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 without the need for advance notice.

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 without the need for advance notice.

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 provided:

12.1  No supplementary question was raised by Councillor Kennelly with the written response provided by Councillor Grahl (as Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Schools) on the protection of vulnerable children noted, as circulated with the agenda.

12.2  No supplementary question was raised by Councillor Choudry with the written response provided jointly by Councillor Krupa Sheth (as Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Enforcement) and Councillor Farah (as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Jobs & Skills) on the provision of additional CCTV enhancements via SCIL investment noted, as circulated with the agenda.

12.3  Councillor Kabir thanked Councillor Donnelly-Jackson (as Cabinet Member for Housing) for the written response to her question seeking an update on the impact of the Housing Benefit subsidy gap and in welcoming what she felt to be Brent’s innovative approach towards tackling homelessness and addressing the pressures on temporary accommodation asked if a detailed breakdown on the numbers of families and single people who had presented as homeless to the Council could be provided from 2021 onwards to highlight the ongoing challenges being faced.

In response, Councillor Donnelly-Jackson advised that she would be able to provide a detailed breakdown on the figures following the meeting and in response to the ongoing pressures and challenges highlighted, took the opportunity to outline a number of initiatives currently being pursued.  These included consultation being undertaken on a new Homelessness & Rough Sleepers Strategy which had been developed in partnership with Crisis, who it was pointed out also chaired the Homelessness Forum and had recently been shortlisted for a London Homelessness Award for their work with refugees facing homelessness.  Reference was also made to development of the Build for Zero approach, which used real-time data to respond to the needs of homeless people alongside the Council’s Radical Place Leadership pilot focussed on how the Council could develop and work more effectively with partners in the delivery of more joined up services.  The provision of access to the GLA’s Council Homes Acquisition Grants Programme (CHAPS) was also welcomed in supporting the delivery of new temporary accommodation units, as a further way in assisting to reduce subsidy loss.  Finally, all those involved in delivery of homelessness services being provided through the New Horizons Centre and Turning Point were commended for  ...  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.

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 without the need for advance notice.

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 provided:

12.1   Councillor Lesley Smith thanked Councillor Benea (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property) for the written response regarding the Council’s recent investment in the West London Orbital rail project and support for the Bakerloo Line upgrade and extension.  In welcoming the Council’s commitment to these schemes details were also sought, as a supplementary question, on the Council’s position regarding support for the campaign to secure step free access at Queens Park Station given the significant passenger numbers using the station, including families and older members of the community.

In response, Councillor Benea in welcoming the support expressed for the Council’s ongoing commitment towards West London Orbital and the Bakerloo Line extension given the importance of the economic, social and environmental benefits associated with their delivery, also highlighted her willingness to work with the campaign to secure step free access at Queens Park station. In referencing the support and investment provide by the Council, working in collaboration with TfL, to secure step free access at Alperton Station Councillor Benea expressed hope that similar improvements could be secured at Queen Parks and ended her response by once again reiterating her support for the lobbying efforts being undertaken by the local campaign.

12.2   Councillor Long thanked Councillor Krupa Sheth (as Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Enforcement) for the written response to her question seeking an update on the provision of parking bays for dockless e-bikes across the borough, ongoing work to hold e-bike operators to account for safety and operation of the scheme and measures to promote active travel.  In referring to the management of dockless e-bikes and the promotion of cycling and sustainable travel in Brent, Councillor Long, highlighted particular concerns regarding pedestrian safety given the way in which dockless e-bikes were being unsafely left on the street and the ease with which they could be hacked.  As a supplementary question, Councillor Long therefore sought details on the measures being pursued by the Council with Lime (as the scheme operator in Brent to address the concerns highlighted, particularly in relation to the problems being created through the hacking of their dockless e-bikes and whether any requirement could be included moving forward to ensure the bikes provided include anti-hacking measures.

In response, Councillor Krupa Sheth  ...  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.

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 without the need for advance notice.

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 provided:

12.1   Councillor Kelcher thanked Councillor Krupa Sheth as Cabinet Member for Environment & Enforcement) for the written response regarding the effectiveness of Brent’s School Streets programme in reducing emissions and in terms of encouraging more active modes of travel and wider public health, community and safety benefits.  As a supplementary question details were sought regarding plans to further expand the programme to cover all schools across the borough in recognition of the associated benefits.

In response, Councillor Krupa Sheth confirmed that the roll out of School Streets remained a priority for the Council aligned with the Climate Emergency Strategy to reduce air pollution across the Borough. The Brent School Streets programme was in high demand, and the Council would continue to seek funding from TfL to ensure the programme could be implemented where there was a demand, thereby improving the lives of young children across Brent.

12.2Councillor Choudry thanked Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement, for the written response to his question seeking an update on the negotiations with Lime regarding the future operation of their dockless e bike scheme within Brent.  As a supplementary question, details were sought on the plans being developed to continue holding Lime to account for the operation of the scheme in Brent (with specific concerns outlined in relation to issues being experienced across Willesden).  Confirmation was also sought on the arrangements being made to host the first Resident Forum with the suggestion also made that a dedicated page should be established on the Council’s website including responses to FAQs on the scheme and how to report to issues of concern.

In response, Councillor Krupa Sheth  assured members of the Council’s commitment to continue holding Lime to account for their performance in Brent with concerns raised (including those identified within Willesden) continuing to be addressed directly though the revised KPIs and regular operational meetings now established.  The Council was in the process of scheduling the first Resident Forum, aiming for early January or February 2025, and was also working on creating a dedicated page on the Council’s website for Lime’s FAQs to facilitate easier navigation for residents.

12.3Having thanked Councillor Mili Patel, as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, for her  ...  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.

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 without the need for advance notice.

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 provided:

13.1      Councillor Long thanked Councillor Nerva as the Cabinet Member for Community Health & Wellbeing, for the written response to her on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection Improvement Plan and as a supplementary question sought details on how useful the Council had found the CQC inspection and how unregulated services in Brent were also monitored and assessed.

In response, Councillor Nerva felt that the CQC inspection had been a valuable process, with Brent having been assessed on their ability to ensure the safety of adults and to provide effective leadership at both a political and officer level.  Recognising the review of the CQC inspection and decision already made to remove one-word judgements in relation to the Ofsted inspection process, he felt it was essential that any inspection process was focussed on a wider assessment of the service being delivered rather than based on one-word judgments.  As a result of the current inspection the Council had developed an improvement plan, which covered not only adult social care but also the work being undertaken in partnership with health partners and the voluntary and community sector to supporting adults across the borough which had included launch of the carers strategy.  In relation to unregulated services, members were advised these include a range of commissioned care services which the Council would have responsibility for regularly monitoring.

13.2    Councillor Hylton thanked Councillor Rubin, as Cabinet Member for Employment, Innovation and Climate Action, for the written response to her question on the outcome and plans for future Job Fairs.  As a supplementary question, details were sought regarding any plans to extend the “Back to Work" events on a wider basis across the borough, including within Preston ward.

In response, Councillor Muhammed Butt (who, following his apologies for absence, advised he was replying on behalf of Councillor Rubin) took the opportunity to highlight and welcome the success of the recent Jobs Fair event and advised that officers were currently exploring what other events could be held across the borough to further support residents, including within Preston Ward.

13.3      Having thanked Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet Member for Environment & Enforcement, for her written response on the success of the Don’t Mess with Brent campaign Councillor Mahmood, in recognising the positive  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13

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 without the need for advance notice.

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 provided:

11.1   Councillor Kelcher thanked Councillor Nerva as the Cabinet Member for Community Health & Wellbeing, for the written response to his question about the measures being taken to support Brent in becoming an age friendly borough.  In welcoming the detailed nature of the response and progress being made in seeking to secure age friendly status alongside work being led by Dr Tony Burch to help shape the approach further details were sought on the progress of the Planning Group in developing the approach and any experience gained from other boroughs.

          In response, Councillor Nerva, in welcoming the interest shown advised that he had invited the Planning Group to present to the Health and Wellbeing Board in the Autumn to help engage other public sector partners in seeking the development of a joined-up approach to ensure Brent (along with key stakeholder and partners) continued to play an active role in developing its own response towards ensure age friendly status for the borough.

11.2   Councillor Begum thanked Councillor Muhammed Butt, as Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, for the written response to her question on the work underway to address the increase in homelessness and work being undertaken through the “Built for Zero” programme and as a supplementary question sought further details on the steps being taken during the 2024-25 financial year to support vulnerable households at risk of homelessness and rough sleepers.

In response, Councillor Muhammed Butt, having highlighted the ongoing pressures in relation to the increase in homelessness advised that in addition to the programme of work and overall strategy already established to address the challenges identified the Council were also set to launch a new communications campaign which aimed to raise awareness of the deepening homelessness emergency in Brent and the practical realities and life changing consequences this had for homeless households. The Find a place you can afford campaign would also seek to break the perceived link between homelessness and social housing.  In addition, support continued to be provided to those residents seeking alternative accommodation within the private rented sector through a Deposit Guarantee Scheme, with the Council also continuing to work closely with organisations such as St Mungo’s and Advice for Renters in relation to the provision of support, advice and guidance  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12