The Cabinet of Harrow Council met on Thursday 20 February 2025, approving key financial strategies, a new car leasing scheme for staff, and plans for estate regeneration and school improvements. The meeting also saw the adoption of a Council Tax hardship policy and an extension to the leisure management contract.

Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Annual Investment Strategy, and Capital Strategy for 2025/26

Cabinet approved recommendations to Council for the Treasury Management Strategy Statement, including the Prudential Indicators, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement, Annual Investment Strategy, and the Annual Capital Strategy for 2025/26. These strategies are designed to promote effective financial management relating to the Council's borrowing and investment powers, in line with the Local Government Act 2003 and CIPFA codes of practice.

Green Car Leasing Scheme

A new green car leasing scheme for staff was approved, funded on a salary sacrifice basis. This initiative aims to support staff retention and recruitment by offering an enhanced benefits package, while also promoting the transition to electric vehicles and contributing to the decarbonisation of travel within the borough, aligning with the Council's Electric Vehicle Strategy and Climate and Nature Strategy 2023-30. Cabinet delegated authority to the Acting Strategic Director for Housing and Regeneration to agree the contract specifications and implementation arrangements.

School Organisation Update and School Capital Programme

An update on school organisation matters and the School Capital Programme was provided, with Cabinet delegating authority to the Strategic Director of Children's Services to determine statutory notices for several proposals. These include creating a permanent satellite provision for Kingsley High School at Weald Rise Primary School, increasing places at Woodlands School, expanding the age range of Stanburn Primary School to include a nursery, and amending the designation of places at West Lodge Primary School's Resourced Provision to specify provision for severe learning difficulties.

Grange Farm Estate Regeneration Phase 2a

Cabinet endorsed the approach to delivering Phase 2a of the Grange Farm Estate regeneration, which is set to provide up to 50 affordable homes, subject to planning consent. Public consultation on the proposals began on 13 February 2025 and will run for four weeks. Cabinet noted that the budget for this phase is contained within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan and approved the commencement of the procurement process for a construction contractor.

Leisure Management Contract Extension

Approval was granted to extend the Tri-Borough leisure contract with Everyone Active (SLM Ltd) for a further six months, from 1 September 2025 to 28 February 2026. This extension is necessary to allow for the uninterrupted provision of leisure services and the completion of the re-procurement process for a new leisure management contractor.

Harrow Adult Learning Strategy

The Draft Adult Learning Strategy for 2025-2030 was approved for public consultation. Following the consultation, the Acting Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Property, Business and Employment, will decide whether to adopt the final strategy. The strategy aims to adapt adult learning provision to changes in Harrow's demography and economy, and to align with local and regional priorities to secure further investment.

Adoption of a Council Tax Hardship Policy for 2025-2026

A Council Tax Hardship Policy was adopted to mitigate the impacts of changes to the Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme, which will take effect from 1 April 2025. The policy aims to provide financial assistance to Council Taxpayers experiencing exceptional circumstances. The Assistant Director of Collections and Housing Benefits was delegated authority to determine individual applications and to review the policy after one year.

Final Revenue Budget 2025-26 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy to 2027-28

Cabinet resolved to recommend to Council the approval of the 2025/26 budget and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) to 2027/28. The budget aims to be balanced for 2025/26, with estimated budget gaps of £5.638m for 2026/27 and £3.685m for 2027/28. The report noted the intention to increase core Council Tax by 2.99% and the Adult Social Care Precept by 2% in 2025/26.

Final Capital Programme 2025-26 to 2027-28

Cabinet resolved to recommend the approval of the Capital Programme for 2025/26 to 2027/28 to Council. The programme details significant investment in both the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).

Procurement of new contract for IT Service Desk

Cabinet approved the commencement of the procurement for a new IT Service Desk and support services for security operations. Authority was delegated to the Director of IT, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Performance, Communications and Customer Experience, to award the contract to the successful bidder. This ensures continuity of IT services that underpin all Council services.

Procurement of Estate Improvements and Housing Capital Major Works

Approval was granted for officers to undertake three competitive procurement exercises for estate improvements and housing capital major works across various wards. These works include improvements to Howards and Deacons Close, window upgrades and estate improvements at Pinner Grove and Stuart Avenue Estates, and fire door upgrades to properties across the borough. Authority was delegated to the Acting Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration to make necessary changes to tender documents and to award contracts following the procurement process.

Revenue & Capital Budget Monitoring Report Q3 2024-25

Cabinet noted the forecast revenue and capital outturn positions for 2024-25 at Quarter 3. The report indicated a net overspend of £909k on the revenue budget, which is forecast to be mitigated by year-end. The Capital Programme showed a net forecast position of £77.429m, with proposed slippage into 2025-26. Cabinet also noted updates on the Council's Trading Companies and the Harrow Strategic Development Partnership (HSDP) budget.

Housing Revenue Account Budget 2025-26, Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2026-27 to 2027-28, HRA 30-year Business Plan and Acquisition of Housing Properties

Cabinet recommended to Council the approval of the HRA 30-year Business Plan, HRA Budgets for 2025-26, and a five-year HRA Capital Programme totalling £254.155 million. This includes significant investment in planned works, building new council homes, property acquisition, and the Homes for Harrow Phase 2 project. Cabinet also approved proposed average weekly rent increases of 2.7% for general needs, sheltered, affordable, and shared ownership properties, along with adjustments to service charges, facility charges, heating charges, garage and parking charges, and community hall hire charges. Approval was also given for the expenditure of up to £15.192 million of Right to Buy receipts to purchase properties and delegated authority to acquire up to thirty properties on the open market.

Corporate Plan 2023-26: Review of Second Year and Flagship Actions 2025-26

Cabinet reviewed the progress made in the second year of the Corporate Plan 2023-26 and proposed new Flagship Actions for 2025/26. These actions align with the Council's priorities of putting residents first, making the borough clean and safe, and supporting those in need. Cabinet recommended the Corporate Plan and new Flagship Actions for 2025/26 to Council for approval.

The meeting also noted petitions regarding road and pavement resurfacing in Newlyn Gardens and Trescoe Gardens, and received responses to public and Councillor questions. Apologies for absence were received from several members.