Agenda item
Motions
Following the change in procedure for dealing with Motions agreed as part of the changes to the Constitution at the Annual Council Meeting in May 2024, the debate on motions submitted to Full Council, in accordance with Standing Order 30(k) and 41 will now be undertaken at this stage of the meeting.
Members are asked to note:
· 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 3 July 2024 and a Labour Group amendment to the Conservative Group Motion on 5 July 2024)
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 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.
10.1 1st Motion (Conservative Group) – Action to address dockless e-bike parking within Brent.
The Mayor invited Councillor Mistry to move the first motion which had been submitted on behalf of the Conservative Group. Councillor Mistry began by providing context to the motion and thanking Councillor Long for her support in relation to the amendment submitted, on the basis it was seeking to highlight many of the same concerns. In highlighting the increase in number of dockless e-bikes being abandoned in parks and streets across the borough, Councillor Mistry (as ward councillor) highlighted specific issues being experienced within Queensbury with the Conservative Group motion (supported by the amendment) seeking stronger action in relation to management of the scheme by the bike operator given the problems and safety issues being experienced. In acknowledging the support within the amendment to the five actions which had been identified within the Conservative Group motion and discussions which had now commenced between the Council and operator to address concerns regarding management of the current scheme across the borough, Councillor Mistry advised that the Conservative Group would also be willing to support the amendment moved.
The Mayor thanked Councillor Mistry for moving the motion and then drew members’ attention to an amendment submitted by Councillor Long on behalf of the Labour Group, which had been circulated in advance of the meeting.
In moving the amendment, Councillor Long thanked Councillor Mistry for highlighting the issues raised within her motion. Whilst acknowledging the popularity of the dockless e-bike scheme across the borough and supporting the efforts being made to reduce pollution and encourage more active modes of travel, there was, she felt, a need to address the current management and operation of the scheme recognising the problems being created by those not using it as they should and abandoning or dangerously parking bikes in parks and streets across the borough negatively impacting on pedestrians. As such, it was felt better regulation and management of the scheme was required, including a review and update of the Memorandum of Understanding and Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) governing operation of the scheme in Brent, which it was pointed had been agreed prior to the pandemic and was subject to regular and ongoing breaches. As an example, reference was made to the need, if parking was to be allowed on pavements, for the impact on pedestrians to be reflected within the EIA which currently only included reference to cyclists. In terms of improvements being sought, the amendment had also been designed to seek the necessary protection for pedestrians, recognising walking as an important mode of active travel and to call for not only better management of the scheme but also the provision of marked parking bays and the impounding of bikes that had been abandoned. In addition, the amendment was seeking to ensure that necessary enhancements were made to IT systems with measures introduced to prevent the hacking and improve the tracking of bikes operated under the scheme to ensure the scheme was able to continue operating effectively across the borough. Whilst supportive of the introduction of e-bikes Councillor Long, in urging members to support the amendment, felt management of the scheme required improving in order to safeguard pedestrians and address the wider concerns highlighted in relation to its operation. The amendment moved by Councillor Long was therefore as follows:
To add the wording underlined and delete the wording indicated:
“Action to address dockless e-bike parking within Brent
Whilst we support and
recognise that dockless e-bike schemes were introduced across
London in an effort to reduce pollution and get more people active,
and that the majority of users are using
the service as they ought to,there is an annoying trend of e- bikes
suppliedwork to be done
by Lime+ Uber under the scheme in Brent to tackle the small number of bikesbeing parked in
dangerous locations, as well as bikes from schemes operated in
other boroughs being dumped in our parks and streets.
No action appears
Stronger action needs to be taken
against those selfish users
who leave their e-bikes in locations causing immense danger,
obstructions and annoyance to residents walking on our
streets.
Lime+ Uber e-bikes are
found across most wards in Brent obstructing busy streets and road
crossings, with a small number of
riders inconsiderately parking anywhere and blocking pavements and
pedestrian crossings, impacting particularly on the disabled and
parents with buggies leaving little remedy except to move them out
of their path or manoeuvre around them. This has generated a large number of complaints to
both the scheme operator and Council which, to date, appears to have resulted in little
effective action being takenhas been brought to the immediate attention of the
operator for future term negotiations.
We understand that Brent
Council are contacting the current operator to see what can be done
but there appears to have been little
responsethe Council continues
to be in ongoing negotiations with the operator before a
substantial operational update can be given. We also
understand that Transport for London appears not to be taking any responsibility for this
problemare involved in similar
negotiations in Brent and across other London
boroughs.
As a result of the concerns highlighted this Council therefore resolves to call on the Cabinet:
(1) To work
with the support of other London boroughs,in seeking to include a uphold our powerswithin a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) that
would enable the Council to lawfully impound bikes that
are abandoned on our streets, and store them in a secure
place, for example, at the boroughs
car pound and not release them until a fine is paid
by the operator.
(2) To require that any dockless bike
operator in the borough should be required to electronically chip
all their bikes and allow end-of-ride
parking only in designated areas, such as with Transport
for London’s official hire e-bike service.
(3) To ensure increase
data sharing with the operator sothat when reported,
obstacles and hazards caused to pedestrians and the disabled by the
inconsiderate parking or dumping of hired e-bikes are addressed and
cleared with the Council continuing to raise concerns with the
scheme operator and ensure the necessary enforcement action is
taken.
(4) To consider, in any future contract, the introduction of
additional measures such
as“parking bays” in
busy locations and further line markings to be funded by the
operator,that would encourage riders to leave their hired
bikes in certain areas. Whilst
aware there is no legal requirement and the bikes can, in theory,
still be parked anywhere,This would encourage and promote a discipline
in riders to behave responsibly and leave these bikes in a safe
place.
(5) To ensure that when large number of e-bikes at one location or badly parked e-bikes are reported to the operator by residents, councillors or the Council, the e-bikes should be immediately collected.”
The Mayor thanked Councillor Long for moving the amendment and then opened the debate for contributions from other members in relation to both the original motion and amendment.
In opening the debate, Councillor Lorber expressed support for the concerns highlighted within the motion and subsequent amendment regarding the management and current operation of the dockless e-bike scheme within Brent. Reference was made to the successful operation of other schemes across London, which demonstrated how their operation could be managed including the provision of docking stations which enabled better planning and were able to take account of the impact on the surrounding area. Councillor Lorber advised he was also keen to ensure that the concerns identified were raised with the current operator of the scheme in Brent and necessary measures taken in response to enable their continued operation of the scheme in Brent.
Also speaking in support of the motion, Councillor Hirani took the opportunity to highlight specific concerns regarding criminal activity and anti-social behaviour involving use of the bikes within her ward as well as safety concerns regarding the way in which bikes were being abandoned on pavements, creating hazards for pedestrians, including those with disabilities. In outlining the number of complaints received from local residents on these issues, Councillor Hirani advised that she would also be supporting the motion (and subsequent amendment) and called upon the Council to ensure that the operator of the current scheme was held accountable and forced to address the concerns highlighted.
As no other members had indicated they wished to speak, the Mayor then invited Councillor Mistry (as mover of the original motion) followed by Councillor Long (as mover of the amended) to exercise their right of reply.
In exercising her right of reply, Councillor Mistry welcomed the cross-party support expressed in terms of the need to address the concerns highlighted regarding the current management and operation of the dockless e-bike scheme across Brent and on this basis hoped that all members would be willing to support the motion, including the amendment moved by the Labour Group.
On the basis of the comments made and cross-party supported expressed for the amendment, Councillor Long advised that she did not wish to exercise any further right of reply so the Mayor, having thanked councillors for their contributions, 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:
“Action to address dockless e-bike parking within Brent
Whilst we support and recognise that dockless e-bike schemes were introduced across London in an effort to reduce pollution and get more people active, and that the majority of users are using the service as they ought to,there is work to be doneby Lime+ Uber under the scheme in Brent to tackle the small number of bikes being parked in dangerous locations, as well as bikes from schemes operated in other boroughs being dumped in our parks and streets. Stronger action needs to be taken against those users who leave their e-bikes in locations causing immense danger, obstructions and annoyance to residents walking on our streets.
Lime+ Uber e-bikes are found across most wards in Brent obstructing busy streets and road crossings, with a small number of riders inconsiderately parking anywhere and blocking pavements and pedestrian crossings, impacting particularly on the disabled and parents with buggies leaving little remedy except to move them out of their path or manoeuvre around them. This has generated a large number of complaints to both the scheme operator and Council, whichhas been brought to the immediate attention of the operator for future term negotiations.
We understand that Brent Council are contacting the current operator to see what can be done but the Council continues to be in ongoing negotiations with the operator before a substantial operational update can be given. We also understand that Transport for London are involved in similar negotiations in Brent and across other London boroughs.
As a result of the concerns highlighted this Council therefore resolves to call on the Cabinet:
(1) To uphold our powersto lawfully impound bikes that are abandoned on our streets and store them in a secure place until a fine is paid by the operator.
(2) To require that any dockless bike operator in the borough should be required to electronically chip all their bikes, such as with Transport for London’s official hire e-bike service.
(3) To increase data sharing with the operator sothat when reported, obstacles and hazards caused to pedestrians and the disabled by the inconsiderate parking or dumping of hired e-bikes are addressed and cleared with the Council continuing to raise concerns with the scheme operator and ensure the necessary enforcement action is taken.
(4) To consider, in any future contract, the introduction of additional measures such as“parking bays” in busy locations and further line markings to be funded by the operator,that would encourage riders to leave their hired bikes in certain areas. This would encourage and promote a discipline in riders to behave responsibly and leave these bikes in a safe place.
(5) To ensure that when large number of e-bikes at one location or badly parked e-bikes are reported to the operator by residents, councillors or the Council, the e-bikes should be immediately collected.”
10.2 2nd Motion (Liberal Democrats Group) - Dealing with increasing rubbish on Brent streets
The Mayor then invited Councillor Georgiou to move the second motion which had been submitted by the Liberal Democrats Group. In moving the motion, Councillor Georgiou began by outlining the extent of concern being raised by local residents regarding the cleanliness of streets across the borough, which he felt were now dirtier than ever. In highlighting Brent had been placed at the top of a list produced by the BBC for instances of reported fly-tipping across the country, he felt the recent changes to the contract with Veolia had made things worse with the new contract having reduced the need for regular cleaning of all streets across the borough and introducing an intelligence led approach to the targeting of resources, which he believed had not worked. As a result, it was felt further action needed to be taken to prioritise keeping streets clean and to enhance the enforcement and prosecution of fly tipping. Given the concerns highlighted, Councillor Georgiou advised that the motion had outlined five practical measures which it was felt would achieve these aims. These included the reintroduction of regular street cleaning in all roads and areas across the borough, scrapping the intelligence led approach towards the targeting of resources, enhancing enforcement activity, working with other London boroughs, such as Newham, in seeking to identify best practice and adapt the approach towards tackling fly tipping and finally to work more closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure they took the necessary action to keep the land they owned across the borough well maintained and free of rubbish and dumping. In summing up, Councillor Georgiou hoped all members would support the motion recognising the importance of the issue local residents.
The Mayor thanked Councillor Georgiou for moving the motion before inviting other members to speak, with the following contributions received.
Speaking in support of the motion, Councillor J.Patel opened the debate by highlighting concerns which had been expressed by residents regarding overall cleanliness and frequency of fly-tipping across a number of streets and areas within his ward. Whilst these were being dealt with when reported through the “Fix my Street” app it was felt more action was required to tackle repeat offending in these locations, including the use of CCTV to monitor, enforce and prosecute those involved. The opportunity was also taken to express support for the Community Skip initiative with a call for the dumping of litter around the children’s play area in Roe Green Park to also be targeted and addressed.
Councillor Matin, also speaking in support of the motion, expressed further concern at the introduction of the intelligence led approach towards the targeting of resources under the new contract with Veolia, which she also felt was not working highlighting the increasing number of complaints being received from residents regarding the build-up of rubbish and levels of fly-tipping across her ward. As a further measure, Councillor Matin advised she would welcome the introduction of additional street bins across the borough with concerns also expressed (from a personal perspective) at the detrimental impact the build-up of rubbish (including broken glass) on streets was having on blind or partially sighted individuals and their support animals. In noting the practical nature of the measures outlined she hoped all members would support the motion, as moved.
As a further speaker in support of the motion, Councillor Mistry also outlined her concerns regarding operation of the new street cleansing contract which she felt was not working in relation to the levels of rubbish and fly-tipping across her ward. Highlighting the importance in maintaining healthy and clean spaces, concern was also expressed at the accumulation and dumping of rubbish in long grass on verges and within open spaces, with particular issues reported around the Eton Grove outdoor gym facility which, it was felt, demonstrated the need for a review of the existing street cleansing contract arrangements.
In response to the issues raised during the debate, Councillor Muhammed Butt (who, following her apologies for absence, advised he was speaking on behalf of Councillor Krupa Sheth in her role as Cabinet Member for Environment & Enforcement) thanked members for their contributions and felt it important to start by recognising the commitment within the Borough Plan towards ensuring a Cleaner and Greener Brent. In addressing the concerns raised he felt it important to highlight how, rather than neglecting the need to keep Brent’s streets clean, the new street cleansing contract had been able to deliver a more strategic, effective and cost-efficient approach by targeting and focussing the resources available in areas where they were most needed on an intelligence led basis supported by data analysis and a process of continual monitoring and inspection. In terms of the enforcement strategy, this had also been enhanced with a zero-tolerance approach being taken in relating to littering and fly tipping. This had been supported by an enforcement regime designed to ensure that investigations and prosecutions were successfully pursued with Fixed Penalty fines also having been increased to a maximum of £1,000 as an additional deterrent supported by the introduction of a new campaign “Don’t mess with Brent”. In summing up, given the measures and approach outlined, Councillor Muhammed Butt advised that the Labour Group would not be supporting the motion.
As the time limit for debate had been reached and there were no other members who had indicated they wished to speak the Mayor then invited Councillor Georgiou to exercise his right of reply. In summing up, Councillor Georgiou once again highlighted what he felt was a need to recognise the extent of concerns being highlighted by local residents and impact of the current approach in terms of the reduction in frequency and failure of the intelligence led approach towards street cleansing across the borough. Having outlined what were felt to be a number of practical measures to tackle the concerns highlighted he ended by urging all members to support the motion.
Having thanked members for their contributions the Mayor then moved on to put the motion, as set out below, to a vote which was declared LOST and not therefore approved.
“Dealing with increasing rubbish on Brent streets
This Council notes:
Brent streets are filthier than ever. It is hard to walk by any road, whether residential or close to a busy shopping area or High Road, in the borough, without coming across a fly tip or a pile of dumped rubbish. Sadly, even the BBC have noticed and place Brent at the top of their list of dirtiest boroughs in the country!
Recent changes made by the Administration to the contract with Veolia have made things even worse. Rather than prioritising the need to keep Brent clean, the new contract has in fact reduced the need for Veolia to regularly cleanse local streets and made it harder for the Council to hold them to account when the contractors are not doing a good enough job.
Residents are not happy. Over the course of the last few weeks, councillors have been out speaking with local people. The message from them is clear. It is time Brent Council got to grips and dealt with increasing rubbish on our streets.
This Council therefore believes that:
1. Keeping local streets clean and free of rubbish and illegal fly tipping must be a priority.
2. We need urgent action to address the rubbish problem and redouble our efforts to prosecute those who continue to illegally fly tip in our area.
3. The new modified contract with Veolia, which scraps regular street cleaning on all streets in the borough, both residential and close to busy shopping areas, and the introduction of the ‘intelligence-led’ approach, is not working.
This Council therefore calls on Cabinet to:
1. Seek a variation in the current contract with Veolia to:
- Reintroduce regular street cleaning on all roads and in all areas of the borough.
- Scrap the ‘intelligence-led’ approach which is not working.
- Ensure the contractor can be held to account better, when they are not fulfilling their set out obligations. Particularly in relation to the length of time it takes to clear fly tips and accumulated rubbish.
2. Beef up enforcement, by employing more officers (apprentices) to assist Neighbourhood Managers in their activities on the ground across the borough.
3. Adapt our approach to tackling fly tipping in our borough by working with other London boroughs who have similar issues and are achieving better results.
4. Prioritise enforcement and the collection of evidence, to better guarantee successful prosecution of those who continue to illegally dump rubbish locally.
5. Request that the Mayor of London and other stakeholders, including TfL, Housing Associations, local businesses, take responsibility for land that they manage and ensure it is free of rubbish and dumping. This will ensure a joint up approach to dealing with this growing issue in our area and feed into the wider objective to keep Brent clean and tidy at all times.”
10.3 3rd Motion (Labour Group) – The path we choose with a new government
The Mayor then invited Councillor Hack to move the first motion submitted on by the Labour Group. In moving the motion, Councillor Hack began by welcoming the outcome of the recent General Election and by-election result in Queens Park ward which he felt provided a much needed opportunity to start addressing the decline in public and health services, increased levels of child poverty and living standards being faced by residents as a result of the cost-of-living crisis and approach of the previous Conservative government. In seeking to reverse these declines and breath life back into public services Councillor Hack, whilst recognising the ongoing challenges faced giving the increasing demand on services and financial pressures faced across public sector, highlighted the focus within the motion on the opportunity now available to rebuild in order to address inequality and poverty and deliver the change required by residents across Brent. As such he commended the motion to Council for approval.
The Mayor thanked Councillor Hack for moving the motion before inviting other members to speak, with the following contributions received.
Councillor Maurice in opening the debate felt it important, whilst acknowledging the result of the General Election, to also reflect on the fact that Labour’s share of the vote nationally had increased by less than 2% and even less in Brent. He then moved on to highlight an amendment which the Conservative Group had submitted in relation to the original motion which he advised had been rejected by the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer. This had sought to amend the wording of the original motion relating to the conflict in Gaza to call for the immediate release of all hostages taken by Hamas on 7 October 2023 and the brokering of a bilateral ceasefire.
At this stage in proceedings, Kim Wright (as Chief Executive) intervened to advise that as the amendment had already been rejected (following consideration by herself and Debra Norman as the Monitoring Officer) the debate should continue based solely on the wording of the original motion. Prior to moving on Councillor Georgiou, as a Point of Order, sought further details on the basis of the decision given the inclusion of reference to the conflict in Gaza within the wording of the original motion. In response, Debra Norman referred to the provisions within Standing Order 41 which enabled a motion (or amendment) to be rejected if it was not felt to relate to a matter on which the Council had responsibility or which was felt to affect the area as a whole. The reference to seeking a resolution of the conflict in Gaza within the original motion had been accepted on the basis of its link to the impact on residents in Brent and in terms of addressing increased tensions within the community whilst the focus of the amendment it was felt had been related to foreign policy issues, on which the Council had no remit. The amendment had therefore been rejected on that basis.
Whilst noting the advice provided, Councillor Maurice ended his contribution by highlighting what he felt was the inconsistency in approach given (as an example) the lack of reference to the conflict in Ukraine within the same motion given its similar impact on communities across the borough.
Moving back to the content of the original motion, Councillor Grahl continued the debate by highlighting what she felt to be the hope offered through the new Labour government and opportunity to unite the country and reform those public sector institutions failed by the previous Conservative government. In highlighting the extent of issues faced in terms of inequalities and increase in poverty, particularly in terms of the impact on children and young people, arising the previous Conservative governments mismanagement and infighting, it was felt the new Labour government provided an opportunity to rebuild trust. As part of the approach outlined within the motion it was recognised that local government would be a key partner in seeking to address many of the challenges, which would require not only a fairer long term funding settlement but also a need to tackle the housing crisis as well as develop, recognising the wider impact on community tensions, a foreign policy focussed on building a consensus to create a long-lasting peace in the Middle East. On this basis, Councillor Grahl advised she would be supporting the motion.
Councillor Georgiou then spoke and whilst pleased to have seen the end of the previous Conservative government felt it important to recognise that the Labour victory in the General Election had been achieved with only 34% of the vote highlighting what he regarded as the unfairness of the current electoral system and need for electoral reform, including the introduction of Proportional Representation as a means of preventing further disenfranchisement of the electorate. The opportunity was also taken to celebrate the number of Liberal Democrats MPs returned to Parliament given the important role it was felt they would play in seeking to hold the new Labour government to account on delivery of its green pledges and additional investment and reform of health services along with the social care system, including support for carers.
As a final contribution, Councillor Afzal concluded the debate by welcoming the demise of the previous Conservative government given what he regarded as their record of economic mismanagement and the impact created by the cost-of-living crisis and austerity on public services across the UK. In highlighting the increased levels of inequality and deprivation experienced during the Conservative governments time in office with, as an example, the increase and reliance on foodbanks across all parts of the county Councillor Afzal believed this had directly contributed to the rise of the Far Right with the need for deep rooted structural and institutional change required. In highlighting his support for the motion, he ended by recognising the importance in the Council seeking to work in partnership with the new Labour government to reverse the devastation caused by the Conservative government legacy, ensure necessary funding provision for essential local services and the introduction of a more progressive taxation system (including the establishment of a windfall and wealth tax) in order to continue the support of a welfare system for those most in need.
As the time limit for debate had been reached the Mayor then invited Councillor Hack to exercise his right of reply. In summing up Councillor Hack advised that he was pleased to have been able to move the motion and urged all members to consider their social conscience in terms of supporting Brent’s participation in contributing towards a bold new vision for government.
Having thanked members for their contributions, the Mayor then moved on to put the motion, as set out below, to a vote, which was declared CARRIED.
It was therefore RESOLVED to approve the following motion:
“The path we choose with a new government
This Council notes:
There has never been a more difficult time for local government. Rising demand, increasing costs and reductions in funding have left councils with impossible choices, between cutting one essential service and another.
Wages, living conditions, and opportunities have stalled and entered serious decline for over a decade now. 1 in 3 children are now living in destitution.
The challenges any new government will face will take a long time to put right. From the collapse of Thames Water, flat-lining public sector pay, a crisis in prisons and both universities and local government in financial crisis. Councils now face an overall deficit of £4bn over the next two years, and more councils issued bankruptcy notices last year than in the previous 30 years.
We have always argued the only limit to our ambition is the golden thread of funding. With the right resources, we stand ready to help rebuild alongside a new government after fourteen lost years; and truly bring about the change Brent deserves.
This Council further notes:
Now is the time for a brighter future for Brent and for the country. Local government is the key to solving some of our national challenges, rooted in a democratic mandate in the heart of our communities; delivering tailored services for our residents. But this task requires a strong partnership with a bold new government, and a mutual understanding of the shared obstacles we face.
We call on the new government to:
1. Set out a fair, multi-year funding settlement for councils, reforming Council Tax once and for all.
2. Extend the Household Support Fund for at least another 12-months or introduce a new scheme.
3. Fix the housing and homelessness crisis, supporting shovel-ready schemes and new developments.
4. Invest in fixing public infrastructure like schools, the NHS, police and councils.
5. Transform life chances by reversing the decline in living standards and rising poverty across the country.
6. Make Britain a clean energy superpower to cut bills and deliver security with cheaper, zero-carbon electricity.
7. Push for an urgent ceasefire and resolution to the conflict in Gaza, particularly in recognition of those Brent residents with family and friends trapped in Gaza and who continue to be impacted by increased tensions in the community.
8. Put prevention and the health of the nation at the heart of all future plans.
9. Unlock funding for the Mayor of London to fulfil transport commitments such as the Bakerloo upgrade and extension, the West London Orbital, and the electrification of the Chiltern Railway Line.
This Council resolves:
(1) To work with the new government on their missions to improve the country and to deliver for Brent.
(2) To continue using the limited resources we have in the best way possible to protect life-saving services and those affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
(3) To continue working in partnership with organisations such as the LGA, London Councils and our new MPs on lobbying opportunities to strengthen Brent’s voice on the national stage.”
10.44th Motion (Labour Group) – Brent - A Borough of Sanctuary
The Mayor then invited Councillor Benea to move the second and final motion submitted by the Labour Group. In moving the motion Councillor Benea, began by highlighting her support for the commitment involved in seeking to continue working to provide a welcoming environment and support as a Borough of Sanctuary. This involved not only providing access to essential services but also a process in fostering cultural understanding and celebrating the strength of diversity across the borough, recognising that everyone had the fundamental right to pursue a life of dignity, health and happiness regardless of their background or immigration status. The motion had also been designed to recognise the importance and collaborative effort of schools, businesses, faith-based organisations and residents in seeking to stand against what Councillor Benea felt had had become the increasing hateful rhetoric in political discourse supported by policies that had sought to exclude and discriminate against migrants, immigrants and refugees which had no place in Brent In concluding Councillor Benea also took the opportunity to recognise and commend the work undertaken by Brent Multi-Faith Forum, who had endorsed the City of Sanctuary Charter along with other community groups across the borough for the work undertaken to support those who have been displaced and were seeking sanctuary, with all members urged to support the motion on this basis.
The Mayor thanked Councillor Benea for moving the motion before inviting other members to speak, with the following contributions received.
Councillor Kansagra in opening the contributions, felt it important to recognise and acknowledge Brent’s longstanding role as a Borough of Sanctuary, which had included many families displaced from Uganda and seeking refuge in the 1970’s. Whilst outlining his broad support for the motion, Councillor Kansagra rejected the specific criticism of the previous Conservative governments Rwanda scheme which he felt had represented a legitimate attempt to address increasing levels of illegal immigration and highlighted a need for the new Labour government to be clear on how they planned to deliver the necessary controls. Whilst not able to support the preamble in the motion he advised that the Conservative Group were supportive of the outcomes being sought in seeking to recognise Brent’s longstanding role as a Borough of Sanctuary.
Councillor Lorber then spoke taking the opportunity to outline his personal experience as a refuge and the Liberal Democrats support for the motion. Highlighting a need for urgent action to be taken by the new Labour government in addressing the issues with the current operation of what he felt to be a broken asylum and immigration system, he also sought to challenge use of the term ‘illegal’ when referring to those seeking asylum and hoped that any changes introduced were designed to produce a more sympathetic, fairer and effective system that would resolve unnecessary bureaucracy and confusion and create a system that people would accept.
In view of the remaining time available within the block allocated for consideration of motions, the Mayor advised that it would not be possible take any further contributions and with Councillor Benea advising that she did not wish to exercise her right of reply he moved straight on to the vote.
Having thanked all members for their contributions, the Mayor put the motion to a vote which was declared CARRIED.
It was therefore RESOLVED to approve the following motion:
“Brent - A Borough of Sanctuary
This Council notes:
· That Brent is proud of its diversity, and its history of welcoming refugees and displaced people from around the world fleeing conflict, climate change, discrimination, and violence.
· That, as a Council, we will stand up for those travelling to this country to make a better life for themselves, and champion the contribution of refugees to our Borough.
· That this Council and our communities have worked hard to provide homes and support to refugees – including rehousing 14 Syrian refugee families in London since 2016, 23 Afghan families arriving since 2021 and now supporting 571 Ukrainian individuals through Homes for Ukraine.
· That this Council is committed to supporting refugees, from ESOL classes in our libraries to direct support in our hubs.
· That this Council has consistently condemned the Rwanda resettlement scheme as an economically illiterate and morally reprehensible failure in statecraft; with our borders no more secure, while also simultaneously failing in our international obligations to refugees.
· Failings by the Home Office have a direct impact on both the council and the people of Brent. This includes a record backlog of cases awaiting a decision, a de facto ban on working, and increased homelessness in the borough.
· This Council’s previous support of Refugee Action’s ‘Lift the Ban’ campaign, allowing refugees to work while awaiting an asylum decision.
This Council welcomes:
· The work of our residents and community partners to provide services, support, care and advice to refugees and displaced people arriving in our Borough. Brent Council could not provide an effective welcome and support offer to refugees without the active support and participation of countless community organisations.
· The growing movement of Boroughs across London and the country becoming Boroughs of Sanctuary, as a rebuke to anti-refugee rhetoric.
This Council celebrates:
· Our refugees’ contributions to making Brent the dynamic and diverse place that we call home.
· The resolve of the Council’s elected members to provide a welcoming civic community and home for refugees in Brent.
· The previous work undertaken by the Brent Multi-Faith Forum, who have endorsed the City of Sanctuary Charter and who work tirelessly with organisations throughout the borough to support those who have been displaced.
This Council resolves to:
(1) Build on our existing commitment and work with partners to provide real sanctuary and support to refugees in Brent.
(2) Join the network of cities and towns which promote the inclusion and welfare of people who are fleeing violence and persecution and become a recognised Borough of Sanctuary.
(3) Work with key partners, commissioned services, and our voluntary sector to achieve Borough of Sanctuary accreditation, celebrating the contribution of those seeking sanctuary.
(4) Stand ready to provide any support needed and open our arms to innocent people displaced because of the conflict in Gaza.
(5) To write to the Secretary of State, to encourage the UK to join other nations and bring children injured in Gaza, Sudan and other conflicts around the world to sanctuary in the UK, in order to receive urgent and lifesaving medical treatment.”
Supporting documents:
- 09.1 Conservative Group Motion, item 10. PDF 206 KB
- 09.1a Labour Group amendment to Conservative Motion, item 10. PDF 276 KB
- 09.2 Liberal Democrats Motion, item 10. PDF 649 KB
- 09.3 Labour Group Motion (1), item 10. PDF 210 KB
- 09.4 Labour Group Motion (2), item 10. PDF 393 KB