Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive declarations of disclosable pecuniary or non pecuniary interests arising from business to be transacted at this meeting from:

(a)               all Members of the Cabinet; and

(b)               all other Members present.

RESOLVED:  To note that the following interests were declared:

Agenda Items 8 and 12 – Determination of Community School Admission Arrangements, Academic Year 2014/15 and Provision of Building Cleaning Services for Schools and Corporate Priorities

Councillor Kam Chana declared a non pecuniary interest in that he was a governor of Canon Lane Junior and First School, should any reference be made to the School.  He would remain in the room to listen to the debate on the items.

Councillor Barry Macleod-Cullinane declared a non-pecuniary interest in that his sister was a teacher at Hatch End High School and there was a tangential link to one of the two reports.  He would remain in the room to listen to the debate on the items.

Councillor Christine Bednell declared a non-pecuniary interest in that she was a governor of Whitmore High School and Vaughan Primary School. She would remain in the room to listen to the debate on the items.

Councillor Bill Phillips declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he was a governor of Whitmore High School.  He would remain in the room to listen to the debate on the items.

Councillor Thaya Idaikkadar declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he was governor of Welldon Park Junior School.  He would remain in the room whilst the matters were considered and voted upon.

Councillor Mitzi Green declared a non-pecuniary interest in that she was a governor ofKenmore Park Infant and Junior School.  She would remain in the room whilst the matters were considered and voted upon.

That the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 14 February 2013 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

[Note: Hard copies of the minutes have been circulated to key Members and Officers only. Hard copies have been placed in the Group Offices and the Members’ Library.]

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 14 February 2013, be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

To receive any petitions submitted by members of the public or Councillors.

RESOLVED:  To note that no petitions had been received.

To receive any public questions received in accordance with paragraph 16 of the Executive Procedure Rules.

Questions will be asked in the order notice of them was received and there be a time limit of 15 minutes.

[The deadline for receipt of public questions is 3.00 pm on Monday 11 March 2013.  Questions should be sent to publicquestions@harrow.gov.uk  

No person may submit more than one question].

RESOLVED:  To note that the following public questions had been received:

1.

To receive any Councillor questions received in accordance with paragraph 17 of the Executive Procedure Rules.

Questions will be asked in the order agreed with the relevant Group Leader by the deadline for submission and there be a time limit of 15 minutes.

[The deadline for receipt of Councillor questions is 3.00 pm on Monday, 11 March 2013].

RESOLVED:  To note the following Councillor Questions had been received:

1.

2.

3.

[Note: Hard copies of the KDS have been circulated to key Members and Officers only. Hard copies have been placed in the Group Offices and the Members’ Library.]

The Leader of the Council reported that the following items from the Key Decision Schedule had been deferred to April Cabinet:

·                     Commissioning of Libraries and Leisure Management Services;

·                     Financial Procedure Rules Update.

Additionally, the Strategic Review of Learning Disability Accommodation did not have any private appendices, as previously advised.

RESOLVED:  To note the contents of the Key Decision Schedule for March 2013.

For consideration.

RESOLVED: To receive and note the progress of scrutiny projects.

Report of the Corporate Director of Children and Families.

RESOLVED:  That, having considered the feedback from the consultation on admission arrangements for the 2014/15 Academic Year,the Community School admission arrangements be determined without any further changes to the proposed arrangements and schemes other than the following:

(a)               change to the medical pupil criterion in the Community School admission arrangements to allow priority to children who have had to attend a specific school due to his/her social needs; this would only be in wholly exceptional circumstances and where was involvement with social services and a supporting letter from a Divisional Director;

(b)               change to the sibling criteria for Whitmore High School to allow sibling priority to pupils on roll and attending the school up to year 11 at the time of the application.

Reason for Decision:  To determine admission arrangements by 15 April in the determination year (ie by 15 April 2013) in accordance with the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member/Dispensation Granted:  None.

Cabinet received a report of the Corporate Director of Children and Families, which set out the responses to the consultation with proposals for the admission arrangements for September 2014.  It was noted that the School Admissions Code required admission authorities for Community Schools to consult before determining their admission arrangements.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Schools and Families drew attention to the changes proposed, such as changes in the medical pupil criterion for all Community Schools and the sibling criteria for Whitmore High School.  The Corporate Director outlined the responses received, the majority of which had favoured the changes proposed.

RESOLVED:  That, having considered the feedback from the consultation on admission arrangements for the 2014/15 Academic Year,the Community School admission arrangements be determined without any further changes to the proposed arrangements and schemes other than the following:

(a)               change to the medical pupil criterion in the Community School admission arrangements to allow priority to children who have had to attend a specific school due to his/her social needs; this would only be in wholly exceptional circumstances and where was involvement with social services and a supporting letter from a Divisional Director;

(b)               change to the sibling criteria for Whitmore High School to allow sibling priority to pupils on roll and attending the school up to year 11 at the time of the application.

Reason for Decision:  To determine admission arrangements by 15 April in the determination year (ie by 15 April 2013) in accordance with the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member/Dispensation Granted:  None.

Report of the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Third Sector Strategy be noted;

(2)               the delivery of the actions listed in paragraph 2.3.2 of the report to support the delivery of the Third Sector Strategy be endorsed.

Reason for Decision:  To demonstrate commitment and support for the Strategy.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  Not commit to delivering any actions to support the Third Sector Strategy.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member/Dispensation Granted:  None.

Cabinet received a report of the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing, which set out the background to a new Third Sector Strategy and identified potential actions for the Council to allow the Strategy to be delivered.

The Leader of the Council invited Steve Porter, Voluntary Sector Representative, and Julie Browne, Chair of the Voluntary Sector Forum, to address Cabinet.  They congratulated the Council for the exemplary support provided to the Voluntary and Community Sector in helping with the refresh of the Strategy, which better reflected the needs of the Third Sector whose ‘environment’ had changed recently as a result of the financial and social challenges it faced.  Essentially, the Strategy was a framework for the delivery of a future partnership working between the Voluntary and Community Sector and various agencies.  They added that the Voluntary and Community Sector was proud of the achievement, as it had been able to get together a diverse number of groups with a view to strengthening collaborative working.  They thanked all for their assistance and participation in the refresh of the Strategy, which had taken six months to deliver.

The Portfolio Holder for Community and Cultural Services

·                     thanked the Voluntary and Community Sector representatives for their leadership in bringing together the various agencies towards the delivery of a common goal;

·                     commended the representatives for bringing the refresh of the Strategy forward, which centred around public engagement and the assistance that they required from the Council in this regard;

·                     recognised that the support requested was a key ingredient to ensuring a strengthened and skilled Sector, which also delivered services to the wider community.

The Portfolio Holder welcomed the strengthened relationship between the Council and the Voluntary and Community Sector during the current adverse economic climate.

The Corporate Director also welcomed the Strategy which had been ‘driven’ by the Voluntary and Community Sector to reflect their own needs and control their destiny.  He explained that there were six areas in which Council support was required and he was pleased to be confirming this support.

The Leader of the Council stated that he was passionate about the Third Sector and thanked the representatives for their exceptional work and new ideas.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Third Sector Strategy be noted;

(2)               the delivery of the actions listed in paragraph 2.3.2 of the report to support the delivery of the Third Sector Strategy be endorsed.

Reason for Decision:  To demonstrate commitment and support for the Strategy.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  Not commit to delivering any actions to support the Third Sector Strategy.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member/Dispensation Granted:  None.

Report of the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the new Service Model, described in section 2.5 of the report, which specifically involved the following changes to services be agreed:

A.                 Bedford House - work to achieve separation between the long-term residential, respite and day services at Bedford House. Work with the Council’s Estates Department to identify a longer term option for the efficient use of Bedford House. This may include the potential sale of the building and the purchase of an alternative building which met the needs of the long-term residents in a high quality environment;

B.                Gordon Avenue - change the model of the service and identify a choice of alternative housing options for the service users living at the Home.  To use the service as a Residential Respite provision in the future. In addition, to increase the use of alternative respite options including Harrow Shared Lives Service and communicate the range of options to families and service users;

C.                Woodlands Drive - change the model of the service and identify a choice of alternative housing options for the service users living at the Home;

D.                Southdown Crescent - de-register the service and support people to live in a supported living environment;

E.                 Roxborough Park - maintain and develop the current modelof the service delivering high quality care to people with complex autism and severe challenging behaviour.  This would mean that some people who do not have complex autism and severe challenging behaviour who currently lived at the Service might be supported to move to alternative provision that met their assessed eligible needs.

(2)               the Corporate Director for Community, Health and Wellbeing, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holders, be authorised to agree the future model and use for Woodlands Drive with the vacant building being considered for young adults in transition who needed support to remain close to home.

Reason for Decision:  To enable local residential service provision for adults with learning disabilities that responded to current and future demand for specialist residential services.  To contribute between £600k-£1m to the achievement of Medium Term Financial Strategy savings of £2.275m in relation to residential care.  To consider whether there were any residents who might be supported to live more independently.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: As set out in the report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation Granted:  None.

Cabinet received a report of the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing, setting out the proposals which involved the reconfiguration of six residential care services provided by the Council for people with learning disabilities.

It was noted that, as part of the review, extensive consultation had taken place with service users, families, advocates and staff working within the services.  The report explained that the aim of the review was to deliver a modernised service that offered improved outcomes and value for money whilst ensuring that local needs were met in the most effective way possible based on national policy guidance and best practice.

The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing stated that the review process had not been rushed and a great deal of time had been spent on it, as it had been important to strike a balance between the resources the Council had for residential provision against the needs of those that the Council supported.  The Portfolio Holder added that this balance was needed otherwise fewer people would be provided for.  She added that:

·                    the review process had commenced in June 2011 and that the consultation process had commenced in September 2011 for a period of 12 weeks;

·                    the recommendations being proposed were at a strategic and shape level, with a view to shaping the changes for all of the different residences rather than for individuals;

·                    the proposals were intended to remodel a number of the services, de?register one and move respite care from Bedford House to Gordon Avenue;

·                    the changes would be challenging and would impact on a number of vulnerable people;

·                    users and carers had been consulted with advice and advocacy being provided to support them thereby giving every service user an opportunity to engage in the process.  Staff had also been consulted;

·                    opposition to the proposed changes was expected, and it was appreciated that the process would be distressing for users who potentially would need to move homes.

The Portfolio Holder explained that the Council had listened to people and considered the requirements of the Equalities Act in reaching its conclusions.  She commended the report to Cabinet, which she considered to be comprehensive and was proud of, and made a minor amendment to recommendation 1 in that it ought to make reference to paragraph 2.5 of the report rather than 2.5.3.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance was supportive of the detail provided in the report and made reference to the equality impacts contained within the report to which Cabinet needed to give due regard.  He congratulated the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing and officers for a comprehensive report.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the new Service Model, described in section 2.5 of the report, which specifically involved the following changes to services be agreed:

A.                 Bedford House - work to achieve separation between the long-term residential, respite and day services at Bedford House. Work with the Council’s Estates Department to identify a longer term option for the efficient  ...  view the full minutes text for item 608.

Report of the Corporate Director of Community and Environment.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the final draft of the revised Climate Change Strategy Action Plan be approved;

(2)               the final draft of the revised Delivering Warmer Homes (HECA) report be approved;

(3)               the submission of the Delivering Warmer Homes (HECA) report to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure continued progress in delivery of the Council’s Climate Change and Delivering Warmer Homes Strategies.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  None.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation Granted:  None.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety introduced the report, which set out the comments received following public consultation on the draft strategies and the Council’s response.  He added that the final versions of the documents, as submitted, required Cabinet’s approval.

The Portfolio Holder outlined the purpose of the Climate Change Strategy and the Delivering Warmer Homes Report, including the obligations it placed on the Council and its community, whilst outlining the funding arrangements.  He added that the documents would be submitted to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, and drew attention to the recent changes to the CRC Scheme resulting in the removal of emissions from schools from the Council’s responsibility.  Moreover, allowances would need to be bought for all other emissions, including street lighting.  He explained that the RE:FIT programme would help reduce emissions.

The Corporate Director of Environment and Enterprise made an amendment to the responses received and reported that paragraph 2.2.2 of the report be amended to read: “A total of eight responses were received from the public on the Climate Change Strategy and two responses were received on the Delivering Warmer Homes Strategy. Harrow Agenda 21 submitted responses to both consultations. All other responses were from individuals”.

The Corporate Director also referred to the contributions received from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, included with the agenda.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the final draft of the revised Climate Change Strategy Action Plan be approved;

(2)               the final draft of the revised Delivering Warmer Homes (HECA) report be approved;

(3)               the submission of the Delivering Warmer Homes (HECA) report to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure continued progress in delivery of the Council’s Climate Change and Delivering Warmer Homes Strategies.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  None.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation Granted:  None.

Report of the Corporate Director of Environment and Enterprise.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Schools Building Cleaning Contracts be awarded for a period of 3 years with an option to extend for up to a further 3 years, as follows:

·                     contract No. 1 to Contractor A, as set out at appendix A to the report

·                     contract No. 2 to Contractor B, as set out at Appendix A to the report

·                     contract No. 3 to Contractor C, as set out at Appendix A to the report;

(2)               the Corporate Contracts 4 and 5 not be let under this procurement exercise and that the existing contracts be extended for a period of up to 24 months;

(3)               the negotiation, award and signature of the contract extension in resolution (2) above be delegated to the Corporate Director of Environment and Enterprise in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts;

(4)               should the negotiation approved in resolution 3 above be unsuccessful, the Corporate Director of Environment and Enterprise, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts, be delegated authority to take whatever action may be required to keep the service in place; the action being based on the information and evaluation of the tenders provided in Appendix A of the report.

Reason for Decision:  A full European Union Tendering Exercise had shown that awarding a 3 year contract for three schools’ contracts (with an option to extend for up to a further three years) together with extending the existing contracts for Corporate Buildings offered the Council the best combination, best value and ability to review performance, customer satisfaction and price, whilst allowing the Council to further consider the market place and negotiate the most favourable position for the Council.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet:  None.

The Leader of the Council introduced the report, including a confidential appendix, which set out the procurement process for the provision of five building cleaning contracts in anticipation of the expiry of the current contracts on 31 March 2013.  The Leader added that three contracts were for schools and the remaining two related to Council properties.  As part of the proposals discussions in relation to the payment of a London Living Wage had been mooted requiring the forgoing of savings.

In commending the report to Cabinet, the Leader highlighted the need to extend negotiations in relation to the contracts for Council properties, including the delegation of those negotiations.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Schools Building Cleaning Contracts be awarded for a period of 3 years with an option to extend for up to a further 3 years, as follows:

·                     contract No. 1 to Contractor A, as set out at appendix A to the report

·                     contract No. 2 to Contractor B, as set out at Appendix A to the report

·                     contract No. 3 to Contractor C, as set out at Appendix A to the report;

(2)               the Corporate Contracts 4 and 5 not be let under this procurement exercise and that the existing contracts be extended for a period of up to 24 months;

(3)               the negotiation, award and signature of the contract extension in resolution (2) above be delegated to the Corporate Director of Environment and Enterprise in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts;

(4)               should the negotiation approved in resolution 3 above be unsuccessful, the Corporate Director of Environment and Enterprise, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts, be delegated authority to take whatever action may be required to keep the service in place; the action being based on the information and evaluation of the tenders provided in Appendix A of the report.

Reason for Decision:  A full European Union Tendering Exercise had shown that awarding a 3 year contract for three schools’ contracts (with an option to extend for up to a further three years) together with extending the existing contracts for Corporate Buildings offered the Council the best combination, best value and ability to review performance, customer satisfaction and price, whilst allowing the Council to further consider the market place and negotiate the most favourable position for the Council.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet:  None.

Report of the Corporate Director of Environment and Enterprise.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the representations received be noted, including the Council’s response to them, following consultation on the draft revised Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), as set out at Appendix A to the report;

(2)               the revised SCI attached at Appendix B to the report be adopted;

(3)               the Divisional Director of Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration, be delegated authority to make any typographical corrections and any other non-material changes to the SCI that may become necessary prior to final publication of the SCI;

(4)               the intention to produce a summary leaflet be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure that Harrow had an effective, flexible and up-to-date SCI, pursuant to section 18 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended).

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation Granted:  None.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration introduced the report, which provided feedback from consultation on the draft revised Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) and recommended that the revised SCI be put forward for adoption, with modifications in response to representations received, to replace the existing SCI.  He explained why a change was needed, including the responses received to the consultation which had resulted in the inclusion of the suggestions received.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the representations received be noted, including the Council’s response to them, following consultation on the draft revised Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), as set out at Appendix A to the report;

(2)               the revised SCI attached at Appendix B to the report be adopted;

(3)               the Divisional Director of Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration, be delegated authority to make any typographical corrections and any other non-material changes to the SCI that may become necessary prior to final publication of the SCI;

(4)               the intention to produce a summary leaflet be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure that Harrow had an effective, flexible and up-to-date SCI, pursuant to section 18 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended).

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation Granted:  None.

Report of the Corporate Director of Community and Environment.

RESOLVED:  That the updated list of Locally Listed Buildings, as provided in Appendix A to the report, be adopted.

Reason for Decision:  To comply with the National Planning Policy Framework requirement that planning authorities ensured that they made information about the significance of the historic environment gathered as part of plan-making or development management publicly accessible.  To help protect Harrow’s local historic and architectural interest and assist the Council to meet its Corporate Priority that sought to ‘build stronger communities’.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  To take no action.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation Granted:  None.

Cabinet received a report of the Corporate Director of Environment and Enterprise, which set out the results of public consultation over the proposal to update Harrow’s list of Locally Listed Buildings.  The report sought approval for adoption of the updated list of Locally Listed Buildings. 

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration explained that when Grade III national listing had been removed, it was replaced with local listing.  The Portfolio Holder added that the updated list which included 35 additions and 2 deletions had been subject to public consultation, including the Local Development Framework Panel.  It was proposed that 34 buildings be added and 2 be removed, one because it had been demolished and one because it did not meet the required standard.  He added that a guide would be produced which identified Locally Listed Buildings by Ward and Conservations Area.

RESOLVED:  That the updated list of Locally Listed Buildings, as provided in Appendix A to the report, be adopted.

Reason for Decision:  To comply with the National Planning Policy Framework requirement that planning authorities ensured that they made information about the significance of the historic environment gathered as part of plan-making or development management publicly accessible.  To help protect Harrow’s local historic and architectural interest and assist the Council to meet its Corporate Priority that sought to ‘build stronger communities’.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  To take no action.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation Granted:  None.

Report of the Corporate Director of Environment and Enterprise.

RESOLVED:  That the extension to the Roxborough Park and the Grove Conservation Area, as shown at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

Reason for Decision:  As part of the ongoing programme to review the borough’s conservation areas, the area adjacent to the Roxborough Park and the Grove Conservation Area had been identified and assessed as worthy of Conservation Area status.  The incorporation of this area within the Roxborough Park and Grove Conservation Area would ensure that the extended area was covered by the Council’s adopted Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Strategy (May 2008).

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  To take no action.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation Granted:  None.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and regeneration introduced the report, which set out the results of the public consultation, including the Local Development Framework Panel, over the proposal to extend the Roxborough Park and the Grove Conservation Area.  He added that the extension to the conservation area would result in some Locally Listed Buildings being brought within the conservation area.

RESOLVED:  That the extension to the Roxborough Park and the Grove Conservation Area, as shown at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

Reason for Decision:  As part of the ongoing programme to review the borough’s conservation areas, the area adjacent to the Roxborough Park and the Grove Conservation Area had been identified and assessed as worthy of Conservation Area status.  The incorporation of this area within the Roxborough Park and Grove Conservation Area would ensure that the extended area was covered by the Council’s adopted Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Strategy (May 2008).

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  To take no action.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation Granted:  None.

Report of the Corporate Director of Environment and Enterprise.

RESOLVED:  That the draft Stanmore and Edgware Conservation Areas Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), attached as appendix 1 to the report, be approved for a six week period of public consultation.

Reason for Decision:  When adopted, the Stanmore and Edgware Conservation Areas SPD would constitute part of the emerging Local Development Framework.  This would form material considerations in the determination of planning applications both at Planning Committees and appeal proceedings.  The SPD would also provide useful guidance to relevant Council departments when dealing with issues relating to Stanmore and Edgware Conservation Areas.  Before adoption could take place, formal consultation on the SPD was required.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  Not produce an SPD for the Stanmore and Edgware Conservation Areas.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation Granted:  None.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration introduced the draft Stanmore and Edgware Conservation Areas Supplementary Planning Document, which included the Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Strategies for each individual conservation area.  The intention of the Document was to help preserve the character of the areas and approval was being sought for a six week period of public consultation.

RESOLVED:  That the draft Stanmore and Edgware Conservation Areas Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), attached as appendix 1 to the report, be approved for a six week period of public consultation.

Reason for Decision:  When adopted, the Stanmore and Edgware Conservation Areas SPD would constitute part of the emerging Local Development Framework.  This would form material considerations in the determination of planning applications both at Planning Committees and appeal proceedings.  The SPD would also provide useful guidance to relevant Council departments when dealing with issues relating to Stanmore and Edgware Conservation Areas.  Before adoption could take place, formal consultation on the SPD was required.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  Not produce an SPD for the Stanmore and Edgware Conservation Areas.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation Granted:  None.

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted and the Portfolio Holders continue working with officers to achieve improvement against identified key challenges.

Reason for Decision:  To be informed of performance against key measures and to identify and assign corrective action where necessary.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  None.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation Granted:  None.

Cabinet received a report of the Assistant Chief Executive, which summarised Council and service performance against key measures and drew attention to areas requiring action.

The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services outlined the following key messages:

·                    the Council was working under an adverse financial climate, as a result of which some major challenges lay ahead;

·                    huge pressures were being experienced in Housing Services.  The Council had done well to maintain the bed and breakfast figures generally and during a shortage of sufficient local housing;

·                    there had been an increase in the use of the Harrow’s libraries, and major improvements had been achieved in relation to Harrow Arts Centre.  There had been an increase in participation in sports;

·                    pressures were also being experienced in Children’s Services.  The mapping of a child’s journey resulting in improvement plans was welcomed.  The Hub and Spoke Models in relation to Children Centres were working well;

·                    customer satisfaction levels in relation to the One Stop Shop were high;

·                    the provision of a London Living Wage had been implemented by the Council.

The Portfolio Holder recognised that many challenges lay ahead and it was important that these were mitigated before they became serious.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted and the Portfolio Holders continue working with officers to achieve improvement against identified key challenges.

Reason for Decision:  To be informed of performance against key measures and to identify and assign corrective action where necessary.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  None.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation Granted:  None.

Report of the Corporate Director of Resources.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the one year pilot and principles of the new Harrow Help Scheme be agreed and adopted;

(2)               the one year pilot for the Emergency Relief Scheme be agreed and adopted;

(3)               the eligibility criteria for access to the Emergency Relief Scheme be agreed and adopted.

Reason for Decision:  The Department of Works and Pension had allocated funding to all local authorities to deliver a local Welfare Provision as a result of the changes to the Social Fund. 

The changes to the Social Fund were to be implemented by the end of March and therefore the Council had to have the Emergency Relief Scheme in place by 1 April, 2013 to avoid the risk of a gap in the provision of emergency support to vulnerable people living in Harrow.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation Granted:  None.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance introduced the report, which set out the changes to the Social Fund currently delivered by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and the new responsibilities on local authorities to develop Welfare Provision.  He added that the report provided feedback from the consultation with Harrow residents and showed how the feedback had informed the development of the Harrow Help Scheme and help shape the Emergency Relief Scheme.

The Portfolio Holder was proud of the proposals, which were designed in partnership with a multi-agency group to help the vulnerable members of the community.  He added that the Voluntary and Community Sector would also play a pivotal role in the delivery of the proposals to the needy.

Cabinet was briefed on the outcome of the consultation, principles of the overall Schemes and other measures that could be implemented alongside the Scheme.  It was felt that a pilot would help the Council to gain a better understanding of the users and their needs and allow improvements to be made.  The Equality Impact Assessments had also helped shape the Schemes.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the one year pilot and principles of the new Harrow Help Scheme be agreed and adopted;

(2)               the one year pilot for the Emergency Relief Scheme be agreed and adopted;

(3)               the eligibility criteria for access to the Emergency Relief Scheme be agreed and adopted.

Reason for Decision:  The Department of Works and Pension had allocated funding to all local authorities to deliver a local Welfare Provision as a result of the changes to the Social Fund. 

The changes to the Social Fund were to be implemented by the end of March and therefore the Council had to have the Emergency Relief Scheme in place by 1 April, 2013 to avoid the risk of a gap in the provision of emergency support to vulnerable people living in Harrow.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation Granted:  None.

Appendix to the report of the Corporate Director of Environment and Enterprise at item 12.

RESOLVED:  That the appendix be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To allow the appendix to be considered in conjunction with the main report at agenda item 12.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  As set out under item 12.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  As set out under item 12.

RESOLVED:  That the appendix be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To allow the appendix to be considered in conjunction with the main report at agenda item 12.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  As set out under item 12.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  As set out under item 12.