Agenda and minutes

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

RESOLVED: To note that the following interest was declared:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 9 September 2004, having been circulated, be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 14 October 2004, having been circulated, be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

To consider whether any of the items listed on the agenda should be considered with the press and public excluded on the grounds that it is thought likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, that there would be disclosure of confidential information in breach of an obligation of confidence or of exempt information as defined in the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985.

The Chair indicated that item 10, Management of the Council’s Housing Stock, would be considered following the procedural items.

Cabinet agreed to waive Executive Procedure Rule 15.2 in relation to the time limit for public questions.

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.

Gareth Thomas MP submitted a petition containing 2,500 signatures, the terms of which were as follows:-

“We the undersigned urge Harrow Council to do all in their power to facilitate development of the former Safeways supermarket site in North Harrow.  We are concerned that the future of this key site in North Harrow is still unresolved and believe the absence of a major supermarket in North Harrow is having an adverse impact on the businesses, forcing too many local people to travel to other shopping areas (causing particular difficulties for elderly and disabled people).”

RESOLVED:  That the petition be received and noted.

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 will be a time limit of 15 minutes).

RESOLVED:  To note that the following public questions had been received:-

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Report of the Executive Director (Urban Living)

The Executive Director (Urban Living) introduced the report, which followed on from the previous discussion at Cabinet on 14 October 2004. He drew Members’ attention to the tabled recommendation, which had been prepared following the Cabinet pre-meeting with the ALMO Shadow Board earlier that evening.  Members also noted the tabled documents in relation to the Housing Repairs retendering process and the draft project plan for decent homes option appraisal and tenant empowerment.

The Executive Director (Urban Living) detailed the content of the report and outlined the three options proposed by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) for Councils to achieve the Decent Homes Standard by 2010 namely, ALMO, Stock Transfer to Registered Social Landlord and Housing Revenue Account Private Finance Initiative.  He advised that retention was a fourth option by which a Council could fund the necessary capital investment through its own sources.  He indicated that, following a meeting with a representative of the ODPM the previous day, he was able to advise Cabinet that it had been recognised that Harrow had a unique set of circumstances and that the ODPM had indicated its support.

The Chief Executive emphasised that if the ALMO was proceeded with in its current form the existing bid was under funded.  She outlined the possible uses of prudential borrowing and stated that the Council could not proceed in the current way as it was not an option for the future.  The Government had indicated that its clear preference was that Authorities had to move forward and put the management of the housing stock at arms length from the Council.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Housing introduced the tabled recommendation and indicated some further amendments to the proposed wording.

A Member expressed concern in relation to the figures before Cabinet and indicated his reservations. In response to a question in relation to the legality of disbanding the ALMO, the Director of Corporate Governance advised that it was the Board that would be wound up, and that the company, which had been set up by a group of London Solicitors would, in effect, remain dormant.

Cabinet, having agreed a number of changes to the proposed tabled recommendation,

RESOLVED: (1)That the independent Directors of the Shadow Board, together with the Tenant and Councillor representatives of the Board, be thanked for their hard work in helping to establish Spire Community Homes as the Council’s ALMO; 

(2) that, with immediate effect, the current ALMO bid be retracted;

(3) that Prudential Borrowing be used to initiate work to enable immediate progress to be made to achieve the Decent Homes Standard for all the Council’s Housing Stock by 2010;

(4) that a Cabinet Advisory Panel for Housing Improvement Options be established comprising of no more than 6 Members (3:2:1) to oversee the Options Appraisal and to make recommendations to Cabinet on the use of Prudential Borrowing;

(5) that the following be invited to appoint advisors to the Panel:-

Tenants Federation - 2

Unison - 1

ALMO Shadow  ...  view the full minutes text for item 637.

Report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy

The Director of Financial and Business Strategy introduced the report which outlined the current revenue, Housing Revenue Account and capital budget position.  She drew attention to the revenue virements and overspends in relation to People First and Urban Living detailed in Appendix 1 to her report.

Following a number of queries from Members, the Portfolio Holder for Business Connections and Performance indicated that this item would be considered at the next meeting of the Budget Review Working Group but acknowledged that it would, in future, be preferable to discuss such reports prior to their submission to Cabinet.

RESOLVED:  That the current revenue, Housing Revenue Account and capital budget position be noted and that the revenue virements recommended in Appendix 1 (Paragraph 10) and the use of Reserves detailed in Appendix 2 to the report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To effectively monitor the Council’s revenue and capital budgets. 

Report of the Director of Organisational Performance

The Director of Organisational Performance introduced the report to the Performance Board and outlined the actions being taken.  He highlighted the significant areas of progress over the last quarter and the areas requiring further work.

In response to a Member’s question, the Director of Organisational Performance indicated that it would be possible to include details of the performance in the previous quarter in future Strategic Performance reports to enable comparison.

Cabinet, in noting that the Harrow Benefits Services now had the best turnaround time in London for the processing of new claims, requested that their congratulations be conveyed to the staff concerned.

RESOLVED:  (1)  That the performance report and the actions being taken be noted;

(2)  that officers note the adaptations identified by Cabinet and incorporate them into the Strategic Performance Report.

Reason for Decision:  It had previously been agreed that Cabinet would receive a Quarterly Performance Information Report in its role as Performance Board.

Report of the Executive Director (People First)

In his role as Director of Social Services, the Director of Children’s Services introduced the covering report for the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) Annual Review Letter and circulated supporting documentation from Children’s Services and Community Care Services setting out progress made during 2003/04. The letter set out the achievements of the Council and those areas where further work was required.

The Director reported that the CSCI had been invited to attend this meeting of Cabinet but the invitation had been declined.  However, the invitation had been reissued for the December meeting.

Cabinet expressed concern and disappointment at the non-attendance of the Inspectors and also the quality of the report.  Members were concerned at the lack of recognition given to the work of Council staff and service improvements, which had already been made. Members concurred that the areas of development referred to in the report were those already known to the Authority and where work was taking place.

The Portfolio Holder for Social Care and Health indicated that the tone of the report was disappointing and that the improvements, although included in the report, were difficult to draw out.  She reported that the tabled documents highlighted the improvements since April 2004.

RESOLVED:  (1)  That the Annual Review Letter be noted:

(2)  that officers be instructed to take appropriate action to continue performance improvement along the lines set out in the Annual Review Letter;

(3)  that staff be congratulated for their good work.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure that Cabinet had complied with the requirement of Central Government for political consideration and open publication of the letter and to inform Cabinet of progress made and work still to be done as part of the overall Council improvement programme.

RESOLVED:  To note the contents of the Forward Plan for the period 1 November 2004 – 28 February 2005.

Review of New Harrow Project (Phase 2) – Reference from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

In accordance with Executive Procedure Rule 18, the Chair invited Councillor Jean Lammiman, the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee, to introduce the report of the Scrutiny Review Group.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee read a summary of the key findings of the Review Group, which she indicated that she would circulate to Cabinet Members.  She emphasised that the report was a ‘living’ document and advised that the Scrutiny Review Group would shortly be looking at New Harrow Project Phase 3 and outlined the issues that would be considered.

The Portfolio Holder for Communications, Partnership and Human Resources welcomed the report and indicated that she would be discussing the issue of communication with officers.

Cabinet, having noted an amendment from Councillor Miss Lyne in relation to recommendation 3 of the Review Group,

RESOLVED:  That the recommendations of the Scrutiny Review Group, as now amended, be agreed as follows:-

PHASE 2 OF THE SCRUTINY REVIEW OF THE NEW HARROW PROJECT

That (1) rigorous groundwork be completed prior to the adoption of all future projects and a fully documented project planning process be implemented;

(2)     the role of the Area Director be supported by clear lines of accountability and the responsibilities of the post be clarified and communicated;

(3)     consideration be given to supporting the sharing of information and learning experiences arising from the Project across the whole Council, Members and staff, and to establishing processes to support organisational learning in future;

(4)     the Executive review what further measures might be necessary to ensure the   sustainability of the project;

(5)     the progress of First Contact, which was fundamental to strengthening the Council’s interface with the public, continue to be expedited;

(6)     the Council seek greater clarity over its key priorities and this is supported by clear statements of what would and would not be possible in given timeframes;

(7)     further consideration be given to the ways in which the ownership of the NHP could be broadened;

(8)     the Executive undertake a review of the process for Member engagement in the NHP and all political groups review their processes for cascading information to their Members and ensuring that their Members are aware of the relevance and importance of the more critical development opportunities offered;

(9)     the Executive revisit the processes used to engage staff and the public in the change process and the Publications Panel consider the use of route maps and stories to assist in communicating the New Harrow Project message both internally and externally;

(10) the Council consider whether it would now be appropriate to rename the NHP, to recognise the mainstreaming of activities and the organisation’s culture change.

PUBLIC REALM MAINTENANCE

That (1) regular monitoring reports of cleanliness, by street, be submitted to Ward Members and copied to Review Group for the next 12 months;

(2)     the distribution of the area newsletters be extended to businesses and consideration is given to the options for improving communications with business communities in NHP areas, particularly in Kenton, whether through  ...  view the full minutes text for item 642.

Report of the Director of Strategic Planning

The Chief Executive introduced the report and outlined the recommendations from the Town Centre Project Panel meeting held on 28 September 2004.

RESOLVED:  (1)  That the highway proposals set out in paragraphs 8.3 and 8.4 and as shown in Appendices 1 to 4 to the Director of Strategic Planning’s report be agreed;

(2)  that officers be authorised to:

(a)                take all necessary steps under Section 6 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to:

(i)                   remove loading restrictions on the north side of College Road over a length of 10 metres outside of No. 66 (Hygeia House) as shown in Appendix 3 to the report of the Director of Strategic Planning;

(ii)                 extend the time of the loading restrictions in Clarendon Road to ‘no loading at any time’ between its southerly junction with Kymberley Road/College Road and the exit to the multi storey car park as shown in Appendix 4 to the report of the Director of Strategic Planning;

(iii)                introduce a loading bay at the northerly junction of Clarendon Road and Kymberley Road (at the north west corner of Kings House) as shown in Appendix 4 to the report of the Director of Strategic Planning;

the details of which be delegated to officers and subject to any formal objections to the traffic order;

(b)                take all necessary steps under Section 23 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to:

(i)                   relocate the pelican crossing in College Road by Harrow-on-the-Hill Station approximately 10 metres to the west and widen the crossing to 8 metres as shown in Appendices 1, 2 and 3 to the report of the Director of Strategic Planning;

(ii)                 relocate the pelican crossing on Greenhill Way by No. 58 approximately 15 metres to the east as shown in Appendix 4 to the report of the Director of Strategic Planning;

the details of which be delegated to officers;

(c)                take all necessary steps under Section 6 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 or instruct Transport for London under the London Hackney Carriages Act 1850 to:

(i)                   reduce the capacity of the taxi rank in College Road by Harrow on the Hill station from 3 to 2 taxis;

(ii)                 introduce a new taxi rank on the south side of College Road outside of No. 51 (former post office);

as shown in Appendices 1 and 3 to the report of the Director of Strategic Planning, the details of which be delegated to officers and subject to any formal objections to the traffic order.

Reason for Decision:  To address the Council’s corporate priority of enhancing the environment.  The proposed measures were in line with the strategic direction for the Town Centre set out in the Town Centre Development Strategy.

RESOLVED:  (1)  That the membership of the Cabinet, agreed at Council, be noted;

(2)  to re-appoint the following bodies with the membership detailed in the appendix to these minutes:-

New Harrow Project Panel

Town Centre Project Panel

Best Value Panel

Better Government for Older People Panel

Education Admissions and Awards Panel

National Non-Domestic Ratepayers Consultative Panel

Publications Panel

South Harrow Study Panel

Strategic Planning Advisory Panel

Supporting People Panel

Wealdstone Regeneration Panel

Budget Review Working Group

Community Consultative Forum

Education Consultative Forum

Employees’ Consultative Forum

Tenants’ and Leaseholders’ Consultative Forum

Harrow Admissions Forum;

(3) that the membership of the Grants Panel and the Traffic Panel be increased to 10 members and include Councillors Rekha Shah and Miss Lyne as members of the Grants Panel with Councillor Navin Shah appointed as fifth reserve, and Councillor Burchell as a member of the Traffic Panel;

(4) that, Councillor Burchell be appointed as Chair to the Housing Improvement Options Advisory Panel, the Membership of which is as follows:-

(5)  to appoint the Chairs to Subsidiary Bodies as set out in the Appendix to these minutes;

(6)  that Councillor Margaret Davine be appointed to the Fostering Panel;

(7)  that the Assistants and Spokespersons be appointed as set out in the Appendix to these minutes.

Reason for Decision:  To re-establish the bodies following the re-determination.

[Note:  Councillors D Ashton, Miss Lyne and C Mote wished to be recorded as having voted against resolution 3 as the Major Minority Group appeared to be changing the rules of proportionality to suit their purposes].

Report of the Chief Executive

The Chief Executive introduced the report, which outlined the Calendar of Meetings for the Authority for the Municipal Year 2005/6.  Members noted the addition of two religious festivals in November 2005 and January 2006.

Members indicated that the Calendar for May 2006 required further consideration and requested that Sunday appear as the left hand column of the Calendar.

RESOLVED:  That the Calendar of Meetings for the Authority for the Municipal Year 2005/6 be approved.

Reason for Decision:  The Calendar of Meetings was approved on an annual basis at approximately this time of year for the succeeding Municipal Year.  Its advance approval allowed Members and officers to identify forward commitments.

Report of the Chief Executive

The Executive Director (Urban Living) introduced the report which outlined the contractual position in relation to Council notice boards and billboards.

RESOLVED:  That the contractual position be noted.

Reason for Decision:  The legal requirement to give a full year’s notice of non-renewal of the contract with Adshel allowed for a new provider to be identified to improve the current provision of community notice boards.

Report of the Executive Director (Urban Living)

Members considered a confidential report from the Executive Director (Urban Living) in relation to Whitchurch Pavilion, Whitchurch Playing Fields.

In response to a Member’s question, the Interim Head of Valuation confirmed that a further report would be submitted to Cabinet in relation to the marketing of the remaining properties.

RESOLVED:  (1)  That the letting of Whitchurch Pavilion on a lease be approved, in principle;

(2)  that the Director of Professional Services (Urban Living) be authorised to conclude a letting to Potters House Nursery on the basis set out in the report of the Executive Director (Urban Living).

Reason for Decision:  To enable the building to be let and brought back into use.  

Report of the Executive Director (Urban Living)

Members considered a confidential report from the Executive Director (Urban Living) in relation to the Multi?Storey Car Park, The Broadway, Stanmore.

Cabinet, in looking forward to the reprovisioning of a multi storey car park in Stanmore,

RESOLVED:  (1)  That the Director of Professional Services be authorised to conclude compensation arrangements with the tenants;

(2)  that the total costs of £420,000 be met from the balance in the Commuted Car Park Fund (which currently stood at £300,488), £182,200 having already been reflected in the Council’s capital programme.

Reason for Decision:  To effect proposals resolved by Cabinet on 29 May 2002 to (1) conclude arrangements with tenants for temporary displacement and agreement to new leases upon completion of the new car park and (2) to demolish the multi?storey car park and replace it with a surface level car park.

Report of the Executive Director (Urban Living)

Members considered a confidential report from the Executive Director (Urban Living) in relation to the Greenford Road Properties.

RESOLVED:  To retain ownership of the four properties indicated in the report of the Executive Director (Urban Living) and appoint a Registered Social Landlord as a development agent to modernise the properties to Decent Home standards (which were below Housing Corporation/Harrow scheme design standards), in recognition of the narrow frontages and limited space standards within the properties.

Reason for Decision:  The four properties on Greenford Road had been vacant since Spring 2003 following handback from West Hampstead Housing Association.  They were in poor condition and required extensive refurbishment and rear extensions to provide modern facilities and to meet decent home standards.

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

RESOLVED:  (1)  At 9.59 pm to continue the meeting until 10.15 pm;

(2)  at 10.14 pm to continue until 10.30 pm and;

(3)  at 10.30 pm to continue until the completion of business.