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 and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action to a question submitted by Councillor Choudry regarding the enforcement work being undertaken to tackle blue badge theft and fraud and how best to report concerns.

2.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security to a question submitted by Councillor Kennelly in relation to the work being undertaken with Housing Associations and other housing providers to tackle cases of mould and damp in properties and support available from the Council to assist in holding providers to account.

3.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Safer Communities and Public Protection and Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care to a question submitted by Councillor Chan regarding the work being undertaken by the Council to address gambling as a public health issue as well as in terms of anti-social behaviour linked to the increase in adult gaming centres.

4.     The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security to a question submitted by Councillor Georgiou regarding the rationale behind the approach taken to the implementation of proposals arising from the review of the housing estate caretaking service and associated impact on service charges and costs, which it was felt required further scrutiny.

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

·             Councillor Kansagra regarding the current approach towards the payment of carers allowances under the Members Allowance Scheme.

·             Councillor Lorber regarding the commitment towards the Neighbourhood Planning process and application of policies adopted as a result through the planning process.

·             Councillor Kennelly highlighting concern at the recent vandalism of commemoration tree planted by the Association of Jewish Refugees in Preston ward and action being taken to protect and prevent any further damage in future.

·             Councillor Mistry seeking assurance in relation to the Council’s policy on the collection of rent from vulnerable residents living within Supported Accommodation.

·             Councillor Kelcher regarding the Council’s commitment to continue supporting the improvement and development of parks and open spaces, including those located across Harlesden and Kensal Green ward such as Bramshill Road Park.

·             Councillor Long relating to accessibility of the details and information being provided on the Landlord Selective Licensing Scheme.

·             Councillor Jayanti Patel regarding the measures being taken to tackle and enforce against illegal footway parking along Kingsbury Road and around Kingsbury Circle.

·             Councillor Georgiou regarding the appropriateness of Shared Ownership being classified as a genuinely Affordable Housing option in the development of housing schemes across Brent and rationale behind the approach being to the disposal of 23 properties in Alperton due to be considered by Cabinet on 17 July 2023.

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 Cabinet 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 of the meeting for response by the relevant Cabinet Member and the written responses circulated within the agenda were noted. The Mayor then invited supplementary questions on the responses provided:

11.1   Councillor Choudry thanked Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure & Climate Action, for the written response in relation to his question regarding the enforcement and prevention of blue badge thefts across Brent.  As a supplementary question further details were sought on how residents should report any concerns regarding blue badge theft, fraud or misuse.

In response, Councillor Krupa Sheth advised that residents should report any concerns to either the Healthy Streets and Parking Team or Community Safety Team would then be able to liaise (as necessary) with the police.

11.2   Councillor Kennelly thanked Councillor Knight, as Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security for the written response in relation to his question concerning the partnership work being undertaken with Housing Associations to address cases of damp and mould.  In recognising the Council did not have powers to take enforcement action in cases involving Housing Associations, which were matters that fell under the Regulator for Social Housing and Housing Ombudsman, concern was expressed that the multi-layered system of agencies involved could potentially lead to unclear outcomes for residents.  As an example, he highlighted issues raised about conditions in a housing block located within his ward, which were now under investigation following contact with the Chief Executive of the relevant Housing Association.  As a supplementary question Councillor Kennelly sought details on the support available through the Council to assist in raising concerns about the standard and condition of properties managed through Housing Associations.

In responding, Councillor Knight, as Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security, outlined the type of support available in seeking to hold Housing Associations to account as part of the process in seeking to maintain and improve living standards for residents in the borough.  As part of this approach, regular meetings were held with the largest Housing Associations where issues could be raised, as appropriate, with assurance also having been sought on how they were seeking to improve their management of damp and mould.  Whilst reminding members of the Council’s lack of specific enforcement powers Councillor Knight ended by stating that the Council would continue to work with the Housing Associations to ensure that concerns and issues being raised in relation to the standard and condition of the properties they managed were addressed as quickly as possible.

11.3   Councillor Chan firstly thanked CouncillorsFarah, as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities and Public Protection, and Councillor Nerva, as Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care for the written response to his question regarding actions that the Council could take to address both gambling as a public health issue and the associated anti-social behaviour, in addition to the steps that the council could take to prevent the increase of adult gaming centres.  Highlighting his concern at the impact adult gaming centres had on local communities and in targeting some of the most vulnerable in society, along with the legislative restrictions imposed on local authorities in being able to oppose, them Councillor Chan, as a supplementary question, sought further details on any public health approach which could assist in mitigating against the detriments of gambling and on other changes required to provide the necessary powers to tackle the concerns identified.

In response, Councillor Nerva felt it was important to recognise that the Council had no additional public health powers which would allow action on adult gaming centres, with the current licensing regulations only providing limited powers and the Gambling Act not applying the prevention of public nuisance or anti-social behaviour (ASB) or consideration of public health harm as specific licensing objectives.  This was further complicated by issues and concerns relating to the increase in online gambling.  Having recognised the anti-social behaviour and public health issues associated with gambling and adult gaming centres, Councillor Nerva outlined the efforts being made through the Local Government Association to lobby for a change in legislation in order to provide the necessary powers for local authorities to address the blight being caused by gambling locally on which advised he would be pleased to work with Councillor Chan, other councillors and residents.

11.4   Councillor Georgiou began by expressing disappointment at the written response provided by Councillor Knight, as Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security which he felt had not addressed the rationale behind the approach taken to the implementation of proposals arising from the review of the housing estate caretaking service and associated impact on service charges and costs.  In referencing the discrepancy between the recommended decrease in cleaning hours made following the service review, when compared to the level implemented, and associated impact on service charges alongside the error in calculation of cleaning hours apportioned to Council owned blocks Councillor Georgiou (as a supplementary question) sought further detail on what was being done to rectify the overspend in cleaning hours identified including the associated impact on the fixed charge for the service.  In view of the concerns raised, he also called for the matter to be referred to the relevant Scrutiny Committee for further review.

In response, Councillor Knight felt it important to outline that the recommendations made as a result of the service review had been followed.  At the same time, however, it was recognised that residents were experiencing financial pressures due to the cost-of-living crisis and that service charges therefore needed to remain affordable and offer value for money.  Given the changes required to improve the standard and level of performance offered by the caretaking service once it had been insourced, which had included payment of the London Living Wage, it was acknowledged that spend had been increased although it was pointed out that the current cleaning charge per property was still less than many other social housing providers across the borough.  Members were advised that the error identified in relation to the calculation of the cleaning hours apportioned to Council owned blocks had also now been resolved with the costs absorbed by the Council.

Having thanked members for their written questions and Cabinet Members for the responses provided to the supplementary questions the Mayor then advised that the remainder of the time available would be used for an open question time session to the Cabinet. Questions relating to the following issues were raised and responses provided, as set out below:

(i)              Councillor Kansagra, regarding the current approach towards the payment of carers allowances under the Members Allowance Scheme.

In response, Councillor Muhammed Butt, as Leader of the Council, felt it important to recognise the nature and extent of allowances already provided for members in undertaking their duties and need to work within the level of provision already available.  It was pointed out that any further consideration of the issue would need to be undertaken on a cross party basis through the Constitutional Working Group.

(ii)             Councillor Lorber, expressing concern, given the recent decision of the Planning Committee on an application relating to a site located along the north-west corner of Barham Park, atthe Council’s commitment towards the Neighbourhood Planning process and seeking assurance about the application of policies adopted as a result through the planning process.

In response, Councillor Tatler, as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Growth, advised that queries relating to the basis of decisions taken on specific planning applications would be matters that fell within the remit of either the Planning Committee or officers in exercising their delegation decision making powers.  In terms of the wider issues highlighted, members were advised that the Council remained committed to the Neighbourhood Planning process as evidenced through the work being undertaken to support the development and review of Neighbourhood Plans in other areas of the borough with an assurance provided that the Council would continue to ensure planning policy was developed and applied to reflect the needs of the borough.

(iii)           Councillor Kennelly highlighting concern at the recent vandalism of a commemoration tree planted by the Association of Jewish Refugees in Preston ward and action being taken to protect and prevent any further damage in future.

In responding, Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, supported Councillor Kennelly in highlighting the importance of the Council not tolerating any forms of hatred or discrimination.  In highlighting the specific action taken to address the vandalism members were advised that the Council was also exploring the possibility of enhancing CCTV coverage in the area to protect the site with Councillor Krupa Sheth pleased to note that the tree had sustained no long term damage.

(iv)           Councillor Mistry seeking assurance in relation to the Council’s policy on the collection of rent from vulnerable residents living within Supported Accommodation.

In response, Councillor Nerva, as Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care, advised that whilst not aware of the specific case referred to, he would be willing to investigate further with officers if further details were provided outside of the meeting.

(v)             Councillor Kelcher regarding the Council’s commitment to continue supporting the improvement and development of parks and open spaces, including those located across Harlesden and Kensal Green ward such as Bramshill Road Park.

In response Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, felt it important to highlight the Council’s continued commitment and investment towards maintaining and improving parks and open spaces not only within Harlesden and Kensal Green but across the borough as a whole.  In terms of the improvements at Bramshill Road she confirmed that she would be happy to visit the park in order to celebrate completion of the improvement works and would continue to promote the work being undertaken elsewhere across the borough as a means of ensuring parks and open spaces were as accessible as possible and could be enjoyed by all residents.

(vi)           Councillor Long, relating to accessibility of the details and information being provided on the Landlord Selective Licensing Scheme.

Councillor Knight, as Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security, reassured Councillor Long on the robustness and accessibility of the database being used to support the extension of the Landlord Selective Licensing Scheme.  Should any issues be experienced, however, once the scheme had gone live members were asked to ensure these were highlighted for further investigation.

(vii)          Councillor Jayanti Patel, regarding the measures being taken to tackle and enforce against illegal footway parking along Kingsbury Road and around Kingsbury Circle.

In response, Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, advised that officers were aware of the issue and working to address the concerns raised, which included the use of CCTV to support enforcement action already being undertaken.  Councillor Krupa Sheth advised she would also be willing to visit the area with local ward councillors to discuss and consider what additional action it may be possible to take ensure that the issues were effectively being dealt with.

(viii)        Councillor Georgiou regarding the appropriateness of Shared Ownership being classified as a genuinely Affordable Housing option in the development of housing schemes across Brent and rationale behind the approach to the disposal of 23 of these type of properties in Alperton due to be considered by Cabinet on 17 July 2023.

In response, Councillor Knight, as Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security, explained that the Cabinet report referred to was not seeking to dispose of the properties but rather repurpose them.  Recognising the individual circumstances of the specific scheme along with a shift in appetite and demand for these type of tenures, it was felt this demonstrated the flexibility and responsiveness in the Council’s approach towards the delivery of affordable housing across the borough.

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