Good Morning!

It’s Monday 16th December, and we’ve got a fantastic edition lined up for you, packed with the latest updates and stories from across Enfield. In today’s newsletter, we’ll dive into our editorial on the lessons learned from the recently concluded Jubilee Ward by-election, alongside some key headlines making waves in our community.

Here’s what’s on the agenda today:

• Big changes to Enfield’s social housing allocation policy

• New residents settling into Meridian Water

• Cllr Anyanwu celebrates the launch of the refurbished 3G football pitch with local girls’ teams

If you’re new to Fieldtown Newsletter, welcome! This is your go-to space for news, events, and stories that matter to Enfield residents. We’d love to hear from you—whether it’s sharing a local issue, celebrating community achievements, or suggesting a topic for our next edition. Let’s stay connected and keep the conversations going!

Now, let’s dive in.

Enfield Council Proposes Changes to Social Housing Allocation Policy

Enfield Council is reviewing its social housing allocation scheme, emphasizing support for families in temporary accommodation (TA) and those facing severe overcrowding. According to the Despatch, the proposed changes, open for consultation until 2nd February, aim to address the borough's housing challenges while retaining the principles of the 2020 scheme.

Key Proposed Changes:

• Priority for Long-Term TA Residents: Households in TA for over 10 years (approx. 120) and those unable to move far from Enfield (approx. 300) will receive priority.

• Extended Residency Requirement: Applicants must now have lived in the borough for five years (up from three) to be eligible.

• Overcrowding Priority: Families lacking two or more bedrooms, especially those with dependent children, will receive increased priority.

• Changes to Point System: Additional points for accepting private tenancy options will be removed.

• Later-Living Accommodations: Efforts will be made to speed up lettings for these units.

With over 7,000 households applying for social housing and only 450 homes allocated annually, the council is prioritizing the most urgent cases. There are also over 3,000 households in TA requiring assistance.

Cllr Ayten Guzel emphasized the need to address severe overcrowding and expand larger home options. The council is committed to supporting long-term residents and ensuring stability for settled families in Enfield.

First Look Inside Meridian Water: Enfield's £6 Billion Dream Becomes Reality!

The first residents have begun moving into new council homes at Meridian Water, Enfield Council's flagship regeneration project in Edmonton. On 4 September 2023, Council Leader Cllr Nesil Caliskan welcomed tenants to Brambling House and Greatcrest House, named after native birds. These 20 homes are part of the initial 300 residences in Meridian One, with 50% designated as affordable housing. The development aims to deliver 10,000 homes and 6,000 jobs over the project's duration.

The Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, Tom Copley, expressed enthusiasm for the high-quality council homes, highlighting the project's role in increasing council housing in London. Mike Woolliscroft, London Divisional Chair of Countryside Partnerships, emphasized the project's commitment to transforming the area into a vibrant, sustainable community that promotes healthy, active lifestyles and delivers socio-economic value for Enfield residents.

In addition to housing, Meridian Water has recently completed a Community Garden and the Enfield Construction Skills Academy, and secured £195 million in infrastructure funding for the next phase of the £6 billion regeneration project.

For more information on the Meridian Water project, visit the official website.

Newly Refurbished 3G Pitch Opens in Enfield, Promoting Women’s and Girls’ Football

Enfield Council has unveiled a state-of-the-art 3G football pitch at Southbury Leisure Centre, focusing on increasing participation among women and girls. The pitch was opened by Cllr Chinelo Anyanwu, who joined Enfield Town Ladies Football Club's youth teams for training drills. The £636,000 project received £436,000 from the Premier League, The FA, and Government's Football Foundation, with the remaining £200,000 funded by the council and pitch hire fees.

The pitch and accompanying facilities, including upgraded floodlights, changing rooms, and accessible features, aim to grow grassroots football and support players of all abilities, including those with disabilities. This initiative builds on the momentum of England Women's UEFA Euro 2022 victory, which has inspired a surge in girls’ football participation.

For bookings, players can visit the Play Football website.

EDITORIAL

Jubilee Ward By-Election Shocker: What the Results Reveal About Enfield’s Political Future

The Jubilee Ward by-election on 28 November 2024 was a significant event in Enfield's local political landscape, following the resignation of former council leader Nesil Caliskan, who became the Labour MP for Barking in July.

Election Results:

• Ian Barnes (Labour Party): 853 votes (39.4%)

• Mohammad Uddin (Conservative Party): 691 votes (31.9%)

• Khalid Sadur (Independent): 208 votes (9.6%)

• Katherine Knight (Green Party): 169 votes (7.8%)

• Neville Watson (Reform UK): 149 votes (6.9%)

• Timothy Martin (Liberal Democrats): 94 votes (4.3%)

The voter turnout was notably low at 21.12%, indicating a potential disengagement or satisfaction with the status quo among residents.

Analysis:

Labour's Ian Barnes secured victory with 39.4% of the vote, a decrease from the 65% share Labour achieved in the 2022 local elections. This reduction suggests shifting voter sentiments and increased competition. The Conservative candidate, Mohammad Uddin, garnered 31.9% of the vote, marking the party's highest share in Jubilee Ward since 2006, when they last held representation in the area.

Independent candidate Khalid Sadur, endorsed by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, achieved 9.6% of the vote. His campaign emphasized community engagement and presented an alternative to mainstream party politics, resonating with a segment of the electorate seeking change.

Candidate Manifestos:

• Ian Barnes (Labour): A former deputy council leader, Barnes focused on continuity and leveraging his experience in local governance. His campaign likely emphasized ongoing projects and initiatives beneficial to the community.

• Mohammad Uddin (Conservative): While specific manifesto details are limited, Uddin's campaign likely centered on providing a viable alternative to Labour's longstanding dominance in the ward, addressing local issues from a Conservative perspective.

• Khalid Sadur (Independent): Sadur's platform was rooted in grassroots community involvement, aiming to offer a fresh approach to local politics. His endorsement by Jeremy Corbyn suggests a progressive agenda focused on social justice and equality.

Lessons Learned:

1. Voter Engagement: The low turnout highlights the need for increased efforts to engage residents in the democratic process, ensuring they feel their participation can effect change.

2. Political Dynamics: The reduced majority for Labour and gains by the Conservatives indicate a more competitive political environment, suggesting that voter loyalty may be shifting.

3. Emergence of Independents: The support for Khalid Sadur demonstrates an appetite for alternatives outside traditional party structures, reflecting a desire for diverse representation and new perspectives in local governance.

In conclusion, the Jubilee Ward by-election serves as a microcosm of evolving political sentiments in Enfield, emphasizing the importance of addressing community concerns, enhancing voter engagement, and acknowledging the growing interest in independent candidates

UPCOMING EVENTS

That’s all for now!

Thanks for reading Fieldtown today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who loves Enfield as much as you do. 

Fieldtown Newsletter Team

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