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.

The Chairman advised Members that, in relation to the agenda item on the Revenue Budget 2010/11 - 2012/13, the discussion would be high level.  Therefore, declarations in relation to specific items within the budget were not required unless that particular item was being discussed.  However, it was a matter for individual Members to decide whether an interest should be declared.

RESOLVED:  To note that the following interests were declared:

Agenda Item 9 - Revenue Budget 2010/11 – 2012/13

Councillors David Ashton and Marilyn Ashton declared personal interests in that their daughter-in-law was employed by the Council.  They would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Agenda Item 16 – School Place Planning Strategy

Councillor Barry Macleod-Cullinane declared a personal interest in that his sister was a teacher at Hatch End High School.  He would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Of the Cabinet meeting held on 14 January 2010 to be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 14 January 2010, be taken as read and signed as a correct record, subject to the following amendment:

Minute 746, second paragraph, first sentence to read ‘The Portfolio Holder stated that the existing finance system was a disbenefit to Harrow and the government’s proposals to dismantle the service were welcomed.’

To receive any petitions submitted by members of the public or Councillors.

Ms Julie Ebnother-Parker presented a petition signed by 106 parents/carers whose children attended Roxeth First and Middle School.  The petition urged the Council to implement various traffic measures in the vicinity of the school with a view to improving safety.  The terms of the petition read:

“We, the parents from the children of the Roxeth First and Middle School say:

·                     It is absolutely not acceptable to not have pedestrian traffic light signals and zebra walks markings on the streets at the large intersection at Northolt and Shaftesbury Avenue where five streets converge and our children must daily cross, going to and from school.

·                     It is not right that there is no lollipop lady/man to stop the traffic and protect children at this very busy and dangerous intersection.

·                     It is not safe for children having to walk up a very narrow and busy road without having any metal barriers to shield them from the constant flow of traffic on Roxeth Hill/Ashbourne Avenue as they go to and from school.

·                     We are taxpaying parents that demand that the Harrow Council make this very dangerous intersection and walk to school safe for our children.  A child should not have to die or be injured before the Council takes responsibility and finally makes the necessary changes to make the crossing and walk to Roxeth First and Middle School safe for our children and the people of the neighbourhood.

We therefore urge/ demand/ plead that action be taken now!

In the name of the many children, parents and local residents who are daily put at risk by this dangerous intersection”.

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

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 the following public questions had been received:

1.

2.

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 that no Councillor Questions had been received.

For noting

The Leader of the Council advised that a report on the Housing Capital Programme 2010/14 appeared as an appendix to the main Capital Programme report at item 12 on the agenda (Minutes 762 refers).

RESOLVED:  To note the contents of the Forward Plan for the period 1 February – 31 May 2010.

Joint Report of the Corporate Director Finance and the Assistant Chief Executive

Cabinet received a joint report of the Corporate Director Finance and the Assistant Chief Executive, which provided a summary of the Council’s Corporate Plan and Budget for 2010/11 - 2012/13.

The Corporate Director of Finance introduced a key aspect of this joint report, the Council’s Corporate Plan for 2010/13, which set out the Council’s vision and its three corporate priorities.  She added that the Council intended to retain its vision ‘to be recognised as one of the best London Council by 2012 in a borough that was cosmopolitan, confident and cohesive’, including the following existing corporate priorities:

§                     deliver cleaner and safer streets;

§                     improve support for vulnerable people;

§                     build stronger communities.

As a result, the Plan was both forward and backward looking, and identified past achievements and plans for the future.

It was noted that the Plan included a number of flagship actions, which were practical examples of what the vision and the corporate priorities meant, and against which the Council was happy to be judged.

The Leader of the Council commended officers for their work. He moved that minor changes to the Plan, following its approval by Council, be delegated to Cabinet.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)  That

(1)               the Corporate Plan 2010/11 – 2012/13 be approved;

(2)               Cabinet be authorised to make any subsequent minor changes required to the Corporate Plan.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the report be noted;

(2)       the Leader of the Council be authorised to approve final changes to the Corporate Plan 2010/11 – 2012/13, prior to its submission to Council.

Reason for Decision:  Approval of the Corporate Plan was reserved to Council.  To allow minor changes to be made by Cabinet without referral to Council.

[Call-In does not apply to the Recommendation] .

Report of the Corporate Director Finance

The Corporate Director of Finance introduced a report, which set out the Revenue Budget for 2010/11 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2010/11 to 2012/13.

The Corporate Director stated that the position on the Revenue Budget had not altered significantly since it was reported to Cabinet in December 2009, but she was pleased to report that the funding gap of £1m, to ensure a balanced budget, had been closed as a result of some technical changes.  A zero Council Tax increase for 2010/11 was being recommended.  An increase of 2.5% was expected thereafter.  The additional information in her report related to the budget book; specific grants and levies; and risk assessment on the budget which she proposed be referred to the Governance, Audit and Risk Management Committee for consideration.

Cabinet was informed that efficiency savings of £7.3m had been made but that the Children’s Services continued to face budget pressures.  The funding for schools was up 4.1% and this would be ring-fenced.  The Corporate Director was confident that the budget proposed was robust and that the Council’s reserves were adequate.  She confirmed that the Greater London Authority (GLA) had announced a nil increase in its precept.  As a result the Council Tax for 2010/11 for Harrow residents would remain the same as in 2009/10.

The Corporate Director reported that consultation on the budget had taken place at various stakeholder meetings, the minutes of which had been circulated on a supplemental agenda.  Matters raised at some of the meetings would be addressed separately together with the recommendations from the Standing Scrutiny Review on the Budget.  The Council had also engaged with the voluntary sector through the Harrow Strategic Partnership (HSP) Summit meeting.

The Corporate Director drew attention to the challenges for the future, which would impact on the budget, including the adverse economic climate, the growing demand on Council services and the expected decline in funding from the government.  The outlook on the budget for future years was set out at appendix 13 of her report and a funding gap of up to £15m beyond 2011 was forecast.

The Chief Executive stated that local authorities faced challenging years ahead, and that, looking forward, Harrow Council’s journey would be better placed as a result of its Better Deal for Residents’ Programme which would meet the needs of residents.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)  That

(1)               the revenue budget 2010/11 to 2012/13 be approved to enable the Council Tax for 2010/11 to be set;

(2)               the model Council Tax resolution attached at appendix 1 to the minutes be approved;

(3)               the current approved Members’ Allowances Scheme be adopted for 2010/11.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Medium Term Financial Strategy at appendix 2 to the report of the Corporate Director Finance be approved;

(2)               the planned investment in services and efficiency programme be noted;

(3)               in relation to schools, the budget and the proposed changes to the formula at appendix 8 to the report of the Corporate Director Finance be approved;

(4)               the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 760.

Joint Report of the Corporate Director Finance and Interim Divisional Director Housing

Cabinet received a joint report of the Corporate Director Finance and the Interim Divisional Director Housing, which set out the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget for 2010/11 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2010/11 to 2012/13.

The Corporate Director Finance stated that the report had altered since its Cabinet considered the draft HRA report in December 2009.  The position on the annual HRA subsidy had been determined and the Council was expected to pay back approximately £6.2m in negative subsidy to the government.  The Corporate Director outlined the areas where charges were expected to rise and those areas were they would be frozen, such as in service charges to leaseholders where a detailed review would be undertaken.  She drew attention to the comments received from the Tenants’ and Leaseholders’ Consultative Forum and clarified that Tenants’ Associations in Harrow were allowed to hire of community halls on Mondays to Fridays free of charge.

Members noted the feedback received from the Tenants’ and Leaseholders’ Consultative Forum, which had approved the draft HRA.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)  That the Housing Revenue Account for 2010/11 at appendix 2 to the minutes be approved together with the following:

(a)               increase rents by 2.85% on average from 1 April 2010;

(b)               increase service charges for tenants by 2.85% and freeze charges for leaseholders pending a review of the service and charging methodology from 1 April 2010;

(c)               increase garage and car parking rents by 2% from 1 April 2010;

(d)               increase energy (heating) charges by 2% from 1 April 2010;

(e)               increase Community Centre charges by 2% from 1 April 2010.

RESOLVED:  That the Medium Term Budget Strategy for the Housing revenue Account (HRA) at Appendix 1 to the report be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To publish the final HRA budget proposals and set Council rents and other charges for 2010/11.

[Call-In does not apply to the Recommendation].

Report of the Corporate Director Finance

Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director Finance, which set out the proposed Capital Programme for 2010/11 - 2012/13 that formed part of the annual budget review process.  The Corporate Director stated that the Programme was almost identical to that presented to Cabinet in December 2009 except for two minor changes:

§                     the capitalisation figure had been increased by £10k in 2010/11;

§                     the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) provision had been increased by £1m to reflect slippage.

The Corporate Director explained how the Capital Programme aligned with the Council’s Corporate Priorities, and outlined the planned investments of approximately £7m and £6m in Children’s Services and Community and Environment Services respectively.  An investment for £8m was planned for the housing investment programme.  It was noted that the Capital Programme was funded by capital receipts received, prudent borrowing, external funding and major repairs allowance.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)  That the Capital Programme for 2010/11 - 2012/13 be agreed.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure an approved Capital Programme for 2010/11 - 2012/13.

[Call-in does not apply to the Recommendation].

Report of the Corporate Director Finance

The Corporate Director Finance introduced a report, which set out the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy and Strategy for 2010/11.

The Corporate Director highlighted the importance of risk minimisation, as the Council was funded by public money.  She referred to the requirement to adopt the revised CIPFA Treasury Management Code of Practice 2009 and was pleased to report that the Council demonstrated best practice in many key areas of the revised Code.  In addition, the revised Code needed scrutinising and proposals to alter the existing terms of reference of the Governance, Audit and Risk Management Committee would be submitted to the full Council meeting in April 2010 with a view to fulfilling this function.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)  That

(1)               the Treasury Management Strategy and prudential Indicators be approved;

(2)               the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and Strategy for 2010/11 be approved;

(3)               the proposal to allocate the responsibility for the scrutiny of the Treasury Management Strategy, Policy and Activity, to the Governance, Audit and Risk Management Committee (as set out in paragraph 7 to the report of the Corporate Director of Finance) be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To promote effective financial management and comply with the Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Accounting) Regulations 2003 and other relevant guidance.

[Call-In does not apply to the Recommendation].

Reference from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 28 January 2010.

Cabinet received a report, which set out the findings of the Standing Scrutiny Review of the Budget with a number of suggested recommendations for adoption.  In noting the reference from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 28 January 2010, Cabinet complimented the work carried out by scrutiny.  The Leader of the Council stated that the recommendations from the Scrutiny Review Group were for consideration in the longer term and did not affect the decision on the Revenue Budget report, item 9 on the agenda.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the report of the Standing Scrutiny Review be submitted to Council;

(2)               the Corporate Director of Finance submit a report responding to the recommendations of the Scrutiny Review Group to a future  meeting of Cabinet.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure that the recommendations of the Standing Scrutiny Review were addressed.

For consideration

RESOLVED:  To receive and note the current progress of the scrutiny reports.

Reason for Decision:  To note the progress being made on the various scrutiny reviews.

Report of the Corporate Director Finance

The Corporate Director Finance introduced the report, which set out proposals for fees and charges to be made by the Council for 2010/2011.  She outlined some of the areas where no increases had been proposed, such as for car parking and home care.  This course of action would help boost the economic activity locally and minimise the financial burden on the vulnerable.

The Corporate Director stated that where charges were being altered, these would be in the region of a 2% increase.  She added that the framework that the Council applied for fees and charges would be reviewed and developed during 2010/11.

RESOLVED:  That the proposed fees and charges at appendix 1 to the report of the Corporate Director Finance be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the effect of changes in fees and charges to be factored into the Council’s Revenue Budget for 2010/11.

Report of the Corporate Director Finance

The Corporate Director Finance introduced a report, which set out the Council’s revenue and capital forecast position for 2009/10 at the end of December 2009, as at quarter 3.

The Corporate Director stated that, overall, an underspend of £0.5m had been forecast, which was considered to be both favourable and positive.  However, significant cost pressures in the Children’s Services Directorate were being offset by savings elsewhere, including from the pay award which was under budget.  A small overspend was forecast in the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), and the consolidated general balance position was forecast as £6.4m.  An underspend was forecasted for the Council’s Capital Programme.

It was indicated that the Council should achieve an overall underspend in order to meet the challenges ahead.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the revenue and capital forecast outturn position for 2009/10 be noted;

(2)               the amendments to the Capital Programme at appendix 3 to the report  be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To present the forecast financial position as at December 2009 and the actions required to be taken.

Report of the Director Schools and Children’s Development

Cabinet received a report of the Director of Schools and Children’s Development, which sought approval to establish Roxbourne First School Nursery Class with effect from 1 September 2010.  The Portfolio Holder for Schools and Children’s Development reported that no objections had been received to the proposal and commended the report to Cabinet.

RESOLVED:  That the statutory proposals to extend the age range of Roxbourne First School to establish a school with an age range of four years (Reception) to seven years (Year 2), with attached nursery class from 1 September 2010, the effect of which was to lower the age to three years, be agreed.

Reason for Decision:  A nursery class would establish the full Early Years Foundation Stage Profile at Roxbourne First School.  This would provide continuity and secure higher attainment for those children entering the nursery and then being admitted to the Roxbourne First School reception classes and, in particular, continuity would be provided and be of significant benefit to the majority of children who have English as an additional language.

Report of the Director Schools and Children’s Development

The Portfolio Holder for Schools and Children’s Development introduced the report, which proposed an approach that would ensure that sufficient school places were available in Harrow and over provision was avoided.  The School Place Planning Strategy 2010/13 outlined the areas of action for the Council, as commissioner of school places, over the next three years, which were as follows:

§                     monitor and develop proposals to increase primary sector provision in line with projected and actual growth;

§                     implement the school reorganisation to change the ages of transfer and monitor its impact;

§                     increase the provision for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) including the bases for pupils with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and social emotional behavioural difficulties.

It was noted that the Education Consultative Forum had supported the Strategy.  The Director of Schools and Children’s Development stated that the Council had a statutory responsibility to ensure that sufficient school places were available.  The Children’s Services and the Place Shaping Directorates worked closely to ensure that new developments in the borough were factored in the planning process.  An annual update of the Strategy would be presented to the Education Consultative Forum.

RESOLVED:  That the School Place Planning Strategy 2010/13 be agreed.

Reason for Decision:  To establish a framework for officers to develop and bring forward options to ensure there were sufficient school places.  To promote high standards and fulfil the Council’s statutory responsibilities.

Report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment

In accordance with the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, Cabinet received a report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment, which was admitted late to the agenda, as the proposed initiative would provide valuable assistance to support the police in combating burglary.  Burglaries were a significant problem in the West London area and were being addressed by a range of initiatives.  The report was not available at the time the agenda was being circulated, as it was being consulted on.

Cabinet considered the report together with a confidential appendix, which sought authority to enter into a contract with Smartwater for the supply of traceable property marking projects.  The Portfolio Holder for Environment Services and Community Safety stated that the proposal would help make the borough safer for its citizens and combat fear of crime.  She commended the initiative to Cabinet.

The Divisional Director Community and Environment outlined how the tender process had been co-ordinated, and the crime reduction work that would be carried out by the Council in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service

The Leader of the Council welcomed this positive initiative.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the tender from Smartwater be accepted;

(2)               the Corporate Director Community and Environment be authorised to agree terms for entry into a contract with Smartwater.

Reason for Decision:  To support the reduction and deduction of crime, particularly burglary, and provide the assurance of community safety through the Safer Harrow Partnership.  The tender submitted by Smartwater was the best value under the defined evaluation criteria of price, compliance with specification, deliverability and risk management.

To resolve that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business, on the grounds that it involve(s) the likely disclosure of confidential information in breach of an obligation of confidence, or of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972:

RESOLVED:  That the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business, on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of confidential information in breach of an obligation of confidence, or of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 for the reasons set out below:

Appendix to the report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment at item 17(a).

RESOLVED:  That the confidential appendix, which was considered in conjunction with the main report at Minute 770, be noted.