The Equalities Board of Enfield Council is scheduled to consider updates on housing inequality and the council's commissioning of voluntary and community services. The meeting will also review the board's work programme.

Housing Inequality in Enfield

A key item on the agenda is an update on the work being undertaken to reduce housing inequalities across the borough. This will include a specific focus on the support provided to asylum seekers. The report pack indicates that while residents from all ethnic backgrounds can access homelessness services, there is a notable overrepresentation of certain ethnic groups among those approaching the council for assistance. The report highlights that Black households are around twice as likely to become homeless as a household from another background in Enfield. ¹ It also notes that Asian households are becoming homeless at roughly half of the rate that would be expected based purely on looking at the Census data, suggesting a complex issue that requires further consideration. The report will also detail progress made against recommendations from Enfield's Poverty and Inequality Commission (2020), which identified housing as a significant contributor to poverty and inequality in the borough. This includes updates on regeneration schemes, the landlord licensing scheme, and homeless prevention measures.

Voluntary Community Services

The board is also scheduled to receive a report providing an overview of the voluntary community services that the council commissions. This report details 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 Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations, amounting to an annual expenditure of £5.96 million. The report outlines that the majority of this funding comes from grants, with significant expenditure directed towards adult social care placements and support for survivors of domestic abuse. The report also details the role of the Community Development team, which acts as a central point of contact for the council, the VCS, and partner agencies, and works closely with Enfield Voluntary Action (EVA), the borough's core infrastructure support organisation for the VCS.

Work Programme

The board will also consider its work programme. The report pack indicates that the Work Programme for 2025/26 is to be noted as completed, and the Equalities Board Work Programme for 2026/27 will be discussed at the first meeting of the new municipal year.