The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 18 February 2025 to discuss the Statement of Gambling Policy, the Corporate Plan 2023-26, and the Final Revenue Budget 2025-26. The committee resolved to recommend the Gambling Policy for approval, subject to amendments, and referred its comments on the Corporate Plan and the Revenue Budget to Cabinet.

Statement of Gambling Policy (Gambling Act 2005) Report

The committee received the Statement of Gambling Policy (Gambling Act 2005) Report, which had been presented to the Licensing and General Purposes Committee on 29 January 2025. The Council is obligated to prepare and publish a statement of principles every three years, in accordance with the Gambling Act 2005. Harrow Council last updated these in 2022.

Members queried what measures were in place to mitigate against problem gamblers, particularly those with mental health issues and substance abuse. They were advised that applications for gambling premises near facilities that treated residents with addiction or gambling issues would likely result in representations against them being granted by the Licensing team. Moreover, Licensing officers worked closely with gambling premises by undertaking regular visits to ensure that they upheld Licensing regulations.

Members noted a typographical error in paragraph 4.14 of section 4 of Appendix A, which cited the Harrow Safety Neighbourhood Board instead of the correct title, Harrow Safer Neighbourhood Board . Additionally, some online links in section 4 of Appendix A were found to be inoperative. Members requested that these errors be amended before the policy was submitted to the Council for approval.

The committee resolved to RECOMMEND to the Council that the Gambling Policy (Gambling Act 2005) be approved, subject to the amendments and comments raised.

Corporate Plan 2023-26: Review of Second Year and Flagship Actions 2025-26

The committee received the Corporate Plan 2023-26: Review of Year 2 and Flagship Actions 2025/26 Report, which was scheduled to be presented to Cabinet on 20 February 2025. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Osborn, presented the report, which reviewed progress on the second year of the Corporate Plan and proposed new Flagship Actions for 2025/26.

Members asked whether, under item 9 of the Putting Residents First Flagship Actions for 2025/26, the Administration would replace signage across the borough to mark the 60th anniversary of the London Borough of Harrow. Councillor Osborn advised that boundary signs would be replaced, but not those within wards.

Concerns were raised by members that some existing flagship actions might not be met. Councillor Osborn acknowledged that some actions, such as the provision of electric vehicle (EV) charging points and increasing affordable housing, could be rolled forward into the next year.

In response to a concern about reducing anti-social behaviour under item 5 of the Making the Borough Safe and Clean Flagship Actions for 2025/26, Councillor Osborn stated that the Administration was working with law enforcement partners, particularly the police, to address the problem, with more targeted resources being committed to identified areas.

When asked if he was content with the current delivery of key services and the Council's position after three years of the Administration, Councillor Osborn acknowledged that challenges remained, particularly concerning the Council's finances, which directly impacted service delivery. However, he noted that the Administration had undertaken a reorganisation of the corporate structure and rolled out a new IT system, among other changes, which were expected to lead to the Council being in a more favourable position.

Regarding the 26 properties purchased for temporary accommodation, Councillor Osborn advised that both outright acquisition and grant-aided methods had been used, with most properties located within Harrow, and a few in close proximity to neighbouring boroughs.

Members expressed pleasure that more green spaces had been earmarked for Green Flag accreditation under the Flagship Actions 2025/26 Report, anticipating more high-quality parks in the borough. They requested that the impact of these actions be spread across the entire borough and that local Ward Councillors be engaged in relevant proposals. Councillor Osborn gave his assurance and encouraged members to contact the Administration if this was not occurring.

Members inquired about the launch of virtual parking permits and their potential impact on enforcement efficiency. Councillor Osborn advised that virtual permits were expected to improve accuracy and enforcement.

In response to a question about the publicity of the hour-long free parking scheme on the borough's high streets and any analysis of its impact on businesses, Councillor Osborn stated that a recent survey indicated 70% of respondents were aware of the scheme, but its effect on businesses was yet to be determined.

RESOLVED: That the comments of the Committee be referred to Cabinet for consideration.

Final Revenue Budget 2025-26 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy to 2027-28

The committee received the Final Revenue Budget 2025/26 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy to 2027/28, which was to be presented to Cabinet on 20 February 2025. The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Highways, Councillor David Ashton, and the Strategic Director of Finance and Assurance (Section 151 Officer), Sharon Daniels, presented the reports.

Members questioned the relevance and rationale of comparing Harrow's finances with other London councils, and whether this comparison made a difference to residents. The committee was advised that such comparisons provided residents and staff with context regarding the Council's operating environment and instilled confidence in Harrow's efficient performance despite challenges.

Concerns were raised that the Local Government Finance Settlement received was still inadequate for Harrow, and members sought information on measures being undertaken to address budget shortfalls, including the use of reserves. The committee was informed that the Council would have a balanced budget for 2025/26 but expected shortfalls in 2026/27 and 2027/28. However, the use of reserves was not currently being considered, as the Council would continue to make efficient use of resources.

Members also expressed concern that the Government had not fulfilled its promises to compensate for National Insurance increases, which had contributed to budgetary gaps for Harrow.

In response to a question about meetings between the Administration and the Treasury, it was advised that Harrow presented its views to the Local Government Association and London Councils, who engaged with the Treasury on behalf of London councils. While meetings had been held with various officials and ministers in the past, the Local Government Finance Settlement for Harrow had not significantly improved.

RESOLVED: That the comments of the Committee be referred to Cabinet for consideration.