Agenda, decisions 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 9 – Procurement of Temporary Agency Worker Services

Councillor Keith Ferry declared a prejudicial interest in that both his wife and he worked in the recruitment industry and knew some of the people employed in three of the companies under consideration.  He would leave the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Agenda Item 14 – School Expansion Programme

Councillor Christine Bednell declared a personal interest in that she was a governor of a primary school, that was being asked to accommodate a bulge class.  She would remain in the room to listen to the debate on this matter.

Councillor Brian Gate declared a personal interest in that he was a governor of St John Church of England Primary School, which might be asked to provide a bulge class.  He would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Councillor Mitzi Green declared an interest in that she was a governor of Kenmore Park School, which accommodated a bulge class.  She would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Councillor Thaya Idaikkadar declared an interest in that he was a governor of Welldon Park School.  He would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

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 to listen to the debate on this matter.

Councillor David Perry declared an interest in that he was a governor of Marlborough Primary School.  He would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Councillor Tony Seymour declared an interest in that he as a governor of Pinner Park School.  He would remain in the room to listen to the debate on this matter.

Councillor Navin Shah declared an interest in that he was on a governing body.  He would remain in the room to listen to the debate on this matter.

Agenda Items 17 and 21 – Second Phase Property Disposal Programme 2011/12

Prior to the consideration of these items, Councillor Barry Macleod-Cullinane declared a personal interest in that two of the properties listed in the reports were situated in the Ward he represented.  He would remain in the room to listen to the debate on this matter.

That the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 22 June 2011 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 22 June 2011 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

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

RESOLVED:  To note that the following petitions had been received and that they were referred to the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel, and the Corporate Director Community and Environment, for consideration:

1.                  Overcrowded Parking in Stanley Road, Sherwood Avenue, Eastcote Avenue and Roxeth Green Avenue

Councillor Graham Henson presented a petition signed by 32 residents with the following terms:

“We, the undersigned, demand that, as a matter of urgency, Harrow Council address the overcrowded parking in Stanley Road, Sherwood Avenue, Eastcote Avenue and Roxeth Green Avenue.

Since the construction of Barratt’s – The Arc situated at the end of Stanley Road was completed at the beginning of March 2009, and with new residents having moved into the large development, the volume of traffic has increased alarmingly, parking has become a nightmare and drivers are also regularly travelling at excessive speeds along Stanley Road and neighbouring residential roads.

When the application was agreed we were informed by Harrow Council that the parking controls in Stanley Road and surrounding area would be reviewed and residents fully consulted using the £30,000 Section 106 funding from this large scale development.

Therefore, we the undersigned demand that Harrow Council, using Section 106 money, urgently undertake an investigation to establish a solution to the increased traffic, excessive speeding and overcrowded parking on this and neighbouring narrow residential roads with the aim of also having permit restricted parking between 18:00 and 19:00 for this area.”

2.                  Resurfacing of Orchard Grove

Councillor Navin Shah presented a petition signed by 129 residents of Orchard Grove with the following terms:

“We, the undersigned residents of the Borough of Harrow, wish to voice concern about the deteriorating condition of the road surface in Orchard Grove.  As Council taxpayers, we feel it is unacceptable that the road in Orchard Grove is in such poor condition.

All road users and pedestrians are affected by the intolerable road surface which is pot-holed, dangerous and not been resurfaced since at least about 1975.  We, the undersigned, as Harrow Council to resurface the road as a matter of urgency.”

3.                  Petition in support of Parking Provision in Pinner Road – Ref: Review of Parking/Public Consultation, July 2011

Mr Bhavin Thanki, an owner of a local business, presented a petition, signed by 266 residents, with the following terms:

“We, the undersigned businesses/traders and customers who use the shopping facilities on Pinner Road call on the Council to note our support to the following aspects of the above consultation for County Roads, Pinner Road and Neptune Road:

1.                  Car parking on Pinner Road:  There are serious problems of car parking for the shoppers and we welcome introduction of pay and display car parking bays outside shops as shown on Plan C. We would urge to maximise this provision;

2.                  Loading/Unloading:  We call upon the Council to make this provision to ensure that they meet the requirements of businesses/traders.

We have suffered for far too long from the lack of car  ...  view the full minutes text for item 239.

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 the following Councillor Questions had been received:

1.

2.

The Leader of the Council informed Cabinet that the item on‘Future of Cultural Services in Harrow’ had been deferred.

RESOLVED:  To note the contents of the Forward Plan for the period 1 July to 31 October 2011.

For consideration

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

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive.

RESOLVED:   That the Council’s corporate health and safety performance be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To provide assurance and visibility of health and safety performance.

[Call-in does not apply to decisions that have been noted.]

Cabinet received a report of the Assistant Chief Executive, which summarised the Council’s Health and Safety performance from April 2010 to March 2011.  The report provided an update of activities undertaken and information on outcome measures, such as training undertaken, audits carried out and accident records.

The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services referred to the challenges that had faced the Council during 2010/11 and how these had been addressed.  As a result, Health and Safety was being reviewed across the organisation and there had been an investment across all Directorates and schools.

Cabinet was informed that a Corporate Health and Safety Advisory Service had been set up and an online accident reporting system established.  A self-audit tool would be introduced to improve the monitoring of performance in Health and Safety.  Awareness of issues was important, and the issues raised at the Employees’ Consultative Forum regarding comprehensive trend analysis, including comparative data, analysis and key trends would be taken on board.

In conclusion, the Portfolio Holder stated that the roll-out of the audit tool, the timetable set out in the Improvement Plan would help the service to progress in the right direction.

RESOLVED:   That the Council’s Corporate Health and Safety Performance be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To provide assurance and visibility of health and safety performance. 

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               a “call-off” contract for the supply of Temporary Agency Worker Services, under the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham Framework for Agency Worker Services Agreement, be awarded;

(2)               the “call-off” contract commence on 1 October 2011 for a period of 4 years on the basis of Option 1B – Standard Service with fixed pence mark up;

(3)               officers arrange contract mobilisation meetings with the successful tenderer to ensure a smooth implementation.

Reason for Decision:  To provide a cost effective supply of temporary agency workers for the Council.

Cabinet considered a report of the Assistant Chief Executive, together with a confidential appendix, which sought agreement to enter into a “call?off” contract for the supply of agency workers.

The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services reported that the proposal would lead to greater efficiencies and highlighted some of the key aspects, as follows:

·                     the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham had awarded the contract to Pertemps Recruitment Partnership Limited at their Cabinet meeting on 18 July, subject to the expiry of the call-in period;

·                     there would be a reduction in total cost for the provision of all aspects of agency worker provision;

·                     the provider would support the Council in its commitment to work in the local community and businesses in economic regeneration activities;

·                     the proposal would deliver savings and that these had been incorporated in the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).  The utilisation of agency workers and delivery of savings would be monitored.

The Portfolio Holder moved an amendment to the recommendations, details of which are set out in resolution 2 below.

The Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts commended officers on the proposal which would help make significant savings.

The Leader of the Council was confident that other London boroughs would also utilise the contract arrangements thereby realising savings.  He stated that the Council was discussing the provision of shared services with neighbouring boroughs.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               a “call-off” contract for the supply of temporary Agency worker services, under the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham Framework for Agency Worker Services Agreement, be awarded;

(2)               the “call-off” contract commence on 1 October 2011 for a period of 4 years on the basis of Option 1B – standard service with fixed pence mark up;

(3)               officers arrange contract mobilisation meetings with the successful tenderer to ensure a smooth implementation.

Reason for Decision:  To provide a cost effective supply of temporary agency workers for the Council.

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive.

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

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

The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services introduced a report, which summarised Council and service performance against key measures and drew attention to areas requiring action.  He added that the Council had performed well against the financial challenges which were severe.

The Leader of the Council stated that the most recent accolade received had been the prestigious MJ Award, given to the Council, as recognition for being the Best Achieving Council for 2011.  The Panel of distinguished judges had commended the maturity of both the political and managerial leaders, and complimented Harrow for delivering a “sustained and embedded change using a modern approach to doing business but never losing sight of its priorities, namely its residents”.  Moreover, the overall satisfaction rate amongst residents was 63%, which was a rise of 15% when compared to previous years.  The Council’s priority ‘Untied and Involved Communities’ had shown an increase of 20%, as more residents felt that the Council was taking account of their views.  Overall, the levels of engagement had increased, and the results of the 2011 staff survey had also been positive.  However, the Council would continue to face a difficult future but it would not lose sight of its responsibilities.

Portfolio Holders echoed the sentiments expressed by the Leader of the Council and outlined the notable achievements and challenges in each of their Portfolios.  Of particular note were:

·                     that financial management had been improved showing an underspend of £1.1m;

·                     the reserves held by the Council had increased;

·                     the position of the Capital Programme had improved;

·                     the ‘Let’s Talk’ engagement campaign had assisted in shaping a new vision and priorities for the Council;

·                     the recycling rate was excellent and residents ought to be applauded for their participation in this regard;

·                     street cleaning had been vastly improved;

·                     the Council had recruited over 1,200 Neighbourhood Champions and ought to applaud the good community spirit in Harrow;

·                     personal budgets had helped to improve outcomes for users;

·                     the reablement service would help people live more independently;

·                     Harrow had been accepted as one of the pilot authorities for the setting up of the Health & Wellbeing Board which would be to its benefit;

·                     the Council was working positively with the appropriate bodies in light of the issues of closure relating to the care home operator, Southern Cross, in order to minimise any disruption to any displacements;

·                     rent arrears continued to fall;

·                     Help2Let agency to match residents with those on housing waiting lists with private landlords was innovative and beneficial.  The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services congratulated staff for this piece of work;

·                     the Children’s Services had performed well with the pioneering adoption service being recognised as the best in the country.  School exclusion rates had been reduced, work to ensure that schools were supported in their move towards becoming academies had been recognised, the Harrow Schools’ Improvement Partnership (HSIP) was a unique response to government cuts to help schools improve and which other boroughs had taken an interest in;  ...  view the full minutes text for item 246.

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive.

RESOLVED:  That the responses to the recommendations of the Better Deal for Residents Programme Standing Scrutiny Review be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To embed improved and robust project and programme management practice at the Council.

Cabinet received a report responding to the recommendations of the Better Deal for Residents Programme Standing Scrutiny Review and provided an update of progress for delivering improved project management practice at the Council.

The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services welcomed the response report together with the Better Deal for Residents Programme Standing Scrutiny Review report.  He assured Members of the current administration’s commitment to the work carried out by the scrutiny.

The Chairman of the Scrutiny Review Group welcomed the response report to the recommendations made and urged that these be taken forward in their entirety.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the two reports and invited scrutiny to carry out a further review when the responses to its recommendations were implemented.  In concluding, he thanked the Members and scrutiny staff for their work in this regard.

RESOLVED:  That the responses to the recommendations of the Better Deal for Residents Programme Standing Scrutiny Review be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To embed improved and robust project and programme management practice at the Council.

RESOLVED:  That the motion be received and approved.

Reason for Decision:  To continue to pursue best value grants provision, as appropriate.

RESOLVED:  That the motion be received and approved.

Reason for Decision: To continue to pursue best value grant provision, as appropriate.

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

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the timetable for the planning process at Appendix 1 to the report be noted;

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

(3)               the approach to consultation be approved.

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

Cabinet received a joint report of the Interim Director of Finance and Assistant Chief Executive setting out a framework for the development of a new Corporate Plan and Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2012/13 to 2015/16.

The Assistant Chief Executive stated that the report set out the national context within which the Council’s planning process would sit this year, the national finance picture around local government, the Council’s planning framework and its strategy for closing funding gaps.

The report set out a number of key changes in the external environment within which the Council would operate, such as average grant reductions for local government of 7.25% per annum, the Localism Bill which had the central purpose of devolving more power to citizens and would abolish the housing subsidy system thereby introducing self-financing, the Welfare Reform Bill which was likely to create the legislative framework for merging various means tested benefits into a new universal credit, the Munro Review had recommended changes around child protection and the Dilnot Commission which was expected to make recommendation on an affordable and sustainable funding system for care.

The Assistant Chief Executive set the scene for local government in the context of the national finance picture, the most notable being the reduction in the grant received, a review of how local authorities would be funded and the funding gaps in the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).  Moreover, the impact of the review of resources and capitalisation were unknown factors.  The key driver for Harrow’s planning framework was the Council’s Vision “Working Together: Our Harrow, Our Community” and its Priorities.  There would be further tough choices to be made and these would be tested in November and December through the Council’s Let’s Talk initiative.

Going forward, the Council would be reviewing the branding of its Transformation Programme.  It would also be developing the principles of what it would look like in three years’ time and the change that would be required to get there.  The Council would be engaging with and involving residents more than ever before, and looking at ways to empower staff further.  In taking these matters further, officers would be submitting additional reports to future meetings of Cabinet.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the timetable for the planning process at Appendix 1 to the report be noted;

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

(3)               the approach to consultation be approved.

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

Report of the Corporate Director Children’s Services.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               as part of the overall School Place Planning Strategy 2010/13, a school expansion programme be implemented to meet the increased demand for school places;

(2)               the detailed decision-making within the school expansion programme be delegated to the Corporate Director Children’s Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Schools and Colleges, and a report on the capital investment requirements be submitted to Cabinet for further approval in due course;

(3)               the policy position about Free Schools and Academies in Harrow be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure there are sufficient school places to fulfil the local authority’s statutory responsibilities.

The Portfolio Holder for Schools and Colleges introduced a report setting out a proposal for a school expansion programme, as part of the overall School Place Planning Strategy 2010/13, to meet the projected increased demand for school places in Harrow.  He added that the whole of London was in the same situation, thereby placing a duty on local authorities to provide sufficient school places for its area in line with its statutory responsibilities.  Cabinet was informed that the framework would help gauge demand and plan ahead.

The Portfolio Holder paid tribute to the work carried out by the former Portfolio Holder and the current Vice-Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in this area, including the support provided to schools by the Council.

Cabinet was informed that the projected demands on school places were based on demographic and other data, such as migration and proposed housing developments.  Cross-working across Directorates would help ensure that pressures were highlighted at an early stage, such as approvals given for housing and areas earmarked for regeneration.  Planning in terms of the school expansion programme would have to be developed on existing information but in the context of external development like free schools and academies and the emerging national capital strategy.

The Portfolio Holder was pleased that the Secretary of State for Education had acknowledged the need for financial help to be given to local authorities to allow them to provide extra school places in order to meet the pressures due to demographic changes. He assured Cabinet that an overarching equality impact assessment would be undertaken together with individual ones.

The Leader of the Council drew attention to the report from the Education Consultative Forum meeting held on 27 June, which was noted.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               as part of the overall School Place Planning Strategy 2010/13, a school expansion programme be implemented to meet the increased demand for school places;

(2)               the detailed decision-making within the school expansion programme be delegated to the Corporate Director Children’s Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Schools and Colleges, and a report on the capital investment requirements be submitted to Cabinet for further approval in due course;

(3)               the policy position about Free Schools and Academies in Harrow be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure there are sufficient school places to fulfil the local authority’s statutory responsibilities.

Report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the results of the public consultation exercise and the recommendation from the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Committee meeting held on 23 June 2011 be noted;

(2)               the scheme be implemented and associated statutory consultation be undertaken;

(3)               the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety be authorised to consider objections to the scheme arising from the statutory consultation process and to make any necessary amendments to the scheme.

Reason for Decision:  To make significant local improvements to the area and contribute to achieving the Council’s Corporate Priorities.  To improve the quality of life for the local community and significantly improve the highway environment and public realm.

Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment, setting out the Mollison Way, streets for people scheme, funded by the Transport for London (TfL).  The outcome of the recent consultation exercise was included in the report, which sought approval to implement the scheme.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety reported that Mollison Way was situated in Edgware Ward with high density residences that were suited to this type of proposal.  In terms of its history, Mollison Way and the surrounding roads were constructed on the former Stag Lane Aerodrome following its closure in 1934.  Funding for the scheme had been secured until 2012.

The Portfolio Holder added that extensive local engagement had taken place during May and June, and that the main focus of the scheme was to create an area where pedestrians and cyclists had precedence over motorists and an environment that was safe and inviting.  The scheme would offer considerable safety benefits to children from Stag Lane schools, which had supported the current scheme design.

The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, speaking in her capacity as an Edgware Ward Councillor, expressed her support for the scheme which would benefit a deprived area.  She was pleased that additional money for the planting of trees had also been identified for this area, as this would help enhance the proposed scheme.

The scheme was also applauded by the Leader of the Council.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the results of the public consultation exercise and the recommendation from the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Committee meeting held on 23 June 2011 be noted;

(2)               the scheme be implemented and associated statutory consultation be undertaken;

(3)               the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety be authorised to consider objections to the scheme arising from the statutory consultation process and to make any necessary amendments to the scheme.

Reason for Decision:  To make significant local improvements to the area and contribute to achieving the Council’s Corporate Priorities.  To improve the quality of life for the local community and significantly improve the highway environment and public realm.

Report of the Corporate Director Place Shaping.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the use of the Harrow Green Grid for the purpose of supporting the co?ordinated management of green infrastructure across the borough be approved;

(2)               the proposed programme of works for 2011/2012, set out at Appendix 2 to the report, be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To realise the opportunities of a borough-wide Green Grid and to support its continued development to enable the more effective delivery of a green infrastructure across the borough.  

Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director Place Shaping, which sought approval for the use of the Harrow Green Grid for the purpose of supporting the co-ordinated management of green infrastructure across the borough. 

The Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Enterprise reported that 39 responses had been received to the consultation exercised which had been targeted and that these had been encouraging.  He added that finance for all projects within the Green Grid for 2011/12 had been identified.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the proposal, which would help enhance the Green Belt areas of Harrow.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the use of the Harrow Green Grid for the purpose of supporting the co?ordinated management of green infrastructure across the borough be approved;

(2)               the proposed programme of works for 2011/2012, set out at Appendix 2 to the report, be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To realise the opportunities of a borough-wide Green Grid and to support its continued development to enable the more effective delivery of a green infrastructure across the borough.  

Report of the Corporate Director Place Shaping.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the land and properties detailed in the report and at Appendix 1 be declared as surplus; 

(2)               the financial implications and projected sale prices detailed in Appendix 1 be noted;

(3)               the Corporate Director Place Shaping, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts, be authorised to take all action necessary, including capital expenditure on 429/433 Pinner Road, to dispose of the Council’s interest in the land and properties detailed in the report for the best consideration that can reasonably be obtained.

Reason for Decision:  To generate significant capital receipts for the Council, provide revenue savings and reduce back log maintenance, thereby fulfilling the objectives of the Place Shaping and Property Transformation Work Stream.

Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director Place Shaping, together with a confidential appendix, which sets out proposals for the disposal of properties in the borough considered to be surplus to requirements.

The Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts introduced the report and identified the four sites that were earmarked for sale.  He added that the disposal of the Honey Pot Lane Clinic and Belmont Health Centres sites was supported by the Primary Care Trust (PCT).  The Enterprise House site was occupied by Harrow In Business (HIB), as part of a Section 106 Agreement with Berkley Homes and once new premises were available for HIB, a 12 weeks’ notice would be given to vacate Enterprise House.  In regard to 1 Sudbury Hill, the tenants would be looked after by Housing Services.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the land and properties detailed in the report and at Appendix 1 be declared as surplus; 

(2)               the financial implications and projected sale prices detailed in Appendix 1 be noted;

(3)               the Corporate Director Place Shaping, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts, be authorised to take all action necessary, including capital expenditure on 429/433 Pinner Road, to dispose of the Council’s interest in the land and properties detailed in the report for the best consideration that can reasonably be obtained.

Reason for Decision:  To generate significant capital receipts for the Council, provide revenue savings and reduce back log maintenance, thereby fulfilling the objectives of the Place Shaping and Property Transformation Work Stream.

RESOLVED:  That, in accordance with Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items for the reasons set out below:

Appendix 2 to the report of the Assistant Chief Executive at item 9.

Cabinet received a confidential appendix to the report of the Assistant Chief Executive setting out the ‘Award of a Framework Agreement for Agency Worker Services’.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To allow the appendix to be considered in conjunction with the main report at item 9.

Appendix 1 to the report of the Corporate Director Place Shaping at item 17.

Cabinet received a confidential appendix to the report of the Corporate Director Place Shaping setting out options and recommendation in relation to 1 Sudbury Hill, implications and indicative sale prices of all the properties earmarked for sale.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted on the basis that it was considered in conjunction with item 17.

Reason for Decision:  To allow the appendix to be considered in conjunction with the main report at item 17.