Agenda and draft minutes

Councillor Conneely (as Chair) welcomed members of the Scrutiny Committee to the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Maurice.

Apologies were also recorded from Councillor Ketan Sheth during 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.

Councillor Kennelly declared a personal interest in respect of Agenda Item 8: Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in Brent noting that he worked for Brent Food Bank, which had received Council grant funding.

Similarly, Councillor Lorber declared a personal interest in respect of Agenda Item 8: Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in Brent, noting that he served as a trustee for a number of charities operating within Brent.

Councillor Long also declared a personal interest in respect of Agenda Item 8: Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in Brent as a member of Brent Mencap and Elders Voice.

Councillor Dixon further declared a personal interest in respect of Agenda Item 8: Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in Brent, noting that she was a trustee of Friends of Gladstone Park.

The Chair also declared a personal interest as she worked at the Brent Centre for Young People, a voluntary organisation within the Borough.

Councillors Kennelly, Lorber, Long, Dixon and Conneely had not sought to take any predisposed position in the consideration of the information item and therefore felt able to consider the matters relating to the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in Brent impartially and without any form of pretermination.

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

No deputations were received at the meeting.

To approve the minutes of the previous meetings as a correct record:

(a)  Wednesday 16 July 2025

(b)  Tuesday 2 September 2025

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meetings held on Wednesday 16 July 2025 and Tuesday 2 September 2025 be approved as a correct record.

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

Order There were no matters arising raised at the meeting.

The Chair agreed to vary the order of business on the agenda to enable the Procurement Improvement Programme and Emerging Procurement Strategy (Agenda Item 10) to be considered prior to the Social Value: Draft Policy and Whole-Council Approach Report (Agenda Item 9). The minutes therefore reflect the order in which the items were dealt with at the meeting.

To provide an update on the changes to the Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee’s work programme.

The Chair began by reporting that changes had been made to the scrutiny work programme for the current year. It was noted that the Kerbside Management Task Group Findings report would now be due for consideration at the January 2026 meeting, as the report was currently in the process of being finalised.

The Chair further advised that, following officer requests, the Safer Brent Partnership report had been rescheduled from the January 2026 meeting to the April 2026 meeting. Consequently, the Anti-Social Behaviour item would be brought forward from the April 2026 meeting to the January 2026 meeting.

Having reviewed the work programme report, it was RESOLVED to note the Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee work programme for the 2025/26 Municipal Year.

This report sets out the financial forecast for the General Fund revenue budget, the Housing Revenue Account, the Dedicated Schools Grant and the Capital Programme, as at Quarter 2 2025/26.

Councillor Mili Patel (Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources) was invited to introduce the report relating to the Quarter 2 Financial Forecast 2025-26, which provided a detailed update on the Council’s revenue, capital and reserves position. The report also tracked progress against the Medium-Term Financial Strategy and identified the key pressures driving expenditure. It was noted that, despite the financial challenges, Brent remained on course to develop a balanced budget position following the application of the mitigations set out in the report. It was further highlighted that temporary accommodation and adult social care continued to present significant cost pressures but that these were being managed through targeted action plans. Controls on vacancies as they arose were in place, alongside the use of earmarked reserves. External income and grants continued to support the Council’s spending requirements.

The Committee were further advised that the Government had announced the National Pride in Place Impact Fund, from which Brent had received £1.5 million. In addition, recent announcements had confirmed capital investment into youth housing and environmental priorities.

Having thanked Councillor Mili Patel for introducing the report, the Chair then moved on to invite questions and comments from the Committee in relation to the Quarter 2 Financial Forecast Report 2025-26, with the following comments and issues discussed:

• As an initial query, the Chair questioned the implications of approximately 19% of planned savings targets not being achieved and asked what impact this would have on the Council’s overspend position. In response, Rav Jassar (Deputy Director Corporate and Financial Planning) advised that the report set out the savings delivery tracker, noting that four savings within the tracker were marked as amber. It was explained that this represented delays in implementation rather than non-delivery. By way of example, he referred to the in-house children’s care home, which had not yet opened, and confirmed that this matter had previously been discussed at the Scrutiny Committee. It was further stated that services were expected to put forward mitigating actions where delays or implementation issues arose, and these were monitored as part of the budget monitoring process to assess impact. It was acknowledged that, in some cases, delays could result in an impact that extended into the following financial year and created an overspend. In such circumstances, this would be taken into account when updating the Medium Term Financial Strategy. It was confirmed that an assessment of this had been undertaken as part of the savings review and would be factored into the draft budget scheduled for Cabinet consideration next month.

• Following on from the previous question, the Chair queried whether there was confidence that the four savings identified in the tracker could be delivered within the current financial year or whether there was concern that any might roll over into the next year. In response, Rav Jassar (Deputy Director Corporate and Financial Planning) confirmed that the narrative in the report indicated delays rather than non-delivery. It was stated that the savings would eventually be implemented, although some issues required resolution and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

This report provides an update on the development and support of the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in Brent.  The report provides information on the sector, current VCSE and community grant funding and capacity building support.

Councillor Rubin (Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Community Power) was invited to introduce the report relating to the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in Brent, which provided detailed updates on work to develop and support the VCSE sector in Brent. The report additionally provided information on the sector, current VCSE and community grant funding and capacity building support. The report also noted the initial findings from the recent VCSE Shaping the Future Summit and subsequent steps and initiatives that were planned to further develop and support the sector in line with the Council’s shared vision – ‘‘a thriving, resilient VCSE sector that has the resources, skills and confidence to deliver better outcomes for local communities – supporting individuals, grassroots groups and organisations to build skills, realise goals, and drive aspirations in their neighbourhoods’’. The report also summarised how the Council was responding to the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Corporate Peer Review recommendations in respect of reviewing and strengthening relationships and support for the VCSE sector.

In presenting the report, Councillor Rubin (Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Community Power) emphasised that maintaining a strong and vibrant Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector was of significant importance in delivering many of the administration’s priorities. It was noted that numerous community organisations and charities were sometimes able to engage with residents in ways that the Council could not. It was stated that having a sector that was vibrant, well managed and effectively led was essential. It was noted that the report provided an overview of the current state of the VCSE sector within Brent. Additional context was provided regarding Brent CVS, the organisation utilised by the Council to lead engagement with the voluntary sector. It was confirmed that Brent CVS was currently undergoing a review, with recommendations expected in the near future. These recommendations would inform decisions on the future direction of the organisation.

Having thanked Councillor Rubin (Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Community Power) for introducing the report, the Chair then moved on to invite questions and comments from the Committee in relation to the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in Brent, with the following comments and issues discussed:

• As an initial question, the Chair enquired whether there were any early indications of the recommendations expected within the forthcoming review commissioned by Brent CVS. In response, Rhodri Rowlands (Director of Strategic Commissioning Capacity Building and Engagement) clarified that Brent CVS was a separate entity from the Council. The review and associated report had been commissioned by Brent CVS, with the Council contributing a modest grant to facilitate the review. The rationale for this contribution was the Council’s recognition of the critical role played by Brent CVS and other social infrastructure organisations in advancing the shared vision of a thriving, independent, diverse and vibrant sector. It was confirmed that the full report had not yet been received, but copies were anticipated within weeks. The report was expected to include recommendations for consideration by the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

This report provides an update on the developments following the Procurement Peer Review and the established Procurement Improvement Programme, emerging Procurement Strategy and opportunities arising from adopting a new definition of “local” suppliers and engagement of Brent businesses.

Councillor Rubin (Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Community Power) was invited to introduce the report relating to the Procurement Improvement Programme and Emerging Procurement Strategy, which he advised provided an update on the developments following the Procurement Peer Review and the established Procurement Improvement Programme, emerging Procurement Strategy and opportunities arising from adopting a new definition of “local” suppliers and engagement of Brent businesses.

Having thanked Councillor Rubin (Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Community Power) for introducing the report, the Chair then moved on to invite questions and comments from the Committee in relation to the Procurement Improvement Programme and Emerging Procurement Strategy, with the following comments and issues discussed:

·       As an initial query, members enquired what tangible improvements had been delivered under the Procurement Improvement Programme to date and requested clarification on measurable impacts or key successes achieved. In response, Rhodri Rowlands (Director of Strategic Commissioning Capacity Building and Engagement) reported that the recommendations underpinning the Procurement Improvement Programme were extensive and wide-ranging, forming a substantial programme of work over an extended period. It was confirmed that positive progress had been made. One of the core recommendations was to strengthen the capacity of the procurement function by appointing individuals with the required skills to contribute effectively to the Council’s objectives. This had previously been a significant challenge. New management had been appointed and three new roles established, which had begun to promote improved relationships and enhanced support for services, particularly in relation to key procurements currently underway.

In continuing the response, members were further advised that the programme had prioritised early opportunities to achieve savings and efficiencies. A notable example was the collaboration with Oxygen Finance on the fast-track payments initiative, which encouraged suppliers to adopt early payment terms to support their cash flow. The Council benefitted through discounted invoices, generating income. Since April 2025, this initiative had achieved growth of 111%, contributing approximately £250,000 in income and savings that would not otherwise have been realised. Additional practical improvements included the introduction of tools and resources to support procurement delivery and social value objectives. The “Match My Project” initiative was highlighted as an intentional intervention designed to facilitate engagement between suppliers and community groups by providing a mechanism for suppliers to identify local needs and projects they could support. Members also heard that contract management was identified as a major focus area. 15 key contract managers had completed initial training delivered by a sector best practice organisation. It was emphasised that substantial work remained to improve the contract register and implement segmentation of contracts to enable better resource alignment to those requiring the greatest attention. This approach aimed to strengthen performance, quality, delivery, value for money and social value contributions. A new model had been adopted, and 57 contracts had been processed through an initial pilot, with expansion planned for the new year.

·       Members referred to paragraph 4.9 of the committee report and sought clarification on the relationship between the emerging Procurement Strategy and the Procurement Improvement  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

This report sets out the case for a new approach to social value, rooted in national policy developments and Brent’s local priorities. It proposes a shift from a narrow, procurement-only focus to a whole-council, place-based model that embeds social value in all areas of the council’s work.

At this stage in proceedings, the Committee agreed to apply the guillotine procedure under Standing Order 62(c) in order to extend the meeting for a period of 30 minutes to enable conclusion of the final item and remaining business on the agenda.

Members concern regarding the limited time remaining for consideration of the item on social value was noted given the significance of the issue and substantial financial implications associated with social value.

In continuing, Councillor Rubin (Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Community Power) was invited to introduce the report relating to the Social Value: Draft Policy and Whole-Council Approach, which set out the case for a new approach to social value, rooted in national policy developments and Brent’s local priorities. It proposed a shift from a narrow, procurement-only focus to a whole-council, place-based model that embedded social value in all Council activities. The report also responded to feedback from the Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee (February 2025), Procurement Peer Review (April 2025) and the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge, which highlighted the need for a more consistent, strategic and outcomes-focused approach to social value across the Council.

Having thanked Councillor Rubin (Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Community Power) for introducing the report, the Chair then moved on to invite questions and comments from the Committee in relation to the Social Value: Draft Policy and Whole-Council Approach, with the following comments and issues discussed:

·       As an initial question, members queried the absence of performance data within the report and asked whether detailed data on this matter was available. In response, Rhodri Rowlands (Director of Strategic Commissioning Capacity Building and Engagement) confirmed that the data currently held was more limited and explained that the Council had previously adopted a policy which, at the time of its introduction in 2019-2020, was considered robust on paper and aligned with procurement practices. The inclusion of social value requirements within tendering activities for contracts exceeding £100,000 had been implemented effectively, and the procurement documentation was more robust in this regard. However, the delivery of meaningful social value commitments had been constrained by the adoption of a rigid set of performance measures. This rigidity had limited flexibility in negotiations with suppliers and hindered the incorporation of additional insights and contributions from residents and community groups. It was further noted that other councils and organisations, including the Cooperative Councils Network and the Social Value Portal, had moved away from reliance on nationally prescribed measures. Instead, they had adopted approaches that recognised local priorities and tailored engagement with suppliers to secure long-term legacy commitments through collaborative partnerships, rather than through rigid contractual arrangements.

·       The Chair observed that specific performance data had been requested as part of the report but had not been provided. This had made it difficult to scrutinise gaps or make suggestions for improvement regarding the new social value policy, as the Committee lacked clarity due to the absence of data. In response, Councillor Rubin (Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Community Power) suggested  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

This report presents the scrutiny recommendations tracker for review by the Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee.

The Chair noted that the recommendations tracker had been cleared for the current meeting, as there were no outstanding actions or items to review. It was further confirmed that the tracker would be reviewed again at the beginning of the meeting scheduled for January 2026, ensuring any new recommendations were considered then.

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

None.