Agenda and minutes

None received from Members of Cabinet.

RESOLVED:  To note that the following interests were declared:

Agenda Item 9(a) and 9(c) – Final Revenue Budget 2016/17 and Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2016/17 to 2019/20 and People Services, MTFS Implementation Plan

Councillor Sue Anderson, declared a non-pecuniary interest in that a family member attended The Bridge.  She would remain in the room whilst the matters were considered and voted upon.

Councillor Paul Osborn, who was not a member of Cabinet, declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he had been appointed by the Council to the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, which was a precepting authority. He would remain in the room to listen to the debate on the Final Revenue Budget 2016/17 and Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2016/17 to 2019/20.

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 15 February 2016].

Questions should be sent to publicquestions@harrow.gov.uk  

No person may submit more than one question].

Public and Councillor questions accepted were responded to and any recording placed on the Council’s website. Councillor questions 7 to 24 were not reached at Cabinet and the Councillorswould be provided with written responses which would be placed on the Council’s website.

RESOLVED:  That the Key Decision Schedule be noted.

For consideration.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

Report of the Corporate Director of Resources and Commercial.

Having noted the tabled comments from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, it was

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)

That the Corporate Plan 2016-19 be adopted.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          the Council’s new values be endorsed;

(2)          the Leader of the Council be authorised to make any minor amendments to the Corporate Plan 2016-19 as necessary prior to the matter going to Council.

Reason: for Decision:  To update the Council’s Policy Framework and set out the Council’s direction of travel for the next three years.

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 as the decision is reserved to Council.]

Report of the Director of Finance.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)

That

(1)          whilst being mindful of the results of the various consultations and equality impact assessments, the 2016/17 budget be approved to enable the Council Tax for 2016/17 to be set, Appendix 2 to the report refers;

(2)          the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) at Appendix 2 to the report be approved;

(3)          the 2016/17 Schools’ Budget at Appendix 6 to the report be approved;

(4)          the 2016/17 Members’ Allowance Scheme at Appendix 13 to the report be approved;

(5)          the Annual Pay Policy Statement at Appendix 14 to the report be approved.

RESOLVED:

(6)          the current remaining budget gaps of £1.053m and £90k over the three year MTFS, 2016/17 to 2018/19, table 3, paragraph 1.10 of the report refers, be noted;

(7)          the intention to increase Council Tax by 1.99% in 2016/17, paragraph 1.13 of report refers, be noted;

(8)          the intention to increase Council Tax by 2.0% in 2016/17 in respect of the Adult Social Care Precept, paragraph 1.14 of the report refers, be noted;

(9)          the 2016/17 Public Health Budget, at Appendix 7 to the report, be noted;

(10)       the risk assessment, Appendix 8 to the report refers, be referred to the Governance, Audit and Risk Management and Standards Committee for consideration and monitoring;

(11)       the sum of Better Care Funding of £6.5m to be received by the Council in 2016/17, paragraphs 1.24 and 1.25 to the report refer, be noted;

(12)       the comments from the various stakeholder meetings, paragraph 2.3 and Appendix 15 to the report refer, be noted;

(13)       the 2016/17 Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Efficiency Strategy, paragraph 1.18 and Appendix 16 of the report refer, be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure that the Council sets a balanced budget for 2016/17.

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.

[Call-in does not apply to the decision reserved to Council and where the decision is noted.]

Joint report of the Director of Finance, Corporate Director of Community and Divisional Director of Housing.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)

That

(1)          the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget for 2016-17 be approved;

(2)          the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme, as detailed at Appendix 7 to the report, be approved.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          the Medium Term Financial Strategy for the HRA, attached at Appendix 1 to the report be approved;

(2)          the proposed average rent for non-sheltered accommodation of £116.33 per week for 2016-17, representing a decrease of 1% in average rent from the 2015?16 figure in line with the proposed Welfare Reform and Work Bill, be approved;

(3)          the proposed average rent for sheltered accommodation of £96.46 per week for 2016-17, representing an increase of 0.9% in average rent from the 2015-16 figure be approved following the government’s decision to delay the implementation of the 1% rent cut for sheltered accommodation for one year in order to permit it to give adequate consideration to the Supported Housing Sector;

(4)          the overall average rent for the whole stock of £114.05 per week for 2016-17, representing an overall decrease of 0.82%, be noted;

(5)          an average tenant service charge of £2.94 per week, an increase of 1%, set out at Appendix 2 of the report be agreed;

(6)          garage and car parking rents/charges be frozen for a further year pending development of a usage and differential charging policy, Appendix 3 to the report refers;

(7)          an increase in energy (heating) charges of 5% from 1 April 2015, detailed at Appendix 4 to the report, be approved;

(8)          an increase in annual water charges of 4%, detailed at Appendix 5 to the report, be approved;

(9)          increases in Community Centre hire charges of 4%, set out at Appendix 6 to the report, be approved;

(10)       the four year Capital Programme, set out at Appendix 7 of the report, be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To publish the final HRA budget and set Council rents and other charges for 2016-17

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.

[Call-in does not apply to the decision reserved to Council.]

Report of the Director of Finance.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)

That the Capital Programme, as detailed at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the Council to have an approved Capital Programme for 2016/17 to 2019/20 and to enable preparatory work to be undertaken for future years.

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.

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

Report of the Director of Finance.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)

That the Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2016/17 be approved, including the:

·                     Prudential Indicators for 2016/17;

·                     Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement for 2016/17;

·                     Annual Investment Strategy for 2016/17;

·                     maximum total investment in the Investment Property Strategy which be set at £20m

·                     limit of investments for over 364 days which be increased to £60m.

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

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.

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

Report of the Corporate Director of Resources and Commercial.

RESOLVED:  That the Resources and Commercial Directorate medium term Financial Strategy (MTFS) Implementation Plan be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure the efficient and sustainable delivery of statutory services to the communities of Harrow.

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.

[Call-in does not apply where the decision is noted.]

Report of the Corporate Director of People.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          the People Services Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) Implementation Plan be noted;

(2)          the selection process proceed for the Kenmore Park Neighbourhood Resource Centre (NRC) proposal and the Corporate Director of People, following consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Adults and Older People and Finance and Major Contracts, be authorised to award a contract to deliver the services;

(3)          further work take place to review the early intervention teams and the Corporate Director of People, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children, Schools and Young People, be authorised to carry out an options appraisal and any required consultation on the proposals;

(4)          further work take place to review delivery of Special Needs transport and the Corporate Director of People, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children, Schools and Young People, be authorised to carry out an options appraisal and consultation on the proposals;

(5)          consultation take place with service users and relevant stakeholders for the proposals for the Bridge and the Corporate Director of People, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Adults and Older People, be authorised to consider and make a decision on the proposal, having taken into account consultation results and equality implications;

(6)          the decommissioning of the Southdown Unit and the securing of alternative provision, including via Shared Lives Plus, be approved and the arrangement with Network Housing for use of the Southdown building be terminated;

(7)          consultation with the current service user of Welldon Crescent/26 Harrow View be agreed and the Corporate Director of People,following consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, be authorised to consider the proposal, including consultation results and equality implications, and make a decision on whether to cease use of the building for supported living accommodation; 

(8)          further work take place to review use of Bedford House and Roxborough Park and the Corporate Director of People, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Adults and Older People, be authorised to carry out further design work and consultation on the proposals and having considered the proposal, including consultation responses and equality implications, make a decision on future provision of services;

(9)          the proposal to move Wiseworks into the existing Local Authority Trading Company be approved and the Corporate Director of People, following consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Adults and Older People and Finance and Major Contracts, be authorised to take action to implement the decision;

(10)       the proposal to explore options to expand the Shared Lives Scheme in order to generate income be approved and the Corporate Director of People, following consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Adults and Older People and Finance and Major Contracts, be authorised to make a decision on the proposal;

(11)       the proposal to change the provision at Sancroft to provide reduced day care places and increase the number of dementia beds be approved;

(12)       the savings proposals for public health in relation to physical activity funding, health checks and the sexual health service be approved. 

Reason for Decision:  To ensure  ...  view the full minutes text for item 340.

Report of the Director of Finance.

Having amended recommendation 3 set out in the report, it was

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          the revenue and capital forecast positions detailed in the report as at Quarter 3 2015/16 be noted;

(2)          the write off of debts totalling £32k in the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), as detailed at paragraph 36 of the report, be approved;

(3)          the virement of £1.365m from the SEP2 contingency and the virement of £1m from the currently uncommitted SEP4 Programme into the School Expansion  Programme lines, as set out at paragraph 131 of the report, be approved;

(4)          an addition to the Capital Programme of £7.5k funded from Section 106 in respect of Station Road Highway and Environmental Improvements, as detailed at paragraph 142 of the report, be approved.

Reason for Decision:  To be availed of the 2015/16 forecast financial position as at 31 December 2015 and approve budget adjustments as required under the Financial Regulations.

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 and Commercial.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          the Corporate Director of Resources and Commercial, following consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Performance, Corporate Resources and Policy Development and Finance and Major Contracts, be authorised to execute an agreement with Buckinghamshire County Council underpinning the relationship, and to make necessary amendments to the agreement with current partner authorities;

(2)          HB Public Law develop similar relationships with such other local authorities as are assessed by HB Public Law as being able to bring further benefits to Harrow Council, either through shared service arrangements or federated agreements;

(3)          the Corporate Director of Resources and Commercial, following consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Performance, Corporate Resources and Policy Development and Finance and Major Contracts, be authorised to execute any agreement reached with such authorities underpinning the relevant relationship, and to make any necessary amendments to the agreements with current partner authorities.

Reason for Decision:  To support HB Public Law delivering a cost effective and high quality legal service and its plans for growth.   

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 and Commercial.

RESOLVED:  That the Corporate Director of Resources and Commercial, following consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Performance, Corporate Resources and Policy Development and Finance and Major Contracts, be authorised to execute an agreement with Buckinghamshire County Council and take any other necessary actions to give effect to the proposals for a new shared Human Resources (HR) Service as detailed in the report.

Reason for Decision:  To support the Council in meeting its Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) savings targets and develop a resilient and cost effective HR Service to both Councils.

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.

Having noted the tabled comments from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and following an amendment, it was

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          the outcome of the consultation be noted;

(2)          the amendments proposed to the Events Policy, outlined at Appendix C to the report be approved, including concessions and exemptions;

(3)          subject the deletion of the word ‘all’ under the section on ‘Community Event’ (line 5, page 490 of the agenda refers) of the ‘Events in Harrow Policy’, the final Policy be adopted with immediate effect;

(4)          the Corporate Director of Community, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Crime and Community Safety, be authorised to make amendments to the Events Policy.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure that the views of residents and businesses were considered and incorporated, as appropriate.  To balance the need to hold events with its obligations to residents, businesses and visitors, ensuring that these activities continued to be regarded by all as safe, lawful, successful and fair.  To ensure awareness of the level of service to be delivered and how it would be monitored.

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.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          having considered the evidence, consultation responses and other information forming part of the report, Wealdstone Ward, as delineated and edged in red on the map at Appendix D to the report, be designated as being subject to Selective Licensing with effect from 1 June 2016 for a period of five years;

(2)          the Council begin to accept applications for Selective Licensing from 1 March 2016, in anticipation of the Scheme coming into effect on 1June 2016;

(3)          the fee for a licence under this scheme be set at £550 for the 5 year licensing period;

(4)          the Corporate Director of Community, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Crime and Community Safety, be authorised to take all steps necessary to publicise, commence and administer the scheme;

(5)          it be noted that the Selective Licensing Scheme and the operation of the designation would be reviewed as and when required in line with Guidance;

(6)          the Corporate Director of Community, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Crime and Community Safety, be authorised to amend and approve discretionary licensing conditions;

(7)          the future proposed roll out of the scheme, paragraph 2.18 refers, be noted;

(8)          a review of the Scheme be submitted to the Improvement Board on a quarterly basis.

Reason for Decision:  To help address issues of anti-social behaviour, deprivation, migration and crime in Wealdstone Ward, in line with the Corporate Priorities of making a difference to residents, community, businesses and the vulnerable.

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 People.

Having considered the confidential appendix, it was

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          the award of a two year contract to The Provider for provision of placement accommodation for Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) who are in the Council’s care be approved;

(2)          following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children, Schools and Young People, a waiver of Contract Procedure Rules (CPR) for two years exempting this service from a competitive tender process until April 2018 be approved; 

(3)          the Plan for officers to complete a competitive procurement process during the period 2016-2018 prior to the end of the extended contract be approved.

Reason for Decision:  The Provider provided an essential accommodation provision for UASC, which the Council had a statutory duty to provide.  To comply with CPR, a waiver to award a contract for 2 years to allow for time to complete a procurement process and secure placement stability for vulnerable young people was agreed. 

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 People.

RESOLVED:  That the update on the implementation of the School Expansion Programme be noted.

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.

[Call-in does not apply where the decision is noted.]