Decisions

To request authority to enter into a grant funding agreement for digital infrastructure enhancements.

That the Director Communications, Insights and Innovation, in consultation with the Lead Member:

i)               Approves the Council entering into a grant agreement with the Lead Authority London Borough of Ealing, who received grant funding to the sum of £7.7million from the City of London Corporation Strategic Investment Pot Round 1 (SIP-1) to unlock investment in digital infrastructure under a grant funding agreement dated 4 March 2019 (the CLC Agreement). A portion of the SIP-1 funding remains available for fibre connection to public buildings, to be apportioned between the West London Alliance Boroughs. The programme is a collaboration between five of the seven West London Boroughs, being Ealing, Hillingdon, Barnet, Harrow and Brent. In signing the grant agreement, the Council would be entitled to directly receive their portion of the remaining grant funding; indicative amount of £651,275.

There were no apologies for absence.

There was no other urgent business.

Granted planning permission subject to:

(1)      The prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations as detailed within the committee report.

(2)      The conditions and informatives, as detailed in the committee report.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meetings held on Wednesday 11 December 2024 and Wednesday 15 January 2025 be approved as a correct record of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interests made during the meeting.

To request authority to award contracts as required by Contract Standing Order 88 for Strategic Asset Management.

That the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration:

i)               Approves the pre-tender considerations.

ii)              Approves the award of contract for Software for Strategic Asset Management to Causeway Technologies Limited for 3 years plus one additional year in the sum of £238,591 by way of a direct award from Lot 2 – Cloud Software of the CCS G Cloud 14 Framework Agreement.

To seek authority to award a contract for Social Isolation and Loneliness Prevention Plus Service

That the Director of Public Health, Leisure and Parks, in consultation with the Lead Member for Public Health, Adult Social Care and Leisure:

i)               Approves the award of contract for a Social Isolation and Loneliness Prevention Service (SILPS) to Ashford Place for a period of two (2) years in the sum of £318,000 with an option to extend for yearly periods at the annual sum of £159,000 up to a maximum of a further two (2) years giving a total contract value of up to £636,000.

Cabinet RESOLVED

(1)        To note the performance update against each key compliance stream, as detailed in the report.

(2)        To note, having also considered the issues raised following presentation of the petition on the same issue under Agenda Item 5, the update on fire safety at Lynton Close, as detailed in the report.

(3)        To endorse the Building Safety Policy set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 14 April 25

There were no items of urgent business.

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 Elisabeth Corcoran (as a local resident and representative of the Lynton Close Travellers Site), who was supported by Nancy Hawker (London Gypsies and Travellers Association), in support of a letter and petition relating to management of fire safety risks and the future provision of Lynton Close Travellers site.

In thanking the Leader of the Council for the opportunity to present the petition, Elisabeth Corcoran called on the Council to pause any eviction proceedings, install fire risk mitigations in collaboration with the residents of Lynton Close, and find alternative land that could be used as a temporary site in the case of a humanitarian emergency and which could be used, if required, until more permanent, adequate and suitable accommodation could be arranged.  Whilst acknowledging the issues highlighted within the accompanying Cabinet Report ‘Housing Management – Building Safety Update, New Building Safety Policy and Update on Fire Safety at Lynton Close’, in relation to overcrowding and fire safety risks associated with the site, it was pointed out that residents on the site had previously raised concerns with the Council on the same issues.  Despite assurances that every effort was being made to secure another more suitable site it was pointed out this had not yet been achieved.

In representing the views of residents on the site, reference was also made to Brent’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy which it was pointed out included the ambition for Brent to become a borough of all cultures where all backgrounds were represented, celebrated and felt that they belonged.  This was not, Elisabeth Corcoran advised, an approach that currently resonated with Brent’s Traveller Community given the way in which other communities were felt to be treated when compared to the approach adopted in seeking to address the safety issues at Lynton Close as the only traveller site in the borough which it was felt did not make the traveller community on the site feel like they belonged or that their culture was respected.

As a further example, reference was made to the comments in the accompanying Cabinet report, which it was highlighted had described the residents of Lynton Close as ‘unwilling’, ‘disruptive’ and ‘demanding’ when detailing their interactions with Council officers.  It was felt this continued to feed a narrative of negativity in relation to the traveller community located on the site with the resident engagement process outlined also not felt to have been presented accurately.

Concerns were also expressed regarding the negative impact any potential displacement of residents from the site would have on education provision for the children on the site, including those with additional needs or SEND who had long awaited assessments and support plans in place.  It was felt the momentum and trust built in terms of engagement with the education system would also be placed at significant risk by any displacement.

As further concerns, reference was made to the health and wellbeing of the traveller community with specific issues highlighted in relation to mental health and suicide which, it was pointed out, were issues that had also directly affected the community at Lynton Close and were likely to be exacerbated should the community be forced in to brick-and-mortar accommodation resulting in increased anxiety as a result of the lifestyle change, concerns around isolation and the impact in being able to preserve their way of life and heritage.  Whilst willing to consider alternative locations, it was felt further consideration needed to be given to the true impact moving residents into brick-and-mortar accommodation would have on the community’s mental wellbeing, cultural identity and values.

In seeking a way forward, Elisabeth Corcoran advised that residents at Lynton Close had recognised the need to work with the Council to improve communication and had also advised they would be willing to consider the introduction of a Waking Watch following what was felt to have been limited initial engagement in seeking to address safety concerns relating to operation of the scheme.  These had included safeguarding concerns around the use of cameras in the vicinity of children on the site as well as use of the children’s play area to facilitate the schemes implementation, which was also highlighted as a potential issue under the Decent Homes Standard.  It was also pointed out that an apology had been issued by resident representatives on the site for a previous incident related to the attempts made to establish a previous version of the scheme on site.

In closing presentation of the petition, Elisabeth Corcoran advised that it was hoped the Council would seek to engage with the traveller Community at Lynton Close in order to find a solution that would respect their culture and heritage whilst also seeking to address the safety issues and risks highlighted, which it was hoped could be achieved through a process of collaboration and understanding.  Recognising the various needs that would need to be addressed should displacement take place, including those of the elderly, vulnerable and children with special educational needs, as well as the impact the disruption would cause to residents physical and mental wellbeing the request was once again made to pause any eviction proceedings and work in collaboration with residents in seeking to install the necessary fire mitigation measures. At the same time the importance was highlighted in the Council seeking to continue its effort to find alternative land that could be used as a temporary site in the case of a humanitarian emergency and which could be used, if required, until more permanent, adequate and suitable accommodation was secured.

In response, Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson (as Cabinet Member for Residents Services and Housing) thanked Elisabeth Corcoran and those present for attending Cabinet in order to ensure the views of residents at Lynton Close were represented whom it was assured remained valued members of the community in Brent. In outlining the Council’s commitment to a more sustainable future for travellers in the borough, the opportunity was taken to highlight the efforts being made to identify alternative sites that would meet their needs whilst also seeking to address the safety concerns highlighted and improve the Lynton Close site.  In acknowledging the specific issues highlighted during presentation of the petition it was pointed out that many of these had already been raised with officers in terms of the approach identified moving forward.

At the same time in responding to the petition, Councillor Donnelly-Jackson felt it important to recognise that the Lynton Close Travellers Site was dangerously overcrowded which, when combined with other factors (including breaches in the site licensing agreements) had presented an intolerable risk to life, given the severe fire and associated safety risks to those living on the site along with the pressure placed on the site’s broader infrastructure.  In detailing the Council’s responsibilities as a landlord in response to these risks, she explained these had placed not only a legal but also moral duty on the Council to ensure the site was safe, highlighting that it would be a dereliction of duty to do nothing.

In outlining the previous unsuccessful attempts made to address safety issues on the site, Councillor Donnelly-Jackson highlighted that the approach now being taken to serve notice on the pitch holders had been designed to provide 28 days to resolve any breaches of licence identified with confirmation provided these were not eviction notices. Whilst recognising that the efforts required to address overcrowding, as a result of the notices served, may involve the displacement of some residents including extended family members an assurance was provided that dedicated support would be available to assist those residents in arranging temporary accommodation and in applying to join the waiting list for new pitches as they became available.

The concerns raised in relation to protecting the traveller communities heritage and traditional lifestyle were also recognised along with the need to ensure fair and equal treatment, with the efforts being made as a result to identify alternative sites also outlined.  Whilst this work was ongoing, however, it was pointed out the Council’s immediate priority was to the safety of families on the Lynton Close site with the next best option secured being safe, secure, settled and affordable accommodation, much of which would be grouped to allow larger families to remain in proximity.

In terms of next steps, Councillor Donnelly-Jackson confirmed that further details would be provided at a community information meeting for site residents which had been scheduled with an external specialist agency having also been appointed to assist with the search for alternative sites.  The site representatives were also thanked for their cooperation and willingness to engage in further work around the implementation of a Waking Watch, which the Council had agreed in principle subject to working through the logistics and operational requirements relating to its implementation.

In bringing the item to close, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) also took the opportunity to assure the residents of Lynton Close of the Council’s willingness to continue working with them to mitigate the issues and safety concerns which had been identified with work also ongoing to find an appropriate alternative site that would work for the community and their requirements.  He also thanked residents for their cooperation in seeking to progress implementation of a Waking Watch scheme to mitigate fire risks on the site. In response to the comments raised regarding equity, diversity and inclusion, Councillor Butt assured those present that the traveller community was not regarded any differently from others in the borough and would be afforded the same rights, recognising the legally protected characteristic that the Council had a duty to consider.  He concluded his remarks by reminding residents of the community meeting which had been scheduled and would provide a further opportunity to hear from and respond to residents and outline the measures to mitigate the safety issues associated with the site whilst supporting the community and ended by once again thanking the representatives for taking the time to attend the meeting and ensure the views of the traveller community at Lynton Close were represented.

None identified.

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 10 March 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 Grahl (Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Schools), Councillor Krupa Sheth (Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Enforcement) and Alice Lester (Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration) with Gerry Ansell (Director Inclusive Regeneration & Climate Action) attending as her representative.

to agree to the payment of a funding contribution, payable in 2026-27, towards the next stage of development of the West London Orbital rail scheme (WLO).

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To agree that the Council contribute £465,516 and £150,000 contingency funded from Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy, as its agreed share of the cost of taking forward the next stage of the development of the WLO.

(2)       To delegate authority to the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Property, to approve use of contingency for the final sum payable following confirmation from all WLO borough’s governance processes.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 14 April 25

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To note the Corporate Peer Challenge feedback report from the LGA, attached as Appendix A to the report.

(2)        To approve the Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan, attached as Appendix B to the report which it was noted would include the following as an additional milestone in relation to Recommendation 8. Shared Vision for the Future of Brent:

Milestone 3: establish a strategic culture approach

Brent Culture Service has engaged a specialist consultant to map the existing assets of Brent’s cultural and creative landscape in order to better understand Brent’s existing and potential audiences and identify baseline data sets. This would help to then understand Brent’s creative and visitor economy and inform the future strategic planning.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 14 April 25

To outline the Council’s new approach to marking and celebrating events centred around culture, identity, religion and faith, with a focus on working with others and empowering communities.

Cabinet RESOLVED to endorse the new community cohesion and inclusion events approach which will replace the existing approach agreed in 2011 comprising the components outlined in paragraph 3.2.5 – 3.2.15 of the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 14 April 25

Authority to Participate in Collaborative Procurement in respect of a new London Sexual Health and Contraception E-service.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To approve the Council’s participation in a collaborative procurement with the other 30 London boroughs for a contract for the provision of the London Sexual Health and Contraceptive E-Service.

(2)       To approve an exemption from the usual tendering requirements of Contract Standing Orders 84(a) to agree that the City of London Corporation act as the lead authority in the collaborative procurement detailed in (1) above for the reasons detailed in paragraph 3 of the report and accordingly that its Standing Orders and Financial Regulations be used for the collaborative procurement.

(3)       To delegate authority to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Leisure,to agree the award of a new contract with the successful bidder for a period of 5 years (with an option to extend for a further 4 years)

(4)       To delegate authority to the Director of Public Health in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Leisure, to agree for the Council to enter into the Inter-Authority agreement (IAA), and any other necessary legal agreement/s, with the City of London Corporation, to enable the provision of services to Brent Council following completion of the procurement process.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 14 April 25

To consider the outcome of the informal consultation on amalgamation of Malorees Infant School (Community) and Malorees Junior School (Foundation).

Prior to considering the report, Cabinet noted the comments and concerns raised by Patrick Martin (NEU representative), Michael Cleary (staff representative) and Aidan Reilly (local parent representative) in relation to the proposed amalgamation of Malorees Infant & Junior School.  These included the lack of perceived benefit to the school community arising from the amalgamation given the school was already operating as a Federation with a single Governing Body and senior leadership team along with the uncertainty over the rebuild proposals and potential financial impact on the funding available to the school moving forward, which it was pointed out was already in deficit.

Whilst acknowledging the concerns highlighted, Councillor Muhammed Butt (responding as Leader of the Council following the apologies for absence received from Councillor Grahl) took the opportunity to assure the school staff and parent community that the approach being recommended did not include any proposed redundancies or changes in the terms and conditions of school staff; would retain Malorees as a community school and not lead to the risk of academisation and had been designed to secure access to DfE funding that would provide long overdue and transformative infrastructure investment for the rebuilding of both school buildings recognising the school as an important community asset in Brondesbury Park.  In clarifying the funding reduction outlined in the report, it was pointed out this reflected the move towards the National Funding Formula, set by the DfE, with the Governing Body together with Council commitment to securing the schools financial resilience and confident of the plans in place to manage the funding reduction without an impact on staff.

In recognising the offer extended by the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools to meet with NEU representatives in order to continue discussions around the proposals moving forward Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To approve a period of formal consultation, through publication of a statutory notice, on proposals to:

(a)        Close Malorees Junior School;

(b)        Expand the age range of Malorees Infant School to admit children aged between 3 – 11; and

(c)        Change the name of Malorees Infant School to Malorees Primary School

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 14 April 25

To approve the Brent Local Development Scheme.

Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the Brent Local Development Scheme as set out in Appendix A of the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 14 April 25

To approve the local flood risk management strategy.

Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the Flood Risk Strategy for Brent as detailed in Section 3 and appended to the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 14 April 25

To consider approval to ring-fence the Brentfield Road site for a community led housing development by Brent Community Land Trust (BCLT) until March 2026 and to provide an update on their progress towards this. A decision is also sought on the following points; approval to agree and issue Heads of Terms subject to a contract to BCLT to enable them to secure funding, delegated authority to the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration to certify whether BCLT has met the specific criteria for gifting the site (for a period of 250 years), and to note that, upon meeting the criteria, the Council will be required to enter into a Lease Agreement with BCLT.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To confirm the position that the Brentfield Road site, as detailed at Appendix 1 of the report, continues to be ring-fenced for the purpose of Community Led Housing.

(2)        To agree that the site be ring fenced for a further period until March 2026.

(3)        To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Neighbourhoods and Regeneration to certify whether Brent Community Land Trust (BCLT) had met the specific criteria detailed at paragraph 3.2.3 of the report and, based on that certification, to approve the next steps outlined in (4) and (5) below.

(4)        To delegate authority to the Director of Property and Assets (in consultation with the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration) to agree heads of terms and enter into a conditional agreement for lease with the BCLT.

(5)        To delegate authority to the Director of Property and Assets to enter into a 250 year lease (and/or any ancillary legal document) with the BCLT once the conditions detailed at paragraph 3.2.3 of the report were fulfilled.

(6)        To agree in principle to further consider the use of appropriation for planning purposes under section 19 (1) of the Housing Act 1985 and/or section 122 (1) of the Local Government Act 1972 to support the development of the Brentfield Road site and to ensure the scheme was not frustrated or delayed by legal injunction.

(7)        To delegate authority to the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration to formally cease the site ring-fencing upon non-compliance of the specific criteria detailed at paragraph 3.2.3 of the report.

(8)        To delegate authority to the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration to extend the site ring fencing by an additional 6 months should BCLT fail to meet the specific criteria detailed in paragraph 3.2.3 of the report but be able to demonstrate significant progress towards meeting the criteria.

(9)        To note that should BCLT fail to meet the specific criteria detailed in paragraph 3.2.3 of the report or demonstrate significant progress towards meeting the criteria, the site would be returned to Brent Council and the formal arrangement with BCLT would cease.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 14 April 25

To request authority to award contracts for Lanscape Works, as required by Contract Standing Order 88.

That the Director of Inclusive Regeneration and Climate Action:

i)               Notes the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Property has granted an exemption from the requirement to tender for a contract for Landscape Works.

ii)              Notes the Contract Standing Order 89 considerations.

iii)            Approves the direct award of the contract for Landscape Works for a period of 6 months for planting, with 12 months establishment maintenance, in the sum of £425,000, to Street Tree Limited.

That the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, having consulted with the Leader and in accordance with paragraph 13 of Part 3 of the Constitution:

i)               Approves the award of contract for the provision of laptops, associated products and services for the London Borough of Southwark to Insight Direct (UK) Ltd in the sum of £4,532,140.00.

To request authority to award contracts for the provision of Microsoft Unified Support as required by Contract Standing Order 88.

That the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources, in consultation 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 Microsoft Unified Support to Bytes Software Services Limited for 36 months in the sum of £690,395.42 ex VAT.

To request authority to extend a contract in respect of interpreting and translation language services with DA Languages Limited as required by Contract Standing Order 112.

That the Director Communications, Insight and Innovation:

i)               Approves the extension of the contract for the provision of interpreting and translation language services with DA Languages Limited for a period of 12 months.

To request approval to enter into a grant agreement with Salix Finance (on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) for low carbon heating projects.

That the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration:

i)               Approves the Council entering into a grant agreement with Salix for low carbon heating projects in the sum of £667,628.00.

To request authority to award a contract for heat network specialist legal advisory services for the procurement of the South Kilburn District Heat Network main contractor.

That the Director Property and Assets:

i)               Notes that on 12 March 2025 the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Property granted an exemption from the requirement to tender for a contract for heat network specialist legal advice to the procurement of the South Kilburn District Heat Network.

ii)              Notes the Contract Standing Order 89 considerations.

iii)            Approves the direct award of the contract for heat network specialist legal advice to the procurement of the South Kilburn District Heat Network main contractor for 11 months in the sum of £250,000 to Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP.