The Cabinet of Harrow Council met on Thursday 29 January 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the council's strategic performance, housing regulatory matters, estate improvements, water services, and regeneration projects. Key decisions included the approval of the strategic performance report, the calculation of business rates retention amounts for 2026-27, and the commencement of early works at the Poets Corner site.

Strategic Performance Report

Councillor Stephen Greek, Portfolio Holder for Performance, Communications & Customer Experience, presented the strategic performance report for the second quarter of the financial year (July to September 2025). The report indicated that 78% of performance indicators were rated as green or amber, signifying good progress. A resident survey revealed a 65% satisfaction rating, the highest recorded to date, reflecting ongoing improvements in council services. Key achievements included the reopening of the general inquiries phone line, which was handling approximately 1,400 calls per month with a 90% resolution rate at the initial point of contact, and the launch of a new waste widget on the council website. Councillor David Perry raised concerns about declining performance in asbestos management surveys within homes, despite positive trends in gas and water safety. Emma Talbot, Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration, assured that this was being addressed and improvements were being seen, noting that increased surveys sometimes identify more issues, but this is crucial for understanding building conditions. The Cabinet noted the report and agreed that Portfolio Holders would continue to work with officers to address identified challenges.

Housing Regulatory Update

The Cabinet noted the officer's report and the lifting of the Regulatory Notice by the Regulator of Social Housing. This notice had been issued on 20 April 2023 due to failures in completing electrical safety checks and water risk assessments. The council has since undertaken extensive inspections, with 99% of homes now having valid Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) and 98% of properties having had water risk assessments. A £3 million homes improvement programme is also underway, alongside significant investments in kitchens and bathrooms. The Cabinet also noted the new statutory regulations known as Awaab's Law, which came into force on 27 October 2025, imposing strict timeframes for landlords to address emergency hazards and damp and mould. The council has implemented dedicated reporting streams and a new process for investigating and making safe hazards within statutory timeframes, often exceeding the required response times.

Extension of Previously Awarded Contracts for Estate Improvement and Re-roofing works

Cabinet approved the extension of budget allocations for two completed schemes, Beatty Road and Mountside Estate, with a total spend of £448,600 from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget. Authority was also delegated to the Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration, in consultation with relevant portfolio holders and the Director of Finance, to authorise necessary variations to three contracts. These variations were required due to unforeseen essential works, including fire safety measures and electrical utility infrastructure upgrades, which became apparent during the delivery of the original contracts. The total value of variations across the three schemes amounted to £771,689, bringing the revised total contract value to £2.842 million, funded from HRA capital resources.

Water Services

A contract for the provision of water, wastewater, and ancillary services was awarded to Anglian Water Business (National) Ltd trading as Wave Utilities. The contract, commencing on 1 May 2026 for an initial two-year period with an option to extend for a further two years, was secured via the NEPO311 Water Retail Services framework agreement. This direct award allows the council to avoid default charge rates and procure services at competitive rates for its corporate sites and 60 participating schools. Additionally, a contract was approved for the installation of automatic meter reading (AMR) water meters at the top 10 high-consumption corporate sites and maintained schools. This initiative, costing £62,480 (excluding VAT) for Phase 1, is expected to improve billing accuracy, enable early leak detection, and lead to potential annual savings of approximately £18,770.

Poets Corner early works package

Cabinet approved the commencement of early works at the Poets Corner site, including the demolition of the former social club at an estimated cost of £0.680 million, subject to agreement with the Harrow Strategic Development Partnership (HSDP). Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration to undertake procurement and award the contract, and to approve any costs exceeding the initial budget. A side agreement will be negotiated with Wates and the HSDP to ensure these costs are recognised as Partnership expenditure. The procurement for repairs to existing hoarding and clearance of redundant furniture from Civic 1 was also noted, with delegated authority to award the contract if the final value exceeds the director's existing delegated authority. These works aim to secure the site, reduce health and safety risks, prevent anti-social behaviour, and ensure safe access to Harrow and Wealdstone train station. Councillor Stephen Greek declared a pecuniary interest in this item due to his appointment to the Harrow Strategic Development Partnership and, due to a dispensation, remained in the room but did not vote.

Calculation of Business Rates Retention Amounts for 2026-2027

The Cabinet approved the council's estimated business rates yield for 2026-2027, calculated at £22.407 million. This figure represents the council's 30% share of the retained business rates, with the GLA retaining 37% and central government 33%. The Chief Finance Officer was authorised to submit this calculation to the Secretary of State and GLA, and to implement announced Autumn Budget Business Rates measures, including new or revised reliefs, once statutory provisions are prescribed. The approved policies for discretionary rate reliefs, including those for Electric Vehicle Charging Points, Supporting Small Business Relief, and Film Studio Relief, were also agreed.

Lease surrender and re-grant

Cabinet approved the surrender and regrant of a lease for an out-of-borough investment property, an office block in Newport, South Wales. This decision, based on professional advice recommending it as the best option to manage financial risk and mitigate costs, aims to continue the income stream from the property and avoid potential voids and liabilities. Delegated authority was given to the Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration, in consultation with relevant portfolio holders, to enter into the lease agreement and approve final terms, ensuring best value considerations are met.

Petitions

Councillor David Perry presented a petition signed by 227 residents concerning the cancellation of the proposed Harrow View Primary School. The petition urged Harrow Council to make strong representations to the Department for Education to save the school. The Cabinet confirmed that strong representations had already been made to the Department for Education. A second petition, with 43 signatures from local businesses and residents, was presented by Kumarasamy Indrachith regarding the removal of green benches on Northolt Road to address anti-social behaviour and associated rubbish. The Cabinet resolved that this petition be referred to the Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy for investigation.

Public and Councillor Questions

Two public questions were received and responded to, with the recording to be placed on the council's website. Similarly, councillor questions were responded to, and the recording will also be made available online.

Key Decision Schedule and Progress on Scrutiny Projects

The Cabinet noted the Key Decision Schedule for February to April 2026 and received an update on the progress of scrutiny projects.