The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Haringey Council met on Tuesday 08 April 2025 to discuss the council's financial position, performance against its Corporate Delivery Plan, and matters arising from the Climate, Community Safety and Environment Scrutiny Panel. Key decisions included the approval of the draft scope for a review into the prioritisation of cyclists within the Walking and Cycling Action Plan.

Finance Update Quarter 3 (Period 9)

The committee received an update on the council's financial position at Quarter 3 of the 2024/25 financial year. A significant forecast General Fund overspend of £37.2 million was noted, attributed to increased demand and costs in adult social care and temporary accommodation. The council's reserves position was described as lower than average, and it was highlighted that the use of Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the government would likely be necessary to balance the budget. For every £1 million of EFS required, an additional £72,000 in revenue costs would be incurred annually for the next 20 years. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) also showed a forecast overspend of £2.6 million, primarily in the High Needs Block. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) reported a forecast surplus of £5.976 million, an improvement from the previous quarter. Capital expenditure forecasts indicated significant underspends in both the General Fund and HRA. The committee noted that budget adjustments were proposed for the general fund capital programme, including the inclusion of £20 million for exceptional financial support if required, the deletion of the Wards Corner Development budget, and the re-profiling of £8.6 million into future years.

2024-26 Corporate Delivery Plan: Q3 Performance Update

The committee reviewed the latest performance information for Quarter 3 of 2024/25 against the Corporate Delivery Plan. Overall, 70% of milestones were achieved on time, with 92% of activities rated as Green or Amber. Notable achievements included the delivery of new council homes and bringing leisure services in-house. However, 8% of activities (15 individual lines) were rated Red, indicating they were not on track for delivery. Specific challenges were identified across various themes:

• Theme 1: Resident experience and enabling success: Delays were noted in the Resident Experience change workstream and the development of a Community Assemblies model, both rated Red. The implementation of the Procurement Modernisation Programme was rated Amber, with ongoing challenges.
• Theme 2: Responding to the climate emergency: The Decentralised Energy Network business case was rated Red due to funding issues and a decision to close the programme pending review. The electrification of the council's fleet was also Red due to a lack of resources and high costs. School Streets delivery was Amber due to resource pressures, and the Borough Idling Plan and Healthy School Zones were Red due to being paused.
• Theme 3: Children and young people: The development of an Education Strategy to close attainment gaps was rated Amber.
• Theme 4: Adults, health, and welfare: The refurbishment of Canning Crescent clinic was Red, though showing positive progress. Developing an approach for greater alignment with Young Carers activity was Red. Exploring changes to charging policy for independent living support was also Red due to affordability concerns. The Carer's Offer and Strategy update was Amber with a decreased direction of travel, as was the implementation of the Localities Programme and Income Maximisation Delivery Group workplan.
• Theme 5: Homes for the future: Reducing the use of bed and breakfast accommodation was Red but showing improved direction of travel. Improving standards in temporary accommodation and improving access to the private rented sector were both Amber. The Decent Homes programme and commissioning of a new supported housing strategy were Amber, with a decreased direction of travel for the latter.
• Theme 6: Safer Haringey: Coordinating a VAWG residents association and training offer was Amber.
• Theme 7: Culturally rich Haringey: Developing a Libraries Strategy was Amber due to delays in implementing changes to opening hours and the need for public consultation.
• Theme 8: Place and economy: Several regeneration projects, including Selby Urban Village, Tottenham Hale Placemaking, the Enterprise Hub at 40 Cumberland Road, and High Road West, were rated Red due to budget and risk factors. Improvements to Wood Green Common and Barratt Gardens were Amber. Reducing the planning application backlog was Amber.

Matters Arising from the Climate, Community Safety and Environment Scrutiny Panel – One Off Scrutiny Review of Community Safety

The committee received an updated report on the one-off scrutiny review of community safety. Recommendations from the review included closer working and better communication between the Youth Panel and Community Safety Panels, strengthening the Ward Panel Meeting structure as a primary communication tool between residents, local organisations, and the Police, and ensuring quarterly ward performance figures on Safer Neighbourhood Teams' visibility and front-line police resourcing are cascaded to Ward Panel meetings. The review also recommended a review of the ASB policy for clarity on definitions and responsibilities, and making the online ASB reporting link more prominent and user-friendly. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of Stop and Search, leading to a recommendation for the Stop and Search Community Monitoring Group and a representative from MOPAC's London Disproportionality Board to report to a future scrutiny session. Finally, the review recommended that Cabinet Members ensure Youth Justice and Children at Risk projects are holistically supported in finding long-term funding. The committee resolved to recommend these recommendations to Cabinet for consideration.

Work Programme Update

The committee considered a draft scoping document for a Scrutiny Review on the prioritisation of cyclists within the Walking and Cycling Action Plan. This review emerged from discussions at a Scrutiny Café consultation event and feedback from residents regarding cycling infrastructure, particularly concerning the increased use of e-bikes. The review will involve three scrutiny sessions with residents, external experts, and focus groups. It will aim to identify ways to improve cycling within the borough and enhance safety for cyclists and vulnerable road users. The committee resolved to approve the draft scoping document for this review.