Agenda and minutes

The Director of Financial and Business Strategy reported on the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy for 2004?05 and reminded Members that under Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Accounting) (England) Regulations 2003, local authorities were required to set prudential indicators as detailed in the Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities published by CIPFA.  She advised that confidential appendices had been circulated for Members information only.

Cabinet, having approved the Council’s lending list as set out in Appendix 1 to the report of the Executive Director (Business Connections),

Resolved to RECOMMEND:

(1)     That the Treasury Management Strategy for 2004/5, as set out in paragraphs 6.6-6.15 of the report of the Executive Director (Business Connections), be approved;

(2)     That the prudential indicators relating to Treasury Management set out in paragraph 6.16-6.21 of the Executive Director (Business Connections) report be approved.

Reason for Recommendation:  To ensure good practice in the discharge of the Council’s treasury management functions and to approve the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy for 2004/05 including the relevant prudential indicators.

(See also Minutes 454 & 469)

The Interim Director of Strategy (Urban Living) introduced the report which detailed the Medium Term Capital Budget Strategy for 2004/5 to 2006/7. Members considered the recommendation from the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel which sought approval to £100,000 per year being included in the three year capital programme for 2004/5, 2005/6 and 2006/7 to prioritise and fund the Controlled Parking Zone programme.

Cabinet, having confirmed the programme management improvements set out in paragraph 6.4 of the report of the Executive Directors of Business Connections and Urban Living, agreed to tenders being received from Messrs Mouchel and Partners, Scott Wilson and KPMG, noted that further decisions were required on supporting and enabling effective capital investment programme delivery at the time of agreeing the capital programme for 2005/6, and agreed the recommendation of the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel,

Resolved to RECOMMEND:

That the Medium Term Capital Budget Strategy for 2004/5 to 2006/7, including £100,000 recommended by the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel to prioritise and fund the Controlled Parking Zone Programme, be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the Council to deliver a capital programme for 2004/5 and subsequent years.

(See also Minute 455)         

The Chair introduced the Corporate Plan which described the priorities of the Council and the desired outcomes.  He reported that it was the responsibility of the Council to set out its aspirations, visions and mission.  In accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework, the Corporate Plan required Council approval.

Members noted the reference from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  In response to a question from a Member, the Chair indicated that the Committee’s comments would be taken on board prior to the Plan’s consideration by Council.

In response to a question in relation to Headstone Manor, the Executive Director (Urban Living) indicated that the Heritage Lottery Fund had withdrawn their grant offer and that a report would be submitted to a  future meeting of Cabinet on this matter.

Cabinet, having noted the comments from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee,

Resolved to RECOMMEND:

That the Corporate Plan, attached as Appendix A to the report of the Executive Director (Organisational Development), be approved.

Reason for Decision:  The Plan would provide the link in the corporate planning process between the Community Strategy and other strategic plans and service delivery plans of the Council. 

To receive declaration of interest (if any) from Members of the Cabinet.

RESOLVED:  To note that the following interests were declared:

The minutes of the meeting held on 17 February 2004, having been circulated, be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

The Chair indicated that he would be varying the order of business to enable consideration of item 18, 14-19 Provision in Harrow, to be considered after item 8, SSI Inspection of Services for Disabled People.  Councillor N Shah was not able to be present for the duration of the Cabinet meeting due to other commitments and, due to the Chair’s personal interest, would chair the meeting for that item. 

The Chair drew Members’ attention to the addendum report to item 17, Domiciliary Care Services Retendering, which he had agreed would be considered as a matter of urgency so that the Health and Social Care Scrutiny Sub-Committee could receive the Executive’s request for a review of the service in time for the review of their work programme on 23 March 2004.

The Chair further indicated that he was prepared to consider the recommendations from the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel held on 3 March 2004 in relation to the Medium Term Capital Budget Strategy 2004/2005 to 2006/2007 and the recommendation from the Tenants’ and Leaseholders’ Consultative Forum held on 4 March 2004 in relation to the resident consultation on the installation of replacement windows on the Eastcote Lane Estate, as a matter of urgency, for the reasons set out on the second supplemental agenda.

RESOLVED:  That all business be considered with the press and public present with the exception of the following items for the reasons set out below:-

To receive petitions (if any) submitted by members of the public/Councillors.

Councillor C Mote reported that he had received a petition from the residents of Eastern Avenue requesting either a zebra or pelican crossing or traffic islands from the southern side of the Avenue.

RESOLVED:  (1)  That the petition be received;

(2)  that the petition be forwarded to the Traffic and Transportation Department for consideration.

To receive any public questions received in accordance with paragraph 15 of the Executive Procedure Rules.

(Note:  Paragraph 15 of the Executive Procedure Rules stipulates that questions will be asked in the order notice of them was received and that there be a time limit of 15 minutes.)

RESOLVED:  To note the following public questions:

1.

2.

[Note: Oral answers were provided to the above questions and, under Executive Procedure Rule 15.4, Ms Alway asked one supplementary question which was additionally answered.  The Chair indicated that a written response would also be supplied to Ms Alway’s initial question and her individual concerns addressed outside of the meeting.]

RESOLVED:  To note the contents of the Forward Plan for the period 1 March 2004 – 30 June 2004.

(if any).

RESOLVED:  To note that no reports had been received.

Report of the Social Services Inspectorate and Head of Community Care Services (People First)

The Chair welcomed Ann Daniels, Alison Rix and Tim Bishop from the Social Services Inspector (SSI) to the meeting.  Alison Rix introduced the SSI report on their Inspection of Social Care Services for Disabled People and gave a brief overview of the background to the inspection.  She drew Members’ attention to the Physical Disabilities Services Action Plan prepared by officers within the People First Directorate.

Alison Rix outlined the findings of the Inspection and highlighted that there had, at the time of the inspection, appeared to be little evidence that physical disability services were adequate.  It was, however, recognised that the new senior managers had begun to address the issues raised during the inspection and some measures put in place.  She reported that the Inspectorate’s findings were summarised under three headings; promotion of independence, strategic partnership and performance management.

In conclusion, Alison Rix reported that the SSI report detailed twenty five key recommendations and that the Inspectorate would work with the Council to monitor progress.  Ann Daniels confirmed that the SSI believed that the Action Plan was robust enough to enable monitoring and that the Inspectorate was satisfied with the Plan.  The Inspectors requested that their thanks be conveyed to the staff who had organised the logistics of the inspection.

A Member expressed the view that whilst the Council was spending more on the service than other authorities, a lesser service was being received by clients.  In response, the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Human Resources and Performance Management advised that a new financial management framework would be introduced throughout the Council.

A Member stated that the report had had a detrimental effect on staff morale and that the Inspectors could perhaps have given the staff more credit for their work.  Senior Officers now had the task of increasing staff morale.

The Head of Community Care Services introduced the Action Plan, which referred to all the recommendations made by the SSI in their report. The Portfolio Holder for Social Services stated that, whilst it was never easy to receive a critical report, she was encouraged by the progress that had been made since the inspection.  She thanked the Inspectors for their report.

In conclusion, the Chair, thanked the Inspectors, on behalf of the Council, for their report.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the findings of the SSI Inspection be noted;

(2)  that the action plan for the improvement of the services for disabled people in Harrow, attached as an appendix to the report of the Head of Community Care Services, be approved.

Reason for Decision:  Services for disabled people were in urgent need of modernisation.

Report of the Executive Director (People First)

Councillor N Shah, the Deputy Leader, took the Chair for this item due to the Chair’s personal interest.  He reported that a question had been received from Mr Russell Sutcliffe, a parent governor representative, in relation to this item.  Mr Sutcliffe had been advised that due to the requirements of the Constitution, his question would not be considered by Cabinet but that Councillor N Shah would provide him with a written response.

Councillor N Shah drew Members‘ attention to a correction to the central consortium grouping in that it did not include Harrow College.  Members noted that special schools were a fourth grouping to take the 14 ? 19 Agenda forward on a more local basis.

The Director of Learning and Community Development introduced the report which informed Cabinet of the progress of the 14 ? 19 Advisory Group, the outcome of the stakeholder survey and the recent DfES announcement for building schools for the future.  He highlighted that the date of the 14 ? 19 OfSTED Inspection was still awaited and that the announcement in relation to building schools for the future was now expected in the Autumn.

The Portfolio Holder for Education and Lifelong Learning moved an amendment to the recommendations and it was unanimously

RESOLVED:  That (1)  the progress of the 14 ? 19 Advisory Group’s work be noted;

(2)  the proposals for Harrow, set out in paragraphs 6.7 – 6.11 of the report of the Executive Director (People First) for 14 ? 19 provision be approved and recommended to the Learning and Skills Council as part of the Strategic Area Review;

(3)  the DfES announcement detailed in paragraph 5.16 of the report of the Executive Director (People First) be noted;

(4)  a progress report be considered by Cabinet in the Summer term which includes the 14 ? 19 Strategy, StAR process and OfSTED inspection as appropriate;

(5)  the post 16 Steering Group and 14 ? 19 Advisory Group continue with their current remits until the StAR process Action Plan was published in March 2005;

(6)  to review the membership and remit of the Post 16 Steering Group and 14 ? 19 Advisory Group and report to Cabinet in the Summer term.

Reason for Decision:  To agree a formal recommendation to the London West Learning and Skills Council as part of their strategic area review process.

Report of the Chief Executive

The Chief Executive introduced the report which contained information about events linked with the 50th Anniversary of the granting of the Borough’s Charter of Incorporation.  She advised Members that the appendix to her report detailed events approved by the Mayor’s Committee.

RESOLVED:  That funding of £55,000 to cover costs associated with the 50^th Anniversary celebrations be approved.

Reason for Decision:  The proposed funding would enable Harrow to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the granting of the Charter of Incorporation.

Report of the Executive Director (Business Connections)

(See also Recommendation I).

The Director of Financial and Business Strategy introduced the report which set out the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy for 2004?05 and drew Members’ attention to the confidential appendices which had been circulated in Part II of the agenda.

The Director of Financial and Business Strategy reported that the performance of fund managers was to be kept under review and that the debt profile would be reviewed in 2004/5, and outlined the Prudential Indicators.

Cabinet, having recommended the Treasury Management Strategy for 2004/5 and the Prudential Indicators relating to Treasury Management to Council for approval,

RESOLVED:  That the Council’s Lending List, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report of the Executive Director (Business Connections), be approved;

Reason for Decision:  To ensure good practice in the discharge of the Council’s treasury management functions and to approve the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy for 2004?05 including the relevant prudential indicators.    

Report of the Executive Director (Business Connections) and Executive Director (Urban Living)

(See also Recommendation II).

The Interim Director of Strategy (Urban Living) introduced the report, which detailed the Medium Term Capital Budget Strategy for 2004/5 to 2006/7 and sought approval to resource more effective programme delivery for 2004/5 through the project plan and management support set out in the report.  He advised that the capital programme was significantly larger than in previous years.

The Chair drew Members’ attention to paragraph 6.4 of the report and to the recommendation from the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel which had been circulated on the second supplemental agenda.

In response to a question in relation to the costs of consultants, the Interim Director of Strategy (Urban Living) confirmed that this would be sourced from the Capital Budget. 

Cabinet, having recommended the Medium Term Capital Budget Strategy for 2004/5 to 2006/7 to Council,

RESOLVED:  That (1) the programme management improvements set out in Paragraph 6.4 of the report of the Executive Directors of Urban Living and Business Connections be confirmed.

(2)  tenders be received from Messrs Mouchel & Partners, Scott Wilson and KPMG;

(3)  to note that decisions were required on supporting and enabling capital investment programme delivery at the time of agreeing the Capital Programme for 2005/06;

(4)  that, subject to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport adopting the priority list detailed in Appendix D to the report of the Interim Direction of Environment and Transport considered by the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel on 3 March 2004 as the controlled parking zones programme, agree that £100,000 per year be included in the three year capital programme for 2004/5, 2005/6 and 2006/7. 

Reason for Decision:  To enable the Council to deliver a capital programme for 2004/5 and subsequent years and to prioritise and fund the controlled parking zone programme.

(See Recommendation III).

Report of the Area Director (Urban Living) and Area Director (People First)

The Chair, having further varied the order of business, announced that Harrow Council had been awarded the Best Local Environmental Quality Initiative at the 2004 Annual ENCAMS People and Places Conference and that this was a great accolade and requested Cabinet’s congratulations be conveyed to the team.

The Area Director (Urban Living) introduced the report which asked Cabinet to determine the groupings of wards to be used as the basis of the three “Strategic Areas” and the public realm maintenance roll out schedule for 2004/5.

The Area Director (Urban Living) reported that he and the Area Director (People First) wished to recommend option B for adoption as it enabled the borough to be split in an equitable way and was in line with the existing areas 1, 2 and 3.  He reported that the four colour maps that had been circulated to Members summarised the report.  He added that option B would enable officers to cover as much of the borough as possible and the areas with the greatest need.

Members commented on the options and made suggestions for future rollout, particularly in relation to Harrow Weald, Headstone Lane Estate and the southern part of Brookshill.   The Area Director (Urban Living) advised Members of a correction to the report in that North Harrow Shopping Centre would be incorporated in the January 2005 roll out.

An amendment in the name of Councillor Burchell was moved and it was

RESOLVED: (1) unanimously, that area model B be selected as the preferred option noting that the comparison set out in Appendix 1 to the report of the Area Directors of Urban Living and People First suggested Model B had the most advantages;

(2)  that the Public Realm Maintenance Roll Out Schedule 2004/5 as illustrated on Map “New Harrow Project – Area Roll Out Proposal 2004/5” be adopted, subject to the detailed designation of the new ward areas;

(3)  unanimously, that the initial scope for the market testing exercise be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To implement service improvements throughout the Borough thereby securing progress against the Comprehensive Performance Assessment  Improvement Plan objectives.

The Executive Director (Organisational Development) introduced the report which proposed the adoption of the draft Human Resources Strategy ‘Strategy for People’ for the authority.  She advised that the development of the strategy was identified as a key action from the IDeA Review and Comprehensive Performance Assessment and had been developed in consultation with both internal and external partners.  The Executive Director (Organisational Development) confirmed that the recently appointed Director of Human Resources and Organisational Effectiveness had agreed the Strategy.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Human Resources and Performance Management emphasised the importance of the Strategy and requested that his thanks be conveyed to the Unions for their assistance in the document’s development.

 RESOLVED:  That the draft HR Strategy ‘Strategy for People’ attached as Appendix A to the report of the Executive Director (Organisational Development) be approved.

Reasons for Decision:  The Strategy would form the over-arching framework for managing and developing people who work for the Council over the next 5 years and would form the basis for key decision making on resource allocation and policy development on people management issues across the Council.

Development of the Strategy was a priority in the Improvement Plan for IDeA Review and Comprehensive Performance Assessment agreed by Cabinet in March 2003.

The Executive Director (Organisational Development) introduced the report which outlined progress on the action taken to implement the Council’s Improvement Plan in response to the Improvement and Development Agency and Comprehensive Performance Assessment reviews of last year.  It also presented the quarterly monitoring report of the Best Value Performance Indicators for 2003?4.

In response to a Member’s question, the Executive Director (Business Connections) reported that he hoped to submit the review of Financial Regulations to Cabinet on 20 April 2004.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the progress report pro forma attached as Appendix A to the report of the Executive Director (Organisational Development) be noted;

(2)  that a further report be submitted to the June meeting of Cabinet detailing progress over the year together with an amended Improvement Plan for the coming year;

(3)  that the Best Value Performance Indicators monitoring report be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To assess progress against the CPA/IDeA Improvement Plan and to enable progress against the Council’s performance targets to be assessed and action taken where necessary to improve performance. 

Report of the Head of Community Care Services (People First)

The Head of Community Care Services introduced the report which stated that the Council was formally required under statutory guidance issued by the Department of Health to set a threshold level for determining access to community care services provided by Social Services and which must be set against the criteria established under the Government’s Fair Access to Care policy guidance.  This level needed to be set before the start of the next financial year.

RESOLVED:  That the existing threshold for providing community care services at the current level be maintained for a further year; that is, at a level which would require the Council to provide services to those who were deemed to face “critical” and “substantial” threats to their independence.

Reason for Decision:  There was a legal requirement to set a threshold level before the start of the new financial year.  Any change to the existing level would have significant budgetary implications which would be out of step with the basis on which current budget proposals had been developed.   

Report of the Executive Director (People First)

The Head of Community Care Services introduced the report which updated Members on the arrangements for agreeing and implementing NHS funded continuing care in the area covered by the North West London Strategic Health Authority.  He reported that this year the Strategic Health Authority had informed the Primary Care Trust of the requirements rather than giving a choice in relation to the continuing care criteria.

In response to a Member’s question, the Head of Community Care Services advised that, in terms of the process for Harrow’s residents, their address, not the treatment centre, was the key factor.  Residents would still need to be dealt with by the relevant Panel.  He also clarified the financial position in relation to the PCT on which he had previously reported to Cabinet in December 2003.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the report be noted;

(2)  the use of the revised criteria and assessment tool be endorsed.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure the effective delivery of health and social care services to Harrow residents.

Report of the Head of Community Care Services (People First)

The Head of Community Care Services introduced the report which detailed the results of the tendering exercise that had been undertaken concerning the block contracts, other than the Harrow Care at Home contract, for approximately 60% of the volume of domiciliary care delivered to Harrow residents through care management.  He drew Members’ attention to the confidential Part II report which contained commercially sensitive information and which had been circulated to Members only.

In response to a question in relation to the continuity of carers to clients, the Head of Community Care Services confirmed that this was a key issue and had been raised with both potential and actual suppliers of services.  However, it should be noted that carer holidays and sickness gave rise to problems with the continuity of a carer’s service to a particular client.

The Chief Executive introduced the addendum report, circulated on the third supplemental agenda, and which proposed that a scrutiny review of Domiciliary Care Services be carried out.

RESOLVED:  (1) That the block contracts be let to the following three agencies: 

·                     Helpful Hands Home Care Ltd, 1,500 hours;

·                     Graham Homecare Ltd (trading as Carewatch Harrow), 1,500 hours;

·                     Enara Ltd (trading as Enara Community Care), 1,000 hours.

The balance of care at around 1,000 hours per week would also be commissioned from three agencies on “spot purchase” basis at the block purchase price;

 (2)  that the Health and Social Care Scrutiny Sub-Committee be requested to undertake a review and agree the terms of reference set out in paragraph 6.5 of the addendum report.

Reason for Decision:  (1) These contracts needed to be in place from the beginning of April to ensure service delivery to service users;

(2)  to seek improvements to the quality of services provided.

Report of the Executive Director (People First)

The Executive Director (People First) reported on the outcome of the consultation process with governing bodies, parents, community groups and neighbouring LEAs on Harrow’s schemes of co?ordination for primary and secondary school admissions and on proposed changes to the admission rules.  Members noted that the report set out recommendations for the school admission arrangements to be effective from September 2005.

The Executive Director (People First) advised that the recommendations signified a change in some long established practices and which were detailed within his report.  He added that the Admissions Forum had considered and endorsed the recommendations before Cabinet.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the Co-ordinated Admission Scheme set out in Appendix E to the report of the Executive Director (People First) (subject to any change recommended by the Pan?London Executive and agreed by other London admission authorities) be adopted;

(2)  to make the following changes to admission arrangements for Harrow community schools, effective from September 2005

PRIMARY AND HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS

·                     To adopt an equal preference system.

·                     To use distance measured in a straight-line (“as the crow flies”) as the tie breaker.

PRIMARY SCHOOL ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS

·                     To replace the priority roads system with distance from home to school.

·                     To authorise schools involved in a one-year pilot project to admit children to Reception in a single intake in September.

·                     To allow parents to defer their child’s entry to Reception in agreement with the school concerned, subject to consultation on funding arrangements (see 3 below).  The parent would not, however, be able to defer entry beyond the beginning of the term after the child’s fifth birthday, nor beyond the academic year for which admission was sought.

(3)  to consult on funding for deferred entry to Reception Class during Autumn 2004 as part of the 2005/2006 financial year formula funding consultation.  Any such changes were to be reviewed after the first twelve months of operation;

(4)  to request the Harrow Admissions Forum to establish a Working Group in order to

(i)                   oversee a pilot project that enabled schools to admit children to Reception class in a single intake in September and allowed parents to defer their child’s entry to reception;

(ii)                 take account of the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership recommendations in developing arrangements for single intake and deferred entry;

(iii)                ensure systems are in place to monitor single intake and deferred entry and to assess the impact of such changes on pupils, Harrow nursery class admissions and other pre?school providers;

(iv)                receive and analyse termly updates on single intake and deferred entry and to report to the full Admissions Forum with recommendations as appropriate.

Reason for Decision:  There is a statutory obligation to determine admission arrangements for the 2005/6 Academic Year by 15 April 2004.

Report of the Chief Executive

The Chief Planning Officer introduced the report which updated Members on the progress with the Town Centre Development Strategy and Masterplan for the Harrow on the Hill Station Site and recommended the establishment of a Member Panel to oversee the progression of the key initiatives.

The Chief Planning Officer advised Members of a typographical error at paragraph 6.4 of the report and advised that the bid to fund this work had been included in the report on the Medium Term Capital Budget Strategy, which appeared elsewhere on the Cabinet agenda.

The Chief Planning Officer sought Members views on whether the proposed Panel should be an Executive Committee or Advisory Panel.  The Borough Solicitor advised Members that, if they decided that proposed Panel be advisory in nature, it might be necessary for decisions to be taken urgently by the relevant Portfolio Holder, as it might not always be possible to submit a report to Cabinet.

RESOLVED:  That a Town Centre Project Advisory Panel be established with the terms of reference set out as an appendix to the report of the Chief Executive and with the following membership:-

Reason for Decision:  To provide Member level leadership and guidance on the development of Harrow Town Centre.

Report of the Chief Planning Officer

Members noted that the report sought confirmation of the Article 4(2) direction, made on 4 December 2003 and covering two properties in the East End Farm Conservation Area, intended to remove permitted development rights relating to hard surfacing and boundary treatments.  The remaining properties in the Conservation Area were all listed and already controlled in this respect.

RESOLVED:  That the Article 4(2) Direction made on 4 December 2003 covering two dwellinghouses within the East End Farm Conservation Area and removing permitted development rights for development within Class F of Part 2 of Schedule 2 and Class A of Part 2 of Schedule 2 of the General Permitted Development Order 1995, and which would front a highway, waterway or open space be confirmed.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure that the Article 4(2) Direction did not expire and remained in effect.

Report of the Executive Director (Urban Living)

The ALMO Project Director introduced the report which sought approval to outstanding matters necessary to progress the Cabinet’s decision to create an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) to manage the Council’s housing stock.  He reported an amendment to the participation figure detailed in his supplementary report in that the participation rate was 31.5%. 

An amendment in the name of Councillor Lyne was moved and it was

RESOLVED:  That (1) the establishment of Spire Community Homes Ltd as a company limited by guarantee using the Memorandum and Articles for Association appearing in the Cabinet’s supporting documents pack be agreed;   

(2)  that the Executive Director (Urban Living) be authorised to appoint a manager under Section 375 of the Companies Act 1985 as the Council’s representative to the ALMO;

(3)   that the Executive Director (Urban Living), in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Best Value and nominated members,   take all necessary steps to implement the ALMO so as to be operative by 1 September 2004;

(4)  that the taking of a lease of suitable premises, on terms to be approved by the Director of Professional Services (Urban Living), be agreed;

(5)  that the organisational structure for the ALMO, including a new post of Managing Director, and estimated associated costs be agreed;

(6)  that the Council’s monitoring role and associated costs be agreed;

(7)  that the financial arrangements for the delivery of services to the ALMO, including the current estimated financial costs and implications be noted;

(8)  that the outcome of the tenants' and leaseholders' survey undertaken to establish support for the proposal be noted;

(9)  that an application be made to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister under Section 27 of the Housing Act 1985;

(10)  that the power to make urgent decisions in relation to the matters detailed in the report  of the Executive Director (Urban Living) be delegated to the Executive Director (Urban Living) in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development, Housing and Best Value and nominated members.

Reason for Decision:  To implement the Cabinet’s previous decision to set up an Arms Length Management Organisation to manage the Council’s housing stock.    

Report of the Executive Director (Urban Living)

Members noted the recommendations circulated on the second supplemental agenda from the Tenants' and Leaseholders' Consultative Forum meeting held on 4 March 2004.

RESOLVED:  To note that the policy for consulting residents about works proposed within their homes currently being drafted would address the concerns of residents expressed at the meeting of the Tenants' and Leaseholders' Consultative Forum held on 21 January 2004 and set out in recommendations 1, 4 and 5 in Appendix B to the report of the Executive Director (Urban Living) and that the technical concerns raised in recommendations 2 and 3 of Appendix B to the report would be addressed with the adoption of approved Technical Standards.

Reason for Decision:  Asset management were addressing resident consultation matters by agreeing policy and have introduced Technical Standards to address the technical issues raised by residents.

Councillor C Mote made reference to statement he would be making to the Press the following day and his possible referral of the Leader of the Council and the Portfolio Holder for Education and Lifelong Learning to the Standards Board for England.

Report of the Executive Director (Business Connections)

(See Recommendation I).

Report of the Executive Director (Business Connections)

Members considered a confidential report from the Executive Director (Business Connections) in relation to the renewal of the Council Insurance Programme 1 April 2004.

RESOLVED:  (1) That the Council’s Insurance Programme for the 2004/5 Financial Year with existing insurers at a total cost £1,080,402 be renewed;

(2)  to remove the individual claim deductibles (excesses) on liability risks whilst retaining an annual aggregate cap of £1.1m;

(3)  that internal insurance provisions totalling £1.2m to meet anticipated self funded claims for 2004/05 be established.

Reason for Decision:  To secure the Council’s insurance requirements prior to 31 March 2004 when the current contracts expired.

Report of the Head of Community Care Services (People First)

Members considered a confidential report from the Head of Community Care Services in relation to Domiciliary Care Services retendering and which related to an item considered in Part 1 of the agenda.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

Report of the Executive Director (People First)

Members considered a confidential report from the Executive Director (People First) in relation to the Alexandra LIFT Project.

A Member requested that information in relation to LIFT be recirculated. 

RESOLVED:  (1) That it be agreed, in principle, to enter into a leaseback arrangement with Lift Co in respect of 422 m² of accommodation in the new Alexandra facility, subject to the Borough Solicitor agreeing the legal terms;

(2)  to delegate the Leader of the Council to agree the executive representative at the Strategic Partnership Board.

Reason for Decision:  There was a requirement to move this project to the next stage and, in line with the previous Cabinet decisions, to participate in the Strategic Partnership Agreement process.

Report of the Chief Planning Officer

Members considered a confidential report from the Chief Executive in relation to the Harrow Town Centre Strategy and Masterplan.

RESOLVED:  That officers be authorised to negotiate for the acquisition of a site detailed in the report of the Chief Executive.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure that the Council’s objectives for the development of the site and the implementation of the Town Centre Strategy can be delivered successfully and promptly.

Report of the Executive Director (Urban Living)

Members considered a confidential report from the Executive Director (Urban Living) in relation to the Arms Length Management Organisation for the management of the Council’s housing stock and which related to an item considered in Part I of the agenda.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

In accordance with the provisions of Executive Procedure Rule 22.2 (Part 4D of the Constitution) it was

RESOLVED: (1) At 9.57pm to continue until 10.30 pm;

(2)  at 10.30 pm to continue until 10.35 pm; and

(3)  at 10.35 pm to continue until 10.40 pm.