The Cabinet of Enfield Council met on Wednesday 14 October 2026. The meeting saw the approval of plans to consult on the potential closure of three schools due to falling pupil numbers, a significant capital programme for schools, a new Economic Growth Plan for 2026-2040, and a strategy to increase housing delivery from small and medium-sized sites.

Pupil Place Planning - School Repurposing Consultation Proposal

The Cabinet approved the commencement of consultations on the proposed closure of Bishop Stopford's School, Starks Field Primary School, and Suffolks Primary School. This decision stems from a pupil place viability assessment that identified these schools as being at high risk due to declining pupil numbers, significant surplus capacity, and increasing budget pressures. An allocation of up to £150,000 from the Council General Fund was approved to cover the costs of the consultation process. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of People to undertake the consultation and to the Cabinet Member for Education to agree the consultation document. A further report will be presented to Cabinet following the consultation to outline recommended options, including whether to proceed with statutory closure processes.

Schools Capital Programme 2026/27 to 2029/30

A significant Schools Capital Programme was approved, including spending of £15.9 million from the 2026/27 budget and a commitment to spend £36.2 million from the 2027/28 to 2029/30 budget. This programme aims to improve learning environments, address the demand for Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision, and enhance the energy efficiency of the school estate. Contingency budgets of £0.55 million in 2026/27 and £0.60 million in 2027/28 were also approved for urgent works or new schemes. Capital receipts generated from the sale of vacant education properties will be reinvested into the Schools Capital Programme, subject to Secretary of State approval, to support SEN provision. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of People and the Lead Member for Children's Services for the award of works and services contracts.

Enfield's Local Growth Plan 2026-2040

The Cabinet approved Enfield's Economic Growth Plan 2026-2040, which sets out a long-term vision to support business growth, attract investment, increase employment and skills opportunities, and ensure the benefits of growth are shared by local communities. The plan identifies priority growth sectors including future-facing manufacturing, construction and net zero, logistics and wholesale, and creative industries. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Housing and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, to oversee its delivery and make minor amendments.

Small and Medium Site Strategy

The Small and Medium Sites Delivery Strategy was approved as the Council's framework for increasing housing delivery from smaller development sites across the borough. This includes establishing a proactive support and outreach programme for landowners, applicants, and developers, and developing a Council-led programme to identify suitable Council-owned land for residential development. A targeted support package for SME developers is also included. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Housing and Regeneration, in consultation with the appropriate Cabinet Member, to approve the detailed procurement strategy for associated contracts.

Quarter 1 2026/27 Performance Report

The Cabinet noted the progress being made against key priority indicators for Enfield, as outlined in the refreshed corporate performance scorecard aligned to the new Council Plan 2026-30. The report highlighted achievements in areas such as reductions in anti-social behaviour, improved housing repairs, strong planning performance, and increased library and leisure centre usage.

Safer Stronger Communities Board Community Safety Plan 2026-30

The Cabinet approved the Safer Stronger Communities Board Community Safety Plan 2026-30. This plan sets out the crime and community safety priorities for the next four years, adopting a public health approach to prevent violence, respond to immediate risks, and provide long-term support for those affected by crime. The plan aligns with the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime Plan and addresses local priorities such as serious violence, community cohesion, violence against women and girls, and anti-social behaviour.

Voluntary and Community Sector Premises Policy

The Voluntary and Community Sector Premises Policy was approved, establishing a clear framework for allocating, managing, and reviewing Council-owned premises occupied by VCS organisations. The policy aims to ensure that any rent subsidy is linked to demonstrable community benefit and aligns with the Council's asset management and financial responsibilities. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Housing and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Council Assets and Culture, to make minor amendments to the policy before publication.

Schools Capital Programme 2026/27 to 2029/30

The Cabinet approved the spending of £15.9 million from the schools' 2026/27 capital budget and committed to spending £36.2 million from the 2027/28 to 2029/30 budget. This programme includes projects for maintaining and improving school estates, addressing the demand for Special Educational Needs (SEN) pupil places, and improving energy efficiency in line with the Council's Climate Action Plan. Contingency budgets were also approved for urgent works and new schemes.

Montagu 406 Regeneration LLP (Joint Venture) Dissolution

The Cabinet agreed to bring the Montagu Joint Venture Partnership to an end. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Housing and Regeneration to agree terms with HBD for the dissolution, and to the Director of Law and Governance to take all necessary steps to wind up the limited liability partnership. The Council will procure or have assigned to it a contract for the management of the Montagu Estate. A further report will be brought back to members for a decision on any terms of disposal once the site has been marketed and offers evaluated.

Energetik 2026/27 Operating Plan

The Cabinet noted the contents of Energetik's 2026/27 Operating Plan, including its budget, operational achievements in 2025/26, and priorities for the financial year. It was noted that the Operating Plan does not require formal shareholder approval and assumes the utilisation of the full £6 million working capital facility.

Housing Gateway Ltd Asset Review

The Cabinet approved the disposal of Greenway House by Housing Gateway Limited (HGL) to the preferred bidder. They also approved the Council entering into a leaseback agreement for the use of Greenway House for a period of 10 years to fulfil its statutory homelessness responsibilities. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Housing and Regeneration, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer, to approve the final terms of disposal and lease.

Strategic Asset Management Plan 2025-28

The Cabinet approved the Strategic Asset Management Plan 2027-2032, which establishes the Council's strategic framework for managing, investing in, and optimising its property estate over the next five years. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director responsible for Property, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Assets and Culture, to approve annual delivery plans and make non-material amendments.

Quarter 1 2026/27 Performance Report

The Cabinet noted the progress being made against key priority indicators for Enfield, as outlined in the refreshed corporate performance scorecard aligned to the new Council Plan 2026-30. The report highlighted achievements in areas such as reductions in anti-social behaviour, improved housing repairs, strong planning performance, and increased library and leisure centre usage.

Safer Stronger Communities Board Community Safety Plan 2026-30

The Cabinet approved the Safer Stronger Communities Board Community Safety Plan 2026-30. This plan sets out the crime and community safety priorities for the next four years, adopting a public health approach to prevent violence, respond to immediate risks, and provide long-term support for those affected by crime. The plan aligns with the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime Plan and addresses local priorities such as serious violence, community cohesion, violence against women and girls, and anti-social behaviour.

Voluntary and Community Sector Premises Policy

The Voluntary and Community Sector Premises Policy was approved, establishing a clear framework for allocating, managing, and reviewing Council-owned premises occupied by VCS organisations. The policy aims to ensure that any rent subsidy is linked to demonstrable community benefit and aligns with the Council's asset management and financial responsibilities. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Housing and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Council Assets and Culture, to make minor amendments to the policy before publication.