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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Activity Timeline
Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.
29 meetings · Page 1 of 6
Annual, Full Council - Wednesday, 20th May, 2026 7.30 pm
Community Safety Partnership - Wednesday, 18th March, 2026 1.00 pm
The Community Safety Partnership is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 18 March 2026 to discuss the development of a new community safety strategy, review the latest strategic assessment of crime and disorder in Haringey, and receive updates on priority areas including anti-social behaviour, hate crime, violence against women and girls, and serious violence. The meeting will also cover statutory responsibilities such as reducing re-offending, Prevent, and substance misuse.
Full Council - Monday, 16th March, 2026 7.30 pm
The Full Council meeting scheduled for Monday 16 March 2026 was set to cover a range of important topics, including the council's annual carbon report, the budget for the upcoming financial year, and motions addressing poverty and community solidarity. The meeting's agenda also included a series of questions from councillors to cabinet members on various council services and initiatives.
Cabinet - Tuesday, 10th March, 2026 6.30 pm
The Cabinet of Haringey Council met on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, to discuss and approve several key initiatives. Significant decisions included the approval of a four-year contract for dockless e-bike services, the acquisition of 565 homes in Tottenham to increase the Council's housing stock, and the award of a new contract for recycling and waste collection services.
Budget, Full Council - Monday, 2nd March, 2026 7.30 pm
The Full Council of Haringey Council convened on Monday, 2nd March 2026, with a packed agenda focused primarily on the borough's financial future. Key discussions were scheduled around the approval of the 2026/27 budget and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-2031, which included proposals for Council Tax increases and significant capital investment plans. The meeting also addressed the Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2026/27 and the adoption of the Capital Strategy 2026-2036, outlining the Council's approach to investment and financing over the next decade. Additionally, the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 was presented for approval.
Decisions from Meetings
78 decisions · Page 1 of 16
Recycling and Waste Collection, Street Cleansing and Ancillary Services Contract Award
From: Cabinet - Tuesday, 10th March, 2026 6.30 pm - March 10, 2026
...awarded a contract for recycling and waste collection, street cleansing, and ancillary services to Bidder B for £230,358,134, commencing on April 17, 2027, for an initial eight-year period with an option to extend.
Recommendations Approved
Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) Spending Round 2
From: Cabinet - Tuesday, 10th March, 2026 6.30 pm - March 10, 2026
...approved the spending of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy on Round 2 projects, following consultation on community priorities.
Recommendations Approved
Approval of a four year contract for dockless bike services
From: Cabinet - Tuesday, 10th March, 2026 6.30 pm - March 10, 2026
...approved a four-year contract for two providers to offer dockless e-bike services in Haringey, commencing April 1, 2026.
Recommendations Approved
Acquisition of homes in Tottenham
From: Cabinet - Tuesday, 10th March, 2026 6.30 pm - March 10, 2026
...approved the acquisition of 565 homes for housing purposes at 867–879 High Road and 36 & 44–52 White Hart Lane, N17, for the purchase price and total scheme cost outlined in the exempt report, with delegated authority granted to finalise legal documentation.
Recommendations Approved
Award two Heating Contracts to successful bidder.
From: Cabinet - Tuesday, 10th March, 2026 6.30 pm - March 10, 2026
...award two heating contracts, one for Domestic East to Bidder A and one for Domestic West to Bidder B, to ensure the continued provision of safe and sustainable heating services for council residents.
Recommendations Approved
Summary
Meetings Attended: 29
Average per Month: 1.5
Decisions Recorded: 78