The Brent Council meeting included the appointment of a new deputy mayor, discussions on twinning with Nablus, petitions regarding the East Lane Theatre and Barham Park, and motions on street cleaning, smartphone use, and delivery rider protections. Councillors also discussed a potential visitor levy and committee representation.

Deputy Mayor Appointment and Mayor's Announcements

Councillor Ryan Hack, Mayor of Brent, announced the appointment of Councillor Narinder Singh Bajwa as the new Deputy Mayor, filling a recent vacancy. The mayor then reflected on recent events and community engagements, including visits to Claremont High School and Newstern Temple, celebrations with the Brent District Scouts, and participation in the Lexi Cinema Community Run. He also mentioned marking 30 years since the formation of the first Brazilian church in Brent and celebrating International Reggae Day outside the Hawkey Record Store.

The mayor spoke of his participation in a Knife Crime Awareness Walk, and marking the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo at the Ace Calf in Stonebridge. He also attended the Ajax Remembrance Service at Wilston Jewish Cemetery and a civic vigil for the victims of flight A171.

He noted the centenaries of Martha Abrahams and a Mr Essen, and his visits to Sifra's Eid community meal and the Leary Constantine Centre for Windrush Day celebrations. He also mentioned the 50th anniversary of Wilsdon Temple, raising the pride flag, and an evening of Irish culture at Katie's Bar in Neesdam, as well as Montserrat's 30-year commemoration of a volcanic eruption. He concluded by welcoming new citizens at citizenship ceremonies.

Declarations of Interest

Councillors declared interests in organisations relevant to the agenda. Councillor Paul Lorber, Leader of Liberal Democrats Group, declared his role as a trustee and director of Friends of Barham Park and Friends of Barham Library. Councillor Tony Ethapemi declared his membership in the Bretton Ablist Training Association.

Public Questions

Two questions were submitted by members of the public and the Brent Youth Parliament.

A question from Ms Chowdhury concerned legal obligations regarding enforcement agents, Brent's policy on small debts, and the use of Experian systems versus the FCA's vulnerability criteria. Councillor Mili Patel, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, responded that she would provide a full written response, highlighting the council's support for those in hardship and its ethical debt recovery policy.

Kiran Govan from the Brent Youth Parliament asked about funding and activities for young people, referencing the Brent Youth Strategy. Councillor Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Schools, listed over 70 organisations funded by the council and mentioned securing nearly £1 million from the Mayor of London.

Petitions

The council considered three petitions:

No to Twinning with Nablus

Ian Collier presented a petition against twinning with Nablus, citing concerns about militancy and division within the borough. He argued that the twinning was political symbolism driven by sectarian grounds, and not representative of the majority of Brent residents. He also raised concerns about the Equality Act 2010 and the suitability of a community interest company¹ for facilitating the twinning, referencing the Terrorism Act 2000.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, acknowledged the strength of feeling and emphasised Brent's pride in its Jewish community and commitment to peace, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding. He stated that the twinning was not about endorsing any religious belief or political ideology and that the council would conduct an equalities impact assessment. He also mentioned a new international partnering protocol with safeguards and the Brent Nablus Twinning Association's responsibility to promote peace.

Save East Lane Theatre

Susan O'Connell presented a petition to save the East Lane Theatre, highlighting its history since 1936 and its role as the only purpose-built amateur theatre in the borough. She detailed a dispute over the lease, with the council proposing a rent increase from £2,300 to £75,000 per year, later reduced to £5,000, and the club's concerns about an additional use as a nursery.

Councillor Teo Benea, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property, recognised the theatre's contribution but cited the council's grave financial situation due to austerity² and the need to ensure best value for public property. He encouraged continued engagement to explore options like partnership, phased arrangements, or external fundraising support.

Support Barham Park

Councillor Paul Lorber presented a petition to support Barham Park, criticising the council's mismanagement and proposed development on the site of 776/778 Harrow Road. He claimed a broken promise regarding further development and highlighted issues with rent charges for the Barham Community Library.

Councillor Saqib Butt defended the council's position, stating that the petition misrepresented facts and blocked practical solutions. He explained that the cottages at 776 and 778 Harrow Road were no longer in use for park staff and that the covenant was introduced to raise funds for the park. He argued that the proposed development was outside the park boundary and could generate vital funding for the trust.

Motions

The council debated several motions:

International Partnerships Protocol

Councillor Suresh Kansagra, Leader of the Conservative Group, moved a motion for a consistent, fair, and inclusive international partnerships protocol, citing concerns from the council's own equality impact assessment regarding the Nablus twinning. He questioned the steps taken to mitigate risks and the commitment of resources to a town with safety and access issues.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, proposed an amendment emphasising the council's commitment to equalities impact assessments and building supportive relationships. The amendment was carried, and the substantive motion, as amended, was then carried.

Stop Messing with Brent

Councillor Charlie Clinton moved a motion to address street cleanliness and antisocial behaviour, criticising the council's Don't Mess With Brent campaign and cuts to street bins, cleaning, and refuse collections. He proposed solutions proven to work in other boroughs, funded by ENCIL³ and a tourist tax.

Councillor Suresh Kansagra, Leader of the Conservative Group, proposed an amendment requiring meaningful consultation and an independent impact assessment before introducing a local tourist tax. Councillor Clinton accepted the amendment. The substantive motion, as amended, was lost.

Tackling Smartphone Use

Councillor Rita Begum moved a motion to address excessive smartphone use among children, advocating for a joined-up approach between schools, parents, and the local authority. She cited statistics on smartphone ownership and usage, as well as the impact on bullying and academic achievement.

Councillor Sunita Hirani supported the motion, requesting that officers go further than a one-off task force and look into how to continue to protect children in the evolving digital sphere on an ongoing basis.

Councillor Suresh Kansagra, Leader of the Conservative Group, raised concerns about funding for secure storage and potential costs to schools and parents. Councillor Michael Maurice highlighted that Labour MPs had previously blocked a Conservative bid to ban mobile phones in schools. Councillor Shama Tatler spoke about the need to empower parents to support their children in how to use technology responsibly. The motion was carried.

Protecting Delivery Riders and Pedestrians

Councillor Tony Ethapemi introduced a motion to support the working rights of delivery drivers and the safety of pedestrians. He criticised the gig economy⁴ and called for a transformation of the public realm towards a safer Brent.

Councillor Suresh Kansagra, Leader of the Conservative Group, proposed an amendment to remove the political tone and focus on enforcement, education, and targeted action. The amendment was lost, and the original motion was carried.

Leader and Cabinet Updates

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, thanked the cabinet members for their work and highlighted their efforts in finance, children's services, street maintenance, policing, health, and customer service.

Questions to Cabinet Members

Councillor Lesley Smith welcomed the council's commitment to the West London Orbital Line and the Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension project and invited the council to support the campaign to get lift access to Queen's Park station. Councillor Teo Benea, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property, agreed to work with her on the Queen's Park station campaign.

Councillor Janice Long questioned Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Enforcement, about hackable e-bikes and pedestrian safety. Councillor Sheth responded that the council was constantly pushing Lime to address the hacking issue.

Councillor Kanta Mistry questioned Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, about the equalities impact assessment relating to the town twinning arrangements with Nebulus. Councillor Butt responded that Brent is proud of its diversity and that the council will continue to make sure that every person is protected and served to the best of their ability.

Councillor Paul Lorber questioned Councillor Teo Benea, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property, about shared ownership units and affordability. Councillor Benea responded that the council does not define what shared ownership is, and that it is in line with the London plan and the Brent local plan.

Councillor Mili Patel, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, responded to a question from Councillor Robert Johnson about council tax arrears, stating that the council supports those residents that can't pay and are going into arrears, but that they are going very hard after the ones that won't pay.

Scrutiny Committee Updates

Councillor Ketan Sheth, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee, reported on the committee's recent meetings, including discussions on safeguarding, housing, adult social care, and the Brent Youth Parliament.

Councillor Daniel Kennelly reported on behalf of Councillor Rita Conneely, Chair of the Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee, on the upcoming work programme, including weights and measures, the performance of the recycling contract, and a task group on curbside management.

Annual Report from Audit and Standards Committees

Councillor Jumbo Chan, Chair of the Audit & Standards Committee, presented the annual report from the Audit and Standards Committees, highlighting risks faced by the council and the importance of long-term financial resilience.

Non-Cabinet Members' Debate

Councillor Mary Mitchell introduced a motion to empower Brent with visitor levy powers to support communities, citing the success of Wembley events and the need to fund improvements. The motion was carried.

Representation of Political Groups on Committees

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, introduced a report detailing the outcome of a review of the representation of political groups on committees following a change in the political balance arrangements from the Council. The recommendations were carried.

Urgent Business

Councillor Ryan Hack, Mayor of Brent, reminded councillors to reflect on the 20th anniversary of the 7 July 2005 London bombings.