The Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 16 September 2025 addressed several key areas, including the progress of the Harrow Local Plan, the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, and the council's financial performance. Decisions were made to approve consultation on proposed modifications to the Local Plan, to award a contract for the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, and to note and approve recommendations regarding the revenue and capital budget monitoring report.

Harrow Local Plan - Approval to Consult on Proposed 'Main Modifications'

Cabinet approved the next steps for the Harrow Local Plan 2021-2041, following its examination in public. The plan, which has been in development for several years, has undergone an independent examination by a Planning Inspector. This process has identified potential main modifications necessary to ensure the plan is legally compliant and sound. Cabinet agreed to delegate authority to the Chief Planning Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration, to progress these modifications and undertake the required public consultation. This step is crucial for moving the plan towards potential adoption by Cabinet and Full Council. The modifications discussed include clarifications on strategic versus non-strategic policies, changes to policies on tall buildings, development on infill sites, dwelling size mix, and provisions for shared living.

Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Wave 2.1

A key decision was made to approve the direct award of a contract to Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd for the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) wave 2.1 programme. This decision aims to ensure the timely completion of works to 226 homes by the revised deadline of February 2026, with a total contract sum of £10.2 million, of which £2.147 million is grant funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). This change in contractor was deemed necessary due to performance and cost issues identified with the previous contractor, Equans. Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd was selected as they can deliver the required decarbonisation works for 32 BISF properties at approximately 50% lower cost than the previous contract rate. This decision is critical for meeting the programme's key performance indicators and safeguarding future grant funding.

Revenue & Capital Budget Monitoring Report Q1 2025-26

Cabinet reviewed the council's financial performance for the first quarter of the 2025-26 financial year. The report indicated a projected revenue budget overspend of £5.434 million, which would be mitigated by drawing down from the budget planning reserve if not addressed. Several recommendations were approved, including noting the revenue and capital outturn positions, approving amendments to the Capital Programme, noting the Trading Company Update, and approving the business plans for Concilium Assets LLP and Sancroft Community Care Limited. Additionally, the appropriation of Council-owned land at Milton Road from the General Fund to the Housing Revenue Account was ratified, and authority was delegated for the disposal of shared ownership properties and commercial units on Milton Road. The report highlighted significant pressures in adult social care and children's services, alongside challenges in parking income and the impact of national policies on temporary accommodation costs.

Putting Residents First: Transparency, Influence and Accountability in Housing Services

Cabinet noted the contents of the report detailing how Harrow's Housing Services are working to meet regulatory standards for transparency, influence, and accountability. As the Governing Body, Cabinet agreed to provide a response to the Annual Housing Complaints Report 2024/2025, which will be published on the council's website and submitted to the Housing Ombudsman, as required by the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. The report highlighted an increase in housing complaints during the period, alongside a decrease in response times, but an increase in tenant satisfaction with complaint handling. This period coincided with the rollout of a new housing system and a new repairs contract, which contributed to initial disruptions. Measures have been implemented to improve the quality and timeliness of responses, including weekly complaints meetings and fortnightly Stage 2 Response Panel meetings.

Progress on Scrutiny Projects

Cabinet received and noted the progress updates on various scrutiny projects. This included information on the North West London Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC), which is considering proposals for changes to services at the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre. Harrow's representatives on the JHOSC will provide feedback to local scrutiny sub-committees.

Key Decision Schedule September 2025 - November 2025

The Cabinet noted the Key Decision Schedule for the upcoming period, outlining decisions likely to have a significant impact on the council's budget or local communities.

Other Business

Councillor Stephen Greek and Councillor Kanti Rabadia declared pecuniary interests in relation to the Revenue & Capital Budget Monitoring Report due to their appointments to the Harrow Strategic Development Partnership. Both had a dispensation to remain in the room but not vote on the item. Apologies were received from Councillor David Ashton. Two public questions and several councillor questions were noted, with recordings to be placed on the council's website.

The meeting concluded at 8:06 pm.