Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

Before consideration of the formal agenda, the Mayor informed members of a change to the order of business. Given the online attendance of Ciaran McLaughlin (Grant Thornton) as the Council’s External Auditor for the External Audit Annual Report, he advised of the intention to move that report (listed as Item 7 on the agenda) so it was considered in advance of the main Budget and Council Tax report for 2023-2024.

It was therefore RESOLVED that:

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

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

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

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

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

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

(a)       The Leader of the Conservative Group (or their nominated representative) be permitted to speak for up to 15 minutes in response to the Leader and in order to move their alternative budget proposals;

(b)    The Leader of the Liberal Democrats Group (or their nominated representative) be permitted to speak in response to the Leader and in order to move their alternative budget proposals for up to 10 minutes;

(c)    The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources & Reform be permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes;

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

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

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

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

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ahmadi Moghaddam, Bajwa & Crabb.

The Mayor reported that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Ahmadi-Moghaddam, Bajwa and Crabb.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the following meetings of the Council:

2.1      Council meeting held on Monday 21 November 2022

2.2      Extraordinary Council meeting held on Monday 23 January 2023

Council RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the following Council meetings as a correct record:

(a)    Full Council meeting held on Monday 21 November 2022.

(b)      Extraordinary Council meeting held on Monday 23 January 2023.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the following meetings be approved as a correct record:

(a)      Monday 21 November 2022.

(b)      Extraordinary Council meeting held on Monday 23 January 2023

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.

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:

·            Kings News Years Honours List 2023 – including congratulations to former councillor and Deputy Leader Margaret McLennan for her MBE

·            Pride of Brent Youth Awards

·            Holocaust Memorial Day event 2023

·            Death of a former councillor – Tom Bryson

·            100^th birthday celebration – Peter Adkins

·            Coronation “Big Lunch”

·            Petitions

Members also took the opportunity during the Mayors Announcements to pay tribute to Carolyn Downs as Chief Executive, ahead of her retirement at the end of April 2023.

Prior to his announcements, the Mayor asked all members to join him in observing a minutes silence in memory of all those who had lost their lives as a result of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

All those present at the meeting then stood to observe a minutes silence.

The Mayor then made the following announcements:

(i)       Kings New Years Honours List 2023

The Mayor began his announcements by congratulating all those associated with Brent who had received an honour in the Kings New Year Honours list for 2023.  He was pleased to announce this had included Margaret McLennan, as former Deputy Leader of the Council, who had received an MBE for services to digital inclusion and the community in Brent.

Members congratulated all those who had been honoured for their awards.

(ii)      Pride of Brent Youth Awards

The Mayor advised he had been delighted to have taken part in the Pride of Brent Youth Awards in December in order to celebrate and recognise the achievements of young people across Brent making a difference in their communities.

(iii)    Holocaust Memorial Day event 2023

The Mayor advised he had been privileged to attend the commemoration event for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day.  The theme had focussed on “ordinary people” with the event highlighting many moving and inspirational stories.

In reflecting on the human tragedy, the Mayor urged everyone to consider how they could stand against hate and discrimination in order to ensure it was no longer tolerated and to prevent such atrocities from happening again in the future.  Thanks were extended to all those involved in organising the event.

(iv)     Death of Former Councillor Tom Bryson

The Mayor informed members that it was with regret he had to advise of the sad death of former Council Leader and Brent Councillor Mr Tom Bryson.

Speaking on behalf of the Council, the Mayor took the opportunity to express his sincere condolences to Tom’s family and to highlight how much he would be missed by all those who knew him.

In addition to the Mayor’s comments, Councillors Nerva & Long also took the opportunity to pay tribute and offer their condolences to former Councillor Bryon’s family, remembering the way he had worked to develop the Council and represent his party and constituents during his time in office.

(v)        100^th Birthday Celebration

The Mayor took the opportunity to celebrate and congratulate Mr Peter Adkins on reaching the milestone of his 100^th birthday.

(vi)       Coronation “Big Lunch”

Moving on, the Mayor advised he was pleased to announce that he would be hosting a Mayors Coronation lunch on Sunday 7 May 2023 as part of the “Coronation Big Lunch” initiative.  This would be held in the Grand Hall, Civic Centre with the aim of encouraging communities to come together as part of the coronation celebrations.  It was hoped that as many Members as possible would be able to attend, with invites shortly due to be issued.

(vii)   Tributes to Chief Executive

Prior to ending  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

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

(Agenda republished to include the list of appointment(s) on 23 February 2023)

Council RESOLVED to approve the following changes in the membership of Committees & Outside Bodies:

(1)    Councillor Kennelly to replace Councillor Dar as a full member of the Brent Pension Fund Sub Committee. (NB this will be subject to confirmation by General Purposes Committee on 13 March 2023).

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

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

(1)    Councillor Kennelly to replace Councillor Dar as a full member of the Brent Pension Fund Sub Committee (NB: Members noted this would be subject to confirmation by General Purposes Committee on 13 March 2023).

This report presents the Council’s External Auditor’s Annual Report on value for money as part of the 2021/22 audit of the year end accounts. It also sets out the key recommendations made within the Annual Report.

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

Council RESOLVED to note the external auditor’s annual report on value for money as part of the 2021/22 audit of the year end accounts.

Having agreed to the change in the order of business, the Mayor invited Ciaran McLaughlin (online participant representing Grant Thornton) as the Council’s External Auditor to introduce the report from the Chief Executive presenting the External Audit 2021-22 Annual Report on Value for Money (VFM).

In introducing the report, Ciaran McLaughlin summarised the approach towards the VFM audit and drew Members attention to the positive nature of the process and key findings detailed within the Annual Report.  As part of the auditors work, members were advised that no significant weaknesses had been identified in terms of the Council’s VFM arrangements.  Whilst a small number of improvement recommendations had been identified, it was pointed out these had been designed to enhance existing processes rather than in response to any weaknesses identified.  In commending the report to Council, he once again highlighted the positive outcome of the audit and expressed thanks to all those involved in supporting the process.

The Mayor then invited Councillor Mili Patel, as Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources & Reform, to respond to the Annual report on behalf of the Council.  In welcoming the report, she felt it important to recognise the positive nature of the independent audit opinion and findings identified in relation to the Council’s VFM arrangements, particularly given the Council’s challenging budgetary position.  Highlighting the improvement in terms of the overall number of recommendations identified, compared to previous years, confirmation was provided that all recommendations had been accepted with management responses provided, as detailed within the report.  Highlighting what she felt to be the Council’s prudent, financially sustainable and resilient approach towards management of its finances, Councillor Mili Patel ended by thanking Ciaran McLaughlin and his team for the work undertaken on the audit.

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

Council therefore RESOLVED to note the External Auditor’s Annual Report on Value for Money as part of the 2021-22 audit of the year end accounts.

6.1      Budget & Council Tax 2023-24

This report sets out the Council’s budget proposals for 2023/24.  It also details the results of the consultation, scrutiny and equalities considerations in relation to the budget proposals.  The report also sets out the overall financial position facing the Council for the medium term and highlights the significant risks, issues and uncertainties.

Members are asked to note that the recommendations in the report were approved by Cabinet on 6 February 2023 for reference on to Council.

6.2      Conservative Group amendments to the Budget & Council Tax proposals 2023-24

To consider the proposed amendments submitted by the Conservative Group in relation to the Council’s budget proposals for 2023-24.

6.3      Liberal Democrats Group amendments to the Budget & Council Tax proposals 2023-24

To consider the proposed amendments submitted by the Liberal Democrats Group in relation to the Council’s budget proposals for 2023-24.

Council RESOLVED to:

(1)      Agree an overall 4.99% increase in the Council’s element of Council Tax for 2023/24, with 2% as a precept for Adult Social Care and a 2.99% general increase.

(2)      Agree the General Fund revenue budget for 2023/24, as summarised in Appendices A and B of the report.

(3)      Agree the savings proposals for 2023/24 and deferral of savings to 2024/25, as set out in Appendix C (i) of the report

(4)      Note the Equalities Impact Assessments on the budget proposals, as set out in Appendices C (ii) and C (iii) of the report.

(5)      Note the report from the Budget Scrutiny Task Group in Appendix D of the report.

(6)      Agree the HRA budget and business plan for 2023/24, as set out in section seven and appendix Q of the report.

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

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

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

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

(11)    Note the action plan to implement CIPFA’s Financial Management Code and conduct a Financial Resilience Assessment, as set out in Appendix L of the report.

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

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

(14)    Note the legal advice from the Corporate Director of Governance, as set out in Appendix O of the report.

(15)    Agree the Pay Policy Statement for 2023/24, as set out in Appendix P of the report.

Council Tax recommendations

(16)    As a result of confirmation having been received on the final GLA precept in advance of the recommendations being put to the vote at the Council meeting it was agreed in relation to the Council Tax for 2023/24:

          That the following amounts be now calculated as the Council’s element by the Council for the year 2023/24 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as amended:

(a) £1,061,792,345  being the aggregate of the amount that the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act.

(b) £910,992,347     being the aggregate of the amounts that the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(3) of the Act.

(c) £150,799,998     being the amount by which the aggregate at (a) above exceeds the aggregate at (b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31A(4)  ...  view the full decision text for item 10.

The Mayor then moved on to receive the report from the Corporate Director of Finance & Resources setting out the Council’s budget proposals for 2023-24.  Included within the report were the results of the budget consultation, scrutiny and equalities processes along with a summary of the overall financial position, risks, issues and uncertainties facing the Council over the medium term.

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

Councillor Muhammed Butt began by thanking members, officers, the public and other stakeholders for their involvement in the consultation and preparation of the budget.  Highlighting that the proposals presented another balanced budget he felt they not only set out a fair and responsible approach but also one that would continue to make a difference for residents across Brent.  This was not only in terms of seeking to protect them from the current challenges arising from the cost of living crisis and Governments approach towards the delivery of public services, but also in terms of the aspirations for continued growth, fairness and opportunity over the coming year and beyond.

Recognising the difficult nature of decisions needing to be made in terms of the budget proposals presented to Council, he felt it important to highlight the ongoing impact of the Government’s programme of austerity and funding restrictions imposed on public services, which he pointed out had resulted in a cumulative impact for Brent totalling approx. £200m worth of cuts.  Despite this context and the challenges identified he felt it important to outline the Administration’s commitment to continue protecting those relying on services provided by the Council’s and most vulnerable in society in order to avoid anyone being left behind as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.

In thanking Carolyn Downs, the Corporate Management Team and all officers involved for their leadership and support in development of the budget proposals in such challenging circumstances, Councillor Muhammed Butt outlined the extent of work undertaken to ensure that the proposals presented for consideration had been subject to detailed consideration and consultation and represented a reasoned and rational financial judgement which reflected the careful stewardship of funds, as identified through the independent external audit assessment.  In thanking the Budget Scrutiny Task Group for their input into the process and recommendations made as a result, he compared that to the approach taken by both Opposition Groups, in terms of the presentation of their alternative budget proposals, highlighting the risks identified in terms of seeking to protect the Council’s finances and avoid ending up in similar positions to other authorities who found themselves on the brink of insolvency.

Referring in more detail to the budget proposals set out within the report, Councillor Muhammed Butt was keen to highlight the difference in approach between the Administration and both Opposition Groups in terms of addressing the barriers in seeking to support residents and ensure no one was left behind.  Whilst unwelcome, it had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

This report presents the Borough Plan 2023-2027 to Council for formal adoption, setting out the Council’s vision, strategic priorities and actions for review.

Members are asked to note that the Borough Plan was approved by Cabinet on 6 February 2023 for referral to Council.

Council RESOLVED to endorse and approve the new Brent Borough Plan 2023-27 for adoption, including the accompanying suite of supporting documents:

·            Borough Plan Engagement and Consultation Findings 2023-27 (attached as Appendix A) to the report

·            Brent Borough Plan 2023 – 27 (attached as Appendix B to the report)

·            Borough Plan evidence base (attached as Appendix C to the report)

·            Equality Impact Assessment (attached as Appendix D to the report)

Having concluded consideration of the budget, the Mayor then invited Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, to introduce the report from the Corporate Director of Communities and Regeneration, seeking approval to the new Brent Borough Plan 2023-27.  In introducing the report the Leader outlined how the new Borough Plan had been structed to capture the achievements delivered over the previous four years and to set out the context, narrative and Administrations new strategic priorities, commitments and desired outcomes moving forward.  In concluding his introduction the Leader thanked all officers involved for their efforts and support in development of the 2023-27 Borough Plan.

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 recommendation in the report to the vote and they were declared CARRIED.

It was therefore RESOLVED to endorse and approve the new Brent Borough Plan 2023-27 for adoption, including the following accompanying suite of supporting documents:

·            Borough Plan Engagement and Consultation Findings 2023-27 (attached as Appendix A) to the report

·            Brent Borough Plan 2023 – 27 (attached as Appendix B to the report)

·            Borough Plan evidence base (attached as Appendix C to the report)

·            Equality Impact Assessment (attached as Appendix D to the report)

This report provides an update on treasury management activities for the first half of the financial year 2022-23.

Members are asked to note that the report was noted by Cabinet on 16 January 2023 and has been referred on to Council for consideration in compliance with CIPFAs Code of Practice on Treasury Management.

Council RESOLVED to note the 2022-23 Mid-Year Treasury report in compliance with the Council’s Treasury Management indicators and CIPFA’s Code of Practice on Treasury Management (the Code).

The Mayor then invited Councillor Mili Patel, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources & Reform, to introduce the report from the Corporate Director of Finance & Resources updating members on Treasury Management activity for the first half of the 2022-23 financial year. Members noted that the report had also been considered and agreed by the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee on 7 December 2022 and Cabinet on 16 January 2023 who had agreed to refer it on to Council for consideration in compliance with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management.

In introducing the report, Councillor Mili Patel confirmed that the Council was continuing to operate in compliance with the Treasury Management Indicators for 2022-23, as detailed within Appendix 1 of the report.

As no other members indicated they wished to speak, and Councillor Mili Patel had confirmed she did not need to exercise her right of reply the Mayor then put the recommendations in the report to the vote and they were unanimously declared CARRIED.

It was therefore RESOLVED to note the 2022-23 Mid-Year Treasury report in in compliance with the Council’s Treasury Management indicators and CIPFA’s Code of Practice on Treasury Management (the Code).

This report outlines the annual review of the Members Allowance Scheme undertaken for 2023/2024.

Council RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the Members Allowance Scheme in the proposed terms set out within the report for the 2023-24 Financial Year.

(2)    To authorise the Corporate Director of Governance to comply with the statutory requirements to publicise the Council’s Members’ Allowance Scheme.

Moving on, the Mayor then invited Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, to introduce the report from the Corporate Director of Governance which sought approval to the proposed Members Allowance Scheme for the 2023-24 financial year.

In introducing the report, the Leader outlined the background to the proposed inflationary uplift in the level of basic, special responsibility an civic allowances for 2023-24 recommended as an outcome of the current review along with the proposal to undertake a further review of allowances payable under the Scheme, following the outcome of an additional review being undertaken by the Independent Remuneration Panel over the course of the next 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:

(1)    To approve the Members Allowance Scheme in the proposed terms set out within the report for the 2023-24 Financial Year.

(2)    To authorise the Corporate Director of Governance to comply with the statutory requirements to publicise the Council’s Members’ Allowance Scheme.

This report sets out a number of proposed changes to the Constitution, for Council’s consideration and approval.

Council RESOLVED:

(3)    To authorise the Corporate Director, Governance to amend the Constitution accordingly, including making any necessary incidental or consequential changes.

As the final item of business to be considered, the Mayor invited Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, to introduce a report from the Corporate Director of Governance outlining a number of proposed changes to the Constitution, which it was confirmed had been subject to consideration and approval by the Constitutional Working Group.

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:

(3)    To authorise the Corporate Director, Governance to amend the Constitution accordingly, including making any necessary incidental or consequential changes.

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

No urgent items of business were raised at the meeting.

There were no urgent items of business raised at the meeting so the Mayor, in closing the meeting, thanked all members for their co-operation and support and advised that he looked forward to seeing everyone again in person at the next Full Council which would be the Annual Council and Mayor Making meeting on Wednesday 17 May 2023.