This week in Harrow:

Urgent Action Taken to Secure Community Equipment Services After Provider Collapse

Following the compulsory liquidation of NRS Healthcare¹, a key provider of community equipment services, Harrow Council has taken urgent steps to ensure the continued provision of essential equipment to vulnerable residents. Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, convened an urgent decision-making meeting to address the crisis.

• NRS Healthcare, part of the London Community Equipment Consortium, went into compulsory liquidation on Friday, July 31st, throwing the supply of vital equipment into jeopardy.
• The council has delegated authority to officers to enter into contract arrangements with Essex Care Limited², an arms-length trading company of Essex County Council, to provide community equipment services once NRS ceases to trade.
• An agreement has also been reached with Cora Care for larger equipment items like hospital beds, hoists, and mattresses, ensuring a contingency service.
• The council may terminate its agreement with NRS Healthcare, pending legal advice.

The collapse of NRS Healthcare posed an immediate threat to the supply of essential equipment needed for the safe delivery of health and social care services. Councillor Osborn emphasized the importance of these services, stating that the decisions were necessary to sustain an element of service for community equipment for Harrow. The council's swift action aims to minimize disruption and protect vulnerable residents who rely on this equipment.

Read more about the meeting.

This week in Harrow:

Pension Fund Underperforms, Concerns Raised About Investment Strategy

The Harrow Council Pension Board met to discuss the performance of the pension fund and express concerns about underperforming investments. The board reviewed items considered by the Pension Fund Committee, including performance, the actuarial funding position, and the government's response to consultations.

• The fund's value decreased by 1.9% over 12 months, underperforming its benchmark by 2.3%, largely due to the poor performance of active equity managers.
• Councillor Pritesh Patel, Portfolio Holder for Cleaner Streets & Public Safety, expressed disappointment with the fund's performance over the last 12 months and the last 10 years, noting that it was not meeting benchmark figures or peer group performance levels.
• Councillor Gerald Balabanoff raised concerns about the performance of London CIV¹ (LCIV) investments, stating that the LCIV annual general meeting (AGM) was an appalling event and that the LCIV investment director apologised for their poor performance.
• The board discussed the annual report that goes to the full council meeting.

The underperformance of the pension fund could have long-term consequences for Harrow Council employees and retirees, potentially impacting their financial security. The concerns raised about investment strategy and the performance of LCIV investments highlight the need for careful oversight and proactive measures to improve returns.

Read more about the meeting.

Council Underspends, But Faces Pressures in Housing and Social Care

The Performance and Finance Scrutiny Sub-Committee met to discuss the Revenue and Capital Monitoring Final Outturn Report for 2024-25 and the Strategic Performance Report for Quarter Four of the same year. The sub-committee noted the 2024-25 financial outturn position and considered the Strategic Performance Report, including proposed indicators and targets for 2025-26 to 2027-28.

• The final revenue outturn for 2024-25 was an underspend of £1.553m, which was transferred to the Budget Planning Reserve.
• A significant overspend of £5.607m in Housing and Regeneration was attributed to rising costs of temporary accommodation due to increased demand.
• The final outturn on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) was a deficit of £11.582m, primarily due to an overspend on the High Needs Block.
• The sub-committee received an update on the council's trading companies, including Sancroft Community Care Ltd, which reported a net profit of £6,202 against a budgeted loss of £37,232, and Concilium Assets LLP, which reported a net loss of £145,948, against a budgeted profit of £135,229.

While the council achieved an overall underspend, the pressures in housing and social care highlight the challenges of meeting the needs of vulnerable residents. The deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant also raises concerns about the funding of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services.

Read more about the meeting.

Health and Safety Concerns Raised at Employees' Forum

The Employees' Consultative Forum met to discuss the annual health and safety report for 2024-2025. Councillors requested more detailed information in future reports, specifically regarding asbestos management, staff training, and the outcomes of site inspections.

• Councillor Graham Henson asked for more information on asbestos reporting, specifically whether any further asbestos had been identified since the previous report and what action plans were in place to deal with it, particularly in school areas.
• Councillor David Ashton, Portfolio Holder for Finance & Highways, emphasised the importance of ensuring that the demolition of the civic centre is handled by experienced professionals, given the potential for asbestos.
• Councillor Henson raised concerns about the health and safety training provided to agency staff, particularly those working in waste management, street cleaning, and special needs transport.
• Councillor Henson noted the increase in assaults on staff, particularly those in SEND² provision, and asked what the team was doing to reduce assaults and protect staff.
• Councillor Davis Searles raised concerns that the Harrow Council Hub had not yet had a site inspection and sought clarification on the management self-audit process.

The concerns raised at the Employees' Consultative Forum highlight the importance of ensuring a safe and healthy working environment for all council employees, particularly those in high-risk roles. The lack of a site inspection at the Harrow Council Hub and the increase in assaults on staff are particularly concerning and require immediate attention.

Read more about the meeting.

This week in Harrow:

Council Faces Financial Risks Amidst Rising Demand for Services

The Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee (GARMS) convened to discuss a range of critical reports, revealing the financial pressures and service demands facing Harrow Council. The committee reviewed the Statement of Accounts 2024-2025, the Annual Health and Safety Report 2024-2025, and the Corporate Risk Register Update Q4 2024-2025, among other key documents.

• The council ended the financial year with a £1.5 million surplus, but faces significant financial risks, including increasing homelessness, the inability to deliver the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), and failure to meet adult social care demand.
• The Corporate Risk Register Update Q4 2024-2025 highlighted these red risks, raising concerns about potential intervention from central government.
• The Annual Health and Safety Report revealed a 16% decrease in reported incidents, but also noted a Health and Safety Executive notice of contravention due to breaches around COSHH regulations regarding legionella.
• The Annual Housing Complaints Report 2024/2025 showed a significant increase in housing complaints and a decrease in the timeliness of responses, but an increase in tenant satisfaction.

These reports paint a picture of a council grappling with increasing demand for services, particularly in social care and housing, while also facing financial constraints. The committee's discussions underscore the difficult decisions that lie ahead as the council seeks to balance its budget and meet the needs of its residents.

Standards Working Group Established to Enhance Governance

In a move to strengthen its governance framework, the Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee agreed to establish a Standards Working Group. The group will comprise one member from each political group on the council and an independent person who will chair the meetings.

• The Standards Working Group aims to promote ethical conduct and maintain high standards of behaviour among councillors and officers.
• The independent members of the group are Mr James Coyle MBE and Dr J Kirkland.
• The establishment of the group reflects the council's commitment to transparency and accountability in its decision-making processes.

This initiative could help to build public trust in the council and ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of residents.

Grange Farm Estate Redevelopment Approved Amidst Concerns

The Planning Committee approved a full planning application for phase 2A of the Grange Farm Estate redevelopment in South Harrow, a council-led scheme to construct 45 new affordable housing units.

• The development will provide 36 units for social rent and nine units designated as London Living Rent.
• Councillor Nitin Parekh raised concerns about the location of a substation and potential noise, leading to the addition of a planning condition to address noise levels.
• Councillor Zak Wagman questioned parking management, as there would be fewer spaces than units.
• Councillor Stephen Hickman expressed pleasure at seeing the application come through after 10 years.

While the development promises much-needed affordable housing, concerns about noise and parking highlight the challenges of balancing competing interests in planning decisions.

Other Matters

• The Planning Committee approved a temporary change of use for the Brethren's Meeting Hall on The Ridgeway in North Harrow, to be used as a council chamber, registry office, and ancillary office space for five years.
• The Planning Committee approved the demolition of the existing dwelling at 2 Oak Tree Close in Belmont and redevelopment to provide a two-storey detached dwelling.
• The Planning Committee approved a retrospective application for the demolition of a dwellinghouse and redevelopment at 106 Norman Crescent in Pinner.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings:

• The Performance and Finance Scrutiny Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 29 July 2025, to discuss the council's financial performance, including revenue and capital monitoring, and strategic performance.

This week in Harrow:

Grange Farm Demolition Approved Amidst Housing Plans

Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration, has authorised the demolition of Grange Farm Phase 2a, paving the way for new homes on the site. The decision, made in an urgent Leader's Decision meeting, allows the Strategic Director for Housing and Regeneration to award the demolition contract to R Collard, with work scheduled to commence on 14 April 2025 for 24 weeks.

• The decision follows previous Cabinet reports authorising a five-year Housing Revenue Account (HRA)¹ Capital programme, including investment in housing infrastructure at Grange Farm.
• The demolition contract was procured via a competitive process, but cabinet authorisation was required to comply with the council's Contract Procedure Rules and Financial Regulations.
• The contractor had already mobilised in good faith and incurred costs.
• The project has an approved capital budget of £15.3 million, funded through a combination of a GLA Right to Buy (RTB)[^19] ring-fenced grant of £4.954 million and council borrowing.
• The council claims that the regenerated estate will provide new homes in a much-enhanced public realm, developed to meet the highest 'Secure By Design' principles.

The decision underscores the council's commitment to regenerating the Grange Farm estate and providing new homes. However, any delays or complications could impact the project's timeline and budget, potentially affecting residents and the wider community.

Read more about the decision.

Health Committee to Discuss Maternity, Mental Health, and ICB Reconfiguration

The North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHSOC) met to discuss critical healthcare issues, including maternity provisions, adult mental health services, and the reconfiguration of the Integrated Care Board (ICB).²

• The committee was scheduled to discuss the reconfiguration of the ICB and its implications for local health services.
• Adult mental health services in the region were also on the agenda, but no further details were provided in the report pack.
• Maternity provisions in North West London were another key topic, but again, the report pack lacked specific information.
• The committee was also scheduled to review its recommendations tracker and discuss its work programme for the upcoming year.

These discussions are crucial for ensuring that residents have access to quality healthcare services. Changes to the ICB could impact how services are planned and delivered, while addressing mental health and maternity provisions is vital for the well-being of vulnerable populations.

Read more about the meeting.

Other Matters

• The Planning Policy Advisory Panel meeting scheduled for Wednesday 16 July 2025, was cancelled.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings:

• The Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 22 July 2025, to review the annual health and safety report, the corporate risk register, and the treasury management outturn.
• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 23 July 2025, to discuss planning applications, including a major development at the Grange Farm Estate.
• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Thursday 24 July 2025, to discuss adult social care, the council's budget, housing and CCTV.
• The Performance and Finance Scrutiny Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 29 July 2025.