Issue - meetings

To enable Non Cabinet Members to raise an issue of relevance to Brent for debate on which notice has been provided in accordance with Standing Order 34 and to receive reports from Cabinet members, as required, on any issues previously raised.

Members are asked to note that the subject identified for debate at this meeting is as follows:

Building the Homes our Community Needs

The motion submitted as the basis for this debate has been attached along with a proposed amendment submitted by the Labour Group.

(Agenda republished to include the motion accompanying the Non Cabinet Member debate on 16 November 2022 and proposed amendment from the Labour Group on 21 November 2022)

The following substantive motion (as amended) was AGREED as the outcome of the non-cabinet member debate:

“Building the Homes our Community Needs 

This Council notes:

The pressures on Council Housing stock are immense and in the absence of Government investment, will not ease in the coming months and years, rather they will grow even more. For example, in Brent there are currently 25,853 households on our housing waiting list, containing 53,644 individuals. Even at a record-breaking pace of building, without a renaissance in Government investment in the social housing sector, many of these families will regrettably wait many years for a home.

The Cost of Living Crisis, compounded by a Government that has created a disastrous macroeconomic situation in the UK, has seen more local residents turn to the council for support with their housing needs, with a 33% increase in approaches in the last year. As an authority we are working around the clock to provide support to households effected by the Cost of Living Crisis, with a Resident Support Fund that has distributed £8.46 million to 4,045 households, aiding hundreds of families with Rent Arrears and Mortgage payments; and those in need of food and fuel support. 

We are proud that Brent has made progress in seeking to supply Council Homes, with a record of consistently being one of the leading boroughs in providing social homes in London. There is still more to do and we need to see greater, more urgent resolve from all political parties to deliver more Council Homes for our tenants. There have been 20 ministers for housing in the past 25 years and four housing secretaries in just over a year. We desperately need action from our new Minister, on waiting lists for council housing, supporting private tenants that are made homeless, aiding cladding victims that remain trapped in unsellable flats and homeowners living in fear of their next mortgage bill.  Finally, without the abolition of Right to Buy London will continue to see more council homes sold and private-let with 54,000 and counting across the capital.

The latest report to Cabinet, entitled, ‘Update on the supply of New Affordable Homes’, sets out where Brent is when it comes to the delivery of the New Council Homes Programme (NCHP), our programme to develop 1,000 new council homes by 2025. To date, the Council has developed and let 684 new homes to Brent households and there are 616 homes on site and on track to be completed before 2025. This programme has been made possible through a grant in excess of £100m from the Mayor of London, Labour’s Sadiq Khan, and an investment of more than £200m of the council’s own money.

Spiralling inflation, exacerbated by a botched mini-budget has not only impacted Brent residents, but has also put our council house building programme at risk. As such, on the 14^th November, the Cabinet was asked to formalise a change of approach that would allow Brent Council to deliver much needed housing,  ...  view the full decision text for item 14

In accordance with Standing Order 34, the Mayor advised that the next item on the agenda was the non-cabinet member debate, with the subject chosen for consideration being the Council’s approach to the delivery of social council housing.

Members were advised that the motion submitted as the basis for the debate had been circulated with the agenda and that the time available for the debate was 25 minutes.

The Mayor then invited Councillor Georgiou to introduce the motion. As context for the debate, Councillor Georgiou highlighted what he regarded to be the fundamental right to housing, with concern expressed at the increasing pressure on Council Housing stock as a result of the current cost-of-living crisis and economic uncertainty.  Given the pressures being experienced, the motion highlighted the priority to ensure action continued to support delivery of Council homes for social tenants in an effort to reduce the growing housing waiting list and the number of residents in temporary accommodation which, he pointed out, also reflected the approach recommended by the Council’s Poverty Commission.  Whilst reflecting on the progress made to date, concerns were expressed at the change of approach recently agreed by Cabinet in relation to delivery of the New Council Homes Programme (NCHP) impacting on the percentage of new stock to be delivered at Council and London Affordable Housing rent and potential to include elements of shared ownership, which it was felt would adversely effect the delivery of genuinely affordable housing supply for those most in need.  With private developments also not felt to be supporting the type of housing provision needed across the borough, Councillor Georgiou advised that the motion was calling on the Council to focus its approach around the delivery of genuinely affordable social housing, excluding shared ownership provision, and to hold developers to account to ensure the homes being delivered across the Borough were of the type and size needed to support local housing demand.  He also took the opportunity in closing his comments to highlight his opposition to the amendment to the motion for debate, which had been circulated in advance of the meeting from the Labour Group.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Georgiou for introducing the motion and then drew member’s attention to an amendment submitted by Councillor Tatler on behalf of the Labour Group, which had been circulated in advance of the meeting.

In moving the amendment Councillor Tatler began by supporting the need to recognise the importance of housing as a fundamental right in the delivery of life opportunities and social aspiration and concerns highlighted in relation to increased pressure on the supply and delivery of social housing as a result of the cost-of-living crisis and governments mismanagement of the economy.  Whilst highlighting Brent’s success as one of the leading boroughs in delivering social housing in London, she felt it important to also recognise the challenges and risks in relation to the programme as a result of the lack of government investment or leadership and current challenging economic conditions affecting the viability  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14

To enable Non Cabinet Members to raise an issue of relevance to Brent for debate on which notice has been provided in accordance with Standing Order 34 and to receive reports from Cabinet members, as required, on any issues previously raised.

Members are asked to note that the subject identified for debate at this meeting is as follows:

One Hour Free Parking on Brent’s High Streets

The motion put forward as the basis for this debate has been attached.

(Agenda republished to include subject of debate and accompanying motion on 13 September 2022)

The following motion was declared LOST and therefore not approved as the outcome of the non-cabinet member debate:

“One Hour Free Parking on Brent’s High Streets

This Council notes:

That following the pandemic local businesses have been impacted and require economic recovery support.  Brent Council’s Covid-19 Recovery Strategy sets out a number of objectives to support local businesses.

The high priority highlighted by businesses in relation to parking, as part of the economic recovery support from the pandemic.

This Council believes:

The implementation of a one hour free parking scheme in on-street paid for parking bays will assist the recovery of local businesses in the borough following the pandemic and in advance of the looming cost of living crisis. This can be implemented as a temporary measure and monitored through the council’s routine parking surveys and reports.

Local businesses require economic recovery support from the pandemic.  This new proposal of one-hour free on-street parking will assist, in conjunction with the Borough Plan objectives to build an economy fit for all, the Meanwhile Use strategy to assist with High Street diversification and the Council’s Small Business Saturday awards and shop local campaigns, to deliver inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The proposal will assist in building a stronger economy and supporting local businesses as well as in safeguard jobs and creating new employment opportunities for Brent’s diverse population.

With this in mind this Council resolves:

To pledge to support local businesses in the recovery from the pandemic by providing, subject to approval of the necessary Traffic Management Orders and new tariff, the implementation of a one-hour free on street parking scheme in paid for parking bays.

To recognise that the one hour on-street parking proposal will:

·                compliment the physical improvements that are taking place on Brent’s High Streets to increase footfall, dwell time and spend, by way of also providing support to local businesses and the economy; and

·                Support families who are making short trips to our town centres with children and the elderly.

To continue to communicate with residents about responsible parking and walking, where possible.”

In accordance with Standing Order 34, the Mayor advised that the next item on the agenda was the non-cabinet member debate, with the subject chosen for consideration being the introduction of one hours free car parking on Brent’s high streets.

Members were advised that the motion submitted as the basis for the debate had been circulated with the agenda and that the time available for the debate was 25 minutes.

The Mayor then invited Councillor Mistry to introduce the motion. As context for the debate, Councillor Mistry highlighted the difficulties that small businesses had faced in the aftermath of the pandemic, as acknowledged in Brent’s Covid 19 Recovery Support Plan.  As such, Councillor Mistry advised members were being asked to consider proposals for a trial implementation of a one hour free on-street parking scheme designed to encourage an increase in activity within local high streets.  Highlighting the high priority identified by local business in relation to parking, it was also felt the proposal would assist in terms of supporting the Borough Plan objectives to build an economy fit for all, the Meanwhile Use strategy to assist with High Street diversification and the Council’s Small Business Saturday awards and shop local campaigns, to deliver inclusive and sustainable local economic growth whilst safeguarding jobs and creating new employment opportunities for Brent’s diverse population.

Whilst recognising the initial financial implications, Councillor Mistry felt these would be offset as a result of the longer-term economic benefits for local businesses arising from the proposal and at the same time would address the lack of parity between businesses operating along the borough boundary on Kenton Road where Harrow had introduced a free on-street parking scheme.  Given the benefits identified, Councillor Mistry commended the proposal to Council for consideration.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Mistry for introducing the motion and then opened up the debate for contributions from other members.

In responding to the motion, Councillor Krupa Sheth expressed her disappointment at what she felt to be the Conservative Group’s lack of awareness and stance in relation to the climate emergency and measures being undertaken in Brent to address the position.  In seeking to encourage car use she felt the proposal put forward for consideration was in direct conflict with Brent’s goal in seeking to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030 and to promote cheaper, greener, healthier and more active modes of travel such as walking, cycling or utilising public transport.  In terms of wider support to local business and the economy, Councillor Krupa Sheth felt that on-street parking charges in Brent remained competitive, and felt it important to highlight how the funding generated from parking was passed back to directly support Brent residents through the Freedom Pass scheme.  In closing her response Councillor Krupa Sheth reminded members of the importance placed on supporting local businesses by the Council both pre and post pandemic and for the reasons outlined therefore encouraged members to reject the proposal and motion put forward for consideration.

Councillor Mitchell also spoke in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15

To enable Non Cabinet Members to raise an issue of relevance to Brent for debate on which notice has been provided in accordance with Standing Order 34 and to receive reports from Cabinet members, as required, on any issues previously raised.

Members are asked to note that the subject identified for debate at this meeting is as follows:

Leaving No One Behind: Declaring a Cost-of-Living Emergency

The motion put forward as the basis for this debate has been attached.

Having declared the following amendment moved by on behalf of the Liberal Democrats Group LOST:

To add as additional actions under the following section:

“This Council therefore resolves:

·             To reinstate the upgrading of the Personal Tax Allowance and the basic rate tax band with inflation to avoid lower paid people falling into the tax net.

·             To reinstate the £20 pw Universal Credit payment to those on low incomes.

·             To introduce a Windfall Tax on Supermarkets making exceptional profits as a result of rising prices.

·             To resolve the issue of Fair Funding for London Transport to avoid further cuts in public transport and above inflation rises in fares.”

To add as additional actions at the end of the motion:

“As part of the Review into what the Council can do specifically:

·             To consider the use of Reserves (such as the £5.2 million no longer required for meeting past London wide Pension liabilities) to mitigate a 2023/24 Council Tax Rise.

·             To look at all Council Charges such Parking Permits, Toobig for the bin, Green bin collections and others with a view to reducing any which are generating income beyond the economic cost of providing the service.

·             To provide additional resources to those Advice agencies which provide direct advice and support to residents in managing their debts, which assist residents in claiming additional benefits such as pension Credit and those which advise on how to reduce the use of their cars through more walking, cycling and use of public transport and reduce their domestic energy costs by switching of unnecessary appliances and gadgets.

Finally:

The Council also agrees to suspend free parking for Councillors (except those registered as disabled) using the Civic Centre Car Park and allocates all additional income generated from freeing up paid for parking spaces to a fund to assist local residents in most need.”

The following substantive motion was AGREED as the outcome of the non-cabinet member debate:

Leaving No One Behind: Declaring a Cost-of-Living Emergency

This Council notes:

That Brent and its residents are struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis.  For many residents this will have been the most difficult decade they have ever experienced.

In April 2022, the Government increased National Insurance by 1.25%; this is projected to cost the average Brent resident an additional £295 per year.

On 1 April 2022 Ofgem increased the energy price cap by 54 per cent, with the average standard tariff energy bill set to increase by up to £693 per year.

Inflation is now confirmed at 9% with the fastest rate of increase for 40 years.  Inflation has been higher in London than the national average.

In the meantime, at least 25% of the people who work in Brent earn less than the real Living Wage for London.

The LGA estimates that without adequate long-term funding the collective increase in inflationary costs faced by English councils this year will be £2.4bn, growing to £3bn in 2023-24 and £3.6bn in 2024-25.

Local councils up and down the country are the last  ...  view the full decision text for item 14

In accordance with Standing Order 34, the Mayor advised that the next item on the agenda was the non-cabinet member debate, with the subject chosen for consideration being the declaration of a cost of living emergency.

Members were advised that the motion submitted as the basis for the debate had been circulated with the agenda and that the time available for the debate was 25 minutes.

The Mayor then invited Councillor Moeen to introduce the motion. As context for the debate, Councillor Moeen highlighted the challenges that Brent and its residents were facing due to the cost-of-living crisis. Increases in National Insurance contributions, inflation and projected energy costs had already begun to impact on the Council’s budgetary position and resident’s household income with the position only predicted to worsen.  In highlighting the essential role provided by local authorities and other public sector agencies in supporting residents during the current crisis, Councillor Moeen felt it important to recognise the struggles already being experienced by residents across Brent with at least 25% of those in work earning less than the real Living Wage for London.  In addition, figures demonstrated that over 5,000 residents had presented at Brent Hubs in need of food aid between April 2019 to January 2022 with the Council, between December 2020 and March 2022, having distributed £5.5m through grants to Brent residents, supporting the families of approximately 12,000 eligible children and young people with supermarket vouchers during each of the school holidays.  Since August 2020 members were reminded that the Brent Resident Support Fund (RSF) had also provided support for 2,658 applicants allocating a total of £5.2 million in cash grants.

Councillor Moeen expressed concern that given the lack of sustained funding from central government to support local authorities and other public services and the drastic increase in fuel, tax and food costs alongside the ongoing demand in relation to housing and health services there would undoubtedly be a detrimental impact upon residents. In recognition of the seriousness of the situation, Councillor Moeen urged members to support the council in challenging central government to act on the suggested initiatives detailed in the motion and in declaring a cost of living emergency in order to enable the necessary practical support to be provided for local residents during such challenging times.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Moeen for introducing the motion and then drew member’s attention to an amendment submitted by Councillor Georgiou on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group in relation to the motion moved as the basis of the debate, which had been circulated in advance of the meeting. 

Having been invited to move the amendment, Councillor Georgiou advised that Councillor Lorber would be speaking on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group.

In moving the amendment Councillor Lorber advised that whilst the Liberal Democrat Group fully supported the need for urgent action to be taken in addressing the Cost of Living crisis by the Government, especially in relation to energy prices, he felt there was also a need for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14