Issue - meetings

The purpose of Brent’s Local Account is to communicate priorities and to provide Members, residents and other stakeholders with an accountability mechanism by which self-regulation and improvement activities can be systematically monitored and reported.

(i)         that the performance and contextual information contained in this report be noted;

(ii)        that the current and future strategic risks associated with the information provided be noted;

(iii)       that progress continue to be challenged with responsible officers as necessary.

Councillor Hirani (Lead Member, Adults and Health) introduced the borough’s Local Account the purpose of which was to communicate priorities and to provide members, residents and other stakeholders with an accountability mechanism by which self-regulation and improvement activities could be systematically monitored and reported. Councillor Hirani drew attention to the view that Brent was a borough of contrasts, having many opportunities but yet with relatively high levels of poverty and a significant gap in life expectancy between men in the most affluent and those in the most deprived parts of the borough. He referred to the challenges that would face residents as a result of changes to housing affordability and to council tax benefits, which would impact on health and increase demands on the authority. Councillor Hirani outlined improved and modernised adult social care services in place to support users and give increased choice and control. He also referred to key local health and well-being challenges which the strategy would aim to address including oral health, mental health, tuberculosis and obesity. The council would be working closely with health partners to give children the best start, empower communities and improve overall mental well-being.

Members welcomed the report and acknowledged the improvement in services and outcomes over recent years.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the performance and contextual information contained in the report from the Director of Adult Social Care be noted;

(ii)        that the current and future strategic risks associated with the information provided be noted;

(iii)       that progress continue to be challenged with responsible officers as necessary.