Agenda and minutes

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

The Mayor reported that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Ahmadi Moghaddam, Collymore, Ethapemi, Fraser, Kansagra, Knight (currently on maternity leave), Mitchell, Rubin, Ketan Sheth and Tatler.

In raising a Point or Order on the apologies received, Councillor Georgiou felt that a statement should be made clarifying the reasons for the Deputy Mayor’s absence at the meeting.  In response, Debra Norman (Corporate Director Law & Governance) clarified that there was no requirement for any reason or statement to be provided in relation to the Deputy Mayor having submitted her apologies for absence and on this basis the Mayor moved on to the next item.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the previous Council Meeting held on Monday 8 July 2024.

(Agenda republished to include the 8 July 24 minutes on 18 September 2024)

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the of the previous Council meeting held on Monday 8 July 2024 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.

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

To receive any announcements from the Mayor.

The Mayor made the following announcements:

(i)     999 Emergency Services Flag Raising

The Mayor began his announcements by paying tribute to all those who worked and volunteered across the emergency services.

In order to recognise and celebrate their dedication and contribution he advised he was honoured to have hosted a flag raising ceremony for Emergency Services Day on the 9 September 24 which had also commemorated over 7,500 members of the UK emergency services who had tragically lost their lives in the line of duty over the last 200 years.

(ii)       Death of Bishop Ann Roberts

The Mayor advised it was with much sadness he had to inform members about the recent death of Bishop Ann Roberts.

In paying tribute to Bishop Ann Roberts, the Mayor recognised the vital role she had played within local communities across Brent, including having started the Young Mum’s project, now known as Brent Family Support, over 47 years ago.  In acknowledging her tireless work and effort to support young mothers and disadvantaged families the Mayor highlighted how much she would be missed and on behalf of the London Borough of Brent, ended by offering heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Bishop Ann Roberts.

Before moving on, all members were asked to join the Mayor in observing a minutes silence in memoryof Bishop Ann Roberts.

All present at the meeting then stood to join the Mayor in observing a minutes silence.

(iii)    Petitions

As a final announcement, 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 and Outside Bodies (if any) in accordance with Standing Order 30 (g).

The Mayor advised that there were no appointments to Council Committees, Sub Committees and other bodies which had been received for consideration.

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

Members are asked to note that there are no deputation(s) due to be presented at the meeting.

The Mayor advised that no requests had been received for the presentation of any deputations at the meeting.

To receive and consider the question(s) submitted by the public for response by the relevant Cabinet Member, in accordance with Standing Order 33.

Members are asked to note that four public questions have been received, which have been attached to the agenda along with the written responses provided.

The Mayor advised that four questions had been received from members of the public, which were as follows:

Question 1 from Smita Patel regarding the role of Adult Social Care & the CQC in monitoring the placement and quality of care of vulnerable adults (particularly those affected by mental health issues) by private care providers in small converted residential care facilities

Question 2 from Carol McKoy regarding Investment in street cleaning & grounds maintenance

Question 3 from Andy Brommage regarding highway maintenance in South Kenton

Question 4 from Martin Francis regardingprogress on delivery of the Bridge Park & Morland Garden development schemes

Members noted the written responses provided to the questions, which had been circulated with the agenda.  The Mayor advised that those members of the public who had submitted questions had also been invited to the attend the meeting in order to ask any supplementary question.  Whilst he was pleased to welcome Ashleye Gunn (on behalf of Carol McKoy) and Martin Francis members were advised that Andy Brommage had not been able to attend with the written responses provided in relation to his question therefore been noted.  Members were advised that whilst also unable to attend a written supplementary question had subsequently been received from Smita Patel, on which a response would be provided outside of the meeting.

The following supplementary questions were then addressed by those members of the public present to the relevant Cabinet Member(s).

Question 2 supplementary Question from Ashleye Gunn (representing Carol McKoy) to Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment & Enforcement.

In thanking Councillor Krupa Sheth for the written response provided to the original question submitted by Carol McKoy, Ashleye Gunn sought further details on the approach taken in terms of the frequency of street cleans along Malvern Road compared to Malvern Place, given the location of shops, take aways, a park and schools on Malvern Road (which was currently cleaned twice a month) compared to Malvern Place receiving two cleans per week.  In addition, whilst highlighting a recent deep clean of Malvern Road, it was pointed out that the grass verges had not been cut and the pedestrian section between the two schools appeared to have been missed as part of that work with a request made for this to be reviewed and completed.

In thanking Ashleye Gunn for attending in order to highlight the issues raised, Councillor Krupa Sheth advised she would arrange a review of the cleaning scheduled in that location and any outstanding work needing to be completed, on which a further direct response would be provided following the meeting.

Question 4 supplementary question from Martin Francis to Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council responding on behalf of Councillor Tatler Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Growth)

In thanking Councillor Tatler for the written response provided, Martin Francis in asking his supplementary question began by taking the opportunity to highlight that it had been nearly 10 years since former Councillor Dan Filson had warned against dealing with General  ...  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 68.

Members are asked to note that the following petition is due to be presented at the meeting:

Divest for Palestine  (Brent & Harrow Palestine Solidarity Campaign Lead petitioner – Sheila Guhadasan)

The Mayor advised that he had accepted a request for a petition to be presented at the meeting.  The petition, containing a total of 1210 signatures, had been submitted by the Brent & Harrow Palestine Solidarity Campaign (with Sheila Guhadasan as lead petitioner) and was related to a Divest for Palestine campaign.

Unless otherwise indicated by members, the Mayor advised he intended to allow up to five minutes for presentation of the petition before then providing Councillor Mili Patel (as Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Finance & Resources) up to two minutes to respond.

As no objections were raised on the approach outlined, the Mayor welcomed Sheila Guhadasan to the meeting and prior to inviting her to present the petition took the opportunity to remind everyone present at the meeting that one of the things he was most proud about as Mayor was the diverse nature of the borough and peaceful relationships that existed between its many different communities enabling them to live side by side in peace and harmony.  Whilst advising that his heart went out to all those affected by the conflict in Israel and Gaza and recognising the different ways in which people expressed their solidarity with those affected, the Mayor was keen to ensure the efforts to foster community cohesion within the borough were maintained during consideration of the item for which he thanked everyone for their support.

The Mayor then invited Sheila Guhadasan to present the petition, who began by thanking the Mayor and advising she was being supported in her presentation by two Brent residents one of Palestinian and the other of Jewish heritage.  Highlighting the current number of signatures received (totalling over 2000 including 773 via an e-petition) it was pointed out these included residents from all faith and backgrounds and the petition calling on the Council to recognise what were felt to be its legal and moral responsibilities and join the growing number of Councils, public bodies and institutions divesting for Palestine

Referring to the thousands of Palestinian lives lost during the current Israeli assault on the Gaza strip, almost half of whom had been children, Sheila Guhadasan felt it important to recognise the impact in terms of 90% of Gaza’s population having also been displaced, many on multiple occasions, and nowhere being safe to shelter with families also facing famine due to the ongoing blockade and targeting of key infrastructure.  This was on top of what the petitioners felt to be the illegal settlement of the West Bank and ongoing occupation and oppression of Palestinians in Gaza, which it was felt required a stand to be taken and everything possible to be done in an attempt to bring the suffering to an end.

Referring to an interim ruling in January 2024 by the International Court of Justice, Sheila Guhadasan felt the UK as a state party to the Genocide Convention had a binding obligation to employ all means reasonably available to prevent and deter what those in support of the petition regarded  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

Following the change in procedure for dealing with Motions agreed as part of the changes to the Constitution at the Annual Council Meeting in May 2024, the debate on motions submitted to Full Council, in accordance with Standing Order 30(k) and 41 will now be undertaken at this stage of the meeting.

Members are asked to note:

·             The motions submitted for debate have been attached.

·             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 submitted for debate on 13 September 2024)

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 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.

10.1    1^st Motion (Conservative Group) – Council’s participation in the Brent River Catchment Area

The Mayor invited Councillor Hirani to move the first motion, which had been submitted on behalf of the Conservative Group.  Councillor Hirani began by referring to several documents dating back a number of years documenting the management of flood risks impacting on a range of locations across Brent, with the Council’s Flood Risk Management Strategy making a clear case for the need to prioritise flood alleviation measures.  Highlighting similar documents and strategies developed by both the London Boroughs of Harrow and Barnet, Councillor Hirani outlined how this had led to all three boroughs to come together and create the Brent River Catchment Partnership to support the joint development of schemes designed to alleviate and protect against potential flood risks, recognising benefits given the interconnectivity of waterways across all three boroughs.  With this as background, she advised the motion was seeking to clarify why it appeared the decision had been taken within Brent to withdraw from the Partnership given the nature of works that continued to be developed in Harrow and Barnet that would directly benefit the residents of Brent and loss of access to associated funding for schemes.

Highlighting reference made within the motion to the types of specific schemes being developed, including flood attenuation works in Byron Recreation ground in Harrow designed to alleviate flooding risks in Wealdstone Brook and surrounding streams, river works in Chandos Park involving the restructuring of the Edgware Brook that fed into the River Brent alongside work in partnership with Thames 21 to undertake river restoration work in Watling Park to address flood alleviation in the Edgware/Burnt Oak area, Councillor Hirani criticised what she felt to be Brent’s distancing from these projects not only terms of flood alleviation measures but also in contributing towards the Council’s climate ambitions and improved biodiversity.  As a result, Councillor Hirani ended by advising that the motion was not only seeking an explanation for the approach adopted within Brent but also calling for the Council to re-engage with the Partnership for the benefit of all those impacted by potential flood risks across the borough.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Hirani for moving the motion before inviting other members to speak, with the following contributions received.

In responding to the motion, Councillor Krupa Sheth began by querying the basis on which the motion had been presented given that officers had confirmed Brent had not withdrawn from the Partnership agreement and, infact, was continuing to work with both Barnet and Harrow  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

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

The Mayor 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 the Annual Report by reflecting on the role of politicians and challenges faced in being able to uphold the principles and fulfil their responsibilities and duties in relation to public service.  In recognising the role played by all local councillors in seeking to make the borough the best it could be he also took the opportunity to personally reflect on the previous year and remember those former councillors who had sadly passed away for their public service in seeking to make things better, including Ruth Moher and Ramesh Patel.

Moving on, the Leader then took the opportunity to welcome and highlight the decisive change delivered following the recent General Election in the form of the first new Labour Government in 14 years, which he felt could not have come soon enough given the previous Conservative Governments record in office.  Whilst highlighting the previous Government’s failure to address the investment needed in health and public services along with the water network and energy security Councillor Muhammed Butt felt the most significant issue had been their failure to address the housing crisis and deliver as a priority the level of affordable homes required.  Outlining the challenging nature of the issues inherited by the new Labour Government, including NHS waiting times, growing housing demand and increasing reliance on foodbanks he was pleased to now be able to focus on supporting the aims of the new Labour Government in seeking to restore belief in politics as a force for good and in working to renew public services in order to support local residents, particularly those identified as more vulnerable.

In outlining the work being undertaken by the Council to support this approach the Leader commended the efforts being made to support Byron Court Primary school in seeking to oppose  forced academisation as well as invest in the health prevention and screening programmes being delivered through Brent Health Matters.  Specific reference was also made to the progress in delivery of new Social and Affordable housing schemes and developments across Brent with further schemes and investment in new neighbourhoods to be delivered in areas including Northwick Park (working in partnership with the NHS) and Neasden in an effort to attract more first-time buyers.  Whilst welcoming this progress, the Leader felt it was also important to acknowledge the fact that wealth inequality still persisted and significant challenges needing to be addressed in relation to the housing and homelessness crisis, including ongoing pressures in the supply and costs associated with the use of Temporary Accommodation (TA) to meet current levels of demand with Council’s across London currently spending £90m per month on TA just in order to meet their legal obligations and stand still.  In being clear about the ongoing financial impact on the Council, the need was identified for a fundamental change in approach to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

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.

The Mayor then invited Councillor Muhammed Butt, as Leader of the Council, to introduce the report updating members on the work being undertaken across each Cabinet portfolioin order to provide ongoing support and services to meet the needs of residents across the borough.

Following on from his Annual Report the opportunity was taken to remind members of the work being undertaken across all Cabinet portfolios, within the challenging nature of the ongoing financial pressures faced, to ensure the Council able to continue supporting and safeguarding local residents in line with the Council’s core strategic priorities.

As part of the update, members were also asked to note that no Executive decisions had been taken under the Council’s urgency procedures, since the previous update provided for the Council meeting in July.

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.

Five advance notice questions have been received under this item, which have been attached along with the written responses provided.

Members are asked to note that this session will also include an opportunity (within the time available) for other Non-Cabinet members and the Opposition to ask questions of Cabinet Members without the need for advance notice.

Before moving on to consider the questions submitted by non-Cabinet members, the Mayor reminded Members that a total of 30 minutes had been set aside for this item, which would begin with consideration of the written questions submitted in advance of the meeting along with any supplementary questions. Once these had been dealt with, the remaining time available would then be opened up for any other non-Cabinet members to question Cabinet Members (without the need for advance notice) on matters relating to their portfolio.

The Mayor advised that five written questions had been submitted in advance of the meeting for response by the relevant Cabinet Member and the written responses circulated within the agenda were noted. The Mayor then invited supplementary questions on the responses provided:

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

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

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

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

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

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:

13.1    Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny

(Agenda republished to include the update report from the Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee on 18 September 2024)

13.2    Committee 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.

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.

As Councillor Ketan Sheth had given his apologies for the meeting, the Mayor advised that the report on the activity of the Community & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee would be noted as submitted.

The Mayor then invited Councillor Conneely as chair of the Resources & 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:

·            The work undertaken to finalise the Committee’s work programme for 2024-25 recognising its flexible, dynamic and broad ranging nature and engagement  of relevant stakeholders and the local community in its development.

·            The wide-ranging nature of scrutiny activity undertaken by the Committee since the last update, with key issues highlighted as an outcome of this work including:

Ø   The ongoing monitoring of Brent’s overall financial position based on detailed updates regarding the financial outturn position for 2022-23, current financial forecast and the medium-term financial outlook with the Council continuing to operate in a challenging financial environment with an uncertain funding outlook and the potential for significant ongoing spending pressures in demand-led services such as social care and homelessness.  As a  result, the Committee had recommended the continuation of lobbying efforts for the urgent reform of local government finance in order to provide local authorities with greater options for how they raised and spent resources (e.g. fiscal devolution options leading to more freedoms over local revenues such as 100% business rates retention and flexible use/spend of community infrastructure levy (CIL) monies) along with calling for an end to the privatisation of Children’s social care services and greater co-ordinated between local authorities in the commissioning of services designed to curb profiteering by private companies and create new insourcing opportunities.

Ø   The review of the initial year of operation of the new Grounds Maintenance Contract which had included contributions from local stakeholder groups and the Committee keen to encourage greater communication and collaboration between the new contractor and these groups as a result.  Other issues highlighted had been the need to provide a clearer outline of expected standards, performance, key achievements, challenges  and priorities within the Grounds Maintenance contract along with improved coordination between the verge cutting and street cleaning operations across the borough.

Ø   The review of the contribution being made through i4B Holdings Ltd (i4B) and First Wave Housing Ltd towards delivery of the Council’s strategic housing objectives and in contributing towards the provision of affordable housing.  This had resulted in the Committee highlighting a need  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

To receive a report from the Vice Chair of the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee updating Council on the work of the Committee, in accordance with Standing Order 37.

The Mayor invited Councillor Chan, as the 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.  The importance of the Committee’s role was also highlighted in terms of the wider financial challenges, risks and pressures being faced by the Council with a focus provided in relation to delivery of the Internal Audit Plan and Council’s risk management structure and strategic risk management process including not only the effectiveness of governance processes relating to the first but also “second line” of defence and Council’s financial resilience given the ongoing financial pressures faced which continued to be closely monitored.  Councillor Chan concluded his update by reminding members of the Committee’s continued focus on the adequacy of the Council’s governance, risk and control arrangements in order to provide assurance and confidence on compliance and control of the Council’s key governance, financial management and accounting 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 updates 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:

Cutting the Winter Fuel Payment

Please note: The motion submitted as the basis for this debate has been attached.

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 Cutting the Winter Fuel Payment.

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 Jayanti Patel to introduce the motion which had been submitted as the basis for the Non-Cabinet Member debate.  In moving the motion, Councillor J.Patel began by outlining the impact of the proposed cut in the Winter Fuel Allowance on pensioners and vulnerable elderly residents not only nationally but also across Brent given the 30,000 pensioners in the borough.  Highlighting this cut had been introduced without any reference to it being made by the new Labour Government during their election campaign, Councillor J Patel felt this highlighted a level of hypocrisy given Labours criticism of the previous Conservative Government in relation to austerity with many thousands of vulnerable pensioners across Brent just above the cut off for Pension Credit or not claiming benefits now set to lose the allowance and having to make the choice between eating or heating.  As such the approach adopted was felt to represent a betrayal of pensioners and elderly residents given an allowance previously paid to all pensioners was now being restricted to those on income related and means tested benefits or tax credits in order to ease fiscal pressures.  In pointing out that all pensioners deserved to live in warm safe homes and the impact in removing support from a social justice perspective and in terms of potential health risks among the elderly population, Councillor J.Patel advised that in addition to opposing the Government’s approach the motion was also seeking to ensure the Council continued to offer support to those vulnerable pensioners most at risk utilising the Resident Support Fund or similar provision.  Concern was also expressed at the level of savings due to be achieved when compared to the funding being provided for foreign environmental aid or to fund public sector pay awards with the Labour Governments priorities questioned. As a result, Councillor J.Patel hoped all members would support the motion submitted as the basis for the debate and join the call for the Labour Government to  review and reverse their decision to means test Winter Fuel Payments in order to ensure that vulnerable pensioners were protected from fuel poverty with the fear this may lead to further potential action against pensioners in future budget statements.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Jayanti Patel for introducing the motion on behalf of the Conservative Group and then opened the debate for contributions from other members.

In opening the debate, Councillor Kelcher began by highlighting what he felt to be the opportunistic nature of the motion which rather than focussing on the difficulties created as a result of the previous Conservative Government’s fiscal policy failed to recognise the difficult nature  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

This report presents the Brent Youth Justice Plan 2024-25, which includes an overview of local youth justice progress, priorities and arrangements for monitoring performance.

Following its submission to the Youth Justice Board and consideration by Cabinet on 9 September 2024 Council is being asked to formally adopt the Plan.

The Mayor invited Councillor Grahl, as Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, to introduce a report from the Corporate Director of Children & Young People presenting the Brent Youth Justice Plan 2024-25.  In introducing the report members were advised that the Youth Justice Plan included an overview of local youth justice progress and priorities along with the arrangements for monitoring performance, with the Plan (in accordance with statutory requirements) having been submitted to the Youth Justice Board for review and approval prior to its formal consideration by Cabinet in advance of its recommended adoption by Full Council.

In recognising the commitment and achievements of the Youth Justice Service and the wider partnership work being undertaken to support children and young people who were at risk of or had entered the youth justice system, attention was also drawn to the overall performance achieved by the service particularly in respect of the reduction in number of young people entering the criminal justice system for the first time and low numbers of young people in custody.  The strong performance identified was attributed to the Council’s focus on prevention and engagement with children and young people, with the positive feedback provided through young people and their parents and carers and partnership work on early intervention and preventative support highlighted and thanks expressed to all those working within the Youth Justice Service for their efforts, diligence and innovation in supporting young people.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Grahl for introducing the report and then opened the debate for contributions from other members.

In supporting the proposals outlined as a professional who had worked in the criminal justice system, Councillor Dixon took the opportunity to commend the positive outcomes being achieved within such a challenging context in seeking to provide early intervention and divert young people from entering the criminal justice system and need for continued investment in the engagement and intervention process.  As such she hoped all members would join her in supporting the recommendations within the report.

As no other members indicated they wished to speak the Mayor thanked members for their contribution and invited Councillor Grahl to exercise her right of reply.  In closing the debate, Councillor Grahl took the opportunity to thank members for their support and the Mayor then moved on to put the recommendations in the report to the vote which were declared CARRIED.

Council therefore unanimously RESOLVED following its referral by Cabinet on 9 September 2024 to approve formal sign off and adoption of the Brent Youth Justice Plan 2024-25 as detailed within Appendix A of the report.

To receive a report from the Corporate Director of Finance & Resources updating members on Treasury Management activity and confirming that the Council has complied with its Prudential Indicators for 2023 - 24.

Members are asked to note that this report was received and noted by the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee on 24 July 2024 and Cabinet on 9 September 2024 and has been forwarded to Council in compliance with CIPFAs Code of Practice on Treasury Management.

The Mayor then invited Councillor Mili Patel, as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, to introduce a report from the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources updating members on the Council’s Treasury Management Activity during 2023 - 24.  In introducing the report, the Deputy Leader felt it important to recognise the economic background in relation to the current outturn position which included the continuing economic volatility and challenges arising as a result of ongoing global geo-political tensions and the impact of current inflation and interest rates.  In highlighting the importance of the Treasury Management function in managing and planning for the level of funding required to support the Council’s activities, services and affordability of the capital programme members were also advised of the activity being undertaken to optimise the effect of borrowing costs and investment income whilst managing the associated risks in line with the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy and Prudential Indicators that had been approved by Full Council in February 2023 and in accordance with relevant professional codes and legislation.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Mili Patel for introducing the report and then opened the debate for contributions from other members.

In highlighting the role of banks in terms of the level of investment and borrowing activity undertaken in support of the Council’s Treasury Management activity Councillor Lorber took the opportunity to express concern at the ongoing closure of high street bank branches and lack of progress being made in the roll out of banking hubs across the sector given the impact on local residents. As such he highlighted what he felt was a need for ongoing lobbying and pressure to be applied across the sector, supported by local authorities to address the issue.

Speaking in response, Councillor Kelcher took the opportunity to highlight and welcome the recent announcement by the Government on the work being undertaken with the banking sector to ensure that at least 350 banking hubs were delivered across the UK.

As no other members indicated they wished to speak the Mayor thanked members for their contribution and invited Councillor Mili Patel to exercise her right of reply.  In summing up, Councillor Mili Patel advised that she had also recognised the importance in seeking to maintain face to face banking provision for local communities and on high streets and therefore welcomed the focus of the new Government in working with Cash Access UK, as the organisation responsible for overseeing the hub rollout, to continue championing access for all as a priority.

Having thanked members for their contributions the Mayor then put the recommendations in the report to the vote and they were declared CARRIED.

Council therefore unanimously RESOLVED to note and approve, following its consideration by Audit & Standards Advisory Committee on 24 July 2024 and Cabinet on 9 September 2024, the 2023 - 24 Treasury Management outturn report in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy's Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice.

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

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 he looked forward to seeing everyone again in person at the next Full Council which would be held at 6pm on Monday 18 November 2024.