Agenda and decisions

No apologies for absence were submmitted at the meeting.

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 Tuesday 12 November as a correct record.

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Tuesday 12 November 2024 be approved as a correct record.

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.

Cabinet NOTED the comments made by Mr Alastair Balfour (as a local resident in Queens Park and lead petitioner) in support of a petition containing over 1,400 signatures requesting that the Council reconsider the Queen’s Park Healthy Neighbourhood proposals given concerns in relation to their design and the engagement process undertaken by MP Smarter Travel.  In introducing the petition, Mr Balfour informed Cabinet that, whilst the proposals would appear to benefit residents in the area, many had experienced disruption caused by the current traffic restrictions and therefore felt the proposals being consulted upon were ill conceived, unfair and would lead to problems being pushed on to less fortunate neighbours in other parts of the ward creating division and potentially creating a risk to the health and safety to the many children attending schools on the boundary roads as a result of displaced traffic, increasing congestion and pollution.

As a result of the concerns raised on the approach adopted, it was felt damage was being caused to the community and trust in the Council which had resulted (since an MP Smarter Travel engagement event at the start of November 24) in the petition being presented having received over 1,400 signatures, a leaflet being produced and delivered to 2,000 residents, a video objecting to the proposals being circulated on social media, and newspapers picking up the story.

Concerns were also raised in relation to the engagement process being undertaken by MP Smarter Travel, which the petitioners felt to be flawed and unreliable.  In terms of specific issues highlighted, the engagement materials were felt to be confusing and to lack technical analysis, with changes to the online questionnaire mid engagement process not having been effectively communicated.  Outlining widespread opposition to the options, including from those who it appeared would benefit from the scheme, Alastair Balfour also queried the focus of MP Smarter Travel’s role on modal shift rather than as traffic management experts, which it was felt had resulted in a lack of clear objectives and indicators of success or failure.  Whilst recognising that the issue was highly complex the petitioners, as a way forward, felt that if Cabinet wished to improve the situation then there was a need to go back to basics with joined up thinking, taking into account all stakeholders. Recognising the budgetary constraints on the Council, Mr Balfour proposed that officers should look to utilise the skills and resources that existed within the community to assist in developing a project roadmap and identifying solutions to ensure transparent engagement and community support in seeking to deliver a healthy neighbourhood scheme that worked for everybody.  In supporting a process of wider engagement and transparent co-operation it was hoped that the Council would be willing to work with the local community to deliver a successful scheme recognising the balance needing to be achieved.

In summing up, Alastair Balfour thanked Councillor Muhammed Butt for the opportunity to address the Cabinet in relation to the petition and for the confirmation it would be considered  ...  view the full decision text for item 5.

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

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

This report introduces the Council’s fifth Infrastructure Funding Statement (IFS), prepared in line with the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Regulations.

Cabinet RESOLVED to note the content of the report and approve the Brent Infrastructure Funding Statement 2023/24, as detailed within Appendix A of the report, for publication on the Council’s website.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 16 December 24

This report seeks Cabinet approval for use of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funding to deliver a new build primary school and enhancements to the South Kilburn Open Space as social infrastructure projects within the South Kilburn Regeneration Programme.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To approve the use of £12.9m of SCIL funding, for the construction of a 1 FE primary school with a nursery and the infrastructure to expand to a 2FE school (including decanting of Carlton Vale Infant school to Kilburn Park Junior school and the associated building works), as part of South Kilburn Regeneration Programme.

(2)        To approve the use of £4.4 m of SCIL funding, for the enhancement of the South Kilburn Open Space, as part of the South Kilburn Regeneration Programme.

(3)        To delegate authority to the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration Planning and Growth to approve the most appropriate procurement process and to approve pre-tender considerations as set out in Contract Standing Order 89 in respect of the procurement of contractors for the development of the new school and improvements to the open space.

(4)        To approve inviting tenders in respect of the procurement of contractors for the development of the new school and improvements to the open space in accordance with Contract Standing Order 88.

(5)        To approve officers evaluating tenders because of the pre-tender considerations referred to in recommendation (3) above.

(6)        To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Neighbourhoods and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet member for Regeneration Planning and Growth, to take all necessary steps to acquire the land at Kilburn Park Junior school for the regeneration of South Kilburn, and thereafter pursue Secretary of State approval to dispose education land for non-educational uses.

(7)        To note that consultants required for design development and procurement of the contractor(s), will be procured using powers delegated to officers under the Constitution.

(8)        To note the indicative time scales, next steps and key risks associated with the delivery of the school and improvements to the open space.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 16 December 24

This report and the performance scorecard (attached as Appendix A) sets out the position on the Council’s performance in Q2 2024-25. The content of the report and scorecard focus on progress in delivering the priorities and outcomes set out in the Council’s Borough Plan 2023-2027: Moving Brent Forward Together.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To note the Borough Plan 2024-25 performance reporting for Q2 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 16 December 24

No items have been identified in advance of the meeting that will require the exclusion of the press and public.

There were no items that required the exclusion of the press or public.

Notice of items to be raised under this heading must be given in writing to the Deputy Director Democratic Services or their representative before the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 60.

There were no items of urgent business.

As this was the final meeting prior to the Christmas and New Year holiday period Councillor Muhammed Butt took the opportunity to thank all members for their support over the year and to wish everyone all the best for the festive season.