Agenda and minutes

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

Before moving on to the main agenda, the Mayor informed members, in accordance with Standing Order 30, of a change in the order of business listed.

As a result of discussions which had taken place between the Group Leaders following the Annual Council Meeting, the Mayor advised that a number of constitutional changes had been proposed relating to the way in which Full Council meetings should operate moving forward as well as to the Scrutiny Function and Members Allowance Scheme.  In order for these changes to take effect during the meeting, members were informed of the intention to move consideration of the report outlining the constitutional changes (listed as Item 13 on the agenda) as the first item of business.

It was therefore RESOLVED that:

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

·            Agenda Item 1 – Report from the Corporate Director Finance & Resources on Changes to the Constitution

·            Agenda Item 2 will then be Apologies for Absence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Council therefore RESOLVED:

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

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

Returning to the order of business on the agenda, the Mayor reported that an apology for absence had been received from Councillor Ahmadi Moghaddam.

An apology for lateness was also received from Councillor McLeish.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the Annual Council Meeting held on Wednesday 20 May 2026.

(Agenda republished to include the attached minutes on 6 July 2026)

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the of the Annual Council meeting held on Monday 20 May 2026 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 other declarations of interest made during the meeting.

To receive any announcements from the Mayor.

The Mayor made the following announcements:

(i)     Organisation to be supported through the Mayor’s Charity Appeal 2026-27

The Mayor opened his announcements by advising members of the charity he would be supporting through his fundraising activity during 2026-27, which would be the Asian Women Resource Centre.

Highlighting their base within Harlesden, the Mayor was keen to outline the important role the organisation played in providing free, confidential support to Black, Asian and minority ethnic women and children, particularly those affected by domestic abuse, forced marriage and honour?based violence, which included a range of services such as advocacy, welfare and housing advice, immigration support, outreach, and group programmes with culturally sensitive assistance.  Given the impact of the support provided he hoped members would support his fundraising efforts during the remainder of his year in office.

(ii)    Kings Birthday Honours List

Moving on, the Mayor then asked members to join him in congratulating all those linked with Brent who had received an honour on the Kings Birthday Honours list for 2026.

(iii)    Pride Flad Raising

In terms of other engagements, the Mayor advised he had also been pleased to join staff, councillors, residents and community representatives in celebrating Pride month at the annual LGBTQ+ Flag Raising ceremony at the start of June 2026.

(iv)   Petitions and Decisions taken under the Council’s Urgency Procedure

In ending his announcements, the Mayor drew members attention to the list of current petitions received and logged by the Governance & Scrutiny Team since the last update as well as decisions taken under the Council’s urgency procedure, as tabled at the meeting, in accordance with Standing Orders.

To agree any appointments to Committees and Outside Bodies (if any) in accordance with Standing Order 30 (g).

((Agenda republished to include the attached list of appointments on 6 July 2026)

As the next item, the Mayor then referred members to the list of changes circulated in relation to appointments to Council Committees and other bodies.

Having considered the changes outlined it was RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the following changes in committee membership:

(a)    Councillor Perrin to replace Councillor Mitchell as the Green Groups full member on the Audit & Standards and Audit & Standards Advisory Committee.

(2)    Councillor Jayanti Patel to replace Councillor Kansagra as the Conservative Groups full member on the Audit & Standards and Audit & Standards Advisory Committee.

(3)    Councillor Mitchell to replace Councillor Perrin as one of the Green Groups substitute members on the Audit & Standards and Audit & Standards Advisory Committee.

(4)    Councillor Rubin to replace Councillor Thomas as Chair of the Corporate Parenting Committee.

(5)    With no other nominations received, that Councillor Hack fill the vacancy as Chair and Councillor Thomas fill the vacancy as Vice Chair on Kilburn Brent Connects.

(6)    Councillor Muhammed Butt to replace Councillor Grahl as the Council’s nominated representative on the London Councils Greater London Employment Forum with Councillor Grahl to replace Councillor Muhammed Butt as deputy.

(2)    To approve the following change in membership on outside bodies:

(a)    Councillors Johnson, Mahmood and Rubin to fill the vacancies on the Agreed Syllabus Conference and Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE).

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

Members are asked to note that two deputations are due to be presented at the meeting, relating to the following issues:

(a)        Maintenance and upkeep of South Kilburn (to be presented by Pete Firmin)

(b)    Progress on delivery of South Kilburn redevelopment from a resident perspective including impact on Granville Recreation Ground and other green spaces and how the programme fits within Brent's wider policies in terms of the climate change emergency, air pollution and loss of biodiversity (to be presented by Leslie Benson representing Granville Community Kitchen)

The Mayor advised that he had accepted requests for the presentation of two deputations at the meeting, which had been received in accordance with Standing Order 32.

The deputations to be presented, were highlighted as follows, with the Mayor advising that unless otherwise indicated by members, he intended to allow up to five minutes for the presentation of each deputation before then providing the relevant Cabinet Member up to three minutes to respond on each matter.

1^st deputation – Maintenance and upkeep of South Kilburn

2^nd deputation – Progress on delivery of South Kilburn redevelopment including the impact on Granville Recreation Ground and other green spaces and how the programme links with Brent’s wider policies in terms of the climate emergency, air pollution and biodiversity.

9.1      1st deputation – Maintenance and Upkeep of South Kilburn

Having confirmed the process to be followed, the Mayor welcomed Pete Firman to the meeting to present the first deputation.

In introducing the deputation, Pete Firman advised that whilst he served as Chair of a Tenants Association in South Kilburn and sat on the Residents Panel, the views being presented were his own, although they reflected concerns shared by many residents living within South Kilburn.  As initial context he began by referring to previous reviews undertaken by the Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee where the importance of placing tenants at the centre of everything the Council did had been recognised and acknowledged with safe, secure and decent homes identified as forming the foundation of a fair and thriving borough. Whilst acknowledging these principles, he expressed concern that the lived experience of many residents in South Kilburn did not reflect these ambitions.

Members were advised that despite a number of newly constructed developments within South Kilburn receiving architectural recognition and awards, residents continued to experience a range of significant defects and management issues. These included the lengthy remediation works being undertaken to address cladding and ongoing problems relating to mould, heating and hot water systems with concerns also highlighted regarding the overall quality, affordability and size of the new homes being provided.  As an example, it was pointed out that some residents who had moved into newly developed properties had actually felt their previous council homes had provided a better living environment.

Attention was also drawn to wider concerns regarding the pace and delivery of regeneration across the area. Members heard that two blocks still required substantial refurbishment works and that action in relation to the Granville New Homes blocks remained outstanding despite recommendations having been identified several years earlier. Residents were continuing to experience utility failures together with the operation of a 24-hour fire watch. Concern was also expressed regarding the management of contractors and the continued awarding of contracts to developers involved in original construction works which were still experiencing significant defects.

The deputation further highlighted concerns regarding the management of decanted properties and the impact this was having on remaining residents. It was felt that insufficient measures had been taken to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

7.1   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 two public questions have been received, which have been circulated as part of the agenda along with the written responses provided.

7.2   To receive question(s) submitted by the Brent Youth Parliament for response by the relevant Cabinet Member, in accordance with Standing Order 33(c).

Members are asked to note that one question has been received, which has been circulated as part of the agenda along with the written response provided.

10.1    Questions from the Public

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

Question 1 from Chi Wong to Councillor Johnson (Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters) regarding support available to Private Sector tenants under the Renters Right Act.

Question 2 from Ranya Dauteva to Councillor Johnson (as Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters) regarding the assessment of housing need and Councillor Amadi (as Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Cost of Living Support) regarding the blue badge assessment process.

The Mayor advised that whilst the members of the public who had submitted questions had been given the opportunity to the attend the meeting in order to ask a supplementary question both had, unfortunately, been unable to do so.  In thanking both for the questions submitted, members were advised that written responses had been provided, which were noted at the meeting.  With no further questions to be considered, he then moved on to deal with the question submitted by Brent Youth Parliament.

10.2    Questions from Brent Youth Parliament

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

Question 1 from Brent Youth Parliament to Councillor Rubin, Cabinet Member for Children Services, Employment & Climate Action, relating to progress on introduction of the Educational Maintenance Allowance.

The Mayor thanked Brent Youth Parliament (BYP) for their question, with members noting the written response provided, and advised that representatives from the Youth Parliament had also been invited to attend the meeting in order to ask a supplementary question.  As a result, the Mayor welcomed George Main Sin from BYP to the meeting who asked the following supplementary question.

Question 1 Supplementary Question from George Main Sin to Councillor Rubin, Cabinet Member for Children Services, Employment and Climate Action regarding eligibility for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

Having thanked Councillor Rubin for his written response, George Main Sin highlighted the reference included to the development work being undertaken in relation to introduction of the EMA, including eligibility, and sought further detail on the process and how the Council would ensure that all eligible young people were made aware and able to access the Allowance, once introduced.

In response, Councillor Rubin thanked Brent Youth Parliament for the question and work they were continuing to undertake to represent young people across the borough highlighting the personal significance of EMA having received the allowance himself whilst studying, prior to its withdrawal by the Coalition Government in 2010.  Reference was made to the current Government's wider investment in young people, including the roll-out of free breakfast clubs and free school meals for primary school children, with the Council seeking to build on this by introducing an EMA for eligible young people locally. Whilst confirming that the detailed eligibility criteria was still subject to final modelling, analysis and development of costed options, an undertaking was given to attend an upcoming Brent Youth Parliament session to discuss the scheme further and to work on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To consider any petitions with more than 200 signatures for which a request has been received for their presentation, in accordance with the Council’s petition rules and Standing Order 66.

Members are asked to note that at the time of agenda publication there are no Petition(s) due to be presented at the meeting.

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

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

Members are asked to note:

·            The motions submitted for debate have been attached, in accordance with Standing Order 41(c).

·            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 attached motions on 29 June 2026 along with the amendments submitted by the Liberal Democrat Group and Green Group on the Conservative Group motion (attached as 9.2 a and b) and Labour Group on the Liberal Democrat motion (attached as 9.3a) on 6 July 2026)

Before moving on to consider the motions listed on the summons, the Mayor advised members that under the new arrangements agreed as part of the changes to Council Procedure Rules agreed earlier in the meeting a total of 60 minutes had now been set aside for consideration of motions submitted for debate.  Members were reminded that provision had now been made for the consideration of three Group motions at each Council meeting, based on an allocation across each meeting agreed between the respective Groups.  Under the allocation agreed, this had involved motions being submitted for debate at the meeting by the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrats Groups, with a total of 20 minutes now provided for the debate on each one.

On the basis of the changes agreed, the Mayor then moved on to consider each motion in turn.

12.1  1st Motion (Labour Group) – Declaring a Gambling Harms Emergency in Brent

The Mayor invited Councillor Bajwa to move the first motion which had been submitted on behalf of the Labour Group.  Councillor Bajwa began by highlighting the importance of the motion in recognising the harm associated with gambling as not only a public health crisis but also a community safety issue and something that needed to be confronted working together.  In recognising the concerns raised by residents across Brent at the spread of betting shops and adult gaming centres on High Streets and in Town Centres including Wembley, Willesden, Kilburn and Harlesden, Councillor Bajwa also reflected on the impact of these gambling premises being located within communities experiencing some of the greatest need across the borough, with 81 licensed gambling premises currently located with Brent.

Referring to the impact of gambling harm in relation to not only health and wellbeing but also in terms of financial and family pressure, mental health and community safety, Councillor Bajwa advised the motion was seeking to move from campaigning alone to provide a co-ordinated council-wide response based around a Gambling Harms Strategy.  Members were advised the Strategy had been proposed as a means of increasing understanding about the scale of the problem in Brent and structuring resource to support prevention, advice and ensure licensing, planning, public health, schools, community safety, debt advice and resident services were all supporting each other under a co-ordinated approach.

In commending the former Deputy Leader of the Council (Mili Patel) for the work already undertaken in seeking to raise awareness and co-ordinate a response to address the issues identified, members were reminded that Brent had also sought to take a lead nationally working with residents, campaigners, MPs, charities, public health experts and more than 40 councils with Andy Burnham MP also an early backer of the campaign and the motion therefore focussed in pushing for change at a national as well as local level.  In commending the motion to Council, Councillor Bajwa ended by advising members that it was not intended to moralise and instead was focussed in seeking support for an approach that would provide the necessary  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

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 Anderson thanked Councillor Kelcher (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning) for the written response to her question seeking further detail regarding the investment in roof and fascia replacement works at Donnington Park School.  In welcoming the investment as evidence of the Council's commitment to maintaining and improving existing school buildings alongside the focus on new build and recognising the inadequate level of funding provided by previous Governments, she asked the Cabinet Member, as a supplementary question, whether the investment identified reflected the Council’s approach towards a more proactive rather than reactive programme of maintenance.

In response, Councillor Kelcher thanked Councillor Anderson for her advocacy on behalf of the school and wider community within her ward.  Recognising the schools importance to the local community, he felt the investment had demonstrated the Council’s commitment to supporting educational facilities within the area.  Reflecting on his own educational experience under previous Conservative Governments he highlighted the impact which the underinvestment in schools and their facilities had had on pupils learning environments and wellbeing.  The change under subsequent Labour Government’s was therefore welcomed with investment in schools increased and educational conditions improved.  Despite these improvements, funding pressures had re-emerged during the Coalition Government and subsequent years of austerity with, he felt, the subsequent reductions in public spending having led to significant problems across the education sector.  These had directly impacted on school building estates, safety and maintenance which he highlighted as evidence of the long-term consequences of underinvestment and cumulative impact of austerity policies and delayed investment.

In contrast, Councillor Kelcher felt that the investment in Donnington Park School, represented the beginning of a process to reverse the decline outlined.  In reminding members that the investment had been made possible as a result of increased funding for school repairs and maintenance provided through the current Labour Government via the Department for Education, it was felt this represented a significant step towards addressing longstanding issues, improving educational facilities, and ensuring that pupils and staff retained access to a safe and suitable learning environment.

13.2  Councillor Hack thanked Councillor Rubin (as Cabinet member for Children’s Services, Employment and Climate Action) for the response to his original question regarding the use of SCIL to support development of the new  ...  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:

11.1    Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee

11.2    Community & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee

The Mayor then moved on to deal with the updates from each Scrutiny Committee Chair.  Reminding members of the changes to the Council Procured Rules agreed at the start of the meeting he advised members that the written reports submitted by the Chairs of both Committees were for reference purposes only and would no longer require presentation on an individual basis or include the opportunity for questions to be raised on matters relating to the work of each Committee.

On the basis of the reports submitted, Council therefore RESOLVED to note the updates on work being undertaken by the Resources & Public Realm and Community & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committees.

To receive the Annual Report produced by the Chair of the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee updating on the work of both Committees, in accordance with Standing Order 37.

As the final item of business, the Mayor invited Councillor Choudry, as the Vice-Chair of the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee and Chair of the Audit & Standards Committee, to introduce the annual report from the Independent Chair of the Advisory Committee, updating members on the work undertaken during the 2025-26 Municipal Year.

In presenting the report on behalf of the Audit and Standards Committee and Advisory Committee, Councillor Choudry began by drawing 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 as well as members standards of conduct and providing independent oversight of the Council's governance, risk management, internal control and ethical standards.

Members were advised that the approach adopted towards the work undertaken had also included a number of deeper reviews focussed on the Council’s risk management structure and strategic risk management process with an increasing focus not only on the effectiveness of governance processes but also in terms of the monitoring and reporting of information and data.

In concluding, Councillor Choudry took the opportunity to thank all members of the Committee along with the co-opted members, officers and the external auditors for their constructive contributions throughout the year and placed on record his thanks to David Ewart as Independent Chair of the Advisory Committee for the skilful chairing and independent oversight he was also able to provide.  Members were advised that both Committees looked forward to continuing their work with key stakeholders to ensure the necessary focus was maintained in relation to the assurance, compliance and control of the Council’s key governance arrangements.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Choudry for the update provided and in recognising the valuable role and work undertaken by both Committees it was RESOLVED to note the Annual Report provided by the Chair of the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee outlining the work undertaken during 2025-26.

No items have been identified in advance of the meeting that will require the exclusion of the press and public.

There were no items that required the exclusion of the press and public from the meeting.

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 taking place on Monday 14 September 2026.