Agenda and minutes

Cabinet stood and observed a minute’s silence for Norman Kember and the other hostages held in Iraq.

To receive declarations of personal or prejudicial interests, arising from business to be transacted at this meetingthis meeting from

(a)            All Members of Cabinet.

(b)            All other Members present in any part of the room or chamber.

RESOLVED:  To note that the following interest was declared:

Of the Cabinet meeting held on 10 November 2005, having been circulated, to be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 10 November 2005, 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.

The Chair indicated that he would be varying the order of business to enable consideration of item 14, the Draft Corporate Community Engagement Strategy, after item 5, Public Questions, as Deven Pillay of Mencap was in attendance.

The Chair reported that, due to recent developments in relation to items 19 and 23, LIFT/PFI Project, both of these items would be considered in Part II of the agenda.

Cabinet noted that items 18 and 27, Clarendon Road Public Realm Improvements had been withdrawn from the agenda as the Town Centre Project Panel had the delegated authority to make the decisions required.

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.

(i)            Councillor Marie-Louise Nolan presented a petition containing 570 signatures in relation to the traffic enforcement scheme in Wealdstone.  She read the terms of the petition to the meeting which were as follows:-

“We, the traders, shoppers and delivery men of Wealdstone hereby request the immediate termination of the camera traffic reinforcement scheme currently operating in Wealdstone High Street.”

RESOLVED:  That the petition be received and noted.

(ii)            Councillor Mrs Kinnear presented two petitions in relation to South Harrow Controlled Parking Zone and requested that they be referred to the Traffic Advisory Panel for consideration.  The first petition contained 49 signatures, the terms of which were as follows:-

“We, the undersigned, are Harrow residents living close to Dudley Gardens.  We are strongly opposed to the proposed CPZ extension introducing parking restrictions into Dudley Gardens.”

The second petition contained 105 signatures, the terms of which were as follows:-

“South Harrow Controlled Parking Zone Review and Possible Extension

We, the undersigned residents of Brooke Avenue and South Hill Avenue object to the proposed changes to the parking bays in our roads under the aforementioned review, on the following grounds:

1.         Making some of the Residents Permit Bays incorporate Long Stay Pay & Display Bays as well will:

(a)  Create difficulty for residents to park outside or near to their homes.

(b)  Encourage rather than discourage commuters to use their cars to travel to work.

(c)  Create difficulty for residents who are elderly or who have mobility problems to carry out every day activities, such as shopping by not being able to park near their property.

(d)  Increase the likelihood of vehicle crime because residents will be forced to park further away from their homes and in less overlooked parts of Brooke Avenue.

2.         Issuing Business Permits to local Businesses (Maximum of two per Business at £300 each, per annum) will:

(a)  Further increase all the problems listed in point 1.

(b)  Possibly make it impossible for residents to park outside their homes during the day.

(c)  Give preferential treatment to businesses, rather than provide residents with the parking they need.

3.         Putting new Permit Bays on the bend in Brooke Avenue will:

(a)  Cause difficulty for delivery lorries, waste disposal lorries and other large vehicles to pass the parked vehicles.

(b)  Increase risk of damage to parked vehicles due to restricted space in which moving vehicles may pass.

(c)  Increase the risk of accidents due to the restricted line of vision of the road ahead.

(d)  Cause inconvenience as drivers will need to reverse when meeting oncoming traffic.”

RESOLVED:  That the petitions 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 be a time limit of 15 minutes.)

RESOLVED:  To note that no public questions had been received.

Report of the Director of People, Performance and Policy

The Director of People, Performance and Policy introduced the report which sought approval to the draft Community Engagement Strategy and endorsement of the action plan for implementation of the Strategy.  He reported that the Strategy had been consulted upon extensively.

Deven Pillay, Mencap, advised that, as Chair of the Community Cohesion Reference Group and through the Community Consultative Forum, in his view there had been consultation on the Strategy and that these groups had had an input.  He welcomed the Strategy as a starting point as it set some standards and would improve the quality of life of residents.  He added a note of caution that care should be exercised on the use of certain terms.

The Portfolio Holder for Communications, Partnership and Human Resources welcomed the Strategy and advised that a scrutiny review would be submitted to Cabinet in the New Year.  This Strategy and the scrutiny review would build on good practice.

RESOLVED:  (1)  That the Council’s draft Corporate Community Engagement Strategy be approved;

(2)  that the action plan for the implementation of the Strategy be endorsed;

(3)  that the Council’s draft Corporate Community Engagement Strategy be referred to the Harrow Strategic Partnership with the view to developing a joint Community Engagement Strategy.

Reason for Decision:  The Strategy aimed to ensure that service areas involved the community in decision making in a consistent and relevant way.  The implementation of the strategy should lead to residents feeling more informed about the work and performance of the Council.  The Comprehensive Performance Assessment of local authorities would look for evidence of effective public engagement in the development and delivery of Council services. 

RESOLVED:  That the Forward Plan 1 December 2005 – 31 March 2006 be noted.

(if any).

RESOLVED:  To note that no reports had been received.

Report of the Executive Director (People First) and Director of Strategic Planning

The Executive Director (People First) introduced the report, which sought to raise awareness of national, London and West London Alliance activity, and to seek cross?Council involvement in developing Harrow’s own plans to be involved in, and benefit from, the London 2012 Olympics.  She added that a recent development was that the sporting events would be supported by cultural activities.

A Member indicated that there was a risk of public disquiet in relation to the cost of the Games but acknowledged that it was necessary to work together positively. The Chair confirmed that consideration of cost issues were not appropriate in the context of this report and that the Council’s views were very clear as per a resolution at the full Council meeting. The Portfolio Holder for Education and Lifelong Learning advised that the Council and Association of London Government had put forward some robust proposals.

RESOLVED:  (1)  That the direction and scope of the outline ideas and plans to take forward London 2012, as set out in the report of the Executive Director (People First) and Director of Strategic Planning, be approved;

(2)  that an informal Member-led cross-party “Harrow Olympics Task Force” be established.

Reason for Decision:  To raise awareness of national, local and West London alliance activity to seek cross-Council involvement in developing Harrow’s own plans to be involved, and benefit from, the London 2012 Olympics and to link to Harrow’s corporate priorities.

Report of the Chief Executive

The Chief Executive introduced the report which sought approval to the establishment of an Executive Sub-Committee, to exercise decision making powers in relation to the Business Transformation Partnership (BTP) on behalf of the Authority and enable the proper discharge of the Council’s functions in a more speedy and timely manner than if it was necessary to refer to full Cabinet. She advised that the proposals had been discussed with the BTP Board and the Members’ IT Forum.

RESOLVED:  (1)  That an Executive Sub-Committee, the Business Transformation Partnership Sub-Committee, be established;

(2)  that the terms of reference set out in the report of the Chief Executive be approved.    

Reason for Decision:  To provide a Member level mechanism within the formal structure for monitoring the implementation of the BTP.

Minutes of the meeting held on 1 December 2005 are attached for noting

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 1 December 2005 be received and noted.

Reason for Decision:  To inform Members of the decision in relation to the amendment to the capital programme.

Report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy

The Director of Financial and Business Strategy introduced the report which sought approval to the draft Revenue Budget and draft Medium Term Budget Strategy for consultation with stakeholders.  She drew Members’ attention to the revised Appendix B which had been tabled and which set out further details of the settlement now that there had been opportunity to further analyse it.

The Director of Financial and Business Strategy reported that there was ongoing technical work and a need to review the growth and savings options.  The settlement announcement suggested that the capping level would be set at 5% and that the risk was minimal.  She added that the Greater London Authority draft budget had been released on 14 December 2005 and proposed a precept of 16%, which equated to £42.00 per household per year.

A Member asked a series of questions in relation to the shortfall in procurement, sickness absence and restructuring costs and the Business Transformation Partnership guaranteed savings.  He emphasised that it was a ‘moving’ budget and that care should be taken to ensure that there was no double counting.

The Portfolio Holder for Business Connections and Performance advised that the budget was not advanced at this stage and that the figures included approximately £6m growth and savings.  He advised that the Budget Review Working Group would be considering the detailed budget on 6 February 2006 and that he hoped that this additional time would enable consideration of options.

RESOLVED:  (1)  That the draft Revenue Budget £148.579m for 2006/07 and the draft Medium Term Budget Strategy for consultation with stakeholders be approved;

(2)  that the proposal to use a risk assessment to determine the appropriate level of reserves be noted;

(3)  that the draft Housing Revenue Account for 2006/07 and the draft three year financial strategy for Housing be approved;

(4)  that the draft Housing Revenue Account for 2006/07 be referred to the Tenants' and Leaseholders' Consultative Forum on 5 January 2006.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure that the Council was planning the use of resources effectively.

[Note:  Councillors D Ashton and C Mote wished to be recorded as not approving the draft budget].

Report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy

The Director of Financial and Business Strategy introduced the report which sought approval to the provisional ALG Grants Committee budget for 2006/07.

Members expressed concern that outer London Boroughs did not fare as well in the scheme as the inner London Boroughs.  The Chair advised that the needs of outer London Boroughs had been put to the ALG Leaders’ Committee.

RESOLVED:  (1)  That the provisional ALG Grants Committee budget for 2006/07 be approved and that Harrow’s contribution to the Grants Scheme be noted;

(2)  that a letter be sent to Harrow’s MPs seeking guidance as to how an increase in the grant  for Harrow could be achieved.

Reason for Decision:  The ALG Grants Committee budget for 2006/07 must be agreed by two thirds of the constituent Councils before 1 February 2006.

Report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy

The Director of Financial and Business Strategy introduced the report which outlined a recommendation from the Audit Committee meeting held on 27 October 2005 in relation to the Statement of Accounts 2004/2005.  She reported that a review was underway and would be reported to Cabinet before the end of the financial year.

RESOLVED:  That (1) a full review of debt recovery policy, sums outstanding, write offs required, the appropriate level of bad debt provision for the Authority and the adequacy of the current provision be carried out as a high priority and in time for the next annual audit;

(2)  adequate provision be made in future budget plans for effective debt management; and

(3)  action be taken to write off debt where required.

Reason for Report:  To ensure that the Council was planning the use of resources effectively and to strengthen the financial accountability of the Authority.

Report of the Executive Director (Urban Living)

An officer introduced the report, which sought approval to the Council’s formal response to the consultation draft of the strategy.  He reported that whilst only four responses to the consultation had been received, this was consistent with the experience of other authorities.  Members noted that there was also a confidential report appearing elsewhere on the agenda in relation to the Strategy.

In response to a suggestion from a Member, the officer indicated that a representative from each school could be invited to attend the official launch of the office recycling scheme at the Civic Centre on 19 December 2005.

RESOLVED:  That the draft Joint Waste Strategy be approved and that the West London Waste Authority and other collection authorities be requested to consider:

(a)                 the establishment of a West London Waste Authority-wide campaign to promote reusable nappies within the Health Service and babycare professions;

(b)                 an investigation into the possibility (and costs) of the inclusion of kitchen waste (as one of the five materials collected from every household by 2010);

Reason for Decision:  The agreement of a Joint Waste Strategy would allow West London Waste Authority and the six constituent authorities to make progress on procuring new waste disposal processes, meet their obligations under the Landfill Directive, reduce their reliance on landfill, and reduce their financial liabilities under the Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme.

(See also Minutes 860 and 879)

Report of the Executive Director (Urban Living)

The Executive Director (Urban Living) introduced the report and drew Members’ attention to the recommendations of the Strategic Planning Advisory Panel.  The Government required all local authorities to produce an Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) and to submit it to the Government Office for London by 30 December 2005.

A Member indicated that not all policies appeared to be working correctly and reiterated the concerns expressed by members of his Group at the Strategic Planning Advisory Panel meeting.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the contents of the AMR 2004-05 be noted;

(2)  the AMR 2004-05 be submitted to Government Office for London by 30 December 2005, subject to the completion of further detailed work on aspects of the AMR, and taking on board any decision on the approach to Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans.

Reason for Decision:  The first annual monitoring report was a key part of the new planning system and its preparation was a requirement noted in the Local Development Scheme.  Failure to submit the AMR on time would be a breach of the regulations governing the new planning system and would also lead to a reduction in the Planning Delivery Grant, which would have an impact on resources for Planning and Development Services.

Report of the Executive Director (Urban Living)

The Executive Director (Urban Living) introduced the report and drew Members’ attention to the recommendations of the Strategic Planning Advisory Panel and to the confidential report appearing elsewhere on the agenda in relation to the Programme.

A Member indicated that the view expressed by members of his Group at the Strategic Planning Advisory Panel meeting was that option B was the better option as option C could weaken the authority’s ability to appeal.

RESOLVED:  That (1) option C, as set out in the confidential officer report considered by the Strategic Planning Advisory Panel, be approved;

(2)  the Local Development Scheme be amended accordingly and the approach be reviewed in light of any revised guidance issued.

Reason for Decision:  The Council would be working towards its statutory requirements under Planning Policy Guidance 15 of improving its performance against the new Best Value Performance Indicator 219 on conservation areas and clarifying the production of documents in relating to conservation areas in the Local Development Scheme.   

[Note:  Councillors D Ashton and C Mote wished to be recorded as having voted against Resolution (1) above.]

(See also Minutes 860 and 880)

Report of the Director of Learning and Community Development

The Director of Learning and Community Development introduced the report which set out the evaluation of the Community Schools Pilot.  This report had been prepared following Cabinet’s previous decision in July 2004 to extend the Community Schools Pilot and it was the view of officers that the existing clusters had achieved the original ambitions and it was proposed that the roll out be extended.

In response to a Member’s question in relation to informing residents who lived close to the schools concerned about the proposed changes in hours, the Director of Learning and Community Development advised that the project management groups would be dealing with the consultation to varying degrees.  He acknowledged that it was necessary to have a standardised approach and to have full consultation.

A motion in the name of Councillor Bill Stephenson was moved and it was

RESOLVED:  That (1) the proposals from the Park and Whitmore clusters for developing the Community (Extended) Schools approach be approved and that the Nower Hill Extended Schools Initiative begin, subject to a satisfactory plan being submitted to Cabinet;

(2)  that the Director of Learning and Community Development’s report be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Reason for Decision:  The appointment of coordinators would enable schools to pool expertise and resources, as well as draw in additional support from agencies such as health, social care, crime and disorder reduction partnership.  Coordinators would work with the headteachers to develop extended activities that were sustainable over time.  The proposal would enable the clusters to work in partnership with agencies to improve the way that services that were delivered to children and families and allow the clusters to deliver activities within their priority areas in consultation with pupils, parents and their wider local communities. 

(See also Minute 858).

Report of the Executive Director (People First)

The Executive Director (People First) introduced the report and Members noted that Cabinet, the Primary Care Trust Board and the Harrow Strategic Partnership Board had agreed the new governance arrangements for integrated working with the Council’s NHS partners earlier that year.  The membership of the bodies now required establishment as soon as possible to enable the first meeting of the integration board to be convened.

RESOLVED:  That (1)  two elected Members serve as the Council’s representation on a new Health and Social Care Integration Board and on its related bodies – the Adult Health and Social Care Partnership and the Children and Young People’s Partnership as follows: 

(2)  the Member representation on these bodies should be reviewed on an annual basis at the first Cabinet meeting falling after the Annual Council meeting.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the first meeting of the Integration Board to be convened.  The establishment of both the Health and Social Care Integration Board and its related partnership groups would provide a basis for Members to be directly involved in determining the direction and pace at which further joint working proceeded.  It would provide a formal opportunity to raise and discuss issues of mutual concern.

Report of the Executive Director (People First)

Members considered both the public and confidential reports of the Executive Director (People First) in relation to the LIFT/PFI project. 

The Chief Executive advised Members of the contents of a letter recently received from the Primary Care Trust (PCT).  The Director of Strategy (People First) introduced both the public and confidential reports.

Given the complexities of the issues involved in the project, Cabinet considered the options for the establishment of a Sub-Committee to consider the matter in detail.

Members considered the tabled amendments circulated by officers and it was

RESOLVED:  (1)  That the appropriation of land on the sites at Kenmore Road, Christchurch Avenue and Vaughan Road, as identified on the plans in Annex 1a, 1b and 1c to the report of the Executive Director (People First) under Section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972 to facilitate development of the sites, be approved;

(2)  that the Director of Strategy (People First) be authorised to seek agreement from the Strategic Partnering Board to the LIFT Co Stage 1 Tender Submission and progress to Stage 2, subject to any adjustments required to the Stage 1 proposal agreed with LIFT Co in the light of response from the Department of Health, decision by the Primary Care Trust and other relevant factors;

(3)  given the financial uncertainties facing the PCT, the Director of Strategy (People First) explore all possible alternative strategies to deliver the three projects in consultation with the party leaders;

(4) that, if appropriate, in the light of (3) above, following approval by the Strategic Partnership Board, the Director of Strategy (People First) be authorised enter Stage 2 negotiations with LIFT Co;

(5)  that subject to Cabinet approval once Stage 2 negotiations had been completed, the final agreement of this scheme be approved;

(6)  that the HOST Project Panel (with the addition of Councillor Burchell) be delegated responsibility for the development of the Business Case and subsequently the business plan with the final decision to be made by the Leaders of the Labour and Conservative Groups and Councillor Thornton.

Reason for Decision:  The new Neighbourhood Resource Centres would significantly improve the quality of service to clients who currently used the Brember and Vaughan Day Centres.  The Centres would also contribute to the area model of working and become an important community resource linked with other local provision, have the potential to impact positively on the Council by improving Harrow’s performance in relation to PAFC29 people with learning disabilities helped to live at home.  The Centres would also meet the aims and objectives of the Valuing People white paper and make better use of resources by enabling more joined up working and simplifying/carers’ contacts with service providers through the co?location of care management and outreach workers with staff from provided (daycare) services.

(See also Minute 860)

Report of the Director of Learning and Community Development

Members considered an amended tabled, confidential report of the Director of Learning and Community Development in relation to Arts Culture Harrow (ACH). Members expressed their serious concerns about the problems with ACH.

RESOLVED:  (1)  That the work done to stabilise ACH’s operational and financial and property management situation be noted;

(2)  that an Arts Services options report be submitted to Cabinet in February 2006;

(3)  that the statement of liabilities contained in the report of the Director of Learning and Community Development be noted;

(4)  to extend the credit to ACH to the figure set out in the report of the Director of Learning and Community Development and be repaid in future financial years on dates to be agreed to assist the organisation with its cashflow difficulties;

(5)  to note that the rolling loan arrangement be subject to the London Borough of Harrow being designated as preferred creditor of ACH  and that the Director of Learning and Community Development be delegated authority to extend the credit;

(6)  that the rolling credit line be reviewed in April 2006 when budget plans for ACH for the coming year were known.

Reason for Decision:  The creation of a long-term plan for Arts Culture Harrow strategic development and to stabilise Arts Culture Harrow’s current financial situation. 

(See also Minute 860).

Report of the Executive Director (Urban Living)

Members received a confidential report from the Executive Director (Urban Living) in relation to the Joint Waste Strategy.

RESOLVED:  To note the issues in relation to the Mayor for London’s approval of the Joint Waste Strategy.

Reason for Decision:  To note the implications if the Mayor for London did not approve the draft strategy.

(See also Minutes 860 and  872)

Report of the Executive Director (Urban Living)

Members considered a confidential report of the Executive Director (Urban Living) in relation to Conservation Area Appraisals.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

(See also Minutes 860 and 874)

In accordance with the provisions of Executive Procedure Rule 2.2 (Part 4D of the Constitution), it was

RESOLVED:  At 10.00 pm to continue the meeting until 10.15 pm.