Agenda item

This report seeks Cabinet approval to the allocation of Neighbourhood CIL (NCIL) funds for  community projects over 100K from round two of the 2020/21 NCIL programme.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      To approve the NCIL allocation of:

·                £194,988 for Jason Roberts Foundation - Connect Brent Project: to undertake much needed upgrading works at The Pavilion, the community centre where the charity was based. The project would make the centre an all-weather facility that could be used by residents and community groups all year-round, by erecting a steel canopy over the multi-games area and 5-a-side pitch.

·                £100,000 for Brent Music Service in partnership with local Harlesden schools and community groups – Brent Music Service Harlesden Music Centre Project: Providing local, easily accessible venues to address the barriers preventing CYP participation in out-of-school music activity. Weekly centres would be available for children in Harlesden schools and would become progressively more visible in the community as the project progressed.

·                £124,700 for Queen's Park Area Residents' Association (QPARA) in partnership with Brent Council – Keslake Pocket Park Improvements Project: The project would remodel Keslake Pocket Park to make it safer and design out anti-social behaviour, crime, loitering and littering by providing a layout and street components that created a well-lit, safe, and open space. There would be increased visibility both into and across the space and the new design would provide a pleasing visual amenity, as well as a small square area for the local community.

·                £100,000 for Alperton residents in partnership with Brent Council - Creating an Open Space for the Whole Community Project: The proposal by the residents was to enhance the quality of Alperton Sports Ground and address concerns raised by residents around the lack of outdoor and play facilities, anti-social behaviour, security and safety concerns as a result of development.

(2)     To note and endorse the NCIL applications less than £100,000 approved by the Panel as summarised in section 8.3 of the report.

(3)     To note that following approval of these projects, the final stage would involve the Grants Manager undertaking further scrutiny in order to ensure a deliverable measurable outcome analysis was completed in conjunction with the delivery agency. This would form part of a signed legally binding funding agreement that was regularly monitored. If the outcomes are not in line with Brent Council priorities and not agreed, the funding offer may be withdrawn.

Councillor Tatler (Lead Member for Regeneration, Property & Planning) introduced the report seeking approval for the allocation of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) for community projects over £100k from Round Two of the 2020/21 NCIL programme.

Cabinet noted that applications submitted under the most recent bidding round had been focused around the theme of “Recovery”, with bids aimed at tackling poverty, inequality and the climate emergency.  In total 70 applications had been received with four of the schemes shortlisted involving bids above £100,000 that required approval by Cabinet. In concluding her introduction, Councillor Tatler thanked the team involved in administering the NCIL scheme, which it was noted had allocated over £14million in funding to date to a total of 229 community infrastructure projects.

In supporting the bids identified, Cabinet noted their alignment with the wider priorities of the Council and as a key driver of positive change within the context of the Borough Plan.  Specific support was expressed for the bids submitted in relation to Brent Music Service and also for those in support of Looked After Children and care leavers, improved air quality, parks and open spaces and from the Queens Park Area Residents Association and Jason Roberts Foundation.  Members further commended the diverse nature and range of organisations receiving support through the NCIL programme and work undertaken within local communities to promote the benefits and potential use of NCIL in supporting wider community projects.

Cabinet recorded their thanks to the Lead Member and NCIL team for their efforts in promoting and administrating the programme.  Councillor M.Butt felt this also highlighted the wider benefits of the regeneration and renewal work being undertaken across the borough along with the efforts being made to provide the best outcomes for everyone living in the borough.

As a result of the support expressed, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      To approve the NCIL allocation of:

·                £194,988 for Jason Roberts Foundation - Connect Brent Project: to undertake much needed upgrading works at The Pavilion, the community centre where the charity was based. The project would make the centre an all-weather facility that could be used by residents and community groups all year-round, by erecting a steel canopy over the multi-games area and 5-a-side pitch.

·                £100,000 for Brent Music Service in partnership with local Harlesden schools and community groups – Brent Music Service Harlesden Music Centre Project: Providing local, easily accessible venues to address the barriers preventing CYP participation in out-of-school music activity. Weekly centres would be available for children in Harlesden schools and would become progressively more visible in the community as the project progressed.

·                £124,700 for Queen's Park Area Residents' Association (QPARA) in partnership with Brent Council – Keslake Pocket Park Improvements Project: The project would remodel Keslake Pocket Park to make it safer and design out anti-social behaviour, crime, loitering and littering by providing a layout and street components that created a well-lit, safe, and open space. There would be increased visibility both into and across the space and the new design would provide a pleasing visual amenity, as well as a small square area for the local community.

·                £100,000 for Alperton residents in partnership with Brent Council - Creating an Open Space for the Whole Community Project: The proposal by the residents was to enhance the quality of Alperton Sports Ground and address concerns raised by residents around the lack of outdoor and play facilities, anti-social behaviour, security and safety concerns as a result of development.

(2)     To note and endorse the NCIL applications of less than £100,000 approved by the NCIL Panel, as summarised in section 8.3 of the report.

(3)     To note that following approval of these projects, the final stage would involve the Grants Manager undertaking further scrutiny in order to ensure a deliverable measurable outcome analysis was completed in conjunction with the delivery agency. This would form part of a signed legally binding funding agreement that was regularly monitored. If the outcomes were not in line with Brent Council priorities and not agreed, the funding offer may be withdrawn.