Decisions

That the Corporate Director Finance and Resources, in consultation with with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources:

i)               Approves the pre-tender considerations set out in the report.

ii)              Approves the award of contract for the provision of Unified Communications for the Shared Technology Services to 8X8 UK Limited for 24 months, commencing 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2027, with a 12 months optional extension commencing 1 May 2027 to 30 April 2028, in the sum of £1,804,567.20, ex. VAT.

To request authority to wave Contract Standing Orders to enable a direct award of a contract for legal services for the South Kilburn District Heat Network project.

That the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Property, having consulted with the Leader:

i)               Approves an exemption pursuant to Contract Standing Order 84(a) of the requirement to tender a contract for legal services for the South Kilburn District Heat Network for a period of 11 months.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Jayanti Patel with Councillor Kansagra attending as a substitute.

There was no other urgent business.

Granted planning permission subject to the conditions and informatives detailed within the report.

The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the application as a result of officers having undertaken a further review of the consistency of the plans against the outline consent and the site location plan for the current application, which members were advised had identified some concerns about the consistency of the submitted drawings.

Granted planning permission subject to:

(1)        The applications referral to the Mayor of London (Stage 2 referral) and the prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations as detailed in the main and supplementary committee reports.

(2)        The conditions and informatives, as detailed in the main and within the supplementary committee reports.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 13 November 2024 be approved as a correct record of the meeting.

The Chair advised that all members of the Committee had received an approach (which had had been logged) from the applicants agent in relation to Applicatio24/0410 – Atlip Centre & 2 Atlip Road, Wembley, HA0 4LU (Agenda Item4) along with various approaches from objectors to the scheme.

It was confirmed that members of the Committee had not sought to take any position on the application and therefore felt able to consider the application impartially and without any form of pretermination.

No other declarations of interest were made during the meeting.

There were no items of urgent business.

Prior to ending proceedings, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader) referring to tributes paid earlier in the meeting took the opportunity to formally thank Peter Gadsdon (as Corporate Director Partnerships, Housing & Resident Services) and Debra Norman (as Corporate Director Law & Governance) for the support and guidance provided to Cabinet and all members more widely during their time at Brent.  In recognising this would both be their final Cabinet meeting prior retiring from Brent he, along with the rest of Cabinet, wished them all the best for the future and thanked them for the legacy left in terms of the services they had been responsible for delivering and managing during their time at the Council.

There were no items that required the exclusion of the press or public.

There were no items referred from either the Community Wellbeing or Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committees.

Cabinet NOTED the comments made by Mr John Bunn (as a local resident and representative of the Valley Drive Residents Association) in support of a petition containing 249 signatures seeking Council support for action to clean up and address issues of anti-social behaviour in the service road between Valley Drive and Fryent Way, to the rear of Kingsbury Road.

In thanking the Leader of the Council for the opportunity to present the petition, Mr Bunn acknowledged the efforts being made by the Council, highlighting that residents did not underestimate the current challenges faced by the Council.  Whilst recognising the need to balance priorities, he advised that the petitioners were keen to ensure that the less publicised, smaller, more hidden and complex issues that impacted on and blighted the daily lives of residents did not get missed, particular those impacting on harder to reach communities.  As one such example, Mr Bunn advised that the petition was seeking to highlight a number of concerns relating to the neglect of the service roads to the rear of Kingsbury Road, which he pointed out had been the subject of persistent complaints by residents and businesses.  Although acknowledging the complexity relating to ownership and management responsibility for the land, the lack of clarity was felt to have created frustration and uncertainty amongst residents and directly contributed to the deteriorating environment in the areas affected.

As a result, the petitioners had raised specific concerns in relation to a number of issues.  These included waste and fly tipping in the road which was felt to be unhealthy and hazardous to the nearby shops and buildings, increasing the risk of unwanted pests and vermin.  In addition, the uncontrolled management of the waste containers and where they were placed had also been highlighted given concerns relating to access for emergency vehicles and in relation to fire escape routes for residents living in flats above the retail premises.  This lack of clarity had also led to waste not being collected with clear signage required to ensure emergency escape routes were not obstructed and where parking and waste containers were permitted and should be located.  In addition, he highlighted a lack of knowledge and also compliance relating to the deposit and storage of household waste.

Other concerns raised included the overflow from building downpipes, which were leaking dirty water from height and stagnating in pools on the roadway or in potholes creating an unhealthy and hazardous environment.  This was compounded by the irregular cleaning by private landlords and the Council, of the road surfaces and drainage channels they were responsible for maintaining, causing the build-up of dirt, blockage of drainage channels and obscuring of road markings, including yellow lines making enforcement difficult.  In addition, concerns were highlighted relating to the lack of signage on the service road to indicate who was responsible for managing which area, along with the lack of clear boundary markers and adequate street lighting creating health and safety risks for pedestrian access at the entrance and exists to the main road.

Concerns were also expressed, given the issues highlighted, relating to anti-social behaviour and criminality taking place in the service road areas, including drug use, alcohol consumption, noise and disorder, defecation and urination adjacent to stairwells, doorways and spaces used by local residents including children and workers from the local shops.

In seeking to highlight these issues, Mr Bunn felt that improved sight lines, lighting and design were all issues requiring attention with the petitioners calling on the Council to consider undertaking a programme of small, planned improvements to address the health, safety and wellbeing of residents and workers in the area working in robust partnership with relevant land owners and managing agents to ensure they were also aware and delivered the necessary duty of care to ensure Brent’s communities and town centres were able to thrive.

In response, Councillor Muhammed Butt thanked Mr Bunn for attending Cabinet in order to ensure the views of those supporting the petition were presented.  As a way forward, he advised he would be willing to meet on site with representatives of the petitioners, relevant Cabinet Members and officers to explore what could be done to address the concerns highlighted and to hold other land owners and managing agents to account for the land they owned, with it noted that officers had already visited the site, prior to the meeting, for an initial assessment of any enforcement action required.  The concerns raised in relation to lighting and signage would also be passed on to officers to see what further action could be taken in support with reference also made to the links that could be established as part of the “Don’t Mess with Brent” campaign in tackling fly tipping & waste disposal in order to hold perpetrators to account and potential use of CCTV to support enforcement action. In responding to the uncertainty residents had identified over who owned the service road, Councillor Butt confirmed that the Council owned and managed the car park, with the remainder of the service road being privately owned. In concluding his response, Councillor Butt ended by once again thanking Mr Bunn for taking the time to ensure Cabinet were aware of the views and concerns being expressed by local residents and assured the petitioners of the commitment to continue engaging on the issues raised.

None identified.

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 10 February 2025 be approved as a correct record of the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made during the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Krupa Sheth (Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Enforcement) along with Minesh Patel (Corporate Director Finance & Resources) with Rav Jassar (Deputy Director Finance) attending as his representative.

To share the Council's performance for third quarter of 2024/25.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To note the Borough Plan 2024-25 performance reporting for Q3 as set out in section 3 and Appendix A of the report.

(2)    To note the current and future strategic risks associated with the information provided and agree the remedial actions on strategic risks identified as appropriate alongside the challenge on progress being provided with responsible officers as necessary.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 17 March 25

To approve the refreshed Brent Youth Strategy.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To note the contents of the report relating to the achievements of the previous youth strategy and the details and plans for the refreshed youth strategy.

(2)        To approve the refreshed Brent Youth Strategy 2025-2028.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 17 March 2025

To approve the Highways Capital Maintenance Programme 2024-26.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To approve the 2024-26 Planned Carriageway Maintenance Programme as set out in Appendix B of the report.

(2)        To approve the allocations to budgets allocated for asset condition surveys and analysis, improvements to highway structures & drainage, improvements to the public realm and renewal of road markings for 2024-26.

(3)        That the works programme for the £759,000 DfT allocation be approved by the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Enforcement, once the incentive criteria are known and a programme has been drawn up.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 17 March 2025

Having noted the introductory comments made by Andrew Hudson (as Chair of the i4B and First Wave Housing (FWH) Ltd Boards) under the previous item, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      To approve the 2025-26 First Wave Housing Ltd Business Plan and financial model as Guarantor of the Company.

(2)      To approvethe 2025-26 Service Level Agreement between First Wave Housing Ltd and the Council.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 17 March 25

Cabinet noted the introductory comments made by Andrew Hudson (as Chair of the i4B and First Wave Housing (FWH) Ltd Boards) in presenting the i4B and FWH Business Plans and strategic priorities for both companies.

In focussing on key areas of activity moving forward he highlighted the work being undertaken to improve voids performance (including minor voids) as well as to monitor and improve results relating to tenant satisfaction measures to achieve sustainable levels of performance including implementation of a supporting Improvement Plan to deliver changes designed to enhance tenant experience.

In terms of strategic challenges, he advised members that they key focus remained in seeking to maximise the Boards contribution to the Council’s wider priorities, with a specific focus in supporting the work being undertaken to tackle the demand for housing and increasing levels of homelessness.  In noting the success of the acquisitions programme during 2024-25 the Board had continued to identify workstreams over the coming year aiming to increase i4Bs level of stock although, given the more challenging nature of market conditions, members were advised this was likely to involve a range of wider options and overall reduction in the level of acquisitions acheived.  Details were also provided in relation to the work being taken to address asset management and energy efficiency as well as wider support to tenants, including in being able to live more independently.

In recognising the challenges outlined alongside current performance and welcoming the approach adopted in relation to the strategic priorities identified by i4B, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      To approve the 2025-26 i4B Holdings Ltd Business Plan and financial model as Shareholder of the Company.

(2)      To approvethe 2025-26 Service Level Agreement between i4B Holdings Ltd and the Council.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 17 March 25

Consideration of draft revised policy for 13A(1)(c) of Local Government Finance Act (LGFA) 1992 to ensure the policy is aligned to the Council Tax Support Scheme (CTS) in place from 1 April 2025. The existing 13A policy was last considered by Cabinet in February 2023 and has been in effect since 1 April 2023.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To approve the proposed discretionary reduction Policy pursuant to section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Act 1992 as set out in Appendix 1 to this report following the changes to the Council’s CTS from 1 April 2025.

(2)        To note that the Council expects an allocation for the Household Support Fund (HSF) for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 October 2025, although this has yet to be formally confirmed.

(3)        To approve the proposed approach whereby the Corporate Director, Partnerships, Housing and Residents Services (Corporate Director Housing and Residents Services from 1 April 2025) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing & Resident Support agrees the detailed eligibility criteria for the allocation of the Household Support Fund and undertakes any subsequent modification as necessary, as well as engaging third party organisations and establishing the criteria for the allocation of Household Support Fund funding by those organisations, once funding is confirmed and in accordance with government guidance.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 17 March 2025

Consideration of National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) retail relief scheme for 2025-26 and approach to Council Tax exemptions for second homes and long term empty properties.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To approve the Council’s National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) Discretionary Scheme in relation to 2025/26 Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief as set out in Appendix 1 of the report and pursuant to the Council’s powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 as amended.

(2)        To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Partnerships, Housing and Residents Services (Corporate Director Housing and Residents Services from 1 April 2025) in consultation with the Corporate Director, Finance and Resources to implement the discretionary schemes as set out in Appendix 1 & 2 of the report.

(3)        To approve the revised local discretionary rate relief policy, that is brought into line with the removal of 80% relief from private schools, excepting SEND schools as set out in Appendix 3 of the report.

(4)        To approve the scheme for Film Studio Relief in accordance with the published government guidance as set out in Appendix 4 of the report

(5)        To note that from 1 April 2025 for Council Tax:

a.           That the council maintains an additional 100% charge for those domestic properties empty for longer than 1 year.

b.           That the council maintains the council tax premium of 200% in respect of domestic properties that have been empty for longer than 5 years.

c.           That the council maintains the council tax premium of 300% in respect of domestic properties that have been empty for longer than 10 years.

d.           A premium of 100% to domestic properties determined to be applicable Second Homes (periodically occupied) as agreed by Cabinet on 6 February 2024.

e.           Exemptions to these charges will be operated in accordance with government guidance.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 17 March 2025

To request authority to tender for a Day Opportunities Framework for adults.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To approve inviting tenders for the establishment of a Day Opportunities Light Touch Framework Agreement between the Council and one or more providers for the future award of contracts (“Call-offs”) for the provision of community based activities for eligible adults (the “Framework Agreement”) on the basis of the pre - tender considerations set out in paragraph 3.3 of the report.

(2)        To approve officers evaluating the tenders referred to in (1) above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraph 3.3.1 section (vi) of the report.

(3)        To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Community Health and Wellbeing in consultation with the Lead Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Leisure to award the Framework Agreement for a term of up to eight years in line with requirements of the Procurement Act.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 17 March 2025

To request authority to extend the contract with NEC for housing, council tax and benefits systems for two years, as provided for in the contract.

That the Corporate Director Partnerships, Housing and Resident Services:

i)               Approves the extension of the contract for Housing, Council Tax and Benefits system with NEC Software Solutions UK Limited for a period of two years from 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2027.

To detail the considerations surrounding dog behaviour in Paddington Old Cemetery (POC) including consultation analysis in addition to a range of additional evidence and outline proposed actions to address the issues raised.

That the Corporate Director for Partnerships Housing & Resident Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Jobs & Skills

(1)        Approve the variation of prohibition 23 of the Parks, Open Spaces, Cemeteries and Graveyard Public Spaces Protection Order restrictions (1-6 and 19-31) as set out in paragraph 5.9.3 of the accompanying decision report, following public consultation. A copy of the order as varied is attached in Appendix 2.

(2)    Approve that the remaining prohibitions of the Parks, open spaces, cemeteries and graveyard Public Spaces Protection Order and the existing boundaries remain unchanged.

(3)    Approve that the variation of the Parks, Open Spaces, Cemeteries and Graveyard Public Spaces Protection Order is effective from Monday 10th March 2025 from 00:01hrs (24-hour clock).

To request authority to award a contract for Welfare Resilience Services using the Tower Hamlets Remote Processing Framework.

That the Corporate Director Partnerships, Housing & Resident Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Resident Services:

i)               Approves the pre-tender considerations set out in the report.

ii)              Approves the award of the contract for Welfare Processing Resilience Services to NEC Software Solutions UK Limited for 2 yers with an option to extend for a further one year in the sum of £1,400,000 + VAT.