Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Alice Lester (Interim Corporate Director Regeneration & Communities) with Gerry Ansell (Interim Director Regeneration, Growth and Employment) attending as a substitute.

Apologies for absence were received from Alice Lester (Interim Corporate Director Regeneration & Communities) with Gerry Ansell (Interim Director Regeneration, Growth and Employment) attending as a substitute.

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 15 January 2024 as a correct record.

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 15 January 2024 be approved as a correct record.

Eligible for Call-In: No

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 15 January 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 provided, in accordance with Standing Order 66.

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

No petitions were submitted for consideration at the meeting.

No petitions had been submitted for consideration 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 references from 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 2024 - 25.  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 considered at the Full Council meeting on 29 February 2024.

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 2024-25:

1.     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, which had been included as Appendix D to the Budget and Council Tax 2024/25 report. In introducing the report, Councillor Conneely began by thanking all members of the Budget Scrutiny Task Group along with everyone else who had participated in the scrutiny process.  In emphasising that the upcoming financial year would be the most challenging for local authorities across the country, Councillor Conneely reiterated the need for extensive reform of the current way in which local authorities were funded, given the inadequacy of the existing funding regime.

Due to the cumulative impact of funding cuts on local government and other public services as a result of austerity over the previous decade Councillor Conneely, in presenting the outcome of the Task Group review, highlighted the importance placed on collaboration between neighbouring local authorities, partners and the voluntary and community sector to not only deliver vital services to residents, but to also counter the competitive environment imposed by discretionary grant funding which positioned councils against each other.  This emphasis on collaboration had been reflected in the Task Group recommendations, which included the establishment of a shared outcomes framework with the voluntary and community sector to co-design and co-deliver budget proposals. Furthermore, the Task Group had recommended implementing additional shared service agreements with other local authorities with Councillor Conneely also advising that the Task Group had welcomed the decision to retain use of the New Millenium Day Centre, which would be operating under a new shared service arrangement.

Highlighting other key recommendations made as part of the review, Councillor Conneely also referred to the Task Groups support in seeking a better alignment of NHS resources to population need and for increased delegation of budgets and decision making to the Brent Integrated Care Partnership (ICP), in order to better address local need and enable more clinically led collaboration at local level.  As part of the wider approach towards addressing the budget challenges identified the Task Group had also been keen to support and recommend the development of a longer term strategic approach towards income generation including yearly action plans and a robust monitoring process to enable the adoption of a more holistic approach (with dedicated cross departmental resource) to investigate and identify additional opportunities to generate income.

In concluding, Councillor Conneely once again thanked all those involved for their participation in the review process and commended the recommendations made by the Budget Scrutiny Task Group to Cabinet for consideration as part of the budget setting process.

2.     Councillor Georgiou, who began by echoing the concerns expressed at the challenging nature of the financial pressures faced by local authorities, created by a combination of factors such as the significant underfunding of local authorities, Brexit,  ...  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 various requests to speak in relation to the budget report and proposals, with the comments received as follows.

As an initial contribution, Councillor Conneely was invited, as Chair of the Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee and Budget Scrutiny Task Group, to introduce the main findings and recommendations within the Budget Scrutiny Task Group report, which had been included as an appendix to the Budget and Council Tax report 2024-25.  In introducing the report, Councillor Conneely began by thanking all members of the Task Group and everyone else who had participated in the scrutiny process.  In emphasising that the upcoming financial year would be one of the most challenging for local authorities across the country, Councillor Conneely highlighted what she felt to be the need for extensive reform of the current way in which local authorities were funded, given the inadequacy of the existing funding regime.

Due to the cumulative impact of funding cuts on local government and other public services as a result of austerity over the previous decade Councillor Conneely, in presenting the Task Group report, highlighted the importance placed on collaboration between neighbouring local authorities, partners and the voluntary and community sector to not only deliver vital services for residents, but also to counter the competitive environment imposed by discretionary grant funding which positioned councils against each other.  This emphasis on collaboration had been reflected in the Task Group recommendations, which included the establishment of a shared outcomes framework with the voluntary and community sector to co-design and co-deliver budget proposals. Furthermore, the Task Group had recommended implementing additional shared service agreements with other local authorities with Councillor Conneely also advising that they had welcomed the decision to retain use of the New Millenium Day Centre, operating under a new shared service arrangement.

Highlighting other key recommendations made as part of the review, Councillor Conneely also referred to the Task Groups support in seeking a better alignment of NHS resources to better reflect the local population and need and for increased delegation of budgets and decision making to the Brent Integrated Care Partnership (ICP), in order to enable more clinically led collaboration at local level.  As part of the wider approach towards addressing the budget challenges identified, the Task Group had also been keen to support and recommend the development of a longer-term strategic and more holistic approach towards income generation including yearly action plans and a robust monitoring process with dedicated cross departmental resource.

In concluding, Councillor Conneely once again thanked all those involved for their participation in the review process and commended the recommendations made by the Budget Scrutiny Task Group to Cabinet for consideration as part of the budget setting process.

In welcoming the contribution from Scrutiny Budget Task Group, Councillor Tatler as Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Reform supported the view that the 2024-25 budget setting process was likely  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

This report outlines proposals for introducing a new model of support for Brent residents from April 2024, which has been developed through the piloting of Cost-of-Living Outcome Based Review (OBR) projects and guided by a series of Design Principles.  The report proposes a single, joined-up model including development of a Community Wellbeing Programme aligned with a refreshed Resident Support Fund (RSF), designed to support residents to be more resilient in the longer term and align more closely with strategic priorities and related projects.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To agree the proposed model for resident support, including a Community Wellbeing Programme and refreshed Resident Support Fund and Crisis Response Fund (CRF) as detailed from section 4.21 in the report.

(2)    To agree that:

(a)    the access criteria for the Community Wellbeing Service (detailed from section 4.24 of the report) be delegated to the Corporate Director of Resident Services in consultation with the Director of Public Health; and

(b)    authority to amend the award criteria for RSF and CRF funds be delegated to the Corporate Director of Resident Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities and Culture.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 12 February 24

Councillor Donnelly-Jackson (Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities & Culture) presented a report detailing proposals for the introduction of a new model of support for Brent residents from April 2024, which had been developed through the piloting of Cost-of-Living Outcome Based Review (OBR) projects guided by a series of approved design principles.

In considering the report, Cabinet noted the outline of the design principles used to guide development of the proposed new model which had included the need to support residents in becoming more resilient and independent; the support available being targeted and easily accessible to those most in need; the model seeking to incentivise skills and employment and address physical and mental health challenges as well as being aligned with and supporting connectivity between related support offers on an intelligence-led and sustainable basis.  Members also noted the engagement of a range of local organisations and stakeholders in the pilot projects used to support development of the model which had included (as detailed in section 4.8 and Appendix 2 of the report) a Community and Wellbeing Project working with Sufra NW London, the establishment of a Crisis Response Fund, Provision of Debt and Immigration Advice as well as a project aimed at upskilling frontline staff to provide specialist advice.

As a result of the designed work undertaken, the recommended option was to establish a single, joined-up model including development of a Community Wellbeing Programme aligned with a refreshed Resident Support Fund (RSF), designed to support residents to be more resilient in the longer term and align more closely with strategic priorities including the Health & Wellbeing and Brent Food Strategies.

Given ongoing uncertainty in relation to the level of government funding for the Household Support Fund that would be available to local authorities from 2024-25 onwards members welcomed, despite the significant financial challenges faced by the Council, the £1m investment included within the current budget proposals towards support of the new and more sustainable version of the Resident Support model proposed within the report.  Cabinet also commended the vision supporting the model in seeking to focus on more sustainable outcomes through a behaviour-centred approach which included the ability to support residents in a more holistic way by enhancing their opportunities in the longer-term, promoting independence and reducing dependency on other services in order to maximise use of the funding support available.

Whilst recognising importance and legacy of the support provided through the current arrangements, members also supported the need identified, given the challenging nature of the funding position, for the proposed change in approach and in thanked all those involved in development of the new support model Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To agree the proposed model for resident support, including a Community Wellbeing Programme and refreshed Resident Support Fund and Crisis Response Fund (CRF) as detailed from section 4.21 in the report.

(2)    To agree that:

(a)    the access criteria for the Community Wellbeing Service (detailed from section 4.24 of the report) be delegated to the Corporate Director of Resident Services in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

This report sets out recommendations for Brent’s 2023 - 26 footway Maintenance programme through prioritised programmes of footway reconstruction and follows additional discussions with ward councillors on priorities within their area.

(Agenda initially republished to include Appendix 1 of the report on 30 January 2024 with a further amendment published on 2 February 2024)

Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the 2023 - 26 Planned Footway Maintenance Programme as set out in Appendix A of this report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 12 February 24

Councillor Krupa Sheth (Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure & Climate Action) introduced the report setting out recommendations for Brent’s 2023-26 prioritised footway maintenance and reconstruction programme.

In introducing the report Cabinet were reminded that the Highways Infrastructure remained one of the most visible, well used and valuable physical assets within ownership of the Council.  As with any physical asset, however, this type of infrastructure was subject to deterioration over time requiring continual investment to support its maintenance with the Council, as a result, having provided an additional £15m worth of investment to support the programme of works to improve the quality and safety of roads and pavements across the borough.  In recognising the priority expressed by residents, from both a safety and accessibility perspective, in relation to ongoing investment in the borough’s highways and footways, members also recognised the balance needing to be maintained in relation to the Council’s overall financial position given the core reduction in funding provided by central government and cumulative impact of the £210m cut from the Council’s budget over the last decade.

In support of the asset management approach identified towards prioritising this investment, based on the use of condition surveys and other data to produce annual road and footway maintenance programmes, members also noted and welcomed the increased utilisation of asphalt to support delivery of the footway maintenance programme.  This had not only enabled the Council to maximise use of available funding but also to deliver a wider programme whilst also improving health and safety and reducing emissions associated with reconstruction works with the condition of a majority of the footways reconstructed using asphalt since the programme had commenced still rated as good or excellent.

In considering the report Cabinet also welcomed the opportunity provided for input from ward councillors in developing the programme who had been able to nominate footway(s) in their areas for inclusion as part of the prioritisation process, with members commending the associated benefits from both a locality and ward based perspective.

Having thanked ward councillors for their support and officers for their efforts in developing the programme and keeping the borough safe and on the move, members once again felt it important to recognise the challenges in seeking to maintain the condition of infrastructure across the borough as a result of the government’s reduction in core government funding for not only the Council but also Transport for London (TfL).  In welcoming TfLs ongoing commitment to the programme of Local Implementation Plan (LIP) funding along with the additional programme of investment provided by the Council to maintain and improve the highway infrastructure across the borough, Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the 2023 - 26 Planned Footway Maintenance Programme as set out in Appendix A of the report.

This report sets out for approval changes affecting both Council Tax and Business Rates from 1 April 2024.

Cabinet RESOLVED

(1)    To approve the Council’s National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) Discretionary Scheme in relation to 2024/25 Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief as set out in Appendix 1 of the report and pursuant to the Council’s powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 as amended.

(2)    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Resident Services in consultation with the Corporate Director, Finance and Resources to implement the discretionary schemes as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

(3)    That from 1 April 2024 in accordance with the provisions of The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 the Council:

                     i.                introduces the council tax premium of an additional 100% for those domestic properties empty for longer than 1 year.

                   ii.                maintains the council tax premium of 200% in respect of domestic properties that have been empty for longer than 5 years.

                  iii.                maintains the council tax premium of 300% in respect of domestic properties that have been empty for longer than 10 years.

                 iv.                from 1 April 2025, introduces a premium of 100% to domestic properties determined to be applicable Second Homes.

(4)    To note the communication campaign (as detailed within section 3.3.16 of the report) to highlight to owners of empty property how the council may be able to help them make better use of their property.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 12 February 24

Councillor Donnelly-Jackson (Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities and Culture) introduced a report seeking approval to proposed changes affecting both Council Tax and Business Rates from 1 April 2024.

As further context to the proposed changes on which approval was being sought, Cabinet noted that in terms of business rates guidance relating to the provision of discretionary local retail, hospitality and leisure relief discount schemes had now been extended for 2024-25.  Having already been approved by Cabinet (March 2023) it was therefore noted that the Council’s existing business relief scheme for small and medium properties would be continued for 2024-25 and 2025-26 enabling relief to carry on being provided for eligible and occupied retail, hospitality, and leisure properties in order to maintain levels of support available for local business.  In terms of Council Tax, members were also advised of the powers now being made available through the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 to tackle ongoing issues around vacant properties and second home in the borough through the provision of additional discretion for local authorities to increase Council Tax on properties left as vacant.  Members were advised that since April 2019, the Council had charged a Council Tax premium of 100% on a property which had been empty for two years which had risen to 200% for five years and 300% if empty for more than ten years with the aim, given the current number (1,859) of empty domestic properties within the borough, of encouraging owners to bring their properties back into use.

Given the current demand for housing, rising number of tenants in temporary accommodation and shortage in supply, members were keen to consider all available options which included encouraging those who owned empty properties and second homes to maximise their availability and use, with the powers available being utilised to allow the existing long-term premium on empty homes to commence once a property had been empty for a year, rather than the current two year period.  Alongside this change it was also proposed to charge a premium on second homes given they also tended to be underutilised and unoccupied, which had again been designed with the aim of encouraging the property to be brought back into use and would apply (allowing for the required period of notice) from the 1 April 2025.

In noting that details of the proposed changes would be widely publicised as part of a wider communications strategy focussed on available options to bring empty properties back into use as a means of supporting the work to address the current housing shortage Cabinet, in support of the approach outlined, RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the Council’s National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) Discretionary Scheme in relation to 2024 - 25 Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief as set out in Appendix 1 of the report and pursuant to the Council’s powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 as amended.

(2)    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Resident Services in consultation with the Corporate Director, Finance  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

This report sets out the outcome of the consultation on proposed amendments to the Admission Arrangements for Brent Community Schools for 2025/26 and seeks Cabinet’s approval to determine the arrangements, as proposed within Appendix 1 of the report, in February 2024.

Cabinet RESOLVED

(1)    To note the outcome of the consultation.

(2)    To agree the proposed reductions of the Published Admission Numbers at Fryent Primary School and Mitchell Brook Primary School.

(3)    To determine the admission arrangements, as set out in Appendix 2 of the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 12 February 24

Councillor Grahl (Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Schools) introduced a report detailing the outcome of consultation on proposed amendments to the Admission Arrangements for Brent Community Schools in 2025-26 and seeking approval to determine the proposed arrangements, as set out within Appendix 1 of the report.

In considering the report, Cabinet noted that approval had been granted in November 2023 to undertaken public consultation on a number of proposed amendments to admission arrangements for the academic year 2025-26.  Members were reminded the proposed amendments had been designed to reflect the fall in demand for pupil places within the primary sector across areas of the borough and London as a whole whilst also seeking to protect school budgets and ensure the longer-term sustainability of educational provision across the borough.

In noting the outcome of the consultation, which had been focussed around amendments to the existing admission arrangements in relation to the proposed reduction in the Published Admission Number (PAN) for Fryent Primary School and Mitchell Brook Primary School, Cabinet advised they were minded to endorse the proposed amendments recognising the excess surplus in capacity identified and broader aim to protect the long term sustainability of schools in the planning areas identified.

In support of the approach outlined and seeking to ensure the admission arrangements remained as fair and transparent as possible Cabinet therefore RESOLVED:

(1)    To note the outcome of the consultation.

(2)    To agree the proposed reductions of the Published Admission Numbers at Fryent Primary School and Mitchell Brook Primary School.

(3)    To determine the admission arrangements, as set out in Appendix 2 of the report.

This report provides Cabinet with a summary of the informal consultation undertaken between November 2023 and December 2023 on the proposal to implement a phased closure of the Gwenneth Rickus site of Leopold Primary School.  As a result, the report recommends a move to formal consultation, through publication of a statutory notice, on a phased closure of the provision on the Leopold Primary School Gwenneth Rickus site and a variation to the Published Admission Number of Leopold Primary School from 120 to 60 to take effect from the 2025/26 academic year.

Cabinet RESOLVED to approve a period of formal consultation, through publication of a statutory notice, on proposals to:

(a)    seek a variation to reduce Leopold Primary School’s Published Admission Number (PAN) from 120 to 60 from September 2025; and

(b)    implement a phased closure of provision on the Gwenneth Rickus site of Leopold Primary School between September 2025 and the end of July 2027.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 12 February 24

Councillor Grahl (Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools) introduced a report providing Cabinet with a summary of the informal consultation undertaken between November 2023 and December 2023 on the proposal to implement a phased closure of the Gwenneth Rickus site of Leopold Primary School and seeking approval to move to formal consultation, through publication of a statutory notice, on a phased closure of the site and a variation to the Published Admission Number of Leopold Primary School from 120 to 60 to take effect from the 2025-26 academic year.

In considering the report Cabinet once again noted the forecast fall in demand for pupil places within the primary sector with the highest capacity and percentage of spare places falling within Primary Planning Area 4 and schools in that area having to manage this impact for a number of years with the support of the Local Authority.  Members recognised it was within this context that the proposals outlined within the report had been developed and, whilst recognising and sympathising with the disappointment and concerns identified by governors, parents and the leadership team at the school along with the impact on pupils and their families, felt that the approach outlined in terms of reducing capacity at Leopold Primary School was the last available option for consideration in terms of being able to safeguard the longer-term sustainability of other schools in the area.

In commenting on the nature of the challenges identified, members felt it important to note the impact of the current cost-of-living crisis, increase in the cost of housing and changes introduced as a result of austerity to the welfare system as factors which had all contributed to families struggling to afford to settle in the borough and across London, with the associated impact on varying demand for pupil places made more challenging (especially in relation to the primary sector) by the ongoing pressures on school funding.  Recognising the efforts being made to safeguard future school provision and doing everything possible to reduce the likelihood of school closures, Cabinet welcomed the assurance regarding the future retention of any school buildings released as a result of the proposal for education purposes as well as the ongoing support being provided to the school in managing any transition process.

Having noted the outcome of the consultation process Cabinet therefore RESOLVED in recognising the limited and difficult nature of options available to approve a period of formal consultation, through publication of a statutory notice, on proposals to:

(a)    seek a variation to reduce Leopold Primary School’s Published Admission Number (PAN) from 120 to 60 from September 2025; and

(b)    implement a phased closure of provision on the Gwenneth Rickus site of Leopold Primary School between September 2025 and the end of July 2027.

The purpose of this report is to present the outcome of the Adult Social Care Charging Policy consultation, which ran from November to December 2023, following the decision taken by Cabinet in October 2023. to undertake a public consultation on proposed changes to the policy.  The report summarises how the consultation was carried out, the number of responses received, a summary of those responses and the recommended changes to the policy following the public consultation process.

Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the changes to the Adult Social Care charging policy following the completion of the public consultation, specifically to -

(a).   Apply a 10% discretionary enhancement to the minimum income guarantee for those receiving non-residential or nursing care.

(b).   Increase the hourly rate charged for homecare for self-funders from £12.97 per hour to the cost of commissioning care. This is currently £20.50 per hour for contracted services, or £17.50 an hour for spot packages.

(c).   Agree that an annual uplift is applied to the hourly rate charged for homecare in line with the increase given to providers, so that the charge continues to reflect the amount paid to providers on an hourly basis.

(e).   Increase the amount charged to service users if they cannot have a light touch financial assessment, to a new average contribution (£32.52 per week).

(f).    Charge people the full cost of their care if their financial assessment cannot be completed within four weeks. Safeguards will remain in place where this is due to a physical or cognitive impairment.

(g).   Charge homecare service users their client contribution for up to seven days during a hospital admission.

(h).   Charge service users their client contribution for 28 days after being admitted to hospital from a residential or nursing home.

(i).    Agree the changes to the charging policy will be implemented from April 2024 onwards with a two-month minimum transition period to implement the new arrangements.

(j)     Agree that final arrangements for implementation of the policy be delegated to the Corporate Director Care Health & Wellbeing.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 12 February 24

Councillor Neil Nerva (Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care) introduced the report, detailing the outcome of the Adult Social Care Charging Policy consultation, which ran from November to December 2023, and the changes recommended for consideration following the completion of that consultation process.

In considering the report Cabinet noted that proposals had been developed as a result of the requirement on the Council to regularly review and update the charging policy to ensure that the service remained sustainable and fit for purpose and was therefore being considered separately to the Council’s main budget setting process.  Whilst aware that the proposed changes would require some clients to pay more for their care services, members were assured that the arrangements for those who were not currently required to pay would continue with the Council also seeking to mitigate, as far as possible the impact of the charges on those clients paying to receive care services.  Members were advised this would include a new financial assessment to determine any new level of charge, recognising that not everyone would be directly impacted, and the Council also seeking to assist clients in maximising their income and taking account of disability related expenditure whilst also disregarding legitimate expenditure wherea person hadlittle orno choiceother than to incur the expenditure in order to maintain independence orquality oflife. Members were also advised of the need to recognise that the changes were being considered at a time when the council was seeking to invest in reablement and other important preventative services to ensure people could remain as independent as possible for as long as possible without requiring adult social care services.

Whilst recognising the challenges and cost pressures identified, given what was felt to be the government’s failure to adequately address and fund adult social care, Cabinet were supportive of the approach outlined in terms of the adoption and implementation of the revised adult social care charging policy.  On the basis these changes were felt to provide greater consistency and fairness and would be linked to the wider aims for adult social care in Brent, whilst also seeking to ensure delivery of the service remained sustainable and focussed on supporting people to remain as independent as possible, Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the changes to the Adult Social Care charging policy following completion of the public consultation, as follows:

(1)    To apply a 10% discretionary enhancement to the minimum income guarantee for those receiving non-residential or nursing care.

(2)    To increase the hourly rate charged for homecare for self-funders from £12.97 per hour to the cost of commissioning care. This is currently £20.50 per hour for contracted services, or £17.50 an hour for spot packages.

(3)    To agree that an annual uplift is applied to the hourly rate charged for homecare in line with the increase given to providers, so that the charge continues to reflect the amount paid to providers on an hourly basis.

(4)    To increase the amount charged to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

This report seeks approval to the Safer Brent Community Safety Strategy and accompanying Action Plan for 2024 – 2026.

Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the Safer Brent - Community Safety Strategy, and Action Plan.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 12 February 24

Councillor Farah (Cabinet Member Safer Communities & Public Protection) introduced a report seeking approval to the Safer Brent Community Safety Strategy and accompanying Action Plan for 2024 – 2026.

In considering the report, Cabinet noted that the Strategy had been developed in collaboration with the Safer Brent Partnership and wider community following an extensive programme of engagement with a range of key stakeholders to reflect key priority areas with an Action Plan also developed in response to address the issues identified.  The Strategy, it was pointed out, had also been designed to reflect and incorporate the Council’s key priority in seeking to ensure everyone had the best start in life within a safe and secure borough.  In recognising the need to act earlier, smarter and more proactively in order to tackle crime and disorder and protect the most vulnerable, members also noted the move within the new Strategy towards a public health based preventative approach based on a process of earlier and more proactive intervention and identification of wider support needs designed to prevent future escalation which would include programmes of mentoring, counselling, promotion of substance misuse services and employment opportunities delivered collaboratively with partners across the borough.

Cabinet were advised that development of the Strategy had also been subject to review by the Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee who, as a result, had recommended that the priority around tackling violent crime should include specific emphasis on knife crime.  Due to publication deadlines, members were advised that it had not been possible to incorporate this change in time for the Cabinet meeting with Councillor Farah confirming that it would, however, be included within the final version of the strategy.

In thanking all, officers stakeholders and partners on the Safer Brent Partnership for their engagement in developing the Strategy and in contributing towards ensuring that Brent remained a safe place for all residents, members welcomed the holistic approach outlined within the Strategy which it was noted would continue to be kept under review and had been designed to reflect the key issues and priorities identified across local communities within the borough alongside the wider financial pressures faced by the Council.

As a result, Cabinet therefore RESOLVED to approve the Safer Brent - Community Safety Strategy and accompanying Action Plan 2024 – 2026.

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 Head of Chief Executive and Member 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.