Agenda, decisions and minutes

None made.

RESOLVED: that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14 April 2015 be approved as an accurate record of the meeting.

None.

The Cabinet agreed to take earlier in the meeting that item for which members of the public were present.

With the consent of the Cabinet, Philip Bromberg (Friends of Preston Library) addressed the meeting in support of the Preston Community Library and reminded the Cabinet of previous promises made by members of the Labour Group to make property available to local groups at peppercorn rent who could provide a sustainable community library. He referred to the achievements of the Community Library supporters who had produced a business plan for a permanent library, offered a range of library services including lending to schools and computer and wifi facilities. Language and exercise classes were also on offer. The service was run by volunteers contributing many hours of their time. Mr Bromberg made reference to the possible tension between the strategic objectives in the Strategy of maximising value generation and increasing ongoing revenue generation and the intention to advertise and a competitive process for interested organisations however he felt that the council was now committed to this course of action. Ms Samantha Warrington (Friends of Preston Library) sought assurances that the library premises would be retained by Preston Community Library and she also referred to the work of the volunteers, the services and classes offered and the intention to acquire cinema equipment. She urged the Cabinet to consider the contribution of the Preston Community Library which was at no cost to the council and which she considered was sustainable.

The proposed new Property & Asset Strategy is attached at Appendix 1.  It aims to find ways of capturing the inherent value and value growth of land and property in Brent in order to help contribute to the delivery of Brent’s Borough Plan aspirations.  Fundamentally the strategy moves away from a presumption to dispose outright of property towards one of retaining and acquiring assets with a view to maximising revenue potential.  The strategy also recognises the importance of social value, rather than just monetary value. It introduces proposals for Community Asset Transfer as a way of promoting both social value and community resilience. 

that approval be given to The Property & Asset Strategy 2015-19 as set out in Appendix 1 to the report from the Strategic Director, Regeneration and Growth, including proposals in respect of Community Asset Transfer.

Councillor McLennan (Lead Member, Regeneration and Housing) introduced the proposed new Property and Asset Strategy attached at Appendix 1 to the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth.  The Strategy aimed to find ways of capturing the inherent value and value growth of land and property in Brent and moved away from a presumption to dispose outright of property towards one of retaining and acquiring assets with a view to maximising revenue potential.  The strategy also recognised the importance of social value. It introduced proposals for Community Asset Transfer as a way of promoting both social value and community resilience. Councillor McLennan summarised the routes into community asset transfer and assured that each application would be considered on its own merits.

Councillor Mashari (Lead Member, Employment and Skills) stated that she was in agreement to requests made by the Preston Community Library supporters who had addressed the Cabinet earlier in the evening. She paid tribute to the work of library supporters and clarified that the intention was for a collaborative approach to co-design the space for school use. Councillor Mashari added that the strategy was not about specific buildings and the community would have the first opportunity to tender for use. The Strategic Director, Regeneration and Growth confirmed that the guidelines on how to take the strategy forward would be ready at the beginning of July 2015.

Members paid tribute to the work of the Preston Community Library campaigners which was a testament to what the community could achieve. Councillor Moher noted the supporters’ willingness to work with the council for the joint use of the premises.

RESOLVED:

that approval be given to the Property and Asset Strategy 2015-19 as set out in Appendix 1 to the report from the Strategic Director, Regeneration and Growth, including proposals in respect of Community Asset Transfer.

This report concerns the procurement of a Direct Payment Services contract to allow the Council to offer a Support and Advice (general, employment and ongoing) and Managed Account service provision. The contract will replace an existing agreement which comes to an end on the 28 November 2015. This report requests approval to invite tenders in respect of a DPS contract as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89. 

(i)         that approval be given to the invite of tenders for a Direct Payment Service contract on the basis of the pre - tender considerations set out in paragraph 5.0 of the report from the Director of Adult Services;

(ii)        that approval be given to officers evaluating the tenders referred to in (i) above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraph 5.0 (vi) of the report.

The report from the Strategic Director, Adults concerned the procurement of a Direct Payment Services contract to allow the council to offer a Support and Advice (general, employment and ongoing) and Managed Account service provision. The contract would replace an existing agreement which would come to an end on 28 November 2015. The report requested approval to invite tenders in respect of a DPS contract as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89. 

Councillor Hirani (Lead Member, Adults, Health and Well-being) made reference to the target to increase take up and for a further 400 service users to be recipients of DPs over the next three years. This would bring the total number of DPs users to 1127 by the end of the new contract term in November 2018. Additionally, the opportunity was being taken to further expand services and to include in the contract a support service for individuals living at home with Direct Payments and also support for individuals to manage their Personal Health budgets. Councillor Hirani assured that as part of the West London Alliance, value for money and flexibility were assured. He was also pleased that bidders would be asked to submit pricing that included the London Living Wage, a direct benefit to carers and workers.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that approval be given to the invite of tenders for a Direct Payment Service contract on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraph 5.0 of the report from the Director of Adult Services;

(ii)        that approval be given to officers evaluating the tenders referred to in (i) above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraph 5.0 (vi) of the report.

In accordance with the Council’s Contract Standing Order (‘CSO’) No 88 this report seeks approval to award the contract for Local Healthwatch for Brent for a period of one (1) year with an option to extend for a period of one (1) year to the successful Tenderer following a procurement process. The report summarises the procurement process and procedure undertaken by the Council for the contract.

That approval be given to the award of the contract for the delivery of a local Healthwatch service for Brent (Healthwatch Brent) from 1 July 2015 for a term of one year with an option to extend by a further one year period to CommUNITY Barnet.

Councillor Pavey (Deputy Leader) introduced the report from the Chief Operating Officer which sought approval to award the contract for Local Healthwatch for Brent for a period of one year with an option to extend for a period of one year to the successful tenderer following a procurement process. The report summarised the procurement process and procedure undertaken by the council for the contract. Councillor Pavey referred to the pressures on the health service and the role of Healthwatch services to engage with residents/patients and to champion their cause. Councillor Moher welcomed the decision to award the contract to CommUNITY Barnet, an organisation with considerable experience.

The Cabinet also had before them an appendix to the report which was not for publication as it contained the following category of exempt information as specified in Schedule 12 of the Local Government (Access to Information Act) 1972: 

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

RESOLVED:

that approval be given to the award of the contract for the delivery of a local Healthwatch service for Brent (Healthwatch Brent) from 1 July 2015 for a term of one year with an option to extend by a further one year period to CommUNITY Barnet.

Local authorities adopt a range of approaches to charging for services.  These approaches reflect local policy choices, custom and practice.  Some authorities choose relatively commercial approaches, seeking to make surpluses on at least some activities in order to cross subsidise others.  Others try to use charging regimes to drive residents’ and customers’ behaviour, and still others adopt an approach aimed, at most, at recovering the costs of some discretionary activities. Brent’s approach has not been subject to a fundamental review for some time, and this report introduces the principles by which such a review will be carried out for future years. Fees and charges for 2015/16 have also been reviewed. 

(i)         that it be noted that there will be no increase in 2015/16 to the fees and charges for the services set out in Appendix 2 of the report from the Chief Finance Officer;

(ii)        that approval be given to the increases to the fees and charges set out in Appendix 1, effective 1 July 2015 or as soon thereafter as the changes can practically be implemented;

(iii)       that it be noted that a wider review of fees and charges would be carried out during the 2015/16 year to inform future budget and policy making, the results of which will be considered at a future meeting.

Councillor Pavey (Deputy Leader) introduced the report from the Chief Finance Officer which proposed fees and charges for 2015/16. He reminded the Cabinet that in the significant majority of cases charges had been frozen at current levels. However, Councillor Pavey acknowledged that financial pressures made this position unsustainable and a full review was considered to be required. The report before members introduced the principles by which such a review would be carried out for future years.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that it be noted that there would be no increase in 2015/16 to the fees and charges for the services set out in Appendix 2 of the report from the Chief Finance Officer;

(ii)        that approval be given to the increases to the fees and charges set out in Appendix 1, effective 1 July 2015 or as soon thereafter as the changes can practically be implemented;

(iii)       that it be noted that a wider review of fees and charges would be carried out during the 2015/16 year to inform future budget and policy making, the results of which will be considered at a future meeting.

This report sets out proposals for working with the London Borough of Lewisham to establish a shared service for ICT by April 2016. The report sets out details around sharing ICT hardware and establishing reciprocal Disaster Recovery (“DR”) facilities, delivering ICT services to London Borough of Lewisham to refresh their infrastructure, and transition arrangements leading towards the establishment of the joint ICT service.

(i)         that approval be given to working with London Borough of Lewisham to establish a joint ICT service by April 2016;

(ii)        that it be noted that London Borough of Lewisham was seeking approval from their Cabinet in June 2015 for the same;

(iii)       that it be noted that officers would be working on defining the governance model for the proposed shared service and would present their proposals to Cabinet in September 2015;

(iv)       that approval be given to the reciprocal arrangements to host disaster recovery facilities for London Borough of Lewisham at Brent Civic Centre, while they host Brent’s second datacentre currently located at Brent House.;

(v)        that approval be given to the proposal to deliver ICT services to London Borough of Lewisham to refresh their infrastructure, bringing them in line with Brent.

The report from  the Chief Operating Officer set out proposals for working with the London Borough of Lewisham to establish a shared service for ICT by April 2016. The report set out details around sharing ICT hardware and establishing reciprocal Disaster Recovery facilities, delivering ICT services to London Borough of Lewisham to refresh their infrastructure, and transition arrangements leading towards the establishment of the joint ICT service. Councillor Pavey referred to the proposals as a symbolic step forward and advised that Lewisham’s Cabinet would considering a similar report in the near future.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that approval be given to working with London Borough of Lewisham to establish a joint ICT service by April 2016;

(ii)        that it be noted that London Borough of Lewisham was seeking approval from their Cabinet in June 2015 for the same;

(iii)       that it be noted that officers would be working on defining the governance model for the proposed shared service and would present their proposals to Cabinet in September 2015;

(iv)       that approval be given to the reciprocal arrangements to host disaster recovery facilities for London Borough of Lewisham at Brent Civic Centre, while they host Brent’s second datacentre currently located at Brent House;

(v)        that approval be given to the proposal to deliver ICT services to London Borough of Lewisham to refresh their infrastructure, bringing them in line with Brent.

This report outlines a proposed new delivery model for Youth Services in Brent based on a community-led approach that is developed and delivered in partnership with the community, voluntary and social enterprise sector (VCSE) and other stakeholders.

(i)         that the financial context for the Council’s Youth Services and the issues and opportunities related to the future delivery of youth services be noted;

(ii)        that officers carry out further consultation with staff, stakeholders and young people on the proposal for a new, independent Young Brent Foundation and on potential changes to the Council’s current Youth Service provision, in line with the broad model set out in section four of the report from the Strategic Director of Children and Young People;

(iii)       that it be noted that the revised service model set out for the Council’s service (see paragraphs 4.11 – 4.15 of the Director’s report ) does not include continuation of direct delivery of youth centre provision, with new partnership arrangements required to sustain delivery;

(iv)       that officers be instructed to ensure active involvement of young people and a wide range of partners in the further development of the new service model;

(v)        that it be noted that the further work to develop and implement the new service model for youth services would be undertaken as part of the One Council Programme.

Councillor Moher (Lead Member, Children and Young People) introduced the report which outlined a proposed new delivery model for Youth Services in Brent based on a community-led approach that was developed and delivered in partnership with the community, voluntary and social enterprise sector (VCSE) and other stakeholders. The model outlined built on the outcomes of a recent options appraisal that was commissioned and funded by the Cabinet Office as part of its Delivering Differently for Young People Programme (DDYP). It also took into account budget decisions on the Council’s Youth Services which would take effect from 2016/17 and which required a new approach to be taken.

Councillor Moher drew attention to the financial and operational context for Brent Youth Services, the proposed new model for youth service in Brent and the strands currently covered by the Service. She stressed that the council was not alone in having to deal with significant funding reductions and she drew attention to the options put forward in the recent appraisal stating that preferred proposal was to develop of a community led commissioning organisation for youth services retaining some services for the centre. Councillor Moher emphasised that consultation with young people would be widespread, in particular with the Youth Parliament. She accepted that the council could not afford to continue to run four youth centres and community asset transfers were being considered. In response to a question, Councillor Moher advised that consideration would be given to whether dedicated youth support was the best way forward.

Councillor Pavey (Deputy Leader) hoped for a slimmed down improved service and stressed the need for a speedy decision given the timescales. Councillor Moher acknowledged the timescales and stressed the need for the council and voluntary sector to work together, map provision and ensure that needs were being met. She also emphasised that funding would need to be targeted to those most in need.

Councillor Butt queried the timescales and raised questions on the detail of the report. The Strategic Director, Children and Young People clarified that the council had a statutory duty to promote access to youth services and the Young Brent Foundation would play a role in giving increased access to external funding sources and other financial benefits. The cost for operational contingency referred to in the report was standard for three months running costs for an independent an organisation. On engagement with the business sector, the Cabinet heard that employers were already engaged and this would continue. Regarding the proposals for the new group to be co-located with an existing service, it was noted that options were still open. Brent CVS would be playing a leading role.

The Cabinet also had before them an appendix to the report which was not for publication as it contained the following category of exempt information as specified in Schedule 12 of the Local Government (Access to Information Act) 1972: 

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

RESOLVED:

(i  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

In line with the School Place Planning Strategy approved by Cabinet in October 2014, the proposal to permanently expand Stonebridge Primary School by one form of entry (1FE) has been put forward by the governing body in partnership with Brent Council.  This report informs the Cabinet of the outcome of the statutory consultations on the proposals to alter Stonebridge Primary School through permanent expansion from September 2015 and recommends that the statutory proposals to expand the school be approved.

(i)         that approval be given to the permanent expansion of Stonebridge Primary School, a community school, by one form of entry from September 2015, (conditional upon the grant of full planning permission under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 by September 2015 or at such date as agreed by the Strategic Director of Children and Young People and the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth);

(ii)        that it be noted that the reason for approving the alterations was to provide sufficient permanent primary school places in line with the council’s statutory duties and its School Place Planning Strategy 2014.

Councillor Moher (Lead Member, Children and Young People) reminded the Cabinet that in line with the School Place Planning Strategy approved by Cabinet in October 2014, the proposal to permanently expand Stonebridge Primary School by one form of entry (1FE) had been put forward by the governing body in partnership with Brent Council. The report before members informed the Cabinet of the outcome of the statutory consultations on the proposals to alter Stonebridge Primary School through permanent expansion from September 2015 and recommended that the statutory proposals to expand the school be approved.

Councillor Moher put that there was a desperate need for permanent school places and it was anticipated that approximately 800 late Reception applications would be received between the closing date in January 2015 and the end of the academic year in July 2015. Councillor outlined the result of the consultation and it was noted that the majority of responses were about the Stonebridge Adventure Playground. Councillor McLennan (Lead Member, Regeneration and Housing) drew members’ attention to the timetable should the project be approved.

Councillor Pavey referred to the economies of scale of larger schools and the possibility of an additional school to be provided by the property developers Quintain. The Leader of the Council acknowledged that the council was in a difficult position having a statutory obligation to provide school places, wanting to improve standards and achieve the best outcomes.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that approval be given to the permanent expansion of Stonebridge Primary School, a community school, by one form of entry from September 2015, (conditional upon the grant of full planning permission under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 by September 2015 or at such date as agreed by the Strategic Director of Children and Young People and the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth);

(ii)        that it be noted that the reason for approving the alterations was to provide sufficient permanent primary school places in line with the council’s statutory duties and its School Place Planning Strategy 2014.

This report explains that the Council has received an Inspector’s report into the Examination of the joint West London Waste Plan Development Plan Document and that the Inspector finds the document sound subject to recommended changes being made. It asks Cabinet to recommend to Full Council that the Plan be adopted with the changes incorporated.

That Full Council be recommended to adopt the West London Waste Plan, incorporating the recommended changes set out in the Inspector’s report.

The report from the Strategic Director, Regeneration and Growth advised that the council had received an Inspector’s report into the Examination of the joint West London Waste Plan Development Plan Document and that the Inspector found the document sound subject to recommended changes being made. Councillor McLennan asked the Cabinet to recommend to Full Council that the Plan be adopted with the changes incorporated.

RESOLVED:

that Full Council be recommended to adopt the West London Waste Plan, incorporating the recommended changes set out in the Inspector’s report.

This report concerns the redevelopment proposal for the Learie Constantine site at 43-47 Dudden Hill Lane, the principles of which were agreed by the Executive at its meeting of 20^th May 2013.  This report requests approval to invite tenders in respect of this proposal as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89. 

(i)         that approval be given to the invite tenders for the proposed Learie Constantine site redevelopment on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraph 3.15 of the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth;

(ii)        that approval be given to the evaluation of tenders referred to in (i) above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraph 3.15 of the report;

(iii)       that authority be delegated to the Operational Director of Property and Projects (Regeneration and Growth), in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer, to award the contract to the successful tenderer and to agree the final terms of the development agreement and leasing structure between the Council, the Learie Constantine West Indian Association and the successful tenderer (the developer) provided the receipt generated is sufficient to cover the cost of a new community centre;

(iv)       that approval be given to an exemption from Contract Standing Order 104 (b) to permit evaluation of bids on the basis of price alone, which is considered appropriate for meeting the council’s aims and objectives in relation to the site.

Councillor McLennan (Lead Member, Regeneration and Housing) was pleased to report the redevelopment proposal for the Learie Constantine site at 43-47 Dudden Hill Lane, the principles of which were agreed by the Executive at its meeting of 20 May 2013. This was an opportunity to work with the community and provide a new centre with adjacent mixed tenure property. The report requested approval to invite tenders in respect of this proposal as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89. 

The Cabinet also had before them an appendix to the report which was not for publication as it contained the following category of exempt information as specified in Schedule 12 of the Local Government (Access to Information Act) 1972: 

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

RESOLVED:

(i)         that approval be given to the invite tenders for the proposed Learie Constantine site redevelopment on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraph 3.15 of the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth;

(ii)        that approval be given to the evaluation of tenders referred to in (i) above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraph 3.15 of the report;

(iii)       that authority be delegated to the Operational Director of Property and Projects (Regeneration and Growth), in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer, to award the contract to the successful tenderer and to agree the final terms of the development agreement and leasing structure between the Council, the Learie Constantine West Indian Association and the successful tenderer (the developer) provided the receipt generated is sufficient to cover the cost of a new community centre;

(iv)       that approval be given to an exemption from Contract Standing Order 104 (b) to permit evaluation of bids on the basis of price alone, which is considered appropriate for meeting the council’s aims and objectives in relation to the site.

This report seeks approval to authorise the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth to seek the Secretary of State’s consent pursuant to Part V of Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1985 to the disposal and development of Hereford House, Exeter Court (as shown edged red on Plan A at Appendix 1) and 4 to 26 Stuart Road (even numbers only) (as shown edged red on Plan B at Appendix 1) for the purpose of Ground 10A of Schedule 2; and also seeks approval to authorise the final Allocation Policy for secure tenants with homes in Hereford House, Exeter Court and 4 to 26 Stuart Road (even numbers only).

(i)         that, having noted and considered the responses to the consultation as set out in proposal 1 of Appendix 2 of the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth, authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth to seek the Secretary of State’s consent to the disposal and redevelopment of Hereford House, Exeter Court and 4 to 26 Stuart Road (even numbers only) pursuant to Part V of Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1985 and to seek possession of those dwellings occupied by secure tenants by relying on Ground 10A of Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1985;

(ii)        that, having noted and considered the responses to the consultation as set out in proposals 2 and 3 of Appendix 2 in connection with the intention to make a Compulsory Purchase Order(s) (CPO(s)) on Hereford House, Exeter Court and 4 to 26 Stuart Road (even numbers only), South Kilburn and in connection with the draft Allocation Policy for Hereford House, Exeter Court and 4 to 26 Stuart Road (even numbers only), approval be given to the adoption of the Allocation Policy which will apply to Hereford House, Exeter Court and 4 to 26 Stuart Road (even numbers only) and which includes the proposal to make a CPO(s) on Hereford House, Exeter Court and 4 to 26 Stuart Road (even numbers only) as well as seeking possession of Hereford House, Exeter Court and 4 to 26 Stuart Road (even numbers only), subject to the Secretary of State’s consent, under Ground 10A of Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1985. This Allocation Policy sets out the basis on which replacement homes will be allocated to secure tenants in Hereford House, Exeter Court and 4 to 26 Stuart Road (even numbers only), South Kilburn and the legal means to be adopted for seeking possession of Hereford House, Exeter Court and 4 to 26 Stuart Road (even numbers only) through the use of Ground 10A of the Housing Act 1985 (if approval is given by the Secretary of State) and compulsory purchase powers under section 226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Councillor McLennan (Lead Member, Regeneration and Housing) introduced the report which sought approval to authorise the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth to seek the Secretary of State’s consent pursuant to Part V of Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1985 to the disposal and development of Hereford House, Exeter Court (as shown edged red on Plan A at Appendix 1) and 4 to 26 Stuart Road (even numbers only) (as shown edged red on Plan B at Appendix 1) for the purpose of Ground 10A of Schedule 2; and also sought approval to authorise the final Allocation Policy for secure tenants with homes in Hereford House, Exeter Court and 4 to 26 Stuart Road (even numbers only).

Councillor McLennan reported that there was some concern among tenants over the allocations policy and she assured that those with secure tenancies could return once decanted and Andy Donald reported that for tenants to be rehoused in only one move was almost unique in London.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that, having noted and considered the responses to the consultation as set out in proposal 1 of Appendix 2 of the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth, authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth to seek the Secretary of State’s consent to the disposal and redevelopment of Hereford House, Exeter Court and 4 to 26 Stuart Road (even numbers only) pursuant to Part V of Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1985 and to seek possession of those dwellings occupied by secure tenants by relying on Ground 10A of Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1985;

(ii)        that, having noted and considered the responses to the consultation as set out in proposals 2 and 3 of Appendix 2 in connection with the intention to make a Compulsory Purchase Order(s) (CPO(s)) on Hereford House, Exeter Court and 4 to 26 Stuart Road (even numbers only), South Kilburn and in connection with the draft Allocation Policy for Hereford House, Exeter Court and 4 to 26 Stuart Road (even numbers only), approval be given to the adoption of the Allocation Policy which will apply to Hereford House, Exeter Court and 4 to 26 Stuart Road (even numbers only) and which includes the proposal to make a CPO(s) on Hereford House, Exeter Court and 4 to 26 Stuart Road (even numbers only) as well as seeking possession of Hereford House, Exeter Court and 4 to 26 Stuart Road (even numbers only), subject to the Secretary of State’s consent, under Ground 10A of Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1985. This Allocation Policy sets out the basis on which replacement homes will be allocated to secure tenants in Hereford House, Exeter Court and 4 to 26 Stuart Road (even numbers only), South Kilburn and the legal means to be adopted for seeking possession of Hereford House, Exeter Court and 4 to 26 Stuart Road (even numbers only) through the use of Ground 10A of the Housing Act 1985 (if  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

The Scrutiny Committee considered Pupil Premium Task Group report on 30 April 2015 and referred it to Cabinet for approval.

The Cabinet noted that the Scrutiny Committee had considered the task group report on 30 April 2015 and referred it to Cabinet for approval.

This task group has been requested by the Scrutiny Members in responses to borough priorities to improve attainment for disadvantaged pupils. This covering report focuses on the task group’s findings and recommendations. The purpose of the task group is to focus on analysing the current use of the Pupil Premium Grant, Understanding the attainment gaps, the outcomes which are being achieved in comparison with national performance and to promote best practice among Brent schools. 

(i)        that the task group report be noted;

(ii)       that approval be given to the 16 recommendations made by the task group.

The Cabinet welcomed Councillor Southwood to her first meeting as Lead Member, Environment.

Councillor Southwood introduced the Pupil Premium task group report in her capacity of Task Group Chair. She summarised the purpose of the task group which was to examine practice across the borough and establish if there were opportunities to get better value and improve attainment for disadvantaged pupils. The task group also looked at non-academic learning and that encouraged children to come to school and Councillor Southwood highlighted the task group recommendations which included an emphasis on the role of the Brent Schools Partnership as the main vehicle to share good practice. It was also recommended that the Corporate Parenting Committee’s Looked After Children’s report should be presented at Full Council. Councillor Southwood concluded by thanking the young people involved in the task group for their contribution.

The Strategic Director, Children and Young People advised that the Brent Schools Partnership would be meeting later in the week and had found the report very helpful. The Leader of the Council added that he had met with Access Project personnel recently who were keen to work with schools and help young people develop the skills that that match their employment aspirations.

The Cabinet thanked the task group members for their work.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the task group report be noted;

(ii)        that approval be given to the 16 recommendations made by the task group.

Cabinet Committees

      i.        Highways Committee (5 Cabinet members)

    ii.        Barham Park Trust Committee (5 Cabinet members)

Outside bodies

      i.        London Housing Consortium - Building Components and Solutions

    ii.        South Kilburn Trust

That the following appointments be approved:

Highways Committee

Denselow

Mashari (VC)

McLennan

Moher

Southwood (C)

London Housing Consortium - Building Components and Solutions

McLennan

South Kilburn Trust

McLennan (ongoing, Lead Member for Regeneration and Housing)

that the following appointments be approved:

Highways Committee

Denselow

Mashari (VC)

McLennan

Moher

Southwood (C)

London Housing Consortium - Building Components and Solutions

McLennan

South Kilburn Trust

McLennan (ongoing, Lead Member for Regeneration and Housing)

None.