Agenda and decisions

Prior to opening the meeting, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as the Leader of the Council) took the opportunity to reflect on the tragic event which had recently taken place at the Civic Centre involving the fatal stabbing of 17 year old David Wynter and to offer his condolences on behalf of the Council to David’s family and friends for their loss.

Recognising the nature of the incident and impact not only on those who had witnessed it but also supported the response as well as on the wider community, Councillor Butt expressed his thanks to all staff partners, including the emergency services, for both their immediate and subsequent response with Councillor Dixon (as Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Public Health) also commending the wider response within the community along with the assurance and support provided.

The Leader then moved on to open the meeting with apologies for absence received from:

·            Rachel Crossley (Corporate Director Service Reform & Strategy) with Rhodri Rowland (Director Strategic Commissioning and Capacity Building) attending as her representative; and

·            Jehan Weerasinghe (Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration) with Gerry Ansell (Director Inclusive Regeneration & Climate Action) attending as his representative.

Members are invited to declare at this stage of the meeting, the nature and existence of any relevant disclosable pecuniary or personal interests in the items on this agenda and to specify the item(s) to which they relate.

No declarations of interest were made during the meeting.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 27 July 2026 as a correct record.

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 27 July 2026 be approved as a correct record of the meeting.

To consider any matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

None identified.

To receive and consider any petitions for which notice has been provided under Standing Order 66.

Members are asked to note that the following petition is due to be presented at the meeting:

(a)    Opposition to installation of perimeter fencing College Green Open Space

The supporting details on the petition have been attached, for reference.

5.1   Opposition to installation of perimeter fencing College Green Open Space

Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) welcomed James Hogan (as lead petitioner and Chair of the College Green Preservation Society) to the meeting, who he advised was attending to present a petition opposing the installation of perimeter fencing around College Green Open Space.

In thanking the Leader of the Council for the opportunity to present the petition, James Hogan began by detailing the history of College Green Open space, which he advised had been established by All Souls College Oxford in 1913 and currently consisted of land for allotment, scout and open space provision as well as a nursery. He further explained that in response to continued proposals to build houses on the open space, the College Green Preservation Society had been formed in 1988 with a nursery subsequently encouraged to move to the Green as further protection albeit with clarification provided that the open space currently shared with the local scout group did not form part of the nursery site.

In noting the vulnerability of open space in the area, the loss of spaces within Willesden, Kensal Green and Harlesden were highlighted as examples and in outlining the concerns of the petitioners, Mr Hogan felt it important to remind members that when establishing the land, All Souls College had issued a legally binding covenant stating that nothing on it could be used for any purpose which could be regarded as nuisance, damage or annoyance to the vendors in the neighbourhood, or which may lessen the value on the estate.  As a result, he pointed out, local residents were opposed to the proposals being developed by the nursery in seeking to further screen their site, given the impact it was felt this would have in restricting access and blocking the view of the existing open space and associated detrimental impact on the character of the area and value of surrounding properties, with the petitioners also seeking to raise these concerns direct with All Souls College Oxford.

Given the petitioners concerns over the vulnerability of open space in the area, opposition was also expressed in relation to any land-grab by the nursery arising from the erection of the proposed screening, with the expansion of buildings on the existing nursery site and installation of a fence, alongside further appropriation of land shared with the scouts, highlighted as having already created a physical and psychological barrier and residents concerned about the impact of further potential development, should any additional screening be permitted.

Reiterating that the open space to which the screening proposal related did not form part of the nursery site, Mr Hogan pointed out that the petitioners (alongside the Preservation Society) were therefore keen to ensure that the shared space remained open reflecting its value as an important part of the community and vital aspect of the character of the area.  In concluding, he therefore called upon the Council and nursery to respect the wishes of the community and  ...  view the full decision text for item 5.

To consider any reports referred to Cabinet by either the Community & Wellbeing or Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committees.

There were no items referred from either the Community Wellbeing or Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committees.

This report sets out Brent’s new Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Framework and Action Plan including the commitments that Brent Council makes to supporting its Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and how it will deliver and monitor progress and impact. The Framework has been informed by engagement with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities with a summary of consultation and engagement findings included within the draft Framework and detailed Action Plan to sit alongside the Framework.

Prior to considering the report, Cabinet NOTED the following representations received at the meeting:

Whilst welcoming the Council’s acknowledgment of the need to do better in seeking to meet the needs of traveller communities in Brent and recognising that some progress had been made, John O’Donnell (representing residents from the Lynton Close Travelers site) supported by Bernie Corcoran (as a fellow resident) and Rhianna Ketley (London Gypsy and Travellers Association), having thanked the Leader of the Council for the opportunity to speak, advised he was also seeking to outline concerns which remained in relation to development of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Framework.  Members were advised these related to the limited progress made in terms of the identification and provision of temporary sites, despite this being raised as a priority by community members in view of the severe overcrowding on the Lynton Close site impacting on the health, safety and wellbeing of residents.  As such he advised residents were keen to ensure the Council moved forward as quickly as possible in seeking to identify suitable temporary sites to address the overcrowding concerns outlined and avoid Travellers needing to move to unallocated transit sites whilst permanent provision was being developed.

Having thanked Mr O’Donnell for attending the meeting and representations received the Leader then invited Councillor Robert Johnson (as Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security) to respond to the comments made prior to formally introducing the report on the Framework.

In taking the opportunity to thank those present for attending to ensure the views of the traveller community at Lynton Close were represented, Councillor Johnson, in seeking to address the concerns highlighted, confirmed that an independent search company had been commissioned to support the identification of temporary traveller sites.  Highlighting that the provision of any sites (once identified) would also require the necessary planning consent to be obtained Councillor Johnson advised that the Council remained committed to making alternative accommodation available, although it was acknowledged this would be through the Council’s temporary accommodation supply, as opposed to pitch sites.  In highlighting examples of the other measures also introduced to support the community on the Lynton Close site, Councillor Johnson ended by once again acknowledging the concerns highlighted and committing to presenting the findings of the independent search company back to Cabinet, in order for any feasible sites identified to be taken forward.

Having noted the representations made and commitment identified to continue working with the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities to achieve positive outcomes, build trust and ensure their needs continued to be met, Cabinet RESOLVED to approve Brent’s new Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Framework and Action Plan 2026-2030 (as set out within Appendix A of the accompanying report).

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 14 September 2026

This report seeks Cabinet approval to insource Best Start Family Hubs (BSFHs) support services, currently delivered by Barnardo’s Services Limited, when the existing contractual arrangements come to an end in March 2027 in support of a more integrated, Council-led Family Hub and Early Help model from April 2027.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the insourcing of the majority of Best Start Family Hubs Support Services from 1 April 2027, creating a fully integrated Council-led Family Hub and Early Help model that strengthened accountability, consistency of practice, quality assurance, service integration and value for money.

(2)    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Children, Young People and Community Development, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Employment and Climate Action, to take all necessary steps to implement the transition, including consultation, workforce arrangements, service mobilisation and any associated operational decisions required to ensure continuity of provision.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 14 September 2026

This report provides a summary of the informal consultation undertaken between June and July 2026 on the proposal to amalgamate Roe Green Infant School and Roe Green Junior School as one primary school for children aged between 3 – 11, including provision for nursery aged children and recommends a move to formal consultation through the publication of a statutory notice on the closure of Roe Green Junior School, the expansion of the age range at Roe Green Infant School and the change of name of Roe Green Infant School to Roe Green Primary School.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To note the feedback received during informal consultation on the proposal to amalgamate Roe Green Infant and Roe Green Junior School.

(2)    To approve a period of formal consultation, through the publication of a statutory notice, on proposals to:

·            Close Roe Green Junior School.

·            Expand the age range of Roe Green Infant School to admit children aged between 3 – 11.

·            Change the name of Roe Green Infant School to Roe Green Primary School.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 14 September 2026

This report provides a summary of the formal consultation undertaken between June and July 2026 on a proposal to expand Phoenix Arch Special School by 50 places using the Strathcona site (Strathcona Road, Wembley, HA9 8QL). The proposal responds to increasing demand for special school places across the borough for children who present with autistic spectrum condition (ASC) with Cabinet recommended to determine the statutory notice to expand Phoenix Arch Special School by 50 pupils through use of the Strathcona site in September 2027.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To note the responses received during formal consultation on the proposal to expand Phoenix Arch Special School.

(2)    To approve the expansion of Phoenix Arch Special School by 50 places utilising the Strathcona site from September 2027.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 14 September 2026

This report sets out the progress made in delivering the EDI Strategy, Anti-Racism Action Plan and EDI Board priorities during Year 2 and also supports the council’s obligation under the Public Sector Equality Duty to publish annual information demonstrating how we are complying with the equality duty.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To endorse the progress made in Year 2 of the EDI Strategy 2024-2028, Anti-Racism Action Plan, and EDI Board priorities.

(2)    To agree that the information in the accompanying report be turned into public-facing communications materials highlighting Year 2 achievements.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 14 September 2026

This report presents the outturn for the Council's Treasury Management activities for 2025/26 updating Members on both the borrowing and investment decisions and Council’s Treasury Management performance.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To note the overall financial performance for 2025 - 26, as set out within the report.

(2)       To approve submission of the report to Full Council for approval in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy's Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice.

Eligible for call-in: No (report referred to Council for final approval)

No items have been identified in advance of the meeting that will require the exclusion of the press and public.

There were no items that required the exclusion of the press or public.

Notice of items to be raised under this heading must be given in writing to the Deputy Director Democratic & Corporate Governance or their representative before the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 60.

There were no items of urgent business.