Issue - meetings

For questions to be put to members of the Cabinet by Opposition and Non-Cabinet Members in accordance with Standing Order 35.

Five advance notice questions have been received under this item, which have been attached along with the written responses provided.

Members are asked to note that this session will also include an opportunity (within the time available) for other Non-Cabinet members and the Opposition to ask questions of Cabinet Members.

NOTED

1.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Public Health & Adult Social Care to a question submitted by Councillor Fraser regarding the recognition, impact and support available for residents and staff experiencing the impact of long covid.

2.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Schools to a question submitted by Councillor Gbajumo in relation to the support available for Looked After Children and impact of the cost-of-living crisis as part of the Council’s Corporate Parent role.

3.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources & Reform to a question submitted by Councillor Akram regarding the impact of the current economic position on the Council’s budget and provision of services and in highlighting the need for reform of the current system for funding local government.

4.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure & Climate Action to a question submitted by Councillor Mistry regarding the need to ensure more vigorous parking enforcement in cycle lanes along Kingsbury Road.

5.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure & Climate Action to a question submitted by Councillor Lorber regarding the consultation undertaken on introduction of a new trial recycling scheme and concerns raised in relation to implementation of new street cleaning arrangements.

Responses were also provided by the relevant Cabinet Members on the following additional questions raised during the open session of this part of the meeting:

·             Councillor Kansagra regarding current levels of crime recorded across the borough and specific measures in place to tackle ongoing concerns regarding knife crime.

·             Councillor Afzal regarding the positive action being taken by the Council working with the Multi-Faith Forum to recognise and welcome the diverse nature of communities across the borough and in seeking to support ongoing delivery of the recommendations made by the Poverty Commission and within the Black Community Action Plan.

·             Councillor Lorber relating to the local environmental impact of the targets within the Local Plan for the delivery of new homes across the borough.

·             Councillor Kelcher regarding the plans to ensure local residents were aware of the changes due to be implemented in relation to voter identification as a means of seeking to avoid those impacted being disenfranchised at future elections.

·             Councillor Georgiou regarding the appropriateness of Shared Ownership being included as a genuinely Affordable Housing option in the development of housing schemes across Brent.

·             Councillor Kennelly in seeking confirmation of the Council’s ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community across the borough, particularly given its location as the home of the Football Association (FA) and national football team and in view of the stance taken by Qatar as the host nation of the FIFA World Cup.

·             Councillor Long highlighting concerns about the use of rental e-bikes on pavements across the borough.

Before moving on to consider the questions submitted by non-Cabinet members, the Mayor reminded Members that a total of 30 minutes had been set aside for this item, which would begin with consideration of the written questions submitted in advance of the meeting along with any supplementary questions. Once these had been dealt with, the remaining time available would then be opened up for any other non-Cabinet members to question Cabinet Members (without the need for advance notice) on matters relating to their portfolio.

The Mayor advised that five written questions had been submitted in advance of the meeting for response by the relevant Cabinet Member and the written responses circulated within the agenda were noted. The Mayor then invited supplementary questions on the responses which had been provided:

11.1  Councillor Fraser thanked Councillor Nerva, as Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care, for the written response in relation to her question regarding the recognition, impact and support available for residents and staff experiencing the impact of long covid. As a supplementary question, she asked whether Councillor Nerva agreed that central government should recognise long-covid in legislation and require that employers make reasonable adjustments for those experiencing symptoms.

In response, Councillor Nerva expressed concern at the current waiting time of 6-8 weeks in being able to access support in relation to long-covid and agreed with the need for a national approach to be developed in addressing the issues identified supported through legislation, where necessary.  Whilst recognising the new service established by the NHS to address post-covid syndrome he also felt it important to recognise the disproportionate impact of covid within Brent meaning that the number of people requiring support was also likely to be higher.  In order to reflect this position and recognise the associated strain being placed on health services, Councillor Nerva was also keen to encourage the NHS across North-West London to continue seeking long-term funding from central government to support the ongoing provision of support.  Recognising not only the health but also social, emotional and financial legacy of long covid, Councillor Nerva also praised the support being provided through initiatives such as the Brent Health Matters programme, in order to assist residents seeking access to NHS and community support, and the Resident Support Fund.  Given the importance of the issue, Councillor Nerva ended by advising members that he would also be seeking to continue monitoring the impact of long-covid on residents and the health service in Brent through the Health and Wellbeing Board.

11.2  Councillor Gbajumo thanked Councillor Grahl, as Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, for the written response in relation to her question on support available for Looked After Children (LAC) and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis as part of the Council’s Corporate Parent role. In welcoming the support outlined within the response, Councillor Gbajumo, as a supplementary question, sought clarification on the extent to which it was felt the cost-of-living crisis had been connected to the increase  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11

For questions to be put to members of the Cabinet by Opposition and Non-Cabinet Members in accordance with Standing Order 35.

Under the new arrangements agreed as part of the changes to the Constitution at the Annual Council meeting, five advance notice questions have been received under this item.  The questions along with written responses provided have now been republished as part of the agenda.

Members are asked to note that this session will also include an opportunity (within the time available) for other Non-Cabinet members and the Opposition to ask questions of Cabinet Members.

(Agenda republished to include Advance Notice Questions and responses on 16 September 2022)

NOTED

1.      The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action to a question submitted by Councillor Kelcher regarding the impact being created by the increase in movements of HGVs within Harlesden Town Centre and the surrounding area and work being undertaken with the Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation (ODPC) to tackle the issues being created as a result of the current weight restriction on nearby bridge in terms of available alternative access routes.

2.      The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources & Reform to a question submitted by Councillor Molloy in relation to the Council’s commitment towards supporting the Council’s for Fair Tax Declaration.

3.      The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools to a question submitted by Councillor Kennelly recognising the achievements of pupils across Brent in terms of their GCSE, AS and A Level results and ongoing support being provided in relation to securing future levels of attainment.

4.      The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Public Health & Adult Social Care to a question submitted by Councillor Hirani regarding the measures being taken to encourage the take up of the polio booster vaccination linked to the virus being identified within wastewater sampled from Brent by the UK Health Security Agency working with the Medicines & Health Care Products Regulatory Agency (MHC).

5.      The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure & Climate Action to a question submitted by Councillor Georgiou regarding the funding, timescales and programme of delivery for Active Travel schemes across Brent including proposals to further develop cycling infrastructure working in conjunction with the Brent Cycling Campaign.

Responses were also provided by the relevant Cabinet Members on the following additional questions raised during the open session of this part of the meeting:

·                Councillor Lorber seeking to explore concerns in relation to the use of Shared Ownership as part of the Council’s package of Affordable Housing products and options.

·                Councillor Maurice regarding compliance of the current CCTV system to enforce bus lane restrictions across the borough.

·                Councillor Afzal regarding the measures being taken to secure the necessary accountability from Housing Management companies in seeking to protect renters security during the current cost of living and housing crisis.

·                Councillor Chan regarding progress implementing the School Streets initiative and engagement with schools and parents in order to ensure the success of the programme.

·                Councillor Long regarding the inspection programme and process for reporting concerns regarding the condition of yellow parking restrictions and pedestrian crossings particularly where they had been worn or were in need of replacement, given safety concerns.

·                Councillor Miller regarding delivery of infrastructure to support cycling across the borough, including safe cycle storage facilities and cycle lanes.

·                Councillor Kansagra regarding the current planning requirements in relation to the installation of cavity wall insulation.

·                Councillor Kennelly seeking assurances on the actions  ...  view the full decision text for item 12

Before moving on to consider the questions submitted by non-Cabinet members, the Mayor reminded Members that a total of 30 minutes had been set aside for this item, which would begin with consideration of the written questions submitted in advance of the meeting along with any supplementary questions. Once these had been dealt with, the remaining time available would then be opened up for any other non-Cabinet members to question Cabinet Members (without the need for advance notice) on matters relating to their portfolio.

The Mayor advised that five written questions had been submitted in advance of the meeting for response by the relevant Cabinet Member and the written responses circulated within the agenda were noted. The Mayor then invited supplementary questions on the responses which had been provided:

11.1  Councillor Kelcher thanked Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, for the written response in relation to his question regarding the impact being created by the increase in movements of HGVs within Harlesden Town Centre and the surrounding area.  As a supplementary question Councillor Kelcher asked for an update on work being undertaken with the Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation (ODPC) and other partners to tackle the issues being created as a result of the current weight restriction on a nearby bridge affecting traffic flows in the area and in terms of available alternative access routes.

In response, Councillor Krupa Sheth advised that as the bridge referred to fell within the boundary of Hammersmith & Fulham the strengthening works would require identification of the necessary funding and also agreement between them, ODPC, TfL and Network Rail.  Whilst discussions had been undertaken no firm plan had yet been agreed.  As a result, Councillor Krupa Sheth advised that she would be willing to liaise further with relevant stakeholders along with the London Assembly Member in an effort try and progress discussions in recognition of the impact the current weight restrictions on the bridge had in limiting the options for diverting HGV traffic around the town centre and surrounding area.  In addition, she advised that she would be willing to visit the area and undertake further discussions with local ward councillors in order to consider options for a longer-term solution to manage and mitigate the flow of traffic within the town centre and surrounding area.

11.2  Councillor Molloy thanked Councillor Mili Patel, as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Reform, for the written response in relation to his question on support for the Council’s for Fair Tax Declaration.  In welcoming the commitment outlined within the response, Councillor Molloy, as a supplementary question, sought further detail on the Council’s plans to sign up to the Fair Tax Declaration.

In response, Councillor Mili Patel thanked Councillor Molloy for highlighting the work being undertaken by the Fair Tax Foundation with local authorities to collectively encourage fair tax practices amongst their suppliers.  As such, she advised the Council was commitment towards supporting the Council’s for Fair Tax  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12

For questions to be put to members of the Cabinet by Opposition and Non-Cabinet Members in accordance with Standing Order 35.

Under the new arrangements agreed as part of the changes to the Constitution at the Annual Council meeting, five advance notice questions have been received under this item, which have been attached along with the written responses provided.

Members are asked to note that this session will also include an opportunity (within the time available) for other Non-Cabinet members and the Opposition to ask questions of Cabinet Members.

NOTED

1.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action to a question submitted by Councillor Long regarding the criteria and investment being made available to improve the condition of yellow lines, parking bays and pedestrian crossings particularly where they had been worn or were in need of replacement.

2.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action to a question submitted by Councillor Mitchell in relation to the work being undertaken in partnership with other agencies, such as the NHS, to promote more active modes of travel and ensure that families and schools were engaged to support the healthy and school streets initiative.

3.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care to a question submitted by Councillor Choudry regarding the additional support and work being undertaken by the Council with multi-faith organisations, charities and other community organisations in seeking to tackle the level of health inequalities identified across the borough, with a particularly focus on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.

4.     The written response provided by the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure & Climate Action to a question submitted by Councillor Mistry regarding the repair and replacement of footways and highways within the Kingsbury High Road, Preston Road and Wembley area.  No supplementary question was received.

5.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Leader of the Council (on behalf of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Planning) to a question submitted by Councillor Georgiou regarding the fire safety of tall buildings, their suitability in relation to providing family accommodation and Council’s policy in relation to the placing of families (particularly with young children) in properties above the 5^th floor level in tall buildings.

Responses were also provided by the relevant Cabinet Members on the following additional questions raised during the open session of this part of the meeting:

·             Councillor Chan seeking to recognise the success of the local community campaign in Harlesden and Kensal Green to oppose an application for an Adult Gaming Centre in the area and to reaffirm the Council’s opposition to these type of centres within the borough.

·             Councillor Kansagra regarding the decision made, as part of the changes to the Constitution approved at the Annual Council meeting, to remove the requirement for the Vice-Chair position on each of the Council’s Scrutiny Committee’s to be allocated to the opposition group(s).

·             Councillor Kelcher seeking to recognise and congratulate the young people who had participated in the wayfinding competition run in Harlesden and Kensal Green for the posters they had produced for display to raise awareness around air quality and climate change and regarding the potential to extend the initiative in order to further engage young people across the borough.

·             Councillor Afzal regarding the different between the Council’s and Governments approach towards tackling the pandemic, cost of living crisis and policy in respect of refugees and  ...  view the full decision text for item 11

Before moving on to consider the questions submitted by non-Cabinet members, the Mayor reminded Members that a total of 30 minutes had been set aside for this item, which would begin with consideration of the written questions submitted in advance of the meeting along with any supplementary questions. Once these had been dealt with, the remaining time available would then be opened up for any other non-Cabinet members to question Cabinet Members (without the need for advance notice) on matters relating to their portfolio.

The Mayor advised that five written questions had been submitted in advance of the meeting for response by the relevant Cabinet Member and the written responses circulated within the agenda were noted. The Mayor then invited supplementary questions on the responses which had been provided:

11.1  Councillor Long thanked Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, for the written response in relation to her question regarding the criteria for the introduction of yellow lines, parking bays and pedestrian crossings.  As a supplementary question, Councillor Long sought further details on the investment being made available to maintain and to improve the condition of these markings particularly where they had been worn or were in need of replacement given the impact in terms of safety and enforcement.

In response, Councillor Krupa Sheth highlighted the current assessment process undertaken in monitoring the condition of road markings and in maintaining line markings and signage in relation to controlled parking zones, parking bays and yellow lines.  Where issues were reported in relation to worn or faded markings, these would be treated as a priority for stop lines, pedestrian crossings and mini roundabouts given associated safety issues with an annual road marking refresh programme also delivered as part of the Council’s Planned Highways Maintenance work.  Councillor Krupa Sheth advised she would be willing to arrange for concerns relating to specific sites to be investigated in more detail outside of the meeting in order for any necessary corrective action to be taken.

11.2  Councillor Mitchell thanked Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, for the written response in relation to her question on community and school engagement around healthy and safe streets and the installation of the accompanying CCTV.  In welcoming the action outlined within the response, Councillor Mitchell, as a supplementary question, asked for further details on the work also being undertaken in partnership with other agencies, such as the NHS, to promote more active modes of travel and engagement with families and schools to support the healthy and school streets initiative.

In response, Councillor Krupa Sheth highlighted the communication plan being developed in relation to the schools streets initiative and advised that she would liaise further with Councillor Nerva (as Cabinet member for Public Health & Adult Social Care) in order for a direct response to be provided outside of the meeting on wider partnership work with other agencies.

11.3  Councillor Choudry thanked Councillor Nerva, as Cabinet Member for Public  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11