Agenda and minutes

Members of Council stood and observed one minute silence for former Mayor and Councillor Christine Bednell who had sadly passed away in December 2024.

That the minutes of the meeting held on 28 November 2024 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 28 November 2024 be taken as read and signed as a correct record subject to noting that in relation to the Motion: £22.6 billion additional funding to the NHS, Councillor Graham Henson had declared that from 2018 to 2022 he had been joint Chair of North West London STP which had become North West London ICS and that he had continued to represent 8 North West London Councils until 2022.

To receive declarations of disclosable pecuniary or non pecuniary interests, arising from business to be transacted at this meeting, from all Members of the Council.

The following interests were declared:

All items

Councillor Stephen Greek declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he was employed by the Greater London Authority in case it was referred to during the debate.  He would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Councillor Susan Hall declared a non-pecuniary interest in that she was a Member of the Greater London Authority in case it was referred to during the debate.  She would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Item 10 – Revenue Budget 2025/26 and Medium Term Financial Strategy to 2027/28

Councillor Paul Osborn declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he was Chair of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, which was a levying authority.  He would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Item 22 – Motion to support Free School Breakfast Clubs in Harrow

Councillor Simon Brown declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he was a governor at Pinner Park School.  He would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Councillor Matthew Goodwin-Freeman declared a non-pecuniary interest in that his family ran two nurseries in Harrow and his wife worked in a nursery.  He would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Councillor Stephen Greek declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he was a governor at Weald Rise School.  He would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Councillor Graham Henson declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he was the interim Chair of governors at Cedars Manor School.  He would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Councillor Maxine Henson declared a non-pecuniary interest in that she was a governor at Roxbourne School.  She would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

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

Councillor Nitin Parekh declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he was a governor at Camrose Primary School.  He would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

Harrow Strategic Development Partnership (HSDP)

Councillor Stephen Greek declared an interest in that should the HSDP be referred to during debate, he was a Council appointed member on the HSDP but that he had a dispensation to speak.

Councillor Kanti Rabadia declared an interest in that should the HSDP be referred to during debate, he was a Council appointed member on the HSDP but that he had a dispensation to speak.

To receive and consider any procedural motions by Members of the Council in relation to the conduct of this Meeting.  Notice of such procedural motions, received after the issuing of this Summons, will be tabled.

The Mayor drew Council’s attention to the Procedural Motion set out in the Summons.  The procedural motion under Rule 26.1 was agreed so that, in line with previous years and for the purposes of the debate on the Revenue Budget 2025/26 and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2027/28, the rules of debate be varied, as set out in the Summons, and that the procedure therein also be applied to the reports on the Corporate Plan 2023-2026:Review of second year and Flagship Actions 2025/26, the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget 2025/26 and Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2026/27 to 2027/28, Housing Revenue Account 30 year HRA Business Plan and acquisition of housing properties, the Treasury Management Strategy Statement including Annual Investment Strategy for 2025/26 and Capital Strategy for 2025/26, the Capital Programme 2025/26 to 2027/28, in so far as the recommendations be debated jointly.

The Leader of the Council moved a procedural Motion that the order of business be varied so that item 6, Petition – Support National Harrow FC in securing a permanent home ground, be received and debated before item 5, Petition – Keep Free Weekend Parking at North Harrow Car Park, given the number of attendees.  This was agreed.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)            the partial suspension under Rule 26.1, regarding the moving of recommendations from Cabinet and the rules of debate (including extended time for opening speeches by the political groups), as set out in the Summons be approved for the purposes of the debate upon

(2)            the Procedural Motion be agreed.

To receive any petitions to be presented:

(i)            by a representative of the petitioners;

(ii)          by a Councillor, on behalf of petitioners;

(iii)         by the Mayor, on behalf of petitioners.

In accordance with Rule 10, the following petitions were received:

(i)              Petition submitted by Janette Christian containing 43 signatures in relation to the increasing numbers of Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

(ii)             Petition presented by Councillor David Ashton containing 561 signatures urging immediate action to improve safety at the Camrose Avenue zebra crossing.

(iii)           Petition presented by Councillor Krishna Suresh containing 123 signatures in relation to the road surface and pavements in Lynton Road.

(iv)           Petition presented by Councillor Stephen Hickman containing 161 signatures in relation to the withdrawal of school crossing guards.

(v)            Petition presented by Councillor Rashmi Kalu containing 73 signatures in relation parking issues in Roxeth Park’s car park.

(vi)           Petition presented by Councillor Aneka Shah-Levy containing 236 signatures in relation to lighting on Lowlands Recreation Ground.

RESOLVED:  That the petitions referred to the relevant Strategic Director for consideration.

A petition containing over 2,000 signatures has been received and has the following terms:

“We, the undersigned, oppose these plans to introduce Saturday charges at Cambridge Road car park, and call upon Harrow Council's Conservative administration to halt this proposal and maintain free Saturday parking at Cambridge Road car park.”

A representative of the petitioners will read the terms of the petition on behalf of the petition signatories.  There is a period of one minute allocated to present.

A period of ten minutes is permitted for Members to debate the Petition terms and issues. Following discussion, the Council may choose to refer the petition to the Cabinet, a Committee or Strategic Director to consider the matter, taking into account the views expressed by Council.

In accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme, Council received a petition

containing over 2,000 signatures as follows:-

(i)             Petition submitted by Hugh Brown, containing 2,423 signatures stating

“We, the undersigned, oppose these plans to introduce Saturday charges at Cambridge Road car park, and call upon Harrow Council's Conservative administration to halt this proposal and maintain free Saturday parking at Cambridge Road car park.”

(ii)            Debate was held on the content of the petition.

RESOLVED: That the petition referred to the Strategic Director of Culture, Env ironment and Economy for consideration.

A petition containing over 2,000 signatures has been received and has the following terms:

“National Harrow FC, a much-loved football club that has been one of the cornerstones of our community for many years, is in urgent need of a permanent home ground. Without a stable facility, our club’s ability to continue providing opportunities for local children and adults to participate in sports, is at serious risk of permanent closure.

We have a unique opportunity to secure a new ground at The Old Lyonian Sports Ground, 74 Pinner View, Harrow, HA1 4QF, for the club’s permanent use. As a charity, we do not have the funds to purchase this ground and develop our football academy. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to ensure that National Harrow FC can continue to serve the community, offering a safe, healthy and supportive environment for young people to excel in sports.

The importance of sports for children’s physical and mental health cannot be overstated. Securing a permanent home would allow us to continue to offer vital sports programs that encourage youth engagement, and contributes to their overall personal development which in turn reduces antisocial behaviour and fosters a sense of teamwork and community. 

We are calling on Harrow Council to support National Harrow FC in securing this land at The Old Lyonian Sports Ground to help secure the future of the club and its positive impact on our community. Without this, we will need to close our doors to the children of Harrow. 

By signing this petition, you can help us protect the future of National Harrow FC and guarantee that the children and families in our community have access to quality sports facilities for generations to come.”

A representative of the petitioners will read the terms of the petition on behalf of the petition signatories.  There is a period of one minute allocated to present.

A period of ten minutes is permitted for Members to debate the Petition terms and issues. Following discussion, the Council may choose to refer the petition to the Cabinet, a Committee or Strategic Director to consider the matter, taking into account the views expressed by Council.

In accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme, Council received a petition

containing over 2,000 signatures as follows:-

(i)              Petition submitted by Adrian Avasalcai containing over 4,000 signatures stating

“National Harrow FC, a much-loved football club that has been one of the cornerstones of our community for many years, is in urgent need of a permanent home ground.  Without a stable facility, our club’s ability to continue providing opportunities for local children and adults to participate in sports, is at serious risk of permanent closure. Council - 27 February 2025 4

We have a unique opportunity to secure a new ground at The Old Lyonian Sports Ground, 74 Pinner View, Harrow, HA1 4QF, for the club’s permanent use.  As a charity, we do not have the funds to purchase this ground and develop our football academy.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to ensure that National Harrow FC can continue to serve the community, offering a safe, healthy and supportive environment for young people to excel in sports.

The importance of sports for children’s physical and mental health cannot be overstated.  Securing a permanent home would allow us to continue to offer vital sports programs that encourage youth engagement, and contributes to their overall personal development which in turn reduces antisocial behaviour and fosters a sense of teamwork and community.

We are calling on Harrow Council to support National Harrow FC in securing this land at The Old Lyonian Sports Ground to help secure the future of the club and its positive impact on our community.  Without this, we will need to close our doors to the children of Harrow.

By signing this petition, you can help us protect the future of National Harrow FC and guarantee that the children and families in our community have access to quality sports facilities for generations to come.”

(ii)             Debate was held on the content of the petition.

RESOLVED:  That the petition referred to the Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy for consideration.

A period of up to 15 minutes is allowed for members of the public to ask questions of members of the Executive, Portfolio Holders and Chairs of Committees, of which notice has been received no later than 3.00 pm two clear working days prior to the day of this Meeting.  Any such questions received will be tabled.

To note that eight public questions had been received and responded to.

To receive a presentation from the Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holders on business since the last ordinary meeting, followed by a question and answer session.  The item is allotted 20 minutes.

(i)              The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Osborn, introduced the item highlighting the Administration’s achievements, challenges and plans since the last ordinary meeting.  He reported that, on 23 October 2024, the Extraordinary meeting of Council resolved to authorise the Chief Planning Officer, following consultation with both him and the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration to submit the draft local plan to the Secretary of State for inspection.  He confirmed that this had been done and that the Chief Planning Officer had prepared and published an Officer Delegated Powers Report to document this decision.  The report explained that the outcomes of the consultation would be reported back to the Planning Policy Advisory Panel, Cabinet and Overview and Scrutiny shortly for information.

(ii)             Other Members spoke and asked questions of the Leader of the Council which were duly responded to.

RESOLVED:  That the Corporate Plan and new Flagship Actions for 2025/26 be approved.

An amendment was moved by Councillor David Perry, was duly seconded by Councillor Natasha Proctor, put to the vote and was lost.  The voting on the amendment was as follows:

In favour of the amendment:  Councillors Ali, Anderson, Assad, Brown, Gilligan, Graham Henson, Maxine Henson, Hickman, Hussain, Kalu, Miles, Parekh, Varsha Parmar, Perry, Proctor, Shah-Levy, Krishna Suresh and Sasi Suresh.

Against the amendment:  His Worshipful the Mayor Councillor Salim Chowdhury, David Ashton, Marilyn Ashton, Christopher Baxter, June Baxter, Benjamin, Bharadia, Blackman, Ramji Chauhan, Goodwin-Freeman, Greek, Halai, Hall, Hirani, Idaikkadar, Jogia, Karia, Kumaran, Lammiman, Moshenson, Mote, Osborn, Mina Parmar, Anjana Patel, Pritesh Patel, Rabadia, Stevenson, Sumaria, Teli and Wagman.

Absent:  Councillors Choudhury, Dolor, Kulig, Mithani, O’Dell, Rekha Shah and Weiss.

Upon the meeting moving to the vote on the substantive Recommendation it was carried.  The voting was as follows:

In Favour of the Recommendation:  His Worshipful the Mayor Councillor Salim Chowdhury, David Ashton, Marilyn Ashton, Christopher Baxter, June Baxter, Benjamin, Bharadia, Blackman, Ramji Chauhan, Goodwin-Freeman, Greek, Halai, Hall, Hirani, Idaikkadar, Jogia, Karia, Kumaran, Lammiman, Moshenson, Mote, Osborn, Mina Parmar, Anjana Patel, Pritesh Patel, Rabadia, Stevenson, Sumaria, Teli and Wagman.

Against the Recommendation:  Councillors Ali, Anderson, Assad, Brown, Gilligan, Graham Henson, Maxine Henson, Hickman, Hussain, Kalu, Miles, Parekh, Varsha Parmar, Perry, Proctor, Shah-Levy, Krishna Suresh and Sasi Suresh.

Absent:  Councillors Choudhury, Dolor, Kulig, Mithani, O’Dell, Rekha Shah and Weiss.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)           the 2025/26 budget be approved to enable the Council Tax for 2025/26 to be set;

(2)           the Model Council Tax Resolution 2025/26 as set out in Appendix 11 of the officer report be approved;

(3)           in accordance with Section 38 (2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, the Managing Director be instructed to place a notice in the local press of the amounts set under resolution 2 above within a period of 21 days following the Council’s decision;

(4)           the Medium-Term Financial Strategy be approved (Appendix 2 of the officer report);

(5)           the 2025/26 Annual Pay Policy Statement be approved (Appendix 13 of the officer report);

(6)           the Capital Receipts Flexibility Strategy be approved (Appendix 14 of the officer report).

RESOLVED:  That

(1)            the HRA 30-year Business plan and assumptions be approved (paragraphs 108 to 118, Appendix 7(a) and 7(b) of the officer report);

(2)            HRA Budgets for 2025-26 be approved (Appendix 1 of the officer report);

(3)            a five-year HRA Capital programme of £254.155 million, made up of £81.261 million Planned Investment, £32.379 million Building Council Homes for Londoners (BCHfL), £16.230 million Property Acquisition and £124.245 million Homes for Harrow Phase 2, be approved, as set out in paragraphs 66 to 107 and Appendix 6(a) and 6(b) of the officer report.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)            the Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2025/26 be approved including the:

(1.1)      Prudential Indicators for the period 2025/26 to 2027/28;

(1.2)      Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement for 2025/26, (paragraph 2.20 of the officer’s reports and appendix 3 to the officer’s report); 

(1.3)      Annual Investment Strategy for 2025/26 (Appendix 6 to the officer’s report);

(1.4)      Annual Capital Strategy (Appendix 7 to the officer’s report).

RESOLVED:  That the Capital Programme be approved.

Report of the Strategic Director of Finance

RESOLVED:  That the additional information provided in Appendix A to the officer report be noted.

RESOLVED:  That, having noted the additional information referred to in resolution 210 above, the proposed changes to the Council Tax Support scheme (as set out in the officer’s report) come into effect on 1 April 2025, and that the consultation feedback and the potential likely impacts (as set out in the officer’s report and Equality Impact Assessment) be taken into account.

Report of the Managing Director

RESOLVED: That

(1)           the fees and charges listed in Appendix 1 to the officer report for the financial year 2025/26 be approved and set;

(2)           the Strategic Director of Finance be authorised to amend fees and charges in year and agree new fees and charges, following consultation with the appropriate Strategic Director and the relevant Portfolio Holder where there was an urgent necessity to review the fees.

RESOLVED:  That the Gambling Policy (Gambling Act 2005) be approved, subject to the amendments and comments made by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Having agreed the amendments made by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the Policy it was

RESOLVED:  That, having considered the consultation responses and the Equalities Impact Assessment, the revised Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles 2025 – 2028 (the “Policy”), be approved.

Report of the Strategic Director of Legal and Governance Services

RESOLVED:  That the Calendar of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2025/26 be approved.

Report of the Strategic Director of Legal and Governance Services

RESOLVED: That

(1)            the parts of the constitution as attached at Appendix A be amended;

(2)            the Monitoring Officer be authorised to make these changes to the constitution.

Report of the Strategic Director of Legal and Governance Services

RESOLVED:  That the information report be noted.

A period of up to 15 minutes is allowed for asking written questions by Members of Council of a member of the Executive or the Chair of any Committee:-

(i)            of which notice has been received at least two clear working days prior to the day of this Meeting; or

(ii)          which relate to urgent matters, and the consent of the Executive Member or Committee Chair to whom the question is to be put has been obtained and the content has been advised to the Director of Legal and Governance Services by 12 noon on the day of the Council Meeting.

Any such questions received will be tabled.

To note that three questions from Councillors to the Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holders had been received and that written answers would be provided.

The following Motion has been notified in accordance with the requirements of Council Procedure Rule 15, to be moved and seconded by the Members indicated:

(i)              “Motion to Support Free School Breakfast Clubs in Harrow

Motion in the name of Councillor Stephen Hickman and seconded by Councillor Natasha Proctor

This Council Notes:

1.       The Labour Government’s commitment to introducing free breakfast clubs in all state-funded primary schools in England, ensuring all children from Reception to Year 6 have access to a free breakfast before the start of the school day.

2.       The significant benefits of breakfast clubs, including improved academic attainment, attendance, social skills, behaviour, and overall wellbeing for children.

3.       The positive impact of breakfast clubs on families, particularly in alleviating cost-of-living pressures and providing flexibility for parents to work the jobs and hours they choose.

4.       That Harrow has many families who would greatly benefit from universal free breakfast provision, particularly those facing financial hardship or challenges in accessing affordable childcare.

This Council Believes:

1.       That ensuring every child has a healthy start to their day is crucial to their ability to learn, develop, and thrive.

2.       That free breakfast clubs can play a transformative role in breaking down barriers to opportunity, reducing inequalities, and fostering social cohesion.

3.       That Harrow Council has a duty to support initiatives that improve the wellbeing of its residents, particularly its children and young people.

4.       That this measure will help tackle food insecurity among children, especially those from low-income households, and ensure no child starts their day hungry.

This Council Resolves:

1.       To welcome and support the Labour Government’s proposed legislation on universal free breakfast clubs for primary schools.

2.       To advocate for early adoption of this scheme in Harrow’s state-funded primary schools, ensuring local children benefit as soon as possible.

3.       To write to the Secretary of State for Education to express this Council’s support for the legislation and request adequate funding and guidance for Harrow schools to meet their duty effectively.

4.       Request Harrow’s MPs to champion this cause in Parliament and advocate for Harrow to be included in the early adopter phase of the rollout.

This motion reinforces Harrow Council’s commitment to improving children’s wellbeing, reducing inequality, and supporting families, ensuring every child in Harrow gets the best possible start to their school day.”

A tabled amendment in the names of Councillor Paul Osborn and Councillor Marilyn Ashton was received, put to the vote and was carried.

RESOLVED:  That Motion, as set out below, be adopted:

“This Council Notes:

1.       The government’s commitment to introducing free breakfast clubs in all state-funded primary schools in England, ensuring all children from Reception to Year 6 have access to a free breakfast before the start of the school day.

2.       The significant benefits of breakfast clubs, including improved academic attainment, attendance, social skills, behaviour, and overall wellbeing for children.

3.       The positive impact of breakfast clubs on families, particularly in alleviating cost-of-living pressures and providing flexibility for parents to work the jobs and hours they choose.

4.       That Harrow has many families who would greatly benefit from universal free breakfast provision, particularly those facing financial hardship  ...  view the full minutes text for item 219.

At 9.13 pm, the Mayor asked Council if the guillotine should be extended.  It was agreed that the guillotine be extended until the conclusion of the debate on item 15, Review of Consultation and adoption/ rejection of proposed new Council Tax Support Scheme for 2025/26.

RESOLVED:  That the provisions of Rules 9.2 and 9.3 be applied as set out above.