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 5 – Councillor Questions

Councillor Paul Osborn declared a personal interest in that he had received hospitality from Capita.  His interest related to question 7, which made reference to the Council’s spend with Capita.  He would remain in the room whilst the question was answered.

Agenda Item 19 – Primary School Expansion Programme

Councillor David Perry declared a personal interest in that he was a governor of Marlborough School, which featured in the report.  He would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Agenda Item 23 – Heart of Harrow Area Action Plan

Councillor Susan Hall declared a personal interest in that her business was situated in the area covered by the Area Action Plan.  She would remain in the room to listen to the discussion on the item.

That the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 17 November 2011 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 17 November 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 petition, containing an additional 64 signatures to the one submitted to Council on 3 November 2011, was presented to Cabinet by Councillor Margaret Davine and referred to the Corporate Director Community and Environment for consideration:

Campaign to Achieve Fair Trade Borough Status

“We, the undersigned residents and users of Harrow’s shopping centres, would like to draw your attention to Harrow’s Campaign to become a Fairtrade Borough.  We would like each of the 21 Wards in the Borough to become a Fairtrade Ward, demonstrating that Harrow cares about social justice and Fairtrade.  We would like to see our elected representatives encouraging schools, businesses and faith communities to embrace Fairtrade.”

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.

[The deadline for receipt of public questions is 3.00 pm, 12 December 2011.  Questions should be sent to publicquestions@harrow.gov.uk  

No person may submit more than one question].

RESOLVED:  To note that no public questions had been received.

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.

[The deadline for receipt of Councillor questions is 3.00 pm, 12 December 2011].

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

1.

The Leader of the Council informed Cabinet that:

1.                  the Shared Legal Practice and Capital Programme items had been deferred to January and February 2012 Cabinet meetings, respectively;

2.                  the reference to ‘Open Spaces Strategy and Action Plan’ ought to be deleted, as this matter was considered by Cabinet in November 2011;

3.                  the report on ‘Half Year 2011/12 Treasury Management Activity’ was considered to be Key but was not listed on the December Forward Plan. Necessary notifications/approvals had been obtained to allow Cabinet to consider this item;

4.                  in relation to the report on ‘Collection Fund Calculation of Tax Base for 2012 - 2013 and Collection Fund Surplus/Deficit’, the two reports had been amalgamated. Necessary notifications/approvals had been obtained to allow Cabinet to consider this item, as the December 2011 Forward Plan only made reference to the Council Tax Base.  The Collection Fund was included for January 2012.

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

For consideration.

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

Information Report of the Assistant Chief Executive.

Cabinet received an information 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 7 December 2011. 

The Leader of the Council reported that the minutes of the Board were available on the Council’s website.  He welcomed the report, which provided a flavour of the substantive business discussed by the Board.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

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

Report of the Interim Director Finance.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)  That

(1)               the revised Counterparty Policy for investments, shown in appendix 1 to the report, be approved;

(2)               the increase in authorised limit (£378m) and operational boundary (£366m) for external debt be approved.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Half Year Treasury Management activity for 2011/12 be noted;

(2)               the Governance, Audit and Risk Management Committee be asked to review the report.

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

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

The Interim Director Finance introduced the half year summary of Treasury Management activities for 2011/12.  The report also proposed changes to the external debt limits and Counterparty Policy.  A minor amendment was made to paragraph 28 of the report increasing the range for recommended maximum maturities for major UK banks from 0 to 36 months instead of the 24 months stated.

The Interim Director informed Members that the outturn position was favourable and the budget was prudent.  She referred to the policy on credit ratings and the need to invest money where the returns were higher than those received currently by the Council.  The report therefore proposed a change in the investment policy, which the Governance Audit and Risk Management Committee had also agreed following advice from Sector,a leading and independent provider of capital financing, treasury advisory and strategic consulting services to UK public service organisations.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)  That

(1)               the revised Counterparty Policy for investments, shown in appendix 1 to the report, be approved;

(2)               the increase in authorised limit (£378m) and operational boundary (£366m) for external debt be approved.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Half Year Treasury Management activity for 2011/12 be noted;

(2)               the Governance, Audit and Risk Management Committee be asked to review the report.

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

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

Report of the Corporate Director Place Shaping.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)  That

(1)               subject to the changes in the existing draft document as recommended by the Local Development Framework Panel meeting held on 8 December 2011, the West London Waste Plan: Pre-Submission Consultation Document and the associated Sustainability Appraisal be approved for the purposes of public consultation;

(2)               authority be delegated to the Divisional Director of Planning in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Planning, Development and Enterprise and Environment and Community Safety, to agree the Sustainability Appraisal and Equalities Impact Assessment and to make any minor editing/textual changes to the Pre-Submission Draft of the West London Waste Plan prior to public consultation.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the responses received to the consultations held during February and March 2011 on the West London Waste Plan:  Proposed Sites and Policies Consultation Document be noted;

(2)               the contents of the West London Waste Plan:  Pre-Submission Consultation Document, in particular, the continued inclusion of the Council’s Depot site on Forward Drive as a proposed new waste management site in Harrow be noted;

(3)               it be noted that approval was also being sought to undertake consultations on the West London Waste Plan:  Pre-Submission Consultation Document by five other west London councils, namely Brent, Ealing, Hillingdon, Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames, as members of the West London Waste Authority partnership.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the Council to make meaningful progress on the West London Waste Plan (WLWP) in order to meet targets set out in the London Plan 2011, and Planning Policy Statements 10 and 12.

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

The Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Enterprise introduced the report, which set out the results of the consultation held in February and March 2011 on the West London Waste Plan (WLWP) Proposed Sites and Policies Consultation Document and introduced the next version of the Plan, the Pre-Submission Document, proposed for public consultation in January 2012.

The Portfolio Holder referred to the report of the Local Development Framework Panel, which proposed amendments to the draft West London Waste Plan: Pre-submission Consultation Document prior to its publication.  The main changes being proposed were that the WLWP Policy 1 be split into two policies and that the resultant Policy 2 be amended, as described in detail in the LDF report.  Observations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee were also received.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)  That

(1)               subject to the changes in the existing draft document as recommended by the Local Development Framework Panel meeting held on 8 December 2011, the West London Waste Plan: Pre-Submission Consultation Document and the associated Sustainability Appraisal be approved for the purposes of public consultation;

(2)               authority be delegated to the Divisional Director of Planning in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Planning, Development and Enterprise and Environment and Community Safety, to agree the Sustainability Appraisal and Equalities Impact Assessment and to make any minor editing/textual changes to the Pre-Submission Draft of the West London Waste Plan prior to public consultation.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the responses received to the consultations held during February and March 2011 on the West London Waste Plan:  Proposed Sites and Policies Consultation Document be noted;

(2)               the contents of the West London Waste Plan:  Pre-Submission Consultation Document, in particular, the continued inclusion of the Council’s Depot site on Forward Drive as a proposed new waste management site in Harrow be noted;

(3)               it be noted that approval was also being sought to undertake consultations on the West London Waste Plan:  Pre-Submission Consultation Document by five other west London councils, namely Brent, Ealing, Hillingdon, Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames, as members of the West London Waste Authority partnership.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the Council to make meaningful progress on the West London Waste Plan (WLWP) in order to meet targets set out in the London Plan 2011, and Planning Policy Statements 10 and 12.

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

Report of the Chief Executive.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the proposed Senior Management Structure, as set out in the Consultation Pack, attached at appendix 1 to the report, be approved;

(2)               the job descriptions, as set out in the Consultation Pack attached at appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To enable implementation of a more cost effective and strategically focused Senior Management Structure.

Cabinet received a report of the Chief Executive, which set out the outcome of the consultation on changes to the Council’s Senior Management Structure and proposed a revised Structure to better enable it to achieve its strategic objectives.  Observations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 13 December 2011 were also tabled at the meeting.

The Leader of the Council advised that a Scrutiny Challenge Panel had considered the proposals and invited two Members of the Challenge Panel to address Cabinet.  The Chairman of the Panel thanked Cabinet for this opportunity and stated that, broadly, the Challenge Panel was in favour of the proposals and had particularly welcomed:

·                    the proposed move towards a more strategic leadership, which would  involve the examination of issues cross-Council;

·                    the suggested setting up of Operation Boards, which aimed to benefit the Council to better deal with the day-to-day issues, thus freeing the Corporate Directors to focus on key strategic issues.  This proposal would also help to eradicate silo-working.

The Chairman of the Challenge Panel outlined some reservations on the proposals, including the role of the Section 151 Officer in the proposed new Structure and the need for the Structure to reflect the diversity of Harrow’s community.  Another Member of the Challenge Panel agreed with the sentiments and was of the view that further discussions on the process ought to take place at the Chief Officers’ Employment Panel, which was the appropriate forum for considering matters such as ring-fencing and assimilation.  He was also concerned about the role that the Monitoring Officer would play as he was keen to ensure that statutory officers had appropriate authority within the organisation to provide challenge at the highest level.

The Chief Executive provided some background to the report since Cabinet’s consideration of an information report on the initial proposals at its meeting on 17 November.  He added that the consultation period had finished on 18 November and further consultations had been undertaken with the existing Corporate Directors on 24 November.  He thanked staff and the Trade Unions for their contributions and advice on the proposals, and informed Cabinet that he had met with a number of contributors at their request to discuss their responses.  Written responses had been circulated with the report and with their agreement.  It was noted that the Chief Executive had attended the Scrutiny Challenge Panel meeting to discuss his proposals, as part of the consultation process.

The Chief Executive thanked his management team their involvement and contributions with regard to the proposals.  He was grateful for their positive comments.

The Chief Executive then explained to Cabinet the context of his proposals that the Council needed to respond to a new environment and the proposals were integral to the delivery of the type of organisation the Council ought to be in order to meet these new challenges.  The proposals would enable to Council to respond to the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead whilst continuing to make step changes in improvement.  Moreover, he  ...  view the full minutes text for item 322.

Report of the Director of Legal and Governance Services.

RESOLVED:  That the Calendar of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2012/13 be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To approve the Calendar for the succeeding Municipal Year.  To facilitate the planning and forward commitments of both Members and officers, and allow the room booking arrangements to be put in place at the earliest opportunity.

Cabinet received a report of the Director of Legal and Governance Services, which set out proposals for the Council’s Calendar of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2012/13.  A minor amendment was made and it was

RESOLVED:  That the Calendar of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2012/13 be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To approve the Calendar for the succeeding Municipal Year.  To facilitate the planning and forward commitments of both Members and officers, and allow the room booking arrangements to be put in place at the earliest opportunity.

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               an aspect of Priority Action 2.1, “Roll out a Tenants’ Charter for Housing” be deferred until 2012/13;

(2)               Portfolio Holders continue working with officers to achieve improvement against identified key challenges;

(3)               the report be noted.

Reason for Decision:  Given the numerous changes in Housing Policy currently being explored and consulted upon it was considered appropriate to delay production of the Tenants’ Charter until decisions are made.  To note that the roll out would not commence until 2012/13.  To note performance against key measures and identify and assign corrective action where necessary.

Cabinet received a report of the Assistant Chief Executive, which summarised Council and service performance against key measures and drew attention to areas requiring action. 

The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services set out the context in which the presentation was being made to Cabinet.  He added that the presentation would show a balanced view of areas where the Council was performing well and those where improvements were needed, against a changing national policy agenda which created some uncertainty combined with an adverse financial climate.

As part of the presentation, the Portfolio Holders outlined the notable achievements and challenges in each of their Portfolios and against the Council’s Corporate Priorities.  Of particular note were:

·                     comparative data across London had confirmed that Harrow was a low funded, low spending, high performing authority and, given the adverse financial climate, this was notable.  Additionally, the Council had set itself challenging ‘stretch’ targets;

·                     in relation to the Council Priority on ‘Keeping Neighbourhoods Clean, Green and Safe’, household waste recycled and composted had reached 53% and 55% in August and September 2011 respectively and Harrow was in the top quartile in London.  However, removal of graffiti was below target but over the London median.  In relation to dealing with repeat incidents of domestic violence, Harrow’s performance was poor and below the London median.  As a result, sustainable funding for this service area had been identified and it was pleasing that the Violence Against Women and Girls postholder was now in post;

·                     in relation to the Council Priority on ‘United and Involved Communities: A Council that Listens and Leads’, the involvement of adult social care users and carers in the design and assessment of services was on track and had helped to feed into important and difficult decisions on the future shape of the service.  The number of volunteers that actively engaged in developing the Housing Service had increased, the number of Neighbourhood Champions was expected to reach 1,200 by March 2012 and the number of people satisfied with the way the Council provided its services was above target;

·                     in relation to the Council Priority on ‘Supporting and Protecting People who are Most in Need’, the outcomes in the social care area were generally good.  The percentage of adults in employment with both learning and mental health disabilities was high and Harrow was in the top quartile for London.  The average time for assessment to completion for work for adaptations was within the target set and a dramatic improvement from the previous year.  The percentage of adults services clients reviewed during the year was amber against target set but progress was being made to ensure that the target was achieved.  Corporate Parenting had seen a success in a number of areas such as in the adoption and teenage placements process but it was recognised that there was a need to improve life chances for Children Looked After for instance in educational achievement. Children’s Services had also received an excellent rating from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 324.

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive.

RESOLVED:  That the responses recommended by officers be endorsed.

Reason for Decision:  To respond to the scrutiny recommendations and improve the effectiveness and accessibility of performance information for different audiences.

Cabinet received a draft response to the recommendations in Phase 2 of the Scrutiny Review titled “Project Report – Measuring Up: Harrow Council’s Use of Performance Information”.  The Leader of the Council invited the Chairman of the Scrutiny Challenge Panel to address the meeting.

The Chairman of the Challenge Panel stated that good performance management was critical in the delivery of services and to improve public perception.  It was vital to measure what the Council had decided to do, what had been done and what had been done correctly.  It was essential that good performance management was forward looking and that it was meeting the priorities set.  He added that the timeliness of data was important and that information requested by Scrutiny had been delayed.  It was important that there was a partnership between the Executive and Scrutiny rather than Cabinet working in isolation.

Additionally, it was essential that, in meeting performance targets, adequate information was available for use by both Councillors and residents.  The Chairman of the Challenge Panel cited examples where information given to Councillors could have been more proactive.  He added that the format in which data was presented needed to be improved so that it was helpful, as poor presentation had had a huge impact.  For example, the data presented in relation to sickness absence provided little meaningful information.  The role of the Improvement Boards ought to be enhanced, including the timely availability of performance data.

Another Member of the Challenge Panel stated that the Performance and Finance Scrutiny Sub-Committee would monitor the progress made in relation to the responses given to the recommendations.

The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services welcomed the response report, including the recommendations of the Scrutiny Challenge Panel.  He considered that some data was limited due to the lack of available resources.

In response, the Chairman of the Challenge Panel stated that the Panel had, at all times, been mindful of not making recommendations that were unrealistic or had resource implications.  Rather, the Panel was of the view that information already available could be better presented in a more meaningful way, thereby minimising any false economies.

The Leader of the Council thanked all for their contributions in this regard.

RESOLVED:  That the responses recommended by officers be endorsed.

Reason for Decision:  To respond to the scrutiny recommendations and improve the effectiveness and accessibility of performance information for different audiences.

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

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the draft Revenue Budget for 2012/13 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy be approved for consultation;

(2)               the remaining budget gaps of £2.387m in 2012/13, £6.109m in 2013/14 and £5.805m in 2014/15 be noted;

(3)               the planned investment in services and efficiency programme be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To publish a draft budget for 2012/13.

The Leader of the Council introduced the report, which set out the draft revenue budget for 2012/13 and Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2012/13 to 2014/15.  It was noted that the final budget would initially be reported to Cabinet in February 2012 and thereafter to Council for final approval.

The Leader identified the challenges that lay ahead, particularly the levels of savings required over the next 3 years.  He commended some of the innovative thinking, which had helped to achieve some savings, such as in procurement where the extent of savings was even greater than had previously been envisaged.  Other examples of savings were the Chief Executive’s revised Senior Management Structure and the proposed Revised Terms and Conditions of staff.  He also wanted to be upfront with residents should it become necessary to increase Council Tax.  Other legislative changes, such as the requirements of the Localism Act and the proposals within the Welfare Reform Bill would result in additional financial challenges for the Council.

The Interim Director Finance reported that this year’s budget setting had taken place within the context of one of the most difficult financial environment’s local government had ever had to face.  Local government had been adversely affected when compared to the remainder of the public sector, and had had to deal with government policy changes.  The Interim Director added that the Council had identified a large number of savings against these challenges.

The Interim Director informed Cabinet that the funding gap for 2012/13 would be affected by the local government settlement, which had recently been announced.  Further analysis was required but it was likely that the settlement would have significant implications for Harrow.  There was a reduction in the amount of money received for schools following the adoption to Academy status by 7 schools.  She was pleased to report that the New Homes Bonus would not be top sliced as had been anticipated.  Furthermore, in relation to staff pay, the MTFS had assumed a nil increase in 2011/12 and 2% for the following two years.  The Unions had, however, requested a pay increase in line with inflation for 2011/12 but the autumn budget had stated that pay increases would be capped at 1% for the following two years.

The budget requirements for 2012/13 were drawn to Members’ attention, including the funding gaps.  The ongoing pressures in relation to adult care and the issues surrounding the Primary Care Trust (PCT) money under the Section 256 Agreement.  There was also the consideration of a 2.5% increase in Council Tax for future years and the 2% inflationary figure.  There were other pressures such as increase in the levels of homelessness and costs related to West London Waste.  There was also a need to keep sufficient contingency levels.

In summing up, the Interim Director Finance stated that:

·                     a detailed equality impact assessment would be carried out on the final budget to ensure awareness of the impact on various communities in Harrow;

·                     Directorates were working closely to identify savings  ...  view the full minutes text for item 326.

Report of the Interim Director Finance.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the revenue and capital forecast outturn position for 2011/12 be noted;

(2)               the actions being taken to ensure that the forecast overspend is eliminated be noted;

(3)               thevirements, detailed in paragraph 22 of the report, and the amendments to the Capital Programme, as set out in appendix 2 Table 1, be approved.

Reason for Decision: To note the forecast financial position and actions required to be taken.

The Leader of the Council introduced the report, which set out the Council’s revenue and capital monitoring position as at 30 September 2011.  He referred to the Spending Protocol, which he considered had had the desired effect of containing expenditure within allocated budgets.  However, the unexpected pressures in the Adult and Housing Directorate and the consequential potential overspend would need further examination.

The Interim Director Finance stated that the majority of the overspend had been identified in February 2011 and risks anticipated.  Looking ahead to periods 7 and 8, there was a downward trend in overspend.  She briefed Members on the contingency, need for virements, debt management position and capital programme; the latter of which was showing a significant underspend.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the revenue and capital forecast outturn position for 2011/12 be noted;

(2)               the actions being taken to ensure that the forecast overspend is eliminated be noted;

(3)               the virements, detailed in paragraph 22 of the report, and the amendments to the Capital Programme, as set out in appendix 2 Table 1, be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To note the forecast financial position and actions required to be taken.

Report of the Interim Director Finance.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               it be agreed that Band D equivalent number of taxable properties be calculated, as shown in accordance with the government regulations;

(2)               the provision for uncollectable amounts of Council Tax for 2012/13 be agreed at 1.50%, producing an expected collection rate of 98.50%;

(3)               subject to resolutions (1) and (2) above, a Council Tax Base for 2012/13 of 88,140Band D equivalent properties (being 89,482 x 98.5%) be approved, allowing for payment in lieu of Ministry of Defence properties;

(4)               an estimated surplus of £1,683,703 on the Collection Fund, of which £1,335,176 is the Harrow share, as at 31 March 2012, be noted;

(5)               an amount of £1,335,176 be transferred to the General Fund in 2012/13;

(6)               the Interim Director Finance, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Business Transformation, be authorised to review and change as necessary the calculation rates for the bad debt provision relating to the Collection Fund.

Reason for Decision:  To fulfill the Council’s statutory obligation to set the Council Tax Base for 2012/13.

Cabinet received a report of the Interim Director Finance and noted that the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended by the Local Government Act 2003, required local authorities to formally calculate the  Council Tax Base for 2012-2013 and pass this information to precepting authorities by 31 January 2012.  The tax base had to be set between 1 December 2011 and 31 January 2012.

The Interim Director Finance commended the report to Cabinet.  She referred to the proposed increase in the Council Tax collection rate of 98.5% and was of the view that this was prudent despite the current adverse economic climate.  The Leader of the Council praised officers for their excellent work in the recovery rate of Council Tax.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               it be agreed that Band D equivalent number of taxable properties be calculated, as shown in accordance with the government regulations;

(2)               the provision for uncollectable amounts of Council Tax for 2012/13 be agreed at 1.50%, producing an expected collection rate of 98.50%;

(3)               subject to resolutions (1) and (2) above, a Council Tax Base for 2012/13 of 88,140Band D equivalent properties (being 89,482 x 98.5%) be approved, allowing for payment in lieu of Ministry of Defence properties;

(4)               an estimated surplus of £1,683,703 on the Collection Fund, of which £1,335,176 is the Harrow share, as at 31 March 2012, be noted;

(5)               an amount of £1,335,176 be transferred to the General Fund in 2012/13;

(6)               the Interim Director Finance, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Business Transformation, be authorised to review and change as necessary the calculation rates for the bad debt provision relating to the Collection Fund.

Reason for Decision:  To fulfill the Council’s statutory obligation to set the Council Tax Base for 2012/13.

Joint Report of the Interim Director Finance and Corporate Director Adults and Housing.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the changes to the way the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) would be managed in the future be noted;

(2)               it be agreed that the key points laid out in paragraph 9 of the report inform the Council response to the government’s consultation paper on HRA reform;

(3)               the anticipated CLG self-financing settlement, and borrowing options, referred to in paragraphs 7and 14 of the report respectively, to fund the additional debt that the Council would need to borrow as a consequence of the HRA reform, be noted;

(4)               the options for spending any additional resources that would be available as a consequence of HRA reform, as referenced at paragraph 30 of the report, be noted;

(5)               consultation on a revision to the current rent strategy, including proposals to increase rent and service charges from April 2012,  together with the borrowing options arising from self financing settlement and potential investment options, be agreed;

(6)               the Interim Director Finance,  Corporate Director Adults and Housing and Portfolio Holders for Finance and Business Transformation and Housing Services be authorised to consult on the options and bring a report to February 2012 Cabinet proposing an appropriate borrowing option and revised Rent Strategy and recommended rent increases to be implemented from April 2012.

Reason for Decision:  To enable further work to be undertaken to develop and subsequently recommend an appropriate approach to borrowing and a new Rent Strategy.

The Interim Director Finance introduced the report, which provided an update on Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Reform, the Housing policy changes which were being introduced by the government and the next steps in relation to the setting of the HRA Budget for 2012/13 to 2016/17. 

The Interim Director informed Cabinet that, historically, the draft HRA budget had been agreed by Cabinet in December.  However, given the scale of changes surrounding the Housing Service and the delay in relation to the self?financing settlement it had not been possible to model all of the variables and present the draft budget report at this meeting.  It was also expected that the Council’s HRA would come within the control of the Council; the Council would collect rental and service charge income and control spending.  For Harrow, this would entail additional debt.

Cabinet was aware that the government’s intentions on HRA reform had been published in November 2011.  The annual determination which set out the change in the way Council housing was financed was the subject of consultation which would end on 6 January 2012.  Councils would have to develop a 30 year model based on scenarios around income and expenditure and to translate the annual cash flows into the amount of money required to exit from the current subsidy system, and small changes could have a considerable impact.  The Interim Director explained the impact this would have on the Council’s debt and the need for imaginative solutions to be found.  She advised that a single loans pool and additional debt at a 50-year rate to ensure flexibility whilst taking advantage of the exceptionally attractive Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) rates of interest.  She explained the relationship between the HRA reform, the Council’s Rent Strategy and the Investment in Stock, details of which were set out in her report.  Cabinet was also informed of the discussions at the Tenants’, Leaseholders’ and Residents’ Consultative Forumrelating to a possible increases in rents.

The Corporate Director Adults and Housing stated that the report to the February 2012 Cabinet meeting would include a perspective from tenants following consultation on a range of issues.  A 30 year Business Plan would be central to this.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the changes to the way the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) would be managed in the future be noted;

(2)               it be agreed that the key points laid out in paragraph 9 of the report inform the Council response to the government’s consultation paper on HRA reform;

(3)               the anticipated CLG self-financing settlement, and borrowing options, referred to in paragraphs 7 and 14 of the report respectively, to fund the additional debt that the Council would need to borrow as a consequence of the HRA reform, be noted;

(4)               the options for spending any additional resources that would be available as a consequence of HRA reform, as referenced at paragraph 30 of the report, be noted;

(5)               consultation on a revision to the current rent strategy, including proposals to increase rent  ...  view the full minutes text for item 329.

Report of the Corporate Director Adults and Housing.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Housing Policy changes arising from the Localism Act and other reforms and the related requirements on Local Authorities arising from this be noted;

(2)               the outcomes from the Housing Changes consultation be noted;

(3)               the revised Housing Strategy objectives, set out in paragraphs 33 ? 39 of the report, be agreed for consultation alongside the proposed policy options;

(4)               the policy options set out in paragraphs  40-45 to the report, and the Next Steps Action Plan, set out in Appendix 3 to the report, be agreed for further consideration;

(5)               the  Corporate Director Adults and Housing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, be authorised to approve draft policies for formal consultation;

(6)               Harrow participate in the Pan-London Mobility Scheme by putting 5% of lettings into the Scheme together reducing the number of lettings that go into the West London cross-borough Scheme, so that the total number of lettings available for non-Harrow residents wishing to move to Harrow does not change and the existing Allocation Scheme be amended as set out in Appendix 5 to the report.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the completion of key Housing Policy and Strategy documents required by the Localism Act.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing introduced the report, which set out the outcomes from the Housing Changes consultation on the changes to housing policy changes introduced by the government and the next steps on how these might be implemented in Harrow.

The Portfolio Holder added that the Localism Act introduced a range of housing policy changes and provided new opportunities to local authorities to decide who should be placed in social housing and introduced a flexible tenancy for new tenants.  Improved satisfaction for tenants was the fundamental message.  He outlined other changes, such as the concept of a Universal Credit which would incorporate a range of benefits into a single capped benefit.  Cabinet Members were briefed on the various strategies which were contained in the overarching Housing Ambition Plan, and the need to develop a private Sector Housing Strategy to ensure that privately rented housing was of good quality.  A number of policies were already in place and provided a sound foundation to work from.  An Action Plan attached to the report set out the next steps.

The Corporate Director Adults and Housing referred to the direction of travel and the consultations that would be undertaken.  He recommended participation in the pan-London Mobility Scheme.

The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services referred to the large number of equality impact assessments required in the review and development of strategies and policies through the proposed Housing Changes Review.  The Leader of the Council stated that the report illustrated the amount of work required, as a result of the housing policy changes being introduced by the government.  He commended the Corporate Director of Adults and Housing and the Divisional Director Housing Services for their work.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Housing Policy changes arising from the Localism Act and other reforms and the related requirements on Local Authorities arising from this be noted;

(2)               the outcomes from the Housing Changes consultation be noted;

(3)               the revised Housing Strategy objectives, set out in paragraphs 33?39 of the report, be agreed for consultation alongside the proposed policy options;

(4)               the policy options set out in paragraphs 40?45 to the report, and the Next Steps Action Plan, set out in Appendix 3 to the report, be agreed for further consideration;

(5)               the  Corporate Director Adults and Housing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, be authorised to approve draft policies for formal consultation;

(6)               Harrow participate in the Pan-London Mobility Scheme by putting 5% of lettings into the Scheme together reducing the number of lettings that go into the West London cross-borough Scheme, so that the total number of lettings available for non-Harrow residents wishing to move to Harrow did not change and the existing Allocation Scheme be amended as set out in Appendix 5 to the report.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the completion of key Housing Policy and Strategy documents required by the Localism Act.

Report of the Corporate Director Children’s Services.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the outcomes of the consultation on proposals for primary school expansion be noted;

(2)               it be agreed the recommended schools be moved to the statutory process for permanent expansion, as set out in Annexe D to the report, subject to government capital funding announcements; the recommended schools being: Camrose Primary School with Nursery, Cedars Manor School, Glebe Primary School, Marlborough Primary School, Pinner Park Infant and Nursery School, Pinner Park Junior School, Stanburn First School, Stanburn Junior School, Vaughan Primary School, Welldon Park Infant and Nursery School, and Welldon Park Junior School;

(3)               the Corporate Director Children’s Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Schools and Colleges, be delegated the decision about the final list of schools that should be moved to the statutory process for permanent expansion following government capital funding announcements;

(4)               Cabinet receive a report in April 2012, following the statutory consultations, to decide those schools about which statutory expansion proposals would be published;

(5)               the Corporate Director Children’s Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Schools and Colleges, be delegated the decision to open additional bulge classes across all community schools as required for September 2012 onwards;

(6)               it be agreed that the Schools Capital Strategy priority will be for primary school expansion and to address essential condition work where this is affordable;

(7)               the draft Admission Arrangements for entry to school in September 2013  be agreed for consultation purposes.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the Council to fulfill its statutory duties to provide sufficient school places in its area and to consult on the School Admission Arrangements for entry to school in September 2013.

The Portfolio Holder for Schools and Colleges referred to the report setting out the outcomes of the consultation on the primary school expansion programme agreed by Cabinet in July 2011, which proposed the next stages of the process.  In addition, information on other related school organisation matters, including school admissions arrangements, was provided within the report.  The Portfolio Holder thanked officers, particularly the Head of Service, Achievement and Inclusion, for their excellent work in this area.

An officer informed Cabinet that local authorities had a statutory duty to provide sufficient school places in their areas thereby addressing the issue of increasing pupil population across Primary, Secondary and Special school provision.  The report before Cabinet focused on the Primary School expansion and there were plans to bring forward strategies for Special School and High School provision in 2012.

The officer referred to the School Placement Strategy agreed previously and how data had resulted in skewed results.  The revised proposals before Cabinet identified the schools that were being recommended for permanent expansion following consultation and feasibility study outcomes.  There would be a phased approach to expansion, and all schools had to be part of the solution despite pressures from the governing bodies.  Voluntary Aided Schools had also been invited to consider their contribution to increasing school places and dialogues with these schools would continue.

In relation to funding, the government had allocated £6.2m for Basic Need and Capital Maintenance for 2013, which was disappointing. Harrow had received poor allocations, including funding for additional spaces.  Further announcements in funding were awaited in relation to the Priority School Building Programme, including other funding opportunities.

The Portfolio Holder was critical of the amount of funding given to Harrow, which had been severely disadvantaged as a result.  The Council would need to examine other funding avenues in order to close the gap in relation to Capital Funding available.  He would seek cross party support to allow the Council to make representations to Nick Gibbs MP, Minister of State for Schools, protesting against the appalling settlement received by Harrow and enquiring about the methodology used.  He would also be seeking the support of the local MPs.  The Corporate Director Children’s Services advised that the funding formula was not transparent and she felt that Harrow had been hugely disadvantaged.

The Portfolio Holder stated that it was important that every child was placed in a school, as the Council would be judged on this measure.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the outcomes of the consultation on proposals for primary school expansion be noted;

(2)               it be agreed the recommended schools be moved to the statutory process for permanent expansion, as set out in Annexe D to the report, subject to government capital funding announcements; the recommended schools being: Camrose Primary School with Nursery, Cedars Manor School, Glebe Primary School, Marlborough Primary School, Pinner Park Infant and Nursery School, Pinner Park Junior School, Stanburn First School, Stanburn Junior School, Vaughan Primary School, Welldon Park Infant and Nursery School, and Welldon  ...  view the full minutes text for item 331.

Report of the Corporate Director Children’s Services.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the proposed Hub and Spoke Operating Model for Harrow Council’s Children’s Centres, which will provide the framework for delivering Children’s Centre Services ensuring geographical coverage, be agreed;

(2)               the Corporate Director Children’s Services implement the new Operating Model in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services.

(3)               a Governance Board for each Hub be put in place with representation from service users, staff, partners and Ward Councillors.

Reason for Decision:  To improve ways of working in Harrow Council’s Children’s Services following changes in government policy and funding.

The Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services introduced the report, which set out proposals for ensuring sustainability of Harrow’s Children’s Centres to ensure that valuable services for families with young children could continue whilst delivering on significant budget savings.  The Portfolio Holder referred to the proposed Hub and Spoke Operating Model to help provide the framework for delivery.

The Divisional Director, Early Years, Childcare and Parent, drew Members’ attention to the proposed new operating structures of Harrow Children’s Centres which would divide the 16 Children’s Centres into 4 Hubs which accounted for the geographical location, size of the Centre and nature of services currently being delivered.  The proposal included 6 designated Children’s Centres within the 4 Hubs providing a full range of services.  The other delivery sites through the Hub would also deliver services but more efficiently, reducing duplication and allowing Centres to close during certain periods, as appropriate.  The proposed new Framework would also involve partnership working.

The Leader of the Council highlighted the proposal as an example where innovation was helping the Council to make savings whilst ensuring that services remained sustainable.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the proposed Hub and Spoke Operating Model for Harrow Council’s Children’s Centres, which will provide the framework for delivering Children’s Centre Services ensuring geographical coverage, be agreed;

(2)               the Corporate Director Children’s Services implement the new Operating Model in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services.

(3)               a Governance Board for each Hub be put in place with representation from service users, staff, partners and Ward Councillors.

Reason for Decision:  To improve ways of working in Harrow Council’s Children’s Services following changes in government policy and funding.

Report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Council enter into a contract with May Gurney Limited for the delivery of all the Council’s Highway works;

(2)               authority to negotiate and agree the final terms and conditions of the contract be delegated to the Corporate Director Community and Environment, in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Property and Major Projects and Environment and Community Safety;

(3)               the Interim Director Finance and Corporate Director Community and Environment be delegated authority to realign budgets following the award of contract.

Reason for Decision:  The Council has a statutory duty to maintain its Highway assets, achieving this through engaging and working with external contractors.  The condition of the Public Highway impacts upon everyone, residents, businesses and visitors to Harrow. It must be kept fit for use and safe for users at all times, contributing significantly to the Corporate Priorities, in particular, Keeping neighbourhoods clean, green and safe.  To ensure a continuous service and effective mobilisation for the new contract by early February 2012 the Council needs to make the contract award decision before the end of December.

Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment, which set out the procurement and evaluation process undertaken with a recommendation to award a contract for the delivery of all the Council’s Highway Works to May Gurney Limited.  A confidential appendix, appearing elsewhere on the agenda, setting out the tender evaluation data was also referred to.

The Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts set out the context in which this project had been developed and thanked the Corporate Director Community and Environment and the procurement team for bringing this contract to fruition.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Council enter into a contract with May Gurney Limited for the delivery of all the Council’s Highway works;

(2)               authority to negotiate and agree the final terms and conditions of the contract be delegated to the Corporate Director Community and Environment, in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Property and Major Projects and Environment and Community Safety;

(3)               the Interim Director Finance and Corporate Director Community and Environment be delegated authority to realign budgets following the award of contract.

Reason for Decision:  The Council had a statutory duty to maintain its Highway assets, achieving this through engaging and working with external contractors.  The condition of the Public Highway impacted upon everyone, residents, businesses and visitors to Harrow. It must be kept fit for use and safe for users at all times, contributing significantly to the Corporate Priorities, in particular. Keeping neighbourhoods clean, green and safe.  To ensure a continuous service and effective mobilisation for the new contract by early February 2012, the Council needed to make the contract award decision before the end of December 2011.

Report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment.

RESOLVED:  That the recommendation of the Scrutiny Challenge Panel together with the actions arising from the Challenge Panel report be accepted.

Reason for Decision: To ensure that the Winter service can continue to be delivered in the best possible way within the current financial constraints.

Cabinet received a report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment, which provided responses to the recommendations and actions arising from the Scrutiny Challenge Panel report on Snow Clearance.  The report of the Challenge Panel examined the current policy on Snow Clearance and whether more could be done to improve the way in which the borough dealt with the clearance of heavy snow.

The Chairman of the Snow Clearance Scrutiny Challenge Panel addressed the meeting and thanked officers for their excellent work.  He referred to the two issues that he felt needed to be explored further, as follows:

·                     Role of Neighbourhood Champions – Neighbourhood Champions should be seen as an additional resource to the Council and their role ought to be enhanced.  They should be supported, encouraged and briefed.

·                     Role of Access Harrow – Access Harrow should be provided with clear guidance and information on the facts and figures so that they were in a position to pass the information on to residents.  The Chairman of the Challenge Panel was of the view that whilst Access Harrow was able to provide general information, for example, on snow clearance they ought also to be able to provide information on what would happen if refuse collections were missed and give a commitment to the caller.  He accepted that this would be challenging in inclement weather conditions but it was possible to provide additional information to residents and respond positively to their expectations.

The Corporate Director Community and Environment agreed that the role of the Neighbourhood Champions could be enhanced further.  He explained the difficulties in providing real time information but assured Members that the issues would continue to be examined further.

In response, the Chairman of the Challenge Panel referred to the value of the data already collected by the Council, which he felt was difficult to analyse.  He was of the view that policy decisions needed to be made earlier and communicated to residents.  The Assistant Chief Executive agreed to examine the data captured and review the existing communication channels in place.  He informed Members that the information communicated through the Council’s Website and ‘My Account’ would be examined further.

RESOLVED:  That the recommendations of the Scrutiny Challenge Panel together with the actions arising from the Challenge Panel report be accepted.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure that the Winter service could continue to be delivered in the best possible way within the current financial constraints.

Report of the Corporate Director Place Shaping.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the draft Harrow and Wealdstone Area Action Plan: Preferred Option consultation document 1 be noted;

(2)               the draft Harrow and Wealdstone Area Action Plan: Preferred Option consultation document and the Sustainability Appraisal be approved for the purposes of a six week public consultation;

(3)               the Divisional Director of Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Enterprise, be authorised to agree the Sustainability Appraisal and Equalities Impact Assessment and to make any minor editing and textual changes to the Pre?Submission Draft of the West London Waste Plan before public consultation.

Reason for Decision:  To progress the Harrow and Wealdstone Area Action Plan through the various stages of informal and formal consultation on its way to adoption as part of Harrow’s Local Plan.

Cabinet received a report of the Corporate Director Place Shaping setting out the draft Harrow and Wealdstone Area Action Plan: Preferred Option consultation document, which was to be the subject of public consultation in January 2012.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Enterprise referred to the report from the Local Development Framework Panel, which recommended that the draft Harrow and Wealdstone Area Action Plan: Preferred Option consultation document be approved for a six week period of public consultation.  Cabinet also received contributions of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in this regard.

The Corporate Director Place Shaping commended the Action Plan to Cabinet, which had been prepared with input from other Directorates and Partners.  He praised the cross-cutting work of officers based in the Planning Service.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the draft Harrow and Wealdstone Area Action Plan: Preferred Option consultation document be noted;

(2)               the draft Harrow and Wealdstone Area Action Plan: Preferred Option consultation document and the Sustainability Appraisal be approved for the purposes of a six week public consultation;

(3)               the Divisional Director of Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Enterprise, be authorised to agree the Sustainability Appraisal and Equalities Impact Assessment and to make any minor editing and textual changes to the document before public consultation.

Reason for Decision:  To progress the Harrow and Wealdstone Area Action Plan through the various stages of informal and formal consultation on its way to adoption as part of Harrow’s Local Plan.

Report of the Divisional Director Planning Services.

RESOLVED:  That  

(1)               the Draft Local Development Order and the accompanying documents be approved for purposes of  a four week period of public consultation;

(2)               theDivisional Director Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Enterprise, be authorised to make minor drafting or typographical changes to the content of the documents, if required, prior to public consultation.

Reason for Decision:  To enable consultation to commence on proposals for a Local Development Order in North Harrow to support the regeneration of this important District Shopping Centre in line with the Corporate Policies of supporting our town centre, local shopping centres, and businesses.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Enterprise introduced the report, which set out the Council’s intention to create a Local Development Order to help regenerate North Harrow District Shopping Centre.  The intention was to enable changes of use within parts of the Centre between different use classes without the need for planning permission to help revitalise this important shopping centre which was currently suffering from a high rate of empty shop units.  The Portfolio Holder added that the report proposed a four week consultation period.

Reducing the time taken to enable occupancy of existing vacant units would help address a reported barrier to new business occupying uses and support other activities being promoted in North Harrow to help its vitality and regeneration.

Cabinet received a report from the Local Development Framework Panel, which recommended that the draft Local Development Order, and the accompanying documents, be approved for the purposes of a four week period of public consultation.

RESOLVED:  That  

(1)               the Draft Local Development Order and the accompanying documents be approved for purposes of  a four week period of public consultation;

(2)               the Divisional Director Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Enterprise, be authorised to make minor drafting or typographical changes to the content of the documents, if required, prior to public consultation.

Reason for Decision:  To enable consultation to commence on proposals for a Local Development Order in North Harrow to support the regeneration of this important District Shopping Centre in line with the Corporate Policies of supporting our town centre, local shopping centres, and businesses.

Report of the Corporate Director Place Shaping.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Annual Monitoring Report 2010/11, attached at appendix 1 to the report, be approved for submission to the Secretary of State;

(2)               the Divisional Director Planning be authorised to make minor amendments to the Annual Monitoring Report 2010/11, if necessary, prior to its submission to the Secretary of State.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the Council to comply with the requirement under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 for submission of the Annual Monitoring report to the Secretary of State before the 31 December 2011 deadline.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Enterprise presented the Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) for the period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011.  The AMR indicated the performance of Harrow Council against a set of nationally and locally defined indicators designed to monitor the implementation of planning policies.

Cabinet received a report from the Local Development Framework Panel, which recommended that the Annual Monitoring Report 2010/11 be approved for submission to the Secretary of State.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Annual Monitoring Report 2010/11, attached at appendix 1 to the report, be approved for submission to the Secretary of State;

(2)               the Divisional Director Planning be authorised to make minor amendments to the Annual Monitoring Report 2010/11, if necessary, prior to its submission to the Secretary of State.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the Council to comply with the requirement under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 for submission of the Annual Monitoring report to the Secretary of State before the 31 December 2011 deadline.

Which cannot otherwise be dealt with.

Presentation of Scrutiny Projects to Cabinet

During the course of the meeting, the Leader of the Council referred to an informal arrangement between Scrutiny and Cabinet to allow interaction between these two bodies at meetings of Cabinet.  He explained that the draft Protocol allowed up to two Scrutiny Councillors, normally one from each political party, to present projects that had been referred to Cabinet.  The Scrutiny Councillors would be expected to make comments that did not  overlap, following which the relevant Portfolio Holder or officers would be given the opportunity to outline their response to the recommendations included in the projects.  The Chairman of the Review will then be given the opportunity to comment on the response and Officers or the Portfolio Holder would conclude by providing a final response.  He advised that there were some matters within the Protocol which needed ‘tidying up’ but that it was currently being trialled.

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

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 item for the reason set out below:

Cabinet considered a confidential appendix to the report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment, which appeared elsewhere on the agenda.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To allow the appendix to be considered in conjunction with the main report at agenda item 21.

In accordance with the provisions of Executive Procedure Rule 9.2 (Part 4B of the Constitution) it was

RESOLVED:  At 9.59 pm to continue until 10.15 pm and at 10.15 pm to continue until 10.30 pm.