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 attendance of Sophia Brown (Grant Thornton) as the Council’s External Audit Partner for the External Audit Annual Report, she 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 debate.

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

(2)    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, she would be inviting Councillor Crabb (as 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.  Prior to the motion being moved Debra Norman (Corporate Director Governance) clarified the position regarding the vote on any alternative budget proposals moved during the debate, which the procedural motion was seeking to consider as an individual block rather than vote on as separate proposals.  Should members require any individual proposals to be voted on separately at the end of the budget debate they were advised this would require them to vote against the procedural motion.

Having noted the advice provided, it was RESOLVED (on being put to the vote with all Liberal Democrats members voting against) 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 on a block basis.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Begum, Jayanti Patel & Shah.

The Mayor reported that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Begum, Jayanti Patel and Shah.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the previous Council meeting held on Monday 20 November 2023.

AGREED that the minutes of the Council meeting held on Monday 20 November 2023 be approved as a correct record.

Eligible for Call-In: No

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous Council meeting held on Monday 20 November 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.

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 2024

·             Holocaust & Genocide Memorial Day

·             New Year’s Day Parade

·             106^th birthday celebration – Mary Thomas

·             Death of former councillor & Mayor Ramesh Patel – with tributes paid by Councillors Muhammed Butt, Kabir, Mistry, Afzal, Gbajumo, Mahmood & Chohan.

·             Petitions

The Mayor made the following announcements:

(i)     Kings New Years Honours List

The Mayor began her announcements by congratulating all those associated with Brent who had received an honour in the Kings New Year Honours list for 2024.

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

(ii)    Holocaust & Genocide Memorial Day

The Mayor advised members that January had included the commemoration event for this year’s Holocaust & Genocide Memorial Day with the theme focussed on the “Fragility of Freedom”.

In reflecting on the nature of the human tragedy involved, the Mayor urged everyone to consider the lessons learnt in allowing hate and discrimination to be tolerated and how these could be used to stand against all forms of discrimination in order to prevent such atrocities from happening again in the future.  Thanks were extended to all those involved in organising the event.

(iii)    New Years Day Parade

Despite the cold weather, the Mayor advised that she has been pleased to attend the London New Years Day parade.  Special praise was given to Mahogany in Harlesden who had represented Brent in the parade and, the Mayor was delighted to inform members, had achieved 2nd place in the parade event resulting in a £10,000 contribution being awarded to her charities.

(iv)   100^th Birthday Celebration

The Mayor advised she had been pleased to join Mrs Mary “Mama” Thomas, a local Brent resident, in celebrating her 106^th birthday.  In celebrating this achievement all members joined the Mayor in wishing Mrs Thomas a happy 106^th birthday.

(v)    Death of Former Councillor Ramesh Patel

The Mayor informed members that it was with regret she had to end her announcements with sad news about the death of former Mayor and Councillor Ramesh Patel.

Recognising that many councillors would have known and worked with former Councillor Ramesh Patel during his time serving on the Council, the Mayor took the opportunity to pay tribute to his dedication and commitment as a representative of Brent and the communities he served for which, she felt, he would always be remembered.  Speaking on behalf of the Council, the Mayor highlighted how much Ramesh would be missed by all those who knew him.

Given there were a number of members who had indicated they would also like the opportunity to pay personal tribute and commemorate him the Mayor advised she would be happy to provide an opportunity for other members to do so at this stage in proceedings with the following comments made:

In opening the tributes, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) began by highlighting the role former Councillor Patel had played in supporting and mentoring him when he had first joined the Council and took the opportunity to praise his honesty and integrity, especially during his time serving on the Planning Committee.  Whilst aware that both Ramesh and his wife had been challenged by deteriorating health over the last few years Councillor M.Butt felt this had not dampened his warmth, determination and spirit,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

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

(Agenda republished to include updated list of appointments for consideration on 29 February 2024)

Council RESOLVED:

Committee Membership

(1)    To note that following her return from maternity leave (with effect from Monday 11 March 2024) the Leader of the Council had reappointed Councillor Mili Patel to resume her role as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Reform.

(2)    To confirm the appointment of The Venerable Archdeacon Catherine Pickford to fill the vacancy as the Church of England Statutory co-opted member on the Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee for a period of 2 years (subject to confirmation of the ongoing appointment at the Annual Council meeting each year)

(3)    Following Councillor Mili Patel’s return from maternity leave (with effect from Monday 11 March 2024):

(a)    To confirm the appointment of Councillor Mili Patel to replace Councillor Farah as a full member on the General Purposes Committee with Councillor Farah to replace the existing vacancy as a substitute member & Councillor Mili Patel to be reappointed as Vice-Chair on the Committee.

(b)    To confirm the appointment of Councillor Mili Patel to replace Councillor Tatler as a full member on the Health & Wellbeing Board.

(c)    To note that the Leader of the Council had reappointed Councillor Mili Patel to replace Councillor Tatler as full member and Brent’s Chair of the Joint Borough IT Committee Brent, Lewisham & Southwark.

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:

Committee Membership

(1)    To note that following her return from maternity leave (with effect from Monday 11 March 2024) the Leader of the Council had reappointed Councillor Mili Patel to resume her role as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Reform.

(2)    To confirm the appointment of The Venerable Archdeacon Catherine Pickford to fill the vacancy as the Church of England Statutory co-opted member on the Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee for a period of 2 years (subject to confirmation of the ongoing appointment at the Annual Council meeting each year).

(3)    Following Councillor Mili Patel’s return from maternity leave (with effect from Monday 11 March 2024):

(a)    To confirm the appointment of Councillor Mili Patel to replace Councillor Farah as a full member on the General Purposes Committee with Councillor Farah to replace the existing vacancy as a substitute member & Councillor Mili Patel to be reappointed as Vice-Chair on the Committee.

(b)    To confirm the appointment of Councillor Mili Patel to replace Councillor Tatler as a full member on the Health & Wellbeing Board.

(c)    To note that the Leader of the Council had reappointed Councillor Mili Patel to replace Councillor Tatler as full member and Brent’s Chair of the Joint Borough IT Committee Brent, Lewisham & Southwark.

This report presents the Council’s External Auditor’s Annual Report on value for money as part of the 2022 - 23 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 2022-23 audit of the year end accounts.

Eligible for call-in: No

In accordance with the change in the order of business agreed at the start of the meeting, the Mayor then invited Sophia Brown (Grant Thornton) as the Council’s External Auditor Partner to introduce the External Audit 2022-23 Annual Report on Value for Money (VFM).

In introducing the report, Sophia Brown 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 auditor’s 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, she once again highlighted the positive outcome of the audit, Council’s overall financial sustainability and achievement in being able to complete closure of the 2022-23 Statement of Accounts, with thanks expressed to all those involved in supporting the process.

The Mayor then invited Councillor Tatler, 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 and significant issues faced in this respect by other local authorities. 

Whilst recognising the difficult nature of decisions which had needed to be taken in order to deliver a balanced budget and maintain the Council’s financial sustainability, all those involved were thanked for their efforts to ensure the Council was able to continue operating on the basis of a prudent, financially sustainable and resilient approach towards management of its finances.  In highlighting the fact that no areas of significant weakness had been identified within the audit findings Councillor Tatler advised she was also pleased to note that the audit had found the Council’s approach towards financial planning both over the short and longer term to be based on sound judgement with a good track record in setting and achieving balanced budgets and identifying and responding to financial risks.  Confirmation was also provided that the improvement recommendations identified had all been accepted with management responses provided, as detailed within the report. 

Highlighting the value of continued collaboration given the ongoing financial and economic uncertainty, Councillor Tatler ended by thanking Sophia Brown and her team along with the Council’s finance officers, Councillor Chan and the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee for the diligent work undertaken on the audit.

The Mayor then invited contributions from other members, with the following comments received.

In response to the outline of the audit process provided, Councillor Lorber sought further detail as to whether this had included any review of arrangements for the management and recovery of debt owed to the Council, management of the Council’s commercial property portfolio (given specific concerns  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

6.1     Budget & Council Tax 2024-25

This report sets out the Council’s budget proposals for 2024 - 25. 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 5 February 2024 for reference on to Council.

6.2   Conservative Group amendments to the Budget & Council Tax proposals 2024 - 25

To consider the proposed amendments submitted by the Conservative Group in relation to the Council’s budget proposals for 2024 - 25.

(Agenda republished to include the Conservative amendments to the budget proposals on 28 February 2024)

6.3   Liberal Democrats Group amendments to the Budget & Council Tax proposals 2024 - 25

To consider the proposed amendments submitted by the Liberal Democrats Group in relation to the Council’s budget proposals for 2024 – 25.

(Agenda republished to include and updated version of Liberal Democrats amendments to the budget proposals on 29 February 2024)

Council RESOLVED:

(1)    To agree an overall 4.99% increase in the Council’s element of Council Tax for 2024/25, with 2% as a precept for Adult Social Care and a 2.99% general increase.

(2)    To agree the General Fund revenue budget for 2024/25, as summarised in Appendices A and B of the report.

(3)    To agree the savings proposals for 2024/25 and 2025/26, as set out in Appendices C (i) and C (ii) of the report.

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

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

(6)    To note and agree inclusion of the HRA budget and business plan in the overall Council budget for 2024/25 as set out in section eight and appendix Q of the report.

(7)    To agree the Dedicated Schools Grant, as set out in section nine of the report.

(8)    To agree the changes to the existing Capital Programme in relation to additions of new schemes and reprofiling, as set out in section 11 and Appendix E of the report and note the Capital Pipeline Schemes in Appendix F of the report.

(9)    To 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)  To agree for a new loan and equity facility of up to £40m to be made available to i4B Holdings Ltd for the provision of PRS accommodation in line with the Temporary Reform Accommodation plan as set out in section 11.40 of the report.

(11)  To agree the Reserves Strategy and schedule of reserves, as set out in Appendices K (i) and K (ii) of the report.

(12)  To 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.

(13)  To agree the schedule of fees and charges, as set out in Appendix M of the report.

(14)  To note the results of the budget consultation, as set out in section seven and detailed in Appendices N (i) and N(ii) of the report.

(15)  To note the legal advice from the Corporate Director of Governance, as set out in Appendix O of the report.

(16)  To agree the Pay Policy Statement for 2024/25, as set out in Appendix P of the report.

Council Tax recommendations

(17)  In relation to the Council Tax for 2024/25:

        It was agreed that the following amounts be now calculated as the Council’s element by the Council for the year 2024/25 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as amended:

(a) £1,099,616,055    being the aggregate of the amount that the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act.

(b) £937,554,302       being the aggregate  ...  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 2024-25.  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 contribution in 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 in terms of ensuring no one was left behind.

Recognising the difficult nature of decisions needing to be made in developing the budget proposals and efforts being made to deliver more with less, he felt it important to highlight the ongoing impact of the Government’s programme of austerity and funding restrictions imposed on public services, which had resulted in a cumulative impact for Brent totalling approx. £210m worth of cuts over 14 years since 2010.  Despite this context, he felt it important to outline the Administration’s commitment to continue protecting those services relied on by the most vulnerable in society, recognising the importance of the council’s role as a ‘forth emergency service’ for those most in need.

Reflecting on what might have been possible with sufficient funding, Councillor Muhammed Butt outlined the extent of work undertaken to ensure that the proposals presented for consideration had been subject to detailed consideration and represented a reasoned and rational financial judgement reflecting the careful stewardship of the Council’s resources and the difficult and often unpalatable nature of decisions which had needed to be made given increasing levels of demand.  He felt this was best demonstrated in relation to the current housing crisis, which had resulted in increasing levels of homelessness and a reduction in supply of temporary accommodation; the increased reliance on foodbanks and widening of health inequalities being experienced by those living in the most deprived areas under the current Conservative Government with public debt at its highest since they had come to power, increased NHS treatment times, real terms cuts to schools, record highs in child poverty, wage stagnation and poor economic grow coupled with a significant reduction in the welfare state.

Referring to the Chancellor’s upcoming budget statement and nature of choices to be made, the Leader felt it important to once again highlight the case in support of retaining the Household Support Fund and in seeking to provide the necessary investment across public services in order to support the action required to tackle the current housing crisis, climate emergency, the disparity between income and wealth, delivering key infrastructure (including the West London Orbital) and resolving the ongoing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

This report provides an update on treasury management activities for the first half of the financial year 2023-24.

Members are asked to note that the report was noted by Cabinet on 15 January 2024 and has been referred on to Council for consideration in compliance with CIPFAs Code of Practice on Treasury Management.

Council RESOLVED to note the 2023-24 Mid-Year Treasury report and that the Council had been fully compliant with the Prudential Indicators set as part of the annual strategy.

Eligible for call-in: No

The Mayor then invited Councillor Tatler, 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 2023-24 financial year. Members noted that the report had also been considered and agreed by the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee on 6 December 2023 and Cabinet on 15 January 2024 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 Tatler outline the importance of the Council’s Treasury Management function in underpinning all Borough Plan priorities and in ensuring the Council was able to continue meeting its financial obligations including those associated with the affordability and delivery of the Capital Programme.  Whilst recognising the impact of the current economic challenges in terms of interest rates and inflation this had, she pointed out, also provided opportunities in terms of higher investment income and new longer term borrowing options with the strategy aimed at achieving an appropriately low risk balance between securing lower interest costs and achieving cost certainty without compromising the longer-term stability of the debt portfolio.

In thanking officers for the work undertaken in the prudent management and delivery of the Treasury Management Strategy confirmation was provided that the Council was continuing to operate in compliance with the Treasury Management Indicators for 2023-24, as detailed within Appendix 1 of the report and to manage the risks associated with those activities in line with the relevant professional codes and legislation with the Council continuing to monitor alternative sources of funding and pursue the lower cost solutions and opportunities as they were identified.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Tatler for introducing the report and then invited contributions from other members.

In responding to the report, Councillor Lorber highlighted the complexities involved in terms of overall management of the strategy given the current economic challenges and trends identified, which he felt also required consideration moving forward in terms of the potential impact any change in Government nationally may have on tax and borrowing requirements.

As no other members indicated they wished to speak the Mayor invited Councillor Tatler to exercise her right of reply. In closing the debate, Councillor Tatler advised members of the opportunity already provided to seek further details on the longer-term focus of the strategy as part of its consideration by the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee and on this basis, commended the report as submitted to the Council.

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

Council therefore RESOLVED to note the 2023-24 Mid-Year Treasury report in compliance with the Council’s Treasury Management Prudential 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 2024 - 2025.

Council RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the Members Allowance Scheme in the proposed terms set out within the report for the 2024-25 Financial Year.

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

As the final item of business to be considered, the Mayor 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 2024-25 financial year.

In introducing the report, the Leader outlined the background to the proposed uplift in the level of basic, special responsibility and civic allowances for 2024-25, which members were advised had been designed to take account of the latest review completed in 2023 by the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) on behalf of London Councils and their initial review in 2022.  In recognising the importance of the representational role undertaken by members alongside the increasing challenge in terms of managing demand and supporting the delivery of local services, the proposals had also sought to ensure any uplift could be managed within the existing Members Allowance budget, given the current financial pressures faced by the Council, which he advised had resulted in a recommended uplift of 5% in basic allowance for 2024-25, comparable with the staff pay award.

As part of the annual review, members were advised that the current level of Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) had also been reviewed in line with the IRP recommendations, with a limited number of existing SRAs subsequently identified as falling outside of the recommended percentage bands for those allowances.  As a result of this and the increased workload and scope of the respective roles affected, the Leader advised that the review was also proposing an uplift in SRAs for the Chairs of the Brent Connect Area Consultative Forums and also members of the Licensing Committee.  As a final comment in presenting the proposals to members, the Leader advised that despite recognising the independence of the IRP review process he would be keen to support the establishment of a fully independent review and allowance setting mechanism for local authorities across England that would be responsible for final decisions on the setting of member allowances rather than these being matters for individual authorities to consider, having taken account of the relevant IRP review.

Prior to inviting contributions from other members on the report, the Mayor advised that as the remaining time available for the meeting was shortly due to expire she would be moving a further suspension of Standing Order 44 (Council Guillotine Procedure) in order to extend the time of the meeting by another 10 minutes in order to enable the conclusion of the debate on this item and closure of the meeting.  In accordance with Standing Order 42 (d) the procedural motion was put to the vote without further discussion and declared CARRIED.

The Mayor then moved on to invite contributions from other members.

In response to the proposals outlined, both Councillor Kansagra (as Leader of the Conservative Group) and Councillor Georgiou (as Leader of the Liberal Democrats Group) highlighted concerns in relation to the justification provided and appropriateness of seeking an uplift in the specific SRAs outlined in the report based  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

At the discretion of the Mayor to consider any urgent business, in accordance with Standing Order 37(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 Annual Council and Mayor Making meeting on Wednesday 22 May 2024.