Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Donnelly-Jackson and Councillor Krupa Sheth along with Carolyn Downs (Chief Executive) with Phil Porter (Corporate Director, Adult Social Care and Health) in attendance as her representative.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Donnelly-Jackson and Krupa Sheth along with Carolyn Downs (Chief Executive) with Phil Porter (Corporate Director, Adult Social Care and Health) in attendance as her representative.

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.

Councillors Nerva and Grahl declared a personal interest in relation to Agenda Item 16 (New Repayment Framework for Major Works Billing for Leaseholders in Brent) as they were leaseholders in the borough.

Councillors Nerva and Grahl both declared a personal interest in relation to Agenda Item 16 (New Repayment Framework for Major Works Billing for Leaseholders in Brent) as they were leaseholders in the borough.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 16 January 2023 as a correct record.

Cabinet RESOLVED  that the minutes of the previous meeting, held on Monday 16 January 2023, be approved as an accurate record of the meeting.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 16 January 2023 be approved as an accurate record of the meeting.

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

None.

None.

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

None.

There were no petitions submitted for consideration at the meeting.

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 sets out the Council’s budget proposals for 2023/24.  It also sets out the results of the consultation, scrutiny and equalities processes.  Subject to approval by Cabinet, these will form the basis of the budget to be agreed at the Full Council meeting on 23 February 2023.

The report also sets out the overall financial position facing the Council for the medium term and highlights the significant risks, issues and uncertainties.

Cabinet NOTED the following comments made in advance of considering the main report on the Budget & Council Tax 2023-24:

1.         Councillor Afzal, providing the economic context in which the budget had needed to be developed recognising the impact of a decade of austerity and the detrimental effect on the poorest in society.  As a result, he highlighted the importance in the engagement and consultation process which had been undertaken in seeking to finalise the budget proposals for consideration.

2.         The written representations submitted by Councillor Kennelly, highlighting:

·            Support for the budget proposals given their focus in seeking to protect the most vulnerable against the rising costs of living.

·            The challenging nature of the decisions forced upon the Council as a result of the stance taken and measures introduced by central government, whilst recognising the positive initiatives and support which the budget proposals had been designed to continue supporting such as the Resident Support Fund and strategic goals such as reducing carbon emissions and tackling the climate emergency.

·            The regressive nature of Council Tax as a means of ensuring (particularly as a result of rising costs and demand in relation to adult social care and children’s services) the Council was able to continue supporting and protecting the most vulnerable in society.

3.          Councillor Georgiou who, whilst outlining the regressive nature of Council Tax, also expressed concern at the fairness of the proposed increase in Council Tax given the impact on local residents, particularly those living within Alperton and the surrounding area.  Whilst recognising the macroeconomic context since 2008 and impact of austerity, stemming from the financial crash in 2008 on local government finances, compounded by Brexit and recent central government interventions, concerns were raised about the increases in Council Tax given the reduction in services locally.  Concerns were also highlighted in relation to the impact of the Mayor for London’s precept and change in Government policy to move responsibility for funding Adult Social Care to local authorities, again through Council Tax. Given the concerns expressed Councillor Georgiou felt there was a need for the Council to ensure that funding collected locally was refocussed and prioritised on the local areas of improvement including:

·            The state of roads and pavements – with a call for additional capital investment.

·            Street Cleansing – with concerns highlighted in relation to the new intelligence-led approach to street cleaning.

·            Investment in young people – with concerns highlighted regarding the reduction in funding over the last decade and impact on the most underprivileged young people. The Council were called upon to deliver a new Youth Offer that would dedicate funding to youth services in Brent.

4.         Councillor Conneely, as Chair of the Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee and Budget Scrutiny Task Group,  summarising the main recommendations from the Task Group in relation to the budget process. In introducing the report, Councillor Conneely highlighted that the Task Group in undertaking their review had recognised the challenging financial environment in which the Council was operating given the long-term reduction in  ...  view the full decision text for item 7.

Prior to consideration of the main report, Councillor Muhammed Butt (Leader of the Council) advised that he had agreed to a number of requests from councillors to speak in relation to the budget report and proposals, with the comments received as follows.

As the first speaker, Councillor Afzal began by highlighting the need to recognise the challenging economic context in which the budget had been developed, with specific reference to the cumulative detrimental impacts arising from a decade of Government austerity affecting the poorest in society.  As a result, he highlighted the importance in the engagement and consultation process which had been undertaken in seeking to finalise the budget proposals for consideration.

The Leader advised he had also received written representations from Councillor Kennelly, who in expressing support for the budget proposals, highlighted:

·             The need to recognise their focus in seeking to protect the most vulnerable against the rising costs of living.

·             The challenging nature of the decisions forced upon the Council as a result of the stance taken and financial measures introduced by central government.  Whilst recognising these challenges he also felt it important to commend the positive initiatives and support which the budget proposals had been designed to continue protecting such as the Resident Support Fund and strategic goals such as reducing carbon emissions and tackling the climate emergency.

·             The regressive nature of Council Tax as a means of ensuring (particularly as a result of rising costs and demand in relation to adult social care and children’s services) the Council was able to continue supporting and protecting the most vulnerable in society.

Councillor Georgiou, was then invited to speak who, whilst outlining the regressive nature of Council Tax, also expressed concern at the fairness of the proposed increase in Council Tax recommended within the budget proposals given the impact on local residents, particularly those living within Alperton and the surrounding area.  Whilst recognising the challenging economic context and impact of austerity, stemming from the 2008 financial crash on local government finances, compounded by Brexit and recent central government fiscal interventions, concerns were raised about the proposed increase in Council Tax when compared to reductions in services locally.  Concerns were also highlighted in relation to the impact of the Mayor for London’s precept and change in Government policy to move responsibility for funding Adult Social Care to local authorities, again through Council Tax.  Given the concerns highlighted, Councillor Georgiou felt there was a need for the Council to ensure that funding collected locally was refocussed and prioritised on local areas of improvement, including:

·             The state of roads and pavements – with a call for additional capital investment.

·             Street Cleansing – with concerns highlighted in relation to the new intelligence-led approach to street cleaning.

·             Investment in young people – with concerns highlighted regarding the reduction in funding over the last decade on youth services and impact on the most underprivileged young people, which it was required the development of a new Youth Offer that would dedicate funding to youth services  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

This report seeks permission to purchase the long leasehold interests of 999 years (less 3 days) in 294 homes (flats) located on the former Euro Car Parts site, Fulton Road, Wembley, HA9 0TF.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

1)          To approve a budget of £85.6m plus VAT (if any) to purchase the long leasehold interest in 294 homes from Crown Wembley LP, subject to contract and subject to a) clean and marketable title b) financial and legal due diligence and c) vacant possession, with a target completion date in March 2023.

2)          To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Finance & Resources in consultation with the Finance, Resources & Reform to negotiate and agree the terms and thereafter enter a development sale and purchase contract with the vendor for the purchase of these homes by way of a long lease of 999 years (less 3 days).

3)          To note the Corporate Director, Finance & Resources using powers delegated under the Constitution would tender and award relevant contracts for professional services relating to the construction supervision of the 294 homes that would be transferred to Brent Council.

4)          To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Resident Services to enter into a grant agreement with the Greater London Authority (GLA) for purchase of the Section 106 block of apartments at Fulton Road in the sum of £8.2m.

5)          To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Finance & Resources in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources & Reform to secure the necessary pre-requisite consents and thereafter agree the terms for entering a lease of the 118 units to a Council owned subsidiary.

Councillor Mili Patel (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources & Reform) introduced a report seeking permission to the purchase of a long leasehold interest in 294 homes (flats) located on the former Euro Car Parks site, Fulton Road, Wembley.

In considering the report, Cabinet was advised that the development on the former Euro Car Parks site, Fulton Road (for which planning permission had been granted in March 2022) comprised a mixed-use delivering retail space, industrial floorspace and housing.  As a result of the developer seeking a buyer for 294 of the homes, an in-principle agreement had been reached with the Council for their purchase based on the breakdown of affordable housing units as detailed within section 3.2 of the report. 

Members noted that the purchase of the blocks identified would represent an increase in the original level of affordable housing and improvement in the tenure(s) available as part of the development proposals, which would assist in meeting current levels of housing demand across the breakdown of units identified.  As part of the funding package to support the purchase the Council had also submitted an application to the GLA for £8.2m grant funding, which reflected the overall percentage of affordable housing being provided.

In supporting the proposed acquisitions, Members were keen to recognise the ongoing work being undertaken to support households who were either homeless, at risk of homelessness or in housing need and in terms of increasing the supply of safe, secure and appropriately sized affordable accommodation across the borough, working in partnership with the GLA and other key stakeholders.

As a result, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve a budget of £85.6m plus VAT (if any) to purchase the long leasehold interest in 294 homes from Crown Wembley LP, subject to contract and subject to a) clean and marketable title b) financial and legal due diligence and c) vacant possession, with a target completion date in March 2023.

(2)    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Finance & Resources in consultation with the Finance, Resources & Reform to negotiate and agree the terms and thereafter enter a development sale and purchase contract with the vendor for the purchase of these homes by way of a long lease of 999 years (less 3 days).

(3)    To note the Corporate Director, Finance & Resources using powers delegated under the Constitution would tender and award relevant contracts for professional services relating to the construction supervision of the 294 homes that would be transferred to Brent Council.

(4)    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Resident Services to enter into a grant agreement with the Greater London Authority (GLA) for purchase of the Section 106 block of apartments at Fulton Road in the sum of £8.2m.

(5)    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Finance & Resources in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources & Reform to secure the necessary pre-requisite consents and thereafter agree the terms for entering a lease of the 118 units to a Council owned subsidiary.

This report sets out a recommendation to approve the transfer of a 999-year lease from the developer of 399 Edgware Road to the Council as part of a s106 agreement for the development.

Cabinet RESOLVED to agree a transfer of a 999-year lease from the Developer of 399 Edgware Road to the Council for a concrete podium above a basement car park as part of a s106 agreement for the development.

Mili Patel (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources & Reform) introduced a report seeking approval to the transfer of a 999-year lease from the developer of 399 Edgware Road to the Council for a concrete podium above a basement car park, as part of a s106 Agreement for the development.

In considering the report, Cabinet noted that the original planning consent for the site had comprised a mixed-use development including the provision of a two-form entry primary and nursery school for which the Council had entered into a s.106 Agreement to secure the transfer of the land.  Having approved initial proposals and a lease to provide and operate the proposed new school on the site, the project had subsequently been halted based on a review of pupil numbers and demand identified which had meant there was no longer any requirement to provide a Primary School in that part of the borough.

As a result, members noted that the site had remained vacant since completion, with the developer having undertaken protective measures and repairs to ensure that the site remained in a reasonable and appropriate site prior to any subsequent transfer.  Given the Council had the right, within the terms of the lease to seek landlords consent for other uses and its location within a significant growth area, it was therefore proposed that the site be formally acquired in order for alternative options regarding its future use and development to be progressed.

In supporting and welcoming the development opportunities identified in relation to the potential future use of the site Cabinet RESOLVED having also noted the exempt information included within Appendix 2 of the report, to agree a transfer of a 999-year lease from the Developer of 399 Edgware Road to the Council for a concrete podium above a basement car park as part of a s106 agreement for the development.

This report details the findings from the draft Borough Plan consultation and engagement and sets out the changes and updates proposed in terms of adoption of the final Borough Plan to be recommended to Full Council.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

1)            To endorse the following to be progressed to Full Council for finalisation and adoption:

a.         Borough Plan Engagement and Consultation Findings 2023-27 (attached as Appendix A to the report)

b.         Brent Borough Plan 2023 – 27 (attached as Appendix B to the report)

c.          Borough Plan evidence base (attached as Appendix C to the report)

d.         Equality Impact Assessment (attached as Appendix D to the report)

Councillor Muhammed Butt (Leader of the Council) introduced a report presenting the outcome of the consultation and engagement undertaken on the draft Borough Plan and setting out the changes and updates proposed in terms of adoption of the final Borough Plan 2023-27 and accompanying documents to be recommended to Full Council for final adoption.

In considering the report Cabinet noted the work undertaken in developing the Borough Plan to capture the achievements made during the previous four-year period, whilst also providing the context and narrative in relation to the Administrations strategic priorities and ambitions over the next four-year period in order to best support the borough, its local residents and diverse communities in continuing to thrive.

Members noted and welcomed the comprehensive nature of the process undertaken to frame, shape and consolidate the ambitions and commitments as an overarching strategy within the Borough Plan along with the flexibility retained in order to adapt to any needs and challenges as they arose moving forward, recognising the difficult economic and financial context in which the Council was having to operate.

In noting the extent and outcome of the engagement and consultation process, as detailed within Appendix A to the report, alongside use of the evidence base, attached as Appendix C of the report, to support development of the key themes, strategic priorities and outcomes within the Plan, members were keen to ensure this work continued in order to share the ambitions identified and encourage further engagement with stakeholders, particularly young people and members of the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities as part of the next steps in delivering the Plan.

Whilst recognising the ongoing financial challenges and increased level of demand on services, members welcomed the ambition within the Borough Plan to continue prioritising the most vulnerable whilst also seeking to protect essential services in order to support all residents across the borough and in noting the progress made were keen to endorse the five overarching strategic priorities identified within the final Plan along with the key changes that had been made, following feedback from the consultation and engagement process, as detailed in section 5.3 of the report.  Members particularly welcomed the update of Strategic Priority (SP)1 to focus on “Prosperity and Stability” and include the objective in relation to “safe, secure and decent housing”, which members were also pleased to note had been expanded to include a focus around housing quality across Brent.

Officers were thanked for their efforts in developing the final version of the Plan, with work now ongoing to agree the key measures and milestones to be included within the new corporate performance matrix for delivery, which it was recognised would also require an ongoing joint focus between Cabinet Members and their relevant Corporate Directors.

Having considered the report, Cabinet RESOLVED to endorse the following to be progressed to Full Council for finalisation and adoption:

a.          Borough Plan Engagement and Consultation Findings 2023-27 (attached as Appendix A to the report)

b.          Brent Borough Plan 2023 –  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

The purpose of this report to seek approval to undertake consultation on the Sustainable Environment and Development draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and delegate authority to the Strategic Director for Communities and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning to consider consultation responses, along with any necessary changes, and the decision on whether to adopt the final Sustainable Environment and Development SPD.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

1)          To approve consultation on a Sustainable Environment and Development draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) as set out in Appendix A of the report.

2)          To delegate authority to the Strategic Director for Communities and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning to consider consultation responses, along with any necessary changes, and the decision on whether to adopt the final SPD.

Councillor Tatler (Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Planning) introduced a report seeking approval to undertake consultation on a draft Sustainable Environment and Development Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and delegate authority in relation to its final adoption.

In considering the report, Cabinet noted and welcomed the aim in developing the SPD to provide clarity, given the extent of new development across the borough and Council’s commitments in relation to tackling the climate emergency, on how developments within Brent would be required to address climate change factors, taking account of the Brent Local Plan and Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy.

Members were advised of the extensive range of both internal and external engagement undertaken to inform the content of the SPD, which had included the Local Plan Member Working Group.  As a result, it had been recognised that the SPD would be expected to clarify the guidance and requirements in relation to the creation and delivery of more sustainable developments at both major and minor level within the borough, including reference to relevant London Plan policies, Supplementary Planning Guidance, London Plan Guidance as well as Brent’s Local Plan policies.

Having noted the outline of the proposed consultation process and recognised the way in which the SPD had been designed to support delivery of the Council’s wider development and climate emergency commitments, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve progressing consultation on the Sustainable Environment and Development draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) as set out in Appendix A of the report.

(2)    To delegate authority to the Strategic Director for Communities and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning to consider consultation responses, along with any necessary changes, and the decision on whether to adopt the final SPD.

The purpose of the report is to seek Cabinet approval for consultation on a draft Residential Amenity Space and Place Quality Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and to delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Communities and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning to consider consultation responses, along with any necessary changes, and the decision on whether to adopt the Residential Amenity Space and Place Quality SPD.

Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the Draft Residential Amenity Space and Place Quality Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), as set out in Appendix A of the report, to be issued for statutory public consultation.

Councillor Tatler (Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Planning) introduced a report seeking approval to undertake consultation on a draft Residential Amenity Space and Place Quality Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

In considering the report, members were advised that the SPD had been developed to clarify and provide clear guidance in relation to the Council’s expectations for well-designed places and existing requirements in terms of residential amenity and good urban design in Brent’s Local Plan.

Cabinet endorsed the scope of the SPD, which it was noted would cover a wide range of amenity space types, sizes and scales of development designed to improve residents’ quality of life by seeking to ensure high quality environmental design aimed at improving health, wellbeing and social cohesion and address wider inequalities such as those exposed during the covid pandemic.  As part of this approach, members noted how the scope of the SPD extended beyond the typical design guidance, through introduction of a new “Place Quality Framework” setting out a new system for the assessment of design quality framed around health, wellbeing, social sustainability and quality of life outcomes building on emerging guidance that would be a material consideration in determining future planning applications.

Members were advised of the extensive range of both internal and external engagement undertaken to inform the content of the SPD and having considered and welcomed the approach in seeking to improve quality of life through the design of places, Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the Draft Residential Amenity Space and Place Quality Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), as set out in Appendix A of the report, to be issued for statutory public consultation.

This report outlines the procurement undertaken for the supply of a Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Solution – Supplier Funded - End to End Service and seeks authority to award the contract.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

1)          To approve the award of the call off contract for the supply, installation, operation and maintenance of electric vehicle charge points for 10 years with an option to extend for a further 5 years (up to 15 years) to Zest Eco Ltd following completion of the further competition from the Crown Commercial Services’ Dynamic Purchasing System and note that, depending on charge point models used, the value of the Contract was estimated to range between circa £952,000 and £1,936,000 plus a total revenue share projection over 10 years of £200,678.53.

2)          To approve a maximum capital budget of £1.04m for supply and installation of the electric vehicle charging points.

As a result of Councillor Krupa Sheth (Cabinet member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action) having submitted her apologies for the meeting Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) introduced a report outlining the procurement process undertaken for the supply of a Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Solution – Supplier Funded – End to End Service and seeking approval for final award of the contract.

In support of the provision of additional electric vehicle charging points, given increasing demand particularly within the Private Hire Vehicle sector, members were also keen to recognise the wider benefits identified through the contract and supply of local charging facilities as a means of addressing the Council’s climate change and air quality objectives.

As a result, and having noted the exempt information contained within Appendix A of the report, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the award of the call off contract for the supply, installation, operation and maintenance of electric vehicle charge points for 10 years with an option to extend for a further 5 years (up to 15 years) to Zest Eco Ltd following completion of the further competition from the Crown Commercial Services’ Dynamic Purchasing System and note that, depending on charge point models used, the value of the Contract was estimated to range between circa £952,000 and £1,936,000 plus a total revenue share projection over 10 years of £200,678.53.

(2)    To approve a maximum capital budget of £1.04m for supply and installation of the electric vehicle charging points.

This report seeks Cabinet approval for plans to redesign the face-to-face public spaces in Brent Civic Centre in order to allow the Council to deliver an improved service for residents and customers.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

1)          To approve the plans to redesign customer spaces in Brent Civic Centre.

2)          To approve a budget of £1.96m for the redesign work and inclusion within the Capital Programme.

3)          To support the Libraries, Arts and Heritage Service to submit a National Lottery Heritage Fund bid and delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Resident Services to make decisions regarding this funding bid on the Council’s behalf.  

Councillor Southwood (Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy & Citizens Experience) introduced a report outlining proposals for the redesign of face-to-face public spaces in Brent Civic Centre aimed at delivering an improved service to residents and the Council’s customers.

As context to the proposals, members noted the background to the Customer Access project and shift in customer behaviour following the covid pandemic impacting on the way customers were now accessing services and profile of those now presenting at the Civic Centre and Community Hub for support, often involving more complex needs.  Members were advised that the redesign project had therefore been designed to improve public spaces in the Civic Centre, with a focus on the Hub, Library, Mezzanine floor and Customer Service Centre in order to support an expanded offer and ensure that all customer spaces within the Civic Centre were fully utilised, safe, comfortable and accessible for residents and staff and able to unlock efficiencies in how customer facing services and the Civic Centre were able to operate.

In noting the key changes proposed in terms of the building redesign, members were advised that these had been shaped following extensive engagement and feedback from residents as well as frontline staff and would enable the current challenges in terms of the existing layout to be addressed whilst providing a range of additional benefits (as outlined within section 4.31 of the report) also ensuring customer facing services would be able to operate in a more integrated and holistic way.

Having welcomed the review and recognised the benefits identified in terms of supporting the way customer-facing services were operating whilst also delivering a space that would be welcoming, comfortable, accessible and could support the delivery of an expanded offer and future efficiencies, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To approve the plans to redesign customer spaces in Brent Civic Centre.

(2)        To approve a budget of £1.96m for the redesign work and inclusion within the Capital Programme.

(3)    To support the Libraries, Arts and Heritage Service in submission of a National Lottery Heritage Fund bid and delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Resident Services to make decisions regarding this funding bid on the Council’s behalf.

The report outlines recent changes introduced in relation to Council Tax liability and support for those in receipt of Council Tax Support (CTS) and in relation to households in need and seeks approval to an amendment to the Council’s existing 13A(1)(c) policy in order to introduce the new discretionary relief policy.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

1)          To approve the proposed discretionary reduction Policy pursuant to section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Act 1992 as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

2)          To note that the proposed Policy pursuant to section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Act 1992 links to council support for vulnerable residents alongside other support mechanisms such as Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) and Resident Support Fund (Local Welfare Assistance).

3)          To delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Resident Services in consultation with the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources in respect of decisions on individual applications for reducing Council Tax payable pursuant to the proposed policy under section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

Councillor Southwood (Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy & Citizens Experience) introduced a report outlining recent changes introduced for 2023/24 and beyond in relation to Council Tax liability and support for those in receipt of Council Tax Support and in relation to households in need and seeking approval to an amendment to the Council’s existing 13A(1)(c) Policy in order to introduce the related new discretionary relief policy.

In considering the report, Cabinet was advised that the updated funding regulations and guidance had been issued by the Government on 23 December 2022.  Members welcomed the additional support provided, which it was noted would enable the Council to further reduce Council Tax bills for those in receipt of Council Tax Support and to use the remaining funding to further support households in need.

In commending the ongoing inclusion of support for care leavers within Brent’s Council Tax Support Scheme and wider relief being made available for vulnerable local residents, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the proposed discretionary reduction Policy pursuant to section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Act 1992 as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

(2)      To note that the proposed Policy pursuant to section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Act 1992 links to council support for vulnerable residents alongside other support mechanisms such as Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) and Resident Support Fund (Local Welfare Assistance).

(3)    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Resident Services in consultation with the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources in respect of decisions on individual applications for reducing Council Tax payable pursuant to the proposed policy under section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

This report provides Cabinet with an overview of recent changes in legislation relating to leasehold management and how these impact on leaseholders in Brent.  The report also outlines both a new and improved existing offer for leaseholders when they receive service charges/major works bills from the Council designed to increase repayment options and flexibility taking account of the current economic landscape.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

1)          To extend the interest free periods in respect of major works for resident leaseholders from 2 years (currently) to 5 years.

2)          To agree the repayment offer as set out in section 8 of the report.

3)          To promote the option to all resident leaseholders (in those blocks scheduled for major works as set out in 5.1 of the report) for the Council to ‘Buy Back’ their home at market value (reduced to 75% of market value, if they choose to become secure tenants), and for non-resident leaseholders of those same blocks to have the option for the Council to buy back their leasehold property at 100% of the market value.

Councillor Knight (Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security) introduced a report providing an overview of recent changes in legislation relating to leasehold management and how these were expected to impact on leaseholders in Brent.  The report also outlined both a new and improved existing offer for leaseholders when they received service charges/major works bills from the Council designed to increase repayment options and flexibility taking account of current economic pressures and challenges.

In considering the report, Cabinet noted the details of the current offer available to leaseholders and proposed new offer, as detailed in section 8 and Appendix 1 of the report, the development of which had been subject to an extensive benchmarking exercise with other local authorities.  The results of the benchmarking, which had been detailed within section 7 and Appendix 2 of the report, had demonstrated that the proposed offer would ensure Brent remained competitive when compared with other London Boroughs, whilst ensuring that payment terms were updated to provide the best options available enabling leaseholders to benefit from necessary improvement, modernisation and energy efficiency works.

In recognising the wider improvements made in relation to the service offer available to leaseholders, members also welcomed the timely nature of the report as a further means of assisting to mitigate the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and in recognition of the challenging position faced by many leaseholders as a result of rising costs for building maintenance, repair and safety works.  The offer outlined within the report was therefore welcomed and supported by members in recognition of the efforts made to provide fair, affordable, manageable and sustainable repayment options aimed at minimising the risk of debt and financial hardship being experienced by leaseholders (often outside of their direct control) and to support them in sustaining their residency, whilst also balancing the need to recover charges as efficiently as possible.

In supporting the approach outlined and efforts being made to enhance the offer available to leaseholders, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To extend the interest free periods in respect of major works for resident leaseholders from 2 years (currently) to 5 years.

(2)    To agree the repayment offer as set out in section 8 of the report.

(3)    To promote the option to all resident leaseholders (in those blocks scheduled for major works as set out in 5.1 of the report) for the Council to ‘Buy Back’ their home at market value (reduced to 75% of market value, if they choose to become secure tenants), and for non-resident leaseholders of those same blocks to have the option for the Council to buy back their leasehold property at 100% of the market value.

This report concerns the award of a contract for the purchase and management of future bike hangars and the transfer of the management and maintenance of current bike hangars.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

1)          To approve the award of a contract for the purchase and management of future bike hangars and the transfer of the management and maintenance of current bike hangars to Lock It Safe Ltd for an initial contract period of three (3) years, with an option to extend for up to a further two (2) years on an annual basis.

2)          To note that the value of the contract referred to in section 2.1 of the report was estimated to be £90,000 for year 1 but that this value may increase if further funding was made available through S106 developer funding and Transport for London Local Implementation Plan funding in future years.

As a result of Councillor Krupa Sheth (Cabinet member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action) having submitted her apologies for the meeting Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) introduced a report outlining the procurement process and recommended award of a contract for the purchase and management of future bike hangers and transfer of the management and maintenance of current bike hangers.

In considering the report, Cabinet noted the progress made in the supply and installation of bike hangers alongside the increasing level of demand across the borough, with the procurement process outlined within the report having been designed to increase supply whilst standardising annual costs for future and existing bike hanger users.

Having considered the report Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the award of a contract for the purchase and management of future bike hangars and the transfer of the management and maintenance of current bike hangars to Lock It Safe Ltd for an initial contract period of three (3) years, with an option to extend for up to a further two (2) years on an annual basis.

(2)    To note that the value of the contract referred to in (1) above was estimated to be £90,000 for year 1 but that this value may increase if further funding was made available through S106 developer funding and Transport for London Local Implementation Plan funding in future years.

This report details the outcome of consultation on proposed amendments to the Admission Arrangements for Brent Community Primary Schools for 2024/25 agreed by Cabinet in November 2022. The report seeks Cabinet’s agreement to the proposed admission arrangements and schemes of co-ordination for Brent community schools for the 2024/25 academic year in accordance with statutory requirements, which Admission Authorities are required to determine by 28 February in the determination year.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

1)          To note the consultation outcomes on the proposed amendments to the Admission Arrangements.

2)          To agree the proposed admission arrangements for Brent community schools and the scheme of co-ordination for maintained schools in Brent for the 2024/2025 academic year (as detailed within Appendices 2 and 3 of the report).

Councillor Grahl (Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Schools) introduced a report seeking approval to the proposed admission arrangements and schemes of coordination for Brent Community Primary Schools for 2024-25, following the required consultation and in accordance with statutory requirements.

In noting the rationale provided for the proposed changes to the admission arrangements and outcome of the consultation process on them, as detailed within section 4 of the report, Cabinet RESOLVED to agree the admission arrangements for Brent community schools and the scheme of co-ordination for maintained schools in Brent for the 2024/2025 academic year, as detailed within Appendices 2 and 3 of the report.

The following items are not for publication as they relate to the category of exempt information set out below, as specified under Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972:

Agenda Item 9:        Airco Close Lease Assignment – Appendix 2 (Lease Transfer Documents).

This appendix has been classified as exempt under Paragraph 3 of Part 1 Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, namely: “Information relating to the financial or business affairs of and particular person (including the authority holding that information).”

Agenda Item 13:      Authority to Award a Contract for Services relating to the Supply, Installation, Operation and Maintenance of Electric Vehicle Charging Points– Appendix 1 (Name of Tenderers)

This appendix has been classified as exempt under Paragraph 3 of Part 1 Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, namely: “Information relating to the financial or business affairs of and particular person (including the authority holding that information).”

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 her representative before the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 60.

None.

There were no items of urgent business.