Agenda and minutes

The Corporate Director (Community and Environment) introduced the report which set out the background to the development of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP).

Resolved to RECOMMEND:

That (1) the Rights of Way Improvement Plan be approved;

(2)  the publication of the Plan on Harrow’s website be agreed;

(3)  the Plan be reassessed within 10 years;

(4)  authority be delegated to the Environment Services Portfolio Holder to amend the timetable for implementation of the Statement of Action based on available funding opportunities;

(5)  authority be delegated to the Environment Services Portfolio Holder to develop the programme of work required to implement the Statement of Action taking into account available resources.

Reason for Recommendation: This is a statutory plan that sets out a Borough wide strategy for the future of rights of way in Harrow.  The Borough is legally required to have published the Plan by November 2007.

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 no interests were declared.

Of the Cabinet meeting held on 19 July 2007 and of the Special Cabinet meeting held on 25 July 2007 to be taken as read and signed as correct records.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2007 and 25 July 2007, be taken as read and signed as correct records.

To consider whether any of the items listed on the agenda should be considered with the press and public excluded.

RESOLVED:  That all business be considered with the press and public present.

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

RESOLVED:  To note that no petitions were received.

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.

.

[Notes:  (i)  An oral answer was provided to each of these questions

(ii)  under the provisions of Executive Procedure Rule 16.4, questioner 1 asked a supplementary question which was answered].

Fifteen minutes will be allowed for Members of the Council to ask a Portfolio Holder a question on any matter in relation to which the Executive has powers or duties.

RESOLVED:  To note the following Councillor Questions had been received:

1.

2.

3.

[Note:  An oral answer was provided to each of these questions.  Under the provisions of Rule 17.4, all questioners asked a supplementary to each question, which were also answered].

RESOLVED:  To note the contents of the Forward Plan for the period 1 October 2007 – 31 January 2008.

(if any).

RESOLVED:  To note that there were no reports to be considered.

Report of the Director of Schools and Children’s Development.

The Director of Schools and Children’s Development introduced the report which outlined the reasons for considering a strategic approach to school organisation at this time and proposed a framework for seeking stakeholder support for a way forward.

The Portfolio Holder for Schools and Children’s Development reported that formal consultation carried out in 2002 with stakeholders had identified wide support for the proposed changes, and further extensive consultation was planned.  It was anticipated that the proposed change would assist with retention of children in the Borough’s schools past primary age.  The Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services echoed her support for the proposed changes which she felt would enhance Harrow’s highly valued and diverse community.

RESOLVED:  That (1) commitment be affirmed to implementing a change in the age of transfer from 12 to 11 years;

(2)  a stakeholder reference group be established;

(3)  the submission of a revised Building Schools for the Future (BSF) bid in accordance with the Department for Children, Schools and Families guidance be agreed;

(4)  an amended amalgamation policy be agreed.

Reason for Decision:  To deliver school re-organisation so that Harrow schools are in line with the national agenda.

Report of the Corporate Director (Community and Environment).

(See Recommendation I).

Report of the Corporate Director (Finance).

The Corporate Director (Finance) introduced the report which provided an update on progress in relation to Integrated Planning for 2008?09 to 2010?11.  She highlighted the current position in relation to the funding gap and outlined the pressures facing the Council and the strategies which were being adopted to close the gap.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Portfolio Coordination explained that the predicted funding gap for future years was subject to change as it was based on an assumed 1% grant increase.  He reported that next year, for the first time, the Corporate Plan would be produced coterminously with the budget, which would ensure that the Council’s priorities were reflected in the budget.

Members thanked the Corporate Director (Finance) for a transparent and clear report.

RESOLVED:  That the progress to date be noted and the strategy for closing the funding gaps be endorsed.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure that the Council adheres to the agreed timetable for integrated planning, culminating in the approval of the corporate plan and medium term financial strategy in February 2008.

Report of the Corporate Director (Finance).

The Corporate Director (Finance) introduced the report which set out the monitoring of Council’s revenue and capital budgets and is critical to effective financial management of the Authority.  Regular budget monitoring remains critical for 2007-2008 given the low level of reserves.  She highlighted that £1m would be added to the reserves which would provide the Council with a firmer financial footing.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Portfolio Coordination reported that the Budget Review Working Group had considered the report and asked detailed questions.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the current revenue and capital monitoring position at the end of the first quarter for 2007?2008 be noted;

(2)  the strategy for ensuring that the Council comes in on budget this year;

(3)  the virements summarised in paragraph 17 be approved.

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

Report of the Corporate Director (Strategy and Business Support).

The Corporate Director (Strategy and Business Support) introduced the report, which summarised Council and service performance against key measures and drew attention to areas requiring action.  She highlighted that good overall progress was being made and advised that the approach to the Strategic Performance Report would be revised in light of the Corporate Spending Review.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategy and Business Support emphasised the importance of putting performance management at the heart of the Council’s work to ensure that high standards were achieved and maintained.  The Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holders for Adult Services, Children’s Services, Housing and Environment Services highlighted key achievements in their areas.

RESOLVED:  That (1) Portfolio Holders be requested to work with officers to achieve improvement against identified key challenges and receive monthly updates;

(2)  the report be noted and to identify any changes it wishes to see in future reports.

Reason for Decision:  To enable Cabinet to be informed of performance against key measures and to identify and assign corrective action where necessary.