The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Harrow Council met on Tuesday 9 January 2024 to discuss the draft revenue budget and medium-term financial strategy, as well as a range of other council services. The committee's comments on these matters will be forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration.

Draft Revenue Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy

The committee engaged in a question and answer session with Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, and the Managing Director regarding the draft Revenue Budget for 2024/25 and the draft Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) to 2026/27. Councillor Osborn explained that these drafts would be presented to the Cabinet in February 2024 for final approval and recommendation to the Council.

Members expressed concerns about the challenges posed by the lack of a multi-year funding commitment for adult social care from central government. They were advised that a three to four-year commitment would provide greater certainty for planning, and that other London councils shared this concern. The need to balance funding for inner and outer London boroughs was also highlighted.

Discussions also focused on the funding formula, with members questioning whether Harrow was receiving an appropriate amount to meet its needs. The committee was informed that the current formula is outdated and does not reflect the borough's actual requirements. Harrow is considered one of the lowest-funded councils nationally and within London, with lower reserve balances compared to other London boroughs. Councillor Osborn and senior council officers are actively engaged in discussions with ministers and civil servants to revise the funding formula.

The biggest risks to the draft budget and MTFS were identified as adult social care, children's care, and homelessness, all of which are demand-led services. The potential impact of an Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) inspection was also noted as a risk. The council does not receive specific funding for demographic growth and demand-led pressures, and significant inflation has created further unfunded budget pressures.

The committee was assured that the Leader and senior management team are lobbying ministers and civil servants, as well as Members of Parliament representing Harrow constituencies, to secure increased funding and protect statutory services.

Infrastructure and Transport

Members inquired about the installation of electric vehicle charging points and pothole repairs. They were informed that 200 additional on-street charging points, including 10 ultra-fast chargers, would be installed, and resources have been allocated for pothole mending.

An update on the active transport strategy was requested, and the committee learned that the strategy is currently out for consultation. The intention is to open more cycle lanes and routes, but resident consultation is crucial due to potential impacts on traffic flow in Harrow.

Waste Management and Homelessness

Concerns were raised about fly-tipping in Harrow, particularly in South Harrow, and the effectiveness of enforcement measures. A new borough-wide enforcement Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is set to be implemented to address persistent anti-social behaviour. Investigations revealed that much of the dumped waste is household in origin, likely from unlicensed Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) with insufficient bin capacity. Consequently, enforcement against illegal HMOs will be enhanced.

The impact of homelessness on children was a significant concern. The committee was informed that while the council does have properties available for homeless families, there is a lack of adequate supply coupled with increased demand, leading to some families being housed in temporary accommodation and hotels.

Other Council Services

The committee received information regarding the Right To Buy Back (RTBB) scheme, a historic fund from the Greater London Authority aimed at repurchasing ex-council properties sold under RTBB, with properties needing to be completed by March 2023. An update on this scheme is to be provided after the meeting.

Regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN), the SEN transport review is ongoing, and proposals for a SEN facility in Harrow have been submitted to the Department for Education. The aim is to reduce the cost of transporting SEN students to facilities outside the borough, as the increasing use of taxis for this purpose is a concern.

Finally, the committee discussed the Household Support Fund, which is due to end in March 2024. The council is lobbying for its extension, preferably for another year, while acknowledging that the scheme will eventually conclude.

The meeting concluded with the Chair thanking the Leader of the Council, the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Human Resources, and the Managing Director for their attendance and responses. The committee's comments will be forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration.