Agenda, decisions and minutes

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 Cabinet; and

(b)               all other Members present.

RESOLVED:  To note that there were no declarations of interests made by Members.

That the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 19 July 2012 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2012, be taken as read and signed as a correct record, subject to the following amendment:

Minute 465, Response to Overview and Scrutiny Committee Report ‘Redefining Youth Engagement’, paragraph 5, to delete the word 'social' in line 7 and to add the following after 'skills':

'It was important to ensure that engagement activities were crucial 'progression routes' to employment because of the soft skills young people gain, which employers were demanding.  It was the links between engagement and progression routes to jobs that were the most important factors because what young people told the Review was that what they wanted most was: Council influence and a prospect of a job when they left school'.

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

RESOLVED: To note that the following petition was received and referred to the Divisional Director of Environmental Services:

Yeading Avenue – Petition for a gate for the service road

Councillor William Stoodley submitted a petition on behalf of Councillor Krishna Suresh with the following terms of reference:

“This is a petition for a gate to be installed by the Council for the service road behind our houses.  We will pay for a gate key each so that we can have access to the road.”

The petition was signed by 10 residents of Yeading Avenue, Rayners Lane, Harrow urging the Council to help protect their properties from burglaries and flytipping.

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 10 September 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.

2.

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

Questions will be asked in the order agreed with the relevant Group Leader by the deadline for submission and there be a time limit of 15 minutes.

[The deadline for receipt of Councillor questions is 3.00 pm, Monday 10 September 2012].

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

1.

2.

The Deputy leader of the Council informed Cabinet that reports relating to ‘Strategic Review of Learning Disability Accommodation, ‘Revenue and Capital Monitoring for Quarter 1’ and ‘Public Realm Integrated Services Model’ had not been included on the September Forward Plan.  He added that the Chairman of Overview and Scrutiny Committee had been notified that these items would be included on this Cabinet agenda.

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

For consideration.

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

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)

That the Community Safety Plan be adopted.

Reason for Decision:  To meet with the statutory requirement for the Council to adopt a Community Safety Plan, which forms part of the Policy Framework.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  As set out in the officer report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  None.

[Call-in does not apply, as the decision is reserved to Council]

Cabinet received a report of the Assistant Chief Executive, setting out a joint response of the Council, the Police and Partners to the crime and anti-social behaviour issues identified in the Strategic Assessment as well as broadening the definition of community safety by including other aspects of safety, such as: safeguarding vulnerable adults and young people, addressing domestic violence, hate crime and community tensions and helping people recover from abuse of drugs and/or alcohol.

An officer informed Cabinet that the Community Safety Plan was a statutory requirement for the Council to approve each year in response to the Strategic Assessment, which looked at the previous year’s crime statistics with a view to formulating a Plan to reduce crime in the borough.  The priorities identified for 2012/13 were: residential burglary, robbery and antisocial behaviour.

The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing welcomed the Community Safety Plan and the particular reference given to domestic violence which had not been included in previous Plans.  She congratulated officers and the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety in this regard.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)

That the Community Safety Plan be adopted.

Reason for Decision:  To meet with the statutory requirement for the Council to adopt a Community Safety Plan, which forms part of the Policy Framework.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  As set out in the officer report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  None.

[Call-in does not apply, as the decision is reserved to Council]

Reference from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 18 July 2012.

RESOLVED:  That the Divisional Director of Housing Services submit a report to the October 2012 meeting of Cabinet responding to the recommendations of the Review Group.

Reason for Decision:  To consider a response to the recommendations of the Review Group.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  None.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  None.

RESOLVED:  That the report of the Scrutiny Review Group be welcomed and the Divisional Director of Housing Services submit a report to the October 2012 meeting of Cabinet responding to the recommendations of the Review Group.

Reason for Decision:  To consider a response to the recommendations of the Review Group.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  None.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  None.

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive.

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

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

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  None.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  None.

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 identified areas where performance had been exceptional.  Of particular note were:

Adults’ Services

·                     the Reablement Service continued to show positive outcomes and 96% of respondents had rated overall satisfaction with the service as satisfactory. Good or very good;

·                     97% of those surveyed in the quarter 1 had agreed that Personalisation of services had improved their quality of life.

Housing Services

·                     a Tenant Scrutiny Panel had been established to promote resident involvement;

·                     a new Grants Scheme for landlords was launched to increase supply and tackle disrepairs.

Community and Cultural Services

·                     the borough had proudly received the prestigious Olympic Torch Relay and was proud of the achievements of Team GB in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Portfolio Holder for Community and Cultural Services agreed with these sentiments and outlined many other successes leading to the London 2012 Olympic Games, such as the London Youth Games for which Harrow had received the most improved score, improve adult participation rates leading up to the Olympic Games, including greater awareness of disability, and increased participation rates in swimming.  He added that a great deal of work in these areas would feed into both the housing and adult service areas.

Children’s Services

·                     a new operating model had gone ‘live’ and continued to bed down;

·                     the incorporation of a children’s access team with a multi-agency safeguarding hub had been well received and supported by Harrow’s Borough Commander.

Environment

·                     in relation to the recycling rates, Harrow was one of the top performing boroughs;

·                     the development and implementation of the Public Realm Integrated Service Management (PRISM) Project was on schedule;

·                     the Neighbourhood Champions Scheme was being expanded with training session planned during September 2012 following a recruitment drive.

Place Shaping

·                     a suite of planning documents, including the Heart of Harrow Area Action Plan had provided a confident base of significant strategic planning decisions which were expected to bring considerable investment in the borough;

·                     a contract with JobCentre Plus was providing work experience for unemployed graduates.

Resources

·                     Access Harrow had retained the prestigious Cabinet Office Customer Service Excellence Standard for the fourth year running;

·                     customer satisfaction with the One Stop Shop remained high;

·                     the MJ Award winning MyHarrow Account continued to grow;

·                     the Shared Legal Practice was in place.

The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services added that without the Council’s Transformation programme in place, it would not have been possible to meet the MTFS targets.  He added that the Mobile and Flexible Working implementation continued to progress, the Modernising of Terms and Conditions of Employment proposals had received the approval of staff.  Equality Objectives adopted during 2012 continued to help measure progress by the use of data collected for scorecards.

In conclusion, the Portfolio Holder stated that, overall, the Council was performing well whilst facing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 487.

Joint Report of the Assistant Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the proposals for Healthwatch nationally be noted;

(2)               the progress made at the local level to set up Local Healthwatch in Harrow be noted;

(3)               a contract be awarded for a 2-year period to commence on 1 April 2013 at a cost within the funding for Local Healthwatch provided by the Department of Health;

(4)               the Assistant Chief Executive be authorised to determine the procurement process for advocacy services in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing and Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services;

(5)               the Assistant Chief Executive be authorised to award the contract in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing and Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services;

(6)               10% of the Department of Health Grant be retained to fund the additional Council responsibilities associated with Local Healthwatch.

Reason for Decision:  The meet the Council’s legal obligations for the tender process for a local Healthwatch.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  As set out in the officer report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  None.

An officer introduced the joint report of the Assistant Chief Executive and the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing, which explained that the Local Healthwatch would be the new local health and social care watchdog that would represent the views of local residents of all ages, advocating and influencing the delivery and commissioning of health and social care services on their behalf.

Cabinet was informed that, under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, the Council had a duty to commission a fully operational Local Healthwatch by April 2013.  National guidance specified the key functions that a Local Healthwatch must deliver, but left the local specification up to local authorities to determine the best model to meet the needs of their local residents.

The officer explained the current situation and how complaints advocacy could be shaped in various ways, including buying into a pan-London concept.  He added that a decision in this regard would need to be taken during September as a result of which a delegation was being sought from Cabinet.

The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing stated that the success of Healthwatch was important and the contribution from the community was an important factor to its success.

The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services added that the consultation had been wide.  In terms of how complaints advocacy was delivered a balancing act would need to be struck, as delivering an individual borough service could be costly.  It was important that Healthwatch was run by local groups.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the proposals for Healthwatch nationally be noted;

(2)               the progress made at the local level to set up Local Healthwatch in Harrow be noted;

(3)               a contract be awarded for a 2-year period to commence on 1 April 2013 at a cost within the funding for Local Healthwatch provided by the Department of Health;

(4)               the Assistant Chief Executive be authorised to determine the procurement process for advocacy services in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing and Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services;

(5)               the Assistant Chief Executive be authorised to award the contract in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing and Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services;

(6)               10% of the Department of Health Grant be retained to fund the additional Council responsibilities associated with Local Healthwatch.

Reason for Decision:  The meet the Council’s legal obligations for the tender process for a local Healthwatch.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  As set out in the officer report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  None.

Report of the Corporate Director of Resources.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               as a result of the evaluation of the tendering exercise, the contract be awarded to Newlyn plc and Chandlers Limited;

(2)               it be noted that there were no other tenderers;

(3)               it be noted that there would be a 10-day cooling off period following the decision before the agreements were formally fully signed;

(4)               the Director of Legal and Governance Services be authorised to sign the contracts on behalf of the Council;

(5)               it be noted that the ongoing management of the contract was delegated, under existing authorities, to the Divisional Director of Collections and Housing Benefits within the Resources Directorate.

Reason for Decision:  To obtain approval to enter into a contract for an initial 3 years and with an extension for up to 5 years depending on performance.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  None.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  None.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance introduced the report, which set out the outcome following a recent tendering exercise for a bailiff contract.  He added that terms of the contract would provide support to the vulnerable and encapsulated the recommendations of the Debt Recovery Scrutiny Review Group.

Cabinet also considered a confidential appendix and

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               as a result of the evaluation of the tendering exercise, the contract be awarded to Newlyn plc and Chandlers Limited;

(2)               it be noted that there were no other tenderers;

(3)               it be noted that there would be a 10-day cooling off period following the decision before the agreements were formally fully signed;

(4)               the Director of Legal and Governance Services be authorised to sign the contracts on behalf of the Council;

(5)               it be noted that the ongoing management of the contract was delegated, under existing authorities, to the Divisional Director of Collections and Housing Benefits within the Resources Directorate.

Reason for Decision:  To obtain approval to enter into a contract for an initial 3 years and with an extension for up to 5 years depending on performance.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  None.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  None.

Joint Report of the Corporate Director of Resources and Assistant Chief Executive.

RESOLVED:  That the timetable at appendix 1 to the report be noted and the strategy for closing future funding gaps at appendix 2 be approved.

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

Alternative Options considered and rejected: None.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  None.

Cabinet received a joint report of the Corporate Director of Resources and the Assistant Chief Executive, which set out the framework for the development of the new Corporate Plan and Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2013-14 to 2016-17, in line with the Council’s strategy to utilise a greater commissioning approach in making future service decisions.

The Portfolio Holders for Finance; Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services and Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing set out the national context and the challenges facing the Council, as follows:

·                     budget cuts by central government were putting pressures on Councils;

·                     cuts in benefits could result in a significant increase in homelessness which would put pressures on the Council’s own budgets. That. whilst the homelessness figures were currently low due to innovative ideas, the long term prospects would be challenging;

·                     that, in order to reduce costs and pressures on the budget, Harrow Council was exploring the sharing of services amongst boroughs, including collaboration, together with different ways of delivering services which were outcome based and implementing a commercial approach to help drive down costs whilst raising revenue;

·                     people were living longer and there would be more pressures on the Council to meet their needs;

·                     changes in welfare benefits and employment law would impact on the Councils advsersely;

·                     that Harrow would be hosting the Shared Public Health Service with Barnet Council with the Director of Public Health being employed by the Harrow Council.

RESOLVED:  That the timetable at appendix 1 to the report be noted and the strategy for closing future funding gaps at appendix 2 be approved.

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

Alternative Options considered and rejected: None.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  None.

Report of the Corporate Director of Resources.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Revenue and Capital forecast outturn position at end of June 2012 be noted;

(2)               the virement detailed in paragraph32 of the report be approved;  

(3)               the changes to the Capital Programme, set out in paragraph 34, be approved.

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

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  None.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  None.

Cabinet received a report of the Corporate Director of Resources setting out the Council’s revenue and capital monitoring position as at 30 June 2012.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance referred to a small forecast overspend in the revenue budget but was confident that this would be managed in-year.  He was pleased to report that, following Council decision to change the Council’s Counterparty Policy in February 2012, an additional income of £180k had been generated.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Revenue and Capital forecast outturn position at end of June 2012 be noted;

(2)               the virement detailed in paragraph32 of the report be approved;  

(3)               the changes to the Capital Programme, set out in paragraph 34, be approved.

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

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  None.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  None.

Report of the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the development of a Model for Care and Support within the residential care homes provided by the borough be approved with the Model focusing on providing high quality, individually tailored support to service users who are most vulnerable;

(2)               it be noted that through the development and implementation of this new Service Model the Council expects to achieve between £600k and £1m towards the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) savings of £2.25m from residential services;

(3)               a formal consultation exercise be carried out on service proposals with current service users, their families and potential users of services, for example, young people and their families in transition from children to adult services;

(4)               staff and unions be consulted on the proposals for each service;

(5)               the Corporate Director for Community Health and Wellbeing be authorised, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Adults Social Care, Health and Wellbeing to:

·                     design and implement the consultation plan for residents, families, staff and unions

·                     undertake more detailed work to fully develop the Model of Respite Care to ensure that it has the most positive impact

·                     prepare a final report with the results of the consultation and detailed recommendations for consideration by Cabinet in February 2013.

Reason for Decision:  To develop a new model for in-house care and support for people with learning disabilities that would:

·                     enable local residential service provision for adults with learning disabilities that responded to current and future demand for specialist residential services

·                     contribute to the achievement of MTFS savings of £2.275m in relation to residential care

·                     ensure that meaningful consultation was carried out prior to the reconfiguration of in-house residential services

·                     consider whether there were any residents who may be supported to live more independently.

Alternative Options considered and rejected: As set out in the officer report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  None.

The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing introduced the report, proposing a review of six residential care services for people with learning disabilities provided by the Council.  She added that the report contained proposals for the model of care and support that was needed in the future, ensuring that local needs are met in the most effective way possible.  The aim was to deliver a modernised service that offered improved outcomes and provided value for money, including savings.

The Portfolio Holder added that the proposals would form one part of an emerging Community Living Strategy and would link together a range of support and accommodation services designed to support adults with social care needs to live independently within the community.  She added that the Review would focus on the most vulnerable in the community with a view to providing care and support to allow them to live independently, whilst achieving savings for the Council.

Cabinet was informed that consultation would be wide and would include staff and unions.  The purpose was to ensure a better service delivery model for all those with learning difficulties.

Cabinet also considered a confidential appendix and

RESOLVED: That

(1)               the development of a Model for Care and Support within the residential care homes provided by the borough be approved with the Model focusing on providing high quality, individually tailored support to service users who are most vulnerable;

(2)               it be noted that through the development and implementation of this new Service Model the Council expects to achieve between £600k and £1m towards the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) savings of £2.25m from residential services;

(3)               a formal consultation exercise be carried out on service proposals with current service users, their families and potential users of services, for example, young people and their families in transition from children to adult services;

(4)               staff and unions be consulted on the proposals for each service;

(5)               the Corporate Director for Community Health and Wellbeing be authorised, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing to:

·                     design and implement the consultation plan for residents, families, staff and unions

·                     undertake more detailed work to fully develop the Model of Respite Care to ensure that it has the most positive impact

·                     prepare a final report with the results of the consultation and detailed recommendations for consideration by Cabinet in February 2013.

Reason for Decision:  To develop a new model for in-house care and support for people with learning disabilities that would:

·                     enable local residential service provision for adults with learning disabilities that responded to current and future demand for specialist residential services

·                     contribute to the achievement of MTFS savings of £2.275m in relation to residential care

·                     ensure that meaningful consultation was carried out prior to the reconfiguration of in-house residential services

·                     consider whether there were any residents who may be supported to live more independently.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  As set out in the officer report.

Conflict of Interest relating to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 492.

Report of the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the proposed Outcome Based Grant funding principles, application and administration process for 2013/14 and future years, as outlined in paragraphs 2.2.1 and 2.2.4 to 2.2.9, of the report be approved;

(2)               the ring-fencing of £75,000 of the grants budget in 2013/14 to support the development of a new infrastructure support service for voluntary organisations, as outlined in paragraph 2.2.8 of the report, be approved;

(3)               the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Community and Cultural Services, take into consideration the tabled recommendation from the Grants Advisory Panel meeting held on 11 September 2012 and be authorised to administer the process and determine final allocations between the Outcomes Based Grants and Small Grants Programmes, as outlined above and in paragraph 2.9.2 of the report.

Reason for Decision:  To distribute Council grant funding to Voluntary Sector organisations in 2013/14 and future years.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  As set out in the officer report. Option 1 was rejected.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  None.

The Portfolio Holder for Community and Cultural Services introduced the report, which set out the new application process for the distribution of Council grant funding, previously the Main Grants Programme, to Voluntary Sector organisations during 2013/14 and future years.

The Portfolio Holder added that the core outcomes had been developed corporately, based on assessment of activity, consultation, equalities impacts and needs analysis.  The outcomes selected for the Outcome Based Grants process had been consulted on and reflected the types of services that had traditionally been funded through the Main Grants Programme.  The Council also proposed to continue to offer an annual small grants scheme for smaller organisations.  The application processes and timetable for both schemes were based on the existing application process, incorporating feedback from consultations.  Information sessions, and other support for organisations would be offered in the application process, including an appeals process for both funding streams.

Feedback from the voluntary sector indicated an ongoing need for support with fundraising, capacity building and recruitment of volunteers.  An interim support service had been in place since October 2011 and those services had been monitored by an Interim Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) Board.  The Board consisted of both Council and voluntary sector representatives.  The Board had developed a draft specification for a new, permanent service.  To support the development of this new service it was proposed that £75,000 of the budget in 2013/14 be ringfenced to fund any proposals that were received from local groups wishing to provide this service.  In addition the Council would be working separately with the voluntary sector in Harrow to determine the kind of support that was required and the skills that could be developed to deliver this, using local resources.

The Portfolio Holder added that the aim of the Outcome Based Grants and small grants report was to ensure that organisations delivered services that the Council had identified as a priority, that local organisations were offered sustainability and smaller organisations supported.  Hewas of the view that this process would have a positive impact on equalities, in terms of providing an improved funding model to support the diverse voluntary and community sector in Harrow to deliver to the needs of its diverse communitiies. 

In summing up, the Portfolio Holder referred to the tabled recommendation from the Grant Advisory Panel meeting held on 11 September and undertook to take into account the recommendations on the assessment process.  He moved an amendment to the recommendation to Cabinet and it was

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the proposed Outcome Based Grant funding principles, application and administration process for 2013/14 and future years, as outlined in paragraphs 2.2.1 and 2.2.4 to 2.2.9, of the report be approved;

(2)               the ring-fencing of £75,000 of the grants budget in 2013/14 to support the development of a new infrastructure support service for voluntary organisations, as outlined in paragraph 2.2.8 of the report, be approved;

(3)               the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing, in conjunction with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 493.

Report of the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing.

RESOLVED:  That Cabinet supports and approves the proposed restructure, which included the following key changes:

(1)               a move away from one designated Warden per Scheme, which includes removal of the remaining 5 resident warden posts;

(2)               fund enhanced Housing Management Services through a service charge.

Reason for Decision:  To improve service delivery and facilitate a reduction in Supporting People funding over the next 3 years (to deliver a £200,000 in savings to Adults as set out in the MTFS). 

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  As set out in the officer report. Option of retaining the status quo was rejected.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  None.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing introduced the report, which proposed a restructure of the Sheltered Housing Service.

The Portfolio Holder added that providing support and housing management services enabled Sheltered Housing tenants to live independently in their own homes.  The process also helped improve and maintain their quality of life and the proposals were intended to improve support for the vulnerable and their lives by giving choice and control in the services they used.  The proposals would also help achieve savings.

Members were briefed of the current situation and informed that retaining the status quo was not an option.  A restructured service would provide flexibility and enhance service provision.  Moreover, resident and non-resident wardens worked to different job descriptions and were on different pay scales.  It was essential that the Service was restructured due to a reduction in the grant received with the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) having to meet any shortfall.

The Portfolio Holder added that the proposals would address various issues, such as staff working in isolation by the creation of a central hub, tenants feeling vulnerable when staff were on vacation.  He referred to a transition period and a further 12 month review to enable the Council to review any operational arrangements.  Moreover, he acknowledged the changes in welfare benefits which would also impact on the Council but the service charge proposed as part of the proposals was considered to be fair and would withstand scrutiny.

The Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing acknowledged that the proposal would result in major changes for the wardens and it was important that staff were supported and organisational change was managed.

RESOLVED:  That Cabinet supports and approves the proposed restructure, which included the following key changes:

(1)               a move away from one designated Warden per Scheme, which includes removal of the remaining 5 resident warden posts;

(2)               fund enhanced Housing Management Services through a service charge.

Reason for Decision:  To improve service delivery and facilitate a reduction in Supporting People funding over the next 3 years (to deliver a £200,000 in savings to Adults as set out in the MTFS). 

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  As set out in the officer report. Option of retaining the status quo was rejected.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  None.

Report of the Divisional Director for Environment.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the implementation of the Transformation Project for the Public Realm Integrated Services Model, as set out in the Full Business Case, be agreed;

(2)               the Corporate Director of Environment and Enterprise, in liaison with the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety, take the necessary actions to implement the Project.

Reason for Decision:  To achieve the savings targets agreed previously in the MTFS and transform the services covered by the Project.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  As set out in appendix 2 of the officer report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  None.

The Divisional Director of Environmental Services introduced the report, which set out a summary of the full business case developed for the Public Realm Integrated Services Management (PRISM) transformation project intended to change the arrangements for service delivery in the Environment Division of the Directorate of Environment and Enterprise.  The proposals would also achieve savings for 2013/14 previously identified in the Medium Term Financial Strategy. Cabinet also considered a confidential appendix setting out the full business case for the proposals.

The Divisional Director added that the proposals, if approved, would entail in an increased use of new technology which would also help ensure a greater presence and visibility on the borough’s streets, reduce the number of staff employed although front line service would be protected, and a different way of working.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Enterprise, corrected the reference to the Trading Standards service in paragraph 7 on page 459 of the agenda.  The service was described as outsourced to Brent, but it was in fact a formal partnership between Harrow and Brent Councils, hosted by Brent.  The Portfolio Holder asked how the project impacted on Service Standards.

The Divisional Director acknowledged the correction made and, in relation to the question, replied that the project protected current Service Standards and would introduce greater efficiency and performance management, thereby improving value for money.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the implementation of the Transformation Project for the Public Realm Integrated Services Model, as set out in the Full Business Case, be agreed;

(2)               the Corporate Director of Environment and Enterprise, in liaison with the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety, take the necessary actions to implement the Project.

Reason for Decision:  To achieve the savings targets agreed previously in the MTFS and transform the services covered by the Project.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  As set out in appendix 2 of the officer report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  None.

Report of the Corporate Director of Place Shaping.

RESOLVED:  That Corporate Director Place Shaping, in conjunction with the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts, be authorised to approve the leasing of the Community Resource Centre at 27 Northolt Road to Carramea on the terms outlined in paragraph 14 of the report together with any other terms considered appropriate.

Reason for Decision:  To permit the continued operation of Community Resource Centre at 27 Northolt Road as a Community Premises.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  As set out in the officer report. Option 1 was rejected.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  None.

The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts introduced the report, which sets out proposals and terms for leasing Community Resource Centre at 27 Northolt Road to Carramea.  He thanked the work done by the Portfolio Holder for Community and Cultural Services in bringing the proposal to fruition and stated that the proposals would ensure that the property remained available to community organisations and the cost to the Council would reduce.

RESOLVED:  That Corporate Director Place Shaping, in conjunction with the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Property and Major Contracts, be authorised to approve the leasing of the Community Resource Centre at 27 Northolt Road to Carramea on the terms outlined in paragraph 14 of the report together with any other terms considered appropriate.

Reason for Decision:  To permit the continued operation of Community Resource Centre at 27 Northolt Road as a Community Premises.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  As set out in the officer report. Option 1 was rejected.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  None.

Appendix 3 to the report of the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing at item 14.

RESOLVED:  That appendix 3 be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To allow the appendix to be considered in conjunction with the main report at agenda item 14.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  As set out under item 14.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  As set out under item 14.

RESOLVED:  That appendix 3 be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To allow the appendix to be considered in conjunction with the main report at agenda item 14.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  As set out under item 14.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  As set out under item 14.

Appendix 2 to the report of the Divisional Director for Environment at item 17.

RESOLVED:  That appendix 2 be noted.

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

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  As set out under item 17.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  As set out under item 17.

RESOLVED:  That appendix 2 be noted.

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

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  As set out under item 17.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  As set out under item 17.

Appendix A to the report of the Corporate Director of Resources at item 11.

RESOLVED:  That appendix A be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To allow the appendix to be considered in conjunction with the main report at agenda item 11.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  As set out under item 11.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  As set out under item 11.

RESOLVED:  That appendix A be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To allow the appendix to be considered in conjunction with the main report at agenda item 11.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  As set out under item 11.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation granted:  As set out under item 11