Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Knight (Cabinet Member for Customer Experience, Resident Support & Culture) and Councillor Krupa Sheth (Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Enforcement).

The Leader also took the opportunity to welcome Councillor Moeen to Cabinet in her newly appointed role as Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Cohesion.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Knight (Cabinet Member for Customer Experience, Resident Support & Culture) and Councillor Krupa Sheth (Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Enforcement).

The Leader also took the opportunity to welcome Councillor Moeen to Cabinet in her newly appointed role as Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Cohesion.

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 8 December 2025 as a correct record.

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 8 December 2025 be approved as a correct record of the meeting.

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 8 December 2025 be approved as a correct record of the meeting.

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

None identified.

None identified.

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

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

There were no petitions presented at the meeting.

There were no petitions presented at the meeting.

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

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

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

This report updates members on the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) and outcome of progress review visit undertaken by the peer review team in November 2025 providing an opportunity to feedback on progress made against the initial review recommendations. This report shares the process and outcome of the Progress Review.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To note the feedback and next steps emerging from the Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review.

(2)       To note Appendix B of the report setting out the updated Brent Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 26 January 2026

Councillor Muhammed Butt (Leader of the Council) introduced a report from the Chief Executive updating members on the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) and outcome of the progress review visit undertaken by the peer review team in November 2025.

In introducing the report, Councillor Butt began by thanking the CPC Team for returning to Brent and for the openness and challenge provided as part of the Progress Review, along with the Council Management Team and Cabinet for their engagement in the process.  Whilst acknowledging the constructive nature of the feedback provided, the scale of the task and challenges faced in being able to deliver (at pace) the Council’s aspirations for longer-term transformation were also recognised in noting the summary of progress achieved so far and readiness for the next stage of action.

Reference was also made to the challenge identified in relation to the silo culture and ongoing work in seeking to breakdown fragmented ways of working to ensure the necessary corporate approach, focussed around shared ownership and a culture of accountability for outcomes and delivery.

The CPC teams encouragement to sharpen the Council’s grip on change and to develop a shared vision for Brent’s future was welcomed as both timely and necessary.  Whilst the challenges identified were not felt to be insurmountable, the need to ensure a continued focus on delivery and transparency was also recognised in terms of the ambition and ongoing journey to build a better Brent and continue driving prosperity and creating opportunities for every community across the borough.

The outcome of the review and ongoing progress identified by the CPC was also welcomed by Kim Wright (as Chief Executive) who also highlighted the shared commitment and focus by officers on delivery of the actions and recommendations with the CPC Action Plan in order to develop the organisation and continue delivering the best outcomes for residents.

In considering the report, Cabinet welcomed what was felt be the constructive feedback from the Review Team along with the level of progress identified and further opportunities highlighted around the ongoing process of change and transformation as well as financial management and planning.  Whilst recognising the need to focus on delivery moving forward at pace and scale, the opportunity was taken to highlight (as examples of the collaborative and joined up nature of work being undertaken) the major restructure in Children’s Social Care aligned to wider social care reform and in seeking to address the needs of children and young people arising from the current pressures in relation to housing and temporary accommodation as well as development of the Carers Strategy with the Adult’s and Children’s transformation programmes now embedded within the Embrace Change Portfolio.

Members were also keen to recognise the reflective nature of the process in highlighting ongoing opportunities and areas for improvement such as the progress being made in response to the Council’s self-referral to the Social Housing Regulator and work being undertaken to address the associated compliance issues alongside development of the Housing Management Improvement Plan,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

This report sets out the financial forecast for the General Fund revenue budget, the Housing Revenue Account, the Dedicated Schools Grant and the Capital Programme, as at Quarter 3 2025-26.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To note the overall financial position and the actions being taken to manage the issues arising, as detailed within the report.

(2)    To note the savings delivery tracker, as detailed within Appendix A of the report.

(3)    To note the prudential indicators for treasury management as detailed within Appendix B of the report.

(4)    To approve the virements, as detailed in section 9.19 of the report.

(5)    To approve the amendments to the capital budget as set out in paragraphs 12.2 -12.4 of the report.

(6)    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Regeneration to allocate the Pride in Place Impact Fund budget to specific projects in line with the thematic areas linked to the Borough Plan, as set out in paragraph 12.3 of the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 26 January 2026

Councillor Mili Patel (as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Finance & Resources detailing the financial forecast for the General Fund revenue budget, Housing Revenue Account, Dedicated Schools Grant and the Capital Programme as at Quarter 3 2025-26.

In presenting the report, Councillor Mili Patel, highlighted that despite the considerable efforts being made to manage the budget, the operating environment and wider economic and social context faced by the Council remained challenging with the latest forecast position reflecting the scale of the financial challenge and difficult context in which decisions continued to be taken. In recognising the tough financial conditions faced by many councils across the country, the specific challenges arising from the sustained pressure needing to be managed in terms of rising demand, high inflation, elevated interest rates and increasing complexity in delivery of Brent’s statutory services were highlighted with it reported the General Fund was now forecasting an overspend of £12.5m.  In terms of the most significant pressures, members were advised these continued to be focussed around housing and temporary accommodation, Adult Social Care, and Children and Young People’s Services with temporary accommodation costs continuing to rise as demand increased, and housing supply remained constrained and Adult Social Care and Children’s Services experiencing higher than anticipated volumes and complexity alongside significant increases in placement and care package costs, with and the operating environment as a result continuing to remain volatile.

Despite the challenging financial conditions outlined it was, however, also felt important to recognise the Council’s continued financial resilience, careful management and collective discipline, with spending controls remaining in place and further strengthened during the year accompanied by the introduction of enhanced assurance, vacancy management and tighter controls on non-essential spend, which had helped to stabilise the in-year position and avoid more severe outcomes, at a time when a growing number of councils nationally were requiring exceptional financial support.

Whilst acknowledging the challenges identified, members were also reminded that the Council continued to seek opportunities to support the development of services.  As an example, reference was made to the £326m for new regeneration and infrastructure projects designed to improve outcomes for residents alongside the addition of almost 900 new homes to the Council’s portfolio, helping to reduce the reliance on expensive temporary accommodation whilst also delivering safe and secure housing for families.  Members were also reminded of the £1.5m secured through the Pride in Place Impact Fund that would support the Council in continuing to make tangible improvements to the borough’s high streets and public spaces, showing residents that despite the challenges identified investment in the priorities being identified in relation to neighbourhood, cleaner streets, safer parks and thriving town centres could still be delivered on the basis of strong financial discipline remaining the foundation for ongoing progress.

Overall, it was felt the financially sustainable approach outlined demonstrated the seriousness in which the Council took its responsibilities in seeking to address immediate pressures whilst also planning for the future, with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

This report updates Members on Treasury activity for the first half of the financial year 2025-26. The Local Government Act 2003 and the Local Authorities (Capital Financing and Accounting) Regulations 2003 require that regular reports be submitted to the relevant Council Committee detailing the Council’s Treasury Management activities.

Members are asked to note that the report has also been subject to consideration and review by the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee on Wednesday 3 December 2025.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To note the overall financial performance as detailed within the 2025-26 Mid-Year Treasury report and approve its referral on to Full Council in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy's Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice.

(2)    To note that the Council had been fully compliant with the prudential indicators as set by Council in February 2025.

Eligible for call-in: No (report and recommendations referred to Council)

Councillor Mili Patel (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources) presented a report from the Corporate Director Finance & Resources updating on Treasury Management activity for the first half of the financial year 2025-26, which included the Council’s investment and borrowing activities and strategy.

In introducing the report, members were advised that as part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to financial transparency, the report included an update on the Council’s Treasury Management activities for the 2025-26 financial year including the Council’s borrowing and investment decisions, details on the Council’s borrowing requirement, cash investment balances and compliance with the Prudential Indicators enabling Brent to meet its financial obligations.

Members were reminded that as part of the approach outlined in terms of managing Treasury Management activity to support the Council’s overall financial position it was only possible to borrow for capital investment and not to fund operational day-to-day expenditure with the Borrowing Requirement reflecting the Council’s capital ambitions for both the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account. As a result of the Council’s careful financial stewardship and compliance with Prudential Indicators, the Council had continued its ongoing approach towards the repayment of loans and investment in the Council’s capital programme, where possible, with the Council’s borrowing strategy recognised as continuing to address the key issue of affordability and sustainability to deliver on infrastructure projects for residents without compromising the longer-term stability of the debt portfolio.

Members welcomed the report and prudent approach outlined in terms of the Council’s Treasury Management activity to support delivery of the Council’s wider ambitions and priorities given the challenging economic context under which the Treasury Management Strategy was having to be delivered.

Having noted the assurance provided that the Council had fully complied with the Prudential Indicators set by the Council in February 2025 and thanked officers for their support in delivery of the Council’s Treasury Management strategy, Cabinet RESOLVED to note the overall financial performance as detailed within the 2025-26 Mid-Year Treasury report and approve its referral on to Full Council in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy's Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice.

The purpose of this paper is to seek approval from the London Borough of Brent as a shareholder of London CIV to the admission of a new Partner Fund (Buckinghamshire) as a member of the London LGPS CIV Limited.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To approve the admission of the Buckinghamshire Pension Fund to join the London CIV.

(2)    To approve the amendments outlined to the Shareholder Agreement and Articles of Association as detailed within Appendix 1 of the report (classified as containing exempt information).

(3)    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Finance and Resources (s151 officer) or their nominee on the operational elements to enable the admission.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 26 January 2026

Councillor Mili Patel (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources) presented a report from the Corporate Director Finance & Resources seeking the Council’s approval, as a shareholder of the London Collective Investment Vehicle (LCIV) to the admission of a new Partner Fund (Buckinghamshire) as a member of the London Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) CIV Ltd.

In introducing the report, Councillor Mili Patel began by advising members of the wider context to the proposal in terms of the Government’s Fit for the Future reforms aimed at strengthening governance and achieving the full pooling of LGPS Fund assets by March 2026 enabling local authority pension schemes to operate more efficiently, reduce costs and act as significant, long-term institutional investors, supporting UK businesses, jobs and economic growth while delivering secure pensions for scheme members.

In noting that the proposal had been subject to the appropriate scrutiny and received unanimous ‘in principle’ support from all existing London Partner Funds, members were assured of the Council’s ongoing commitment to ensure that London CIV remained a strong, stable, and well-governed pool that continued to meet regulatory expectations while maintaining the interests of its existing partners.

Recognising the national direction of travel and importance in ensuring the LCIV remained a strong and stable investment pool, Cabinet RESOLVED, having noted the information contained within the exempt appendices to the report:

(1)       To approve the admission of the Buckinghamshire Pension Fund to join the London CIV.

(2)    To approve the amendments outlined to the Shareholder Agreement and Articles of Association as detailed within Appendix 1 of the report (classified as containing exempt information).

(3)    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Finance and Resources (s151 officer) or their nominee on the operational elements to enable the admission.

Brent Council’s current four-year digital strategy ends in April 2026. In the context of pressing financial challenges and the rapid pace of technological change this report outlines a two-year digital roadmap developed to set out the Council’s ambitions for using digital to enable transformation and support delivery of savings from 2026-28.

The 2026-28 Brent Council Digital Roadmap also sets out the required investment to ensure the Council can continue to enable its Embrace Change Portfolio vision and deliver 2026-27 cross-cutting digital and resident experience savings (along with previously agreed business case savings) as well as to develop a pipeline of further digitally enabled savings for 2027-28 and beyond.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To approve the Brent Council Digital Roadmap 2026-28, as detailed within the report.

(2)       To approve a capital budget of £4,435,455 in 2026/27 (in addition to the budget of £817,554 for 2026/27 approved by Cabinet in 2021) and of £4,313,408 in 2027/28. This budget to be funded by prudential borrowing.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 26 January 2026

Councillor Rubin (Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Community Action) introduced a report from the Corporate Director of Service Reform & Strategy, setting out (within the context of Brent’s current four-year digital strategy to April 2026, pressing financial challenges and the rapid pace of technological change) a two-year digital roadmap developed to meet the Council’s ambitions for use of digital to enable transformation and support the delivery of savings from 2026-28.  The report also detailed the required investment to ensure the Council could continue to enable its Embrace Change Portfolio vision and deliver 2026-27 cross-cutting digital and resident experience savings (along with previously agreed business case savings) as well as to develop a pipeline of further digitally enabled savings for 2027-28 and beyond.

In presenting the report, Councillor Rubin began by outlining what he felt to be the clear and ambitious plan set out within the Digital Roadmap 2026-28, which he pointed out had been designed to build on the Council’s strong track record and recent achievements whilst setting out how the Council’s digital offer would continue to support residents, staff, and also deliver savings over the long term.

In highlighting the achievements delivered through digital transformation over the previous four year period, reference was made to the way in which the Council had modernised its technology, improved access to services and reduced pressure on the contact centre whilst also being able to deliver more than £10m in savings and efficiencies recognising that the changes outlined has also enabled staff to spend more time supporting residents and provided easier access to services. As an additional benefit, members were also advised that since 2021 under the existing Strategy, the Council had been able to provide 4,500 digital devices with over 1,700 laptops going to schools, foster carers and care leavers in Brent, alongside SIM cards and broadband support where needed.

In seeking to build on these achievements as a means of delivering further improvements and efficiencies, members noted the development of the roadmap on an invest-to-save basis involving targeted upfront investment designed to support the delivery of nearly £6m worth of savings over the two year period, while also building a strong pipeline of further savings over future years.

Recognising the way in which the roadmap had also been designed with residents at its core, the opportunity was also taken to outline its role in supporting initiatives that would deliver quicker resolution of queries, ensure AI was used in a safe and ethical way whilst also fostering a greater understanding of community needs and maximising the impact of social value contributions with not processes as the focus of the digital transformation process.  In concluding, as an example of support, reference was made to the work identified around development of a Brent app designed to deliver a single digital front door for residents, making it quicker and simpler to access services, track requests and get support, while ensuring face-to-face and phone services remained available for those who needed them.

In considering the report, members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

This report details proposals to deliver additional SEND places within the borough designed to reduce the financial cost of SEND provision as well as provide more local specialist provision for Brent based young people with SEND and support the management of expenditure on the Council’s Special Needs Transport budget, in accordance with strategic priorities set out in the School Place Planning Strategy 2024-28 (second refresh).

Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the proposed SEND Phase II Capital Programme using £10.6m from the High Needs Capital Grant Allocation provided by the Department for Education as detailed in paragraph 3.2.2 (Option 2) of the report in order to complete the identified works within the programme.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 26 January 2026

Councillor Benea (Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property) and Councillor Grahl (Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education & Employment) jointly introduced a report from the Corporate Directors of Children, Young People & Community Development and Neighbourhoods and Regeneration detailing proposals to deliver additional SEND places within the borough designed to reduce the financial cost of SEND provision as well as provide more local specialist provision for Brent based young people with SEND and support the management of expenditure on the Council’s Special Needs Transport budget, in accordance with strategic priorities set out in the School Place Planning Strategy 2024-28 (second refresh).

Speaking first in presenting the report, Councillor Benea began by reflecting on the important contribution the SEND Phase II Capital Investment Programme would have in ensuring that every child in Brent was able to access the education they needed, as close to home as possible.  Referring to the success in delivery of the first phase of the programme, members were advised this had enabled Brent to deliver 382 new SEND places since 2022, including the recently opened Wembley Manor School, which she had been proud to attend the opening of the previous week.  Having visited the school, Councillor Benea felt this highlighted the difference made to the lives of the pupils and their families now able to benefit from the additional provision, with the school having been carefully designed and built around the needs of its pupils enabling them to build confidence and independence outside of mainstream schooling.  At the same time the impact on the families of those pupils was also highlighted, in terms of the assurance provided that their child would be receiving the care needed closer to home alongside the required support as they developed into adulthood and with the second phase of capital investment, also designed to continue that vital work and give children in Brent the best start in life.

In terms of the proposed capital spending, members were reminded this had only been possible due to the government's £3bn national investment in specialised local provision, designed to provide a clear plan and address what was felt to have been the limited approach adopted by the previous government in terms of the education system for children and young people with SEND.  Focussing on the Phase Two Investment Programme, it was pointed out this had been based on the use £10.6m from the Government's High Needs Capital Grant with the aim of creating 212 additional specialist places and in seeking to reduce reliance on costly out-of-borough placements in an effort to save the Council over £4m annually as well as £1.3m annually in terms of the cost of SEN transport provision.  Members were pleased to note that the programme outlined included reference to the Strathcona Road site with the proposals aimed at securing the site's future whilst providing 50 new SEND school places in a way that would not only continue the commitment to enhance local SEND provision but would also make use of an otherwise dormant  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

This report seeks agreement to the proposed admission arrangements for Brent community schools and schemes of co-ordination for 2027-28 in accordance with statutory requirements with Admission authorities required to determine their admission arrangements by 28 February in the determination year.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To agree (“determine”) the proposed admission arrangements for Brent community schools and schemes of co-ordination for all maintained schools and academies in Brent for the 2027/2028 academic year as detailed within Appendices 1 and 2 of the report.

(2)       To note the scheme of co-ordination in place for the 2027-2028 offer year for co-ordinated applications to start school in years Reception, 3, 7 and 10.

(3)       To note that the determined admission arrangements for 2025-26, 2026-27 and 2027-28 will be updated in April 2026 to change the name of Malorees Infant School to Malorees Primary School following the amalgamation of the Malorees Infant and Junior schools.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 26 January 2026

Councillor Grahl (Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education & Employment) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Children, Young People and Community Development outlining the proposed admission arrangements for Brent Community schools and Schemes of Coordination for 2027-28 (as set out within Appendices 1 & 2 of the report) which required determination and approval by the Admission Authority, in accordance with statutory requirements and timescales.

In presenting the report, Councillor Grahl advised members that the key aim within the proposed admission arrangements and schemes of co-ordination remained to ensure that every child in Brent had the opportunity to access high-quality education as a means of establishing the foundation for their future success and wellbeing.  In recognising the financial challenges being experienced by many schools in relation to falling pupil numbers and increased demand for SEND provision the establishment of effective admission arrangements was therefore recognised as more than an administrative requirement, with the need for a clear, stable and transparent process regarded as key in ensuring places continued to be allocated in a fair way enabling the needs of young people and their families to be prioritised and addressed.

Officers and schools were thanked for their support to ensure that the approach established enabled children from all backgrounds across the borough to have access to local schools with members advised the arrangements outlined remained consistent with previous years, subject to minor drafting changes and an adjustment in relation to an increase in the Published Admission Number at Anson Primary School from 52 to 56 places on order to support the school’s sustainability.  In addition, members were advised that as part of the continued approach towards fairness and transparency the scheme also included additional clarity around the resolution of parental disputes.

In welcoming the transparent nature of the arrangements, given the importance and impact of the school admission process on families and young people, members commended what they felt to be the thorough and fair nature of the proposals outlined along with delivery of the commitment made to avoid the need for school closure in seeking to forward plan and manage demand for school places, across Brent compared to the approach across other parts of London.

In support of the fair and transparent nature of the approach outlined, Cabinet therefore RESOLVED:

(1)       To agree (“determine”) the proposed admission arrangements for Brent community schools and schemes of co-ordination for all maintained schools and academies in Brent for the 2027/2028 academic year as detailed within Appendices 1 and 2 of the report.

(2)       To note the scheme of co-ordination in place for the 2027-2028 offer year for co-ordinated applications to start school in years Reception, 3, 7 and 10.

(3)       To note that the determined admission arrangements for 2025-26, 2026-27 and 2027-28 will be updated in April 2026 to change the name of Malorees Infant School to Malorees Primary School following the amalgamation of the Malorees Infant and Junior schools.

This report seeks approval to enter preferred bidder stage for the design, build, operate and maintain (DBOM) contract for the South Kilburn District Heat Network (“the SKDHN”) Main Contractor preferred bidder. The report summarises the procurement process undertaken along with the required financial modelling.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To approve the selection of Vital Energi Utilities Limited as the South Kilburn District Heat Network (SKDHN) Main Contractor preferred bidder for the contract value of £37,768,947 following the completion of the Design, Build, Operate and Maintain (DBOM) contractor procurement process set out in the report.

(2)       To approve an increase in the total capital budget for the SKDHN of £36,000,000. The funding for the budget is set out in paragraph 5.3 of the report and includes £12,000,000 of external borrowing.

(3)       To note that there will be a preferred bidder stage as set out in paragraph 3.2.31 of the report following satisfactory completion of the standstill period.

(4)       To delegate authority to the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration in consultation with the Lead Member for Climate Action and Community Power to finalise the contract and toaward the contract to the SKDHN Main Contractor preferred bidder as required by Contract Standing Order 88 following satisfactory completion of the preferred bidder stage.

(5)       To delegate authority to the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, in consultation with the Lead Member for Climate Action and Community Power, forapproval of agreements with off-takers for bulk (building-level) and retail (consumer-level) heat supplied by the SKDHN in perpetuity.

(6)       To delegate authority to the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, in consultation with the Lead Member for Climate Action and Community Power, to change the allocation of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy and Carbon Offset Fund according to available balances.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 26 January 2026

Councillor Rubin (Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Community Action) introduced a report from the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods & Regeneration seeking approval to enter preferred bidder stage for the design, build, operate and maintain (DBOM) contract for the South Kilburn District Heat Network (“the SKDHN”) Main Contractor preferred bidder on the basis of the procurement process undertaken and required financial modelling.

In presenting the report, Councillor Rubin began by highlighting the important milestone the proposal was felt to represent in the delivery of the South Kilburn Regeneration Programme, involving the provision of a council-owned and operated heat network that would provide affordable, reliable and low-carbon heat to residents across the South Kilburn estate.  Whilst committed to tackling the climate emergency, the need to ensure this was undertaken in a way that was fair and affordable had also been recognised with members advised this had been embedded as core principle at the heart of this scheme being presented for consideration.

In support of this approach, members noted the network had been developed on the basis of proven, modern technology and designed to meet high standards, with strong protections in place to ensure reliability and continuity of supply  and in a way that would be able to deliver real reassurance on cost at a time when it was recognised household budgets remained under pressure.  As a result, it was expected that 99% of homes included within the network would have the same or lower energy bills once connected, which it was felt demonstrated an important point in the move to greener, low-carbon heating being delivered without asking people to pay more.

As further assurance, members were advised that the council would retain control over heat tariffs, keeping them fair, transparent and properly regulated, so residents remained protected during the transition.  In addition, it was confirmed that access to the Energy Ombudsman along with clear performance standards would also be built into the contract ensuring the provision of a reliable, good-quality service that offered value for money as opposed to hidden costs.  Alongside the protections built in for residents, the opportunity was also taken to remind members of the significant environmental benefits that would be delivered through the network, with around 980 tonnes of carbon emissions saved every year which it was felt also highlighted the ability to reduce carbon and tackle climate change in a way that was fair, practical and equitable for working people, while supporting the Council’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030.

In commending the scheme, members felt it demonstrated the Council’s clear commitment towards tackling the climate emergency and investment in key local infrastructure, including the use of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy and s106 funding in a way that would be able to deliver affordable low carbon heat for residents in buildings and developments across the network.  Support was also expressed for the way in which the scheme had been developed to provide the necessary protections for those more vulnerable residents and in recognising the ongoing impact on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

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 10:      Proposal for Buckinghamshire Pension Fund to join London CIV – Appendices 1 – 5 (Detailed Proposal, Business Case, LCIV Shareholder Agreement, Shareholder Resolution & LCIV Articles of Association)

These appendices have 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 14:     South Kilburn District Heat Network – Tender Outcome & Financial Model Report – Appendix 1 (Name of contractors)

This appendix 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 in accordance with Standing Order 60.

There were no items of urgent business.

Following on from the update provided within the Q3 Financial Forecast, Councillor Mili Patel (as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources) took the opportunity to remind residents that consultation on the Council’s budget proposals for 2026-27 remained open until 30 January 2026.

It was hoped as many residents, business and local partners as possible would be able to participate in the consultation to ensure their views were shared on the local priorities identified in relation to investment, savings and future operation of the Council in advance of the final budget proposals being presented to Cabinet in February 2026 and then referred on to Council for formal approval.

There were no items of urgent business.

Following on from the update provided within the Q3 Financial Forecast, Councillor Mili Patel (as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources) took the opportunity prior to the meeting ending to remind residents that consultation on the Council’s budget proposals for 2026-27 remained open until 30 January 2026.

It was hoped as many residents, business and local partners as possible would participate in the consultation to ensure their views were shared on the local priorities identified in relation to investment, savings and future operation of the Council in advance of the final budget proposals being presented to Cabinet in February 2026 and then referred on to Council for formal approval.