Agenda item

For questions to be put to members of the Cabinet by Opposition and Non-Cabinet Members in accordance with Standing Order 35.

Four advance notice questions have been received under this item, which have been attached along with the written responses provided.

Members are asked to note that this session will also include an opportunity (within the time available) for other Non-Cabinet members and the Opposition to ask questions of Cabinet Members.

NOTED

1.     The written response provided by the Lead Member for Schools, Employment & Skills to a question submitted by Councillor Chan regarding the attainment of Year 11 & 13 students across the borough under the revised assessment arrangements  and support being provided to enable pupils to realise their future potential.  No supplementary question was raised.

2.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Lead Member for Public Health, Culture & Leisure to a question submitted by Councillor Daly in relation to the steps being taken by the Council with the NHS to plan for the upcoming winter flu season and data on progress with the vaccination programme that could be made available to members.

3.     The written and supplementary response provided by the Lead Member for Housing & Welfare Reform to a question submitted by Councillor Ezeajughi regarding the Councils ongoing commitment towards the delivery of high standard homes and housing services across the borough and current proposals relating to St Raphael’s Estate.

4.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Leader of the Council to a question submitted by Councillor Kansagra regarding the Council’s response to the Baroness Casey review on the issues experienced around Wembley Stadium in the build up to the UEFA European 2020 Championship Final including progress on the Council’s review of licensing arrangements.

Responses were also provided by the relevant Lead Members on the following additional questions raised during the open session of this part of the meeting:

·             Councillor Chan regarding the Council’s efforts to support residents use of electric vehicles.

·             Councillor Kennelly regarding the concerns highlighted by local residents in relation to the design and impact of the Low Traffic Neighbourhood scheme within his ward.

·             Councillor Georgiou regarding the Council’s policy on development of tall buildings, with specific concerns identified in relation to Alperton and response to the GLA Planning & Regeneration Committee’s recent review in relation to the impact of Tall buildings and density in relation to Covid-19.

·             Councillor Long regarding the promotion of credit unions to Council staff and residents of the borough.

·             Councillor Choudhary regarding further funding from central government for infrastructure in the borough.

·             Councillor Miller regarding development of the Council’s relationship with the community and voluntary sector following the pandemic.

·             Councillor Georgiou regarding the action and time being taken to address issues raised in relation to the condition of the Council’s social housing stock.

·             Councillor Kennelly regarding the Council’s support for veterans identified as homelessness within the borough.

Before moving on to consider the questions submitted by non-Cabinet members, the Mayor reminded Members that a total of 30 minutes had been set aside for this item, which would begin with consideration of the written questions submitted in advance of the meeting along with any supplementary questions. Once these had been dealt with, the remaining time available would then be opened up for any other non-Cabinet members to question Lead Members (without the need for advance notice) on matters relating to their portfolio.

The Mayor advised that four written questions had been submitted in advance for response by the relevant Lead Member. The written responses supplied had been circulated within the agenda. The Mayor then invited supplementary questions on the responses which had been provided:

12.1  No supplementary question was raised by Councillor Chan in relation to the written response provided by Councillor Stephens, Lead Member for Schools, Employment & Skills, to his question regarding the attainment of Year 11 & 13 students across the borough under the revised assessment arrangements and support being provided to enable pupils to realise their future potential.

12.2  Councillor Daly thanked Councillor Nerva, as Lead Member for Public Health, Culture and Leisure, for the written response in relation to her question regarding the steps being taken by the Council with the NHS to plan for the upcoming winter flu season. Councillor Daly then asked a supplementary question seeking details on progress on rollout of the winter flu vaccination programme across the borough.

In response, Councillor Nerva advised that whilst the flu vaccination rollout was being run by the NHS, the Council had been working closely to support them and would ensure that regular progress updates were made available to members.

12.3  Councillor Ezeajughi thanked Councillor Southwood, Lead Member for Housing & Welfare Reform, for her written response in relation to a question regarding the Council’s ongoing commitment towards the delivery of high standard homes and housing services across the borough. Councillor Ezeajughi then asked a supplementary question seeking details on the current master planning development proposals relating to St. Raphael’s Estate.

In response, Councillor Southwood highlighted the positive engagement undertaken with local residents and ward councillors in developing proposals for the estate.  Whilst recognising the disappointment that it would no longer be possible, as a result of funding issues impacting on the financial viability of the scheme, to offer the choice between full redevelopment and infill an assurance was provided on the approach agreed by Cabinet towards the infill “plus” option.  She advised this would continue to be community led and focussed on providing meaningful investment to secure real and tangible change for residents on the estate, including the consideration of wider objectives such as health and economic recovery.

12.4  Councillor Kansagra thanked Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, for the written response in relation to a question regarding the Council’s response to the Baroness Casey review on the issues experienced around Wembley Stadium in the build up to the UEFA European 2020 Championship Final. Councillor Kansagra then asked a supplementary question seeking details on the progress being made with the review and Council’s response in respect of licensing arrangements.

In response, Councillor Muhammed Butt whilst condemning those who had caused the problems on the day felt that rather than focussing on the negatives it was also important to acknowledge and highlight the hard work of Council staff involved in organising all of the events hosted at Wembley Stadium during the Championship. He assured members that the Council was closely working with Baroness Casey in support of her review and that the findings would be made available once finalised.

The Mayor thanked members for their written questions and Lead Members for the responses provided to the supplementary questions.  She then advised that the remainder of the time available would be used for an open question time session to the Cabinet.  The following questions were raised and responses provided:

(i)      Councillor Chan regarding the Council’s efforts to support residents’ use of electric vehicles.

In response, Councillor Krupa Sheth, Lead Member for Environment, advised of the progress made with installation of electric vehicle charging points across the borough and plans to further increase the number of charging points over the coming months, including the trial of a new style and provider.  Should it be required, she advised that she would be willing to provide further details including the charging point locations outside of the meeting.

(ii)     Councillor Kennelly regarding the concerns highlighted by local residents in relation to the design and impact of the Low Traffic Neighbourhood scheme within his ward.

In response Councillor Tatler, as Lead Member for Regeneration, Property & Planning, took the opportunity to thank ward councillors for their input on the scheme within Preston ward and for highlighting the concerns expressed in relation to its design.  As part of the ongoing engagement process she advised she would be willing to continue working with ward councillors in relation to the design and impact of the scheme and in seeking to encourage more active modes of travel, including walking and cycling.

(iii)    Councillor Georgiou regarding the Council’s policy on development of tall buildings, with specific concerns identified in relation to Alperton and response to the GLA Planning & Regeneration Committee’s recent review in relation to the impact of Tall buildings and density in relation to Covid-19.

In response Councillor Tatler, Lead Member for Regeneration, Property and Planning, advised members of the specific background to the GLA Planning & Regeneration Committee’s review and evidence which had provided in support of that process.  In terms of Brent’s Local Plan she assured members that this, along with the Tall Housing Strategy, had been produced on the basis of robust evidence.  Given the significant demand and pressure being experienced on the supply of affordable housing, not just locally but regionally and nationally the Council had needed to look at ways in which they could maximise supply.  This approach had been supported through the Local Plan and Tall Building Strategy but she assured members that the Council was continuing to work with all London Councils and the GLA in relation to how best to address the ongoing need, including the use and impact of tall buildings.

(iv)    Councillor Long, who whilst welcoming establishment of the Resident Support Fund and Poverty Commission, was keen to seek further details regarding the promotion of credit unions to Council staff and residents of the borough.

In responding Councillor Southwood, Lead Member for Housing & Welfare Reform, began by recognising and welcoming Councillor Long’s ongoing efforts to promote and support Credit Unions.  In terms of Brent, she highlighted the Council’s strong relationships with the existing Credit Unions operating across the borough as a means of providing valuable support to assist residents in accessing funds and tackling debt.  Assuring Councillor Long of her support in this matter, she advised that working with the Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources, the Council would continue to work and encourage the promotion of Credit Unions.

(v)     Councillor Choudhary regarding further funding from central government for infrastructure in the borough.

In response Councillor Tatler, as Lead Member for Regeneration, Property & Planning, advised of the work already underway to finalise and approve the Council’s Infrastructure Funding Delivery Plan.  In terms of Government funding concerns remained, however, in relation to the ongoing uncertainty around the current Local Government Spending Review and also potential impact of the Government’s levelling up agenda, on which the Council would be continuing to make representations.

(vi)    Councillor Miller regarding the Council’s relationship with the community and voluntary sector following the pandemic.

In response Councillor Knight, Lead Member for Community Safety & Engagement, took the opportunity to formally recognise and welcome the benefits delivered through the immediate and active support of the voluntary and community sector and civil society as part of the response to the pandemic.  As a result, she advised that the Council were committed to look at how this work and the benefits achieved could feed into the wider community engagement process in order to learn from, strengthen and support the development of future engagement structures and mechanisms.

(vii)   Councillor Georgiou regarding the action and time being taken to address issues raised in relation to the condition of the Council’s social housing stock.

In response Councillor Southwood, Lead Member for Housing & Welfare Reform, recognised the variable quality of housing across the borough which the Council was seeking to address, particularly in relation to use of the private rented sector as a means of supporting the provision of temporary accommodation.  Whilst this position was not unique to Brent she highlighted, as an example, how the Council had sought to address this issue through the provision of its own dedicated supply of properties to provide temporary accommodation.  In terms of the Council’s own housing stock an assurance was provided on the frequency of stock condition surveys in order to assess and understand the nature of the stock and its current condition.  Given the financial pressure on the Housing Revenue Account, through which any repairs or improvement works would need to funded, there had, however, been a need to prioritise these works.  In view of the concerns raised members were urged to ensure they reported any concerns regarding stock condition or repairs which she advised housing officers would seek to respond to as quickly as possible.

(viii)  Councillor Kennelly regarding the Council’s support for veteran identified as homelessness within the borough.

Highlighting the importance and timing of this issue Councillor Southwood, as Lead Member for Housing & Welfare Reform, felt it important to recognise the varied challenges faced by those either currently serving or having recently served in the Armed Forces or Reserve Forces in relation to housing and other related issues.  In responding to the question, members were advised that the Council’s Housing Allocations Policy already include priority for those within this category needing to be rehoused as a result of a medical issue or disability and also for spouses or partners if they need to be rehoused from Armed Forces property as a result of their partner having lost their life.  Councillor Southwood ended by advising she would be willing to consider any further ideas members had in relation to additional types of support that may be required.

At this stage in the proceedings, the Mayor advised that the time available for the open question session had expired. She therefore thanked all members for their contributions and advised that she would now move on to the next item.