The Cabinet of Brent Council met on Monday 17 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, approving a Tri-borough procurement for Vale Farm Leisure Centre, adopting new strategies for tenant and leaseholder engagement, private sector housing, and travel assistance, and reviewing the council's corporate performance.

Vale Farm Leisure Centre Procurement Options

The Cabinet approved the undertaking of a Tri-borough procurement exercise with the London Boroughs of Ealing and Harrow to deliver leisure service provision at Vale Farm Leisure Centre from September 2025. This decision follows an options appraisal that identified the Tri-borough approach as the favoured option in terms of affordability, market testing, and service offer. Councillor Neil Nerva, Cabinet Member for Community Health & Wellbeing, highlighted the financial and non-financial benefits of this collaborative approach, including economies of scale and shared contract management. The procurement will be led by the London Borough of Harrow, and their Contract Standing Orders and Financial Regulations will be used. Officers will report back to Cabinet to seek approval to award the contract once the procurement process is complete.

Tenant and Leaseholder Engagement Strategy 2024-2028

The Cabinet approved the Tenant and Leaseholder Engagement Strategy and the supporting Building Safety Engagement Strategy. Councillor Promise Knight, Cabinet Member for Housing, explained that these strategies are required to fulfil the Council's obligations as a social housing landlord under the Regulator for Social Housing Consumer Standards and the Building Safety Act 2022. The Tenant and Leaseholder Engagement Strategy outlines six key promises for how the Council will listen to and engage with its tenants and leaseholders, aiming to empower them to influence service delivery and ensure their voices are heard. The Building Safety Engagement Strategy addresses the new requirements for building owners to manage safety risks in high-rise buildings and outlines how the Council will communicate with residents in these buildings. Both strategies were developed following extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders.

Private Sector Housing Strategy 2024-2029

Councillor Promise Knight also introduced the new Private Sector Housing Strategy for 2024-2029, which was approved for final publication. This strategy aims to ensure that the private rented sector in Brent is a safe, stable, and accessible housing option for residents. It focuses on three core commitments: increasing the supply of private sector homes, tackling poor property conditions, and supporting residents to access and remain in their homes. The strategy was developed following extensive public consultation, including engagement with organisations such as Crisis, Advice for Renters, and the London Renters Union. Cabinet members expressed support for the strategy's approach to disincentivising landlords from keeping properties empty and for the landlord licensing scheme, while also noting concerns about the lack of government commitment to similar approaches.

Travel Assistance Policy

The Cabinet approved the adoption of the final version of the Travel Assistance Policy, incorporating amendments made following public consultation. Councillor Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Schools, explained that the policy supports children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities (SEND) in accessing education. The policy is built around two key principles: promoting independence and maintaining quality of life. It aims to ensure fair and equal access to education and support opportunities for post-16 skills development for young people with SEND. The policy encourages active travel and the development of independent travel skills, with a focus on an Independent Travel Training Programme and collaboration with Transport for London. Cabinet members welcomed the efforts to promote active travel and the focus on independent travel as a means of developing skills and self-confidence.

Corporate Performance Update - Quarter 4 2023-24

Councillor Jake Rubin, Cabinet Member for Employment, Innovation & Climate Action, presented the corporate performance update for the fourth quarter of 2023-24. The report detailed progress against the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) set out in the Council's Borough Plan 2023-2027. Of the 55 Borough Plan indicators, 24 were on or above target (Green), 2 were just off target (Amber), and 12 were off target (Red), with 17 providing contextual information. Areas highlighted as Red included the delivery of affordable homes, Council homes, licensed Houses of Multiple Occupation, and the average days taken to process new benefit claims and Resident Support Fund applications. Conversely, several indicators were rated Green, including the number of empty properties refurbished, Brent Start overall achievement, jobs and apprenticeships secured through Brent Works, and the number of residents accessing Community Hubs. Cabinet noted the report and agreed to consider current and future strategic risks, agreeing to remedial actions where appropriate.

Other Business

The Cabinet also resolved to confirm appointments to the Barham Park Trust Committee for the 2024-25 Municipal Year. Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, took the opportunity to wish Councillor Promise Knight well as she commenced maternity leave.