Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Afzal and Mahmood.

The Mayor reported that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Afzal and Mahmood.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the Council meeting held on Monday 18 September 2023.

AGREED that the minutes of the Council meeting held on Monday 18 September 2023 be approved as a correct record.

Eligible for Call-In: No

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the of the Council meeting held on Monday 18 September 2023 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.

The following interests were declared at the meeting:

(a)    Agenda Item 11.1 Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee – Chair’s Update:

·             Councillor Lorber declared a personal interest as a member of the Friends of Barham Park and Director and Trustee of Barham Community Library given reference within the update report to the outcome of the call-in considered by the Scrutiny Committee on the Barham Park Trust Accounts 2022-23.

No other interests were declared at the meeting.

The following interests were declared at the meeting:

(a)    Agenda Item 12.1 Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee – Chair’s Update: Councillor Lorber declared a personal interest as a member of the Friends of Barham Park and Director and Trustee of Barham Community Library given reference within the update report to the outcome of the call-in considered by the Scrutiny Committee on the Barham Park Trust Accounts 2022-23.

There were no other declarations of interest made at the meeting.

To receive any announcements from the Mayor.

Announcements from the Mayor were noted in relation to:

·             Remembrance Sunday

·             Conflict in the Middle East

·             Black History Month and other Mayoral engagements

·             Islamophobia Awareness Month

·             Kings Award for Voluntary Service

·             LGIU Councillor Awards

·             100^th birthday celebration

·             Mayors Christmas Fundraising Ball

·             Petitions

Eligible for Call-In: No

The Mayor made the following announcements:

(i)     Remembrance Sunday

The Mayor began her announcements by seeking to reflect on Remembrance Sunday and pay tribute to all those who had lost their lives in conflicts around the world.  As part of the tributes, The Mayor advised she had been honoured to attend the borough remembrance service at Barham Park, which she was pleased to see had included representatives from a number of students at schools across Brent.  As part of the programme of events, the Mayor advised she had also been pleased to attend the AJEC Jewish Military Association annual remembrance parade and ceremony at the Cenotaph.

(ii)    Conflict in the Middle East

Turning her attention to other events the Mayor advised that her thoughts were also with all those affected by the current conflict in Israel and Gaza.  In recognising that every life lost was a tragedy on all those impacted she asked members to join her in praying for the innocent people who had been affected and for a swift end to the conflict in hope that peace could be achieved.

Highlighting the personal impact of the conflict on communities across the borough the Mayor advised that she was also aware of the trauma this had created and, whilst recognising that people would have different ways of expressing solidarity with the people of Gaza and Israel, outlined her continued commitment as Mayor to fostering a strong level of community cohesion and reaching out to all of the communities affected across the borough.

(iii)    Black History Month and other Mayoral events

The Mayor took the opportunity to thank everyone involved in developing and delivering the programme of activities to celebrate Black History month during October, which she had been pleased to be able to participate in and had included a number of visits to schools across the borough.

Other events attended since the previous Council meeting had included:

·             The launch of ManVan – Brent’s Prostate Cancer Screening Bus.

·             Brent Care Leavers Awards Ceremony.

·             Brent Start Student Awards Ceremony.

·             Act of Hope and Remembrance for those affected by hate crime.

·             A number of visits to celebrate the Navratri Festival and to local temples in Brent with the Deputy Lieutenant in order to celebrate Diwali, with all those celebrating wished a Happy Diwali

(iv)   Islamophobia Awareness Month

The Mayor advised that she was also pleased to be supporting Islamophobia Awareness month, which included a range of activities designed to raise awareness and bring people together in standing against discrimination and hate crime.  Members were reminded that as part of the programme of activities, Brent Council would be hosting an event on 21 November from 6 – 8pm at the Civic Centre that would include stories, discussion and presentations and she hoped all members would be able to attend.

(v)    Kings Award for Voluntary Service

On behalf of both herself and the Council, the Mayor advised she would like to congratulate the Central Mosque of Brent Charity following receipt of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

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

No membership changes were received for approval at the meeting.

Eligible for Call-In: No

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

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

Members are asked to note that the following deputations are due to be received at the meeting:

6.1   Response and action to address the climate emergency in Brent (deputation to be made by Action for the Climate Emergency Brent)

6.2   Implementation and operation of Blue Bag recycling scheme (deputation to be made by Sheila Darr, local resident)

(Agenda republished to include confirmation of second deputation on 14 November 2023)

6.1     Action to address the Climate Emergency

NOTED the deputation received from Elaine Sheppard and Sylvia Gauthereau (representing Action for the Climate Emergency in Brent) outlining concerns regarding the urgency of the action being taken by the Council to address the climate emergency and achieve the target of becoming a net carbon zero borough by 2030.  Referring to the coalition of groups represented by the newly established ACE Brent (which included Brent Friends of the Earth, Brent Cycling Campaign, Brent Parks Forum, Brent Pure Energy, Brent XR and Divest Brent) members were also reminded of the recent correspondence outlining the coalition’s detailed proposals along with the need to increase the pace of action over the coming five-year period.  Whilst recognising that the government was not on track regarding the climate emergency, ACE Brent felt that Brent as a borough could be.

Although recognising the Council’s commitment towards achieving net zero (as outlined within its Climate Emergency Strategy, Green Vision Planning guidelines, Green Neighbourhood pilots and other initiatives) it was not felt these were sufficiently urgent in nature as a response or reflected (given the diversity within Brent) the global and local social justice obligations which underpinned tackling the climate emergency.  Whilst aware of the financial pressures on the Council and impact of cost-of-living crisis, it was felt that working together to focus on more ambitious and urgent action did not mean having to spending more money, with calls for a revamped Climate Plan to galvanise and replace the current strategy that would bring together all current strategies and initiatives to more clearly prioritise SMART and costed actions that would deliver net zero and protect those residents most at risk.  Prior to handing over to Sylvia Gauthereau to continue, Elaine Sheppard ended by expressing concern at the limited scope of the Climate Strategy Delivery Plan 2022-24 in terms of the activities covered and also at the recent decision to revise reporting on the climate action from an annual to biannual basis, reiterating that this decision negatively impacted the ability to effectively monitor delivery of the Climate Strategy in advance of 2030.

Sylvia Gauthereau continued by advising that ACE Brent had welcomed the agreement at a recent Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee seeking a more accessible accountability framework to monitor performance, especially with regard to clearer measurement of emissions which it was hoped was now in progress.  It was also felt that the development of any new Plan should be initiated and informed by a new Climate Assembly which would have regular dialogue with, and report to, residents and stakeholders.  In support of this proposal, reference was made to the establishment of dedicated Climate and Emergency Scrutiny Committees and Citizen Panels by other local authorities.  As a result, ACE Brent felt that in order to effectively support the move towards net zero and ensure the necessary co-ordination and oversight was provided, Brent should also consider establishing a dedicated Climate and Ecological Emergency Scrutiny Committee which met on a quarterly basis. To conclude,  ...  view the full decision text for item 7.

The Mayor advised that she had accepted two requests for deputations to be presented at the meeting.  The first of these was from Elaine Sheppard and Sylvia Gauthereau (representing Action for the Climate Emergency in Brent) outlining concerns about the action being taken by the Council to address the climate emergency and achieve the target of becoming net carbon zero by 2030.  The second was from Sheila Darr (as a local resident) seeking to highlight a number of practical implementation and operational concerns relating to the recently introduced blue bag recycling scheme across the borough.

Unless otherwise indicated by members, the Mayor advised that she intended to allow up to five minutes for presentation of each deputation before then allowing the relevant Lead Cabinet Member up to two minutes to respond.

As no objections were raised on the approach outlined, the Mayor moved on to welcome the first deputation.

7.1     Action to address the Climate Emergency

In thanking the Mayor for the opportunity to address the meeting, Elaine Sheppard and Sylvia Gauthereau advised they were presenting the deputation on behalf of the newly established Action for the Climate Emergency in Brent (ACE Brent) which represented a coalition of groups including Brent Friends of the Earth, Brent Cycling Campaign, Brent Parks Forum, Brent Pure Energy, Brent XR and Divest Brent.  In seeking to outline their concerns regarding the urgency of the action being taken by the Council to address the climate emergency and achieve the target of becoming a net carbon zero borough by 2030, Elaine Sheppard began by reminding members of the correspondence circulated in advance of the meeting, which had outlined the coalition’s detailed proposals along with what they felt was a need to increase the pace of action over the coming five-year period.  Whilst recognising that the government was not on track regarding the climate emergency, ACE Brent felt that Brent as a borough could be.

Although recognising the Council’s commitment towards achieving net zero (as outlined within its Climate Emergency Strategy, Green Vision Planning guidelines, Green Neighbourhood pilots and other initiatives) it was not felt these were sufficiently urgent in nature as a response or reflected (given the diversity within Brent) the global and local social justice obligations which underpinned tackling the climate emergency.  Whilst aware of the financial pressures on the Council and impact of cost-of-living crisis, it was felt that working together to focus on more ambitious and urgent action did not mean having to spending more money.  ACE Brent were therefore seeking a revamped Climate Plan to galvanise and replace the existing strategy aimed at bringing together all current plans and initiatives to more clearly prioritise SMART and costed actions that would deliver net zero and protect those residents most at risk.  Prior to handing over to Sylvia Gauthereau, Elaine Sheppard ended by expressing concern at the limited scope of the current Climate Strategy Delivery Plan in terms of the activities covered and also at the recent decision to revise reporting on climate  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

7.1     To receive question(s) submitted by the public to Cabinet Members, in accordance with Standing Order 33.

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

7.2     To receive question(s) submitted by the Brent Youth Parliament to Cabinet Members, in accordance with Standing Order 33(c).

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

NOTED

1.          The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure & Climate Action to a public question submitted by Peggy Wylie regarding operation of the 206 bus route on Wembley Stadium event days and the completion of necessary infrastructure works along Bridge Road and North End Road to enable proposed changes to the route to be introduced on event days.

2.         The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member Children, Young People and Schools to a question submitted by Brent Youth Parliament regarding the support available for young people with Special Education Needs and Disabilities including the offer of inclusive educational provision and how those type of facilities would be determined and designed.

Eligible for Call-In: No

8.1     Questions from the Public

The Mayor advised that one question had been received from a member of the public, which was as follows:

Question 1 from Peggy Wylie regarding operation of the 206 bus route on Wembley Stadium event days.

Members noted the written response provided on the question, which had been circulated with the agenda.  Having been invited to attend in order to ask any supplementary question, the Mayor advised she was pleased to welcome Peggy Wylie to the meeting who addressed the following supplementary question to the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action.

Question 1 Supplementary Question from Peggy Wylie to Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure & Climate Action.

Thanking Councillor Krupa Sheth for the written response provided Peggy Wylie, in highlighting the impact of the reduced bus service on local residents and large number of school pupils who also relied on the service, sought further details on the timescale to complete the necessary infrastructure works along Bridge Road and North End Road that would enable the proposed changes to the route to be introduced on event days, prior to the programme of stadium events commencing during 2024.

In thanking Peggy Wylie for her question Councillor Krupa Sheth, in responding, reiterated the Council’s commitment to continue working with Transport for London in order to secure the necessary service improvements and infrastructure works with further discussion welcomed with residents, as required.

Having noted the response provided, the Mayor thanked Peggy Wylie for her supplementary question and Councillor Krupa Sheth for her response and then moved on to deal with the question submitted by Brent Youth Parliament.

8.2   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 Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, relating to the improvement of support for young people with Special Educational Needs both in and outside of school.

The Mayor thanked Brent Youth Parliament 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 Armaan Rattu and Manel Bensada to the meeting who addressed the following supplementary question to the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools.

Question 1 Supplementary Question from Armaan Rattu and Manel Bensada to Councillor Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools.

Having thanked Councillor Grahl for her written response and advising that they were pleased to hear about the support being provided for young people with Special Educational Needs and disabilities Armaan Rattu and Manel Bensada, as a supplementary question, sought further clarification on the definition of ‘inclusive environments and facilities’ and how these were determined e.g. would school students be actively involved in the design of these facilities.

In response, Councillor Grahl began by thanking Brent Youth Parliament for the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

For Members to consider any petitions with more than 200 signatures on which a debate has been requested, in accordance with the Council’s Petition Rules and Standing Order 66.

No petitions were presented at the meeting.

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

To receive a report from the Leader of the Council in accordance with Standing Order 31 providing an update on any key or significant issues arising from any matter within the responsibility of the Cabinet.

NOTED the report and update provided at the meeting by Councillor Muhammed Butt, as Leader of the Council, highlighting the work being undertaken across each Cabinet portfolio to manage the Council’s finances and provide ongoing support and services to meet the needs of residents across the borough.

In referring to the draft 2024/25 – 2025/26 budget proposals which had been approved for consultation by Cabinet on 16 November 23, the opportunity was taken to remind members of the significant financial pressures and challenges currently faced by the Council as a result of the current economic uncertainty, increased demand in relation to homelessness and impact of the wider funding reductions which had been imposed by the Government since 2010 as a result of austerity.  Despite these challenges, members were advised of the efforts being made to ensure the Council was able to deliver a balanced budget and ensure that the Council could continue to operate in a financially sustainable and resilient way whilst seeking to support and safeguard local residents as far as possible during such challenging times, in line with the Council’s core strategic priorities.

Eligible for Call-In: No

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 portfolio in order to manage the Council’s finances and provide ongoing support and services to meet the needs of residents across the borough.

In referring to the draft 2024-25 budget proposals which had been approved for consultation by Cabinet on 16 November 23, the opportunity was taken to remind members of the significant financial pressures and challenges currently faced by the Council as a result of ongoing economic uncertainty, increased demand in relation to homelessness and impact of the wider funding reductions which had been imposed by the Government since 2010 through their programme of austerity.  Despite these challenges, members were advised of the efforts being made to ensure the Council was able to deliver a balanced budget operating in a financially sustainable and resilient way, whilst seeking to support and safeguard local residents as far as possible during such challenging times, 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.

NOTED

1.     The written response provided by the Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities and Culture to a question submitted by Councillor Rajan-Seelan regarding the activities being planned to ensure the contribution of British Tamils was fully recognised by the Council as part of Tamil Heritage month.  No supplementary question was received.

2.     The written response provided by the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure & Climate Action to a question submitted by Councillor Ahmed regarding the changes to recycling arrangements across the borough and impact these were having at reducing the level of recyclable waste going to landfill in support of the Council’s environmental aim to become carbon neutral by 2030.  No supplementary question was received.

3.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security to a question submitted by Councillor Aden regarding the actions being taken by the Council to address the unprecedented increase in homelessness applications and use of Temporary Accommodation along with the contextual factors impacting on the housing crisis in Brent.

4.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure & Climate Action to a question submitted by Councillor Hirani regarding operational concerns and the financial and value for money considerations relating to implementation of the blue bag recycling scheme for card and paper across the borough.

5.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security to a question submitted by Councillor Georgiou regarding the current position on the Altamira Morland Gardens housing scheme, including the associated impact in terms of costs, grant funding and on the current use of the Twybridge Way site.

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

·             Councillor Jayanti Patel highlighting concerns regarding anti-social behaviour and nuisance being experienced by residents in Milky Way, Queensbury linked to Housing Association tenants living in the surrounding area and action that could be taken by the Council working with the relevant Housing Association and Safer Neighbourhood Team to address the problems being experienced.

·             Councillor Chan regarding the powers and support available through the Council, working with the police and local residents, in seeking to prevent and cease the use of local retail shop premises along Park Parade, Harlesden for illegal and unregulated activities.

·             Councillor Kelcher regarding the powers available to the Council to support the ongoing campaign to save the Royal Oak Public House in High Street, Harlesden from closure and in seeking to protect and offer business support to other similar venues, recognising their importance not only as hospitality but also as local community hubs.

·             Councillor Rubin commending the Council for their ongoing efforts to support and work with the Brent Renters Union in seeking to ensure the necessary protections were provided for tenants in the private rented sector across the borough (including the landlord licensing scheme) in order to tackle serious health and safety  ...  view the full decision text for item 11.

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

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

11.1   Councillor Rajan-Seelan thanked Councillor Donnelly-Jackson, as Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities & Culture, for the written response to his question regarding the activities being planned to ensure the contribution of British Tamils was fully recognised by the Council as part of Tamil Heritage month.  Whilst no supplementary question was received members were reminded that Tamil Heritage Month would be taking place during January 2024 with councillors, residents and community groups all being encouraged to participate.

11.2   Councillor Ahmed thanked Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, for the written response to his question regarding the changes to recycling arrangements across the borough and impact these were having at reducing the level of recyclable waste going to landfill in support of the Council’s environmental aim to become carbon neutral by 2030.  No supplementary question was received.

11.3   Having thanked Councillor Knight, as Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security, for the response provided on his question seeking details on the actions being taken by the Council to address the unprecedented increase in homelessness applications and use of Temporary Accommodation, Councillor Aden, as a supplementary question, sought further clarification on the contextual factors impacting on the housing crisis in the borough.

In response, Councillor Knight began by taking the opportunity to highlight the unprecedented nature of the current level of housing demand, with pressure in relation to the number of homeless households and applications continuing to grow driven by the cost-of-living crisis.  This had led to a 322% increase in the use of temporary accommodation compared to previous years with it forecast (if demand continued to grow at the same rate) that the Housing Needs Service would receive a total of 7,500 applications over the year representing an average of 144 applications each week, the highest recorded.  These pressures were exacerbated by a contraction in the number of properties available within the Private Rented Sector at Local Housing Allowance (LHA) level (used to prevent and relieve homelessness) with many landlords having also exited the sector.  In emphasising that that the Council did not believe homelessness to be a lifestyle choice, Councillor Knight outlined the establishment of a Temporary Accommodation supply and spend project aimed at addressing current pressures on the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

To receive reports from the Chairs of the Council’s Scrutiny Committees in accordance with Standing Order 36. The reports have been attached as follows:

11.1    Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee

11.2    Community & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee

(Agenda republished to include the update from the Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee on 17 November 2023)

NOTED the update reports provided by the Chair of the Resources & Public Realm and Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committees.

During the open question time session Councillor Lorber took the opportunity to highlight the concerns previously raised at what he felt had been the limited scope of the discussion permitted in response to the call-in on the decision to approve the Barham Park Trust Accounts at the Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee call-in meeting held to deal with the matter.

Eligible for Call-In: No

Before being presented with the updates from each Scrutiny Committee, the Mayor reminded members the time set aside for this item was 12 minutes, with each Chair having up to three minutes in which to highlight any significant issues arising from the work of their Committees.  Once these updates had been provided, the remaining time available would then be opened up for any other non-Cabinet members to question (without the need for advance notice) the Scrutiny Committee Chairs on matters relating to the work of their Committee.

Councillor Conneely was then invited to introduce the update report on the work being undertaken by the Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee, with the following issues highlighted:

·             Referring to the Committee’s ongoing focus and work in relation to development and delivery of the Council’s Climate Emergency Strategy, members were advised that this would be subject to further review early in 2024 with the contribution made by Action for the Climate Emergency in Brent as part of their earlier deputation also welcomed.

·             The Committee had met twice since the previous update with one of those meetings having been to consider a call-in relating to the decision made by the Barham Park Trust Committee to approve their accounts for 2022-23.  Having consider the concerns raised under the call-in in relation to accuracy of the accounts and noted that the Chief Executive had also (independently of the call-in) commissioned a separate high-level consultancy based review on the concerns raised the Committee had agreed, as an outcome of the call-in, to refer the original decision made on the Accounts back to the Trust Committee for reconsideration.

·             The Committee had also continued to actively monitor the Council’s financial forecast position and medium-term financial outlook along with the risks and uncertainties regarding the budget setting position for 2024 – 25.  Having noted the current £13m overspend forecast and unprecedented nature of demand driving these pressures in relation to the rise in homelessness and reduction in the supply of suitable accommodation, the Committee had welcomed the actions being taken in response to mitigate against and seek to address the pressures identified.  Whilst recognising the efforts being made to maintain a financially resilient, balanced and sustainable budget position the Committee had recognised how difficult this had become given the ongoing reductions in core funding received by central government and overall level of savings which had needed to be made as a result since austerity had been introduced in 2010.  The position would continue to be kept under review by the Committee with the issues highlighted also due to be considered by the Scrutiny Budget Task Group which members were advised had recently commenced its review as part of the budget consultation process for 2024-25.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Conneely for her update and then invited Councillor Ketan Sheth as chair of the Community and Wellbeing 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:  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

To receive an update report from the Vice-Chair of the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee, in accordance with Standing Order 37.

NOTED the update report provided by the Vice Chair of the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee.

Eligible for Call-In: No

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.  As one of their key responsibilities, members were advised that the Committee had now signed off the Council’s Annual Statement of Accounts 2022–23 having reviewed and also sought assurance around the management responses on the External Audit findings and Enquiries of Management.  Officers were thanked for their efforts relating to sign off of the Accounts, with Brent being only one of a small number of local authorities to have completed the process for 2022-23.  The importance of this process was also recognised in terms of the wider financial challenges, risks and pressures being faced by local authorities as a result of the current economic climate and Government’s programme of austerity.

In highlighting the importance of other work also being undertaken in relation to issues such as delivery of the Internal Audit Plan and Counter Fraud activity, 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 reports from Cabinet members, as required, on any issues previously raised.

Members are asked to note that the subject identified for debate at this meeting is as follows:

Making our Borough Clean and Safe.

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

(Agenda republished on 17 November 2023 to include a Labour Group amendment to the original motion submitted as the basis for the Non-Cabinet Member debate)

Following the approval of an amendment moved by the Labour Group in relation to the original motion submitted, the following motion (as amended) was AGREED as the outcome of the non-cabinet member debate:

“Making our Borough Clean and Safe

This Council notes:

A major issue of upmost importance to Brent Council is the general condition of our area. Residents are increasingly frustrated that a small minority of individuals disregard their streets and use them for rubbish and illegal fly tipping. As ward councillors we are receiving daily updates from local people about dumping in the Borough, and we work tirelessly with Council Officers to resolve these enquiries and prevent the problem from getting worse.

This includes large fly tips in hotspot locations that have been identified by the Council for a considerable time, but with limited resources it is an ongoing battle for our environmental enforcement teams to tackle. Nonetheless we do ensure that proactive action is taken to prevent further ongoing dumping at these sites.

In some areas of the borough ‘paan spitting’ continues to be a major problem local people are forced to contend with. The Councils campaigns to reduce unsightly, unhygienic mess caused by this bad habit will encourage behaviour change.

Rubbish on our streets contributes to how people view the area and can have a knock-on effect in terms of further Anti-Social Behaviour in the community.

A key priority of this local authority must be to address to scourge of fly tipping and crack down forcefully on those who continue to disrespect our community.

The new Waste Service Contract with Veolia is in place, and it is crucial that the company are held to account in delivering the set-out terms of their contract, particularly around targets on street cleansing.

The roll out of the new blue bags recycling service has already led to a 50% increase in the tonnage of paper and cardboard collected in the first month. While the scheme requires residents to adjust to the new regime more blue bin bags are already being collected without contamination, with a record low of 1% contamination. There is a risk of local people losing confidence in the Climate Emergency Strategy should we choose to do nothing to improve the revised recycling system and increase levels of recycling.

It is likely that the new system will result in the Council’s stated aim of increasing the boroughs overall recycling rate.

Prioritising making our borough clean will have a positive effect on the way people feel about where they live and how others who visit Brent view our area.

Therefore, this Council believes:

1.          Keeping local streets clean and free of rubbish must be a continued focus, particularly in light of increased dumping locally.

2.          The best way to discourage illegal behaviour is by a programme of mass fining and continuing a zero-tolerance approach to rubbish on our streets and in our open spaces and paan spitting.

3.          The Brent Connects areas ensure Enforcement Teams are not overly  ...  view the full decision text for item 14.

In accordance with Standing Order 34, the Mayor advised that the next item on the agenda was the non-cabinet member debate, with the subject chosen for consideration being Making our Borough Clean & Safe.

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 Georgiou to introduce the motion which had been submitted as the basis for the Non-Cabinet Member debate.  In moving the motion, Councillor Georgiou began by highlighting what he felt was the need for the current Administration and Lead Cabinet Members to recognise the concerns being expressed by residents at the cleanliness of the borough’s streets, anti-social behaviour and also in relation to the blue bag recycling scheme.  The motion submitted for debate had sought to raise these matters given the frustration and concerns being expressed by local residents at the general condition and cleanliness of streets across the borough, and on which it was felt decisions made by the current Administration had also negatively contributed towards.

Whilst calling on the Council to take more proactive action in relation to fly tipping and enforcement of the street cleansing contract, the motion had also sought to highlight the significant concerns being expressed by local residents (as highlighted by the strength of feeling expressed within current petitions and the deputation considered earlier in the meeting) relating to the roll out and impact of the blue bag recycling scheme.  The motion was therefore calling for an immediate review of the scheme in order to avoid any longer term loss of confidence in recycling initiatives with the Liberal Democrats Group having already proposed an alternative approach when the matter was reviewed by the Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee.

In outlining the key actions being sought through the motion, Councillor Georgiou ended by querying the position of the Administration and Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action on the issues identified with the need for urgent action highlighted in order to address the concerns raised in seeking to make the borough clean and safe and positively impact on how local residents felt about the borough as a place to live.

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

In moving the amendment, Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, felt that the original motion moved as the basis for the debate had missed the opportunity for a genuine cross-party discussion about making the environment cleaner, acknowledging the extent of work that was being undertaken within the funding available along with the challenges and compromises required to achieve the Council’s target for carbon neutrality by 2030.  The amendment had therefore been designed to recognise, in a way it was felt the original motion  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

To receive a report from the Corporate Director Resident Services seeking approval for adoption of the Council’s Statement of Gambling Principles, which sets out the policy for dealing with applications and regulating gambling premises within the borough.

Members are asked to note that the report is also due to be considered at the Cabinet meeting on 16 November 2023.  Any comments made as a result will be reported at the Council meeting.

Council RESOLVED following its referral by Cabinet on 16 November 2023 to approve formal sign off and adoption of the revised Statement of Gambling Principles (31 January 2022 – 31 January 2025) as set out within Appendix 1 of the report.

Eligible for Call-In: No

The Mayor invited Councillor Farah, as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities & Public Protection, to introduce a report from the Corporate Director Resident Services setting out the Statement of Gambling Principles, which it was noted there was requirement (under the Gambling Act 2005) for all local authorities designated as a Licensing Authority to keep under review, prepare and publish every three years.

In introducing the report members were advised that as part of the Statement each Licensing Authority was expected to outline local issues, priorities and risks that would be used to inform their approach and policy for dealing with applications and regulating gambling premises, with the draft updated Statement for Brent having been detailed within Appendix 1 of the report.  In preparing the Statement of Principles members were advised each authority would also be required to reflect current regulations and have regard to the Gambling Commission’s guidance, with concerns expressed at the limitations this placed on Licensing Authorities in terms of relevant matters that could be taken into consideration as part of this process and when considering licensing applications for gambling premises given they prevented decisions being considered on public health and moral grounds as well as on the basis of demand.  In noting that the draft Statement of Principles had been subject to an extensive consultation process, as detailed within Appendix 2 of the report, disappointment was expressed at the current legislative position with local authorities felt to be best placed to make decisions on the impact in relation to the assessment of relevant policy considerations when considering applications for gambling premises in their area.

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

In supporting the concerns highlighted regarding the limitations currently placed on the relevant matters that could be taken into account when considering applications in relation to gambling premises, Councillor Lorber also felt it important to recognise the role of the current and previous governments in supporting de-regulation of the gambling industry, with a need highlighted for the Council to take a strong stance in seeking to oppose these type of licenses.

Councillor Nerva, in supporting the frustrations expressed regarding the limitations placed on Licensing Authorities in being able to oppose applications relating to gambling premises within the borough, felt it important to highlight that these were also shared by a majority of local residents who recognised the serious harm and nuisance being caused as a result of gambling centres operating within their local areas.  Highlighting that the lack of control was even more serious in relation to online gambling he hoped that a future government would be more willing to address the issues raised working with local authorities and the health services in order to provide a more joined up approach.

In supporting the wider concerns raised, Councillor Grahl felt it important to also recognise the work undertaken to prepare the revised draft Statement particularly the focus which had been included under Objective 3  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

To receive a report from the Corporate Director Governance seeking approval for changes to the Constitution in relation to speaking rights at Planning Committee (Standing Order 42) and Contract Standing Orders.

Council RESOLVED

(1)    To approve the amendments to the Constitution as detailed within Appendix 1 of the report relating to speaking rights at Planning Committee (Standing Order 57) and the Procurement Rules within Contract Standing Orders.

(2)    Following on from (1) above, to authorise the Corporate Director of Governance to amend the Constitution accordingly, including making any necessary incidental or consequential changes.

(3)    To note that, to the extent that the changes related to executive functions of the Council, they had been approved by the Leader.

Eligible for Call-In: No

The Mayor then 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.  In introducing the report, it was noted that the changes related to speaking rights for public organisations, such as the Police, at Planning Committee and the Council’s Procurement Rules.

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

Referring to the changes proposed in relation to speaking rights at Planning Committee meetings, Councillor Lorber also took the opportunity to highlight what he felt was an additional need to consider allowing members of the public who had spoken in objection to an application the ability to sum up at the end of the associated debate, prior to any final decision being made by the Committee.  Based on experience, he felt this would further enhance public engagement and participation in the process.

As no other members indicated they wished to speak the Mayor invited Councillor Muhammed Butt to exercise his right of reply.  In closing the debate, Councillor Muhammed Butt took the opportunity to remind members of the role and function of the Constitutional Working Group which he advised would be the appropriate forum to undertake consideration (on a cross-party basis) of any further suggestions relating to public speaking rights at meetings, reminding members of what he felt were the extensive arrangements already in place in relation to Planning Committee.  On this basis, he commended the report as submitted to the Council.

Having thanked Councillor Muhammed Butt for closing the debate, the Mayor then put the recommendations in the report to the vote and they were declared CARRIED.

Council therefore RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the amendments to the Constitution as detailed within Appendix 1 of the report relating to speaking rights at Planning Committee (Standing Order 57) and the Procurement Rules within Contract Standing Orders.

(2)    Following on from (1) above, to authorise the Corporate Director of Governance to amend the Constitution accordingly, including making any necessary incidental or consequential changes.

(3)    To note that, to the extent that the changes related to executive functions of the Council, they had been approved by the Leader.

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

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 14 November 2023)

(1)        The following Motion submitted by the Conservative Group, was declared LOST and not approved:

“Expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) – Don’t Punish Brent Drivers

This Council notes that:

1.     On 4th March 2022 the Mayor of London announced his plan to expand the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) from its current boundary of the North and South Circular Roads to cover almost all of Greater London.  Despite the best efforts of Londoners, the Mayor of London (Sadiq Khan) pushed through and expanded the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) on 29th August 2023 to all cover the whole of London.

2.     Whilst the ULEZ was originally introduced covering the same area and with the same boundaries as the Congestion Charge Zone it was expanded on 25th October 2021 by 18 times its original size to its previous boundaries before the further expansion on 29^th August 2023.  The ramifications of this significant change are being felt in outer London Boroughs with the full extent still to be assessed. It goes without saying that the Mayor of London is on an anti-car rampage and won’t be satisfied until we are “all out of cars”!

3.     The expansion of ULEZ means that those with non-compliant vehicles are paying £12.50 per day to drive within the ULEZ.  Residents are being forced to pay more to get to work, attend hospital appointments, visit friends and family and are not being able to take advantage of local businesses and high streets. This is costing jobs with essential workers such as doctors, nurses, care workers, teachers who rely on their vehicles also affected, especially those working nights who rely on use of their cars.  ULEZ is damaging the social fabric of our local area, and many businesses have been forced to locate elsewhere or plan to close.

4.     The ULEZ is a regressive tax, as the less well-off are disproportionately penalised. The expansion has also meant many more areas with poor public transport have been included within the zone which is fundamentally unfair as those residents unable to afford to keep or replace their car are being forced to rely on inadequate levels of public transport.

5.     It is disappointing, but not at all surprising, that the Mayor of London has left a black hole in TfL’s finances and the Labour Mayor now expects millions of families to foot the bill with an exorbitant £12.50 daily charge.

6.     Drivers have paid an estimated £52 million in levies and fines in the first month of the ULEZ expansion.  £52 million paid out of the pockets of the poorest Londoners is a disgrace with the scheme nothing more than a tax andmoney making scheme and nothing to do with protecting environment.

7.    During his time in office as Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has accumulated enough air miles to fly around the world fourteen times. He even chose to fly to Argentina for a hybrid meeting. All this whilst charging Londoners more  ...  view the full decision text for item 17.

Before moving on to consider the motions listed on the summons, the Mayor advised members that a total of 40 minutes had been set aside for the consideration of the four motions submitted for debate, based on an initial allocation of 10 minutes per motion. Should the time taken to consider the first motion be less than 10 minutes she advised that the remaining time available would be rolled forward for consideration of the remaining motions.

17.1    1^st Motion (Conservative Group) – Expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ): Don’t Punish Brent Drivers

The Mayor invited Councillor Jayanti Patel to move the first motion which had been submitted on behalf of the Conservative Group. Councillor Jayanti Patel began by providing context to the motion which had been focussed on concerns regarding the expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) from its previous boundary along the North and South Circular Road to cover the whole of London, including all of Brent.  This expansion, he felt, had caused a significant impact on local residents and businesses especially for those with non-compliant vehicles not eligible or able to take advantage of the existing limited scrappage scheme and who continued to rely on their vehicles for employment, social use or to take advantage of local businesses and high streets who were being forced to pay the charge to drive within the ULEZ.  In addition, Councillor Patel felt there was a need to recognise the regressive nature of the charge, not only in terms of the less well-off being disproportionately penalised but also in terms of residents unable to afford the charge having to rely on what he felt to be inadequate levels of public transport in many areas.

The motion, he pointed out, also sought to challenge the science behind the expansion as an anti-pollution and environmental protection measure with the scheme, in his view, designed purely as a means of generating additional income to address the significant gap in TfL funding during the current the Mayor of London’s tenure.  Highlighting the financial and social impact on local residents and lack of what he regarded as realistic alternatives, such as an acceptable scrappage scheme, Councillor Patel advised the motion was seeking support to abolish the ULEZ expansion with the funding released as a result used to fund other measures which it was felt would have a more positive impact on residents in Brent and across London including faster upgrade to a zero-emission bus fleet, increasing the roll out of rapid electric vehicle charging points, encouraging more freight consolidation schemes, reinstating the Boiler Cashback Scheme and providing a fairer and more generous scrappage scheme for non- compliant vehicles.

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

In opening the debate, Councillor Grahl queried the challenge made to the science supporting expansion of the ULEZ given figures provided by the World Health Organisation in relation to the percentage of children now  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

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 she looked forward to seeing everyone again in person at the next Full Council which would be the budget setting meeting on Thursday 29 February 2024.