Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence (if any).

There were none.

To receive declarations of disclosable pecuniary or non pecuniary interests, arising from business to be transacted at this meeting, from all Members present.

RESOLVED:  To note that the following interests were declared:

Agenda Item 4 – Public Questions

Councillor Janet Mote declared a non-pecuniary interest in that she was the Governor of St John Fisher Primary School.  She would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered.

Councillor Thaya Idaikkadar declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he lived within the area raised within question 2. He would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered.

Agenda Item 10 - Harrow to Pinner Cycleway - Public consultation outcome

Councillor Paul Osborn declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he lived along part of the proposed cycleway. He would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Councillor David Perry, who was not a member of Cabinet, declared a non-pecuniary interest in that the Harrow West Labour Centre was on Blenheim Road. He would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Agenda Item 15 - New Harrow Local Plan - approval to consult on pre-submission (Regulation 19) version

Councillor Stephen Greek declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he was an employee of the Greater London Authority. He would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

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

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

1.     Cllr David Ashton presented a petition containing 17 signatures in relation to the school streets programme surrounding Park High School, in particular the road safety on Crowshott Avenue, on behalf of the lead petitioner.

RESOLVED: That the petition be referred to the Acting Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy.

To note any public questions received.

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, Thursday 10 October 2024.  Questions should be sent to publicquestions@harrow.gov.uk No person may submit more than one question].

To note that 2 public questions had been received and responded to and in line with the statement made by the Leader of the Council (see Note 2 above), the recording had been placed on the website.

To receive any Councillor questions.

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, Thursday 10 October 2024].

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

RESOLVED:  To note the contents of the Key Decision Schedule for the period October – December 2024.

For consideration

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

Report of the Acting Strategic Director, Housing and Regeneration, and Chief Planning Officer

RESOLVED: That

1.     the draft Regulation 19 new Harrow Local Plan and supporting documents included within the appendices to the officer report be noted.

2.     the update provided in relation to the local plan process and the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), and next steps be noted.

3.     The recommendation from the Planning Policy Advisory Panel and comments from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be noted

4.     the outcomes of the consultation be reported back to the Planning Policy Advisory Panel, Cabinet and full Council in early 2025 when it was intended that approval would be sought to submit the draft Plan to the Secretary of State for examination, including notification of the public of the submission (‘Regulation 22’).

5.     the Chief Planning Officer be authorised, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration to make minor modifications to the draft document and accompanying documents / evidence based prior to the commencement of the Regulation 19 consultation in November 2024.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)

6.     consultation on the draft Local Plan (‘Regulation 19’ consultation), as attached at Appendix 1 to the officer report and accompanying documents (including those attached as appendices to the report), and the consultation arrangements as outlined in section 14 of the report, be agreed;

7.     the Chief Planning Officer be authorised following consultation with the Planning and Regeneration Portfolio Holder and the Leader of Council, to submit the draft Plan and accompanying documents under Regulation 22 to the Secretary of State, subject to no major modifications arising from the Regulation 19 statutory public consultation and where needed due to the draft National Planning Policy Framework 2024 being published in its final form prior to the outcome of the Regulation 19 consultation;

8.     be noted that Regulation 19 Version of the Local Plan would be used for development management purposes and determining planning applications, with appropriate weight given in accordance with paragraph 48 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

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

Report of the Strategic Director of Children’s Services

RESOLVED:  That

1.     a direct award to the provider of a ten-year contract 2025-2035 through, compliant use of Regulation 32 and Regulation 76 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, be approved.  This direct award would provide stability, cost effective placements and sufficiency of accommodation for thirty unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people.

Reason for Decision:  The service provided essential accommodation for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC), for which the Council had a statutory duty to provide.  The current agreement was due for renewal in April 2025.  By approving the recommendation, cost effective placements would be protected, placement sufficiency and stability for vulnerable young people who had no recourse to public funds and need to be accommodated by the local authority would be secured.

Report of the Strategic Director of Children’s Services

RESOLVED:  That

1.     a direct award to The YMCA St Paul’s Group of a 10-year contract from April 2025- March 2035, be approved.  The award would be through compliant use of Regulation 32 and Regulation 76 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.  The direct award would provide stability, cost effective placements and sufficiency of accommodation for twenty-nine children looked after, care leavers and homeless young people.

Reason or Decision:  The supported accommodation, located in Harrow, provided a vital resource to fulfil the authority’s placement sufficiency duty and to maintain cost efficient placements for young people in and leaving care and who were homeless. The supported accommodation facility was purpose built and leased for this purpose.  Affordable accommodation within the borough was essential to meeting placement demand within budget.

Report of the Acting Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy

RESOLVED:  That

1.            the consultation responses be considered and the Council’s support for the Harrow to Pinner cycle scheme, be confirmed;

2.            the Acting Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy be authorised following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Highways to proceed with the detailed design and implementation of sections 1 to 3 of the scheme and redesign and consult on section 4 in view of objections received;

3.            the Acting Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy be authorised following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Highways to proceed to statutory consultation for sections 1 to 3 of the scheme.

4.            the Acting Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy be authorised following consultation with the Portfolio Holder Finance and Highways to approve progressing sections 1 to 3 of the scheme to the implementation stage and approve the redesign and consultation of section 4 subject to the availability of TfL funding and to include the making of Traffic Management Orders (TMOs), where required.

Reason for Decision:  The proposed scheme aligns with regional and local policy objectives, supporting sustainable transport goals in the borough. By promoting inclusive cycling, it would boost residents' confidence on Harrow’s roads, encouraging more people to cycle and enhancing public health through increased physical activity.

The borough was designated as an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA), and road traffic had been identified as the main source of nitrogen dioxide and fine particle emissions.  The scheme aimed to improve air quality by supporting a reduction in the number of car journeys, particularly used for local journeys, and increasing the number of cyclists and pedestrians using a new facility.  Additionally, enhancements such as safer crossing points, wayfinding, and improved lighting would enhance the public realm, making journeys safer and more pleasant for all.

Report of the Acting Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy

RESOLVED:  That

1.            the proposed delivery programme for School Streets be noted and the continuation of its implementation be approved, contingent on the continued availability of external funding and the agreement of participating schools and the involvement of ward Councillors;

2.            the Director of Culture, Environment and Economy be authorised following consultation with the Portfolio Holder Finance and Highways to approve the progression of the scheme to the implementation stage subject to the availability of Transport for London (TfL) funding and to include the making of Traffic Management Orders (TMOs), where required.

Reason for Decision:  The proposed programme aligned with regional and local policy objectives which included the Council’s draft Long Term Transport Strategy.  A School Street scheme supported the use of sustainable modes of travel including walking, cycling, and wheeling (wheelchair/scooter etc) which would contribute to public health improvements through increased physical activity. 

The borough had been designated as an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). Road traffic was reported as the primary source of nitrogen dioxide and fine particle emissions.  The proposed programme of School Streets would improve air quality by encouraging the reduction of shorter car journeys and increasing the number of cyclists and pedestrians.  A School Street would make travel safer and more enjoyable for all the school community and a more pleasant environment for residents located near to participating schools.

Report of the Acting Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration,

and Director of Housing

Having noted the confidential report, it was

RESOLVED:  That

1.     the Home Energy Transition (H.E.T) 3-year spend profile to £4.5m as set out in appendices 1 and 2 of the officer report, be approved.  The spend profile outlined how the council would deliver the HET programme to 2026/2027 across a minimum of 200 homes;

2.     the procurement of the programme in two concurrent phases to ensure value for money with a fair and transparent process, be approved. This would include at least one mini-competition on the PFS framework - Decarbonisation Lots 1, 8 and 17 for up to £4m of work, and an open tender process for up to £0.5m value work for more specialist solar integration specification;

3.     the Acting Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration be authorised following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Highways and the Strategic Director of Finance to finalise the award of contract.

Reason for Decision:  The delivery of the HET programme would enable the Council to:

-        Meet critical Harrow climate emergency directives and central government energy efficiency targets contributing to the roadmap to Net Zero, by achieving a minimum EPC rating of C initially with a fabric-first approach across all homes.

-        Deliver critical phases of Harrow’s wider decarbonisation plan with the first milestone housing project to demonstrate a transition to low carbon heating, addressing fuel poverty with renewable technology integration.

-        Ensure good practice by meeting all delivery milestones of the GLA framework for Green finance, while being entirely funded and managed by the London Borough of Harrow.

Report of the Director of Housing

RSOLVED:  That

1.            authority be delegated to the Acting Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Highways, to acquire up to 70 properties on the open market to provide temporary and permanent accommodation, at a maximum cost of £30.732m to include the purchase price, all costs associated with the acquisition and initial repairs and refurbishment;

2.            the Acting Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration be authorised, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Highways, to negotiate the purchase of properties at a reasonable price given the prevailing market conditions at the time of purchase, supported by a valuation report;

3.            the Acting Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration be authorised, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Highways, to draw down the grant funding from the GLA’s Council Homes Acquisition Programme (CHAP) £4,250,000 and MHCLG Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF 3) £5,068,126 across the programme (up to 70 properties in total);

4.            the Director of Housing be authorised, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, to determine the most efficient way to manage the property acquisition programme and invite and evaluate quotes and tenders and award contracts for any services, including repairs and maintenance contracts, necessary for the programme within the agreed budget;

5.            the Strategic Director of Legal & Governance be authorised to enter into or execute under seal the contracts for any services and contracts for acquisition and transfer of the properties which will be acquired pursuant to the Property Acquisition Programme, and if necessary, any other related documentation in connection with the acquisition of the properties, on terms to be agreed by the Acting Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Highways.

Reason for Decision:  To extend the Property Acquisition Programme to provide additional local, good quality accommodation and achieve Bed and Breakfast cost avoidance in line with the approved budget and medium term financial strategy.

Report of the Acting Strategic Director, Housing and Regeneration

Having noted the confidential report, it was

RESOLVED: That

1.     The property, Fluorocarbon, Excalibur Way, Irlam, Greater Manchester England, M44 5DL, was surplus to the Council's requirements.

2.     the Acting Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration be authorised, following consultation with the Leader, the Portfolio Holder for Business, Employment & Property and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Highways to market the property, to negotiate terms and approve the final terms of the disposal, and to enter into the contract and any associated documentation in connection with the disposal, subject to the sale of being on the basis of best consideration reasonably obtainable.

3.     the Acting Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration be authorised, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Business, Employment & Property, to procure a specialist agent or agents to market the property.

Reason for Decision: Pursuant to the disposal and acquisition policy, there was an opportunity to take advantage of market conditions, it was therefore prudent and rational to consider selling the property, which was anticipated to be at a higher price than the purchase price. The sale would also reduce an ongoing revenue cost burden and would provide a capital receipt.

Having noted the confidential report, it was

RESOLVED: That

1.     the direct award of contract to Xerox UK Ltd for corporate managed print and hybrid mail services for a period of up to 4 years, with an option to extend for a period of up to 1 year with effect from December 2024 be approved.

Reason for Decision: Endorsing the recommendation would ensure the successful supplier was awarded the managed print & hybrid mail contract. This would also enable service continuity that underpins all of the Council’s managed print & hybrid mail services.

Report of the Director of ICT

Having noted the confidential report, it was

RESOLVED: That

1.            the commencement of the procurement of a Contact Centre Platform and associated services via the Crown Commercial Service Framework, Network Services 3, be approved;

2.            authority be delegated to the Director of IT, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Performance, Communications and Customer Experience to award the new contract to the successful bidder.

Reason for Decision:  Endorsing the recommendation would ensure a competitive procurement process results in award of the contract enabling continuity and delivery of Contact centre platform that underpinned communication for Access Harrow, Housing, Adults Social Care & Children’s Social Care, and corporate Telephony.

Report of the Assistant Director of Corporate Strategy

RESOLVED:  That

1.            the allocation of the sixth extension of the Household Support Fund as set out in the officer report, be approved;

2.            the purchase of select codes vouchers from Blackhawk Network to a value of £20,000 for the low-income proactive be awarded to care leavers, £35,000 for the application-based scheme and a maximum of £312,900 for the low-income proactive awards to pensioners (total £367,900), be approved;

3.            the transfer of approx. £642,650 to schools for them to provide free school meals (FSM) vouchers for approximately 7,470-7,700 households with children during the school holidays for Christmas 2024, February 2025 half term and Easter 2025, be approved;

4.            the transfer of £148,000 to Help Harrow (Harrow Together Ltd) to provide food aid across the borough, be approved;

5.            the transfer of £31,000 to Citizens Advice Harrow to provide information and advice services at Conversation Café, be approved;

6.            the transfer of £95,000 to provide additional information, advice and outreach to pensioners who may be eligible to apply for Pension Credit or other passported benefits, be approved;

7.            the transfer of £100,000 to support rent arrears in targeted groups of council tenants, be approved;

8.            the policy for the application-based scheme and the proposed administering process by Citizens Advice Harrow, be approved;

9.            the Council’s Hardship Fund be redirected to the Household Support Fund application-based scheme for 2024/25, be approved;

10.        the Managing Director be delegated authority following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Performance, Communications and Customer Experience to make technical scheme amendments to ensure the scheme met the criteria set by the Government and the Council and remained within the indicative grant level, including decisions on individual expenditure areas that exceeded the £500,000 threshold, if required; and

11.        the Assistant Director of Corporate Strategy be delegated authority, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Performance, Communications and Customer Experience to best determine the expenditure of any underspend and to be repurposed in the following areas:

a.     to top up the application-based scheme; or

b.     to provide resources to food aid in Harrow through Help Harrow; or

c.     to rent arrears, or:

d.     to any area of eligible spend where extra resources are needed at that time.

Reason for Decision:  The recommendations in the report met the essential criteria for the grant as set out by the Department of Work and Pensions. The Council had considered where best to target the funding and the proposals provided a balance of support, mindful that the funding was not spread too thinly.

The proposal for the eligible spend covered the following:

-        Free school meals (FSM) vouchers, which had previously been found to provide effective support to vulnerable households with children.

-        Vouchers for pensioners in receipt of Council Tax Support but not in receipt of other passported benefits and care leavers moving to independent accommodation. 

-        Direct awards to pensioners in receipt of Council Tax Support but not in receipt of other passported benefits who paid their council tax directly by Direct  ...  view the full minutes text for item 361.

Report of the Managing Director

RESOLVED:  That

(1)            Portfolio Holders continued to work with officers to achieve improvements against identified key challenges as set out in appendix 1 of the officer report;

(2)            the report be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To enable Cabinet to be informed of performance against key measures and to identify and assign corrective action where necessary.