Agenda and minutes

Moved from 22 July 2021, Council - Thursday 30 September 2021 6.30 pm

Venue: Council Chamber, Harrow Civic Centre, Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2XY. View directions

Contact: Alison Atherton, Senior Professional - Democratic Services  Tel: 07825 726493 E-mail:  alison.atherton@harrow.gov.uk

Media

Items
No. Item

214.

Minute Silence

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members of Council stood and observed a minute silence for the late Councillor Chris Mote, former Deputy Mayor and Leader of the Council.

 

Members paid tribute to the late Councillor Chris Mote.

215.

Council Minutes pdf icon PDF 35 KB

That the minutes of the Annual meeting held on 5 May 2021 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 5 May 2021 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

216.

Declarations of Interest pdf icon PDF 133 KB

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.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That

 

(1)          the Declarations of Interests published in advance of the meeting on the Council’s website be taken as read and noted;

 

(2)          it be noted that the following interests were also declared:

 

Item 21 – Motions (2) Planning Motion

 

Councillor Paul Osborn declared an interest in that he lived in Vaughan Road.  He would leave the Chamber if the interest became pecuniary.

 

Councillor Kiran Ramchandani declared a pecuniary interest as her partner was employed in community development for housing developers.  She would leave the Chamber for the discussion and vote on this item.

 

Councillor Sachin Shah declared a pecuniary interest as he was employed in community development for housing developers.  He would leave the Chamber for the discussion and vote on this item.

 

Item 21 – Motions (3) Food Poverty Motion

 

Councillor Michael Borio declared a non-pecuniary interest.

 

Councillor Kiran Ramchandani declared a pecuniary interest as she was employed by Citizens’ Advice which was campaigning in relation to Universal Credit.  She would leave the Chamber for the discussion and vote on this item.

 

Councillor Sachin Shah declared a pecuniary interest as his partner was employed by Citizens’ Advice which was campaigning in relation to Universal Credit.  He would leave the Chamber for the discussion and vote on this item.

 

Item 21 – Motions (4) Deliver a Better Built Environment in Harrow Motion

 

Councillor Kiran Ramchandani declared a non-pecuniary interest as her partner was employed in the development industry.

 

Councillor Sachin Shah declared a non-pecuniary interest as he was employed in the development industry.

217.

Procedural Motions

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.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Mayor indicated that given the earlier start time of the Council meeting he proposed that the closure time of the meeting be 9.30 pm.  Upon being put to the vote this was agreed.

 

The Mayor indicated that he would vary the order of business to take item 9, Appointment of Honorary Recorder for Harrow Council, following item 4, Procedural Motions.  This was agreed.

 

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 17.11, Councillor Paul Osborn raised a point of order in relation to the proposed Labour Amendment to Motion 4, Deliver a Better Built Environment in Harrow, in that it negated the Motion, contrary to Council Procedure Rule 17.6.1.

218.

Civic Functions

To receive any communications from the newly elected Mayor as to the Civic Functions for 2021/22.

 

The Annual Civic Remembrance Service will be held on Sunday 14 November 2021.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Mayor announced that the Annual Civic Remembrance Service would be held on Sunday 14 November 2021.

219.

Petitions

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.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

(i)              Petition submitted by Mr Sanjay Pall on behalf of the residents of Hillcrest Avenue containing 22 signatures in relation to the condition of the pavement and road surface.

 

(ii)             Petition submitted by Mr Michael Rowe on behalf of the residents of Lucas Avenue containing 34 signatures in relation to speeding vehicles in the road.

 

(iii)           Petition submitted by Councillor Krishna Suresh on behalf of the residents of Yeading Avenue containing 61 signatures in relation to the condition of the pavements.

 

(iv)           Petition submitted by Councillor Ameet Jogia on behalf of the residents of Pangbourne Drive containing 48 signatures in relation to the condition of the pavements and driveways.

 

[The petitions stood referred to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change].

220.

Public Questions

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.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

No public questions were received.

221.

Leader and Portfolio Holder Announcements

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.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(i)              The Leader of the Council, Councillor Graham Henson, introduced the item highlighting the achievements, challenges and proposals since the last ordinary meeting.  Councillor Peymana Assad, Portfolio Holder for Community Cohesion, Crime and Enforcement also provided an update.

 

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

222.

Appointment of Honorary Recorder for Harrow Council pdf icon PDF 43 KB

Report of the Monitoring Officer

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That, pursuant to Section 54 of the Courts Act 1971, Her Honour Judge Rosa Dean be appointed to the Office of Honorary Recorder of Harrow during her tenure as Resident Judge at Harrow Crown Court.

223.

Dispensation for Members of Council pdf icon PDF 39 KB

Report of the Monitoring Officer

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That all Members of Council be granted a dispensation from the requirement to physically attend a meeting of the Council until 30 April 2022 provided that they attend a hybrid/ virtual meeting during the period of the dispensation, to reflect the continuing impact of the Covid 19 pandemic.

224.

Review of Polling Places and Polling Districts pdf icon PDF 86 KB

Recommendation I:

Licensing and General Purposes Committee

 

(2 September 2021)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That

 

(1)          the recommendations of the Polling District Review Working Group in relation to the individual polling districts and polling places for all future elections with effect from May 2022 to May 2027 set out in the officer report, together with the amendment to Wealdstone North Ward as set out in Appendix 1 to the recommendation be approved; and

 

(2)          any further changes in venue within a polling district be agreed by the Returning Officer following consultation with ward members.

225.

Constitution Update pdf icon PDF 38 KB

Report of the Director of Legal and Governance Services.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That

 

(1)            the amendments to the Constitution set out in Appendix 1 to the officer report be agreed;

 

(2)            it be noted that the Monitoring Officer had a delegation to make minor housekeeping amendments prior to the new document being published.

226.

Appointment of Employers' Representative (Scheduled and Admitted Bodies) to the Pension Board pdf icon PDF 45 KB

Report of the Director of Finance

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That Dr Simon Radford be appointed to the Pension Board as the Employers’ Representative (Scheduled and Admitted Bodies).

227.

Scrutiny Annual Report 2020-21 pdf icon PDF 43 KB

Recommendation I:

Overview and Scrutiny Committee

 

(20 April 2021)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That the Scrutiny Annual Report 2020-21 be endorsed.

228.

Scrutiny Work Programme 2021-22 pdf icon PDF 87 KB

Recommendation II:

Overview and Scrutiny Committee

 

(20 April 2021)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That the Scrutiny Work Programme 2021- 22 be endorsed.

229.

Information Report - Decisions taken under the Urgency Procedure - Council pdf icon PDF 44 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

230.

Information Report - Decisions taken under the Urgency Procedure - Executive pdf icon PDF 45 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

231.

Information Report - Remuneration Packages of £100,000 or greater pdf icon PDF 44 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

232.

Information Report - Remuneration Package and Severance Payment of £100,000 or greater pdf icon PDF 45 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

233.

Questions with Notice

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.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

To note that no Councillor questions had been received.

234.

Motions pdf icon PDF 62 KB

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

 

(1)            One Hour Free Parking Motion

 

 

To be moved by Councillor Paul Osborn and seconded by Councillor Anjana Patel:

 

 

“This Council notes:

  • The Covid-19 Pandemic has had a devastating effect on business of all sizes, but especially small to medium business.
  • While it is recognised that the government went above and beyond to support businesses through Covid grants and business rate relief, many businesses are still struggling.
  • Eighteen months of lockdown have taken their toll on businesses in Harrow.
  • Parking costs, even before the pandemic, often discourage people from shopping locally.
  • Local Authorities should be doing everything in their power to encourage residents to use local shops and support local businesses.
  • Research collected for smallbusiness.co.uk in 2017 shows that 9 in 10 residents would be more likely to visit the high street if there were some element of free parking.
  • In February at the Budget Full Council meeting, Harrow Conservatives proposed a costed solution which would deliver one-hour free parking at Council car parks for one year.

 

This Council resolves:

  • To support local residents when parking to use local shops.
  • To call on the Executive to implement the fully costed proposals put forward by Harrow Conservatives at the February Full Council meeting and introduce one-hour free car parking across all Council car parks.

 

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.6, this Motion is moved by the Leader of the Opposition, as it relates to a matter within the powers of the Executive, to not stand automatically referred to the next meeting of the Executive but shall be dealt with as if Council Procedure Rule 15.7.1 applied.

 

(2)            Planning Motion

 

 

To be moved by Councillor Graham Henson and seconded by Councillor Natasha Proctor:

 

 

“This Council believes planning works best when developers and the local community work together to shape local areas and deliver necessary new homes;

 

This Council therefore calls on the Government to

 

  • protect the right of communities to object to individual planning applications
  • undertake a review of permitted development rights
  • implement stronger controls to ensure Ministers making decisions on planning applications are not connected, financially or personally, with developers or related parties to the application

 

The Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the three Harrow Members of Parliament – Gareth Thomas, Bob Blackman and David Simmonds – to inform them of this motion, seek their support for the points made, and their commitment to oppose any changes that seek to reduce the rights of communities to object to individual planning application and for the letters and any responses to be published for residents.”

 

(3)            Food Poverty Motion

 

 

To be moved by Councillor Pamela Fitzpatrick and seconded by Councillor Krishna Suresh:

 

 

“Council notes:

 

  • That the Covid pandemic has exacerbated and highlighted the issue of food insecurity in the UK, resulting in a crisis of food poverty with approximately 10 million people experiencing  ...  view the full agenda text for item 234.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(i)              “One Hour Free Parking Motion

 

 

Motion in the names of Councillor Paul Osborn and Councillor Anjana Patel

 

 

This Council notes:

§     The Covid-19 Pandemic has had a devastating effect on business of all sizes, but especially small to medium business.

§     While it is recognised that the government went above and beyond to support businesses through Covid grants and business rate relief, many businesses are still struggling.

§     Eighteen months of lockdown have taken their toll on businesses in Harrow.

§     Parking costs, even before the pandemic, often discourage people from shopping locally.

§     Local Authorities should be doing everything in their power to encourage residents to use local shops and support local businesses.

§     Research collected for smallbusiness.co.uk in 2017 shows that 9 in 10 residents would be more likely to visit the high street if there were some element of free parking.

§     In February at the Budget Full Council meeting, Harrow Conservatives proposed a costed solution which would deliver one-hour free parking at Council car parks for one year.

 

This Council resolves:

§     To support local residents when parking to use local shops.

§     To call on the Executive to implement the fully costed proposals put forward by Harrow Conservatives at the February Full Council meeting and introduce one-hour free car parking across all Council car parks.”

 

Upon the meeting moving to a vote, the Conservative Group requested a recorded vote.  The Motion was lost.

 

For the Motion:  Councillors Almond, Ashton, Bath, Baxter, Benjamin, Chauhan, Greek, Halai, Hinkley, Hirani, Jogia, Lammiman, Dr Lewinson, Janet Mote, Osborn, Mina Parmar, Anjana Patel, Pritesh Patel, Stevenson and Wright.

 

Against the Motion: Councillors Jeff Anderson, Sue Anderson, Assad, Borio, Brown, Butterworth, Fitzpatrick, Graham Henson, Maxine Henson, Maru, O’Dell, Parekh, Varsha Parmar, Primesh Patel, Perry, Proctor, Ramchandani, Rekha Shah, Sachin Shah, Smith, Krishna Suresh, Sasikala Suresh and Swersky.

 

Abstain: The Worshipful the Mayor Councillor Ghazanfar Ali].

 

(ii)            “Planning Motion

 

 

Motion the names of Councillor Graham Henson and Councillor Natasha Proctor

 

 

This Council believes planning works best when developers and local community work together to shape local areas and deliver necessary new homes.

 

This Council therefore calls on the Government to

 

·                 protect the right of communities to object to individual planning applications

·                 undertake a review of permitted development rights

·                 implement stronger controls to ensure Ministers making decisions on planning applications are not connected, financially or personally, with related parties to the application

 

The Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the three Harrow Members of Parliament – Gareth Thomas, Bob Blackman and David Simmonds – to inform them of this motion, seek their support for the points made, and their commitment to oppose any changes that seek to reduce the rights of communities to object to individual planning application and for the letters and any responses to be published for residents”.

 

A tabled amendment was received and duly seconded.  Upon being put to the vote the amendment was lost.

 

RESOLVED:  That the Motion, as set out at (ii) above,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 234.

235.

Procedure for the Termination of Meeting

Additional documents:

Minutes:

At 9.16 pm, during the debate on item 21 (2) Planning Motion, it was proposed that the guillotine be extended to 9.45 pm to enable debate on Motion 3, Food Poverty.  Upon being put to the vote this was agreed.

 

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