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Brent: Housing Safety Breaches, Alcohol Licence Debate, SEND Budget

This week in Brent:

Housing Safety Concerns Trigger Regulator Intervention

Brent Council has self-referred to the Regulator of Social Housing following the discovery of significant breaches in building safety compliance. The Audit and Standards Advisory Committee heard that up to 12,500 fire safety actions were incorrectly marked as complete in the council's compliance software, True Compliance, without proper supporting evidence. Link to the meeting

  • What happened: The council found it couldn't reconcile performance data on asbestos management, water safety, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • The impact: The Regulator of Social Housing has issued a regulatory notice requiring the council to address the breaches. While operating under the notice, access to grant funding for housing developments may be reduced or ceased. This could slow down the building of new affordable homes and improvements to existing ones.
  • The response: The council has appointed specialists to assess compliance arrangements and develop a recovery program.

This situation echoes concerns raised in previous meetings about the accuracy of council data and the effectiveness of its risk management processes. The council's ability to provide safe and secure housing for its residents is now under scrutiny.

Alcohol Licence Sparks Debate Amid Cumulative Impact Concerns

The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Shree Sai Krupa UK Ltd, a supermarket on Ealing Road, Wembley. Link to the meeting The application sought permission to sell alcohol between 09:00 and 23:00, Monday to Sunday. The application form describes the premises as a convenience store that specialises in party supplies.

  • The issue: The shop is located within a Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ), where there is a rebuttable presumption to refuse new applications unless the applicant can demonstrate it won't worsen existing problems.
  • Police concerns: PC Brendon McInnes of the Metropolitan Police stated that the police were concerned with all four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. He argued that adding another off-licence to the already busy Ealing Road would exacerbate street drinking, anti-social behaviour, and crime.
  • Licensing Authority's view: The Licensing Authority noted that Kettan Patel, now company secretary for Shree Sai Krupa UK Ltd, had previously submitted a similar application in an individual capacity, which was refused on 6 February 2025. The Licensing Authority questioned whether alcohol was secondary to the business model and if granting the application would add to the cumulative impact in the area.

This decision highlights the tension between supporting local businesses and managing the negative impacts of alcohol consumption in areas already struggling with crime and anti-social behaviour.

Schools Forum Approves High Needs Budget Amid Funding Concerns

The Schools Forum approved the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block budgets for 2025/26, but concerns were raised about funding levels for special schools and provisions for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Link to the meeting

  • The budget: The Department for Education (DfE) High Needs Block (HNB) funding was confirmed at £90.3 million for 2025/26, a £5.3 million (6%) increase from 2024/25.
  • Concerns raised: Nick Cooper, Head of Special Education Needs, questioned the sustainability of the 3.4% funding increase for Special Schools and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) and noted that top-up funding rates have remained the same since 2021.
  • Impact on children: With Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) having increased by 8%, along with the complexities of the children's needs, there are concerns that the funding may not be sufficient to meet the growing demand for SEND services.
  • Council response: Councillor Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Schools, stated that the SEND capital investment programme was a priority, with any empty buildings that were formally educational sites to be retained for educational use.

The approved budget aims to address the increasing demand for SEND services, but the long-term sustainability of funding remains a concern, potentially impacting the quality of support available to vulnerable children.

Other Matters

  • Annual Governance Statement Approved: The Audit and Standards Committee formally approved Brent Council's 2024-25 Annual Governance Statement, assuring the public that the council is managing its business properly. Link to the meeting
  • Temporary Event Notice Faces Police Opposition: A temporary event notice (TEN) application for a Jamaican Independence Day celebration on Neasden Lane faced opposition from the police due to concerns about crime, disorder, and public nuisance in a Cumulative Impact Zone. Link to the meeting

Upcoming Meetings

  • Brent Pension Fund Sub-Committee on Tuesday 24 June 2025 will discuss investment performance, a government consultation outcome, and the fund's triennial valuation. Link to the meeting
  • Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday 02 July 2025. Link to the meeting

Brent Council Approves New Strategies for Leisure Centre, Housing, and Travel Assistance

This week, Brent Council held three meetings, with significant discussions taking place during the Cabinet on Monday, 17 June 2024. Here are the key topics and decisions:

Cabinet

The Cabinet meeting covered several important topics, with notable discussions on the Vale Farm Leisure Centre procurement options, the tenant and leaseholder engagement strategy, the private sector housing strategy, and the travel assistance policy.

  1. Vale Farm Leisure Centre Procurement Options: The Cabinet approved the re-tendering of the Vale Farm Leisure Centre as part of the Tri-Borough arrangement with Harrow and Ealing Councils. This decision aims to leverage the economies of scale and shared contract management benefits of the Tri-Borough approach. The new contract will include requirements for London Living Wage compliance and opportunities for career development for leisure staff.

Key considerations included:

  • Financial Benefits: The Tri-Borough approach offers cost savings and increased market appeal.
  • Non-Financial Benefits: Shared contract management and learning opportunities across the three boroughs.
  • Employment Standards: The new contract will ensure good employment options and compliance with the London Living Wage.
  1. Tenant and Leaseholder Engagement Strategy: The Cabinet approved a new strategy to enhance engagement with tenants and leaseholders, fulfilling obligations under the Building Safety Act 2022 and the regulator for social housing's consumer standards. The strategy includes commitments to meaningful engagement and has already involved over 1,000 residents in key events.

Key commitments included:

  • Meaningful Engagement: Ensuring tenant and leaseholder voices are heard and acted upon.
  • Compliance: Meeting the requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022 and consumer standards.
  • Ongoing Feedback: Regular reviews to ensure the strategy remains effective and responsive.
  1. Private Sector Housing Strategy: The Cabinet adopted a new strategy to address the needs of the private rented sector, which constitutes approximately 46% of Brent's housing stock. The strategy includes commitments to proactive inspections, rigorous enforcement, and the development of a tenant toolkit.

Key commitments included:

  • Proactive Inspections: Ensuring high standards in private rental properties.
  • Tenant Toolkit: Providing advice on renters' rights and responsibilities.
  • Collaboration: Working with partners like the London Renters Union and Justice for Tenants.
  1. Travel Assistance Policy: The Cabinet approved a refreshed travel assistance policy for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The policy aims to ensure fair and transparent eligibility criteria and promote independent travel where appropriate.

Key considerations included:

  • Independent Travel: Encouraging and supporting independent travel for young people.
  • Tailored Assistance: Providing travel assistance based on individual needs.
  • Alignment with Goals: Supporting active travel and addressing the climate crisis.

Schools Forum

The Schools Forum met on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, but we have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

Brent Pension Fund Sub-Committee

The Brent Pension Fund Sub-Committee scheduled for Monday, 17 June 2024, was cancelled.

These meetings reflect Brent Council's ongoing efforts to enhance community engagement, improve service delivery, and address housing and leisure needs. The decisions made this week will have significant implications for the council's operations and the wellbeing of its residents.

Brent Council Approves King Edward VII Park Redevelopment and Finalises 2022-23 Accounts

This week, Brent Council held four meetings, with significant discussions taking place during the Planning Committee on Tuesday, 11 June 2024, and the Audit and Standards Committee on Wednesday, 12 June 2024. Here are the key topics and decisions:

Planning Committee

The Planning Committee addressed two major planning applications, with the most impactful discussions revolving around the redevelopment of King Edward VII Park and a new residential development on Salmon Street.

  1. King Edward VII Park Pavilion Redevelopment: The committee approved the demolition of the existing pavilion and the erection of a new single-story building for the Stonebridge Boxing Club. The new facility will include a gym, physio facilities, changing rooms, showers, an ancillary office space, and a small café. This decision aims to provide a permanent home for the boxing club, which has been moving between temporary locations since 2009. The redevelopment is expected to enhance community engagement and provide a safer, more vibrant space within the park.

Key considerations included:

  • Community Use: The new pavilion will be available for use by various sports and community groups, promoting inclusivity and community spirit.
  • Environmental Impact: The redevelopment will include urban greening measures and biodiversity enhancements, contributing to Brent's carbon neutral strategy.
  • Safety and Accessibility: The committee discussed the need for improved lighting and accessibility within the park to ensure the safety of visitors.
  1. Residential Development on Salmon Street: The committee approved the demolition of an existing dwelling at 26 Salmon Street and the construction of a part three, part four-story building containing 13 residential units. This decision reflects Brent's ongoing efforts to address the housing shortage, with a focus on optimizing available land for residential use.

Key considerations included:

  • Design and Scale: The new building's design incorporates elements that reflect the character of the surrounding area, including sloping roofs and high-quality materials.
  • Parking and Traffic: The development includes seven car parking spaces and 24 cycle parking spaces, with measures to mitigate the impact on local traffic.
  • Affordable Housing: Although the development does not include on-site affordable housing, a financial contribution of £41,000 will be made towards Brent's affordable housing fund.

Audit and Standards Committee

The Audit and Standards Committee convened to discuss the finalisation of the Council’s Statement of Accounts for 2022-23 and the Annual Auditor’s Report. The Committee approved the final statement of accounts, subject to no further material changes, and authorised the Chair to sign the document upon receiving written assurances from the auditors. They also noted the findings of the updated Audit Findings Report and the Value for Money report, and acknowledged the increased level of audit fees agreed with the PSAA.

Key decisions included:

  • Approval of the Statement of Accounts: The Committee approved the final statement of accounts for 2022-23, ensuring transparency and accountability in the Council’s financial reporting.
  • Audit Findings and Value for Money Report: The Committee noted the findings of the updated Audit Findings Report and the Value for Money report, which provide insights into the Council's financial governance and operational efficiency.
  • Audit Fees: The Committee acknowledged the increased level of audit fees, reflecting the complexity and scope of the audit process.

These meetings reflect Brent Council's ongoing efforts to address community needs, enhance service delivery, and maintain high standards of financial governance. The decisions made this week will have significant implications for the council's operations and the wellbeing of its residents.

Brent Council's Key Decisions: Political Representation, Community Support, and Active Travel

This week, Brent Council held two meetings, with significant discussions taking place during the General Purposes Committee on Tuesday, 28 May 2024, and the Cabinet on the same day. Here are the key topics and decisions:

General Purposes Committee

The General Purposes Committee addressed several administrative and operational matters, with the most impactful discussions revolving around the review of political group representation and a severance payment approval.

  1. Review of Political Group Representation: The committee reviewed the representation of political groups on various committees, following the full council's report. The recommendations, which detail the representation based on the size of each group, were agreed upon. This decision ensures that committee compositions reflect the current political landscape, maintaining fair and balanced representation.

  2. Severance Payment Approval: A significant item was the approval of a severance payment related to the reconfiguration of the Human Resources (HR) structure. The reconfiguration aims to add strategic capacity and expertise to support the council through upcoming changes. The committee approved the severance payment, which includes a pension strain cost, ensuring that the HR team can move forward with the necessary adjustments.

Cabinet

The Cabinet meeting covered a wide range of topics, with notable discussions on the Bobby Moore Bridge advertising lease, the Brent Household Support Fund, and the Brent Active Travel Implementation Plan.

  1. Bobby Moore Bridge Advertising Lease: The Cabinet decided on the new advertising lease for Bobby Moore Bridge. Despite a petition to award the lease only for the bridge parapets to allow the display of historic murals, the Cabinet opted for option B, which includes advertising on both the parapet walls and the underpass. This decision balances financial benefits with heritage considerations, though it may disappoint those advocating for the murals' full display.

  2. Brent Household Support Fund: The Cabinet approved the allocation of nearly £2.8 million from the Household Support Fund to assist vulnerable households. The funds will support families receiving free school meals, care leavers, disabled households, and community projects. This allocation aims to mitigate the financial burden on residents amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis.

  3. Brent Active Travel Implementation Plan: The Cabinet adopted the Brent Active Travel Implementation Plan for 2024-2029, which focuses on promoting walking, cycling, and wheeling. The plan includes measures to improve street safety, infrastructure quality, and community engagement. This initiative aligns with the council's broader goals of enhancing health, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.

Interesting Occurrence: During the Cabinet meeting, there was a heated exchange following the decision on the Bobby Moore Bridge advertising lease. This incident highlights the passionate community interest in heritage preservation and the challenges the council faces in balancing diverse stakeholder interests.

These meetings reflect Brent Council's ongoing efforts to address administrative efficiency, community support, and sustainable development. The decisions made this week will have significant implications for the council's operations and the wellbeing of its residents.

Key Decisions and Challenges in Brent Council's Latest Planning Committee Meeting

This week, Brent Council held three meetings, with the most significant discussions occurring during the Planning Committee on Wednesday, 08 May 2024. Here's a detailed analysis of the key topics and decisions:

Proposed Redevelopment at 7XX Parade

The Planning Committee addressed a proposal for a new mixed-use building at 7XX Parade, replacing existing commercial units with 41 residential units and additional commercial space. The meeting focused on three main issues: affordable housing, internal daylight standards, and the impact on neighboring daylight.

  1. Affordable Housing Decision: The absence of affordable housing in the proposed development was a major point of contention. The developer presented a viability assessment showing a financial deficit, which was accepted by the committee. This decision reflects the ongoing challenge of balancing the need for affordable housing with the financial realities of development projects. The committee's acceptance of the viability assessment indicates a potential trend towards prioritizing development feasibility over housing affordability.

  2. Internal Daylight Standards: Concerns were raised about the adequacy of daylight within the new residential units. Despite some units not meeting recommended daylight standards, the committee approved the design, citing the inclusion of balconies and design constraints. This decision highlights a compromise between providing outdoor space and ensuring sufficient daylight, illustrating the complexities involved in urban architectural decisions.

  3. Impact on Neighboring Daylight: The potential overshadowing of neighboring properties was discussed, with the committee relying on the developer's report, which claimed minimal impact. This acceptance underscores the committee's reliance on expert assessments in their decision-making process, balancing new developments with existing community conditions.

Interesting Occurrence: The meeting faced technical issues with audio connectivity, which caused delays. This incident sheds light on the challenges of conducting live-streamed public meetings, which are essential for maintaining transparency and inclusivity in community decision-making processes.

In other council activities, the Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday, 08 May 2024, but the notes from this meeting have not yet been summarized. Additionally, the meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 07 May 2024, was cancelled.

This week's discussions, particularly in the Planning Committee, continue to highlight the tension between development and community needs—a theme we have observed in past council decisions. The outcomes from these meetings will likely influence future development projects and urban planning strategies within the council.

Recent meetings
Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee

Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 19 June 2025 2.00 pm

The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee of Brent Council convened a meeting to consider a temporary event notice (TEN) application. The application was submitted by Mr Dudley Shirley for a community event celebrating Jamaican culture and Jamaican Independence Day. The police have raised concerns about the event's potential impact on crime and disorder in the area.

June 19, 2025
Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee

Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 19 June 2025 10.00 am

The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee of Brent Council scheduled a meeting to discuss a new premises licence application. The application was for Shree Sai Krupa UK Ltd to sell alcohol at Sai Krupa Supermarket, a shop at Unit 4-5 Chequers House, 149 Ealing Road, Wembley. The committee was scheduled to consider the application in light of representations from the Licensing Authority and the police, and having regard to the council's licensing policy and the special rules applying to Cumulative Impact Zones[^1].

June 19, 2025
Schools Forum

Schools Forum - Wednesday 18 June 2025 6.00 pm

The Brent Council Schools Forum met on Wednesday 18 June 2025 to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) outturn, the DSG Deficit Management Plan, the Scheme for Financing Schools, and updates to Additionally Resourced Provisions and Early Years Banding Review. The forum approved the High Needs Block budgets as set out in Appendix 1 of the report. They also noted the reports on the other agenda items.

June 18, 2025
Audit and Standards Committee

This meeting will take place on the rising of the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee, Audit and Standards Committee - Monday 16 June 2025

The Brent Council Audit and Standards Committee met on Monday 16 June 2025 to discuss the Annual Governance Statement for 2024-25. The committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting held on Tuesday 25 March 2025 and formally approved Brent Council's 2024-25 Annual Governance Statement, following its consideration by the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee.

June 16, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Monday 16 June 2025 10.00 am

The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.

June 16, 2025
Audit and Standards Advisory Committee

Audit and Standards Advisory Committee - Monday 16 June 2025 6.00 pm

The Audit and Standards Advisory Committee convened to discuss a range of issues, including a self-referral to the Regulator of Social Housing, standards of conduct, internal and external audit reports, and risk management. The committee also reviewed the effectiveness of its own operations and set its work programme for the coming year.

June 16, 2025
Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee

Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee - Friday 13 June 2025 10.00 am

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

June 13, 2025
Planning Committee

Planning Committee - Wednesday 11 June 2025 6.00 pm

The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.

June 11, 2025
Trading Standards Joint Advisory Board

Trading Standards Joint Advisory Board - Wednesday 4 June 2025 6.00 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

June 04, 2025
West London Economic Prosperity Board

West London Economic Prosperity Board - Tuesday 3 June 2025 11.00 am

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

June 03, 2025
Upcoming meetings
Brent Pension Fund Sub-Committee

Brent Pension Fund Sub-Committee - Tuesday 24 June 2025 6.00 pm

June 24, 2025
Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee

Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 2 July 2025 6.00 pm

July 02, 2025