Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Conneely and Miller.

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.

Councillors Long, Johnson and Shah declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 7 as they were members of the Redefining Local Services Working Group.

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 10 May 2021 as a correct record.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 10 May 2021 be approved as a correct record.

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

It was agreed that the Item 8 would be taken after Item 5 on the agenda.

Councillor Mashari, as Chair, introduced the topical item discussion on the safety concerns at Wembley Stadium in light of the scenes at the EURO 2020 Final. The Committee was then invited to raise questions on the topical item, which focused on a number of key areas as highlighted below:

·         It was noted that the Council was responsible for a range of functions before, during and after an event at Wembley Stadium. This included street cleaning and litter collection, parking enforcement, stadium safety inspections, highways control, upholding public protection orders, liaising with local businesses, brand protection work and public health measures.

·         Regarding the typical Council-led safety arrangements on event days at Wembley Stadium, it was explained that officers would monitor the stadium’s arrangements on the morning of an event, including the effectiveness of various arrangements to control crowds. As the event neared, officers would be present at the entrances to the stadium to ensure relevant safety arrangements were being undertaken safely and effectively. Once the event began, officers would monitor how attendees interacted within the stadium and how this was being managed by stewards. After the event, officers would work closely with its partners to ensure a safe flow of attendees out of the stadium.

·         It was noted that the Football Association (FA), UEFA and the Metropolitan Police would all be undertaking separate reviews into what happened during the EURO 2020 Final. Partners would need time to understand the circumstances around the event and, as such, it was too early to give a view on what went wrong. A Safety Advisory Group (SAG) meeting would be convened on 20 July 2021 in which relevant partners would meet to discuss the event. Members were assured that relevant scrutiny would be undertaken at the appropriate time.

·         The Council’s operational plan for event days was signed off by the Operational Director, Environment and shared with the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council. Partners had their own operational plans which would contribute to the wider event day operation.

·         In response to a question regarding alcohol consumption on event days, it was noted that Wembley Stadium was licensed to sell alcohol as soon as it opens for an event.

·         The number of officers on duty at an event was determined by the risk categorisation of the event. The risk categorisation was determined by local partners and informed any decision on stewarding and policing. It was noted that there were more stewards present for the EURO 2020 Final than any other match during the tournament.

·         In response to a question regarding emergency assistance at Wembley Stadium, it was noted that any injured person would receive immediate medical assistance. Should a serious injury take place within the stadium’s parameters, a review would be undertaken to ascertain the circumstances of the injury and the effectiveness of the response.

Following the discussion it was RESOLVED:

1.    That it be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To receive a report on the provision and deployment of CCTV within Brent.

Councillor Knight, Lead Member for Community Safety and Engagement, and Colin Wilderspin, Community Safety Manager, introduced a report on the provision and deployment of CCTV within Brent. The report presented information on the location of static CCTV cameras, the process for reviewing locations of cameras, the impact on savings, partnership work and the potential use of strategic CIL and other resources to fund further infrastructure.

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

·         It was noted that the current CCTV strategy was agreed in 2015. A revised strategy was set to be agreed in 2022, and work would begin in September 2021 to establish it. The main issues to be addressed in the revised strategy would be around integration and partnership working. The Committee was assured that the Council maintained strong working relationships with relevant partners such as the police.

·         In relation to the utilisation of CCTV data, it was noted that most of the data was comparable now to what it was in 2015, although there had been a slight reduction in crime during that time. In terms of CCTV outcomes, it was noted that whilst the Council was informed of the result of high-level investigations, it was not routine for the police to share all outcomes of successful prosecutions.

·         Regarding the integration of CCTV owned by Housing Associations into the borough CCTV Control Room, it was noted that a number of large Housing Associations had been engaged with to explore the possibility of such an integration. Conversations had been held with CCTV maintenance providers to ascertain the cost of integration, however it was apparent that some Housing Associations used older systems which would be costly to operate or may not be compatible. Further conversations were due to be held in September 2021.

·         It was noted that CCTV at Brent Civic Centre was run by Facilities Management and fed directly into a security room at the Civic Centre rather than the borough CCTV Control Room. Regarding CCTV provision at libraries, it was noted that each library had their own provision.

·         Community Protection were exploring wider uses for the borough CCTV Control Room and an options paper was being developed for Autumn/Winter 2021 for consideration as part of the revised strategy. The team were keen to explore the possibility of generating income to support its running costs and widening the integration approach.

·         It was noted that static cameras were placed in areas of high crime and anti-social behaviour, as well as areas of high footfall. Crimes were still committed in those areas with static cameras, and as such they were deemed an effected means of detection. Static cameras were also generally of a better quality and led to better outcomes.

·         It was noted that deployable CCTV units were regularly moved around the borough to target specific hotspots of anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and other community safety issues. Deployment was reviewed on a monthly basis depending  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To receive a report on the final delivery model for the Redefining Local Services (RLS) programme ahead of its Cabinet approval in August.

Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Lead Member for Environment, introduced a report on the final delivery model for the Redefining Local Services (RLS) programme ahead of its Cabinet approval in August. The report presented both the result of a consultation on delivery model options for how the services in the scope of the programme would be commissioned and delivered, as well as the proposed overarching RLS delivery model.

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

·         A question was raised regarding the key opportunities for aligning the provision of the Special Needs Transport (SNT) Inter-Authority Agreement with Harrow Council with the RLS programme. It was noted that this related to the opportunity to relocate busses from Harrow to Brent depots to reduce journey time and running costs, and the coordinated management of a council-owned fleet should the RLS programme lead to more insourcing in the future.

·         Commercial and business waste collections are included in the Public Realm contract and the proposed competitive dialogue process  will help us identify the best solution for this sector. 

·         In response to a question regarding fleet procurement, it was noted that all options were under consideration, including the use of electric vehicles, which would take into account both the economic and environmental priorities of the Council. Regarding the procurement of a waste and recycling fleet specifically, it was explained that all companies engaged with would prefer the Council to purchase the fleet, with the contractor to specify, procure and maintain the fleet at their own risk. This was largely due to the favourable borrowing rates in the public sector compared to the private sector. There was no operational need to replace the SNT fleet because it had only recently been replaced by Harrow Council and complied with all standards.

·         Concerning insourcing, it was noted that the Council had considered this as an alternative delivery model. There were a variety of reasons as to why this was not deemed suitable, including financial viability. The additional recurring revenue cost above current budgets was estimated as over £11 million and, while it would enable a fully integrated neighbourhood delivery, it was considered unaffordable given the Council’s current and predicted finances.

·         It was noted that a clean and green environment was a key priority for the RLS programme and every opportunity was being explored to ensure that future services and depot arrangements were aligned to the Council’s commitments to tackle the climate emergency, air pollution, waste and enhance green spaces and biodiversity.

·         In response to a question regarding local employment, it was noted that the RLS programme would deliver better Social Value outcomes via the Council’s Social and Ethical Procurement Policy including opportunities for local suppliers and jobs for local people.

·         It was noted that three out of 19 invited individuals attended the residents and service users’ focus group session in the evening of 16June 2021, which was run by officers and attended  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To receive a report on the Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee Work Plan 2021-22.

It was RESOLVED that the Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee Work Plan 2021-22 be agreed.

To receive a report on the establishment of a scrutiny task group to consider the Cabinet’s budget proposals for 2022/23.

It was RESOLVED that a Budget Scrutiny Task Group be established with the following members: 

          (i).        Councillor Mashari

         (ii).        Councillor Kansagra

        (iii).        Councillor Ketan Sheth

       (iv).        Councillor Thakkar

         (v).        Councillor Kabir

       (vi).        Councillor Hylton

      (vii).        Councillor Long

     (viii).        Councillor Georgiou

       (ix).        Councillor Choudhary

         (x).        Councillor Johnson

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 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.

Councillor Hassan raised an issue regarding the recent flooding in Kilburn. She raised concern regarding the effectiveness of communication from the Council to its residents, including the availability of the customer services telephone line. Members agreed to consider the issue of flood management at a later meeting of the Committee.