The Cabinet of Brent Council is scheduled to convene on Monday 7 September 2026, with a key agenda item focusing on the proposed new Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Framework and Action Plan for 2026-2030. Other significant discussions are expected to cover future commissioning options for Best Start Family Hubs support services, the outcome of a consultation on amalgamating Roe Green Infant and Junior Schools, and a proposal to expand Phoenix Arch Special School.

Brent's Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Framework and Action Plan 2026-2030

A significant portion of the meeting is scheduled to be dedicated to the proposed Brent's Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Framework and Action Plan 2026-2030. This report outlines the commitments Brent Council intends to make to support its Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and details how progress and impact will be monitored. The framework has been developed following engagement with these communities, with a summary of consultation findings included in the draft framework. A detailed Action Plan will accompany the framework to ensure the Council delivers on its commitments. The report highlights that the framework is primarily focused on the Gypsy and Traveller communities but also aims to strengthen understanding of Brent's Roma community. This will involve building a richer evidence base, improving insight into the community's needs and strengths, identifying and supporting community leaders, and developing sustainable channels for ongoing engagement. The delivery of the framework is proposed to be monitored through a detailed annual action plan, coordinated by the Resident and Housing Services Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Group and reported to Cabinet annually.

Future Commissioning and Delivery Options for Best Start Family Hubs Support Services

The Cabinet will consider future commissioning and delivery options for Best Start Family Hubs (BSFHs) support services. The report seeks approval to bring these services in-house when the current contractual arrangements with Barnardo's Services Limited conclude in March 2027. This move aims to establish a more integrated, Council-led Family Hub and Early Help model from April 2027. The report suggests that an in-house model offers the strongest balance of service quality, accountability, integration, ease of delivery, and value for money, enabling the Council to align the BSFH workforce within a single management structure and strengthen oversight of outcomes.

Outcome of Informal Consultation on the Amalgamation of Roe Green Infant School and Roe Green Junior School

A report will be presented summarising the informal consultation undertaken on the proposal to amalgamate Roe Green Infant School and Roe Green Junior School into a single primary school for children aged 3-11. The report recommends proceeding to formal consultation through the publication of a statutory notice regarding the closure of Roe Green Junior School, the expansion of the age range at Roe Green Infant School, and the renaming of Roe Green Infant School to Roe Green Primary School. The proposal is put forward for the long-term benefit of children, aiming to provide a unified school identity and culture, a seamless learning experience with curriculum continuity, and more effective use of resources and budgets.

Proposal to Expand Phoenix Arch Special School on the Strathcona Site

The meeting agenda includes a report summarising the formal consultation on a proposal to expand Phoenix Arch Special School by 50 places, utilising the Strathcona site. This expansion is a response to the increasing demand for special school places across the borough for children with autistic spectrum condition (ASC). The report recommends that Cabinet determine the statutory notice to expand Phoenix Arch Special School by 50 pupils through the use of the Strathcona site, with the expansion planned for September 2027. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the shortfall in local special school places and reduce reliance on out-of-borough and independent placements.

Delivering Brent's 2024-2028 EDI Ambitions: Two Years On

The Cabinet will receive an update on the progress made in delivering Brent's 2024-2028 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy and the Anti-Racism Action Plan during their second year. The report details achievements in strengthening accessibility and inclusion across council services, expanding opportunities to tackle inequalities, and embedding anti-racist and inclusive practices within the workforce and culture. It highlights progress in areas such as improving interpretation and translation services, increasing community participation, investing in employment pathways, and enhancing the use of EDI data. The report also addresses the Council's obligation under the Public Sector Equality Duty to publish annual information demonstrating compliance with the equality duty.

Treasury Management Outturn Report 2025-26

A report will be presented detailing the outturn for the Council's Treasury Management activities for the 2025/26 financial year. This report updates members on borrowing and investment decisions and assesses the Council's Treasury Management performance. Key points to be noted include compliance with Prudential Indicators, an increase in borrowing to £1,074.0m, a decrease in cash investments to £43.8m, and an increase in the Capital Financing Requirement to £1,412.3m. The report also covers the average rate for borrowing and the rate of return on cash investments, as well as the Minimum Revenue Provision charge.

Other items scheduled for discussion include:

• Petitions: Any petitions submitted under Standing Order 66 will be received and considered. One petition is noted for presentation: Opposition to installation of perimeter fencing College Green Open Space .
• Reference of items considered by Scrutiny Committees: Any reports referred to Cabinet by either the Community & Wellbeing or Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committees will be considered.
• Proposal to expand Phoenix Arch Special School on the Strathcona Site: This report provides a summary of the formal consultation undertaken on the proposal to expand Phoenix Arch Special School by 50 places using the Strathcona site, responding to increasing demand for special school places for children with autistic spectrum condition (ASC).
• Brent's Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Framework and Action Plan 2026-2030: This report sets out Brent's new framework and action plan, including commitments to supporting its Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and how progress will be monitored.
• Future Commissioning and Delivery Options for Best Start Family Hubs Support Services: This report seeks Cabinet approval to insource Best Start Family Hubs support services when current contractual arrangements end in March 2027, aiming for a more integrated, Council-led Family Hub and Early Help model.
• Outcome of informal consultation on the amalgamation of Roe Green Infant School and Roe Green Junior School: This report summarises the informal consultation on the proposal to amalgamate the two schools into one primary school.
• Delivering Brent's 2024-2028 EDI Ambitions: Two Years On: This report sets out progress made in delivering the EDI Strategy, Anti-Racism Action Plan, and EDI Board priorities during Year 2, supporting the council's obligation under the Public Sector Equality Duty.
• Treasury Management Outturn Report 2025-26: This report presents the outturn for the Council's Treasury Management activities for 2025/26, updating members on borrowing and investment decisions and performance.