Agenda and minutes

None were received.

RESOLVED:  To note that the following interests were declared:

Agenda Item 3 – Public Questions

Councillors Krishna Suresh and Jean Lammiman declared non-pecuniary interests in that they were Trustees of Harrow Association for the Disabled and one of the public questions was from a representative of that organisation.  They would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered.  Councillor Sue Anderson declared a non-pecuniary interest in that she was a Friend of Harrow Association for the Disabled. She would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered.

Councillor Sue Anderson declared an interest in relation to her son being in receipt of care services from the Council and this was relevant to one of the public questions. She would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered.

Agenda Item 8 – Regeneration Programme Update: Building a Better Harrow

Councillor Osborn declared an interest in relation to the Vaughan Road Car Park site referenced in the report, in that he resides in that road.  He would leave the room if there was any discussion of that particular site.

Agenda Item 18 - Draft Housing Revenue Account Budget 2019-20 & Medium Term Financial Strategy 2020-21 to 2021-22

Councillor Sue Anderson declared a non-pecuniary interest in that Watkins House was in her ward and she had had some discussions with Harrow Churches Housing Association.  She would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered.

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 in which they were received.  There will be a time limit of 15 minutes for the asking and answering of public questions.

[The deadline for receipt of public questions is 3.00 pm, 3 December 2018.  Questions should be sent to publicquestions@harrow.gov.uk  

No person may submit more than one question].

Public and Councillor questions taken were responded to and any recording placed on the Council’s website.

RESOLVED:  To note the contents of the Key Decision Schedule for the period December 2018 to February 2019.

RESOLVED:  That the Progress on Scrutiny Projects report be noted.

Report of the Corporate Director, Community

The Leader pointed out that there was an error in the wording of Recommendation 2 and that it should read “… up to the revised estimated total costs shown in exempt Appendix 3”, not “… up to the revised total construction up to the revised estimated total costs shown in exempt Appendix 3”.

Having considered the confidential appendix, it was

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          the update of the Borough Wide Regeneration Strategy be commenced; this long term strategy would reflect the current and future needs and requirements for Harrow;

(2)          the Corporate Director Community, Director of Finance and Director of Legal and Governance Services, be authorised following consultation with Portfolio Holders for Planning, Regeneration and Employment and for Finance and Resources, to enter into contracts for the construction of the Haslam House and Waxwell Lane schemes up to the revised estimated total costs shown in exempt Appendix 3, and subsequently to enter into contracts and take all other necessary actions to conclude the construction and disposal of the units for the best consideration reasonably obtainable;

(3)          the Corporate Director, Community be authorised to exercise delegations previously given by Cabinet to the Chief Executive in relation to the programme and its constituent schemes, to reflect the change in operational responsibility for the regeneration programme;

(4)          the proposed changes to the Capital Programme 2019/20 to 2020/21 as a result of the recommended changes to the Regeneration Capital Budget (financial implications section) be noted;

(5)          the successful progress on the delivery of the Council led Regeneration Programme be noted;

(6)          the findings of the Regeneration Programme Review (Appendix 1: Regeneration Programme Review Executive Summary) be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To update Members on progress to date of all regeneration activity across the Borough and report on the outcome of the Council’s Regeneration Programme review; to agree to update the Regeneration Strategy and a change of tenure for two of the smaller Regeneration sites.

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 Divisional Director, Housing Services

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          progress on the Homes for Harrow programme be noted and that a bid for the Homebuilding Capacity Fund would be submitted to the Greater London Authority (GLA) by 25 January 2019;

(2)          the Corporate Director, Community be authorised, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, to dispose on a shared ownership basis, two properties being constructed at Allerford Court, North Harrow and three properties at Stuart Avenue, South Harrow, in accordance with the Council’s priorities for shared ownership sale;

(3)          the Shared Ownership Allocation and Affordability Policy attached at Appendix A to the officer report for properties developed by the Council be approved and the Corporate Director, Community, be authorised, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, to make amendments as necessary.

Reason for Decision:  To keep Members informed of progress against a key priority and enable the disposal of properties being developed for sale on a shared ownership basis.

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, Community

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          the Draft Harrow Cultural Strategy (Cultural Strategy) be approved for public consultation; 

(2)          the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Regeneration and Employment be authorised to adopt the final Cultural Strategy following the results of consultation and subject to final edits being made following consultation with the Corporate Director, Community. 

Reasons for Decision:  The implementation of Harrow’s Cultural Strategy is a key tool to develop a strong local Cultural, Artistic and Creative Offer.  This in turn promotes civic pride, attracts investment and supports economic growth.  Participation in the arts can improve health and well being and address social isolation.  

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, Community

The Portfolio Holder for Housing referred to the description of units in Tudor Road and the fact that some of the frontages listed on Page 166 of the agenda pack were not shop units.  It was agreed that these would be checked, and varied if necessary, before commencement of the consultation.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          the proposed designation of streets be approved for consultation purposes;

(2)          the Corporate Director, Community be authorised, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment, to take all necessary steps to publish and consult on the proposed resolution(s) to designate streets;

(3)          it be noted that the outcome of the consultation would be reported back to Cabinet with any amendments considered appropriate for final approval.

Reason for Decision:  The Council had previously adopted Part III Street Trading Provisions under the London Local Authorities Act 1990 (‘The Act’). In November 2015 certain streets were put forward for designation, and approved in March 2016 by Cabinet. 

It was now proposed, with the increased desire for Street Trading in all forms across the Borough, that these designations were extended to cover more areas of the Borough to enable the effective management and control of street trading across the Borough.  Appendix C outlined the proposed areas for designation.  These would be consulted upon and the responses received  be reviewed and presented back to Cabinet before a final designation was made. 

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 Director of Finance

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          the Band D equivalent number of taxable properties be calculated as shown in accordance with the Government regulations;

(2)          the provision for uncollectable amounts of Council Tax for 2019-2020  be agreed at 2% producing an expected collection rate of 98%;

(3)          subject to (1) & (2) above, a Council Tax Base for 2019-2020 of 86,250 Band D equivalent properties (being 88,010 x 98%) be approved, allowing for payment in lieu of Ministry of Defence properties;

(4)          after considering whether to review the local Council Tax Scheme (CTS), there was no need for a review, and that the continuation of the existing CTS scheme, as previously adopted by Full Council, be agreed for the 2019/20 financial year.

Reason for Decision:  To fulfil the Council’s statutory obligation to set the Council Tax Base for 2019-2020.

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 Director of Finance

RESOLVED:  That the Treasury Management Mid-Year review for 2018/19 be noted.

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

To keep Members informed of Treasury Management activities and performance.

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]

Report of the Director of Finance

Having considered the confidential appendix, it was

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          the revenue and capital forecast positions set out at paragraphs 1.1 to 1. 2 of the officer report, be noted;

(2)          the debts write offs as specified in paragraph 2.77 to 2.78 and paragraph 5.2 of the officer report, be approved;

(3)          the proposed addition to the Capital Programme, as set out at paragraphs 3.38 to 3.42 of the officer report, be approved;

(4)          the Quarter 2 performance reports from Sancroft Community Care specified in Appendix 5 of the officer report (confidential) be noted.

Reasons for Decision:  To report the 2018/19 forecast financial position as at Quarter 2 (30 September 2018) and seek Cabinet approval for Capital Programme adjustments and debts write offs which required Cabinet approval  in accordance with 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 Director of Finance

Having accepted the reasons for lateness and urgency as set out on the supplemental agenda, it was

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          an overall net estimated surplus of £2.465m on the Collection Fund as at 31 March 2019 be noted;

(2)          Harrow’s share of £2.223m and this be transferred to the General Fund in 2019-20 be agreed.

Reason for Decision:  To report to Cabinet on the Council’s statutory obligation to estimate the surplus or (deficit) on the Collection Fund for the year end.  Approval to the recommendations set out was a major part of the annual budget review process.

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 Director of Finance

The Leader of the Council pointed out that the arrangements for the London Business Rates Pooling Pilot designated council leaders to be involved in decision-making and the relevant recommendation should be adjusted accordingly.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          the draft budget for 2019/20 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2019/20 to 2021/22 be approved for general consultation as set out in Appendices 1a, 1b and 2 of the officer report so that Cabinet may later consider the budget in light of the consultation responses and the equality impact assessments before it is referred to Council in February 2019;

(2)          the addition of £2.627m to the Social Care Reserve as set out in paragraph 1.7of the officer report, be noted;

(3)          the balanced budget position for 2019/20, and the budget gaps of £13.5m and £9.3m for 2020/21 and 2021/22 respectively (table 2of the officer report) be noted;

(4)          the proposal to increase Council Tax by 2.99% in 2019/20 (Table 2 and paragraphs 1.23 to 1.24of the officer report) be noted;

(5)          the proposal to increase Council Tax by 2.0% in 2019/20 in respect of the Adult Social Care Precept (Table 2 and paragraph 1.25of the officer report) be noted;

(6)          that it be noted that there were no changes to schools funding for 2019/20 as set out in Appendix 3 and paragraphs 1.45 to 1.48of the officer report;

(7)          the assumed funding for the protection of social care in 2019/20 through the Better Care Fund (BCF), as set out in paragraphs 1.52 to 1.54of the officer report, be noted;

(8)          the draft Public Health budget for 2019/20, as set out in Appendix 4 of the officer report be approved;

(9)          the Director of Finance be authorised, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources, to agree Harrow’s 2019/20 contribution to the London Borough’s Grant Scheme (paragraph 1.57of the officer report);

(10)       with regard to the London Business Rates Pooling Pilot, the following be agreed:-

(a)          participation in the second year of the London Business Rates Pilot Pool with effect from 1 April 2019 (to 31 March 2020) be approved and the Director of Finance be authorised, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources and the Monitoring Officer, to finalise the details for the continuation of the pilot pool;

(b)          the Director of Finance be authorised, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources and the Monitoring Officer, to consider such consultative reports as the Lead Authority may circulate and to respond on behalf of the authority with regard to any recommendations and. in particular, proposals for projects to be approved for funding from the Strategic Investment Pot.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure that the Council publishes a draft budget for 2019/20 and a draft 3 Year MTFS to 2021/22.

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

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared  ...  view the full minutes text for item 98.

Report of the Director of Finance

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          the new draft capital proposals, as detailed within Appendix 1 of the officer report, be noted and submitted to Cabinet in February 2019 for approval;

(2)          the existing Capital programme for 2018/19 to 2020/21, within Appendix 2of the officer report, be noted with 2019/20 and 2020/21 being brought back to Cabinet in February for approval

(3)          the existing Capital Programme for 2019/20 to 2020/21 be agreed with new proposals for the Capital Programme (Appendix 1of the officer report) to be reviewed in line with the principles set out in paragraph 18of the officer report;

(4)          it be agreed that Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding be applied firstly to schemes in the existing capital programme as set out in paragraph 26of the officer report.

Reason for Decision:  To enable the Council to have an approved Capital Programme for 2019/20 to 2020/21.

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 Director of Finance

Councillor Sue Anderson referred to information about utilities charges for Watkins House in Appendices 4 and 5 even though the property was unoccupied.  The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources agreed to check the position and vary the arrangements if appropriate.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          the proposed average rent for non-sheltered accommodation of £113.09 per week for 2019-20 be approved, representing a decrease of 1% in average rent from the 2018-19 figure;

(2)          the proposed average rent for sheltered accommodation of £93.66per week for 2019-20 be approved, representing a decrease of 1% in average rent from the 2018-19 figure;

(3)          an average tenant service charge of £3.15 per week be approved, unchanged from 2018-19 pending outcome of review;

(4)          rents for new build units under affordable rent of £198.91 be approved, reflecting the statutory 1% rent reduction;

(5)          rents for the shared ownership units of £212.04 be approved, reflecting 75% equity share held by Council, subject to Cabinet approval of the recommendations in the report on Homes for Harrow: Council House Building Update appearing elsewhere on the agenda;

(6)          proposed increases in facility charges, set out in Appendix 4 of the officer report, be approved, while noting that charges for Community Centres, Water and Garages remain unchanged;

(7)          the policy of repayment of Housing Revenue Account (HRA) debt on new Right to Buy (RTB) disposals using a proportion of RTB receipts as part of a policy to reduce interest exposure on the revenue account with due regard to borrowing requirements for new build, be approved;

(8)          the assumptions made in construction of budget and likely changes to be made in final budget to be submitted to Cabinet on 21 February 2019, be noted;

(9)          the Risk Management Implications which require prudent financial reserves given the absence of borrowing capacity and probability of sustained and significant reforms in the housing sector, be noted.

Reason for Decision:  To recommend the draft HRA budget and capital programme for 2019-20 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2020-21 to 2021?22.

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.

Having accepted the reasons for lateness and urgency as set out on the supplemental agenda, it was

RESOLVED:  That the following motion referred by Council be endorsed:

Modern Slavery Motion

Modern slavery continues to be a significant problem in Harrow.  In 2013 there is evidence that as many as 42 children were trafficked to the borough providing large revenue streams for criminal gangs.  Harrow Council has been proactive in its investigations into not only child trafficking but modern slavery as a whole.  This scourge affects all those who are vulnerable and it is for this reason that we have chosen to implement the following resolutions:

Harrow Council requests its Cabinet to:

1)            Train its corporate procurement team to understand modern slavery through the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply’s (CIPS) online course on Ethical Procurement and Supply.

2)            Require its contractors to comply fully with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, wherever it applies, with contract termination as a potential sanction for non-compliance.

3)            Challenge any abnormally low-cost tenders to ensure they do not rely upon the potential contractor practising modern slavery.

4)            Highlight to its suppliers that contracted workers are free to join a trade union and are not to be treated unfairly for belonging to one.

5)            Publicise its whistle-blowing system for staff to blow the whistle on any suspected examples of modern slavery.

6)            Require its tendered contractors to adopt a whistle-blowing policy which enables their staff to blow the whistle on any suspected examples of modern slavery.

7)            Review its contractual spending regularly to identify any potential issues with modern slavery.

8)            Highlight for its suppliers any risks identified concerning modern slavery and refer them to the relevant agencies to be addressed.

9)            Refer for investigation via the National Crime Agency’s national referral mechanism any of its contractors identified as a cause for concern regarding modern slavery.

10)         Report publicly on the implementation of this policy annually.