Agenda and minutes

The Executive Director (People First) introduced the report and advised that it replaced a number of statutory and non-statutory plans.  The three-year Plan had required a significant level of consultation and was unusual in that it would not be assessed and did not require submission to any other body. She added that the final version of the Plan would include photographs and may contain some textual changes.

In response to a Member’s question in relation to consultation with young people, the Executive Director (People First) advised that representative groups of young people had been consulted.  She did acknowledge, in response to another Member’s comment, that the Plan did not currently reflect Member involvement.

Resolved to RECOMMEND: 

That the Children and Young People’s Year Plan 2006-09 be approved.

Reason for Recommendation:  The Children and Young People’s Plan is a Statutory Plan (Children Act 2000) and replaced a number of statutory and non-statutory Plans.  The Plan supported more integrated and effective services to improve outcomes for children, as set out in the Children’s Act 2004, and identified where outcomes for children and young people needed to be improved and how and when these improvements would be achieved.

The Executive Director (Urban Living) introduced the report, which set out the latest information on the preparation of the LIP and recommended that the final version of the document be submitted to the Mayor for London for approval.

The Executive Director (Urban Living) reported that this statutory Plan was the culmination of a year’s work and extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders and groups.  The feedback from the consultation was set out in the Cabinet Supporting Documents.  The Executive Director (Urban Living) advised that the Plan pulled together all of the resourcing for the street scene and that it was projected that £100m would be spent over the next 5 years on this area.  He added that a report would be submitted to Cabinet in April on the partnership arrangements for the delivery of the service.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport paid tribute to the work of officers and stakeholders, adding that the Plan demonstrated the Council‘s commitment to the public realm infrastructure.

Having noted and endorsed the changes to the LIP, and delegated authority to the Portfolio Holder for the approval of any further revisions to the Plan prior to and following Council on 27 April 2006, the amendment of the list of categories of health care workers and the criteria of those eligible for healthcare parking permits, it was

Resolved to RECOMMEND:

That the final Transport Local Implementation Plan be approved.

Reason for Recommendation:  The LIP is a Statutory Plan prepared under section 145 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (“the GLA Act”).  It set out Harrow Council’s proposals for implementing the Mayor for London’s Transport Strategy at local level. 

(See also Minute 944)

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

(a)               all Members of the Committee, Sub Committee, Panel or Forum;

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

RESOLVED:  To note that the following interests were declared:

Of the Cabinet meeting held on 16 February 2006, having been circulated, to be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 16 February 2006, 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, with the agreement of Cabinet, he would be varying the order of business to enable consideration of an urgent item, 20(a) Arts Culture Harrow (ACH) – Vision for the Future, following item 6.  This would enable both the Chair and the Interim Chief Executive of ACH to make a presentation to Members in advance of Cabinet’s consideration of a Part II item in relation to this matter.

During the course of the meeting, Members agreed to consider two additional urgent items, 20(b) and 20(c), which had arisen due to recommendations from the Grants Advisory Panel meeting held on 8 March 2006, for the reasons set out on the second supplemental agenda.

A Member indicated that he wished to discuss Harrow Consortium for Special Needs, an item appearing on the Cabinet Information Circular under item 20, Any Other Urgent Business, due to a letter he had received that day from the Chief Executive of Harrow Mencap.

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 Burchell presented a petition containing 49 signatures which requested that the Council consider introducing a parking restriction time between 10.00 am and 11.00 am in Buckingham Road, Torbridge Close and Buckingham Gardens, Edgware, in order to stop commuters using these roads as a station car park.

RESOLVED:  That the petition be received and referred to the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel for consideration.

(ii)            Councillor D Ashton presented a petition containing 50 signatures, in relation to the car park accessed via the gates in the Middle Way, Wealdstone.

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 be a time limit of 15 minutes.)

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

1.

[Note:  Under the provisions of Executive Procedure Rule 15.4 the questioner asked a supplementary question which was additionally answered.  The Portfolio Holder undertook to provide a written answer to both the written and supplemental questions].

Report of the Director of Community Care and presentation by CSCI

The Chair welcomed Sandra Miller, the Lead Inspector, and Jean Harrison, Team Inspector, from the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) to the meeting.  The Lead Inspector made a presentation outlining the role of CSCI, the methodology used during the inspection carried out between 21 November and 2 December 2005, and the strengths and areas for development of the six service standards.  In summary, she advised that the Inspection had found that Harrow met the needs of some older people with promising capacity to improve.  The Lead Inspector thanked all those who had been involved in the inspection. In response, the Director of Community Care thanked the Inspectors for their presentation and drew Members’ attention to the Council’s initial response, indicating that it was work in progress.

The Lead Inspector, in response to a Member’s comments, indicated that consideration had been given to areas where the Council may not have control of all of the issues and that there was recognition that delivery of some services was not within the Council’s control.  It had been recognised that the Council was only one part of a Partnership.  The Lead Inspector confirmed that the Inspectors had also met with representatives of the Primary Care Trust (PCT) during the inspection.

Members welcomed the report and, in particular, the positive comments made by the Inspectors in relation to the hard work of the Council’s staff.

RESOLVED:  That the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) Inspection report be noted and the proposed improvement plan endorsed.

Reason for Decision:  To note the outcome of the recent inspection of Social Care Services for Older People in accordance with Government Regulations.  The proposed Improvement Plan provided an accountable framework for delivering required improvements and for the implementation of the CSCI report’s recommendations.

Presentationfrom the Chief Executive and Trustees of Arts Culture Harrow

The Chair welcomed Mike Silvero, the Chair of Arts Culture Harrow (ACH), and Lesley McConnell, the Interim Chief Executive, to the meeting.

Members received a presentation outlining the ACH vision for the future.  The Chair of ACH advised that there was a wish to strengthen the relationship between ACH and the borough and a need to tackle challenges, as well as increase income development and capacity.  He paid tribute to the Trust’s volunteers who assisted in keeping the staffing costs down.

Members thanked the ACH Chair and Interim Chief Executive for their presentation.

(See also Minutes 930 and 952).

Report of the Director of People, Performance and Policy

The Director of People, Performance and Policy introduced the report to the Performance Board and outlined the actions being taken.  He highlighted the significant areas of progress during the third quarter and the areas requiring further work.

The Director of People, Performance and Policy advised that the main change to this quarter’s report was the inclusion of commentary on Business Transformation Partnership issues.

A Member sought clarification in relation to Benefits Cards and was advised that whilst on track, they had not yet been submitted.  The Director of People, Performance and Policy indicated that he would provide Members with an update on this issue outside of the meeting.

A Member questioned the position in relation to the expected savings of £430,000 on procurement in 2005/6.  The Director of Financial and Business Strategy advised that approximately £50,000 had been achieved against a target of £432,000 and that the balance would be carried forward into 2006/07. In response, the Member requested that an updated summary be circulated to Cabinet Members.

The Executive Director (People First) indicated that she was pleased to see the improvement in People First in terms of Performance Management that had been achieved by her Directors and their teams during her first year in post.

Members expressed their thanks to all staff involved in achieving the improvements in service.

RESOLVED:  That the Performance Report and the actions being taken be noted.

Reason for Decision:  It had previously been agreed that Cabinet would receive a quarterly monitoring information report in its role as Performance Board.  The Strategic Performance report enabled Members to form a coherent strategic view of the Council’s performance in achieving corporate priorities and to provide leadership on performance management.

RESOLVED:  To note the contents of the Forward Plan for the period 1 March – 30 June 2006.

(if any).

RESOLVED:  To note that no reports had been received.

Report of the Director of Strategic Planning

The Director of Strategic Planning introduced the report, which had been prepared following discussions with Kodak, and drew Members’ attention to the Part II report, which set out the risks to the Council.

A Member expressed his thanks to all those involved in the preparation for the proposals.

RESOLVED:  That (1) officers be authorised to negotiate for the purchase of surplus land from Kodak;

(2)  the expenditure of up to £150,000 for external legal and professional advice to support the negotiations for the 2006/07 financial year, from within the approved capital programme provision be authorised.

Reason for Decision:  This action would take forward a number of the Council’s corporate priorities. It would enable the Council to take a proactive role in encouraging the regeneration of Wealdstone, ensuring the land stayed in employment use, provided opportunities to develop an incubator for new businesses and move on space and reinforced Kodak’s decision to stay in the Borough.

(See also Minutes 930 and 951).

Report of the Director of Strategic Planning

The Director of Strategic Planning introduced the report, which sought support for the preparation of a Masterplan for the Bentley Priory site.

RESOLVED:  That (1) a Masterplan for the Bentley Priory site be prepared, in partnership with the Battle of Britain Trust, and

(2)  up to £25,000 be contributed towards the above-mentioned work.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure that the future of Bentley Priory accorded with the Council’s aspirations and to guide the development of this important site to meet Council and community objectives.

(See also Minute 928).

Report of the Interim Director of Business Services

The Interim Director of Business Services introduced the report.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the revision of the Counter Fraud and Corruption policy be approved;

(2)  the division of roles and responsibilities between Internal Audit and the Corporate Anti-Fraud Service be approved;

(3)  the Authority of the Corporate Counter Fraud Team be approved;

(4)  the update to the Corporate Anti-Fraud Resource Plan be approved;

(5)  the introduction of a formal Corporate Anti-Fraud Risk Assessment programme be approved;

(6)  the introduction of a Corporate Anti-Fraud Awareness Training Programme be approved;

(7)   the draft Policy relating to Money Laundering be noted, and it be agreed that the Portfolio Holder for Business Connections and Performance be delegated authority to approve the final version of the document in consultation with the other Groups;

(8)  any amendments to the Financial Regulations be recommended to Council for approval.

Reason for Decision:  To improve financial management and to assist in maximising the Council’s Use of Resources Assessment.

Report of the Interim Director of Business Services

The Interim Director of Business Services introduced the report and highlighted the changes to the Policies.

In response to a question from a Member in relation to the possibility of selling old debts to agents, the Interim Director of Business Services undertook to consult other London Authorities and to advise Members accordingly.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the debt recovery policies attached to the report of the Interim Director of Business Services be approved;

(2)  the rate card for bad debt provisions be approved;

(3)  the actual debt outstanding relative to the actual provision, the proposed write-offs and the respective roles of the new centralised Accounts Receivable Team and the budget holder be noted;

(4)  the proposed changes to the financial regulations and amendment to the Constitution be noted;

(5)  the proposals for future performance reporting be noted;

(6)  the proposals for making bad debt provisions in the future be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To improve financial management.

Report of the Director of Children Services

(See Recommendation I above).

Report of the Director of Learning and Community Development

The Director of Learning and Community Development introduced the report, which followed on from Cabinet’s decision in December 2005 to extend the Community Schools Programme.  Officers were satisfied that the Nower Hill Cluster was now ready for rollout.

RESOLVED:  That the proposal from the Nower Hill cluster for developing the Community (extended) Schools approach be approved.

Reason for Decision:  This decision was in line with the previous decision of Cabinet to extend the community schools programme as it was within the Council’s Corporate Priorities for strengthening communities, impact through partnerships and developing Harrow as a true learning community.

Report of the Executive Director (Urban Living)

(See also Recommendation II).

The Executive Director (Urban Living) introduced the report, which set out the latest information on the preparation of the Local Implementation Plan (LIP) since approval of the consultation draft. It was recommended that the final LIP be approved and submitted to the Mayor for London for approval.

Having recommended the approval of the Plan to Council, it was

RESOLVED:  That (1) the changes to the draft Local Implementation Plan, following the results of public consultation as summarised and set out in Appendix 1 to the Executive Director (Urban Living) report, be noted and endorsed;

(2)  the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport be delegated authority to approve any further revisions to the LIP prior to and following submission to the Mayor for London;

(3)  the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport be delegated authority to amend the list of category of health care workers and the required criteria for those eligible for healthcare parking permits as outlined in the Parking and Enforcement Plan in the LIP document.

Reason for Decision:  The LIP addressed the Council’s obligations under the GLA Act to prepare a plan to implement the Mayor for London’s Transport Strategy.

Report of the Executive Director (Urban Living)

The Executive Director (Urban Living) introduced the report which set out progress on developing the approach to joint working on a Waste Development Plan Document (DPD) first set out in the 2005 Local Development Scheme.  The joint approach would enable the costs of the Plan to be spread across boroughs.

In response to a Member’s question, the Executive Director (Urban Living) confirmed that none of the Plants required for this proposal would be located within Harrow but that there would be facilities in close proximity to Harrow’s border.  However, none of these Plants would be combined heat and power units.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the progress being made with regard to the preferred approach to joint working on Waste planning within the Local Development Framework be noted;

(2)  the commitment to the production of a Joint Waste Development Plan document be confirmed.

Reason for Decision:  Committing the Council to the production of a joint waste DPD should maximise the chances of producing a robust, defensible document that best complements other documents in the Local Development Framework (LDF).  A joint waste DPD, once adopted, should result in achieving more sustainable waste management in West London across all waste streams, and facilitate the effective implementation of a Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy.

Report of the Executive Director (Urban Living)

The Executive Director (Urban Living) introduced the report and advised Members that there was also a Part II report which provided additional information in relation to the properties.  Members noted that an amended appendix 1 had been circulated on the supplemental agenda.

RESOLVED:  That (1) Compulsory Purchase Orders be made under Section 17(1)(b) of the Housing Act 1985 to acquire all estates and interests in the properties on the Rayners Lane Estate listed in the Schedule of the Rayners Lane properties annexed to the report of the Executive Director (Urban Living) and shown on the Plan 10101 and 1010/1 for the purpose of the provision of housing accommodation for the reasons outlined in the report, subject to the Home Group Ltd reimbursing all the costs and expenses incurred by the Council in undertaking the compulsory acquisitions;

(2)  the Executive Director (Urban Living) be authorised to approve the Plan to be annexed to the Compulsory Purchase Order delineating the exact boundaries of the properties in the Schedule of Rayners Lane properties referred to in (1) above, the Plan to be entitled Plan referred to in the London Borough of Harrow (Rayners Lane Scheme) Compulsory Purchase Orders 2006;

(3)  the Executive Director (Urban Living) be authorised to vary the Schedule of Rayners Lane Properties to remove any properties or interests purchased by agreement by the Home Group Ltd prior to the Compulsory Purchase Order being made;

(4)  the Director of Legal Services be authorised to appoint external solicitors to undertake, on behalf of the Council, the legal work as appropriate relating to the making of the compulsory purchase order and the compulsory acquisition procedures;

(5)  the Executive Director (Urban Living) be authorised to appoint referencing agents to undertake, on behalf of the Council, appropriate work in connection with the compulsory acquisition procedures;

(6)  the Director of Legal Services be authorised to make and seal the Compulsory Purchase Order and to submit them for confirmation to the First Secretary of State and Deputy Prime Minister;

(7)  the Director of Legal Services be authorised to sign all notices in connection with the Compulsory Purchase Order and, if objections are received, make arrangements for Public Inquiries and take all action in connection with the Inquiries, including the appointment of Counsel;

(8)  the Director of Legal Services make one or more General Vesting Declarations under the Compulsory Purchase (Vesting Declarations) Act 1981 in the event of the Compulsory Purchase Order being confirmed and/or serve notices to treat and notices of entry and to take all other requisite steps pursuant to the compulsory acquisition procedures to obtain possession of properties if it is considered appropriate to do so, and to deal with any compensation issues, if necessary by way of reference to the Lands Tribunal;

(9)  all properties acquired by the Council pursuant to the compulsory acquisition procedures be transferred to the Home Group Ltd in accordance with the terms of the Rayners Lane Transfer documentation and otherwise on terms to be approved by the Executive Director  ...  view the full minutes text for item 946.

Report of the Executive Director (Urban Living)

The Executive Director (Urban Living) introduced the report and sought approval to the Green Belt Management Strategy.  Members noted that an appendix detailing the capital costs had been circulated on the supplemental agenda.

The Executive Director (Urban Living) drew Members’ attention to the Council’s ten strategic priorities in relation to the Green Belt.  Members welcomed the report but one Member expressed concern about the Council’s ability to progress the strategy due to resources.  The Executive Director (Urban Living) advised that there would be some initial capital investment in 2006/7 and the opportunity to obtain section 106 funding.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Housing emphasised the importance of the strategy and the need to allow and encourage further public access to the Green Belt.  Members thanked officers for their work on the strategy.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the report and recommendations of the Green Belt Management Strategy be endorsed;

(2)  the policy for Council to consider securing Section 106 contributions to support and enable the implementation of the Green Belt Management Strategy when appropriate development proposals were bought forward in the Green Belt be endorsed;

(3)  further work be undertaken on the financial model once the Medium Term Budget Strategy had been approved.

Reason for Decision:  Benefits arising from the development approval of Harrow’s Green Belt Management Strategy included the identification of key areas that needed investment to improve the quality and accessibility of the Green Belt, it responded to residents and stakeholders needs, more appropriately targets resources, and worked towards protecting and effectively managing a valuable resource in Harrow.

Report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy

Members received a report from the Director of Financial and Business Strategy in relation to a recommendation made by the Grants Advisory Panel at their meeting on 8 March 2006.

A Member expressed concern that the officer report considered by the Grants Advisory Panel was not before Cabinet for consideration.

The Portfolio Holder for Communications, Partnership and Human Resources moved an amendment and it was

RESOLVED:  (1) To note the submission and report made by the Chair of the Review of Community Premises;

(2)  that further analysis and research of the issues raised in the reports and recommendations be undertaken;

(3)  that technical feasibility studies and detailed analysis of financial implications be undertaken in order to prepare a business plan;

(4)  that there be full consultation with members of the voluntary and community sector prior to the finalisation of  recommendations.

Reason for Decision:  To take the Review forward.

[Councillors D Ashton and C Mote wished to be recorded as having abstained from voting on this item as the officer report considered by the Grants Advisory Panel had not been available at the meeting].

(See also Minute 930).

Report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy

Members considered a report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy which had been prepared as a result of recommendations made by the Grants Advisory Panel at their meeting on 8 March 2006.

The Director of Financial and Business Strategy confirmed that there was an error appearing in the text of Appendix 1 to her report in relation to Harrow Women’s Centre.

RESOLVED:  That the ‘in principle’ decisions on grant funding and grants-based service level agreements, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy be approved, subject to the correction of the text in relation to the Harrow Women’s Centre.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the allocation of funding to voluntary organisations in 2006/07.

[Note:  Councillor Margaret Davine indicated a prejudicial interest in this item due to her involvement with Harrow Women’s Centre and indicated that she would leave the room. However, an issue regarding the entry for that organisation detailed on Appendix 1 to the officer report was resolved before she could leave the room].

(See also Minutes 928 and 930).

In response to a Member’s request for clarification on the position in relation to Harrow Consortium for Special Needs, the Chair advised that he understood that Members had received a letter from the Chief Executive of Harrow Mencap in relation to the item appearing on the Cabinet Information Circular. He indicated that he had advised the Chief Executive of Mencap of the purpose of the Information Circular.

The Portfolio Holder for Health and Social Care advised that there had been no decision in relation to the Consortium and that officers had advised the Chief Executive of Mencap that his contractual arrangements were with the Consortium.

(See also Minute 930).

Director of Strategic Planning

Members considered a confidential report of the Director of Strategic Planning in relation to the development proposal.  Members had also considered a public report on this item earlier in the Agenda.

RESOLVED:  That the risks detailed in the report of the Director of Strategic Planning be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the risks associated with the proposal to be considered and noted.

(See also Minutes 930 and 938).

Report of the Director of Learning and Community Development

Members considered a confidential report of the Director of Learning and Community Development in relation to Arts Culture Harrow (ACH). 

An amendment was proposed by the Education and Lifelong Learning Portfolio Holder, and it was

RESOLVED:  That (1) option 1, as set out in the report of the Director of Learning and Community Development, be adopted, subject to ACH providing evidence to the Council that its governance responsibilities were being fulfilled in line with legal and statutory requirements and that this was reflected in its strategic plan;

(2)  officers be instructed to explore the possibilities raised in option 4 detailed in the report of the Director of Learning and Community Development and to report back to Cabinet.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the Council to make an informed in principle decision on the future provision of its arts and museums service.

(See also Minutes 930 and 934).

Report of the Director of Strategy (People First)

Members considered a confidential report of the Director of Strategy (People First) in relation to the transfer of playing fields adjoining St John’s School, Stanmore.

RESOLVED:  To dispose of the property detailed in the report of the Director of Strategy (People First) to St John’s School (the Diocese of London – Board for Schools) and as set out in option 3, on compensation terms to be approved by the Executive Director (Urban Living).

Reason for Decision:  To allow the transfer of a playing field following the merger of two Church of England Schools in accordance with the policy and requirements of the Department for Education and Skills.

(See also Minute 930).

Report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy

Members considered a confidential report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy in relation to the Council’s Insurance Renewals 2006.      

RESOLVED:  That (1) the acceptance of insurance contracts with Risk Management Partners for a period of up to 3 years be approved;

(2)  a virement of £327,000 between the premium budget and the contribution budget in 2006/7 be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To enable officers to enter into new insurance contracts.  Insurance was an essential safeguard for the Council’s financial risk exposures.

(See also Minute 930).

Report of the Executive Director (Urban Living)

Members considered a confidential report of the Executive Director (Urban Living) noting that they had also considered this item in public. Members noted that an amended appendix had been circulated on the supplemental agenda.

RESOLVED:  That the information contained in the report be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To enable additional information in support of the decision set out in the accompanying public report to be noted.

(See also Minutes 930 and 946).

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

RESOLVED: (1)  At 9.56 pm to continue until 10.15 pm;

(2)  at 10.15 pm to continue until 10.30 pm.