Agenda and decisions

No apologies for absence were submitted 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 Monday 9 December 2024 as a correct record.

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 9 December 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.

There were no petitions presented at the meeting.

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 provides an update on the Neasden Civic Partnership Programme and seeks Cabinet approval for up to £7.4m Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy capital funding to deliver public realm and highways infrastructure improvements in and around Neasden Town Centre.

In considering the report Cabinet noted the comments made by Councillors Ahmed and Dixon (as local ward councillors for Dollis Hill) in support of the Neasden Civic Partnership Programme.  Highlighting the diversity, history and vibrant nature of Neasden the challenges faced in the area, particularly in relation to social and economic inequalities were also recognised with the proposals and funding (which it was noted included £3.1m in capital grant funding from the Mayor of London and up to £7.4m from Brent’s Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy) outlined within the report therefore welcomed as a means of focussing delivery of a programme of transformative regeneration and sustainable development within Neasden Town Centre that would also, it was felt, enhance the quality of life within the wider area.

In outlining their support for the programme, particular reference was made to the public realm and highways improvements as well as potential to secure wider environmental sustainability which had been identified along with the engagement and collaboration undertaken with local residents, businesses and other key stakeholders in the co-design and development of the Neasden Town Centre Action Plan.  It was noted this would form a key element in delivery of the programme designed to make Neasden a safer, greener and more prosperous area for all.

Consideration of the report was also supported by a presentation from Rumi Bose (Rumi Bose Consultancy) providing an outline of the key elements of the programme and summary of the engagement undertaken to develop the Neasden Town Action Plan.

Having noted the comments made by the local ward councillors and supporting presentation Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To approve up to £7.4m Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy capital funding to deliver public realm and highways infrastructure improvements in and around Neasden Town Centre.

(2)        To note that a range of contracts for consultants and contractors would be required to design, plan and develop the proposed public realm, community programming and highways improvements for the Neasden Civic Partnership Programme.

(3)        To note and endorses the proposed installation of a temporary building for community use on top of the council-owned car park next to 237 Neasden Lane, subject to obtaining any planning permission and other statutory consents.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Wednesday 22 January 2025

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 2024-25.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To note the new grant funding received in year, the overall financial position and the actions being taken to manage the issues arising as detailed within the Q3 Financial Forecast.

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

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

(4)        To approve the virements set out in section 4.7.13 of the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Wednesday 22 January 2025

This report seeks Cabinet approval to the proposed admission arrangements for Brent community schools and schemes of co-ordination for 2026-27 in accordance with statutory requirements which require Admission authorities 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 2026/2027 academic year, as detailed within Appendices 1 and 2 of the report.

(2)        To note the scheme of co-ordination which would be in place for the 2026-2027 offer year for co-ordinated applications to start school in years Reception, 3, 7 and 10.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Wednesday 22 January 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:           Neasden Civic Partnership Programme - Appendix 2 (Programme project costs) & Appendix 3 (GLA Funding Agreement).

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.