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;

(b)               all other Members present.

RESOLVED:  To note that the following interests were declared:

Agenda Item 13 – Quality in Adult Social Care – Quality Assurance Report 2010/11 and Harrow’s Local Account

Councillor Barry Macleod-Cullinane declared a personal interest in that part of the report related to matters when he had been a Portfolio Holder and a Cabinet Member.  He would remain in the room to listen to the debate on the matter.

Agenda Item 14 – Proposals following Adult Care Services Consultation

Councillors Chris and Janet Mote declared personal interests in that a relative was in receipt of adult social care.  They would remain in the room to listen to the debate on the item.

Agenda Item 16 –  Pride in Harrow – Acting Together – Neighbourhood Champions

During consideration of this item, Councillor Barry Macleod-Cullinane, declared a personal interest and stated that, together with Councillor Paul Osborn, he had previously voted for the establishment of the Neighbourhood Champions Scheme.  He would remain in the room to listen to the debate.

Agenda Item 19 – Third Sector Investment Plan 2012/15

Councillor Paul Osborn declared a personal interest in that he street collected for MENCAP.  He would remain in the room to listen to the debate on the matter.

That the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 8 September 2011 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 8 September 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 no petitions had been received.

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:

1.                  the Forward Plan item on the Children’s Centre was not considered to be a Key Decision at this stage.  It would be Key when a further report was submitted to the December Cabinet;

2.                  the Forward Plan item on Harrow & Wealdstone Area Action Plan item had been deferred;

3.                  agenda item 11, Cabinet Decision Making Protocol and Amendments to the Financial Regulations, was a Key Decision and had not been included on the October Forward Plan.  Necessary approvals had been obtained to allow Cabinet to consider the item.

RESOLVED:  To note the contents of the Forward Plan for the period 1 October 2011 to 31 January 2012.

For consideration.

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

Reference from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 22 September 2011.

Cabinet received a reference on Snow Clearance from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 22 September 2011.

The Leader of the Council informed Cabinet that the response report to the recommendations of the Scrutiny Challenge Panel would be submitted to the November 2011 Cabinet meeting by the Corporate Director Community and Environment when a representative of the Challenge Panel would be able to speak on the recommendations.

The Leader added that he would be considering how references and reports from Scrutiny were handled by Cabinet in the future.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

Information Report of the Assistant Chief Executive.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

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

Cabinet received a report of the Assistant Chief Executive, which set out a summary of the business considered by the Harrow Partnership Board at its meeting held on 11 October 2011.  It was noted that due to the proximity of meetings, the minutes of the Board had not been available for submission to Cabinet.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the report and highlighted the key aspects of the Board’s work, such as the Harrow Mutual Support Network and the adoption of a revised Constitution.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

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

Joint Report of the Interim Director of Finance and Director of Legal and Governance Services.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  to Council

That

(1) the Cabinet Decision Making Protocol proposal for the amendment to Key Decision thresholds be agreed and included in the Council’s Constitution

(2) the amended Financial Regulations be agreed and adopted into the Council’s Constitution.

RESOLVED:  That the Cabinet Decision Making Protocol and the amended Financial Regulations be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To give clarity and transparency for officers, Members and the public about which matters would go to Cabinet.  To update the Financial Regulations to give greater clarity of financial governance.

[Call-in does not apply to a Recommendation to Council].

Cabinet received a joint report of the Director of Legal and Governance Services and Interim Director of Finance setting out a protocol on which decisions should go to Cabinet and seeking amendments to the Council’s Financial Regulations.

The Leader of the Council highlighted the changes being proposed, such as the increase in financial thresholds for Key Decisions, which had received cross-party support, and changes to the Financial Regulations to help strengthen the process for the approval of the Capital Programme and Projects.  The Leader added that the inclusion of guidance on the requirements of the Bribery Act 2010 also formed part of the changes to the Financial Regulations.  He referred to the cross-party meetings taking place to take a view on items that ought to be submitted to Cabinet.

The Divisional Director, Corporate Finance and Procurement informed Cabinet that the changes to the Financial Regulations included amendments to the Scheme of Delegations and addressed the recommendations of the Capital Investigation Implementation Plan.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)  That

(1)               the Cabinet Decision Making Protocol proposal for the amendment to Key Decision thresholds be agreed and included in the Council’s Constitution

(2)               the amended Financial Regulations be agreed and adopted into the Council’s Constitution.

RESOLVED:  That the Cabinet Decision Making Protocol and the amended Financial Regulations be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To give clarity and transparency for officers, Members and the public about which matters would go to Cabinet.  To update the Financial Regulations to give greater clarity of financial governance.

[Call-in does not apply to a Recommendation to 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.  The Portfolio Holder added that the Council’s performance during the first quarter had been strong and that it had built-on the successes of 2010/11 following the setting of a balanced budget.  He highlighted some of the notable achievements and recognised the challenges that the Council faced in going forward.

The Portfolio Holder added that the most recent accolade received had been the prestigious Municipal Journal (MJ) Award, given to the Council, as recognition for being the Best Achieving Council for 2011.  The Legal and Governance Service had also been “highly commended” at the MJ Award Ceremony for “Excellence in Legal Services”.  Access Harrow had retained the Cabinet Office Customer Excellence Standard and also continued to resolve 90% of queries at first contact and that waiting times continued to decrease.

Moreover, the Adults and Housing Directorate was making good progress in developing a Harrow Health and Wellbeing Board by working in conjunction with colleagues in the Health Service, including the General Practitioners (GPs).  Harrow’s reablement service area, launched in October 2010, had been praised as an ‘exemplar of best practice’ by the Department of Health in recognition of the difference that this transformed service was making to the lives of vulnerable people.  The Council’s residential homes had received good reports, which were particularly welcomed in light of the failure of the homes managed by Southern Cross Healthcare.  This recognition had given Harrow’s community a positive message that they had access to good quality residential care.

The Housing Service had delivered its improvements and that the tenants and residents had been at the ‘heart’ of these, and their engagement was to be commended.  The delivery of the Housing Ambition Plan had continued to improve key areas such as in rent arrears, rent collection and the use of temporary accommodation.  Whilst Harrow had experienced a marked increase in the number of families in Bed and Breakfast accommodation, it had not been as significant as the increases experienced by other local authorities.  The Portfolio Holder for Housing was proud of the achievements of staff and, together with the Leader of the Council, congratulated Housing Services for being awarded IIP accreditation at the Silver level.

The performance of Children’s Services remained on track despite the challenges.  The new Children’s Operating Model would bring Partners together to work more closely with social care teams by January 2012.  The Portfolio Holder was pleased to report that work to ensure that schools were supported in their move towards becoming academies had been successfully completed within challenging timescales.

In connection with the disturbances across London and other cities during August, Harrow’s Borough Commander had praised the work of the Youth Service and their effort in joint working to ensure that there were no major problems in the borough.  As a result, Darra Singh, Chief Executive of Job Centre Plus, who had been appointed to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 284.

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive.

RESOLVED:  That the risk management position be noted and the Risk Management Strategy, at appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To be aware of the Council's progress in risk management, to comply with the Governance Framework and to ensure that the Council’s Risk Management Framework continues to align with best practice.

The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services introduced a report, which provided an annual update of the Council’s Risk Management Strategy that had been developed in response to the changing requirements for managing risks in the Council.  The report included suggestions from a range of stakeholders, including the Governance Audit and Risk Management Committee, and he thanked them for their contributions.

The Divisional Director Risk, Audit and Fraud outlined the key points of the Strategy, as follows:

·                     it would help streamline the Risk Register;

·                     it would concentrate on the Business Critical list;

·                     it provided clarity on how the Council managed risks and the methods used;

·                     the roles, responsibilities and ownership of risk management were clearly set out.

It was noted that the role of Cabinet was to support the Council in its responsibilities by reviewing internal policies and arrangements.  This included providing an assurance to the Council that the Risk Management Strategy was in line with current guidance and best practice.

RESOLVED:  That the risk management position be noted and the Risk Management Strategy, at appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To be aware of the Council's progress in risk management, to comply with the Governance Framework and to ensure that the Council’s Risk Management Framework continues to align with best practice.

Report of the Interim Director Finance.

RESOLVED:  That the Sustainable Procurement Policy be adopted and implemented.

Reason for Decision:  To facilitate delivery of the objectives of key Council strategies and policies (for example the Corporate Plan, Sustainable Community Strategy, “Enterprising Harrow” and Climate Change Strategy) through Council procurement.  To facilitate the use of social, economic and environmental considerations within Council procurement processes, for example the stimulation of supply chain opportunities for local businesses and Third Sector organisations, the creation of local employment and training opportunities.

Cabinet received a report of the Interim Director Finance, which sought approval of the Sustainable Procurement Policy and included the benefits that subsequent implementation would bring to the communities of Harrow.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Enterprise referred to the two aspects of procurement, the buying of goods and services and its supply.  The element covered in the report related to the latter which covered the Enterprise element of his Portfolio.  He added that the Policy would provide a basis for the inclusion of social, economic and environmental sustainability considerations in procurement and supply chain management to help deliver strategic objectives around local community growth and development.

The Portfolio Holder added that the Policy would provide a number of benefits such as:

·                     Demand management – buying less and buying ‘needs not wants’;

·                     Achievement of Best Value from spend and not merely Value for Money;

·                     Stimulating new trading opportunities for local firms and the Third Sector, reducing the environmental impact of Council’s supply chains and promoting local employment and trading.

The Policy would commit the Council to a set of social, economic and environmental actions.  The Portfolio Holder congratulated officers on the proposal and commended it to Cabinet.

The Leader of the Council added that the Council had benefited from the learning and experience from implementation of a similar policy by the Greater London Authority (GLA).

RESOLVED:  That the Sustainable Procurement Policy be adopted and implemented.

Reason for Decision:  To facilitate delivery of the objectives of key Council strategies and policies (for example the Corporate Plan, Sustainable Community Strategy, “Enterprising Harrow” and Climate Change Strategy) through Council procurement.  To facilitate the use of social, economic and environmental considerations within Council procurement processes, for example the stimulation of supply chain opportunities for local businesses and Third Sector organisations, the creation of local employment and training opportunities.

Information Report of the Corporate Director Adults and Housing.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To be aware of an overview of the Adult Services Quality Assurance Report 2010/11.

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

Cabinet received an information report of the Corporate Director Adults and Housing setting out the main elements of the Adult Services Quality Assurance Report 2010/2011.  Quality Assurance was an integral part of developing and delivering high quality services that users and the public wanted.  To ensure that the Council was listening and responding effectively to the users and using all of the feedback channels available, his Directorate had established a Board which produced such reports.

The Corporate Director Adults and Housing informed Cabinet that the report set out the annual policy assessment which had been produced given that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) no longer made public reports of this service area.  This was a self-assessment of the services provided by his Directorate.

The Corporate Director outlined the positive aspects of the self-assessment, such as the work carried out on reablement and personalisation of care, safeguarding and planned benchmarking, whilst maintaining high professional standards.  Learning and Improving was the key driver.  However, there were areas that need further consideration, such as the establishment of effective communication channels in relation to Home Care arrangements.

The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing explained that great care was being taken to learn from all the feedback received, and she was pleased that all learning was from an initial solid base.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To be aware of an overview of the Adult Services Quality Assurance Report 2010/11.

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

Joint Report of the Corporate Director Adults and Housing and Divisional Director Collections and Housing Benefits.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               in relation to Contributions to Care,

(i)                 the Fairer Contributions Policy, as annexed at Appendix A to the report, be approved;

(ii)               the  funding of the Adult Care Services consultation process of £117k from the Corporate Contingency Budget be approved;

(iii)             the funding for the implementation of the Fairer Contributions Policy transitional programme between November 2011- March 2012 of £200k from the Corporate Transformation and Priority Initiatives Fund, be approved; 

(iv)             the transitional programme between November 2011 - March 2012 with contributions be approved, subject to financial assessment for existing service users, effective from 1st April 2012, as set out in paragraph 10.15 of the report;.

(v)               contributions for new service users, subject to financial assessment, be implemented immediately following agreement totheir new support plan, be agreed;

(vi)             the Corporate Director Adults and Housing,  in consultation with the Corporate Director Finance and Portfolio Holders for Finance and Business Transformation and Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, be authorised to review the corporate debt collection policy to ensure it is appropriate for Adult Care debt collection;

(vii)           the Corporate Director Adults and Housing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, be authorised to develop a Communication Plan that ensures all service users are made aware of the content of the new Fairer Contributions Policy.

Reason for Decision:  To introduce a fairer system in that service users are asked to make a contribution towards the overall cost of their care package based on their ability to pay.  To protect the quality and ensure financial sustainability of the service.  To achieve an estimated full year savings in the region of £500k if all the proposals were agreed.

(2)               in relation to Eligibility to Adult Social Care Transport,

(i)                 the Corporate Director Adults and Housing,  in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, be authorised  to determine criteria, based on the Fairer Contributions Policy, for eligibility to community transport based on the needs of the individual and maximising mobility options;

(ii)               the cost of community transport  be incorporated into the Resource Allocation System and ring-fenced;

(iii)             transitional arrangements be implemented to ensure that all existing service users continue to receive the service until 31 March 2012 at which time those, whose care need assessment has determined they would not be eligible, would  no longer receive the service;

(iv)             all new service users who, through their care need assessment are determined to be eligible for the service, be required to make a contribution towards the cost of their care immediately, subject to their financial assessment;

(v)               the Corporate Director Adults and Housing,  in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, be authorised to develop a Communication Plan that ensures users understand how the assessments would be carried out for access to Adult Social Care Transport.

Reason for Decision:  The introduction of an eligibility criteria based on need would ensure that people who have unmet  ...  view the full decision text for item 288.

The Portfolio Holder for Adults Social Care, Health and Wellbeing introduced a report, which set out proposals following a major consultation exercise that had given users of Adult Services the opportunity to give their views on proposed changes to services to enable the Council to provide sustainable services within a limited budget.  As the largest Council Directorate, Adult Services had to make savings due to cuts in government funding.  It was important that any savings made provided safe and efficient services that were of high quality and met the needs of the most vulnerable members of the society.

The Portfolio Holder outlined the journey that had ensued with the stakeholders during the consultation process and she thanked them for their hard work, explained how feedback received had been considered and the manner in which the recommendation had been arrived at.  All aspects of the process had involved joint working with the stakeholders.

The Portfolio Holder introduced Alan Warn and Maureen McGrath, Service Users, to address the meeting. Maureen McGrath stated that, whilst the users she represented understood the need for changes, they did not support the majority of the proposals set out in the report.  She added that it had been a long journey and one which she had enjoyed participating in.  Alan Warn informed Cabinet that he was a service user at Millman’s Resource Centre in Pinner.  During this journey, a number of meetings had been held providing him with a vast amount of knowledge.  He identified with the extent of the situation faced and that he had had a clear view of what had taken place during this journey.

The Leader of the Council thanked Maureen and Alan for their contributions, and acknowledged the presence of a number of service users at the meeting.  The Leader explained that the first three aspects of the report, Contributions to Care, Eligibility to Adult Social Care Transport and Meals on Wheels would be introduced by the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, whilst he would lead on the fourth and final aspect of the report, namely Concessionary Travel.

The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing informed Cabinet that the consultation exercise had been far reaching and that the proposals had been revised following receipt of the feedback from residents/users.  Of particular note in this regard was the changes made to the proposals for the Meal on Wheels service, as the feedback had shown concerns around the taking away of the service in its entirety or putting up prices considerably.  The Council had listened to these fears as a result of which various changes had been included in the recommendations.

The Portfolio Holder explained that the Fairer Contributions Policy would allow the Council to take forward the service in a balanced way and she commended the Policy to Cabinet.  She explained the various recommendations contained under the umbrella heading of Contributions to Care, including funding for the implementation of the Fairer Contributions Policy transitional programme between  ...  view the full minutes text for item 288.

Report of the Corporate Director Children’s Services.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Consultation Report be noted;

(2)               the development of an operating model for Harrow Children’s Centres, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, be approved and a report submitted back to Cabinet for consideration.

Reason for Decision:  To allow proposals to be developed in order to support the sustainability of Children’s Centre services in Harrow.

The Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services introduced the report, which set out the results of the consultation on the Children’s Centre that took place between May and August 2011.  The consultation was carried out to examine how the Centres could ensure that valuable services for families with young children could continue whilst making savings of £1.2 million.  This research focused on establishing how Children Centres were used, their value to parents, including residents’ views on how the Centres could continue to function efficiently in the future.

The Portfolio Holder stated that this was an interim report and that a further report would be submitted to Cabinet in December 2011.  She added that 596 responses had been received, which was unusually high.  The Divisional Director Early Years, Childcare and Parent reported that, in addition of the written responses, six Focus Groups had been held, as part of the consultation process; an overwhelming majority valued the Children’s Centres and the expertise of staff was appreciated.  Parents had articulated the benefits Children’s Centres provided and were seen as a vital ingredient and support to early intervention.

The Leader of the Council stated that he looked forward to the outcome of the consultation exercise.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Consultation Report be noted;

(2)               the development of an operating model for Harrow Children’s Centres, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, be approved and a report submitted back to Cabinet for consideration.

Reason for Decision:  To allow proposals to be developed in order to support the sustainability of Children’s Centre services in Harrow.

Report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)               the successful launch and progress of the Neighbourhood Champions Scheme be noted;

(2)               anonymity not be offered to future volunteers on the Scheme;

(3)               the Corporate Director Community and Environment, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety, be authorised to develop the Scheme incorporating reporting and involvement on a wider range of issues.

Reason for Decision:  The Neighbourhood Champions Scheme provided a valued volunteer arrangement for involvement and community action between the Council, Police and Community Partners.  The Neighbourhood Champions have identified improvements that could benefit the community of Harrow further.

Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Community and Environment, which reflected on the successful launch of the Neighbourhood Champions Scheme, provided information on the key themes and conclusions of a conference of the Neighbourhood Champions, and suggested areas for development of the Scheme as part of the Council’s Engagement and Involvement Strategy, Pride in Harrow.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety stated that he was proud of the number of people that had volunteered and applauded those who had made the Scheme a resounding success.  The Portfolio Holder added that the Scheme had originally been agreed in 2009 and that in 2011 there were 787 trained Neighbourhood Champions.  It had also attracted a further 300 people expressing an interest in joining the Scheme.  He stated that new recruits would not be given the option to retain their anonymity, but that previous recruits who wished to retain their anonymity would be respected.

It was noted that the Public Realm and Community Safety would remain as the core remits of the Neighbourhood Champions but that some had suggested that the role be expanded to supporting the vulnerable.

The Portfolio Holder was pleased with the make-up of the Neighbourhood Champions, which was diverse and that there was a common desire to make the borough a better place.  He looked forward to the day when there was a Neighbourhood Champion in every street in the borough, and commended the report to Cabinet.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the successful launch and progress of the Neighbourhood Champions Scheme be noted;

(2)               anonymity not be offered to future volunteers on the Scheme;

(3)               the Corporate Director Community and Environment, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety, be authorised to develop the Scheme incorporating reporting and involvement on a wider range of issues.

Reason for Decision:  The Neighbourhood Champions Scheme provided a valued volunteer arrangement for involvement and community action between the Council, Police and Community Partners.  The Neighbourhood Champions have identified improvements that could benefit the community of Harrow further.

Report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the new structural format for Parking and Permit Charges, based on the Parking and Permit Charges Consultation, be agreed;

(2)               officers prepare options for introducing credit/debit card payment for parking borough-wide;

(3)               the Parking Management and Enforcement Plan, which reflected these changes as well as enabling the provision of doctor parking permits and revised eligibility for disabled parking bays, be approved;

(4)               the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety be authorised  to make minor changes to the Parking Management and Enforcement Plan in order to reflect future working practice changes;

(5)               it be noted that detailed parking and permit costs would be presented at the budget setting meeting(s).

Reason for Decision:  A new structure for charging for both parking and permits would enable the borough to simplify parking and permit charges; provide increased transparency as to how all charges were set; and, better support the local economic conditions.  The revised Parking Management and Enforcement Plan will enable the borough to better manage parking and enforcement and ensure that the operational management of enforcement is brought into line with the revised Transport Local Implementation Plan (LIP).

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety introduced the report, which recommended the introduction of a parking management and enforcement regime suitable for a forward looking Council facing current environmental and economic situation following a borough-wide consultation into the structure of parking and permit charges.

The Portfolio Holder informed Cabinet that the current scheme was difficult to understand with differences in charges.  This had been borne out by the number of petitions submitted to the Council and correspondence received.  As a result, officers had undertaken a review of both the on?street and off?street parking and consulted the public on the structure of parking and permit charges was undertaken in June - July 2011.  The consultation had also considered issues around methods of payment for parking, including peak hour charges.  However, residents did not support the proposal of different charges for resident parking permits based on emissions produced by a vehicle.

Cabinet was informed that the consultation results showed support for having four different cost rates for on-street parking zones across the borough and support for four different cost rates for car parks across the borough.  There was also support for an option to pay by using credit and debit cards and by telephone for which officers would draw up proposals.  A single charge for Business Permits was also mentioned.  Additionally, improved criteria for eligibility for disabled parking bays would be developed to ensure that inappropriate applications were reduced.  It was intended to provide spaces for families with children.  Additionally, charges in some car parks where no charge was currently levied might be introduced.

It was also essential that Harrow’s shopping centres remained viable and sustainable.  Support would be enhanced by the provision of ‘parking charge holidays’, as supporting the Town Centre, local shopping centres and businesses was a key Council priority.

In summing up, the Portfolio Holder stated that in order to implement the agreed change to both on-street and off-street parking charges, a full statutory consultation on the revised structure of parking charging would be required.  People will be allowed to make objections to this consultation during a 21 day period. 

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the new structural format for Parking and Permit Charges, based on the Parking and Permit Charges Consultation, be agreed;

(2)               officers prepare options for introducing credit/debit card payment for parking borough-wide;

(3)               the Parking Management and Enforcement Plan, which reflected these changes as well as enabling the provision of doctor parking permits and revised eligibility for disabled parking bays, be approved;

(4)               the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety be authorised  to make minor changes to the Parking Management and Enforcement Plan in order to reflect future working practice changes;

(5)               it be noted that detailed parking and permit costs would be presented at the budget setting meeting(s).

Reason for Decision:  A new structure for charging for both parking and permits would enable the borough to simplify parking and permit charges; provide increased transparency as to how all charges were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 291.

Report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               LASER be appointed for the procurement of energy for all Council properties for the period October 2012 - September 2016;

(2)               theCorporate Director Community and Environment, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts, be authorised to take all necessary actions to formalise the appointment.

Reason for Decision:  The Council had previously agreed to purchase all gas and electricity centrally to ensure value for money.  The current arrangement with LASER (a central purchasing organisation) expires on 30 September 2012.  In renewing this arrangement, it now ensures that LASER can purchase energy over the next 12 months in advance of anticipated price rises thereby ensuring that the costs are as low as possible.

Cabinet received a report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment, which proposed future arrangements for the purchasing of energy across the Council estate, including the schools.

The Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts informed Cabinet that the proposed Energy Purchasing Strategy would ensure that the Council obtained its energy supplies at a competitive price.  He added that the existing contract with LASER, a central purchasing organisation, was due to expire shortly and commended the proposal, as it would give the Council access to the wholesale energy market and enjoyment of buying energy as part of a large consortium.

The Portfolio Holder added that the London Energy Project (LEP) had recommended LASER as one of the two Best Value providers; the other being the Government Procurement Service (GPS).  A study conducted by the Cabinet Office had shown that the performance of both LASER and GPS was comparable and was significantly better than that achieved by other public sector providers.  In addition, benchmarking exercises had been carried out to ensure that Harrow was not disadvantaged, and that 23 of the London boroughs used the LASER framework.

The Portfolio Holder commended the report on the basis that it provided the best procurement deal that the Council could achieve.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               LASER be appointed for the procurement of energy for all Council properties for the period October 2012 - September 2016;

(2)               theCorporate Director Community and Environment, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts, be authorised to take all necessary actions to formalise the appointment.

Reason for Decision:  The Council had previously agreed to purchase all gas and electricity centrally to ensure value for money.  The current arrangement with LASER (a central purchasing organisation) expires on 30 September 2012.  In renewing this arrangement, it now ensures that LASER can purchase energy over the next 12 months in advance of anticipated price rises thereby ensuring that the costs are as low as possible.

Report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Third Sector Investment Plan 2012/15 be approved;

(2)               the transition from the Main Grants Funding Programme, to a phased implementation of Commissioning Services and small grants for the distribution of Main Grants Funding, as described in Option 2 (paragraph 2.2.2) of the report and the proposed timetable for the delivery of the 2012/13 Main Grants Programme, be approved;

(3)               the Corporate Director Community and Environment, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community and Cultural Services, be authorised to identify service priorities, develop service specifications, tender arrangements and the commissioning/small grants budget, as described in Option 2 (paragraph 2.2.2) of the report;

(4)               the Corporate Director Community and Environment, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community and Cultural Services, be authorised to progress proposals for widening access to accommodation for the Third Sector in Harrow, as outlined in paragraphs 2.2.3 and 2.2.6 of the report.

Reason for Decision:  To implement a more strategic Council approach to supporting the Third Sector that supports the delivery of Corporate Priorities and statutory duties.

The Portfolio Holder for Community and Cultural Services introduced the report, which set out a strategic approach to the support provided by the Council to the Third Sector in Harrow.

If approved, the Third Sector Investment Plan would, in due course, replace the current Main Grants Programme and offer of accommodation.  The Plan would ensure that Council resources were distributed to the Third Sector in a manner that aligned them to the delivery of the Council’s Corporate Priorities and statutory duties, thereby strengthening the joint working arrangements between the Council and the Third Sector for the benefit of Harrow residents.

The Portfolio Holder explained that the move towards a Commissioning Model had been shaped with the involvement of the Community and Voluntary Sector through a series of workshops.  A phased introduction of the Commissioning Model was being proposed during 2012/13, which had also received cross-party support.  If approved, the pilot would help support full implementation of all Commissioning in 2013/14.

The Portfolio Holder mentioned that throughout the entire process, he had continued to ask questions of officers in relation to the Council’s equalities duties in relation to the proposal.  In addition, he had received equalities training.  Moreover, a detailed Equality Impact Assessment had been carried out in relation to the proposals before Cabinet, which he had read and understood.  The Equality Impact Assessments would continue to be added as the Council moved forward in this regard.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Third Sector Investment Plan 2012/15 be approved;

(2)               the transition from the Main Grants Funding Programme, to a phased implementation of Commissioning Services and small grants for the distribution of Main Grants Funding, as described in Option 2 (paragraph 2.2.2) of the report and the proposed timetable for the delivery of the 2012/13 Main Grants Programme, be approved;

(3)               the Corporate Director Community and Environment, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community and Cultural Services, be authorised to identify service priorities, develop service specifications, tender arrangements and the commissioning/small grants budget, as described in Option 2 (paragraph 2.2.2) of the report;

(4)               the Corporate Director Community and Environment, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community and Cultural Services, be authorised to progress proposals for widening access to accommodation for the Third Sector in Harrow, as outlined in paragraphs 2.2.3 and 2.2.6 of the report.

Reason for Decision:  To implement a more strategic Council approach to supporting the Third Sector that supports the delivery of Corporate Priorities and statutory duties.