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Cabinet - Monday 16 June 2025 10.00 am
June 16, 2025 Cabinet View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Brent Council Cabinet met to discuss a range of issues, including the future of the Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre, neighbourhood infrastructure funding, and progress on equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. Councillors approved recommendations related to the closure of the Bridge Park centre, allocation of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funds, and the revised Black Community Action Plan (BCAP).
Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre
The cabinet approved the closure of the Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre on 31 July 2025, to enable redevelopment of the site. They also approved a revised facility mix for the new development and delegated authority to the Corporate Director, Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property, Councillor Teo Benea, to agree to any further variations required to update the Conditional Land Sale Agreement (CLSA) with Stonebridge Real Estate Development (SRED).
Prior to the discussion, Vengeance, representing the London Roller Derby league, addressed the committee to highlight the importance of the centre as a training space and to urge the council to support them in finding an alternative venue if the closure proceeds. Councillor Neil Nerva, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Leisure, assured Vengeance that the council would work with the league to find an alternative venue.
Councillor Nerva explained that the current building is not in good condition and that repairs would not be a good value for money. He also noted that the new facility would not be built on the same footprint, making it impossible to keep the existing centre open until the new one is ready. Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Housing, highlighted that the history of the site and the achievements of the late Leonard Johnson would be commemorated in the new development.
The decision to close the centre was not taken lightly, with Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, acknowledging the impact on users and staff. He emphasised the need to provide good quality leisure services and to support staff members affected by the closure.
Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) Allocation
The cabinet approved the administration process for NCIL funding for the 2025/26 financial year. They also approved a borough-wide model for the distribution of funding, removing the cap on total funding for individual projects. Councillor Jake Rubin, Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Community Power, explained that this approach would provide equal opportunities for communities to access funding and would allow for investment in high-impact projects.
Councillor Patel, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, thanked Councillor Rubin and officers for streamlining the NCIL process and making it more transparent. Councillor Bonilla welcomed the involvement of ward councillors in early conversations about initiatives. Councillor Nerva noted that the impact of development crosses boundaries and that a borough-wide model is the best way forward.
Q4 Performance Report
The cabinet noted the Q4 Performance Report for 2024-25, which detailed the council's performance against key indicators in the Borough Plan. Councillor Rubin introduced the report, highlighting successes such as job placements secured by Brent Works and the installation of new vehicle charging points. However, he also acknowledged areas for improvement, such as housing voids and processing times for the Resident Support Fund.
Councillor Donnelly-Jackson noted the focus on void turnaround and the ongoing challenges related to the cost of living crisis. Councillor Grahl praised the Brent Youth Parliament for exceeding its target for attendance. Councillor Nerva highlighted the positive performance in health-related targets, while also noting challenges in completing Care Act assessments within the required timeframe. Councillor Sheth noted the achievement of surpassing the target for electric vehicle charge point installations.
Councillor Benea welcomed the report and noted that the council remained on course to meet its housing targets, despite financial pressures. Councillor Butt emphasised the need to continue striving for the best possible outcomes for residents and to work together to address the challenges facing the council.
Revised Black Community Action Plan (BCAP)
The cabinet approved the revised Black Community Action Plan (BCAP), including workstreams, new governance structures, and timelines. Councillor Butt explained that the plan had been revised following a pause and review, with the aim of better meeting the needs of the community. He noted that the themes had been narrowed and that there would be a greater focus on robust governance procedures.
Councillor Farah welcomed the revised report, specifically the new governance arrangements and clear timelines. Councillor Rubin welcomed the focus on structural inequalities and the importance of celebrating the contribution of the black community. Councillor Nerva highlighted the timeless nature of some of the challenges faced by the black community, particularly in relation to health inequalities. Councillor Grahl welcomed the progress on the BCAP and the work surrounding disproportionality in educational outcomes.
The timeline for the plan was extended by a year to 2033, and the plan will concentrate on delivering the top five themes over a four-year period (2025-29). An Independent Advisory Steering Group (IASG) will be created to help inform officer-led Equity, Diversion and Inclusion work.
Brent Council's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Progress Update
The cabinet endorsed the progress made in Year 1 of the EDI Strategy 2024-2028, Anti-Racism Action Plan, and EDI Board priorities. Councillor Patel introduced the report, highlighting achievements such as the Race Equality in Schools programme, the community wellbeing hub at New Horizons, and the distribution of digital devices to those at risk of being left behind.
Councillor Patel emphasised that the EDI strategy was meant to be embedded across different teams and departments. Councillor Bonilla welcomed the streamlining of the NCIL process and the improved communication around funded projects. Councillor Butt noted that the council was continuing to do a lot of good work but that there were still some challenges to address.
Staples Corner Growth Area Infrastructure Projects
The cabinet approved up to £2,835,000 of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) to design, plan, construct, and maintain four priority infrastructure projects in the Staples Corner Growth Area. Councillor Benea explained that these investments would enable regeneration, growth, and benefit local residents, businesses, and communities in the area.
Councillor Grahl expressed gratitude that funding had been found for the project, noting that it could sometimes be an overlooked part of the borough. Councillor Nerva highlighted that Brent was using strategic SIL in advance of housing being built. Councillor Donnelly-Jackson noted that the project would improve travel infrastructure and enable the delivery of new homes.
Cecil Avenue Estate Management Company
The cabinet endorsed arrangements for the proposed Cecil Avenue Estate Management Company and approved Brent Council becoming a member of the company. Councillor Benea explained that the company would provide seamless, high-quality management of one of the borough's most significant regeneration sites.
Councillor Butt added that the developments in Wembley were positive and that the investment in the area demonstrated confidence in the improvements being made.
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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NCIL 2025/2026 Allocation Priorities
Recommendations Approved...to approve the NCIL allocation priorities for the 2025/26 financial year, including the administration process, the requirement for projects to contribute to neighbourhood priorities, a borough-wide funding distribution model, and the decision not to cap individual project funding (within the total available pot).
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Matters Arising (if any)
Recommendations approved...to approve the recommendations, as no matters arising were identified.
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Future of Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre
Recommendations Approved...to proceed with the closure of Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre on 31 July 2025, approve the revised facility mix for the council-led development at Bridge Park, approve the demolition of council-owned buildings subject to the Secretary of State's decision and relevant consents, approve entering a deed of variation to the CLSA with Stonebridge Real Estate Development, delegate authority for further CLSA variations, and approve proposed site use options for Twybridge Way, Morland Gardens, and Bernard Shaw House with a £1m budget for design work.
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Q4 Performance Report
Recommendations Approved...to note the Borough Plan 2024-25 performance reporting for Q4, consider strategic risks, and agree on remedial actions.
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Any other urgent business
Recommendations approved...to approve the recommendations, noting that there were no items of urgent business to discuss.
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Exclusion of Press and Public
Recommendations approved...that no items on the agenda required the exclusion of the press or public.
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Reference of item considered by Scrutiny Committees (if any)
Recommendations approved...to approve the recommendations, as no items were referred from the Community Wellbeing or Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committees.
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Petitions (if any)
Recommendations approved...to approve the recommendations, as no petitions were presented at the meeting.
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Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Recommendations approved...that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 19 May 2025 were approved as a correct record of the meeting.
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Declarations of Interest
Recommendations approved...to approve the recommendations despite Councillor Farah's declared personal interest as a member and regular user of Bridge Park Leisure Centre, which was relevant to Agenda Item 7.
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Apologies for Absence
Recommendations approved...to note Councillor Promise Knight's return from maternity leave as the new Cabinet Member for Customer Experience, Resident Support and Culture, Councillor Donnelly-Jackson continuing as Cabinet Member for Housing, and the apologies for absence from Nigel Chapman, with Kibibi Octave attending as his representative.
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Revised Black Community Action Plan
Recommendations Approved...to approve the revised Black Community Action Plan (BCAP), including workstreams, governance, and timelines, extend its delivery period to 2025-33, concentrate on the top five themes for 2025-29, and create an Independent Advisory Steering Group (IASG) to inform officer-led Equity, Diversion and Inclusion work.
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Brent Council's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Progress Update for 2024-25
Recommendations Approved...to endorse the progress made in Year 1 of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy 2024-2028, Anti-Racism Action Plan, and EDI Board priorities, and to agree that information in the report be turned into public-facing communications materials highlighting Year 1 achievements.
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Staples Corner Growth Area Infrastructure Projects
Recommendations Approved...to approve up to £2,835,000 Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) for the design, planning, construction, and maintenance of four priority infrastructure projects in the Staples Corner Growth Area.
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Cecil Avenue Estate Management Company
Recommendations Approved...to endorse arrangements for the Cecil Avenue Estate Management Company, approve Brent Council's membership, delegate authority to appoint company directors, and approve a deed of variation to the development agreement.
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