The Brent Cabinet met on Monday 12 October 2026. Key decisions included noting the Quarter 2 Financial Forecast for 2026/27, which indicated a projected £9 million overspend on the General Fund revenue budget, and endorsing the budget changes and virements set out in the report. Cabinet also approved awarding a contract for a Single Delivery Partner for the South Kilburn Regeneration Programme to Ballymore Limited, subject to satisfactory finalisation of contract terms and conclusion of the preferred bidder stage. The Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Plan 2026-2031 was approved and signed off for publication. Amendments to Brent's Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Framework and Action Plan 2026-2030 were approved, including the removal of Appendix B and the introduction of a commitment to explore negotiated stopping approaches. Cabinet resolved to confirm the council's continuing commitment to the delivery of Community Led Housing at Brentfield Road and to entering into a long lease arrangement broadly consistent with the principles previously approved by Cabinet with the Brent Community Land Trust (BCLT). The Brent Collaboration Charter 2026–2029 was agreed and endorsed, along with the establishment of a VCFSE Strategic Advisory Forum. Cabinet approved inviting tenders for Homecare Services for Adult Social Care and Children and Young People with Disabilities. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as a correct record, and there were no declarations of interest, petitions, or urgent business items.

South Kilburn Regeneration Programme Contract Award

Cabinet approved awarding a contract for a Single Delivery Partner for the South Kilburn Regeneration Programme to Ballymore Limited, subject to satisfactory finalisation of contract terms and conclusion of the preferred bidder stage. This decision follows a thorough procurement process. The new approach, moving from a site-by-site development model to a single long-term partnership, is intended to accelerate delivery, ensure a coordinated vision, and improve the management and maintenance of the neighbourhood. The programme aims to deliver approximately 1,600 new homes, alongside affordable and social rent housing, community facilities, workspace, and improved public spaces. Councillor Matt Kelcher, Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Planning, highlighted the importance of this decision for the future of South Kilburn and its residents. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director, Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Planning, to finalise all relevant legal and commercial agreements and enter into the contract.

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Plan 2026-2031 Approved

The Cabinet approved and signed off the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Plan 2026-2031 for publication. This plan details how the council will deliver on the commitments set out in its Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy. Councillor Robert Johnson, Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters, presented the plan, acknowledging the significant challenges faced by the borough. The plan includes targets for preventing homelessness, halving rough sleeping by December 2027, and improving the quality and affordability of temporary accommodation. Councillor Johnson stressed the importance of a holistic approach, involving joined-up working across council services and partner agencies, and early intervention. Councillor Antoni Georgiou, who spoke on the item, urged a greater emphasis on prevention and early intervention measures.

Community Led Housing at Brentfield Road Moves Forward

Cabinet resolved to confirm the council's continuing commitment to the delivery of Community Led Housing at Brentfield Road and to entering into a long lease arrangement broadly consistent with the principles previously approved by Cabinet with the Brent Community Land Trust (BCLT). The project aims to transform an underused garage site into 19 affordable one-bedroom homes, including wheelchair-accessible accommodation. Councillor Matt Kelcher, Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Planning, highlighted the innovative, community-led model behind the scheme. The decision delegates authority to officers to finalise legal and commercial agreements, negotiate with neighbouring property owners regarding historic rights, and take necessary steps to facilitate the development. Councillor Jake Rubin, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Employment & Climate Action, welcomed the initiative, noting its potential benefit for the council's homeless waiting list and its role as a potential blueprint for future community land trust developments in Brent.

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Framework and Action Plan Amendments Approved

Cabinet approved amendments to Brent's Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Framework and Action Plan 2026-2030. These changes include the removal of Appendix B, which detailed the council's approach to unauthorised encampments, and the introduction of a new commitment to explore negotiated stopping approaches for households pursuing a nomadic way of life. Councillor Robert Johnson, Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters, explained that these amendments reflect a willingness to listen to community voices and adapt policies. The decision also delegates authority to the Corporate Director for Residents and Housing Services to make further amendments in consultation with the Cabinet Member. This move aligns with recommendations from the draft London Plan regarding provision for negotiated stopping.

Quarter 2 Financial Forecast Noted, with Overspend Addressed

Cabinet noted the Quarter 2 Financial Forecast for 2026/27, which indicated a projected £9 million overspend on the General Fund revenue budget. Councillor Gwen Grahl, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, was noted as having sent apologies. Mitigating actions, including spending controls and identified in-year savings, are being implemented to address these pressures. The report also noted a £3.5 million overspend in the Housing Revenue Account and a £20.8 million in-year deficit forecast for the Dedicated Schools Grant. Cabinet endorsed the budget changes and approved virements set out in the report.

Brent Collaboration Charter Endorsed

Cabinet agreed and endorsed the draft Brent Collaboration Charter 2026–2029, a shared agreement between Brent Council, the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector, and other local partners, including the NHS. Councillor Tina Amadi, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Cost-of-Living Support, presented the Charter, emphasizing its role in strengthening trust, transparency, and collaboration to achieve better outcomes for residents. The Charter aims to support a thriving VCFSE sector, ensure its meaningful role in local decision-making, and empower residents in shaping their communities. The establishment of a VCFSE Strategic Advisory Forum, linked to Brent Strategic Partnership structures, was also endorsed to oversee the Charter's implementation.

Tenders Invited for Homecare Services

Cabinet approved inviting tenders for Homecare Services for Adult Social Care and Children and Young People with Disabilities. This decision aims to retender contracts to manage increasing demand and complexity of needs, aligning services with the council's neighbourhood model and promoting preventative, early intervention approaches. Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, highlighted the importance of homecare in supporting residents to live independently and with dignity. The new contracts will focus on neighbourhood-based provision, telecare integration, and ensuring providers pay the London Living Wage and meet Care Quality Commission standards. Authority was delegated to Corporate Directors to award the contracts, which will be for an initial three-year term with options for extension.

Other Decisions

Cabinet approved the minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record, confirmed there were no declarations of interest, and received no petitions or items referred from scrutiny committees. There were no urgent business items or exclusions of press and public. Apologies were received from Councillor Grahl.