The Cabinet of Harrow Council met on Monday 19 May 2025 to discuss a range of key issues, approving strategies for homelessness and rough sleeping, and the Household Support Fund. Decisions were also made regarding the procurement of various services, including health visiting, electric vehicle infrastructure, and legal services.

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2025-2030

The Cabinet approved the new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for 2025-2030. This strategy outlines the council's approach to preventing homelessness, securing adequate accommodation for those who are or may become homeless, and providing support to prevent repeat homelessness. The strategy is a statutory requirement and aims to build community resilience through collaboration with partners, deliver early advice and support, assist households in finding suitable accommodation, and support the well-being of residents. The approval of this strategy ensures compliance with legal duties and reduces the risk of legal challenges.

Household Support Fund (seventh iteration – April 2025 to March 2026)

The Cabinet approved the allocation of £2,602,652.56 from the seventh iteration of the government's Household Support Fund. This funding, which must be spent or committed by 31 March 2026, will be used to provide crisis support and longer-term sustainable impact for vulnerable households. Key allocations include:

• £1,636,658 for Free School Meal (FSM) vouchers for eligible households with children during school holidays.
• £314,200 for proactive voucher awards to low-income pensioners and care leavers.
• £250,000 for the Council's Hardship Fund.
• £150,000 to Help Harrow (Harrow Together Ltd) for food aid.
• £284,635 for preventative services, including a homelessness outreach programme and advice through the Hardship Fund officer.
• £143,659 for administration costs.

The policy for the application-based scheme, to be administered by Citizens Advice Harrow, was also approved. Any underspend will be repurposed for housing arrears support, topping up the application-based scheme, or providing further resources for food aid.

Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund

Harrow Council's participation in the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) partnership, led by the London Borough of Ealing, was approved. The council will receive £1,250,000 in government grant funding to increase the delivery of electric vehicle charging infrastructure within the borough. The Cabinet agreed to enter into an Inter-Authority Agreement with Ealing and other participating boroughs to facilitate a joint procurement process. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director for Culture, Environment and Economy, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Highways, to sign agreements, review tender documents, and award contracts to the successful Charge Point Operator(s). This initiative aligns with the Council's Electric Vehicle Strategy and its commitment to decarbonising transport.

Award of contract for 0-19 Health Visiting and School Nursing Service

The Cabinet approved the direct award of a contract for the Harrow 0-19 Health Visiting and School Nursing service to the incumbent provider, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL). The contract will be for three years, from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028, with an option to extend for a further two years. This decision was made following a review of the provider's performance and value for money. Changes to the service specification were noted as necessary to ensure the contract remains affordable, given inflationary pressures and limited government uplifts to the Public Health grant.

HB Public Law update and procurement authorisations

The Cabinet noted the update on HB Public Law's performance and its continued membership in the London Borough Legal Alliance (LBLA). Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Legal and Governance, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Performance, Communications, and Customer Experience, to procure external legal services via the LBLA. This includes new frameworks for solicitors' firms and barristers, and legal online resources. Authority was also delegated to extend or procure a suitable legal case management system for the shared practice from 2026. This approach leverages economies of scale and ensures cost-effective legal services for the partner councils.

Local Areas of Special Character (LASC) - approval to consult on three areas recommended for designation

The Cabinet agreed to undertake public consultation on three areas recommended for designation as Local Areas of Special Character (LASC): Kenton Park Parade, West End Lane and West End Avenue in Pinner, and parts of West Harrow Village. These designations aim to preserve local heritage and character. Following consultation, authority is delegated to the Chief Planning Officer, in consultation with the Planning & Regeneration Portfolio Holder, to make the final decision on designation. This initiative aligns with the council's commitment to protecting Harrow's diverse historic environment.

Environment Enforcement Contract

The Cabinet agreed to award a contract for environmental enforcement services. This contract will enable the council to issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for offences such as littering, dog fouling, and street drinking. The aim is to improve the cleanliness and safety of public spaces and deter anti-social behaviour. The decision was made following an exempt report, indicating that financial or business affairs were discussed.

Short Breaks for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

The commencement of a competitive procurement process for an Open Framework for Short Breaks Services was approved. This framework, with an estimated value of £10.184 million over a maximum of eight years, will fulfil the statutory requirement to provide respite services for disabled children and young people. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Adult Social Care & Public Health to appoint providers following the procurement process.

Occupational Therapy Commissioning

The Cabinet agreed to increase the council's financial contribution towards occupational therapy provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This will be funded from the High Needs Block (HNB) and will be part of the jointly commissioned Section 75 agreement with the North West London Integrated Care Board (NWL ICB). Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Children's Services to approve the financial contribution and to review and develop a revised service delivery model in partnership with the NWL ICB. This action is necessary to fulfil statutory duties and address the increasing demand for OT services.

Cabinet Advisory Panels, Consultative Forums and Appointment of Chairs

The membership and terms of reference for Cabinet Advisory Panels and Consultative Forums were confirmed, along with the appointment of Chairs and Nominated Members. This ensures the effective functioning of these bodies for the upcoming year.

Timetable for the Development of the Council’s Policy Framework

The timetable for the preparation and consideration of the council's plans and strategies was noted. The Monitoring Officer was authorised to vary the timetable if necessary, ensuring compliance with the Council's Constitution.

Appointment of Portfolio Holder Assistants

The appointment of Portfolio Holder Assistants was approved, along with their respective responsibilities. These appointments supersede previous ones and will be effective from 19 May 2025, with associated Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) payable. These roles are intended to support Cabinet Members in their duties and contribute to effective decision-making.