The Brent Council meeting on 10 November 2025 addressed a range of local issues, including community safety, housing, environmental concerns, and financial planning. Motions were passed regarding bee corridor management, support for free childcare, and reforming the two-child benefit limit, while a motion on affordable housing was defeated. The council also formally adopted the Brent Youth Justice Plan 2025-28.

Here's a more detailed look at the key discussion points:

• Representation of Political Groups on Committees

  Following a change in the political balance on the council, the council approved the outcome of a review on the representation of political groups on the council and its committees. This ensured that each political party had the correct representation on committees. Associated appointments to committees and outside bodies were also approved.

• One Kilburn Deputation

  Stefan Goldstein, co-chair of the One Kilburn Coordinating Group, addressed the council to highlight the work of the resident-led organisation that fosters dialogue and collaboration within the Kilburn area, which spans three boroughs: Brent, Camden, and Westminster. He asked for the council to acknowledge the importance of One Kilburn, provide continued support, and formally recognise the organisation as a key partner.

  Councillor Teo Benea, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property, responded, praising One Kilburn's work and reaffirming the cabinet's commitment to working with Camden and Westminster to secure funding for the second round of the One Kilburn Community Fund.

• Bet No More UK Deputation

  Matt Smith, Director of External Affairs at Bet No More UK, spoke about his lived experience of gambling harm and the work the charity is doing to tackle gambling harm in communities across London. He urged the council to continue to listen to voices of individuals with lived experience and to take action to support individuals moving forward.

  Councillor Mili Patel responded, highlighting that Brent has one of the highest rates of gambling premises in London. She spoke about the work the council has been doing to campaign for changes to gambling reform and a recent report published with the Social Market Foundation think tank entitled High Streets at State with six new recommendations for the government to empower local communities and stopping the spread of adult gaming centres.

• Public Questions

  • A written response was provided to a question from Giulia Karkhoff regarding tackling anti-social behaviour along Hulson High Street.
  • John Poole asked about enhancing Brent waterways to achieve the council's climate and ecological strategy. Councillor Jake Rubin, Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Community Power, responded, highlighting the work of community groups like the Friends of Weldstone Brook and the council's collaboration with the Mayor of London to strengthen environmental protections.
  • Mark Harris asked about step-free access at Alperton and Queen's Park Station. Councillor Teo Benea confirmed the council's continued advocacy for step-free access at both stations, noting progress at Alperton Station and ongoing discussions regarding Queen's Park Station.
  • The Brent Youth Parliament asked how the council will measure success in meeting young people's wider priorities, such as mental health support and employment opportunities. Councillor Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Schools, responded, noting that youth services had been decimated over the last 15 years due to austerity and that the council looks at a lot of different KPIs and variables when it comes to young people's health and wellbeing.

• Petition to Reopen Public Toilets in Roundwood Park

  Amandine Alexandre presented a petition requesting the reopening of public toilets in Roundwood Park. Councillor Krupa Sheth responded, acknowledging the issues and stating the council's desire to reopen the toilets, but also highlighting the costs associated with vandalism and the need for a solution that cannot be easily vandalised.

• Motions

  • Highway Contractors and Utility Companies Accountable: A motion was put forward by the Conservative Group regarding holding highway contractors and utility companies accountable for unsafe reinstatement works. Councillor Cooper-Chef moved an amendment on behalf of the Labour Group, inviting Thames Water leadership to scrutiny and supporting the Labour Government's Water Act. The amendment was carried, and the substantive motion, as amended, was then carried.
  • Affordable Homes for Brent: A motion was put forward by the Liberal Democrat Group regarding affordable homes for Brent. Councillor Clinton moved the motion, arguing that the mayor of London was capitulating by slashing the affordable housing target from 35 to 20 percent. Councillor Marise spoke in support of the motion. Councillor Donnelly Jackson spoke against the motion, highlighting Brent's record on delivering new homes. Councillor Taya also spoke against the motion. The motion was lost.
  • Supporting Labour's 30 Hours of Free Childcare: A motion was put forward by the Labour Group in relation to supporting Labour's 30 hours of free childcare. Councillor Begum moved the motion, highlighting the transformative effect of the policy on families in Brent. Councillor Leslie Smithford spoke in support of the motion. Councillor Harani spoke against the motion. Councillor Couch also spoke in support of the motion. The motion was carried.
  • Reforming the Two Child Benefit Limit: A motion was put forward by the Labour Group in relation to reforming the two-child benefit limit. Councillor Chan moved the motion. Councillor Dingen Itisham spoke in support of the motion. Councillor Kinsago spoke against the motion. Councillor Clinton spoke in support of the motion. Councillor Battelle also spoke in support of the motion. The motion was carried.

• Report from the Leader and Cabinet

  Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, thanked the Cabinet for their work and touched on the Gambling Harms Campaign, community cafe repair days, the tenants reform bill, and the funding being put into the community.

• Questions to the Cabinet

  • Councillor Buck asked about the £4 million investment in youth facilities. Councillor Grahl responded, giving examples of organisations who will benefit from the funding, such as Church End Anchor Projects and Cricklewood Boxing Club.
  • Councillor Hylton asked how the renewal of Brent's borough-wide HMO licences scheme will improve living standards for renters. Councillor Donnelly-Jackson responded, stating that the scheme will help to drive up standards for those tenants who live in smaller HMOs.
  • Councillor Chowdhury asked a question of Councillor Muhammed Butt, but did not have a supplementary question.
  • Councillor Jayanti Patel asked about the planting of 11 trees along Burnt Oak Broadway. Councillor Benea responded, stating that the trees will instead be planted elsewhere in the local area, ensuring that the community still benefits from the greening and environmental improvements originally intended.
  • Councillor Lorber asked about the coordination and planning of roadworks across the borough. Councillor Krupa Sheth responded, stating that the council meets regularly with the various utility contractors, and their own contractors, to coordinate planned works to minimise disruption to the public highway network.
  • Councillor Johnson asked what measures Brent is putting in place to deal with the increasing elderly population. Councillor Nerva responded, stating that Brent Council will host in cooperation with local resident groups to launch Age Friendly Brent.
  • Councillor Matten asked whether funding will be secured for a GP surgery in the St George's Development in Alperton. Councillor Lorber responded, stating that he is more than happy to meet to hear the concerns and undertake site visits to show what has been achieved already.
  • Councillor Long asked about plans to review the opening times of shops. Councillor Krupa Sheth responded that she will speak to both planning officers and nursing officers to see what can be done around it.
  • Councillor Lorber asked about a block of flats at the bottom of Beresford Avenue that has been empty for some time. Councillor Donnelly-Jackson responded that she will take it back and will have a conversation with the GLA about that and get back to him.
  • Councillor Coucher asked Councillor Knight to commit to adding extra plaques to the staircase of fame at Harlsdon Library. Councillor Knight responded that she can certainly take away with her and speak to officers and see what is possible.

• Report from Chairs of Scrutiny Committees

  • Councillor Ketan Sheth, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee, reported on progress made on sickle cell care, children's oral health, and youth justice service delivery.
  • Councillor Rita Conneely, Chair of the Resource and Public Run Scrutiny Committee, reported on reviewing the structures which support the voluntary and community sector, the council's financial situation, and the developing social value policy and procurement strategy.

  Following the reports, Councillor Lorber asked whether there had been any progress regarding the Northwick Park hydrotherapy pool issue. Councillor Ketan Sheth responded that his answer remains as given at the last committee.

• Report from the Vice Chair of the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee

  Councillor Chan, Vice-Chair of the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee, reported on the strategic risk register, the performance and management of i4B Holdings Ltd and First Wave Housing Ltd, and the London Borough of Brent Interim Auditor's Annual Report 2024-25.

• Non-Cabinet Members' Debate

  The council debated a motion on Broken Promises and Failing Finances, with Councillor Lorber moving the motion. The motion was lost.

• Brent Youth Justice Plan 2025/28

  Councillor Gwen Grahl introduced the report and moved the recommendations, highlighting the success of the Youth Justice Service in reducing youth violence and re-offending. The council formally adopted the Brent Youth Justice Plan 2025-28.

• Constitution Update – Function & Procedure Rules West London Economic Prosperity Board

  Councillor Muhammed Butt introduced the report, detailing a change in membership on the West London Economic Prosperity Board following the admittance of the London Borough of Hillingdon as a member. The council noted the change in membership and endorsed the subsequent update and revision of the Function & Procedure Rules.