The Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to discuss the council's highways maintenance service, including its performance, effectiveness, and value for money. The committee will also receive an update on the council's financial position, covering the outturn for the previous financial year, the forecast for the current year, and the medium-term financial outlook.

Highways Maintenance Report

The committee is scheduled to review a comprehensive report on Brent Council's highways maintenance service. This report will assess the performance, effectiveness, and value for money of the council's approach to maintaining the borough's highway network, encompassing carriageways, footways, and associated assets. The discussion is expected to cover how the council balances reactive safety repairs with planned and preventative maintenance, the management and monitoring of highways maintenance contracts, and the outcomes achieved through the council's asset management approach. The report will also consider the condition of the highway network, investment levels, customer experience, compensation claims, and the challenges posed by tree root damage. The committee is invited to note the progress made in improving the highways maintenance service, supported by increased investment and an asset management approach, and to consider future challenges and opportunities.

Budget Update & Medium-Term Financial Strategy

An update on Brent's overall financial position is scheduled for discussion. This will include an examination of the financial outturn for the 2025/26 financial year, the Quarter 1 financial forecast for 2026/27, and the medium-term financial outlook. This comprehensive financial overview is part of the committee's role in undertaking budget scrutiny throughout the year. The report aims to provide members with an assessment of the council's financial performance, allow them to challenge assumptions, monitor the delivery of savings, understand emerging risks, and evaluate the sustainability of the council's medium-term financial strategy.

Revitalising High Streets and Town Centres

The committee is set to review an assessment of the performance, effectiveness, and impact of the council's current approach to revitalising high streets and town centres. The report aims to provide the committee with the evidence and early strategic insight necessary to consider and comment on the direction of the emerging High Streets Strategy. This discussion will likely involve an examination of current town centre activities, economic drivers, and the social and community value of these areas, as well as potential future strategies and innovations.

Scrutiny Progress Update - Recommendations Tracker

A report on the Scrutiny Recommendations Tracker is scheduled to be presented to the committee for consideration. This item will likely provide an update on the progress made in implementing recommendations from previous scrutiny reviews.

Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee Work Programme Report

The committee will receive an update on the Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee's work programme. This report will likely outline any changes to the committee's planned activities and discussions for the upcoming period.