Agenda and minutes

The Leader of the Council welcomed Michael Lockwood, Chief Executive, to his first full meeting of the Cabinet on his return to the Council.

To receive apologies for absence (if any).

None received from Members of Cabinet.

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 7(b) – Petition: Cambridge Road Car Park – North Harrow – Reference from Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor James Bond, who was not a member of Cabinet, declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item and would remain in the room to listen to the discussion and decision making relating to this item.

Councillor Janet Mote, who was not a member of Cabinet, declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item and would remain in the room to listen to the discussion and decision making relating to this item.

Agenda Item 8 – Corporate Plan 2015-2019

During consideration of this item, Councillor Sue Anderson declared non-pecuniary interests in that she was a volunteer walk leader with Harrow Health Walk and a Community Champion.  She would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Agenda Item 9(a) – Final Revenue Budget 2015/16 and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2015/16 to 2018/19

Councillor Richard Almond, who was not a member of Cabinet, declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he was a member of Harrow Citizens' Advice Bureau.  He would remain in the room to listen to the discussion and decision making relating to this item on the item.

Councillor Sue Anderson declared non-pecuniary interests in that she was a member of a number of organisations such as Friends of Harrow Museum, National Autistic Society, Harrow Baptist Tennis Club, Harrow in Leaf, Trustee of Welldon Activity Group, Friend of Harrow Association of Disabled People, member of ADHD and Autism Support and English Heritage. She would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Councillor Stephen Greek, who was not a member of Cabinet, declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he worked for the London Assembly. He would remain in the room to listen to the discussion and decision making relating to the item.

Councillors Chris Mote and Janet Mote, who were not members of Cabinet, declared non-pecuniary interests in that they were Friends of Harrow Museum. They would remain in the room to listen to the discussion and decision making relating to the item.

Councillor Anne Whitehead declared a non-pecuniary interest in that she was Chair of Harrow Law Centre which received a grant from the Council.  She would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Agenda Item 9(d) – Housing Revenue Account Budget 2015-16 and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2016-17 to 2018-19

Councillor Chris Mote, who was not a member of Cabinet, declared a non-pecuniary interest in that his brother was in receipt of housing benefit.  He would remain in the room to listen to the discussion and decision making relating to the item.

Agenda Item 16 – Consultation on the Draft Harrow Weald Conservation Areas Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

Councillor Ramji Chauhan, who was not a member of Cabinet, declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he was a local Ward Councillor and that he would be asking a question  ...  view the full minutes text for item 117.

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

Petition:  Reconsider the Park Cuts in relation to Pinner Memorial Park

On behalf of the Users of Pinner Memorial Park, the Leader of the Council reported that an e-petition had been received signed by 1,200 people opposing some of the proposals in the budget which could have severe or negative impact.

RESOLVED:  That the petition be received and, once validated, be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme.

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 is a time limit of 15 minutes.

[The deadline for receipt of public questions is 3.00 pm, Monday 16 February 2015. 

Questions should be sent to publicquestions@harrow.gov.uk  

No person may submit more than one question].

Such public and Councillor questions as were received were responded to and any recording placed on the Council’s website.  Councillor questions 11-18 were not reached at Cabinet and the Councillors would be provided with written responses which would be placed on the Council’s website.

RESOLVED:  To note the contents of the Key Decision Schedule.

RESOLVED:  To note the progress made on scrutiny projects.

Reference from Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED:  That the reference be noted and referred to the Regeneration Board for consideration.

Report of the Corporate Director of Resources.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)

That the Corporate Plan be adopted.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the four year Corporate Plan and the revised Corporate Equality Objectives for 2015-2019 be noted;

(2)               the Leader of the Council be authorised to make any minor amendments to the Plan as necessary prior to the matter going to Council.

Reason for Decision:  To update the Council’s Policy Framework and set out the Council’s Direction of Travel for the next four years.

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.

[Call-in does not apply to the Recommendation(s) to Council and to the decision(s) that have been noted.]

Report of the Director of Finance and Assurance.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)

That

(1)               whilst being mindful of the results of the various consultations and equality impact assessments, the 2015/16 budget be approved to enable the Council Tax for 2015/16 to be set, Appendix 2 to the report refers;

(2)               the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) at Appendix 2 to the report be approved;

(3)               the 2015/16 Schools’ Budget at Appendix 6 to the report be approved;

(4)               the 2015/16 Members’ Allowance Scheme at Appendix 13 to the report be approved;

(5)               the 2015/16 Annual Pay Policy Statement at Appendix 14 to the report be approved.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the increase in the estimated budget gap for the four year period 2015/16 to 2018/19 from £75m to £83m following the final 2015/16 Local Government Financial Settlement and revised projections of Revenue Support Grant from London Councils at paragraph 1.5 of the report be noted;

(2)               the current remaining budget gaps of £23.2m, £15.3m and £13.9m for 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19 respectively, table 3 of the report refers, be noted;

(3)               the intention to increase Council Tax by 1.99% in 2015/16, paragraph 1.13 of the report refers, be noted;

(4)               the 2015/16 Public Health Budget, set out at Appendix 7 to the report, be noted;

(5)               the risk assessment,  Appendix 8 to the report refers, be agreed and referred to the Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee for consideration and monitoring;

(6)               the sum of £6.601m Better Care Funding to be received by the Council in 2015/16, paragraph 1.29 of the report refers, be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure that the Council sets a balanced budget for 2015/16.

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.

[Call-in does not apply to the Recommendation(s) to Council and to the decision(s) that have been noted.]

Joint Report of the Director of Finance and Assurance and the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing.

Having made a typographical amendment to recommendation 1(e), it was

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)

That

(1)               the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget for 2015-16 be approved;

(2)               the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme, as detailed at Appendix 7 of the report, be approved.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for the HRA, as attached at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved;

(2)               the proposed increase of 2.2% to housing rent charges for 2015-16, resulting in an average rent of £114.97 per week for 2015-16 be approved;

(3)               a service charge increase of 2.2% (an average of £0.06) resulting in an average tenant service charge of £2.91 per week be approved;

(4)               garage and car parking rents be frozen for a further year pending development of a usage and differential charging policy, appendix 3 to the report refers;

(5)               an increase in energy [heating] charges of 5% from 1 April 2015, as detailed in Appendix 4 to the report, be approved;

(6)               an increase in annual water charges of 4% as detailed in Appendix 5 to the report be approved;

(7)               increases in Community Centre charges  of 4% as set out in Appendix 6 to the report be approved;

(8)               the four year Capital Programme set out in Appendix 7 to the report be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To publish the final HRA budget and set Council rents and other charges for 2015-16.

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.

[Call-in does not apply to the Recommendation(s) to Council.]

Report of the Director of Finance and Assurance.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)

That the Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2015/16 be approved, including the:

·                     Prudential Indicators for 2015/16;

·                     Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement for 2015/16;

·                     Annual Investment Strategy for 2015/16;

·                     upper limit for borrowing of under 12 months be increased to 30%;

·                    lower limit for borrowing of 5 to under 10 years be reduced to 0%;

·                     deletion of the “Viability” criteria for  Specified and Non-specified investments.

Reason for Decision:  To promote effective financial management and comply with the Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Accounting) Regulations 2003 and other relevant guidance.

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.

[Call-in does not apply to the Recommendation(s) to Council.]

Report of the Director of Finance and Assurance.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)

That the Capital Programme, as detailed at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the Council to have an approved Capital Programme for 2015/16 to 2018/19.

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.

{Call-in does not apply to the recommendation to Council.]

Report of the Interim Corporate Director of Children and Families.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the outcome of the Children’s Centre consultation be noted;

(2)               subject to the overall Council budget approval at full Council in February 2015, Option 3 be approved as the preferred future model, namely:

-            to retain 2 Children’s Centres at Cedars and Hillview that fulfilled the statutory definition of Children’s Centres;

-            operate 8 “delivery sites” that would continue to offer access to some of the early childhood services on behalf of the two children’s centres; 

-            close St. Josephs Children’s Centre;

-            close Whitefriars Children’s Centre merging the services with Cedars and retaining Whitefriars as a delivery site;

-            close Kenmore Park Children’s Centre and merge services with Hillview retaining Kenmore Park as a delivery site;

-            close Rayners Lane, Earlsmead, Vaughan, Roxbourne and The Pinner Centre Children’s Centres as delivery sites;

-            retain The Pinner Centre building as a community resource building.

Reason for Decision:   To ensure the sustainability of Children’s Centres services for the communities of Harrow within a reduced budget, whilst also addressing the Council’s budget pressures. Option 3 would allow for the possibility of community-run projects, potentially offering the following: greater opportunities for reaching those most in need of support, sustaining and increasing places for 2, 3 and 4 year olds, a space for the Harrow Preschool Language Unit to rent, social enterprise opportunities and expenses for the Pinner Centre building, with potential to support Health and PVI Services to continue.

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 Environment and Enterprise.

Having considered the report in conjunction with the main budget report it was

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the outcome of the public consultation on the Environment and Enterprise proposals be noted;

(2)               subject to the approval of the related budgetary proposals by full Council, the Environment and Enterprise proposals summarised at paragraph 7 of the report and detailed elsewhere in the report be approved and the Corporate Director for Environment and Enterprise be authorised to take all necessary steps to implement the proposals.

Reason for Decision:  To consider additional information regarding the key proposals within the Environment and Enterprise Medium Term Financial Strategy required to help meet the budgetary pressures facing the Council.

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 Director of Finance and Assurance.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the revenue and capital forecast positions detailed in the report as at Quarter 3 2014/15 be noted;

(2)               the virement set out in paragraph 76 of the report be approved;

(3)               the reduction to the Capital Programme outlined in paragraph 77 of the report be noted;

(4)               the increases to the Capital Programme as set out in paragraph 78 of the report be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To report the 2014/15 forecast financial position as at 31 December 2014.

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 Resources.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               Hounslow Council’s decision to ask HB Public Law to discharge its legal function be welcomed;

(2)               authority to execute an agreement with Hounslow underpinning the relationship and make any necessary amendments to the agreement with Barnet be delegated to the Director of Legal and Governance Services, following consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Performance, Corporate Resources and Policy Development and Finance and Major Contracts.

Reason for Decision:  To support HB Public Law deliver a cost effective and high quality legal service and its plans for growth.   

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 Director of Legal and Governance Services.

RESOLVED:  That the Calendar of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2015/16 be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To facilitate the planning and forward commitments of both Members and officers.  To allow the room booking arrangements to be put in place at the earliest opportunity.

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 Interim Corporate Director of Children and Families.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               approval be given to enter into a Section 75 Agreement with the Harrow CCG from June 2015;

(2)               the joint re-procurement of paediatric speech and language therapy services be approved at a date to be determined in consultation with Harrow Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) be approved and an update report be submitted to Cabinet by April 2016;

(3)               the award of a contract to North West London Hospital Trust (NWLHT) to provide the service for a period commencing on 1 April 2015 and ending on 30 June 2015 with an estimated contract value of £172,000 be approved under waiver of Contract Procedure Rules 6 (Authorisation) and 7 (Procurement Method) as set out in clause 13 and Table 2 of Contract Procedure Rules 2014.

Reason for Decision:  Owing to the changes in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) legislation there was a need to ensure the future arrangements for commissioning the service were robust and consistent with changes in legislation.  The joint re-tendering of the service would provide the opportunity to research best practice in this field and ensure best value.

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 Interim Corporate Director of Children and Families.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To be updated and informed of the performance of and standards being achieved in state-funded schools in Harrow (Local Authority maintained, Academies and Free schools).

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  None.

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

[Call-in does not apply to decisions that have been noted.]

Report of the Interim Corporate Director of Children and Families.

RESOLVED:  That the statutory proposals to combine Whitchurch First School and Nursery and Whitchurch Junior School on 1 April 2015 be approved.

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 provide 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:  As set out in the report.

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

Report of the Interim Corporate Director of Children and Families.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the statutory proposals to combine Welldon Park Infant and Nursery School and Welldon Park Junior School on 1 September 2015 be approved;

(2)               the statutory proposals to expand permanently Welldon Park Infant and Nursery School and Welldon Park Junior School, or the primary school if the schools were combined, by one form of entry (30 pupils) from 1 September 2015 be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To implement the Council’s Amalgamation Policy and to enable the Local Authority to fulfil its duties to provide sufficient school places in its area.

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 Environment and Enterprise.

RESOLVED:  That the draft Harrow Weald Conservation Areas Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), attached at appendix 1 to the report, be approved for a five week period of public consultation.

Reason for Decision: When adopted, the Harrow Weald Conservation Areas SPD would constitute part of the Harrow Local Plan. 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 Harrow Weald Conservation Areas. Before adoption could take place formal consultation on the SPD was required and amendments to it might be made as a result. These would be reported back to Cabinet prior to adoption.

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 Environment and Enterprise.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Environmental Compliance Enforcement Policy be approved for adoption;

(2)               the Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) Operational Guidance for staff be noted;

(3)               the two new Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) and their fine levels - failure to comply with Community Protection Notice and non-compliance of a Public Space Protection Order both at £100 discounted to £60 if paid within 10 days - be approved;

(4)               the proposal to publicly consult on whether any areas in the borough were defaced by discarded printed matter be agreed so that consideration could be given to designating the area(s) as detailed in the report;

(5)               authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Environment and Enterprise, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Crime and Community Safety, to make amendments to the current policy only when there had been changes of government guidance or new legislation.

Reason for Decision:  Following the decision made by Cabinet on 18 September 2014 to introduce Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) in Harrow, the detailed policy and operational guidance for staff had been updated.  They supported Members decision to roll-out FPNs for environmental crime offences. FPNs provided an alternative to prosecution in matters of low level environmental crime offences.  They also supported the Council’s vision of “Working together to make a difference for Harrow”.

In addition, new legislation superseded some of the fixed penalty notices that were approved in September 2014 and could not be used until approved. These are set out in the report.

Designated land must be identified, approved by the authority and advertised before the Council could use Fixed Penalty Notices for unauthorised distribution of leaflets.  Public consultation was required prior to designating the land and the report sought authority to consult.

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.