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Cabinet - Monday, 22 June 2026 - 10.00 am
June 22, 2026 at 10:00 am Cabinet View on council websiteSummary
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The Brent Cabinet met on Monday 22 June 2026, discussing a range of issues including the proposed location of a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) in Preston Park, the development of a new Housing Compact, and significant capital investment in the borough's leisure centres. Key decisions included approving a £4.25 million investment package for Vale Farm and Willesden Sports Centres, endorsing the draft Brent Housing Compact, and agreeing to proceed with formal consultation on expanding Phoenix Arch Special School.
Preston Park MUGA Location Reviewed
Cabinet considered a petition regarding the proposed location of a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) in Preston Park1. Angela Barrett, representing the lead petitioner, informed the Cabinet that the original proposal to site the MUGA on active tennis courts was no longer being considered, a decision welcomed by the petitioners. Concerns had been raised about the original site's proximity to residential properties, potential noise and anti-social behaviour, and its secluded location. The petitioners proposed an alternative site adjacent to the children's playground, suggesting design elements like a rain garden and pollinator planting. They also advocated for a flexible grass-based alternative to a traditional tarmac MUGA, citing research that traditional MUGAs can exclude girls. Soulla Kwong, speaking for Friends of Preston Park, supported the original proposal to use the disused tennis courts, highlighting their suitability and the potential for noise mitigation. She expressed opposition to the loss of green space and advocated for the MUGA to be located on the tennis courts. Councillor Promise Knight, Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets, Transport and Public Realm, acknowledged the concerns raised by residents and confirmed that the Parks Service would continue to review all options to find a way forward that works for everyone. Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, reiterated the Council's commitment to working with residents to achieve a positive outcome.
Brent Housing Compact Development Endorsed
The Cabinet received an update on the development of the Brent Housing Compact2, a partnership framework between Brent Council and Registered Providers (RPs). Heather Thomas, Chief Executive of Sapphire Independent Housing, spoke in support of the Compact, highlighting its importance in providing a clear partnership framework and supporting five core themes. Councillor Anton Georgiou raised several questions regarding the Compact's effectiveness for residents, its accountability mechanisms, the extent of resident engagement, and the lack of clear measurable outcomes. He suggested drawing more systematically on the experience of councillors, resident leaders, and community campaigners. Councillor Robert Johnson, Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters, acknowledged the concerns and assured that detailed responses would be provided. He emphasised that the Compact, currently in draft form, aims to improve housing quality, safety, and resident engagement by fostering collaboration between the Council and housing providers. Councillors Gwen Grahl, Promise Knight, Matt Kelcher, and Jake Rubin spoke in support of the Compact, highlighting its potential to raise standards, improve accountability, and provide a more consistent experience for residents. Cabinet resolved to note the progress made, endorse the draft Housing Compact, and noted that the next phase would involve engagement with internal teams, the establishment of an RP Working Group, and the development of the governance model.
Significant Investment in Leisure Centres Approved
A substantial package of investment in the borough's leisure centres was approved, totalling nearly £4.25 million. Councillor Liz Dixon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health, presented the report3, highlighting the transition to an Active Wellbeing
model that views leisure facilities as crucial infrastructure for prevention, inclusion, and healthy communities.
At Vale Farm Sports Centre4, Cabinet approved £2 million for major repairs and renewals to address asset condition, compliance, and operational resilience. An additional £850,246 was approved for contract-linked capital enhancements to modernise and expand the main gym, women's only gym, studios, and wider customer offer.
At Willesden Sports Centre5, a Council contribution of up to £393,752 was approved towards a gym reconfiguration and fitness enhancement scheme, with a total project cost of approximately £1.4 million. This investment aims to improve facility quality, increase capacity, and strengthen the asset ahead of the PFI contract expiry in 2031. Cabinet also approved a variation to the Willesden Sports Centre PFI contractual arrangements to implement these changes and regularise related contractual matters.
Furthermore, Cabinet approved the award of 20% discretionary National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) relief for Vale Farm Sports Centre and Moberly Sports Centre, in line with the Council's eligibility criteria for charities and non-profit organisations. This relief is intended to support the financial sustainability of these facilities and maintain accessible leisure services for residents. Councillors Jake Rubin and Gwen Grahl spoke in support, noting the importance of these investments for community well-being and the Council's commitment to becoming a borough of play
.
Joint Procurement for Advocacy Services Approved
Cabinet approved the Council's participation in a joint procurement exercise with Harrow Council for statutory advocacy services6. Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, presented the report, explaining that this collaboration would ensure a high-quality, consistent, and sustainable advocacy offer across borough boundaries, supporting vulnerable residents in accessing care and support. The Council will act as the lead authority for the procurement process, which will cover Care Act Advocacy, Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA), Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA), and Relevant Person's Paid Representative (RPPR) services. The estimated value of Brent's contract over five years is £1.335 million, funded from existing resources. The procurement process will follow an open procedure, with quality, price, and social value being key evaluation criteria.
Formal Consultation to Expand Phoenix Arch Special School
Cabinet resolved to approve a period of formal consultation on the proposal to expand Phoenix Arch Special School by 50 pupils onto the Strathcona site7. Councillor Jake Rubin, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Employment and Climate Action, presented the report, highlighting the increasing demand for special school places in Brent, particularly for children with autistic spectrum condition (ASC). The expansion aims to provide much-needed local provision, reducing reliance on out-of-borough placements and associated costs. The proposal follows an informal consultation where the majority of respondents supported the expansion, with concerns raised primarily relating to traffic and noise, for which mitigating measures are being considered. The formal consultation will allow for further feedback before a final decision is made by Cabinet.
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Agenda frontsheet Monday 22-Jun-2026 10.00 Cabinet.pdf, page 5. ↩
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Public reports pack Monday 22-Jun-2026 10.00 Cabinet.pdf, pages 7-36. ↩
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Public reports pack Monday 22-Jun-2026 10.00 Cabinet.pdf, pages 49-66. ↩
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Public reports pack Monday 22-Jun-2026 10.00 Cabinet.pdf, pages 49-66. ↩
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Public reports pack Monday 22-Jun-2026 10.00 Cabinet.pdf, pages 49-66. ↩
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Public reports pack Monday 22-Jun-2026 10.00 Cabinet.pdf, pages 67-90. ↩
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Public reports pack Monday 22-Jun-2026 10.00 Cabinet.pdf, pages 91-122. ↩
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Matters Arising (if any)
Recommendations ApprovedBrent Council Cabinet approved recommendations on 22/06/2026. No specific officer actions were detailed.
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Reference of item considered by Scrutiny Committees (if any)
Recommendations ApprovedBrent Council's Cabinet approved recommendations on 22/06/2026. There were no items referred from either the Community Wellbeing or Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committees.
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Any other urgent business
Recommendations ApprovedCabinet decided that there were no items of urgent business. This was decided on 22/06/2026.
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Exclusion of Press and Public
Recommendations ApprovedBrent Cabinet on 22 June 2026 approved recommendations. There were no items requiring the exclusion of the press or public.
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Petitions (if any)
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Brent Council approved recommendations on 22/06/2026. The council will continue to review options for a MUGA in Preston Park.
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Apologies for Absence
Recommendations ApprovedBrent Cabinet received apologies for absence from Thomas Cattermole. Kirsteen Roe attended as his representative.
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Declarations of Interest
Recommendations ApprovedBrent Cabinet approved recommendations on 22/06/2026. No declarations of interest were made during the meeting.
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Authority to Tender for the Appointment of a Social Investment Backed Design & Delivery Partner to support the sourcing of suitable Providers for Housing Related Support Services
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the procurement of a design and delivery partner to co-design an outcomes-based Housing Related Support service. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director, Resident and Housing Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters, to award the contract for a term of 4 years with an option to extend for a further 2 years. This decision was made on 22 June 2026.
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Proposal to expand Phoenix Arch Special School onto the Strathcona Site
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve a period of formal consultation on the proposal to expand Phoenix Arch Special School onto the Strathcona site, creating 50 additional places for children with SEND. This decision was made on 22/06/2026. The decision includes publishing a statutory notice to consult on the expansion.
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Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Brent Council approved the minutes of the previous meeting on 22/06/2026. The Cabinet also approved a strategic approach to increase the supply of temporary accommodation through long-term leasing arrangements. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Regeneration to negotiate and agree lease agreements, and to the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources to approve associated finances. The Cabinet further approved an exemption from tendering requirements and the creation of an Inter Authority Agreement with Harrow Council for telecare services for three years, with an option to extend. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director Service Reform and Strategy to finalise the terms of this agreement.
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Appointment of Cabinet Sub-Committees
Recommendations ApprovedBrent Council's Cabinet decided to approve recommendations on 22/06/2026. The Cabinet confirmed the appointment of the Barham Park Trust Cabinet Sub Committee for the 2026-27 Municipal Year.
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Capital Investment in Leisure Centres
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Brent Council decided to approve capital investment for leisure centres. This included £2m for repairs at Vale Farm Sports Centre and £850,246 for enhancements at Vale Farm Sports Centre, along with £393,752 towards improvements at Willesden Sports Centre. The Cabinet also approved a variation to the Willesden Sports Centre PFI contract and awarded 20% discretionary NNDR relief for Vale Farm Sports Centre and Moberly Sports Centre.
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Brent Housing Compact
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Brent Council decided to approve the Draft Housing Compact on 22/06/2026. The decision included noting progress, confirming the next phase of engagement with internal teams and establishing an RP Working Group, and endorsing the draft document.
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Approval to Participate in a Joint Procurement Exercise for the provision of Advocacy Services
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve Brent Council's participation in a joint procurement exercise for advocacy services with Harrow Council on 22 June 2026. The Cabinet approved Brent Council acting as the lead authority for this procurement. The Corporate Director, Service Reform and Strategy, in consultation with others, was authorised to agree collaboration arrangements and progress the procurement, and to approve the contract award.
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