Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

Before consideration of the formal agenda, the Mayor informed members of a change to the order of business. Given the attendance of Paul Dossett (Grantt Thornton) as the Council’s External Auditor, for the External Audit Annual Report, she advised of the intention to move the order of items so that this report (listed as Agenda Item 7) was considered in advance of the main Budget and Council Tax report for 2022-2023.

It was therefore RESOLVED that:

(1)      The business to be considered at the meeting be re-arranged in the following order:

·           Agenda Item 6 – Auditors Annual Report on the London Borough of Brent

The remaining items of business to then follow in the same order as listed on the agenda.

The Mayor advised that as this meeting had been designated as the Council’s formal budget and Council Tax setting meeting she would be inviting Councillor Kabir (as the Majority Group Chief Whip) to move a procedural motion, in accordance with Standing Orders, relating to the conduct of the debate on the budget report.

As a result it was RESOLVED that the following procedural motion be agreed:

(1)      That the Leader of the Council be permitted to speak for up to 15 minutes in presenting the report to the meeting and setting out the Cabinet’s proposals for the budget, after which, the following arrangements be agreed for the purpose of debating and voting upon the Budget and Council Tax:

(a)      The Leader of the Conservative Group (or their nominated representative) be permitted to speak for up to 15 minutes;

(b)      The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources be permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes;

(c)       The Co-Chair of the Budget Scrutiny Task Group be permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes;

(d)      A general debate follow, during which the usual rules for debate will apply as set out in Standing Orders (save as set out in this procedural motion);

(2)      At the end of the general debate, the Leader of the Council be permitted to speak for up to 5 minutes to submit his closing remarks;

(3)      Following the close of the debate, recorded votes on any amendments to the budget proposals and then the final substantive budget proposals be taken in turn with the recommendations taken en bloc.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Chohan, Crane, Denselow, Donnelly-Jackson, Hector, Lloyd, Lo, Ramesh Patel, Perrin & Shah.

The Mayor reported that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Chohan, Crane, Denselow, Donnelly-Jackson, Hector, Lloyd, Lo, Ramesh Patel, Perrin & Shah.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the previous meeting of the Council held on Monday 22 November 2021.

AGREED that the minutes of the previous Full Council meeting held on Monday 22 November 2021 be approved as a correct record.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 22 November 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.

Prior to the Mayor’s formal announcements Council considered and unanimously AGREED a statement tabled at the meeting condemning the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine and expressing solidarity with all those affected living within Ukraine.

Announcements from the Mayor were then noted in relation to:

·             New Years Honours List 2022

·             Holocaust and Genocide Memorial Day event 2022

·             Tributes and thanks expressed to councillors not standing in the May 2022 borough elections

·             Mayor’s Charity Gala Dinner

·             Relaunch of Community Grants Schemes

·             Petitions

Prior to her formal announcements, the Mayor drew Members attention to the statement which had been tabled at the meeting seeking, on behalf of the Council, to condemn the actions of the Russian Federation in relation to the disturbing events witnessed in Ukraine immediately prior to the meeting and expressing solidarity with all those affected.  Members noted and welcomed the lighting up of the Civic Centre in the colours of the Ukrainian flag, as a further gesture of support and solidarity.

Given the strength of feeling on the issue, the Mayor advised she would be willing to allow a representative from each political group to speak on the situation, starting with Councillor Kelcher on behalf of the Labour Group.

Councillor Klecher began by thanking the Mayor, Chief Executive and everyone else involved for their efforts to ensure it had been possible to table the statement at such short notice for discussion at the meeting.  Referring to the full scale invasion of Ukraine which had been launched by Russia, in defiance of international law and the commitments under the Minsk Accord, he welcomed the statement which had been tabled at the meeting condemning the invasion and expressing solidarity with the people of Ukraine.  The statement also demanded the immediate withdrawal of Russian military forces, with Councillor Kelcher highlighting significant concern at the previous treatment of Ukraine by Russia and importance in Ukraine, as a sovereign state, being able to maintain its independent status rather than fall under Russian dominance and control.  In supporting the demands on the UK Government to impose the harshest possible sanctions on the Russian Federation, Councillor Kelcher ended by highlighting the diverse nature of Brent, which included citizens who had been welcomed from other occupied nations around the world and hoped this would encourage everyone to support the Council’s message of solidarity to the people of Ukraine.

The Mayor then invited Councillor Kansagra to speak on behalf of the Opposition Group.  Also speaking in support of the statement, Councillor Kansagra highlighted the longstanding build up of Russian military forces in the region and need for more powerful sanctions to be imposed on the Russian Federation in response to the invasion and violation of international law.  Recognising the anguish of all those affected, he advised the Conservative Group also fully supported the Council’s message of solidarity with the people of Ukraine and hoped for a peaceful outcome to the conflict.

The Mayor thanked both members for their contribution and as a result it was unanimously RESOLVED to approve the following statement tabled at the meeting condemning the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine and expressing solidarity with all those affected living within Ukraine:

“Brent Council:

·             recognises that Ukraine is a sovereign, independent state with the right to self determination.

·             condemns the Russian Federation’s incursion into sovereign Ukrainian territory in violation of international law and their treaty obligations under the Minsk Protocol of 2014.

·             demands that the Russian President, Vladimir Putin pull back his forces, desists from a full scale  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

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

(Agenda republished to include the list of appointments on 18 February 2022 & 22 February 2022)

AGREED the following changes in the membership of Committees & Outside Bodies:

(1)    Councillor Mili Patel to be replaced as a full member and Chair of the Corporate Parenting Committee by Councillor McLennan (with Council having noted her appointment as Interim Lead Member for Children’s Safeguarding, Early Help and Social Care).

(2)    Councillor Mitchell-Murray to be replaced as a full member of the Brent Pension Fund Sub Committee by a vacancy. (NB this will be subject to confirmation by General Purposes Committee on 7 March 22).

(3)    Councillor Mitchell- Murray to be replaced as a substitute member on both the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee and Audit & Standards Committee by a vacancy.

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 the membership of Committee and Outside Bodies:

(1)     Councillor Mili Patel to be replaced as a full member and Chair of the Corporate Parenting Committee by Councillor McLennan (with Council having noted her appointment as Interim Lead Member for Children’s Safeguarding, Early Help and Social Care).

(2)     Councillor Mitchell-Murray to be replaced as a full member of the Brent Pension Fund Sub Committee by a vacancy. (NB this will be subject to confirmation by General Purposes Committee on 7 March 22).

(3)     Councillor Mitchell- Murray to be replaced as a substitute member on both the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee and Audit & Standards Committee by a vacancy.

This report presents the Council’s External Auditor’s Annual Report on value for money as part of the 2020/21 audit of the year end accounts. It also sets out the key recommendations made within the Annual Report.

Members are asked to note that a representative of the Council’s External Auditor’s (Grant Thornton) will be present at the meeting to respond to any issues raised.

Council RESOLVED to note the external auditor’s annual report on value for money as part of the 2020/21 audit of the year end accounts.

Having agreed to the change in the order of business, the Mayor invited Paul Dossett (Grant Thornton) as the Council’s External Auditor to introduce the report from the Chief Executive presenting the External Audit Annual Report on Value for Money (VFM).

In introducing the report, Paul Dossett outlined the revised approach towards the VFM audit introduced by the National Audit Office as part of their new Code of Audit Practice for 2020-21 and drew Members attention to the positive nature of the process and key findings detailed within the Annual Report.

The Mayor then opened the debate inviting other members to speak on the report.

Councillor McLennan (as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources) welcomed the report and felt it was important to recognise the positive nature of the findings identified in relation to the Council’s VFM arrangements.  In highlighting the forensic and transparent nature of the audit process, she also took the opportunity to thank Paul Dossett and his team for the way in which they had conducted the audit.

As no other members indicated they wished to speak the Mayor then invited Paul Dossett to respond with any final comments prior to consideration of the item being concluded.  In responding, Paul Dossett, drew Members attention to the Executive Summary within the Annual Report and confirmed that no significant weakness had been identified in relation to the three main areas reviewed as part of the audit.  These had been focussed around the Council’s Financial Sustainability; Governance and arrangements for securing and improving economy, efficiency and effectiveness.  Whilst a number of recommendations had been identified, these had related to further improvements on which it was confirmed management responses had already been provided.  In commending the report to Council, he once again highlighted the positive outcome of the audit and expressed thanks to all those involved in supporting the process.

The Mayor then put the recommendation in the report to the vote and they were unanimously declared CARRIED.

Council therefore RESOLVED to note the External Auditor’s Annual Report on Value for Money as part of the 2020/21 audit of the year end accounts.

6.1     Budget & Council Tax 2022-23

This report sets out the Council’s budget proposals for 2022/23.  It also details the results of the consultation, scrutiny and equalities considerations in relation to the budget proposals.  The report also sets out the overall financial position facing the Council for the medium term and highlights the significant risks, issues and uncertainties.

Members are asked to note that the recommendations in the report were approved by Cabinet on 7 February 2022 for reference on to Council.

(Agenda republished to include a revised version of Appendix P to the main budget report – Pay Policy Statement 2022/23 on 22 February 2022)

6.2     Conservative Group amendments to the Budget & Council Tax proposals 2022-23

To consider the proposed amendments submitted by the Conservative Group in relation to the Council’s budget proposals for 2022-23.

(Agenda republished to include the Conservative Group alternative budget proposals on 22 February 2022)

Council RESOLVED to:

(1)       Agree an overall 2.99% increase in the Council’s element of Council Tax for 2022/23, with 1% as a precept for Adult Social Care and a 1.99% general increase.

(2)       Agree the General Fund revenue budget for 2022/23, as summarised in Appendices A and B of the report.

(3)       Agree the savings proposals for 2022/23, as set out in Appendix C of the report.

(4)       Note the report from the Budget Scrutiny Panel in Appendix D of the report.

(5)       Agree the HRA budget for 2022/23, as set out in section seven of the report.

(6)       Agree the Dedicated Schools Grant, as set out in section eight of the report.

(7)       Agree the changes to the existing Capital Programme in relation to additions of new schemes and reprofiling, as set out in section 10 of the report and Appendix E, and note the Capital Pipeline Schemes in Appendix F of the report.

(8)       Agree the Capital Strategy, the Investment Strategy, the Treasury Management Strategy and the Minimum Revenue Provision Statement as set out in Appendices G, H, I and J of the report.

(9)       Agree the Reserves Strategy and schedule of reserves, as set out in Appendix K of the report.

(10)     Note the action plan to implement CIPFA’s Financial Management Code, as set out in Appendix L of the report.

(11)     Agree the schedule of fees and charges, as set out in Appendix M of the report.

(12)     Note the results of the budget consultation, as set out in section six and detailed in Appendix N of the report.

(13)     Note the advice of the Director of Legal, HR, Audit and Investigations, as set out in Appendix O of the report.

(14)     Agree the Pay Policy Statement for 2022/23, as set out in Appendix P of the report.

Council Tax recommendations

(15)     As a result of confirmation having been received on the final GLA precept in advance of the recommendations being put to the vote at the Council meeting it was agreed in relation to the Council Tax for 2022/23:

            That the following amounts be now calculated as the Council’s element by the Council for the year 2022/23 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as amended:

(a) £1,067,562,055  being the aggregate of the amount that the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act.

(b) £927,416,795      being the aggregate of the amounts that the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(3) of the Act.

(c) £140,145,260      being the amount by which the aggregate at (a) above exceeds the aggregate at (b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act, as its Council Tax requirement for the year.

 (d) £1,419.48           being the amount at (c) above, divided by the amount for the tax base of 98,730, agreed by the General Purposes Committee on the 6 December 2021, calculated by the Council, in accordance with  ...  view the full decision text for item 10.

The Mayor then moved on to receive the report from the Director of Finance setting out the Council’s budget proposals for 2022-23.  Included within the report were the results of the budget consultation, scrutiny and equalities processes along with a summary of the overall financial position, risks, issues and uncertainties facing the Council over the medium term.

In accordance with the procedural motion agreed at the start of the meeting, the Mayor invited Councillor M Butt, as Leader of the Council, to introduce the report.

Councillor M Butt began by thanking members, officers, the public and other stakeholders for their involvement in the consultation and preparation of the budget.  Highlighting that the proposals presented another balanced budget he felt they not only set out a fair and responsible approach but also one that would continue to make a difference for residents across Brent in terms of the aspirations for continued growth and opportunity not only in the coming year but also beyond.

Commenting on the alternative budget proposals presented by the Opposition Group he felt it important to outline the risks identified when compared to the ambitious but responsible budget presented by the Labour Administration, which had been designed to not only provide value for money but also remove the barriers to enable residents to access opportunities and ensure no one was left behind.  Referring to the budget proposals set out within the report, Councillor M.Butt highlighted these included no additional reductions beyond the £2.7m approved as part of the 2021-22 budget, along with an unprecedented level of capital investment made possible as a result of the prudent stewardship and commitment of the Administration, despite the challenges of austerity and the pandemic.  He was also proud of the additional support being provided through the Council Tax Support Scheme and Resident Support Fund which, as a result of the effective management of the Council’s finances, had meant Brent was able to offer one of the most generous packages of support within London for its most vulnerable residents and in order to fill the gaps created as a result of the ongoing funding restrictions being imposed by central government.

In referencing how the budget would support and improve the lives of Brent residents, Councillor M Butt advised of the ambitions included within the budget for the future for Brent residents.  These included:

·             Work to deliver a £15m programme of investment and repairs on Brent’s priority roads and pavements following the winter season with it noted that over 1000 pot holes had already been filled over the last year.

·             Continuing the progress being achieved through delivery of the New Council Homes Programme with over 1000 safe, secure and affordable homes already being delivered and additional funding to tackle homelessness and reduce the reliance on temporary accommodation.

·             A commitment to rebuild and reimagine local neighbourhoods to create safe inviting spaces that were fit for the future and residents across the borough.

·             The roll out of Brent’s innovative Digital Strategy, which would include development of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

This report summarises the key stages since Full Council approved submission of the draft Brent Local Plan for Examination on 19^th February 2020.  These include the examination and associated hearings and the recommendations of the Inspectors appointed on behalf of the Secretary of State to examine the Local Plan.  The Inspectors’ report recommends that, subject to incorporation of their main modifications, the draft Brent Local Plan can be regarded as legally compliant and sound.

Full Council is therefore being asked to consider the report and incorporate the main modifications, other non-‘main’ modifications and modifications to the policies map to the draft Brent Local Plan submitted for examination, prior to formally approving its adoption.  As part of this process Full Council is also being asked to formally revoke parts of the existing Brent Development Plan which the new policies will supersede.

Council RESOLVED, having considered the report of the Inspectors appointed to examine the draft Brent Local Plan, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report:

(1)     To approve the proposed schedule of ‘main’ modifications recommended as set out in Appendix 2 of the report as necessary by the Inspectors to make the draft Brent Local Plan capable of being found sound.

(2)     To approve non-main modifications to the draft Brent Local Plan as shown in Appendix 3 of the report and modifications to the draft Brent Local Plan Policies Map as shown in Appendix 4 of the report.

(3)     To adopt the Brent Local Plan 2022 as set out within Appendix 5 of the report incorporating the draft Local Plan submitted for examination with modifications set out in Appendices 2 and 3 of the repoirt, and also the associated policies map within Appendix 6 of the report that will incorporate modifications as set out in Appendix 4 of the report.

(4)     To revoke the Brent Core Strategy 2010, Brent Site Allocations Development Plan Document 2011, the Wembley Area Action Plan 2015 and the Development Management Policies Plan 2016 so that they are no longer considered Development Plan Documents for the purposes of determining planning applications within the area that the Council remains the Local Planning Authority and also their associated policies map

(5)     To delegate authority to the Strategic Director Regeneration and Environment in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Property and Planning to make any further necessary minor modifications and confirm the final format of the printed Brent Local Plan 2022.

Having concluded consideration of the budget, the Mayor then invited Councillor Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration Property & Planning, to introduce the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration & Environment, updating members on the key stages undertaken since Full Council had approved the Draft Brent Local Plan for examination on 19 February 2020 and seeking approval, subject to incorporation of the modifications recommended by the Inspectors appointed by the Secretary of State, to formal adoption of the Brent Local Plan 2022.

In introducing the report Councillor Tatler highlighted the significance of the Local Plan in setting a vision for development of the borough and in delivering the aspirations set out in the Council’s Borough Plan.  Whilst seeking to address the longer term challenges identified as a result of the predicted increase in population within Brent along with changes in the way people lived and worked and impact of the climate emergency, development of the Plan had also been focussed around the more immediate challenges identified.  These included the supply of Affordable Housing, creation of jobs, protection of industrial and green space, high streets and associated infrastructure.

Referring to the importance of an up to date, relevant and sound Local Plan as a means of focussing planning and wider development policies over the next 20 years, Councillor Tatler advised members that the Plan was not only focussed on the delivery of the necessary housing and infrastructure developments but included a wider balance in terms of developing and meeting the aspirations of local communities and in seeking to address more fundamental inequalities highlighted through the Black Community Action Plan, Poverty Commission, Inclusive Growth Strategy, work relating to tackling violence against women and girls and the pandemic.

In terms of the detailed process, members were advised that work had started on development of the Plan back in 2017 with its content having been informed by continuous engagement both internally and externally involving local communities, residents and other key stakeholders.  This had involved a series evidence gathering session and rounds of public consultation (including a borough wide letter to residents and inclusion of the Neighbourhood Forums) alongside a detailed public examination and inspection process undertaken by independent Planning Inspectors on behalf of the Secretary of State.  In concluding her introductory comments, Councillor Tatler advised members she was proud to present the Local Plan for adoption as a means of providing the basis to determine future planning applications that would support good quality developments and delivering not only the level of housing required but also targets in relation to affordable housing and land supply, jobs, sustainable development along with the necessary infrastructure.  Reassurance was also provided that adoption of the Plan would not lead to the development of tall buildings or Intensification Corridors throughout the borough or lead to an increase of development in residential back gardens or on protected green spaces but would enable the Council meet its moral and legal obligations in terms of planning to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

This report sets out proposals for appointing the external auditor to the Council for the five-year period from 2023/24.

Members are asked to note that the proposals were endorsed for referral on to Council by the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee on 31 January 2022.

Council RESOLVED to accept Public Sector Audit Appointments’ invitation to opt into the sector-led option for the appointment of external auditors to principal local government and police bodies for five financial years from 1 April 2023.

At this stage in proceedings, the Deputy Mayor took over as Chair of the meeting whilst the Mayor took a short break.

The Deputy Mayor invited Councillor McLennan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources, to introduce a report from the Director of Finance detailing proposals for appointment of the Council’s External Auditor for the accounts for a five year period from 2023-24.

In introducing the report, Councillor McLennan highlighted the main options available to the Council in terms of the arrangements for seeking to appoint its external auditor as detailed within section 3.1 of the report, with it noted that the Council had currently opted into the ‘appointing person’ national auditor appointment arrangements established by Public Sector Audit Appointments (PSAA).  Having assessed the options available and undertaken discussions with other local authorities, the preferred option identified had been to continue with the sector wide procurement and national collective scheme being administered and conducted by PSAA, which it was felt would continue to provide better outcomes than any more complex procurement arrangements undertaken locally both in terms of mitigating risk and cost.  Members were advised that the recommended approach outlined in the report had also been endorsed for referral on to Council by the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee on 31 January 2022.

As no members indicated they wished to speak and Councillor McLennan had confirmed she did not need to exercise her right of reply the Deputy Mayor then put the recommendation in the report to the vote and it was declared CARRIED.

Council therefore RESOLVED to accept Public Sector Audit Appointments’ invitation to opt into the sector-led option for the appointment of external auditors to principal local government and police bodies for five financial years from 1 April 2023.

Following the completion of this item the Mayor resumed as Chair of the meeting.

This report provides an update on treasury management activities for the first half of the financial year 2021-22.

Members are asked to note that the report was noted by Cabinet on 17 January 2022 and has been referred on to Council for consideration in compliance with CIPFAs Code of Practice on Treasury Management.

Council RESOLVED to note the 2021-22 Mid-Year Treasury report in compliance with CIPFA’s Code of Practice on Treasury Management (the Code).

The Mayor then invited Councillor McLennan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources, to introduce the report from the Director of Finance updating members on Treasury Management activity for the first half of the 2021-21 financial year. Members noted that the report had also been considered and agreed by the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee on 7 December 2021 and Cabinet on 17 January 2022 who had agreed to refer it on to Council for consideration in compliance with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management.

In introducing the report, Councillor McLennan confirmed that the Council was continuing to operate in compliance with the Treasury Management Indicators for 2021/22, as detailed within Appendix 1 of the report.

As no other members indicated they wished to speak, the Mayor then put the recommendations in the report to the vote and they were unanimously declared CARRIED.

It was therefore RESOLVED to note the 2021-22 Mid-Year Treasury report in compliance with CIPFA’s Code of Practice on Treasury Management (the Code).

This report outlines the annual review of the Members Allowance Scheme undertaken for 2022/2023.  As part of the review Full Council is also being asked to consider updating the provisions included within the Scheme for councillors with dependants, maternity, paternity, adoption and sickness payments.

Council RESOLVED:

(1)     To approve the changes to the Members’ Allowance Scheme proposed in Appendices 1 and 2 of the report which update and clarify the Council’s support for councillors with caring responsibilities in relation to a) dependants’ carers’ allowance and b) maternity, paternity, adoption and sickness pay.

(2)     To make a Members Allowance Scheme in the proposed terms set out in this report for the Financial Year 2022/23.

(3)     To note that a further detailed review of the level of allowances payable under the Scheme will be undertaken by Constitution Working Group following which further changes to the Scheme may be recommended to Council.

(4)     To authorise the Director of Legal, HR Audit & Investigations to comply with the statutory requirements to publicise the Council’s Members’ Allowance Scheme.

Moving on, the Mayor then invited Councillor M Butt, Leader of the Council, to introduce the report from the Director of Legal, HR, Audit & Investigations which sought approval to the proposed Members Allowance Scheme for the 2022-23 financial year.

In introducing the report, Councillor M Butt advised that as agreed for the current year, no annual uplift had been recommended to the level of basic, special responsibility or civic allowances contained within the Members Allowance Scheme for 2022-23.  This was on the basis that the level of basic allowances were in line with the suggested rate identified within the most recent Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) review.  Whilst no changes had been proposed to the Special Responsibility Allowances (SRA) payable under the Scheme, members noted these would be subject to further review during 2022-23 following the local election.  The report also detailed the outcome of a review undertaken on the current provisions included within the Members Allowance Scheme relating to Dependants’ Carers’ Allowance and Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and Sickness Pay and changes being proposed as a result.  Members were advised that the changes identified had been designed to reflect best practice and ensure the offer in Brent was consistent with that provided elsewhere, provide more clarity and support councillors in being able to participate in the democratic process. 

As no members indicated they wished to speak, the Mayor then put the recommendations in the report to the vote and they were unanimously declared CARRIED.

Council therefore RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the changes to the Members’ Allowance Scheme proposed in Appendices 1 and 2 of the report which updated and clarified the Council’s support for councillors with caring responsibilities in relation to a) dependants’ carers’ allowance and b) maternity, paternity, adoption and sickness pay.

(2)    To make a Members Allowance Scheme in the proposed terms set out in the report for the Financial Year 2022/23.

(3)    To note that a further detailed review of the level of allowances payable under the Scheme would be undertaken by Constitution Working Group following which further changes to the Scheme may be recommended to Council.

(4)    To authorise the Director of Legal, HR Audit & Investigations to comply with the statutory requirements to publicise the Council’s Members’ Allowance Scheme.

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

In accordance with the provisions outlined above it has been agreed to receive the following as an urgent item at this meeting:

12.1Council Tax Reduction Scheme Amendment for 2022/23 – Energy Rebate Grant

This report seeks approval to make the required changes to the Council’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2022/23 as prescribed by central government.  This follows the announcement on 3 February 2022 regarding Energy Bill Rebates, which included provision for most properties in Council Tax Bands A to D to receive a £150 rebate payment.  Only Full Council has the power to make or amend the Council’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

The reasons for urgency are as detailed within section 1.2 of the attached report.

(Agenda republished to include this item on 18 February 2022)

In accordance with Standing Order 30(s) Council were advised that the Mayor had agreed to deal with the following as an urgent item on the grounds that there was a requirement for the Council to amend its Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2022/23 in order take account of the Energy Rebate Scheme as prescribed by the Government.

12.1Council Tax Reduction Scheme Amendment for 2022/23 – Energy Rebate Grant

Council RESOLVED:

(1)     To approve the amended Council Tax Reduction Scheme for the 2022/23 financial year as set out in Appendix A to the report to take effect from 1 April 2022.

(2)     To note that the change to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for the 2022/23 as prescribed by central government was as follows:

(a)    any payment made under the Energy Rebate Scheme 2022 is to be disregarded in determining:

(i)     an applicant’s entitlement to a reduction under the scheme; or

(ii)     the amount of any reduction under the scheme.

(3)     To note that the Energy Rebate of £150 would be paid whether or not a resident was in receipt of Council Tax Support.

In accordance with Standing Order 30(s) the Mayor advised Council that she had agreed to deal with the following as an urgent item of business on the grounds that the Government, as of 12 February 2022, had required Council’s to amend their Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2022-2023 in order take account and make provision for introduction of the Energy Rebate Scheme.

15.1  Council Tax Reduction Scheme Amendment for 2022/23 – Energy Rebate Grant

Councillor Southwood, Cabinet Member for Housing & Welfare Reform, was then invited to introduce the report from the Strategic Director of Customer & Digital Services outlining the required changes to Brent’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2022-23, as prescribed by Government.

In introducing the report Councillor Southwood advised that the amendments being sought to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme had been required as a result of the introduction of the Government’s Energy Bill Rebate Scheme, which had included provision for most properties in Council Tax Bands A to D to receive a £150 rebate payment.  The amendment being sought required the Energy Rebate payment to be disregarded as income from the scheme as it applied to both residents of working and pension age.  Whilst the amendment related to the Council Tax Support Scheme, which only Full Council had the power to make or amend, members were advised that the rebate payment would still be made whether or not a resident was in receipt of Council Tax Support.  In addition, the Rebate Scheme had also made provision for local authorities to create a discretionary scheme to support other properties in Council Tax Bands E to H, which Councillor Southwood advised would be subject to separate consideration and approval in due course.

As no members indicated they wished to speak, the Mayor then put the recommendations in the report to the vote and they were unanimously declared CARRIED.

Having been accepted as an urgent item, Council therefore RESOLVED:

(1)     To approve the amended Council Tax Reduction Scheme for the 2022/23 financial year as set out in Appendix A to the report to take effect from 1 April 2022.

(2)     To note that the change to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for the 2022/23 as prescribed by central government was as follows:

(a)     any payment made under the Energy Rebate Scheme 2022 is to be disregarded in determining:

(i)      an applicant’s entitlement to a reduction under the scheme; or

(ii)     the amount of any reduction under the scheme.

(3)     To note that the Energy Rebate of £150 would be paid whether or not a resident was in receipt of Council Tax Support.

The Mayor advised Members there were no other urgent items of business for consideration.

As this was her final Council business meeting as Mayor, Councillor Colacicco ended proceedings by taking the opportunity to thank members for their support and cooperation throughout her time as Mayor, particularly over what had been yet another challenging period for the borough.  Members were reminded that the next Full Council meeting would now  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.