Harrow wins top scrutiny award

Harrow Council has been named the winners of a top national award, for its work to strengthen its relationship with the community and voluntary sector.

The Centre of Public Scrutiny has crowned Harrow the winners of a Good Scrutiny Award in the Financial Scrutiny category, for a review undertaken by the council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee - an independent, cross-party, councillor-led function which works with local people to improve services in the borough.

The review - which was carried out in partnership with voluntary and community groups across the borough - aimed to strengthen the relationship between the council and third sector organisations.

The award recognises the time and hard work contributed to the project by local councillors, community and voluntary sector representatives and other public sector bodies to challenge and strengthen the council's relationship with a sector that can play a key role in providing services and support to local people.

Harrow was announced the winner of the award at a ceremony on 9 June, at the CfPS Annual Conference in Nottingham, which was hosted by Baroness Sally Hamwee, Honorary President of CfPS.

Cllr Stanley Sheinwald, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said: "We were up against some stiff competition from Westminster and Staffordshire so I am really pleased that we have won the award.

"This result has made the work all the more worthwhile. We hope to see a stronger relationship beginning to form in the coming months now that our recommendations are being put into action.

"By working closer with the council, it will make such a difference to so many local charities and groups in the borough."

Julia Smith, Chief Executive of the Harrow Association of Voluntary Service, and member of the review team was pleased with the outcome.

She added: "It was heartening, from my point of view that this project was picked up by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. It was a really good example of sharing knowledge and information and building trust."

Source: Harrow Council

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