The Cabinet of Harrow Council met on Thursday 10 April 2025, approving several key recommendations including the adoption of the Air Quality Action Plan and Smoke Control Order, and the commencement of procurement for a new Hired Passenger Transport Framework. The meeting also saw the approval of the Parks and Open Space Strategy 2025-2030 and the outcomes of the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) process review.

Air Quality Management in Harrow

The Cabinet formally adopted Harrow's Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) and Smoke Control Order (SCO) following a public consultation period. The AQAP outlines measures to improve air quality across the borough between 2025 and 2028, building on previous successful initiatives such as fleet upgrades and the installation of electric vehicle charging points. The SCO, which restricts the burning of certain fuels in designated areas, was also approved, alongside a civil penalty system for breaches. The council will continue to monitor air quality and aims to reduce emissions from transport, construction, and buildings. New air quality monitoring stations are also planned for procurement.

Parks and Open Space Strategy 2025-2030

The Cabinet approved the adoption of the Parks and Open Space Strategy for 2025-2030. This strategy aims to provide a structured approach to managing Harrow's green spaces, focusing on preservation, enhancement, quality, accessibility, nature, sustainability, health, wellbeing, and community engagement. The strategy aligns with the council's corporate priorities of putting residents first, ensuring a clean and safe borough, and supporting those in need. Key objectives include increasing the number of Green Flag parks and enhancing accessibility and biodiversity.

Outcomes of the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) Process Review 2025

The Cabinet agreed to implement recommendations from a review of the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) processes. The review focused on future allocations, project identification, approval, and the management of unspent funds. Key changes include capping annual Ward NCIL receipts at £100,000, with excess funds re-allocated to the central NCIL fund. Project identification for Central NCIL will now consider strategic council priorities, and approval processes have been refined for clarity. The existing approach to unspent funds, with a two-year limit before reallocation to the central fund, will be maintained, with a £50,000 threshold for discretionary carry-forward requests.

Commencement of Procurement for New Hired Passenger Transport (Taxi) Framework

Approval was given to commence the procurement of a new Hired Passenger Transport (Taxi) Framework. This open framework agreement will run for an initial three years, with options to extend for a further five years, and is valued at an estimated £133 million. The aim is to increase supplier diversity, enhance competition, and reduce overall costs while maintaining high-quality transport services for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provisions. The procurement will adhere to the Procurement Act 2023, with a focus on price (30%), quality (60%), and social value (10%).

United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund 2025/2026

The Cabinet agreed to enter into a Grant Agreement with the Greater London Authority (GLA) to secure £798,400 in direct funding from the United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for 2025/2026. This funding will be used to deliver projects aligned with Harrow Council's Corporate Priorities, focusing on communities and place, and people and skills. Delegated authority was granted to the Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy to sign the agreement. The funding will support initiatives such as skills and employability programmes, energy efficiency advice, improvements to cultural assets like Headstone Manor and Museum and Harrow Arts Centre, and investment in the borough's high streets.

Reseller Contract for London Borough of Harrow Microsoft Enterprise License Agreement

The Cabinet approved the recommendation to award a contract for Microsoft licensing and Azure consumption services to Ultima Business Solutions Ltd. This will be procured via the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) Framework NFC187 aggregated procurement process. This approach is expected to ensure best pricing through economies of scale and a streamlined process. The new agreement will cover the period from June 2025 to June 2028, with an estimated total value of £4.9 million. The council will continue to manage license requirements to minimise expenditure while remaining compliant.

A Review of Procurement Delivery 2024-2025 and a Forward Look at the Procurement Pipeline 2025-2028

The Cabinet noted the procurement pipeline for all projects valued over £100,000 for the period April 2025 to March 2028, as well as contracts awarded and extended between April 2024 and February 2025. The report highlighted the council's significant procurement activity, with approximately £336 million spent in the 2024-2025 financial year. The Corporate Procurement Team has been preparing for the Procurement Act 2023, with updated procedures and training provided to officers and members. The pipeline for 2025-2026 includes 67 projects, with 25 requiring Cabinet approval. Key procurements across directorates include major contracts for temporary recruitment, housing repairs, and health visiting services.

Progress on Scrutiny Projects

The Cabinet received an update on ongoing scrutiny projects. Councillor Chetna Halai, Chair of the Health and Social Care Scrutiny Sub-Committee, provided information on the North West London Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC), which met on 13 March 2025 to discuss the North West London planned care strategy and an Integrated Care System update. The next JHOSC meeting is scheduled for 1 May 2025. Additionally, a Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee has been established to consider proposals for changes to services at the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, with its next meeting planned for June 2025.