Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Krupa Sheth (Cabinet Member for Environment & Enforcement) and Councillor Grahl (Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Schools) along with Debra Norman (Corporate Director Law & Governance) with Marsha Henry (Deputy Director of Law) attending as her representative, Rachel Crossley (Corporate Director Health & Wellbeing) with Claudia Brown (Director Adult Social Care) attending as her representative and Alice Tatler (Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration) with Gerry Ansell (Director Inclusive Regeneration & Employment) attending as her representative.  In addition, the Leader advised that Minesh Patel (Corporate Director Finance & Resources) would also be covering for Kim Wright as Chief Executive, whilst she was on leave.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Krupa Sheth (Cabinet Member for Environment & Enforcement) and Councillor Grahl (Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Schools) along with Debra Norman (Corporate Director Law & Governance) with Marsha Henry (Deputy Director of Law) attending as her representative, Rachel Crossley (Corporate Director Health & Wellbeing) with Claudia Brown (Director Adult Social Care) attending as her representative and Alice Tatler (Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration) with Gerry Ansell (Director Inclusive Regeneration & Employment) attending as her representative.  In addition, the Leader advised that Minesh Patel (Corporate Director Finance & Resources) would be covering for Kim Wright as Chief Executive, whilst she was on leave.

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.

Post Meeting Update:  In confirming these minutes Cabinet (14 October 2024) were advised by Kim Wright (Chief Executive) that for clarity Councillor Muhammed Butt had advised of a retrospective interest to be recorded in the minutes relating to Minute 5: Presentation of the petition on the impact of event days hosted at Wembley Stadium.  This was a personal interest as a recipient of tickets he had received for events at the stadium, which it was confirmed had also been declared on his register of gifts and hospitality.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 15 July 2024 as a correct record.

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

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 15 July 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.

Cabinet NOTED the comments made by Councillor Paul Lorber (as lead petitioner) in support of a petition containing 274 signatures requesting that the Council actively consult with and take into account the concerns of local residents and businesses regarding the impact created by any increase permitted in the number of large events at Wembley Stadium on the surrounding area.  In introducing the petition, Councillor Lorber highlighted the impact Wembley Stadium had on a large part of Brent.  Referring to the planning application due to be considered by Brent’s Planning Committee on 11 September 2024 seeking an permanent increase in the number of permitted events hosted at the Stadium, Councillor Lorber advised that the signatories of the petition felt the Council needed to be well informed on the potential impacts of the proposed increase and seek to consult and engage local residents and businesses beyond the usual planning process and requirements.  As an example, reference was made to the public consultation that had been undertaken when Tottenham Hotspur Football Club had submitted their application to temporarily increase event days at the Stadium in order to host premier league fixtures whereas, he pointed out, the current application from Wembley Stadium would mean a permanent increase in the number of events they were able to host.

Detailing the impact of event days at Wembley Stadium on residents, Councillor Lorber advised Cabinet that people living in the area felt impeded, with buses diverted and road closures impacting movement throughout the whole day and not only during the period of the event itself, citing the recent example of the Taylor Swift concerts hosted over a period of 6 days at the Stadium.  These had involved road closures and bus diversions from midday during each of the 5 event days with residents also experiencing difficulties accessing tube services.  In his capacity as ward member for Sudbury, Councillor Lorber also outlined the impact on a family within his ward whose access to carers for their elderly mother had been adversely affected due to travel disruption experienced as a result of an event being hosted at the Stadium.

Highlighting the history of event days at the stadium, Councillor Lorber detailed the increase from the 37 large events permitted in the original business case for the new Stadium to the 46 large events now permitted and the current planning application seeking a further increase to 54 large events and similar increase for small events from 51 to 60.  Considering this change, he felt that the Council had a responsibility to review the impact the stadium had on the daily lives of Brent residents and hold a public meeting where local residents could have their say and the Council could respond accordingly.

In response, Councillor Tatler (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Growth) thanked Councillor Lorber for attending Cabinet in order to ensure the views of those supporting the petition were presented.  Due to there being a live planning application on the issue, she advised she would be  ...  view the full decision text for item 5.

Impact of event days hosted at Wembley Stadium

Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) welcomed Councillor Lorber to the meeting, who had been invited to speak in support of a petition containing 274 signatures requesting that the Council actively consult with, and take into account, the concerns of local residents and businesses regarding the impact created by any increase permitted in the number of large events at Wembley Stadium on the surrounding area.  In introducing the petition, Councillor Lorber began by highlighting the impact Wembley Stadium had on a large part of Brent.  Referring to the planning application due to be considered by Brent’s Planning Committee on 11 September 2024 seeking a permanent increase in the number of permitted events hosted at the Stadium, Councillor Lorber advised that the signatories of the petition felt the Council needed to be well informed on the potential impacts of the proposed increase and to consult and engage local residents and businesses beyond the usual planning process and requirements.  As an example, reference was made to the public consultation that had been undertaken when Tottenham Hotspur Football Club had submitted their application to temporarily increase event days at the Stadium in order to host premier league fixtures whereas, he pointed out, the current application from Wembley Stadium would mean a permanent increase in the number of events they were able to host.

Detailing the impact of event days at Wembley Stadium on residents, Councillor Lorber advised Cabinet that people living in the area felt impeded, with buses diverted and road closures impacting movement throughout the whole day and not only during the period of the event itself, citing the recent example of the Taylor Swift concerts hosted over a period of 6 days at the Stadium.  These had involved road closures and bus diversions from midday during each of the 5 event days with residents also experiencing difficulties accessing tube services.  In his capacity as ward member for Sudbury, Councillor Lorber also outlined the impact on a family within his ward whose access to carers for their elderly mother had been adversely affected due to travel disruption experienced as a result of an event being hosted at the Stadium.

Outlining the history of event days at the stadium, Councillor Lorber detailed the increase from the 37 large events permitted in the original business case for the new Stadium to the 46 large events now permitted and the current planning application seeking a further increase to 54 large events and similar increase for small events from 51 to 60.  Considering this change, he felt that the Council had a responsibility to review the impact the stadium had on the daily lives of Brent residents and hold a public meeting where local residents could have their say and the Council could respond accordingly.

In response, Councillor Tatler (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Growth) thanked Councillor Lorber for attending Cabinet in order to ensure the views of those supporting the petition were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider any items 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 presents the Council's updated Property Strategy, developed in collaboration with stakeholders, which aims to optimise the social, economic, and environmental benefits of the Council's assets through a strategic, systematic, and data-led approach to decision-making.

Cabinet RESOLVED to

(1)        Note the contents of this report, the new vision, strategic objectives, and themes within the Property Strategy.

(2)    To adopt the Property Strategy as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

(3)    To approve a capital budget allocation of £8.2 million over the next three fiscal years to fund necessary asset maintenance and building improvement projects regarding FM operational estate buildings, as set out in paragraphs 3.2.18 to 3.2.20 of the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 16 September 2024

Councillor Mili Patel (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources) introduced a report presenting the Council’s updated Property Strategy.

In presenting the report, Cabinet noted the aim within the Strategy to optimise the social, economic and environmental benefits of the Council’s assets recognising the Council’s property portfolio as a significant and tangible resource not only in terms of its financial impact but also in delivering wider socio-economic objectives and supporting the local community contributing to all strands within the Borough Plan.

Rather than treating all assets the same, members were advised that the Strategy had been designed to provide a more agile and adaptive approach, with each asset categorised under four themes – strategic hold; actively manage, invest, dispose and individual assets being assessed (using a data driven and evidence based approach) against their strengths, weaknesses, cost and benefits.  This approach would enable consideration on how best to balance each element to ensure the assets and portfolio overall were able to provide maximum impact and value to the both the community and Council and underperforming assets had the opportunity to be addressed and turned around.  As a further measure, members were advised how the Strategy had also been designed to ensure management of the portfolio was able to generate sufficient revenue to support the cost of maintenance and upgrade of assets in order to drive significant improvements in operational performance enabling properties to remain fit-for-purpose, secure and compliant in terms of health and safety, accessibility and energy performance.  This would include a more proactive approach towards rent setting, rental income collection as well as management and review of rents, leases and arrears with the strategy seeking to provide a framework for leveraging the Council’s assets to drive economic growth, financial and environmental sustainability as well as social value aligned with the delivery of wider community needs.

In welcoming and supporting the approach outlined within the strategy, members were keen to focus on the opportunities identified to maximise the potential of individual assets recognising the ongoing change in property market conditions and the wider economy which it was felt required a more agile and adaptive property strategy designed to respond to the dynamic nature of the property landscape.  In recognising the range of diverse uses within the current portfolio, members also highlighted the continued need identified within the strategy to ensure the approach towards asset management remained closely aligned with the Borough Plan and was able to continue delivering best value alongside a thriving and sustainable property portfolio that would support the needs of the local community and well as other stakeholder organisations.

Having thanked all those involved for their work in developing the strategy and recognising the extensive nature of stakeholder engagement, including  involvement of the Council’s scrutiny function, Cabinet RESOLVED to:

(1)        Note the contents of the report, the new vision, strategic objectives, and themes within the Property Strategy.

(2)    Adopt the Property Strategy as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

(3)    Approve a capital budget  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

This report sets out the outturn for the Council’s Treasury Management activities for 2023-24 in accordance with the Local Authorities (Capital Financing and Accounting) Regulations 2003.

Cabinet RESOLVED to

(1)        To note the Council’s overall Treasury Management financial performance for 2023-24, as set out within the report.

(2)        To approve referral 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)

Councillor Mili Patel (as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources) introduced a report presenting the outturn for the Council’s Treasury Management activities 2023-24, 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 and the impact of current inflation and interest rates.  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.

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 Council’s overall Treasury Management financial performance for 2023-24, as set out within the report.

(2)        To approve referral of the Treasury Management Outturn Report to Full Council for approval, in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice.

This report presents the annual Brent Youth Justice Plan 2024-25 providing an overview of local youth justice services, priorities and arrangements for monitoring performance.

Members are asked to note that in accordance with regulations, the Plan has also been subject to consideration and approval by the Youth Justice Board.

Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the Brent Youth Justice Plan 2024-25 for formal sign off and adoption by Full Council on 19 September 2024.

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

As a result of Councillor Grahl (Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools) having submitted her apologies for absence Councillor Muhammed Butt (Leader of the Council) introduced a report presenting the Brent Youth Justice Plan 2024 - 25.  In considering the report Cabinet noted that the Youth Justice Plan included an overview of local youth justice progress and priorities along with the arrangements for monitoring performance, with the Plan (in accordance with statutory requirements) having been submitted to the Youth Justice Board for review and approval prior to its formal consideration by Cabinet in advance of its recommended adoption by Full Council.

In recognising the commitment and achievements of the Youth Justice Service and the wider partnership work being undertaken to support children and young people who were at risk of, or had entered the youth justice system, members noted the overall performance achieved by the service particularly in respect of the reduction in number of young people entering the criminal justice system for the first time and low numbers of young people in custody.  The strong performance identified was attributed to the Council’s focus on prevention and engagement with children and young people, with members welcoming the positive feedback provided through young people and their parents and carers, and the ongoing partnerships in support of the work being undertaken to ensure the focus on early intervention and preventative support remained in place.

In noting the positive outcomes being achieved within such a challenging context, thanks was expressed to all those working within the Youth Justice Service for their efforts, diligence and innovation in supporting young people and Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the Brent Youth Justice Plan 2024-25 for formal sign off and adoption by Full Council on 19 September 2024.

This report provides an update on the introduction of parking controls and enforcement following the Cabinet decision in July 2020, to approve the pilot of off street-controlled parking on four Council estates: Joules House, Landau House, Alexandra Court, and Summit Court with the scheme extended to include other estates under Phase 2 of the programme.  On the basis of the review, Cabinet approval is being sought to introduce Phase 3 and expand the programme to introduce further parking controls and enforcement on Housing Estates that either previously did not support controls, but where there is now evidence of resident support, or were not included due to planned development.

Cabinet RESOLVED

(1)        To note the contents of the report in relation to the successful delivery of Phase 1 (pilot) and Phase 2 of the project and the introduction of effective parking controls and enforcement on the pilot estates and an additional fifteen housing estates from January 2023 to May 2023, with the estates detailed within Appendix 1 of the report.

(2)        To approve the future roll out of Off Street Controlled Parking (OSCP) on:

(a)        A further nine Brent estates where residents previously did not support parking controls, but there was now evidence of parking pressure and support, following a re-consultation between November 2023 and February 2024. This would be Phase 3, with the estates detailed in Appendix 2 of the report.

(b)        Nine Brent estates that were previously excluded due to regeneration plans, subject to the outcome of consultation with residents, with the estates detailed within Appendix 3 of the report.  This would be a potential Phase 4.  Cabinet noted that the list for Phase 4 could change depending on progress with regeneration plans and funding availability.

(3)        To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Regeneration in consultation with the Corporate Director of Partnerships, Housing and Resident Services to carry out public consultation and statutory consultation for Phase 3 and subsequent phases, to approve the implementation of Traffic Management Orders necessary to introduce parking controls on land owned by the Council within its Housing Revenue Account, subject to funding availability.

(4)        To approve the use of income generated from sale of permits to fund maintenance on OSCP estates, and for the future introduction of OSCP on estates where there is evidence of support by residents.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 16 September 2024

As a result of Councillor Krupa Sheth (Cabinet Member for Environment & Enforcement) having submitted her apologies for absence Councillor Muhammed Butt (Leader of the Council) introduced a report providing an update on the introduction of off-street controlled parking across a number of housing estates and seeking approval to expand the programme.

In considering the report, Cabinet noted that the initial introduction of parking controls on selected housing management estates had been agreed in 2020 on a pilot basis in order to address access and safety issues as well as regulate and improve parking for residents and visitors.  Following the outcome of the pilot phase the programme had been expanded to include a further 15 estates, based on consultation with residents, with the outcomes achieved as a result having been detailed within section 4 of the report.  Following completion of the pilot and Phase 2 of the programme, which were recognised as having delivered significant improvements to parking management on those housing estates included, members had been asked to consider options for a further (Phase 3) expansion of the programme involving the introduction of parking controls and enforcement on housing estates that had either previously not supported controls (but where there was now evidence of resident support) or had not been included due to planned development.

In seeking to provide continuity and recognising the outcomes achieved under Phase 1 and 2 of the programme Cabinet, having reviewed the options identified, RESOLVED:

(1)        To note the contents of the report in relation to the successful delivery of Phase 1 (pilot) and Phase 2 of the project and the introduction of effective parking controls and enforcement on the pilot estates and an additional fifteen housing estates from January 2023 to May 2023, with the estates detailed within Appendix 1 of the report.

(2)        To approve the future roll out of Off-Street Controlled Parking (OSCP) on:

(a)        A further nine Brent estates where residents previously did not support parking controls, but there was now evidence of parking pressure and support, following a re-consultation between November 2023 and February 2024. This would be Phase 3, with the estates detailed in Appendix 2 of the report.

(b)        Nine Brent estates that were previously excluded due to regeneration plans, subject to the outcome of consultation with residents, with the estates detailed within Appendix 3 of the report.  This would be a potential Phase 4.  Cabinet noted that the list for Phase 4 could change depending on progress with regeneration plans and funding availability.

(3)        To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Regeneration in consultation with the Corporate Director of Partnerships, Housing and Resident Services to carry out public consultation and statutory consultation for Phase 3 and subsequent phases, to approve the implementation of Traffic Management Orders necessary to introduce parking controls on land owned by the Council within its Housing Revenue Account, subject to funding availability.

(4)        To approve the use of income generated from sale of permits to fund maintenance on OSCP  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

This report concerns proposals for the use of the unoccupied ground floor commercial unit at Roy Smith House, 71 Hillside, London, NW10 8LN towards community initiatives and seeks Cabinet approval for use of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funding towards works to fit out the commercial unit at Roy Smith House including invitation of tenders for the works.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      To approve the use of £624,000 of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy for works to fit out the commercial unit at Roy Smith House.

(2)      To approve inviting tenders for a contract for works to fit out the commercial unit at Roy Smith House on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraphs 3.2.14 of the report.

(3)      To approve officers evaluating the tenders referred to in (2) above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraphs 3.2.14 of the report.

(4)      To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Partnerships Housing and Resident Services in consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing to award the contract for works to fit out the commercial unit at Roy Smith House.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 16 September 2024

Councillor Muhammed Butt (Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing) introduced a report setting out proposals for use of the unoccupied ground floor commercial unit at Roy Smith House, Hillside, NW10 to support community initiatives and seeking approval for use of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) to fund the fit out of the unit as well as authority to procure the works.

In considering the report, Cabinet noted the proposals had been designed to support the outcomes of the Employment and Skills themed Outcome Based Review focussed around the delivery of better employment outcomes for Stonebridge residents with the aim of converting the unit to provide a community venue and flexible event space for use by the local community including a kitchen, café bar and training suite.  Subject to approval, a separate exercise would be undertaken to market the unit and attract anchor provider(s) to manage and deliver services for the local community, which would include provision of advice and guidance, services for young people, food, employment and skills support as well as other tailored and community offers.

In welcoming the use identified, members were keen to recognise the alignment of the proposal with the objectives in Brent’s Local Plan and Infrastructure Delivery Plan along with 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.

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 therefore RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the use of £624,000 of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy for works to fit out the commercial unit at Roy Smith House.

(2)    To approve inviting tenders for a contract for works to fit out the commercial unit at Roy Smith House on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraphs 3.2.14 of the report.

(3)    To approve officers evaluating the tenders referred to in (2) above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraphs 3.2.14 of the report.

(4)    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Partnerships Housing and Resident Services in consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing to award the contract for works to fit out the commercial unit at Roy Smith House.

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.