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 Item 3 – Future Organisation of Cannon Lane First School (4-7 years) and Cannon Lane Junior School

Councillor Kam Chana declared a non pecuniary interest in that he was a governor of Cannon Lane First and Junior Schools.  He would remain in the room to listen to the discussion and decision on this item.

Agenda Item 4 – Special Needs Transport Change Programme 3 (SNT 3) – Referral by Call-in Sub-Committee

Councillor Graham Henson declared an interest in that, as a former Portfolio Holder and Cabinet Member, he had participated in the original decision on this matter.  He would remain in the room to listen to the discussion and decision on this item.

Councillor Barry Macleod-Cullinane, declared an interest in that he had participated in the decision made by the Call-in Sub-Committee meeting on this matter.  He added that, as a non voting non-Executive Cabinet Member, his interest was non pecuniary.

With the agreement of the Leader of the Council and the Leaders of the main opposition Groups, the following petitions were received:

(1)               Petition Registering Disdain at the different treatment experienced by lower graded Harrow Council employees

On behalf of Harrow Unison, Mr Gary Martin presented a petition, signed by 325 members of staff, with the following terms of reference:

“We the undersigned, the majority of whom are composed from the lower pay grades of Harrow Council, draw to the attention of Cabinet that its recent decision to enact a “pause” in a process that directly impacts senior & higher graded (managerial) staff through redundancies has created an unsavoury example of differential and unequal treatment of the worst kind.

We point to the fact that while one process pauses redundancies at a managerial level, processes that will see numerous redundancies concentrated on frontline and lower paid staff through the Medium Term Financial Strategies across all directorates (MTFS) continue unabated and devoid of the political influence that has been clearly exerted in favour of those within managerial grades.

Such actions defy the legal right of all Harrow Council staff to receive natural justice in their employment and clearly breaches the Council’s Equal Opportunity Policy ensuring that all staff shall be treated fairly and equally and free from less favourable treatment, which is clearly identified within the Harrow Council’s contractual employment policies.

In recognising that possible political influences outlined in the local media have engendered a feeling of unfairness, resentment and further lowered the morale of the workforce, we request that Cabinet formally respond to each and every employee of the Council to explain how this situation has come about and what will be done to correct a situation of less favourable treatment which would directly impact on the requirements of section 139 of the employment rights act 1996 (the redundancy act) equal treatment for all.”

RESOLVED:  That the petition be received and referred to the Corporate Director of Resources and the Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services.

(2)               Petition – No. 50 Warrington Road

Councillor David Perry presented a petition, signed by 24 residents of Warrington Road, with the following terms of reference:

“The above property has been in a derelict condition for many years and after many letters to and conversations with Harrow Council, they are finally in the process of taking legal proceedings against the owner.

However, it has been indicated by the Empty Properties Officer, a petition by the Warrington Road residents would be of value and help in the case against the owner.  No. 50 is not only an eyesore but a health hazard, as mice, rats and pigeons are inhabiting this house.  The state of this property can only detract from the value of the street.”

RESOLVED:  That the petition be received and referred to the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing and the Portfolio Holder for Housing for consideration.

To receive a public question in relation to agenda item 3 below, which had duly been submitted for consideration at 9 May Cabinet meeting.

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

1.

Report of the Corporate Director of Children and Families.

RESOLVED:  That, having determined the statutory proposals in relation to Cannon Lane First School (4-7 Years) and Cannon Lane Junior School, the two schools be amalgamated in September 2013, namely to: 

·                     extend the age range of Cannon Lane First School (4-7 Years) to establish a primary school with an age range of 4 years (Reception) to 11 years (Year 6) from 1 September 2013;

·                     expand the capacity of Cannon Lane First School (4-7 Years) from 1 September 2013;

·                     discontinue Cannon Lane Junior School on 31 August 2013.

Reason for Decision:  In line with the Council’s amalgamation policy, combining the two schools would give the opportunity to further improve educational standards by enabling planning as a coherent whole across the primary phase of the national curriculum and providing greater flexibility across and between key stages.  Access to the whole primary curriculum would support and inform whole school planning, assessment, pastoral systems, etc., and provide opportunities for wider staff development and experience across the full primary phase.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  To (1) reject the proposals; (2) approve the proposals with modifications, for example, in relation to the implementation date; (3) approve the proposals subject to meeting a separate condition.

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

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Schools and Families introduced the report, which sought Cabinet’s approval to enable the Cannon Lane First School and Cannon Lane Junior School to combine in September 2013 following the publication of the statutory proposals in March 2013 to effect the amalgamation.

The Portfolio Holder made reference to the Council’s vision to provide high achieving schools and to continue to make improvements in schools with a view to making education better.  She added that in 2007, Cabinet had agreed its strategic approach to school organisation which had included an amended amalgamation policy that was further clarified in 2008.  As a result, Cabinet was being asked to agree the amalgamation and the Portfolio Holder commended the report to Cabinet.

RESOLVED:  That, having determined the statutory proposals in relation to Cannon Lane First School (4-7 Years) and Cannon Lane Junior School, the two schools be amalgamated in September 2013, namely to: 

·                    extend the age range of Cannon Lane First School (4-7 Years) to establish a primary school with an age range of 4 years (Reception) to 11 years (Year 6) from 1 September 2013;

·                    expand the capacity of Cannon Lane First School (4-7 Years) from 1 September 2013;

·                    discontinue Cannon Lane Junior School on 31 August 2013.

Reason for Decision:  In line with the Council’s amalgamation policy, combining the two schools would give the opportunity to further improve educational standards by enabling planning as a coherent whole across the primary phase of the national curriculum and providing greater flexibility across and between key stages.  Access to the whole primary curriculum would support and inform whole school planning, assessment, pastoral systems, etc., and provide opportunities for wider staff development and experience across the full primary phase.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  To (1) reject the proposals; (2) approve the proposals with modifications, for example, in relation to the implementation date; (3) approve the proposals subject to meeting a separate condition.

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

Report of the Director of Legal and Governance Services.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               having considered the submission and additional recommendation proposed by the Corporate Director of Children and Families at appendix 5 to the report, and having reconsidered the decision of the Cabinet meeting held on 11 April 2013 set out at appendix 3 to the report as a result of the decision of the Call-in Sub-Committee, the original decision of Cabinet be amended, as follows:

That, given that trades unions and staff members had expressed significant interest in the key decision to externalise a greater percentage of the service, Cabinet reconsider the Key Decision in relation to SNT3 in September 2013 to allow fuller consultation with trades unions, staff and service users and for the decision to be made with the benefit of the consultation responses.

(2)               a report outlining the process of drawing up and approving Equality Impact Assessments (EqIAs) for Cabinet level decisions be submitted to a future Cabinet meeting.

Reason for Decision: To reconsider the decision at the earliest opportunity following the referral by the Call-In Sub-Committee and to allow progress to be made on the SNT3.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  To confirm the decision made by Cabinet on 11 April 2013.

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

Cabinet received a report of the Director of Legal and Governance Services, which set out the decision of the Call-In Sub-Committee meeting held on 29 April 2013 following the receipt and consideration of a Call-In notice in relation to Cabinet’s decision of 11 April 2013 on the Special Needs Transport Change Programme 3 (SNT 3).

The Leader of the Council welcomed the report from the Call-In Sub-Committee and thanked the Members involved for their scrutiny in regard to SNT3.  The Portfolio Holder for Children, Schools and Families commended the recommendations of the Call-In Sub-Committee to Cabinet, including the recommendation from the Corporate Director of Children and Families, at appendix 5 to the report, which would allow for fuller consultations.

The Non-Executive (non-voting) Cabinet Members commented that the commitment to consult should be genuine and fair and residents and staff should feel engaged.  It was important to listen to the views of those consulted and not to be seen to have drawn any prior conclusions.  They sought assurances in this regard and suggested that the Council’s consultation process with staff and residents be re-examined to ensure a holistic and thorough approach.  In response, the Leader of the Council stated that he was aware of the issues surrounding the Council’s consultation process and had asked the Head of Communications to lead on this matter with a view to presenting a paper.

The Corporate Director of Children and Families explained that additional work relating to the consultation on the SNT3 was required.  She added that the Call-In Sub-Committee did not raise any concerns over the Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) submitted in relation to the SNT3 but that, in any case, the EqIA would be refreshed when a further report was submitted to Cabinet in September 2013.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Schools and Families commended the recommendation of the Call-in Sub-Committee and it was

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               having considered the submission and additional recommendation proposed by the Corporate Director of Children and Families at appendix 5 to the report, and having reconsidered the decision of the Cabinet meeting held on 11 April 2013 set out at appendix 3 to the report as a result of the decision of the Call-In Sub-Committee, the original decision of Cabinet be amended, as follows:

That, given that trades unions and staff members had expressed significant interest in the key decision to externalise a greater percentage of the service, Cabinet reconsider the Key Decision in relation to SNT3 in September 2013 to allow fuller consultation with trades unions, staff and service users and for the decision to be made with the benefit of the consultation responses.

(2)               a report outlining the process of drawing up and approving Equality Impact Assessments (EqIAs) for Cabinet level decisions be submitted to a future Cabinet meeting.

Reason for Decision:  To reconsider the decision at the earliest opportunity following the referral by the Call-In Sub-Committee and to allow progress to be made on the SNT3.

Alternative Options Considered and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 641.