Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Harrow Civic Centre, Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2XY. View directions

Contact: Nikoleta Kemp, Senior Democratic & Electoral Services Officer  Tel: 07761 405898 E-mail:  nikoleta.kemp@harrow.gov.uk

Media

Items
No. Item

584.

Apologies for Absence

To receive apologies for absence (if any).

Additional documents:

Minutes:

None received.

585.

Declarations of Interest pdf icon PDF 106 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.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

(1)            Councillor Phillip O’Dell, Portfolio Holder for Housing, had declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 9 – TARSAP Recommendation on the School Streets Programme – in that he lived on Marlborough Hill near the Marlborough School Streets Scheme;

 

(2)            Councillor Krishna Suresh, Portfolio Holder for Equalities and Public Health, declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 9 - TARSAP Recommendation on the School Streets Programme – in that he was a Rayners Lane ward councilor and part of the local street control scheme.  He remained in the meeting while the matter was discussed; and

 

(3)            Councillor Richard Almond, who was not a member of the Cabinet, declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 13 - Accommodation Strategy Update- in that he was the Council nominee on the Harrow’s Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB).  He remained in the meeting while the matter was discussed.

586.

Petitions

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

(1)            The Leader presented a petition on behalf of Councillors Sarah Butterworth and Dan Anderson, containing 102 signatures, requesting that the Council investigated road safety measures at the Porlock Avenue crossing.

 

(2)            Councillors Christopher Baxter and Janet Mote presented a petition on behalf of Chester Drive residents, containing 32 signatures, requesting that the Council prioritises the road for resurfacing.

 

(3)            CouncillorPeymana Assad, presented a petition on behalf of Park Lane residents, containing over 40 signatures, requesting that the Council priortises the footways for resurfacing.

 

(4)            Georgia Weston presented a petition on behalf of Chester Drive residents, containing 45 signatures and requesting that the Council to prioritises the road for resurfacing.

 

(5)            Hugh Brown presented a petition on behalf of Argyle Road residents, containing 42 signatures requesting that the Council priortises the pavements for resurfacing.

 

(6)            Hugh Brown presented a petition on behalf of Norwood Drive residents, containing 39 signatures, requesting that the Council to considers the road for resurfacing.

 

RESOLVED:  That the above petitions be received and referred to the Corporate Director of Community for consideration.

587.

Public Questions pdf icon PDF 340 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, 19 January 2022.  Questions should be sent to publicquestions@harrow.gov.uk

No person may submit more than one question].

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED: To note that 7 public questions had been received and, with the exception of questions 4 and 5 which would be provided written responses, had been responded to and the recording would be available on the Council’s website.

 

588.

Councillor Questions pdf icon PDF 322 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, 19 January 2022.]

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

589.

Key Decision Schedule January - March 2022 pdf icon PDF 201 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Having noted that the reports on “People Services Strategic Commissioning - Adult Mental Health Services” had been deferred to February, Cabinet

 

RESOLVED:  To note the contents of the Key Decision Schedule for the period January – March 2022.

590.

Progress on Scrutiny Projects pdf icon PDF 355 KB

For consideration

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

591.

Covid-19 Update pdf icon PDF 497 KB

Verbal update from the Chief Executive.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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 impact of the Omicron variant on the government’s “Plan B” arrangements, the acceleration of the booster programme and the challenges around vaccination uptake and asymptomatic testing.  Having placed on record their gratitude towards all staff for their continuous work and commitment, Cabinet acknowledged the important role which the Council was expected to continue playing in the Covid-19 response and recovery and

 

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

Resolved Items

Additional documents:

592.

Recommendation from the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel - "School Streets Programme" pdf icon PDF 321 KB

To consider the recommendation from the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel (TARSAP).

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Having received a recommendation from the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel (TARSAP) on the School Streets Programme, Cabinet

 

RESOLVED:  That the school street schemes for Grimsdyke, Newton Farm, Park High and Marlborough Schools be made permanent.

 

Reason for Recommendations:  The maximum 18-month experimental period allowed for the school streets traffic management orders under current legislation ended on 27 March 2022 and a decision was required on whether to remove the schemes or make them permanent.

 

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.

593.

"Kodak" Wealdstone Footbridge - Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) Process Initiation pdf icon PDF 599 KB

Report of the Corporate Director, Community.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Having noted the confidential appendices to the officer report, Cabinet

 

RESOLVED:  That

 

(1)            the Corporate Director of Community be authorised to negotiate with landowners (freehold owners and leasehold owners) and to acquire through private treaty the Property;

 

(2)            the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) be authorised in respect of the Property shown edged red on the attached plan at paragraph 2.6 to the officer report (also at Appendix 1) only if an agreement via negotiations cannot be reached;

 

(3)            the Corporate Director of Community following consultation with the Portfolio Holder, Environment & Climate Change, the Director of Legal & Governance and the Director of Finance & Section 151 Officer be authorised to:

 

·       carry out work in making of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) after considering the full Environmental Impact Assessment;

 

·       appoint, if necessary, land referencers to review all interests in the Property and produce a draft schedule and plan for the CPO;

 

·       serve request for information notices under section S16 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 on those potentially affected by the proposed CPO;

 

·       issue and sign the order, notices and certificates in connection with the making, confirmation and implementation of the CPO;

 

·       to defend any proceedings challenging these decisions, and the making, confirmation or implementation of the Order or any notice, general vesting declaration etc. made pursuant to the Order;

 

·       to initiate or take part in any arbitration or proceedings before the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) or the Courts in order to resolve any disputes as to compensation payable in respect of third-party proprietary interests in the Property;

 

·       issue notices of entry to survey or value land under the Housing and Planning Act 2016 if required and obtain any warrants from the Magistrates Court for the purpose of such entry if considered necessary;

 

·       make General Vesting Declarations (“GVD”) under the Compulsory Purchase (Vesting Declarations) Act 1981 and/or serve Notices to Treat and Notices of Entry following confirmation of the CPO if required;

 

·       issue and serve any warrants to obtain possession of any land acquired by the Council following execution of a GVD or service of a notice of entry if it is considered appropriate to do so; and

 

·       use the funding received from Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and the £1.76m from Borough CIL on the construction and CPO process.

 

Reason for Decision:  Capital expenditure likely to be near or greater than 500K.  Funding had been secured from Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities by way of Future High Street Fund (FHSF) to construct the Kodak Footbridge.  There were five parcels of land that need to be purchased.  Negotiations were still ongoing with the landowners to acquire the Property.  In addition to the construction costs there would be associated costs with regards to legal fees, Counsel’s fees, Land referencing fees and compensation for the businesses and landowners.  The costs would be funded from the FHSF.  The construction of the Kodak Footbridge, the CPO and all associated costs were unlikely to exceed £8.9m that included  ...  view the full minutes text for item 593.

594.

Calculation of Business Rates Tax Base for 2022-2023 pdf icon PDF 367 KB

Report of the Director of Finance.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That

 

(1)            the approach and assumptions for the calculation of the Council’s business rates yield as set out in the officer report, be noted;

 

(2)            in accordance with the Non-Domestic Rating (Rates Retention) Regulations 2013, the amount calculated by the London Borough of Harrow as its business rates yield for the year 2021-2022 be £12.881m as shown in the table below:

 

 

 

£m

 

Projected NDR Income 2022/23

42.937

Less

Payable to DLUHC (33% Central Share)

(14.169)

Less

Payable to the Greater London Authority (37%)

(15.887)

Equals

Amount to be retained by Harrow (30%)

12.881

 

 

 

 

(3)            the Council's Chief Finance Officer (section 151 officer), following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources, be authorised to submit the notification of the calculation of the estimated Non-Domestic Rates income to the Secretary of State and the Greater London Authority (GLA) by 31 January 2022 or other date as may be prescribed;

 

(4)            the Council's Chief Finance Officer (section 151 officer), following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources, be authorised to submit revised figures (from those above) to the Secretary of State and GLA, if further clarification is received from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) on the financial impact of the proposed changes to the authority and how this is to be calculated;

 

(5)            the Council's Chief Finance Officer (section 151 officer), following, consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources, be authorised to implement the announced Autumn Budget business rates measures, namely a new retail relief for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties and a Transitional Relief (TR) scheme for small and medium businesses, and an extension to the Supporting Small Business (SSB) scheme for the financial year 2022/23, once the detail is known (this will also involve the Director of Finance exercising discretion under s47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988, (as amended) in order to introduce / operate the scheme.)

 

Reason for Decision:  To fulfil the Council’s statutory obligation to provide estimates and calculations in relation to NDR for 2022-2023.

 

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.

595.

Fees and Charges 2022/23 pdf icon PDF 481 KB

Report of the Director of Finance.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That

 

(1)            the Fees & Charges set out in Appendices 2 to 4 to the officer report, except for those marked ‘Statutory prescribed’ or ‘for noting only – non-Cabinet approval be implemented from April 2022; and

 

(2)            the Director of Finance and Assurance, following consultation with the relevant Corporate Director(s) and Portfolio Holders, be authorised to amend the fees and charges in year and agree new fees and charges.

 

Reason for Decision:  To ensure the Council sets a schedule of fees and charges 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.

596.

Accommodation Strategy Update pdf icon PDF 511 KB

Report of the Corporate Director, Resources.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That

 

(1)            the proposals for the delivery of the Council’s Accommodation Strategy including the use of ancillary spaces, be noted;

 

(2)            the procurement of a contractor to undertake works to fit out the ground floor of Sheldon House, Gayton Road to provide the Council’s emergency front door service and accommodation for the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, to the maximum value of £875k (construction costs including 10% contingency) from the £1.5m existing Capital Programme budget, be approved;

 

(3)            the Corporate Director of Community, following compliant procurement and consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Strategy, Regeneration, Partnerships and Devolution and Finance and Resources, be authorised  to award a contract to appoint contractors to complete the works set out in the officer report, noting the overall capital cost cap of £1.5m for works to all ancillary sites referred to the report, and to note existing delegated authority granted (in November 2018) to the Corporate Director for Community to agree any leases relating to the commercial units in Sheldon House;

 

(4)            the need for low-cost procurement for other ancillary site fit-out as mentioned in the officer report be noted and that these will be managed using delegated powers as set out in the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules; and

 

(5)            the Corporate Director of Community, following compliant procurement and consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Strategy, Regeneration, Partnerships and Devolution and Finance and Resources and the Director of Finance and Assurance, be authorised to appoint a Relocation Service contractor to deliver all move requirements for a smooth transition to Forward Drive and the Ancillary Sites, noting the budget of £200k that has been set for this purpose.

 

Reason for Decision:  The provision of space to accommodate those services which could not be moved to Forward Drive was a key part of the agreed Accommodation Strategy.  Procurement delegations needed to be agreed to move forward with the provision of this accommodation.

 

The fit out of Gayton Road supported the cessation of use of the existing Civic Centre at Poets Corner by the Council and its handover to the Harrow Strategic Development Partnership (HSDP) for the development of over 1000 new homes including affordable homes (subject to obtaining planning permission).  These new homes would provide significant additional social value and place making benefits.  It provided the site for key services that were moving from the Civic Centre and for our partner, the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, who are moving from the Civic centre site.

 

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.

597.

Calendar of Meetings 2022/23 pdf icon PDF 173 KB

Report of the Director of Legal and Governance Services.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That the Calendar of Meetings for the 2022/23 Municipal Year, be approved.

 

Reason for Decision:  The Calendar of Meetings is approved on an annual basis at this time of the year for the succeeding Municipal Year.  Advance approval of the calendar facilitates the planning and forward commitments of both Members and officers.  It will also allow the room bookings and IT 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.

598.

"Kodak" Wealdstone Footbridge - Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) Process Initiation

Appendices 4,5 and 6 to the report of the Corporate Director, Community.

Minutes:

See Minute 593.