Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Begum, Dar, Miller, Mistry, Southwood & Tatler.

The Mayor reported that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Begum, Dar, Miller, Mistry, Southwood & Tatler.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on Wednesday 18 May 2022.

AGREED that the minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on Wednesday 18 May 2022 be approved as a correct record.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on Wednesday 18 May 2022 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.

Announcements from the Mayor were noted in relation to:

·                Recent events attended by the Mayor – including Queens Platinum Jubilee celebrations, LGBTQ+ Flag Raising ceremony, Brent Refugee Week celebrations, Brent Looked After Children celebration, presentation of bronze bust Rolling Stones Fan Club, Srebrenica Memorial Event and Pride of Brent Awards.

·                Death of former Councillor Angela Sheppard.

·                Queen’s Birthday Honours.

·                100^th birthday celebrations.

·                Changes to Council Management Team and tributes to Gail Tolley, Shazia Hussain and Alan Lunt.

·                Petitions

The Mayor made the following announcements:

(i)       Mayoral Engagements

The Mayor advised he had been pleased to attend a number of events since the start of the Municipal Year. Highlights had included:

·            The lighting of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon on 2 June on the steps of Wembley Stadium, which had included the Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band, who were thanked for their performance in leading the celebrations.  The Mayor reported he had also been pleased to have attended many of the street parties across the Jubilee weekend and seen so many residents enjoying the celebrations.

·            Marking the start of Pride month with the LGBTQ+ Flag Raising ceremony, which he was pleased to report had been well attended by staff and other councillors.

·            Attending the Brent Refugee Week celebrations at Newman College, where a number of local organisations had received sanctuary awards.

·            Being invited to attend a celebration of achievement event for Brent Looked After Children which had recognised not only their achievements but also the ongoing commitment from Brent Council to support them towards fulfilling their individual aspirations and ambitions.

·            Hosting the Rolling Stones fan club in presenting a bronze bust of the late Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts to the Council.

·            The Mayor advised he had also been honoured to attend the Srebrenica Memorial Event, which had marked 27 years since the genocide at Srebrenica in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

·            The Mayor had also been delighted to attend the recent Pride of Brent Awards, where he had been pleased to be able to celebrate and recognise the many unsung heroes amongst Brent’s staff and within the local community.

(ii)       Death of former Councillor Angela Sheppard

The Mayor advised that it was with sadness he had to inform members of the death of former Councillor Angela Sheppard on 25 June 2022.

In remembering former Councillor Sheppard, members were advised that she had served as a Councillor in Preston ward during the 1980’s and in the early 1990’s had served as the Borough’s Mayoress alongside Councillor Tom Taylor.  The Mayor advised that she would be fondly remembered as someone focussed on serving her residents with a common sense approach and also as someone who served at a national level in the Towns Women’s Guild, where she had been involved in the promotion of women and girls rights for over 50 years.  In recognising how much she would be missed by her partner Craig, two sons David & Peter and four grandchildren, the Mayor ended by expressing condolences, on behalf of the Council to her family and friends.

(iii)      Queen’s Birthday Honours List

The Mayor then took the opportunity, on behalf of the Council, to congratulate those residents and local representatives who had received an honour in the Queens recent Birthday Honours list.  These had included:

·                Navin Shah the former Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow who had been awarded a CBE for his role in local politics and public service.

·                Chunilal Kakad who had been awarded an MBE for four decades  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To agree any appointments to Committees and Outside Bodies in accordance with Standing Order 30(g).  In addition Council is also being asked to confirm the appointment of an Independent Person.

(Updated list of appointments republished 7 July 2022)

AGREED

(1)     the following change in appointments to Outside Bodies:

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)    To agree the following changes in appointments to Outside Bodies:

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

NOTED the deputation received from Mr John Poole regarding pollution in Wealdstone Brook and support residents were seeking to address the issues identified.  Having reminded members about the course of the brook running through Harrow & Brent, he highlighted the detrimental impact on residents as a result of the current levels of pollution, including untreated sewage, within the brook.  Concerns were expressed at what he regarded as a lack of co-ordination between relevant agencies in seeking to tackle the issues and also that the Council had not sought to declare the current levels of pollution as a major incident, given what he felt to be the impact on public health, with examples provided at the meeting.  As a result he urged the Council to ensure those agencies responsible took the necessary steps to clean up the pollution within the brook and also rectify the cause of the problems.

In responding to the deputation, Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure & Climate Action advised that she recognised the frustrations and concerns expressed regarding current levels of contamination within the brook.  As a result she highlighted the work being undertaken with Thames Water and the Environment Agency (as the main regulatory bodies with shared responsibility for maintenance of the brook) in seeking to ensure the necessary action was taken to not only clear the pollution but also to detect and rectify the source, which it was understood had been linked to wrongly connected foul sewers and the unlawful discharge of toxic substances.  In explaining the reasons for not seeking to declare a major incident, members were also advised of the work being undertaken with Public Health to monitor the impact on the local population with no evidence of any specific associated health issues being highlighted to date.  In summing up and thanking Mr Poole for his deputation, an assurance was provided that work would continue with the relevant partner agencies to ensure the necessary action was taken to address and respond to the pollution within the brook.

The Mayor advised that he had accepted a request for a deputation to be presented at the meeting from Mr John Poole (as a local resident) relating to pollution in Wealdstone Brook and the action being sought by residents in response.

The Mayor advised that unless otherwise indicated by members, he intended to allow Mr Poole up to five minutes to present the deputation. He would then allow Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure & Climate Action, up to two minutes to respond to the deputation.

As no objections were raised on the approach outlined, the Mayor welcomed Mr Poole to the meeting and invited him to present his deputation.

Mr Poole began his deputation by reminding members about the course of the brook running through Harrow & Brent, and highlighted the detrimental impact on residents as a result of the current levels of pollution, including untreated sewage, within the brook.  Highlighting the personal impact on his health as a result of the current levels of pollution and smell being created, he referred to the images provided as examples at the meeting.  Concern was also expressed at what he regarded to be a lack of co-ordination between relevant agencies in seeking to tackle the issues and also that the Council had not sought to declare the current levels of raw sewage pollution as a major incident, given what he felt to be the detrimental impact on public health, safety and wellbeing.  As a result he urged the Council to ensure those agencies responsible took the necessary steps to clean up the pollution within the brook and also rectify, as a matter of urgency, the cause of the problems.

In responding to the deputation, Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure & Climate Action advised that she recognised the frustrations and concerns expressed regarding current levels of contamination within the brook.  As a result, she highlighted the work being undertaken with Thames Water and the Environment Agency (as the main regulatory bodies with shared responsibility for maintenance of the brook) in seeking to ensure the necessary action was taken to not only clear the pollution but also to detect and rectify the source, which it was understood had been linked to wrongly connected foul sewers and the unlawful discharge of toxic substances.  In explaining the reasons for not seeking to declare a major incident, members were also advised of the work being undertaken with Public Health to monitor the impact on the local population, with no evidence of any specific associated health issues being highlighted to date.  In concluding her response, Councillor Krupa Sheth thanked Mr Poole for his deputation with an assurance provided that work would continue with the relevant partner agencies to ensure the necessary action was taken to address and respond to the pollution within the brook.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Krupa Sheth for her response and advised as this now concluded consideration of the deputation he would move on to the next item.

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

Members are asked to note that one public question has been received, which has been attached along with the written response.

7.2   To receive questions submitted from Brent Youth Parliament to Cabinet Members, in accordance with Standing Order 33(c).

One question has been received under this item, which has been attached along with the written response provided.

NOTED

1.         The written response provided by the Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Equalities and Culture to a public question submitted by M. Whiteley regarding the Council’s membership of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Scheme.  No supplementary question was received.

2.      The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet for Children, Young People and Schools to a question submitted by Brent Youth Parliament regarding the support and funding available to assist in development of the Brent Youth Strategy and youth engagement forums.

8.1   Questions from the Public

The Mayor advised that the following question had been received from a member of the public:

Question 1 from M.Whiteley to Councillor Donnelly-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Community, Engagement, Equalities & Culture regarding the Council’s membership of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Scheme.

The Mayor advised that whilst the member of the public had been invited to the meeting in order to ask a supplementary question, they had unfortunately advised they were unable to attend.  Members therefore noted the written response which had been provided, without further comment.

The Mayor then moved on to deal with a question submitted by Brent Youth Parliament.

8.2   Question from Brent Youth Parliament

The Mayor advised that the following question had been received from Brent Youth Parliament:

Question 1 from Chris Mutombo-Ramazani (Brent’s Member of the UK Youth Parliament) and Kenechi Ezeajughi (Brent Youth Parliament Media & Communications lead) to Councillor Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools regarding the support and funding available to help with the continued development of youth engagement forums and youth spaces.

Members noted the written response provided on the question with the Mayor welcoming Chris Mutombo-Ramazani and Kenechi Ezeajughi to the meeting in order to ask a supplementary question.  The supplementary question from Brent Youth Parliament was as follows:

Supplementary Question from Brent Youth Parliament to Councillor Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools.

Having thanked Councillor Grahl for the written response provided, further details were sought on the funding available, moving forward, for ongoing investment in youth services and to assist in development of the Brent Youth Strategy and youth engagement forums.

In response, Councillor Grahl took the opportunity to thank the Brent Youth Parliament for the important role they played in representing young people across the borough and began her response by outlining the ambitious nature of the youth strategy and practical steps already taken to support its ongoing delivery, as set out in her written response.  Highlighting the Council’s commitment to continue working with the voluntary and community sector to develop more spaces for young people, she advised that discussions were also ongoing with a national charity to consider how an Onside Youth Zone could also be established within the borough.  Amongst other initiatives, reference was also made to proposals being developed for the provision of an additional youth centre, with potential sites currently being identified.  Whilst recognising that the level of investment available would need to take account of the Council’s current and future budget position, Councillor Grahl ended by advising that she would be willing to meet representatives of the Youth Parliament outside of the meeting to update them further on the work being undertaken and plans moving forward to continue supporting development of the strategy

Having noted the response provided, the Mayor thanked Councillor Grahl for her response and Chris Mutombo-Ramazani and Kenechi Ezeajughi for the question and attending the meeting. As there were no further questions the Mayor concluded the public question session.  ...  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 Rules and Standing Order 66.

No petitions were presented at the meeting.

The Mayor advised that no requests for debates on any petitions had been received for consideration at the meeting.

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 any matter within the responsibility of the Cabinet.

(Agenda republished to include this report 7 July 2022)

NOTED the report and update provided at the meeting by Councillor Muhammed Butt, as Leader of the Council, highlighting the work being undertaken across each Cabinet portfolio in order to provide ongoing support and services to residents within the borough.  As part of the update the Leader took the opportunity to thank the representatives from Brent Youth Parliament for their attendance and contribution at the meeting and to confirm the Council’s commitment to continue supporting the work they were undertaking on behalf of young people across the borough.  In addition, he highlighted the success and welcomed the level of local community engagement in the recent participatory budget process and work being undertaken by the Council in terms of supporting those most in need with tackling the cost of living crisis and in order to ensure everyone had the opportunity to succeed.  Members also noted the list of urgent Executive decisions taken since the last Council meeting, as tabled at the meeting.

The Mayor invited Councillor Muhammed Butt, as Leader of the Council, to introduce the report updating members on the work being undertaken across each Cabinet portfolio in order to provide ongoing support and services to residents within the borough.  As part of the update the Leader took the opportunity to thank the representatives from Brent Youth Parliament for their attendance and contribution at the meeting and to confirm the Council’s commitment to continue supporting the work they were undertaking on behalf of young people across the borough.  In addition, he highlighted the success and welcomed the level of local community engagement in the recent participatory budget process alongside the work being undertaken by the Council in terms of supporting those most in need with tackling the cost of living crisis.

In ending the update, members were also 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 the 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.

Under the new arrangements agreed as part of the changes to the Constitution at the Annual Council meeting, 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.

NOTED

1.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action to a question submitted by Councillor Long regarding the criteria and investment being made available to improve the condition of yellow lines, parking bays and pedestrian crossings particularly where they had been worn or were in need of replacement.

2.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action to a question submitted by Councillor Mitchell in relation to the work being undertaken in partnership with other agencies, such as the NHS, to promote more active modes of travel and ensure that families and schools were engaged to support the healthy and school streets initiative.

3.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care to a question submitted by Councillor Choudry regarding the additional support and work being undertaken by the Council with multi-faith organisations, charities and other community organisations in seeking to tackle the level of health inequalities identified across the borough, with a particularly focus on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.

4.     The written response provided by the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure & Climate Action to a question submitted by Councillor Mistry regarding the repair and replacement of footways and highways within the Kingsbury High Road, Preston Road and Wembley area.  No supplementary question was received.

5.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Leader of the Council (on behalf of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Planning) to a question submitted by Councillor Georgiou regarding the fire safety of tall buildings, their suitability in relation to providing family accommodation and Council’s policy in relation to the placing of families (particularly with young children) in properties above the 5^th floor level in tall buildings.

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

·             Councillor Chan seeking to recognise the success of the local community campaign in Harlesden and Kensal Green to oppose an application for an Adult Gaming Centre in the area and to reaffirm the Council’s opposition to these type of centres within the borough.

·             Councillor Kansagra regarding the decision made, as part of the changes to the Constitution approved at the Annual Council meeting, to remove the requirement for the Vice-Chair position on each of the Council’s Scrutiny Committee’s to be allocated to the opposition group(s).

·             Councillor Kelcher seeking to recognise and congratulate the young people who had participated in the wayfinding competition run in Harlesden and Kensal Green for the posters they had produced for display to raise awareness around air quality and climate change and regarding the potential to extend the initiative in order to further engage young people across the borough.

·             Councillor Afzal regarding the different between the Council’s and Governments approach towards tackling the pandemic, cost of living crisis and policy in respect of refugees and  ...  view the full decision text for item 11.

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 which had been provided:

11.1  Councillor Long thanked Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, for the written response in relation to her question regarding the criteria for the introduction of yellow lines, parking bays and pedestrian crossings.  As a supplementary question, Councillor Long sought further details on the investment being made available to maintain and to improve the condition of these markings particularly where they had been worn or were in need of replacement given the impact in terms of safety and enforcement.

In response, Councillor Krupa Sheth highlighted the current assessment process undertaken in monitoring the condition of road markings and in maintaining line markings and signage in relation to controlled parking zones, parking bays and yellow lines.  Where issues were reported in relation to worn or faded markings, these would be treated as a priority for stop lines, pedestrian crossings and mini roundabouts given associated safety issues with an annual road marking refresh programme also delivered as part of the Council’s Planned Highways Maintenance work.  Councillor Krupa Sheth advised she would be willing to arrange for concerns relating to specific sites to be investigated in more detail outside of the meeting in order for any necessary corrective action to be taken.

11.2  Councillor Mitchell thanked Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, for the written response in relation to her question on community and school engagement around healthy and safe streets and the installation of the accompanying CCTV.  In welcoming the action outlined within the response, Councillor Mitchell, as a supplementary question, asked for further details on the work also being undertaken in partnership with other agencies, such as the NHS, to promote more active modes of travel and engagement with families and schools to support the healthy and school streets initiative.

In response, Councillor Krupa Sheth highlighted the communication plan being developed in relation to the schools streets initiative and advised that she would liaise further with Councillor Nerva (as Cabinet member for Public Health & Adult Social Care) in order for a direct response to be provided outside of the meeting on wider partnership work with other agencies.

11.3  Councillor Choudry thanked Councillor Nerva, as Cabinet Member for Public  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

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:

11.1       Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee

11.2       Community & Wellbeing 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.

(Agenda republished to include Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee update report on 8 July 2022)

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 question raised during the open session of this part of the meeting:

·                Councillor Kansagra seeking an assurance regarding the opportunities that would be made available to opposition group members on each Scrutiny Committee to contribute towards the scrutiny process.

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:

·            Thanks were expressed on behalf of the Scrutiny Committee to both Gail Tolley and Shazia Hussain for their support of the Committee and scrutiny in general within Brent.

·            The broad ranging nature of the Scrutiny Committee’s work programme for 2022-23 which included items of strategic priority in terms of the Borough Plan; of concern to a significant proportion of the local community or which formed part of forthcoming policy reviews or new strategy being developed.  The work programme also included sufficient flexibility to respond to other issues as they arose throughout the year.  The first meeting of the new Municipal Year (held on 5 July 2022) had focussed on issues relating to adult social care including support for adult carers, updates on adult day care services and Brent’s shared living schemes as well as a review of end of life care services.

·            As part of its work programme for the year, members were advised that the Scrutiny Committee had also proposed to establish a Task Group focussed on social prescribing in health, on which a detailed scope was currently being prepared.

·            Updates on progress against the work programme would continue to be provided, with reference also made on the positive impact which the recommendations agreed as a result of the Task Group reviews undertaken by the previous Committee in relation to GP Access and Transitional Safeguarding were also having in respect of the services and local community.

·            Councillor Ketan Sheth ended by advising the Committee were looking forward to engaging with members across the Council as part of their work programme for the coming year to ensure scrutiny continued to add value and made a positive impact for residents across the borough.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Ketan Sheth for his update and then invited Councillor Connelly as the newly appointed chair of the Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee to introduce the update report on the work being undertaken by that Committee.  The following issues were highlight as part of the update:

·            In welcoming all new members serving on the scrutiny function, the broad ranging and dynamic nature of the Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny work programme was also highlighted along with the lead being taken in establishing the Scrutiny Task Group to review the Council’s budget proposals.

·            Key issues already identified for review as part  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

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 Chan, as the newly appointed 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 Chan drew members’ attention to the important role and work undertaken by the Committee in relation to monitoring and advising on various governance matters relating to audit activity, the Council’s finance, accounting and regulatory framework and members standards of conduct.  As one of their key responsibilities, members were advised that the Committee at its last meeting in June 2022, had reviewed and agreed to recommend adoption of the Council’s Annual Governance Statement.  At the same meeting an update had also been provided on the Council’s Strategic Risk Register which had included the recent addition of the impact arising from the cost of living crisis.

Councillor Chan advised the Committee were looking forward to continue working with members and other key stakeholders to ensure the necessary focus was maintained in relation to compliance and control of the Council’s key governance arrangements.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Chan 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:

Leaving No One Behind: Declaring a Cost-of-Living Emergency

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

Having declared the following amendment moved by on behalf of the Liberal Democrats Group LOST:

To add as additional actions under the following section:

“This Council therefore resolves:

·             To reinstate the upgrading of the Personal Tax Allowance and the basic rate tax band with inflation to avoid lower paid people falling into the tax net.

·             To reinstate the £20 pw Universal Credit payment to those on low incomes.

·             To introduce a Windfall Tax on Supermarkets making exceptional profits as a result of rising prices.

·             To resolve the issue of Fair Funding for London Transport to avoid further cuts in public transport and above inflation rises in fares.”

To add as additional actions at the end of the motion:

“As part of the Review into what the Council can do specifically:

·             To consider the use of Reserves (such as the £5.2 million no longer required for meeting past London wide Pension liabilities) to mitigate a 2023/24 Council Tax Rise.

·             To look at all Council Charges such Parking Permits, Toobig for the bin, Green bin collections and others with a view to reducing any which are generating income beyond the economic cost of providing the service.

·             To provide additional resources to those Advice agencies which provide direct advice and support to residents in managing their debts, which assist residents in claiming additional benefits such as pension Credit and those which advise on how to reduce the use of their cars through more walking, cycling and use of public transport and reduce their domestic energy costs by switching of unnecessary appliances and gadgets.

Finally:

The Council also agrees to suspend free parking for Councillors (except those registered as disabled) using the Civic Centre Car Park and allocates all additional income generated from freeing up paid for parking spaces to a fund to assist local residents in most need.”

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

Leaving No One Behind: Declaring a Cost-of-Living Emergency

This Council notes:

That Brent and its residents are struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis.  For many residents this will have been the most difficult decade they have ever experienced.

In April 2022, the Government increased National Insurance by 1.25%; this is projected to cost the average Brent resident an additional £295 per year.

On 1 April 2022 Ofgem increased the energy price cap by 54 per cent, with the average standard tariff energy bill set to increase by up to £693 per year.

Inflation is now confirmed at 9% with the fastest rate of increase for 40 years.  Inflation has been higher in London than the national average.

In the meantime, at least 25% of the people who work in Brent earn less than the real Living Wage for London.

The LGA estimates that without adequate long-term funding the collective increase in inflationary costs faced by English councils this year will be £2.4bn, growing to £3bn in 2023-24 and £3.6bn in 2024-25.

Local councils up and down the country are the last  ...  view the full decision text for item 14.

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 declaration of a cost of living emergency.

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

The Mayor then invited Councillor Moeen to introduce the motion. As context for the debate, Councillor Moeen highlighted the challenges that Brent and its residents were facing due to the cost-of-living crisis. Increases in National Insurance contributions, inflation and projected energy costs had already begun to impact on the Council’s budgetary position and resident’s household income with the position only predicted to worsen.  In highlighting the essential role provided by local authorities and other public sector agencies in supporting residents during the current crisis, Councillor Moeen felt it important to recognise the struggles already being experienced by residents across Brent with at least 25% of those in work earning less than the real Living Wage for London.  In addition, figures demonstrated that over 5,000 residents had presented at Brent Hubs in need of food aid between April 2019 to January 2022 with the Council, between December 2020 and March 2022, having distributed £5.5m through grants to Brent residents, supporting the families of approximately 12,000 eligible children and young people with supermarket vouchers during each of the school holidays.  Since August 2020 members were reminded that the Brent Resident Support Fund (RSF) had also provided support for 2,658 applicants allocating a total of £5.2 million in cash grants.

Councillor Moeen expressed concern that given the lack of sustained funding from central government to support local authorities and other public services and the drastic increase in fuel, tax and food costs alongside the ongoing demand in relation to housing and health services there would undoubtedly be a detrimental impact upon residents. In recognition of the seriousness of the situation, Councillor Moeen urged members to support the council in challenging central government to act on the suggested initiatives detailed in the motion and in declaring a cost of living emergency in order to enable the necessary practical support to be provided for local residents during such challenging times.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Moeen for introducing the motion and then drew member’s attention to an amendment submitted by Councillor Georgiou on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group in relation to the motion moved as the basis of the debate, which had been circulated in advance of the meeting. 

Having been invited to move the amendment, Councillor Georgiou advised that Councillor Lorber would be speaking on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group.

In moving the amendment Councillor Lorber advised that whilst the Liberal Democrat Group fully supported the need for urgent action to be taken in addressing the Cost of Living crisis by the Government, especially in relation to energy prices, he felt there was also a need for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

To receive a report from the Director of Legal, HR, Audit & Investigations proposing an update to the Council’s provision for councillors with dependants through revisions to the relevant sections in Part 6, Members’ Allowance Scheme, of the Brent Constitution.

Council RESOLVED to approve, with effect from the start of the current financial year, the changes to the Members’ Allowance Scheme proposed in Appendix 1 of the report which update and clarify the Council’s support for councillors with caring responsibilities in relation to dependants’ carers’ allowance.

The Mayor then invited Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, to introduce a report from the Director of Legal, HR, Audit & Investigations detailing a proposed updated to the Council’s provision for councillors with dependants within Brent’s Members Allowance Scheme (Part 6 – Constitution).  In introducing the report the Leader highlighted the Council’s commitment to supporting councillors with caring responsibilities, with the proposed update designed to further enhance this approach by extending the ability to claim dependants’ carers’ allowance to cover “reasonable travel time to and from meetings up to the maximum of an hour each way”.  In commending the change to Council the Leader advised that, subject to approval, the intention would be to apply the change retrospectively from the start of the 2022-23 financial year.

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 unanimously declared CARRIED.

Council therefore RESOLVED to approve, with effect from the start of the current financial year, the changes to the Members’ Allowance Scheme proposed in Appendix 1 of the report which update and clarify the Council’s support for councillors with caring responsibilities in relation to dependants’ carers’ allowance.

To receive a report from the Director of Legal, HR, Audit & Investigations proposing that a general dispensation be granted to all councillors in relation to a limited range of interests that they may have in matters coming before the council’s decision-making bodies.  This will enable them to participate in meetings where these interests may be thought to arise but their position is shared with a significant proportion of other members of the council and/or in the community and transaction of council business might otherwise be impeded.

Council RESOLVED to the dispensations contained in paragraphs 3.3 and 3.4 of the report in respect of participation in discussion and voting at meetings, with effect until the annual meeting following the next full local elections.

The Mayor invited Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, to introduce a report from the Director of Legal, HR, Audit & Investigations outlining the proposal to grant a general dispensation for all councillors in relation to a limited range of interests in matters coming before the Council’s decision making bodies.  In introducing the report it was noted that the dispensation would enable members to participate in meetings where the interests were thought to arise but this position was shared with a significant proportion of other members of the council and/or community and the transaction of council business might otherwise be affected. 

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 unanimously declared CARRIED.

Council therefore RESOLVED to the dispensations contained in paragraphs 3.3 and 3.4 of the report in respect of participation in discussion and voting at meetings, with effect until the annual meeting following the next full local elections.

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

Members are asked to note:

·                that the motions submitted have now been republished with the agenda along with proposed amendments of which notice has been received.

·                Where a motion concerns an executive function, nothing passed can be actioned until approved by the Executive or an officer with the relevant delegated power.

(Agenda republished to include the motions on 7 July 2022 and subsequent notice of proposed amendments on 11 July 2022)

(1)        Following the approval of an amendment moved by the Labour Group in relation to the original Motion submitted by the Conservative Group, the following Motion (as amended) was AGREED:

“Pollution of the Wealdstone Brook

The Wealdstone Brook, which runs in open water, starts in Harrow, runs through Woodcock Park in Kenton and then into Wembley past all the new developments around the stadium before reaching the River Brent, has been heavily polluted with untreated human sewage and toxic chemicals for some considerable time.

The Wealdstone Brook has nothing living in it – it is effectively a dead river.  The toxic smells which have come from liquids evaporating at low temperatures from the Brook water are nauseating and residents who live close to the Brook or have been walking close to the Brook in Woodcock Park, have been feeling physically sick as a result of these noxious odours.

Thames Water, who have been investigating the sources of the pollution, have admitted liability for cleaning up the pollution.  They have agreed that the pollution of the Wealdstone Brook is one of the worst they have come across but as a result of the shared responsibility for the maintenance of the Brook as it passes through Brent, Brent Council and the Environment Agency must also share some of the responsibility.

As a result the residents living nearby have expressed their disgust at the state of the Brook and this council considers that Thames Water should have acted with greater urgency once it had reports of untreated human sewage, toxic gases and smells vaporising from the water of the Wealdstone Brook.

This council notes that almost £19bn was paid out in dividends to shareholders in the nine major water companies operating in England between 2010 and 2021.

This Council therefore resolves:

To do whatever is necessary and within the Council’s power to ensure that the water in Wealdstone Brook is cleaned up.

To ask the Leader of the Council and the Leaders of the Opposition Groups to write to the Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, to call for additional support for Brent Council to respond to the pollution in Wealdstone Brook and enforce the principle of the ‘polluter pays’.

To support the Labour Party pledge of common ownership of water services to unlock the desperately needed investment in water infrastructure and create services that are run on behalf of consumers, not shareholders profit.

To do what the Council can toensure that the agencies concerned take the necessary steps to detect and rectify all wrongly connected foul sewers which run into the Brook and to put them right at no cost to Council tax payers, in Brent.

To seek legal opinion as to whether legal action can be taken against the agencies that have responsibility for ensuring that the Wealdstone Brook is free of pollution if there is no immediate rectification of the problem.  ...  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 40 minutes had been set aside for the consideration of the four 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 he advised that the remaining time available would be rolled forward for consideration of the remaining motions.

17.1  1^st Motion (Conservative Group) – Pollution of Wealdstone Brook

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, felt it was important to recognise the concerns being raised by local residents (as outlined during the earlier deputation by John Poole) in relation to the impact being caused by the significant levels of pollution within Wealdstone Brook.  In view of what were felt to be the serious risks to public health and the health and wellbeing of the surrounding local community he queried why the issue had not been treated as a  major incident and advised the motion was calling on the Council to take urgent action, working collaboratively with the Environment Agency and Thames Water, to address the issues whilst also examining the potential for any legal action to ensure that those agencies with responsibility for the Brook undertook the necessary action to clean it up and avoid any immediate rectification of the problem.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Maurice for moving the motion and then drew members’ attention to an amendment submitted in the name of Councillor Krupa Sheth on behalf of the Labour Group in relation to the motion, which had been circulated in advance of the meeting. 

Councillor Krupa Sheth was then invited to move the amendment and having acknowledged the frustrations and concerns expressed earlier in the meeting regarding pollution within the brook once again highlighted the work being undertaken with Thames Water and the Environment Agency (as the main regulatory bodies with shared responsibility for maintenance of the brook) in seeking to ensure the necessary action was taken to not only clear the pollution but also to detect and rectify its source.  In reminding members of the reasons for not seeking to declare a major incident, members were advised of the work being undertaken with Public Health to monitor the impact on the local population.  Having outlined the work being undertaken with the relevant partner agencies to ensure the necessary action was being taken to address the concerns identified Councillor Krupa Sheth ended by also highlighting the need, as set out within her amendment, to consider the current ownership model for water infrastructure and in seeking to enforce the principle that the polluter should pay.  On this basis the amendment moved was as follows:

“Pollution of Wealdstone Brook

The Wealdstone Brook, which runs in open water, starts in Harrow, runs through Woodcock Park in Kenton and then into Wembley past  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

At the discretion of the Mayor to consider any urgent business, in accordance with Standing Order 37 (r).

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 which would be on Wednesday 21 September 2022.