Issue - meetings
the Executive
Meeting: 18/09/2023 - Council (Item 12)
12 Questions from the Opposition and other Non-Cabinet Members PDF 499 KB
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 and Opposition members to ask questions of Cabinet Members.
Additional documents:
Decision:
NOTED
1. The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Schools to a question submitted by Councillor Gbajumo regarding the examination results achieved by young people across Brent and wider steps being taken to maintain and support levels of educational attainment across the borough.
2. The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Public Health & Adult Social Care to a question submitted by Councillor Long expressing concerns regarding the impact of the recent decision by a private sector provider to seek a buyer for the GP practices they currently operated, including within Brent, both in terms of patients and the wider primary care sector across Brent and North West London.
3. The written response provided by the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure & Climate Action to a question submitted by Councillor Dixon seeking details on the measures taken to address concerns relating to the introduction of the new Resident Parking Permit contract and transition to the new permit system. As a result of the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action having submitted her apologies for absence at the meeting no direct supplementary question was asked but in recognising the work undertaken to address the concerns identified the opportunity was also taken to highlight the need to ensure that lessons learnt, particularly in relation to engagement with local residents, were recognised.
4. The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security to a question submitted by Councillor Maurice regarding the measures taken to deal with rough sleepers in Woodcock Park and what was felt to be a delay in appropriate action being taken to address the concerns identified by local residents and other stakeholders neighbouring the park.
5. The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security to a question submitted by Councillor Georgiou seeking clarification on the Council’s position regarding the use of Shared Ownership and its appropriateness in being classified as a genuinely Affordable Housing option in the development of housing schemes across Brent, particularly given the difference in approach between schemes such as Grand Union, Alperton and Watling Gardens.
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 Kennelly regarding the recent change in approach announced by the Metropolitan Police in no longer attending calls to a majority of mental health related incidents introduced under the Right Care Right Person scheme and the wider impact it was anticipated this would have in terms of health services and professionals across Brent along with the action being taken to address the concerns identified.
· Councillor Hirani supporting the concerns raised in relation to the delay in identifying a solution to tackle the rough sleepers in Woodcock Park and seeking details on visits undertaken by the Leader and Cabinet Member(s) and engagement with local ward councillors on ... view the full decision text for item 12
Minutes:
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:
12.1 Councillor Gbajumo thanked Councillor Grahl, as Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, for the written response to her question regarding the examination results achieved by young people across Brent. In commending the work being undertaken by the Council to support schools, further detail was sought as a supplementary question on the wider measures being taken to maintain and support levels of educational attainment across the borough and potential challenges identified.
In response, Councillor Grahl (as Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools) began by taking the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the educational attainment and success achieved by young people across the borough. This had, she pointed out, been achieved against the background of a national trend in lower grades driven in part by a change to pre pandemic grading protocols, with Councillor Grahl supporting the calls being made for the return to a fairer grading system. Focussing on the positive results achieved across Brent which had exceeded the national average, Councillor Grahl was keen to ensure the results achieved by young people supported by their families, schools and teachers was formally recognised given the difficult circumstances and significant hardship posed by wider challenges such as the cost-of-living crisis. Councillor Grahl also commended the role of the Setting and School Effectiveness Service along with the measures put in place by the Council to support families through initiatives such as the Holiday Activities and Food Programme and Resident Support Fund. Furthermore, Councillor Grahl highlighted the importance of the Council’s investment in Special Education Needs and early needs provision in terms of the wider impact on young people’s future life chances and ended by once again congratulating and praising the efforts of Brent’s young people which had resulted in such positive exam results in such challenging circumstances.
12.2 Having thanked Councillor Nerva, as Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care, for the written response provided to her question regarding the impact of the recent decision by a private sector provider to seek a buyer for the GP practices they currently operated, including those within Brent, Councillor Long highlighted the impact and confusion being created amongst local resident given the uncertain future of the affected practices and the ... view the full minutes text for item 12
Meeting: 10/07/2023 - Council (Item 11)
11 Questions from the Opposition and other Non-Cabinet Members PDF 430 KB
For questions to be put to members of the Cabinet by Opposition and Non-Cabinet Members in accordance with Standing Order 35.
Four 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.
Additional documents:
- 10a. Appendix 1 - Supplementary attachment for Liberal Democrat Question, item 11
PDF 6 KB
- Webcast for Questions from the Opposition and other Non-Cabinet Members
Decision:
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 Choudry regarding the enforcement work being undertaken to tackle blue badge theft and fraud and how best to report concerns.
2. The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security to a question submitted by Councillor Kennelly in relation to the work being undertaken with Housing Associations and other housing providers to tackle cases of mould and damp in properties and support available from the Council to assist in holding providers to account.
3. The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Safer Communities and Public Protection and Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care to a question submitted by Councillor Chan regarding the work being undertaken by the Council to address gambling as a public health issue as well as in terms of anti-social behaviour linked to the increase in adult gaming centres.
4. The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security to a question submitted by Councillor Georgiou regarding the rationale behind the approach taken to the implementation of proposals arising from the review of the housing estate caretaking service and associated impact on service charges and costs, which it was felt required further scrutiny.
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 the current approach towards the payment of carers allowances under the Members Allowance Scheme.
· Councillor Lorber regarding the commitment towards the Neighbourhood Planning process and application of policies adopted as a result through the planning process.
· Councillor Kennelly highlighting concern at the recent vandalism of commemoration tree planted by the Association of Jewish Refugees in Preston ward and action being taken to protect and prevent any further damage in future.
· Councillor Mistry seeking assurance in relation to the Council’s policy on the collection of rent from vulnerable residents living within Supported Accommodation.
· Councillor Kelcher regarding the Council’s commitment to continue supporting the improvement and development of parks and open spaces, including those located across Harlesden and Kensal Green ward such as Bramshill Road Park.
· Councillor Long relating to accessibility of the details and information being provided on the Landlord Selective Licensing Scheme.
· Councillor Jayanti Patel regarding the measures being taken to tackle and enforce against illegal footway parking along Kingsbury Road and around Kingsbury Circle.
· Councillor Georgiou regarding the appropriateness of Shared Ownership being classified as a genuinely Affordable Housing option in the development of housing schemes across Brent and rationale behind the approach being to the disposal of 23 properties in Alperton due to be considered by Cabinet on 17 July 2023.
Minutes:
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 four 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 provided:
11.1 Councillor Choudry thanked Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure & Climate Action, for the written response in relation to his question regarding the enforcement and prevention of blue badge thefts across Brent. As a supplementary question further details were sought on how residents should report any concerns regarding blue badge theft, fraud or misuse.
In response, Councillor Krupa Sheth advised that residents should report any concerns to either the Healthy Streets and Parking Team or Community Safety Team would then be able to liaise (as necessary) with the police.
11.2 Councillor Kennelly thanked Councillor Knight, as Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security for the written response in relation to his question concerning the partnership work being undertaken with Housing Associations to address cases of damp and mould. In recognising the Council did not have powers to take enforcement action in cases involving Housing Associations, which were matters that fell under the Regulator for Social Housing and Housing Ombudsman, concern was expressed that the multi-layered system of agencies involved could potentially lead to unclear outcomes for residents. As an example, he highlighted issues raised about conditions in a housing block located within his ward, which were now under investigation following contact with the Chief Executive of the relevant Housing Association. As a supplementary question Councillor Kennelly sought details on the support available through the Council to assist in raising concerns about the standard and condition of properties managed through Housing Associations.
In responding, Councillor Knight, as Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security, outlined the type of support available in seeking to hold Housing Associations to account as part of the process in seeking to maintain and improve living standards for residents in the borough. As part of this approach, regular meetings were held with the largest Housing Associations where issues could be raised, as appropriate, with assurance also having been sought on how they were seeking to improve their management of damp and mould. Whilst reminding members of the Council’s lack of specific enforcement powers Councillor Knight ended by stating that the Council would continue to work with the Housing Associations to ensure that concerns and issues being raised in relation to the standard and condition of ... view the full minutes text for item 11