This week in Enfield:

Housing Crisis Deepens: Temporary Accommodation and Empty Homes Take Centre Stage

The scale of Enfield's housing crisis was laid bare as the Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel was scheduled to examine the growing challenges of temporary accommodation and the persistent issue of private empty homes. With over 3,000 households, including more than 4,000 children, currently living in temporary accommodation, and an average stay of nearly four years, the human cost of this situation is immense. The report highlighted that each additional household in temporary accommodation costs the council approximately £40,000 annually, underscoring the significant financial strain.

The panel was also set to review the council's strategy for tackling private empty homes, with over 3,400 properties recorded as vacant, nearly 2,000 of which have been empty for over six months. The council has a range of interventions, from Council Tax premiums to Compulsory Purchase Orders, but the sheer number of empty properties suggests a need for more robust solutions. These issues directly impact vulnerable residents, including families facing homelessness and individuals struggling to find affordable, stable housing.

The panel was also scheduled to receive an update on the implementation of Awaab's Law[^1], which strengthens the responsibilities of social landlords to address housing hazards like damp and mould. While the council reports high completion rates for damp and mould cases, the upcoming Phase 2 of Awaab's Law will extend these requirements to a wider range of hazards, demanding continued vigilance and investment in housing quality.

• Find out more: Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel meeting details

Planning Decisions Loom for Multiple Properties

The Planning Committee was scheduled to consider three planning applications that could significantly alter local streetscapes and property uses. These included a change of use for a property on Alma Road to a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), a retrospective application for a new dwelling on The Glen, and a variation of conditions for a property on Cotswold Way.

The Alma Road application, proposing to convert a dwelling into an HMO for up to six residents, raised concerns about the impact on the street scene and neighbouring amenity. The proposed conditions included specific requirements for bin storage within the property's garage to mitigate visual impact.

The retrospective application on The Glen involved a new detached dwelling built with amendments during construction. While the principle of development was established, residents had raised concerns about the impact on the area's character and amenity.

The Cotswold Way application sought to regularise changes made during the construction of a loft conversion and rear extension. A late objection from a neighbour requested a deferral for an independent survey, highlighting potential discrepancies in the submitted plans. These applications demonstrate the council's role in managing development and balancing the needs of developers with the concerns of existing residents.

• Find out more: Planning Committee meeting details

Local Issues on the Agenda at Ward Forums

Residents in Palmers Green and Grange Park had opportunities to raise local concerns at Ward Forums scheduled this week. The Palmers Green Ward Forum and the Grange Park Ward Forum were both scheduled to provide platforms for residents to engage directly with councillors and local police on neighbourhood-specific issues.

The Grange Park Ward Forum was expected to include an update from the Safer Neighbourhoods Police team, with a specific focus on tackling speeding in the ward. Local councillors were also scheduled to provide updates. These forums are vital for ensuring that the concerns of residents in specific areas are heard and addressed by the council.

• Find out more: Palmers Green Ward Forum meeting details
• Find out more: Grange Park Ward Forum meeting details

Other Matters

Overview & Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to consider its work programme. Scrutiny committees play a crucial role in holding the council to account by examining the effectiveness of council services and policies, ensuring that decisions are well-considered and that services are delivered efficiently and equitably.

• Find out more: Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting details

This week in Enfield:

Schools Face Potential Closures as Cabinet Approves Consultation

Enfield Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, and took the significant step of approving the commencement of consultations on the potential closure of three schools: Bishop Stopford's School, Starks Field Primary School, and Suffolks Primary School. This decision follows an assessment that identified a high risk due to falling pupil numbers, significant surplus capacity, and increasing financial pressures.

The potential closure of these schools raises serious concerns for students, parents, and staff. The consultation process, which will involve extensive engagement with all stakeholders, is crucial for understanding the full impact and for gathering diverse perspectives on the future of these educational institutions. The Council has allocated up to £150,000 from its General Fund to support this consultation. A further report will be presented to Cabinet after the consultation to outline recommended options.

In a related move, the Cabinet also approved a substantial capital investment of £15.9 million for the 2026/27 financial year and a commitment of £36.2 million for the period 2027/28 to 2029/30 for the Schools Capital Programme. This funding aims to improve learning environments, address the demand for Special Educational Needs (SEN) pupil places, and enhance the energy efficiency of the school estate.

• Find out more: Cabinet meeting details

New Housing Development and Regeneration Plans Approved

Enfield Council's Cabinet also approved a series of plans aimed at boosting housing delivery and regenerating key areas of the borough. The Small and Medium Sites Delivery Strategy was adopted as the Council's framework for increasing housing from smaller development sites. This strategy includes plans to unlock stalled permissions, support landowners and developers, and identify Council-owned land for residential development. A targeted support package for SME developers was also approved.

In a move to address safety and housing quality, the Cabinet agreed to the demolition of Walbrook House. This decision prioritises resident safety, particularly in light of structural issues and escalating costs associated with the Building Safety Act. The Council will use Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers to acquire the land, with the aim of developing new housing on the site.

Furthermore, the Montagu 406 Regeneration LLP joint venture with Henry Boot Developments Ltd (HBD) is to be dissolved. This will allow the Council to manage and potentially dispose of the Montagu Industrial Estate, with a future report to members on disposal terms.

The Cabinet also approved the disposal of Greenway House by Housing Gateway Limited (HGL) to a preferred bidder, followed by a 10-year leaseback agreement for the Council to fulfil its statutory homelessness responsibilities.

• Find out more: Cabinet meeting details

Enfield's Economic Growth and Community Safety Plans Get Green Light

Enfield's vision for economic prosperity and community safety was further solidified as the Cabinet approved Enfield's Local Growth Plan 2026-2040 and the Safer Stronger Communities Board Community Safety Plan 2026-30.

The Economic Growth Plan sets out a bold vision for Enfield to become London's leading industrial and entrepreneurial borough by 2040. It focuses on driving economic growth, supporting businesses, attracting investment, and improving skills and employment outcomes, with priority sectors including Future-Facing Manufacturing, Construction and Net Zero, Logistics and Wholesale, and Creative Industries.

The Community Safety Plan, adopted by the Safer Stronger Communities Board on 30 April 2026, outlines a public health approach to community safety. Its strategic ambitions include reducing serious violence, strengthening community cohesion, preventing violence against women and girls, and addressing crimes that most affect communities. This plan is crucial for creating a safer and more inclusive environment for all residents.

• Find out more: Cabinet meeting details

Planning Committee Considers New Dwelling and Development Management Updates

The Planning Committee was scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, to consider a planning application for a new dwelling at Land Rear of 3-7 Seaforth Gardens and 35 Broad Walk, London N21 3BT. The application proposed a large, two-storey detached dwelling with a green roof. The report pack indicated a recommendation to grant planning permission, subject to conditions. This development, located near Grovelands Park, has been subject to public consultation, with concerns raised about access, residential amenity, and potential overdevelopment. The report detailed how the scheme's design and recommended conditions aimed to address these issues.

The committee was also scheduled to receive a report from the Programme Director for Development Management and Planning Enforcement, providing an update on the number of planning applications determined by the Council. In the period between 2 September 2026 and 29 September 2026, 369 applications were determined, with 291 granted and 78 refused. The report highlighted that the determination of planning applications supports good growth and sustainable development.

• Find out more: Planning Committee meeting details

Lower Edmonton Ward Forum Scheduled to Discuss Community Fund and HMOs

The Lower Edmonton Ward Forum is scheduled to meet on Saturday, 17 October 2026. A key item on the agenda is the £20 million Pride in Place fund, an initiative designed to support community-led projects and improvements across the borough. The forum will also review applications for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), properties where three or more unrelated people live, sharing amenities. Discussions are also anticipated regarding strategies to tackle fly-tipping and illegal parking, alongside an update from local Safer Neighbourhood Police Officers and ward councillors.

• Find out more: Lower Edmonton Ward Forum meeting details

This week in Enfield:

Schools Face Funding Uncertainty as Dedicated Schools Grant Deficit Grows

Enfield's schools are facing potential financial strain as the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) continues to show a growing deficit. The Schools Forum was scheduled to consider updates on the DSG for the 2026/27 financial year, revealing a projected overspend primarily driven by increased demand and costs associated with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision. This situation could mean difficult choices for schools in managing their budgets, potentially impacting resources for students.

The meeting was also set to discuss school funding arrangements for the following academic year, including the implications of the National Funding Formula, the Teachers' Pay Award, and the expansion of Free School Meals eligibility. Proposals to maintain de-delegated services for maintained schools, with an uplift for inflation, were also on the agenda.

Furthermore, the forum was scheduled to receive an update on the Delivering Better Value in SEND programme, which aims to improve SEND systems nationally. Learning from this programme is intended to inform future SEND reforms. An overview of the Annual School Internal Audit Report for 2025-26, detailing findings on governance and financial management in Enfield schools, was also planned.

• Find out more: Schools Forum meeting details

Local Issues Take Centre Stage at Ward Forums

Residents had the opportunity to raise local concerns at several Ward Forums scheduled this week. The Enfield Lock Ward Forum was set to discuss issues affecting the Kettering Estate and parking congestion on Tysoe Avenue. Updates from the police and councillors were also planned, alongside an open forum for residents to raise any local matters.

Similarly, the Town Ward Forum and Oakwood Ward Forum were scheduled to provide platforms for local discussions. These forums are crucial for direct engagement between residents and their elected representatives, ensuring neighbourhood-specific issues are heard and addressed.

• Find out more: Enfield Lock Ward Forum meeting details
• Find out more: Town Ward Forum meeting details
• Find out more: Oakwood Ward Forum meeting details

This week in Enfield:

Licensing Sub-Committee Meeting Cancelled Amidst Busy Schedule

The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting, originally scheduled for Wednesday, 23 September 2026, was cancelled. This meeting was set to consider a significant variation to the premises licence for Shere Khan, a restaurant at 128 High Street, Enfield, EN3 4ES. The application sought to extend opening hours until 04:30 on Fridays and Saturdays and introduce new licensable activities. The Licensing Authority had raised objections, citing concerns about the premises' location within the Edmonton Cumulative Impact Zone and the potential for increased public nuisance and crime. The proposed changes, which included extending alcohol sales and introducing live music, were seen by the Licensing Authority as more akin to a late-night entertainment venue than a restaurant. The meeting was also due to review minutes from previous Licensing Sub-Committee meetings.

• Find out more: Licensing Sub-Committee meeting details

Equalities Board Gears Up for Annual Report and Work Programme

The Equalities Board met on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, to discuss the Annual Equalities Report for 2025/26 and to shape its priorities for the upcoming work programme. The Board's role is crucial in ensuring the council upholds its commitment to eliminating discrimination based on protected characteristics, including age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, and sexual orientation. The council also includes care experience as a protected characteristic.

Key discussions included:

• Annual Equalities Report 2025/26: A verbal update was provided on the development of this report, which will detail the council's performance and activities related to equality over the past year.
• Work Programme 2026/27: The Board was tasked with agreeing and prioritising its activities for the coming year, ensuring its focus aligns with the council's broader equality objectives.
• Terms of Reference: The Board reviewed its own Terms of Reference, which outline its purpose, membership, and responsibilities in overseeing the council's equality processes.

The Board's work is vital for ensuring that council policies and services are fair and accessible to all residents, particularly those from vulnerable groups.

• Find out more: Equalities Board meeting details

Local Pension Board Reviews Performance and Future Reforms

The Local Pension Board convened on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, to review the performance of pension administration, discuss training strategies, and receive updates on significant reforms impacting the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

Key agenda items included:

• Quarterly Monitoring Report: A review of pensions administration performance targets and indicators, alongside the risk register, was presented.
• Training Strategy: A report on the training strategy for board members was delivered, aiming to equip them with the necessary skills to navigate the evolving landscape of pension fund management.
• London CIV Update and Fit for the Future Reforms: Updates were provided on the fund's asset pooling partner, London CIV, and the implications of the Fit for the Future reforms. These reforms are reshaping how LGPS funds are managed and invested, with a focus on efficiency and long-term sustainability.
• Annual Report 2025/26: The Enfield Pension Fund's Annual Report was presented for approval, detailing the scheme's overview, financial statements, and investments.
• LAPFF Quarterly Update: An update from the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF) provided insights into company engagements on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.

These discussions are critical for ensuring the financial security of pension members and the responsible management of public funds.

• Find out more: Local Pension Board meeting details

Culture and Environment Scrutiny Panel Meets

The Culture and Environment Scrutiny Panel met on Monday, 21 September 2026. While the full details of the meeting are pending council publication, scrutiny panels play a vital role in holding the council to account by examining the effectiveness of services and policies. Their recommendations can lead to significant improvements in how the council operates and serves its residents.

• Find out more: Culture and Environment Scrutiny Panel meeting details

Thriving Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel Reviews Safeguarding and Family Hubs

The Thriving Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel met on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, to review important reports concerning child safeguarding and the provision of family support services.

The panel discussed:

• Enfield Safeguarding Children's Partnership Annual Report 2025/26: This report detailed the partnership's progress in protecting children, highlighting a reduction in statutory interventions and Child Protection Plans. It also outlined challenges and future priorities, with a focus on neglect, harm outside the home, and protecting vulnerable babies.
• Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies Services Update: This report provided an overview of Enfield's Family Hubs and Healthy Babies Programme, which aims to offer integrated support for families from pregnancy to age 19. The programme focuses on early intervention, strengthening family resilience, and improving outcomes for children and parents.

The panel also reviewed its work programme for 2026/27, which will include further discussions on SEND reform, falling school rolls, and the Youth Strategy. These discussions are vital for ensuring the wellbeing and safety of Enfield's children and young people.

• Find out more: Thriving Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel meeting details

Other Matters

Bowes Ward Forum Held

The Bowes Ward Forum met on Monday, 21 September 2026. Ward forums are essential for local democracy, providing a platform for residents to engage directly with councillors on neighbourhood-specific issues.

• Find out more: Bowes Ward Forum meeting details

Winchmore Hill Ward Forum Scheduled

The Winchmore Hill Ward Forum is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 26 September 2026.

• Find out more: Winchmore Hill Ward Forum meeting details