The Cabinet of Harrow Council met on Tuesday 21 May 2024, discussing a range of important issues including local areas of special character, public spaces protection orders, and the allocation of the Household Support Fund. Key decisions included approving consultation on two new Local Areas of Special Character, implementing a Public Spaces Protection Order for Bentley Priory and the Viewpoint, and allocating nearly £1.5 million from the Household Support Fund to assist residents with cost of living pressures.

Local Areas of Special Character

The Cabinet agreed to consult on two proposed Local Areas of Special Character (LASCs). These areas, identified as 3-29 (odd) and 2-40 (even) Butler Avenue, and 2-26 (even), 1-33 (odd) Lance Road and West Harrow Recreation Ground, along with areas in Pinner including 1 and 3-40 (all) West End Avenue, 1-40 (all) Meadow Road and 24-38 (even) Eastcote Road, were recommended for designation. The decision to consult aims to preserve and enhance the unique heritage and architectural merit of these local areas, which may not meet the stricter criteria for Conservation Area status. The outcomes of this consultation will be reported back to the Planning Policy Advisory Panel and Cabinet for further consideration.

Public Spaces Protection Order for Bentley Priory and the Viewpoint

A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Bentley Priory and the Viewpoint was approved for implementation. This follows an enhanced consultation period after initial feedback from residents. The new order includes specific measures such as requiring dogs to be on leads in Spring Meadows from April to July, prohibiting dogs from entering or remaining in ponds or watercourses, and mandating dogs to be on leads in the deer path corridor. The rest of the PSPO, including measures for The Viewpoint, will remain as originally proposed. The decision aims to address anti-social behaviour and improve the experience for all users of these public spaces. Enforcement will begin with an educational approach, followed by a considered implementation of fines from August 1st.

Household Support Fund

The Cabinet approved the allocation of the fifth extension of the Household Support Fund, totalling just under £1.5 million, to help residents facing cost of living pressures. The majority of this funding will be used to provide free school meal vouchers during the upcoming May half-term, summer, and autumn holidays, extending through to Christmas. Additional funding will support Help Harrow with food parcels and advice services, and an application-based scheme will provide proactive voucher awards to low-income households, particularly care leavers moving into independent accommodation. The Council's existing Hardship Fund will be redirected to support the application-based scheme for 2024/25. The Cabinet acknowledged that this is emergency funding and expressed hope for its continuation, while also planning for potential transitions if the funding ceases.

Arrangements for the Supply of Temporary Staffing Service

The Cabinet approved a direct award contract for temporary recruitment services to Pertemps Recruitment Partnership. This contract, on a Master Vendor basis under the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO) framework, will be for three years with an option to extend for one year, commencing on 6 August 2024. The projected value of the contract over the four-year period is £112 million. This decision ensures the Council can continue to resource its workforce efficiently and cost-effectively.

Review of Procurement and Procurement Pipeline

The Cabinet noted the review of procurement activities for 2023-2024 and the forward look at the three-year procurement pipeline for 2024-2027. This includes oversight of planned procurements valued over £100,000 and a review of contracts awarded and extended in the previous financial year. An update on the implementation of the Procurement Act 2023 will be provided to Cabinet in July 2024. The discussion also touched upon the importance of social value within procurement, with a commitment to report on this in future updates.

Reprocurement of Social Care and Early Years IT Systems

The Cabinet approved the compliant direct award of contracts for the Social Care Case Management System (Mosaic) and Early Years ICT systems (Synergy) via the YPO Software Application Solutions Framework. These critical systems, used by over 800 staff and 1000 external users, have been in place for many years. The new contracts will be for an initial three-year period with an option to extend for a further two years. The decision aims to optimize the functionality of these market-leading products and ensure value for money.

Other Matters

The Cabinet also noted the Key Decision Schedule for May to August 2024, progress on scrutiny projects, the timetable for the development of the Council's policy framework, and the membership and terms of reference for Cabinet Advisory Panels and Consultative Forums. Additionally, the Leader's appointments of Portfolio Holder Assistants were noted.