Decisions
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24/11/2021 - Apologies for absence and clarification of alternative members ref: 5750 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Planning Committee
Made at meeting: 24/11/2021 - Planning Committee
Decision published: 26/11/2021
Effective from: 24/11/2021
Decision:
An apology for absence was received from Councillor Kelcher with Councillor Johnson chairing the meeting (as Vice-Chair).
24/11/2021 - 20/2096 - 5 Blackbird Hill, London, NW9 8RR ref: 5753 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Planning Committee
Made at meeting: 24/11/2021 - Planning Committee
Decision published: 26/11/2021
Effective from: 24/11/2021
Decision:
Granted planning permission subject to the conditions, informatives and completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations as set out within the report and supplementary agenda.
Wards affected: Welsh Harp;
24/11/2021 - 21/2989 - Euro House, Fulton Road, Wembley, HA9 0TF ref: 5752 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Planning Committee
Made at meeting: 24/11/2021 - Planning Committee
Decision published: 26/11/2021
Effective from: 24/11/2021
Decision:
Granted planning permission subject the conditions (as amended below) and informatives set out in the report and supplementary agenda along with:
(1) any direction by the London Mayor pursuant to the Mayor of London Order;
(2) any direction by the Secretary of State pursuant to the Consultation Direction;
(3) the prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations as detailed within the report
Condition 33 – landscaping strategy to include an additional requirement securing the provision of access from the Brook side edge to the podium gardens for all residents.
Wards affected: Tokyngton;
24/11/2021 - Minutes of the previous meeting ref: 5751 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Planning Committee
Made at meeting: 24/11/2021 - Planning Committee
Decision published: 26/11/2021
Effective from: 24/11/2021
Decision:
RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous Planning Committee meeting held on Wednesday 20 October be approved as an accurate record of the meeting.
22/11/2021 - Approval to waive the Contract Standing Orders in relation to the procurement process to appoint an alternative contractor for the dining hall works at Oliver Goldsmith Primary School ref: 5754 Recommendations Approved
To request approval to waive the contract standing orders in relation to the procurement process to appoint an alternative contractor for the design and build of the new dining hall at Oliver Goldsmith Primary School.
Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy & Citizen Experience
Decision published: 25/11/2021
Effective from: 22/11/2021
Decision:
That the Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, having consulted with the Leader:
i) Notes the outcome of the previous procurement exercise for the design and build of the new dining hall at Oliver Goldsmith Primary School and the subsequent withdrawal of the sccessful contractor from the contract.
ii) Approves a waiver of Contract Standing Order 96 for the requirement to undertake a tender process for the design and build of the new dining hall at Oliver Goldsmith Primary School, to enable award of the contract.
Wards affected: Fryent;
Lead officer: Neil Martin
22/11/2021 - Proposed renewal of the Council's Current Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles (Policy Statement) ref: 5747 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 22/11/2021 - Council
Decision published: 24/11/2021
Effective from: 22/11/2021
Decision:
Council RESOLVED to approve the renewal of the current Gambling Policy and Statement of Principles for a maximum period of 2 years until 31st January 2024, as recommended by Cabinet.
22/11/2021 - Brent Black Community Action Plan - Annual Report ref: 5746 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 22/11/2021 - Council
Decision published: 24/11/2021
Effective from: 22/11/2021
Decision:
Council RESOLVED:
(1) To note the progress against the Black Community Action Plan delivery plans 2021/22.
(2) To note the identified challenges and action planned to overcome them.
(3) To note the emerging areas of focus for the Black Community Action Plan in 2022/23.
22/11/2021 - Apologies for Absence ref: 5733 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 22/11/2021 - Council
Decision published: 24/11/2021
Effective from: 22/11/2021
Decision:
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Muhammed Butt, Chappell, Choudhary, Choudry, Denselow, Hassan, Hector, Kelcher, Kennelly, Lloyd, Long, Mashari, Ramesh Patel, Perrin, Southwood & Tatler.
22/11/2021 - Urgent Business ref: 5749 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 22/11/2021 - Council
Decision published: 24/11/2021
Effective from: 22/11/2021
Decision:
No urgent items of business were raised at the meeting.
22/11/2021 - Motions ref: 5748 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 22/11/2021 - Council
Decision published: 24/11/2021
Effective from: 22/11/2021
Decision:
(1) The following motion submitted by the Conservative Group was declared lost:
Granville New Homes Independent Inquiry
“This Council notes with grave concern the issues raised by the Ridge Report on the Granville New Homes build by Brent Council.
This matter was briefly discussed at the Community & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee and Audit and Standards Advisory Committee. Because of time constraints, the matter has not been fully aired. There still remains very large and serious questions the Administration needs to answer, for example:
· When and who commissioned the Ridge Report?
· When did the serious defects in the structure of the construction come to light?
· What was the Building Contractors and Councils Building Control Department’s involvement during construction and issue of Completion Certificate?
There are various estimates circulating as to the amount of money required to remedy the defects. One source reports that £18.4 million will be required. This amount is larger than the Council potentially lost by investment in Icelandic Banks.
This Council therefore agrees to request that the Cabinet commissions an independent inquiry into the matter.”
Councillors Colwill, Kansagra and Maurice voted in favour of the above motion.
All other members present at the meeting voted against the above motion.
(2) The following Motion submitted by the Labour Group was AGREED:
The Big Issue Campaign – Stop mass homelessness
“This Council notes:
Thatthousands offamilies arefacing evictionsand repossessionsas measuresto protectresidents put in place during Covid-19, end; Universal Credit is reduced; the furlough scheme ends; and electricity, gasand the cost of living rises at pace.
This Council believes that:
Now is not the time to unravel the interventions that the government has introduced to protectpeople during this unprecedented period.
Unless urgent action is taken by this government, the UK will face a homelessness crisisthis winter, on ashameful scale.
Over the last year, nearly 6,000 residents approached Brent Council because they feared being made homeless. While our officer’s work tirelessly to offer assistance to as many residents as possible, the sheer scale of demand sadly outstrips supply. The pandemic has shown that mass homelessness is a political choice – the government averted it once with the Everybody In initiative and they can do so again; simply by making additional funding available to this Council.
This Councilresolves to:
1. Support the Big Issue’s plan to Stop Mass Homelessness and call on the Lead Member for Housing & Welfare Reform to write to the relevant Secretaries of State asking them to keep people in their homes and in sustainable jobs. They could do this by committing to pay off £360m in rent arrears; suspend no fault evictions until a Renters’ Reform Act is passed; make permanent the £20 Universal Credit uplift; improve access to Discretionary Housing Payment; unfreeze Local Housing Allowance; improve support for financial literacy education and invest to create new green jobs.
2. Express its support for a Wellbeing of Future Generations Act requiring public bodies to consider how decisions made now affect future needs, and tackle persistent problems such as poverty, homelessness, health inequalities and climate change.
3. Call on the Lead Member for Housing & Welfare Reform to Commission a report to be heard at the appropriate committee outlining options to amend the decision-making process to ensure that the impact of Council decisions on future generations are properly considered.
4. Tackle the root problem head on, by forging ahead with our ambitious programme to build 1700 council homes by 2028 and to maximise affordable housing options through the council’s own company I4B, pan-London Capital Letters scheme and by working with trusted developers across the borough.”
Councillors Colwill, Kansagra and Maurice abstained from voting on the above motion.
All other members present at the meeting voted in favour of the above motion.
(3) The following Motion submitted by the Labour Group was AGREED unanimously:
Towards greener energy
“This Council notes:
In July 2019, Brent Council declared a climate and ecological emergency and committed to do all in its gift to strive for carbon neutrality by 2030. This target is borough-wide, not just council-only emissions, because of how urgent this issue is – and therefore more ambitious goals are required. We are one of only 12 councils in London who have adopted this 2030 target.
This council has recently joined the UK100, a network of radical local authorities that wish to do more to confront the climate emergency and call on government for urgent action.
Brent Council has cut its emissions by 63.7% since this Labour Administration took control – this exceeds the government’s targets and our own ambitious goals.
This Council further recognises:
§ the efforts that this Council has made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy;
§ the surge in wholesale gas and electricity prices to almost five times the level of a year ago has resulted in suppliers defaulting and putting pressure on household bills;
§ that currently, very large financial setup and running costs are involved in selling locally generated renewable electricity back to local customers, making it near impossible for local renewable electricity generators to get a foothold in the market,
§ that making these financial costs proportionate to the scale of a renewable electricity supplier’s operation would create significant opportunities for local companies and community groups to be providers of locally generated renewable electricity directly to local people, businesses and organisations;
§ that revenues received by such local companies or community groups that chose to become local renewable electricity providers could be used to help improve the local economy, local services and help reduce local greenhouse gas emissions; and
§ the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee, recommended that a Right to Local Supply for local energy suppliers be established to address this.
This Council resolves to:
§ Support the Local Electricity Bill, currently supported by a cross-party group of 266 MPs. If made law, this would establish a Right to Local Supply and promote local renewable electricity supply by making the setup and running costs of selling renewable electricity to local customers proportionate to the size of the supply company.
§ Turbo-charge the transition to renewable energy in the Council, by bringing forward a report to outline options to fully switch to sustainable energy sources significantly in advance of our 2030 target.
§ To support residents with grant funding for projects to confront the climate & ecological emergency through the Brent Together Towards Zero Grant and the recently launched Carbon offset fund, called for by this chamber.”
22/11/2021 - Report from the Vice-Chair of the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee ref: 5744 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 22/11/2021 - Council
Decision published: 24/11/2021
Effective from: 22/11/2021
Decision:
NOTED the update report provided by the Vice Chair of the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee.
22/11/2021 - Report from Chairs of Scrutiny Committees ref: 5743 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 22/11/2021 - Council
Decision published: 24/11/2021
Effective from: 22/11/2021
Decision:
NOTED the update reports provided by the Chairs of the Community and Wellbeing and Resources & Public Realm and Scrutiny Committees.
No additional questions were raised during the open session of this part of the meeting.
22/11/2021 - Questions from the Opposition and other Non-Cabinet Members ref: 5742 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 22/11/2021 - Council
Decision published: 24/11/2021
Effective from: 22/11/2021
Decision:
NOTED
1. The joint written response provided by the Lead Members for Community Safety & Engagement and Regeneration, Property & Planning to a question submitted by Councillor Kelcher regarding the action being taken to prevent the proliferation of Adult Gaming Centres across the borough. As Councillor Kelcher had submitted his apologies for absence no supplementary question was raised.
2. The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources to a question submitted by Councillor Johnson in relation to the social value commitments being generated through the Council’s Procurement Strategy and way in which the Strategy was being used to support the response to the Climate and Ecological Emergency in conjunction with other London Boroughs.
3. The written and supplementary response provided by the Lead Member for Schools, Employment and Skills to a question submitted by Councillor Sangani regarding measures being undertaken by the Council to expand SEND school places and provision across the borough and to lobby the Government to ensure the necessary level of funding was provided to support this process.
4. The written response provided by the Lead Member for Regeneration, Property & Planning to a question submitted by Councillor Maurice regarding the planning consent and development work on the Preston Library site. In response to a supplementary question the Director of Legal, HR, Audit & Investigation clarified the position in relation to the outcome of the legal challenges regarding the granting of planning consent for the development.
Responses were also provided by the relevant Lead Members on the following additional questions raised during the open session of this part of the meeting:
· Councillor Mahmood regarding the Council’s response to the Nationality and Border Bill currently being considered by Parliament.
· Councillor Agha regarding problems being experienced with delays in the notification of covid test results and difficulties in being able to clarify these by phone.
· Councillor Chan regarding the support available from the Council in seeking to address, with TfL, concerns raised following a local campaign by residents in Kensal Green and parents of children who attend Kenmont Primary School about the crossing and traffic related issues at the Harrow Road junction with Wrottesley Road.
· Councillor Georgiou regarding the Council’s policy on development of tall buildings, with specific concerns identified in relation to Alperton, how the policy impacted on the measures being taken to address the Climate and Ecological Emergency and response to the GLA Planning & Regeneration Committee’s review in relation to the impact of Tall buildings.
· Councillor Miller regarding the steps being taken to address the issues highlighted in the findings of a recent Ombudsman complaint regarding a case involving disabled accessibility within temporary accommodation. The Mayor advised that as the Lead Member for Housing and Welfare Reform had needed to submit her apologies for the meeting a written response would be provided.
· Councillor Chan regarding the process undertaken in developing the Council’s tree felling and replanting programme.
· Councillor Kansagra seeking further clarification on the outcome of the legal challenges in relation to the granting of planning consent for the Preston Road library development. As the Lead Member for Regeneration, Property & Regeneration had needed to submit her apologies for the meeting the Director of Legal, HR, Audit & Investigations advised that she would arrange for a written response to be provided clarifying the position.
· Councillor Miller regarding the measures being undertaken to support the recruitment and retention of both adult and children’s social care staff.
· Councillor Maurice seeking clarification as to whether the Council was developing proposals for introduction of a borough wide Controlled Parking Zone.
22/11/2021 - Non Cabinet Members' Debate ref: 5745 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 22/11/2021 - Council
Decision published: 24/11/2021
Effective from: 22/11/2021
Decision:
The following motion was unanimously AGREED as the outcome of the non-cabinet member debate:
Tackling violence against Women and Girls in Brent
“This Council notes:
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is an unacceptable and preventable issue which needlessly blights millions of lives. Crimes of violence against women and girls are many and varied. They include rape, sexual assault, stalking, domestic abuse, ‘honour based’ abuse (including female genital mutilation and forced marriage and ‘honour’ killings), ‘revenge porn’ and ‘upskirting’, as well as many other heinous acts. While different types of violence against women and girls have their own distinct causes and impacts on victims and survivors, what these crimes share in common is the way that they cut across society regardless of background or circumstance.
The crimes committed in Fryent Park are appalling beyond comprehension. We send our thoughts, prayers and solidarity to Mina Smallman. We will keep Bibaa and Nicole at the forefront of all our work to redress the injustices this tragedy has cruelly exposed.
VAWG must be an urgent priority for this government and institutions of all kind.
To this end, Brent Council believes in meeting words, with action.
We have:
· Incorporated the VAWG strategy into the safer Brent Community Safety Partnership Strategy. This strategy (for all agencies in Brent) will focus on tackling all forms of violence and abuse that disproportionally affect women in Brent.
· Signed the Mayor of London’s Women’s Night Safety Charter, and continue to work alongside local night-time economy venues to improve the safety of female customers and staff within their premises. We are developing and commissioning bespoke vulnerability training for businesses in Brent to help identify and support women as a result.
· Developed and continue to develop various services and projects to support victims of VAWG and their families. These include the Brent Chrysalis Centre, Advance, NIA, Global thinking and the Brent domestic abuse housing team.
· Coordinated the IRIS project – which offers direct support to GPs for identification and referral of patients who may be victims of abuse and trafficking. In consultation with specialist support organisations, Brent Council has developed guidance on appropriate VAWG language, encouraging its use whenever there are discussions or communications regarding those impacted by VAWG.
· Provided additional funding and investment into independent domestic violence advisor (IDVA) services and the Brent perpetrator program in partnership with Barnet and Enfield. The Council is liaising with the Home Office to increase local support to address gaps in culturally appropriate services for perpetrators of domestic abuse in minorities and/or marginalised groups.
· Commissioned three Women’s Refuges of 19 units, with work underway to procure further spaces as soon as possible.
In light of the deeply disturbing figures showing that in 2020, only 1.5% of all rape cases led to charge or summons this Council believes that much more urgent work is needed to eradicate violence against women in all its forms.
With this in mind, the Council pledges to:
· Make the safety and support of victims of any form of gender-based violence a priority at every level and with every partner in this borough.
· Work alongside stakeholders, in particular the Metropolitan Police to improve safety for women and girls in Brent. Where they fail to do so, we will not hesitate to call for changes to the model of policing in this borough.
· Work with all our partners to continue raising awareness for victims of VAWG including everyday sexism that precipitates into the most aggressive forms of violence.
· Secure further wrap-around support for women escaping domestic abuse – and to undertake steps to publicise this help available to anyone in need which (as an amendment unanimously agreed at the meeting) will also be provided in formats which are accessible to deaf and disabled women.”
22/11/2021 - Petitions (if any) ref: 5739 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 22/11/2021 - Council
Decision published: 24/11/2021
Effective from: 22/11/2021
Decision:
No petitions were presented at the meeting.
22/11/2021 - Questions from Members of the Public & Brent Youth Parliament ref: 5740 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 22/11/2021 - Council
Decision published: 24/11/2021
Effective from: 22/11/2021
Decision:
NOTED
1. The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Lead Member for Environment to a public question submitted by Martin Francis regarding a review of flood management arrangements within the borough.
2. The written response provided jointly by the Deputy Leader & Lead Members for Environment to a public question submitted by Rimal Shah regarding the impact of Council Tax increase and traffic fines on levels of poverty across the borough. No supplementary question was received.
3. The written response provided by the Lead Member for Regeneration, Property & Planning to a public question submitted by Julia Lefene regarding the impact of planning developments on infrastructure, sewers and access to housing across the borough. No supplementary question was received.
4. The written response provided by the Lead Member for Regeneration, Property & Planning to a public question submitted by Philip Grant regarding the level of affordable housing being provided within the development on the former Copland School site on the corner of Cecil Avenue and Wembley High Road. A supplementary question was received regarding use of grant funding to support the provision of affordable housing and justification for the approach adopted in relation to the former Copland School site and elsewhere across the borough. The Mayor advised that a written response would be provided on the supplementary question as the Lead Member had needed to submit her apologies for the meeting.
5. The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Lead Member for Children’s Safeguarding, Early Help and Social Care to a question submitted by Ben Maher on behalf of Brent Youth Parliament regarding the OFSTED review of sexual harassment in schools and colleges and the approach being adopted in Brent to address the issues identified.
22/11/2021 - Deputations (if any) ref: 5738 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 22/11/2021 - Council
Decision published: 24/11/2021
Effective from: 22/11/2021
Decision:
No deputations were received at the meeting.
22/11/2021 - Reports from the Leader and Cabinet ref: 5741 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 22/11/2021 - Council
Decision published: 24/11/2021
Effective from: 22/11/2021
Decision:
NOTED the report and update provided at the meeting by Councillor McLennan, as Deputy Leader, highlighting the ongoing work being undertaken across each Cabinet portfolio in order to provide ongoing support and services to residents across the borough. As part of the update the Lead Member for Public Health, Leisure & Culture provided an update on the progress being made with the roll out of the covid and winter flu vaccination programmes across the borough including use of the vaccine bus and drop in vaccination clinics being used to support the programme. Members also noted the list of urgent Executive decisions taken since the last Council meeting.
22/11/2021 - Appointments to Committees and Outside Bodies and Appointment of Chairs/Vice Chairs (if any) ref: 5737 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 22/11/2021 - Council
Decision published: 24/11/2021
Effective from: 22/11/2021
Decision:
There were no appointments to be agreed at the meeting.
22/11/2021 - Mayor's Announcements (including any petitions received) ref: 5736 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 22/11/2021 - Council
Decision published: 24/11/2021
Effective from: 22/11/2021
Decision:
Noted the announcements from the Mayor in relation to:
· Holding a minutes silence in memory of Sir David Amess MP and former councillor Mike Grabiner CBE
· Remembrance Sunday
· Visit by Navel Clarke
· 100th birthday celebration – Bertina Brown
· Outline of recent events attended
· Mayor’s Civic Ceremony
· Zadie Smith’s play “The wife of Willesden”
· Petitions
22/11/2021 - Declarations of Interest ref: 5735 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 22/11/2021 - Council
Decision published: 24/11/2021
Effective from: 22/11/2021
Decision:
No declarations of interest were made at the meeting.
22/11/2021 - Minutes of the Previous Meeting ref: 5734 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 22/11/2021 - Council
Decision published: 24/11/2021
Effective from: 22/11/2021
Decision:
The minutes of the previous Full Council meeting held on Monday 20 September 2021 were approved as a correct record.
18/11/2021 - Authority to waive Contract Standing Orders on the Procurement to appoint a contractor for the Harlesden High Street Heritage Works (Individual Cabinet Member Decision) ref: 5732 Recommendations Approved
This decision concerns the Harlesden Gateway High Streets Heritage Action Zone and seeks Individual Cabinet Member approval to waive the contract standing orders (CSO) in relation to the procurement process to appoint a contractor for the shop front works as well as detailing the pre-tender considerations for this procurement activity.
Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Growth
Decision published: 19/11/2021
Effective from: 18/11/2021
Decision:
(1) To approve a waiver of Contract Standing Order 96 for the requirement to tender for the shop front improvement works along Harlesden High Street and approves the inviting of bids from up to five heritage experienced contractors for the reasons detailed in paragraphs 3.4 and 3.5 of the accompanying report.
(2) To approve the pre-tender considerations for this contract as set out in paragraph 3.6 of the accompanying report.
(3) To approve officers evaluating the bids referred to in (1) above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraph 3.6 of the accompanying report.
Wards affected: Harlesden;
Lead officer: Neil Martin
16/11/2021 - Authority to vary the contract with Cosmur (Construction) Ltd as the design and build contractor for Uxendon Manor Primary School Expansion Project (Individual Cabinet Member Decision) ref: 5730 Recommendations Approved
The decision concerns the Uxendon Manor Primary School Expansion Project and seeks approval to vary the contract with Cosmur (Construction) Ltd as the Design and Build Contractor for Uxendon Manor Primary School Expansion in accordance with paragraph 13 of Part 3 of the constitution.
Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy & Citizen Experience
Decision published: 16/11/2021
Effective from: 16/11/2021
Decision:
That the Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, having consulted with the Leader:
i) Agrees to vary the contract with Cosmur (Construction) Ltd as the Design and Build Contractor for Uxendon Manor Primary School in accordance with paragraph 13 of Part 3 of the Constitution.
Lead officer: Jas Yembra
16/11/2021 - Authority to procure for the Multidisciplinary Technical Services for the 2023 – 2026 School Asset Management Programme (Officer Recordable Decision) ref: 5729 Recommendations Approved
This decision is seeking approval to use of a framework to procure the multidisciplinary technical consultancy services required to deliver the 2023 - 2026 School Asset Management Programme (AMP).
Decision Maker: Director - Property and Assets
Decision published: 16/11/2021
Effective from: 16/11/2021
Decision:
That the Operational Director of Property and Assets:
i) Approves Brent Council’s participation in a call-off procedure under the Project Management and Full Design Team Services Framework Agreement in respect of the multi-disciplinary technical consultancy services for the 2023-2026 AMP Programme.
ii) Confirms there is sufficient budgetary provision for the proposed call-off contract.
iii) Approves inviting bids under the Framework Agreement for the multidisciplinary technical consultancy services on the basis of the pre-tender considerations.
iv) Approves officers evaluating bids on the basis of the evaluation criteria.
Lead officer: Nick Ljustina