Agenda and minutes

A minute of silence was observed in memory of Councillor Janet Cowan.

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:

(i)         Agenda item 10 – Whitmore School – Development of Community Sports and Leisure Facilities

            Councillor Christine Bednell declared a prejudicial interest in the above item arising from the fact that she was a governor at Whitmore High School and the report involved financial matters.  Accordingly, she would leave the room and take no part in the discussion or decision-making on the item.  Furthermore, Councillor Bednell wished it to be noted that she had not been involved in the preparation of the report and her name appeared on the frontsheet of the report in error.

(ii)         Agenda item 11 – Land at Vaughan Road

            Coucillor Paul Osborn declared a prejudicial interest in the above item arising from the fact that he lived on Vaughan Road.  Accordingly, he would leave the room and take no part in the discussion or decision-making on the item.

Of the Cabinet meeting held on 11 October 2007 to be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 11 October 2007, 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.

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 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 questions had been received:

1.

2.

3.

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 questions had been received:

1.

2.

3.

RESOLVED:  To note the contents of the Forward Plan for the period 1 November 2007 – 29 February 2008.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategy and Business Support introduced the report, which accompanied the reference to Cabinet from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the protocol between the executive and scrutiny ‘Delivering Effective Scrutiny – A Framework of Responsibilities’.

RESOLVED:  That (1) Cabinet engage with Overview and Scrutiny Committee to strengthen the proposed protocol;

(2)  the Leader and Portfolio holder for Strategy and Business be nominated to support and work with the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Overview and Scrutiny to agree the proposed changes and report back to Cabinet on the outcome of these discussions.

Reason for Decision:  To continue the development of constructive working relationships between the executive and Overview and Scrutiny.

The Portfolio Holder for Community and Cultural Services introduced the report, which set out the proposed strategy for achieving an extensive development of Harrow’s Leisure and Cultural Services whilst realising a significant and positive revenue budget impact.  The Portfolio Holder stated that the proposals represented an opportunity to develop twenty-first century community facilities for Harrow which would contribute to the Borough’s overarching culture strategy.

A presentation by the scheme’s architect outlined the main features of the illustrative masterplan including improvements to local infrastructure, new housing, improved safety due to increased surveillance and usage, and the fronting of facilities onto the park to create a focus for the local community.  Further consultation would be undertaken to engage stakeholders and identify which facilities should be included in the scheme, and regular updates on proposals would be brought to Cabinet for feedback.

RESOLVED: To (1) agree that the development of ‘Byron Leisure Park’ should be based on Option 4 (Section 2.5.1) of the officer report, ie. to provide a new principal leisure centre; the development of a new ‘Byron Hall’ facility, at another location, in partnership and subsequent to a commercial review; a new skateboard park; the relocation of ‘The Bridge’ within the Byron site; associated Public Realm improvements; together with the disposal of land for residential development.  The new leisure centre to open by 1 February 2010;

(2)  approve the relocation of Gayton Library to Garden House

(3)  give approval for a procurement exercise to be conducted to enter into a long-term strategic partnership for the provision of sports, leisure and related services, eg. at Byron Park, Hatch End and potential other locations in the Borough;

(4)  approve the start of feasibility studies and consultation work for the development of the Hatch End site, together with other community, leisure and cultural services in the area, as referenced in the report;

(5)  note that, in any time lag, which will be kept to a minimum, between the closure of the existing facility and the development of a replacement ‘Byron Hall’, the Council will identify and facilitate access to interim alternative venues for community use and ensure information about such facilities is widely disseminated;

(6)  note that there will be extensive consultation with stakeholders, regarding the development of the detail of the proposals put forward in this report;

(7)  approve release of land for disposal at Gayton Road and Byron Park (land as identified on red line plans shown at appendices 2 and 3 to the officer report);

(8)  approve disposal of land at Gayton Road and Byron Park at best consideration for the Council (land as identified on red line plans at appendices 2 and 3 to the officer report);

(9)  delegate authority to the Corporate Director (Community and Environment), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for External Affairs and Property, to make minor amendments to the red line plans;

(10)  delegate authority to the Corporate Director (Community and Environment), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for External Affairs and Property, to dispose  ...  view the full minutes text for item 313.

Joint report of the Corporate Director (Community and Environment) and Corporate Director (Children’s Services).

The Director of Schools and Children’s Development introduced the report which set out the proposed strategy for enabling the development of community sports and leisure facilities at the new Whitmore High School.

In response to a question from a Member, the officer advised that consultation with stakeholders had identified that the school’s current facilities were used extensively but required improvement to increase accessibility.  The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Portfolio Coordination emphasised that the proposals would be subject to evidence of a clear business case and service benefits.

It was noted that the Portfolio Holder for Schools and Children’s Development had not been involved in the preparation of the report.  An amendment to the officer’s recommendation was moved and it was:

RESOLVED:  That (1) capital funding of £3m should be provided to the Future Whitmore project for community sports and leisure facilities, subject to evidence of a clear business case and service benefits;

(2)  authority be delegated to the Corporate Director, Community and Environment Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for External Affairs and Property, Finance and Portfolio Coordination and Community and Culture to undertake negotiations with the School to reach an appropriate service-based agreement for community use.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the Council to improve and enhance its community sports and leisure facilitiesand maximise the impact of Government funding from the Building Schools for the Future One?School Pathfinder programme at Whitmore High School.

(See also Minute 306).

Report of the Corporate Director (Community and Environment).

The Director of Planning, Development and Enterprise introduced the report, which set out the reasons for the site at Vaughan Road being surplus to the Council’s requirements and the rationale for disposal.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the land at Vaughan Road to be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements;

(2)  the Corporate Director of Community and Environment Services be authorised to negotiate and conclude the disposal on the most favourable terms.

Reason for Decision:  To generate a capital receipt for the Council, giving value for money in line with the Council’s Corporate Priorities (P11) and the Vision for delivering Value for Money.

(See also Minute 306).

Report of the Corporate Director (Community and Environment).

The Corporate Director (Community and Environment) introduced the report which set out the reasons for 69 West End Lane being surplus to the Council’s requirements and the rationale for disposal.

RESOLVED:  That (1) 69 West End Lane to be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements;

(2)  the Corporate Director of Community and Environment Services be authorised to negotiate and conclude the disposal on the most favourable terms.

Reason for Decision:  To generate a capital receipt for the Council, giving value for money in line with the Council’s Corporate Priorities (P11) and the Vision for delivering Value for Money.

Report of the Director of Community and Cultural Services.

The Portfolio Holder for Community and Cultural Services introduced the report, which gave the background to the development of the Community Development Strategy (2007-2010) and outlines the reasons for approving it at this time.

The Director of Community and Cultural Services advised that the Strategy had been developed via extensive consultation and would strengthen the Council’s partnership working and links with the voluntary sector.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the Community Development Strategy be approved;

(2)  authority be delegated to the Director of Community and Cultural Services, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder to amend the implementation plan based on available funding opportunities and linking with the delivery plans of the Harrow Strategic Partnership (HSP) and partners;

(3)  the HSP be commended to adopt the Community Development Strategy.

Reason for Decision:  The strategy provides a framework to ensure that the Council is delivering a fit for purpose service that reflects and meets the needs of Harrow’s diverse community.  It supports the delivery of objectives in the Sustainable Community Plan for Harrow, as agreed by the Harrow Strategic Partnership, and enables the Council to be better placed to meet the new performance and local government agenda as set out in the White Paper - ‘Stronger and Prosperous Communities’.

Report of the Director of Community and Cultural Services.

The Portfolio Holder for Community and Cultural Services introduced the report, which set out the rationale for selecting SirsiDynix Unicorn as the replacement for the Library Service’s existing Dynix library management system.

RESOLVED:  That the sealing of a contract with SirsiDynix to purchase the Unicorn library management system and to agree the purchase of associated hardware and software from other third party suppliers, be agreed.

Reason for Decision:  The current Libraries Service Review has reaffirmed the need for an improved Library Management System to deliver greater electronic access, improved management information and a reduction in manual processing and cataloguing, which will lead to service efficiencies and improved user satisfaction.

Report of the Chief Executive.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Portfolio Coordination introduced the report, which set out proposed Vision Statements and Corporate Priorities for the Council for the financial year 2008/09.

The Portfolio Holder reported that the early timing of the refresh of the Corporate Priorities represented a major change for the Council which would enable the Corporate Plan to align with the budget.  Directorate and service plans would provide detailed information on how the Council would work towards its vision and priorities.

The Portfolio Holder reported an amendment to page 116 of the report, to explicitly reference the crucial involvement of the Harrow Strategic Partnership to the delivery of the Council’s vision, which was noted by Cabinet.

RESOLVED:  That the proposed vision statements and corporate priorities for the purpose of developing the Council’s draft corporate plan and Directorate service plans, be adopted.

Reason for Decision:  To provide guidance about priorities to officers developing corporate and service plans for next year.

Report of the Corporate Director (Community and Environment).

The Director of Planning, Development and Enterprise introduced a confidential report.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the site edged red in Appendix 1 to the officer report is surplus to Council requirements and approval of it disposal confirmed;

(2)  the Corporate Director for Community and Environment be authorised to negotiate and conclude a disposal on the most favourable terms.

Reason for Decision:  To generate a capital receipt for the Council.

Report of the Corporate Director (Finance).

The Corporate Director (Finance) introduced a confidential information report.

RESOLVED:  That the item be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To keep Cabinet Members informed of Treasury Management activity and performance.

Which cannot otherwise be dealt with.

(i)                   Appointment of Cabinet Assistants

RESOLVED:  That Councillor Julia Merison replace Councillor Salim Miah.