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 10b – Servicemen Housing – Motion referred to the Executive by Council

Councillor Bob Currie declared a personal interest in that he was an ex?serviceman.  He would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Councillors Chris Mote declared a personal interest in that he was an ex?serviceman.  Councillors Chris and Janet Mote declared prejudicial interests in that their son was a serviceman in receipt of a war pension and could be eligible under the terms of the Motion.  They would leave the room whilst the matter was considered.

That the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 18 October 2011 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 18 October 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 agreed with the relevant Group Leader by the deadline for submission and there be a time limit of 15 minutes.

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

1.

2.

RESOLVED:  To note the contents of the Forward Plan for the period 1 November to 29 February 2012.

For consideration

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

Reference from Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED:  That the reference be received and the Assistant Chief Executive be requested to submit a response report to the December Cabinet meeting.

Cabinet received a reference from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 1 November 2011, which had referred the recommendations of the Scrutiny Challenge Panel on the Use of Performance Information.

The Leader of the Council informed Cabinet that the response report to the recommendations would be submitted to the December Cabinet meeting when a representative(s) of the Challenge Panel would be given an opportunity to address Cabinet on the recommendations and officer responses given to those recommendations.

RESOLVED:  That the reference be received and the Assistant Chief Executive be requested to submit a response report to the December 2011 Cabinet meeting.

Information Report of the Chief Executive.

RESOLVED:  That the consultation on the proposed revised Management Structure be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To note the consultation process and proposals prior to receiving a further report on the final Senior Management Structure on 15 December 2011, following the end of the consultation process together with the responses received.  The report to December Cabinet will be a Key Decision and will be reflected in the Forward Plan.

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

Cabinet received an information report of the Chief Executive, which set out proposals for a revised senior management structure to better enable the Council to achieve its strategic objectives. 

The Chief Executive explained the rationale behind the proposals, as the Council moved forward in its journey towards achieving its Vision and Priorities in a challenging economic climate.  He added that as part of the consultation process, he had met with his Corporate Strategy Board, the Corporate Leadership Group and the Council’s Partners and he was grateful for their positive and constructive comments in this regard.  He thanked various stakeholders for their contributions to the proposals.

The Chief Executive invited further comments and added that a decision report would be submitted to the December Cabinet meeting which would include the responses received through the consultation process.

The Leader of the Council stated that the consultation had been positive and the proposals were consolidating with a smaller number of Corporate Directors to help further eradicate silo working.  He added that the Corporate Directors would have strategic responsibilities and work across and jointly with other Directorates and the Portfolio Holders.

RESOLVED:  That the consultation on the proposed revised Management Structure be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To note the consultation process and proposals prior to receiving a further report on the final Senior Management Structure on 15 December 2011, following the end of the consultation process together with the responses received.  The report to December Cabinet will be a Key Decision and will be reflected in the Forward Plan.

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

Information Report of the Divisional Director Human Resources and Development.

RESOLVED:  That the report on Modernising Terms and Conditions of Employment be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To note the progress made with the Project and the Key Decision that will be sought at the Cabinet meeting in January 2012.

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

The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services set out the progress made with the project on Modernising the Terms and Conditions of Employment of Council staff and briefed Cabinet on the key aspects of the information report.

The Portfolio Holder informed Cabinet that since the matter was reported to Cabinet in March 2011, consultations have been ongoing with staff and trade unions.  He added that Harrow Council was taking a different approach to other local authorities whose main aim had been to reduce costs.  The Council’s approach had been to provide balance and it had chosen a way forward that was part ‘giving’ and ‘taking’, as part of its modernising agenda against a background of a two-year pay freeze for public sector staff and an uncertainty on whether a pay award would be agreed for 2012.

Cabinet was briefed on the historical situation and provided with a comparison of the current situation whereby, for the first time in history, the government had introduced a strict incomes policy on public sector pay.  Moreover, the cost of living had continued to rise and there were proposals for pension reforms for those working in the public sector.  Against this background, the Council was making efforts to ensure that the proposals put forward had an equitable impact on staff at all levels, that the issue of providing a ‘living’ wage in London was addressed adequately and that pay and benefits were simplified, thereby providing a greater choice to staff.

The Portfolio Holder outlined the four key principles behind the Council’s approach, which was to modernise, simplify, reduce cost and give greater choice.  Detailed proposals had been put forward to the Unions and the headteachers and that negotiations would end in December with a further report being presented to Cabinet in January 2012 for a decision.

RESOLVED:  That the report on Modernising Terms and Conditions of Employment be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To note the progress made with the Project and the Key Decision that will be sought at the Cabinet meeting in January 2012.

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

RESOLVED:  That the Motion be agreed.

The Leader of the Council reported that the original Motion from the Conservative Group had been amended by the Labour Group and approved unanimously in its amended form by Council.

The Leader advised Cabinet that he had received two letters from Conservative Group Members seeking permission to speak under Executive Procedure Rules 20.1.1 and 20.2.1.  He was not minded to invite the Members to speak and explain the Motion.

RESOLVED: That the Motion be agreed.

RESOLVED:  That the Motion be referred to the Corporate Director Adults and Housing.

The Leader of the Council advised Cabinet that he had received a letter from a Member of the Conservative Group seeking permission to speak under Executive Procedure Rule 20.2.1.  He was not minded to invite the Member to speak and explain the Motion.

RESOLVED:  That the Motion be referred to the Corporate Director Adults and Housing.

RESOLVED:  That the Motion be referred to the Corporate Director Adults and Housing.

The Leader of the Council advised Cabinet that he had received a letter from a Member of the Conservative Group seeking permission to speak under Executive Procedure Rule 20.2.1.  He was not minded to invite the Member to speak and explain the Motion.

RESOLVED:  That the Motion be referred to the Corporate Director Adults and Housing.

Report of the Divisional Director Adult Social Care.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               it be noted that Harrow’s Reablement Service was successfully introduced in October 2010 following a user led development pathway, which has resulted in the unique triageopoly model;

(2)               it be noted that the Reablement Service was on target to meet efficiency targets and had evidenced delivery of improved outcomes.

Reason for Decision:  To note progress made since the introduction of the Harrow Reablement Service and the associated improvements in outcomes for adults with social care needs.

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

Cabinet received an information report of the Corporate Director Adults and Housing, which provided an analysis of the effectiveness of the Reablement Service in terms of both improved outcomes and efficiencies since its establishment in October 2010.  It was noted that the new Reablement Service had concentrated on new service users in the first year of its operation and, in the future, Reablement would be extended to existing service users.

The Portfolio Holder for Adults Social Care, Health and Wellbeing provided some background to the inception of Reablement in that, in October 2010, a whole systems review led to the development of a Reablement Service in Harrow.  In keeping with the Department of Health’s Care Services Efficiency Delivery (CSED) recommendations, Adult Social Care had realigned structures to form a new innovative Reablement Service from within existing resources.  Staff and services were moved to create a Reablement provision with a critical additional element of funding received from the Harrow Strategic Partnership.

The Divisional Director Adult Social Care informed Members that a pilot had been set up at the beginning of 2010 and the experience and learning gained from it helped to establish the Reablement Service in October 2010.  Harrow had developed a cutting edge model, the Reablement Service had resulted in 94% levels of satisfaction and had helped to realise efficiences through continuous improvements in the process.

In summing up, the Portfolio Holder stated that Reablement had meant that the Council could continue providing services to the vulnerable whilst making cost savings.  She was proud of the achievement of the Adults and Housing Directorate, including the positive outcomes for the Reablement Service users.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               it be noted that Harrow’s Reablement Service was successfully introduced in October 2010 following a user led development pathway, which has resulted in the unique triageopoly model;

(2)               it be noted that the Reablement Service was on target to meet efficiency targets and had evidenced delivery of improved outcomes.

Reason for Decision:  To note progress made since the introduction of the Harrow Reablement Service and the associated improvements in outcomes for adults with social care needs.

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

Report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment.

RESOLVED:  To note that a full response to the recommendations of the Scrutiny Challenge Panel on Snow Clearance would be presented to Cabinet on 15 December 2011.

Reason for Decision:  To allow officers to fully evaluate and respond to the recommendations.

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

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety introduced the report and explained why there had been a delay in submitting a full response on the recommendations of the Scrutiny Challenge Panel on Snow Clearance.  He added that many of the recommendations of the Challenge Panel had had options which required further investigation, as they had either financial or environmental impact and, possibly, performance issues.  Therefore, a measured approach was required.

RESOLVED:  To note that a full response to the recommendations of the Scrutiny Challenge Panel on Snow Clearance would be presented to Cabinet on 15 December 2011.

Reason for Decision:  To allow officers to fully evaluate and respond to the recommendations.

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

Joint Report of the Corporate Directors Community and Environment and Place Shaping.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Open Spaces Strategy and Action Plan for the period 2012/17 be agreed;

(2)               the Open Spaces Strategy be reviewed and reported annually to Cabinet;

(3)               the Environment and Community Safety Portfolio Holder, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Enterprise, be authorised to set individual Action Plan targets.

Reason for Decision:  To build a framework for the future management and development of open spaces in the borough ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet customer needs and Corporate Priorities thereby ensuring best uses of resources and finance.  To build on the needs analysis reported in the PPG17 Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety introduced the report, which set out the Council’s vision for the green spaces in Harrow for the next five years.

The vision had emerged as a result of the audit of the Borough’s open space assets and following an assessment of the community’s current and future needs.  It established what the Council wanted to achieve in the future and how this would be done, the length of time it would take and the resources that would be needed to achieve the goals.  The Strategy examined the key issues relating to open space provision in Harrow and set out a detailed Action Plan.

The Portfolio Holder added that green infrastructure added to the quality of the urban built environment and helped to improve the health, wellbeing and quality of life of those living and working in Harrow.  It was recognised that the green infrastructure would help deliver key benefits in public health and wellbeing.  Moreover, the Sustainable Development Commission considered that more equal access to green spaces was key to reducing health inequalities between socio-economic groups.

Cabinet was informed that the Strategy recognised the contribution the Third Sector made to the management of green spaces and local decision-making.  There was also a realisation for local development partnerships.

A long term direction for open spaces was required and the strategic priorities reflected as part of the vision were to provide quality spaces, which involved maintaining and improving the condition of open spaces; to ensure that open spaces were sustainable, provided places for people to take recreation and that resources were available through innovation; and to promote increased activity through a greater use of open spaces.

In conclusion, the Portfolio Holder stated that the Strategy had examined these key issues and set out an Action Plan which provided specific and measurable actions and an implementation programme.  He added that the Strategy would be subject to an annual review and reported to Cabinet.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Enterprise outlined the aim of the Strategy which was to make better use of existing resources in a borough that had 25-30% of open space.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the Strategy, and drew attention to the views of the residents which resonated throughout the report.  He expressed his appreciation for the feedback received from residents and their participation in the process.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Open Spaces Strategy and Action Plan for the period 2012/17 be agreed;

(2)               the Open Spaces Strategy be reviewed and reported annually to Cabinet;

(3)               the Environment and Community Safety Portfolio Holder, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Enterprise, be authorised to set individual Action Plan targets.

Reason for Decision:  To build a framework for the future management and development of open spaces in the borough ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet customer needs and Corporate Priorities thereby ensuring best uses of resources and finance.  To build on the needs analysis  ...  view the full minutes text for item 309.

Report of the Corporate Director Place Shaping.

RESOLVED:  That 

(1)               having considered the findings of this report and, in accordance with officer recommendations, the Whitchurch Consortium be selected as the Council’s preferred bidder for the purposes of further consultation as set out below;

(2)               the Corporate Director Place Shaping be authorised to:

(i)                 consult Ward Councillors on the proposals put forward by the Whitchurch Consortium;

(ii)               agree arrangements for the Whitchurch Consortium to present their proposed development plans in a public forum;

(iii)             place statutory advertisements required in connection with the proposed leasing of the open space land and to consider and respond to any representations received as a result of the above actions;

(iv)             negotiate the Development Agreement, associated Service Level Agreement and Terms of the Lease;

(3)               note that the consultation results will be reported to Cabinet in due course prior to any final decision and that, in any event, no development shall take place unless and until the Whitchurch Consortium have obtained planning permission.

Reason for Decision:  To attract inward investment providing for the Pavilion to be replaced and run in conjunction with substantially improved playing fields for the benefit of the community at large and at no financial cost to the Council.

Cabinet received a report of the Corporate Director Place Shaping, together with amended recommendations, which set out details of the January 2009  Tender  to secure the  refurbishment or replacement of the Whitchurch Pavilion, the maintenance  of Whitchurch Playing Fields and the enhanced provision of sports, leisure and community use  through a Partnering  Development Project with the Council.

The Leader of the Council referred to an additional tabled document which contained further revisions to the recommendations, which he hoped would help allay some concerns raised by the questioners in relation to the consultation process.

The Corporate Director Place Shaping apologised to Cabinet and Belmont and Canons Ward Councillors for a misleading statement in his report and confirmed that Ward Councillors had not been consulted on the proposals.  Instead, they had been advised of the intention to present the report but that this course of action in itself was unacceptable to him.  As a result, he had put in place business processes to ensure that such mistakes were not made in the future and that Ward Councillors were fully engaged in processes.

The Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts provided some background to the site since proposals were first put forward in 2008.  He added that the site was of strategic significance and that, following a tendering exercise, 12 parties had expressed an interest in the site.  He added that only two of those who had tendered, the Harrow Rugby Club and the Whitchurch Consortium, were shortlisted.  Various options for the site had been considered, including an option for a lease to a preferred bidder, which was now being recommended to Cabinet.

The Portfolio Holder added that once the decision was made, meaningful consultations would be undertaken with local residents and Ward Councillors and he assured Cabinet that there would be no construction on site unless and until full planning permission had been granted.

The Portfolio Holder for Community and Cultural Services indicated his support for the Whitchurch Consortium, which had provided a sound business case for the development of the site.  However, his work with local sports clubs would not stop here as he intended to create a thriving sporting community by engaging with those who had expressed an interest in this site, including other local sports clubs.  The Portfolio Holder added that networking was an essential element in creating such a community and he hoped that local sports and rugby clubs would also engage in this process so that passions and experiences could be shared towards a common goal of creating an active community and reviving participation levels.  Moreover, as a result of the London 2012 Olympic Games, external funding for sport event programmes had been obtained from Sport England and he urged sports clubs to engage in this process to achieve common goals.

He thanked all those volunteers who worked hard for their clubs and assured them that the Council was committed to help build on capacity to enable local sports clubs to thrive.

The Leader of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 310.

Report of the Divisional Director Planning Service.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Planning Enforcement Policy and Prosecution and Direct Action Policy be approved for the purposes of public consultation for a period of not less than 6 weeks in line with the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement (SCI);

(2)               the Divisional Director Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Enterprise, be authorised to make any minor corrections and adjustments to the documents prior to public consultation, consistent with the objective of ensuring clarity and accuracy of the publication.

Reason for Decision:  The revision and updating of the Planning Enforcement Policy is a specific priority in the Place Shaping Service Plan 2011/12 which focuses on the delivery of robust and transparent planning enforcement in Harrow.  Publication of an up to date policy will assist in delivery of a transparent and effective planning enforcement service and in meeting the Council’s Corporate Priorities as well as best practice in planning enforcement.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Enterprise introduced the report, which sought approval for public consultation on the updated Planning Enforcement Policy and Draft Prosecution and Direct Action Policy, prepared to support the effective operation of the Council’s planning enforcement function.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Planning Enforcement Policy and Prosecution and Direct Action Policy be approved for the purposes of public consultation for a period of not less than 6 weeks, in line with the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement (SCI);

(2)               the Divisional Director Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Enterprise, be authorised to make any minor corrections and adjustments to the documents prior to public consultation, consistent with the objective of ensuring clarity and accuracy of the publication.

Reason for Decision:  The revision and updating of the Planning Enforcement Policy is a specific priority in the Place Shaping Service Plan 2011/12 which focuses on the delivery of robust and transparent planning enforcement in Harrow.  Publication of an up to date policy will assist in delivery of a transparent and effective planning enforcement service and in meeting the Council’s Corporate Priorities as well as best practice in planning enforcement.