Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Kim Wright (Chief Executive) with Rachel Crossley (Corporate Director Community Health & Wellbeing) acting on her behalf.

Apologies for absence were received from Kim Wright (Chief Executive) with members advised that Rachel Crossley (Corporate Director Community Health & Wellbeing) would be acting on her behalf.

No other apologies for absence were received 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

No declarations of interest were made during the meeting.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 15 January 2025 as a correct record.

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 15 January 2025 be approved as a correct record of the meeting.

Eligible for Call-In: No

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 15 January 2025 be approved as a correct record.

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

None identified.

None identified.

To consider any petitions for which notice has been provided, in accordance with 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.

No petitions were 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 presents the outcome of the consultation process undertaken on proposed changes to the Local Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme 2025-26 and seeks Cabinet approval to recommend the proposed changes to Full Council on 27 February 2025.

In considering the report Cabinet noted the following comments made by Councillor Lorber (who had requested to speak on the item).

Councillor Lorber began his remarks by highlighting the significant impact he felt the proposed changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme would have on local residents already struggling as a result of the cost-of-living crisis. In considering mitigations to the impact of the proposed changes, he suggested that the Universal Credit system should not be used as the basis of the backdating rules for new CTS claims as the system was not felt to work effectively.  In considering the report, Councillor Lorber felt that there had not been enough time to make residents aware of the changes to allow them to make any necessary adjustments, with concerns expressed about the extent and meaningfulness of the consultation process given the preferred option which had been identified as the basis of that process following the initial modelling undertaken.  In highlighting the response provided as part of the consultation by Brent Citizens Advice, Councillor Lorber concluded by urging Cabinet to consider as minimum increasing the level of the financial hardship Support Fund for residents from £1.5m to £3m.

Having noted the representations received, Cabinet RESOLVED to approve and recommend the following changes to the Council Support Scheme for consideration any approval by Full Council on 27 February 2025:

(1)        That the revised Local Council Tax Support (CTS) Scheme for 2025-26 incorporate the following changes: introduce a standard 35% minimum payment for working age households and apply a percentage reduction to each of the income bands. This means all CTS claimants would be expected to contribute a minimum of 35% towards their Council Tax liability. Their CTS would then be calculated based on their income and that would determine which income band they feel into. This would reduce the cost of the scheme by £7.6m with detailed explanations and calculations, number of residents impacted and the proposed weekly reduction in CTS outlined in Appendix A of the report.

(2)        Simplification of the non-dependant charges incorporating two flat rate non-dependant deductions for most households with other adults living in the property, £8 per week for non-dependants “out of work” and £20 per week for non-dependants “in work”. This would remove the need to verify income for non-dependants for CTS claims and reduce the administrative burden. Adopting this proposal would reduce the cost of the scheme by £0.7m with detailed explanation and calculations of the proposed non-dependant deduction, number of households affected and proposed weekly reduction in CTS support outlined within Appendix B of the report.

Technical and administrative changes

(3)        To note that the amendments to CTS scheme would include the Universal Credit notification received from DWP for Council tax, as start date of claim for Council tax reduction if there was entitlement to it.

(4)        To note the alignment of the backdating rules for new CTS claim with the Housing Benefits and Universal Credit regulations i.e. for a maximum of one calendar month.  ...  view the full decision text for item 7.

Prior to considering the report, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) advised that he had accepted a request from Councillor Lorber to speak on the proposals being presented for consideration in relation to the Council Tax Support (CTS) Scheme. In addressing Cabinet, Councillor Lorber began by highlighting the significant impact he felt the proposed changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme would have on local residents already struggling as a result of the cost-of-living crisis. In considering mitigations to the impact of the proposed changes, he suggested that the Universal Credit system should not be used as the basis of the backdating rules for new CTS claims as the system was not felt to work effectively.  Councillor Lorber also felt there had not been enough time to make residents aware of the changes to allow them to make any necessary adjustments, with concerns expressed about the extent and meaningfulness of the consultation process undertaken given the preferred option which had been identified as the basis of that process, following the initial modelling undertaken. In highlighting the responses provided as part of the consultation, including those by Brent Citizens Advice, Councillor Lorber ended by urging Cabinet when considering the proposals and impact locally to consider, as a minimum, increasing the level of the financial hardship Support Fund from £1.5m to £3m.

Having noted the comments and representations made, the Leader then moved on to invite Councillor Donnelly-Jackson (as Cabinet Member for Housing & Resident Services) to introduce the report from the Corporate Director Partnerships, Housing & Resident Services detailing the outcome of the consultation process which had been undertaken on the proposed changes to the Local Council Tax Support Scheme and seeking approval to recommend the final changes outlined to Full Council on 27 February 25 for formal adoption.

In presenting the report, Councillor Donnelly-Jackson began by highlighting the challenging financial context within which the proposals being presented for consideration had needed to be developed involving the Council having to deliver a range of essential demand led services amidst rising costs and growing financial pressures. This had led many local authorities, including Brent, to have to re-evaluate every aspect of spending in order to identify where the greatest efficiencies could be unlocked enabling the Council to achieve more with less.  Whilst recognising that Brent remained in a relatively robust financial position, it was pointed out the Council had still been required to review all areas of spending and deliver significant savings in order to be able to deliver a balanced budget.  The growing costs identified in relation to the current Council Tax Support Scheme had been identified as one of the resulting areas in which it would be possible to make changes that would not only alleviate the administrative burdens of the scheme but also deliver significant cost savings that would enable the Council to continue providing support for other vital services and the most vulnerable residents.

In recognising the important role of the Council Tax Support scheme in supporting many  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

This report sets out the Council’s budget proposals for 2025 - 26.  It also sets out the results of the consultation, scrutiny and equalities processes.  Subject to approval by Cabinet, these will form the basis of the budget to be considered at the Full Council meeting on 27 February 2025.

The report also sets out the overall financial position facing the Council for the medium term and highlights the significant risks, issues and uncertainties.

Cabinet NOTED the following comments made in advance of considering the main report on the Budget & Council Tax 2025-26:

1.     Councillor Conneely, as Chair of the Scrutiny Budget Scrutiny Task Group, summarising the main recommendations from the Task Group in relation to the budget process which had been included as Appendix D to the Budget and Council Tax 2025 - 26 report. In introducing the report, Councillor Conneely began by thanking all members of the Budget Scrutiny Task Group along with everyone else who had participated in the evidence sessions as part of the scrutiny process.  In emphasising the ongoing nature of the financial challenges and pressures faced by the Council, Councillor Conneely reiterated the need for fundamental reform of the current way in which local authorities were funded, given the inadequacy of the existing funding regime.

In outlining the comprehensive nature of the process undertaken by the Task Group in reviewing the budget proposals, it was hoped Cabinet would actively seek to take forward the recommendations made as a result which, it was highlighted, had included a focus on:

·             The impact of the proposed changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme and package of support being provided for more vulnerable residents in seeking to manage the impact, which it was noted the Resource & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee would continue to monitor.

·             The need to review the way in which the use of funding generated through Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy could be maximised to provide optimal community benefit; and

·             The way in which the Council’s commissioning and procurement arrangements could be enhanced to provide greater cost efficiency, value for money and social value.

In concluding, Councillor Conneely once again thanked all those involved for their participation in the Task Group and commended the recommendations made by the Budget Scrutiny Task Group to Cabinet for consideration as part of the budget setting process.

2.     Councillor Lorber who, whilst recognising the financial crisis faced by local government, felt it important to highlight the £150m reserve of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funding held in Brent.  Whilst aware of the restrictions in the permitted use of this funding, Councillor Lorber felt stronger representations needed to be made to the Government in seeking to ease the restrictions and provide greater flexibility and autonomy in how the Council could use this funding given the wider pressures and demands faced by key local services and in addressing what he felt to be the current poor state of the borough.  In closing, he felt the £150m SCIL reserve identified could make a significant contribution towards addressing the issues residents were concerned about and therefore was keen to encourage ongoing lobbying of Government to allow Councils to decide how to spend that money and avoid the need for further cuts to services.

Having noted the comments made by Councillor Lorber and welcoming and supporting the approach taken and recommendations made by the Budget Scrutiny Task Group, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To recommend to Full Council an overall  ...  view the full decision text for item 8.

Prior to consideration of the main report, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) advised that he had agreed various requests to speak in relation to the budget report and proposals.

As an initial contribution Councillor Conneely was invited, as Chair of the Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee and Budget Scrutiny Task Group, to introduce the main findings and recommendations within the Budget Scrutiny Task Group report, which had been included as an appendix to the Budget and Council Tax report. In introducing the report, Councillor Conneely began by thanking all members of the Task Group and everyone else who had participated in the scrutiny process.  In emphasising the ongoing nature of the financial challenges and pressures faced by the Council, Councillor Conneely reiterated the need for fundamental reform of the current way in which local authorities were funded, given what was widely regarded to be the inadequacy of the existing funding regime.

Having outlined the comprehensive nature of the process undertaken by the Task Group in reviewing the budget proposals Cabinet was advised that the key recommendations made had included a focus on:

·             The impact of the proposed changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme and package of support being provided for more vulnerable residents in seeking to manage the impact, which it was noted the Resource & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee would continue to monitor.

·             The need to review the way in which the use of funding generated through Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy could be maximised to provide optimal community benefit; and

·             The way in which the Council’s commissioning and procurement arrangements could be enhanced to provide greater cost efficiency, value for money and social value.

In concluding, Councillor Conneely once again thanked all those involved for their participation in the Task Group and commended the recommendations made by the Budget Scrutiny Task Group to Cabinet for consideration as part of the budget setting process.

In welcoming the contribution from the Scrutiny Budget Task Group, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) commended the thorough nature of the approach and robust challenge undertaken by the Task Group with the recommendations made as a result now subject to active consideration in terms of how they could be taken forward and way in which progress would be reported and monitored by scrutiny.  The Leader thanked all those involved for their contribution as a key part of the budget consultation process.

As a further contribution the Leader then invited Councillor Lorber to speak who took the opportunity, in also recognising the financial crisis faced by local government, to highlight the £150m reserve of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funding held in Brent.  Whilst aware of the restrictions in the permitted use of this funding, Councillor Lorber felt stronger representations needed to be made to the Government in seeking to ease the restrictions and provide greater flexibility and autonomy in how the Council could use this funding given the wider pressures and demands faced by key local services and in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

This report updates Members on Treasury activity for the first half of the financial year 2024/25 (Quarters one and two). 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 Members are asked to note that the report has also been subject to consideration and review by the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee on Wednesday 4 December 2024.

Cabinet RESOLVED

(1)    To note the 2024-25 Mid-Year Treasury report and approve its referral on to Full Council.

(2)    To note that the Council had been fully compliant with the prudential indicators set as part of the annual strategy.

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

Councillor Mili Patel (as 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 2024-25 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 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 for example to offset the increasing financial pressures being experienced within the revenue budget 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’s borrowing balance (as at September 2024) was £791.9m with the decrease in this balance, along with that held in cash investments, reflecting the ongoing approach towards the repayment of loans and investment in the Council’s capital programme in place of additional borrowing.  By prioritising existing cash investments, the Council had also been able to generate an interest income of £3.6m with the Council’s borrowing strategy therefore recognised as continuing to address the key issue of affordability without compromising the longer-term stability of the debt portfolio.

Members welcomed the report and prudent approach being delivered 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 as part of the annual strategy for 2024 – 25 and thanked officers for their support in delivery of the Council’s Treasury Management strategy, Cabinet RESOLVED to note the 2024-25 Mid-Year Treasury report and approve it being referred on to Council, in compliance with CIPFA’s Treasury Management Code of Practice.

This report concerns the procurement of a contract in respect of Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) for children and young people in Brent schools and out-of-borough schools who have speech and language therapy needs identified in section F of their Brent Education Health Care Plan, to Central London Community Healthcare Trust (CLCH) NHS pursuant to the Provider Selection Regime. The report requests authority to award the contract as required by Contract Standing Order 88 and summarises the process undertaken in tendering this contract.

Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the direct award of a contract for the provision of Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) for children and young people in Brent schools, Additionally Resourced Provision and out-of-borough schools (the “Contract”) following the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) process C for an initial period of three (3) years from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2028 with an option to extend by a further one (1) year in the sum of £6,569,499  exclusive of VAT to Central London Community Healthcare Trust NHS (CLCH).

Eligible for call-in: Yes

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

Councillor Grahl (as Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Schools) presented a report from the Corporate Director Children & Young People regarding the procurement of Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) for children and young people in Brent schools and out of borough school placements who had speech and language therapy needs identified within their Education Health Care Plan (ECHP).

In introducing the report, members noted the increasing importance of speech and language therapy provision as part of the support available for children and young people with SEND. Against the background of an increase in the number of children and young people with SEND in the borough, members were advised that the proposed contract award had been designed to include a comprehensive package of support that would not only contribute to improved outcomes, educational attainment and emotional health and wellbeing for children and young people but would also continue to nurture and empower a skilled workforce.  As such, the proposals were seen to not only contribute towards providing children with the best start in life but also the priorities identified in Brent’s SEND strategy in a way that supported the best interests of children and young people.

In recognising the positive nature of the whole system approach outlined in seeking to ensure that children, young people and their families had access to a seamless service and thanking officers for the work undertaken in developing the proposals Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the direct award of a contract for the provision of Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) for children and young people in Brent schools, Additionally Resourced Provision and out-of-borough schools (the “Contract”) following the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) process C for an initial period of three (3) years from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2028 with an option to extend by a further one (1) year in the sum of £6,569,499  exclusive of VAT to Central London Community Healthcare Trust NHS (CLCH).

This report concerns the procurement of Extra Care Housing (ECH) support for six extra care schemes. This report requests approval to invite tenders for the provision of ECH support services that will be split into two contracts or lots to cover the six extra care schemes at Beechwood Court, Harrod Court, Tulsi House (Lot 1); and Rosemary House, Newcroft House and Willow House (Lot 2.

Cabinet RESOLVED

(1)       To approve inviting tenders for the provision of Extra Care Housing (ECH) support services for six extra care schemes split into two contracts/lots on the basis of the pre - tender considerations set out in paragraph 3.4 of the report.

(2)       To approve Officers evaluating the tenders referred to in (1) above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in section (vi) of the table at paragraph 3.4.1 of the report.

(3)       To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Community Health and Wellbeing in consultation with the Lead Member for, Community Health and Wellbeing to award the contract for each of the two lots for the provision of ECH support services for the six extra care schemes for a term of three (3) years with the option to extend by a maximum of two (2) years on a one plus one basis (3+1+1).

Eligible for call-in: Yes

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

Councillor Nerva (as Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health & Leisure) presented a report from the Corporate Director Community Health and Wellbeing regarding the procurement of Extra Care Housing (ECH) support for six extra care schemes. Cabinet was advised the report was seeking approval to invite tenders for the schemes split over two Lots – Beechwood Court, Harrod Court & Tulsi House (Lot 1) and Rosemary House, Newcroft House and Willow House (Lot 2).

In considering the report, Cabinet noted the focus of the schemes in providing essential support for vulnerable adults aged 55 and above, enhancing their health and wellbeing by offering an alternative to traditional care homes with the delivery of core services and tailored support, designed to foster independent living among residents.  In addition, members were advised the scheme would also deliver further benefits in terms of local employment opportunities as well as enhancing community resilience through the fostering of supportive networks in a way that would also support the wider aim of tackling health inequalities by ensuring that all adults with care and support needs were able to access integrated, culturally competent services.

Attention was also drawn to the way in which the approach outlined had been designed to deliver a more efficient approach towards the way in which care was funded, including the utilisation of Housing Benefit to support accommodation costs while providing necessary support.

In recognising how the approach outlined would support the Council’s wider objective in seeking to provide care closer to home and in developing health and social care services that supported individuals, especially those with complex needs, in maintaining independent living and in reducing the likelihood of transitioning to residential care as well as the Council’s wider aspirations in promoting a healthier, more equitable, and unified community Cabinet RESOLVED to:

(1)        Approve inviting tenders for the provision of Extra Care Housing (ECH) support services for six extra care schemes split into two contracts/lots on the basis of the pre - tender considerations set out in paragraph 3.4 of the report.

(2)        Approve Officers evaluating the tenders referred to in (1) above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in section (vi) of the table at paragraph 3.4.1 of the report.

(3)        Delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Community Health and Wellbeing in consultation with the Lead Member for, Community Health and Wellbeing to award the contract for each of the two lots for the provision of ECH support services for the six extra care schemes for a term of three (3) years with the option to extend by a maximum of two (2) years on a one plus one basis (3+1+1).

This report concerns the outcome of the tender for the housing repairs and maintenance contract which expires 31 March 2025. This report requests authority to award contracts as required by Contract Standing Order 88 and summarises the process undertaken in tendering these contracts.

Cabinet RESOLVED

(1)       To approve the award the contract for Lot 1 Responsive Repairs to Wates Property Services Limited for a term of five years plus an option to extend for three years and one further two year extension for the estimated annual value detailed in paragraph 6.1 of the report.

(2)       To approve the award the contract for Lot 2 Planned Works to Wates Property Services Limited for a term of five years plus an option to extend for three years and one further two year extension for the estimated annual value detailed in paragraph 6.1 of the report.

(3)       To approve the award the contract for Lot 3 Voids Repairs to Wates Property Services Limited for a term of five years plus an option to extend for three years and one further two year extension for the estimated annual value detailed in paragraph 6.1 of the report.

(4)       To approve the award the contract for Lot 4 Responsive Repairs to Masher Brothers Limited for a term of five years plus an option to extend for three years and one further two year extension for the estimated annual value detailed in paragraph 6.1 of the report.

(5)       To approve the award the contract for Lot 5 Planned Works to Mears Limited for a term of five years plus an option to extend for three years and one further two year extension for the estimated annual value detailed in paragraph 6.1 of the report.

(6)       To approve the award the contract for Lot 6 Voids Repairs to Greyline Group Limited for a term of five years plus an option to extend for three years and one further two year extension for the estimated annual value detailed in paragraph 6.1 of the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

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

Councillor Donnelly-Jackson (as Cabinet Member for Housing & Resident Services) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Partnerships. Housing & Resident Services detailing the outcome of a procurement exercise for the Housing Repairs & Maintenance contracts and seeking authority to award the new contracts.

In presenting the report, Councillor Donnelly-Jackson began by recognising the importance of the housing repairs and maintenance service for residents across the borough and as part of the Council’s commitment to improving tenant satisfaction measures. Highlighting the role that safe, well maintained and sustainable housing provision played as a foundation of strong and thriving communities members were advised how the proposals for future delivery of the repairs service had been designed to secure these objectives with the new arrangements based around six contracts seeking to utilise a mix of providers, including a framework of local contractors and a handyperson service ensuring competition, accountability, and efficiency.  In seeking to ensure the highest standards of repairs and maintenance were delivered for Council homes across the borough, members noted that development of the approach outlined had been subject to engagement with tenants as well as members (including scrutiny) with the proposed five year term (plus extensions) designed to provide long term stability and confidence that properties would be properly maintained.

In addition to the impact which the overall investment would have in driving up standards, members were also advised of the wider benefits identified in relation to the support being provided for the local economy and businesses as part of the Council’s wider objectives in seeking to leverage contracts as an anchor institution to support the creation and retention of wealth within the borough. As part of this wider approach, it was pointed out that the new arrangements had also included specific commitments to hire Brent based contactors with the aim of providing a faster, more reliable repairs service and priority for the delivery of sustainable practices, including fleet decarbonisation and improved waste management.  The new arrangements had also included a pledge to unlock social value, with all contractors providing a commitment to reinvest in Brent’s communities. As such the approach outlined was felt to represent a transformational step for Brent which sought to not only deliver for local residents but at the same time also strengthen the local economy and protect the environment in a way that took account of views expressed by residents and other stakeholders and also delivered value for money, accountability and a high-quality service.

In welcoming and supporting the approach outlined, members were also keen to commend the way in which the proposals had been designed to address the concerns highlighted by tenants in relation to delivery of the previous repairs and maintenance service whilst also seeking to support the Council’s strategic priorities in relation to Prosperity and Stability in Brent, Community Wealth Building and Thriving Communities. In recognising the more responsive and dynamic nature of the new arrangements, members felt these also represented a positive example of the way in which it was possible to co-produce  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

This report requests approval to invite tenders in respect of the Procurement and Management of Temporary Accommodation in support of the Council’s Housing Association Leasing Scheme (HALS) as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89.

Cabinet RESOLVED

(1)       To approve inviting tenders for Procurement and Management of Temporary Accommodation in support of the Council’s Housing Association Leasing Scheme (HALS) on the basis of the pre - tender considerations set out in paragraph 4.20 of the report.

(2)       To approve Officers evaluating the tenders referred to in (1) above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraph 4.20 of the report.

(3)       To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Partnerships, Housing and Resident Services, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing, to award contracts for Procurement and Management of Temporary Accommodation for an acquisition and management term of 3 years, with an option to extend for up to 2 years, and a further management term of 3 years following expiry of the acquisition and management term.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

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

Councillor Donnelly-Jackson (Cabinet Member for Housing & Resident Services) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Partnerships. Housing & Resident Services seeking approval to invite tenders in respect of the procurement and management of Temporary Accommodation in support of the Council’s Housing Association Leasing Scheme (HALS).

In presenting the report, Councillor Donnelly-Jackson began by highlighting the acute shortage of affordable private rented sector accommodation across London due to the current inflated rental market.  This had impacted directly on Brent’s ability to gain access to private rented properties both within and outside of the borough to support discharge of the Council’s statutory homeless duties with the proposals outlined in the report therefore designed to maintain and expand the availability of stable leased temporary accommodation to meet the growing level of demand in relation to homeless households reducing the reliance on costly and low-quality nightly temporary accommodation. Members also noted the advantage that enhancing the supply of local affordable housing would have in terms of enabling more families to remain in Brent, which was recognised as important not only in addressing long-term housing need but also for reasons relating to the wider access provided to work, school, support networks and health services.

In supporting the overall approach outlined as part of the efforts being made to tackle the housing emergency in the borough, Cabinet RESOLVED to:

(1)        approve inviting tenders for Procurement and Management of Temporary Accommodation in support of the Council’s Housing Association Leasing Scheme (HALS) on the basis of the pre - tender considerations set out in paragraph 4.20 of the report.

(2)        approve Officers evaluating the tenders referred to in (1) above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraph 4.20 of the report.

(3)        delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Partnerships, Housing and Resident Services, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing, to award contracts for Procurement and Management of Temporary Accommodation for an acquisition and management term of 3 years, with an option to extend for up to 2 years, and a further management term of 3 years following expiry of the acquisition and management term.

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.

There were no items of urgent business.

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 12:   Authority to Award Housing Repairs & Maintenance Contracts (Appendix 1 – List of Tenderers)

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 and particular person (including the authority holding that information).”

The press and public will be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as the report to be considered contains the following category of exempt information as specified in Paragraph 6, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, namely:

“Information which reveals that the authority proposes - (a) to give under any enactment a notice under or by virtue of which requirements are imposed on a person; or(b) to make an order or direction under any enactment"

Cabinet RESOLVED that under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Agenda Item 16 on the grounds that it would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6a and 6b, Part 1 of Schedule 12A, as amended, of the Act, namely:

“Information which reveals that the authority proposes: (a) to give under any enactment a notice under or by virtue of which requirements are imposed on a person; or (b) to make an order or direction under any enactment”

The webcast was ended at this stage of the meeting.

At this stage in the meeting, Councillor Muhammed Butt ( as Chair) advised that Cabinet would need to move into closed session to consider the final item on the agenda.

Cabinet therefore RESOLVED that under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting on the grounds that consideration of the final item on the agenda would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6a and 6b, Part 1 of Schedule 12A, as amended, of the Act, namely:

“Information which reveals that the authority proposes: (a) to give under any enactment a notice under or by virtue of which requirements are imposed on a person; or (b) to make an order or direction under any enactment”

The webcast was ended at this stage of the meeting.

This report updates Cabinet on action being taken to address the risk of Anti-Social Behaviour in the Stonebridge area.

(Agenda republished to include item on 6 February 2025)

Having noted the timescales in terms of the project flowchart had been provided on an indicative basis and concern to ensure a process of ongoing engagement with Cabinet was established at key stages in the process, Cabinet RESOLVED

(1)        That officers provide fortnightly project updates for Cabinet members with a further report to be provided on the longer term options identified once that information was available.

(2)        That an amended project flowchart and associated project plan be circulated with updated timelines.

(3)        In noting the update provided, to approve the proposed actions outlined within the report to address the issues and risks identified and funding for the estimated costs as detailed within the report.

Eligible for call-in: No (Call-in waived on the grounds of urgency)

Councillor Donnelly-Jackson (Cabinet Member for Housing & Resident Services) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Partnerships, Housing & Resident Services which updated Cabinet on action being taken to address the risk of anti-social behaviour in the Stonebridge area.

Having considered the update provided and noted that the timescales outlined with the report relating to delivery of the project had been provided on an indicative basis, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        In noting the update provided, to approve the proposed actions outlined within the report to address the issues and risks identified and funding for the estimated costs, as detailed within the report.

(2)        Having noted the concern to ensure a programme of ongoing engagement with Cabinet was established at key stages in the process, that officers provide fortnightly project updates for Cabinet members with a further report to be provided on the longer term options identified once that information was available.

(3)        That an amended project flowchart and associated project plan be circulated with updated timelines.