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Weekly updates
Enfield Council Tackles Homelessness, Affordable Housing Push
This week in Enfield:
Council to Tackle Homelessness Crisis and Push for More Affordable Homes
The Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel met this week to address the escalating homelessness crisis and review the council's progress on its housing delivery program. Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel With over 3,125 households currently in temporary accommodation, the council is exploring new strategies to mitigate the pressures and provide more sustainable housing solutions.
- Homelessness Surge: The panel heard that Section 21 notices and host ejections are the biggest drivers of homelessness in Enfield.
- Financial Strain: The rising cost of temporary accommodation and the widening gap between rent levels and benefits are exacerbating the problem.
- New Initiatives: The council is strengthening its Placement Policy, expanding its long lease scheme, and working with Housing Gateway Ltd to secure sole nomination rights to properties.
- Housing Delivery Progress: The panel also reviewed the council's housing delivery program, which aims to deliver 1,100 homes across various affordable homes programs.
- Joyce & Snell's Regeneration: The Joyce Avenue & Snell's Park Estates regeneration project aims to deliver 2,028 homes, with 50% being affordable. The project includes key social value outcomes, such as apprenticeships, local labor, and discounted workspace for local businesses.
- Shires Estate Regeneration: The Shires Estate has been identified as a key site for future regeneration projects, with community consultation planned.
Staff Committee Interviews Candidates for Key Financial Role
The Staff Appeals, Appointment And Remuneration Committee met to interview candidates for the Director of Revenues & Transactional Services position. Staff Appeals, Appointment And Remuneration Committee This role is crucial for ensuring the efficient and effective management of the council's finances.
- Confidential Discussions: The committee considered excluding the press and public from the meeting due to the confidential nature of the candidate interviews.
Other Matters
- Training for Neighbourhood Services: The Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel discussed training and development for frontline neighbourhood and estate services teams, focusing on customer experience and compliance with the new Competence and Conduct Standard enforced by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel
Upcoming Meetings
- The Equalities Board will meet on Monday 01 December 2025, to discuss health inequalities, hate crime, and domestic abuse in Enfield. Equalities Board
- The Health and Wellbeing Board will meet on Tuesday 02 December 2025. Health and Wellbeing Board
- The Edmonton Green Ward Forum will meet on Tuesday 02 December 2025. Edmonton Green Ward Forum
- The Local Pension Board will meet on Wednesday 03 December 2025. Local Pension Board
- The Thriving Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel will meet on Wednesday 03 December 2025. Thriving Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel
- The Oakwood Ward Forum will meet on Wednesday 03 December 2025. Oakwood Ward Forum
- The Schools Forum will meet on Thursday 04 December 2025. Schools Forum
- An unknown committee will meet on Monday 08 December 2025. Unknown committee
- The Healthy and Safe Communities Scrutiny Panel will meet on Tuesday 09 December 2025. Healthy and Safe Communities Scrutiny Panel
- The Cabinet will meet on Wednesday 10 December 2025. Cabinet
Enfield Pension Surplus, Councillor Conduct, and Budget Gap
This week in Enfield:
Pension Fund Surplus Soars, Contribution Rates Could Drop
The Pension Policy & Investment Committee met to discuss the Enfield Pension Fund's annual report and its funding strategy. Pension Policy & Investment Committee The big news? The fund is in a healthy surplus, potentially leading to lower contribution rates for the council and academies.
- Funding Boost: As of March 31, 2025, the fund's funding level hit 127%, a surplus of £339 million, with assets at £1.605 billion and liabilities at £1.266 billion. Higher expected investment returns drove this improvement.
- Council Savings: The committee discussed potentially reducing the council's primary contribution rate to 16% of pay, a 3% drop.
- Academy Benefits: Academies and colleges participating in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) could also see reduced rates, aligning them with local authorities.
- Long-Term Security: The fund believes the council can benefit immediately from lower rates while remaining around 115% funded after 20 years.
- Annual Report Highlights: The Enfield Pension Fund annual report stated that membership of the scheme is open to all employees of the council with the exception of teachers, and that employee contributions are determined by central government and are between 5.5% and 12.5% of pensionable pay.
Councillor Conduct Complaint: Apology Still Awaited
The Councillor Conduct Committee met to discuss an update on the complaint made against Councillor Mohammad Islam. Councillor Conduct Committee The committee previously ruled that Councillor Islam should apologize, attend conduct training, and refrain from using his position to support visa applications.
- Lack of Response: Councillor Islam has not responded to requests to send a written apology or confirm he will abide by the committee's requests.
- Badge Incident: Despite a request not to, Councillor Islam wore his past Mayor's badge at an event at the University of Oxford on August 31.
- Next Steps: The committee decided that the Chair of the committee, Councillor Bektas Ozer, will write to Councillor Mohammad Islam to encourage a response.
Planning Committee Greenlights Hospital Site Development
The Planning Committee approved reserved matters for the former Chase Farm Hospital site. Planning Committee This follows outline approval 20/01923/OUT.
- Deed of Variation: The Head of Planning and Building Control is authorised to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and a Deed of Variation to the original Section 106 Agreement1.
Council Grapples with Financial Challenges and Future Plans
The Overview & Scrutiny Committee received a financial update and reviewed its work programme. Overview & Scrutiny Committee The council faces financial pressures, but is also planning for future development and improved services.
- Budget Gap: The council faces a £25 million budget gap in 2026/27, and £63.4 million for the period 2026/27 to 2029/30.
- Overspend Forecast: A £7.5 million overspend is forecast for the General Fund, driven by demand in adult social care, children's services, and temporary accommodation.
- DSG Deficit: The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) is forecast to have a £21.9 million deficit.
- Work Programme: The committee discussed future updates on the Meridian Water project, new homes, and ICT improvements.
Other Matters
- Storage on Park Road: The Planning Committee discussed application 24/03165/FUL concerning land at 10 Park Road, London, N18 2YS for storage purposes. The Head of Planning and Building Control is authorised to grant planning permission subject to conditions and a Section 106 Agreement.
- Enfield Town Library: The Planning Committee discussed application 25/02750/RE4 for Enfield Town Library, 66 Church Street, Enfield, EN2 6AX. The Planning Decisions Manager is authorised to grant planning permission subject to conditions.
- Church Hall, Grove Road: The Planning Committee considered application 25/00372/FUL for Church Hall, Grove Road, London, N11 1LX. The Head of Planning and Building Control is authorised to grant planning permission subject to conditions and a Section 106 Agreement.
- Ward Forums: The Cockfosters Ward Forum and Grange Park Ward Forum met to discuss local issues. Cockfosters Ward Forum Grange Park Ward Forum
- Member Governor Forum: The Member Governor Forum met to discuss updates from Councillor Abdul Abdullahi, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, and Lucy Nutt, Head of Schools and Early Years Improvement, as well as a presentation on recruiting young governors. Member Governor Forum
Upcoming Meetings
- The Staff Appeals, Appointment And Remuneration Committee will meet on Monday 24 November 2025 to interview candidates for the role of Director of Revenues & Transactional Services. Staff Appeals, Appointment And Remuneration Committee
- The Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel will meet on Wednesday 26 November 2025 to discuss temporary accommodation and homelessness, the housing delivery programme, and training for neighbourhood services. Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel
- The Equalities Board will meet on Monday 01 December 2025, to discuss health inequalities, hate crime, and domestic abuse in Enfield. Equalities Board
- The Health and Wellbeing Board will meet on Tuesday 02 December 2025. Health and Wellbeing Board
- The Edmonton Green Ward Forum will meet on Tuesday 02 December 2025. Edmonton Green Ward Forum
- The Local Pension Board will meet on Wednesday 03 December 2025. Local Pension Board
- The Thriving Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel will meet on Wednesday 03 December 2025. Thriving Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel
- The Oakwood Ward Forum will meet on Wednesday 03 December 2025. Oakwood Ward Forum
- The Schools Forum will meet on Thursday 04 December 2025. Schools Forum
-
A Section 106 agreement, named after Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, is a legally binding agreement between a local planning authority and a developer. It is used to mitigate the impact of a development on the community and infrastructure. ↩
Enfield's £1.5B Debt: Council Faces Scrutiny, Parking Changes & More
This week in Enfield:
Parking and Traffic Schemes Under Scrutiny: What's Next for Your Street?
The Culture and Environment Scrutiny Panel met to discuss the rollout of controlled parking zones (CPZs), quieter neighbourhoods, and school streets across Enfield. Culture and Environment Scrutiny Panel These schemes aim to improve safety, air quality, and parking availability, but they also spark debate about their impact on residents and businesses.
- Data-Driven Decisions: The council says it uses a data-led approach to identify areas most in need of these schemes, considering factors like parking saturation, road safety, and traffic volume.
- Scheme Updates: The panel received updates on several specific projects, including the Sunnyside CPZ, Claverings Estate CPZ, Electric Quarter CPZ, and school streets near Firs Farm Primary School, Highfield Primary School, and Enfield County School for Girls.
- Paused Projects: Several CPZ projects for FY2025/26 are not currently proceeding, including Edmonton Green North, Elmshurst to Connop Road, Alma Estate, Arnos Grove, Forty Hall, and Palmers Green East. The Bowes East Quieter Neighbourhood is also paused indefinitely.
- Have Your Say: Many of these schemes are currently in the consultation phase, so residents are encouraged to share their views with the council.
Council to Debate Green Belt Protection and Support for Veterans
The Council meeting on November 12th was scheduled to include discussion of several motions on topics ranging from Green Belt protection to support for veterans. Council
- Green Belt Concerns: A motion from Councillor Alessandro Georgiou, Leader of the Opposition and Conservative Party, expressed concern that the council is willing to sacrifice the Green Belt to support government plans to build a new town.
- Armed Forces Covenant: A motion from Councillor Chris Dey aimed to ensure that veterans do not have to give up their military compensation to access essential financial support.
- Accessibility for Blue Badge Holders: A motion from Councillor Maria Alexandrou called for ensuring that all blue badge holders are allowed to travel in and out of implemented Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs).
- Focus on Men's Mental Health: A motion from Councillor Maria Alexandrou urged the council to focus support on men's mental well-being.
- Woodcroft Wildspace: A motion from Councillor Lee Chamberlain directed council officers to work to ensure the continued future of Woodcroft Wildspace in its current form.
- Shires Estate Tower blocks: A motion from Councillor Lee Chamberlain instructed the Cabinet Member for Housing to act and put in an immediate and hard target date for the full decommissioning of the blocks.
- Stroke Awareness: A motion from Councillor Doris Jiagge called for promoting public awareness of stroke warning signs and risk reduction.
- Macmillan Cancer Support: A motion from Councillor Alev Cazimoglu, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, resolved to send a letter of appreciation to the CEO of Macmillan Cancer Support, and to light up the Civic Centre in green to mark Macmillan's 115th anniversary.
- Free School Meals: A motion from Councillor Ian Barnes welcomed the Labour Government's major extension of free school meals.
- Community Safety: A motion from Councillor Ergin Erbil, Leader of the Council, resolved to maintain the council's commitment to working in partnership, dedicating necessary resources, and advocating for residents to ensure the delivery of a Safer Enfield.
- Affordable Homes: A motion from Councillor Ayten Guzel, Cabinet Member for Housing, noted that the last Conservative Government failed to address the housing crisis, and resolved to work closely with the new Labour Government to deliver more social and affordable homes for Enfield.
Council Faces Financial Scrutiny: Auditor Calls for Debt Reduction
Enfield Council is under pressure to address its financial challenges following a recommendation from its Local Auditor, Grant Thornton. The Council meeting was scheduled to address the auditor's concerns about the council's debt levels and risk reserves.
- Debt Concerns: Grant Thornton noted that the council had debts of £1.286 billion at the end of 2024/25, and expected to have debts of £1.5 billion by the end of 2025/26.
- Meridian Water Risk: The auditor also highlighted the pace of progress on the Meridian Water project as a risk, noting that any delay beyond November 2026 could result in £195 million of Housing Infrastructure Fund monies being repayable to the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
- Low Risk Reserves: Grant Thornton also noted that the council's risk reserves were low, and that the council had prepared a balanced budget for 2025/26, but the budget relied on £18.1 million of forecast savings and £5 million of forecast reserves use.
- Auditor's Recommendation: Grant Thornton recommended that the council should agree and action options for debt reduction and reductions to the annual cost of servicing debt, and progress actions to rebuild risk reserves to the council's minimum threshold target of £43 million.
Other Matters
- Fairer Enfield Policy: The Council meeting was also scheduled to consider the adoption of the new Fairer Enfield Policy 2026-30, which aims to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in the borough.
- Audit Committee Changes: The Council meeting was scheduled to approve changes to the constitution, including changing the name of the General Purposes Committee to the Audit Committee, and amending the terms of reference in line with good practice guidance from CIPFA.
- Treasury Management Update: Councillors were asked to note the borrowing and investments position and estimates as at 30th September 2025.
Upcoming Meetings
- The Councillor Conduct Committee will meet on Monday 17 November 2025 to consider updates on previous complaints about councillors, including one concerning Councillor Mohammad Islam, and reviewing guidance given to councillors by the Monitoring Officer. Councillor Conduct Committee
- The Grange Park Ward Forum will meet on Tuesday 18 November 2025. Grange Park Ward Forum
- The Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday 18 November 2025. Planning Committee
- The Member Governor Forum will meet on Tuesday 18 November 2025. Member Governor Forum
- The Pension Policy & Investment Committee will meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025. Pension Policy & Investment Committee
- The Overview & Scrutiny Committee will meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025. Overview & Scrutiny Committee
- The Cockfosters Ward Forum will meet on Thursday 20 November 2025. Cockfosters Ward Forum
- An unknown committee will meet on Friday 21 November 2025. Unknown committee
- The Staff Appeals, Appointment And Remuneration Committee will meet on Monday 24 November 2025. Staff Appeals, Appointment And Remuneration Committee
- The Overview & Scrutiny Committee will meet on Tuesday 25 November 2025. Overview & Scrutiny Committee
- The Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel will meet on Wednesday 26 November 2025. Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel
- The Licensing Sub-Committee will meet on Wednesday 26 November 2025. Licensing Sub-Committee
Enfield Council Faces Debt Crisis; Equality Policy & Conduct Review
This week in Enfield:
Council Faces Debt Crisis: Auditor Demands Action
Enfield Council is under pressure to tackle its mounting debt after a stark warning from its Local Auditor, Grant Thornton. The Council meeting on November 12th will address a formal recommendation demanding urgent action to reduce debt and rebuild depleted risk reserves.
- The Stakes: Grant Thornton has flagged the council's
high level of debt
andlow level of reserves
as a threat to its long-term financial stability. This could impact essential services and future investments in the borough. - Energetik Under Scrutiny: Loans to subsidiary companies like Energetik Ltd, the council's energy company, are under review. The council is exploring options including inward investment or even selling off parts of the company.
- Meridian Water Risks: Debt related to the Meridian Water regeneration project is also a major concern. The council took on debt during a period of low interest rates to bring forward housing at Meridian Water.
- Auditor's Warning: Grant Thornton stated that it was using its powers to make a written recommendation due to the high level of debt and the risks associated with this including an impairment loss in the Council's balance sheet, the low level of reserves, and their impact on the financial sustainability of the Council.
- What's Next: Councillors will debate options for debt reduction and explore ways to replenish risk reserves to a minimum of £43 million by the end of 2025/26.
Fairer Enfield Policy: A Promise of Equality
The Council meeting will also see a vote on the adoption of the Fairer Enfield Policy 2026-30. This policy aims to promote equality, celebrate diversity, and ensure inclusion for all residents.
- Six Key Goals: The policy focuses on ensuring equality and inclusion in borough growth, addressing health inequalities, reducing youth violence, enhancing workforce diversity, providing accessible services, and making equality part of everyday practice.
- Commitment: Councillor Chinelo Anyanwu, Cabinet Member for Culture and Inclusion, stated that the policy reinforces the council's duty to comply with relevant legislation and statutory requirements and confirms the council's commitment to improve equality and diversity for all who live, learn, earn in or visit Enfield.
- Annual Equalities Report: Councillors will also review the Annual Equalities Report 2024-25, which summarises the work achieved against the previous objectives.
Councillor Conduct Under Review: Islam Complaint Update
The Councillor Conduct Committee is scheduled to meet on November 17th to discuss an update on the complaint made against Councillor Mohammad Islam.
- Background: The committee previously found that Councillor Islam had breached the code of conduct and requested a written apology, further training, and that he refrain from using his position to support visa applications.
- Non-Compliance: According to a follow-up report, Councillor Islam has not responded to the Monitoring Officer to confirm that he will abide by the committee's decision, despite repeated reminders.
- Past Mayor's Badge: The report also notes that Councillor Islam wore his past Mayor's badge at an event at the University of Oxford on August 31st, despite the committee's request not to.
- Next Steps: The report recommends that the Chair of the committee, Councillor Bektas Ozer, write to Councillor Islam to encourage a response.
Other Matters
- Green Belt Protection: Councillor Alex Georgiou's motion regarding the protection of the Green Belt in Enfield from development will be discussed at the Council meeting.
- Military Compensation: Councillor Chris Dey's motion to ensure that military compensation is disregarded as income when assessing local benefits claims for members of the Armed Forces Community will be discussed at the Council meeting. The motion references the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Blue Badge Exemptions: Councillor Maria Alexandrou's motion to provide exemptions to all blue badge holders in Enfield from low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) schemes will be discussed at the Council meeting.
- Men's Mental Health: Councillor Maria Alexandrou's motion to focus support on men's mental well-being in recognition of International Men's Day will be discussed at the Council meeting.
- Woodcroft Wildspace: Councillor Lee Chamberlain's motion to ensure the continued future of Woodcroft Wildspace in its current form will be discussed at the Council meeting.
- Shires Estate Tower Blocks: Councillor Lee Chamberlain's motion to decommission the Shires Estate Tower blocks, following a 2022 structural report, will be discussed at the Council meeting.
- Stroke Awareness: Councillor Doris Jiagge's motion to raise awareness of stroke risk factors and improve stroke recovery and rehabilitation services in Enfield, in recognition of World Stroke Day, will be discussed at the Council meeting. The motion mentions the Stroke Cafe and the
Stroke Navigation
project by Attend. - Macmillan Cancer Support: Councillor Alev Cazimoglu's motion to send a letter of appreciation to the CEO of Macmillan Cancer Support and light up the Civic Centre in green to mark Macmillan's 115th anniversary will be discussed at the Council meeting.
- Free School Meals: Councillor Ian Barnes' motion to welcome the Labour Government's extension of free school meals and highlight investment in Enfield schools will be discussed at the Council meeting.
- Community Safety: Councillor Ergin Erbil's motion to maintain commitment to community safety will be discussed at the Council meeting.
- Affordable Homes: Councillor Ayten Guzel's motion to work with the Labour Government to deliver more social and affordable homes for Enfield will be discussed at the Council meeting.
Upcoming Meetings
- The Culture and Environment Scrutiny Panel will meet on Tuesday 11 November 2025 to discuss controlled parking zones, quieter neighbourhoods, school streets and the panel's work programme. Culture and Environment Scrutiny Panel
- The Council will meet on Wednesday 12 November 2025 to discuss a range of topics, including a recommendation from the Local Auditor, the adoption of the Fairer Enfield Policy 2026-30, and several motions related to local issues. Council
- The Councillor Conduct Committee will meet on Monday 17 November 2025. Councillor Conduct Committee
- The Grange Park Ward Forum will meet on Tuesday 18 November 2025. Grange Park Ward Forum
- The Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday 18 November 2025. Planning Committee
- The Member Governor Forum will meet on Tuesday 18 November 2025. Member Governor Forum
- The Pension Policy & Investment Committee will meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025. Pension Policy & Investment Committee
- The Overview & Scrutiny Committee will meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025. Overview & Scrutiny Committee
- The Cockfosters Ward Forum will meet on Thursday 20 November 2025. Cockfosters Ward Forum
- An unknown committee will meet on Friday 21 November 2025. Unknown committee
Enfield: Crime Trends, Housing Standards, and Safety Concerns
This week in Enfield:
Council Examines Crime Trends and Community Safety
The Healthy and Safe Communities Scrutiny Panel reviewed crime statistics, safeguarding measures, and social care initiatives at its meeting this week. Healthy and Safe Communities Scrutiny Panel The panel also discussed the progress of Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) contracts aimed at supporting vulnerable residents.
Crime on the Rise: Shop Theft and Drug Offences Increase
The Safer Stronger Communities Board (SSCB) Performance Report revealed a mixed picture of crime trends in Enfield.
- Overall increase: Total notifiable offences increased by 2.4%, driven by a surge in shop theft and theft from persons.
- Drug offences spike: Drug offences saw a significant 84% increase, attributed to proactive police activity in the Ponders End area.
- Knife crime: Enfield ranks 10th highest in London for knife crime offences, with 654 reported incidents.
- Targeted interventions: The Keeping Town Centres Safe this Summer Programme focused on areas like Silver Street Station and Fore Street in Upper Edmonton, aiming to reduce crime through increased resources and patrols.
Safeguarding Concerns Rise: Neglect a Key Factor
The Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report for 2024/25 highlighted an increase in safeguarding concerns referred to safeguarding adults processes.
- Increase in concerns: 3,564 concerns were raised, an increase of 467 from the previous year.
- Neglect: Alleged neglect and acts of omission were factors in 39% of enquiries.
- Focus on self-neglect: New guidance was developed for working with adults who self-neglect.
Adult Social Care: CQC Report Highlights Strengths and Areas for Improvement
The panel discussed the action plan developed following the Care Quality Commission (CQC) assurance visit to Enfield in December 2024, where Enfield received an overall rating of Good
.
- Strengths: The CQC identified visible and accessible leaders, Direct Payments recognised as a national leader, and positive joint working with Public Health and partnerships with the NHS.
- Areas for improvement: The inspection highlighted waiting lists/backlogs, delays in organising advocacy, and inconsistent feedback from individual safeguarding cases.
Prevention and Early Intervention Contracts: Supporting Vulnerable Residents
The council appointed five Voluntary and Community Sector organisations to deliver PEI services to residents of Enfield, at a cost of £1,488,755 per annum.
- Aim: The contracts aim to prevent, reduce, or delay a person's need for more intensive health and adult social care services, fulfilling the council's statutory duties under the Care Act 2014.
- Services: The contracts cover supporting unpaid carers, promoting independence through information and advice, advocacy and inclusion, early intervention, and home from hospital support.
Housing Scrutiny Panel Focuses on Housing Standards and Resident Engagement
The Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel met to discuss the Regulator of Social Housing inspection, the decommissioning of Cheshire House and Shropshire House, and the Big Door Knock initiative. Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel
Top Marks for Housing Services
Enfield Council received a C1 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH), the highest possible grade, demonstrating full compliance with consumer standards.
- National recognition: Enfield is one of only four local authorities in England and Wales to have been awarded the top grade, and the first to receive it in 2025-2026.
- Challenges: Key challenges include housing demand pressures and developing workforce skills.
- Ambitions: The council aims to become the best landlord in London by 2027, manage mixed tenure estates, and use technology to enhance living experiences and safety.
Decommissioning Unsafe Housing: Cheshire House and Shropshire House
The council is progressing with the decommissioning and regeneration of Cheshire House and Shropshire House due to structural issues.
- Rehousing tenants: The council has rehoused 162 secure council tenancies, with two remaining.
- Acquiring leasehold properties: 35 of the 42 privately owned leasehold properties have been acquired, with seven yet to be acquired.
- Compulsory Purchase Orders: The cabinet approved the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO) powers to acquire the remaining properties.
- Safety measures: Safety measures have been put in place, including removing piped gas supply, installing new electrical supply, removing asbestos, and fitting CCTV.
- Future development: The council intends to demolish the blocks and replace them with approximately 267 new homes.
Big Door Knock: Engaging with Residents
The Big Door Knock initiative saw council officers and councillors visit 720 housing blocks and knock on over 7,000 doors to gather feedback from residents.
- Positive response: The overall response to the Big Door Knock was very positive, with residents expressing gratitude for the initiative.
- Valuable data: The initiative collected valuable data on resident satisfaction, contact details, preferred communication methods, and key needs.
- Tenancy audit programme: As part of the audit for tenants in high rise blocks, person-centred fire risk assessments (PCFRAs) are undertaken, and Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans are created for high-risk tenants.
General Purposes Committee Discusses Audit, Fraud, and Data Protection
The General Purposes Committee addressed a range of topics, including external audit progress, contract procedure rules, and the council's counter fraud strategy. General Purposes Committee
Audit Committee Name Change Proposed
The committee considered a report recommending a change of name to Audit Committee, and adoption of new terms of reference aligned with guidance from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).
- Focus on finance and risk: The proposed changes would narrow the committee's focus to finance and risk.
- Referral to Full Council: Proposed changes will be referred to Full Council for approval.
Contract Procedure Rules and Waivers
The committee discussed a report providing an update on contract procedure rules, waivers, and procurement services for 2024/25.
- Increased waiver volumes: While waiver volumes have increased, this is primarily due to improved tracking and greater transparency.
- Improvement actions: The report recommended actions to ensure tighter controls, stronger oversight, and improved value for money, including adoption of a statutory waiver framework aligned to the Procurement Act 2023.
- Waiver analysis: During 2024/25 there were 89 waivers approved, equating to a total contract value of £38 million, with £36 million relating to just two contracts: the Enforcement Agencies and the Children's Residential Care Home Service.
Counter Fraud Strategy and Response Plan
The committee considered the Counter Fraud Strategy and Response Plan for the period 2025-2028.
- Strategic aims: The strategy outlines three key strategic aims to address fraud and related offences: promote the council's counter fraud culture, pursue fraud detection and sanction capabilities, and progress the use of technology.
- Zero tolerance: The council reaffirms its zero-tolerance stance on fraud and supports a strong anti-fraud culture and good governance.
Data Protection Annual Report
The committee discussed a report providing an update on the role of the Data Protection Officer (DPO) and the council's data protection update and work plan for 2025-26.
- Increase in data breaches: The DPO investigated a total of 145 personal data breaches between April 2024 and March 2025, an increase of 39 breaches from the previous year.
- Mandatory training: The mandatory e-learning training module for all staff on data protection has a current compliance rate of 93%.
Safer Neighbourhood Board Discusses Community Safety Priorities
The Enfield Council Safer Neighbourhood Board met to discuss community safety issues, including updates from the police and the Head of Community Safety. Safer Neighbourhood Board
Police Briefing: Focus on Town Centres and Retail Crime
The board received a verbal update from the police, with a focus on town centres and retail crime.
- Town centre focus: A Home Office focus on town centres such as Southgate and Palmers Green, to tackle anti-social behaviour.
- Retail crime: Retail crime was an increasing priority, with a focus on shoplifting.
- Crime hotspots: A heatmap indicated that the highest crime areas were Edmonton, Enfield Town and Ponders End.
Upcoming Meetings
- The Bush Hill Park Ward Forum will meet on Wednesday 29 October 2025. Bush Hill Park Ward Forum
- The Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday 04 November 2025. Planning Committee
- The Jubilee Ward Forum will meet on Tuesday 04 November 2025. Jubilee Ward Forum
- The Licensing Sub-Committee will meet on Wednesday 05 November 2025. Licensing Sub-Committee
- The Cabinet will meet on Wednesday 05 November 2025. Cabinet
Thriving Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 7.00 pm
The Thriving Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel were scheduled to discuss family hubs, educational performance in the borough, children's social care complaints, and school attendance and exclusion rates. The panel was also expected to review and note the panel's work programme for the upcoming year, and the dates of future meetings.
Local Pension Board - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 10.00 am
The Enfield Council Local Pension Board met on Wednesday 3 December 2025 to note the quarterly monitoring report of pensions administration performance targets and indicators, the Enfield Pension Fund annual report and accounts, and the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF) quarterly update. The board was also scheduled to note and comment on the draft version of the Funding Strategy Statement (FSS).
Oakwood Ward Forum - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 7.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Schools Forum - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 5.30 pm
The Enfield Council Schools Forum met on 3 December 2025 to discuss updates to the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), school funding arrangements, and de-delegated services. The forum was also scheduled to discuss a proposed block transfer from the DSG schools block to the high needs block.
Edmonton Green Ward Forum - Tuesday, 2nd December, 2025 7.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Health and Wellbeing Board - Tuesday, 2nd December, 2025 6.30 pm
The Enfield Council Health and Wellbeing Board met on Tuesday 2 December 2025 to discuss winter pressures, the implementation of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) neighbourhood model, damp and mould taskforce activity, and the Enfield Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy action plans. The board was also scheduled to review the LBE Supporting Independency Strategy. Councillor Alev Cazimoglu, Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care, was scheduled to chair the meeting.
Equalities Board - Monday, 1st December, 2025 7.00 pm
The Equalities Board was scheduled to meet to discuss health inequalities, hate crime, and domestic abuse in Enfield. The board was also expected to review the minutes from their previous meeting and note their work programme for the year.
Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel - Wednesday, 26th November, 2025 7.00 pm
The Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel met to discuss temporary accommodation and homelessness, the housing delivery programme, and training for neighbourhood services. Councillor Nawshad Ali, Chair of the Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel, was expected to welcome those present. Apologies were to be noted.
Call-In Meeting, Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 25th November, 2025 7.00 pm
This meeting has been cancelled.
Final Interviews, Staff Appeals, Appointment And Remuneration Committee - Monday, 24th November, 2025 9.30 am
The Staff Appeals, Appointment and Remuneration Committee met to interview candidates for the role of Director of Revenues & Transactional Services. After interviewing four candidates, the committee appointed Bola Odunsi to the position.
Mayor's Charity Appeal Fund Meeting - Monday, 8th December, 2025 5.00 pm
Healthy and Safe Communities Scrutiny Panel - Tuesday, 9th December, 2025 7.00 pm
Enfield Lock Ward Forum - Tuesday, 16th December, 2025 6.00 pm
Planning Committee - Tuesday, 16th December, 2025 7.00 pm
Corporate Parenting Board - Wednesday, 17th December, 2025 5.30 pm
Call-In Meeting, Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 17th December, 2025 7.00 pm, PROVISIONAL