Agenda item
Motions
To debate the motions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 41.
Members are asked to note:
· That the motions submitted have now been republished with the agenda along with the proposed amendments of which notice has beenn received.
· Where a motion concerns an executive function, nothing passed can be actioned until approved by the Executive or an officer with the relevant delegated power.
(Agenda republished to include the motions on 16 September 2022 and notice of amendments on 21 September 2022)
Decision:
(1) Following the approval of an amendment moved by the Labour Group in relation to the original Motion submitted by the Conservative Group, the following Motion (as amended) was AGREED:
“Kingsbury Curve
Residents living either side of the Jubilee line between Kingsbury and Wembley Park have to put up with the excruciating noises when the trains go past on what is known as the Kingsbury Curve. Following the return of Night Tube services on the Jubilee line, a speed restriction has been applied during Night Tube services.
The noise is so bad that it can be heard in people’s homes even with all the windows shut! The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that noise exposure levels should not exceed 70 dB over a 24-hour period, and 85 dB over a 1-hour period to avoid hearing impairment. Residents have suggested that this section of the track regularly exceeds these levels.
The track has been there for around 90 years, yet it is only in the past 4 years that these noises have started which coincided with the removal of trees and shrubs from the bank together with replacing the sleepers with concrete ones and relaying the track.
TfL are aware of the problems and work continues to find the right solution but it is anticipated that it will be a long-term piece of work. TfL have conducted trials over the summer period and are reviewing whether a small reduction in speed could be applied to all trains in this section of the track without adversely impacting the service we provide to passengers. However, speed restrictions are implemented sparingly given the impact on timetables across the entire Jubilee line.
We appreciate that residents have raised multiple concerns about the impact of the noise on their wellbeing and their quiet enjoyment of their home. They cannot fully enjoy their gardens in the summer or leave their windows open and children struggle to study because the noise is a serious distraction.
This Council is asked to recognise:
The legal duty it is under to take such action to enforce those who create excessive noise, whether that be by loud parties, music, cars revving their engines, or even night time deliveries, duties which this Council does its best to carry out.
It’s duty to protect its residents from this intrusive and excruciating noise.
This Council therefore resolves:
To request that TfL work with residents and Brent Council to address the noise concern with a robust engineering-led procedure to prioritise works as quickly as possible.
To request that TfL provide residents with a named contact, with ready access to experts that are working to tackle the root cause of noise. This involves visits to residents' homes to measure noise levels both before and after any work is undertaken.
To request that TfL explore measures to mitigate the impact of the noise over the Christmas holidays.
To lobby the Secretary of State for Transport for additional capital investment to upgrade and improve the infrastructure that helps keep London on the move such as the track on the Kingsbury curve.”
(2) The following Motion submitted by the Liberal Democrats Group was unanimously AGREED:
“Ending Heartless ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’
This Council notes:
That the Cost-of-Living Emergency declared at our last Full Council meeting will have a huge impact on all who live in Brent, including many here who are unjustly excluded from any financial or legal support from the state.
There are a growing number of people in our Borough who, through no fault of their own, are unable to access the help they desperately need. This number will almost certainly increase as we approach what will be an unprecedented and difficult few months ahead.
Elected Members and Council Officers are currently effectively prevented from supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community, because of Section 115 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, which states that a person will have ‘no recourse to public funds’ if they are ‘subject to immigration control’.
The restrictions in this section of the law do not recognise the reality on the ground, which currently means we have individuals sleeping rough outside our very own Civic Centre and elsewhere across Brent.
‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ restrictions have pushed migrants and their families into severe poverty and in some cases homelessness.
The limitations in our ability to support individuals with ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ and the need to apply further political pressure on the Government to act.
The commendable efforts of the voluntary, charity sectors and many in our community who seek to give individuals who currently have ‘no recourse to public funds’ the support they need, whether by offering shelter, food or legal advice.
The Council calls on the Government to:
1. Reduce the risk of people experiencing destitution and acknowledge that the current laws around eligibility for financial and legal assistance means that we are leaving far too many without any help at all
2. Ensure that no one is excluded from social services’ support which operates as a short-term safety net
3. Urgently suspend ’No Recourse to Public Funds’ conditions in order to offer needed assistance to people who are currently ignored by the state
This Council resolves to:
1. Work in a cross-party way to lobby the Government to remove the heartless ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ restrictions on migrants and their families
2. Immediately ask the Leader of the Council, Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group to sign an open letter to the new Home Secretary and Ministers in the Home Office highlighting our local authorities’ huge concerns about the number of people with ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ being pushed into acute poverty and therefore requiring immediate financial assistance
3. Make public the number of known individuals in our borough who are currently barred from any support whatsoever, due to them not having ‘Recourse to Public Funds’, as a way of highlighting the extent of the problem we face
4. Further strengthen the Council’s relationship with the voluntary and charity sector and community groups who are already giving support to individuals who have ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’, by inviting them to the Refugee Summit (as agreed at the July 2022 Full Council meeting) in order to establish ways the Council can also intervene and offer any resource we have to help with the work that they do
5. Work with Praxis and other similar organisations, who have expertise in supporting people with ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’, to develop an easy access document, which consolidates all possible avenues of help (largely in the voluntary and charity sector) that can be distributed across the Council to make it easier for Elected Members, Council Officers and others to offer the best possible advice and guidance when approached for help
6. Produce a similar public document that the Council will make available to all interested groups in the community and voluntary and charity sectors, that can also be shared on the Council website and online channels.”
(3) The following Motion submitted by the Labour Group was AGREED:
“A Place to Call Home: Safety and Security for tenants during the cost-of-renting crisis.
Full Council notes:
1. London is one of the most expensive places to rent in Europe, while Brent is the second most expensive outer-London borough.
2. Rents have risen three times faster than wages since 2010 and continue to rise, by 15.8% in the year to May 2022. The London Renters Union branch in Brent is regularly seeing rent increases of 30%, 40% or even 50%, contributing to the cost of living emergency and pricing residents out of the borough.
3. Brent has also seen a significant dent in first-time buyer affordability, with the average price paid up by more than double the national average. Those buying their first home in the borough now pay a huge £89,753 increase compared to pre-pandemic market values.
4. People under 30 are facing a growing cost-of-renting crisis. According to recent reports, 4 in 10 of this age group are now spending more than 30% of their pay on rent.
5. In Brent there are over 22,880 households containing 53,644 individuals that remain on the housing waiting list, with an average waiting time for a 3-bedroom council property typically over a decade.
6. Brent Council is continuing to tackle the demand for affordable homes by increasing supply, with a target of 5,700 affordable homes to be built by 2028, of which, 1,700 will be built by the Council.
This Council further notes:
1. While the government has rejected calls for intervention, rent controls are common practice in Europe, both regulating the initial rent that landlords can charge, and the rate of rent increase within tenancies.
2. Brent Labour has made a commitment on behalf of renters to use its voice to call upon the government to introduce new legislation to regulate rent increases, strengthen enforcement and improve the energy standards of the rental sector.
3. That the government is consulting on capping rents for council and housing association homes to prevent them from rising significantly. Although welcome, it will come at significant cost to councils and registered providers that will absorb the brunt of inflation, with no funding announcements made by government to match the steep shortfall in income.
4. Like inflation, energy bill increases serve only to impact residents that are already struggling in some of the worst housing conditions.
This Council believes:
1. That the pandemic has shown that regulating the actions of landlords is a political choice and they can be regulated for the public good at times of crisis.
2. Without intervention in the private rented sector, rents will continue to rise causing economic hardship, instability and homelessness for tens of thousands of Brent residents.
3. The government must rethink mechanisms to regulate the cost of rents and ensure that low and middle income tenants do not have to spend more than a third of their income on rent.
4. The Renters Reform Bill is an essential piece of legislation for renters' security. In order to meet its aims, rent rises within tenancy must be limited so that landlords cannot evict through massive rent hikes.
5. As energy bills soar, private tenants’ right to a warm home should be protected and landlords should be required by the council to meet the legislation relating to energy efficiency.
This Council resolves to:
1. Publicly support the Mayor of London’s call for a two-year rent freeze within the private rented sector and the introduction of rent controls to help ease the cost of living crisis facing Londoners.
2. Work with the Mayor of London to make the case for Brent to participate in the “right-to-buy-back” scheme – and help bring more properties back into public ownership.
3. Create a new Private Renters Strategy, mapping out the council's approach to enforcement, our support available to tenants; and our plans to bring more of the 2,734 empty properties in Brent back to the market.
4. Work with London Renters Union and Advice for Renters to support the case for a borough-wide selective licensing scheme covering the 40,000 PRS properties in Brent that would drive up standards.
5. Urge the new Secretary of State to expedite the commitments to renters in the recent white paper, including: the removal of Section 21 evictions, the introduction of a rental sector ombudsman, the outlawing of discrimination against benefit claimants, and the application of the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector for the first time.”
(4) The following Motion submitted by the Labour Group was AGREED:
“Transport for London Funding
This Council notes:
1. With Brent residents currently facing an unprecedented cost of living crisis, as well as a climate emergency, it has never been more important that residents can access an affordable, green and publically funded transport network across our capital.
2. London is the only major city in the world that does not consistently subsidise its public transport. TfL relies upon passenger fare income to fund seventy-two per cent of its costs. By comparison, fares income covers only thirty-eight per cent of transport network costs in New York and in Paris, with public funds providing the remainder.
3. This is largely down to the fact that the Government took the decision, in 2015, to remove TfL's £700 million annual operating grant from April 2018 onwards. As a result TfL has faced a 37% cut to their budget in just five years.
4. The root of TfL’s financial problems is the pandemic. Before the pandemic, TfL’s finances were in good health and it was on track to record an operating surplus for the first time in TfL’s history.
5. The Mayor of London has stood up for our capital during a tough month of negotiations with a zombie government to find a new funding settlement. He has successfully fought to ensure TfL no longer faces moving into managed decline.
6. However, the government has been clear that its war against London is not over. Ministers are still refusing to provide enough funding for our transport network, which will likely mean TfL will be forced to increase fares in the future and proceed with some bus cuts. If this happens, Londoners should know that it will only be the government that’s to blame.
This council believes:
1. A sustainable funding deal for TfL is an essential component of any pandemic recovery programme, it supports the growth of jobs, housing and community wealth; and crucially reduces carbon emissions in the capital by taking cars off of the streets.
2. That TfL desperately requires new funding sources, taking inspiration from other global cities that have raised additional revenue through land value capture and emission charges.
3. It is inexcusable that of the funding announced there is no new monies to expedite the delivery of new rolling stock on the Bakerloo Line, with the oldest trains in use in the United Kingdom. It could also jeopardise potential funding for the new West-London Orbital line, a shovel-ready new Overground line that could transform regional transport connections.
4. It is a travesty that TfL has been forced to propose the scrapping of 22 bus routes and a service reduction on almost 60 more. In particular, the removal of the number 16 and number 31 route will severely impact residents in Brent.
5. Brent’s Labour Council has always worked to support residents with cheap and sustainable travel options. The implementation of School Streets, publishing of a Climate Emergency Strategy and ongoing provision of the freedom pass for residents show our commitment to supporting active travel and providing accessible transport options for every resident.
6. A decrease in the funding made available by TfL to London boroughs will negatively impact our residents and our ambition to keep Brent on the move.
This council therefore resolves:
1. To request that the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Change write to Transport for London’s Commissioner Andy Byford expressing this chambers opposition to the scrapping of 22 bus routes, including the number 16 and number 31; and the reduction of provision more generally.
2. To voice its opposition to unsustainable funding arrangements for TfL, calling upon the incoming Secretary of State for Transport to close the funding gap once and for all, during the next round of negotiations.
3. To request that each respective Group Leader considers writing to local branches of ASLEF, RMT and Unite showing support for their industrial action against the impact on jobs, terms and conditions of these proposed cuts.”
Minutes:
Before moving on to consider the motions listed on the summons, the Mayor advised members that a total of 40 minutes had been set aside for the consideration of the four motions submitted for debate, based on an initial allocation of 10 minutes per motion. Should the time taken to consider the first motion be less than 10 minutes he advised that the remaining time available would be rolled forward for consideration of the remaining motions.
17.1 1st Motion (Conservative Group) – Kingsbury Curve
The Mayor invited Councillor Maurice to move the first motion which had been submitted on behalf of the Conservative Group. Councillor Maurice, began by providing context to the issue highlighted within the motion by sharing an audio clip of the sound made by trains travelling along the Kingsbury Curve section of the Jubilee line track running between Kingsbury and Wembley Park underground stations. In moving the motion he outlined the nuisance, disturbance and detrimental impact being experienced by local residents living adjacent to the Kingsbury Curve as a result of the noise generated by the frequency of services running along that part of the track. It was felt this had coincided with the removal of trees and shrubs from the railway bank and re-laying of the track along that section of the line by TfL, with residents affected even when their windows were closed. In view of the detrimental impact on the quality of life, health and wellbeing of those residents living adjacent to the line the motion was calling upon the Council to take action to protect residents and to ensure that TfL took the necessary action to rectify the cause of the issues identified, which he hoped all members would support.
The Mayor thanked Councillor Maurice for moving the motion and then drew members’ attention to an amendment submitted on behalf of the Labour Group, which had been circulated in advance of the meeting.
Councillor Muhammad Butt was then invited to move the amendment on behalf of the Labour Group who began by acknowledging the work also undertaken by Councillors Johnson and Fraser (as local ward councillors) to support local residents in their attempts to address the concerns highlighted relating to the impact of the noise being experienced. Whilst recognising the detrimental impact on local residents, Councillor Butt explained that the amendment moved on behalf of the Labour Group was seeking to strengthen the action being sought by looking to work in partnership with TfL and local residents in order to mitigate the ongoing impact whilst identifying a robust engineering-led solution and to prioritise these works as quickly as possible. The amendment also recognised the need to continue lobbying central government for the additional capital investment required to support the upgrade and improvement of TfL infrastructure which it was felt would also be key in addressing the concerns identified. On this basis the amendment moved was as follows:
To add the wording underlined and delete the wording indicated
“Kingsbury Curve
Residents living either side of the Jubilee line between Kingsbury and
Wembley Park have to put up with the excruciating noises when the
trains go past on what is known as the Kingsbury Curve. On Fridays and Saturdays, it goes on through
the night. Following
the return of Night Tube services on the Jubilee line, a speed
restriction has been applied during Night Tube
services.
The noise is so bad that it can
be heard in people’s homes even with all the windows
shut! It often exceeds the maximum
sound levels recommended by the World Health
Organisation. The World
Health Organization (WHO) recommends that noise exposure levels
should not exceed 70 dB over a 24-hour period, and 85 dB over a
1-hour period to avoid hearing impairment. Residents have suggested
that this section of the track regularly exceeds these
levels.
The track has been there for around 90 years, yet it is only in the past 4 years that these noises have started which coincided with the removal of trees and shrubs from the bank together with replacing the sleepers with concrete ones and relaying the track.
TFfL are
aware of the problems and have tried to resolve the
problem, albeit unsuccessfully. work continues to find the
right solution but it is anticipated that it will be a long-term
piece of work. TfL have conducted trials over the summer period and
are reviewing whether a small reduction in speed could be applied
to all trains in this section of the track without adversely
impacting the service we provide to passengers. However, speed
restrictions are implemented sparingly given the impact on
timetables across the entire Jubilee line.
Those affected are suffering from mental health issues &
sleep deprivation. They can’t
sell their houses and move away because of the noise. They
can’t use their gardens in the summer or leave their windows
open. Their children can’t study
because the noise is a serious distraction.
We appreciate that residents have raised multiple concerns about the impact of the noise on their wellbeing and their quiet enjoyment of their home. They cannot fully enjoy their gardens in the summer or leave their windows open and children struggle to study because the noise is a serious distraction.
This Council is asked to recognise:
The legal duty it is under to take such action to enforce those who create excessive noise, whether that be by loud parties, music, cars revving their engines, or even night time deliveries, duties which this Council does its best to carry out.
It’s duty to protect its residents from this intrusive and excruciating noise.
This Council therefore resolves:
To utterly condemns TFL for allowing these noises to go
unresolved for nearly 5 years.
To request that TFL rectify the faults forthwith to stop this
noise. This could and possibly should
include relaying of tracks to the way they previously
were.
To request that TFL close down the network over the winter
holiday period to fully address the problem and that the New Year
becomes a period where residents can enjoy noise free solution from
that point onward.
To request that TfL work with residents and Brent Council to address the noise concern with a robust engineering-led procedure to prioritise works as quickly as possible.
To request that TfL provide residents with a named contact, with ready access to experts that are working to tackle the root cause of noise. This involves visits to residents' homes to measure noise levels both before and after any work is undertaken.
To request that TfL explore measures to mitigate the impact of the noise over the Christmas holidays.
To lobby the Secretary of State for Transport for additional capital investment to upgrade and improve the infrastructure that helps keep London on the move such as the track on the Kingsbury curve.”
The Mayor then invited other members to speak on both the original motion and amendment, with the following contribution received.
Speaking in support of the amended motion, Councillor Johnson highlighted the work already undertaken in conjunction with Councillor Maurice and other local councillors, the Leader of the Council, Councillor Krupa Sheth (as Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action), Krupesh Hirani (as London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow) and Barry Gardiner MP to advocate on behalf of residents with TfL in seeking a resolution to the noise issues being experienced. One of the key issues identified had been the removal of trees and shrubbery from the bank of track along the curve and the failure to provide any replacement noise barrier, which had amplified the noise for adjacent properties. Whilst recognising the subsequent efforts made by TfL to identify a solution, the amendment also sought to recognise the impact of the current funding restrictions imposed on TfL by the Government. In welcoming the cross-party nature of support and work being undertaken in seeking a resolution for residents, Councillor Johnson felt the amendment moved would be able to secure the most effective actions moving forward.
As there were no further contributions, the Mayor then invited Councillor Maurice (as mover of the original motion) followed by Councillor Muhammed Butt (as mover of the amendment) to exercise their right of reply.
In summing up, Councillor Maurice advised that whilst the Conservative Group were not supportive of reference within the amendment to lobbying for additional funding to support TfL, believing that sufficient additional Government funding had already been provided to upgrade and improve infrastructure across the network, they were minded to accept the amendment in order to secure approval of the motion in the best interests of local residents
Given acceptance of the amendment moved, Councillor Muhammed Butt advised that he would not need to exercise his right of reply and the Mayor therefore thanked councillors for their contributions and moved straight to the vote on the motion starting with the amendment.
The amendment as set out above, was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED
The Mayor then moved on to put the substantive motion, as amended and set out below, to a vote which was unanimously declared CARRIED.
It was therefore RESOLVED to approve the following motion:
“KingsburyCurve
Residents living either side of the Jubilee line between Kingsbury and Wembley Park have to put up with the excruciating noises when the trains go past on what is known as the Kingsbury Curve. Following the return of Night Tube services on the Jubilee line, a speed restriction has been applied during Night Tube services.
The noise is so bad that it can be heard in people’s homes even with all the windows shut! The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that noise exposure levels should not exceed 70 dB over a 24-hour period, and 85 dB over a 1-hour period to avoid hearing impairment. Residents have suggested that this section of the track regularly exceeds these levels.
The track has been there for around 90 years, yet it is only in the past 4 years that these noises have started which coincided with the removal of trees and shrubs from the bank together with replacing the sleepers with concrete ones and relaying the track.
TfL are aware of the problems and work continues to find the right solution but it is anticipated that it will be a long-term piece of work. TfL have conducted trials over the summer period and are reviewing whether a small reduction in speed could be applied to all trains in this section of the track without adversely impacting the service we provide to passengers. However, speed restrictions are implemented sparingly given the impact on timetables across the entire Jubilee line.
We appreciate that residents have raised multiple concerns about the impact of the noise on their wellbeing and their quiet enjoyment of their home. They cannot fully enjoy their gardens in the summer or leave their windows open and children struggle to study because the noise is a serious distraction.
This Council is asked to recognise:
The legal duty it is under to take such action to enforce those who create excessive noise, whether that be by loud parties, music, cars revving their engines, or even night time deliveries, duties which this Council does its best to carry out.
It’s duty to protect its residents from this intrusive and excruciating noise.
This Council therefore resolves:
To request that TfL work with residents and Brent Council to address the noise concern with a robust engineering-led procedure to prioritise works as quickly as possible.
To request that TfL provide residents with a named contact, with ready access to experts that are working to tackle the root cause of noise. This involves visits to residents' homes to measure noise levels both before and after any work is undertaken.
To request that TfL explore measures to mitigate the impact of the noise over the Christmas holidays.
To lobby the Secretary of State for Transport for additional capital investment to upgrade and improve the infrastructure that helps keep London on the move such as the track on the Kingsbury curve.”
17.2 2nd Motion (Liberal Democrat Group) – Ending heartless “No Recourse to Public Funds”
The Mayor invited Councillor Georgiou to move the second motion which had been submitted on behalf of the Liberal Democrats Group. Councillor Georgiou, in moving the motion began by highlighting the plight and many challenges faced by individuals and families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) in Brent being able to access much needed support. Concern was expressed at the restrictions placed on local authorities in seeking to intervene and support these individuals as a result of the provision within the Immigration & Asylum Act, which it was felt did not recognise the reality or situations faced by those affected in terms of poverty and housing need. As a result, he pointed out, the motion had been designed to seek cross-party support in lobbying the government to act by removing the NRPF restrictions in order to ensure those most in need were not excluded from support, as well as recognising the efforts being made by the Voluntary & Community sector alongside charities in addressing the gaps and providing assistance for those he felt were currently being ignored by the Government. In highlighting this work, he advised the motion was also seeking to further strengthen the Council’s relationship with these organisations to ensure their continued support in being able to offer such valued and much needed advice and guidance for those with no recourse to public funds. As a result, he hoped all members would support the motion as moved.
The Mayor thanked Councillor Georgiou for moving the motion and invited other members to speak on the motion, with the following contributions received.
Councillor Muhammad Butt thanked Councillor Georgiou for highlighting such an important issue which he felt was already reflected in the breadth of work being undertaken by the Council in seeking to ensure that as much support as possible was provided for refugees and asylum seekers arriving in Brent. As part of this approach he felt it important to recognise that Brent had been one of the first councils to welcome Syrian and Afghan refugees, as well as having provided support for Ukrainian refugees through the Homes for Ukraine scheme. In outlining the Labour Groups support for the motion, Councillor Muhammed Butt felt there was a need for the Government to recognise the negative impact of their current policies in supporting those most in need and in providing opportunities for them to succeed and make a positive contribution within the communities in which they lived. He was therefore supportive of a clear message being sent to the Government regarding the need to act and remove the restrictions currently being placed on support, particularly given the challenges faced as a result of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and in seeking to ensure that everyone had the opportunity to succeed and thrive in the UK.
Councillor Matin also spoke to express her support of the motion and reflected upon the difficult decisions that migrants and refugees faced when leaving their home country to come to the UK in order to seek safety and security. Councillor Matin felt it important to reflect on the fact that many migrants and refugees arrived with the intention to work and contribute to society, however, were often being pushed further into poverty as a result of the restrictions being placed on the support available for them. Given the impact cost-of-living crisis it was noted that the challenges being experienced by so many would be magnified for those with no recourse to public fund and, as such, she also urged all members to support the action outlined within the motion.
Councillor Kansagra, speaking on behalf of the Conservative Group, also advised that he welcomed and supported the motion and in doing so highlighted what he felt was the need to ensure that migrants and refuges were welcomed and provided with the necessary and appropriate levels of support and shelter (irrespective of their status) pending their immigration claims being processed.
As no further members had indicated they wished to speak and the time allocated for the debate had expired the Mayor then invited Councillor Georgiou to exercise his right of reply as mover of the motion.
In exercising his right of reply, Councillor Georgiou expressed his gratitude for the cross-party support expressed towards the motion with a unified response, he felt, being one of the most powerful ways to work together in order to support effective change for one of the most vulnerable groups in society.
Having thanked Councillors for their contributions, the Mayor then moved put the motion to the vote which was declared CARRIED.
It was therefore unanimously RESOLVED to approve the following motion:
“Ending Heartless ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’
This Council notes:
That the Cost-of-Living Emergency declared at our last Full Council meeting will have a huge impact on all who live in Brent, including many here who are unjustly excluded from any financial or legal support from the state.
There are a growing number of people in our Borough who, through no fault of their own, are unable to access the help they desperately need. This number will almost certainly increase as we approach what will be an unprecedented and difficult few months ahead.
Elected Members and Council Officers are currently effectively prevented from supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community, because of Section 115 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, which states that a person will have ‘no recourse to public funds’ if they are ‘subject to immigration control’.
The restrictions in this section of the law do not recognise the reality on the ground, which currently means we have individuals sleeping rough outside our very own Civic Centre and elsewhere across Brent.
‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ restrictions have pushed migrants and their families into severe poverty and in some cases homelessness.
The limitations in our ability to support individuals with ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ and the need to apply further political pressure on the Government to act.
The commendable efforts of the voluntary, charity sectors and many in our community who seek to give individuals who currently have ‘no recourse to public funds’ the support they need, whether by offering shelter, food or legal advice.
The Council calls on the Government to:
1. Reduce the risk of people experiencing destitution and acknowledge that the current laws around eligibility for financial and legal assistance means that we are leaving far too many without any help at all
2. Ensure that no one is excluded from social services’ support which operates as a short-term safety net
3. Urgently suspend ’No Recourse to Public Funds’ conditions in order to offer needed assistance to people who are currently ignored by the state
This Council resolves to:
1. Work in a cross-party way to lobby the Government to remove the heartless ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ restrictions on migrants and their families
2. Immediately ask the Leader of the Council, Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group to sign an open letter to the new Home Secretary and Ministers in the Home Office highlighting our local authorities’ huge concerns about the number of people with ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ being pushed into acute poverty and therefore requiring immediate financial assistance
3. Make public the number of known individuals in our borough who are currently barred from any support whatsoever, due to them not having ‘Recourse to Public Funds’, as a way of highlighting the extent of the problem we face
4. Further strengthen the Council’s relationship with the voluntary and charity sector and community groups who are already giving support to individuals who have ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’, by inviting them to the Refugee Summit (as agreed at the July 2022 Full Council meeting) in order to establish ways the Council can also intervene and offer any resource we have to help with the work that they do
5. Work with Praxis and other similar organisations, who have expertise in supporting people with ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’, to develop an easy access document, which consolidates all possible avenues of help (largely in the voluntary and charity sector) that can be distributed across the Council to make it easier for Elected Members, Council Officers and others to offer the best possible advice and guidance when approached for help
6. Produce a similar public document that the Council will make available to all interested groups in the community and voluntary and charity sectors, that can also be shared on the Council website and online channels.”
17.3 3rd Motion (Labour Group) – A Place to Call Home: Safety and Security for tenants during the cost of renting crisis
The Mayor then invited Councillor Ethapemi to move the first motion submitted by the Labour Group. In moving the motion, Councillor Ethapemi felt it was important to recognise the challenging environment for renters not only within Brent but across London with these pressures being further exacerbated as a result of the cost-of-living crisis. Highlighting that Brent was one of the most expensive outer-London boroughs in which to rent he also referred to the continued surge in rental charges as well significant challenges in terms of affordability for many households and first-time buyers in seeking to purchase their own property. As a result of these challenges, along with the increasing demand for affordable housing he advised the motion was seeking to outline the impact of the growing cost-of-renting crisis. Whilst recognising and supporting the efforts being made by the Council to increase the supply of affordable housing across the borough the motion was also calling on the Government to expedite the implementation of proposals within the Renters Reform White Paper designed to enhance the security available for renters as well as seeking support for the Mayor of London’s call for a two-year rent freeze within the Private Rented Sector and introduction of rent controls to help support renters in Brent and across London. Given the economic hardship, and instability being experienced by so many renters within the Borough he urged all members to support the motion and ended by also highlighting and commending the work of the London Renters Union and Advice for Renters in supporting the case for a borough-wide selective landlord licensing scheme covering the Private Rented Sector that would also assist in driving up standards.
The Mayor then invited other members to speak on the motion, with the following contributions received.
Councillor Ahmadi Moghaddam spoke in support of the motion, again taking the opportunity to highlight the severity of the hardship being experienced by so many within the Private Rented Sector. In doing so the extent of the average increase in rental costs over the past year was also noted. Councillor Ahmadi Moghaddam shared his concern at the impact this, along with the cost-of-living crisis would have for many residents across Brent. In closing his comments, he also commended the London Renters Union for their support in bringing forward the motion and for the advice, guidance and support they were providing for renters across the Borough. He therefore also urged members to support the motion and wok being undertaken by the London Renters Union and Advice for Renters in Brent.
Councillor Lorber then spoke and began by reflecting that whilst the wider challenges highlighted in relation to the impact of the current increase in energy prices and cost-of-living crisis remained an immediate concern and focus, the impact and hardship being created as a result of demands on affordable housing and rising costs in the housing rental sector remained of longer-term concern. As a result he supported the call on the Government for strong leadership and the necessary interventions to be taken in order to address the issues highlighted within the motion and to provide the necessary security for those in the housing rental sector. In noting the financial support provided by the Government in response to the energy crisis, he also felt urgent action was needed to ensure the necessary regulation of the private rental market whilst enhancing the security and standards for tenants. On this basis Councillor Lorber confirmed the Liberal Democrat Group would be voting in support of the motion.
In speaking on the motion, Councillor Hirani felt it was important to understand the context of the current cost- of-living crisis given the impact of the war in Ukraine and resulting rise in energy costs. She also felt there was a need to recognise the significant package of financial support provided by the Government for both households and businesses, which she felt reflected their commitment to hard working families and also the most vulnerable in society.
Councillor Knight, in responding to and supporting the motion as Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness & Renters Security, began by thanking Councillors Ethapemi, and Ahamdi Moghaddam along with the London Renters Union and Advice for Renters for bringing forward the motion in order to highlight such an important issue for many local residents. Reflecting on the challenges in supporting residents to secure affordable housing she felt it important to recognise that private rental accommodation in Brent outweighed all other tenures across the borough. Given the challenges highlighted in terms of the increase in rents and available supply of suitable and affordable accommodation she welcomed and fully supported the calls on the Government to take urgent action in order to extend the support available for renters in Brent whilst also thanking officers for the work being undertaken to deliver the Council’s affordable homes programme and provide support, guidance and advice to those most in need.
At this stage the Mayor advised that he would not be able to take any further contributions as the time allocated for the debate had expired and therefore invited Councillor Ethapemi to exercise his right of reply as mover of the motion.
In responding Councillor Ethapemi thanked members for the support expressed. In contrast to the approach taken by the Government he felt the motion reflected a more caring attitude on the part of the Council which positively sough to impact on the severe challenges and hardship being faced by many of the boroughs residents as a result of the current cost-of-living and renting crisis.
The Mayor thanked members for their contributions and then put the motion, as set out below, to a vote which was declared CARRIED.
It was therefore RESOLVED to approve the following motion:
“A Place to Call Home: Safety and Security for tenants during the cost-of-renting crisis.
Full Council notes:
1. London is one of the most expensive places to rent in Europe, while Brent is the second most expensive outer-London borough.
2. Rents have risen three times faster than wages since 2010 and continue to rise, by 15.8% in the year to May 2022. The London Renters Union branch in Brent is regularly seeing rent increases of 30%, 40% or even 50%, contributing to the cost of living emergency and pricing residents out of the borough.
3. Brent has also seen a significant dent in first-time buyer affordability, with the average price paid up by more than double the national average. Those buying their first home in the borough now pay a huge £89,753 increase compared to pre-pandemic market values.
4. People under 30 are facing a growing cost-of-renting crisis. According to recent reports, 4 in 10 of this age group are now spending more than 30% of their pay on rent.
5. In Brent there are over 22,880 households containing 53,644 individuals that remain on the housing waiting list, with an average waiting time for a 3-bedroom council property typically over a decade.
6. Brent Council is continuing to tackle the demand for affordable homes by increasing supply, with a target of 5,700 affordable homes to be built by 2028, of which, 1,700 will be built by the Council.
This Council further notes:
1. While the government has rejected calls for intervention, rent controls are common practice in Europe, both regulating the initial rent that landlords can charge, and the rate of rent increase within tenancies.
2. Brent Labour has made a commitment on behalf of renters to use its voice to call upon the government to introduce new legislation to regulate rent increases, strengthen enforcement and improve the energy standards of the rental sector.
3. That the government is consulting on capping rents for council and housing association homes to prevent them from rising significantly. Although welcome, it will come at significant cost to councils and registered providers that will absorb the brunt of inflation, with no funding announcements made by government to match the steep shortfall in income.
4. Like inflation, energy bill increases serve only to impact residents that are already struggling in some of the worst housing conditions.
This Council believes:
1. That the pandemic has shown that regulating the actions of landlords is a political choice and they can be regulated for the public good at times of crisis.
2. Without intervention in the private rented sector, rents will continue to rise causing economic hardship, instability and homelessness for tens of thousands of Brent residents.
3. The government must rethink mechanisms to regulate the cost of rents and ensure that low and middle income tenants do not have to spend more than a third of their income on rent.
4. The Renters Reform Bill is an essential piece of legislation for renters' security. In order to meet its aims, rent rises within tenancy must be limited so that landlords cannot evict through massive rent hikes.
5. As energy bills soar, private tenants’ right to a warm home should be protected and landlords should be required by the council to meet the legislation relating to energy efficiency.
This Council resolves to:
1. Publicly support the Mayor of London’s call for a two-year rent freeze within the private rented sector and the introduction of rent controls to help ease the cost of living crisis facing Londoners.
2. Work with the Mayor of London to make the case for Brent to participate in the “right-to-buy-back” scheme – and help bring more properties back into public ownership.
3. Create a new Private Renters Strategy, mapping out the council's approach to enforcement, our support available to tenants; and our plans to bring more of the 2,734 empty properties in Brent back to the market.
4. Work with London Renters Union and Advice for Renters to support the case for a borough-wide selective licensing scheme covering the 40,000 PRS properties in Brent that would drive up standards.
5. Urge the new Secretary of State to expedite the commitments to renters in the recent white paper, including: the removal of Section 21 evictions, the introduction of a rental sector ombudsman, the outlawing of discrimination against benefit claimants, and the application of the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector for the first time.”
17.4 4th Motion (Labour Group) – Transport for London Funding
The Mayor then invited Councillor Fraser to move the final motion submitted by the Labour Group who began by expressing her disappointment at what she felt was the inadequate level of Government funding and support being provided for Transport for London (TfL). In recognising the importance of maintaining transport links across Brent it was felt a sustainable funding deal from the Government for TfL was required as part of the ongoing pandemic recovery programme in order to ensure local residents were able to continue accessing an affordable and environmentally sustainable public transport network, particularly given the ongoing impact of the cost-of-living crisis and climate emergency. In commending the motion to members, Councillor Fraser advised that the actions being sought included support for the current industrial action being undertaken by transport workers to safeguard their terms and conditions, whilst lobbying the Government in order to secure a fair and long term sustainable funding deal for TfL in order to provide the necessary forward investment to keep Brent on the move and avoid the scrapping of local bus routes relied on by so many residents across the borough.
Following the motion being formally moved the Mayor opened the motion up to debate, with the following contributions received.
In supporting the motion, Councillor Rubin outlined what he felt to be the adverse impact being created by the lack of a sustainable Government funding settlement for TfL and publicly funded transport system not only in assisting to tackle the climate emergency and improve air quality but also in terms of support for economic growth, housing and community wealth. Referring to what he felt was the failed transport policy of the Conservative Government, he highlighted the importance in seeking to oppose any cuts in service and fare increases as a direct result of the Government’s unsustainable funding arrangements for TfL and in seeking to stand in solidarity with staff and trade unions in protecting jobs and their terms and conditions.
Councillor Hack also spoke in support of the motion highlighting the need to protect workers rights as well as the importance of working together to protect and secure public services for local residents, including an efficient transport system. In sharing his frustration and concern at the approach adopted by Government in relation to the funding and protection of public services, the welfare state and workers rights, Councillor Hack advised he would be supporting the motion as a means of protecting universal access to public services and a sustainable public transport system.
In further support of the motion, Councillor Grahl felt it important to highlight the severe impact which the removal of bus routes within the borough would have on many local residents, particularly those on low incomes, with particular reference made to the proposal affecting the No.16 service. In supporting the need to protect and maintain public services, including a properly funded public transport system, she also took the opportunity to remind members of the fact that many TfL workers had remained on the frontline delivering essential transport services as key workers throughout the pandemic and therefore also deserved solidarity and support at this time.
In responding to the comments made, Councillor Jayanti Patel felt there was a need to recognise that the Government had sought to provide TfL with a long-term funding settlement, which, following the pandemic, had been designed to secure their financial sustainability rather than a reliance on ongoing Government support. This was, he pointed out, also in addition to significant funding support provided during the pandemic which taken together the Conservative Group felt had been sufficient to provide a sustainable funding solution at a time when resources were needing to be prioritised.
In responding to the motion Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, advised that she disagreed with the stance taken by the Conservative Group highlighting that prior to the pandemic TfL had been in good financial health and were in fact being forecast to deliver an operating surplus for the first time in their history. Recognising the impact of the pandemic, Councillor Krupa Sheth felt the approach adopted by the Government towards the funding settlement for TfL, when compared to the financial support provided for private train operating companies, had reflected their ongoing stance towards public services and also London as a whole. In recognising the importance of local residents being able to access an affordable and environmentally sustainable, publicly funded transport network alongside concerns relating to the potential loss of services and increase in fares, Councillor Krupa Sheth ended by advising the Council had formally opposed the loss of bus services across the borough whilst also supporting the case for investment in new rolling stock on the Bakerloo line and the West London Orbital scheme and therefore encouraged all members to support the motion.
As no further members had indicated they wished to speak and the time allocated for the debate had expired the Mayor then invited Councillor Fraser to exercise her right of reply as mover of the motion.
In responding Councillor Fraser expressed her disappointment at the Government’s stance in relation to the funding and support for TfL given the negative impact on residents across Brent and London as a whole. In thanking members for the support expressed, she hoped the motion would be able to assist in delivering much needed support for local residents as well as those working for TfL.
The Mayor then put the motion, as set out below, to a vote which was declared CARRIED.
It was therefore RESOLVED to approve the following motion:
“Transport for London Funding
This Council notes:
1. With Brent residents currently facing an unprecedented cost of living crisis, as well as a climate emergency, it has never been more important that residents can access an affordable, green and publically funded transport network across our capital.
2. London is the only major city in the world that does not consistently subsidise its public transport. TfL relies upon passenger fare income to fund seventy-two per cent of its costs. By comparison, fares income covers only thirty-eight per cent of transport network costs in New York and in Paris, with public funds providing the remainder.
3. This is largely down to the fact that the Government took the decision, in 2015, to remove TfL's £700 million annual operating grant from April 2018 onwards. As a result TfL has faced a 37% cut to their budget in just five years.
4. The root of TfL’s financial problems is the pandemic. Before the pandemic, TfL’s finances were in good health and it was on track to record an operating surplus for the first time in TfL’s history.
5. The Mayor of London has stood up for our capital during a tough month of negotiations with a zombie government to find a new funding settlement. He has successfully fought to ensure TfL no longer faces moving into managed decline.
6. However, the government has been clear that its war against London is not over. Ministers are still refusing to provide enough funding for our transport network, which will likely mean TfL will be forced to increase fares in the future and proceed with some bus cuts. If this happens, Londoners should know that it will only be the government that’s to blame.
This council believes:
1. A sustainable funding deal for TfL is an essential component of any pandemic recovery programme, it supports the growth of jobs, housing and community wealth; and crucially reduces carbon emissions in the capital by taking cars off of the streets.
2. That TfL desperately requires new funding sources, taking inspiration from other global cities that have raised additional revenue through land value capture and emission charges.
3. It is inexcusable that of the funding announced there is no new monies to expedite the delivery of new rolling stock on the Bakerloo Line, with the oldest trains in use in the United Kingdom. It could also jeopardise potential funding for the new West-London Orbital line, a shovel-ready new Overground line that could transform regional transport connections.
4. It is a travesty that TfL has been forced to propose the scrapping of 22 bus routes and a service reduction on almost 60 more. In particular, the removal of the number 16 and number 31 route will severely impact residents in Brent.
5. Brent’s Labour Council has always worked to support residents with cheap and sustainable travel options. The implementation of School Streets, publishing of a Climate Emergency Strategy and ongoing provision of the freedom pass for residents show our commitment to supporting active travel and providing accessible transport options for every resident.
6. A decrease in the funding made available by TfL to London boroughs will negatively impact our residents and our ambition to keep Brent on the move.
This council therefore resolves:
1. To request that the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Change write to Transport for London’s Commissioner Andy Byford expressing this chambers opposition to the scrapping of 22 bus routes, including the number 16 and number 31; and the reduction of provision more generally.
2. To voice its opposition to unsustainable funding arrangements for TfL, calling upon the incoming Secretary of State for Transport to close the funding gap once and for all, during the next round of negotiations.
3. To request that each respective Group Leader considers writing to local branches of ASLEF, RMT and Unite showing support for their industrial action against the impact on jobs, terms and conditions of these proposed cuts.”
Supporting documents:
- 17.1 (Final) Conservative Group Motion, item 18. PDF 370 KB
- 17.1a Labour Group amendment to Conservative Group Motion, item 18. PDF 445 KB
- 17.2 Liberal Democrat Group Motion, item 18. PDF 276 KB
- 17.3 Labour Group (1st) Motion, item 18. PDF 214 KB
- 17.4 Labour Group (2nd) Motion, item 18. PDF 209 KB