Agenda and minutes

The Panel received a report from the Director of Learning and Community Development, which outlined the progress of the Best Value Review of Harrow Teachers’ Centre (HTC) and made interim recommendations.  The Panel were reminded that the Best Value Review of HTC began in 2002.  Members were asked to note that the Manager of HTC had been in post since September 2003, whilst the Director of Learning and Community Development had been in post since January 2004.  The meeting heard that in February 2004 HTC had made a successful bid to the West London Learning & Skills Council for the establishment of a Professional Development Centre as part of the Skills for Life initiative.  The Manager of HTC distributed a copy of a press release and a paper providing background to the Skills for Life Strategy.  It was noted that young people had been the focus of the learning agenda but the Skills for Life initiative was aimed at improving the levels of adult literacy, numeracy and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).  The Manager of HTC further reported that 2.4 million people across the country were not fully proficient in their jobs.  It was therefore decided to carry out a feasibility study to establish whether HTC could become a Work Based Learning provider.  Members were advised that an external consultant on behalf of Harrow Council was undertaking the feasibility study.  The Manager of HTC read out the Centre’s mission statement.  The Portfolio Holder for Education felt it was important that HTC be used as a focus for the provision of Work Based Learning in order to increase the literacy, numeracy and overall competence of the Council workforce in accordance with the Council’s Human Resources Strategy.

The Panel discussed the financial arrangements of HTC.  Members were informed that HTC received income through Service Level Agreements (SLA) with the Borough’s schools as well as room hire, catering, equipment and office charging.  The software with which HTC operated its room bookings system had caused a number of problems.  New software was due to be installed by August 2004.  In 2002/03 HTC received 4,440 room bookings, amounting to 16,286 hours of usage.  Of this the former Education Department, schools and other Council departments used 11,549 hours.  During school term-times the occupancy rate of rooms at HTC by the Education Department and other Council departments was 65.8%.  The Manager of HTC explained that efforts would be made to increase the use of the facilities.  A publicity campaign was proposed, to raise awareness and increase the occupancy rate, whilst the new computer software was designed to enable bookings to be monitored and managed more effectively.  The Manager of HTC distributed an advertisement featured in a recent edition of the Harrow People Magazine and a leaflet to highlight the services available at the HTC.  The Manager of HTC was asked to update the Panel on these figures in 6 months time.

The meeting heard that the SLA, undertaken with First, Middle and High schools, could provide  ...  view the full minutes text for item

The Panel received a report from the Director of Organisational Performance outlining the position of the Council’s Best Value Review Programme.  The Panel was reminded that there had been a significant change in Government guidance since the inception of Best Value: councils were now expected to focus reviews on key areas of weakness or need, identified either externally (for instance by inspecting bodies) or internally.  This contrasted with the earlier approach whereby a review programme was expected to encompass the entire range of council activities.  Major internal change through the New Harrow Project had also had a profound effect on reviews.  Revised criteria for identifying reviews were set out in the report.  Members were informed that following consultation with the Service Departments, the Panel would receive a draft programme focusing on key issues.

It was added that a review was required of the identifiable links and relationship between scrutiny and Best Value. The meeting also discussed the dangers of duplicating work at the Best Value and scrutiny level.  Members were advised that a review of scrutiny was about to commence and could be extended to cover these issues.

The Chair noted that many of the reviews had taken a long time to report to the Panel and that there remained too many reports that were ‘incomplete.’  The Chair also felt that the Panel should be regularly updated on the progress of reviews after it had presented its final report.

Resolved to RECOMMEND: (To the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development, Housing and Best Value)

That the approach outlined in the formulation of a new review programme be agreed.

REASON: To enable a targeted and sustainable review programme to be re-established.

(See also Minute 97).

To note the attendance at this meeting of any duly appointed Reserve Members.

RESOLVED:  To note the attendance at this meeting of the following duly appointed Reserve Members:-

To receive declarations of interest (if any) from Members of the Panel arising from business to be transacted at this meeting.

RESOLVED:  To note that there were no declarations of personal or prejudicial interests made by Members of the Panel arising from the business transacted at this meeting.

To consider whether any of the items listed on the agenda should be considered with the press and public excluded on the grounds that it is thought likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, that there would be disclosure of confidential information in breach of an obligation of confidence or of exempt information as defined in the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985.

The Chair proposed that an amendment be made to the running order of the substantive items of business.  It was decided that item 8 would be followed by item 10, by which time the Manager of Harrow Teachers’ Centre would be in attendance at the meeting.  Item 9 would conclude the substantive items of business.

RESOLVED: That (1) the above be noted; and

(2) all items be considered with the press and public present.

That the minutes of the meeting held on 11 September 2003, having been circulated, be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meetings held on 16 July and 11 September 2003, having been circulated, be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

To receive questions (if any) from local residents or organisations under the provisions of Advisory Panel Procedure Rule 15 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

RESOLVED:  To note that no public questions were put at this meeting under the provisions of Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 15 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

To receive petitions (if any) submitted by members of the public/Councillors under the provisions of Advisory Panel Procedure Rule 13 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

RESOLVED:  To note that no petitions were received at this meeting under the provisions of the Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 13 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

To receive deputations (if any) under the provisions of Advisory Panel Procedure Rule 14 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

RESOLVED:  To note that no deputations were received at this meeting under the provisions of Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 14 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

Report of the Interim Head of Crime Reduction Unit/DAT/YOT.

The Panel received a progress against improvement plan report from the Interim Head of the Crime Reduction Unit.  Members were referred to page 2 of the agenda, which listed the four main areas that the Review had identified for further development.  In respect of co-location the Crime Reduction Manager reported that the Metropolitan Police Authority was selling off assets in order to support its revenue accounts.  It was noted that the business case submitted to the Metropolitan Police Property Services Division had proved unsuccessful and that Wealdstone Police Station would be sold in 2-3 years time.  It was recognised that alternative provision would be made in Wealdstone.  Members questioned whether Wealdstone Police Station, a listed building, could be sold on the open market.

Positive progress was noted in relation to the establishment of a Joint Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, which was being carried out in accordance with new legislation (Crime and Disorder Act).  The Crime Reduction Manager noted that two staff from the Local Authority had recently moved to the Intelligence Unit in South Harrow Police Station.  It was hoped that this would provide a greater degree of co-operation between the Police and the Council in order to help achieve the objectives in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.  It was added that these objectives were closely linked to the ‘liveability’ agenda of the New Harrow Project, particularly in tackling persistent low-level offenders.

The Panel heard that efforts were being made to share information between the Police and the Council.  Fortnightly meetings of the Police Tasking Group were noted as an integral part of this process and were seen as important in helping to tackle specific crime issues in the Borough.  Members were informed of a Community Involvement Officer, managed jointly by Harrow Council and South Harrow Police Station.  The purpose of this role was to support and develop Harrow Neighbourhood Watch.  The Crime Reduction Manager concluded his presentation by commenting that good progress had been made on majority of aspects of the improvement plan.

Members discussed measures that could be taken against individuals who dropped litter.  The Crime Reduction Manager informed Members that enforcement powers were restricted to the Police and had not been extended to Street Wardens or Police Community Support Officers, although this was noted as being under review.  Discussion turned to the possibility of making use of signs in appropriate positions in the Town Centre, warning members of the public not to drop litter.  The Crime Reduction Manager advised that the Council had submitted a bid to receive funding for electronic signboards to use for this purpose.  This would provide the added benefit of being able to change the text of the message.

The Panel agreed that educating people was an integral part of solving the problem.  It was reported that Street wardens and Police Community Support Officers had given citizenship talks in schools, part of which deals with the consequences of dropping litter.  In terms of the wider community, it was noted that Street Wardens and Police  ...  view the full minutes text for item 95.

Report of the Director of Learning and Community Development.

(See Recommendation 1)

Report of the Director of Organisational Performance.

Further to Recommendation 2 above, it was:

RESOLVED: That (1) a further report, with proposals on this basis and including the curtailment of existing reviews where appropriate, is brought to the next meeting of the Panel (subject to prior receipt of the finalised Audit and Inspection Programme); and

(2) the Panel concurs with the inclusion of the relationship of this Panel with scrutiny bodies within the scope of the forthcoming review of the scrutiny function.