Decision details

(1)    Following the approval of an amendment moved by the Labour Group in relation to the original Motion submitted by the Conservative Group, the following Motion (as amended) was AGREED:

“Management of Road and Utilities Work across the borough

The coordination and management of the many road works, repairs and temporary traffic lights in our borough continues to be of importance to Brent Council to ensure cohesion for our residents travelling around the borough.

The Council have listened to concerns from residents who whilst appreciating that these works need to be carried are apprehensive about the potential disruption this can cause to them and continues to work with utility companies and meet with officials regularly to ensure disruption to residents during necessary major works is kept to a minimum.

The Council’s Network Management Team hold quarterly coordination meetings with utility companies in order to coordinate works and minimize disruption however there are times when emergency works are required and this can unfortunately clash with other works near the location.

Council is therefore asked to note that in relation to the following concerns:

·             Roadworks, though essential, cancause major traffic hold ups including in some cases gridlock, can lead to road rage and leads to an increase in pollution, and the Council continues to work with utility companies to prevent major disruption arising from these major works.

·             The lack of regular interaction between the various agencies who own services beneath our streets - There is regular interaction between the various agencies with quarterly coordination meetings between the Council and utility companies to discuss major works.

·             The coordination of roadworks - There is coordination to ensure that roadworks are carried out in such a manner so they do not interact to cause further disruption.The Council requires 10 days notice for major works and 3 days notice for minor works. The permitting software used will automatically identify clashes should two sets of works be programmed in close proximity to each other during the same time period.

·             Disruption to road users - There are measures put in place by the Council to ensure that roadworks are timed and coordinated so as to cause the minimum disruption to road users. However, there may be times where emergency and urgent works are required which may clash with other scheduled works.

Therefore, the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action is asked to ensure:

(1)    That, with the exception of emergencies e.g. burst water mains, when a utility company applies for permission to carry our road works, the Council continues its work with utility companies to coordinate their planned works programme to ensure minimal disruption for residents across the borough.

(2)    That the Network Management Team continues to hold quarterly coordination meetings with utility representatives to discuss major works and assist in avoiding clashes.

(3)    That companies continue to apply for permission to carry out works and in line with the regulations of their permit if granted must do so within a certain time frame and if not completed on time, should be fined by the local authority in accordance with the current Government legislation, unless an extension is agreed.”

(2)    Having been put to a vote, in accordance with Standing Order 42(l), the Motion submitted by the Liberal Democrats Group “Making our Borough Clean and Safe” was withdrawn from consideration at the meeting.

Eligible for Call-In: No

(3)    The following Motion submitted by the Labour Group was unanimously AGREED:

“Rogue Landlords

This Council notes:

·             The important contribution the Private Rented Sector (PRS) makes to the provision of housing in the borough, with renters of private accommodation making up the largest proportion of occupants in our borough.

·             The majority of private landlords renting out properties in Brent are good landlords who work in close partnership with the Council.

·             However, this is not the case for all landlords and the Council is fully committed to ensure that no private rented sector tenant is living in substandard accommodation. We believe everyone should live in a warm and dry home.

·             A recent survey by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) showing that of those officers working on housing enforcement in the private rented sector, nine out of ten had encountered landlords engaging in harassment or illegal eviction, and 78% had dealt with landlords who persistently refuse to maintain their property to a safe condition.

·             That rogue landlords can have a devastating impact on vulnerable tenants and the wider community.

This Council further notes:

·             The Labour Administration’s commitment to take a zero tolerance approach to rogue landlords and to use the full range of tools and powers at its disposal to tackle rogue landlords.

·             The case of Jaydipkumar Valand, who was found guilty of raking in £360,000 by packing up to 40 tenants in to a four bed semi-detached home in Napier Road, Wembley, back in 2018. Due to the hard work of Brent enforcement officers, Valand was issued with Brent Council’s first ever banning order which now prevents him from letting out any houses in England or engaging in any sort of property management work in the country for the next five years.

·             The new selective licensing scheme that the Council introduced on 1 August to protect renters’ rights and secure a decent standard of living for all residents. Landlords who rent out properties in Dollis Hill, Harlesden & Kensal Green and Willesden Green are now legally required to have a property licence.

This Council resolves:

·             To do more to publicise successful legal action against landlords and lettings agents, which will act as a deterrent to bad landlords and raise awareness of landlords duties and responsibilities.

·             Request that the Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security calls on the Secretary of State for Housing, Levelling-Up and Communities to support Brent Council’s commitment to further landlord licensing schemes in the borough.

·             Request that the Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security calls on the UK Government to urgently bring forward legislation to bring the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector as proposed in the Renters Reform white paper.

·             To continue to work with the Mayor of London to lobby the Government to increase funding to London and its Boroughs for the delivery of affordable homes.”

Eligible for Call-In: No