Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Leader of the Council received Cabinet’s approval to vary the order of the agenda and bring items 16, Response of Overview and Scrutiny Committee Report on Redefining Youth Engagement’, 17, Harrow Mental Health Day Services Review, and 24, Prince Edward Playing Fields Amendment to Lease Terms to Permit Playing of Professional League Football Matches, forward due to public interest.  It was noted that both the public and Councillors questions relating to items 17 and 24 would be answered prior to the consideration of the substantive items.  Thereafter, the Leader would revert to the order of business on the agenda.

The Leader confirmed that public questions which did not relate to any substantive items on the agenda would be answered following consideration of item 16.

To receive declarations of disclosable pecuniary or non pecuniary interests, arising from business to be transacted at this meeting, from:

(a)               all Members of the Committee;

(b)               all other Members present.

RESOLVED:  To note that the following interests were declared:

Agenda Items 4 and 5 – Public and Councillor Questions

Councillor Amir Mohenson declared a prejudicial interest in relation to questions relating to Whitchurch Playing Fields.  He would leave the room whilst these questions were answered.

Councillor Nana Asante declared a non pecuniary interest in the questions relating to Whitchurch Playing Fields, as her church used the fields.  She would remain in the room to listen to the answers given to the questions.

Councillor Camilla Bath declared a personal and prejudicial interest in that she was a chairman of governors at Whitchurch School.

Agenda Item 13 – Print Services Contract

Councillor Bob Currie declared an interest in that his son, who was employed by the Council, would be affected by the proposals.  He would leave the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Agenda Item 15 – Future Organisation of Roxbourne Infant School and Roxbourne Junior School

Councillor Paul Osborn declared a non pecuniary interest in that he was a governor of Roxbourne Junior and Infant School.  He would remain the room to listen to the debate on the item.

Agenda Item 16 – Response to Overview and Scrutiny Committee Report Redefining Youth Engagement

Councillor Victoria Silver declared a personal and prejudicial interest in that since starting the research on Redefining Youth Engagement she was now working with one of the organisations referred to in the report.  She would leave the room should that particular recommendation be discussed.

Agenda Item 17 – Harrow Mental Health Day Services Review

Councillor Graham Henson declared a non pecuniary interest in that his wife was an employee of Rethink whose service users use facilities in Harrow.  He would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Agenda Item 20 – Harrow Museum Heritage Lottery Fund Round 1 Application

Councillor Husain Akhtar declared a non pecuniary interest due to his photographic interest in Manor House.

Agenda Item 24 – Prince Edward Playing Fields Amendment to Lease Terms to Permit Playing of Professional League Football Matches

Councillors Brian Gate, Keith Ferry, Thaya Idaikkadar and Bill Stephenson declared non pecuniary interests in that they had attended a football match last December at Underhill and at which hospitality was provided.  They would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

That the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 20 June 2012 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 20 June 2012, 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 were submitted.

To receive any public questions received in accordance with paragraph 16 of the Executive Procedure Rules.

Questions will be asked in the order notice of them was received and there be a time limit of 15 minutes.

[The deadline for receipt of public questions is 3.00 pm, Monday 16 July 2012.  Questions should be sent to publicquestions@harrow.gov.uk  

No person may submit more than one question].

RESOLVED:  To note that the following public questions had been received:

1.

To receive any Councillor questions received in accordance with paragraph 17 of the Executive Procedure Rules.

Questions will be asked in the order 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, Monday 16 July 2012.]

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

1.

2.

3.

4.

The Leader of the Council informed Cabinet that the ‘Housing Act 2004 – Charges for Enforcement Action’ had been deferred to the October Cabinet meeting, item on ‘Development of Apprenticeships and Work Experience Opportunities for Unemployed Graduates’ was no longer considered to be Key, as the report presented was for information only, agenda items 13 ‘Print Services Contract’ was considered to be Key and the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had been notified that this matter would be included on the Cabinet agenda for decision.

RESOLVED:  To note the contents of the Forward Plan for the period 1 July and 31 October 2012 be noted.

For consideration.

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

Information Report of the Assistant Chief Executive.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To note the work of the Partnership.

[Call-in does not apply]

Cabinet received a report of the Assistant Chief Executive, which summarised the discussion at the meeting of the Partnership Board held on 28 June 2012.

The Leader of the Council stated that the report provided an opportunity for Cabinet Members to ask further questions in relation to the business discussed at the Board meeting.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To note the work of the Partnership.

[Call-in does not apply]

Recommendation from the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel meeting held on 21 June 2012.

RESOLVED:  That the Panel’s Terms of Reference be amended as follows:

(a)               ‘promotion of road safety’, be added to paragraph 1;

(b)               ‘Bus consideration’ and ‘Cycle schemes’, be added to paragraph 2.

Reason for Decision:  To reflect other areas of the Panel’s work.

RESOLVED: That the Panel’s Terms of Reference be amended to include ‘promotion of road safety’ at paragraph 1 and ‘bus consideration’ and ‘cycle schemes’ at paragraph 2.

Reason for Decision:  To reflect other areas of the Panel’s work.

Report of the Director of Legal and Governance Services.

RESOLVED:  That, subject to Councillor Omar’s identified remit being amended to cover Community Safety aspect only, the appointment of the identified Portfolio Holder Assistants and responsibilities and payment of SRA Allowances be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the support to Cabinet Members in terms of information provision and management to contribute to and ensure an effective decision-making framework as part of the democratic process.

Cabinet received proposals from the Leader of the Council for named Portfolio Holder Assistants, Wards they represented and their areas of responsibility under the identified Cabinet Members.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety made an amendment to his prospective assistant’s remit.

RESOLVED:  That, subject to Councillor Asad Omar’s identified remit being amended to cover Community Safety aspect only, the appointment of the identified Portfolio Holder Assistants and responsibilities and payment of SRA Allowances be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the support to Cabinet Members in terms of information provision and management to contribute to and ensure an effective decision-making framework as part of the democratic process.

Reference from Council.

RESOLVED: That the Motion be agreed.

Reason for Decision: To enable action to be taken to progress the Motion as suggested.

RESOLVED:  That the Motion be agreed.

Reason for Decision:  To enable action to be taken to progress the Motion as suggested.

Information Report of the Divisional Director of Human Resources, Development and Shared Services.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

Reason for Decision: To note the progress in Modernising Terms and Conditions of Employment for Council non-teaching employees.

[Call-in does not apply]

Cabinet received a report of the Divisional Director Human Resources, Development and Shared Services, which set out progress in Modernising the Terms and Conditions of Employment for Council non-teaching employees, as considered by Cabinet at its meeting on 19 January 2012.

The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services thanked the Divisional Director Human Resources, Development and Shared Services and his staff for their exceptional work in progressing the modernisation process.  The Portfolio Holder added that the Trade Unions had reflected on their prior position and entered into constructive negotiations with the Council on the proposals following the holding of consultation meetings with staff which had resulted in the development of the proposals. He informed Cabinet that an ‘in principle’ agreement had been reached with local Trade Unions who were seeking a view from the respective national bodies.  Following this process, staff would be balloted on the proposals by their Trade Unions.

The Portfolio Holder added that it was intended that the proposals for staff would be reflected in the allowances received by Councillors.  He expected the matter to be submitted to November Council meeting, once the Trade Unions had balloted their members.

The Leader of the Council added that it was intended to submit a motion to Council at an appropriate time, and expected Councillors to be treated in the same way as staff.  He sought cross party support.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To note the progress in Modernising Terms and Conditions of Employment for Council non-teaching employees.

[Call-in does not apply]

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive.

RESOLVED:  That the Assistant Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Property and Major Contracts and Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services, be authorised to:

·                    select the preferred supplier and award the Print Services contract to the preferred supplier on such terms as are agreed, acting in the best interests of the Council;

·                    implement the new Print Service in accordance with the contract.

Reason for Decision:  To award a new print services contract to the preferred supplier that meets Council’s future needs, reduces costs, and maintains the uninterrupted provision of print services to the Council.

The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services introduced the report, which outlined the process for the procurement of a new supplier of Print Services to the Council.  The Portfolio Holder added that, as a decision had to be made during August 2012, the report sought delegated authority for the award of the contract to a preferred supplier.

RESOLVED:  That the Assistant Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Property and Major Contracts and Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services, be authorised to:

·                     select the preferred supplier and award the Print Services contract to the preferred supplier on such terms as are agreed, acting in the best interests of the Council;

·                     implement the new Print Service in accordance with the contract.

Reason for Decision:  To award a new print services contract to the preferred supplier that meets Council’s future needs, reduces costs, and maintains the uninterrupted provision of print services to the Council.

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive.

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

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

The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services introduced the report, which summarised Council and service performance against key measures and drew attention to areas requiring action, including how these would be addressed.

The Portfolio Holder was pleased to report that performance in many areas was exceptional when compared to other Councils and at a time when the Council was facing significant challenges.  Moreover, the Council had set itself high targets to achieve.  He stated that significant improvements had been made in the figure relating to staff sick leave which continued to move in the right direction, and the Transformation Programme continued to deliver a range of projects to enable the Council to meet new demands and improve services whilst reducing costs.  He was particularly pleased to report on the award winning ‘My Harrow Account’.

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

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

Report of the Corporate Director Children and Families.

RESOLVED: That, having determined the statutory proposals in relation to Roxbourne Infant School and Roxbourne Junior School, the two schools be amalgamated in January 2013, namely to: 

(1)               extend the age range of Roxbourne Infant School to establish a primary school with an age range of 4 years (Reception) to 11 years (Year 6) with attached nursery class from 1 January 2013;

(2)               expand the capacity of Roxbourne Infant School from 1 January 2013;

(3)               discontinue Roxbourne Junior School on 31 December 2012.

Reason for Decision: Combining the two schools would give the opportunity to further improve educational standards by enabling planning as a coherent whole across the primary phase of the national curriculum and providing greater flexibility across and between key stages.

Having previously agreed the publication of statutory proposals, Cabinet was under a statutory duty to determine the proposals within two months from the end of the representation period, which ended on 2 July 2012, or the matter would have to be referred to the Office of the Schools Adjudicator for determination.

Cabinet received a report of the Corporate Director Children and Families, which set out the position following the publication of statutory proposals in May 2012 regarding the amalgamation of Roxbourne Infant School and Roxbourne Junior School. 

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Schools and Families outlined the main reason for the proposed amalgamation, and informed Cabinet that noobjections have been received during the representation period.  He commended the report to Cabinet which would enable the two schools to combine in January 2013.

RESOLVED:  That, having determined the statutory proposals in relation to Roxbourne Infant School and Roxbourne Junior School, the two schools be amalgamated in January 2013, namely to: 

(1)               extend the age range of Roxbourne Infant School to establish a primary school with an age range of 4 years (Reception) to 11 years (Year 6) with attached nursery class from 1 January 2013;

(2)               expand the capacity of Roxbourne Infant School from 1 January 2013;

(3)               discontinueRoxbourne Junior School on 31 December 2012.

Reason for Decision:  Combining the two schools would give the opportunity to further improve educational standards by enabling planning as a coherent whole across the primary phase of the national curriculum and providing greater flexibility across and between key stages.

Having previously agreed the publication of statutory proposals, Cabinet was under a statutory duty to determine the proposals within two months from the end of the representation period, which ended on 2 July 2012, or the matter would have to be referred to the Office of the Schools Adjudicator for determination.

Report of the Corporate Director Children and Families.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Corporate Director Children and Families, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children, Schools and Families, be authorised to develop and implement the response, in partnership with local schools and the Harrow Youth Parliament;

(2)               it be noted that the development and implementation of the response would include joint working with the Council’s Grants Advisory Panel and contact with those local authorities referred to in the report, (such as Camden, Hammersmith and Fulham and Tower Hamlets), each offering different approaches to youth engagement;

(3)               it be noted that with the Council’s focus on statutory and targeted work, significant decisions have previously been put into effect which had already removed many universal services for young people.

Reason for Decision:  The Council’s ‘resident involvement’ agenda aimed to change the culture of youth engagement and to establish stronger links with young people living and being educated in the borough.  This would inevitably be a dynamic process, requiring the commitment of officers across all departments and Councillors alike, and would take time to embed.

The ‘Youth Engagement’ report had already become a key document underpinning the work of the Youth Development Team within Children and Families Service and was compatible with the priority actions of the Harrow Youth Parliament.

Bearing in mind the current operating model with the Children and Families Service and the ongoing pressure to achieve further short and medium term savings, it is important to note that additional resources would be required in order to fully consider the cost benefits to the Council and to find external funding sources and sponsorship.

Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director Children and Families responding to the recommendation set out in the Scrutiny Review ‘Redefining Youth Engagement’.

Cabinet welcomed key representatives of Harrow’s Youth Parliament and invited them to address the meeting.  In their presentation, representatives of the Youth Parliament thanked the Chairman and Members of the Scrutiny Review Group for their support and made the following points:

·                     young people were not a homogenous group;

·                     Councils and politicians had a key role to play in inspiring the next generation and making politics more relevant to teenagers;

·                     young people did not know what the Council did or how it related to them;

·                     young people wanted consistent conversations with feedback and a visible demonstration of follow up;

·                     young people wanted opportunities to genuinely influence debate and decision-making.

They added that in terms of the recommendations of the Scrutiny Review Group, recommendation 8, the Council should lead a major ‘Youth Summit’ with partners, politicians and local businesses as part of Harrow Youth Week which recognises and celebrates Harrow’s young people and as part of the Council’s ongoing Let’s Talk programme and commitment to engage with people, provided a gateway to the other recommendations.  They were of the view that the Council had a role to play in giving young people support and direction and in so doing the Council could learn from the youth and gain valuable insight to help plan ahead with service provision.

The Chairman of the Scrutiny Review Group addressed the meeting and outlined the desire of young people for change.  She added that the implementation of the recommendations would not be a costly and it was important that the young people were celebrated with the report being used as a main vehicle for such a celebration and investment in the youth of the borough.  She was concerned that the recommendations had not received a multi-partner response.

Representatives of Harrow Youth Parliament responded to various questions from the Portfolio Holders.  They stated that their participation in the Scrutiny Review Group had expanded their knowledge of the way the Council worked but it was important that such knowledge was not concentrated amongst a few individuals.  It was essential that the Council reached out to some 60,000 young people who lived in Harrow to make them aware of the Council’s role in the community.  In order to improve the job market for young people, the Council should look to re-introduce a Summer University Scheme which would also help improve social skills.  Portfolio Holders were invited to attend meetings of the Youth Parliament and their attention was drawn to recommendation 10 of the Review Group which looked for greater dialogue between the Council and young people.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Schools and Families assured the Youth Parliament that the recommendations would be taken forward in partnership with key stakeholders in order to ensure that the aspiration of young people were met.

An officer from the Children and Families Directorate congratulated the Youth Parliament for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 465.

Report of the Corporate Director Community, Health and Wellbeing.

RESOLVED:  That the new Service Model described in section 2.5.3 of the report be agreed, and specifically to:

(1)               the closure of Marlborough Hill Day Service;

(2)               implement a “Hub” resource and mixed-use community space for people with mental ill health, which at least initially will be at The Bridge;

(3)               the continued use of Wiseworks service as a vocationally-focused service for adults requiring support to develop new skills in a safe, supportive and recovery focused environment;

(4)               note the development of a marketplace of community-based services for people with personal budgets delivered through Shop4Support;

(5)               authorise the Corporate Director for Community, Health and Wellbeing, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder(s), to:

(a)               agree and implement the appropriate route of securing the Hub Service, whether by a tender, via the section 75 Agreement with CNWL, or by direct provision;

(b)               agree and implement the appropriate route of securing services at Wiseworks, whether by a tender, via the section 75 Agreement with CNWL, or by direct provision.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the creation of a new model for Mental Health Day Services in Harrow that improves outcomes for service users.

Cabinet received a report of the Corporate Director Community, Health and Wellbeing, which set out proposals to modernise day services for people with mental ill health, deliver a step change in the quality of services and assist people to achieve better outcomes and greater levels of wellbeing, as well as delivering services within a constrained budgetary situation. 

The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing reported that the report followed a 2-year review of day services for people with mental illness in Harrow and had involved a number of stakeholders.  The Portfolio Holder identified the key components of the review, as follows:

·                     reviewing best practice and government guidance with the aim of refocusing of day services for working-age adults with mental problems into community resources that promote social inclusion;

·                     considering the current services available in harrow, provided through CNWL at The Bridge, 76 Marlborough Hill, Wiseworks, Sneh and Mind’s Briefing and Stepping Stone’s services;

·                     extensive consultation and equality impact assessment, as set out in section 2.7 of the report.

The Portfolio Holder added that visits were also carried out to a number of neighbouring boroughs to see how they delivered their day services.  A number of workshops and participatory sessions were held with users and carers of existing services and questionnaires were also issued widely.  Themes from the consultation included:

·                     anxiety about change and fear at losing a current resource or service which may lead to isolation;

·                     valuing and having a place to go to meet with people who understood and had similar experiences;

·                     importance of groups and activities;

·                     people currently using services might not use alternative ones and risked becoming isolated;

·                     young people were not accessing services as they did not meet their needs.

The Portfolio Holder added that following evaluation of the various options as set out in section 2.5 of the report, a number of recommendations were proposed to support the achievement of outcomes sought from the review which best meet the needs of people with mental illness within available resources. She explained that the proposal was to redesign mental health day services in Harrow by closing 76 Marlborough Hill as a mental health day service.  Services would be redesigned and reinvigorated to provide better quality provision that had greater impacts for those who used it.  Services would be more entrepreneurial, work-focused to meet the wide range of needs.  A saving of £250k per year would be achieved and would help make the day service sustainable.  The final detail of a model had yet to be agreed, as a result of which authority for a delegation was being sought.

The Portfolio Holder highlighted the work done by the Day Services Steering Group and commended the report to Cabinet.  She added that if the proposals were approved, it would result in an ‘in principle’ decision with further work to be carried out in conjunction with the service users.

The Portfolio Holder responded to questions from the Portfolio Holder for Finance on the equality impact assessment.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 466.

Report of the Corporate Divisional Director Housing Services.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the appointment of the contractors identified in Table 1 of the report to the Framework for the Provision of Capital Works for Housing be approved;

(2)               the appointment of Durkan Ltd for the delivery of the 2012/13 Programme of Kitchen and Bathroom Renewals, using the available budget in a revised Capital Programme, be approved;

(3)               that the confidential appendix be noted.

Reason for Decision:  The evaluation of the tenders received had been conducted to arrive at the most economically advantageous bids.  The Framework Structure was designed to maintain a degree of competitiveness and resilience throughout the 4-year framework period. 

Cabinet received a report of the Corporate Director Community, Health and Wellbeing, which set out the results of the tender process for the provision of capital works to housing stock.  In making its decision, Cabinet also considered a confidential appendix to the report, which set out an analysis of the tenders received from various bidders.

The Portfolio Holders for Property and Major Contracts, and Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services thanked residents for their involvement in reviewing the service and how it ought to change and reported on the savings that would ensue as a result of the re-tender.

The Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts commended the report to Cabinet as the proposals would provide value for money and improve Council housing stock.  It would result in an annual saving of up to 20% than the previous contract and the money saved would be reinvested to expand the service to pay for additional jobs year on year.  Moreover, the new contractors had employed former staff and recruited local staff.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the appointment of the contractors identified in Table 1 of the report to the Framework for the Provision of Capital Works for Housing be approved;

(2)               the appointment of Durkan Ltd for the delivery of the 2012/13 Programme of Kitchen and Bathroom Renewals, using the available budget in a revised Capital Programme, be approved;

(3)               that the confidential appendix be noted.

Reason for Decision:  The evaluation of the tenders received had been conducted to arrive at the most economically advantageous bids.  The Framework Structure was designed to maintain a degree of competitiveness and resilience throughout the 4-year framework period. 

Report of the Corporate Director Community, Health and Wellbeing.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the draft vision for the future of the Harrow Museum Site and its buildings to become the strategic Heritage Centre for Harrow, as outlined in Appendix A to the report, be approved;

(2)               authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community and Cultural Services, to submit a Round 1 application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a development grant towards a Round 2 submission for a total grant of up to £2million to support the upgrading and refurbishment of the Harrow Museum site, subject to the parameters set out in the report;

(3)               in due course, a further report, to approve the submission for a Heritage Lottery Fund Round 2 application if Harrow was successful at Round 1, be submitted to Cabinet.

Reason for Decision:  To upgrade and restore one of the borough’s major heritage assets in order to provide a high quality facility as the Community Museum and Heritage Centre for Harrow.  To celebrate the cultural and community history of the borough, deliver the Council’s heritage service offer and secure a sustainable future for the asset.

The Portfolio Holder for Community and Cultural Services introduced the report, which set out a draft strategic vision for the restoration of Harrow Museum site, including Headstone Manor in order to deliver a long-term sustainable future.  He outlined the total grant money that would ensue should the application be approved.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the report and complimented the proposals as a first step forward in providing a sustainable future for a key site.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the draft vision for the future of the Harrow Museum Site and its buildings to become the strategic Heritage Centre for Harrow, as outlined in Appendix A to the report, be approved;

(2)               authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community and Cultural Services, to submit a Round 1 application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a development grant towards a Round 2 submission for a total grant of up to £2million to support the upgrading and refurbishment of the Harrow Museum site, subject to the parameters set out in the report;

(3)               in due course, a further report, to approve the submission for a Heritage Lottery Fund Round 2 application if Harrow was successful at Round 1, be submitted to Cabinet.

Reason for Decision:  To upgrade and restore one of the borough’s major heritage assets in order to provide a high quality facility as the Community Museum and Heritage Centre for Harrow.  To celebrate the cultural and community history of the borough, deliver the Council’s heritage service offer and secure a sustainable future for the asset.

Report of the Corporate Director Community, Health and Wellbeing.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the responses to the draft Tenancy Strategy 2012 be noted;

(2)               the further Housing Policy changes either introduced, or in consultation, since the Cabinet meeting on the 15 December 2011 be noted;

(3)               Cabinet supports the Direction of Travel set out in the various updates attached at Appendices 1 – 6 of the report and that, following further consultation, final approval be sought for these Strategies and Polices at the Cabinet meeting on 13 December 2012;

(4)               It be noted that delegated authority had already been granted to the Corporate Director Adults and Housing (now the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, to approve draft documents for formal consultation.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the completion of Key Housing Policy and Strategy documents required by the Localism Act 2011.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing introduced the report, which provided progress updates on key strategies and policies included within the Housing Changes Review since the December 2011 Cabinet.

The Portfolio Holder added that the final strategy would be submitted to Cabinet in December 2012 for approval whilst aligning it with other housing related strategies as part of the Housing Changes Review.  Consultations had been carried out with the TLRCF on 17 July and the Housing Policy Task Group on 18 July.  He gave a vote of thanks to officers for the report and commended it to Cabinet.  

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the responses to the draft Tenancy Strategy 2012 be noted;

(2)               the further Housing Policy changes either introduced, or in consultation, since the Cabinet meeting on the 15 December 2011 be noted;

(3)               Cabinet supports the Direction of Travel set out in the various updates attached at Appendices 1 – 6 of the report and that, following further consultation, final approval be sought for these Strategies and Polices at the Cabinet meeting on 13 December 2012;

(4)               It be noted that delegated authority had already been granted to the Corporate Director Adults and Housing (now the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, to approve draft documents for formal consultation.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the completion of Key Housing Policy and Strategy documents required by the Localism Act 2011.

Report of the Divisional Director Environmental Services.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Commercial Safety Service Plan for 2012/13 be approved as the Council’s Annual Food Service Plan for 2012/13;

(2)               it be noted that the health and safety service aspects of the Plan were subject to approval by Licensing and General Purposes Committee.

Reason for Decision:  By virtue of the requirements contained in the Food Standards Act 1999 and the National Food Framework Agreement (FA), issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the Council was required to have an annual Service Plan in place. 

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety introduced the report and explained that the Council, as a statutory enforcement authority, had a duty to have in place an Annual Food Service Plan.  The Plan, known as the Commercial Safety Service Plan, also incorporated the Health and Safety Service Plan.

The Portfolio Holder added that health and safety aspects of the Plan fell within the remit of the Licensing and General Purposes Committee and these aspects would be considered by the Committee in due course.  He reported that voluntary enforcement action had increased due to a greater focus on non-compliant establishments and better use of staff.  The Service had elected to retain NI184 ‘Percentage of premises with the borough that were Broadly Compliant’ after it had been removed from the national list.  It was welcomed that 78% of premises were compliant against Harrow’s target of 74% and the focus was on the remainder 28% that were non-compliant.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Commercial Safety Service Plan for 2012/13 be approved as the Council’s Annual Food Service Plan for 2012/13;

(2)               it be noted that the health and safety service aspects of the Plan were subject to approval by Licensing and General Purposes Committee.

Reason for Decision:  By virtue of the requirements contained in the Food Standards Act 1999 and the National Food Framework Agreement (FA), issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the Council was required to have an annual Service Plan in place. 

Report of the Divisional Director Environmental Services.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the inclusion of the following organisations be agreed on a four year framework for a service to commence on 1 September 2012:

Biffa Waste Services Limited

Bywaters (Leyton) Ltd

Viridor Waste Management Limited;

(2)               the Head of Corporate Procurement and the Divisional Director of Environment, in liaison with the Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts, be authorised to undertake and award annual E-auctions or mini-competitions under the Framework Terms and Conditions.

Reason for Decision:  To enable cost effective disposal of materials collected by the Council that are suitable for recycling.

The Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts introduced the report, which set out the establishment of a Framework for the procurement of Material Recycling Services for the disposal of materials collected by the Council’s refuse collection services that were suitable for recycling.

The Portfolio Holder added that the Council was one of the first Councils in the country to adopt an income generation model for the processing and sale of dry recyclable waste, and there was now an opportunity to improve on the income previously received.  He thanked officers for their work and commended the report to Cabinet.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the inclusion of the following organisations be agreed on a four year framework for a service to commence on 1 September 2012:

Biffa Waste Services Limited

Bywaters (Leyton) Ltd

Viridor Waste Management Limited;

(2)               the Head of Corporate Procurement and the Divisional Director of Environment, in liaison with the Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts, be authorised to undertake and award annual E-auctions or mini-competitions under the Framework Terms and Conditions.

Reason for Decision:  To enable cost effective disposal of materials collected by the Council that are suitable for recycling.

Report of the Corporate Director Place Shaping.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To note the progress in line with the original decision of 19 January 2012 Cabinet meeting.

[Call-in does not apply]

Cabinet received an information report of the Corporate Director Place Shaping, which provided an update on the development of apprenticeship opportunities and the new provision for unemployed graduates which began in May 2012.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To note the progress in line with the original decision of 19 January 2012 Cabinet meeting.

[Call-in does not apply]

Report of the Corporate Director Place Shaping.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               it be agreed that Professional League Football Matches may be played at the Prince Edward Playing Fields, subject to agreement in respect of the conditions shown in Option 3 of the report and Commercial Terms;

(2)               authority be delegated to the Corporate Director Place Shaping, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts, and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration, to negotiate and determine necessary interventions and mitigation measures, to minimise as far as was reasonably practical, adverse impacts on the locality and to implement all necessary amendments to the Lease and the associated Service Level Agreement;

(3)               it be noted that the amendment to the Lease would permit Barnet Football Club to use the Prince Edward Playing Fields, The Hive, as their Home Ground, and that the amendment to the lease would apply solely to Barnet Football Club and may not be assigned;

(4)               authority be delegated to the Corporate Director Place Shaping, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and the Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts, to negotiate and determine commercial terms with the tenant, and to implement all necessary amendments to the Lease and the associated Service Level Agreement;

(5)               it be noted that the amended Lease and Service Level Agreement would not be completed, until all outstanding planning issues had been resolved. 

Reason for Decision:  To secure the further development of the Prince Edward Playing Fields, The Hive, as a Football Centre of excellence and hospitality venue, for the benefit of the entire community of Harrow and to help stimulate growth in the local economy.

Cabinet received a report of the Corporate Director Place Shaping, which set out the background to the development of the Prince Edward Playing Field, as The Hive Football Centre and sought determination of Barnet Football Club’s request for Professional League Football Matches to be allowed to be played at the facility.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration briefed Cabinet on the background to the proposal and the current situation, as detailed in the report.  He added that following extensive consultations, which included drop-in sessions, proposals were developed for a decision by Cabinet that evening which would involve an ‘in principle’ change to the terms of the existing lease agreement.  He acknowledged that a considerable number of concerns had been expressed and assured Cabinet that all concerns would be addressed before the lease was altered.

In response to questions from the Portfolio Holder for Finance, the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration replied that further discussions would take place with local Ward Councillors and traffic officers with a view to alleviating parking problems experienced by residents.  He added that the problems were mainly during the weekend when the existing Controlled Parking Zone(s) were not in operation.  There was an added problem of match days at Wembley Stadium in Brent when football fans used areas of Harrow to park their vehicles and travel by public transport to Wembley Stadium.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance was re-assured by the response and identified Camrose Avenue as one of the many roads that was affected.  He was pleased that the terms of the lease would be strengthened and indicated his support for the proposal.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration referred to the current lease and stated that an amended new lease would allow more control over the number of matches played at the site.

The Leader of the Council thanked residents for their participation in this matter in the form of public questions submitted to the meeting.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               it be agreed that Professional League Football Matches may be played at the Prince Edward Playing Fields, subject to agreement in respect of the conditions shown in Option 3 of the report and Commercial Terms;

(2)               authority be delegated to the Corporate Director Place Shaping, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts, and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration, to negotiate and determine necessary interventions and mitigation measures, to minimise as far as was reasonably practical, adverse impacts on the locality and to implement all necessary amendments to the Lease and the associated Service Level Agreement;

(3)               it be noted that the amendment to the Lease would permit Barnet Football Club to use the Prince Edward Playing Fields, The Hive, as their Home Ground, and that the amendment to the lease would apply solely to Barnet Football Club and may not be assigned;

(4)               authority be delegated to the Corporate Director Place Shaping, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and the Portfolio Holder for Property  ...  view the full minutes text for item 473.

Report of the Corporate Director Place Shaping.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Community Infrastructure Levy Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule, at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved for a six week period of public consultation in accordance with the Council’s adopted Statement of Community Involvement;

(2)               the Divisional Director of Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration, be authorised to approve the consultation documents which will accompany the Community Infrastructure Levy Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule.

Reason for Decision:  To commence the process of preparing and adopting a CIL Charging Schedule that will enable the Council to charge CIL on new development to help pay for social and physical infrastructure within the Borough. 

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration provided introduced the report and provided a summary of the process involved in preparing the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule and the key evidence that supported it.  

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Community Infrastructure Levy Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule, at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved for a six week period of public consultation in accordance with the Council’s adopted Statement of Community Involvement;

(2)               the Divisional Director of Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration, be authorised to approve the consultation documents which will accompany the Community Infrastructure Levy Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule.

Reason for Decision:  To commence the process of preparing and adopting a CIL Charging Schedule that will enable the Council to charge CIL on new development to help pay for social and physical infrastructure within the Borough. 

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

RESOLVED: At 9.50 pm to continue until 10.30 pm, at 10.28pm to continue until 10.45 pm or earlier upon the conclusion of business.

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(s) for the reasons set out below:

RESOLVED:  That the appendix be noted.

Reason for Decision: To allow the appendix to be considered in conjunction

with the main report at agenda item 18.