The Harrow Council Cabinet met in July to discuss several key issues, including budget performance, property licensing, and the council's response to a recent inspection of children's services. The cabinet approved recommendations on adult social care, property management, and community safety, and noted reports on financial performance and scrutiny projects.

• Revenue and Capital Budget Outturn Report 2024-25
• Houses in Multiple Occupation and Selective Licensing
• Council Response to the Recent Inspection of Local Authority Children's Services

Children's Services Improvement Plan

Following an Ofsted inspection in January 2025, Harrow's children's services were rated as 'inadequate' overall, though specific services for children under 18 were rated as 'good'. The key concern was the quality of support for care leavers¹, which was deemed inadequate.

Councillor Hitesh Karia, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, outlined steps being taken to address the concerns, including a £750,000 investment to increase management and practice capacity, and the establishment of a separate leaving care service.

Councillor David Perry, Leader of the Labour Group, expressed concern that some straightforward interventions had been missed, and questioned whether a service redesign in 2023 had contributed to the issues. Councillor Karia defended the changes, stating that there had been no performance management in place under the previous administration.

The Cabinet noted the report and the ILACS Improvement Plan.

Property Licensing Schemes Consultation

The Cabinet approved a consultation on updates to the property licensing schemes, including HMOs and selective licensing, to improve housing standards and reduce anti-social behaviour. The proposal includes updating licence conditions, expanding selective licensing to additional wards, and launching a 10-week public consultation.

The proposed changes to HMO licence conditions will require landlords to:

• Keep tenants' records
• Report suspected subletting
• Provide a written complaints procedure
• Respond to the council or police within five days regarding anti-social behaviour issues
• Complete urgent electrical repairs within 28 days
• Submit gas and electric meters inspection reports

The proposed changes for selective licence conditions will include additional anti-social behaviour and nuisance conditions, as well as new property management requirements. Currently, selective licensing applies in Edgware, North Wealdstone, and South Wealdstone wards. The review suggests extending the scheme to Greenhill, Marlborough, and Roxeth wards.

Councillor Perry welcomed the proposals but asked about resources for enforcement and the possibility of addressing problem areas outside of designated wards. It was agreed that these issues would be considered further.

CCTV Policy Adoption

The Cabinet approved the adoption of an updated CCTV and Video Surveillance System Policy for the London Borough of Harrow. Councillor Pritesh Patel, Portfolio Holder for Cleaner Streets & Public Safety, explained that the updated policy aims to strengthen the council's approach, ensure legal compliance, and enhance the overall offer to residents.

The updated policy covers traditional CCTV, automatic number plate recognition, body-worn cameras, drone surveillance, dash cams, and video-based AI technologies. It ensures that every deployment of surveillance technology has a clear purpose, complies with the Surveillance Camera Commissioner's code of practice, and respects residents' privacy.

Councillor Perry raised concerns about member involvement and the use of neighbourhood community infrastructure levy (NCIL) funding for CCTV in troubled areas. Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration, clarified the rules around deployable cameras and the need to follow the policy.

Financial Performance and Treasury Management

The Cabinet considered the Revenue and Capital Budget Outturn Report for 2024-25. Councillor David Ashton, Portfolio Holder for Finance & Highways, reported a net underspend of £1.553 million, which was added to the budget planning reserve. He noted that homelessness is a significant financial challenge for the council.

Councillor Alex Stevenson thanked the team and officers for achieving an underspend, highlighting that many councils are not in the same position.

The Cabinet also noted the Treasury Management Annual Outturn Report, including a concerning confidential appendix on investment properties. Councillor Ashton noted a net underspend of £6 million in treasury management due to additional interest income and underspending on borrowing costs.

Corporate Postal Contract

The Cabinet approved an increase of £550,000 to the corporate postal contract with Royal Mail due to increased costs. Councillor Stephen Greek, Portfolio Holder for Performance, Communications & Customer Experience, explained that the council is also looking to enter a new procurement in collaboration with other boroughs to secure the best possible value for taxpayers.

Strategic Performance and Target Setting

The Cabinet reviewed the Strategic Performance Report for Quarter 4 of 2024-25 and agreed on indicators and targets for the next financial year. Councillor Greek highlighted the completion of 25 flagship actions, including improvements to the council website, protection of local heritage, and delivery of affordable homes.

Councillor Perry raised questions about dropping performance in child protection indicators, customer service in revenues and benefits, and recycling rates.

Other Matters

• Petitions: The Cabinet received petitions concerning safer pavements and parking, alleyway clearance, and speed calming measures in Ravenswood Crescent, as well as housing estate repairs in Hartington Close, Hornbuckle Close, Cairn Avenue, and Northolt Road.
• Public Questions: The Cabinet responded to questions from the public regarding progress on finding a permanent solution for National Harrow FC, pedestrian safety, and compensation for the removal of concrete planters in Harrow Town Centre.
• Adult Social Care: The Cabinet approved direct awards for residential and nursing bed block arrangements at Knights Court Care Home and Apple Tree Court Care Home, and delegated authority to the Strategic Director of Adult Social Care & Public Health to procure services through the West London Alliance Dynamic Purchasing System. The Cabinet also approved future service options for Sancroft Care Home, including a change in the service model to focus on meeting the needs of residents with dementia.
• Key Decision Schedule: The Cabinet noted the Key Decision Schedule for July-September 2025 and the progress on scrutiny projects.