Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Perrin and Mahmood.

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

None.

To hear any deputations received from members of the public in accordance with Standing Order 67.

None.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 27 January 2021 as a correct record.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 27 January 2021 be approved as a correct record.

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

None.

To receive the new Borough Plan 2021-22, key council strategies and plans and related delivery plans including:

a)    Borough Plan 2021-22

b)    Brent Transport Strategies

c)    Social Value Policy and Ethical Procurement

Councillor McLennan, as Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources

introduced a report on the progress on the Borough Plan 2020/21, the Borough Plan 2021/22 and the Council’s policy framework.

Shazia Hussain, Assistant Chief Executive then gave a presentation on the Borough Plan 2021/22 and the key supporting strategies and plans and specifically the Poverty Commission, the Equality Strategy, the Black Community Action Plan and the Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy. She advised that the Borough Plan was developed within the changed local, regional and national context including the impacts of the global pandemic and other pressing challenges affecting a range of service and policy areas such as the climate emergency and the housing crisis. The Borough Plan would have five overarching strategic themes with desired outcomes and actions that would run for the entirety of the plan and form the basis of its delivery. She assured members that detailed delivery plans were in place for each of the supporting strategies and plans and that all were supported by performance measures and key indicators that were linked to other Council strategies and service plans. She advised that refocused performance reporting was being developed alongside this and new reports would be presented on a quarterly basis to Cabinet and the Scrutiny Committees.

The Committee was then invited to raise questions on the updates provided, which

focused on a number of key areas as highlighted below:

• It was noted that corporate and departmental strategies were refreshed at different times and some, such as the Financial Inclusion Strategy 2015, Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2014-17 and Housing Strategy 2009-14, were currently being reviewed.
• In response to a question regarding the delivery of corporate and departmental strategies, it was noted that they were developed and managed on a departmental basis, reviewed regularly and subject to member scrutiny. The successful delivery of the Borough Plan was subject to the successful delivery of these strategies.
• It was noted that the new performance framework was being developed with a number of principles in mind. Progress on activity would be monitored using key performance indicators and corporate performance reports to ensure that the leadership be assured of delivery with proportionate and meaningful performance measures including the use of ‘journey’ indicators to demonstrate progression to long-term aims.
• In response to a question regarding measuring the performance of poverty reduction actions, it was noted that a number of the key indicators included in the performance framework would feed into the overall picture of poverty in the borough. Members suggested that the national measures of relative and absolute poverty be taken into consideration when measuring poverty levels across the borough.
• Whilst it was recognised that more work needed to be done to ensure residents did not litter, it was noted that Community Clean-Ups and Skips were important initiatives that encouraged community participation and awareness.
• In response to a question regarding the level of funding for environment-related services, it was explained that social value could be used as a means of helping to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To review the implementation of the Air Quality Task Group scrutiny report and recommendations.

It was agreed that this item be taken before item 7 on the agenda.

The Committee was invited to raise questions on the report, which focused on a number of key areas as highlighted below:

·         It was noted that a number of funding sources were being considered for infrastructure projects to promote sustainable travel. This included the use of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy, which would provide grant funding for community-led projects related to sustainable travel. Members encouraged officers to look to improve existing infrastructure as well as building new infrastructure.

·         While the safety of children on School Streets had not been raised as a London-wide issue, members concerns on this matter were noted. Members were assured that discussions would take place on how to ensure children felt safe on these roads and it was noted that funding had been received to install cameras on a number of Schools Streets in the borough.

·         In response to a question regarding through traffic to the North Circular Road, it was noted that the Healthy Neighbourhood scheme sought to divert through traffic away from residential areas and as such reduce carbon levels in these areas. It was recognised that this was a long-term ambition and traffic levels in these areas may increase in the short-term.

·         In response to a question regarding the benefits of the Healthy Neighbourhood scheme, it was noted that the Lead Member for Regeneration, Property and Planning had received a number of representations from residents who felt much safer walking and cycling in these areas. It was also hoped that air quality would increase and congestion be reduced in these areas. It was recognised that some residents were not happy with the scheme, and members were assured that if the trials were not successful they could be amended or removed.

·         It was noted that air quality in those areas designated as Healthy Neighbourhoods, Low-Traffic Neighbourhoods or School Streets was being monitored and would be evaluated. This would involve cross-comparisons would other boroughs and an understanding of the relevant mitigating factors. All data would be shared with the Committee and published online at when available.

To receive a report on the council’s performance in the second and third quarters of 2020/21, focussing primarily on the Borough Plan; Building a Better Brent (2019-2023), and its priorities.

Councillor McLennan, as Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources

introduced a report on the Council’s corporate performance in the second and third quarters of 2020/21. The content of the report focused primarily on the Borough Plan, Building a Better Brent (2019-2023) and its priorities.

The Committee was invited to raise questions on the report, which focused on a number of key areas as highlighted below:

• In response to a question regarding delays in the construction of affordable homes during the pandemic, members were assured that the Council were not significantly behind their house building targets. It was noted that around 255 families had now moved into those homes already constructed.
• Regarding the void process, members were assured that the target re-let time for properties with major works of 72 was achievable. A voids task force had been established and would be chaired by the Operational Director in order to identify and address the issues affecting voids turnaround times. A new accountability process had also been identified, with one officer now responsible for all voids.
• In response to a question regarding accountability for those contractors that were not performing as expected, it was noted any contract was subject to a set of required targets. Should these targets fail to be met, the Council would take measures to improve performance and, if necessary, impose penalties. Members suggested that details of the measures taken be included in future performance reports.
• It was noted that the third quarter saw a further decline in the performance of Category 2 highways defects repaired on time. The contractor reported staff shortages when a number of teams had to self-isolate, but the backlog caused by these absences had been addressed and it was likely that performance would improve. It was explained that some highways services would be taken in-house over the coming months, which it was hoped would improve performance.

To receive a report on the progress of implementing key council strategies, including the Policy Framework and the status of recommendations made by the Committee.

The Scrutiny Recommendation Tracker table, which tracks the progress of recommendations made by the Committee, was noted.

To review the implementation of the Brent Poverty Commission recommendations as agreed by Cabinet.

It was RESOLVED that this item be deferred until the next meeting of the Committee.

To review the Forward Plan of Key Decisions and to consider any issues that may be considered by the Committee.

The Forward Plan of Key Decisions was noted.

Notice of items to be raised under this heading must be given in writing to the Head of Executive and Member Services or his representative before the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 60.

None.