Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Krupa Sheth (Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure & Climate Action) and Rachel Crossley (Corporate Director Care Health & Wellbeing) with Claudia Brown (Director Adult Social Care) attending as her representative.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Krupa Sheth (Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure & Climate Action) and Rachel Crossley (Corporate Director Care Health & Wellbeing) with Claudia Brown (Director Adult Social Care) attending 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.

No declarations of interest were made during the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made during the meeting.

To approve the minutes of the previous Cabinet meeting held on Monday 11 March 2024 as a correct record.

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 11 March 2024 be approved as a correct record of the meeting.

Eligible for Call-In: No

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 11 March 2024 be approved as a correct record.

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

None.

None.

To consider any petitions for which notice has been received, in accordance with Standing Order 66.

Members are asked to note that the following petitions are due to be presented at the meeting:

·             Installation of Pelican Crossing between Kenton Road, Kenton Lane & Woodcock Hill

·             Traffic calming measures and traffic restrictions on Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Green, NW10

·             Academisation process Byron Court School

5.1     Traffic Calming Measures and Traffic Restrictions on Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Green, NW10

Cabinet NOTED the comments made by Fiona Mulaisho (as Chair of the Kensal Rise Residents Association) in support of a petition containing over 250 signatures highlighting a number of safety concerns relating to the volume and speed of traffic along Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Green, NW10 and seeking additional traffic calming measures designed to improve pedestrian safety and reduce overall volumes of traffic.  Drawing attention to the number of personal injury accidents recorded along the road between 2020 – 2023, Fiona Mulaisho advised that whilst welcoming the measures introduced to enhance traffic flow and road signage in the area in support of the Kensal Rise Corridor Scheme the petition was calling on the Council to conduct a more detailed local traffic review and implement additional traffic calming and safety measures along Chamberlayne Road, particularly given the proximity of two local schools in the area and in support of proposalsformulated by local residents designed to provide a practical solution to the concerns identified.

Councillor Nerva (Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care and Local Ward Councillor for Queens Park) also spoke in support of the petition and action being sought by residents to address the concerns identified.  As part of the approach outlined, Councillor Nerva highlighted the need to encourage enhanced police enforcement of the existing 20mph zone in the area and also expressed support for the potential establishment of a community roadwatch scheme by local residents in the area working in partnership with the police, along with enhance signage as additional speed management initiatives.  Whilst recognising that part of the area had already been included within the wider Queens Park Neighbourhood Traffic Study, Councillor Nerva advised he would also be keen to encourage the involvement of Transport for London (TfL) in a wider review of traffic and transport issues focussed on the southern part of the borough as part of a package of wider measures designed to address the concerns highlighted, including air quality.

In response, Councillor Muhammed Butt (responding as Leader of the Council on behalf of Councillor Krupa Sheth - Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action), firstly thanked Fiona Mulaisho for attending Cabinet and all those who had signed the petition for taking the time to ensure their views were represented and assured residents that the safety concerns raised had been acknowledged with the Council committed, working within available resources, to the enhancement and improvement of road safety across the borough.  Given the reference to speed management and enforcement issues he also advised the concerns relating to Chamberlayne Road would be raised with the local police Safer Neighbourhood Team for further review and consideration.  Whilst recognising the concerns highlighted and specific measures being sought by local residents, including the installation of speed cameras, Councillor Muhammed Butt felt it important to highlight the limited funding available to the Council to prioritise these measures given the significant reduction in funding TfL were  ...  view the full decision text for item 5.

5.1     Traffic Calming Measures and Traffic Restrictions on Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Green, NW10

Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) welcomed Fiona Mulaisho (as Chair of the Kensal Rise Residents Association) to the meeting, who had been invited to speak in support of a petition containing over 250 signatures highlighting a number of safety concerns relating to the volume and speed of traffic along Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Green, NW10 and seeking additional traffic calming measures designed to improve pedestrian safety and reduce overall volumes of traffic.  In welcoming the opportunity to speak on behalf of local residents, Fiona Mulaisho, began by drawing attention to the number of personal injury accidents recorded along the road between 2020 – 2023. Whilst welcoming the measures introduced to enhance traffic flow and road signage in the area, in support of the Kensal Rise Corridor Scheme, she advised the petition was calling on the Council to conduct a more detailed local traffic review and implement additional traffic calming and safety measures along Chamberlayne Road, particularly given the proximity of local schools in the area and in support of proposalsformulated by local residents designed to provide a practical solution to the concerns identified.

Councillor Nerva (Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care and local ward councillor for Queens Park) also spoke in support of the petition and action being sought by residents to address the concerns identified.  As part of the approach outlined, Councillor Nerva highlighted the need to encourage enhanced police enforcement of the existing 20mph zone in the area and also expressed support for the potential establishment of a community road watch scheme by local residents working in partnership with the police, along with enhance signage as additional speed management initiatives.  Whilst recognising that part of the area had already been included within the wider Queens Park Neighbourhood Traffic Study, Councillor Nerva advised he would also be keen to encourage the involvement of Transport for London (TfL) in a wider review of traffic and transport issues focussed on the southern part of the borough as part of a package of measures designed to address the concerns highlighted, including air quality.

In response, Councillor Muhammed Butt (responding as Leader of the Council on behalf of Councillor Krupa Sheth - Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action) firstly thanked Fiona Mulaisho for attending Cabinet and all those who had signed the petition for taking the time to ensure their views were represented and assured residents that the safety concerns raised had been acknowledged with the Council committed, working within available resources, to the enhancement and improvement of road safety across the borough.  Given the reference to speed management and enforcement issues he also advised that the concerns relating to Chamberlayne Road would be raised with the local police Safer Neighbourhood Team for further review and consideration.  Whilst recognising the concerns highlighted, and specific measures being sought by local residents including the installation of speed cameras, Councillor Muhammed Butt  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

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

There were no items referred from either the Community Wellbeing or Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committees.

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

This report sets out the Council’s new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) ambitions for the next four years detailing development of the new ambitions and components that complement these ambitions, including the engagement findings report, Corporate Anti-Racism Action Plan, the UNISON Anti-Racism Charter and London Local Government Anti-Racism Statement. It also outlines next steps in relation to driving the Council’s ambitions through the new EDI Board and establishing an EDI dashboard to monitor progress.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To endorse the EDI Strategy 2024-28 and Corporate Anti-Racism Action Plan (as detailed within Appendices A and B of the report).

(2)    To endorse signing up to the UNISON Anti-Racism Charter and London Council Anti-Racism Statement (as detailed within paragraph 3.2.15 of the report) as tools that will further complement the Council’s ambitions and commitment around anti-racism.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 15 April 24

Councillor Donnelly-Jackson (Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities & Culture) introduced a report presenting the Council’s new Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy for the next four years 2024-28 and supporting components including the engagement findings report, Corporate Anti-Racism Action Plan, the UNISON Anti-Racism Charter and London Local Government Anti-Racism Statement.  The report also outlined next steps in relation to driving the Council’s ambitions through a new Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Board and establishing an EDI dashboard of performance indicators to monitor progress.

In considering the report Cabinet noted the commitment within the strategy to tackle inequalities and support individuals and families and Council’s workforce in reaching their full potential recognising the need to celebrate, engage and empower the diverse range of local communities represented across the borough to work together in terms of delivering the overarching focus of the strategy around “inclusivity”.  In outlining the extent and comprehensive nature of consultation and engagement in development of the strategy, members were advised that the core objectives identified as a result had been as follows:

·             Inclusion: Accessibility & Cohesion

·             Narrowing the Gap: Tackling Inequalities

·             Establishing an Inclusive Workforce - which members were advised moved beyond diversity representation and was focussed in fostering an inclusive work environment.

In commending the strategy to Cabinet, Councillor Donnelly-Jackson ended by thanking all those involved in the engagement process and development of the strategy given the focus in seeking to further advance equality of opportunity, foster good community relationships and ensure Brent remained an inclusive borough on which the outcomes being delivered as a result would be monitored on a regular basis.

Members welcomed development of the EDI strategy alongside the Corporate Anti-Racism Action Plan, which it was noted formed a key component in terms of the overall framework and delivery of the ambitions and objectives outlined.  Support was also expressed for the work being undertaken to establish a formal monitoring process and range of Performance Indicators that would be used to monitor progress through the newly established EDI Board, with members keen to ensure the associated work linked to delivery of the strategy was supported through the provision of necessary funding support.

In commending the comprehensive nature of the strategy, members further welcomed the specific inclusion of a focus around health inequalities (in partnership with health providers and recognising the work of Brent Health Matters) and also the activity proposed to address disproportionality in relation to attainment levels for vulnerable groups including looked after children, children and young people with special educational needs and children of specific ethnicities in partnership with schools, as part of the objective relating to Narrowing the Gap: Tackling Inequalities.  Support was also expressed for the activity outlined in seeking to sign up to both the UNISON Anti-Racism Charter and also London Local Government Anti-Racism Statement.

In thanking all those involved for their work in development of the EDI Strategy Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To endorse the EDI Strategy 2024-28 and Corporate Anti-Racism Action Plan (as detailed within Appendices A and B of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

This report details the responses received to the consultation undertaken on an application for Sudbury Town Neighbourhood Forum status and requests that Cabinet consider designation of the Sudbury Town Neighbourhood Forum.

Cabinet RESOLVED having considered the responses received to the consultation undertaken on designation of the Sudbury Town Neighbourhood Forum and associated officer responses, as set out in Appendix A of the report.

(1)    To approve, having taken into account the material submitted in support of the application (as set out in Appendices B, C, D and E of the report) the designation of the Sudbury Town Neighbourhood Forum.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 15 April 24

Councillor Tatler (Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Growth) introduced a report detailing the responses received to a consultation undertaken on an application for Sudbury Town Neighbourhood Forum status and seeking a decision on the subsequent designation of the Sudbury Town Neighbourhood Forum.

In presenting the report, Councillor Tatler reminded members of the original background behind the introduction of neighbourhood planning which had been to provide residents and businesses in a specific area with the opportunity to engage in the identification of localised planning policies designed to assist in shaping development outcomes across the relevant area.  Where local communities wanted to take up these opportunities there was a requirement to establish a Neighbourhood Forum as the relevant “qualifying body” with a requirement for Forum status to be renewed every five years.  In reminding members of the background and history to establishment of the original Forum and decision taken in November 2023 to refuse an application from Sudbury Town Residents Association (STRA) for renewal of their Forum status, Cabinet were advised of the progress which it had subsequently been possible to make in taking forward an alternative application for Sudbury Neighbourhood Area Forum status received from “Sudbury Matters” with support from independent consultants (Urban Vision).  As an outcome of that process a revised application had been submitted under the amended title of Sudbury Town Neighbourhood Forum applying to the same geographical area as the original Sudbury Neighbourhood Area.

As required, the current application had been subject to a statutory consultation process which had run from January – February 2024 with a summary of the responses detailed within Appendix A of the report.  On the basis of the outcome of the consultation process and time which had passed since the decision to refuse renewal of STRAs application, members were now being asked to consider designation of Sudbury Town Neighbourhood Forum for Neighbourhood Forum status.

Members were supportive of the approach outlined, having noted the constructive nature of engagement with the Sudbury Town Neighbourhood Forum in seeking to progress their application, way in which the application had met the relevant criteria for consideration and positive nature of the responses received as part of the consultation process indicating strong support for the Forum to represent the area.

Officers were thanked for their work in seeking to progress the Neighbourhood Forum application and in welcoming the collaborative and constructive nature of the relationship with the prospective Forum along with their openness and willingness to represent the whole community in seeking to improve the locality it was RESOLVED having considered the responses received to the consultation undertaken on designation of the Sudbury Town Neighbourhood Forum and associated officer responses, as set out in Appendix A of the report.

(1)    To approve, having taken into account the material submitted in support of the application (as set out in Appendices B, C, D and E of the report) the designation of the Sudbury Town Neighbourhood Forum.

This report seeks Cabinet approval for the allocation of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy capital funding to deliver a new publicly accessible courtyard garden and new fully fitted out community centre, including a contribution towards lifetime maintenance costs, as part of the Council’s Wembley Housing Zone regeneration.

Cabinet RESOLVED to approve up to £11.23m Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy to deliver a new publicly accessible courtyard garden and new fully fitted out community centre, including a contribution towards lifetime maintenance costs, as part of the Council’s Wembley Housing Zone regeneration.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 15 April 24

Councillor Tatler (Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Growth) introduced a report seeking approval for use of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funding to support the delivery of a new publicly accessible courtyard garden and new fully fitted out community centre, including a contribution towards lifetime maintenance costs, as part of the Council’s Wembley Housing Zone regeneration.

In considering the report, Cabinet noted the wider regeneration as well as housing benefits identified in relation to delivery of the Wembley Housing Zone and the potential to drive further opportunities to revitalise that stretch of Wembley High Road and Town Centre including not only new housing, but also business workspace, employment opportunities, highway and public realm improvements.  As part of these proposals, use of SCIL was being sought to deliver a new public courtyard garden within the development in order to increase access to open space with the added benefit of supporting community wellbeing and quality of life as well as to provide new play spaces for children and a new community centre providing valuable social infrastructure.  In terms of funding, Members were advised that £5.267m was due to be generated as Brent Community Infrastructure Levy receipts from the scheme with the net CIL request for delivery of the infrastructure outlined in the report therefore being £5.96m, which would include a contribution towards lifetime maintenance costs designed to assist in unlocking growth in the area for the benefit of local residents, business and communities.

Members were also keen to recognise the positive impact being created through the use of SCIL as part of the wider programme of regeneration activity and its associated benefits for local communities across the borough, with thanks expressed for the work being undertaken to deliver the ongoing programme of growth and regeneration across the borough given the benefits identified for both current and future residents.

In support of the benefits identified and ongoing commitment to create long lasting and positive change for local communities across the borough supported by associated infrastructure, Cabinet RESOLVED to approve up to £11.23m Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy to deliver a new publicly accessible courtyard garden and new fully fitted out community centre, including a contribution towards lifetime maintenance costs, as part of the Council’s Wembley Housing Zone regeneration.

This reports seeks Cabinet approval to the direct award of a contract in respect of Children’s Public Health 0-19 years (Health Visiting and School Nursing) with Central London Community Health Care NHS Trust pursuant to the Provider Selection Regime.

Cabinet RESOLVED

(1)    To approve the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraph 3.5 of the report.

(2)    To approve the direct award a contract in respect of Children’s Public Health Services 0-19 Years (Health Visiting and School Nursing) to the provider Central London Community Health Care NHS Trust for 2 years.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 15 April 24

Councillor Nerva (Cabinet Member for Public Health & Social Care) introduced a report seeking approval to the direct award of a contract in respect of Children’s Public Health 0-19 years (Health Visiting and School Nursing) with Central London Community Health Care NHS Trust pursuant to the Provider Selection Regime.

In considering the report, members noted the outline provided in relation to the procurement options available for reprovision of the service following introduction of the new Provider Selection Regime (PSR) and wider changes introduced to commissioning arrangements across the health and social care sector as a result of the Health & Care Act 2022.  In recognising the importance of the public health services provided under the contract in relation to the role of health visiting and school nursing and their value as part of an integrated offer of early intervention and prevention for families linked to expanded use of the Family Wellbeing Centres and wider links with delivery of the Health & Wellbeing Strategy, Members advised they were supportive of the approach outlined within the report involving a direct award of contract.

As a result, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraph 3.5 of the report.

(2)    To approve the direct award a contract in respect of Children’s Public Health Services 0-19 Years (Health Visiting and School Nursing) to the provider Central London Community Health Care NHS Trust for 2 years.

No items have been identified in advance of the meeting that will require the exclusion of the press or public.

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 Deputy Director Democratic Services or their representative before the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 60.

There were no items of urgent business.

There were no items of urgent business.