Agenda and minutes

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Media

Items
No. Item

380.

Apologies for Absence

To receive apologies for absence (if any).

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Sue Anderson and Councillor Varsha Parmar.

381.

Declarations of Interest pdf icon PDF 66 KB

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 Committee, Sub-Committee or Panel;

(b)          all other Members present in any part of the room or chamber.

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  To note that  the declaration of interests, which had been published on the Council website, be taken as read.

382.

Petitions

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

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  To note that the following petitions had been received:

 

(1)          Councillor John Hinkley presented a petition on behalf of Hatch End residents, containing 40 signatures, requesting the introduction of a Controlled Parking Zone on Chantry Road.

 

RESOLVED:  That the petition be received and referred to the relevant Corporate Director for consideration.

 

(2)          Councillor Kairul Marikar presented a petition on behalf of residents in the West Harrow ward, objecting to the road closures at West Harrow Station/Vaughan Road/The Gardens and requesting removal of the Low Traffic Neighbourhood Scheme (LTN-02,03,04 and 06).

 

RESOLVED:  That the petition be received and referred to the relevant Corporate Director for consideration.

 

(3)          Prakash Raja presented a live petition on behalf of Surendra Patel and Headstone South residents, which had so far collected over 500 signatures, expressing a lack of confidence in the Headstone South ward councillors in relation to implementing the Low Traffic Neighbourhood  Scheme.

 

RESOLVED:  That the petition be received and referred to the relevant Corporate Director for consideration.

383.

Public Questions pdf icon PDF 215 KB

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

 

Questions will be asked in the order in which they were received.  There will be a time limit of 15 minutes for the asking and answering of public questions.

 

[The deadline for receipt of public questions is 3.00 pm, 14 December 2020.  Questions should be sent to publicquestions@harrow.gov.uk

No person may submit more than one question].

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  To note that nine public questions were received and responded to and the recording had been placed on the website.

384.

Councillor Questions pdf icon PDF 120 KB

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, 14 December 2020].

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That the Councillor Questions were responded to and the recording placed on the Council’s website.

385.

Key Decision Schedule December 2020 - February 2021 pdf icon PDF 222 KB

Minutes:

Having noted that the reports on “Harrow Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) – amendment in response to Covid-19” and  “Long Lease Opportunity to provide newly built homes for use as temporary accommodation or discharge of homelessness duty”  had been withdrawn from the Key Decision Schedule and that the reports on “Draft HRA Budget 2021-22 and MTFS 2022-23 to 2023-24”, “Borough Wide Public Spaces Protection Order to address environmental issues”, “Consolidation of Fixed Penalty Notices for Environmental Crime Enforcement” and “Review of Housing and Homelessness Strategies (Part 2): Housing Allocation Scheme and Tenancy Strategy & Policy “had been  deferred from the  December to the January Cabinet meeting, it was

 

RESOLVED:  To note the contents of the Key Decision Schedule for the period December 2020 – February 2021.

386.

Progress on Scrutiny Projects pdf icon PDF 138 KB

For consideration

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  To receive and note the current progress of the scrutiny reports.

387.

Covid-19 Update pdf icon PDF 581 KB

Verbal update from the Chief Executive.

Minutes:

Having varied the order of business, Cabinet received a presentation from the Chief Executive in conjunction with the Corporate Director of Resources and Director of Public Health which provided an update on the latest Covid-19 developments in the borough and the Council’s response to managing the pandemic, including the introduction of a mass testing programme, increased enforcement and engagement with the community and preparations for a vaccination roll out.  Acknowledging the challenges faced by the Council and the intense period of activity anticipated over the coming months, Cabinet.

 

RESOLVED:  That

 

(1)          the verbal update and accompanying presentation from the Chief Executive in conjunction with the Corporate Director of Resources and Director of Public Health, be noted;

 

(2)          that the Corporate Directors of Resources, Community and People, following consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holders and the Leader of the Opposition, be authorised, to implement the following responses utilising the recently announced Central Government Funding:

 

a.            distribution of the Covid Winter Grant in accordance with the proposed Harrow Scheme;

b.            large scale community testing, to include procuring and contracting for the necessary supplies, sites, services, event support and transport, signing collaboration agreements with the Department of Health and Social Care, subcontracting where appropriate and employing additional staff;

c.            local contact tracing;

d.            education about and enforcement of local tier restrictions; and Community engagement. 

 

The site referred to was the former H&M retail unit in St Ann’s Shopping Centre.  This had been secured for use as a C19 testing facility for 6 months at a cost of £30,000 and should be available before Christmas.

Resolved Items

388.

Approval for consultation for the Edgware Town Centre Supplementary Planning Document being jointly prepared with the London Borough of Barnet (2019-2021) pdf icon PDF 338 KB

Report of the Corporate Director, Community.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That

 

(1)          the draft Edgware Town Centre Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), attached at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved for public consultation;

 

(2)          the Interim Chief Planning Officer be authorised, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Enterprise to consider and agree to any necessary amendments to the draft document arising as a result of Barnet Council’s formal consideration of the draft document, as well as any minor amendments required to finalise the document for consultation.

 

Reason for Decision:  Preparation and adoption of an SPD provided specific area guidance to assist in the determination of planning applications within the SPD boundary, as well as guiding infrastructure investment and area management initiatives.  A joint-SPD promoted a joined-up approach to planning in the town centre and reflected how the centre was used rather than administrative / borough boundaries.  As such, delivering a more attractive town centre and optimising the development potential of a highly sustainable location for economy, leisure, public realm, environmental and housing. There was a statutory requirement to undertake consultation on draft SPDs.

 

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.

 

389.

Grant Support to Local Businesses - Additional Restrictions Grant pdf icon PDF 156 KB

Report of the Corporate Director, Community.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That

 

(1)          the Additional Resources Grant (ARG) , in accordance with the Principles the frequency of payments to be made recommended in the officer’s report, be allocated;

 

(2)          the Corporate Director of Community be authorised, following consultation with the Leader of the Council, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources, and Portfolio Holder for Planning, Regeneration and Employment,  to allocate funds in accordance with those Principles, and delegate operational authority to the Head of Revenue and Benefits and the Head of Enterprise to implement.

 

Reason for Decision:  To ensure public funding was allocated in accordance with BEIS Guidance and  with recommended principles to deliver the greatest positive impact on Harrow’s businesses that had been adversely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

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.

390.

Draft Revenue Budget 2021/22 and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2021/22-2023/24 pdf icon PDF 558 KB

Report of the Director of Finance.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED: That

 

(1)          the draft budget for 2021/22 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2021/22 to 2023/24 as set out in Appendices 1 and 2 to the report be approved for general consultation and subsequently reviewed in light of the consultation responses and the equality impact assessments before it was referred to Council in February 2021;

 

(2)          the Spending Review 2020 confirmed broad plans for public spending for 2021/22, which would impact on local government be noted , and  the draft budget  updated when the detail was announced in the Indicative Financial Settlement expected mid to late December followed by the Final Settlement no later than January 2021;

 

(3)          the balanced budget position for 2021/22, and the budget gaps of £25.754m and £5.098m for 2022/23 and 2023/24 respectively based on the scenario of a total Council Tax increase of 4.99% in 2021/22 and 1.99% in 2022/23 , as set out in Table 2 of the officer report, be noted;

 

(4)          the proposal to increase core Council Tax by 1.99% in 2021/22 and in 2022/23, as set out in Table 2 and paragraph 1.21 of the officer report, be noted;.

 

(5)          the proposal to increase Council Tax by 3.0% in 2021/22 in respect of the Adult Social Care Precept, as set out in Table 2 and paragraph 1.21 of the officer report, be noted;

 

(6)          the requirement to develop a fully costed budget and implementation plan to support the estimated financial challenges over the MTFS for presentation to Cabinet in summer / autumn, as set out in paragraph 1.50 of the officer report, be noted;

 

(7)          it be noted that no structured changes to the schools funding formula for 2021/22 were proposed;

 

(8)          the draft Public Health budget for 2021/22, as set out in Appendix 4 to the officer report, be noted;

 

(9)          the assumed funding for the protection of social care 2021/22 through the Better Care Fund (BCF), as set out in paragraph 1.65 of the report, be noted;

 

(10)       the Director of Finance and Assurance be authorised, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources, to agree Harrow’s 2021/22 contribution to the London Borough’s Grant Scheme;

 

(11)       it be noted  that the London 75% Business Rate Retention Pilot would not apply in 2021/22 but the London Boroughs Leaders’ Committee had agreed to continue to informally post business rates across all London authorities in 2021/22 (as occurred in 2020/21), subject to no London Authority withdrawing before the cooling off period lapsed in mid-January;

 

(12)       the Director of Finance and Assurance be authorised, following consultation with the Leader of the Council, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources and the Monitoring Officer to respond on behalf of the authority with regard to any recommendations from the informal business rates pool from 2021/22 noting that final approval would be sought from Cabinet and Council in February 2021.

 

Reason for Decision:  To ensure that the Council published a draft budget for 2021/22 and a draft 3 Year MTFS to 2023/24.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 390.

391.

Draft Capital Programme 2021/22 to 2023/24 pdf icon PDF 525 KB

Report of the Director of Finance.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That the draft capital programme, as detailed within Appendix 1 to the officer report be noted and  brought back to Cabinet in February 2021 for approval and recommendation to Council.

 

Reason for Decision:  To enable the Council to have an approved Capital Programme for 2020/21 to 2032/24.

 

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.

392.

Revenue and Capital Monitoring 2020/21 - Quarter 2 as at 30th September 2020. pdf icon PDF 701 KB

Report of the Director of Finance.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That

 

(1)          the revenue and capital forecast positions, as  set out in paragraphs 1.2 and 1.8 to the officer report, be noted;

 

(2)          the grave concerns expressed at the legacy impact of COVID-19 over the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and the work being undertaken on finance sustainability, as set out in paragraphs 2.50 to 2.53 of the officer report, be noted;

 

(3)          the proposed amendments to the Capital Programme, as set out in paragraphs 3.39 to 3.49 of the officer the report, be approved;

 

(4)          progress on the Council’s Trading Update as at Quarter 2, detailed in Appendix 6 to the officer report, be noted.

 

Reason for Decision:  To report the 2020/21 forecast financial position as at Quarter 2 (30th September 2020), to update Cabinet on trading company performance and to seek approval for Capital Programme adjustments which required Cabinet approval in accordance with the Financial Regulations.

 

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.

393.

Calculation of Council Tax Base for 2021-2022 pdf icon PDF 208 KB

Report of the Director of Finance.

Minutes:

Having considered the information set out in the report, Cabinet

 

RESOLVED:  That:

 

(1)          in accordance with the Government regulations, the calculation of band D equivalent number of taxable properties as set out in the officer report, be approved;

 

(2)          the provision for uncollectable amounts of Council Tax for 2021-2022 be agreed at 2%, producing an expected collection rate of 98%;

 

(3)          subject to (a) & (b) above, a Council Tax Base for 2021-2022 of 87,387Band D equivalent properties (being 89,171 x 98%), allowing for payment in lieu of Ministry of Defence properties, be approved;

 

(4)          that having agreed that no review of the local Council Tax Scheme (CTS), was required, the continuation of the existing CTS scheme, as previously adopted by Full Council, for the 2021/22 financial year, be approved.

 

Reason for Decision:  To fulfil the Council’s statutory obligation to set the Council Tax Base for 2021-2022.

 

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.

394.

Estimated Surplus / (Deficit) on the Collection Fund 2020-2021 pdf icon PDF 164 KB

Report of the Director of Finance.

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That

 

(1)          an overall net estimated deficit of (£29.569m) on the Collection Fund as at 31 March 2021, including a surplus of £7,000 on Council Tax (Harrow share –£6k and a deficit of (£29.576m) on Business Rates (Harrow share (£8.873m), be noted;

 

(2)          Harrow’s share of (£8.867m) and its transfer to the General Fund in 2021-22, be agreed.

 

Reason for Decision:  To report on the Council’s statutory obligation to estimate the surplus or (deficit) on the Collection Fund for the year end as part of the annual budget review process.

 

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.

395.

Arrangements for the Supply of Temporary Staff Services and Permanent Recruitment Services pdf icon PDF 401 KB

Report of the Corporate Director, Resources.

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That

 

(1)          the Corporate Director of Resources be authorised, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources, to award a contract for the provision of Temporary Recruitment Services to Pertemps Recruitment Partnership on a Master Vendor basis for 3 years, with an option to extend by 1 year to commence on 6 February 2021 noting that the award would be made compliantly through the Yorkshire Procurement Organisation (YPO) framework, Managing Temporary and Permanent Recruitment Lot 1 and the projected value of the contract for the term of 3 plus 1 year would be £92m, of which £86m was salary cost and £6m were the charges paid to Pertemps and other agency suppliers;

 

(2)          the call off Permanent Recruitment Services as an additional service for 1 year, with a projected value for the term of 3 plus 1 year of £1.3m (annually £320k) with an option to extend annually up to the term of the Temporary Recruitment Services contract, be approved.

 

Reason for Decision:  To ensure that the Council was able to continue to resource its workforce beyond February 2021 through a sustainable, efficient and cost-effective model that would operate in the best interest of 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.

396.

Any Other Urgent Business - Byron Hall Covid-19 Vaccination Site pdf icon PDF 189 KB

Which cannot otherwise be dealt with.

Minutes:

Having agreed to consider an urgent item on Byron Hall Covid-19 Vaccination Site for the reasons set out on the supplemental agenda and noted the information provided in the confidential appendix, Cabinet

 

RESOLVED:  That

 

(1)          the proposed terms of the licence set out at the confidential Appendix I to the officer report, be noted;

 

(2)          the Corporate Director of Community, following consultation with the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Employment, be authorised to approve the final terms of the transaction and enter into the legal documentation.

 

During the course of the discussion on this item, Cabinet also agreed that:

 

(3)          the Corporate Director of Community, following consultation with the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Employment, be authorised to grant a licence should the use of any other council sites be requested by the NHS.

 

Reason for Decision:  To progress the treatment of Covid-19 for residents of Harrow and key workers.

 

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 did not apply to the resolutions above as a waiver of call-in had been obtained by the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the reasons set out in the published supplemental pack]