Issue - meetings
Brent Priorities 2019 onwards
Meeting: 16/07/2018 - Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee (Item 4)
4 Brent Priorities 2019 onwards PDF 91 KB
This report reviews the context for, and plans for the development of, the successor to the Brent Borough Plan 2015-2019.
Minutes:
Councillor M Butt (Leader of the Council) introduced the report, explaining that the borough priorities would be based on the commitments made within the Brent Labour Manifesto. The Borough Plan was currently being developed and consultation on the Plan would commence in October 2018. Work was underway to detail how the priorities would be met, taking into consideration the financial challenges facing the council over the next four years and ensuring the council was poised to exploit any opportunities that arose. Councillor M Butt welcomed questions from the committee, noting that Carolyn Downs (Chief Executive) was also in attendance to help address members’ queries.
The Chair thanked the Leader for his introduction. Members subsequently queried how the council planned for wider political and economic changes and questioned how often the risk register was updated. Discussing the financial pressures that would be faced by the council, members questioned whether any council services would be protected from future savings proposals. Queries were raised regarding the council’s planning for Britain’s exit from the European Union (Brexit) and whether the council would be producing any further documentation on the impact of Brexit on the borough. It was highlighted that a number of organisations had undertaken significant modelling around Brexit, including the LGA, and members questioned whether Brent would be undertaking similar detailed analysis.
The committee queried how the council would use the Borough of Culture status, both during the year and as a legacy for the borough, particularly with respect to improving community cohesion and outreach. The committee then raised queries regarding allocation of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) monies, including the council’s funding of the development of the pedway (pedestrian walk way) leading to Wembley Stadium. It was noted that other boroughs were known to use CIL funding to improve streets and roads and it was queried whether Brent would consider pursuing a similar approach.
A member questioned how radical and assertive the council could be in seeking to achieve environmental improvements for Brent. The committee was particularly keen to hear how the council would tackle poor air quality and it was noted that at least one Brent school was included in the Mayor of London’s list of the 50 worst schools for air quality. The committee questioned whether the council would be willing to consider all potential measures, including for instance, road closures. Clarity was sought on whether the council would deliver against manifesto commitments if they proved unpopular during consultation and members sought details of how the council measured progress against these commitments. The committee questioned the contribution of partner organisations in meeting the borough priorities and discussed the role of scrutiny in pushing for a more joined-up approach.
Responding to the queries raised, Councillor M Butt confirmed that budget planning included risk analysis and noted that the council also maintained the corporate risk register which was frequently reviewed by the Audit Committee. The risk register detailed risks associated with the work of the entire council. It also included risks associated with ... view the full minutes text for item 4
Meeting: 03/07/2018 - Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee (Item 8)
8 Brent Priorities 2019 onwards PDF 91 KB
This report reviews the context for, and plans for the development of, the successor to the Brent Borough Plan 2015-2019.
Minutes:
At the start of the meeting, the committee agreed the deferral of this item to a special meeting of the committee scheduled for 16 July 2018.