The Cabinet meeting on Thursday 14 March 2024 discussed a range of important issues, including affordable housing targets, the extension of the property acquisition programme, and the Serious Violence Duty Strategy. Key decisions were made regarding the adoption of the Harrow Indoor and Outdoor Sports Facilities Strategy and the procurement of revenues and benefits resilience support.

Affordable Housing and Development

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the council's affordable housing targets and how they are being met in new developments. Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration, addressed concerns raised by Charlotte Woodbridge regarding the low percentage of affordable homes in the Byron Quarter and Poet's Corner developments. Councillor Ashton explained that while the council has an overarching target of 40% affordable housing, current figures for these specific developments are lower due to viability assessments and the need for grant funding. She assured that the council intends to increase the number of affordable homes, particularly family-sized ones, and highlighted the Grange Farm Stage 2 development as an example of a 100% affordable project. Councillor Ashton also acknowledged that developers need to make schemes viable and that without grant funding, the council might receive zero percent affordable homes if nothing is built.

Councillor David Ashton, Portfolio Holder for Finance & Human Resources, also touched upon the issue of affordable housing in relation to the former Civic Centre site, where only 15% of proposed homes would be affordable. He stated that the council is aiming for 20% affordable homes across all phases of the development and is actively seeking grant funding from the GLA and Homes England to increase this figure.

Property Acquisition Programme

The Cabinet approved the extension of the Property Acquisition Programme (PAP) to purchase up to 50 additional properties on the open market for temporary accommodation. Councillor Mina Parmar, Portfolio Holder for Housing, explained that this initiative aims to provide secure and sustainable accommodation for temporary residents, reduce costs associated with Bed and Breakfast accommodation, and allow the council greater control over setting rents. The programme has secured £4.25 million in funding from the GLA's council homes acquisition programme, at a rate of £85,000 per property. While the primary focus is on acquiring properties within Harrow, there is a possibility of purchasing properties just outside the borough if availability dictates, though GLA funding must be used for properties within Harrow.

Serious Violence Duty Strategy

The Cabinet approved Harrow's Serious Violence Duty Strategy, a statutory requirement introduced by the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. Councillor Anjana Patel, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Infrastructure and Community Safety, presented the strategy, which aims to reduce serious violence among young people under 25, tackle violence against women and girls, and encourage a community approach to serious youth violence. The strategy has been developed through consultation with various partners and residents, and its priorities will feed into the community safety strategy delivery plan. Councillor Patel emphasised a collaborative, multi-agency approach, acknowledging that the council cannot deliver this strategy alone. She stated that the council's current funding and resources are considered adequate for the initial implementation, with plans to seek further grants if needed.

Harrow Indoor and Outdoor Sports Facilities Strategy

The Harrow Indoor and Outdoor Sports Facilities Strategy, 2024-2037, was adopted by the Cabinet. Councillor Jean Lammiman, Portfolio Holder for Community and Culture, highlighted the strategy's aim to provide strategic direction for improving sports infrastructure and increasing participation in sports and physical activity across the borough. The strategy includes priority projects and longer-term plans for facilities, with an amendment allowing the Corporate Director of Place to update the strategy and action plan based on changes in demand and need. The strategy also acknowledges the importance of disability sport and physical activity, with a commitment to ensuring disabled people are not overlooked.

Procurement of Revenues and Benefits Resilience Support

The Cabinet authorised the procurement of a resilience contract for the Revenues and Housing Benefits Service. Councillor David Ashton explained that this service is crucial for the council's financial operations, collecting significant amounts of council tax and business rates, and paying housing benefits. The current contract with Capita expires in March 2025, and procuring a new external partner is deemed essential to ensure continued capability in these vital services and avoid service failures. The procurement will cover council tax, benefits, and business rates, with an estimated value of £9.2 million over an initial five-year term.

Strategic Performance Report

The third Strategic Performance Report for Q3 2023-24 was presented, showing strong performance across many key indicators. Councillor Stephen Greek, Portfolio Holder for Performance, Communications & Customer Experience, noted that 71% of key indicators were green, and over half of flagship actions were completed or on track. He highlighted an increase in recycling rates to 33% and a reduction in residual waste. Challenges remain with average phone wait times, but the upcoming housing system is expected to alleviate this. Councillor Marilyn Ashton also reported progress on the Harrow Metropolitan Town Centre Enhancement Consultation and the initial consultation for the local plan.

Other Discussions

During the public questions session, Charlotte Woodbridge raised concerns about affordable housing targets not being met in new developments. Councillor Pritesh Patel, Portfolio Holder for Adult Services & Public Health, addressed questions regarding the council's use of the extended Household Support Fund, outlining plans for voucher provision for free school meals and support for vulnerable households. Councillor Natasha Proctor questioned the adequacy of acquiring 50 additional properties to address homelessness, and Councillor Krishna Suresh raised concerns about the Serious Violence Duty Strategy, particularly regarding targeted actions for young men and boys and the adequacy of council funding. Councillor David Perry raised concerns about anti-social behaviour incidents and the planning department's budget.