The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Harrow Council met on Tuesday 7 January 2025 for a question and answer session with the Leader of the Council and the Managing Director. The meeting focused on the council's financial challenges, service delivery, and future plans. A decision was made to note the question and answer session.

Financial Challenges and Budgetary Concerns

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Osborn, and the Managing Director briefed the committee on the significant financial challenges facing Harrow Council. These challenges are particularly acute in the areas of adult social care, children's social care, and the provision of temporary accommodation. Despite receiving an inadequate Local Government Finance Settlement from Central Government, the council is committed to delivering a balanced budget.

Members of the committee raised concerns about potential rent increases in council-owned accommodation. They were informed that rent would increase by the rate of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus one percent, a standard increment that has been in place for several years. While there had been no policy change, tenants and leaseholders would be consulted on the likely increase.

The committee also discussed the Council Tax Support Scheme, which has been necessitated by financial pressures. While residents are encouraged to approach the council if they face difficulties in paying their Council Tax, fines will be issued as a last resort.

The impact of the May 2024 General Election on local government administration was also a topic of discussion. Councillors were informed that not much had changed, and anticipated reforms were still awaited. The persistent challenges of rising costs for adult and children's social services, temporary accommodation, and increasing Freedom Pass funding costs remain.

Service Delivery and Future Plans

In response to concerns about fly-tipping, the committee was assured that due process would be followed in issuing fines, and the council would engage with the contractor to ensure this. Regarding potential cuts to key services due to budgetary constraints, councillors were reassured that statutory services would continue to be provided, and the council could utilise its limited reserves if necessary.

The council has been actively lobbying Central Government for increased funding, in collaboration with other London local authorities and local Members of Parliament (MPs). This lobbying is being conducted through the Local Government Association and London Councils. However, the council acknowledges the limited funds available for local government nationally.

Discussions also touched upon the future of leisure facilities. Regarding Byron Hall and the Harrow Leisure Centre, it was suggested that building new facilities might be more cost-effective than refurbishment, as the costs are comparable. Plans are also in place to improve the entrance to the Harrow Council Hub to enhance its corporate image.

A phased plan is underway to replace existing streetlights with more efficient and flexible LED lights across Harrow, which is expected to lead to savings and improved brightness over the years.

The Leader highlighted four key areas where the council has made progress with capital expenditure despite financial difficulties:

• Increased road maintenance and pothole mending, with an investment of approximately £14 million.
• Improved street cleaning, costing £800,000.
• Re-opening phone lines to facilitate easier contact with the council for residents.
• Developing a new one-stop council facility to streamline resident interactions.

Regarding pavement repairs, the use of tarmac was explained as a more environmentally friendly, smoother, and longer-lasting alternative to concrete paving.

In relation to parking enforcement, particularly around schools during drop-off and pick-up times, councillors were informed that no targets had been set for Enforcement Officers to issue fines.

The council is also exploring selective licensing in the private rented sector to improve accommodation standards within the borough.

The committee was informed that the next meeting on 18 February 2025 would focus on the Revenue Budget 2025/26 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy to 2027/28.

The meeting was attended by Councillor Amir Moshenson (Chair), Councillors Dan Anderson, June Baxter, Govind Bharadia, Graham Henson, Maxine Henson, Kuha Kumaran, Samir Sumaria, and Antonio Weiss. Councillors David Ashton (Portfolio Holder for Finance & Highways) and Paul Osborn (Leader of the Council) were in attendance for Minute 118. Councillor Vipin Mithani sent apologies. The Harrow Youth Parliament Representative, Reverend P Reece, and Ms M Trivedi were absent. Councillor Kuha Kumaran attended as a Reserve Member.

The minutes of this meeting can be found in the Printed minutes Tuesday 07-Jan-2025 18.30 Overview and Scrutiny Committee.