The Cabinet of Harrow Council met on Thursday 19 January 2017 to discuss and approve several key financial and strategic decisions. Among the significant outcomes were the approval of the overall budget for the Regeneration Programme, the adoption of a revised Hardship Fund Policy, and the approval of the Information, Advice and Advocacy Strategy for 2017-2021.

Regeneration Finance

The Cabinet approved the overall budget for the Regeneration Programme, agreeing to an increase in the size of one of the key projects and authorising the Chief Executive to enter into agreements for the delivery of works, subject to a total construction contract value. This decision was made to enable the continued delivery of the Regeneration Programme.

VCS Funding Arrangements

A three-year funding proposal for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) for 2017/18 to 2019/20 was approved. This proposal includes a reduction in funding from the Community Grants budget, the Adult Social Care budget, and the Emergency Relief Scheme budget. The Cabinet also authorised the Corporate Director of Resources and Commercial to re-procure an infrastructure organisation for the VCS and to award the contract. Additionally, funding of £55,000 for 2017-18 and 2018-19 from the Transformation and Priority Initiatives Fund (TPIF) was agreed to support two identified projects.

Approval of Hardship Fund Policy

The revised Hardship Fund Policy was agreed and adopted. The scheme will be delivered in two parts: a recurring emergency relief fund for food, fuel, clothing, and emergency travel, administered by the Council or through the new Generalist Information and Advice Service; and a fund for 2017/18 only for white goods and furniture, administered by the Council. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Resources and Commercial to decide on the administration model for the emergency needs part of the Hardship Scheme. The decision aims to support the 2017/18 budget process and protect those requiring specific last resort support.

Information, Advice and Advocacy Strategy

The Information, Advice and Advocacy Strategy 2017-2021 was approved. The Cabinet agreed to commence the procurement of a General Information and Advice Service and delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Resources and Commercial to award the contract. Furthermore, the administration of a tapered fund was delegated to Harrow Community Action (HCA), the VCS infrastructure organisation, to allocate to the VCS according to the strategy's aims and objectives. The Director of Adult Social Care was also authorised to extend three Care Act contracts for one year and re-commission them for a 1 April 2018 start date. The strategy aims to ensure continued and more effective provision of these services to residents.

Fees and Charges 2017/18

The fees and charges for 2017/18 were agreed for implementation from April 2017, with exceptions for those included for noting only. Authority was delegated to the Director of Finance and relevant Corporate Directors, in consultation with Portfolio Holders, to amend fees and charges in-year and agree new ones.

Approval of Business Rates Income Resource Base for 2017 - 2018

The approach and assumptions for the calculation of the Council's business rates yield for 2017-2018 were approved. The amount calculated as Harrow's business rates yield for 2017-2018 is £14.446m. Authority was delegated to the Council's Chief Finance Officer to submit the notification of this calculation to the Secretary of State and the Greater London Authority by 31 January 2017, and to submit revised figures if further clarification is received from the Department for Communities and Local Government. This decision was treated as urgent due to statutory notification deadlines.

Strategic Performance Report - Quarter 2, 2016/17

The report summarising Council and service performance for Quarter 2 was noted. Portfolio Holders were encouraged to continue working with officers to achieve improvement against identified key challenges.

Calendar of Meetings

The Calendar of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2017/18 was approved. This facilitates planning and forward commitments for both Members and officers, and allows for room booking arrangements to be put in place.

The meeting also observed a minute's silence in memory of Councillor Bob Currie. Declarations of interest were noted for several agenda items, with some members declaring non-pecuniary interests and others leaving the room during consideration and voting on specific items. Petitions were received regarding voluntary sector cuts, regeneration plans, and the conduct of a previous Cabinet meeting. Public and Councillor questions were also addressed, with some requiring written responses to be published on the Council's website.