The Cabinet of Harrow Council met on Thursday 10 April 2025, approving a new Parks and Open Space Strategy for 2025-2030 and adopting an Air Quality Action Plan and Smoke Control Order. The meeting also saw the approval of recommendations for the commencement of procurement for a new Hired Passenger Transport (Taxi) Framework and the outcomes of a review into the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) process.

United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund 2025/2026

The Cabinet agreed to enter into a Grant Agreement with the Greater London Authority (GLA) to secure £798,400 from the United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). This funding will be used to deliver projects aligned with Harrow Council's Corporate Priorities. The Strategic Director for Culture, Environment and Economy was authorised to sign the agreement, and an addition of £533,100 to the 2025-26 Capital Programme was approved to reflect the capital funding increase.

Parks and Open Space Strategy 2025-2030

The Cabinet approved the draft Parks and Open Space Strategy 2025-2030 for public consultation. Following the consultation period and further discussion with the Director of Environmental Services and the Portfolio Holder for Community and Culture, the final strategy will be adopted. This strategy aims to provide a clear vision and action plan for the management, preservation, and enhancement of Harrow's parks and open spaces, addressing the challenges of population growth and climate change.

Commencement of Procurement for New Hired Passenger Transport (Taxi) Framework

Approval was given to commence the procurement of an Open Framework Agreement for Hired Passenger Transport. This framework will be for an initial period of three years, with a second three-year period and a two-year extension option, bringing the potential total duration to eight years and an estimated value of £133 million. The Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy was authorised to appoint providers and make any necessary decisions during the procurement process. This initiative aims to increase supplier diversity, enhance service delivery, and achieve cost efficiencies for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services.

Air Quality Management in Harrow

The Cabinet formally adopted Harrow's Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) and Smoke Control Order (SCO) following public consultation. The AQAP outlines the actions the Council will take to improve air quality, fulfilling statutory duties under the Environment Act 1995. The SCO introduces controls on smoke emissions from chimneys within designated areas, requiring the use of approved fuels or appliances. Civil penalties for breaches of the Smoke Control Order were also approved, ranging from £175 to £300. These measures are intended to improve air quality and protect public health across the borough, which has been designated an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) since 2002.

Outcomes of the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) process review 2025

The Cabinet agreed to implement recommendations from a review of the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) process. Key changes include a monetary cap of £100,000 per ward per financial year for Ward NCIL receipts, with excess amounts re-allocated to the Central NCIL fund. A minimum annual income for all wards will be established, topped up from the re-allocated funds. Project identification for Central NCIL will now consider strategic Council priorities, and approval processes have been refined for clarity. The existing approach to unspent funds was maintained, with a discretionary carry-forward process for balances over £50,000, subject to approval.

A review of procurement 2024-2025 and a forward look at the procurement pipeline 2025-2026 and the subsequent two years 2026-2028

The Cabinet noted the procurement pipeline for all projects valued over £100,000 for the period April 2025 to March 2028. They also noted contracts awarded and extended between April 2024 and February 2025. This report provides Cabinet with oversight of procurement activity and allows for timely engagement with portfolio holders in the planning and design phases of future tendering exercises.

Reseller contract for London Borough of Harrow Microsoft enterprise license agreement

The Cabinet approved the award of a contract to Ultima Business Solutions for the Council's Microsoft license enterprise agreement. This will be procured via the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Framework NFC187 aggregated procurement process. This method ensures the adoption of the most appropriate procurement approach, securing the best price and value for the Council's Microsoft requirements until June 2028. The decision supports the delivery of all Council services and ensures officers have access to necessary tools for cost-effective operations.

Petitions

Two petitions were received and noted: one concerning the state of pavements on Clitheroe Avenue in Rayners Lane, and another regarding the condition of the road and pavements on Cornwall Road. Both petitions were referred to the Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy for further consideration.

Long Service Awards

Cabinet Members congratulated officers Jessica Farmer and Catherine Little, along with 187 other staff members, for receiving 25-year service awards.

Public Questions and Councillor Questions

It was noted that four public questions had been received and responded to, with the recording placed on the Council's website. Similarly, Councillor Questions were responded to and recorded on the Council's website.

Key Decision Schedule April 2025 - June 2025

The contents of the Key Decision Schedule for April to June 2025 were noted.

Progress on Scrutiny Projects

The Cabinet received and noted the current progress of ongoing scrutiny reports.

Any Other Urgent Business

The Leader of the Council announced that the May Cabinet meeting had been rescheduled from Tuesday 20 May to Monday 19 May.