The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met for a Q&A session with Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, and the Managing Director, to discuss improvements and challenges across the borough. Topics discussed included the council's financial status, street cleaning, road maintenance, and issues related to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The committee requested a report on the council's organisation development and workplace strategy for a future meeting.

Council Finances and Spending

Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, reported that the council is currently underspent by £1.5 million, which he contrasted with the financial situations of other London boroughs. He noted that the government expects councils to raise council tax by 5% each year for the next three years, and that the council will face questions if it chooses not to do so.

The Leader of the Council also mentioned increased investment in public realm services, including parks, with an announcement forthcoming.

Alex, the Managing Director, added that the council is awaiting the impact of the comprehensive spending review, which may see money move from London to other parts of the country. He noted that Harrow is less reliant on central government funding than some other boroughs.

Street Cleaning and Graffiti Removal

Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, highlighted improvements in street cleaning, including a second shift in district and town centres, and more frequent collections in parks. He also mentioned the installation of larger bins in parks. The council has launched a graffiti removal service, which the Leader of the Council said is already making a difference.

The council is considering further capital investment to improve street and pavement cleaning, particularly in the town centre.

Road Maintenance

Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, reported a significant increase in pothole repairs, with 7,000 potholes fixed in the last financial year, compared to 800 in 2021-22. The council is resurfacing roads throughout the borough, increasing spending from £6-7 million a year to £14-15 million a year for the next two years.

The council is re-procuring its road maintenance service and aims to avoid any interruption during the process. Harrow is the only London borough using the JCB Pothole Pro machine, and is expecting a demonstration of the new Pothole Pro 2.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, expressed disappointment that the government has paused funding for a special needs school in the borough, which would provide 292 places. He noted that children are currently being transported out of the borough for provision, and that local provision would be better for them and more cost-effective.

Alex, the Managing Director, suggested that the council could fund the school itself if it could use the high needs block¹ to fund the capital costs. He explained that current rules prevent borrowing against the high needs block, but that the high needs block would ultimately benefit from the school.

Recycling Services

Councillor June Baxter noted the positive response to the new drop-and-go recycling events in North Harrow and Belmont Ward. Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, responded that the council plans to roll these out to other wards, roughly once a month, but finding suitable locations is a challenge.

The council is also looking to increase the number of slots available for appointments at the civic amenity site by reducing appointment times from 30 minutes to 15 minutes, potentially adding around 200 extra slots per week. They are also considering extending the opening hours of the site, subject to budget and licensing considerations.

Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, stated:

We are looking at making sure that no one has any excuse to fly-tip in this borough. We're looking at making sure we give people every possible opportunity to recycle and if they then don't we will go after them and find them.

CCTV Policy

Councillor Eden Kulig asked for an update on the installation of CCTV cameras, particularly in Harrow on the Hill Ward. Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, advised that a CCTV policy is coming to cabinet this month. He explained that the council needs a robust process for deploying cameras, especially deployable cameras funded through the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL), to ensure compliance with the surveillance commissioner's code of conduct and GDPR² rules.

Greenhill Town Centre Improvements

A councillor raised concerns about the planters in Greenhill town centre, some of which were removed after installation, and the closure of the art park since its launch. Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, responded that the planters on College Road were too large for the space and will be used elsewhere. He said that the art park is run by Meanwhile Space, and that he would seek an update on its opening and facilities.

He also noted that two kiosks have been removed from St Anne's Road, and new kiosks will be installed over the coming month. The council is working with Harrow BID to minimise disruption to businesses.

The council is also working to ensure adequate hostile vehicle mitigation is in place in St Anne's Road and Havelock Place.

School Roll Numbers

Councillor Graham Henson raised concerns about falling school roll numbers and the impact of a new SEND school on the viability of other schools. Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, responded that this is a matter for the director of education. He noted that roll numbers are generally falling in the outer parts of the borough, while there is still some demand in the central parts.

Alex, the Managing Director, added that London has seen a fall in the birth rate since 2016, which has accelerated since 2020, and that every borough except Havering has seen a fall in primary school roll call.

Enforcement and Financial Hardship

Councillor Graham Henson asked about the number of fines issued and paid, and how the council is managing court cases for unpaid fines. He also asked how the council's financial hardship policy is being applied, given the rising levels of poverty among children and overcrowded housing.

Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, responded that he did not have those figures to hand, but that the council has ramped up its enforcement teams and is issuing community protection warnings and notices. He noted that the courts process is slow.

Alex, the Managing Director, added that the council has a new enforcement supplier as of 30 June, and that the previous supplier had issues with payment rates.

Supported Living Houses

Councillor Maxine Henson raised concerns about supported living houses being set up in her ward and adjoining wards, and whether they need to be licensed. Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, responded that he would assume so, but that he did not know the answer. He asked Councillor Maxine Henson to send through any examples, and that officers would do the checks.

Workforce Development and Succession Planning

Councillor Matthew Goodwin-Freeman asked about succession planning within the council, and how the council is developing staff and skills. Alex, the Managing Director, responded that five members of the corporate leadership team previously worked in the organisation. He noted that the council has launched a new Harnessing Ambition programme with Bayes Business School to develop managers.

Councillor Matthew Goodwin-Freeman also asked about single points of failure within the organisation. Alex, the Managing Director, responded that the council does not have any single points of failure, but that it does have small teams where sickness absence can be an issue. He noted that the council has employed additional people in HR to address sickness absence.