Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

Members are invited to declare at this stage of the meeting, the nature and existence of any relevant disclosable pecuniary, personal or prejudicial interests in the items on this agenda and to specify the item(s) to which they relate.

There were no declarations of interest by Members.

There were no declarations of interest by Members.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 12 February 2018 as a correct record.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting on 12 February 2018 were confirmed as a correct record.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 12 February 2018 be approved as an accurate record of the meeting.

To consider any matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

There were no matters arising.

There were no matters arising.

To discuss any petitions from members of the public, in accordance with Standing Order 66.

There were no petitions to be considered by Cabinet.

There were no petitions to be considered.

To consider any reference reports from any of the Council’s three Scrutiny Committees.

None.

There were no Scrutiny reference reports to be considered.

This report set out the findings and recommendations of the recent Scrutiny Task Group which considered the Fire Safety of Low-Rise Domestic Properties in Brent.

It was RESOLVED:

7.1       That the report (attached within the agenda pack as Appendix 1) and the recommendations contained therein, be noted.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, welcomed Councillor Janice Long, Chair of the Task Group on Fire Safety of Low-Rise Domestic Properties, to the meeting. Councillor Long began by thanking the members of the task group – Councillors S Choudhary, Duffy, Harrison and Hossain.

Councillor Long stated that, following the fatal fire at Grenfell Tower in June 2017, there had been significant focus by different levels of government on the fire safety of domestic properties across the country. She continued by saying that nationally, this had included: the Department for Communities and Local Government’s Building Safety Programme; a public inquiry into the circumstances of the fire; and the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety.

Councillor Long clarified that, in Brent, the Council had published its fire risk assessments (FRAs) for Council properties, and updated the 2017-18 housing works programme to include fire safety measures for tower blocks. The Council had further agreed for £10 million to be spent on a package of enhanced fire safety measures for high rise blocks, and also undertaken a number of other measures.

Councillor Long highlighted the important issue of ensuring that fire alarms were tested regularly. She also stated that bulky items stored in communal areas could pose a fire risk, or an obstruction to escape in the event of a fire.

Councillor Long encouraged members of the Cabinet to use the Council’s communications channels to regularly publicise the important issue of fire safety.

Councillors Hirani and Miller thanked Councillor Long for her introduction and welcomed the task group’s recommendations.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, thanked Councillor Long and the task group members for their work. He said that as the one year anniversary of the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower approached, it was essential to maintain the important issue of fire safety in residents’ minds.

It was RESOLVED:

7.1       That the report (attached within the agenda pack as Appendix 1) and the recommendations contained therein, be noted.

This report and the performance scorecard (Appendix A) set out the position on the Council’s performance in the third quarter of 2017/18.  The content and format of the report and scorecard focus primarily on the Brent 2020 priorities and then on the Borough Plan priorities. The purpose of this report is to provide Cabinet with a corporate overview of performance information linked to the these priorities in order to support informed decision-making and to manage performance effectively.

It was RESOLVED:

8.1       That the performance information and the current and future strategic risks associated with the information provided in the report, be noted.

Councillor Margaret McLennan, Deputy Leader of the Council, presented the performance report and performance scorecard which set out the position on the Council’s performance in the third quarter of 2017/18. Councillor McLennan stated that the content and format of the report and scorecard focused primarily on the Brent 2020 priorities and then on the Borough Plan priorities.

In response to a question from Councillor Tom Miller, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Peter Gadsdon, Director of Performance, Policy and Partnerships, explained that the Council’s new performance dashboard would be ready to launch in April 2018.

Councillor Butt thanked Councillor McLennan for her introduction. In response to comments from Councillors Hirani and Southwood, it was agreed that each Cabinet Member would look at the performance indicators within their portfolios and agree even more challenging targets for 2018 onwards. Councillor Butt encouraged Cabinet Members to focus on specific outcomes and the impact of each target.

It was RESOLVED:

8.1       That the performance information and the current and future strategic risks associated with the information provided in the report, be noted.

This report provides information on the implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and the potential impact it will have in Brent, and seeks approval that the statutory duty to agree a Personal Housing Plan for single homeless households (and childless couples) can be delegated to the Single Homeless Prevention Service.

It was RESOLVED:

9.1       That the potential impact of the implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 on both single people and families, be noted; and

9.2       That the statutory duty to assess all eligible applicants’ cases and agree a Personal Housing Plan for single homeless households (and childless couples) be delegated to the Single Homeless Prevention Service (as agreed in accordance with an amended recommendation which was tabled at the meeting); and

9.3       That additional amendments to the wording of paragraph 4.10 of the report (in that the SHPS team was actually a consortium of Thames Reach and Crisis), which had been tabled at the meeting, be noted. 

Councillor Harbi Farah, Cabinet Member for Housing and Welfare Reform, introduced the report, which provided information on the implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and the potential impact it could have in Brent. Councillor Farah stated that the report sought approval for the statutory duty to agree a Personal Housing Plan for single homeless households (and childless couples) be delegated to the Single Homeless Prevention Service.

It was RESOLVED:

9.1       That the potential impact of the implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 on both single people and families, be noted;

9.2       That the statutory duty to assess all eligible applicants’ cases and agree a Personal Housing Plan for single homeless households (and childless couples) be delegated to the Single Homeless Prevention Service (as agreed in accordance with an amended recommendation which was tabled at the meeting); and

9.3       That additional amendments to the wording of paragraph 4.10 of the report (in that the SHPS team was actually a consortium of Thames Reach and Crisis), which had been tabled at the meeting, be noted.

This paper outlines a review to date for the council funded 12 Met Patrol Plus s92 officers’ known as the Partnership Tasking Team, deployed to prioritise and police the Safer Brent Partnership priorities and support wider Police Tactical Tasking Coordination Group borough priorities. The report also requests Cabinet to discuss future funding for this resource post 31 March 2019.

It was RESOLVED:

10.1    That the Partnership Tasking Team’s activities and future funding for this resource, post 31 March 2019, be reviewed and discussed.

Councillor Tom Miller, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, introduced the report which outlined a review of the Council-funded 12 Met Patrol Plus s92 officers’ known as the Partnership Tasking Team. He explained that these officers were deployed to prioritise and police the Safer Brent Partnership priorities and support wider Police Tactical Tasking Coordination Group borough priorities.

Councillor Miller stated that the first year review of the Partnership Tasking Team programme had shown great successes around the Safer Brent Partnership priorities, especially for those who had seen an increase trend in activity, namely Anti-Social Behaviour, Gangs and Violence with Injury and Reoffending.

Councillor Miller stated that there had been a development journey undertaken by the team to increase their knowledge and competence in tackling other hidden crime types such as domestic, sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation; to ensure that the borough’s priorities were tackled robustly to make Brent a safer place for all.

It was RESOLVED:

10.1    That the Partnership Tasking Team’s activities and future funding for this resource, post 31 March 2019, be reviewed and discussed.

This report seeks approval to invite tenders for Enforcement Agents to collect debts arising from parking and traffic Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89.

It was RESOLVED:

11.1    That the invitation of tenders for Enforcement Agents, on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraphs 5.3 of the report, be approved;

11.2    That the evaluation of tenders referred to in recommendation 2.1 of the report, on the basis of the criteria set out in paragraph 5.3 of the report, be approved; and

11.3    That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director, Regeneration and Environment, in consultation with the Lead Member for Environment, to approve the award of contracts to two providers.

Councillor Eleanor Southwood, Cabinet Member for Environment, introduced the report which sought approval to invite tenders for Enforcement Agents to collect debts arising from parking and traffic Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89.

It was RESOLVED:

11.1    That the invitation of tenders for Enforcement Agents, on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraphs 5.3 of the report, be approved;

11.2    That the evaluation of tenders referred to in recommendation 2.1 of the report, on the basis of the criteria set out in paragraph 5.3 of the report, be approved; and

11.3    That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director, Regeneration and Environment, in consultation with the Lead Member for Environment, to approve the award of contracts to two providers.

This report seeks Cabinet approval to consult on an increase in the price of Essential User Permits (EUP); the introduction of a £50 levy on resident parking permits for diesel vehicles from 1st October 2018; and an increase in the additional cost of resident parking permits for a household’s second and third vehicles.

It was RESOLVED:

12.1                That a consultation take place on the introduction of a £50 levy on the price charged for resident parking permits for diesel vehicles to be introduced from 1st October 2018, increasing to £75 in October 2019 and then £100 in October 2020;

12.2    That a consultation take place on an increase in the price of external Essential User permits:

a.    For all other external organisations, aligned to the price of business permits

b.    For NHS staff, aligned to the lower priced school staff permits; and

12.3    That a consultation take place on an increase in the surcharges for second and third resident permits, to £50 p.a. for a second permit and £100 p.a. for a third permit; and

12.4                Subject to the outcome of the formal consultation, authority be delegated to the Strategic Director Regeneration & Environment, in consultation with the Lead Member for Environment, to introduce the changes identified in recommendation 2.2 of the report and amend the current Traffic Management Order to implement the proposed changes, and report back to Cabinet for consideration and a final decision if substantial objections are received.

Councillor Eleanor Southwood, Cabinet Member for Environment, introduced the report which sought approval to consult on an increase in the price of Essential User Permits (EUP); the introduction of a £50 levy on resident parking permits for diesel vehicles from 1st October 2018; and an increase in the additional cost of resident parking permits for a household’s second and third vehicles.

It was RESOLVED:

12.1                That a consultation take place on the introduction of a £50 levy on the price charged for resident parking permits for diesel vehicles to be introduced from 1st October 2018, increasing to £75 in October 2019 and then £100 in October 2020;

12.2    That a consultation take place on an increase in the price of external Essential User permits:

12.3    That a consultation take place on an increase in the surcharges for second and third resident permits, to £50 p.a. for a second permit and £100 p.a. for a third permit; and

12.4                Subject to the outcome of the formal consultation, authority be delegated to the Strategic Director Regeneration & Environment, in consultation with the Lead Member for Environment, to introduce the changes identified in recommendation 2.2 of the report and amend the current Traffic Management Order to implement the proposed changes, and report back to Cabinet for consideration and a final decision if substantial objections are received.

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge applied to eligible developments to help fund strategic (borough-wide) and neighbourhood infrastructure related to development.  Brent’s CIL was formally introduced on 1 July 2013. This report requests that Cabinet approves the allocation of £267,983 Neighbourhood CIL (NCIL) fundstowards the ‘fit-out’ of Preston Community Library (PCL).

It was RESOLVED:

13.1    That the allocation of £267,983from Neighbourhood CIL (NCIL) to support the ‘fit-out’ of Preston Community Library (PCL), be approved; and

13.2    That the progression of the PCL fit out, subject to the receipt of formal approval for the wider redevelopment of Preston Park Annexe, be approved. It was also noted that the wider development will be addressed by a separate decision report managed by Brent Property Service; and

13.3   That it be agreed that responsibility for delivery of the construction elements of the PCL project funded by NCIL, will be held by Brent’s Property Team, and it was noted that the progress will be monitored via the Council’s capital programme; and

13.4    That it be agreed that responsibility for delivery of some internal fixtures and fitting will be held by PCL and a grant will be issued from the NCIL allocation.  It was also noted that the grant monitoring will be conducted by the Planning Service’s Infrastructure Team.

Councillor Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Growth, Employment and Skills, introduced the report and stated that the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) was a charge applied to eligible developments to help fund strategic (borough-wide) and neighbourhood infrastructure related to development. Brent’s CIL was formally introduced on 1 July 2013.

Councillor Tatler stated that the report requested that Cabinet approve the allocation of £267,983 Neighbourhood CIL (NCIL) funds towards the ‘fit-out’ of Preston Community Library (PCL).

Councillor Tom Miller, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, stated that as the Cabinet Member with responsibility for the borough’s libraries, he welcomed the proposals.

It was RESOLVED:

13.1    That the allocation of £267,983from Neighbourhood CIL (NCIL) to support the ‘fit-out’ of Preston Community Library (PCL), be approved; and

13.2    That the progression of the PCL fit out, subject to the receipt of formal approval for the wider redevelopment of Preston Park Annexe, be approved. It was also noted that the wider development will be addressed by a separate decision report managed by Brent Property Service; and

13.3    That it be agreed that responsibility for delivery of the construction elements of the PCL project funded by NCIL, will be held by Brent’s Property Team, and it was noted that the progress will be monitored via the Council’s capital programme; and

13.4    That it be agreed that responsibility for delivery of some internal fixtures and fitting will be held by PCL and a grant will be issued from the NCIL allocation.  It was also noted that the grant monitoring will be conducted by the Planning Service’s Infrastructure Team.

The Council is responsible for maintaining almost 21,000 street lights and columns, and 5,600 other street lighting assets.  These include illuminated signs, bollards and Belisha beacons. The Council is nearing the end of a 20 year PFI contract, with PFI Lighting Limited (“PFIL”), which is set to expire on 30November 2018. This report seeks to address the arrangements for the delivery of street lighting maintenance in the borough going forward.

It was RESOLVED:

14.1    That an exemption pursuant to Contract Standing Order 84(a) of the requirement to seek quotes for a four month contract for Street Lighting Maintenance for sound operational and financial reasons as detailed in Section 3, including ensuring the smooth completion of the LED installation programme, be approved;

14.2    That the award of a four month contract for Street Lighting Maintenance to Bouygues E&S Infrastructure UK Ltd from 1^st December 2018 to 31^st March 2019, be approved;

14.3    That the invitation of tenders for Street Lighting Maintenance Services from 1^st April 2019 on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraph 4.2 of the report; be approved;

14.4    That the evaluation of the tenders referred to in 2.4 of the report, on the basis of the criteria set out in paragraph 4.3 (iv) of the report, be approved; and

14.5    That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment in consultation with the Lead Member for Environment to award the contract for Street Lighting Maintenance Services from 1^st April 2019 for a term of four years with an option to extend the term by up to a further two years; and

14.6    That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment in consultation with the Lead Member for Environment and the Director of Legal and Human Resources, to approve the transfer of the five year residual life warranty on street lighting columns from PFI Lighting Ltd to Bouygues E&S Infrastructure UK Ltd.

Councillor Eleanor Southwood, Cabinet Member for Environment, introduced the report and stated that Cabinet was being asked to award an interim contract for the Street Lighting Maintenance service to Bouygues E&S Infrastructure UK Ltd from December 2018 to March 2019.

She explained that the report set out the options considered for the procurement of this service from April 2019; and also sought approval to invite tenders for the Street Lighting Maintenance Services contract from 1st April 2019, as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89.

Furthermore, Councillor Southwood stated that the report sought approval to assign responsibility for the 5 year post-PFI street lighting column warranty.

With the permission of the Chair, Gavin Moore, Head of Parking and Lighting, stated that the initial period of the contract would be for four years to the end of March 2023, which aligned the end date with that of the Public Realm, Parking and Trees Maintenance contracts.

It was RESOLVED:

14.1    That an exemption pursuant to Contract Standing Order 84(a) of the requirement to seek quotes for a four month contract for Street Lighting Maintenance for sound operational and financial reasons as detailed in Section 3, including ensuring the smooth completion of the LED installation programme, be approved;

14.2    That the award of a four month contract for Street Lighting Maintenance to Bouygues E&S Infrastructure UK Ltd from 1^st December 2018 to 31^st March 2019, be approved;

14.3    That the invitation of tenders for Street Lighting Maintenance Services from 1^st April 2019 on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraph 4.2 of the report; be approved;

14.4    That the evaluation of the tenders referred to in 2.4 of the report, on the basis of the criteria set out in paragraph 4.3 (iv) of the report, be approved; and

14.5    That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment in consultation with the Lead Member for Environment to award the contract for Street Lighting Maintenance Services from 1^st April 2019 for a term of four years with an option to extend the term by up to a further two years; and

14.6    That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment in consultation with the Lead Member for Environment and the Director of Legal and Human Resources, to approve the transfer of the five year residual life warranty on street lighting columns from PFI Lighting Ltd to Bouygues E&S Infrastructure UK Ltd.

None.

None.

None.

Notice of items to be raised under this heading must be given in writing to the Head of Executive and Member Services or his representative before the meeting. Any decisions taken urgently under this heading must comply with the provisions outlined in paragraph’s 12 and 39 of the Council’s Access to Information Rules (part 2 of the Constitution).

There was no other urgent business to transact.

There was no other urgent business to transact.