Agenda, decisions and minutes

Prior to starting the main meeting Councillor Muhammed Butt (Leader of the Council) took a moment to commemorate and pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen following her sad passing the week prior to the meeting.

In recognising Her Majesty the Queens valued service to not only the country but also the commonwealth, Councillor Butt also felt it important to highlight her long commitment to public service.  In expressing the Council’s sincerest condolences and sympathy to both the new Sovereign and Royal Family for their loss, he then invited all present to join him in observing a moments silence in memory of the late Queen.

All present then stood to observe a moments silence in remembrance of HRH Her Majesty the Queen

None.

None received.

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.

None.

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 18 July 2022 as a correct record.

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting, held on Monday 18 July 2022, be approved as an accurate record of the meeting.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 18 July 2022 be approved as an accurate record of the meeting.

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

None.

None.

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

5.1      Anti-social behaviour King Edward VII Park

Cabinet NOTED the comments made by Mr Manish Tivedy, speaking on behalf of local residents living in the area surrounding King Edward VII Park, who highlighted concerns relating to anti-social behaviour and noise impacting residents as a result of large scale gatherings being held in the park over weekends late into the evening. Members were advised that the request to speak and action being sought was supported by a petition which contained 71 signatories.

In addressing Cabinet, Manish Trivedy highlighted the following key issues:

·            Concerns at the noise, litter, nuisance and anti-social behaviour impacting on local residents surrounding the park as a result of the large scale gatherings reported.  19 separate incidents had been reported to the police including threatening behaviour and violence.

·            Residents had met with officers within the Parks Service to explain the issues and nuisance they were experiencing and were grateful for the initial response provided.

In terms of a way forward residents were seeking a solution that was both operational and strategic in order to address the concerns highlighted.  Whilst supportive of the Council’s strategic approach in seeking to educate those causing the problems about the impact locally, acknowledgement was also being sought from Cabinet regarding the extent of the problems and need for action to be taken, including use and enforcement of Public Space Protection Orders.  In summing up, Mr Trivedy recognised the limited resources available but advised that he was keen to ensure residents continued to work in partnership with the Council in order to resolve the situation.

In responding, Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, acknowledged that the nuisance being experienced by residents was unacceptable and confirmed she had been in contact with ward councillors about the concerns highlighted within the petition.  In terms of a way forward she was aware that the concerns had been raised with the Community Safety and Safer Neighbourhood Teams, as well as officers within the Parks Service.  As a result a plan was now being developed to tackle the issues highlighted, with the Council committed to continuing to work with residents to ensure the park remained a safe and pleasant environment for local residents and the nuisance being experienced was addressed.

Councillor Farah, as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities and Public Protection, also acknowledged the concerns identified and advised he was also keen to ensure that the ongoing engagement with local residents continued in order to resolve the issues.

5.2      Islamia Primary School Site

Cabinet NOTED the comments made by Jamad Guled, speaking on behalf of the parents of pupils at Islamia Primary School regarding arrangements for the provision of an alternative site for the School.  Members were advised that the request to speak and action being sought was supported by a petition which contained 509 signatories.

In presenting the petition, Jamad Guled highlighted the following:

·            The anxiety and concerns expressed by parents at Islamia Primary School regarding arrangements to secure ongoing  ...  view the full decision text for item 6.

5.1       Anti-Social Behaviour King Edward VII Park

Councillor Muhammed Butt (Leader of the Council) welcomed Mr Manish Tivedy to the meeting, who he advised had been invited to speak on behalf of local residents living in the area surrounding King Edward VII Park, in order to highlight concerns relating to the impact of anti-social behaviour and noise being created by large scale gatherings being held in the park over weekends late into the evening. Members were advised that the request to speak and actions being sought in response were supported by a petition which contained 71 signatories.

In addressing Cabinet, Manish Trivedy highlighted the following key issues:

·                Concerns at the noise, litter, nuisance and anti-social behaviour impacting on local residents surrounding the park as a result of the large scale gatherings reported.  19 separate incidents had been reported to the police including threatening behaviour and violence.

·                Residents had met with officers within the Parks Service to explain the issues and nuisance they were experiencing and were grateful for the initial response provided.

In terms of a way forward residents were seeking both an operational and strategic solution in order to address the concerns highlighted.  Whilst supportive of the Council’s approach in seeking (as a strategic way forward) to educate those causing the problems about the impact locally, acknowledgement was also being sought from Cabinet regarding the extent of the problems and need for action to be taken, including use and enforcement of Public Space Protection Orders.  In summing up Mr Trivedy, whilst recognising the limited resources available, advised he was keen to ensure work continued in partnership with the Council in an effort to resolve the situation and address the impact on local residents.

In responding, Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, acknowledged that the nuisance being experienced by residents was unacceptable and confirmed she had been in contact with ward councillors about the concerns highlighted within the petition.  In terms of a way forward she was aware that the concerns had been raised with the Community Safety and Safer Neighbourhood Teams, as well as officers within the Parks Service.  As a result an operational plan was now being developed to tackle the issues highlighted, with the Council committed to continuing working with local residents to ensure the park remained a safe and pleasant environment for everyone and the nuisance being experienced was addressed.

Councillor Farah, as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities and Public Protection, also acknowledged the concerns identified and highlighted a need to ensure that the ongoing engagement with local residents continued in order to resolve the issues.

5.2       Islamia Primary School Site

Councillor Muhammed Butt then moved on to welcome Jamad Guled, who he advised had been invited to speak on behalf parents from Islamia Primary School (IPS) regarding arrangements for the provision of an alternative site for the School.  Members were advised that the request to speak and action being sought in response was supported by a petition which contained  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To consider any reports referred by the Community & Wellbeing and Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committees.

There were no references from Scrutiny submitted for consideration at the meeting.

There were no references from either the Community & Wellbeing or Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committees submitted for consideration at the meeting.

This report details a proposal regarding the relocation of Islamia Primary School and seeks approval to the associated capital project business case and statutory consultation process.

Cabinet NOTED the comments by Sofia Moussaoui, representing the Governing Body of Islamia Primary School, who had requested to speak on the report in relation to the future of Islamia Primary School.  In commenting on the proposals within the report she advised that the main aim of the Governing Body moving forward was to secure the future of Islamia Primary School.  As such she advised the Governing Body remained committed to ensure that the necessary funding and a suitable, viable alternative site was secured for the school.  This recognised the advice from the Council that the South Kilburn site identified as the preferred alternative by the parents who had signed the petition was not a viable option given the timing of its availability and allocated use.

In advance of the report being considered, Councillor Butt again assured the petitioners about the formal consultation that would need to be undertaken by the Governing Body, should the recommendations be agreed, along with the work being undertaken with the School and Governing Board in order to maintain and secure the schools future provision on the basis of the proposals identified.

Having noted the report, including the exempt information within the appendix, and the comments raised by the petitioners and Governing Body representatives at the meeting Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To note the historical context and background set out in the report.

(2)       To note that the Yusuf Islam Foundation has issued eviction notices to its Voluntary Aided Islamia Primary School and that the future options for the school were for the school to either relocate or close.

(3)       To note the proposal to relocate Islamia Primary School to the Strathcona site as a 2FE school and agree to allocate up to £8.0m capital towards the total project costs of £10.0m, noting that the preferred option was estimated to cost £9.11m.

(4)       To approve the delegation of authority to agree pre-tender considerations, procure and award the necessary works contracts valued in excess of £5m to the Corporate Director Finances and Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Reform.

(5)       To note that if the school relocated to the Strathcona school site, the site could be transferred into the name of the Yusuf Islam Foundation who would be required to hold the site for the benefit of the Islamia Primary School. Further details in terms of ownership would be set out in a Trust Deed. This would ensure that the primary school would be protected from eviction in future.

(6)       To note that a statutory consultation process to allow the relocation of Islamia Primary School as a 2FE Primary School to the Strathcona site would need to be undertaken and that the Governing Board would be responsible for making this proposal through statutory consultation.

(7)       To acknowledge that, should the Strathcona site be used for Islamia Primary School, then an alternative site would be required to deliver Post-16 SEND provision.

Following on from consideration of the petition relating to Islamia Primary School, Councillor Muhammed Butt (Leader of the Council) advised that he had accepted a request to speak on the report from Sofia Moussaoui, representing the Governing Body at Islamia Primary School.  In commenting on the proposals within the report, Sofia Moussaoui advised that the main aim of the Governing Body moving forward was to secure the future of Islamia Primary School.  As such she advised the Governing Body remained committed to ensure that the necessary funding and a suitable, viable alternative site was secured for future provision of the school.  This recognised the advice from the Council that the South Kilburn site identified as the preferred alternative by the parents who had signed the petition was not a viable option given the timing of its availability and allocated use.

In advance of the report being considered, Councillor Muhammed Butt again assured the petitioners about the formal consultation that would need to be undertaken by the Governing Body, should the recommendations in the report be agreed, along with the work being undertaken with the School and Governing Board in order to maintain and secure the schools future provision on the basis of the proposals identified.

Councillor Gwen Grahl (Cabinet member for Children, Young People and Schools) then introduced the report which set out proposals for the relocation of Islamia Primary School.  In considering the report Cabinet noted the outline of options reviewed along with the capital project requirements and business case supporting the option to develop the former Strathcona school site as a two form entry site for the School.  The report also set out the statutory consultation requirements that would be required in order to deliver the project.  In thanking the petitioners and representatives of the school Governing Body for their comments, Councillor Grahl advised that she acknowledged the concerns and frustrations raised but, at the same time, felt it important to recognise the limited options available in relation to the availability of alternative sites to secure future provision of the school.  In terms of reference to the new school site within South Kilburn, confirmation was provided that this had already been allocated for use as a replacement for Carlton Vale Infant and Kilburn Park Junior School as part of the wider South Kilburn regeneration masterplan with the new school also not available until September 2026.  Members noted it would also not therefore be available as a viable option on the basis of the timing, given Islamia Primary School were required to vacate their current site by the end of July 2024.

Taking this into account, members were advised of the significant effort which had gone into development of the Strathcona site as a viable alternative for the school along with the assurance of the Council’s continued commitment to work with the school and parents in order to ensure a smooth transition, should the proposal be approved, including on how best to facilitate travel and access particularly for more  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

This report seeks approval for adoption of the Brent Council Workforce Strategy 2023-2025.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To agree the Workforce Strategy 2022-25.

(2)       To agree the proposed governance arrangements in respect of oversight of the implementation of the strategy, as set out in paragraph 3.7 of the report.

Councillor Mili Patel (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources & Reform) introduced a report outlining the Council’s proposed Workforce Strategy for 2023 – 2025.

In considering the strategy, Cabinet noted the four priority areas identified in relation to workforce planning; workforce insight and experience; workforce growth & development and workforce ways of working and way in which these had been focussed to reflect the developing Borough Plan and to support the Black Community Action Plan and Equalities Strategy.  In recognising the commitment and flexibility of the Council’s workforce throughout the pandemic members were advised that the strategy also sought to ensure the workforce was shaped and enabled to meet the Council’s objectives and aligned to reflect the diverse range of communities served across the borough, with initiatives to be informed through engagement with relevant staff groups.

In supporting the key outcomes driving the strategy, Members endorsed the efforts being made to formalise the approach to workforce planning, enhance staff retention and reduce the reliance on agency staff and external providers, noting that specific actions would be outlined in a delivery plan that would sit alongside the strategy.  These outcomes also reflected the recommendations made following an internal audit review of the Council’s workforce and succession planning arrangements with regular monitoring updates to be provided for senior managers as well as the Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Reform.

Having considered and welcomed the strategy, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      To agree the Workforce Strategy 2022-25.

(2)     To agree the proposed governance arrangements in respect of oversight of the implementation of the strategy, as set out in paragraph 3.7 of the report.

This report sets out the rationale and seeks approval for the adoption of a borough-wide Public Space Protection Order in relation to nuisance vehicles, including scope of the order and process for implementation.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To note the rationale for the proposed implementation of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Nuisance Vehicles and private e-scooters, as set out in the report.

(2)       To note the outcome of the recent consultation process, indicating significant support for its creation.

(3)       To confirm the scope of the PSPO, as detailed within Appendix 1 of the report, and give authority to the Director for Environment and Leisure to set the date on which the PSPO would become effective and in force.

Councillor Farah, Cabinet member for Safer Communities and Public Protection, introduced a report setting out the rationale and seeking approval for the adoption of a borough wide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in relation to nuisance vehicles and the use of private e-scooters.  The report detailed the outcome of the public consultation process supporting creation of the PSPO.

In considering the report Cabinet noted the proposed scope of the PSPO which included not only nuisance vehicles and private e-scooters but also vehicles driving over pedestrian footways and verges.

In expressing their support for the rationale and adoption of the PSPO, Cabinet were keen to highlight the increase in complaints received in relation to nuisance vehicles and use of private e-scooters and assistance the powers available through the PSPO would provide in relation to addressing a range of environmental quality and anti-social behaviour issues.  In addition members noted the outcome of the public engagement and consultation process along with subsequent comments received, which Councillor Muhammed Butt (Leader of the Council) advised would also be fed through for consideration as part of the consultation process.

Having welcomed the proposals within the report, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      To note the rationale for the proposed implementation of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Nuisance Vehicles and private e-scooters, as set out in the report.

(2)      To note the outcome of the recent consultation process, indicating significant support for its creation.

(3)     To confirm the scope of the PSPO, as detailed within Appendix 1 of the report, and give authority to the Director for Environment and Leisure to set the date on which the PSPO would become effective and in force.

This report presents the draft Church End Growth Area Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document (CEGA Masterplan SPD) for approval for publication and statutory consultation.

Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the draft Church End Growth Area Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document (CEGA Masterplan SPD) for publication and statutory consultation.

Councillor Tatler (Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Planning) introduced a report presenting the draft Church End Growth Area Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document (CEGA Masterplan SPD) for publication and statutory consultation.

In considering the report Cabinet noted the importance of the Masterplan SPD in setting out the vision and objectives designed to promote mixed use regeneration of the Church End Growth Area alongside an urban design framework and planning policy framework, following adoption of the Local Plan 2022.  The SPD had been developed to provide a long term, ambitious and comprehensive plan to secure new housing and infrastructure, economic revitalisation of the local centre as well as public realm improvements designed to maximise opportunities and wellbeing for local residents, businesses and communities.

Members were advised of the wide ranging nature of engagement undertaken in order to develop the draft CEGA Masterplan SPD which had involved a range of partners and stakeholders including residents, businesses, community organisations, landowners, developers and Transport for London (TfL) with officers thanked for their efforts in support of the development process.

In expressing support for the draft CEGA Materplan SPD, members welcomed the positive impact identified in relation to the foundation provided for regeneration, investment and growth across the area alongside the provision of new housing and also in highlighting the continued importance of the increased connectivity and wider benefits provided through the proposed West London Orbital (WLO).

In recognising the extensive nature of the engagement undertaken to inform development of the draft Masterplan SPD Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the draft Church End Growth Area Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document (CEGA Masterplan SPD) for publication and statutory consultation.

This report recommends proposed changes in appointments to the board of the Council’s two wholly owned housing companies, i4B Holdings Ltd and First Wave Housing Ltd.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To agree that Martin Smith and Akintoye Durowoju’s terms as Chair and Director for i4B and FWH be extended for a further three years.

(2)       To agree the appointment of Phil Porter as a Director of i4B and FWH for a period of three years.

(3)       To note that Gail Tolley had stood down as a Director of i4B and FWH as of 1 September 2022.

Councillor Mili Patel (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources & Reform) introduced a report detailing a number of proposed changes in appointments to the Board of the Council’s two wholly owned housing companies, i4B Holdings Ltd and First Wave Housing Ltd.

In noting that the proposed changes had been designed to reflect changes in the Council’s senior management structure and current term of office for the existing external Board members Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)          To agree that Martin Smith and Akintoye Durowoju’s terms as Chair and Director for i4B and FWH be extended for a further three years.

(2)          To agree the appointment of Phil Porter as a Director of i4B and FWH for a period of three years.

(3)        To note that Gail Tolley had stood down as a Director of i4B and FWH as of 1 September 2022.

The following item is not for publication as it relates to the category of exempt information set out below, as specified under Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972:

Agenda Item 7:        Future of Islamia Primary School – Appendix 1 (Additional Legal Implications)

This appendix is classified as exempt under Paragraph 5 of Part 1 Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, namely: “Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings”.

There were no items that required the exclusion of the press or public.

There were no items that required the exclusion of the press or public.

Notice of items to be raised under this heading must be given in writing to the Head of Executive and Member Services or their representative before the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 60.

None.

None.