Agenda item

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

 

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 2 July 2025)

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    1^st Motion (Conservative Group) – Protecting Equality and Community Cohesion in Brent’s International Partnerships

 

The Mayor invited Councillor Kansagra to move the first motion, which had been submitted on behalf of the Conservative Group.  Councillor Kansagra began by acknowledging the decision already taken by the Council to enter into a twinning partnership with Nablus, and advised members that the motion being moved was focused on ensuring all international partnerships undertaken by the Council followed a consistent, fair and inclusive process with community cohesion at the heart. Highlighting the findings of the Equality Impact Assessment that had been conducted ahead of the Nablus twinning decision, Councillor Kansagra felt it had raised legitimate concerns that the partnership had the potential to cause emotional harm to some Brent communities, may risk compounding antisemitism and could be viewed as favouring one group over another. He also felt that it was not clear what steps would be taken to mitigate the identified risks, with residents in Brent raising questions around why the Council was committing time and resource to a town that Foreign Office guidance had currently placed a travel advisory against travelling to.  In view of concerns relating to the consultation and engagement process, Councillor Kansagra in concluding his remarks, commended the motion as a way forward to ensure a consistent, transparent and inclusive framework for all future twinning subject to consultation and community engagement.

 

The Mayor thanked Councillor Kansagra for moving the motion and then drew members attention to an amendment submitted by Councillor Muhammed Butt on behalf of the Labour Group, which had been circulated in advance of the meeting.

 

In moving the amendment, Councillor Muhammed Butt began by advising that the response he had provided to the petition regarding twinning with Nablus had been intended to provide clarity on the Council’s approach and once again reassured the chamber that all twinning arrangements the Council approved would be subject to a live, continuous equalities impact assessment, as outlined in the original report approved by Council.  In addressing the proposed motion, he highlighted that community cohesion and values were at the forefront of the twinning approach with relationships built to foster understanding, and not to divide.  Councillor Muhammed Butt also highlighted his pride at Brent being one of the most diverse boroughs in the country where people came to build a life and were able to live in peace alongside each other. Whilst acknowledging the complexity associated with any partnering arrangements he felt the amendment, as moved, would help to clarify the Council’s position in terms of seeking to build understanding in taking the arrangements forward.  On this basis the amendment moved by Councillor Butt was as follows:

 

To add the wording underlined and delete the wording indicated:

 

Protecting Equality and Community Cohesion in Brent’s International Partnerships.

 

This Council notes

 

·            Brent is proudly one of the most diverse boroughs in the country, home to communities of several faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds. People from across the globe are drawn to Brent, making it their home for work, family and the chance to build a safer life.

 

·            The ongoing importance of ensuring all Council decisions, particularly international partnerships, uphold values of equity, and inclusion, and political neutrality.

 

·            The Council’s decision to twin with Nablus has caused division triggered welcome conversation about Brent Council’s ongoing plan to build new international relationships with cities and towns across the world borough.

 

·            The Equalities Impact Assessment provided as part of the decision to enter a twinning arrangement with Nablus stated the twinning ‘may cause emotional harm to some groups in Brent’ and ‘may risk compounding antisemitism’, while also suggesting rejecting the partnership ‘may be viewed as Islamophobic’.

 

·            As part of the ongoing process relating to entering the twinning arrangements with Nablus, the Council will continuously update the completed equality impact assessment and, as part of that ongoing assessment the Council will routinely engage with community groups for feedback. there was no meaningful engagement with key groups including Hindus, Christians, and the Jewish community on the community assessment or proposal prior to the decision.

 

·            For now, tThe UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to all parts of the West Bank, raising concerns about the safety and viability of a meaning that our mutual exchange arrangement with Nablus will utilise different methods of engagement and hosting activities.

 

This Council believes:

 

• All twinning decisions must be guided by equalities compliance, transparency, and wide community support.

 

·            There is a need for the Council to ensure that an equality impact assessment is undertaken to assess the impact of the activities proposed in the twinning arrangements on Brent residents and those with protected characteristics in order to safeguard the boroughs values. Partnering with towns where access is unsafe for some Brent residents due to nationality, religion or sexual orientation contradicts our borough’s values.

 

·            Solidarity and g Global engagement are is important but must not override our duties under the Equality Act or risk harming community cohesion.

 

This Council resolves:

 

(1)         To continuously review and update the equalities impact assessment in relation to each individual twinning or friendship argreement introduce a new Equalities Compliance Protocol for future international partnerships requiring:

 

·            A published Equalities Impact Assessment before any vote entering into any future twinning arrangements.

 

·            Engagement Formal consultation with Brent’s major faith and community groups.

 

·            Assessment of safety and access for all protected characteristics (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation).  groups, including LGBTQ+ residents.

 

(2)         To confirm that international partnerships should remain apolitical and avoid affiliation with any side in an ongoing foreign conflict.

 

(3)         To request that Council regularly reviews the International Partnering Protocol and framework, ensuring it is including all current twinning arrangements, to ensure in alignment with Brent’s equality duties and community priorities.

 

(4)         To reaffirm support for partnerships reflecting shared values of democracy, inclusion and access for all residents.

 

The Mayor thanked Councillor Muhammed Butt for moving the amendment before inviting other members to speak, with the following contributions received.

 

In opening the debate Councillor Maurice advised that, whilst not against twinning in principle, he had concerns about twinning with towns that were recognised as unsafe for travel and highlighted the need to be able to fully embrace any twinning arrangement by being able to visit the area in order to positively engage.  For this reason he advised he would be supporting the original motion as opposed to the amendment moved, and stressed the need to ensure consultation undertaken on any twinning arrangements was as wide as possible and not only focussed on specific groups.

 

At this stage, the Mayor advised that the time limit allocated for debate on the motion had been reached.  In drawing the debate to a close, he therefore invited Councillor Kansagra (as mover of the original motion) followed by Councillor Muhammed Butt (as mover of the amendment) to exercise their right of reply.

 

In summing up, Councillor Kansagra thanked Councillor Muhammed Butt for his response to the petition and motion and endorsed the community engagement approach but advised he was not minded to accept the amendment moved on behalf of the Labour Group given the focus of the original motion in seeking to ensure the Council followed the new twinning protocol in terms of any arrangements moving forward.

 

Councillor Butt in closing the debate and exercising his right of reply on the amendment outlined how he felt this would enable the motion to be more reflective of the diverse communities across the borough and ensure any partnership or twinning arrangements was given the opportunity to thrive and succeed. He emphasised the ambition to ensure every community was recognised and their contributions were valued and, on this basis, hoped all members would support the amendment as 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, to a vote which was declared CARRIED.

 

It was therefore RESOLVED to approve the following motion:

 

Protecting Equality and Community Cohesion in Brent’s International Partnerships.

 

This Council notes:

 

·            Brent is proudly one of the most diverse boroughs in the country, home to communities of several faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds. People from across the globe are drawn to Brent, making it their home for work, family and the chance to build a safer life.

 

·            The ongoing importance of ensuring all Council decisions, particularly international partnerships, uphold values of equity, and inclusion.

 

·            The Council’s decision to twin with Nablus has triggered welcome conversation about Brent Council’s ongoing plan to build new international relationships with cities and towns across the world.

 

·            As part of the ongoing process relating to entering the twinning arrangements with Nablus, the Council will continuously update the completed equality impact assessment and, as part of that ongoing assessment the Council will routinely engage with community groups for feedback.

 

·            For now, the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to all parts of the West Bank, meaning that our mutual exchange arrangement with Nablus will utilise different methods of engagement and hosting activities.

 

This Council believes:

 

·            All twinning decisions must be guided by equalities compliance, transparency, and wide community support.

 

·            There is a need for the Council to ensure that an equality impact assessment is undertaken to assess the impact of the activities proposed in the twinning arrangements on Brent residents and those with protected characteristics in order to safeguard the boroughs values.

 

·            Global engagement is important but must not override our duties under the Equality Act or risk harming community cohesion.

 

This Council resolves:

 

(1)       To continuously review and update the equalities impact assessment in relation to each individual twinning or friendship agreement, requiring:

 

·            A published Equalities Impact Assessment before entering into any future twinning arrangements.

 

·            Engagement with Brent’s major faith and community groups.

 

·            Assessment of safety and access for all protected characteristics (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation).

 

(2)       To regularly reviews the International Partnering Protocol and framework, ensuring it is in alignment with Brent’s equality duties and community priorities.

 

(3)       To reaffirm support for partnerships reflecting shared values of democracy, inclusion and access for all residents.

 

10.2    2^nd Motion (Liberal Democrats Group) – Stop messing up Brent

 

The Mayor then invited Councillor Clinton to move the second motion, which had been submitted on behalf of the Liberal Democrats Group.  As context for the motion, Councillor Clinton began by expressing concern that the ‘Don’t Mess with Brent’ campaign, which was being run alongside the Public Space Protection Orders, ‘Fix my Street’ and nuisance reporting apps were not felt to be working as they should. Speaking in support of the motion, he highlighted concerns that streets across Brent were not clean and anti-social behaviour (ASB) was worsening, with the ‘fix my street’ app now working as what he felt to be an ‘on demand’ rubbish clearance service and those reporting ASB seeing no meaningful action or response.

 

In proposing a way forward, Councillor Clinton whilst supporting the need highlighted by the Council for residents to take ownership and responsibility felt that the Council also needed to acknowledge its own difficulties and challenges in tackling the problem with specific reference to the reduction in street collections, introduction of the complex blue bag recycling system, HMOs not being provided with sufficient bins and enforcement failing to tackle late night nuisance and ASB.  As a result, he advised the motion being moved on behalf of the Liberal Democrats Group was seeking to identify solutions that had been proven to work in other boroughs and included proposed funding streams including NCIL and the proposed introduction of a tourist levy, which he hoped all members would recognise and support.

 

The Mayor thanked Councillor Clinton for moving the motion and then drew members’ attention to an amendment submitted by Councillor Jayanti Patel on behalf of the Conservative Group, which had been circulated in advance of the meeting.

 

In moving the amendment, Councillor Jayanti Patel began by welcoming the focus of the motion on the need to keep streets in Brent clean and tackling ASB.  Concerns were, however, raised about the proposed introduction of a local tourist tax without relevant scrutiny and meaningful consultation with local residents and businesses. In outlining the amendment, he felt there was a need to recognise the potential impact any tax aimed at visitors may have in terms of the local economy, highlighting that other Councils who had introduced similar schemes had experienced mixed results, which he felt required the need for a more considered approach. The amendment moved by Councillor Jayanti Patel on behalf of the Conservative Group was therefore as follows:

 

To add the wording underlined and delete the wording indicated:

 

Stop Messing Up Brent

 

This Council notes:

 

·            In 15 years, Labour-run Brent Council has contributed to the visible deterioration of our streets and public spaces through:

 

o      The blue bag fiasco.

 

o      Removing litter bins from our streets.

 

o      Reduced refuse collections.

 

o      Massive cost rises for the Too Big for the Bin Service.

 

·            Labour-run Brent Council’s failure to:

 

o      Meet the recycling targets in volumes and costs.

 

o      Ensure Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) have enough bins.

 

o      Tackle Chewing Tobacco spitting causing street cleaning & public health issue.?

 

o      Tackle the rise in anti-social behaviour.?

 

·            Other Councils are taking creative steps to improve their local environment:

 

o      Kingston Council has piloted AI-powered cameras and achieved an 80% reduction in fly-tipping in targeted areas.

 

o      Manchester, Edinburgh, and Liverpool explored or implemented tourist taxes to raise funds for local services and public realm improvements.

 

·            Liberal Democrats regularly raise these issues and call for action, but little effective action takes place.?

 

This Council believes:

 

·            Problems with fly-tipping, street mess, and anti-social behaviour are not isolated incidents, but the result of long-term neglect and poor decisions by the current administration. This neglect has created a vicious cycle - consistent with the “Broken Windows” theory, first applied in New York City, which demonstrated that visible signs of disorder encourage more disorder.

 

·            Brent deserves better: residents expect and deserve clean, safe, and well-maintained neighbourhoods — and they are not getting it.

 

This Council resolves to:

 

(1)       Request that Cabinet consider the use of NCIL Funds to invest in:

 

o      Reinstalling litter bins where needed most.

 

o      Ensuring that all HMOs have sufficient bin capacity and that landlords take responsibility for waste management.

 

o      Deploying AI-powered cameras in fly-tipping hotspots where cost-effective and supported by clear evidence.

 

(2)       Subject to meaningful consultation with residents and local businesses, and the outcome of an independent impact assessment confirming no adverse effect on local tourism or economic activity: consider the introduction of Introduce a local Tourist Tax with income ringfenced for enforcement to keep the streets clean and free of anti-social behaviour - increasing funding for street cleaning teams and enforcement officers.

 

(3)       Request that the Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Enforcement:

 

(a)       revise working hours of the Council’s Enforcement Officers so they cover late night time shifts when dumping and anti-social activities take place.

 

(b)       Give the choice of a wheelie bin in place of the blue bag as promised to Scrutiny prior to the introduction of the new recycling scheme.

 

(4)       Seek the introduction (subject to the necessary powers being identified) of planning/licensing requirements requiring all outlets with take aways service to provide recycling and litter bins outside their premises and take responsibility for daily emptying to keep the bin(s) and the area around them clean.

 

(5)       Introduce by-laws requiring outlet using or employing delivery drivers to take responsibility for their behaviour and a requirement that they cease to use them if they see them spitting or littering local streets or taking part in any form of anti-social behaviour including causing noise in residential areas late at night.

 

(6)       Call on the Government to implement a bottle and cans deposit scheme and pass on any surplus generated to local authorities to invest in improved litter management services.

 

The Mayor thanked Councillor Jayanti Patel for moving the amendment before inviting other members to speak, with the following contributions received.

 

In responding to the points raised, Councillor Krupa Sheth (as Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Enforcement) affirmed that the Council had been clear that nobody wanted to see litter or dumped waste on the streets of Brent, and highlighted that the problems outlined were not unique to Brent but faced by local authorities across the country who were challenged with rising costs and a history of cuts in funding. She highlighted that Brent now spent over two-thirds of its budget on protecting the most vulnerable through children’s and adult’s social care, which left significant funding gaps to deal with some of the issues raised through the motion.  In highlighting that the Council was not standing still on those issues she felt it important to recognise the zero-tolerance approach being taken towards those harming Brent’s streets, providing examples of the increase in fines for fly-tipping, additional CCTV and enforcement officers and a continuation of the Community Skip scheme as ways the Council was making it easier to keep Brent’s streets clean.  In addition, Councillor Krupa Sheth outlined the actions being taken in relation to HMOs, paan spitting, and hoped all members would support the proposed introduction of a visitor levy due to be discussed later during the meeting on the basis of it providing the funding to do even more. In bringing her response to a close, she highlighted litter as a social justice issue given the more pronounced impact on deprived communities and emphasised that pride of place should not depend on someone’s postcode with the Council continuing to do everything it could to keep Brent clean.

 

As a further contribution, Councillor Lorber (speaking in support of the original motion) reminded members that the Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee had looked carefully at the proposals to introduce the blue bag recycling scheme and been advised of the proposed benefits in terms of potential increase in materials being recycled, which he felt was yet to be delivered.  In addition, concerns were highlighted that despite funding being set aside the promise to consult with residents on the scheme following a trial period, did not appear to have taken place.

 

Councillor Maurice also took the opportunity to highlight concerns relating to the current opening hours of the recycling centre in Abbey Road, which he felt made it more difficult for residents to recycle.

 

As a final contribution to the debate, Councillor Matin (also speaking in support of the original motion) detailed her personal experience in using a local park with her guide dog, highlighting concerns regarding the level of broken glass, cans, bottles, food and even used syringes she had experienced. As such, she commended the sentiment and proposals within the original motion.

 

At this stage, the Mayor advised that the time limit allocated for debate on the motion had been reached.  In drawing the debate to a close, he therefore invited Councillor Clinton (as mover of the original motion) followed by Councillor Mistry (speaking on behalf of the Conservative Group as mover of the amendment) to exercise their right of reply.

 

In summing up, Councillor Clinton advised he would be willing to accept the amendment put forward by the Conservative Group and raised concerns regarding the level of unallocated CIL funds held the Council, which he advised the Liberal Democrats Group had felt could be used to fund some of the solutions listed in the motion.  As such he commended the proposals within motion to all members.

 

Councillor Mistry in closing the debate and exercising the right of reply on the amendment, highlighted the Conservatives Groups support for the principles set out within the motion with the need highlighted for urgent action to address issues being regularly reported through the Fix my Street app.

 

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

 

The amendment, as set out above, was then put to the vote and declared LOST.

 

The Mayor then moved on to put the substantive motion, as originally moved, to a vote which was declared LOST.

 

It was therefore RESOLVED to reject the following motion:

 

Stop Messing Up Brent

 

This Council notes:

 

·            In 15 years, Labour-run Brent Council has contributed to the visible deterioration of our streets and public spaces through:

 

o      The blue bag fiasco.

 

o      Removing litter bins from our streets.

 

o      Reduced refuse collections.

 

o      Massive cost rises for the Too Big for the Bin Service.

 

·            Labour-run Brent Council’s failure to:

 

o      Meet the recycling targets in volumes and costs.

 

o      Ensure Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) have enough bins.

 

o      Tackle Chewing Tobacco spitting causing street cleaning & public health issue.?

 

o      Tackle the rise in anti-social behaviour.?

 

·            Other Councils are taking creative steps to improve their local environment:

 

o      Kingston Council has piloted AI-powered cameras and achieved an 80% reduction in fly-tipping in targeted areas.

 

o      Manchester, Edinburgh, and Liverpool explored or implemented tourist taxes to raise funds for local services and public realm improvements.

 

·            Liberal Democrats regularly raise these issues and call for action, but little effective action takes place.?

 

This Council believes:

 

·            Problems with fly-tipping, street mess, and anti-social behaviour are not isolated incidents, but the result of long-term neglect and poor decisions by the current administration. This neglect has created a vicious cycle - consistent with the “Broken Windows” theory, first applied in New York City, which demonstrated that visible signs of disorder encourage more disorder.

 

·            Brent deserves better: residents expect and deserve clean, safe, and well-maintained neighbourhoods — and they are not getting it.

 

This Council resolves to:

 

(1)       Request that Cabinet consider the use of NCIL Funds to invest in:

 

o      Reinstalling litter bins where needed most.

 

o      Ensuring that all HMOs have sufficient bin capacity and that landlords take responsibility for waste management.

 

o      Deploying AI-powered cameras in fly-tipping hotspots.

 

(2)       Introduce a local Tourist Tax with income ringfenced for enforcement to keep the streets clean and free of anti-social behaviour - increasing funding for street cleaning teams and enforcement officers.

 

(3)       Request that the Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Enforcement:

 

(a)       Revise working hours of the Council’s Enforcement Officers so they cover late night time shifts when dumping and anti-social activities take place.

 

(b)       Give the choice of a wheelie bin in place of the blue bag as promised to Scrutiny prior to the introduction of the new recycling scheme.

 

(4)       Seek the introduction (subject to the necessary powers being identified) of planning/licensing requirements requiring all outlets with take aways service to provide recycling and litter bins outside their premises and take responsibility for daily emptying to keep the bin(s) and the area around them clean.

 

(5)       Introduce by-laws requiring outlet using or employing delivery drivers to take responsibility for their behaviour and a requirement that they cease to use them if they see them spitting or littering local streets or taking part in any form of anti-social behaviour including causing noise in residential areas late at night.

 

(6)       Call on the Government to implement a bottle and cans deposit scheme and pass on any surplus generated to local authorities to invest in improved litter management services.

 

10.3    3^rd Motion (Labour Group) – Tackling Smartphone Use to Improve Outcomes for Brent’s Children

 

The Mayor then invited Councillor Begum to move the first motion submitted by the Labour Group.  In moving the motion, Councillor Begum began by highlighting the way she felt the motion would resonate with many, particularly parents, who were witnessing how smartphones were a part of almost every moment of a child’s life whilst they were still developing mentally, physically and emotionally.  She acknowledged that smartphones were not designed with children in mind but appeared to have reshaped childhood rapidly, with almost 90% of 12-year-olds in the UK owning a smartphone and 25% of 6-year-olds with the average time spent by UK teenagers on their smartphones having been assessed as 35 hours per week impacting on other opportunities to socialise.

 

Other concerns raised including the potential for smartphones to cause conflict in the home alongside the level of bullying being reported by young people involving the use of a device with a continual process of catch up by parents in terms of the developing technology.

 

Referring to action already being taken within Brent, Councillor Begum highlighted that many schools had already taken steps to limit excessive smartphone use, with data showing that children at smartphone-free schools were achieving higher outcomes in relation to average GCSE results.  Recognising the inconsistency in the application of this approach, however, she advised that the motion was advocating for a more joined-up approach between schools, parents, community organisations and the local authority that informed and educated parents, empowered teachers and protected children from the harms of excessive screentime.  In commending the motion to members she felt it important to end by clarifying that the motion was not seeking a complete ban on smartphone use in schools but endorsing an approach encouraging action to be taken where necessary, in order to deliver the best start in life for Brent’s children.

 

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

 

Speaking in support of the motion, Councillor Clinton opened the debate by highlighting the recent discussion on the topic of smartphones and online safety at the Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee and advocated for a continual focus on this to protect children in the evolving digital sphere.

 

In recognising and supporting the concerns highlighted within the motion, Councillor Hirani agreed schools should have the power to control use of smartphones in schooltime and recognised the impact of cyber bullying on children’s mental health.  At the same time, however, concerns were raised regarding the funding of the proposals given existing pressures on school budgets which she felt would also need to be address in seeking to take the proposed action forward.

 

As a further contribution, Councillor Mistry also highlighted her support for the motion whilst referring to previous attempts to introduce similar measure by the previous Conservative Government which had been blocked by the Labour Party when in opposition. She also advocated for decisions on smartphone bans to remain with school heads and governors as individual schools would have different requirements.

 

In supporting the motion, Councillor Tatler also welcomed the proposals in her role as both a parent and former teacher.  Highlighting that many schools already had the power to restrict the use of smartphones, she welcomed the fact that the motion went further by also seeking to empower parents to support children in the responsible use of smartphones.

 

At this stage, as the time limit for debate had been reached, the Mayor then invited Councillor Begum to exercise her right of reply.  Councillor Begum advised that she wished to provide Councillor Grahl (as Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools) with the opportunity to speak on her behalf in exercising the right of reply.  Following a Point of Order raised by Councillor Lorber on this process, a procedural motion was moved by Councillor Nerva seeking to suspend Standing Order 41 & 42 in relation to motions and the conduct of debates at Council meetings to enable Councillor Grahl to exercise the right of reply on the debate. In accordance with Standing Order 42 (d) the procedural motion was put to the vote without further discussion and declared CARRIED.

 

The Mayor then invited Councillor Grahl to exercise the right if reply and close the debate on the motion.  In thanking Councillor Begum for bringing forward the motion and for her commitment to addressing the issue, Councillor Grahl highlighted the contact with parents, teachers and young people supporting the concerns raised in terms of the impact from excessive use of smartphones and the dangers posed on the academic and emotional development of children and young people, with data showing a direct relationship between screentime and anxiety, depression, eating disorders and cyber bullying. In considering how Brent was responding, she commended the action already being taken but agreed there was more that could be done, given the inconsistency in smartphone policies across schools creating a patchwork of vulnerabilities that needed to be addressed. In advocating and supporting the need for a more joined-up approach that included schools, parents, community organisations, trade unions and mental health experts she highlighted her support for the approach towards creation of a borough-wide strategy that aimed to inform and educate whilst empowering teachers and safeguarding Brent’s children and affirmed that the Council would seek to draw on the learnings and best practice from other local authorities to find an approach that could be tailored to Brent.  On this basis she hoped all members would join her in support of the motion moved.

 

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

 

It was therefore RESOLVED to approve the following motion:

 

Tackling the excessive use of smartphones to improve outcomes for Brent’s children

 

This Council notes:

 

·            The Labour Government’s commitment to put children’s wellbeing at the heart of national education policy, including plans to improve school standards, reduce classroom disruption, and tackle the growing mental health crisis among young people.

 

·            National and international evidence increasingly highlights the negative impact of excessive smartphone and social media use on young people’s academic performance, concentration, overall health, and social development.

 

·            That organisations such as Smartphone Free Childhood, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and the Children’s Commissioner have called for stronger restrictions on smartphone access during school hours to help reduce anxiety, cyberbullying, social isolation, and classroom distraction.

 

·            That while many schools in Brent already take action to limit smartphone use, there is inconsistency between the different type of schools within Brent creating differing approaches, and outcomes between maintained schools, academies and independent schools across the borough.

 

·            That Brent Council has strong partnerships with Brent Family Wellbeing Centres, youth organisations, parent groups, mental health services and school leaders, which provide a foundation for coordinated local action.

 

·            That Barnet Council and Enfield Council have taken steps to introduce borough-wide guidance limiting smartphone use during the school day, providing a useful example for Brent to consider.

 

This Council believes:

 

·            That the Labour Government’s new approach provides an important opportunity for local councils to lead conversations with schools, parents, and communities about the best way to protect young people from the negative effects of excessive smartphone use in educational settings.

 

·            That while respecting the autonomy of schools — particularly academies and multi-academy trusts — local authorities have a critical leadership role in convening evidence, setting out good practice, and providing parents and schools with clear guidance.

 

·            That a consistent, borough-wide approach would help empower teachers, support parents, and protect young people, especially the most vulnerable children, from the risks associated with unsupervised smartphone use.

 

This Council therefore resolves:

 

(1)       To request that the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools commissions a deep dive into smartphone use in Brent’s primary and secondary schools, gathering evidence from:

 

o      School leaders, teachers, students, parents, trade union representatives, youth services, mental health experts and public health professionals.

 

o      National best practice and research, including emerging guidance from the Labour Government.

 

(2)       That the council should examine the case for Brent Council issuing a borough-wide recommendation to primary and secondary schools by the start of January 2026, to adopt stricter smartphone use policies during school hours.

 

(3)       To recognise that achieving borough-wide consistency will require careful engagement with schools, teaching staff, and parents. Any recommendation made will be accompanied by practical support for school leaders, parents and pupils.

 

(4)       To work with the Secretary of State to undo years of dither and delay on the creation of a robust national framework on smartphone use in schools — one that empowers councils to act, protects children’s mental health, and supports teaching staff and parents.

 

10.4    4^th Motion (Labour Group) – Protecting the working rights of delivery riders and the safety of pedestrians in Brent

 

Prior to undertaking the debate on the fourth and final motion, Councillor Kansagra raised a Point of Order regarding the overall time allocated for the debate on motions, which he highlighted had left only 5 minutes to consider the final motion.  Having sought advice from the Chief Executive and Director of Law it was therefore agreed to extend the time available to complete consideration of the motions by an additional 5 minutes.

 

The Mayor then invited Councillor Ethapemi to move the second and final motion submitted by the Labour Group.  In moving the motion, Councillor Ethapemi began by outlining the purpose of the motion which he advised was aimed at improving the working rights of delivery riders as well as recognising the importance of and protecting the safety of pedestrians in Brent.  Highlighting the rapidly changing nature of the delivery and gig economy, he raised concerns about the fragmented way of working for many delivery drivers and riders. In raising these concerns, he highlighted that many were poorly paid, lacked basic protections and were often mislabelled as self-employed to deny them fundamental workers’ rights such as sick or holiday pay. He highlighted growing public concern over the platforms in use, including inadequate screening of candidates, account sharing, and dangerous use of e-bikes which posed serious safeguarding risks for both workers and residents.

 

In raising awareness of the issues, he felt this was a symptom of the economic failure experienced during the previous Conservative government where deregulation and low-paid work had been allowed to continue but was pleased to support Labour’s New Deal for Working People in backing change to labour laws and working with trade unions and businesses to deliver partnerships based on mutual respect, cooperation and negotiation. As an example the opportunity was taken to commend GMBs agreement with Deliveroo which brought workers one step closer to fair and secure work, but highlighted the need for more to be done, including is seeking a safer public realm and on this basis commended the motion to members.

 

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

 

In opening the debate, Councillor Chan (speaking in support of the motion) highlighted the many contributions towards a functioning of society, including local democracy, civic participation, volunteering, faith settings and libraries which were all identified as key elements binding communities and society together. He added that, for himself and many colleagues, another part of that process were trade unions with their key role in supporting and protecting workers rights. He felt that by passing the motion, the Council would therefore help to shine a light on otherwise isolated workers in order to grant them more security, dignity and respect.

 

The Mayor then then drew members attention to an amendment submitted by Councillor Maurice on behalf of the Conservative Group, which had been circulated in advance of the meeting.

 

In moving the amendment, Councillor Maurice began by welcoming the focus on improved safety and tackling illegal working practices as well as ensuring streets remained safe for residents and those working in the gig economy. Whilst recognising that the motion addressed some key and complex issues, he advised that the Conservative Group did not support what they felt to be an attempt to frame these on previous Government policy highlighting that many chose to work in the gig economy because of the freedom and flexibility it offered and therefore a more balanced approach was needed.  In recognising and supporting the need for stronger protection for workers and residents in terms of their rights, road safety and preventing criminal activity he felt this also required stronger enforcement, education and targeted action.  As a result, he advised the amendment had been designed to retain the objective of the original motion whilst removing what he felt to be the overly party political focus with the amendment moved therefore as follows:

 

To add the wording underlined and delete the wording indicated:

 

Protecting the working rights of delivery riders and the safety of pedestrians in Brent

 

This Council notes:

 

·            Delivery drivers and riders are an essential part of Brent’s local economy, enabling thousands of residents to access food, groceries, and services. Yet, for too many of these workers, their employment is precarious, poorly paid and lacking basic protections. They are often classified as ‘self-employed’, leaving them without sick pay, holiday pay, or security.

 

·            The growth of the gig economy reflects changing consumer habits and a desire among many workers for flexible, app-based income opportunities. However stronger safeguards are needed to prevent abuse and ensure public safety. years of Conservative economic failure. Fourteen years of austerity, deregulation, and weak enforcement have allowed insecure, low-paid work to flourish.

 

·            Research by the TUC shows three in 20 working adults now work via gig platforms at least weekly, compared to just one in 20 in 2016. For many drivers and riders, this insecurity is compounded by rising costs of living, long hours, and growing safety risks on London’s busy roads.

 

·            While some workers value flexibility, independent research by the Social Market Foundation confirms that 91% of gig economy delivery workers also want stronger rights and protections.

 

·            The rising public concern over poor screening practices by gig economy platforms. Allegations of account sharing, subcontracting, and weak identity checks raise serious safeguarding risks for both workers and residents in Brent.

 

·            That riders working illegally or through borrowed accounts are at heightened risk of exploitation, debt bondage, and coercion.

 

·            Brent residents are raising concerns about poor riding behaviour by some delivery workers, including disregard for the Highway Code, riding on pavements, and dangerous use of e-motorbikes.

 

This Council welcomes:

 

·            The GMB Union’s ground-breaking recognition agreement with Deliveroo, providing a voice for drivers on pay, guaranteed earnings, and dispute resolution.

 

·            Brent Council’s long-standing London Living Wage accreditation, ensuring directly employed and contracted staff are paid fairly.

 

·            Brent’s programmes such as Brent Works, that help residents access good quality, secure employment outside the gig economy.

 

·            The Government’s recently introduced Employment Rights Bill as a step towards predictable working requests, improved redundancy protections for pregnant employees, flexible working rights, and unpaid carers’ leave.  

 

This Council resolves to:

 

(1)       Write to major delivery platforms operating in Brent – including Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat, Getir, Gopuff and others – urging them to:

 

o      Become accredited London Living Wage employers;

 

o      Strengthen identity checks, screening, and enforcement to prevent account misuse and protect both workers and the public;

 

o      To close loopholes that allow account rentals, including through regular selfie checks, live ID systems, and tamper-proof verification;

 

o      Take action to improve rider conduct and compliance with road safety rules, including consequences for riders who breach the Highway Code.

 

(2)       Work with trade unions, migrant rights groups, and enforcement agencies to highlight and address the hidden exploitation within the gig economy, particularly around account renting and subcontracting.

 

(3)       Explore how Brent’s transport, public realm, and road safety strategies can better support delivery workers, including safe rest spaces and secure cycle parking.

 

(4)       Request an update from the Lead Member on the modern slavery risks associated with illegal delivery work within Brent, and options for targeted safeguarding outreach. 

 

At this stage, the Mayor advised that the additional time allocated for debate on the motion had been expired.  In drawing the debate to a close, he therefore invited Councillor Ethapemi (as mover of the original motion) followed by Councillor Maurice (as mover of the amendment) to exercise their right of reply.

 

In summing up, Councillor Ethapemi advised that the essence of the motion had been about fairness and safety and he did not believe it to be overly political but in favour of safety, fairness and regulations for workers.

 

Councillor Maurice in closing the debate and exercising his right of reply on the amendment outlined additional concerns regarding the need to ensure the compliance of drivers (with a particular focus on learners) with the highway code.  In once again highlighting the nature of the gig economy, he ended by once again advising that the focus of the amendment had been to address what he felt to be the unfair focus on the previous Conservative government within the original motion, with the main objective in terms of protection and support for workers and residents supported and the suggestion also made that the Council should consider engaging with insurance companies to ask them to refrain from issuing business insurance unless riders had passed their test.

 

Having thanked councillors for their contributions, the Mayor then moved to the vote on the motion starting with the amendment moved by the Conservative Group. The amendment, as set out above, was then put to the vote and declared LOST.

 

The Mayor then moved on to put the substantive unamended motion to a vote, which was declared CARRIED.

 

It was therefore RESOLVED to approve the following motion:

 

Protecting the working rights of delivery riders and the safety of pedestrians in Brent

 

This Council notes:

 

·            Delivery drivers and riders are an essential part of Brent’s local economy, enabling thousands of residents to access food, groceries, and services. Yet, for too many of these workers, their employment is precarious, poorly paid and lacking basic protections. They are often classified as ‘self-employed’, leaving them without sick pay, holiday pay, or security.

 

·            The growth of the gig economy reflects years of Conservative economic failure. Fourteen years of austerity, deregulation, and weak enforcement have allowed insecure, low-paid work to flourish.

 

·            Research by the TUC shows three in 20 working adults now work via gig platforms at least weekly, compared to just one in 20 in 2016. For many drivers and riders, this insecurity is compounded by rising costs of living, long hours, and growing safety risks on London’s busy roads.

 

·            While some workers value flexibility, independent research by the Social Market Foundation confirms that 91% of gig economy delivery workers also want stronger rights and protections.

 

·            The rising public concern over poor screening practices by gig economy platforms. Allegations of account sharing, subcontracting, and weak identity checks raise serious safeguarding risks for both workers and residents in Brent.

 

·            That riders working illegally or through borrowed accounts are at heightened risk of exploitation, debt bondage, and coercion.

 

·            Brent residents are raising concerns about poor riding behaviour by some delivery workers, including disregard for the Highway Code, riding on pavements, and dangerous use of e-motorbikes.

 

This Council welcomes:

 

·            The GMB Union’s ground-breaking recognition agreement with Deliveroo, providing a voice for drivers on pay, guaranteed earnings, and dispute resolution.

 

·            Brent Council’s long-standing London Living Wage accreditation, ensuring directly employed and contracted staff are paid fairly.

 

·            Brent’s programmes such as Brent Works, that help residents access good quality, secure employment outside the gig economy.

 

·            The Government’s recently introduced Employment Rights Bill as a step towards predictable working requests, improved redundancy protections for pregnant employees, flexible working rights, and unpaid carers’ leave.  

 

This Council resolves to:

 

(1)       Write to major delivery platforms operating in Brent – including Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat, Getir, Gopuff and others – urging them to:

 

o      Become accredited London Living Wage employers;

 

o      Strengthen identity checks, screening, and enforcement to prevent account misuse and protect both workers and the public;

 

o      To close loopholes that allow account rentals, including through regular selfie checks, live ID systems, and tamper-proof verification;

 

o      Take action to improve rider conduct and compliance with road safety rules, including consequences for riders who breach the Highway Code.

 

(2)       Work with trade unions, migrant rights groups, and enforcement agencies to highlight and address the hidden exploitation within the gig economy, particularly around account renting and subcontracting.

 

(3)       Explore how Brent’s transport, public realm, and road safety strategies can better support delivery workers, including safe rest spaces and secure cycle parking.

 

(4)       Request an update from the Lead Member on the modern slavery risks associated with illegal delivery work within Brent, and options for targeted safeguarding outreach.