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 the following interest was declared:

Agenda Item 9 – Response to Scrutiny Review of Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Self Financing

Councillor Barry Macleod-Cullinane declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he had participated in the Standing Scrutiny Review of the Budget (HRA) and that he was employed by London Councils Ltd., which had lobbied on the HRA ceiling that Harrow was receiving.  He remained in the room and, in his capacity as Chairman of the Standing Scrutiny Review of the Budget (HRA), participated in the discussion on this matter.

That the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 13 December 2012 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 13 December 2012, be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

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

Grant to Harrow Young Musicians - Petition

Dr Shah, a local resident, presented a petition, signed by 1,890 people, with the following terms of reference:

“Harrow Young Musicians (HYM) organises musical activities for young people who live in and around Harrow.  It has gained an enviable reputation for music making to a high level in a lively and friendly atmosphere.

Harrow Council is currently considering a proposal to withdraw, completely, the grant to HYM.

Without funding, HYM will cease to exist, or at least, as we know it.  The Music School has always stood by the idea that its opportunities should be available to as many young people as possible, regardless of expense.  If it were to remain open after losing the grant, the marked increase in fees necessary to sustain HYM would destroy the whole ethos that it has worked so hard to build with the obvious benefits of such a scheme this is an ethos Harrow itself should be whole-heartedly endorsing.

HYM is not just a place to play incredible music.  It is a place to make some great friends and share wonderful experiences.  HYM is a truly remarkable organisation; it is a community of students, teachers, helpers, parents.  It is an organisation that has benefited the wider community, and it would be a travesty to let it close.”

The petition asked "Please sign the petition if you do not agree with the proposed funding cut to HYM by Harrow Council.”

Dr Shah informed Cabinet that additional signatures would be sent to the clerk in due course.  She also presented comments received from those who had signed the petition.

RESOLVED:  That the petition be received and referred to the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing and the Portfolio Holder for Community and Cultural Services.

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, 17 January 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, 17 January 2012].

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

1.

2. 

3.

Cabinet considered the Key Decision Schedule for January to March 2013 that included an item on ‘HRA Budget 2013/14 and MTFS 2014/15 to 2016/17’ for January, which had been deferred to February 2013 Cabinet meeting.

RESOLVED: To note the contents of the Key Decision Schedule for January 2013.

To appoint Councillor Zarina Khalid as Chairman of the Forum.

RESOLVED:  That Councillor Zarina Khalid be appointed Chairman of the Education Strategy Consultative Forum.

For consideration.

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

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

RESOLVED:  That the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To receive comments as part of the consultation process.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  None.

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

[Call-in does not apply].

Cabinet received comments from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 18 December 2012 on the draft Climate Change Action Plan and the draft Delivering Warmer Homes report’ which were currently subject to public consultation.

RESOLVED:  That the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To receive comments as part of the consultation process.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  None.

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

[Call-in does not apply].

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

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

Reason for Decision: To enable the response to the recommendations to be formalised.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  None.

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

[Call-in does not apply].

Cabinet received a report of the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing responding to the comments and recommendations made by members of the Standing Scrutiny Review of the Budget in relation to the self?financing of the Housing Revenue Account.

The Leader of the Council invited the Chairman of the Review Group to address Cabinet.

The Chairman of the Review Group set out the background to the Review Group’s report, which had resulted from the change in government policy on the Housing Revenue Account.  The change had enabled local authorities to ‘buy out’ from the HRA, an option taken by the Council.  In so doing, the Council had taken on a debt in the region of £88.5m to be paid over a period of 50 years, whilst other authorities, such as Wandsworth Council, which the Review Group had visited during the review, would be paying their debt over a shorter timescale of 13 years.  Such a course of action would result in a less tax burden for its residents.  The Review Group was therefore concerned about the approach taken by Harrow. 

The Chairman of the Review Group also commended Wandsworth Council’s Hidden Homes Strategy, which would result in finding pockets of space that could be converted to provide additional housing in the borough by leveraging. Harrow’s Housing Action Plan, which made reference to the Hidden Homes Strategy had not been actioned and he considered this to be a missed opportunity for residents of Harrow.  Additionally, Harrow’s housing stock was small and any increase in Right to Buy would leave Harrow’s residents in a vulnerable position.  Moreover, opportunities for stock transfers needed to be examined by the Council.

The Review Group had also considered the scope of working with other authorities through a shared service approach.  The Chairman of the Review Group added that, perhaps, Harrow’s Housing Service ought to be shared with another borough in order to achieve economies of scale and improve the quality of life of residents.  He added that the Council ought to encourage and advise residents on how they could purchase properties in order to meet its obligations as a borough of opportunity and aspiration.

Additionally, the income of the HRA and servicing of the debt would have implications for rents charged for social housing stock.  The Review Group had noted that the quality and valuation of homes would be looked at and it had noted that plans were afoot to look at rent revaluation which would help service the debt.  Consideration ought to be given to the implication of a revaluation, which would result in a higher ceiling on debt.  With regard to this, the Council would benefit from joint working with other boroughs and leveraging of private finance would help improve the Council’s housing stock.

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The Council also needed to ensure that the coalition government’s welfare reforms would not impact adversely on the vulnerable and marginalise members of the community.  Particular reference was made to the Council’s bailiff  ...  view the full minutes text for item 572.

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

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               consultation to include steps to rationalise internal Day Services provision in line with spare capacity identified and in order to deliver the MTFS target of £600k in a year be approved;

(2)               through consultation be developed with relevant stakeholders, including service users, carers, staff and Unions, including a long-term vision for a transformed model for day opportunities for people with learning disabilities, physical disability and sensory impairment and older people in Harrow;

(3)               alternative models for day opportunities be considered and a range of options that increase opportunities for social inclusion, maximise choice and control, improve health and well-being, increase employability and deliver efficiencies be developed;

(4)               the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder(s), be authorised to:

o                   design and implement the consultation plan for service users, carers and families, staff, Unions and other key stakeholders;

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

Reason for Decision:  Involvement of key stakeholders was a central aspect of this review which aimed to ensure that services were strategically aligned and financially affordable for the future.

To further develop the way that Day Services work in the borough.  To establish a service model that supports the government’s ambition to offer personal budgets to at least 70% of service users with a strong focus on Direct Payments by 2013; deliver £600k revenue savings over 2013/14 and 2014/15; support greater integration of health and social care services in order to develop improved, seamless, preventative services; develop a continuum of services that service users would want to buy, which responds to the prevention agenda and support independence and inclusion; enable people to purchase these through the Council’s on-line social care portal; promote diversity and quality in the provision or services including increasing culturally specific services, in line with the Care and Support Bill; respond to the changing demographic profile of people who use Day Services; encourage communities to take an increasingly prominent role in supporting vulnerable groups through the development of community capacity and social capital – breaking down barriers and moving towards greater social inclusion; ensure that the Council uses the buildings available in the most effective and efficient ways; support staff delivering services and offer greater job satisfaction and job security.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  To do nothing by continuing to provide and commission services as done currently.

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, which set out a vision for the Transformation of Day Services in Harrow and approval to consult on the proposals.  The review concentrated on all services used by the borough, including seven Day Centres provided by the Council.

The Portfolio Holder added that the consultation would commence in February and last until May with the outcome being reported to Cabinet in July 2013 for decision.  The consultation period would provide ample opportunity for all stakeholders to be involved in the process.  She highlighted why changes were needed, as follows: the high number of personalised budgets in Harrow; demographic changes; the need to ensure that services provided were sustainable for the future, including how communities could help the vulnerable; to allow social workers to carry outcomes forward in a positive and complimentary way.

The Portfolio Holder commended the report to Cabinet.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               consultation to include steps to rationalise internal Day Services provision in line with spare capacity identified and in order to deliver the MTFS target of £600k in a year be approved;

(2)               through consultation be developed with relevant stakeholders, including service users, carers, staff and Unions, including a long-term vision for a transformed model for day opportunities for people with learning disabilities, physical disability and sensory impairment and older people in Harrow;

(3)               alternative models for day opportunities be considered and a range of options that increase opportunities for social inclusion, maximise choice and control, improve health and well-being, increase employability and deliver efficiencies be developed;

(4)               the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder(s), be authorised to:

o                   design and implement the consultation plan for service users, carers and families, staff, Unions and other key stakeholders;

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

Reason for Decision:  Involvement of key stakeholders was a central aspect of this review which aimed to ensure that services were strategically aligned and financially affordable for the future.

To further develop the way that Day Services work in the borough.  To establish a service model that supports the government’s ambition to offer personal budgets to at least 70% of service users with a strong focus on Direct Payments by 2013; deliver £600k revenue savings over 2013/14 and 2014/15; support greater integration of health and social care services in order to develop improved, seamless, preventative services; develop a continuum of services that service users would want to buy, which responds to the prevention agenda and support independence and inclusion; enable people to purchase these through the Council’s on-line social care portal; promote diversity and quality in the provision or services including increasing culturally specific services, in line with the Care and Support Bill; respond to the changing demographic profile of people who use Day Services; encourage communities to take an increasingly prominent role in supporting vulnerable groups  ...  view the full minutes text for item 573.

Report of the Corporate Director of Resources.

RESOLVED:  That, having considered the information given in the report, the following be agreed:

(1)               the Non Domestic Rates (NDR) estimates and calculations be calculated in accordance with the draft regulations, as follows:

(2)               the above information be provided to the Secretary of State and Greater London Authority (GLA) by 31 January 2013.

Reason for Decision:  To fulfill the Council’s anticipated statutory obligation to provide estimates and calculations in relation to NDR for 2013/14.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  None.

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

[Call-in does not apply].

Cabinet received a report of the Corporate Director of Resources, which set out the changes to the way non domestic rates (NDR) were distributed from 1 April 2013 as a result of the Local Government Finance Act 2012.  The draft regulations required billing authorities to formally calculate the estimated level of NDR it anticipated collecting for 2013/14 and pass this information to the Secretary of State and precepting authorities by 31 January 2013. 

The Portfolio Holder for Finance reported that an element of the Act was a Business Rate Retention (BRR) scheme which was aimed at giving Councils autonomy and a greater stake in the economic future of their local area.  The Portfolio Holder explained that the Council would only be able to keep 30% of the business rates collected and the government’s intention was to incentivise local government to promote and facilitate business growth in their areas.  He added that the BRR scheme was complex.

RESOLVED:  That, having considered the information given in the report, the following be agreed:

(1)               the Non Domestic Rates (NDR) estimates and calculations be calculated in accordance with the draft regulations, as follows:

(2)               the above information be provided to the Secretary of State and Greater London Authority (GLA) by 31 January 2013.

Reason for Decision:  To fulfill the Council’s anticipated statutory obligation to provide estimates and calculations in relation to NDR for 2013/14.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  None.

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

[Call-in does not apply].

Report of the Corporate Director of Resources.

RESOLVED:  That, having considered the information given in the report, the following be agreed:

(1)               band D equivalent number of taxable properties be calculated as shown in the report, in accordance with the government regulations;

(2)               provision for uncollectable amounts of Council Tax for 2013/14 be agreed at 2.50%, producing an expected collection rate of 97.50%;

(3)               subject to resolutions (1) and (2) above, a Council Tax Base for 2013/14 of 76,874Band D equivalent properties (being 78,845 x 97.50%) be approved, allowing for payment in lieu of Ministry of Defence properties.

Reason for Decision:  To fulfill Council’s statutory obligation to set the Council Tax Base for 2013/14.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  None.

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

[Call-in does not apply].

The Portfolio Holder for Finance introduced the report, which required the Council to formally calculate the Council Tax Base for 2013/14 with a view to passing the information to precepting authorities by 31 January 2013.  The tax base had to be set between 1 December 2012 and 31 January 2013.

The Portfolio Holder added that due to the number of discounts and the local Council Tax support scheme, the Council Tax base was lower and would have a consequential effect on the Council.

RESOLVED:  That, having considered the information given in the report, the following be agreed:

(a)               band D equivalent number of taxable properties be calculated as shown in the report, in accordance with the government regulations;

(b)               provision for uncollectable amounts of Council Tax for 2013/14 be agreed at 2.50%, producing an expected collection rate of 97.50%;

(c)               subject to resolutions (1) and (2) above, a Council Tax Base for 2013/14 of 76,874Band D equivalent properties (being 78,845 x 97.50%) be approved, allowing for payment in lieu of Ministry of Defence properties.

Reason for Decision:  To fulfill Council’s statutory obligation to set the Council Tax Base for 2013/14.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  None.

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

[Call-in does not apply].

Report of the Corporate Director of Resources.

RESOLVED:  That the draft Capital Programme, as detailed in Appendix 1, be approved for consultation, with the final version being presented to the February 2013 meeting of Cabinet.  

Reason for Decision:  To enable the Council to have an approved Capital Programme for 2013-14.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  None.

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

Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Resources, which set out the proposed Capital Programme for 2013/14 and the indicative resources levels for 2014/15 to 2016/17 that formed part of the annual budget review process.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance referred to the uncertainties in the level of future capital resources, as a result of which the programme had been detailed for the first year only with indicative funding levels thereafter.  He outlined some of the flagships of the programme, as follows:

·                     disabled facilities grant, which the administration was proud of as it allowed the Council to help the needy;

·                     empty properties and private sector initiatives grant, which complimented the scrutiny review;

·                     investment in schools, resulting in the school expansions programme;

·                     investment in highways to help address a backlog and ensure safety;

·                     investment in street lighting, as a result of which the lighting in parts of the borough had been markedly improved;

·                     £460k investment towards the Harrow Card.

The Portfolio Holder added that further reports would be presented to Cabinet and Council in February 2013, at which time he would address the relevant meetings.

RESOLVED:  That the draft Capital Programme, as detailed in Appendix 1, be approved for consultation, with the final version being presented to the February 2013 meeting of Cabinet.  

Reason for Decision:  To enable the Council to have an approved Capital Programme for 2013-14.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  None.

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

Report of the Director of Legal and Governance Services.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the new West London Alliance (WLA) Accord be adopted, as the basis of ongoing collaborative working amongst the boroughs of Hounslow, Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Harrow and Hillingdon, with authority being given to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services, to agree any appropriate minor alterations to the Accord;

(2)               the Chief Executive be authorised to agree Harrow’s annual financial contributions to the WLA to be met from existing budget provision.

Reason for Decision:  To underpin Harrow’s participation in the collaborative working to achieve service improvement and efficiencies amongst participating Councils and ensure Harrow is a part of the growing programme of collaboration, as described in the WLA’s first Annual Report.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  To do nothing, which was not considered to be a viable option.

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 sought authority to adopt the WLA Accord as the basis of the continued development of collaborative approaches by the West London boroughs.  The report set out Harrow Council’s participation in and contribution to the West London Alliance (WLA) Programme of collaborative working.

The Portfolio Holder commended the relationship established amongst the boroughs and the opportunities available to develop this further.  The governance arrangements in place would allow for regular progress reports to be presented to participating Councils.  The cross-borough working provided a good basis upon which shared services could be developed further.

The Chief Executive was proud to report that engagement in the West London Alliance had far exceeded the Council’s investment.  He added that the Accord provided a good basis upon which accountability and transparency of the West London Alliance would be realised, and commended the report to Cabinet.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the new West London Alliance (WLA) Accord be adopted, as the basis of ongoing collaborative working amongst the boroughs of Hounslow, Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Harrow and Hillingdon, with authority being given to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services, to agree any appropriate minor alterations to the Accord;

(2)               the Chief Executive be authorised to agree Harrow’s annual financial contributions to the WLA to be met from existing budget provision.

Reason for Decision:  To underpin Harrow’s participation in the collaborative working to achieve service improvement and efficiencies amongst participating Councils and ensure Harrow is a part of the growing programme of collaboration, as described in the WLA’s first Annual Report.

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  To do nothing, which was not considered to be a viable option.

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

Report of the Director of Legal and Governance Services.

RESOLVED:  That, subject to minor amendments and Annual Council commencing at 6.30 pm, the Calendar of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2013/14 be approved.

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

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  None other than it was considered prudent to have a programme in place.

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

Cabinet received a report of the Director of Legal and Governance Services, which set out the Council’s Calendar of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2013/14.

The Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services stated that this was a draft timetable and that some meetings might be removed as a result of an ongoing review, including the savings earmarked in the draft budget.  He cited an example of how this might be achieved, such as a report to the next meeting of the Employees’ Consultative Forum which would consider a review of the way in which the body would work in the future.

The Portfolio Holder also sought Cabinet’s approval to the start time of meetings of Annual Council, a ceremonial event where guests were invited.  He advised that Annual Council should commence earlier to allow for full participation and enjoyment of the ceremonial Mayor Making event.

RESOLVED:  That, subject to minor amendments and Annual Council commencing at 6.30 pm, the Calendar of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2013/14 be approved.

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

Alternative Options considered and rejected:  None other than it was considered prudent to have a programme in place.

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