Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Mayor welcomed all those present to the meeting and thanked everyone for their attendance in person.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Donnelly-Jackson, Hirani, Lloyd, McLennan, Mashari, Mitchell-Murray, Murray, R.Patel & Perrin.

Councillors Lloyd, R.Patel & Perrin had submitted apologies as they were unable to attend meetings in person due to underlying reasons requiring them to continue isolating related to Covid-19.

The Mayor reported that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Donnelly-Jackson, Hirani, Lloyd, McLennan, Mashari, Mitchell-Murray, Murray, R.Patel & Perrin.

Councillors Lloyd, R.Patel & Perrin had submitted apologies as they were unable to attend meetings in person due to reasons requiring them to continue isolating related to Covid-19.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the previous meeting of the Council held on Monday 12 July 2021.

The minutes of the previous Full Council meeting held on Monday 12 July 2021 were approved as a correct record.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 12 July 2021 be approved as a correct record.

Members are invited to declare at this stage of the meeting, the nature and existence of any relevant disclosable pecuniary or personal interests in the items on this agenda and to specify the item(s) to which they relate.

No declarations of interest were made at the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

To receive any announcements from the Mayor.

Noted the announcements from the Mayor in relation to:

·                Pride of Brent Youth Awards

·                Count us In Engagement Programme

·                Brent Council Staff Long Service Afternoon Tea

·                Emergency Services Day & Flag Raising event

·                Participatory Budgeting – “You Decide” Programme

·                Petitions

The Mayor made the following announcements:

(i)      Pride of Brent Youth Awards

The Mayor advised that she had been delighted to participate in the Pride of Brent Youth Awards, which had taken place in August in order to celebrate the achievements of young people across Brent making a difference in their community.

(ii)     Count Us In

The Mayor advised members about the introduction of the “Count Us In” engagement platform, which had been set up with the aim of encouraging residents, businesses, schools/young people and council staff to make a pledge to take climate action.  Further details on its launch would be released over the coming month.

(iii)    Long Service Afternoon Tea

The Mayor advised she had also been pleased to recently attend a Long Service Awards afternoon tea recognising those members of staff who had completed 25 or 40 years’ continuous service and contributed so much to Brent Council.

(iv)    999 Emergency Services Flag Raising

Referring to the use of social media, the Mayor advised of her recent support and involvement in a flag raising ceremony undertaken on 9^th September 21 to celebrate 999 Emergency Services Day.

The event recognised what she felt had been the heroic contribution made by approximately 2 million individuals who worked and volunteered across all of the UK emergency services as well as more than 7,500 individuals who had tragically lost their life in the line of duty working for the emergency services over the last 200 years.

Turning her attention to the last 18 months, the Mayor commended the emergency services for the way in which they had continued to provide essential support during such a difficult time often putting themselves in harm’s way to keep everyone safe.

(v)     Participatory Budgeting – “You Decide”

The Mayor then moved on to highlight the plans being developed to introduce a ‘Participatory Budgeting’ approach within the borough.

Members were advised that further information about the initiative - called ‘You decide’ were due to be made available shortly.

(vi)    Petitions

Finally, the Mayor referred members to the list of current petitions tabled at the meeting, in accordance with Standing Orders which also detailed the action being taken to deal with them.

To agree any appointments to Committees, Joint Committees, Forums, Panels and Outside Bodies in accordance with Standing Order 30(g).

AGREED the following changes in Committee & Outside Body memberships:

(1)     Councillor Kennelly to be replaced by Councillor Grahl as a full member of the Licensing Committee.

The Mayor referred members to the list of changes circulated in relation to appointments to Council Committees, Sub Committees and other bodies.

It was RESOLVED to approve the following changes in Committee and Outside Body membership:

(1)    Councillor Kennelly to be replaced by Councillor Grahl as a full member of the Licensing Committee.

To hear any deputations requested by members of the public in accordance with Standing Order 32.

No deputations were received at the meeting.

The Mayor advised that no request for any deputations had been received for consideration at the meeting.

To receive questions submitted by the public to Cabinet Members, in accordance with Standing Order 33.

Members are asked to note that five questions have been received under this item, which have been attached along with the written responses provided.

NOTED

1.         The written response provided by the Lead Member for Environment to a public question submitted by N.Kollgaard regarding the Council’s use of flexible car sharing schemes. No supplementary question was received.

2.         The written response provided by the Lead Member for Public Health, Culture and Leisure to a public question submitted by C.Meagher-Mansilla regarding the provision of leisure and cultural facilities in areas of regeneration including those surrounding Gladstone Park. No supplementary question was received.

3.         The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Lead Member for Environment to a public question submitted by G.Aldrich regarding parking and other enforcement activity around Queensbury Circle and local footways.

4.         The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Lead Member for Environment to a public question submitted by P.Laurance regarding engagement and the progress being made against the Brent Climate & Ecological Strategy First Year Delivery Plan 2021-22.

5.         The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Lead Member for Environment to a public question submitted by K. Anderson regarding the development proposals for Kilburn Square and preference identified y for a reduction in scale and lower density scheme.

The Mayor advised that the following five questions had been received from members of the public:

Question 1 from Nicholas Kollgaard to Councillor Krupa Sheth, Lead Member for Environment, regarding the Council’s use of flexible car sharing schemes.

Question 2 from Carmen Meagher-Mansilla to Councillor Nerva, Lead Member for Public Health, Culture and Leisure, regarding the provision of leisure and cultural facilities in areas of regeneration, including those surrounding Gladstone Park.

Question 3 from Gordon Aldrich to Councillor Krupa Sheth, Lead Member for Environment, regarding parking enforcement on Queensbury Station roundabout and local footways in the surrounding area.

Question 4 from Pam Laurence to Councillor Krupa Sheth, Lead Member for Environment, regarding progress against the Brent Climate & Ecological Strategy First Year Delivery Plan 2021-22.

Question 5 from Keith Anderson to Councillor Eleanor Southwood, Lead Member for Housing & Welfare Reform, regarding the development proposals for Kilburn Square and preference identified for a reduction in scale and lower density scheme.

Members noted the written responses provided on each of the questions, which had been circulated with the agenda.  The Mayor advised that each member of the public had been invited to attend the meeting.  Whilst Nicholas Kollgaard and Carmen Meagher-Mansilla had been unable to attend, members were advised that Gordon Aldrich, Pam Laurence and Keith Anderson were all present in order to ask a supplementary question.  The Mayor welcomed them to the meeting and invited each of them in turn to put their supplementary question to the relevant Lead Member.

Supplementary Question from Gordon Aldrich to Councillor Krupa Sheth, Lead Member for Environment

Having thanked Councillor Krupa Sheth for her written response, Gordon Aldrich asked a supplementary question regarding the steps the Council was taking to enforce the double yellow lines at Queensbury Station roundabout.

In response, Councillor Krupa Sheth began by highlighting that the double yellow lines and kerb markings at the roundabout had been refreshed to make it clear that waiting and loading was prohibited. She advised that a number of Penalty Charge Notices had been issued in the past month, and offered to undertake a site visit with local ward councillors to explore any further action which might be deemed necessary.

Supplementary Question from Pam Laurence to Councillor Krupa Sheth, Lead Member for Environment

Pam Laurence thanked Councillor Krupa Sheth for her written response and asked a supplementary question regarding the availability of carbon reduction data to the public and any opportunities for independent scrutiny.

In response, Councillor Krupa Sheth offered to meet Pam Laurence in order to consider the issues she had raised in more detail.  In terms of further opportunities to engage she highlighted the establishment of the Brent Environmental Network, which had been specifically set up to focus on engagement and consultation around Brent’s Climate & Ecological Emergency Strategy and to provide residents with the opportunity to comment on or suggest any further proposals.

Supplementary Question from Keith Anderson to Councillor Southwood, Lead Member for Housing & Welfare Reform

Having thanked Councillor Southwood for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

For Members to consider any petitions with more than 200 signatures on which a debate has been requested, in accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme and Standing Order 66.

NOTED

(1)      the following petitions presented at the meeting:

·                Josie Warshaw, supporting the introduction of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods across the borough;

·                Sarah Dever, objecting to the introduction of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in the Crickelwood area and seeking assurances around public consultation, displaced traffic and equalities.

(2)      The response from the Lead Member for Regeneration, Property & Planning to both the deputations and petitions, which highlightedthe Council’s responsibility to address the climate emergency and related public health issues, whilst also acknowledging the need to engage with residents and key stakeholders to ensure any action taken worked for all parties.  As part of the response, the opportunity was taken to outline a number of Active Travel initiatives the Council had introduced to address these issues (including expansion of the School Street Programme & Cycling Networks).  The petitioners were also advised that the Council would soon be publishing its draft Long Term Transport Strategy, which would outline the ambitions for transport within the borough and how this would also contribute towards addressing the climate emergency and related public health issues.  The Lead Member also encouraged residents to reflect on changes that could be made to their own lifestyles in order to address these issues, whilst providing an assurance that the Council would seek to work with residents in order to develop the necessary infrastructure to support such changes.

Moving on the Mayor then advised members that she had agreed to accept under the Council’s Petitions Scheme two petitions for presentation at the meeting, due to the number of signatures each contained, which both related to Low Traffic Neighbourhoods.

The first of these was in support of the introduction of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) across the borough with Josie Warshaw as lead petitioner.  The second was objecting to the introduction of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in the Cricklewood area and seeking assurances around public consultation, displaced traffic and equalities with Sarah Dever as lead petitioner.

The Mayor advised that unless otherwise indicated by Members, she intended to allow each of the nominated speakers up to five minutes to address the meeting in order to present their petitions.  She would then provide Councillor Tatler, as Lead Member for Regeneration, Property and Planning with an opportunity to respond jointly to the issues raised, for which she would also allow up to five minutes.

As no issues were raised in terms of the approach outlined, the Mayor then moved on to welcome Josie Warshaw to the meeting and invited her to present the first petition, with the following issues highlighted.

Josie Warshaw began by thanking Council staff for their hard work in implementing LTNs across the borough given the challenge of the pandemic.  In supporting the benefits of LTNs, she highlighted the positive impact the schemes had in tackling air pollution, road safety, traffic congestion along with their wider environmental, social and health benefits including supporting the move away from cars and towards more active forms of travel.

Highlighting the potential for LTNs to deliver long term transformative change as part of the recovery from the pandemic, she also recognised the importance of local engagement as crucial to the success of LTNs and welcomed the ongoing engagement, monitoring and evaluation of the trial schemes taking place across the borough.

The risks of taking no or only minimal action or removing schemes prematurely prior to them bedding in and their impact being monitored were also highlighted.  In representing the views of Healthy Neighbourhood Groups across the borough she ended by outlining how the petition was designed to express support for healthy neighbourhoods as a means of improving air quality, reducing traffic, increasing active travel and providing safer space for cycling, improving physical and mental health as well as community relations.  Given the social and safety benefits associated with LTNs the Council was therefore urged to continue with its active travel plans and ensure LTN schemes remained an integral part of this process.

The Mayor thanked Josie Warshaw for presenting her petition and then welcomed Sarah Dever before inviting her to present the second petition on which the following issues were highlighted.

Sarah Dever began by advising that she was speaking on behalf of a number of residents in the Cricklewood area who felt that local LTNs introduced in the Olive Road and Dollis Hill areas had been implemented without adequate consultation, notification or monitoring  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To receive an annual report from the Leader of the Council, in accordance with Standing Order 38.

NOTED the annual report provided by the Leader of the Council on the work of the Council and state of the borough.

The Mayor then moved on to advise members that the Leader’s Annual Report would be provided verbally. She then invited Councillor Muhammed Butt, as Leader of the Council, to present his Annual Report on the work of the Council and State of the Borough.

Councillor Muhammed Butt opened his annual report by reflecting on the continued impact that the pandemic was having on the borough, and sharing his relief (albeit cautious) that all members and staff present had been fortunate to have avoided its worst extremes, which had led to the loss of almost 900 lives across the borough.

Whilst sharing his optimism at the safe and effective impact of the vaccines along with the increased testing capacity also now available, he reminded everyone of the need to ensure that the wider measures in terms of social distancing, wearing of masks and washing of hands were also maintained.  This was in order to reduce the spread of the virus and risk of infection and allow residents to continue living with the increased freedom and flexibility so highly valued, recognising how quickly things could worsen if a more reckless approach was taken.

Alongside tackling and responding to the pandemic, Councillor Muhammed Butt also highlighted a need to recognise the wider difficulties currently face by many local residents in relation to the increasing cost of living, availability of secure and affordable housing, unstable nature of the labour market and lack of community connection.  Whilst reflecting on the impact of the pandemic and current challenges being faced by residents, the Leader also felt it was important as part of his report to highlight the positive action being taken by the Council in order to address these issues and maximise the support and opportunities available.  These included:

·                The measures being taken to tackle the climate emergency, which threatened not only current but also future generations.

·                Confronting and intervening to address historic and institutionalised inequality and discrimination.

·                Working to maximise support and access to opportunities in order for local residents to prosper.

In summing up, Councillor Muhammed Butt felt it was important to recognise the importance of all of the above as shared objectives.  This would involve a need for real and lasting partnerships within and between the many and varied communities, neighbourhoods and organisations across the borough in order to ensure everyone was able to move forward together whilst also continuing to support the most vulnerable within their communities.

The Mayor thanked the Leader for his Annual Report and then advised that she would open up the debate for contributions from other members, starting with a response from the Conservative Group.

In responding to the Annual Report Councillor Kansagra, as Leader of the Conservative Group, felt it was important to highlight the level of funding received by the Council from central government in support of its work responding to the pandemic.  Whilst recognising the efforts of the Council in responding to the pandemic locally, he felt it should be remembered that this been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To receive a report from the Leader of the Council in accordance with Standing Order 31 providing an update on any key or significant issues arising from matters within the responsibility of the Cabinet.

NOTED the report and update provided at the meeting by Councillor M. Butt, Leader of the Council, highlighting the ongoing work being undertaken across each Cabinet portfolio in order to provide ongoing support and services to residents across the borough.  Members were also asked to note the list of urgent Executive decisions taken since the last Council meeting.

The Mayor then invited Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, to introduce the report updating members on the work undertaken by the Cabinet and significant issues identified within their remit.  In presenting the report, the Leader highlighted the extent of work being undertaken across each Cabinet portfolio along with the commitment of members to provide ongoing support and services depended on by residents across the borough.  Finally, members were asked to note the list of Executive decisions tabled at the meeting which had been taken under the Council’s urgency procedures.

The Mayor thanked the Leader for his report and it was RESOLVED to formally note the update provided.

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.

NOTED

1.     The written response provided by the Lead Member for Schools, Employment & Skills to a question submitted by Councillor Chan regarding the attainment of Year 11 & 13 students across the borough under the revised assessment arrangements  and support being provided to enable pupils to realise their future potential.  No supplementary question was raised.

2.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Lead Member for Public Health, Culture & Leisure to a question submitted by Councillor Daly in relation to the steps being taken by the Council with the NHS to plan for the upcoming winter flu season and data on progress with the vaccination programme that could be made available to members.

3.     The written and supplementary response provided by the Lead Member for Housing & Welfare Reform to a question submitted by Councillor Ezeajughi regarding the Councils ongoing commitment towards the delivery of high standard homes and housing services across the borough and current proposals relating to St Raphael’s Estate.

4.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Leader of the Council to a question submitted by Councillor Kansagra regarding the Council’s response to the Baroness Casey review on the issues experienced around Wembley Stadium in the build up to the UEFA European 2020 Championship Final including progress on the Council’s review of licensing arrangements.

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

·             Councillor Chan regarding the Council’s efforts to support residents use of electric vehicles.

·             Councillor Kennelly regarding the concerns highlighted by local residents in relation to the design and impact of the Low Traffic Neighbourhood scheme within his ward.

·             Councillor Georgiou regarding the Council’s policy on development of tall buildings, with specific concerns identified in relation to Alperton and response to the GLA Planning & Regeneration Committee’s recent review in relation to the impact of Tall buildings and density in relation to Covid-19.

·             Councillor Long regarding the promotion of credit unions to Council staff and residents of the borough.

·             Councillor Choudhary regarding further funding from central government for infrastructure in the borough.

·             Councillor Miller regarding development of the Council’s relationship with the community and voluntary sector following the pandemic.

·             Councillor Georgiou regarding the action and time being taken to address issues raised in relation to the condition of the Council’s social housing stock.

·             Councillor Kennelly regarding the Council’s support for veterans identified as homelessness within 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 Lead 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 for response by the relevant Lead Member. The written responses supplied had been circulated within the agenda. The Mayor then invited supplementary questions on the responses which had been provided:

12.1  No supplementary question was raised by Councillor Chan in relation to the written response provided by Councillor Stephens, Lead Member for Schools, Employment & Skills, to his question regarding the attainment of Year 11 & 13 students across the borough under the revised assessment arrangements and support being provided to enable pupils to realise their future potential.

12.2  Councillor Daly thanked Councillor Nerva, as Lead Member for Public Health, Culture and Leisure, for the written response in relation to her question regarding the steps being taken by the Council with the NHS to plan for the upcoming winter flu season. Councillor Daly then asked a supplementary question seeking details on progress on rollout of the winter flu vaccination programme across the borough.

In response, Councillor Nerva advised that whilst the flu vaccination rollout was being run by the NHS, the Council had been working closely to support them and would ensure that regular progress updates were made available to members.

12.3  Councillor Ezeajughi thanked Councillor Southwood, Lead Member for Housing & Welfare Reform, for her written response in relation to a question regarding the Council’s ongoing commitment towards the delivery of high standard homes and housing services across the borough. Councillor Ezeajughi then asked a supplementary question seeking details on the current master planning development proposals relating to St. Raphael’s Estate.

In response, Councillor Southwood highlighted the positive engagement undertaken with local residents and ward councillors in developing proposals for the estate.  Whilst recognising the disappointment that it would no longer be possible, as a result of funding issues impacting on the financial viability of the scheme, to offer the choice between full redevelopment and infill an assurance was provided on the approach agreed by Cabinet towards the infill “plus” option.  She advised this would continue to be community led and focussed on providing meaningful investment to secure real and tangible change for residents on the estate, including the consideration of wider objectives such as health and economic recovery.

12.4  Councillor Kansagra thanked Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, for the written response in relation to a question regarding the Council’s response to the Baroness Casey review on the issues experienced around Wembley Stadium in the build up to the UEFA European 2020 Championship Final.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

To receive reports from the Chairs of the Council’s Scrutiny Committees in accordance with Standing Order 36.  The reports have been attached as follows:

12.1    Community & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee

12.2    Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee

Members are asked to note that this session will include an opportunity (within the time available) for Non-Cabinet Members to ask questions of relevant Scrutiny Chair’s in relation to the remit of their Committees.

NOTED the update reports provided by the Chairs of the Community and Wellbeing and Resources & Public Realm and Scrutiny Committees.

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

·                Councillor Kabir expressing concern at the recent CQC Inspection of services at Northwick Park Hospital and serious issues identified in relation to maternity services.  Support was expressed for the work being undertaken by the Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee in their ongoing monitoring of actions being taken to address the issues identified with relevant partners.

·                Councillor Maurice regarding his experience of the quality of care received at Northwick Park Hospital.

Before being presented with the updates from each Scrutiny Committee, the Mayor reminded members the time set aside for this item was 12 minutes, with each Chair having up to three minutes in which to highlight any significant issues arising from the work of their Committees.  Once these updates had been provided, the remaining time available would then be opened up for any other non-Cabinet members to question (without the need for advance notice) the Scrutiny Committee Chairs on matters relating to the work of their Committee.

Councillor Ketan Sheth was then invited to introduce the update report on the work being undertaken by the Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee, with the following issues highlighted:

·                The outcome of the additional meeting of the Scrutiny Committee held on 23 August 21 in response to the CQC inspection of Northwick Park Hospital and their maternity services, which had caused significant concern amongst both members and residents.  The Committee had received evidence from a range of senior responsible NHS officers as well as other relevant partners and also considered the maternity service improvement plans with key lines of enquiry related to governance, leadership, women centred care and culture.  As a result of the review a number of proposed suggestions for improvement had been identified along with requests for additional information.  A progress update on the delivery of the maternity service improvement plan was due to be received by the Committee early in 2022.

·                The ongoing engagement of the scrutiny function in the North West London Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee with Councillor Ketan Sheth informing members of his recent election as Chair and the last meeting having considered the development of the North West London Integrated Care System, NHS Recovery Plan and progress with the Covid 19 vaccination programme.  Members were advised that the next meeting was due to be hosted in Brent on 23 September 21.

·                The focus at the next meeting of the Scrutiny Committee on housing issues including homelessness and family services and the performance of Brent Housing Management with an additional update on progress with the GP Access Scrutiny Task Group.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Ketan Sheth for his update and advised that as Councillor Mashari had given her apologies the report on the activity of the Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee would be noted as submitted.

As a result it was therefore RESOLVED that the contents of both update reports be noted.

Following the updates provided, the Mayor advised that the remainder of time available would be open for questions from non-cabinet members to the Scrutiny Chair in attendance. The Mayor reminded members of the need to ensure that questions raised were focused on the updates provided or the work being undertaken by the relevant Committee.  The following questions were raised and responses provided:

(i)      Following on from the update provided in relation to the Community & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Kabir also highlighted her concern at the recent CQC Inspection of services at Northwick Park  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

To receive a report from the Vice-Chair of the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee, in accordance with Standing Order 37.

NOTED the update report provided by the Vice Chair of the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee.

The Mayor invited Councillor Lo, as Vice-Chair of the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee, to introduce the report updating members on the work of the Committee.

In terms of issues highlighted, Councillor Lo drew members attention to the work undertaken by the Committee since the previous update in July 21 which had included a focus on the Councils draft statement of accounts as well as Annual Governance Statement and Corporate Risk Register.

Focussing on the Committee’s role in relation to compliance and control he also outlined and commended the nature of the work being undertaken in relation to various governance matters including internal audit activity, the regulatory framework and members’ standards of conduct.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Lo for the update provided and it was RESOLVED that the report be noted.

To enable Non Cabinet Members to raise an issue of relevance to Brent for debate on which notice has been provided in accordance with Standing Order 34 and to receive reports from Cabinet members, as required, on any issues previously raised.

Members are asked to note that the subject identified for debate at this meeting is as follows:

Cuts to Universal Credit

The motion put forward as the basis for this debate has been attached.

The following motion was unanimously AGREED as the outcome of the non-cabinet member debate:

Cuts to Universal Credit

This council understands how hard this borough has been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of the tragedy that is the loss of more than 720 lives, the uncertainty of a local economy put on hold, and the hardship of tens of thousands of Brent’s residents either furloughed or out of work and reliant on an inadequate Universal Credit.

Therefore, the announcement of this government plans to cut Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit later this year comes with serious implications, especially in light of the furlough scheme coming to an end in September.

This council is concerned at the soaringfigures of food bank usage in the borough coupled with the increase in gas prices as we wind down into the colder months forming a perfect storm. One which emerging research has shown will force thousands of families into severe poverty.

This council notes its efforts to shield its residents from the full impact of the economic downturn in recent years, particularly in anticipation of the furlough scheme ending. 

Thus far this council has:

·                Set up significant monetary support through the Brent Resident Support Fund which has been access by thousands of residents. 

·                Contributed a further £500k to Brent works to extend this scheme as furlough ends.

·                Organised two Job Fairs to help connect residents with potential employers.

·                Worked with businesses to place young people into ‘kick start’, a new youth work placement scheme, helping to provide a much needed boost to youth employment in the borough.

·                Employed an ethical approach to financial inclusion which is reflected in Brent’s Ethical Debt and Debt Write Off policy.

·                Supported private renters to sustain tenancies and avoid eviction.

However this council recognises the limits of its abilities to mitigate the economic downturn for its most vulnerable residents and calls upon the government to step up to its duty to protect those most at risk.

This council points out, that families most at risk of deepening poverty will not benefit from the increases because they are subject to the benefits cap. Migrants without recourse to public funds, many of whom work in industries hardest hit by the lockdown, have also been left out in the cold and millions of families reliant on the legacy benefit system did not receive the uplift channelled through Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit.

This council therefore calls upon the Government to:

·                Continue the £20-a-week increase to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit early contributions which was brought in to help households deal with the impact of COVID-19.

·                Extend this to other benefit schemes to help residents who are most in financial need and have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

Support Councils through better funding to help them up skill and retrain residents at risk of unemployment as furlough ends.

In accordance with Standing Order 34, the Mayor advised that the next item on the agenda was the non-cabinet member debate, with the subject chosen for consideration being the government’s plans to cut Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit.

Members were advised that the motion submitted as the basis for debate had been circulated with the agenda and that the time available for the debate was 25 minutes.

The Mayor then invited Councillor Chappell to introduce the motion. As context for the debate, Councillor Chappell highlighted the government’s plans to reverse the Universal Credit uplift meaning a cut of £20 per week for claimants, which it was felt would have a detrimental impact on those affected and in worsening increasing levels of poverty. He questioned central government’s insistence that the change would drive down unemployment, noting that many of those affected were already in work.  Highlighting what he felt to be the unfair nature of the policy, Councillor Chappell urged all members to support the motion submitted as the basis for the debate and called on central government to reverse the planned cut, extend the uplift to other benefit schemes and support local authorities in their efforts to tackle unemployment and increasing levels of poverty and hardship.

The Mayor then opened up the debate to other members, with the following comments made during the discussion that followed:

Councillor Kansagra began by highlighting the financial support provided by central government during the pandemic along with the need to prepare for these costs having to be recovered at some stage in the future.  Whilst highlighting that the uplift in Universal Credit had only been introduced as a temporary measure, he supported the view that ending the temporary uplift at the same time as the furlough scheme would create additional hardship and therefore felt there was a need for the Government to reconsider withdrawing the uplift at the current time.

Councillor Shahzad, in supporting the motion, highlighted the difficult winter ahead for residents with increasing fuel, energy and food prices. He felt that the heaviest burden would fall on the poorest residents, and as such urged central government to rethink its planned cuts to Universal Credit.

Councillor Mahmood also expressed his support for the motion, highlighting the impact that the cuts would have on the finances of those in receipt of Universal Credit. He urged all members to unite in asking central government to reverse its decision and postpone the cuts until the economic situation had improved.

Councillor Georgiou, also in support of the motion, felt that the planned cuts were yet another attack on the most vulnerable members of society at a time in which Government support was truly needed.  He questioned the economic and moral sense in placing further unnecessary pressure on struggling families during the recovery phase of the pandemic along with the impact of the Government’s levelling up agenda and called on all members to send a clear message to central government that it did not agree with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

To receive a report from the Director of Legal, HR, Audit & Investigations seeking approval to extend for a further period, the additional delegations granted to the Chief Executive following the expiry of Regulations enabling Local Authority meetings to be held on a remote or hybrid basis during the pandemic period, in order to reduce the number of meetings required.

Council RESOLVED to:

(1)     agree that the delegated powers set out in Appendix 1 of the report remain in place until the 2022 Annual Council meeting.

(2)     note that delegated powers 1 – 4 in Appendix 1 of the report had also been agreed by the Leader for the same period in respect of executive functions.

The Mayor then invited Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, to introduce the report from the Director of Legal, HR, Audit & Investigations.  In introducing the report the Leader advised that the report was seeking approval to extend the additional delegations granted to the Chief Executive following expiry of the Regulations enabling Local Authority meetings to be held on a remote basis during the pandemic.  This was in order to reduce, where necessary, the number and length of meetings which currently required personal attendance by members and officers.

As no members indicated they wished to speak and Councillor Muhammed Butt had confirmed he did not need to exercise his right of reply the Mayor then put the recommendations in the report to the vote and they were declared CARRIED.

Council RESOLVED to:

(1)     agree that the delegated powers set out in Appendix 1 of the report remain in place until the 2022 Annual Council meeting.

(2)     note that delegated powers 1 – 4 in Appendix 1 of the report had also been agreed by the Leader for the same period in respect of executive functions.

To debate the motions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 41.

Members are asked to note that the motions submitted will be circulated as part of a republished agenda in advance of the meeting, in accordance with Standing Order 41(c).

(1)      The following motion submitted by the Conservative Group was declared lost:

Illegal use of E-Scooters

This Council is concerned at the rise in the illegal use of E-scooters which are often dangerously ridden and ridden on pavements without insurance.

This Council is especially concerned that it is only a matter of time before a pedestrian, cyclist or other vulnerable person is seriously injured or killed as a result of the illegal actions of the E-scooter rider.

This Council will not take part in any plans to join a scheme, whereby riders can hire these scooters as there is no guarantee that they will be ridden safely.

This Council notes and praises the Police for taking action against illegal scooter riders by confiscating the scooter and charging the rider with driving without insurance and driving not in accordance with a licence.

This Council would also like to see those individuals who are caught riding E-scooters on the pavement, charged with dangerous driving as well as having no insurance.

Having given consideration to the above, this Council agrees to lobby the Government to ban the sale, importation and use of these dangerous machines in the UK.

Councillors Colwill, Kansagra and Maurice voted in favour of the above motion.

All other members present at the meeting voted against the above motion.

(2)      The following Motion submitted by the Labour Group was AGREED unanimously:

End the Fire and Rehire Practice

This council notes the unethical use of the fire and rehire tactics by certain employers, forcing their staff to accept unfair terms and conditions, leaving many having to work longer hours and for lower pay.

While the Prime Minister has called this “unacceptable” he has continually refused to take action to outlaw the practice, raising concerns that he will not intervene in this race to the bottom by some employers.

This council notes that this practice has been rejected here at Brent as is specifically outlined in the procurement strategy. Furthermore, we have ensured all our service providers abide by these terms.

This council stands with the campaign that has been promoted by our local member of parliament, Barry Gardiner MP who has spotlighted this unsavoury practice, working with trade union partners to defend the right of workers against unscrupulous employers.

Workers should not be scapegoated to carry the burden of lost profits.

This council therefore believes action is required to ensure local residents are protected against such unethical practices and agrees:

(1)      To request that the Leader of the Council write to the Prime Minister demanding the full protection of employees subject to these terms and conditions.

(2)      To continue to encourage fellow councils to exclude from their authorised list of suppliers any business’ using these Fire and Rehire Tactics and to update their procurement and social value policy to reflect that of ethical practices. Furthermore we call upon them to update existing contracts with suppliers in accordance with this commitment.

(3)      To continue to foster good working relationships with Trade Unions  ...  view the full decision text for item 17.

Before moving on to consider the motions listed on the summons, the Mayor advised members that a total of 30 minutes had been set aside for the consideration of the three motions submitted for debate, based on an initial allocation of 10 minutes per motion. Should the time taken to consider the first motion be less than 10 minutes she advised that the remaining time available would be split between the remaining motions on a rolling basis.

17.1  1^st Motion (Conservative Group) – Illegal use of E-Scooters

The Mayor invited Councillor Maurice to move the first motion which had been submitted on behalf of the Conservative Group.  Councillor Maurice, in moving the motion, began by highlighting what he felt to be the dangerous and often illegal use of e-scooters especially when ridden on pavements.  In highlighting his concerns Councillor Maurice felt it was only a matter of time before the use of an e-scooter caused either a serious injury or death and whilst praising the efforts of the police in taking action against their illegal use, advised that his motion was calling on the Council not to support their use, or participate in any trial e-scooter schemes.

The Mayor then invited other members to speak on the motion, with the following contributions received.

Councillor Tatler, in responding to the motion, advised that whilst the safe and properly regulate use of e-scooters was seen to support the development of more active and sustainable forms of travel the Council had decided at this stage not to participate in the trial scheme being operated across a number of London Boroughs by Transport for London (TfL).  Whilst not ruling out the Council’s future participation in the scheme, the basis of this decision had been to allow more time to review how the trial scheme was operating and the safety concerns identified were being addressed in order to ensure any future use was appropriately regulated.  For these reasons she advised she would not be supporting the motion.

As no further members had indicated that they wished to speak the Mayor invited Councillor Maurice to exercise his right of reply.

In summing up, Councillor Maurice advised that given the concerns raised he would continue to lobby against the sale and illegal use of e-scooters and given the safety issued identified urged members to support the motion.

The Mayor then put the motion, as set out below, to a vote by show of hands which was declared LOST.

“This Council is concerned at the rise in the illegal use of E-scooters which are often dangerously ridden and ridden on pavements without insurance.

This Council is especially concerned that it is only a matter of time before a pedestrian, cyclist or other vulnerable person is seriously injured or killed as a result of the illegal actions of the E-scooter rider.

This Council will not take part in any plans to join a scheme, whereby riders can hire these scooters as there is no guarantee that they  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

At the discretion of the Mayor to consider any urgent business, in accordance with Standing Order 30(s).

No urgent items of business were raised at the meeting.

There were no urgent items of business raised at the meeting so the Mayor, in closing the meeting, thanked all members for their co-operation and support and advised that she looked forward to seeing everyone again in person at the next Full Council meeting on Monday 22 November 2021.