcoming, inclusive, and trusted spaces, serving as cultural and community hubs.

Work Programme Update

The panel was scheduled to receive an update on its work programme. This would likely involve a review of ongoing projects and potential future areas of scrutiny. The work programme document indicated that the panel had previously considered issues such as litter and fly-tipping, community safety, and the Walking and Cycling Action Plan. For the current meeting, the focus was on the scrutiny review of cycling safety, with discussions on how to gather evidence and the data required.

Finance Update - Q2 2025/26

A finance update for the second quarter of 2025/26 was on the agenda. The panel was to consider information relating to terms of reference and areas marked as red or amber. Discussions were expected to cover a budget duplicate deletion in relation to the walking and cycling action plan, the income levels from leisure services, and commercialisation plans for leisure centres. The update also touched upon savings through digital transformation, with a discussion on the consistent issues seen in this area, where savings were not being realised and instead were causing overspends. The panel was also to review proposed capital virements for waste management.