Agenda and decisions

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Krupa Sheth (Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Enforcement) along with Minesh Patel (Corporate Director Finance & Resources) with Rav Jassar (Deputy Director Finance) attending as his representative.

Members are invited to declare at this stage of the meeting, the nature and existence of any relevant disclosable pecuniary or personal interests in the items on this agenda and to specify the item(s) to which they relate.

No declarations of interest were made during the meeting.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 10 February 2025 as a correct record.

(Agenda republished to include the attached minutes on 7 March 2025)

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 10 February 2025 be approved as a correct record of the meeting.

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

None identified.

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

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

(a)        Action to clean up and address anti-social behaviour in the service road located to the rear of Kingsbury Road (between Valley Drive & Fryent Way).

Cabinet NOTED the comments made by Mr John Bunn (as a local resident and representative of the Valley Drive Residents Association) in support of a petition containing 249 signatures seeking Council support for action to clean up and address issues of anti-social behaviour in the service road between Valley Drive and Fryent Way, to the rear of Kingsbury Road.

In thanking the Leader of the Council for the opportunity to present the petition, Mr Bunn acknowledged the efforts being made by the Council, highlighting that residents did not underestimate the current challenges faced by the Council.  Whilst recognising the need to balance priorities, he advised that the petitioners were keen to ensure that the less publicised, smaller, more hidden and complex issues that impacted on and blighted the daily lives of residents did not get missed, particular those impacting on harder to reach communities.  As one such example, Mr Bunn advised that the petition was seeking to highlight a number of concerns relating to the neglect of the service roads to the rear of Kingsbury Road, which he pointed out had been the subject of persistent complaints by residents and businesses.  Although acknowledging the complexity relating to ownership and management responsibility for the land, the lack of clarity was felt to have created frustration and uncertainty amongst residents and directly contributed to the deteriorating environment in the areas affected.

As a result, the petitioners had raised specific concerns in relation to a number of issues.  These included waste and fly tipping in the road which was felt to be unhealthy and hazardous to the nearby shops and buildings, increasing the risk of unwanted pests and vermin.  In addition, the uncontrolled management of the waste containers and where they were placed had also been highlighted given concerns relating to access for emergency vehicles and in relation to fire escape routes for residents living in flats above the retail premises.  This lack of clarity had also led to waste not being collected with clear signage required to ensure emergency escape routes were not obstructed and where parking and waste containers were permitted and should be located.  In addition, he highlighted a lack of knowledge and also compliance relating to the deposit and storage of household waste.

Other concerns raised included the overflow from building downpipes, which were leaking dirty water from height and stagnating in pools on the roadway or in potholes creating an unhealthy and hazardous environment.  This was compounded by the irregular cleaning by private landlords and the Council, of the road surfaces and drainage channels they were responsible for maintaining, causing the build-up of dirt, blockage of drainage channels and obscuring of road markings, including yellow lines making enforcement difficult.  In addition, concerns were highlighted relating to the lack of signage on the service road to indicate who was responsible for managing which area, along with the lack of clear boundary markers and adequate street lighting creating health and safety risks  ...  view the full decision text for item 5.

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

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

This report provides Cabinet with a final draft of the i4B Holdings Ltd (i4B) 2025/26 Business Plan and revised Service Level Agreement with the Council.

Cabinet is asked to approve the Business Plan and Service Level Agreement on behalf of the Council as Shareholder of i4B Holdings.

Cabinet noted the introductory comments made by Andrew Hudson (as Chair of the i4B and First Wave Housing (FWH) Ltd Boards) in presenting the i4B and FWH Business Plans and strategic priorities for both companies.

In focussing on key areas of activity moving forward he highlighted the work being undertaken to improve voids performance (including minor voids) as well as to monitor and improve results relating to tenant satisfaction measures to achieve sustainable levels of performance including implementation of a supporting Improvement Plan to deliver changes designed to enhance tenant experience.

In terms of strategic challenges, he advised members that they key focus remained in seeking to maximise the Boards contribution to the Council’s wider priorities, with a specific focus in supporting the work being undertaken to tackle the demand for housing and increasing levels of homelessness.  In noting the success of the acquisitions programme during 2024-25 the Board had continued to identify workstreams over the coming year aiming to increase i4Bs level of stock although, given the more challenging nature of market conditions, members were advised this was likely to involve a range of wider options and overall reduction in the level of acquisitions acheived.  Details were also provided in relation to the work being taken to address asset management and energy efficiency as well as wider support to tenants, including in being able to live more independently.

In recognising the challenges outlined alongside current performance and welcoming the approach adopted in relation to the strategic priorities identified by i4B, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      To approve the 2025-26 i4B Holdings Ltd Business Plan and financial model as Shareholder of the Company.

(2)      To approvethe 2025-26 Service Level Agreement between i4B Holdings Ltd and the Council.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 17 March 25

This report provides Cabinet with a final draft of the First Wave Housing Ltd (FWH) 2025/26 Business Plan and revised Service Level Agreement with the Council.

Cabinet is asked to approve the Business Plan and Service Level Agreement on behalf of the Council as Guarantor of First Wave Housing

Having noted the introductory comments made by Andrew Hudson (as Chair of the i4B and First Wave Housing (FWH) Ltd Boards) under the previous item, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      To approve the 2025-26 First Wave Housing Ltd Business Plan and financial model as Guarantor of the Company.

(2)      To approvethe 2025-26 Service Level Agreement between First Wave Housing Ltd and the Council.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 17 March 25

This report details a number of changes affecting both Council Tax and Business Rates, including the discretionary rate relief schemes relating to Retail, Hospitality and Leisure, Small Business, Private Schools and Film Studios alongside clarifying the Council’s approach to possible exemptions to the premiums charged for empty property and second homes (periodically occupied property) from 1 April 2025.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To approve the Council’s National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) Discretionary Scheme in relation to 2025/26 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, Partnerships, Housing and Residents Services (Corporate Director Housing and Residents Services from 1 April 2025) in consultation with the Corporate Director, Finance and Resources to implement the discretionary schemes as set out in Appendix 1 & 2 of the report.

(3)        To approve the revised local discretionary rate relief policy, that is brought into line with the removal of 80% relief from private schools, excepting SEND schools as set out in Appendix 3 of the report.

(4)        To approve the scheme for Film Studio Relief in accordance with the published government guidance as set out in Appendix 4 of the report

(5)        To note that from 1 April 2025 for Council Tax:

a.           That the council maintains an additional 100% charge for those domestic properties empty for longer than 1 year.

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

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

d.           A premium of 100% to domestic properties determined to be applicable Second Homes (periodically occupied) as agreed by Cabinet on 6 February 2024.

e.           Exemptions to these charges will be operated in accordance with government guidance.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 17 March 2025

This report details proposals for a revised Council Tax: Discretionary Reduction Policy – (Section 13A(1)(c) Local Government Finance Act 1992) to ensure that it is aligned to the revised Council Tax Support Scheme (CTS) in place from 1 April 2025 as approved by Council on 27 February 25.  The report also outlines the allocation and the distribution of the Household Support Fund (HSF) extension, that is expected to run from 1 April 2025 to 31 October 2025.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To approve the proposed discretionary reduction Policy pursuant to section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Act 1992 as set out in Appendix 1 to this report following the changes to the Council’s CTS from 1 April 2025.

(2)        To note that the Council expects an allocation for the Household Support Fund (HSF) for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 October 2025, although this has yet to be formally confirmed.

(3)        To approve the proposed approach whereby the Corporate Director, Partnerships, Housing and Residents Services (Corporate Director Housing and Residents Services from 1 April 2025) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing & Resident Support agrees the detailed eligibility criteria for the allocation of the Household Support Fund and undertakes any subsequent modification as necessary, as well as engaging third party organisations and establishing the criteria for the allocation of Household Support Fund funding by those organisations, once funding is confirmed and in accordance with government guidance.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 17 March 2025

The purpose of this report is to update on progress in developing and embedding the performance reporting and monitoring arrangements set out in the Brent Performance Management Framework. This includes the Corporate Balanced Scorecard, a series of Directorate-level Balanced Scorecards, the refresh of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to incorporate new, measurable KPIs that effectively reflect Brent’s story with defined targets, and initiating the service plan process for 2025-26.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To note the Borough Plan 2024-25 performance reporting for Q3 as set out in section 3 and Appendix A of the report.

(2)    To note the current and future strategic risks associated with the information provided and agree the remedial actions on strategic risks identified as appropriate alongside the challenge on progress being provided with responsible officers as necessary.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 17 March 25

This report sets out the refreshed youth strategy and includes an update on the themes and outcomes of the previous strategy (2021-2023) along with an outline of the priorities and aims within the new strategy.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To note the contents of the report relating to the achievements of the previous youth strategy and the details and plans for the refreshed youth strategy.

(2)        To approve the refreshed Brent Youth Strategy 2025-2028.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 17 March 2025

This report sets out recommendations for Brent’s 2024-26 Carriageway Maintenance programme through prioritised programmes of major road resurfacing and preventative maintenance, which includes injection patching; along with recommendations for Brent’s 2024-26 highway structures and drainage maintenance programmes.  The report also details the budgets for asset condition surveys and analysis, improvements to highway structures & drainage, improvements to the public realm and renewal of road markings.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To approve the 2024-26 Planned Carriageway Maintenance Programme as set out in Appendix B of the report.

(2)        To approve the allocations to budgets allocated for asset condition surveys and analysis, improvements to highway structures & drainage, improvements to the public realm and renewal of road markings for 2024-26.

(3)        That the works programme for the £759,000 DfT allocation be approved by the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Enforcement, once the incentive criteria are known and a programme has been drawn up.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 17 March 2025

This report concerns the procurement of a Day Opportunities Framework Agreement for the provision of community-based activities for people over 18 and who are eligible for Adult Social Care support. This includes people with a Learning Disability and/or Autism, Mental Health needs, Physical Disabilities and Older People including those with dementia and seeks approval to invite tenders in respect of the above Day Opportunities Framework as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To approve inviting tenders for the establishment of a Day Opportunities Light Touch Framework Agreement between the Council and one or more providers for the future award of contracts (“Call-offs”) for the provision of community based activities for eligible adults (the “Framework Agreement”) on the basis of the pre - tender considerations set out in paragraph 3.3 of the report.

(2)        To approve officers evaluating the tenders referred to in (1) above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraph 3.3.1 section (vi) of the report.

(3)        To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Community Health and Wellbeing in consultation with the Lead Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Leisure to award the Framework Agreement for a term of up to eight years in line with requirements of the Procurement Act.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 17 March 2025

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 7:       i4B Business Plan 2024–25 Appendix 1(a) (Business Plan – Financial Appendix and Annexes 1- 3) & Appendix 1e(ii) (Business Plan – 2024-25 SLA Schedule 2: Costs)

These appendices 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)"

Agenda Item 8:       FWH Business Plan 2024-25 – Appendix 1(a) (Business Plan – Financial Appendix and Annex) & Appendix 1e(ii) (Business Plan – 2024-25 SLA Schedule 2: Costs)

These appendices 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.

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.

Prior to ending proceedings, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader) referring to tributes paid earlier in the meeting took the opportunity to formally thank Peter Gadsdon (as Corporate Director Partnerships, Housing & Resident Services) and Debra Norman (as Corporate Director Law & Governance) for the support and guidance provided to Cabinet and all members more widely during their time at Brent.  In recognising this would both be their final Cabinet meeting prior retiring from Brent he, along with the rest of Cabinet, wished them all the best for the future and thanked them for the legacy left in terms of the services they had been responsible for delivering and managing during their time at the Council.