Agenda and minutes

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

The Mayor reported that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Chappell, Dar, Mahmood, Mistry and Moeen.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the previous Council Meeting held on Monday 15 September 2025.

(Agenda republished to include the attached minutes on 10 November 2025)

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the of the Council meeting held on Monday 15 September 2025 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.

During the meeting Councillors Knight, Miller & Mitchell declared personal interests in relation to Motion 10.3: Supporting Labour’s 30 hours of Free Childcare – A Better Start for Every Brent Child as they were all in receipt of the governments offer of free childcare.

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

To receive any announcements from the Mayor.

The Mayor made the following announcements:

(i)       Remembrance Sunday

The Mayor began his announcements by taking the opportunity to pay tribute to all those who had lost their lives in conflicts around the world.  As part of the tribute, the Mayor advised he had been honoured to attend the borough remembrance service at Barham Park, which he was pleased to report had been well attended.  He felt the service had been an opportunity to remind everyone about the importance of peace and need to work towards a future where such sacrifices were no longer necessary.

(ii)       Mayoral Events attended

During October the Mayor advised he had been pleased to participate in the celebration of Black History month, which had included a visit to HMS Belfast where the Windrush anchor flag had been raised celebrating Caribbean heroes.

In addition, the Mayor reported he had also enjoyed attending several Navratri and Diwali celebrations across the borough and had been delighted to meet Their Majesties The King and Queen Camilla when they had visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden Temple) in order to mark the Mandir’s 30^th anniversary, which had also coincided with the Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrations.

(iii)      Petitions

As a final announcement, the Mayor referred members to the list of current petitions tabled at the meeting, in accordance with Standing Orders which also detailed the action being taken to deal with them.

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

This followed the recent change in political balance on the Council, with the intention to move consideration of the report reviewing the Representation of Political Groups on Committees (listed as Item 16 on the agenda) prior to any associated appointments to committees arising as a result being dealt with.

It was therefore RESOLVED that:

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

·            Agenda Item 5 - Representation of Political Groups on Committees.

·            Agenda Item 6 - Appointments to Committees

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

Following a change in the political balance on the Council, to receive a report from the Corporate Director Finance & Resources reviewing (under Section 15 of the Local Government & Housing Act 1989) the allocation of seats on Council Committees and other relevant bodies.

(Agenda republished to include the attached report on 7 November 2025)

Following the change agreed in the order of the agenda, the Mayor then invited Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) to introduce a report from the Corporate Director of Finance & Resources which fulfilled the Council’s duty to review and determine the representation of different political groups on the Council’s ordinary Committees following a change in balance between the political groups on the Council.  Members were advised that the report reflected a recent change in political balance on the Council following the resignation of a member of the Labour Group and that individual having joined the Conservative Group.  In presenting the report, members noted the impact outlined in terms of the existing allocation of seats on those ordinary committees of the Council to which the political balance rules applied, based on the revised overall composition of political groups.

As no other members indicated that they wished to speak on the item and the Leader of the Council advised he did not wish to exercise any right of reply, the Mayor moved straight on to put the recommendations to the vote which were declared CARRIED.

It was therefore RESOLVED:

(1)       To agree the size of each committee, which remained unchanged from the previous review undertaken at the Council meeting in July 2025.

(2)       To confirm (where the rules of political balance apply) the allocation of seats on committees to each of the Council’s political groups as set out in the report.

(3)       To make appointments, where identified as required, to those committees giving effect to the wishes of the political group allocated the seats; and

(4)       To note that the political balance on sub-committees would be reviewed at the first available meeting of the General Purposes Committee and the Licensing Committee.

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

(Agenda republished to include the attached item on 10 November 2025)

Following directly on from the previous item, the Mayor then referred members to the list of changes circulated in relation to appointments to Council Committees and other bodies arising from the review of political representation on the Council’s Committees.

Having considered the changes outlined it was RESOLVED:

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

(a)       Vacancy to replace Councillor Rajan-Seelan (in his capacity as a former Labour member) as a full member of the Community & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee.

(b)       As a result of the outcome of the political proportionality review to replace Councillor Rajan-Seelan (in his capacity as a former Labour member on the Licensing Committee) with Councillor Maurice in order to fulfil the reallocation of the seat on that Committee to the Conservative Group.

(c)        Vacancy to replace Councillor Rajan-Seelan (in his capacity as a former Labour member) as a substitute member on the Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee.

(d)       Vacancy to replace Councillor Rajan-Seelan (in his capacity as a former Labour member) as a substitute member on the Planning Committee.

(2)    To approve the following changes in membership on other bodies and panels:

(a)       Vacancy to replace Councillor Rajan-Seelen (in his capacity as a former Labour member) as a substitute member on the Employers Joint Consultative Committee

(b)    To replace Councillor Rajan-Seelan (in his capacity as a former Labour member) with Councillor Donnelly-Jackson as a member on the Service User Consultative Forum – Disability.

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

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

(a)       Update on progress being achieved through One Kilburn alongside the strong working relationship with Brent and Camden Council (to be presented by Stephane Goldstein, Co-Chair of One Kilburn Co-ordinating Group)

(b)       Gambling Harm and support for work being led by Brent Council (to be presented by Matt Smith, Betknowmore UK)

(Agenda republished to include notice of deputations on 5 November 2025)

Returning to the order of business as listed on the agenda, the Mayor advised that he had accepted requests for the presentation of two deputations at the meeting, which had been received in accordance with Standing Order 32.

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

1^st deputation - Update on progress being achieved through One Kilburn.

2^nd deputation – Impact of Gambling Harm and support for work being led by Brent Council.

(1)    1^st deputation: Update on progress being achieved through One Kilburn

As no objections were raised on the approach outlined, the Mayor then moved on to welcome Stephane Goldstein (as Co-Chair of One Kilburn Co-ordinating Group) to the meeting who members were advised would be presenting the first deputation.

Prior to the deputation being presented, the Mayor allowed Councillor Conneely (representing the local ward councillors in Kilburn) to speak (in support of the deputation) highlighting their support for the work being delivered through One Kilburn and its impact on the local community.

In thanking the Mayor for the opportunity to present the deputation, Stephane Goldstein began by taking the opportunity to inform members about the role of One Kilburn as a resident-led open and democratic organisation (launched in January 2023) which served as an umbrella and collaborative forum for individuals, community groups, businesses and public agencies across Kilburn with the aim of seeking to nurture (as an enabler rather than service provider) a sense of community, place and belonging in Kilburn by fostering dialogue, collaboration and joint working between local people and facilitating community-led initiatives.

Highlighting the importance of the work being undertaken, members were reminded that Kilburn as a major town centre, was split across the boundaries of Brent, Camden and Westminster.  Whilst this had previously hindered the ability for joint working, the increasing number of initiatives aimed at addressing the position were outlined, including the creation of a Town Centre Manager post with One Kilburn seeking to amplify these developments through a bottom-up, community-based, partnership approach including the three Councils as fully-fledged partners and the development of strong working relationships with local ward councillors and officers across all three boroughs.  As such, One Kilburn was highlighted as an innovative model for collaboration and effective cross-boundary cooperation directly benefitting local residents and businesses.

In terms of its wider strategic relevance, the work being undertaken through One Kilburn was felt to support a number of Brent’s strategic priorities including the move towards Radical Place Leadership and Integrated Neighbourhood Teams as well as complementing the Kilburn Neighbourhood Planning Forum and Camden’s ‘We Make Camden’ framework for community engagement” and also reflecting (as a new area) the neighbourhood governance elements within the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.  Stephane Goldstein then took the opportunity  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

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

Members are asked to note that three public questions have been received, which have been circulated as part of the agenda along with the written responses provided.

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

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

10.1    Questions from the Public

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

Question 1 from Giulia Karkhoff regarding anti-social behaviour along Harlesden Hight Street.

Question 2 from John Poole reading progress being made in tackling climate change and reducing emissions as part of the Council’s Climate and Emergency Strategy

Question 3 from Marc Harris regarding the provision of step free access at Alperton and Queens Park Station

The Mayor advised that those members of the public who had submitted questions had been given the opportunity to the attend the meeting in order to ask a supplementary question.  Whilst he was pleased to welcome John Poole and Marc Harris to the meeting, members were advised that Giulia Karkhoff had not been able to attend with the written responses provided in relation to that question therefore noted.

Following the Mayors introduction, the following supplementary questions were then raised:

Question 2 Supplementary question from John Poole to Councillor Rubin (Cabinet Member for Climate Action & Community Power)

In thanking Councillor Rubin (as Cabinet Member for Climate Action & Community Power) and Councillor Krupa Sheth (as Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Enforcement) for their response to his original question, John Poole sought further details on how the Council believed work to enhance Brent's Waterways working with voluntary environmental groups in Brent, would also be able to help in achieving the objectives within the Council's Climate and Ecological Strategy as well as tackling pollution, highlighting the improvements already delivered working with the Mayor of London in terms of reducing nitrogen dioxide levels across London.

In response, Councillor Rubin thanked John Poole for the question and his ongoing efforts in supporting the local community across Kenton.  Referring to the Big River Watch, led by the Rivers Trust and supported by thousands of citizen scientists including many in Brent, he began by highlighting their work in identifying the level of pollution unfortunately present in nearly every waterway across the UK which he felt was a national shame and had arisen as a direct result of the political choices made by previous Conservative governments.  On a more positive level, he was pleased to be able to acknowledge and thank the many volunteers, community groups and environmental champions for the time and energy they devoted to caring for waterways across Brent, with specific thanks extended to the Friends of Wealdstone Brook for their continued work with the Environment Agency, Thames Water, and the highway service to reduce misconnections causing so many of the pollution incidents in the brook.  The combined efforts of all involved were felt to embody the spirit of the Climate and Emergency Strategy in terms of partnership, stewardship and pride in the borough although the work still required in addressing the issue was also recognised with the Council continuing to work closely with the Mayor of London to strengthen environmental protection and seek greater accountability in terms of the responsibilities of the water companies (including Thames Water)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

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

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

Reopen public toilets in Roundwood Park

The supporting details on the petition have been attached, for reference.

The Mayor advised that he had also accepted a request for the presentation of a petition at the meeting, which had met the threshold for consideration at Full Council based on it containing more than 200 signatures.

The petition to be presented related a campaign in support of reopening the public toilets in Roundwood Park, with the Mayor advising that unless otherwise indicated by members, he intended to allow up to five minutes for the presentation of the petition by Amandine Alexandre (as lead petitioner) before then providing the relevant Cabinet Member up to two minutes to respond on the matter and then providing any other members who indicated they would like to speak with an opportunity to contribute (within the overall time limit available).

(1)    Campaign to reopen the public toilets in Roundwood Park

As no objections were raised on the approach outlined, the Mayor welcomed Amandine Alexandre to the meeting to present the petition.

In thanking the Mayor for the opportunity to present the petition, Amandine Alexandre began by introducing herself as a longstanding resident of Brent and active member of her local community as well as someone who regularly enjoyed using Roundwood Park not only with her family but also friends as one of the only major green spaces within Harlesden.  In highlighting the importance in maintaining as wide an access as possible to the park, it was unfortunately felt that the park, since 2022, had lost much of its attraction to local people as a result of the more limited accessibility due to the public toilets located at the back of the Veolia depot, being closed by the Council.

Reference was made to the concern this had caused many park users, with local residents having contacted the Council leadership and local councillors to highlight the need to provide a working public toilet facility as an essential and absolute requirement for a park the size and popularity of Roundwood with the impact of the closure becoming more acute in terms of the antisocial and unhygienic behaviour it encouraged.

As a result of a long running campaign seeking the reinstatement of the toilets, Amandine Alexandre advised she had, as a trustee of Harlesden Neighbourhood Forum, met with the Park Service and been advised that the closure had been due to anti-social behaviour with the lack of funding available to enable the reprovision of the toilets in another location in the park where the facilities would be less likely to attract as much vandalism and antisocial behaviour highlighted as a key challenge.  It was pointed out that with no action, the negative impact created by the closure and lack of suitable alternative provision had increased frustration amongst residents and park users with the lack of toilet facilities continuing to have what was felt to be a detrimental effect on most park users including the elderly, parents with children as well as the disabled and those with other health issues.  This impact was felt to be an even greater  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

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

Members are asked to note:

·            The motions submitted for debate have been attached.

·            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 Group motions submitted for debate on 5 November 2025 along with an amendment submitted by the Labour Group on the Conservative Group motion on 10 November 2025)

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

10.1  1st Motion (Conservative Group) – Holding Highways Contractors & Utility Companies accountable for unsafe and substandard reinstatement works.

The Mayor invited Councillor Jayanti Patel (on behalf of Councillor Kansagra) to move the first motion which had been submitted on behalf of the Conservative Group.  Councillor Jayanti Patel began by highlighting the way in which the motion had been presented to reflect concerns being raised by many residents across the borough and with the examples of issues within his ward outlined within the motion not felt to represent isolated incidences but a wider pattern of neglect and disregard for public safety as well as a breach of trust in the way reinstatement works were being undertaken and completed by highways contractors working on behalf of utilities companies.  As a result, he pointed out the motion was seeking a consistent approach towards enforcement to ensure works were being carried out to the required standard and in compliance with the relevant legislation in an effort to deter repeated defects requiring enforcement activity.  Highlighting the use of disputes by contractors as no excuse for delays in reinstatement works being completed to the required standard, the motion was seeking to challenge the level of reinstatement failures whilst reaffirming the Council’s commitment to public safety, transparency, and in seeking to hold highways contractors and utility companies accountable for the quality and timeliness of their works, which it was hoped all members would be willing to support.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Jayanti Patel for moving 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 began by acknowledging that the motion highlighted real issues faced by residents which, it was recognised, caused significant frustration when highway reinstatement works being undertaken by utility companies caused prolonged disruption and supporting the need for those utility companies to be held accountable.  At the same time, however, it was also felt important to recognise the problem as not being new or isolated but reflecting the product of decades of mismanagement and underinvestment following the sale of publicly owned utilities under past Conservative governments resulting in shareholder returns being prioritised over public service with Thames Water being one of the clearest examples of what was regarded as the failure in public policy.

In terms of the amendment, Councillor Krupa Sheth felt this better reflected the action already being taken locally to address the concerns highlighted with the Council’s inspectors taking  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

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.

(Agenda republished to include the attached report on 5 November 2025)

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 provide ongoing support and services to meet the needs of residents across the borough.

Following on from the debate on the final motion, Councillor Muhammed Butt began by commending all councillors involved for their commitment in support of the Council’s tackling gambling harm campaign, building on work with the Social Market Foundation to strengthen local licensing powers and protect communities.

Moving on, the opportunity was also taken to thank all members of the Cabinet for the work being undertaken across their portfolios to continue supporting and safeguarding local residents in line with the Council’s core strategic priorities, recognising the ongoing nature of the financial pressures faced by the Council.  In commending the work being undertaken to manage demand and address the pressures identified whilst also delivering on their commitments, members were assured that the need for continued financial discipline and careful stewardship had also been recognised to sustain and ensure the Council’s ongoing financial sustainability.  As part of this approach, reference was made to the recent award of funding for Brent though the Government’s Pride in Place Impact fund as well as decision made by Cabinet to allocate Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) and Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding to support local community initiatives, youth provision as well as a range of other real improvements for residents across the borough in support of the delivery a cleaner, safer, greener borough where residents felt connected and proud to live.

As part of the update, members were also asked to note the recent extension of the Landlord Licensing Scheme and Council’s support for implementation of the Renters Right Act, as a means of providing additional safeguards for tenants across the Private Rented Sector. As a final update members also noted the list of Executive decisions (as tabled at the meeting) which had been taken under the Council’s urgency procedures, since the previous update provided for the Council meeting in September 2025.

The Mayor thanked the Leader for the report and it was RESOLVED to formally note the update provided.

For questions to be put to members of the Cabinet by Opposition and Non-Cabinet Members in accordance with Standing Order 35.

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

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

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

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

12.1  Councillor S. Butt thanked Councillor Grahl (as Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools) for the written response to his question seeking further detail on the £4m investment in youth facilities and how young people had helped shape the projects being funded.  As a supplementary question, further details were sought on the plans being developed to maximise use of what was felt to be the landmark investment provided by the Government in early years funding to ensure children in Brent continued to receive the best possible start in life.

In response, Councillor Grahl began by commending the Government’s Best Start in Life Strategy which it was noted included funding for family services and the wider early years sector, as well as the expansion of childcare entitlements for children from working families with the final funding allocations for both early years entitlements and the Best Start family services elements anticipated shortly.  In the meantime, an overarching Brent early years strategy was being developed to deliver a universal and targeted framework of support from pre-birth to age five, which was identified as crucial for reducing inequalities and improving outcomes for children and families with the local multi-agency strategy also providing the framework for meeting the statutory targets set for Brent in the Best Start for Life strategy.

In terms of the investment already provided directly by the Council in youth facilities, it was pointed out these allocations had been based around a commitment to co-production with young people with Councillor Grahl expressing her pride at the investment made and core involvement of young people in the process with funding being provided for facilities and organisations delivering key priorities for young people in terms of access to mental health support, employment & skills opportunities and safe spaces to address youth crime and safety.  As such the organisations who were benefitting from the investment had included the Church End Anchor Project focussed on establishing a new youth facility delivering skill building workshops, mentoring sessions, tutoring, and other such activities; Cricklewood Boxing Club to support the continued development and delivery of physical and mental wellbeing activities across Brent; Jason Roberts Foundation in seeking to support their continued provision of holistic youth support through sport, mentoring, life skills, and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

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:

12.1    Community & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee

12.2    Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee

Members are asked to note that this session will include an opportunity (within the time available) for Non-Cabinet Members to ask questions of relevant Scrutiny Chair’s in relation to the remit of their Committees.

The Mayor then moved on to deal with the updates from each Scrutiny Committee Chair, reminding members that 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, he advised 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 Ketan Sheth was then invited to introduce the update report on the work being undertaken by the Community & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee, with the following issues highlighted:

·            Since the previous update, the Committee had met on one further occasion with that meeting focussed on three significant items as well as an update from the CEO of London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust on improvements to sickle cell care and proposed changes in the opening hours for the Urgent Care Centre at Central Middlesex Hospital.  With one of largest patient populations in North West London the Committee had been informed that the redesigned care pathway being offered through the Trust would include a new Acute Hub, a 24/7 triage service, and extended outpatient provision at Central Middlesex Hospital, with the changes aimed at improving patient experience and reducing health inequalities across the borough, which the Committee would continue to monitor.

·            Other issues considered had included:

Ø   Children’s Oral Health with concern raised that despite some progress being made, 43% of five-year-olds in Brent were still identified as experiencing dental decay.  Details were provided on Public Health interventions including supervised toothbrushing programmes, the oral health bus, and educational campaigns however it was noted that systemic challenges remained in terms of national NHS contract limitations, cultural barriers, and access issues. As a result, the Committee were keen to ensure that as strong a programme of outreach continued to be offered as possible in order to accelerate progress.

Ø   Brent’s Period Dignity Project, which members were advised had been initiated as one of the outcomes from the Brent Poverty Commission and had also been championed by Brent Youth Parliament.  The project aimed to reframe period poverty as a dignity issue with support expressed for the provision of free menstrual products being made available across council sites and plans to expand this within school and care settings also welcomed.  As part of the review, the Committee discussed gaps in access for care leavers and culturally sensitive communities, with officers committed to improving outreach and tackling stigma.

Ø   Youth Justice Service delivery, which the Committee were pleased to note had achieved reductions in custody rates and reoffending through restorative justice and early intervention although the focus in relation to Black Caribbean males and mental health needs were recognised by members as a key challenge. Members were also pleased to note the strengthening of preventative work through partnerships with organisations like  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

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

The Mayor invited Councillor Chan, as the Vice-Chair of the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee, to introduce the report updating members on the work of the Committee.

In terms of issues highlighted Councillor Chan once again drew members’ attention to the important role and work undertaken by the Committee in relation to monitoring and advising on various governance matters relating to audit activity, the Council’s finance, accounting and regulatory framework and members standards of conduct.

The importance of the Committee’s role was also highlighted in terms of the wider financial challenges, risks and pressures being faced by the Council with a focus provided in relation to delivery of the Internal Audit Plan and Council’s risk management structure and strategic risk management process including not only the effectiveness of governance processes but also Council’s financial resilience given the increase in local authorities needing to seek exceptional financial hardship support and challenging nature of decisions required to address the position and ensure the Council was able to continue delivering a balanced and financial sustainable budget.  In noting the nature of key strategic risks identified in relation to Affordable Housing & Temporary Accommodation, impact of the Cost-of-Living crisis, DSG deficit and Council’s Financial Resilience it was highlighted that the range of work undertaken had included assurance being sought on activity in response to the Council’s self-referral to the Social Housing Regulator as well as an update on progress with the review of the Council’s commissioning and procurement arrangements in an effort to drive further value for money and also focus on the approach towards delivering social value and community wealth building.  In concluding his update, Councillor Chan took the opportunity to assure 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 opportunity was also taken to highlight the support expressed for ongoing lobbying in relation to reform of the local government funding regime and the introduction of a multi-year funding settlement for local authorities.

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.

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

Broken Promises and Failing Finances – Brent Deserves Better than Labour’s Short-Term Thinking

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

In accordance with Standing Order 34, the Mayor advised that the next item on the agenda was the non-cabinet member debate, with the subject chosen for consideration being “Broken Promises & Failing Finances – Brent Deserves better than Labour’s Short-Term thinking”.

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 before inviting Councillor Lorber to introduce the motion which had been submitted (on behalf of the Liberal Democrats Group) as the basis for the Non-Cabinet Member debate.  In introducing the motion, Councillor Lorber began by highlighting concern at the delay in delivery of the change promised by the government following the last election in terms of the financial support that local authorities such as Brent urgently required.  As a result, it was pointed out that the Council was still awaiting provision of the multi-year funding settlements needed to plan ahead and invest efficiently, with the motion moved as the basis for the debate seeking to outline the resulting impact of the ongoing uncertainty on the ability to invest in essential services and rebuild local infrastructure.  Referring to the Council’s own budget forecasts, Councillor Lorber outlined how these had shown continued shortfalls in funding for street maintenance, waste and recycling, local infrastructure and adult and children’s social care with demand and costs continuing to increase making it more challenging to prioritise those issues being highlighted by residents as concerns.

In terms of any response, it was felt the approach adopted by the Labour Administration needed to be challenged with its record of financial management characterised by short-term fixes, rising debt levels and an over-reliance on developer income, none of which was felt to provide sustainable solutions and the need therefore identified to stand up for local residents and demand a fair deal from government.  In recognising the additional burdens being placed on local authorities and the lack of supporting funding in relation to the increased demand on temporary accommodation, Adult and Children’s Social Care and challenges needing to be address in health and social care provision, Councillor Lorber advised the motion was therefore calling on the Council to use its influence in calling for the government to honour their commitment to the provision of multi-year financial settlements, the fair funding review alongside greater flexibility to raise and manage revenue locally in order to provide greater stability and certainty on the essential investment required to deliver clean and safe neighbourhoods and effective public services that worked.  On this basis the motion was moved as the basis of the debate.

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

Opening the debate, Councillor Hirani supported the concerns expressed that despite the government’s promises, local authorities had still not received the multi-year funding settlements needed to provide stability and be able to plan ahead with the government’s approach increasing uncertainty and compared to that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

To receive a report from the Corporate Director of Children, Young People & Community Development providing an overview of the purpose and rationale for creating the Brent Youth Justice Plan 2025-28 and outlining how youth justice provision in Brent contributes to strategic and Borough Plan priorities, alongside the partnership aims and commitments that will shape the Brent Youth Justice Service (YJS) partnership over the next three years.

Members are asked to note that the Plan was approved and referred to Council for formal adoption by Cabinet on 13 October 2025.

The Mayor then invited Councillor Grahl, as Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, to introduce a report from the Corporate Director of Children Young People and Community Development providing an overview of the Brent Youth Justice Plan 2025-28 for consideration and adoption.

In presenting the report, Councillor Grahl advised the report provided an important opportunity to recognise the valuable nature of the service and support being provided for those children and young people who were at risk of, or had entered, the youth justice system in being able to turn their lives around.  In highlighting the commitment and achievements of the Youth Justice Service and the wider partnership work being undertaken, including with schools and communities, members noted the overall progress being made in terms of the reduction in youth violence and reoffending with the 44% reduction in serious youth violence since 2016-17 welcomed as representing young lives steered away from harm, and communities that felt safer as a result.

Recognising that this success was founded on a commitment and successful approach towards partnership working, the opportunity was taken to pay credit to all organisations involved in supporting provision of the service, including the Youth Offending Service, police, parents, mentors and voluntary groups, with the process also reflecting a deliberate shift towards prevention and fairness based on treating young people as children first and offenders second.  As a result, members were advised of the way in which the plan presented in the report sought to build on that foundation by seeking to embed prevention hubs, expand mentoring and deepen anti-racist practices to ensure that every child and young person (not matter what their background) was able to benefit from the support available.  The opportunity was also taken to pay tribute to all staff working in the Youth Justice service as well as wider children social care teams for the wraparound support being provided for young people and also to recognise and commend the multi-agency basis of the service being delivered with the opportunity also taken to recognise the positive feedback provided through young people and their parents and carers in relation to the value of the service and positive outcomes being delivered.

The Mayor then opened the debate inviting other members to speak on the report, with the following contributions made.

Speaking first, Councillor Kennelly took the opportunity to highlight his personal experience of those individuals being supported through the Youth Justice Service. Whilst commending the work being undertaken, the need was also highlighted to maintain a continued focus on prevention and in supporting young people either at risk of, or who had entered, the youth justice system in being able to turn their lives around including a focus on substance misuse and treatment.

In supporting the proposals outlined as a professional who had worked in the criminal and restorative justice system, Councillor Dixon also took the opportunity to commend the positive outcomes being achieved within such a challenging context in seeking to provide early intervention and divert  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

To receive a report from the Corporate Director Finance & Resources detailing a change in membership on the West London Economic Prosperity Board (on which Brent participates as a member) along with associated changes to the Boards Function & Procedure Rules, as referred to within the Terms of Reference included within Brent’s Constitution

As the final item of business on the agenda, the Mayor then invited Councillor Muhammed Butt, as Leader of the Council, to introduce a report from the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources who advised that the report detailed a change in membership on the West London Economic Prosperity Board (on which Brent was a member) relating to the addition of Hillingdon, along with associated changes to the Boards Functions & Procedure Rules, as referred to with the Terms of Reference included within Part 4 of the Constitution.

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

Council therefore unanimously RESOLVED:

(1)    To note the change in membership on the West London Economic Prosperity Board following the admittance of the London Borough of Hillingdon as a member and endorse the subsequent update and revision of the Function & Procedure Rules, which govern operation of the Board, as detailed in Appendix A.

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

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

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

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

There were no urgent items of business raised at the meeting so the Mayor, in closing the meeting, thanked all members for their co-operation and support and advised that he looked forward to seeing everyone again in person at the next Full Council which would be the Council budget setting meeting taking place on Monday 23 February 2026.

As this was the final Full Council meeting prior to the Christmas and New Year holiday period the Mayor closed the meeting by thanking all members for their support over the year and wished everyone happiness for the festive season.