Councillor Ajda Ovat
Email: ajda1.ovat@haringey.gov.uk
Council: Haringey
Council Profile: View on council website
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Positions, Voting Record & Activity Summary
Ajda Ovat's council service, particularly in recent years, has demonstrated a consistent dedication to community well-being and public services, with a notable shift towards more focused, albeit less documented, engagement in the most recent period.
Key Themes and Priorities: Across her service, Ovat has consistently prioritized community safety, public services, and housing development. In 2025, these themes were particularly prominent. She was a strong advocate for the implementation of a Borough Wide PSPO, driven by concerns over public space misuse and anti-social behavior. Her work also extended to ensuring the viability of community organizations through the Community Assets Social Value Policy, aiming to establish fair subsidy levels for council building leases. In 2024, her focus on community safety was evident in her engagement with issues surrounding food bank support and efforts to combat hate crime.
Evolution of Focus: While earlier years show a broader engagement with community issues, the most recent period, particularly 2025, highlights a more targeted approach. Her consistent advocacy for specific policies like the PSPO and the Community Assets Social Value Policy indicates a deepening focus on tangible solutions for community challenges. The limited but present activity in 2026, solely marked by her attendance at a Cabinet meeting, suggests a potential shift towards a more observational or strategic role, or perhaps a period of less public-facing activity. However, her presence at this key meeting underscores her continued involvement at a high level.
Most Significant Contributions (Recent Years): In 2025, Ovat's most significant contributions likely lie in her persistent advocacy for the Borough Wide PSPO, which aimed to directly address public safety concerns. Her championing of the Community Assets Social Value Policy also represents a crucial effort to support the voluntary and community sector. While her direct actions in 2026 are not detailed, her presence at the Cabinet meeting on January 20th signifies her continued participation in high-level decision-making processes.
Patterns and Consistent Areas of Interest: A clear pattern throughout Ovat's service is her commitment to improving the lives of residents through enhanced public services and safety measures. Her engagement with issues like anti-social behavior, community support, and crime prevention demonstrates a sustained interest in creating a secure and thriving community environment. Her involvement in housing development also points to a broader concern for the well-being and infrastructure of the borough.
In summary, Ajda Ovat has been a dedicated advocate for her community, with a strong emphasis on safety and public services. While her documented activity has varied, her consistent presence and focused advocacy, particularly in 2025, highlight her commitment to tangible improvements. Her continued involvement at the Cabinet level in 2026, even with limited specific actions recorded, indicates her ongoing strategic role within the council.
Yearly Activity Timeline
In 2026, Ajda Ovat's recorded activity was limited to her presence at the Cabinet meeting on January 20th. No specific actions or statements were documented for her during this period.
Monthly Activity in 2026
During January 2026, Ajda Ovat was present at the Cabinet meeting on January 20th. No specific actions or statements were recorded for her during this meeting.
Meetings in January 2026
Cabinet - Tuesday, 20th January, 2026 6.30 pm - 20 January 2026
Ajda Ovat was present at the Cabinet meeting on 9th December 2025. The provided document does not contain any record of her speaking or taking any specific actions during this meeting.
Throughout 2025, Ajda Ovat, as Cabinet Member for Communities, was a consistent and active participant in council meetings, demonstrating a strong focus on community safety, public services, and council housing development. A significant portion of her activity centered on the implementation of a Borough Wide PSPO, which she consistently advocated for, citing high numbers of public space misuse reports (approximately 780 monthly) and emphasizing its importance for public safety and reducing anti-social behavior. She actively engaged in discussions regarding contractor selection for new council homes on Lansdowne Road sites, seeking assurances on risk mitigation. Ovat also championed the Community Assets Social Value Policy, aimed at establishing fair subsidy levels for leases of council buildings to voluntary and community sector organizations, stressing the importance of supporting these groups. She demonstrated support for community initiatives by seconding a motion recognizing the Latin American community and actively participated in discussions on waste strategy and school closure reports. Ovat also showed a commitment to improving community safety through enhanced integration between teams and simplifying online reporting for anti-social behavior, with a particular focus on involving young people. While her presence was noted in several meetings where specific actions weren't recorded, her consistent engagement across multiple months highlights her dedication to her portfolio.
Monthly Activity in 2025
During December 2025, Councillor Ajda Ovat attended the Cabinet meeting on December 9th. At this meeting, she made a reference to the notice concerning filming at council meetings, which was acknowledged.
Meetings in December 2025
Cabinet - Tuesday, 9th December, 2025 6.30 pm - 9 December 2025
Councillor Ajda Ovat was present at the Cabinet meeting on December 9th, 2025. She referred to the notice regarding filming at meetings, and this information was duly noted.
During November 2025, Councillor Ajda Ovat attended three council meetings: a Cabinet Member Signing on November 5th, a Cabinet meeting on November 11th, and a Full Council meeting on November 24th. While her presence was noted at all meetings, no specific statements or actions were recorded for the first two. At the Full Council meeting on November 24th, Councillor Matt White posed a question to Ajda Ovat regarding the decision to keep the Front Desk at Tottenham Police Station open and its impact on residents, but her response was not documented.
Meetings in November 2025
Full Council - Monday, 24th November, 2025 7.30 pm - 24 November 2025
Ajda Ovat was noted as having apologies for absence from a previous meeting on 16th October 2025. During the Full Council meeting on 24th November 2025, Councillor Matt White asked Ajda Ovat a question concerning the decision to keep the Front Desk at Tottenham Police Station open and its impact on Tottenham residents. However, her response to this question is not recorded in the provided documents.
Cabinet - Tuesday, 11th November, 2025 6.30 pm - 11 November 2025
Ajda Ovat was present at the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 11th November, 2025. There is no record of her speaking or taking any action in the provided documents.
The extension of the CCTV Maintenance Contract, Cabinet Member Signing - Wednesday, 5th November, 2025 11.30 am - 5 November 2025
Councillor Ajda Ovat was present at the Cabinet Member Signing meeting on November 5th, 2025. No specific statements or actions were attributed to her in the minutes.
During October 2025, Ajda Ovat was present at the Cabinet meeting on October 21st. No specific statements or actions were recorded for her during this meeting.
Meetings in October 2025
Cabinet - Tuesday, 21st October, 2025 6.30 pm - 21 October 2025
Ajda Ovat was present at the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 21st October, 2025. No specific statements or actions were recorded for her in the provided documents.
In September 2025, Ajda Ovat, as the Cabinet Member for Communities, focused on improving community safety and collaboration. She detailed plans to enhance the integration between the housing and community safety teams, as well as other Council departments and partners. Ovat also highlighted initiatives to improve and simplify online reporting for anti-social behaviour and emphasized the Council's commitment to involving young people in community safety enhancements. Additionally, she participated in discussions regarding the NORTH LONDON JOINT WASTE STRATEGY 2025 - 2040 (NLJWS)
and expressed gratitude for the officers' efforts in developing a school closure report, stating, > The Lead Member noted her thanks to officers for the hard work in developing the work for this decision.
Meetings in September 2025
Cabinet - Tuesday, 16th September, 2025 6.30 pm - 16 September 2025
As the Cabinet Member for Communities, Ajda Ovat responded to the report on MATTERS REFERRED TO CABINET BY THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE.
She outlined efforts to improve collaboration between the housing and community safety team and other Council teams and partners. She also highlighted plans to enhance and streamline online anti-social behaviour reporting systems for residents and stated that the Council would engage with young people to involve them in community safety improvements. Additionally, Councillor Ovat asked questions during the discussion on the NORTH LONDON JOINT WASTE STRATEGY 2025 - 2040 (NLJWS).
In relation to a school closure report, The Lead Member
(likely Ajda Ovat) expressed thanks to officers for their hard work in developing the decision. > The Lead Member noted her thanks to officers for the hard work in developing the work for this decision.
During July 2025, Councillor Ajda Ovat, Cabinet Member for Communities, seconded Motion A, Recognising the Latin American community in Haringey,
at the Full Council meeting on July 21st.
Meetings in July 2025
Full Council - Monday, 21st July, 2025 7.30 pm - 21 July 2025
Councillor Ajda Ovat, Cabinet Member for Communities, seconded Motion A, Recognising the Latin American community in Haringey.
During the June 2025 Cabinet meeting on the 17th, Ajda Ovat, as the Cabinet Member for Communities, introduced the Community Assets Social Value Policy. This policy is designed to establish subsidy levels for leases of council buildings to voluntary and community sector (VCS) organizations. Ovat emphasized that the policy aims to ensure equality, equity, and fairness across Haringey assets
and support organizations that deliver social value, acknowledging their crucial role, especially given the current challenges affecting residents. She clarified that rent assessments would be site-specific, providing an example of an 80% social value rent reduction for a community center. Ovat also mentioned that similar schemes are in place in other local authorities and that the Haringey Community Collaborative would assist grassroots organizations in achieving equality of access.
Meetings in June 2025
Cabinet - Tuesday, 17th June, 2025 6.30 pm - 17 June 2025
Ajda Ovat, as the Cabinet Member for Communities, introduced the report on the Community Assets Social Value Policy. She explained that the policy aims to determine subsidy levels on leases for voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations operating out of council buildings, emphasizing its role in ensuring equality, equity, and fairness across Haringey assets and supporting organisations that bring social value. Councillor Ovat highlighted the Council's recognition of the vital work of VCS organisations, particularly in the current climate affecting residents' well-being. She clarified that rent for each site would be assessed individually, citing an example of an 80% social value rent reduction for a community centre on a full repair lease. She also noted that similar schemes have been implemented by other local authorities and explained that equality of access would be facilitated through support from the Haringey Community Collaborative for grass-root organisations.
During the April 22nd, 2025 Cabinet meeting, Councillor Ajda Ovat was present and actively engaged in discussions regarding agenda item 160, concerning contractor selection for new council homes on Lansdowne Road sites. She raised pertinent questions about the potential risks of delivery failure and price increases, prompting officers to explain their mitigation strategies, including the use of fixed-price contracts and retention clauses.
Meetings in April 2025
Cabinet - Tuesday, 22nd April, 2025 6.30 pm - 22 April 2025
Councillor Ajda Ovat was present at the Cabinet meeting on 22nd April 2025. During the discussion of agenda item 160, CONTRACTOR SELECTION FOR NEW COUNCIL HOMES ON LANSDOWNE ROAD SITES, N17,
she inquired about the potential risks of delivery failure and price increases. Officers responded by detailing the mitigation strategies employed, such as fixed-price contracts and retention clauses.
During March 2025, Ajda Ovat attended three council meetings. She was present at the Full Council meeting on March 3rd with no recorded actions. At the Cabinet meeting on March 18th, she asked questions regarding contractor selection for new council homes on Lansdowne Road sites. In the Full Council meeting on March 24th, Councillor Ovat voted against Budget Amendments 1, 2, 3, and 4, while supporting the main budget recommendations (a) to (n).
Meetings in March 2025
Full Council - Monday, 24th March, 2025 7.30 pm - 24 March 2025
Councillor Ajda Ovat was present at the Full Council meeting on March 24th, 2025. Councillor Ovat voted against Budget Amendments 1, 2, 3, and 4, but voted in favour of the main budget recommendations (a) to (n).
CabinetTuesday, 18th March, 2025 6.30 pm - 18 March 2025
Ajda Ovat was present at the Cabinet meeting on March 18th, 2025. During the discussion of agenda item 160, concerning contractor selection for new council homes on Lansdowne Road sites, she asked questions.
Community Safety PartnershipThursday, 6th March, 2025 2.00 pm - 6 March 2025
Councillor Ajda Ovat served as Co-Chair of the Community Safety Partnership meeting on March 6, 2025. She was also present and served as Co-Chair at the previous meeting on October 24, 2024.
Budget, Full CouncilMonday, 3rd March, 2025 7.30 pm - 3 March 2025
Ajda Ovat was present at the Full Council meeting on March 3rd, 2025. No statements or actions were recorded for her during the meeting.
During the February 11th, 2025 Cabinet meeting, Ajda Ovat was present and actively participated in discussions regarding the Carbon Offset Fund Allocation Strategy and the Implementation of a Borough Wide PSPO. She sought clarification on the fund's application process and selection criteria, which include effectiveness in reducing carbon, value for money, community engagement, and permissions. In relation to the PSPO, she highlighted the significant volume of reports concerning public space misuse (approximately 780 per month) and stressed its importance for public safety and reducing anti-social behaviour. She also recommended that the Cabinet reject the Overview and Scrutiny Committee's recommendations and proceed with the original proposal.
Meetings in February 2025
CabinetTuesday, 11th February, 2025 6.30 pm - 11 February 2025
Ajda Ovat was present at the Cabinet meeting on February 11th, 2025. She also spoke on January 21st, 2025, regarding the Implementation of a Borough Wide PSPO. In relation to the Carbon Offset Fund Allocation Strategy, she asked questions and made comments, prompting explanations about the fund's application process, selection criteria (effectiveness of reducing carbon, value for money, community engagement, and permissions/consents), and alignment with the Capital Programme. Regarding the PSPO, she stated that approximately 780 reports per month were received concerning the misuse of public spaces and emphasized the importance of the PSPO for enhancing public safety and reducing anti-social behaviour. She also suggested that the Cabinet reject the recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and adopt the original recommendation.
During the January 21st Cabinet meeting, Ajda Ovat, Cabinet Member for Communities, addressed concerns from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the implementation of a Borough Wide PSPO. She emphasized the PSPO's importance for public safety and reducing anti-social behavior, citing approximately 780 monthly reports of public space misuse. Ovat clarified that the development of a Toilet Strategy would not delay the PSPO's implementation and highlighted a comprehensive consultation process involving over 200 groups and 1700 questionnaire responses that led to policy amendments. She recommended rejecting the Overview and Scrutiny Committee's recommendations and proceeding with the original PSPO proposal. Additionally, Cllr Ovat inquired about the potential positive impacts of an LTN or Streets for People initiative on North Tottenham during the discussion of library operating hours.
Meetings in January 2025
CabinetTuesday, 21st January, 2025 6.30 pm - 21 January 2025
Ajda Ovat, Cabinet Member for Communities, addressed concerns from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the implementation of a Borough Wide PSPO. She highlighted the significant issue of public space misuse, stating there were approximately 780 reports per month, and emphasized the PSPO's role in public safety and reducing anti-social behaviour. Ovat clarified that while a Toilet Strategy was being developed, its absence should not impede the PSPO's implementation. She also informed the committee that a comprehensive consultation had taken place, involving over 200 groups and 1700 questionnaire responses, which led to amendments in the policy. Ovat ultimately recommended rejecting the Overview and Scrutiny Committee's recommendations and proceeding with the original proposal. Additionally, during the discussion of the REVIEW OF LIBRARIES OPERATING HOURS
report, Cllr Ovat inquired about the potential positive impacts of an LTN or Streets for People initiative on North Tottenham.
In 2024, Ajda Ovat's primary recorded activity occurred in November during a Full Council meeting. She was questioned by fellow councillors on two significant issues: the urgent support for food banks, including the exploration of council-owned properties and a timeline for implementation before Christmas, and the ongoing efforts to combat hate crime in Haringey.
Monthly Activity in 2024
During November 2024, Ajda Ovat was active in the Full Council meeting on November 18th. In this meeting, Ajda Ovat was questioned by fellow councillors on two key issues: the urgent support for food banks, including the potential use of council-owned properties and the timeline for operationalizing the scheme before Christmas; and the ongoing work to address hate crime in Haringey.
Meetings in November 2024
Full CouncilMonday, 18th November, 2024 7.30 pm - 18 November 2024
During the Full Council meeting on November 18th, 2024, Ajda Ovat was asked two questions by other councillors. Cllr Mason inquired about the urgent support for food banks, specifically asking for assurance that empty council-owned properties would be made available to them and that the scheme would be operational before the Christmas break, given the significant number of residents struggling with essential costs. Cllr Ibrahim asked Ajda Ovat to outline the work being done to address hate crime in Haringey.
Cabinet - Tuesday, 12th November, 2024 6.30 pm - 12 November 2024
There is no record of Ajda Ovat saying or doing anything in the provided documents for the Cabinet meeting on 2024-11-12.
Activity Timeline
Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.
24 meetings · Page 1 of 5
Cabinet - Tuesday, 20th January, 2026 6.30 pm
The Cabinet of Haringey Council met on Tuesday 20 January 2026, approving the acquisition of 12 new council homes, a new policy to tackle single-use plastics, an updated damp and mould policy, and a new library strategy. The meeting also saw the approval of updated fees and charges, and significant investments in housing stock improvements and climate resilience.
Cabinet - Tuesday, 9th December, 2025 6.30 pm
The Haringey Council cabinet convened to address a range of critical issues, approving measures from financial management and housing to community safety and environmental resilience. Key decisions included adopting a new Anti-Social Behaviour Policy, approving a finance update for the second quarter of 2025/26, and adopting Haringey's Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience Action Plan.
Full Council - Monday, 24th November, 2025 7.30 pm
The Full Council of Haringey Council scheduled a meeting for November 24, 2025, to discuss a range of topics including reports from various committees, motions on rented homes and rough sleeping, and questions to cabinet members. The meeting was also scheduled to address the adoption of a revised Licensing Policy and the Q1 Treasury Management Report.
Cabinet - Tuesday, 11th November, 2025 6.30 pm
The Haringey Council cabinet convened to discuss and make decisions on a range of important issues, including housing, education, social care, and financial planning. The cabinet approved tendering processes for building new council homes at Kings Road Car Park and Tiverton Estate, and agreed to consult on proposed school admission arrangements for 2027/28. They also approved the Adult Carers Strategy 2025-2028 and a draft Homelessness Strategy for consultation, alongside addressing fire safety with new fire door contracts.
Decisions from Meetings
51 decisions · Page 1 of 11
Approval of Haringey Library Strategy 2026-30
From: Cabinet - Tuesday, 20th January, 2026 6.30 pm - January 20, 2026
...approved the Haringey Library Strategy 2026-30, which outlines priorities for equity, access, collaboration, growth, lifelong learning, and visibility and representation.
Recommendations Approved
Adopting an Updated Damp and Mould Policy
From: Cabinet - Tuesday, 20th January, 2026 6.30 pm - January 20, 2026
...approved an updated Damp and Mould Policy, effective from February 3, 2026, and delegated authority for future changes to the Corporate Director of Adults, Housing and Health in consultation with the relevant Cabinet member.
Recommendations Approved
Acquisition of 12 Council homes at 67 Lawrence Road, London N15 4GL
From: Cabinet - Tuesday, 20th January, 2026 6.30 pm - January 20, 2026
...approved the acquisition of 12 flats at 67 Lawrence Road for housing purposes, with funding potentially coming from the GLA or Right to Buy receipts, and delegated authority to finalise the transaction.
Recommendations Approved
Single Use Plastics Policy and Action Plan
From: Cabinet - Tuesday, 20th January, 2026 6.30 pm - January 20, 2026
...approved the Single Use Plastics Policy 2026 and accompanying Action Plan, detailing how the Council will reduce single-use plastics within its operations and across the borough.
Recommendations Approved
Disrepair New Contract Procurement
From: Cabinet - Tuesday, 9th December, 2025 6.30 pm - December 09, 2025
...to procure two contracts for repair works related to legal disrepair claims for an initial three-year period, with the option to extend for up to two additional years, in order to maintain continuity of repairs, reduce legal costs, and ensure residents live in safe and well-maintained properties.
Recommendations Approved
Summary
Meetings Attended: 24
Average per Month: 1.5
Decisions Recorded: 51