The Portfolio Holder Decision Meeting of Harrow Council, held on Friday 2 February 2024, saw a decision made regarding the acquisition of a site for a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) facility. The meeting was brief, lasting only three minutes, and no public questions or petitions were raised.

Acquisition of Site for Special Educational Needs Provision

The council has moved forward with plans to acquire a site for a new Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) facility. Delegated authority has been granted to the Corporate Director, Place, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Osborn, to make a bid for the property. This authority also extends to entering into contracts, approving final purchase terms, and taking any other necessary steps, subject to satisfactory survey reports, valuation, due diligence, financial viability, and an appropriate business case.

The decision to acquire the site is considered a strategic addition to the council's property portfolio, aimed at delivering essential services to Harrow residents. The report presented to the meeting outlined proposals for the purchase, with alternative options having been considered and rejected as detailed within the report. The urgency of this decision was noted, as property acquisitions often involve timescales that fall outside the usual decision-making processes. This decision was made under an urgent leader's decision, with the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee waiving the call-in period.

The meeting also noted that no declarations of interest were made by attendees, and the minutes from the previous meeting on 6 June 2023 were confirmed. No petitions were received, and no public questions were put forward.