Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Kim Wright (Chief Executive) with Nigel Chapman (Corporate Director Children, Young People and Community Development) acting as her representative.

Apologies for absence were received from Kim Wright (Chief Executive) with Nigel Chapman (Corporate Director Children, Young People and Community Development) acting as her representative.

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

No declarations of interest were made during the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made during the meeting.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 13 October 2025 as a correct record.

(Agenda republished to include the attached minutes on 13 November 25)

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 13 October 2025 be approved as a correct record of the meeting.

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 13 October 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, in accordance with Standing Order 66.

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

(a)       Opposition to the Experimental Traffic Order (ETO) scheme between Kingswood Avenue and Salusbury Road.

The supporting details on the petition have been attached, for reference.

(Members are asked to note this petition was approved for presentation following the original agenda having been published)

(b)       Addressing the nuisance being created by pigeons under the Network Rail Green bridge, Kilburn Station.

(Members are asked to note that presentation of this petition has now been withdrawn from the agenda)

5.1      Experimental Traffic Order Scheme between Kingswood Avenue & Salusbury Road

Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) welcomed Sanjay Nazerali (as lead petitioner) to the meeting who he advised was attending to present a petition regarding the Experimental Traffic Order scheme between Kingswood Avenue & Salusbury Road.

In thanking the Leader of the Council for the opportunity to present the petition, Sanjay Nazerali advised that the representations followed the presentation of a previous petition to Cabinet by Alastair Balfour a year ago which included reference to the ETOs between Kingswood Avenue and Salusbury Road.  Given the exclusive focus of the current petition on the Kingswood Avenue and Salusbury Road scheme, he felt this represented Part 2 of the same process, highlighting the similar number of signatures within the current petition as evidence that the issues had not disappeared.

In outlining the concerns being raised, Mr Nazerali advised that the ETOs between Kingswood Avenue and Salusbury Road had created deep division within the local community, resulting in what petitioners saw as a two-tier ward whereby the relief enjoyed by the few as a result of the ETOs corresponded with equal levels of nuisance for their neighbours, reflecting not just an issue related to traffic but also on wider community cohesion.  As such, it was not felt the Council had listened to the concerns being raised, with concern expressed that the most recent report published relating to Queens Park Healthy Neighbourhoods had stated the 1,400 signatories to the previous petition ‘welcomed the scheme’, which he confirmed was not factually accurate. As a result of those comments, residents had made a formal complaint seeking amendment to the report with further concerns raised from a governance perspective around the process followed in relation to the investigation of that complaint involving the officer who had prepared the original report.

Concern was also expressed at the process of engagement with local ward councillors in Queens Park given what the petitioners felt to have been a lack of response when they queried them about the representation of constituents’ views in the report, which had subsequently been escalated to the Leader of the Council.  Given the number of signatures across both petitions which had now been presented to Cabinet, concerns were also highlighted at the view expressed by one local councillor that the sentiment being expressed in opposition to the scheme was only held by a small group of residents.

In summarising the impact of the ETO scheme on the community, Mr Nazerali felt that it represented a socially regressive policy that had caused division in the community and eroded trust in the Council’s commitment to transparency.  As a way forward, given the strength of feeling represented by the number of signatures across both petitions which had been presented to Cabinet, he advised the petitioners were calling on the Council to cancel what was felt to be the divisive and unfair ETO scheme between Kingswood Avenue and Salusbury Road and to develop a more holistic solution that would  ...  view the full decision text for item 5.

5.1   Experimental Traffic Order Scheme between Kingswood Avenue & Salusbury Road

Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) welcomed Sanjay Nazerali (as lead petitioner) to the meeting who he advised was attending to present a petition regarding the Experimental Traffic Order (ETO) scheme between Kingswood Avenue & Salusbury Road.

In thanking the Leader of the Council for the opportunity to present the petition, Sanjay Nazerali advised that the representations made followed on from the presentation of a previous petition to Cabinet by Alastair Balfour a year ago, which had included reference to the ETOs between Kingswood Avenue and Salusbury Road.  Given the exclusive focus of the current petition on the Kingswood Avenue and Salusbury Road scheme, he felt this could be regarded as Phase II of the same process highlighting the similar number signatures contained within the current petition as evidence that the issues had not disappeared.

In outlining the concerns being raised, Mr Nazerali advised that the ETOs between Kingswood Avenue and Salusbury Road had created deep division within the local community resulting in what petitioners saw as a two-tier ward whereby the relief enjoyed by the few, as a result of the ETOs, corresponded with equal levels of nuisance for their neighbours, reflecting not just an issue related to traffic but also wider community cohesion.  As such, it was felt the Council had not listened to the earlier issues raised, with concern expressed that the most recent report published relating to Queens Park Healthy Neighbourhoods had stated the 1,400 signatories to the previous petition ‘welcomed the scheme’, which he confirmed was not factually accurate. As a result of those comments, residents had made a formal complaint seeking amendment of the report with further concerns raised, from a governance perspective, around the process followed in relation to the investigation of that complaint involving the officer who had prepared the original report.

Concern was also expressed at the process of engagement with local ward councillors in Queens Park given what the petitioners felt to have been a lack of response when queried about the representation of constituents’ views in the report, which had subsequently been escalated to the Leader of the Council.  Given the number of signatures across both petitions which had now been presented to Cabinet, concerns were also highlighted at the view that the sentiment being expressed in opposition to the scheme was only held by a small group of residents.

In summarising the impact of the ETO scheme on the community, Mr Nazerali felt that it represented a socially regressive policy that had caused division in the community and eroded trust in the Council’s commitment to transparency.  As a way forward, given the strength of feeling represented by the number of signatures across both petitions which had been presented to Cabinet, he advised the petitioners were calling on the Council to cancel what was felt to be the divisive and unfair ETO scheme between Kingswood Avenue and Salusbury Road and to develop a more holistic solution that would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

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

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

There were no 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 8 (Willesden Green Health & Wellbeing Integrated Hub) and Agenda Item 10 (School Place Planning Strategy 2024-28 Second Refresh) he intended to change the order of the agenda to enable Item 8 and 10 to be considered in advance of the remainder of the agenda.

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

This report seeks Cabinet approval for the redevelopment of the Gladstone Park Youth and Community Centre site to deliver a new Health and Wellbeing Integrated Hub. The Hub will provide modern health services, community amenities, and wellbeing spaces for some of Brent’s most disadvantaged communities, while supporting growth in nearby regeneration areas with approval being sought for the required SCIL funding allocation and delegated authority to enable disposal and lease arrangements for delivery of the scheme.

Prior to considering the report, Cabinet noted the representations and comments made by Dr Muhammed Najim (as a lead GP located within the Willesden Green surgery and NHS Brent’s Clinical Director for Health Inequalities) supported by Tom Shakespeare (Managing Director Brent Integrated Care Board) speaking in support of the proposals outlined within the report to develop a Health and Wellbeing Integrated Hub on the Gladstone Park Youth and Community Centre site, which would deliver modern primary health services alongside a range of community amenities and wellbeing spaces for some of Brent’s most deprived communities within a modern, sustainable building. In thanking the Council for their support, the opportunity was also taken to outline the engagement with local community groups in seeking to develop the scheme in partnership with the NHS and in line with the transition towards an Integrated Neighbourhood model with the Hub becoming a flagship centre for health and wellbeing and centre for green excellence.

Having welcomed the support expressed and process of engagement led by the Willesden Green GP surgery in developing the Integrated Hub proposals Cabinet RESOLVED to:

(1)       Approve the allocation of up to £2.97m Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funding to support the redevelopment of the Gladstone Park Youth and Community Centre site into the Willesden Green Health and Wellbeing Integrated Hub, as set out in section 3.14 (Option 1) of the report, subject to the conditions in (2) below.

(2)       Approve the release of SCIL funding in staged payments, aligned to delivery milestones and contingent upon:

·            Planning consent being granted;

·            Confirmation of the full external funding; and

·            Completion of the agreement to lease with Willesden Green Surgery.

(3)       Approve the granting a 150-year peppercorn lease to Willesden Green Surgery to enable delivery of the Hub, with the Council retaining the freehold and securing lease clauses to protect health and community uses in perpetuity.

(4)       Authorise the Director of Property and Assets to agree the detailed terms of the agreement to lease and long lease disposal and to enter into the necessary legal agreements to facilitate the disposal and development and to take all necessary steps to complete the transaction.

(5)       Note the intentions to relocate Kilburn Cosmos Rugby Football Club (KCRFC) from the Gladstone Park Youth & Community Centre to the Gladstone Park Pavilion to secure suitable alternative premises for KCRFC and full vacant possession of the site to enable on-site delivery.

(6)       Note that Willesden Green Health and Wellbeing Integrated Hub would be a temporary working name for the new facility. The permanent name would be determined following discussions with key stakeholders, to reflect the hub’s location within the Cricklewood and Mapesbury ward and to ensure the name was appropriate and inclusive.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 24 November 25

Prior to considering the report, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) welcomed Dr Muhammed Najim (as a lead GP located within the Willesden Green surgery and NHS Brent’s Clinical Director for Health Inequalities) and Tom Shakespeare (Managing Director, Brent Integrated Care Board) to the meeting who he advised had requested to speak in support of the proposals  Cabinet were being asked to consider relating to development of the Willesden Green Health and Wellbeing Integrated Hub.

In addressing Cabinet, Dr Muhammed Najim began by advising members of the background to the proposed development of the Integrated Hub starting with the longstanding nature and role played by the Willesden Green Surgery as a family run GP practice in providing primary health care services for some of Brent’s most deprived communities. Highlighting the success of the surgery in terms of numbers of GP appointments being offered, high early cancer detection rates and innovative services available, including the provision of ultrasound guided surgery, which had resulting in them being shortlisted for GP Team of the year in the National General Practice Awards 2025, it was pointed out this had also created challenges with the registered patient list size having increased from 3,000 to 15,000 over the previous 7 years.  This had resulted in the practice currently serving the healthcare needs of approx. 5% of Brent’s resident population out of a converted makeshift 3-bedroom ground floor apartment operating in a space with the least square footage of all 400 GP practices in the NHS North West London area.

As such, he advised that all staff at the surgery were excited to have been involved in developing the proposals to deliver a new Health and Wellbeing Integrated Hub on the Gladstone Park Youth and Community Centre site, designed to deliver modern health services, community amenities and wellbeing spaces for the local community including relocation of the Willesden Green Surgery.  In expressing support for the proposals being presented to Cabinet, the opportunity was taken to highlight that the Integrated Hub would be the first of its kind in NHS North West London with the building based on a modern and sustainable design also making it one of the lowest carbon and energy efficient NHS buildings in London.

In providing further detail, Dr Najim highlighted that the new local Integrated Neighbourhood Team would have access to clinical and non-clinical space on site, serving the healthcare needs of all local residents (including not only those currently registered at the surgery) with the scheme providing new outdoor community space including an outdoor gym, padel court, and wellbeing studio space as well as a community café.  Recognising the need to encourage more active lifestyles, he highlighted the role the Hub would be able to play in empowering that type of activity and in creating a social space for everyone.  Outlining the engagement already undertaken with the Friends of Gladstone Park, Dr Najim advised of the ongoing focus (working with a range of community groups) to ensure the additional community  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

This report provides Cabinet with a second refresh of the School Place Planning Strategy 2024-2028, approved by Cabinet in October 2023 following a refresh received by Cabinet in November 2024.

Prior to considering the report Cabinet noted the comments made by Councillor Kennelly who had requested to speak (as a local ward councillor) in support of the strategy adopted towards the expansion of local SEND provision and proposals relating to development of the Strathcona site within his ward.

Having welcomed the support expressed for the strategy and approach adopted towards the expansion of local SEND provision, Cabinet RESOLVED to:

(1)       Approve the second refresh of the School Place Planning Strategy 2024-2028, as provided in Appendix 1 of the report.

(2)    Note the continued focus on planning for the sufficiency of places and the sustainability of schools, based on varying demand patterns impacting on school planning areas in Brent.

(3)       Note the very early signs of a reversal of declining pupil numbers in the borough and that a requirement to accommodate higher demand in some planning areas may be required in the future.

(4)    Note there continued to be increasing demand for places that meet the needs of children and young people with SEND aged 0-25 and the intention to further develop the SEND estate capital investment programme as Brent’s strategy to address this need, as set out in Section 3.7 of the report.

(5)    Note the school place planning actions completed in the first year of the strategy and the actions planned for the coming academic year as set out in section 4 of the report.

(6)    Note the update on the success measures set out in the original strategy in section 3.1.3 of the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 24 November 25

Prior to considering the report, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) welcomed Councillor Kennelly to the meeting who he advised had requested to speak in relation to the refresh of the School Place Planning Strategy 2024-2028.  In addressing Cabinet, Councillor Kennelly advised he had requested to speak (as a local ward councillor) in support of the strategy and approach outlined towards the expansion of local SEND provision, including proposals for the development of the Strathcona site within his ward to provide additional primary places to meet the increasing demand for specialist provision for children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in the borough.  In thanking the Cabinet Member and all officers involved for their work to increase the provision of SEND places across the borough, he was keen to recognise the additional benefits this approach would provide in terms of reducing the reliance on the use of out-of-borough placements and placements within the independent sector from both a financial perspective and in terms of ensuring that children and young people with SEND had the opportunity to access appropriate, high quality education provision closer to home within the borough.

Having thanked Councillor Kennelly for this comments, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) then invited Councillor Grahl (as Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools) to introduce the report from the Corporate Director Children, Young People & Community Development which detailed the second refresh of the School Place Planning Strategy 2024-28.  In presenting the report, Councillor Grahl began by thanking Councillor Kennelly for his comments in support of the strategy and approach towards the delivery of SEND provision across the borough including the proposals in relation to use of the Strathcona site.  Referring to the refresh of strategy, the opportunity was taken to highlight the focus in continuing delivery on the commitment to provide sufficient, sustainable and high-quality school places in Brent based on every child being able to access a local school, while also supporting schools in adapting to changing demand levels.  As such, members were advised the strategy had been refreshed to respond to growth in certain areas while managing surplus capacity in others.

The strategy also included, as a key priority, proposals relating to the expansion of local SEND provision recognising that demand for specialist provision was continuing to rise and with a focus on reducing reliance on more costly out of borough placements as well as those within the independent sector.  In highlighting the benefits of this approach not only on families, in terms of keeping children closer to home, it was pointed out the approach would also assist in managing the associated financial pressures on the Council recognising the ambition already shown through the major investment in new provision including the opening of the Wembley Manor Special School which represented a capital investment of £22m and which now had children placed and learning there.

Attention was also drawn to the focus within the strategy on the importance of early years education in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

The purpose of this report is to set out the Council’s budget proposals for 2026 - 27. It also provides a general update on the Council’s overall financial position, including an overview of the current economic outlook

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To note the overall financial position, as detailed within the report.

(2)       To agree to consult on the new budget proposals, as set out in Appendices A and B of the report.

(3)       To agree to consult on a Council Tax increase of 4.99% (consisting of a 2.99% general increase plus 2% for the Adult Social Care Precept) in 2026/27.

(4)       To endorse the approach to the statutory process of consultation, scrutiny and equalities between November 2025 and February 2026, as set out in section ten of the report.

(5)       To endorse the changes to the technical budget assumptions underpinning the budget, as set out in sections six and seven of the report.

(6)       To note the position with regard to the funding for Schools and the Dedicated Schools Grant, as set out in section eleven of the report.

(7)       To note the position with regard to the Housing Revenue Account, as set out in section twelve of the report.

(8)       To note the position with regard to the Capital programme, as set out in section thirteen of the report.

(9)       To note the revised Debt Recovery Policy, as set out in Appendix C of the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 24 November 25

Councillor Mili Patel (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Finance & Resources setting out the Council’s budget proposals for 2026-27.  The report also provided a general update on the Council’s overall financial position, including not only the Council’s General Fund revenue budget but also Housing Revenue Account, Dedicated Schools Grant and Capital Programme as well as an overview of the current economic outlook.

In introducing the report, Councillor Mili Patel began by outlining the responsibility faced by Labour being in power at national, regional and local level and in seeking to make a real difference to communities being served.  As examples of the difference being made, reference was made at national level to recent introduction of the Renters Right Act and uplift being delivered in workers rights supported by activity being led by the Mayor for London at regional level in addressing air quality and the provision of free school meals.  At a local level, this had included the Administration in Brent delivering record levels of Community Infrastructure Levy investment in public realm and youth facilities alongside the track record in delivery of new affordable homes across the borough.  The approach needing to be delivered by Labour (as the governing party) in providing careful stewardship of taxpayers money and public finances was contrasted against that adopted by other parties in seeking to make populist and unfunded pledges without taking account of their wider impact, resulting in the need identified to ensure an honest approach with local residents.  As such the budget proposals detailed within the report were commended in seeking to provide a clear and evidenced based direction for Brent aimed at fixing the foundations to continue running an efficient, fair and future focussed Council despite the challenging and uncertain operating environment and wider economic context within which it continued to function.

Members were advised that it was within this context that the Council’s recent Autumn Budget proposals “Building a Better, Bolder Brent” had been submitted to the Chancellor.  The proposals set out six quick wins identified by the Council which it was felt would help to turn ambition into action. These included backing the West London Orbital rail line, reforming gambling laws to protect the boroughs high streets, giving councils powers to introduce a visitor levy on overnight accommodation, ensuring major events at Wembley contributed directly to local culture, creating a new long-term housing partnership with Government and delivering much needed reform to local government finance.

At the same time, it was felt that the Council’s budget proposals also served to highlight wider progress focussed locally on the delivery of cleaner streets, safer town centres, better transport, fairer housing, all of which had been designed to unlock pride in the borough.  In seeking to fix the foundations, however, the need to be honest about the challenges faced and to be realistic about the measures needed to address them was also recognised given the ongoing impact being experienced as a result of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

This report seeks approval for the allocation of resources to enable the installation of an alternative, low carbon heating solution at Willesden Green Library and other energy conservation measures following the Council’s successful bid for grant funding under the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Phase 4 (PSDS P4) with the project aiming to deliver significant carbon savings, improve energy efficiency, and reduce operational costs.

Cabinet RESOLVED to:

(1)       Approve a total capital budget of £917,628, which included £807,000 for installation, £111,000 contingency, and staff capitalisation costs.

(2)       Note that the total capital budget of £917,628 would be sourced from £667,628 Salix grant and £250,000 from the Carbon Offset Fund. The budget would be split across delivery of the following two projects: Willesden Green Library and Willesden New Cemetery.

(3)       Acknowledge the findings of THE Equality Impact Assessment (detailed within Appendix 1 of the report) regarding the installation of an alternative heat supply at Willesden Green Library that included the results of a public consultation undertaken.

(4)       Note the grant spend timeline stipulated by Salix and its implication on the delivery of the project, particularly when it comes to the requirement to spend all grant funding by March 31^st, 2026, as set out in section 5.3 – 5.4 of the report.

(5)       Note the significant financial, energy and carbon savings that the delivery of an alternative heat supply at Willesden Green Library would provide as set out section 3.7 of the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 24 November 25

Councillor Rubin (as Cabinet Member for Climate Action & Community Power) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration seeking approval for the allocation of resources to enable the installation of an alternative, low carbon heating solution at Willesden Green Library and other energy conservation measures following the Council’s successful bid for grant funding under the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Phase 4 (PSDS P4).

In presenting the report, Councillor Rubin outlined how the proposed scheme had been designed to represent another practical approach in the delivery of Brent’s climate and energy commitments through the retrofitting of the existing and outdated heating system at Willesden Green Library with a low carbon Air Source Heat Pump.  Members were advised that the project aimed to deliver significant carbon savings whilst improving energy efficiency and reducing operational costs which would not only strengthen the resilience of the building as an important community asset but would also support the Council in bringing heat production back under its control and helping to move towards its Net Zero 2030 goal.  In highlighting that the majority of investment required to deliver the scheme would utilise funding secured through a successful Salix bid under the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Phase 4, the provision of additional funding through the Council’s Carbon Offset Fund was also commended and acknowledged as a sensible future focussed investment supporting wider climate ambitions whilst also delivering operational savings.

In support of the proposals outlined, members were keen to recognise the value of Willesden Green Library as a community asset recognising libraries as trusted, accessible spaces that served as hubs for learning and engagement with the integration of sustainable practices also welcomed as a means of being able to transform the spaces into living examples of environmental responsibility. Recognising the way in which the installation of the alternative, low-carbon heating solution proposed at Willesden Green Library would address the outdated heating system currently in place, which it was noted had disrupted the provision of services within the building, members were keen to commend use of the Carbon Offset Fund to support the introduction of a modern, energy-efficient system that would enable the library to operate more reliably whilst delivering significant financial savings, reducing energy consumption and cutting carbon emissions.

Residents and service users were also thanked for their patience whilst delivery of the scheme was being developed, with officers also confirming the plans in place and timetable designed to ensure completion of the project within the required timescale under the grant conditions.

In welcoming the way in which the scheme had been designed to support the Council’s wider climate ambitions whilst delivering financial savings and addressing heat supply issues in a well-used and much valued building Cabinet RESOLVED to:

(1)       Approve a total capital budget of £917,628, which included £807,000 for installation, £111,000 contingency, and staff capitalisation costs.

(2)       Note that the total capital budget of £917,628 would be sourced from £667,628 Salix grant and £250,000 from the Carbon Offset Fund. The budget would be split  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

This report sets out a proposal for the council to formally adopt the Socio-Economic Duty (SED) as part of its commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Cabinet RESOLVED to Approve the Council’s formal adoption of the socio-economic duty.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 24 November 25

Councillor Mili Patel (as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources) introduced a report from the Chief Executive setting out proposals for the Council to formally adopt the Socio-Economic Duty (SED) as part of its commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

In presenting the report, Councillor Mili Patel began by outlining the way in which the proposed adoption of the Socio-Economic Duty would represent another significant step forward in demonstrating the Council’s commitment to the integration of EDI considerations as part of its decision-making processes.  As additional background and context, members were advised that the socio-economic duty had been included as part of the previous Labour Government’s introduction of the Equality Act in 2010 and required public bodies to include transparent and effective measures designed to address inequalities when making decisions about how they delivered services and functions in order to ensure that no-one suffered as a result of their socio-economic circumstances.

Despite not being mandated under the subsequent coalition and Conservative governments, pride was expressed that the Council had been implementing the principles for some time, with the decision now being sought designed to ensure that the approach and those values were formally embedded in the framework of the Council, supported by a revised Equalities Impact Assessment process in order to ensure that decisions being made continued to be informed by a clear understanding of the impact on the lives of local residents.  In thanking everyone who has contributed to the development of the refreshed approach, including Councillor Donnelly-Jackson for her support in originally initiating the process, along with the EDI team and colleagues who provided invaluable feedback during its development, Councillor Mili Patel ended her introduction by highlighting the aim to deliver a fairer and more compassionate approach in seeking to strengthen the Council’s response to the root causes of inequality that were still felt to exist across the borough and provide every resident with the opportunity to thrive.

In welcoming and supporting the approach outlined within the report towards adoption of the duty, Councillor Donnelly-Jackson took the opportunity (highlighting her own personal experience and having originally advocated for the process) to also thank those involved in its delivery, which it was felt would represent a landmark milestone for the borough.  Highlighting the extent of the challenges faced across the borough in seeking to address the impact of poverty, financial exclusion and the cost-of-living crisis, it was felt adoption of the duty would provide a lasting legacy in deepening the Council’s ability to tackle the root causes of inequality still being experienced in Brent.

Members were also keen acknowledge the wider links adoption of the duty would have in relation to the work and findings of the Poverty Commission, Borough Plan and EDI Strategy recognising the impact which the inclusion of socio-economic disadvantage as a key consideration in the Council’s strategic decision-making process would have in terms of it being treated as equivalent to a protected characteristic.  In recognising the way this would require the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

This report seeks approval for participation in a collaborative procurement with two other councils in respect of a new Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) sexual health services contract as an open-access service that addresses rising demand, responding to local and regional sexual health needs.

On the basis of the amendment to the recommendations identified at the meeting, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To note the deletion of recommendation 2.1 within the report.

(2)       To approve the Council’s participation in a collaborative procurement with Ealing and Harrow Council’s.

(3)       On the basis of the legal considerations within the report, to approve an exemption from the usual tendering requirements of Contract Standing Orders 84(a) to enable Ealing Council act as the lead authority in the collaborative procurement detailed in (2) above for the reasons detailed in section 3 of the report and accordingly that the collaborative procurement is undertaken in accordance with its Standing Orders and Financial Regulations.

(4)       To delegate authority to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health & Leisure, to agree the award of contract on completion of the procurement process for a period of 5 years with an option to extend for a further 4 years to (a total of 9 years) to London North West University Healthcare Trust (LNWHT).

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 24 November 25

Councillor Nerva (as Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health & Leisure) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Service Reform & Strategy seeking approval for participation in a collaborative procurement with two other councils in respect of a new Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) sexual health services contract.

In presenting the report, Councillor Nerva began by reminding members of the critical role the provision of sexual health services played in relation to the Council’s public health responsibilities with continuation of the collaborative approach towards the procurement arrangements with Ealing and Harrow for Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) sexual health services designed to further enhance service integration across borough boundaries, enabling the seamless sharing of best practice and resources and ensure residents retained access to high-quality and confidential sexual healthcare.

In commending the approach outlined within the report, members were advised that Brent, Ealing, and Harrow Councils had jointly commissioned sexual health services through the Outer Northwest London (ONWL) Sexual Health Programme since 2015. During this period, service performance had met or exceeded London averages for testing coverage, chlamydia detection, and HIV treatment outcomes with the services recognised as demonstrating consistent and robust HIV care with 99% ART coverage and 96.9% viral suppression rates, highlighting the vital protection offered through the programme to residents across Brent.  In support of the proposal, reference was also made to the continued high utilisation of contraceptive clinics, with more than 10,400 residents having attended since April 2025, alongside Brent’s lower-than-London-average STI positivity rates, which it was pointed out also represented an example of the effective prevention and community engagement activity being delivered by the service.

In considering the report, members noted the amendment identified in relation to recommendation 2.1 which they were advised would not be required on the basis that approval was being sought for participation in a collaborative procurement arrangement rather than direct award of the contract, as also clarified within the legal considerations detailed within section 7 of the report.

In recognising the way in which the proposals had been designed to ensure Brent was able to continue meeting its public health obligations efficiently whilst maintaining service continuity, delivering value for money and supporting a responsive model aligned with public health priorities and community needs, Cabinet RESOLVED on the basis of the amendment to the recommendations identified at the meeting:

(1)       To note the deletion of recommendation 2.1 within the report.

(2)       To approve the Council’s participation in a collaborative procurement with Ealing and Harrow Council’s.

(3)       On the basis of the legal considerations within the report, to approve an exemption from the usual tendering requirements of Contract Standing Orders 84(a) to enable Ealing Council act as the lead authority in the collaborative procurement detailed in (2) above for the reasons detailed in section 3 of the report and accordingly that the collaborative procurement is undertaken in accordance with its Standing Orders and Financial Regulations.

(4)       To delegate authority to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

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 8:        Willesden Green Health and Wellbeing Integrated Hub– Appendix 2 (Valuation)

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) advised that it was sadness he had to announce the recent death of former Mayor and Councillor Mr Harbahjan Singh.

Members were advised that former Councillor Singh had represented Welsh Harp ward where his passion and commitment to making a positive impact on the local community he served were recognised and fondly remembered.

On behalf of all members of Cabinet and in advance of a formal tribute being provided by the Mayor at the next Full Council meeting, the Leader offered his condolences to the family of former Councillor Singh.

There were no items of urgent business.

Prior to ending proceedings, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) advised that it was sadness he had to announce the recent death of former Mayor and Councillor Mr Harbahjan Singh.

Members were advised that former Councillor Singh had represented Welsh Harp ward where his passion and commitment to making a positive impact on behalf of the local community were recognised and fondly remembered.

On behalf of all members of Cabinet and in advance of formal tribute being paid by the Mayor at the next Full Council meeting, the Leader offered his condolences to the family of former Councillor Singh.