Agenda and minutes

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

(a)               all Members of the Cabinet; and

(b)               all other Members present.

During the discussion on agenda item 17, Adults and Housing Transfer of Residential Homes, three Members present declared an interest.

RESOLVED:  To note that the following interests were declared:

Of the Cabinet meeting held on 19 June 2008 to be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 19 June 2008, be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

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

The Chairman drew Members attention to the three items that had been circulated on the supplemental agenda.  He asked Cabinet to consider these items as a matter of urgency for the reasons detailed on the supplemental agenda.

During the course of the meeting, the Chairman drew attention to comments received from Unison in relation to agenda item 17, Adults and Housing Transfer of Residential Homes, which had been tabled.  Members indicated that they would consider Unison’s comments in conjunction with the officer report.

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 petitions submitted by members of the public or Councillors.

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

Questions will be asked in the order notice of them was received and there be a time limit of 15 minutes.

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

To receive any Councillor questions received in accordance with paragraph 17 of the Executive Procedure Rules.

Questions will be asked in the order notice of them was received and there be a time limit of 15 minutes.

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

1.

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

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee introduced the report which set out interim findings of the scrutiny review – delivering a strengthened voluntary and community sector.  The purpose of the report was to provide Cabinet with details of progress made so far and the opportunity to contribute to the second phase of the project.  He thanked the participants in the review and indicated that he looked forward to presenting the final report to Cabinet in December 2008.

The Chief Executive of Harrow Association of Voluntary Service stated that the voluntary sector had welcomed their involvement in the review and were pleased that it would not only look at the grants process.  She stated that she was hopeful of a positive way forward.

The Chairman drew Members’ attention to the reference from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 8 July 2008 which had been circulated as an urgent item on the supplemental agenda.

Members welcomed the report and

RESOLVED:  That (1) the interim findings of the scrutiny review be noted;

(2)  the findings of the review so far were a fair reflection of the current climate and that they be used to inform the second phase of the review and any recommendations;

(3)  the revised reporting date for the review of December 2008 be noted;

(4)  the 2009-10 grants round should be conducted in full compliance with the existing criteria and process and in a transparent way;

(5)  Member development for the Grants Advisory Panel be undertaken to increase awareness of the principles of the Harrow Compact and to support Members in developing a fuller understanding of the pressures and challenges faced by the sector.

Reason for Decision:  In accordance with Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules, Cabinet shall consider reports produced by the Committee.

(See Minute 454).

For consideration

RESOLVED: To receive and note the current progress on Scrutiny Reviews.

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive

The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Communication and Corporate Services introduced the report, which summarised Council and service performance against key measures and drew attention to areas requiring action.  He advised that the format of the report would be amended so that it was more in line with the Comprehensive Area Assessment Scheme.  Future reports would be tailored to reflect how it was envisaged that the Government would measure the Council and to flag up risks.

Each Portfolio Holder updated Cabinet on the position within their area, highlighting areas of progress and concern.  During the discussion on this item, Members were advised that the Divisional Director of Safeguarding and Family Support would be retiring shortly and he was thanked for his work in the Children’s Services directorate and the progress made.  In accordance with Executive Procedure Rule 20, the Chairman invited a Member present to speak on this matter and to convey her thanks to the Divisional Director.

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.

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

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive

The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Communication and Corporate Services introduced the report, which set out the new Local Area Agreement (LAA) for Harrow and the process that had been undertaken.  He advised that the LAA had been approved by the Harrow Strategic Partnership.

RESOLVED:  That the new local area agreement initiatives be adopted for the purpose of developing the Council’s future Directorate service plans.

Reason for Decision:  Adopting the Local Area Agreement would ensure that Directorate service plans included actions to deliver the agreed stretch targets.

Report of the Corporate Director of Finance

The Corporate Director of Finance introduced the report, which set out the framework for the development of the new corporate plan and medium term financial strategy for 2009?10 to 2011?12.  She advised that the impact of the current economic climate required consideration.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the timetable, set out in Appendix 1 to the report of the Corporate Director of Finance, be noted;

(2)  the strategy for closing future funding gaps, set out in Appendix 2 to the report of the Corporate Director of Finance, be approved;

(3)  the approach to consultation be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To promote effective medium term planning.

Report of the Corporate Director of Finance

The Chairman reported that there had been an accident at the Depot in Forward Drive the previous day and that a person had been seriously injured.  He advised that he would be writing to the individual to wish him a speedy recovery.  The Corporate Director of Finance advised that, whilst it appeared that all proper procedures had been complied with in this case, there would be a full investigation by the Health and Safety Executive.

The Corporate Director of Finance introduced the report, which set out a summary of the Council’s health and safety performance for the year 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008.  It also provided an update of activities undertaken, including action as part of the response to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) post inspection management Action plan.  In addition, it provided information on performance measures including training data, audits and accidents.  It looked ahead to the work planned to support the Council in its change agenda and in response to new legislation.

RESOLVED:  That the report on corporate health and safety performance be noted.

Reason for Decision:  The report met the objective to assure the health, safety and welfare at work of employees, to promote well being, and to lead and be an exemplar of good health and safety for our community.

Report of the Corporate Director of Adults and Housing

The Portfolio Holder for Adults and Housing introduced the report, which set out the key objectives and priorities of the new Homelessness Strategy for Harrow to be delivered over the next 5 years.  It had been developed following a full review of homelessness services, including extensive consultation with staff, partners and service users.  It set out the way in which the Council and its partners, would develop services to meet the challenges of homelessness demand in Harrow, while at the same time supporting national, regional and local priorities.

The Portfolio Holder for Adults and Housing advised that the Council was trying to ensure that services were available to those most in need.  The Divisional Director of Adults and Housing added that there were currently 1,069 families in temporary accommodation and that the Council had a responsibility to find them permanent homes.

RESOLVED:  That the Homelessness Strategy 2008?2013 be approved and the Corporate Director of Adults and Housing be delegated authority to make changes, including any adjustments necessary following discussion with Communities and Local Government (CLG), and report to the Tenants' and Leaseholders' Consultative Forum on 22 July 2008.

Reason for Decision:  All councils are required, under the Homelessness Act 2002, to have a five?year Homelessness Strategy in place, based on a full review of homelessness and homeless services.  Harrow’s existing Homelessness Strategy was developed in 2003 so the Council was required to develop a new Homelessness Strategy for submission to Department for Communities and Local Government by 31 July 2008.

Report of the Corporate Director of Community and Environment

The Corporate Director of Community and Environment introduced the report, which put forward a Gating Policy and Procedures for adoption to ensure that there was a fair and consistent approach for installing alley gates across Harrow.  The policy was intended to put a framework around how the Council would work with the police and the community to introduce the gates and improve safety.  The Portfolio Holder for Environment Services endorsed the proposals.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the Gating Policy and Procedures set out at Appendix 1 to the report of the Corporate Director of Community and Environment be formally adopted;

(2)  the policy be subjected to ongoing consultation and reviewed on an annual basis, with minor amendments agreed and incorporated on an annual basis in consultation with the Portfolio Holder;

(3)  where significant amendment or review was required, the Policy be brought back to Cabinet for decision.

Reason for Decision:  To introduce a prioritised approach to alley gating that ensured effectiveness, efficiency and encouraged local resident involvement and ownership. 

Memberships of Cabinet Advisory Panels and Consultative Forums

RESOLVED:  That the amendments to the memberships of the bodies listed at Appendix 1 to these minutes be approved.

Reason for Decision: To enable the changes to be effected.

Motion Referred to the Executive by Council on 10 July 2008 – Harrow Town Centre

At the meeting of Council held on 10 July 2008, and in accordance with the provisions of Rule 15.6, a Motion proposed by Councillor Bill Stephenson and seconded by Councillor Keith Ferry, was resolved to stand referred to Cabinet (in particular the Local Development Framework Panel).

This was due to the issue of an overall master plan for the development of the Town Centre and its infrastructure, and the provision of any new leisure facilities being matters within the powers of the Executive.

The motion read as follows:

RESOLVED:  That the Motion be referred to the Local Development Framework Panel for consideration.

Reason for Decision: On 10 July 2008, Council had indicated that the Motion should stand referred to Cabinet and, in particular, the Local Development Framework Panel.

(See Minute 454).

Report of the Corporate Director of Finance

The Portfolio Holder for Strategy, Partnership and Finance introduced a confidential report, which set out the summary of Treasury Management activities for 2007?2008.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the outturn position for 2007-2008 Treasury Management Activity be noted;

(2)  any decisions required to amend the minimum credit criteria used to approve the counterparty lending list be delegated to the Leader and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, Partnership and Finance.

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

(See Minute 454).

Appendix to the report of the Corporate Director of Adults and Housing

The Portfolio Holder for Adults and Housing  and Divisional Director of Commissioning and Partnerships Children and Adults, introduced a confidential report, which updated Members on the progress of negotiations with Support for Living (formerly Harrow Consortium for Special Needs) to achieve a transfer of the residential accommodation, supported houses and associated services.  The report set out three options for better meeting service users’ needs and delivering improved value for money.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the current business case against the original proposal be reviewed and it be considered which of the three options described in section 2.5 of the report of the Corporate Director of Adults and Housing would best meet the need for high quality residential care and supported living accommodation for adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues;

(2)  the officer recommendation for option 2 be agreed and implemented.

Reason for Decision:  Cabinet needed to review the current business case against the original proposal and determine whether to proceed with the proposed transfer.

(See Minutes 452, 454 and 455).