Agenda item

To debate the motions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 41.

 

·             The motions submitted for debate have been attached.

 

·             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 submitted for debate on 13 September 2023 and Labour Group amendments submitted in respect of the Conservative and Liberal Democrats motions on 18 September 2023.)

(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:

 

“Management of Road and Utilities Work across the borough

 

The coordination and management of the many road works, repairs and temporary traffic lights in our borough continues to be of importance to Brent Council to ensure cohesion for our residents travelling around the borough.

 

The Council have listened to concerns from residents who whilst appreciating that these works need to be carried are apprehensive about the potential disruption this can cause to them and continues to work with utility companies and meet with officials regularly to ensure disruption to residents during necessary major works is kept to a minimum.

 

The Council’s Network Management Team hold quarterly coordination meetings with utility companies in order to coordinate works and minimize disruption however there are times when emergency works are required and this can unfortunately clash with other works near the location.

 

Council is therefore asked to note that in relation to the following concerns:

 

·             Roadworks, though essential, cancause major traffic hold ups including in some cases gridlock, can lead to road rage and leads to an increase in pollution, and the Council continues to work with utility companies to prevent major disruption arising from these major works.

 

·             The lack of regular interaction between the various agencies who own services beneath our streets - There is regular interaction between the various agencies with quarterly coordination meetings between the Council and utility companies to discuss major works.

 

·             The coordination of roadworks - There is coordination to ensure that roadworks are carried out in such a manner so they do not interact to cause further disruption.The Council requires 10 days notice for major works and 3 days notice for minor works. The permitting software used will automatically identify clashes should two sets of works be programmed in close proximity to each other during the same time period.

 

·             Disruption to road users - There are measures put in place by the Council to ensure that roadworks are timed and coordinated so as to cause the minimum disruption to road users. However, there may be times where emergency and urgent works are required which may clash with other scheduled works.

 

Therefore, the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action is asked to ensure:

 

(1)    That, with the exception of emergencies e.g. burst water mains, when a utility company applies for permission to carry our road works, the Council continues its work with utility companies to coordinate their planned works programme to ensure minimal disruption for residents across the borough.

 

(2)    That the Network Management Team continues to hold quarterly coordination meetings with utility representatives to discuss major works and assist in avoiding clashes.

 

(3)    That companies continue to apply for permission to carry out works and in line with the regulations of their permit if granted must do so within a certain time frame and if not completed on time, should be fined by the local authority in accordance with the current Government legislation, unless an extension is agreed.”

 

(2)    Having been put to a vote, in accordance with Standing Order 42(l), the Motion submitted by the Liberal Democrats Group “Making our Borough Clean and Safe” was withdrawn from consideration at the meeting.

 

Eligible for Call-In: No

 

(3)    The following Motion submitted by the Labour Group was unanimously AGREED:

 

“Rogue Landlords

 

This Council notes:

 

·             The important contribution the Private Rented Sector (PRS) makes to the provision of housing in the borough, with renters of private accommodation making up the largest proportion of occupants in our borough.

 

·             The majority of private landlords renting out properties in Brent are good landlords who work in close partnership with the Council.

 

·             However, this is not the case for all landlords and the Council is fully committed to ensure that no private rented sector tenant is living in substandard accommodation. We believe everyone should live in a warm and dry home.

 

·             A recent survey by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) showing that of those officers working on housing enforcement in the private rented sector, nine out of ten had encountered landlords engaging in harassment or illegal eviction, and 78% had dealt with landlords who persistently refuse to maintain their property to a safe condition.

 

·             That rogue landlords can have a devastating impact on vulnerable tenants and the wider community.

 

This Council further notes:

 

·             The Labour Administration’s commitment to take a zero tolerance approach to rogue landlords and to use the full range of tools and powers at its disposal to tackle rogue landlords.

 

·             The case of Jaydipkumar Valand, who was found guilty of raking in £360,000 by packing up to 40 tenants in to a four bed semi-detached home in Napier Road, Wembley, back in 2018. Due to the hard work of Brent enforcement officers, Valand was issued with Brent Council’s first ever banning order which now prevents him from letting out any houses in England or engaging in any sort of property management work in the country for the next five years.

 

·             The new selective licensing scheme that the Council introduced on 1 August to protect renters’ rights and secure a decent standard of living for all residents. Landlords who rent out properties in Dollis Hill, Harlesden & Kensal Green and Willesden Green are now legally required to have a property licence.

 

This Council resolves:

 

·             To do more to publicise successful legal action against landlords and lettings agents, which will act as a deterrent to bad landlords and raise awareness of landlords duties and responsibilities.

 

·             Request that the Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security calls on the Secretary of State for Housing, Levelling-Up and Communities to support Brent Council’s commitment to further landlord licensing schemes in the borough.

 

·             Request that the Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security calls on the UK Government to urgently bring forward legislation to bring the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector as proposed in the Renters Reform white paper.

 

·             To continue to work with the Mayor of London to lobby the Government to increase funding to London and its Boroughs for the delivery of affordable homes.”

 

Eligible for Call-In: No

Before moving on to consider the motions listed on the summons, the Mayor advised members that a total of 30 minutes had been set aside for the consideration of the three 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 she advised that the remaining time available would be rolled forward for consideration of the remaining motions.

 

19.1    1^st Motion (Conservative Group) – Management of Road and Utilities Works Across the Borough

 

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 motion which had been focussed on concerns regarding the lack of coordination and management of road works, repairs and temporary traffic lights in the borough.  Whilst recognising that road and utilities works were often essential, Councillor Maurice highlighted the disruption being caused as a result of their lack of co-ordination across the borough and advised members that the motion had therefore been designed to seek and encourage greater cooperation and coordination between all stakeholders and agencies in planning and undertaking these type of works to ensure that disruption was minimised.

 

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.

 

Given that Councillor Krupa Sheth (in whose name the amendment had been submitted) had submitted her apologies for absence at the meeting, Councillor Muhammad Butt (as Leader of the Council) was invited by the Mayor to move the amendment on behalf of the Labour Group.  In commending the ongoing work being undertaken by officers and the lead Cabinet Member to ensure that disruption arising from major road and utility works for residents travelling around the borough were minimised, Councillor Muhammed Butt, in moving the amendment, felt it important to recognise the efforts already being made to ensure these works were managed on a co-ordinated basis.  This approach included quarterly coordination meetings between the Council and utility companies in order to plan and co-ordinate works, although it was pointed out there would still be times when emergency works would be required which may clash with other works in the same area and could not be planned for in advance.  As a result, he advised the amendment moved was designed to recognise these efforts and ensure continued engagement between all stakeholders in an attempt to address the concerns highlighted and encourage further joined up working to ensure that wherever possible roadworks were co-ordinated and managed so as to cause minimal disruption for residents across all parts of the borough. On this basis the amendment moved was as follows:

 

To add the wording underlined and delete the wording indicated.

 

“Management of Road and Utilities Work across the Borough

 

The Brent Conservative Group is concerned about the lack ofThe coordination and management of the many road works, repairs and temporary traffic lights in our borough. continues to be of importance to Brent Council to ensure cohesion for our residents travelling around the borough.

 

ThisThe Council have listened to had numerous complaintsconcerns from residents who whilst appreciating that these works need to be carried are apprehensive about the potential disruption this can cause to them are very unhappy at the way they aremanaged and the traffic chaos that they cause. and continues to work with utility companies and meet with officials regularly to ensure disruption to residents during necessary major works is kept to a minimum.

 

As an example; it has been taking up to an hour to get through the temporary lights on East Lane in Wembley.

 

The Council’s Network Management Team hold quarterly coordination meetings withWe are also concerned that the utility companies do not in order to coordinate works so that they are carried out together and with minimal and minimize disruption however there are times when emergency works are required and this can unfortunately clash with other works near the location.

 

There are numerous examples of roadworks being started, temporary traffic management put in place but nobody appears to be working for several days or even weeks. Stonebridge has had two sets of temporary lights working against each other for weeks, with no one working there, with disruption at Blackbird Hill, Preston Road, Watford Road near Northwick Park Hospital to give just a few further examples.

 

Council is therefore asked to note that in relation to the following concerns:

 

·                 Roadworks, though essential, can cause major traffic hold ups including in some cases gridlock, can lead to road rage and leads to an increase in pollution, and the Council continues to work with utility companies to prevent major disruption arising from these major works.

 

·                 The lack of regular interaction between the various agencies who own services beneath our streets -There is no regularinteraction between the various agencies who own the services beneath our streets. with quarterly coordination meetings between the Council and utility companies to discuss major works.

 

·                 The coordination of roadworks -There is no coordination to ensure that roadworks are carried out in such a manner so they do not interact to cause further disruption. The Council requires 10 days notice for major works and 3 days notice for minor works. The permitting software used will automatically identify clashes should two sets of works be programmed in close proximity to each other during the same time period.

 

·                 Disruption to road users - There ‘appears’ to be no are measures put in place by the Council to ensure that roadworks are timed and coordinated so as to causethe minimum disruption to road users. However, there may be times where emergency and urgent works are required which may clash with other scheduled works.

 

Therefore,As a result of the concerns highlighted the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action is asked to ensure:

 

(1)      That, with the exception of emergencies e.g. burst water mains, when a utility company applies for permission to carry our road works, the Council continues its work with notifies all other utility companies to coordinate their planned works programme to ensure minimal disruption for residents across the borough. see if they need to carry out works so that it can all be done at the same time.

 

(2)      That the Network Management Team continues to hold quarterly coordination meetings with utility representatives to discuss major works and assist in avoiding clashes.That roadworks are planned so that other roadworks are notcarried out at the same time within ½mile of the application.

 

(3)      That companies continue towho apply for permission to carry out works and in line with the regulations of their permit if granted must do so within a certain timeframe and if not completed on time, should be fined by the local authority in accordance with the current Government legislation, unless an extension is agreed.”

 

The Mayor thanked Councillor Muhammed Butt for moving the amendment on behalf of the Labour Group. As there were no other members who had indicated they wished to speak she then moved on to invite 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 exercising his right of reply Councillor Maurice, whilst recognising the intent behind the approach outlined within the amendment moved by the Leader of the Council, highlighted the frustration and level of concern still being expressed by local residents in relation to the disruption being experienced.  On this basis he advised the Conservative Group would be supporting the original rather than amended motion which had been moved.

 

Councillor Muhammed Butt in closing the debate and exercising his right of reply on the amendment again outlined the extent of work being undertaken with all stakeholders to plan and co-ordinate road and utility works in order to minimise disruption for local residents and road users and on this basis advised that the Labour Group would be supporting the amendment rather than original motion which had been moved.

 

Having thanked councillors for their contributions, the Mayor then moved to the vote on the motion starting with the amendment moved by the Labour Group. 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 declared CARRIED.

 

It was therefore RESOLVED to approve the following motion:

 

“Management of Road and Utilities Work across the borough.

 

The coordination and management of the many road works, repairs and temporary traffic lights in our borough continues to be of importance to Brent Council to ensure cohesion for our residents travelling around the borough.

 

The Council have listened to concerns from residents who whilst appreciating that these works need to be carried are apprehensive about the potential disruption this can cause to them and continues to work with utility companies and meet with officials regularly to ensure disruption to residents during necessary major works is kept to a minimum.

 

The Council’s Network Management Team hold quarterly coordination meetings with utility companies in order to coordinate works and minimize disruption however there are times when emergency works are required and this can unfortunately clash with other works near the location.

 

Council is therefore asked to note that in relation to the following concerns:

 

·                 Roadworks, though essential, cancause major traffic hold ups including in some cases gridlock, can lead to road rage and leads to an increase in pollution, and the Council continues to work with utility companies to prevent major disruption arising from these major works.

 

·                 The lack of regular interaction between the various agencies who own services beneath our streets - There is regular interaction between the various agencies with quarterly coordination meetings between the Council and utility companies to discuss major works.

 

·                 The coordination of roadworks - There is coordination to ensure that roadworks are carried out in such a manner so they do not interact to cause further disruption.The Council requires 10 days notice for major works and 3 days notice for minor works. The permitting software used will automatically identify clashes should two sets of works be programmed in close proximity to each other during the same time period.

 

·                 Disruption to road users - There are measures put in place by the Council to ensure that roadworks are timed and coordinated so as to cause the minimum disruption to road users. However, there may be times where emergency and urgent works are required which may clash with other scheduled works.

 

Therefore, the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action is asked to ensure:

 

(1)      That, with the exception of emergencies e.g. burst water mains, when a utility company applies for permission to carry our road works, the Council continues its work with utility companies to coordinate their planned works programme to ensure minimal disruption for residents across the borough.

 

(2)      That the Network Management Team continues to hold quarterly coordination meetings with utility representatives to discuss major works and assist in avoiding clashes.

 

(3)      That companies continue to apply for permission to carry out works and in line with the regulations of their permit if granted must do so within a certain time frame and if not completed on time, should be fined by the local authority in accordance with the current Government legislation, unless an extension is agreed.”

 

19.2   2^nd Motion (Liberal Democrats Group) - Making our Borough Clean and Safe

 

The Mayor then invited Councillor Georgiou to move the second motion which had been submitted on behalf of the Liberal Democrats Group.  Prior to addressing the motion, Councillor Georgiou expressed concern at what was felt to be the negative effect of the amendment to the motion which had been submitted by the Labour Group in advance of the meeting.  In highlighting the aim of the original motion to address concerns being raised by local residents regarding the state and cleanliness of the boroughs streets it was felt the extent of the proposed changes within the amendment would have the effect of negating the original spirit and basis of the original motion and preventing effective scrutiny of the Administration.  On this basis, he advised the Mayor that the Liberal Democrats Group were no longer minded to move the motion and would instead be seeking to withdraw it from consideration at the meeting.

 

It was therefore RESOLVED having been put to a vote, in accordance with Standing Order 42(l), to approve withdrawal of the Motion submitted by the Liberal Democrats Group from consideration at the meeting.

 

19.3    3^rd Motion (Labour Group) – Rogue Landlords

 

The Mayor then invited Councillor Johnson to move the motion submitted by the Labour Group.  In moving the motion Councillor Johnson, whilst recognising the contribution made by the Private Rented Sector (PRS) to the provision of housing across the borough and support by a majority of landlords working in close partnership with the Council, felt it important to recognise the problems being caused by the small number acting in a more unscrupulous way.  In referencing the case involving Jaydipkumar Valand as a landlord within Brent issued with the first banning order preventing him from letting or engaging in any residential property management work across England, he advised the motion was focussed on highlighting the impact which rogue landlords could have on vulnerable tenants and the wider community as well as on the work being undertaken to protect local residents living in the PRS and in support of the Renters Reform Bill.

 

With renters in the PRS making up the largest proportion of occupiers in the borough, Councillor Johnson was keen to outline the impact for those having to live in substandard and unsafe accommodation as a result of rogue landlords failing to maintain their property to a safe condition or in seeking to harass their tenants in terms of not only their quality of life but also productivity and health & wellbeing.  In concluding, he therefore hoped all members would join him in support to the motion and in seeking to support the work being undertaken to safeguard the rights of tenants and to deter and tackle unscrupulous landlords.

 

The Mayor thanked Councillor Johnson for moving the motion before inviting other members to speak, with the following contributions received.

 

In supporting Councillor Johnson’s opening statement, Councillor Kabir also took the opportunity to highlight concerns regarding the impact of absent landlords in terms of them being held to account for management of their properties.  In recognising the pressure on supply and affordability of rented accommodation and limited choices this presented to tenants given the demand identified, she felt this was an issue which also needed to the addressed and confirmed her support for the motion.

 

Councillor Maurice in welcoming the prosecution of the landlord identified within the motion and protection being offered through the Renters Reform Bill also supported the reference within the motion to the majority of good landlords in Brent who were operating in partnership with the Council.  Whilst keen to ensure the necessary protections were in place to support tenants within the PRS he ended by also highlighting what he felt was a similar need for landlords to have the necessary protection and power to deal with tenants creating problems.

 

In response to the debate, Councillor Lorber whilst supporting the motion and action being taken to tackle rouge landlords and provide tenants with the necessary safeguards felt it was also important to recognise and strengthen the role of the landlord licensing scheme and wider regulatory system in the process, particularly in relation to those landlords seeking to convert residential properties into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

 

Also speaking in support of the motion, Councillor Ahmadi Moghaddam reminded members of the Council motion passed in September 2022 seeking to support the safety and security of tenants in the private rented sector during the cost-of-renting crisis, which had called upon the government to introduce new legislation to regulate rent increases, strengthen enforcement and improve energy standards within the rental sector.  In commending the work undertaken to date in tackling these issues and seeking to license and tackle rogue landlords in the PRS he outlined his support for the current motion as a means of further seeking to protect tenants and ensure, as a basic principle, everyone had access to a safe and affordable home.

 

As a further contribution to the debate, Councillor Kennelly also spoke in support of the Brent Renters Union and the motion, highlighting the need to ensure that issues relating to the provision of substandard accommodation in the private rented sector, including damp and mould, were tackled proactively and swiftly using all measures available to ensure the protection of renters rights and a decent standard of living for all residents.

 

Councillor Donnelly-Jackson also spoke in support of the motion based on her personal experience of the private rented sector and also in seeking to highlight and welcome the support being provided through organisation such as Shelter and Advice for Renters.  In commending the selective licensing scheme introduced by the Council, Councillor Donnelly-Jackson advised she was keen to ensure effective regulation of landlords in the PRS including the removal of Section 21 evictions.

 

Councillor Smith also spoke in support of the sentiments and comments highlighted during the debate and need to ensure effective regulation of landlords operating in the private rented sector.

 

As final contributions to the debate given the time available, Councillor Grahl ended by expressing concern at the Government’s delay in progressing the Renters Reform Bill given the impact in seeking to protect and enhance the rights of tenants in the private rented sector.  In the same way, Councillor Kansagra also felt there was a need to recognise the Council’s role and responsibilities as a landlord for the properties and tenants they managed.

 

Highlighting the limited time remaining, the Mayor then invited Councillor Johnson to exercise his right of reply.  In responding and closing the debate, Councillor Johnson thanked members in the support expressed for the motion and the commitment being sought to ensure that no tenants living in the private rented sector across the borough had to live in substandard or unsafe accommodation or face harassment by their landlords.  On this basis it was hoped that all members would support the motion.

 

Having once again thanked all members for their contributions, the Mayor then put the motion, to a vote which was unanimously declared CARRIED.

 

It was therefore RESOLVED to approve the following motion:

 

Rogue Landlords

 

This Council notes:

 

·             The important contribution the Private Rented Sector (PRS) makes to the provision of housing in the borough, with renters of private accommodation making up the largest proportion of occupants in our borough.

 

·             The majority of private landlords renting out properties in Brent are good landlords who work in close partnership with the Council.

 

·             However, this is not the case for all landlords and the Council is fully committed to ensure that no private rented sector tenant is living in substandard accommodation. We believe everyone should live in a warm and dry home.

 

·             A recent survey by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) showing that of those officers working on housing enforcement in the private rented sector, nine out of ten had encountered landlords engaging in harassment or illegal eviction, and 78% had dealt with landlords who persistently refuse to maintain their property to a safe condition.

 

·             That rogue landlords can have a devastating impact on vulnerable tenants and the wider community.

 

This Council further notes:

 

·             The Labour Administration’s commitment to take a zero-tolerance approach to rogue landlords and to use the full range of tools and powers at its disposal to tackle rogue landlords.

 

·             The case of Jaydipkumar Valand, who was found guilty of raking in £360,000 by packing up to 40 tenants in to a four bed semi-detached home in Napier Road, Wembley, back in 2018. Due to the hard work of Brent enforcement officers, Valand was issued with Brent Council’s first ever banning order which now prevents him from letting out any houses in England or engaging in any sort of property management work in the country for the next five years.

 

·             The new selective licensing scheme that the Council introduced on 1 August to protect renters’ rights and secure a decent standard of living for all residents. Landlords who rent out properties in Dollis Hill, Harlesden & Kensal Green and Willesden Green are now legally required to have a property licence.

 

This Council resolves:

 

·             To do more to publicise successful legal action against landlords and lettings agents, which will act as a deterrent to bad landlords and raise awareness of landlords duties and responsibilities.

 

·             Request that the Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security calls on the Secretary of State for Housing, Levelling-Up and Communities to support Brent Council’s commitment to further landlord licensing schemes in the borough.

 

·             Request that the Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security calls on the UK Government to urgently bring forward legislation to bring the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector as proposed in the Renters Reform white paper.

 

To continue to work with the Mayor of London to lobby the Government to increase funding to London and its Boroughs for the delivery of affordable homes.”