Agenda and decisions
Venue: Conference Hall - Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley, HA9 0FJ. View directions
Contact: James Kinsella, Governance Manager Tel: 020 8937 2063; Email: james.kinsella@brent.gov.uk
Note: The press and public are welcome to attend this meeting or alternatively to follow proceedings via the live webcast. The link to follow the meeting is available via the Livestreaming page on the Council and Democracy section of the Council's website or link on the front page of the published meeting agenda.
Media
No. | Item |
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Apologies for Absence Additional documents: Decision: Apologies for absence were received from Kim Wright (Chief Executive) with Rachel Crossley (Corporate Director Community Health & Wellbeing) acting on her behalf. |
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Declarations of Interest 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. Additional documents: Decision: No declarations of interest were made during the meeting |
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Minutes of the Previous Meeting To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 15 January 2025 as a correct record. Additional documents: Decision: 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 |
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Matters Arising (if any) To consider any matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting. Additional documents: Decision: None identified. |
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Petitions (if any) 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. Additional documents: Decision: There were no petitions presented at the meeting. |
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Reference of item considered by Scrutiny Committees (if any) To consider any reports referred by either the Community & Wellbeing or Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committees. Additional documents: Decision: There were no items referred from either the Community Wellbeing or Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committees. |
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Review of working age Council Tax Support Scheme for 2025-26 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. Additional documents:
Decision: 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. |
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Budget & Council Tax 2025-26 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. Additional documents:
Decision: 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. |
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Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2024 - 25 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. Additional documents:
Decision: 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) |
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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. Additional documents:
Decision: 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 |
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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. Additional documents: Decision: 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 |
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Authority to Award Housing Repairs and Maintenance Contracts 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. Additional documents:
Decision: 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 |
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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. Additional documents:
Decision: 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 |
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Any other urgent business 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. Additional documents: Decision: There were no items of urgent business. |
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Exclusion of Press and Public 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" Additional documents: Decision: 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. |
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Addressing the risk of Anti Social Behaviour in the Stonebridge area
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) Additional documents:
Decision: 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) |