The Cabinet of Harrow Council is scheduled to consider a range of important matters at its upcoming meeting. Key discussions are expected to include the adoption of the Harrow Local Plan 2021-2041, the procurement for a four-year capital delivery programme for housing, and an inter-authority agreement for a shared mortuary service.

Adoption of the Harrow Local Plan 2021-2041

A significant item on the agenda is the proposed adoption of the Harrow Local Plan 2021-2041. The report pack indicates that the Cabinet will consider the outcomes of the Examination in Public of the draft plan. Following this, the Cabinet is scheduled to recommend the draft plan, including any modifications, to the Full Council for adoption. The report also suggests that the Cabinet may recommend that delegated authority be given to the Chief Planning Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration, Councillor Marilyn Ashton, to undertake the necessary statutory, administrative, and document production actions required for the plan's adoption.

Procurement for the Four-Year Capital Delivery Programme

The Cabinet is set to consider the procurement strategy for a four-year capital delivery programme for housing, with an estimated total value of £60,720,000. This programme is intended to run from April 2026 until March 2030. The report outlines a plan to procure multiple service delivery specialists through an open tender procedure. This approach aims to attract local and sub-regional Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and specialist contractors to tender for individual or multiple elements of the work. The report highlights the council's recognition of the importance of providing opportunities for SMEs, as they employ local people and engage with local suppliers.

The proposed procurement will cover four key areas: Reactive Capital Works, Roofing, Block Enveloping and Major Refurbishment Works, and Mechanical and Electrical Upgrades. The report details the estimated spend for each workstream across the four years, aligning with the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget. The council's objective is to proactively deliver warmer, healthier, and more energy-efficient homes, addressing issues such as damp and mould, reducing residents' heating costs, and contributing to the Council's Climate Emergency and Net Zero 2030 commitments.

The report also includes recommendations to grant approval for officers to undertake competitive procurement exercises to establish frameworks for these works. It further seeks to delegate authority to the Strategic Director for Housing and Regeneration, Councillor Mina Parmar's¹ portfolio holder, to make necessary changes to tender documents and to appoint suppliers and award call-off contracts following a compliant procurement process. Additionally, approval is sought to vary the value of existing contracts for Windows and Doors and Kitchens and Bathrooms to enable the upgrading of further properties.

Inter-Authority Agreement for a Shared Mortuary Service

A key decision scheduled for discussion is the Inter-Authority Agreement between the London Boroughs of Barnet, Brent, and Harrow for the provision of a Shared Mortuary Service. The report indicates that this agreement will govern the joint management and funding of the mortuary located at Northwick Park Hospital. The Cabinet is being asked to approve the continued joint management and funding of this service.

The report explains that the Public Health Act 1936 places a legal duty on local authorities to provide adequate mortuary and post-mortem facilities for His Majesty's Coroner. The Northwick Park Mortuary serves the boroughs of Brent, Harrow, and Barnet and is also designated as the Disaster Mortuary for the area. The current agreement, initially a 10-year Inter-Authority Agreement (IAA) with Barnet joining in 2015, expired on 31 March 2025 and has been extended to 31 March 2026. A new long-term IAA is proposed to underpin an expansion programme and ensure continued statutory compliance.

The new IAA is proposed to operate for 15 years, from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2041, with a break clause after 10 years. Brent Council will continue as the host authority, responsible for day-to-day operations, HTA licensing compliance, and workforce management. Harrow and Barnet will support delivery through joint governance, strategic performance oversight, and financial contributions. The report also addresses lease arrangements for the mortuary building and an adjoining site, with a new 99-year peppercorn lease planned for the adjoining site to support expansion.

Progress on Scrutiny Projects

The Cabinet will also receive an update on ongoing scrutiny projects. This includes information on the North West London Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC), where Harrow's representative is Councillor Chetna Halai, Chair of the Health and Social Care Scrutiny Sub-Committee. The JHOSC's recent meeting agenda included topics such as cancer screening and early diagnosis, digital health, and the supply and rollout of weight loss drugs.

Additionally, an update will be provided on the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC). This committee has been established between ten local authorities to scrutinise proposals for changes to services at the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre. Harrow's representatives on this JHOSC are Councillor Chetna Halai and Councillor Maxine Henson. The report notes that a public consultation on the reprovision of the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre was launched in January 2026 and runs until March 2026. The JHOSC met on 13 March 2026 to scrutinise consultation responses and transport and access issues related to the centre.

Key Decision Schedule

The Cabinet will also review the Key Decision Schedule for March to May 2026. This schedule outlines decisions that are likely to result in the council incurring significant expenditure or making significant savings, or have a significant impact on communities in two or more wards. The schedule indicates that the Harrow Strategic Development Partnership (HSDP) updated Overarching Business Plan and Phase Business Plans for Byron Quarter Phase 1 and Poets Corner Phase 1 are listed as key decisions, with the meeting for these items being part-exempt.

Other Agenda Items

The agenda also includes standard procedural items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, petitions, and public and councillor questions. There is also an item regarding an update on the Wealdstone Brook Flood Alleviation scheme, which is listed as To Follow . Finally, the meeting will consider any other urgent business and the exclusion of the press and public for specific items, such as the confidential appendix to the Shared Mortuary Service report.