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.

RESOLVED:  To note that the following interests were declared:

Agenda Item 13 – Housing Ambition Plan

Councillor Barry Macleod-Cullinane declared a personal and prejudicial interest in that, as a Portfolio Holder in the previous administration, he had helped to draw up the Housing Ambition Plan.  He stated that considered he was not compromised by being in the room to listen to the discussion on the report.

Agenda Item 14 – A Framework Agreement for Adult Home Support Services for Harrow in Partnership with the West London Alliance

During the course of the meeting, Councillor Barry Macleod-Cullinane declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the item, as a Portfolio Holder in the previous administration.  He stated that he considered he was not compromised by being in the room to listen to the discussion on the report.

That the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 23 June 2010 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:  That, subject to the following amendment, the minutes of the meeting held on 23 June 2010 be taken as read and signed as a correct record:

Minute 7, Question 7, to add ‘ yes and yes’ to the reply given by Councillor Stephenson to the questioner.

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

RESOLVED:  To note that no petitions were submitted.

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.

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.

The Leader of the Council reminded Members that there was a time limit of 15 minutes for this item.  Questions 1 – 8 were answered at the meeting.

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

1.

2.

The Leader of the Council advised that reports relating to ‘Dangerous Dogs’ and the ‘Year Ahead Statement’ had been deferred to the September 2010 Cabinet meeting.

RESOLVED:  To note the contents of the Forward Plan for the period 1 July -31 October 2010.

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.

Joint report of the Corporate Director Finance, Director Business Transformation and Customer Services and Divisional Director IT.

In accordance with the Local Government Access to Information Act 1985, the joint report of the Corporate Director Finance, Director of Business Transformation and Customer Services and the Divisional Director IT, together with a confidential appendix, was considered by Cabinet as a matter of urgency to enable consultation with staff to proceed.  The report was not available at the time the agenda was printed and circulated as it was being consulted on with key officers and Members.

Cabinet considered the joint report, together with a confidential appendix setting out the value for money assessment, which set out the need for a modern and reliable IT platform to ensure the delivery of the Council’s Transformation Programme, also known as a Better Deal for Residents.  The report also included an evaluation of the service to be delivered either in?house or by an external provider, Capita.

The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services stated that staff in the IT service had done an excellent job in light of the lack of investment over the past years, and was of the view that IT could have been attended to early by the previous administration.  In terms of the delivery of the Better Deal for Residents Programme, it was essential that a modern and reliable IT platform were in place.  The Portfolio Holder stated that the administration had inherited a number of systems, which did not have the capability to deliver a modern IT service and were increasingly becoming difficult to support and operate.  Some operated at an increased risk of failure, and there was a limited capacity for remote and mobile working.  For example, the email system was difficult to integrate with other systems and there were inconsistent levels of system performance across the Council.

The Portfolio Holder added that the Council needed to move forward and the proposals would help deliver a flexible IT service to meet various initiatives outlined above and in the report and deliver a Disaster Recovery Plan.  In addition, the proposals would enable the Council to implement the transformation projects thereby achieving savings.  He stated that the decision before Cabinet was ’in principle’ subject to consultations.  The Portfolio Holder stated that Members had been briefed fully on the in-house submission.  A recent report submitted by Unison to members had been reviewed as far as was practicable in light of the time available.

Finally, the Portfolio Holder gave a commitment that all submissions would be carefully considered, including staffing issues.  He was of the view that there were significant risks associated with IT remaining inhouse, and referred to the significant risks set out in the report.  He stressed that this was not a reflection on staff but due to a lack of strategic direction and investment.  He moved an amendment to the recommendation, which required an agreement with the appropriate Portfolio Holders.

The Corporate Director stated that she was taking this matter seriously and that the decision was a complex one in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

Report of the Corporate Director Finance.

Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director Finance, which set out the Council’s approach to managing in year funding cuts.

The Leader of the Council stated that the government had decided to cut public sector spending by £6.2bn in 2010/11, a significant sum of which,  £1.2bn, would come from local government.  He outlined how the Council and its partners would be affected by the various cuts and why some of the good projects, such as free swimming, might have to cease.  In addition, future planned projects, such as dealing with dangerous dogs, might be delayed as a result.  The Sure Start project might also be affected.

The Leader stated that the Council faced a challenging future, and that the Directorates were working on plans to deliver saving in year to the value of £1.3m.  A further report would be submitted to the next meeting in September 2010, as part of the first quarter monitoring report.

RESOLVED:  That the requirement for all Directorates to deliver savings in year to the value of £1.3m to compensate for the balance of the grant cuts be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure that the Council comes in budget this year and maintains its general balances at an acceptable level.

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

Joint Report of the Chief Executive and Assistant Chief Executive.

The Leader of the Council introduced the report, which set out the steps for the Council’s Better Deal for Residents Programme:  Shaping Harrow for the Future.  The report set out the vision and direction of travel for services across the Council and its Partners until 2013, as follows:

§                     being a more efficient and effective organisation that could live within its means;

§                     joining up and personalising customer services for residents;

§                     building on the community spirit of residents with a view to encouraging their involvement in the future of the borough.

The Leader identified various projects, such as a new Civic Centre, online citizen accounts and personalised budgets would help achieve the vision and direction of travel whilst realising savings.  He added that it was important to build on the community spirit of residents by involving them in projects such as the management of parks and open spaces.

Cabinet noted that central to the Residents Programme was partnership working, with all partners, including businesses and residents, becoming more involved in the future of the borough.

The Chief Executive stated that by October 2010, the Council would be better placed to identify the funding gaps.  Various issues had to be addressed, such as an increase in the landfill tax, health related matters and an increased demand in housing benefit.  He added that incremental change was not an option, and that the challenges were not unique to the Council.  Whilst immense challenges lay ahead for the public sector as a whole, Harrow was better placed than most because of the Programme.  The Programme would help us deal with the challenges in a more structured manner.  Furthermore, there was scope to make the organisation more efficient by reducing the tiers of management, investing in technology and increasing the number of services provided through Access Harrow, and by altering our relationship with the residents of Harrow.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)               officers undertake consultation as appropriate to inform decision-making on the proposals set out in the report;

(2)               a further evaluation of the proposals set out in paragraphs 6.1 - 6.41 be agreed, including the evaluation of such other projects agreed amongst the Corporate Directors and Portfolio Holders, subject to the development of business cases and appropriate consultation;

(3)               it be noted that when detailed business cases had been developed and appropriate consultation undertaken, the proposals would be submitted to Cabinet for decision.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the Council to deliver its part of the Sustainable Community Strategy whilst developing a sound financial platform for the next three years.

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

Cabinet considered a joint report of the Corporate Director Finance and Assistant Chief Executive, which set out the framework for the development of the new Corporate Plan and the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2011/12 - 2015/16.  The report set out the strategy for closing the funding gaps at appendix 2, including the strands that would be used to close the gaps identified. 

The Leader of the Council stated that the administration would be reviewing the Council’s vision and priorities in due course, which would form a critical part of the development of the medium term plans.  The Leader added that the Year Ahead Statement would be presented to Cabinet in September 2010, and drew attention to the financial context the Council was operating under, as outlined in the report.  He referred to the proposed process for consultation and mentioned the proposal to carry out consultations through a Residents’ Panel.

In response to a comment from the Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts, the Corporate Director Finance explained that the public sector pay freeze would not necessarily apply to local government and that discussions were ongoing in this respect.  The impact of various pay restraints would be modelled.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the timetable setting out the planning process at appendix 1 to the report be noted;

(2)               the strategy for closing future funding gaps at appendix 2 to the report be approved;

(3)               the approach to carrying out public consultation be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To promote effective medium to long term planning.

Report of the Corporate Director Finance.

The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services introduced the report, which summarised the Council’s health and safety performance for 1 April 2009 - 31 March 2010, and planned improvement activities for 2010/11.  It was noted that the Governance, Audit and Risk Management Committee and the Employees Consultative Form had considered similar reports.

The Portfolio Holder identified the key aspects of the report and drew attention to the increase in reported accidents in 2009/10.  He added that further improvement was required in this area, as had been recommended by the Employees’ Consultative Forum.  Other areas that needed more attention were training and the evacuation procedures in case of fire and bomb threats.  A report addressing these issues would be submitted to a future Cabinet meeting.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Council’s health and safety performance for 2009/10 be noted;

(2)               the planned activities for 2010/11 to address health and safety be noted;

(3)               the work in progress to improve the health and safety data be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To note the health and safety information and ensure it was being improved.

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

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive.

The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services introduced the report, which summarised Council and service performance against key measures, including areas where further action was required.  The report outlined the key successes and the challenges that the Council continued to face.

The Portfolio Holder stated that the government had abolished the Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA).  He identified the challenges that the Council continued to face, such as resident perceptions of value for money and satisfaction with the Council.  Other challenges that lay ahead were understanding the full impact of public funding cuts on services, and that measuring performance in this environment would become more important.  As a result, the focus and workings of Improvement Boards, the Council’s internal performance management process, would be improved.  He added that the strong management team led by the Chief Executive was a good foundation in which to enter the challenges that lay ahead.

The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing identified some of the key areas, which had seen improvements.  The Portfolio Holder was pleased to see an increase in the applications for personal budgets from the BME community, a 13.6% of learning disability service users were in employment compared to 7.7% during the previous year and above the Local Area Agreement target, and that Harrow had the highest percentage of carers who felt they were well supported and encouraged.  She was concerned how the future job market would impact on these improvements.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted and Portfolio Holders continue working with officers to achieve improvement against identified key challenges.

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

Report of the Divisional Director Housing Services.

[Cabinet Members are advised to bring the enclosure previously supplied to them to the meeting.]

Cabinet considered a report of the Divisional Director Housing Services introduced the report, which set out the key elements of the Housing Ambition Plan.  The Plan would be a measure and the ambition was to ensure that its customers saw the Housing Service as one of the best in London by 2012.

The Corporate Director Adults and Housing praised the work done by the Divisional Director Housing Services with the support and passion of both the former and the current Portfolio Holders.  He also thanked the support received from staff following a thorough review of the housing service, which had resulted in securing a permanent management team and led to development of the Housing Ambition Plan.  The Plan would help to improve satisfaction levels of tenants and leaseholders.

The Divisional Director of Housing Services stated that the Plan would ensure an improvement in service provision and provide value for money.  The Divisional Director outlined the key aspects of the Plan and asked that Cabinet also approve the Plan at the meeting.  She stated that a detailed Plan was available on request, and was encouraged by the commitment received from staff to deliver on change.  Cabinet was informed of the additional resources that would be required to support the Plan.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing thanked officers and the former Portfolio Holder for their work.

RESOLVED:  That the Housing Ambition Plan be approved together with the consequent virements of £512k from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue balances and £82k within the HRA capital programme to resource the delivery of the Housing Ambition Plan 2010/11.

Reason for Decision:  To resource delivery of the Housing Ambition Plan 2010/11.

Report of the Corporate Director Adults and Housing.

The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing introduced the report, which set out details of the procured framework agreement in conjunction with the boroughs that made up the West London Alliance to supply personal homecare, housing and related support, including an integrated service for adults.  It would also provide a choice of a provider for residents.  Of particular note was that the service would deliver a substantial saving whilst meeting the Council’s Corporate Priority to support the vulnerable.  She commended the report to Cabinet.

The Corporate Director Adults and Housing spoke of the collaborative work of the West London Alliance and the leadership and impetus given by the Chief Executive.  The Leader of the Council stated that joint procurement was important, as it would help achieve savings.

Prior to reaching a decision on this matter, Cabinet considered a confidential appendix, which set out the final framework provider list for personal homecare, including prices.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Framework be approved;

(2)               the Council continue to collaborate with the West London Alliance to implement the Framework;

(3)               the Corporate Director of Adults and Housing be authorised to work with the final list of providers to optimise the terms and conditions and then call off each of the three services on the Framework as required.

Reason for Decision:  To support the Council’s priority in relation to the vulnerable people and the personalisation agenda by having an effective strategy for ensuring the continued provision of high quality and efficient home provision to enable people to live independently.  To provide an accredited list of providers for the purpose of enabling and safeguarding the choices of people opting for individual budgets.

Report of the Director Schools, Quality Assurance and Commissioning.

The Portfolio Holder for Schools and Colleges introduced the report, which set out the outcome of the statutory consultation about the future organisation of the Longfield First and Middle Schools and the recommendation of the governing bodies that the two schools amalgamate in September 2011.  He stated that the headteacher of Longfield First School had resigned, thereby triggering the amalgamation policy agreed in 2007.  He took this opportunity to wish the headteacher a long and happy retirement.

The Portfolio Holder outlined the various stages of the consultation and the outcomes and commended the report to Cabinet.  He thanked the governors of both schools for their commitment and work in ensuring a good Ofsted report.  He added that whilst this would not apply to the newly merged school, the foundations put in place would be realised.

RESOLVED:  That, having considered the outcome of the statutory consultation and the recommendation from the governing bodies that the two schools amalgamate, the publication of statutory notices to combine Longfield Infant School and Longfield Junior School, be approved.

Reason for Decision:  Combining the two schools would give the opportunity to further improve educational standards by enabling planning a coherent whole across the primary phase of the national curriculum and providing greater flexibility across and between key stages.  Access to the whole primary curriculum supports and informs whole school planning, assessment, pastoral systems, and provide opportunities for wider staff development and experience across the full primary phase.

Report of the Divisional Director Environmental Services.

The Corporate Director Community and Environment introduced the report, which sought approval of the Food Safety Service Plan for 2010/11.  He added that the Plan was a key document, and the food safety team provided value for money in ensuring that food and drink intended for sale for human consumption was without risk to public health and consumer safety.  However, the team was not complacent and carried out both statutory and non statutory functions.

RESOLVED:  That the Food Safety Service Plan for 2010/11 be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To meet legislative requirements and statutory duties.

Report of the Divisional Director Environmental Services.

The Corporate Director Community and Environment introduced the report, which sought approval of an increase in the Capital Programme with a view to implementing a range of projects that would deliver reductions in carbon emissions.  It was noted that SALIX finance was a government company that provided loans to the public sector for energy saving projects.  Loans were interest fee over five years from the resultant savings in utility bills.

The Corporate Director stated that this was a good example of partnership working, and the initiatives would help reduce carbon emission in a full year by 1.75%.  He outlined the projects that would be undertaken, which focused on the Civic Centre, some schools and other civic buildings.  Cabinet was informed that that revenue savings over five years could rise to £100k.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               £400k be added to the Capital Programme for the self financing of energy projects;

(2)               interest free loans to the value of £400k be taken from SALIX finance.

Reason for Decision:  To meet the targets to reduce CO2 emissions by 4% a year from April 2010, as set out in the Council’s Climate Strategy.  To reduce the amount of energy used and introduce carbon pricing from April 2011.

Report of the Corporate Director Place Shaping.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Enterprise introduced the report, which proposed the setting up of an advisory Panel of Cabinet to be known as the Major Development Panel.  The Panel would initially have an oversight of the development of Harrow and Wealdstone Intensification Area and thereafter look at other areas.  The report proposed the membership and terms of reference of the Panel.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               a Major Developments Panel be established;

(2)               the terms of reference and the membership of the Panel at Appendix I to these minutes be agreed and Councillor Bill Stephenson be appointed Chairman;

(3)               that reference to the Town Centre and Major Projects Panel be deleted from the Council’s Constitution and substituted with the Major Developments Panel and its terms of reference.

Reason for Decision:  To oversee the development of the Harrow and Wealdstone Intensification Area and proposals for individual major development sites across the borough.

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

Report of the Corporate Director Place Shaping.

The Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts introduced a report, which set out proposals for the disposal of the freehold interest in the Box Tree Public House for the provision of affordable housing.  He stated that he was satisfied the best possible value would be obtained for the site and commended the report to Cabinet.

Prior to making a decision, Cabinet considered a confidential report, which provided additional financial information.

RESOLVED:  That the Corporate Director Place Shaping, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts, be authorised to negotiate and conclude the disposal of the freehold interest in the Boxtree Public House for best consideration, subject to the restriction that the site is to be used for the development of affordable housing; the development mix to be agreed with the Council’s Housing Department.

Reason for Decision:  To generate a capital receipt for the Housing Revenue Account and provide much needed social housing for the borough thereby fulfilling one of the Council’s Corporate Priorities of Building Stronger Communities.

Motion referred by Council on 8 July 2010

In accordance with the Local Government Access to Information Act 1985, the report, was considered by Cabinet as a matter of urgency to enable the motion to be considered at the earliest opportunity.  The report was not available at the time the agenda was printed and circulated, as Council met after the publication date.

Cabinet received a motion on 2M that was referred from the Council meeting held on 8 July 2010.

RESOLVED: That the motion be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To take a decision on the motion referred to the Executive.

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

Motion referred by Council on 8 July 2010

In accordance with the Local Government Access to Information Act 1985, the report, was considered by Cabinet as a matter of urgency to enable the motion to be considered at the earliest opportunity.  The report was not available at the time the agenda was printed and circulated, as Council met after the publication date.

Cabinet received a motion on Kenton Road together with an amendment that had been proposed at the Council meeting.

RESOLVED: That the motion, as amended and set out below, beagreed:

“This Council notes that the removal of the right turning from Kenton Road into Kenton Lane has proven unpopular with residents, and that a petition on this issue was presented to the Mayor of London by Councillors Teli, Mithani and Zeid in March 2010.

This Council requests that the Chief Executive writes to the Mayor of London regarding what action has been taken”.

Reason for Decision:  To take a decision on the motion referred to the Executive.

Report the Corporate Director Children’s Services.

The Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services introduced a confidential report of the Corporate Director Children’s Services, which referred to the development of a Teenage Placement Strategy and recommended a change in the current residential arrangements at a residential unit in order to achieve better outcomes for Children Looked After and ensure efficient use of resources.  She commended consultation on Option 2 to Cabinet and stated that a further report would be presented to Cabinet in September 2010 setting out the outcomes.

The Corporate Director of Children’s Services stated that provisions needed reviewing due to demographic changes.  There was an increasing need to rethink how resources were used to deal with the increasing needs of teenagers preparing for independence, and bringing Children Looked After back into the borough.  She informed Cabinet that the building was very adaptable and was intended for use by Looked After Children.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the users and workforce be consulted on Option 2;

(2)               following consultation on the long term future of the residential unit, a further report be submitted to Cabinet.

Reason for Decision:  To contribute to the implementation of the Teenage Placement Strategy that would deliver improved placement choice, promote better outcomes for Children Looked After, address a significant budget pressure and ensure improved value for money.