Agenda and minutes

The Director of Financial and Business Strategy introduced the report, which sought approval to a number of documents.  The key changes to the documents were set out in paragraphs 2.3 – 2.5 of her report.  The Portfolio Holder for Business Development advised that each of the documents were relied upon to ensure probity in the way the Council operated. 

The Director of Financial and Business Strategy proposed that a minor amendment to the Contract Procedure Rules in relation to Social Care Block Contracts be made prior to the document’s submission to Council for approval.

Having approved the Corporate Procurement Strategy and Small Business Friendly Concordat, it was

Resolved to RECOMMEND: 

That the Financial Regulations and Contract Procedure Rules be approved and added to the Constitution in place of the existing Financial Regulations and Contract Procedure Rules dated June 2004.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure that the Council had effective governance arrangements in place and that all of the documents reflected the changes to be implemented with the introduction of the new Enterprise Resource Planning System from September 2006 and revisions to legislative requirements.

(See also Minute 57).

The Chairman reported that there had recently been an incident where a member of staff carrying out the green bin collection had been assaulted.  He advised that such assaults would not be tolerated and that a £1,000 reward was being offered for the apprehension and conviction of the assailant.  A press release would set out the details of the reward.  The Leader of the Labour group, a representative of the union and the Portfolio Holder for Public Realm – Urban Living, fully endorsed the Chairman’s statement. 

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 29 June 2006, having been circulated, to be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 29 June 2006 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 Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

The Chairman indicated that he would be varying the order of business in that he would group the questions in relation to Wiseworks together and that, after each questioner had submitted their question, Cabinet would consider the officer report in relation to the reprovision of Wiseworks (item 22).  Following this, the questioners would be given the opportunity to indicate whether they wished to receive a written answer and submit a supplemental question.

The Chairman indicated that he would be reordering the agenda to take items 24?26, the Urban Living agenda items, immediately after item 12, Appointment of Assistant to Members of Cabinet.  During the course of the meeting, he further varied the order of business to take the item on the Financial Position (item 14) after item 12.

In accordance with Executive Procedure Rule 33.1, the Chairman indicated that he was prepared to waive the time limit in relation to public question time, set out in Executive Procedure Rule 16.2, to enable all of the questions to be put.

The Leader of the Labour Group, who was not a Member of the Cabinet, requested that the Headteacher of Roxeth School be permitted to submit a public question.  The Chairman confirmed that he was prepared to waive the requirements of Executive Procedure Rule 16.3 to allow Mr McDermot to submit a question on the understanding that it might be necessary for the Portfolio Holder to provide a written response.

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)                   Alan Brown, Chair, Harrow User Group, presented a petition containing approximately 700 signatures, the terms of which were as follows:-

“Keep Wiseworks open petition, Harrow Mental Health Service has proposed the closure of Wiseworks in September 2006”

RESOLVED:  That the petition be received and referred to the relevant Portfolio Holder for consideration.

(ii)                 Gerry Devine, Harrow Recreation Users Group, presented a petition containing 280 signatures, the terms of which were as follows:-

“We the undersigned strongly urge Harrow Council to continue with the improvements currently under way at Harrow Recreation Ground.  To abandon or reduce the scope of the project would seriously affect the availability of amenities which are badly needed for the community.”.

RESOLVED:  That the petition be received and referred to the relevant Portfolio Holder for consideration.

(iii)                Annette Scott, an employee of the Council, presented a petition containing 454 signatures, the terms of which were as follows:-

“We the undersigned have been informed that there is a proposal by Council to charge a fee to the staff for the aforementioned service.  Further to this, we hereby add our signatures to this petition as a sign of our protest against such an intention by Council as it is too much of an added financial burden and does not encourage us to come to work.”

RESOLVED:  That the petition be received and referred to the relevant Portfolio Holder for consideration.

(iv)                Paul Scott, Harrow Weald Liberal Democrat candidate, presented a petition containing 46 signatures, the terms of which were as follows:-

“As residents of The Avenue, Harrow Weald for 30 years, we, along with the majority of residents have taken great pride in the appearance of our homes and gardens.  Unfortunately, however, the Council’s care has been less than acceptable regarding carriage crossings and pavements.

We are all rate payers and yet it appears roads around us are far better services than The Avenue.  All we have ever received are patches of tarmac and odd paving.  The street looks like a poor relation of Harrow Weald!

The above comments reflect the views of the undersigned and on their behalf, I await a reply regarding this matter.”

RESOLVED:  That the petition be received and referred to the relevant Portfolio Holder for consideration.

(v)                  Sanjay Karia, GMB, presented a petition containing 129 signatures, the terms of which were as follows:-

“As you will have gathered by now, Harrow Council are proposing to introduce car parking charges for staff who use the car park.  The GMB feels very strongly that these changes are totally unfair and an additional financial burden on all staff who use the car park.  The GMB will be protesting in the strongest terms about the possible introduction of the charges.

If you agree that the car parking charges are unfair and wish us to make your views known to the Councillors, we urge you to sign the petition over the page.”

RESOLVED:  That the petition be received and referred to the relevant Portfolio Holder for consideration.

(vi)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

To receive any public questions received in accordance with paragraph 16 of the Executive Procedure Rules.

(Note:  Paragraph 16 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 questions had been received:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Report of the Director of Adult Community Care Services

The Executive Director (People First) introduced the report and Members noted that there was also a Part II report attached for their information only.

The Portfolio Holder for People First advised that there had been a public meeting on 1 August 2006 and that she had listened to the views expressed.  It had become apparent that people wanted more time to consider the future of Wiseworks.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Janet Mote and it was

RESOLVED:  That, having considered the comments received to date from carers, users, support groups and members of the public, there be a 12 week consultation exercise on the future of Wiseworks and the decision on its future be deferred until the consultation exercise had been completed.

Reason for Decision:   To enable a further consultation exercise on the future of Wiseworks to be carried out.

Fifteen minutes will be allowed for Members of the Council to question members of the Executive on issues relating to items on the agenda for the meeting and issues arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

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

1.

2.

3.

[Notes:  (i)  The Chairman indicated that, on this occasion, as Councillor Phil O’Dell was unwell, he would allow Councillor Brian Gate to submit his question.

(ii)  An oral answer was provided to each question].

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

(if any).

RESOLVED:  To note that no reports had been received.

Report of the Director of Corporate Governance

The Director of Corporate Governance introduced the report, which proposed the establishment of 10 prosperity action teams and sought approval for the associated budget.

RESOLVED:  That Prosperity Action Teams be established, as set out in the appendix to the report of the Director of Corporate Governance, and the associated budget agreed.

Reason for Decision:  To establish funds to support Ward Councillors to make a change to the prosperity of their areas and to ensure that local knowledge and understanding was used to generate real improvements at a local level.

Report of the Executive Director (Business Development)

The Executive Director (Business Development) introduced the report, which sought approval to amendments recommended by the Employees’ Consultative Forum to their terms of reference.

RESOLVED:  That the amendments proposed by the Employees’ Consultative Forum to their terms of reference be approved.

Reason for Decision:  Terms of Reference for the Employees’ Consultative Forum required amendment to include membership of GMB following their recognition by the Council.  The inclusion of the GMB on the forum fulfilled the Council’s responsibility under the terms of the Trade Union Recognition and Procedural Agreement signed in March 2006.

Report of the Executive Director (People First)

The Executive Director (People First) introduced the report, which sought approval to changes to the terms of reference of the Education Consultative Forum.

RESOLVED:  That the additional changes to the terms of reference of the Education Consultative Forum, as set out in Appendix B to the report of the Executive Director (People First), be approved.

Reason for Decision:  The changes would make the Forum more representative of its remit and purpose. 

Report of the Director of Corporate Governance

The Director of Corporate Governance introduced the report, which sought to fulfil a vacancy in the number of assistants to Members of the Cabinet following the recent death of Councillor John Anderson.

RESOLVED:  That Councillor Tom Weiss be appointed as an assistant to Members of Cabinet.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the vacancy in the number of assistants to Cabinet to be filled. 

Report of the Executive Director (Urban Living)

The Director of Strategic Planning introduced the report, which detailed the recommendations from the Strategic Planning Advisory Panel meeting held on 18 July 2006.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the revised Local Development Scheme and timetable for document presentation contained within it be agreed;

(2)  the revised Local Development Scheme be submitted to the Secretary of State;

(3)  subject to the Secretary of State not directing any changes to the revised Local Development Scheme, the revisions be brought into effect;

(4)  the Statement of Community Involvement be adopted;

(5)  the consultation on the Harrow Core Strategy Issues and Options Report and the Site Specific Proposal Issues and Options report commence on 4 September 2006 for a period of 6 weeks.

Reason for Decision:  The Council had a statutory duty to prepare a Local Development Framework (LDF) for which the project management plan was the Local Development Scheme, and to keep it up to date.  Adoption of the SCI was a statutory requirement and its implementation was a key aspect of the LDF process.  Approval to consult on the Core Strategy Issues and Options Report and the Site Specific Proposal Issues and Options report would provide the opportunity for everyone in the community to become involved in the development of these documents early in the process.

Report of the Executive Director (Urban Living)

The Executive Director (Urban Living) introduced the report, and advised that following an extensive market search, approval of the recommendation would enable Football First to progress development on the site.

RESOLVED:  That (1) Barnet Football Club’s “Football First” proposal for the development and operational management of Prince Edward Playing Fields as a sports complex, football stadium, with ancillary leisure uses, be approved;

(2)  the Executive Director (Urban Living) be authorised, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Property, Housing Planning (Development) and Planning (Strategic), to agree terms for immediate access to the Prince Edward Playing Fields for the purposes of use as a temporary training facility for Barnet Football Club on a basis of a Licence to Occupy/”Contracted out Lease”;

(3)  the Executive Director (Urban Living) be authorised, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Property, Housing Planning (Development) and Planning (Strategic), to negotiate and agree the most favourable terms for the Council and thereafter to grant 125 year lease (and enter into any associated documentation) in respect thereof;

(4)  the Executive Director (Urban Living) be authorised, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Property, Housing Planning (Development) and Planning (Strategic), to agree such terms as are necessary or desirable in order to accommodate another semi professional football club on the site, subject to the approval being obtained to the amendment to the capital programme.

Reason for Decision:  To secure authority to enter into negotiations and to conclude arrangements to facilitate the implementation of the Prince Edward Playing Fields Football First Project, in partnership with Barnet FC.

Report of the Executive Director (Urban Living)

The Executive Director (Urban Living) introduced the report and advised that the Council was corporate trustee with responsibility for West House.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the offer of a grant of £250,000 to West House and Heath Robinson Museum Trust, as a contribution towards the cost of the first phase of the repairs and renovation at West House, Pinner Memorial Park, be approved;

(2)  the release of £250,000 from Harrow Lottery reserve to finance this expenditure be agreed;

(3)  the grant of a lease to the West House and Heath Robinson Museum Trust on the principal terms to be agreed by the Executive Director (Urban Living), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Property, Housing Planning (Development) and Planning (Strategic), as being in the best interest of the Council be approved;

(4)  the Executive Director (Urban Living) be authorised, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Property, Housing Planning (Development) and Planning (Strategic), to consider any objections received following the statutory advertisement and to make such decisions as he considers appropriate in relation to those objections.

Reason for Decision:  The approval of the grant, to supplement the funding already raised by the Trust would enable the initial phase of restoration works to commence during the current financial year.

(See also Minute 36).

Report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy

The Director of Financial and Business Strategy introduced the report, which set out a detailed plan for delivering the remaining £9.4m savings that the Council needed to achieve in the current year.  Members noted that there was a Part II report attached for their information only appearing elsewhere on the agenda.

The Director of Financial and Business Strategy advised that statutory consultations would be carried out with service users and other stakeholders on the proposals in relation to Home Care subsidies, changes to the Meals on Wheels service and the merger of Anmer and Milmans Day Centres.  She drew attention to the comments received from staff and unions in relation to the proposals, which had been tabled for Members’ information.

The Portfolio Holder for Business Development commented on the proposals and the level of reserves held by the Council.  Following receipt of the petitions from staff and the GMB Union in relation to charges for staff car parking, these views would be considered in the implementation of this proposal. In relation to the change of the payroll date, the Portfolio Holder confirmed that this proposal would be deleted from the proposed list of savings.   

RESOLVED:  That (1) the proposed action plan, with the exception of the items that were subject to statutory consultation and the change of payroll date for Council staff, to achieve the savings required in 2006?07 be approved;

(2)  the statutory consultation on the proposals set out in paragraph 17 to the report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy be approved;

(3)  subject to the outcome of consultation, the lowering of the subsidies detailed in Appendix 2 to the report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy be approved;

(4)  the changes to Fees and Charges detailed in Appendix 3 to the report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure that the savings target of £19m in 2006-07 was achieved.

Report of the Executive Director (Business Development)

The Executive Director (Business Development) introduced the report, which proposed the adoption of the draft Human Resources Strategy “Strategy for People” for the Authority.

RESOLVED:  That the revised Strategy be implemented within the Council and its contents agreed.

Reason for Decision:  The Strategy highlighted the Council’s approach to workforce development and clearly set out how it would ensure that the right people with the right skills were in the right jobs at any time.  The revised strategy took on board the Local Government Pay and Workforce Strategy 2005, incorporated the Council‘s visions and plans to deliver the learning and development initiatives and aligned with the new corporate priorities.   

Report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy

The Director of Financial and Business Strategy introduced the report, which detailed the first quarter budget monitoring for 2006?2007.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the current revenue and capital budget monitoring position at the end of the first quarter for 2006?2007 be noted;

(2)  a virement within People First of £171,000 from the Policy to the Strategic budget and a £28,000 Arts Council Budget grant to set up the related expenditure be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To effectively monitor the Council’s revenue and capital budget.  The budget represented the financial resources approved to implement the Council’s corporate priorities. 

Report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy

The Director of Financial and Business Strategy introduced the report and advised that the programme required alignment with the new set of corporate priorities.

RESOLVED:  That the revised capital programme for 2006?07 be approved.

Reason for Decision:  The Council was in a difficult financial position and it was therefore important that the Capital Programme was affordable and that the revenue budget reflected fully the cost of financing the programme.

Report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy and Director of People, Performance and Policy

The Director of Financial and Business Strategy introduced the report, which set out the proposed budget and corporate planning process and timetable for 2007?2008 to 2009?2010.  She advised that 5 strategic projects, detailed in paragraph 5 of the report had been established to support the Medium Term financial planning process.

The Portfolio Holder for Business Development advised that Open Budget Panel would be meeting again this financial year, with meetings commencing in September 2006.

RESOLVED:  That the budget and corporate planning process for 2007?08 to 2009?10 be approved.

Reason for Decision:  Members, staff and other stakeholders would be clear about the planned approach for developing the new Medium Term Budget strategy and Corporate Plan.

Report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy

(See also Recommendation I).

Having recommended the Corporate Procurement Strategy and Contract Procedure Rules to Council for approval, it was

RESOLVED: That (1) the Corporate Procurement Strategy be approved;

(2) the Small Business Friendly Concordat be approved (and the Declaration of Support signed).

Reason for Decision: To ensure that the Council had effective governance arrangements in place and that the documents reflected the changes to be implemented with the introduction of the new Enterprise Resource Planning System from September 2006 and revisions to legislative requirements

Report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy

The Director of Financial and Business Strategy introduced the report, which advised that under Section 13A of the Local Government and Finance Act 1992 the Council had the power to reduce the liability for Council Tax in relation to particular cases or by determining a class of cases in which the liability was to be reduced.

RESOLVED:  That the Council would use Section 13A of the Local Government and Finance Act 1992 only in exceptional circumstances and that any use of this power in future would be subject to a Cabinet decision.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure that the Council’s intentions in relation to Section 13A of the Local Government and Finance Act 1992 were explicit.

Report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy

The Director of Financial and Business Strategy introduced the report, which provided an update on risk management.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the Council’s revised strategic risk register be approved;

(2)  the revised risk management strategy for the Council be approved;

(3)  the progress on key work undertaken by the rest of the risk management team be noted.

Reason for Decision:  Cabinet approval was required in line with best practice and corporate performance assessment recommendations and approval would give clarity in relation to the Council‘s strategic risks and risk management progress across the organisation.

Report of the Director of Children’s Services

The Executive Director (People First) introduced the report, which sought approval to proposals for future action on young people’s participation and strategies.  The Portfolio Holder for Issues Facing Young People suggested that it would be helpful if Scrutiny could incorporate this issue into their work programme.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the proposals for the future action on young people’s participation and strategies set out in the report of the Director of Children’s Services be approved;

(2)  the proposals be forwarded to the Joint Health and Social Care Integration Board and the Harrow Strategic Partnership for their consideration.

Reason for Decision:  To demonstrate the Council’s action to value and empower young people in line with the Council’s priorities and to celebrate the Council’s commitment and achievements in this area in relation to the Every Child Matters change agenda.    

Report of the Director of Lifelong Learning and Cultural Services

The Executive Director (People First) introduced the report, which sought approval to move forward with the Kenton Learning Centre Project.

RESOLVED:  That the Kenton Learning Centre Project be approved with the demolition of existing Horsa Huts and the rebuild of the new centre.

Reason for Decision:  To utilise the Learning and Skills Council major capital project grant of £990,000 to replace the building that is nearing the end of its life and not fully fit for purpose.  The Centre would provide a safe, stimulating and effective learning environment, reduce maintenance and connectivity costs, extend the range of learning opportunities with greater teaching space and with progression to Further Education employment opportunities.  It would also facilitate extended schools’ activities and provide a delivery centre for skills for delivering training to community groups, carers, after school clubs, school support staff and partners.

Report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy

Members considered a confidential report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy which related to a Part I report appearing elsewhere on the agenda.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

(See also Minutes 38 and 52).

Report of the Director of Adult Community Care Services

Members considered a confidential report of the Director of Adult Community Care Services which related to a Part I report appearing elsewhere on the agenda.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

(See also Minutes 38 and 41).

Report of the Director of Adult Community Care Services

Members considered a confidential report of the Director of Adult Community Care Services.

RESOLVED:  That (1) an approach to the future management of 12 learning disability and 4 mental health units based on Option 1 as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report of the Director of Adult Community Care Services be agreed;

(2)  officers be instructed to enter into negotiations with Harrow Consortium for Special Needs with a view to achieving a transfer of the registered residential accommodation, supported houses and associated services to Harrow Consortium of Special Needs;

(3)  at the conclusion of the negotiations, the sale of property and any TUPE implications be managed through existing policy and practice;

(4)  in order to facilitate comprehensive negotiations, an officer project team be formed, led by the Director of Adult Community Care Services;

(5)  Cabinet be provided with a further report on the proposed contract arrangements with Harrow Consortium for Special Needs, any additional costs and if appropriate, disposal of land, TUPE arrangements and primary care trust intentions in respect of this proposal.

Reasonfor Decision:  Following a number of reviews of Harrow Consortium for Special Needs over the past 5 years, it was felt that the management and operation of residential care services provided by this arrangement needed to be secured on a more satisfactory basis for the medium to long term. 

(See also Minutes 36 and 38).