Enfield Council convened on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, to discuss a range of local issues, including a motion to disregard military compensation when assessing benefits applications. The meeting also addressed housing strategy, divestment from companies allegedly complicit in international law violations, and various community concerns.
Councillor Chris Dey presented a motion urging the council to disregard military compensation as income when evaluating applications for benefits such as Council Tax Support, Housing Benefit, Discretionary Housing Payments, and Disabled Facilities Grants. This motion aligns with the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring that veterans receive appropriate consideration and are not disadvantaged in accessing essential financial support.
The council also considered the Housing & Growth Strategy 2025-2030, a plan to create more and better homes in Enfield through partnerships and long-term investment. The strategy outlines seven priorities, including building affordable homes, improving council housing, driving up standards in the private rented sector, tackling homelessness, providing specialist housing, delivering carbon-neutral homes, and creating well-managed neighbourhoods. The strategy recognizes the need for additional government resources to fulfill the council's vision.
A petition with 3,368 signatures was presented, calling for the council to withdraw investments from companies allegedly producing materials used in violations of international law. The council was to decide how to respond, with options including taking the action requested, commissioning further investigation, or making recommendations to the council executive.
Other motions included exempting blue badge holders from Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), focusing support on men's mental well-being, ensuring the future of Woodcroft Wildspace, decommissioning Shires Estate Tower blocks, tackling the housing crisis, protecting communities from gambling harm, scrutinizing water companies, extending free school meals, and reaffirming commitment to public services and climate action.
The council was also asked to note the Treasury Outturn position for 2024/25 and approve an update to the council's investment policy.