Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mili Patel.

Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) also took the opportunity to welcome Jehan Weerasinghe to his first Cabinet meeting as the newly appointed Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mili Patel (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources).

Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) also took the opportunity to welcome Jehan Weerasinghe to his first Cabinet meeting as the newly appointed Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration.

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 meeting held on Monday 28 July 2025 as a correct record.

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 28 July 2025 be approved as a correct record of the meeting.

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 28 July 2025 be approved as a correct record of the meeting.

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

None identified.

None identified.

To receive and consider any petitions for which notice has been provided under Standing Order 66.

Members are asked to note that there are currently no petition(s) due to be presented at the meeting.

There were no petitions presented at the meeting.

There were no petitions presented at the meeting.

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 items referred from either the Community Wellbeing or Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committees.

Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Chair) advised that as he had accepted requests to speak in relation to Agenda Item 7 (Developing a new Brent Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Strategy), Agenda Item 9 (Relocation of Islamia Primary School) and Agenda Item 10 (2025-26 Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) Projects over £100k) he intended to change the order of the agenda to enable Item 9 and 10 to be considered following Agenda Item 7.

The minutes therefore reflect the order in which items were considered at the meeting.

This report outlines the council’s approach towards developing a new Brent Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Strategy along with progress made in developing specific components of the strategy, including the new Pitch Allocation Policy, search for new sites and plans to reduce pitch rent at Lynton Close as part of the council’s ambitions and commitments to the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

Prior to considering the report, Cabinet noted the representations and comments made by Mr John O’Donnell (speaking on behalf of residents from the Lynton Close Travellers site). In recognising the progress made in terms of the relationship between residents on the site and Council Mr O’Donnell outlined a number of questions in relation to the investment in Lynton Close site improvements, rent arrangements, search for additional Traveller sites in Brent and new allocations policy referred to as part of the proposed Strategy presented for consideration.

In responding to the comments raised Councillor Donnelly-Jackson (as Cabinet Member for Housing) also welcomed the more positive and meaningful process of engagement with the Traveller community at Lynton Close and highlighted the Council’s commitment to celebrating diversity and ensuring Brent remained an inclusive place for all communities.

As part of this approach, reference was made to the work undertaken with residents of the Lynton Close Traveller Site to address overcrowding and fire safety risks, alongside the clearance of unwanted bulky waste and a dilapidated playground and portacabins that were no longer fit for purpose.  It was pointed out these efforts had also been supported by a series of resident meetings (chaired by the Council’s Chief Executive) covering a range of wider issues, which had also resulted in the organisation of two community support days involving teams from the Council’s Housing, Brent Health Matters, Hubs and Council Tax services with residents (along with the wider community) being kept updated through regular, accessible communications.

Turning to development of the new Strategy, it was highlighted that this had reflected the engagement undertaken to date in partnership with Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities underpinned by an understanding of the needs being identified.  In developing the proposals and working to improve engagement, it was highlighted that the Council had also involved interest groups like London Gypsy & Travellers Association as well as other local authorities to get advice and support in order to ensure the approach outlined was based on recognised best practice.

As part of the process of engagement and in seeking to develop a better understanding of need, it was recognised that the Irish Traveller community had highlighted access to suitable accommodation and the opportunity to meaningfully shape support services as important in supporting residents’ health and wellbeing, as well as their ability to thrive in education and employment with data from the latest Census and other sources also supporting the need to improve outcomes in these areas.  This had also resulted in additional cross Council work being undertaken to ensure ownership and consistency in the approach being developed towards the delivery of improvements with the aim being to not just improve communication but also engage and listen, enabling residents (with the Council’s support) to shape their futures as well as increase wellbeing and reduce marginalisation and stigma.

In terms of the questions which had been raised, an assurance was provided that these would be responded to in detail following the meeting with initial confirmation provided that the  ...  view the full decision text for item 8.

Prior to considering the report, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) welcomed Mr John O’Donnell (speaking on behalf of residents from the Lynton Close Travellers site) who was accompanied by Nancy Hawker (London Gypsy & Travellers Association) to the meeting who he advised had requested to speak in relation to the investment in Lynton Close site improvements, rent arrangements, search for additional Traveller sites in Brent and new allocations policy referred to as part of the proposed Strategy being presented for consideration.

In addressing Cabinet, Mr John O’Donnell began by highlighting the progress made in terms of the relationship between residents on the Lyton Close Travellers site and Council and efforts made to ensure the site remained opened, including the installation of heat detector fire alarms and identification of funding and land to support further improvements to address overcrowding.  In expressing support for the proposals within the strategy, Mr O’Donnell outlined a number of questions on which additional assurance was being sought as part of the ongoing plans relating to the Lyton Road site, which were as follows:

(1)       Written confirmation was sought that the eviction process had now been paused, following the issuing of original notices to residents on the site.

(2)       The potential for families to remain on the Lynton Close until new sites were available along with the availability of a deadline for the process to identify and deliver the new sites.

(3)       The plans to provide enough sites/plots to accommodate all the residents that had been required to move off Lynton Close due to the fire hazards identified.

(4)       The deadline for refurbishment of Lynton Close being completed along with timescale for recruitment and appointment of the Lynton Close site manager (including an outline of the job description).

In responding to the comments and questions raised, Councillor Donnelly-Jackson (as Cabinet Member for Housing) also welcomed the more positive and meaningful process of engagement with the Traveller community at Lynton Close and highlighted the Council’s commitment to celebrating diversity and ensuring Brent remained an inclusive place for all communities.

As part of this approach, reference was made to the work undertaken with residents on the Lynton Close Traveller Site to address overcrowding and fire safety risks, alongside the clearance of unwanted bulky waste, a dilapidated playground and portacabins that were no longer fit for purpose.  It was pointed out these efforts had also been supported by a series of resident meetings (chaired by the Council’s Chief Executive) covering a range of wider issues, which had also resulted in the organisation of two community support days involving teams from the Council’s Housing, Brent Health Matters, Hubs and Council Tax services with residents (along with the wider community) being kept updated through regular, accessible communications.

Turning to development of the new Strategy, it was highlighted that this reflected the engagement undertaken to date in partnership with Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities underpinned by an understanding of the needs being identified.  In developing the proposals and working to improve  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

This report provides a summary of informal and formal consultation undertaken by the Governing Board of Islamia Primary School (IPS) in relation to the school’s proposed relocation to the Gwenneth Rickus site on Brentfield Road as a 2 Form Entry (2FE) school from September 2027 for which approval is now being sought.

Prior to considering the report, Cabinet noted the representatives received from Jitu Patel (as Chair of the Board of Trustees representing BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - Neasden Temple) accompanied by Girish Patel (as a separate Trustee) and Zafar Ashraf (Executive Director - Yusuf Islam Foundation).

In highlighting the position of the Board of Trustees, Jitu Patel outlined their interest in the Gwenneth Rickus site as a key component in their long-term vision for the area along with the representations made in response to the statutory consultation and alternative offer to acquire the site from Brent Council and grant a medium-term lease to Islamia School.  As an alternative, should the decision be made to proceed with the proposed transfer of the site to the Yusuf Islam Foundation the Board of Trustees advised they would be seeking the opportunity, should the site no longer be required in future for educational purposes, for acquisition, subject to the necessary legal consents being obtained.  In seeking a way forward, it was confirmed that the Board of Trustees remained committed to working collaboratively with the Council and the Yusuf Islam Foundation to create a model of co-operation, and to promote and protect faith-based educational provision and community use.

In terms of the position outlined by Zafar Ashraf (on behalf of the Yusuf Islam Foundation), members noted the long running and extensive work undertaken to identify options for future provision of Islamia Primary School (as the only Muslim faith voluntary aided school in the borough) with the proposal, as set out in the report, therefore supported as a viable solution that would meet the needs and approval of key stakeholders.  Whilst aware of issues raised by the Board of Trustees representing BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir it was felt that these could be addressed working in collaboration including an invitation for a representative of the Board to join the Schools Governing Body as a Foundation Governor and confirmation that the new premises (subject to approval) would be made available for local community use outside of school hours for which the Foundation would be willing to engage with the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir regarding any needs they may have.

Having sought technical advice and assurance from officers at the meeting regarding the issues raised as part of the representations received and recognising the exhaustive nature of the process undertaken in seeking to identify a suitable site for relocation of the school, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To note the outcome and analysis from the formal consultation.

(2)       To approve the proposal to relocate Islamia Primary School to the Gwenneth Rickus site on Brentfield Road as a 2FE school from 1^st September 2027.

(3)       To note that the Gwenneth Rickus site would 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  ...  view the full decision text for item 9.

Prior to considering the report, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) welcomed Jitu Patel (as Chair of the Board of Trustees representing BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - Neasden Temple) accompanied by Girish Patel (as a separate Trustee) and Zafar Ashraf (Executive Director - Yusuf Islam Foundation) to the meeting who he advised had requested to speak in advance of the proposals on the relocation of Islamia Primary School being considered by Cabinet.

In highlighting the position of the Board of Trustees representing BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden Temple) Jitu Patel, as the first representative to speak, outlined their interest in the Gwenneth Rickus site as a key component in a long-term vision for the area highlighting their status as a leading Hindu organisation which represented all members of the UK Hindu community and which already owned a large part of the surrounding estate including The Swaminarayan School and the ‘Tennis Courts’ which adjoined the Gwenneth Rickus site.  Having highlighted the interest expressed in acquiring the Gwenneth Rickus site, should it become available, over many years Jitu Patel advised the Board of Trustees had therefore been disappointed about the notice provided in relation to the proposed transfer of the site to the Yusuf Islam Foundation.  In light of that, the Board had made detailed representations in response to the statutory consultation along with the submission of an alternative offer to acquire the site from Brent Council and grant a medium-term lease to Islamia School with the Board of Trustees disappointed that despite the representations made these had not been accepted for consideration.  In recognising the strong nature of the relationship established with the leadership of both Brent Council and the Yusuf Islam Foundation, the Board had therefore sought to continue proactively engaging with all parties in a way that sought to respect and acknowledge the obligations and aspirations of each organisation and agree a solution that would represent a favourable outcome for all concerned.

In outlining the Board’s original proposal, Jitu Patel advised that if Cabinet were minded to proceed with the transfer of the site to the Yusuf Islam Foundation, this should at the very least consider as an alternative the inclusion of a mechanism allowing for possible future acquisition of the site by BAPS, should it no longer be required for educational purposes, (subject to the necessary legal consents being obtained).  In seeking a way forward, it was hoped Cabinet would therefore consider deferring a final decision to enable more detailed consideration of the alternative proposal outlined, with it confirmed that the Board of Trustees remained committed to working collaboratively with the Council and the Yusuf Islam Foundation to create a model of co-operation, and to promote and protect faith-based educational provision and community use.

Having thanked Jitu Patel for the representations made on behalf of the Board of Trustees BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden Temple), Councillor Muhammed Butt then welcomed Zafar Ashraf (Executive Director - Yusuf Islam Foundation) to the meeting who he advised had also  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

This report seeks approval for projects recommended to receive NCIL funding awards over £100k in value.  The report also outlines the recommended projects that require a capital funding contribution, for which approval to the capital budget allocation is also being sought, as well as detailing the projects under £100k which have been approved under delegated authority (in accordance with the process approved by Cabinet in June 2025).

Prior to considering the report, Cabinet noted the comments made by Councillors Hack and Dar (as online participants) in support of the Brent Beats and Roots project recommended for inclusion as a project for funding recognising the community driven nature of the cultural initiatives outlined within the project and focus on the borough’s Irish Heritage.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To approve the projects set out in Appendix A of the report for NCIL funding.

(2)       To note the projects that required a capital budget requirement as set out in Appendix A and Appendix B of the report.

(3)       To approve a capital budget funded from NCIL totalling £5,088,231.

(4)       To note the projects in Appendix B that had been approved under delegated authority by the Corporate Director Service Reform and Strategy.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 15 September 2025

Prior to considering the report, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) advised that he accepted a joint request to speak at the meeting from Councillors Hack & Dar in support of the Brent Beats and Roots project recommended for inclusion within the proposals set out in the report.

Addressing the meeting as online participants, Councillors Hack and Dar outlined their support of the Brent Beats and Roots project which had been recommended for inclusion as one of the projects for funding, recognising the community driven nature of the cultural initiatives outlined and specific focus within Cricklewood in celebrating the borough’s Irish Heritage as a means of creating a vibrant celebration of Brent’s musical legacy, cultural diversity and public spaces.

Having thanked both councillors for their comments in support of the scheme, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) then invited Councillor Rubin (as Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Community Power) to introduce the report from the Corporate Director Service Reform & Strategy detailing the projects which had been recommended to receive Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding awards over £100k in value.  The report also outlined the recommended projects that required a capital funding contribution, for which approval to the capital budget allocation was also being sought, as well as detailing the projects under £100k which had been approved under delegated authority (in accordance with the process approved by Cabinet in June 2025).

In presenting the report, Cabinet was advised that the £5 million investment programme outlined within the report reflected the new approach adopted towards the distribution and allocation of NCIL funding.  Recognising the opportunity provided to respond directly to the priorities being highlighted by residents and focus on fairness in relation to the NCIL process, the approach adopted was also identified as reflecting the benefits of local development in terms of providing a means to reinvest in the everyday services and spaces that mattered most to residents.  Members were reminded that the programme of proposed investment would cover each Brent Connects area and included a focus on investment that would deliver cleaner streets, greener spaces, safer neighbourhoods, and renewed opportunities for culture, learning, and community life.

In highlighting key elements of the programme, members were advised that it included over 60 individual projects with schemes designed to deliver around £1m of investment into cleaner, safer neighbourhoods through expanded patrols, new street bins, pothole repairs, and secure cycle parking and over £1.5m of investment into greener spaces, including major tree planting, new rain gardens, and green corridor schemes in Church End and Kingsbury.  Other projects included almost £600,000 to support communities directly, with cost-of-living programmes, new learning spaces, and initiatives designed to make a real difference to families alongside over £200,000 into culture and identity through Brent Beats & Roots, as a borough-wide celebration of Brent’s unique music and cultural heritage (for which the support expressed by Councillor Hack and Dar was welcomed) and more than £200,000 for community safety, including new patrols and targeted crime-reduction projects.

Taken  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

Brent Council operates a public mortuary located within the grounds of Northwick Park Hospital as a shared service arrangement with Barnet and Harrow Councils, all of which are within the jurisdiction of the North London Coroner.  This report seeks approval to continuation of the shared service and for Brent to enter a new Inter Authority Agreement (IAA) with Barnet and Harrow for the shared service arrangement.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To agree that a public mortuary service should continue to be provided by Brent Council at Northwick Park on behalf of Brent, Barnet and Harrow Councils.

(2)       To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Residents and Housing Services in consultation with the Director Law (Chief Legal Officer) and Corporate Director Finance & Resources (Chief Finance Officer) to agree and finalise the terms of the Inter Authority Agreement (as outlined within Appendix 1 of the report), and to take all necessary action to implement the proposed shared service arrangement.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 15 September 2025

Councillor Knight (as Cabinet Member for Customer Experience, Resident Support & Culture) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Resident & Housing Services seeking approval for the continuation of a shared service arrangement with Barnet and Harrow Council’s for operation of the public mortuary service located within the grounds of Northwick Park Hospital (under the jurisdiction of the North London Coroner) and for Brent to enter a new Inter Authority Agreement (IAA) covering the shared service arrangement.

In presenting the report, members were reminded of the deeply human as well as statutory nature of the service given the importance in ensuring a focus on treating people with dignity and respect (often at the most difficult of times) and doing so in a way that reflected the longstanding values of compassion, efficiency and fairness.  In recognition of the fact that Brent, Harrow and Barnet Council’s served one of the most diverse communities in the country, the opportunity was also taken to outline the way in which the service had been shaped to respect cultural and religious traditions across all communities, which it was noted had been reflected within the new agreement presented as the basis for continuation of the current service.

Members were also reminded of the mortuary’s role as the designated disaster mortuary for North London, with the agreement ensuring that in the event of a major incident the necessary infrastructure would be in place to respond swiftly and with professionalism.  As further progress, members were reminded that under Brent’s leadership a major refurbishment of the facility was also underway designed to extend capacity by 2027, including not only refrigerated and freezer spaces but much needed bariatric units designed to provide future resilience on a forward planned basis.  The approach outlined was also, from a financial and value for money perspective, highlighted as an example of councils working together to deliver better outcomes at lower cost involving the shared pooling of costs and resources (as opposed to each borough facing rising infrastructure bills alone) and with the facility being maintained at a peppercorn rent lease until 2080, which it was felt represented an efficient and prudent use of public resource.

Highlighting the approach outlined as reflecting best practice in terms of collaboration, innovation and delivering for people in ways that were both compassionate and financially sustainable it was felt (in commending the report to Cabinet) that members should take pride in the fact that Brent had led the partnership from the very beginning with the leadership provided making the service one of the most respected of its kind in London.

In acknowledging the professionalism, expertise and quality in terms of the mortuary service being provided and benefits outlined in relation to the proactive and collaborative nature of the cross borough approach identified (under the leadership of Brent) in relation to future resilience and efficiency whilst also seeking to build on the outcome of the most recent Human Tissue Authority inspection of the service and maintain the highest standards of care, Cabinet RESOLVED  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

This report seeks approval for Brent to withdraw from the current Tri-Borough leisure procurement with Ealing and Harrow and commence a standalone procurement for Vale Farm Sports Centre based on a five-year agency agreement until 2031 to ensure continuity of service and strengthen local control.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To approve withdrawing Brent from the current Tri-Borough leisure procurement with Ealing and Harrow.

(2)       To commence a standalone procurement for Vale Farm Sports Centre, based on a five-year agency agreement model until 2031.

(3)    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Service Reform and Strategy, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Leisure, to finalise the procurement process and award the contract, subject to legal advice and the Council’s governance procedures.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 15 September 2025

Councillor Nerva (as Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health & Leisure) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Service Reform and Strategy seeking approval for Brent to withdraw from the current Tri-Borough leisure procurement with Ealing and Harrow and commence a standalone procurement for Vale Farm Sports Centre based on a five-year agency agreement.

In introducing the report, members were advised of the key objective in terms of the approach outlined which had been designed to ensure residents would retain access to high quality leisure services while also enabling Brent to take control of the procurement process in terms of future delivery.  Reflecting on the previous decision taken in 2024 to participate in a Tri Borough procurement with Harrow and Ealing for the provision at Vale Farm Leisure Centre, Cabinet was reminded this had been felt to represent the best option at the time in terms of achieving the required economies of scale.  In developing the process, however, members were advised it had become clear that the Tri Borough approach for the specific nature of service being sought would not provide Brent with the certainty or flexibility required given the barriers the contract would present in enabling the Council to bring together all of its major leisure sites from 2031, linked to the Willesden PFI coming to an end and new Bridge Park facility being opened and limited control over pricing, programming and investment in Council facilities.

As a result, the revised approach presented had sought a different pathway with it recommended that the Council consider withdrawing from the Tri Borough process and running its own standalone procurement for Vale Farm Sports Centre in a way that would not only secure continuity of service from 2026 but also strengthen local control over price, programming and investment.  Members were advised that, subject to approval, the new contract would be based on a five-year agency agreement designed to keep future options open while providing certainty over current provision and also representing the first step towards delivery of a single, borough wide Active Wellbeing model from 2031.

The adoption of the agency model approach was also highlighted as being able to deliver additional benefits to residents in terms of greater oversight of income and costs, and a clearer line of sight on reinvestment with the example provided of funding secured from Sport England to install solar panels at Vale Farm as a demonstration of the kind of practical improvement it was felt a Brent led approach would be able to deliver.  As further assurance in support of the move towards a broader Active Wellbeing approach, members were advised that the approach would also involve use of the Strategic Outcomes Planning Model (SOPM), including Sport England’s Leisure Services Delivery Guidance (LSDG) in order to provide further evidence and ensure all future delivery models (including insourcing) could be fully appraised enabling Members to take an informed decision on the best long-term operating model from 2031 for Brent’s residents and communities.

In considering the report,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

The purpose of this report is to seek approval to proceed with the Council Homes Acquisition Programme (CHAP) for which a Greater London Authority (GLA) grant of up to £1.8m has been secured, including authority to complete the contracts for the acquisition of up to 15 properties by 31 March 2026 or thereafter, subject to the relevant agreements having been obtained.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To approve delivery of the Council’s Council Homes Acquisition Programme (CHAP) to acquire 15 homes for temporary accommodation.

(2)       To approve the total capital budget of £11,733,750 required to complete the acquisition and refurbishment of 15 properties.

(3)       To delegate authority to the Director, Property & Assets, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Property to complete the acquisition of purchases above £1m.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 15 September 2025

Councillor Benea (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration seeking approval to proceed with the Council Homes Acquisition Programme (CHAP) for which a Greater London Authority (GLA) grant of up to £1.8m had been secured, including authority to complete the contracts for the acquisition of up to 15 properties by 31 March 2026 or thereafter, subject to the relevant agreements having been obtained.

In presenting the report, Cabinet was advised of the focus in seeking to take forward the next phase in the Council’s Council Homes Acquisition Programme with Brent, as part of the GLA’s Affordable Homes Programme, having secured £1.8m of grant funding to acquire up to 15 properties for use as good-quality temporary accommodation.  Although recognising the modest number this represented within the overall context of London’s housing crisis the importance of the transformational impact on those families able to benefit from the properties being acquired was also highlighted in terms of supporting their move from hotel and B&B accommodation into more stable and secure homes.

Whilst recognising the scale of homelessness in London and impact on Brent the opportunity was also taken to remind members of the ongoing approach being taken by the Council to confront the housing crisis guided through the Borough Plan pledge to deliver 5,000 genuinely affordable homes by 2028, including 1,700 directly delivered by the Council.  Alongside new-build schemes members were also reminded of the vital role and importance of acquisitions in delivering the safe and secure homes required whilst also reducing the cost pressures of relying on the private market and ensuring that vulnerable families could be supported with dignity and respect.

In welcoming and supporting the ongoing efforts being made to tackle homelessness and to keep investing in the homes so urgently need, members were also keen to commend the work undertaken with the GLA in order to secure the required uplift in the Council Homes Acquisitions Programme grant rate, which had enable the acquisition programme to proceed as a viable option recognising the impact this would have in supporting the provision of good quality temporary accommodation for families in need and in reducing associated cost pressures.  The opportunity was also taken to highlight the impact of the lobbying also being undertaken in support of the Renters Reform Bill as an additional measure in relation to addressing the housing crisis focussed on challenges within the private rented sector.

Recognising the positive nature of the measures outlined in seeking to utilise all forms of available funding Cabinet RESOLVED, having noted the information contained within the exempt appendix of the report:

(1)       To approve delivery of the Council’s Council Homes Acquisition Programme (CHAP) to acquire 15 homes for temporary accommodation.

(2)       To approve the total capital budget of £11,733,750 required to complete the acquisition and refurbishment of 15 properties.

(3)       To delegate authority to the Director, Property & Assets, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Property to complete the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

This report outlines a request for additional budget to support the review of the Brent Local Plan and seeks approval for the necessary delegations to address the stages prior to submission of development plans for examination.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To approve £880,000 to be added to the Local Plan budget reserve to be used for the processes to support delivery of a review of the development plan documents.

(2)       To delegate authority to the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member Regeneration, Planning and Property to approve Development Plan consultation material to be issued in the stages prior to any final draft plan proposed to be submitted for examination.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 15 September 2025

Councillor Benea (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration regarding the provision of additional budget to support the review of the Brent Local Plan and seeking approval for the necessary delegations to address the stages prior to submission of development plans for examination.

In introducing the report, Cabinet noted the vital importance of the Local Plan in terms the framework provided to guide new development across the borough in order to ensure that it was able to deliver the homes, infrastructure and spaces needed reflecting current challenges whilst also protecting the character of the area.  As such, the need to ensure the Plan remained current and avoided becoming out of date was highlighted as a key consideration in any review to avoid shifting power away from local decision makers and the loss of the associated protection for local residents.

In recognising the impact over recent years of building safety rules, viability pressures and the challenging housing market, the Council was therefore seeking to act proactively in terms of the timing of the review.  Members were advised that by acting now the Council would ensure it had the tools required to help shape growth positively, fairly and sustainably for decades to come and in a way that was able to respond to continued population growth in a sustainable way, providing new homes, particularly affordable ones, while protecting Brent’s businesses, enhancing green spaces and ensuring Brent’s rich heritage continued to be safeguarded.

As an additional element, it was pointed out the review would also enable the Council to strengthen its response to the climate emergency, embedding higher environmental standards and supporting the ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030 whilst also providing the ability to strengthen policy where residents had raised concerns, whether that was limiting the over concentration of student accommodation or tackling the gambling harms linked to adult gaming centres.

In seeking to tackle the housing crisis, members were reminded that Brent had over recent years delivered more homes than almost any other borough in the capital with Councillor Benea outlining the determination to go further.  Whilst supporting the delivery of national housing targets, members were, however, assured that the approach would be based on a plan developed for Brent to ensure growth and development was targeted in the right places, around transport hubs and growth areas enabling new schools, parks, GP surgeries and other associated infrastructure to also be delivered in a way designed to use available land responsibly while protecting the character of the borough.

In addressing concerns regarding the scale and density of development, including the use of taller buildings, members were advised of the way in which the Plan was also designed to ensure the type of development reflected the nature and status of an area, including those designated as growth areas, enabling them to be matched with supporting infrastructure and also employment opportunities.

In recognising the focus of the review around responsibility, ambition and fairness  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

This report presents the annual update on complaints performance at Brent Council for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, including a focus on the nature of complaints and the learning they provide to inform Brent’s future approach to service improvement.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To note Brent’s performance in managing and resolving complaints.

(2)       To note and endorse Brent’s self-assessment against the Housing Ombudsman’s Complaint handling Code as detailed within Appendix D of the report.

(3)       To approve the report being referred, as required, to the relevant Scrutiny Committee.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 15 September 2025

In Councillor Mili Patel’s absence (as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources), Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Finance & Resources detailing the Council’s complaints performance for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. The report focused on the nature of complaints and the learning they could provide to inform Brent Council’s future approach to service improvement as well as including details on complaints performance relating to Adult Social Care and Children’s Social Care, as detailed in Appendices A & B of the report, which it was noted were governed by separate statutory complaint procedures.  Members noted the report also contained (as Appendix C) a comparison of the Council’s performance with other London boroughs provided by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman alongside the Council’s Housing Management Service Annual Complaints Performance and Service Improvement Report for 2024-2025 (Appendix D) which was now a requirement of the Housing Ombudsman’s Complaint Handling Code.

Cabinet noted the key headlines relating to complaints performance in 2024-25 along with the outline of the root causes identified and service improvements which had been implemented as a result of the nature of complaints received.  In welcoming the focus on the effective management of performance in relation to complaints, members were also keen to ensure that the outcomes continued to inform development of key corporate strategies and Council priorities, recognising their value as important learning points.

In thanking officers for their efforts in monitoring and managing complaints performance (including increased monitoring of compensation cases in order to reduce unnecessary escalations and an improvement in the timeliness of complaint responses), members felt the issues and areas highlighted as key concerns reflected the nature of current challenges being experienced by many local residents requiring support and also the Council in being able to manage the increased level of demand for key services, especially in relation to housing.  As such the report was welcomed as a means of continuing to focus on the approach towards service improvement for residents.

Whilst acknowledging the prevalence of complaints focussed on housing related issues and increase in level of compensation associated with complaints involving the housing needs service, members felt it important to recognise the impact of the ongoing housing crisis as an underlying reason involving the unavoidable length of stay being experienced by some families in unsuitable accommodation.  Although not primarily indicative of a failing on the part of the Council and reflecting pressures created as a result of a London-wide shortage of suitable and affordable accommodation, an assurance was provided of the work being undertaken with the Housing Needs Service to identify cases where more careful monitoring of actions identified at the first stage of the complaints procedure was needed to ensure that they were promptly implemented, in an effort to prevent, where possible, unnecessary escalation.  This had been supported more widely by a range of service improvements across the Housing Management Service (including the introduction of updated procedures, training and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

This report sets out the outturn for the Council’s Treasury Management Activities for 2024/25.

Cabinet RESOLVED

(1)       To note the overall financial performance for 2024/25, as set out within the report.

(2)       To approve submission of the report to Full Council for approval in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy's Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice.

Eligible for call-in: No (report referred to Council for final approval)

In Councillor Mili Patel’s absence (as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources), Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Finance & Resources presenting the outturn for the Council’s Treasury Management activities 2024-25, in accordance with the Local Authorities (Capital Financing and Accounting) Regulations 2003.

In considering the report, Cabinet noted the economic background in relation to the current outturn position which included the continuing economic volatility and challenges arising as a result of ongoing global geo-political tensions.  In recognising the importance of the Treasury Management function in managing and planning for the level of funding required to support the Council’s activities, services and affordability of the capital programme members noted that the activity looked to optimise the effect of borrowing costs and investment income whilst managing the associated risks in line with the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy and Prudential Indicators, which had been approved by Full Council in February 2023 and in accordance with relevant professional codes and legislation.

In commending what members felt to be Brent’s prudent financial stewardship the commitment made in seeking to ensure the Council continued to borrow in as sustainable a way as possible to deliver on key infrastructure projects without compromising the longer term stability of the debt portfolio and to ensure its investment portfolio remained as diversified as possible was also recognised given the continued nature of pressures faced.

Cabinet thanked officers for their work in relation to managing the Council’s Treasury Management activity and having considered the report RESOLVED:

(1)       To note the overall financial performance for 2024-25, as set out within the report.

(2)       To approve submission of the report to Full Council for approval in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy's Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice.

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 12:      Council Homes Acquisition Programme Delivery – Appendix 1 (Property Acquisition Price Caps)

This appendix exempt 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 any 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 Deputy Director Democratic & Corporate Governance or their representative before the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 60.

There were no items of urgent business.

Prior to ending proceedings, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) took the opportunity to formally thank Alice Lester (as Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration) for the support provided to Cabinet and all members more widely during her time at Brent.  In recognising this would be her final Cabinet meeting prior retiring from Brent he, along with the rest of Cabinet, wished her all the best for the future and thanked her for the legacy left in terms of the programme of regeneration delivered during her time at Brent.

The tribute paid by the Leader was also supported by Councillor Benea (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property) who also took the opportunity to personally thank Alice Lester for her support and to wish her all the best in her retirement.

There were no items of urgent business.

Prior to ending proceedings, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) took the opportunity to formally thank Alice Lester (as Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration) for the support provided to Cabinet and all members more widely during her time at Brent.  In recognising this would be her final Cabinet meeting prior retiring from the Council he, along with the rest of Cabinet, wished her all the best for the future and thanked her for the legacy left in terms of the programme of regeneration delivered during her time at Brent.

The tribute paid by the Leader was supported by Councillor Benea (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property) who also took the opportunity to personally thank Alice Lester for her support and to wish her all the best in her retirement.