Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence (if any).

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Phillip O’Dell, Portfolio Holder for Housing.

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.

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

(1)            Councillor Richard Almond, who was not a member of the Cabinet, declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 11 - Final Revenue Budget 2022/23 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2022/23 to 2024/25 in that he was the Council appointee to the Harrow’s Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB) which received funding from the Council and was included within the budget.  He remained in the meeting while the matter was discussed.

(2)            Councillor Paul Osborn, who was not a member of the Cabinet, declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 11 - Final Revenue Budget 2022/23 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2022/23 to 2024/25 in that he was Chair of the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, which was a levying authority.  He remained in the meeting while the matter was discussed.

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

RESOLVED:  To note that the following petitions had been received and would be referred to the relevant Corporate Director for consideration:

(1)            Petition from Councillor Krishna Suresh, Portfolio Holder for Equalities and Public Health, containing 11 signatures, on behalf of Torbay Road residents requesting the Council to address issues with illegal rubbish dumping and clear the rear access alleyway behind houses 215 to 255.

(2)            Petition from Councillor Krishna Suresh, Portfolio Holder for Equalities and Public Health, containing 27 signatures, on behalf of Lynwood Close residents (no. 2B to 20) regarding issues with trespassing and anti-social behaviour and requesting the Council install a gate for the safety of all residents.

(3)            Petition from Councillor Natasha Proctor, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources, containing 69 signatures, on behalf of Kenton residents requesting the Council to improve the condition of the footpath at Kenton Recreation Ground.

(4)            Petition from Councillor Nitin Parekh, containing 94 signatures, on behalf of Merlin Crescent and surrounding roads residents asking the Council to install a pedestrian crossing for the safety of school children of Camrose Primary School and Nursery.

(5)            Petition from Councillor James Lee, containing 60 signatures, on behalf of Methuen Close, Methuen Road, Overbook Close and Chandos Crescent residents requesting the Council to review the timing and duration of current CPZ restrictions in the area.

(6)            Petition from Councillor Angela Muprhy-Strachan, containing 86 signatures, on behalf of Merlin Crescent and surrounding areas residents asking the Council to address issues with indiscriminate parking in the area.

(7)            Petition from Councillors Janet Mote and Christopher Baxter, containing 39 signatures, on behalf of Church Drive residents asking the Council to completely resurface the roads and pavements on Church Drive.

(8)            Petition from Mr Richard Linskell, containing 29 signatures from residents on Winscombe Way in Stanmore expressing support to the proposals for a second vehicle crossing to the property at number 15.

(9)            Petition from Mr Rashmi Kalu, containing 85 signatures, on behalf of residents of the Heights requesting the Council to investigate improved road safety measures including a 20-mph speed zone.

(10)        The Leader presented a petition on behalf of Kenton Park Crescent residents, containing 142 signatures, expressing concerns at the increasing levels of anti-social behaviour in the area and requesting the Council’s assistance in improving safety.

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, 7February 2022.  Questions should be sent to publicquestions@harrow.gov.uk

No person may submit more than one question].

RESOLVED:  To note that two public questions had been received and the recording would be available on the Council’s website.

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, 7February 2022.]

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

Having noted that the report on “People Services Strategic Commissioning - Adult Mental Health Services” had been deferred to March Cabinet and that the report on “Housing Revenue Account Business Plan Update 2022” had been withdrawn, Cabinet 

RESOLVED:  To note the contents of the Key Decision Schedule for the period February – April 2022.

For consideration

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

Verbal update from the Chief Executive.

Having agreed to vary the order of business, Cabinet received a presentation from the Chief Executive, which provided Members with an update on Covid-19 cases across the borough, the gradual lifting of restrictions, symptomatic and asymptomatic testing provisions, latest vaccination rates and the key role which the Council was expected to play in supporting recovery, Cabinet

RESOLVED:  That the verbal update and accompanying presentation from the Chief Executive, be noted.

Report of the Corporate Director, Community, Director of Finance and Divisional Director of Housing Services.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)

That

(1)            the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budgets for 2022/23, 2023/24 and 2024/25 as detailed in Appendix 1 to the officer report be approved;

(2)            the HRA Capital Programme 2022/23 to 2024/25 aa detailed in Appendix 7 to the officer report be approved;

(3)            the proposed average weekly rent for general needs non-sheltered and sheltered accommodation of £123.13 and £102.25 for 2022-23 respectively as set out in paragraph 28 and Appendix 2 to the officer report, be approved noting that these increases were 4.1% from 2021/22 in line with Government rent policy;

(4)            the proposed average weekly tenant service charge of £3.38 per week as set out in paragraph 28 and Appendix 2 to the officer report, be approved;

(5)            the proposed average weekly rents for affordable rented properties of £201.65 and the shared ownership accommodation weekly rents of £210.53 for 2022-23 as set out in paragraph 29 and 30 to the officer report, be approved noting that the increase for affordable rented properties were 4.1% from 2021/22 in line with Government rent policy;

(6)            a 5-year HRA Capital programme of £225,904,648 made up of £49,544,120 planned investment, £144,185,151 Building Council Homes for Londoners (BCHfL), £23,648,727 Grange Farm phase 3 and £8,526,650 Grange Farm Infrastructure as set out in paragraphs 52 to 61 and Appendix 7to the officer report, be approved noting that the figures included reprofiled carried forward expenditure of £51.98m for the Building Council Homes for Londoners (BCHFL) programme.

[Call-in does not apply to the decisions above as they are reserved to full Council.]

RESOLVED:  To note

(7)            the charges for Facilities, Community Halls, Garages and Water to remained unchanged as set out in Appendices 3 to 6 to the officer report;

(8)            despite in year losses forecast for the first two of the three-year term of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) reserves remained above the minimum level of 7% of income for all years;

(9)            a new Budget for Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programme of £400k pa;

(10)        transfers to the Regeneration Reserve of £1.5m over the three years of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy(MTFS);

(11)        increase in estimated borrowing to £124.3m (£95.8m in 2021);

(12)        addition to the planned investment programme of £22m over five years; and

(13)        Risk Management Implications which required prudent financial reserves and review of treasury management strategy.

Reason for Recommendations:  To recommend the HRA budget and capital programme for 2022-23 and the MTFS for 2023 to 2024?25.

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.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  to Council

That

(1)            the 2022/23 budget be approved, being mindful of the results of the various consultations and equality impact assessments, to enable the Council Tax for 2022/23 to be set (Appendix 15 to the officer report refers); 

(2)            the Model Council Tax Resolution 2022/23 as set out in Appendix 11 to the officer report, be approved;

(3)            in accordance with Section 38 (2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, the Chief Executive be authorised to place a notice in the local press of the amounts set under recommendation 2 above within a period of 21 days following the Council’s decision;

(4)            the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) as set out in Appendix 2 to the officer report, be approved;

(5)            the 2022/23 Members’ Allowance Scheme, as set out in Appendix 12 to the officer report, be approved;

(6)            the 2022/23 Annual Pay Policy Statement, as set out in Appendix 13 to the officer report, be approved; and

(7)            the Capital Receipts Flexibility Strategy, as set out in Appendix 14 to the officer report, be approved.

[Call-in does not apply to the decisions above as they are reserved to full Council.]

RESOLVED:  To note

(8)            the balanced budget position for 2022/23 and 2024/25 and the budget gap of £16.593m for 2023/24 (Table 2a to the officer report);

(9)            the use of £14.7m Budget Planning Reserve MTFS to achieve the balanced budget position for 2022/23, which was reversed out in the following year (Table 2a, paragraph 1.49 to the officer report);

(10)        the intention to increase Council Tax by 1.99% in 2022/23 (paragraph 1.21 to the officer report);

(11)        the intention to increase Council Tax by a further 1% in 2022/23 in respect of the Adult Social Care Precept (paragraph 1.21 to the officer report);

(12)        the 2022/23 budgets for Schools and Public Health as set out in Appendices 6 & 7 to the officer report;

(13)        the assumed funding for the protection of social care 2022/23 through the Better Care Fund as set out in paragraphs 1.62 to 1.65 to the officer report; and

(14)        the requirement to develop a robust finance strategy to address the predicted MTFS shortfall of £16.593m ready for presentation to the incoming administration in May 2022 (Paragraphs 1.69 to 1.73 to the officer report).

Reason for Recommendations: To ensure that the Council set a balanced budget for 2022/23.

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.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  to Council

(1)            That the capital programme, as detailed within Appendix 1 to the officer report, be recommended to Council for approval.

[Call-in does not apply to the decision above as it is reserved to full Council.]

Reason for Recommendation:  To enable the Council to have an approved Capital Programme for 2022/23 to 2034/25.

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.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  to Council

(1)            That the Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2022/23 be approved including:

·                 Prudential Indicators for the period 2022/23 to 2024/25

·                 Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement for 2022/23, (see para 2.8 and Appendix C to the officer report) 

·                 Annual Investment Strategy for 2022/23

·                 Annual Capital Strategy (Appendix G to the officer report).

[Call-in does not apply to the decision above as it is reserved to full Council.]

Reasons for Recommendation:  To promote effective financial management relating to the Authority’s borrowing and investment powers contained in the Local Government Act 2003, and supporting regulations and guidance detailed below:

-        the Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Accounting) Regulations 2003 (as amended)

-        CIPFA Prudential Code and Treasury Management Code of Practice 2017

-        DLUHC (Previously MHCLG) Investment and MRP Guidance 2018.

Report of the Chief Executive.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  to Council

(1)            That the Borough Plan be recommended to Council and the Director of Strategy and Partnerships be authorised, following consultation with the Leader of the Council, to make any minor amendments to the Plan as necessary prior to the matter going to Council.

[Call-in does not apply to the decision above as it is reserved to full Council.]

RESOLVED:  To note

(2)            the progress to date against delivery of the Borough Plan;

(3)            the reaffirmation of the commitment to the eight priorities and two cross-cutting themes as corporate priorities and driving service planning activity for the 2022/23 year; and

(4)            comments from the Overview & Scrutiny Committee (O&S) on the Borough Plan and scrutiny’s involvement in its further development, as provided in the published reference from O&S (8 February 2022) to Cabinet (10 February 2022).

Reason for Recommendation:  To reaffirm the council’s Policy Framework and corporate priorities for the 2022/23 year.

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, People.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)            the direct award commissioning of Young Harrow Foundation be agreed, to plan and deliver voluntary and community services activities for children and young people on behalf of and with the Council from April 2022 for up to three years to a contract value of £213,477 (inclusive of VAT);

(2)            the requirement in the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules to undertake a tender process for commissioning this service, be waived; and

(3)            authority be delegated to the Corporate Director People Services, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Education and Social Services for Children and Young People and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources, to issue a direct award to Young Harrow Foundation (YHF) to coordinate the delivery and evaluation of the DfE funded Holiday Activities and Food Programme and other grant funded activities on behalf of the Council and partners.

Reason for Decision:  To fulfil the requirements for Local Authorities to provide community services activities for children and young people and where applicable to meet the aims and objectives set out the grant funded agreements.

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.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)            the revenue and capital forecast positions set out in paragraphs 1.2 and 1.3 in the office report, be noted;

(2)            the proposed addition to the Capital Programme as set out in paragraphs 3.45 to 3.47 in the officer report, be approved;

(3)            the Council’s Trading Update as detailed in Appendix 6 to the officer report, be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To report the 2021/22 financial forecast position at Q3 and to update Cabinet on trading company performance.

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.