The Equalities Board is scheduled to consider reports on voluntary community services and housing inequality in Enfield. The meeting will also review the council's work programme for the upcoming year.

Voluntary Community Services

A report is scheduled to be presented that provides an overview of the commissioning arrangements and support for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) in the London Borough of Enfield. This will detail the services commissioned by the Council and the support structures in place for these organisations. In the financial year 2024/25, Enfield Council had 37 contracts with VCS organisations, totalling an expenditure of £5.96 million. The report will outline the types, breadth, and costs of services being provided by the VCS, with the majority of funding coming from grants. Key commissioned services include advocacy for vulnerable older people, support for adults with mental ill health, benefits support for adults with disability and illness, carers' support services, and employment support for individuals with mental health conditions. The report also details funding for services such as women's domestic abuse refuges, advocacy for children in care, and support for LGBTQ+ and race equality initiatives.

Housing Inequality in Enfield

The Board is set to receive an update on the work being undertaken to reduce housing inequalities within Enfield, with a specific focus on the support provided to asylum seekers. A report highlights that while residents from all ethnic backgrounds can access homelessness services, there is a notable overrepresentation of certain ethnic groups approaching the council as homeless. The data indicates that Black households are approximately twice as likely to become homeless compared to households from other backgrounds in Enfield. This disparity is particularly evident for Black African and Black Caribbean households, and also affects households of mixed White and Black African and White and Black Caribbean identities. The report also examines the reasons for homelessness, noting that Black households are disproportionately affected by the loss of supported accommodation, mortgage arrears, and overcrowding. Conversely, rates of homelessness due to domestic abuse, leaving prison, rough sleeping, and the grant of asylum appear to be lower than might be expected. The report references Enfield's Poverty and Inequality Commission (2020) and its recommendations regarding the regeneration of housing estates, reform of the private rented sector, and early intervention in preventing housing problems.

Work Programme

The Board is scheduled to note the completion of the Work Programme for 2025/26. It is also anticipated that the Equalities Board Work Programme for 2026/27 will be discussed at the first meeting of the new municipal year.