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 Begum, Collymore, Farah, Fraser, Grahl, Kelcher and Tatler.

Apologies for lateness were received from Councillors Matin & Rajan-Seelan.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the previous Council Meeting held on Monday 7July 2025.

(Agenda republished to include the attached minutes on 15 September 2025)

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the of the Council meeting held on Monday 7 July 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.

Councillor Lorber declared a personal interest in respect of Agenda Item 9.2 (Liberal Democrats Motion – Standing United against Racism & Xenophobia in Brent) and Agenda Item 14 (Non Cabinet Member Debate – Deterrence, Integration & Accommodation Impacts of Illegal Immigration on Brent) as someone who had initially entered the UK as a refugee.

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)     Passing of The Duchess of Kent

The Mayor began his announcements by taking the opportunity, on behalf of the Council, to extend his sincere condolences to all members of the Royal Family on the passing of The Duchess of Kent.

In recognising Her Royal Highness for the lifelong dedication to public service, support for charitable causes and enduring commitment to the arts and education, the Mayor felt it important to acknowledge the wide respect in which she had been held alongside her compassion and grace and with her legacy remembered with great admiration.

In honouring her memory, the Mayor offered his deepest sympathy to the Royal Family on behalf of the Council.

(ii)    Brent Student Exam results

On behalf of the Council, the Mayor then moved on to congratulate young people across the borough for the recent success achieved in their exam results.

In taking the opportunity to commend the results achieved, the Mayor felt it important to acknowledge that this reflected not only the hard work and determination displayed by young people but also the incredible support from their teachers, school staff, parents and carers with Brent’s schools continuing to inspire excellence and the students recognised as a credit to their communities.

The results achieved were also felt to highlight not only the commitment of students across the borough but also the strength of Brent’s education system, with pride expressed in all young people and Mayor looking forward to seeing all that they would accomplish in future.

(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.

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 15 September 2025)

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

Having considered the changes outlined it was RESOLVED:

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

(a)    Councillor Long to be replaced by a vacancy as Vice-Chair of the Brent Connects – Willesden Forum.

(2)    To note the following changes in the membership on outside bodies:

(a)    The appointment (by the Leader of the Council) of Councillor Mili Patel as the Council’s full member representative on London Councils Grant Committee with Councillor Rubin appointed as one of the Council’s two Deputy Members.

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

Members are asked to note that at the time of agenda publication there are no deputation(s) due to be presented at the meeting.

The Mayor advised that no requests had been received for the presentation of any deputations at the meeting.

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 two public question have been received, which have been attached to the agenda along with the written responses provided.

The Mayor advised that two questions had been received from members of the public, for consideration at the meeting, which were as follows:

Question 1 from L.Varsani regarding enforcement against cycling on pavements

Question 2 from R.Furness enforcement against untaxed and abandoned vehicles on the public highway.

The Mayor advised that those members of the public who had submitted questions had been given the opportunity to the attend the meeting to ask a supplementary question.  As both individuals had unfortunately advised they were unable to attend the meeting, the written responses provided in relation to their questions by the Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Enforcement were therefore noted without further comment.

With no further questions to be considered, the Mayor advised that concluded the public question session.

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 petitions are due to be presented at the meeting:

(a)       Retain the heritage Victorian villa, Altamira, as part of Morland Gardens redevelopment

(b)       Save Welsh Harp Education Centre

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

The Mayor advised that he had accepted requests for the presentation of two separate petitions at the meeting, which had met the threshold for consideration at Full Council based on them containing more than 200 signatures.

The petitions 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 petition by the lead petitioner before then providing the relevant Cabinet Members up to two minutes to respond on each 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).

•       1st petition – Retain the heritage Victorian Villa (Altamira) as part of the redevelopment at 1 Morland Gardens

•       2nd petition – Save Welsh Harp Education Centre

(1)    Retain the heritage Victorian Villa (Altamira) as part of the redevelopment at 1 Morland Gardens

As no objections were raised on the approach outlined, the Mayor then moved on to welcome Philip Grant to the meeting to present the first petition (representing the Willesden Local History Society).  Prior to the petition being presented, Philip Grant welcomed the approach outlined by the Mayor in enabling other members to contribute and speak as part of the approach in considering the petition and also referred members to the photograph of the Villa circulated as part of the agenda text.

In thanking the Mayor for the opportunity to present the petition, Philip Grant began by taking the opportunity to remind members of the history of the Altamira building which he descried as a beautiful, Italianate-style Victorian villa built 150 years ago, at the entrance to an estate called Stonebridge Park which had subsequently given its name to the area.  Members were advised that the Council had bought the building in the 1990s and restored it as home to an Adult Education college and inspiring place of learning in one of the borough’s most deprived areas.

In highlighting the buildings status as a high value locally listed heritage asset, he pointed out those who had signed the petition felt this had not been recognised by the Council when in January 2020, the Cabinet had been persuaded to approve a project which included its demolition.  Referring to the hundreds of objections submitted by local residents in response to the subsequent planning application determined in 2020, as well objections from the Victorian Society, he reminded members that these had also been supported by a Professor of Architecture whom he quoted as having written:

“1 Morland Gardens is not just any nineteenth-century villa, but a characteristic work by an architect of genuine and lasting significance. Its destruction would be a terrible loss, not only to the local environment, but also to the architectural heritage of Victorian Britain.”

It was also pointed out that Councillor Aden (representing the local Stonebridge ward councillors) had also spoken against the demolition at the 2020 Planning Committee meeting, and asked  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

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 motion submitted for debate on 9 September 2025 and amendments moved by the Labour Group on the Conservative & Liberal Democrats motions and Liberal Democrats on the 2^nd Labour motion on 15 September 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) – Addressing Safety and Fly-Tipping Risks in Bee Corridor Management in Brent

The Mayor invited Councillor Jayanti Patel to move the first motion, which had been submitted on behalf of the Conservative Group.  Councillor J. Patel began by, highlighting the way in which the motion had been presented to reflect resident concerns about safety, hygiene, and accessibility of bee corridors and wildflower initiatives, with specific issues identified including fly-tipping, unmanaged vegetation, dumping of waste and litter often in areas adjacent to where children played.  It was also pointed out that overgrown grass near footpaths and crossings, particularly around Kingsbury Roundabout, had created hazards for pedestrians and drivers with enhanced risks in relation to fire safety also identified as a cause for concern.

As an alternative approach, Councillor Jayanti Patel highlighted the way similar challenges had been addressed elsewhere, including the use of hanging baskets within Harrow with bee-friendly plants which had been installed across lamp posts and railings supporting the approach towards biodiversity and corridor links between green spaces.  In summing up, he highlighted the call within the motion to ensure Brent's bee and wildflower corridors were managed in a safe, welcoming, and responsible way, which he hoped members would support given the concerns being raised by local residents.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Jayanti Patel for moving the motion and then drew members attention to an amendment submitted by Councillor Kabir on behalf of the Labour Group, which had been circulated in advance of the meeting.

In moving the amendment, Councillor Kabir began by highlighting the importance of the Council’s commitment to environmental initiatives such as the bee and wildflower corridors across the borough as well as climate change action.  Whilst acknowledging the importance in listening to concerns raised around the impact of green projects it was felt the original motion had failed to recognise the successful work being undertaken across Brent that was making a real difference in bringing cleaner air, flourishing wildlife, and a collective ambition to do better back to the borough.  As an example, reference was made to over 7 miles of wildflowers having been sown across the borough since 2019 creating 22 wildflower meadows which have added bursts of colour to parks, as well as helping to reverse declining insect populations delivering real change which it was felt would have a material impact on the borough for many years to come.

In highlighting that the original motion had included reference to work being undertaken by a number of other Labour administrations across London in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

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 9 September 25)

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 assuring members of the Council’s ongoing commitment to continue lobbying for the improvements being sought along both the Bakerloo and Picadilly lines as well highlighting the Strategic Community Infrastructire Levy (SCIL) investment already provided to support the ongoing development of West London Orbital (in collaboration with the West London Alliance) given the wider benefits identified in relation to strategic growth, economic prosperity and the provision of more sustainable transport links.

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 decision made by Cabinet to allocate what he felt was a transformational £14.5m of investment to revitalise Brent’s roads, parks, and public safety infrastructure funded through SCIL which, he pointed out, had been designed to deliver real improvements for residents across the borough on an everyday basis and build on the £15m of funding already invested since 2022 focussed on creating a cleaner, safer, greener borough where residents felt connected and proud to live.

As part of the update, members were also asked to note (as tabled at the meeting) the Executive decisions which had been taken under the Council’s urgency procedures, since the previous update provided for the Council meeting in July 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  No supplementary question was raised by Councillor Kennelly with the written response provided by Councillor Grahl (as Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Schools) on the protection of vulnerable children noted, as circulated with the agenda.

12.2  No supplementary question was raised by Councillor Choudry with the written response provided jointly by Councillor Krupa Sheth (as Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Enforcement) and Councillor Farah (as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Jobs & Skills) on the provision of additional CCTV enhancements via SCIL investment noted, as circulated with the agenda.

12.3  Councillor Kabir thanked Councillor Donnelly-Jackson (as Cabinet Member for Housing) for the written response to her question seeking an update on the impact of the Housing Benefit subsidy gap and in welcoming what she felt to be Brent’s innovative approach towards tackling homelessness and addressing the pressures on temporary accommodation asked if a detailed breakdown on the numbers of families and single people who had presented as homeless to the Council could be provided from 2021 onwards to highlight the ongoing challenges being faced.

In response, Councillor Donnelly-Jackson advised that she would be able to provide a detailed breakdown on the figures following the meeting and in response to the ongoing pressures and challenges highlighted, took the opportunity to outline a number of initiatives currently being pursued.  These included consultation being undertaken on a new Homelessness & Rough Sleepers Strategy which had been developed in partnership with Crisis, who it was pointed out also chaired the Homelessness Forum and had recently been shortlisted for a London Homelessness Award for their work with refugees facing homelessness.  Reference was also made to development of the Build for Zero approach, which used real-time data to respond to the needs of homeless people alongside the Council’s Radical Place Leadership pilot focussed on how the Council could develop and work more effectively with partners in the delivery of more joined up services.  The provision of access to the GLA’s Council Homes Acquisition Grants Programme (CHAPS) was also welcomed in supporting the delivery of new temporary accommodation units, as a further way in assisting to reduce subsidy loss.  Finally, all those involved in delivery of homelessness services being provided through the New Horizons Centre and Turning Point were commended for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

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    Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee

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

·            The wide-ranging nature of scrutiny activity undertaken by the Committee since the last update, as set out within the update report circulated with the agenda which had included a focus on housing, recycling and the provision of affordable housing.

·            In response to concerns identified in relation to underperformance around complaints relating to housing repairs the Committee had sought to challenge officers and the contractor on performance, recognising the impact on tenants.  As a result of their review the Committee had welcomed the changes outlined in terms of enhanced contract accountability, introduction of transparent resident led performance monitoring (including establishment of the Housing Board) along with the strengthening of financial protection when services broke down as part of the approach in developing a clear plan for improvement for tenants on which the Committee would continue to closely monitor progress.

·            As part of their focus on recycling, the Committee continued to monitor performance in relation to the improvements being sought in recycling rates, again welcoming the shift towards the development of improved infrastructure for food waste and communal recycling along with the enhanced tracking of households missing out and efforts being made to address corporate waste, including lobbing for limits on single use plastic bags by independent retailers on the high street.  The Committee had also identified the need to ensure a cohesive plan was developed for any investment being made available through the Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme.

·            The Committee had also considered arrangements for the provision of affordable social housing as part of the upcoming Local Plan review.  Whilst recognising the need to provide alternative options for delivery, the Committee had questioned the inclusion of Shared Ownership and Student Accommodation as genuine affordable housing products and also identified, as part of the review of the Local Plan, a need for land value mapping, the provision of more sustainable options for affordable housing along with enhanced incentives for social housing partners supported by the need to secure essential supporting infrastructure as part of future developments and the need for greater challenge in terms of viability assessments.  The establishment of the Local Plan Member Working Group had also been welcomed in this respect.

·            The ongoing monitoring of Brent’s overall financial position based on detailed updates regarding the financial outturn position for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

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 ongoing financial pressures faced 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 outlining the range of work being undertaken members were advised that the Committee had also sought assurance on the activity being taken 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.  This was alongside an ongoing focus on delivery of the more flexible and agile risked based Internal Audit Plan, Council’s emergency planning arrangements and development of the Strategic Risk Register.  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 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:

Deterrence, Integration and Accommodation Impacts of Illegal Immigration on Brent

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 “Deterrence, Integration and Accommodation Impacts of Illegal Immigration on Brent”.

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.  Prior to the debate commencing the Mayor felt it important to remind everyone of his focus in seeking to celebrate the diverse nature of the borough and recognise the peaceful relationships that existed between the many different communities residing in Brent, reflecting the strong level of community cohesion across the borough.  As such he hoped all members participating in the debate would take these principles into account when speaking to ensure any contributions made were done so in an appropriate manner, also recognising the requirements placed on all members under the Code of Conduct, for which he thanked everyone in advance for their support.

The Mayor then invited Councillor Kansagra to introduce the motion which had been submitted as the basis for the Non-Cabinet Member debate.  In moving the motion, Councillor Kansagra began by welcoming the comments from the Mayor in terms of highlighting the need for a serious and at the same time honest debate on the growing pressures being experienced across the UK and within the borough as a result of illegal immigration.  Whilst emphasising the need for sensitivity, compassion and the creation of safe and legal routes for the most vulnerable it was also felt more robust deterrence and control was required in relation to the asylum system.  In raising the matter for debate, Councillor Kansagra advised that he was aware the current challenges in relation to immigration had not materialised in isolation and reflected a wider approach in relation to international foreign policy and intervention by governments in regions across the globe, including Libya, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan with lessons needing to be learnt as a result focussed around the provision of support and aid to affected nations rather than direct military or political interference.

In terms of the impact across the UK and within Brent, the pressures being created on the supply of housing, education and the police along with health services were all cited as significant challenges and felt to be contributing factors to the recent civil unrest experienced across the UK.  As such, Councillor Kansagra highlighted what he felt to be the urgent need for practical action to restore public confidence in the integrity of the asylum system underpinned by an honest and open debate on the challenges faced.

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

Opening the debate Councillor Lorber spoke first, highlighting what he felt to be the misinformed nature of the motion presented and request made to the Conservative Group in advance of the meeting for them  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

To receive a report from the Corporate Director of Finance & Resources detailing the outturn for the Council’s 2024-25 Treasury Management Activities.

Members are asked to note that this report was received and noted by the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee on 23 July 2025 and is due to be considered Cabinet on 8 September 2024 and has been forwarded to Council in in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy's Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice.

As the final item of business on the agenda, the Mayor then invited Councillor Mili Patel, as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, to introduce a report from the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources updating members on the Council’s Treasury Management Activity during 2024 - 25.

In introducing the report, the Deputy Leader felt it important to recognise Brent’s ongoing commitment to financial transparency and scrutiny and importance of the Treasury Management function in managing and planning for the level of funding required to support the Council’s activities, services and affordability of the capital programme.  In noting that the Council was only able to borrow for capital investment and not to fund operational day-to-day expenditure or offset the increasing pressures being experienced across Council budgets members were also advised of the careful financial stewardship and activity being undertaken to optimise the effect of borrowing costs and investment income whilst managing the associated risks in line with the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy and Prudential Indicators.

The opportunity was also taken to highlight the Council’s continued commitment, as part of the approach outlined, to borrowing in as prudent and sustainable a way as possible to deliver on infrastructure projects for residents, without compromising the longer-term stability of the debt portfolio with officers thanked for their support in providing clear direction around the Treasury Management activity.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Mili Patel 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 to note and approve, following its consideration by Audit & Standards Advisory Committee on 23 July 2025 and Cabinet on 8 September 2025, the 2025 - 25 Treasury Management outturn report in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy's Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice.

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 taking place at 6pm on Monday10 November 2025.