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Cabinet - Tuesday 17 September 2024 6.30 pm
September 17, 2024 Cabinet View on council website Watch video of meetingSummary
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The Cabinet of Harrow Council met on Tuesday 17 September 2024 to discuss a range of key issues, approving plans for improving customer experience, setting new fine levels for environmental crimes, and agreeing to a new procurement process for leisure management services. The meeting also saw the approval of budget monitoring reports and updates on the Corporate Property Strategy.
Improving the Customer Experience
The Cabinet approved the Customer Experience Action Plan for 2024 to 2026, building on the vision and principles established in July 2022. This plan outlines how the council will enhance resident interactions and brings together current activities with future strategic directions. The progress made to date on improving customer experience was also noted.
Fixed Penalty Fine Levels for Environmental Crimes
New fixed penalty fine levels for environmental crimes, including fly-tipping, littering, graffiti, and fly-posting, were approved. The decision aims to deter these offences and ensure accountability for those who commit them. The Acting Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy has been authorised to update the 'Reduce Fly Tip & Littering Strategy' to reflect these changes.
Procurement of Leisure Management Services
A new procurement process for leisure management services, in partnership with the London Boroughs of Brent and Ealing, was approved. This aims to re-procure cost-effective services that meet residents' needs. The Acting Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy has been authorised to manage the tender process and award the contract. The contract is expected to commence from 1 September 2025.
Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report Q1 2024-25
The Cabinet noted the forecast revenue and capital outturn positions for 2024-25. Amendments to the 2024-25 Capital Programme were approved, and the Council's Trading Update and the Right to Buy receipts position in the Housing Revenue Account were also noted. Additionally, the business plans for Concilium Assets LLP and Sancroft Community Care Limited were approved, along with the valuation of investment properties.
School SEND (Minor) and Amalgamation Projects
Increases to contract value sums for School Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) (Minor) and Amalgamation Projects were approved, totalling £763,825.09. This ensures the council can fulfil its statutory duties in providing school places for children with SEND and allows for the conclusion of school amalgamation projects. The award of a new phase at Pinner Wood Primary School to Borras Construction Ltd was also approved.
Increase to Hired Passenger Transport Framework for SEND Service
The contract value for the Hired Passenger Transport Framework, which supports the Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND) service, was increased by £10.5 million. This measure is to ensure the council continues to fulfil its statutory obligations for transporting individuals with special needs.
Air Quality Management in Harrow
The draft Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) was approved for a seven-week public consultation. The council also authorised the publicity of a proposed Smoke Control Order for consultation. This action plan is a statutory requirement under the Environment Act 1995 and outlines the council's strategies to reduce pollution and improve air quality for residents. The process to revoke and create a new Smoke Control Order was initiated due to the unavailability of the original documentation.
The Corporate Property Strategy
Progress on the Corporate Property Strategy over the past 12 months was noted, along with plans for the next 24 to 48 months. The Disposal and Acquisitions Policy was adopted, and a Statement of Intent regarding the Voluntary and Community Sector Strategy was also noted. These measures aim to ensure the efficient running of the council's corporate estate.
LGA Corporate Peer Challenge - Progress Review Report
The Cabinet agreed with the conclusions from the Local Government Association (LGA) Peer Challenge team's progress review report. Continued progress on the recommendations will be monitored and integrated into the council's improvement programme, with updates to be provided through the quarterly Strategic Performance Report.
Harrow Youth Justice Plan
The Harrow Youth Justice Plan 2024-2027 was recommended for approval to the full Council. This plan is a statutory requirement and outlines the framework for the Youth Justice Service to help children and young people avoid involvement with the criminal justice system.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Improving the Customer Experience: 2024 to 2026
Recommendations Approved...to approve the Customer Experience Action Plan for 2024 to 2026 and note the progress made since June 2022.
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LGA Corporate Peer Challenge - Progress Review Report
Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in) -
Procurement of Leisure Management
Recommendations Approved...to proceed with the procurement of a leisure management services operator in partnership with Brent and Ealing, and to authorize the Acting Strategic Director to make decisions and award a contract following a compliant procurement process.
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Fixed Penalty fine levels for environmental crimes - fly tipping, householder/duty of care, littering, graffiti and fly posting
Recommendations Approved...to approve the fixed penalty fine levels for fly tipping, householder/duty of care, littering, graffiti, and fly posting as outlined in Appendix 2 of the officer report, and to authorize updating the 'Reduce Fly Tip & Littering Strategy' accordingly.
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School SEND (Minor) and Amalgamation Projects - Contract Sums
Recommendations Approved...to approve increases to project contract sums for school SEND (Minor) and Amalgamation Projects.
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Revenue & Capital Budget Monitoring Report Q1 2024-25
Recommendations Approved...to note the forecast revenue and capital outturn positions for 2024-25, approve amendments to the Capital Programme, and approve the Trading Company Business Plans.
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Air Quality Management In Harrow
Recommendations Approved...to approve a draft Air Quality Action Plan for public consultation and to authorize the revocation of the existing Smoke Control Order and creation of a new one, subject to Council agreement on updating Local Choice functions.
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Increase the current contract value of Hired Passenger Transport Framework for the Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND) service
Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)...to increase the contract value of the Hired Passenger Transport Framework by £10.5m to support the Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND) service.
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The Corporate Property Strategy - the first 12 months: Progress to date and Future Workstreams
Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)...to approve a new Disposal and Acquisitions Strategy, endorse the Voluntary and Community Sector Strategy statement of intent, and note progress on the Corporate Property Strategy.
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