Agenda, decisions and minutes

Prior to commencing the meeting, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) formally welcomed Councillor Promise Knight back following her return from Maternity Leave.  As a result of the changes introduced to the Cabinet Portfolios earlier in the year, the Leader advised that Councillor Knight would be returning as the newly established Cabinet Member for Customer Experience, Resident Support and Culture with Councillor Donnelly-Jackson continuing as Cabinet Member for Housing.  Members noted these changes would be formally taking effect immediately following the Cabinet meeting.

The opportunity was also taken to thank Councillor Donnelly-Jackson for the work undertaken and support in covering Councillor Knight’s portfolio, pending her return from maternity leave.

In addition, the Leader also took the opportunity to express his condolences to all members of the community across Brent either directly or indirectly affected by the tragic loss of life as a result of the crash of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad.   In recognising the impact across communities within Brent, all those present at the meeting were invited to join the Leader in observing a moments silence in remembrance of those who had lost their lives and affected by the tragedy

All present at the meeting then stood to join the Leader in observing a moments silence.

Moving on to formally open the meeting, apologies for absence were received from Nigel Chapman (Corporate Director Children, Young People & Community Development) with Kibibi Octave (Director Community Development) attending as his representative.

Prior to commencing the meeting, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) welcomed Councillor Promise Knight back following her return from Maternity Leave.  As a result of the changes introduced to the Cabinet Portfolios earlier in the year, the Leader advised that Councillor Knight would be returning as the newly established Cabinet Member for Customer Experience, Resident Support and Culture with Councillor Donnelly-Jackson continuing as Cabinet Member for Housing.  Members noted these changes would formally take effect immediately following the Cabinet meeting.

The opportunity was also taken to thank Councillor Donnelly-Jackson for the work undertaken and support in covering Councillor Knight’s portfolio, pending her return from maternity leave.

In addition, the Leader also took the opportunity to express his condolences to all members of the community across Brent either directly or indirectly affected by the tragic loss of life as a result of the crash of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad.   In recognising the impact across Brent, all those present at the meeting were invited to join the Leader in observing a moments silence in remembrance of those who had lost their lives and been affected by the tragedy.

All present at the meeting then stood to join the Leader in observing a moments silence.

Moving on to formally open the meeting, apologies for absence were received from Nigel Chapman (Corporate Director Children, Young People & Community Development) with Kibibi Octave (Director Community Development) attending as his representative.

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

The following personal interest was declared in relation to Agenda Item 7 (Future of Bridge Park Leisure Centre):

·             Councillor Farah – as a member and regular user of Bridge Park Leisure Centre.

No other declarations of interest were made during the meeting.

The following personal interest was declared in relation to Agenda Item 7 (Future of Bridge Park Leisure Centre):

·             Councillor Farah – as a member and regular user of Bridge Park Leisure Centre.

No other declarations of interest were made during the meeting.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 19 May 2025 as a correct record.

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 19 May 2025 be approved as a correct record of the meeting.

Cabinet RESOLVED that that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 19 May 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 provides an update regarding progress on the development of the new leisure centre at Bridge Park, proposals for closing the existing Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre and outcomes from the recent public consultation on the emerging plans for the Hillside Corridor Masterplan, including the Bridge Park site as well as outlining amendments required to the current Conditional Land Sale Agreement (CLSA).

Prior to considering the report, Cabinet noted the comments made by Vengeance (representing the London Roller Derby league) who had requested to speak regarding the impact the proposed closure of Bridge Park Leisure Centre would have on that organisation as a current user of the Leisure Centre.  In addressing Cabinet, the opportunity was taken to outline the background to the Roller Derby League and way in which the sport was played.  Members were advised of the way in which the league operated in an open, inclusive and democratic way along with their commitment to empowering women, those non marginalised genders and the LGBTQ+ community through sport.  The league had been established in 2006 as the first in the UK and, as a member of the Women Flat Track Roller Derby Association (which included other teams from across the world), continued to be a driving force in the establishment of the sport across the UK and Europe with an international fan base and world class athletes using Bridge Park Leisure Centre as a training base to compete internationally.

Referring to the leagues current use of the Leisure Centre involving bookings for over 300 hours per year, the lack of suitable alternative training space was highlighted as a concern should the decision be made to close the Centre.  Whilst recognising the challenges in terms of the current sustainability of the facilities available at the Centre, it was highlighted that the league stood in support of the Save Bridge Park Campaign and opposition to its closure but requested that should the decision be made to proceed, the Council support them (having outlined the specification required including the need for a facility with a solid floor) in seeking suitable alternative provision so they could continue operating and for which, it was pointed out, they would be grateful for any assistance available.

In response, Councillor Nerva (as Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health & Leisure) began by thanking Vengeance for the informative nature of her comments and advised (without seeking to prejudice any decision made by Cabinet) that should the decision be made to proceed with closure of the Leisure Centre the Council would continue to support the league in seeking a suitable alternative venue, recognising the discussions already undertaken on the specification required.  The league was also thanked for the frankness expressed regarding the current state of repair of the existing facilities at the Leisure Centre which it was pointed out had also formed the basis for the recommended approach towards the provision of new sport facilities on the site.

Following on, Councillor Benea (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property) also took the opportunity to thank Vengeance for the representations made on behalf of the London Roller Derby league.  Highlighting the current unsustainable nature of conditions at the existing facility which needed to be addressed, she also confirmed the Council’s ongoing commitment to work with the league in seeking suitable alternative provision should the decision be made to proceed with the closure  ...  view the full decision text for item 7.

Prior to considering the report, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) welcomed Vengeance (representing the London Roller Derby league) to the meeting whom he advised had requested to speak regarding the impact the proposed closure of Bridge Park Leisure Centre would have on that organisation as a current user of the Leisure Centre.

In addressing Cabinet, the opportunity was taken by Vengeance (speaking using her Roller Derby name) to outline the background to the Roller Derby League and way in which the sport was played.  Members were advised of the way the league operated in an open, inclusive and democratic manner along with their commitment to empowering women, those marginalised genders and the LGBTQ+ community through sport.  The league had been established in 2006 as the first in the UK and, as a member of the Women Flat Track Roller Derby Association (which included teams from across the world), continued to be a driving force in the establishment of the sport across the UK and Europe with an international fan base and world class athletes using Bridge Park Leisure Centre as a training base to compete internationally.

Referring to the leagues current use of the Leisure Centre involving bookings for over 300 hours per year, the lack of suitable alternative training space was highlighted as a concern should the decision be made to close the Centre.  Whilst recognising the challenges in terms of the current sustainability of the facilities available at the Centre, it was highlighted that the league stood in support of the Save Bridge Park Campaign and opposition to its closure but requested that should the decision be made to proceed, the Council support them (having outlined the specification required including the need for a facility with a solid floor) in seeking suitable alternative provision so they could continue operating and for which, it was pointed out, they would be grateful for any assistance available.

As a brief response in advance of consideration of the main report, Councillor Nerva (as Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health & Leisure) began by thanking Vengeance for the informative nature of her comments and advised (without seeking to prejudice any decision made by Cabinet) that should the decision be made to proceed with closure of the Leisure Centre, the Council would continue to support the league in seeking a suitable alternative venue, recognising the discussions already undertaken on the specification required.  The league was also thanked for the frankness expressed regarding the current state of repair of the existing facilities at the Leisure Centre, which it was pointed out had also formed the basis for the recommended approach towards the provision of new sport facilities on the site.

Following on, Councillor Benea (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property) also took the opportunity to thank Vengeance for the representations made on behalf of the London Roller Derby league.  Highlighting the current unsustainable nature of conditions at the existing facility which needed to be addressed, she also confirmed the Council’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

This report seeks approval to an updated process to determine NCIL allocations for financial year 2025-26.

Cabinet RESOLVED

(1)        To approve the administration process for NCIL funding for financial year 2025/26 as outlined in section 7 of the report.

(2)        To approve the requirement that all NCIL funded projects must demonstrate contribution to the neighbourhood priorities outlined in section 4 of the report.

(3)        To approve option 1 (as outlined in section 6 of the report) – a borough wide model for the distribution of funding in 2025/26.

(4)        To approve that a cap on the total funding allocation available for any individual project or programme of work would not be applied (other than not exceeding the total available funding pot).

(5)        To note the proposed timeframes in the process as detailed in section 7 of the report have been significantly streamlined compared to previous years and as such the potential risk of slippage.

(6)        To note the proposed approach to building appropriate communication / promotional material around projects to demonstrate they are funded via NCIL (Council) as set in section 13 of the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 23 June 25

Councillor Rubin (Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Community Power) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Service Reform and Strategy seeking approval to the updated process developed to determine NCIL allocations for financial year 2025-26.

In presenting the report, Cabinet were advised that the proposals detailed a streamlined approach to the allocation Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding for 2025-2026 seeking to not only build on neighbourhood priorities but also accelerate project delivery, improve flexibility, and ensure alignment with strategic borough-wide objectives.  In recognising the role of NCIL as a vital mechanism to ensure communities across Brent were able to benefit directly from the range of development happening throughout the borough, members were advised that the recommended approach involved a shift from the previous ward-based allocations to a more flexible borough-wide model, which was felt to offer the greatest flexibility to meet needs and priorities across Brent.  It was pointed out the approach had also been designed to provide a less complex method of distribution, providing equal opportunity for communities across the borough to access funding whilst taking into account the cumulative impacts of development across different areas.

Although mindful of the need to ensure projects were prioritised and allocated in a way that would avoid specific areas being disproportionately advantaged or disadvantaged, the proposed removal of the cap on total funding for individual projects also included within the revised approach had, it was pointed out, been designed to enable delivery of larger, higher-impact projects than could deliver real change.  As a further rationale supporting introduction of a more streamlined process, members were advised of the way it had also been designed to support urgent investment in key physical infrastructure whilst remaining aligned with existing neighbourhood and Brent Connects priorities and contributing to wider Borough Plan objectives.  Under the revised process, NCIL projects would also be expected to contribute to reducing pressure on council revenue budgets, helping protect vital services for the most vulnerable residents.

To ensure delivery of the approach outlined, members were advised that officers would also be seeking to proactively engage with councillors at an earlier stage in the process to identify initiatives that would have the greatest impact, guided by data including resident complaints, member enquiries, and the Brent Social Progress Index.  This would also be supported by a process of improved communication around NCIL-funded projects so that residents were able to understand how the funds being allocated would be able to translate into tangible improvements within their neighbourhoods in a fair and more flexible manner.

In support of the more streamlined approach outlined within the report, Cabinet welcomed what they recognised to be the less complex and more transparent process along with the earlier engagement with local ward councillors.  Members also commended the move towards what was felt to be a fairer and more flexible approach to the distribution of NCIL funds which, whilst continuing to be informed by community priorities (including crime and safety, active travel, public realm and seeking to address wider  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

This report details the Council’s performance in the last quarter of 2024-25, through the Borough Plan performance scorecard and updates against key activities for delivering its priorities and outcomes.

(Agenda republished to include an updated version the performance scorecard (Appendix A) on 13 June 2025)

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To note the Borough Plan 2024-25 performance reporting for Q4 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 23 June 25

Councillor Rubin (Cabinet Member for Climate Action & Community Power) introduced a report from the Corporate Director of Service Reform & Strategy, which provided Cabinet with an overview of corporate performance in Quarter 4 2024-25.

In presenting the report, Cabinet noted that the performance monitoring update provided a detailed assessment against the full suite of Key Performance Indicators developed to monitor delivery of the desired outcomes and corporate priorities within the new Borough Plan 2023-2027 focussed around the delivery of prosperity, sustainability, and thriving communities across Brent.  In terms of a brief overview, members attention was drawn to the 49 Borough Plan key indicators included with the performance scorecard of which 24 had been identified as green (on or above target), 3 as amber (just off target) and 9 as red (off target) with 13 included as contextual information.

In recognising the efforts outlined within the report to focus on performance in the delivery of key services and priorities within the context of the wider financial and demand led challenges faced by services across the local authority, specific reference was made to the positive performance achieved over the latest monitoring period in relation to a number of targets.  These included the provision of job placements secured through Brent Works as well as apprenticeship and in relation to the Council’s environmental objectives, including installation of EV charging points and wider public realm improvements in terms of Category 2 Highway Repairs and the retrofitting of homes for energy efficiency.

Other highlights in terms of performance included School inspection outcomes as well as positive engagement in Brent Youth Parliament and Care Quality Ambassador programmes along with health and community engagement targets (including structured drug and alcohol treatments and reablement service visits) as well as health check outreach.

Whilst keen to acknowledge the achievements outlined, members also recognised the need to avoid complacency with a number of areas identified for improvement.  These included the ongoing challenges in relation to housing void turnarounds and delays in affordable housing completions (which it was noted reflected wider construction and viability issues) although it was noted that the Council remained on course to meet its longer-term target by 2028 boosted by the delivery of an additional 115 properties over the previous week within Alperton.  Other challenges identified included the ongoing impact of the cost-of-living crisis.  Whilst community hubs remained a vital safety net the surge in demand for support from the Resident Support Fund had resulted in processing times remaining high with members welcoming the action and additional resource provided to address the resulting backlog in applications.  Similarly, members also noted the action outlined in relation to addressing Care Act assessment completion times involving review of core systems and supporting IT.

Whilst noting the challenges outlined, members welcomed the performance data provided as a means of providing a clear foundation for action and as a basis for the effective targeting of resources and focus for improvement of services to build a fairer, greener, and more resilient borough.

Highlighting the open  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

This report seeks Cabinet approval to endorse a re-prioritised Black Community Action Plan (BCAP).

Cabinet RESOLVED

(1)        To approve the revised Black Community Action Plan (BCAP), including workstreams, new governance structures and timelines.

(2)        To approve, as requested through the community consultation in November 2024, extending the delivery period by at least 1 year to redress time lost, providing a remaining delivery period of 8 years in total (2025-33)

(3)        To approve that the plan concentrates on delivering the top 5 themes over a 4-year period (2025-29).

(4)        Whilst recognising as an outcome of the community consultation, that “accountability” ranked lower in terms of priority, in line with recommendations made previously during 2024 to approve the creation of an Independent Advisory Steering Group (IASG) with Council representation to help inform officer-led Equity, Diversion and Inclusion work. The purpose of the IASG would be to inform and advise on delivery, attract funding opportunities, and provide assurance and transparency to the community. This would also demonstrate the Council’s commitment to co-design and co-produce activity informed by the community, including local experts and those with lived experience.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 23 June 25

Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Children, Young People & Community Development outling the work undertaken to re-prioritise the Black Community Action Plan (BCAP).

In presenting the report to Cabinet members were reminded of the background and context which had led to the emergence of the Black Community Action Plan as a strategic initiative aimed at addressing systemic issues of racism and inequality within the borough.  In acknowledging the ongoing contribution from community leaders, activists, and residents across the borough who had engaged in development of the original plan, members were advised the opportunity had been taken to pause in order to reflect on the progress made with the revised plan and lessons learnt during the first phase of implementation.

As part of this process, consultation had been undertaken which had identified that whilst the original ten-year delivery plan remained ambitious there was a need to re-prioritise in order to provide a more defined focus on the top five themes over the next four years (2025-29).  As a result, the revised Action Plan presented for consideration had been developed with the aim of being able to deliver more tangible and measurable outcomes that would ensure the work being delivered was better aligned to the key priorities and what mattered most to Black residents and communities across Brent representing a core commitment to both equity and community ownership.

Whilst recognising that accountability ranked lower in priority as an outcome of the consultation process, members were advised the revised Action Plan included more robust governance structures, workstreams and timelines.  Having listened to comments made (and in line with previous recommendations) it was also proposed that an Independent Advisory Steering Group (IASG) be established.  It was intended that the Group would provide consultative support, helping to inform and guide the officer-led Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion work, while also attracting external funding opportunities (recognising the constraints on funding) with its creation also felt to highlight the Council’s commitment to co-design and co-production in order to make sure that the voices of the community remained at the heart of the process.

In commending the revised Action Plan to Cabinet, members were advised of the intention not just to continue as before but to evolve and ensure that its delivery was embedded in council-wide frameworks with the progress made also being transparent and accountable to all communities and designed to provide a lasting impact.

In considering the report, Cabinet welcomed the revised focus within the Action Plan on efforts to address the systemic and structural issues that it was recognised continued to affect the Black community in Brent including the focus on health inequalities, education, employment, and representation and need to engage and challenge external partners such as the Health Service in support of its delivery.

In thanking all those who had engaged in the consultation and review process and recognising the way in which the revised Action Plan had been co-designed in conjunction with individuals and organisations  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

This report provides an update on how the Council is delivering its 2024-2028 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) strategy, Anti-Racism Action Plan and four EDI Board priorities including the actions taken, the challenges that remain, and what comes next.  The report also supports the Council’s obligation under the Public Sector Equality Duty to publish annual information demonstrating how it is complying with the equality duty.

Cabinet RESOLVED

(1)        To endorse the progress made in Year 1 of the EDI Strategy 2024-2028, Anti-Racism Action Plan, and EDI Board priorities.

(2)        To agree that information in the report be turned into public-facing communications materials highlighting Year 1 achievements.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 23 June 25

Councillor Mili Patel (as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources) introduced a report from the Chief Executive providing an update on how the Council was delivering its 2024- 2028 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) strategy, Anti-Racism Action Plan and four EDI Board priorities including the actions taken, the challenges that remained, and future steps.  Members were advised the report also supported the Council’s obligation under the Public Sector Equality Duty to publish annual information demonstrating how it was complying with the equality duty.

In presenting the report Cabinet were advised the strategy and update reflected the Council’s commitment towards building a fairer, more inclusive and equitable borough, recognising its vibrant and diverse nature as an area, along with the clear focus on the work that remained to continue the progress made over the first year of the strategy.  In highlighting the work being undertaken to turn aspirations into action, members noted what was felt to have been the meaningful progress made toward delivering the EDI commitments which it was pointed out had included the launch of the Community Wellbeing Hub at New Horizons, bringing together housing, health, and wellbeing services under one roof; the successful accreditation of 19 venues under the Dementia Friendly Venues Charter and the delivery of over 37,000 books to vulnerable residents through the Home Libraries and Outreach Service. The Brent Schools Race Equality Programme had also successfully engaged 51 schools to tackle disproportionality in education, while nearly 1,000 digital devices had been distributed to residents facing digital exclusion with employment services having also reached out to significant numbers of residents with health conditions in an effort not only to address inequalities but also build opportunity.  Internally, it was noted the council had also introduced mandatory anti-racism and inclusive workplace training, relaunched staff networks, and made progress in closing the gender pay gap.  As such, the update was felt to provide a useful checkpoint in the Council’s EDI journey with a focus on the data required to keep pushing for the necessary change.

Moving forward, however, members remained aware of the work still required to ensure that equity was embedded into everything the Council delivered, ensuring that policies, partnerships, and practices continued to deliver meaningful change for all Brent residents.  This included a focus in seeking to investigate and address disparities in recruitment at senior levels, particularly for Asian applicants, along with trends in terms of pay gaps in relation to disability and ethnicity.

As part of this approach, reference was also made to the importance of community engagement in seeking to ensure that resident voices were embedded into the design and delivery of services.  As examples of this approach, members were reminded of the successful campaign run by care-experienced young people for their status to be recognised as a protected characteristic and the formation of Brent’s first Brazilian community group alongside the refresh of the Black Community Action Plan and establishment of the new Independent Advisory Steering Group co-designed with community representatives which was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

Following the designation of Staples Corner as a strategic Growth Area in Brent’s Local Plan and adoption of a Masterplan vision and framework to support regeneration and development across the area, this report seeks funding to deliver four priority infrastructure projects in Staples Corner to enable regeneration, growth and to benefit local residents, businesses and communities in the area working in partnership with Transport for London and the London Borough of Barnet.

Cabinet RESOLVED to approve up to £2,835,000 Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) to design, plan, construct and maintain the four proposed priority infrastructure projects detailed within the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 23 June 25

Councillor Benea (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration seeking approval, following the designation of Staples Corner as a strategic Growth Area in Brent’s Local Plan and adoption of the accompanying Masterplan vision and framework, to fund the delivery of four priority infrastructure projects in Staples Corner, working in partnership with Transport for London and the London Borough of Barnet.

In introducing the report, Cabinet was advised that approval was being sought for the allocation of up to £2.835m of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funding for the priority infrastructure projects outlined, following adoption of the Staples Corner Masterplan setting out the vision in seeking to transform the area into a high-quality industrial and urban district with new homes, modern workspaces, and better transport connections.  Recognising the momentum built over the last year in terms of the engagement with developers and planning process, members noted the need identified to ensure growth being sought was supported by provision of the necessary infrastructure in order to unlock and enable the required development and also ensure communities were connected in seeking to shape a more sustainable future and turn the vision into reality.

Outlining the four projects being recommended for funding, members were advised these had been designed to remove long standing physical barriers created by the North Circular and Edgware Road, making it safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists to travel across the area.  The proposed works included new at-grade crossings, improved junctions and streetscapes, and upgrades to existing infrastructure such as the footbridge over the A406 which were recognised as key in improving access to Brent Cross West station and Brent Cross Town, enhancing walking and cycling routes and would also lay the foundations for new homes and job opportunities. The inclusion of public realm improvements such as tree planting and wheelchair accessibility was also felt to demonstrate the Council’s commitment to inclusive design and climate conscious investment with the proposals also recognised as contributing towards Borough Plan priorities in relation to prosperity and stability through economic regeneration and to a cleaner, greener future by promoting sustainable travel and improved air quality.

In welcoming the proposals, members were also keen to recognise the strategic nature of the schemes outlined given their ability to unlock development potential while supporting long-term connectivity, active travel, inclusion, and resilience with the use of SCIL also supported as a means of ensuring that regeneration and growth in Brent was directly able to benefit the boroughs residents and specifically (in relation to Staples Corner) helping to shape the area into a place where people could live, work and travel with greater ease and more safety as a result of the core infrastructure being delivered.

Having considered the proposals outlined Cabinet RESOLVED to approve up to £2,835,000 Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) to design, plan, construct and maintain the four proposed priority infrastructure projects detailed within the report.

The purpose of the report is to review and endorse the arrangements for the proposed Cecil Avenue Estate Management Company.

Cabinet RESOLVED

(1)        To endorse arrangements for the proposed Cecil Avenue Estate Management Company, set out at paragraphs 3.4 and 3.5 of the report.

(2)        To approve Brent Council becoming a member of the Cecil Avenue Estate Management Company.

(3)        To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Neighbourhoods & Regeneration to appoint two Council Officers and/or external individuals as Company Directors of the Cecil Avenue Estate Management Company.

(4)        To approve the entering into of a deed of variation to the Overarching Hybrid Development Agreement dated 13^th March 2023 in respect of the Ujima House and Cecil Avenue sites, made between the Council, Wates Construction Limited and Wates Group Limited, to update the Estate Management Company arrangements therein, for the reasons detailed in paragraph 3.4 of the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 23 June 25

Councillor Benea (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration

outlining the proposal to establish a dedicated Estate Management Company (EMC) for the Cecil Avenue redevelopment as part of the broader Wembley Housing Zone (WHZ) regeneration project.

In introducing the report members were advised of the way in which the proposal represented another key milestone in the Council’s regeneration programme for Wembley and mission to build homes, foster community, and deliver lasting public value.  The proposal for which approval was being sought involved establishment of the Cecil Avenue Estate Management Company as a purpose-built, non-profit organisation that would provide seamless, high-quality management as well as embedding long-term stewardship for one of the borough’s most significant regeneration sites creating not just new buildings, but a thriving, safe and well-managed place.

In recognising the progress being made in delivery of the regeneration programme at Cecil Avenue and Ujima House (working in partnership with Wates and the Mayor of London) including the provision of over 290 homes, as well as a new community centre, public courtyard garden, commercial space, and enhanced public realm, members were advised that this remained on track to be completed by 2026.  The establishment of the management company was therefore identified as representing the next stage in delivery of the key long-term management structure with the new company responsible for acting as a central source of estate services, ensuring maintenance, safety, and communal upkeep were consistent and accountable as well as taking on legal responsibility under the Building Safety Act, with a clear governance framework to ensure resident safety was not compromised.  Members were advised that the company would also be expected to run on a financially sustainable basis, with costs recovered through fair service charges, rather than falling on the Housing Revenue Account.  As further assurance, it was pointed out that the Council would serve as a founding member with the intention to eventually take over full ownership and control of the company, securing its long-term influence and accountability as well as establishing mechanisms for resident voices to be heard, with a dedicated residents’ group to engage directly with the managing agent.

In welcoming and supporting the approach outlined, members were keen to recognise the way it served to demonstrate how public-led regeneration could achieve strategic control, financial prudence, and social responsibility in a joined up way whilst also delivering a positive outcome for residents and as part of the wider regeneration programme across the area.  On this basis Cabinet therefore RESOLVED:

(1)       To endorse arrangements for the proposed Cecil Avenue Estate Management Company, set out at paragraphs 3.4 and 3.5 of the report.

(2)       To approve Brent Council becoming a member of the Cecil Avenue Estate Management Company.

(3)       To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Neighbourhoods & Regeneration to appoint two Council Officers and/or external individuals as Company Directors of the Cecil Avenue Estate Management Company.

(4)       To approve the entering into of a deed of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

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.

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

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

There were no items of urgent business.

There were no items of urgent business.