Agenda 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 Paul Dossett (Grant Thornton) as the Council’s External Audit Partner for the External Audit Annual Report, he advised of the intention to move that report (listed as Item 7 on the agenda) for consideration in advance of the main Budget and Council Tax debate.  The Mayor advised members this would also be followed by consideration of the proposed changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme (listed as Item 8 on the agenda), which he intended to move at the same time given the need for those proposals to be considered in advance of the main budget report.

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

·             Agenda Item 7 – Review of the Working Age Council Tax Support Scheme 2025-26

(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, he would be inviting Councillor Ahmadi Moghaddam (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. Councillor Ahmadi Moghaddam then proceeded to the move the procedural motion.

Prior to being put to the vote, Councillor Lorber spoke (as Leader of the Liberal Democrats Group) to highlight his objection to the proposed change in timing for Group Leaders speeches during the budget debate, which he felt required further explanation and should have been subject to prior consultation with the respective Group Leaders.  The concerns highlighted were also shared and supported by Councillor Kansagra, as Leader of the Conservative Group.

In addressing the comments raised, Debra Norman (Corporate Director Law & Governance) clarified that there was no provision for debate on procedural motions.  Should members not wish to support the proposals, as moved, they were advised this would require them to vote against the procedural motion.  Should that not be passed, they would then have the opportunity to move any alternative proposals.

Having noted the advice provided, it was RESOLVED (on being put to the vote with all Liberal Democrats & Conservative members voting against) that the following procedural motion be agreed:

(1)        That the Leader of the Council be permitted to speak for up to 20 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 10 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 5 minutes;

(c)    The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources be permitted to speak for up to 15 minutes;

(d)    The Chair of the Budget Scrutiny Task Group be permitted to speak for up to 5 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 10 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 each taken as one block for voting purposes.

Following a request from Councillor Lorber, under Standing Order 43 (f), the names of the Liberal Democrats Group members who voted against the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

The Mayor reported that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Collymore, Knight (who it was reported was currently on Maternity Leave) Jayanti Patel and Shah.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the previous meeting of the Council held on Monday 18 November 2024.

(Agenda republished to include attached minutes on 26 February 2025)

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous Council meeting held on Monday 18 November 2024 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.

To receive any announcements from the Mayor.

The Mayor made the following announcements:

(i)     Alperton By-Election result

The Mayor began his announcements by formally congratulating and welcoming Charlie Clinton as the newly elected ward councillor for Alperton, following the outcome of the by-election held in that ward on Tuesday 18 February 2025.

Highlighting the rewarding nature of being elected to serve as a councillor and in being able to represent local residents, he took the opportunity to wish Councillor Clinton well during his remaining term of office.

The opportunity was also taken to formally thank the Chief Executive and all other staff involved for the successful delivery of the by-election, which it was recognised had required a significant effort to organise.

(ii)    Kings New Years Honours List

The Mayor then moved on to continue his announcements by congratulating all those associated with Brent who had received an honour in the Kings New Year Honours list for 2025.

(iii)    Holocaust & Genocide Memorial Day

The Mayor advised members that January had included this year’s Holocaust & Genocide Memorial Day event, which had included commemoration of the 80^th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau & the 30^th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.

In reflecting on the nature of the human tragedy involved, the Mayor welcomed King Charles III becoming the first British Head of State to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau in order to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, with the events held serving to highlight the lessons for members from all faiths and communities about what could happen in allowing hate and discrimination to be tolerated.

(iv)   HM Queen Camilla & Princess Royal visits to Brent

The Mayor advised he was delighted to have recently been invited to join Her Majesty Queen Camilla on a visit to the Asian Women’s Resource Centre in Harlesden to celebrate its 45th anniversary, which had highlighted the charity's vital support for women facing domestic abuse. During her visit, the Mayor reported that the Queen had met survivors of domestic abuse along with staff, and officially opened the centre’s new Healing Garden.

In addition, members were advised the borough had also received another royal visit in February when her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited the Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust’s Brent Occupational Therapy and Community Service at Church End and Roundwood Unity Centre.  The Mayor advised that during her visit the Princess Royal had met with Occupational Therapists and members of the local Somali community to view the efforts being made to tackle health inequalities through Brent Health Matters, recognising the important nature of the work being undertaken in Brent.

(v)    107^th birthday celebrations – Mrs Mary Thomas

Following the announcement made last year, the Mayor advised he was pleased to be able to share and celebrate the wonderful achievement of a local Brent resident Mrs Mary “Mama” Thomas reaching her 107^th birthday.  In celebrating this achievement, all members joined the Mayor in wishing Mrs Thomas a happy 107^th birthday.

(vi)   Mayor’s Charity Appeal event and thanks to Deputy Mayor  ...  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 the final list of appointments on 26 February 2025)

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

(1)        To note that effective from 30 January 2025 the Leader of the Council had appointed Councillor Teo Benea to fill the position of Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property

(2)        To approve the following changes in the membership of Committee and Outside Bodies:

Committee Appointments:

(a)        Community & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee:

·             Councillor Teo Benea to be replaced by Councillor Bhagwanji Chohan as a full member and as a substitute on the Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee.

·             Councillor Charlie Clinton to replace Councillor Paul Lorber as a full member with Councillor Paul Lorber to fill the vacancy as one of the Liberal Democrats two substitute members.

(b)        Council Tax Setting Committee – Councillor Shama Tatler to be replaced by Councillor Teo Benea as a substitute member.

(c)         General Purposes Committee:

·             Councillor Teo Benea to replace Councillor Shama Tatler as a full member.  Councillor Shama Tatler to fill the vacancy as a substitute member.

·             Councillor Paul Lorber to replace the Liberal Democrat vacancy as full member with Councillor Charlie Clinton to replace Councillor Paul Lorber as one of the Liberal Democrats two substitute members.

(d)        Licensing Committee:

·             Councillor Ajmal Akram to replace Councillor Tony Ethapemi and Councillor Lesley Smith to replace Councillor Ryan Hack as full members.

·             Councillor Charlie Clinton to replace Councillor Paul Lorber as the Liberal Democrats full member.

(e)        Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee – Councillor Paul Lorber to replace the Liberal Democrat vacancy as full member with Councillor Charlie Clinton to replace Councillor Paul Lorber as one of the Liberal Democrats two substitute members.

(f)          Brent Connects – Councillor Ajmal Akram to replace Councillor Teo Benea as Chair of Wembley Brent Connects

(g)        Service User Consultative Forum – Disability – Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson to be replaced by Councillor Rajan Seelan

(h)        To note that the Leader of the Council has appointed Councillor Teo Benea to replace Councillor Shama Tatler as a substitute member on the Barham Park Trust Sub Committee.

(i)          To note that the Leader of the Council had replaced Councillor Shama Tatler as Brent’s appointed representative on the West London Economic Prosperity Board and had appointed Councillor Teo Benea to fill the second deputy position.

(j)     Subject to confirmation by the General Purposes Sub Committee on 10 March 2025:

·             Senior Staff Appointment Sub Committee - Councillor Teo Benea to replace Councillor Shama Tatler as a substitute member.

·             Senior Staff Appeals Sub Committee - Councillor Teo Benea to replace Councillor Shama Tatler as a substitute member.

Outside Bodies:

(k)    Capital Letters – Councillor Muhammed Butt to be replaced by Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson as Brent’s representative.

(l)          London Road Safety Council – Councillor Shama Tatler to be replaced by Councillor Neil Nerva as Brent’s alternative member

(m)      Newable Ltd (Greater London Enterprise Board) - Councillor Harbi Farah to replace Councillor Tatler as Brent’s appointed representative.

(n)        Old Oak Common & Park Royal Development Corporation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

This report presents the Council’s External Auditor’s Annual Report on value for money as part of the 2023 - 24 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 present the report and respond to any issues raised.

In accordance with the change in the order of business agreed at the start of the meeting, the Mayor then invited Paul Dossett (Grant Thornton) as the Council’s External Auditor Partner to introduce the External Audit 2023-24 Annual Report on Value for Money (VFM).

In introducing the report, Paul Dossett summarised the approach towards the VFM audit and drew Members attention to the focus of the Annual Report on the Council’s arrangements in relation to three areas, Governance, Financial Sustainability and Improving economy, efficiency along with the key findings detailed within the Annual Report.  Members were advised that work to finalise sign-off of the Council’s 2023-24 Financial Statement of Accounts was now in the process of being completed, with the Executive Summary providing an overview in relation to the Value for Money assessment of the Council’s arrangements.

As part of the auditor’s work, members were advised that whilst no significant weakness had been identified in the Council’s arrangements for Governance or Improving Economy, Efficiency and Effectiveness a significant weakness and key recommendation had been raised in respect of the Council’s Financial Sustainability, highlighting the use of reserves in 2023/24 and 2024/25 to fund in year overspends arising from the unprecedented pressures in homelessness and temporary accommodation.  This had been identified as a key risk in the Council’s financial sustainability and resilience on the basis that the continued use of reserves to manage these pressures would be unsustainable.  In recognising the significant pressures and challenges on local government funding, Paul Dossett advised this was a position faced by a number of other local authorities, with the report including a detailed commentary on the review of arrangements in relation to maintaining the Council’s financial sustainability.  These included the plans in place to address the significant financial pressures in relation to short and medium term plans, action being taken to address the funding gaps identified and deliver achievable savings in response, plans to support the sustainable delivery of services in accordance with strategic and statutory priorities and other key programmes as well as identify and manage risks to financial resilience (including unplanned changes in demand).  In order to stabilise its financial position, the report had recognised that the Council had been compelled to make difficult decisions in order to balance its budget and ensure it maintained its finances on a sustainable footing avoiding the continued use of reserves to meet unplanned expenditure resulting in £16m of new savings having been proposed for delivery in 2025-26 with the auditors having found that the Council’s financial planning both short and longer term had been based on sound judgements.

In terms of the arrangements relating to Governance and Improving Economy, Efficiency and Effectiveness members were advised that whilst a number of improvement recommendations had been identified, these had been designed to enhance existing processes rather than in response to any weaknesses identified.  In commending the report to Council thanks were expressed to all officers involved in supporting the audit process.

The Mayor then invited Councillor Mili  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To receive a report presenting the outcome of the consultation process undertaken on changes to the Local Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme 2025-26 and seeking approval to the revised scheme.

Members are asked to note that the proposed changes in the report were approved by Cabinet on 10 February 2025 for reference on to Council.

In accordance with the change in the order of business agreed at the start of the meeting, the Mayor then invited Councillor Donnelly-Jackson (as Cabinet Member for Housing & Resident Services) to introduce a report from the Corporate Director of Partnerships, Housing & Resident Services setting out proposals to introduce a revised local Council Tax Support Scheme 2025-26, as recommended to Council by Cabinet on 10 February 2025.

In introducing the report, members were advised that the significant nature of the changes to the scheme being proposed had been recognised, with the approach taken in developing the revised scheme having sought to balance the competing need for fairness and transparency against the Council’s overall financial sustainability given the challenging financial context within which the Council was having to operate.  Unlike many other universal benefits, members were reminded that Council Tax Support schemes were determined at a local level meaning the levels of support available would vary from area to area.  In recognising the important role of the Council Tax Support scheme in supporting many households across the borough and challenging nature of the proposed changes outlined, members were advised that the scheme had reached a point at which it was no longer affordable to deliver.  Whilst supporting nearly 17,000 working age individuals and just over 8,000 pensioners this had involved costs of approx. £33m during the previous year, with nearly 20p from every £1 collected in Council Tax t being provided in the form of Council Tax Support.

In highlighting the financial challenges faced not only within Brent but across many other local authorities (resulting  in many having to seek additional financial support) members were advised that the cost associated with provision of local Council Tax Support Schemes was an issue being revisited by many other local authorities across London.  In view of the budget gap currently faced by the Council, the need had been identified to re-evaluate every aspect of spending in order to identify where the greatest efficiencies could be unlocked enabling the Council to achieve more with less.  In reviewing current operation of the scheme, confirmation was provided that the statutory pensioner element of the scheme would remain protected with the proposed changes therefore focussed on the working-age element and including a standard 35% minimum contribution and simplified non-dependant deductions designed to make the system clearer, and easier to navigate whilst also reducing the administrative burden and ensuring that all working-age households contributed fairly towards local services, whilst also continuing to protect the most vulnerable and with a built in annual review of income bands to ensure they continue to reflect economic realities.

Having outlined the proposals for which approval was being sought, Council was reminded these were not being put forward as a matter of choice but out of necessity and in recognising the impact which the proposed changes were likely to have on affected households, the opportunity was also taken also to highlight the measures which had been developed to provide targeted support for those most in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

6.1     Budget & Council Tax 2025-26

This report sets out the Council’s budget proposals for 2025 - 26. 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 10 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 2025 – 26

(Agenda republished to include the attached alternative budget proposals on 21 February 2025)

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 2025 – 26

The Mayor then moved on to receive the report from the Corporate Director of Finance & Resources setting out the Council’s budget proposals for 2025-26.  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 and move the budget proposals within the report.

At this stage in the meeting Councillors Clinton, Lorber and Matin as members of the Liberal Democrats group withdrew from the meeting.

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 were the first to be presented under the leadership of a new Labour Government seeking to invest in communities, strengthen public services and put people first, building what he felt would be a brighter future for all, he felt this needed to be contrasted with the impact of the previous Governments mismanagement of the economy and programme of austerity and with the new Government working at pace to reverse a decade of managed decline in public services.

As with the new Government, rather than focus on short term convenience and in recognising the difficult nature of choices reflecting current reality as opposed to political rhetoric and opportunism, he felt it important to recognise the way in which the current Administration had once again be able to present a balanced budget which had not only been designed to deliver a fair and responsible long term approach but would also continue to make a difference for residents across Brent.

Recognising the difficult nature of the decisions needing to be made given the financial challenges faced by local government, which it was noted had resulted in at least seven local authorities across London and more across the country (of all political persuasions) needing to approach the Government for exceptional financial support, he highlighted the need for urgent reform of the current system of funding local government services given the regressive nature and reliance on Council Tax increases which Council’s, in exercising responsible leadership (and once again of all political persuasions) would once again be required to seek.

Reflecting on the range of issues needing to be addressed by the Government, Councillor Muhammed Butt felt it was important to keep advocating for the prioritisation of local government and 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

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 10 February 2025 and has been referred on to Council for consideration in compliance with CIPFAs Code of Practice on Treasury Management.

The Mayor then invited Councillor Mili Patel, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, to introduce the report from the Corporate Director of Finance & Resources updating members on Treasury Management activity for the first half of the 2024-25 financial year. Members noted that the report had also been considered and agreed by the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee on 4 December 2024 and Cabinet on 10 February 2025 who had agreed to refer it on to Council for consideration in compliance with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management.

In introducing the report, Councillor Mili Patel advised that as part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to financial transparency, the report included details on the Council’s borrowing requirement, cash investment balances and compliance with the Prudential Indicators enabling Brent to meet its financial obligations.  Members were reminded that as part of the approach outlined in terms of managing Treasury Management activity to support the Council’s priorities, it was only possible to borrow for capital investment and not to fund operational day-to-day expenditure, for example, to offset the increasing financial pressures being experienced within the revenue budget with the Borrowing Requirement reflecting the Council’s capital ambitions for both the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account.

As a result of the Council’s careful financial stewardship and compliance with Prudential Indicators, Councillor Mili Patel advised that the Council’s borrowing balance (as at September 2024) was £791.9m with the decrease in this balance, along with that held in cash investments, reflecting the ongoing approach towards the repayment of loans and investment in the Council’s capital programme in place of additional borrowing.  By prioritising existing cash investments, it was reported the Council had also been able to generate an interest income of £3.6m with the Council’s borrowing strategy therefore recognised as continuing to address the key issue of affordability without compromising the longer-term stability of the debt portfolio.

In outlining 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, the opportunity was taken to thank officers for their support in providing clear direction and delivery of the Council’s Treasury Management activity.  In commending the report to Council, Councillor Mili Patel ended by highlighting how this was again felt to demonstrate the prudent approach adopted in terms of the financial management required to support delivery of the Council’s wider ambitions and priorities.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Mili Patel for introducing the report and as no other members had indicated they wished to speak, and Councillor Mili Patel advised she did not wish to exercise any right of reply, he then moved to put the recommendations to the vote, which were unanimously declared CARRIED

Council therefore RESOLVED to note the 2024-25 Mid-Year Treasury report detailing overall financial performance up to Quarter Two, which had been fully compliant with the Council’s Treasury Prudential Indicators set as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

This report outlines the annual review of the Members Allowance Scheme undertaken for 2025 - 26.

(Agenda republished to include the attached report on 21 February 2025)

The Mayor then invited Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, to introduce the report from the Corporate Director of Law and Governance which sought approval to the proposed Members Allowance Scheme for the 2025-26 financial year.

In introducing the report, the Leader outlined the background to the annual review and proposed uplift in the level of basic, special responsibility and civic allowances for 2025-26, 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.  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, and also reflected the National Joint Council Government Services pay agreement for staff during 2024-25.  Members were advised this had therefore resulted in a recommended uplift of 2.5% to be applied across the basic allowance and Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) for 2025-26.

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

In response to the proposals outlined Councillor Kansagra (as Leader of the Conservative Group), whilst supportive of the attempts made to recognise the importance of the representational role undertaken by members, felt there was a need (given the time and effort involved) for a wider review of the level and allocation of SRA’s for specific roles reflecting the different commitments required to deliver them effectively. To better inform the review process, it was felt this should be supported by additional benchmarking against comparative rates with the outcome reported back to the Constitutional Working Group for consideration.

As a further contribution, Councillor Lorber also spoke (as Leader of the Liberal Democrats Group) to highlight what he felt was a need for any increase in allowances to be self-funding and supported by savings achieved through a reduction and consolidation in Cabinet Member positions to reflect and align with the recent restructure of the Council’s senior management team.  In reviewing the overall impact of the proposed change on the allowance budget, further clarification was also sought on the extent to which the saving identified during 2024-25 in relation to the Members Allowance scheme and had been delivered.

As no other members indicated they wished to speak the Mayor invited Councillor Muhammed Butt to exercise his right of reply. In response to the concerns identified and in closing the debate, the Leader once again highlighted that the proposals in relation to SRAs had been designed to bring those specific allowances in line with the IRPs recommended percentage bands whilst also reflecting the increase in scope and workload experienced by all members in their various roles.  In confirming that the previous saving identified in relation to the Allowance Scheme had been achieved and advising that he would have  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

Prior to inviting the Leader of the Council to introduce the final item of, the Mayor advised that as the extended time available for the meeting was shortly due to expire he would be moving a further suspension of Standing Order 44 (Council Guillotine Procedure) in order to extend the time of the meeting by another 5 minutes in order to complete consideration of the agenda.  In accordance with Standing Order 42 (d) the procedural motion was put to the vote without further discussion and declared CARRIED.

The Mayor the invited Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) to introduce the report from the Corporate Director of Law & Governance.  In moving and presenting the report, members  were advised the report detailed a number of proposed changes to the Constitution designed to reflect the recent restructure of the Council’s senior management team and accompanying realignment of Directorates along with changes to the Contract Standing Orders as a result of implementation of the Procurement Act 2023 and to the Property Standing Orders in relation to the arrangements for acquiring, managing and disposing of land and buildings (Part 3 – Responsibility for Functions).  Following advice provide by Debra Norman (Corporate Director Law & Governance) members noted that the change to Contract Standing Orders would need to become effective immediately upon approval, following introduction of the Procurement Act 2023.

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

Whilst supportive of the proposals outlined in the report Councillor Kansagra, reflecting comments made earlier during the meeting, reiterated what he felt was the need for the changes made to the speaking rights of members during the budget debate to be reviewed by the Constitutional Working Group.

As no other members had indicated they wished to speak and Councillor Muhammed Butt advised he did not wish to exercise any right of reply, the Mayor then moved straight on to put the recommendations to the vote, which were unanimously declared CARRIED

Council therefore RESOLVED:

(1)        To agree the changes to the Constitution set out in Appendix 1 of the report.  In relation to the changes approved to the Contract Standing Orders this would be with immediate effect with the remaining changes to be with effect from 1 April 2025.

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

(3)        To designate the post of Director of Law as the Council’s Monitoring Officer post in accordance with s5 of the Local Government & Housing Act 1989.

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

(5)        To authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, to bring forward the implementation of any of the proposed transfers of functions to a date earlier than 1 April 2025.

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 Annual Council and Mayor Making meeting on Wednesday 14 May 2025.