The Cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday 23 May 2017 was set to discuss a range of important community, regeneration, and financial matters. Key topics included the future of North Harrow Community Library, the terms of occupation for a property by Flash Musicals, and an update on the council's regeneration programme. The meeting also included consideration of the Ofsted report on children's services and business plans for the council's trading companies.

North Harrow Community Library

A significant item on the agenda was the future of the North Harrow Community Library. The report proposed approving a 20-year sub-lease to the 'North Harrow Community Library' (NHCL) Charitable Trust to manage the library. This would allow the NHCL to provide a range of services and act as a community hub. The council was also asked to authorise funding equivalent to market rent for the library, which would then be repaid by NHCL. This proposal was presented as a cost-effective way to reopen the library following its closure in June 2015, aligning with the council's vision of Working Together to Make a Difference for Harrow and supporting community resilience.

Terms of Occupation for Flash Musicals

The Cabinet was also scheduled to consider the terms of occupation for a property in Methuen Road, Edgware, by Flash Musicals. The report outlined a proposal to surrender the existing lease and grant a new 15-year lease at a peppercorn rent. This arrangement would enable Flash Musicals to provide services to clients with learning disabilities, in line with national incentives and good practice. The services provided by Flash Musicals in lieu of rent were expected to equal or exceed the current rental value of £26,000 per annum, supporting the council's priority of Protect the Most Vulnerable and Support Families.

Ofsted Report on Children's Services

A key discussion point was the Ofsted report on the inspection of services for children in need of protection, looked after children, and care leavers. The report indicated that Harrow's children's services had been judged as 'Good' overall, a higher grading than previously achieved. The inspection highlighted strong leadership and effective services that were well-matched to the needs of children and young people, reducing risk and improving outcomes. The report also identified areas for improvement, including the timeliness of early help assessments and decision-making within the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). The Cabinet was asked to note the inspection report and approve the associated action plan, which outlines how the recommendations would be implemented to further support children and families in Harrow. This aligns with the council's ambition to Protect the Most Vulnerable and Support Families.

Regeneration Programme Update and Procurement

An update on the Regeneration Programme was presented, covering progress on various sites including Poets Corner, the New Civic Centre, and Byron Quarter. The report sought approval to commence procurement for pre-construction services for these major schemes. The council's Regeneration Strategy, approved in previous meetings, aims to Build a Better Harrow by addressing housing needs, renewing civic facilities, and creating quality places with local economic benefits. The proposed procurement path, a two-stage tender process for a pre-construction services agreement, was designed to mitigate risk and define contractual arrangements and project costs before committing to construction contracts. A comprehensive Commercial and Financial Review of the programme was also underway to enhance risk management and commercial performance.

Trading Companies Year 2 Business Plans and Commercialisation Update

The meeting was also scheduled to review the progress of the council's commercialisation activity and the Year 2 business plans for its trading companies, Concilium Group and Concilium Business Services (trading as Smart Lettings). These companies were established to support the council's Commercialisation Strategy, aiming to deliver financial returns and contribute to the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The report sought approval for the business plans and the appointment of the Corporate Director of Resources and Commercial as the shareholder representative. This initiative supports the council's priority of Being more Business-like and Business Friendly.

Timetable for Plans and Strategies

Finally, the Cabinet was asked to approve the timetable for the preparation and consideration of the council's policy framework, which includes statutory plans and strategies such as the Development Plan, Local Implementation Plan, and Community Safety Plan, as well as non-statutory plans like the Corporate Plan and Corporate Parenting Strategy. This is a requirement of the council's Constitution to ensure a structured approach to policy development and consideration.