The Performance and Finance Scrutiny Sub-Committee was scheduled to review the council's performance for the first quarter of the 2025-26 financial year and to consider the draft revenue budget and medium-term financial strategy. Discussions were also planned regarding temporary accommodation pressures and the delivery of affordable homes.

Performance Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the council's performance for Quarter 1 of the 2025-26 financial year, as detailed in the Strategic Performance Report Q1 2025-26. This report, prepared by the Managing Director, outlines progress against the council's corporate plan, 'Restoring Pride in Harrow', which is structured around three key priorities: A council that puts residents first, A borough that is clean and safe, and A place where those in need are supported.

Under the Residents First priority, all ten flagship actions were reported as progressing on track, with no amber or red ratings. Key achievements included the effective operation of the new General Enquiries team, improvements in the Adult Social Care Team's initial contact experience, and the development of an AI-led learner portal by the Adult Learning Service. Challenges noted were high volumes in Revenues and Benefits, a cybersecurity incident, and difficulties in recruiting experienced staff for certain roles.

For the Clean and Safe priority, most actions were rated green. Achievements included a reduction in fly-tipping, successful days of action against anti-social behaviour, and two additional parks achieving Green Flag status. Challenges included high demand and financial pressures in Housing Needs and homelessness, viability issues with strategic development sites, and delays to the Future High Street project.

In the Supporting Those in Need priority, progress was noted on an improved offer for care-experienced young people, a reduction in the time taken to complete safeguarding concerns for vulnerable adults, and the effective operation of the Klute House extra-care facility. Challenges included financial pressures in Adult Social Care and Children's Services, the recommissioning of the Community Equipment Service, and the need to improve performance in Children's Services, particularly regarding the timeliness of Child Protection Conferences and support for care leavers.

The Corporate Scorecard 2025-26 provides a detailed breakdown of performance indicators. Several indicators related to customer service, such as the average wait time for telephone calls in Revenues and Benefits, were rated as red. The report also highlighted improvements in fly-tipping incidents, with a plan to reduce them and an update on enforcement actions. The number of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued was confirmed as Harrow data only, and the payment rate for FPNs was reported as 34%.

Draft Revenue Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy

The committee was scheduled to receive a report on the Draft Revenue Budget for 2026-27 and the Draft Medium-Term Financial Strategy to 2028-29. This report, from the Strategic Director of Finance and Assurance (Section 151 Officer), would outline the council's financial plans for the coming years.

Temporary Accommodation Pressures and Affordable Homes Delivery

An update was scheduled on temporary accommodation pressures and progress on affordable homes delivery, as detailed in Appendix 4 - Update from Housing. The report indicated that Harrow continues to experience significant housing needs pressures, with rising costs associated with nightly-paid temporary accommodation (TA). Despite this, homelessness applications have seen a reduction, partly due to strong prevention activity. The council is implementing measures to manage these pressures, including strengthening landlord engagement, securing long-term leased accommodation, and increasing the supply of affordable housing through various development schemes.

The report also provided an update on the affordable homes programme, noting that while overall progress is rated as amber due to sector-wide challenges, Harrow is making progress. Specific schemes mentioned include Milton Road (construction complete), Brookside Close (expected completion in Q3 2025/26), Charles Crescent (on track), and Grange Farm Phase 2a (demolition underway). The Harrow Strategic Development Programme, including the Byron Quarter and Poet's Corner schemes, is also progressing, though with some uncertainties regarding funding and investment.

The meeting was also scheduled to address standard agenda items, including the attendance of reserve members, declarations of interest, and the minutes of the previous meeting held on 29 July 2025. Provisions for public questions and petitions were also included.