The Cabinet of Harrow Council met on Thursday 10 April 2025, approving the adoption of the Parks and Open Space Strategy 2025-2030 and the formal adoption of the Air Quality Action Plan and Smoke Control Order. The Cabinet also agreed to commence the procurement of a new Hired Passenger Transport (Taxi) Framework and approved the award of a reseller contract for Microsoft licenses.

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 Grant Agreement, and the proposed addition of £533,100 to the 2025-26 Capital Programme was approved.

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 effective management, preservation, and enhancement of Harrow's green spaces in light of population growth and climate change.

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

The Cabinet approved the procurement of an Open Framework Agreement for Hired Passenger Transport services. This framework will be for an initial period of three years, with an option to extend for a further five years, and has an estimated total value of £133 million. The decision aims to increase supplier diversity, enhance service delivery, and achieve cost efficiencies through greater competition. The Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy was authorised to appoint providers and make any necessary decisions during the procurement process.

Air Quality Management in Harrow

The Cabinet formally adopted Harrow's Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) and Smoke Control Order (SCO) following a public consultation. The AQAP outlines the Council's actions to improve air quality, building on previous successful initiatives. The SCO aims to control smoke emissions from chimneys within the borough. The Cabinet also approved civil penalty fine levels for breaches of the Smoke Control Order, with fines ranging from £175 for a first offence to £300 for repeat offences. These measures are intended to improve air quality and protect public health, fulfilling the Council's statutory duties.

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) processes. Key changes include capping Ward NCIL receipts at £100,000 per financial year, with excess funds re-allocated to the central NCIL fund. A minimum Ward NCIL income will be set annually, with shortfalls topped up from the central fund. Project identification for Central NCIL will now consider strategic council priorities, and approval processes have been refined for clarity. The Chief Planning Officer was authorised to implement these changes.

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 projects over £100,000 for the period April 2025 to March 2028, as well as contracts awarded and extended between April 2024 and February 2025. This provides oversight of procurement activity and allows for timely engagement with portfolio holders. The report highlighted significant contract awards across various directorates, including major contracts in Housing and Regeneration, and Adult Social Care and Public Health.

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 award was made via the Crown Commercial Service Framework NFC187 aggregated procurement process, which aims to ensure best pricing through economies of scale. The new agreement will cover Microsoft 365 and Azure services until June 2028.

Any Other Urgent Business

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

The meeting concluded at 8:07 pm.