Agenda, decisions and minutes

On behalf of Cabinet, the Leader of the Council paid tribute to Catherine Doran for her work in the Children and Families Directorate and wished her well in her retirement.  The Leader applauded the extent of the work carried out by Catherine which had led to positive changes in the way Children’s Services in Harrow were delivered.

The Leader of the Labour Group wished Catherine well in her retirement and thanked her for the transformation made to her Directorate during challenging times.

The Leader of the Independent Labour Group thanked Catherine for her open and honest approach, a quality that he admired, and wished her well for the future.

Members showed their appreciation in the usual manner and wished Catherine a happy retirement.

To receive apologies for absence (if any).

None received.

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 interests were declared:

Agenda Item 10 – School Expansion Programme

Councillor Janet Mote declared a non-pecuniary interest in that she was a governor of St John Fisher Catholic Primary School.  She would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Councillor Camilla Bath declared a non-pecuniary interest in that she was a governor of Whitchurch First School and Nursery.  She would remain in the room to listen to the debate on this item.

Councillor Paul Osborn declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he was a governor of Norbury School and Roxbourne Primary School.  He would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Agenda Item 12 – Small Grant and Outcome Based Grant Recommendations 2014-15

Councillor David Perry declared a non-pecuniary interest in that, as a former Portfolio Holder, he had been involved in determining the policy.  He would remain in the room to participate in the discussion relating to this item.

Councillor Chris Mote declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he was a Member of the Grants Advisory Panel which had considered this matter and that he had been involved in various discussions relating to the matter. Additionally, changes to grant matters could be made by the Portfolio Holder. He would remain in the room to listen to the debate on this item.

Councillor John Nickolay declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he had Reserved at the Grant Advisory Panel which had considered this matter.  He would remain in the room to listen to the debate on this item.

Councillor Bill Phillips declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he was a Member of the Grants Advisory Panel which had considered this matter.  He would remain in the room to listen to the debate on this item.

Agenda Item 15 – Further Alterations to the London Plan

Councillor Stephen Greek declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he was an employee for the London Assembly.  He would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Agenda Item 16 – Proposed Consultation for a New Pinner Conservation Area

Councillor Janet Mote declared a non-pecuniary interest in that aspects of the places referred to in the report were situated in Headstone North Ward, which she was a representative of.  She would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

That the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 13 February 2014 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 13 February 2014 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

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

RESOLVED:  To note that no petitions had been received.

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

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

[The deadline for receipt of public questions is 3.00 pm, Monday 10 March 2014.  Questions should be sent to  publicquestions@harrow.gov.uk  

No person may submit more than one question].

To note that 2 public questions had been received and, in the absence of the questioners, written responses were sent to them.  The written responses sent had been placed on the Council’s website.

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 March 2014].

To note that 2 Councillor questions had been received and responded to.  The recording of the questions and the answers given had been placed on the Council’s website.

RESOLVED: To note the contents of the Key Decision Schedule for the period March to May 2014.

For consideration.

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

Reference from Health and Social Care Scrutiny Sub-Committee.

RESOLVED:  That the report of the Joint NHS Health Checks and Scrutiny Review be welcomed, and the Director of Public Health, Community, Health and Wellbeing Directorate, be requested to submit a report responding to the recommendations therein to the next meeting of Cabinet.

Reason for Decision:  To respond appropriately to the recommendations and to meet with the requirements set out in the Council’s Constitution.

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 reference from the Health and Social Care Scrutiny Sub?Committee meeting held on 18 February 2014, together with a report setting out the key findings and recommendations of the Joint NHS Health Checks Scrutiny Review which had been considered by the Sub-Committee.  The referral to Cabinet asked for its consideration and response.

RESOLVED:  That the report of the Joint NHS Health Checks and Scrutiny Review be welcomed, and the Director of Public Health, Community, Health and Wellbeing Directorate, be requested to submit a report responding to the recommendations therein to the next meeting of Cabinet.

Reason for Decision:  To respond appropriately to the recommendations and to meet with the requirements set out in the Council’s Constitution.

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]

RESOLVED:  That the Motion be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To meet with the requirements set out in the Constitution (Council Procedure Rules).

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 reference titled ‘Yes to Homes’ from 27 February 2014 Council meeting which, in accordance with the provisions set out in the Constitution, had been referred to the Executive for consideration.

With the agreement of the Leader of the Council, a Non-Executive Non-Voting Cabinet Member spoke on the Motion.  He stated that the Motion had captured what was an ‘issue of the day’ and the challenges faced by residents in relation to housing.  He referred to the excellent work undertaken by Members in conjunction with the charity, Shelter, which had involved the setting up of a stall in Harrow Town Centre to talk to people about housing issues and the challenges they faced.  It was therefore important that the Motion was taken seriously rather than merely being noted.

The Portfolio Holder for Adults and Housing stated that it was important to understand the context in which this Motion ought to be considered.  The administration was addressing Harrow’s housing issues and he thanked his predecessor for the work he had carried out in removing the log jam for three years during 2010/13.  He asserted that the Council had started to address housing issues and that this had only happened once there had been a change in the administration.  The Council was looking at new areas that could be developed for housing, particularly in the ‘Opportunity Areas’ where 2,800 home were expected to be built, and had commenced the regeneration of its estates, such as Grange Farm estate.  The Garage Strategy had also been revitalised.  In addition to the 2,800 new homes in the Opportunity Area, around 700 new homes would be built on housing land and the administration was taking steps to move this agenda forward by looking to build Council houses, a policy that had remained stagnant for some time.  Moreover, it was noticeable that the Mover of the Motion was not present at the meeting to explain the Motion.

Another Non-Voting Non-Executive Cabinet Member was of the view that the housing issue ought to be acknowledged and that it was due to the state of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) in previous years and the funding arrangements that had not made it possible to build houses.  The previous government had made finances available to build affordable homes.  He added that, in relation to the Garage Strategy, this had first commenced in 2010, and suggested that the Motion was merely supporting a form of housing in the borough which the Portfolio Holder appeared to be supporting.  In response, the Portfolio Holder for Communications, Performance and Resources stated that his colleague, Portfolio Holder for Adults and Housing, had laid down the foundations for the Garage Strategy/Housing Improvement Programme which had also helped to transform the Department and was being modest in taking credit for an innovative approach to housing provision.

RESOLVED:  That the Motion be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To meet with the requirements set out in the Constitution (Council Procedure Rules).

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  ...  view the full minutes text for item 803.

Report of the Corporate Director of Children and Families.

RESOLVED:  That the statutory proposals to expand permanently the following schools by one form of entry (30 pupils), to fill incrementally from the point of admission into the school, be approved: 

Aylward Primary School from 1 September 2014

Belmont School from 1 September 2014

Grange Primary School from 1 September 2014

Norbury School from 1 September 2014

Pinner Wood School from 1 September 2014

Cannon Lane Primary School from 1 September 2015

Kenmore Park Infant and Nursery School from 1 September 2015

Newton Farm Nursery, Infant and Junior School from 1 September 2015

Priestmead Primary School and Nursery from 1 September 2015

St John Fisher Catholic Primary School from 1 September 2015

Whitchurch First School and Nursery from 1 September 2015

Kenmore Park Junior School from 1 September 2017

Whitchurch Junior School from 1 September 2017.

Reason for Decision: To enable the Local Authority to fulfil its statutory duties to provide sufficient school places in its area.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

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

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Schools introduced the report, which set out the statutory proposals to expand permanently 13 schools on eleven sites published on 9 January 2014 for a four week representation period.  The report provided information, including recommendations, to enable Cabinet to determine the statutory proposals.

A Non-Voting Non-Executive Cabinet Member welcomed the report and praised the work carried out by officers and Members which was being conducted on a cross-party basis.  He noted and welcomed the transfer of TBNP (Targeted Basic Need Programme) funding from the proposed expansion of St Anselm’s Catholic Primary School to Elmgrove Primary School and Nursery and enquired about the effect of such a move on Elmgrove Primary School.  He was also concerned about the resultant follow of traffic in the vicinity of Elmgrove Primary School.

In response, the Portfolio Holders for Children and Schools and Planning, Development and Regeneration, together with the Corporate Director of Children and Families, stated that the money would enable Elmgrove Primary School to provide much needed additional school places.  It should be noted that Elmgrove Primary School had been receptive towards the decision to re?allocate the funding to the school.  The issue of traffic would continue to be a major challenge and the cross-departmental working was aiming to address all issues in relation to the expansion programme, such as planning, traffic and travel planning, simultaneously across all proposed school expansions.  Members were also informed that regular stakeholder meetings were held to ensure that all parties were kept abreast of developments on the expansion programme.  Additionally, Members of the Planning Committee had also been briefed on the various aspects of school expansion and the level of engagement with residents was good.  Local resident engagement started at pre-planning stage, where the issue of traffic generation was also being captured at an early stage.

The Leader of the Council was pleased that money was being provided by the government to meet the demand in school places.

RESOLVED:  That the statutory proposals to expand permanently the following schools by one form of entry (30 pupils), to fill incrementally from the point of admission into the school, be approved: 

Aylward Primary School from 1 September 2014

Belmont School from 1 September 2014

Grange Primary School from 1 September 2014

Norbury School from 1 September 2014

Pinner Wood School from 1 September 2014

Cannon Lane Primary School from 1 September 2015

Kenmore Park Infant and Nursery School from 1 September 2015

Newton Farm Nursery, Infant and Junior School from 1 September 2015

Priestmead Primary School and Nursery from 1 September 2015

St John Fisher Catholic Primary School from 1 September 2015

Whitchurch First School and Nursery from 1 September 2015

Kenmore Park Junior School from 1 September 2017

Whitchurch Junior School from 1 September 2017.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the Local Authority to fulfil its statutory duties to provide sufficient school places in its area.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

Conflict of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 804.

Joint report of the Corporate Directors of Children and Families and Environment and Enterprise.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               statutory proposals to expand permanently and extend the age range of Whitefriars Community School to include provision for secondary aged pupils be approved, subject to the condition that planning consent was granted for the development of the all through school;

(2)               the approach to the disposal of the Whitefriars Community School and Harrow Teachers’ Centre sites to the academy trust be agreed;

(3)               authority be delegated to the Corporate Director, Environment and Enterprise, following consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holders, to finalise the disposal details for the academy transfer;

(4)               it be noted the contractor for the development of the site would be procured via the Education Funding Agency’s (EFA) Contractors Framework. 

Reason for Decision:  To enable the Local Authority to fulfil its statutory duties to provide sufficient school places in its area and the land transfer for the academy conversion.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

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

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Schools introduced the report, which set out proposals to establish Whitefriars Community School as an all-through school on the Whitefriars School site and Harrow Teachers’ Centre site.  The report provided information and recommendations to enable Cabinet to determine the statutory proposals that were published on 9 January 2014 and to approve the approach to the disposal of the Whitefriars Community School and Harrow Teachers’ Centre sites.  It also updated Cabinet on the procurement of the contractor to develop the site.

A Non-Voting Non-Executive Cabinet Member welcomed the report and spoke in support of the proposed expansion which would help address the crises in school places.  The Member asked if a School Travel Plan had been drawn up as there was concern about traffic generation in the area.  He enquired about any discussions held with the Transport for London (TfL) with a view to addressing traffic issues as part of the School Expansion Programme.  He also sought clarification on a leaflet issued by the administration which referred to £70m funding that had been secured as he understood the funding to have been considerably lower and secured by various administrations.  In response to the latter, the Corporate Director of Children and Families stated that this was reference to Priority Schools Building Programme which was awarded a number of years ago where the government re-built schools and she cited the examples of Marlborough and Vaughan Schools which had benefited from this fund.  The other fund was the Targeted Basic Needs Programme which required additional places to be built by Councils by September 2015.  Both the funds related to investments in schools.

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Schools, referred to the work being undertaken with officers in the Traffic Section with a view to addressing the problem of traffic management in the vicinity of the school and the wider surrounding areas where other schools were situated, such as in the Wealdstone area.  Traffic officers also attended stakeholder meetings where issues relating to traffic flows and the mode of transport used for the school run, including where parents parked their cars, were discussed. Discussions with the TfL were also underway.

Another Non-Voting Non-Executive Cabinet Member was of the view that this was a key site and he enquired if the School Expansion Programme included the re-building of schools in an environmentally efficient way which would benefit the borough in the longer term.  A discussion ensued in which the following matters were highlighted: the budget was limited and needed to be used within the confines set by the government, environmental checks would be made on the buildings built, low emission lighting and environmentally friendly heating measures had been installed in other building(s) and could be used in school building. In addition, not all school buildings would be demolished and re?built; complete re-build of schools, which would involve borrowing, would be expensive. Eco-friendly measures would be considered, building standards, which involved no heating installation, had changed and previously accepted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 805.

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

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               subject to the satisfactory delivery of agreed outcomes and annual confirmation of the budget according to the Council’s budget setting process, authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community and Culture, to:

(a)               renew the Service Level Agreement (SLA) to the newly commissioned infrastructure support service to the level of £75,000 for 2014-15 and in principle for 2015-16;

(b)               confirm the renewal of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for Outcome Based Grant awards for 2014/15 at the same level of funding awarded in 2013-14;

(c)               terminate or amend any Service Level Agreements (SLAs) if concerns were identified at any stage as a result of monitoring or breaches of the SLA;

(2)               authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community and Culture, to award Small Grant funding to voluntary organisations at the levels recommended by the Grants Advisory Panel at their meeting on the 20 February 2014, as outlined in paragraph 2.2.7 (b) of the Cabinet report, subject to:

(a)               receipt of satisfactory references and supporting documents by 11 April 2014;

(b)               confirmation from applicants that the proposed project or activity can be delivered at the same or at a different level with the amount of grant awarded by 11 April 2014;

(c)               satisfactory resolution of any queries raised by the grant assessment panels by 11 April 2014;

(d)               completion of the appeals procedure and any changes to the amounts awarded necessitated by decisions on appeals;

(3)               authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community and Culture, to withdraw funding offers where organisations did not comply with the conditions as detailed in Resolution (2) above;

(4)               authority be delegated to the Divisional Director of Community and Culture, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community and Culture, with the support of an Independent Voluntary Sector Adviser, to consider and determine Small Grants appeals and vary both the percentage grant awarded and the threshold above which grant awards were made in light of decisions taken on appeals.

Reason for Decision:  To award Council discretionary grant funding to Third Sector organisations to support them in delivering their services to Harrow residents.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

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

The Portfolio Holder for Community and Culture introduced the report which set out information on the renewal of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for Outcomes Based Grants (OBG) awarded in 2013-14 and applications that had been made for Council funding under the Small Grants Programme for 2014-15.  The report sought various approvals to allow awards to be made.  He added that extensive consultation had been undertaken with the Voluntary Sector.

The Portfolio Holder responded to questions from the Non-Voting Non?Executive Cabinet Members in relation to the ring-fencing of £75,000 to support the development of a new infrastructure support service for local voluntary organisations.  He explained that Harrow Community Action (HCA), a consortium of local organisations, would develop policies to support the development of local organisations.  The needs of the Voluntary Sector, such as governance arrangements, fund raising, would be supplied by the HCA.  He agreed to share the Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the Council and the HCA with the Member and explained that the HCA would also work to support those applicants who had been unsuccessful in the grant process by providing assistance in accessing funds and developing the organisations.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               subject to the satisfactory delivery of agreed outcomes and annual confirmation of the budget according to the Council’s budget setting process, authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community and Culture, to:

(a)               renew the Service Level Agreement (SLA) to the newly commissioned infrastructure support service to the level of £75,000 for 2014-15 and in principle for 2015-16;

(b)               confirm the renewal of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for Outcome Based Grant awards for 2014/15 at the same level of funding awarded in 2013-14;

(c)               terminate or amend any Service Level Agreements (SLAs) if concerns were identified at any stage as a result of monitoring or breaches of the SLA;

(2)               authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community and Culture, to award Small Grant funding to voluntary organisations at the levels recommended by the Grants Advisory Panel at their meeting on the 20 February 2014, as outlined in paragraph 2.2.7 (b) of the Cabinet report, subject to:

(a)               receipt of satisfactory references and supporting documents by 11 April 2014;

(b)               confirmation from applicants that the proposed project or activity can be delivered at the same or at a different level with the amount of grant awarded by 11 April 2014;

(c)               satisfactory resolution of any queries raised by the grant assessment panels by 11 April 2014;

(d)               completion of the appeals procedure and any changes to the amounts awarded necessitated by decisions on appeals;

(3)               authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community and Culture, to withdraw funding offers where organisations did not comply with the conditions as detailed in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 806.

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

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Community Learning Strategy 2013-15 and the Delivery Plan, as outlined in Appendix A and in paragraphs 2.2 and 2.4 of the report, be adopted;

(2)               subject to confirmation of Skills Funding Agency funding allocations, the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community and Culture, be authorised to proceed with the Community Learning Strategy Delivery Plan (Appendix A, Annex 1, to the report) and take any action necessary.

Reason for Decision:  As part of the national changes in the funding and delivery of Community Learning, the Adult Community and Family Learning Service was required to  have in place a Strategy, to be monitored by the Skills Funding Agency, that set out how they would deliver a relevant balance of the objectives outlined in New Challenges, New Chances (Department of Business, Innovations & Skills, 2011).

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

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

The Portfolio Holder for Community and Culture introduced the report, which set out a draft Community Learning Strategy and Delivery Plan outlining the strategic aims and objectives for the delivery of adult, family and community learning in the borough and to achieve the vision for Community Learning contained in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) document, New Challenges, New Chances.  He commended the Strategy to Cabinet.

A Non-Voting Non-Executive Cabinet Member welcomed the Strategy, including the funding, which would support the borough’s needs by providing skills to residents and give them the best opportunity.  It was important that the Strategy was publicised widely and captured by the Council’s various Departments who worked directly with residents on a daily basis.  The same Member asked how the work would be prioritised if the funding was lost or taken away.

In response, the Portfolio Holder for Community and Culture and the Divisional Director of Community and Culture stated that cross-departmental working was underway, particularly with the Economic Development team which worked with the unemployed.  Work was also underway with colleagues in Children and Families Directorate to capture those aged between 18-24 years who were at most risk of being unemployed.  In addition, officers were working towards providing access to education and employability skills for the long term unemployed and young people within the 18-24 year age bracket.  All Directorates had been fully consulted on the Strategy.  The Portfolio Holder was of the view that the Strategy was important and would provide skills to residents to help acquire jobs.  It was therefore important that the same level of service was maintained should funding be discontinued in the future.

The Leader of the Council congratulated the Divisional Director of Community and Culture for her work on the Strategy and the benefits it would provide to the community.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the Community Learning Strategy 2013-15 and the Delivery Plan, as outlined in Appendix A and in paragraphs 2.2 and 2.4 of the report, be adopted;

(2)               subject to confirmation of Skills Funding Agency funding allocations, the Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community and Culture, be authorised to proceed with the Community Learning Strategy Delivery Plan (Appendix A, Annex 1, to the report) and take any action necessary.

Reason for Decision:  As part of the national changes in the funding and delivery of Community Learning, the Adult Community and Family Learning Service was required to have in place a Strategy, to be monitored by the Skills Funding Agency, that set out how they would deliver a relevant balance of the objectives outlined in New Challenges, New Chances (Department of Business, Innovations & Skills, 2011).

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

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, having taken into account Appendix 1 to the report in making a decision in respect of the delivery of a Harrow Mutual Support Network for the term of three years beginning on 1 April 2014 and ending on 31 March 2017, Age UK Harrow be awarded the contract for delivery of the project as the lead provider and that it would enter into sub-contracts with other local voluntary sector organisations,

Reason for Decision:  The Council made available the funding for the project in its Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). In compliance with the Council’s Procedure Rules an open tendering procedure was followed and, based on the results, a recommendation was made to award the contract to the most economically advantageous tender.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

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

The Portfolio Holder for Adults and Housing introduced the report, which set out the procurement process undertaken for the provision of the Harrow Mutual Support Network and sought agreement on the outcome.

The Portfolio Holder stated that this exciting proposal, which had been developed over several years and would bring voluntary organisations together by creating a network in which people accessed, shared or purchased support and services with others who were paid or volunteered to give support.  It would help people to stay independent, share skills and knowledge and reduce isolation thereby creating healthier communities which in turn would reduce the dependency on the Council for provision of services.  The funding was fixed at £450,000 over a period of three years from various funding streams. Payment would depend on performance and that, subject to Cabinet approval, Age UK Harrow would be the lead provider.  The Portfolio Holder thanked the Head of Transformation, Community, Health and Wellbeing for bringing this scheme to fruition.

A Non-Voting Non-Executive Cabinet Member welcomed the scheme as a preventative measure.  He too congratulated the Head of Transformation, Community, Health and Wellbeing and the former Portfolio Holder for their work in this area.  He asked a number of questions relating to its proper implementation, if additional investment would be made in the scheme and the expected outcomes.  In response, the Portfolio Holder reiterated that the intention of the scheme was to bring isolated people together and to enable them to share skills and that the money would be paid in tranches, subject to performance which would be measured by a Board that had been set up.  Additionally, potential savings were huge.  The outcomes that the scheme was seeking were described below with the Corporate Priority of ensuring a Fair access to opportunity:

·                     looking after those who were more vulnerable;

·                     helping people to live independently;

·                     improving the health and wellbeing, particularly those with mental health;

·                     helping those who wanted to work to find work by extending skills and training opportunities.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the scheme which, as well as saving money, would provide better lives for residents.

Having considered a confidential appendix prior to reaching a decision, Cabinet:

RESOLVED:  That, having taken into account Appendix 1 to the report in making a decision in respect of the delivery of a Harrow Mutual Support Network for the term of three years beginning on 1 April 2014 and ending on 31 March 2017, Age UK Harrow be awarded the contract for delivery of the project as the lead provider and that it would enter into sub-contracts with other local voluntary sector organisations,

Reason for Decision:  The Council made available the funding for the project in its Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). In compliance with the Council’s Procedure Rules an open tendering procedure was followed and, based on the results, a recommendation was made to award the contract to the most economically advantageous tender.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

Conflict  ...  view the full minutes text for item 808.

Report of the Corporate Director of Environment and Enterprise.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the key changes proposed to the London Plan and the potential implications for Harrow’s own adopted Spatial Strategy be noted;

(2)               the Council’s formal representations to the Further Alterations to the London Plan, attached at Appendix A to the recommendation from the Local Development Framework Panel, as set out on the supplemental agenda, be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure Harrow’s best interests were reflected in the alterations to the regional spatial plan for London.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

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

The Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Regeneration introduced the report, which summarised the proposed changes to the London Plan, which were out for public consultation, and set out the Council’s response to these which formed the basis of the Council’s formal response to the Mayor of London.

The Portfolio Holder cited changes which would impact on the management of growth in the borough, such as the re-designation of the Harrow and Wealdstone Intensification Area to an Opportunity Area which increased the levels of developments to be accommodated.  The resultant funding and improvements were key ingredients in delivering much needed improvements to Harrow-on-the-Hill Station.  The proposals would help showcase Harrow and help bring in much need internal investment.

Following question from a Non-Voting Non-Executive Cabinet Member about the changes in housing target, conversion of office space into flats and whether these were seen as a hindrance, the Portfolio Holder stated that it was important to have a coherent strategy in place and that a comprehensive development of site was preferred to a piecemeal approach.  The provision of new homes and creation of new jobs was a stated aim in any forward planning.

The Deputy Leader took this opportunity to thank the Leader of the Council for her lobbying the Mayor of London in the development of step-free-access for Harrow-on-the-Hill Station.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the key changes proposed to the London Plan and the potential implications for Harrow’s own adopted Spatial Strategy be noted;

(2)               the Council’s formal representations to the Further Alterations to the London Plan, attached at Appendix A to the recommendation from the Local Development Framework Panel, as set out on the supplemental agenda, be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure Harrow’s best interests were reflected in the alterations to the regional spatial plan for London.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

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

Report of the Corporate Director of Environment and Enterprise.

RESOLVED:  That officers be authorised to undertake public consultation on the proposed Pinner Road Conservation Area.

Reason for Decision:  As part of the ongoing programme to review the borough’s heritage, Pinner Road, Pinner, had been identified as an area of high quality architecture and layout, with mostly locally listed and listed buildings, and had been assessed as worthy of Conservation Area status.  The incorporation of this area as one of Pinner’s Conservation Areas would ensure the area was covered by the Council’s adopted Pinner Conservation Areas Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), adopted in December 2009.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

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

The Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Regeneration introduced the report, which set out proposals to designate a new Conservation Area in Pinner, the Pinner Road Conservation Area, to include those areas shown in Appendix 1 to the report and to put it to public consultation.  The Portfolio Holder commended the report to Cabinet as it would help protect Harrow’s heritage.

RESOLVED:  That officers be authorised to undertake public consultation on the proposed Pinner Road Conservation Area.

Reason for Decision:  As part of the ongoing programme to review the borough’s heritage, Pinner Road, Pinner, had been identified as an area of high quality architecture and layout, with mostly locally listed and listed buildings, and had been assessed as worthy of Conservation Area status.  The incorporation of this area as one of Pinner’s Conservation Areas would ensure the area was covered by the Council’s adopted Pinner Conservation Areas Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), adopted in December 2009.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

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

Report of the Corporate Director of Resources.

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

Reason for Decision:  To be informed of performance against key measures and to 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 Communications, Performance and Resources introduced the report, which summarised Council and service performance for quarter 3 against key measures and drew attention to areas requiring further action.  The Portfolio Holder outlined the key achievements and challenges facing the Directorates, such as:

·                     Community, Health and Wellbeing – Harrow’s work on personalisation and how this translated to real improvements in outcomes had been commended by the government following a Ministerial visit.  There had been an increase in the use of computers in libraries which had also benefited from Wi-Fi. However, the issues following the implementation of the library management system were being investigated further.

·                     Children and Families – recruitment and retention of staff remained a major issue, timely assessments had produced positive results and early and timely interventions in child protection had helped to lower rates of children subject to child protection plans.

·                     Environment and Enterprise – a substantive re-investment in street cleaning in the main shopping centres had paid early dividends and a dedicated blitz team for the remainder of the borough had helped to reduce complaints drastically.  Residents were also benefitting from the maintenance of parks, including tree maintenance.  The Neighbourhood Champion Scheme had been re-invigorated and the enforcement of ‘beds in sheds’ had been productive.

·                     Resources - there continued to be an increase in the number of MyHarrow accounts and customer satisfaction with Access Harrow remained high.

The Portfolio Holder said that the journey towards a cleaner, safer and fairer Harrow had commenced.

A Non-Voting Non-Executive Cabinet Member was of the view that more services would be risk if the administration continued to use money from the contingency budget.  He asked about the projected overspend of £25m and the how this would be mitigated.  The Portfolio Holder for Finance responded by saying that the £4m of underachieved savings by the administration which set the last 2013/14 budget was underpinning the financial problems facing the Council. Contingency was used in budgets as a control account.  It was important for the Member to have an understanding of the purpose of contingency allowance and how it was used.  A question on autism levels against the figure it was being compared with was also answered.

Another Non-Voting Non-Executive Cabinet Member stated that a number of achievements were familiar to him as the foundations had been placed under his party’s administration.  He thanked the Divisional Director of Community and Culture for the achievements made.  He enquired how the increase in repeat incidents of domestic violence was being tackled in meeting the Safer Harrow Corporate priority.  In response, the Leader of the Council stated that the funding was limited but different measures were being examined, such as the provision of body cameras for use by the police, to tackle this type of crime.  They both agreed that it was important that the incoming administration championed and provided challenge to this issue, supported the victims of domestic violence and identified additional funding.  The Portfolio Holder for Children and Schools stated  ...  view the full minutes text for item 811.