Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Corporate Director Finance & Resources detailing a number of constitutional changes including the Planning Scheme of Delegation, Council Procedure Rules and Members’ Allowance Scheme.

To receive a report from the Corporate Director Finance & Resources detailing a number of constitutional changes to the Council’s existing scrutiny arrangements (Part 4 of the Constitution), including establishing an additional scrutiny committee with a housing remit; Full Council meeting standing orders (Part 2 of the Constitution) and the Members’ Allowance Scheme (Part 6 of the Constitution).

(Agenda republished to include an updated version of the attached report along with Appendices 1 and 2 on 6 July 2026)

The Mayor then invited Councillor Muhammed Butt, as Leader of the Council, to introduce a report from the Corporate Director Finance and Resources detailing a number of proposed amendments to the Constitution in relation to the Council’s existing scrutiny arrangements (Part 4 of the Constitution), including establishing an additional scrutiny committee with a housing remit; Full Council meeting standing orders (Part 2 of the Constitution) and the Members’ Allowance Scheme (Part 6 of the Constitution).

In presenting the report, the Leader advised the changes had been designed to reflect the new political composition of the Council in terms of the Council’s governance arrangements and discussion at the previous Council meeting relating to scrutiny arrangements.  As such, members were advised the changes outlined did not represent a full rewrite of the Constitution but a more targeted set of amendments, which had been informed by cross party discussion facilitated through the reconstituted Constitution Oversight Group (GOG).  Additional matters would continue to be progressed as part of the ongoing COG work programme with the changes outlined intended to make better use of the time available at Full Council meetings as well as making the arrangements for debate clearer and more manageable and continuing to provide opportunities for public participation, members questions, scrutiny updates and motions based on a more focussed process allowing more time for debate on key issues.

In addition, members were advised the report included a number of proposals relating to the Members Allowance Scheme, designed to reflect the establishment of a new scrutiny committee, changes to councillor pension arrangements following national legislation as well as the work of Group Leaders and Whips/Group Managers across each of the four political groups represented on the Council all of which, it was pointed out, would continue to be managed within the existing budget provision.

In commending the proposed changes to members, Councillor Muhammed Butt ended by highlighting the living nature of the Constitution which he pointed out would remain subject to ongoing review and refinement as the Administration progressed and with the current amendments felt to represent a practical and proportionate approach reflecting the more plural nature of the council following the local election.

The Mayor thanked the Leader for introducing the report and as no other members indicated they wished to speak and no need was indicated to exercise a right of reply, then moved to put the recommendations in the report to the vote which were declared CARRIED.

Council therefore RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the changes to the Constitution as set out in the report and the accompanying appendices.

(2)    To authorise the Monitoring Officer/Director of Law to amend the Constitution accordingly, including making any necessary incidental or consequential changes.

To receive a report from the Corporate Director Finance & Resources detailing a change in membership on the West London Economic Prosperity Board (on which Brent participates as a member) along with associated changes to the Boards Function & Procedure Rules, as referred to within the Terms of Reference included within Brent’s Constitution

As the final item of business on the agenda, the Mayor then invited Councillor Muhammed Butt, as Leader of the Council, to introduce a report from the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources who advised that the report detailed a change in membership on the West London Economic Prosperity Board (on which Brent was a member) relating to the addition of Hillingdon, along with associated changes to the Boards Functions & Procedure Rules, as referred to with the Terms of Reference included within Part 4 of the Constitution.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Muhammed Butt for introducing the report and as no other members indicated they wished to speak and no need was indicated to exercise a right of reply, then moved to put the recommendations in the report to the vote which were declared CARRIED.

Council therefore unanimously RESOLVED:

(1)    To note the change in membership on the West London Economic Prosperity Board following the admittance of the London Borough of Hillingdon as a member and endorse the subsequent update and revision of the Function & Procedure Rules, which govern operation of the Board, as detailed in Appendix A.

(2)    To note that, to the extent that the changes related to executive functions of the Council, they had been approved by the Leader.