Agenda and minutes

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director Community and Environment, which advised on the outcome of the review of Harrow’s Licensing Policy.  The Policy has to be reviewed every three years, following its implementation, to comply with relevant legislation.

Harrow’s Licensing Policy established the basis for applications under the Licensing Act and how they were to be determined.  Harrow had developed, consulted on and published a statement of its Licensing Policy on 6 January 2005, which was due to expire on 5 January 2008.  The Authority in reviewing its Policy had to consider responses from stakeholders as part of a consultation process.  Stakeholders were widely consulted with participation from local businesses, residents’ associations, Ward Councillors, the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, Metropolitan Police as well as other statutory organisations and interested parties.

It was noted that the existing Policy had been written prior to the Licensing Act coming into force and appeared to incorporate more of a legal approach to its guidance.  However, three years on a lot had happened, national precedents had been set and everyone was more familiar with the understanding of the Policy.  The revised draft Policy had more flexibility and had incorporated suggestions following wide consultation.

Having considered the responses to the draft Licensing Policy following consultation, it was:

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)

That Harrow’s Licensing Policy, attached at Appendix A, be endorsed.

(See also Minute 61)

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Legal and Governance Services, at its last meeting, which advised of the necessity to review Harrow’s polling districts and stations in accordance with legislation, and sought the establishment of a working group to undertake the work.

The Polling District Working Group met twice in order to review every polling district within the Borough and made several recommendations. 

It was noted that if officers found suitable alternative locations for polling centres, particularly where requests had been made by the working group or Ward Councillors, they would use it.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to Council)

That (1) the recommendations in relation to individual polling districts, as set out in Appendix B be endorsed; and

(2)  future reviews of polling districts address selected parts of the Borough each year, to ensure that the statutory requirement to conduct a review every four years of all of the Borough’s polling districts are met.

(See also Minute 62).

To receive declarations of personal or prejudicial interests, arising from business to be transacted at this meeting, from:

(a)               all Members of the Committee, Sub Committee, Panel or Forum;

(b)               all other Members present in any part of the room or chamber.

RESOLVED:  To note that there were no declarations of interests made by Members in relation to 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 Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

RESOLVED:  That (1) in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, the agenda together with all the items be admitted late by reason of the special circumstances and grounds for urgency stated:

(2)  all items be considered with the press and public present, with the exception of the following item, for the reason set out below:-

That the minutes of the Special meeting held on 19 February 2007, the ordinary meeting held on 5 March 2007, the Special meeting held on 14 May 2007 and the ordinary meeting held on 7 June 2007, be taken as read and signed as correct records.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the Special meeting held on 19 February 2007, the ordinary meeting held on 5 March 2007, the Special meeting held on 14 May 2007 and the ordinary meeting held on 7 June 2007, be taken as read and signed as correct records.

To receive questions (if any) from local residents or organisations under the provisions of Committee Procedure Rule 19 (Part 4B of the Constitution).

RESOLVED:  To note that no public questions were put, or petitions or deputations received at this meeting under the provisions of Committee Procedure Rules 19, 16 and 17 (Part 4B of the Constitution) respectively.

Report of the Corporate Director (Community and Environment).

(See Recommendation I).

Report of the Director of Legal and Governance Services.

(See Recommendation II).

Report of the Corporate Director (Finance).

Members received a report of the Corporate Director of Finance on the use of Harrow Council’s Flexible Retirement Policy which included details of policies adopted by other authorities, actual experience at Harrow and any recommendation for adjustment to Harrow’s policy.

RESOLVED:  That Harrow Council’s Flexible Retirement Policy incorporating the proposed changes as detailed in 2.15 and 2.17 of the officer report be approved.