The Council meeting on 27 February 2025 saw significant decisions made regarding the council's financial future, including the adoption of the revenue budget for 2025-26 and the medium-term financial strategy. Councillors also approved changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme for the upcoming year and discussed the Corporate Plan.

Budget and Financial Strategy

The council adopted the Final Revenue Budget for 2025-26 and the Medium Financial Strategy to 2027-28. This forms a crucial part of the council's financial planning, outlining how resources will be allocated and managed over the coming years. Alongside this, the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget for 2025-26, the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-27 to 2027-28, and the HRA 30-year Business Plan were also approved. These decisions are vital for the management and development of the council's housing stock.

Further financial strategies were confirmed with the approval of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement and the Annual Investment Strategy for 2025/26, as well as the Capital Strategy for 2025/26. These strategies govern how the council will manage its investments and capital expenditure. The Final Capital Programme for 2025-26 to 2027-28 was also adopted, detailing planned investments in infrastructure and services over the next three years.

Council Tax Support Scheme

A significant decision was made regarding the Adoption of the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2025/26. Following a review of consultation responses, the council agreed to implement changes to the scheme. The report indicated that the council tax support scheme would continue to award a higher rate of 86% to vulnerable households, with 4,204 households currently classified as such. However, the council decided against extending the definition of vulnerable households to include groups such as those in debt, carers, or single parents, citing administrative costs and financial viability. A Hardship Fund of £250,000 was established to support those most affected by the changes, an increase from the initially proposed £125,000. The scheme will be reviewed after one year to assess its impact.

Fees and Charges

The council approved the Non-Executive Fees and Charges for 2025/26. This involves setting the prices for various licences and applications across different council services. The report detailed proposed increases of 4-5% for many charges to account for inflationary cost increases, ensuring cost recovery for services. The Strategic Director of Finance was authorised to make in-year amendments to these fees and charges if an urgent necessity arose.

Gambling Policy

The Statement of Gambling Policy (Gambling Act 2005) was reviewed and approved. This policy sets out the principles the council will follow when issuing gambling licences. The report noted that following consultation, only two responses were received, with one indicating no changes were required. The policy was not amended from the draft approved for consultation.

Constitution Update

An update to the council's Constitution was agreed, specifically amending the Budget and Policy Procedure Rules. These changes were made to align with advice from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) regarding key principles of Treasury Management for local authorities. The amendments were considered by a cross-party Constitution Review Working Group.

Petitions

Two petitions were presented to the council:

• Keep Free Weekend Parking at North Harrow Car Park: This petition, with over 2,000 signatures, opposed plans to introduce Saturday charges at Cambridge Road car park and called for free Saturday parking to be maintained. The council resolved to receive the petition and debate it at the next meeting.
• Support National Harrow FC in securing a permanent home ground: This petition, also with over 2,000 signatures, highlighted the urgent need for a permanent home ground for National Harrow FC to continue providing opportunities for local children and adults. The petition called on Harrow Council to support the club in securing land at The Old Lyonian Sports Ground. The council resolved to receive the petition and debate it at the next meeting.

Motion on Free School Breakfast Clubs

A motion was put forward to Support Free School Breakfast Clubs in Harrow. The motion, moved by Councillor Stephen Hickman and seconded by Councillor Natasha Proctor, expressed support for the Labour Government's commitment to introducing free breakfast clubs in all state-funded primary schools. It highlighted the benefits of such clubs for children's attainment, attendance, and overall wellbeing, as well as their positive impact on families, particularly those facing cost-of-living pressures. The council resolved to advocate for early adoption of the scheme in Harrow's schools and to write to the Secretary of State for Education to express support and request adequate funding.

Other Business

• Council Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on 28 November 2024 were taken as read and signed as a correct record.
• Declarations of Interest: Councillors were invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests.
• Procedural Motions: Any procedural motions were to be received and considered.
• Public Questions: A period was allocated for members of the public to ask questions.
• Leader and Portfolio Holder Announcements: A presentation was given by the Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holders on business since the last meeting, followed by a question and answer session.
• Questions with Notice: Members of the Council had the opportunity to ask written questions to members of the Executive or Chairs of Committees.