Agenda item

Kingsbury and Kenton Brent Connects Meeting

Minutes and Action Log

1

Soap Box – Chaired by Cllr J Fraser

Cllr Fraser introduced the Soap Box section of the meeting setting out the ground rules and time allocated for each speaker.

Key points in section

·        A resident raised concerns that the proposed Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion would have an effect on the community by negatively impacting small businesses. It was suggested that Brent Council take steps to mitigate against this. Other residents cited high levels of air pollution and welcomed the expansion of ULEZ. It was highlighted that the responsibility for the implementation of ULEZ was with the London Assembly and Mayor of London.

·        Another resident made the point that the Roads and footway around Bista Way where in need of repair and included accessibility issues which had been passed on to the Highways team.

·        A resident raised concerns around issues pertaining to Roe Green Park. In light of recent dog attacks in the media across London, the resident noted that they had seen owners walking with multiple dogs, raising concerns around control and safety.

·        The resident also noted that there were a number of rough sleepers in the park and queried whether the Council was taking any action in response to this.

Actions

-        Regarding issues in Roe Green Park, it was agreed that these issues would be escalated to the Council’s ASB and Neighbourhood team by the Community Engagement team.

2

Highways Management Service – Tony Kennedy, Head of Highways Management

Tony Kennedy provided an overview of the work the Highways Management Service was doing across Brent and the Kingsbury and Kenton district around road and footway maintenance. Overall, it was explained that the Highways Team were working to maintain over 500 kilometres of roads and 847 kilometres of pavements in Brent.

It was also noted that funding from Transport for London (TFL) had been reduced following the Covid-19 pandemic, which had added to the operational and budgetary pressures of the department. 

Following the presentation participants were then invited to ask questions which are captured below:

Questions raised regarding presentation

·        In response to a resident query around whether Council repairs came with a warranty, it was confirmed that this was the case.

·        A resident raised concerns around the road condition on Draycott and Woodcock Avenue, saying that the local MP had been involved in finding solutions to the issue, with residents having to park on the pavement in the interim. It was noted that this issue fell under the remit of parking enforcement, though if there were any issues on the roads, they could be reported online or the team contacted at highways.management@brent.gov.uk

Action

Community Engagement to share slides to attendees and pass questions from the meeting on to the Highways Team.

3

The Budget Plan – Ravinder Jassar, Deputy Director of Finance

Ravinder Jassar presented the item, which detailed the financial forecast and draft budget plan for 2023/2024. A summary of the Council’s budget was provided, explaining that Central Government spending had gradually been reducing since 2010. To that end, it was highlighted that two thirds of the upcoming budget would be protected for spending around Adult Social Care and Children’s Services. It was then explained how the levelling up agenda was affecting funding for London councils.

Participants were then invited to give their views in the budget consultation, which was open until 31 January.

Questions raised regarding presentation

·        A resident asked if housing developments not in progress would be suspended as a cost saving measure; it was responded that this was currently being discussed within the Council’s Senior Leadership Team.

·        Factoring in the potential 5% rise in Council Tax, it was asked whether the Council had considered using its reserves. It was responded that reserves had been spent on the Council Tax Support Scheme and Residents Support Fund, and in the current economic climate and state of central government funding, all options would be explored.

·        A resident enquired whether contributions could be made to Brent residents who went into respite care; the Chair said that respite care was available on a short term basis and that numbers were relatively low for those taking up the offer of respite care. Cllr Kabir highlighted the work of the Brent Hubs and support they signposted residents to. 

·        It was asked whether the budget covered plans to insulate homes and it was clarified that this would not be made available for private housing. 

·        It was enquired wehter housing developments could be suspended without the council suffering a penalty; it was confirmed that this would be reviewed on a case by case basis.

·        In response to an enquiry around private landlords, the Community Engagement Team advised that residents complete the online consultation around Private Landlord Licensing, which would be live until 24 January.

·        It was highlighted that communications to residents should be clear around financial cuts and who the responsibility for reduced budgets lay with.

Actions

-        It was agreed that the Community Engagement would share presentation slides with the audience and follow up on the resident enquiry regarding Landlord licensing.

-        The query around road maintenance would be passed to the Highways team.