The Cabinet of Brent Council met on Monday 08 September 2025, with key decisions including the approval of the relocation of Islamia Primary School to the Gwyneth Rickus site, the allocation of £8 million for Community Infrastructure Levy projects, and the continuation of the shared mortuary service with Barnet and Harrow Councils. The Cabinet also approved the next phase of the Council Homes Acquisition Programme to acquire 15 properties for temporary accommodation and agreed to withdraw from the Tri-Borough leisure contract procurement to establish a standalone procurement for Vale Farm Sports Centre.

Relocation of Islamia Primary School

Cabinet approved the proposal to relocate Islamia Primary School to the Gwyneth Rickus site on Brentfield Road, transforming it into a 2 Form Entry (2FE) school from September 2027. This decision ensures the future of Brent's only Muslim state-funded primary school, which faced closure due to an eviction notice from its current site on Salisbury Road. The move will provide purpose-built classrooms, more space for play and sport, and improved provision for children with special educational needs, offering a safe and high-quality learning environment. The Gwyneth Rickus site, a council-owned site reserved for educational use, will be transferred to the Yusuf Islam Foundation, who will hold it for the benefit of the school, preventing future evictions. Concerns raised during the consultation regarding the impact on local school pupil numbers and traffic congestion were addressed, with assurances that the council would work with local schools and community groups.

£8 Million Investment Programme for Community Infrastructure Levy Projects

Cabinet approved the allocation of £8 million from the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) for investment across the borough. This programme will fund over 60 individual projects aimed at improving local spaces and services. Key investments include approximately £1 million for cleaner, safer neighbourhoods through expanded patrols, new street bins, and pothole repairs; over £1.5 million for greener spaces, including a tree planting programme of around 1,500 trees and new rain gardens; almost £600,000 to support communities with cost of living programmes and new learning spaces; over £200,000 for culture and identity through the Brent Beats and Roots Project, celebrating Brent's music and cultural heritage; and more than £200,000 for community safety initiatives. The Brent Beats and Roots project specifically includes ring-fenced funding for a permanent Irish monument in Cricklewood, a campaign championed by local councillors Ryan Haack and Tarek Dar.

Inter-Authority Agreement for Shared Mortuary Service

Cabinet approved the continuation of the shared mortuary service between Brent, Barnet, and Harrow Councils at Northwick Park Hospital. This statutory service also serves as the designated disaster site for North London. A major refurbishment is underway, which will expand capacity by 80 refrigerated and freezer spaces, including bariatric units, by 2027. This inter-authority agreement allows the councils to share costs and pool resources, ensuring better outcomes at lower costs and protecting residents' council tax contributions. Brent has led this partnership, and the agreement will extend until 2040, with a break clause after 10 years.

Tri-Borough Leisure Contract Procurement

Cabinet approved Brent's withdrawal from the current Tri-Borough leisure procurement with Ealing and Harrow. Instead, Brent will commence a standalone procurement for Vale Farm Sports Centre based on a five-year agency agreement until 2031. This decision aims to ensure continuity of service for residents, strengthen local control over pricing, programming, and investment, and prepare for an integrated borough-wide leisure model from 2031. This move is the first step in Brent's transition towards an Active Wellbeing approach, moving beyond traditional leisure management to focus on prevention, health equity, and community outcomes.

Council Homes Acquisition Programme Delivery

Cabinet approved the next phase of the Council Homes Acquisition Programme (CHAP), which will acquire up to 15 properties for use as temporary accommodation. This initiative, supported by £1.8 million in grant funding from the Greater London Authority (GLA), will provide good quality homes for 15 Brent families, moving them out of hotels and B&Bs. The total capital budget approved for acquisition and refurbishment is £11,733,750, with authority delegated to the Director of Property and Assets to complete acquisitions above £1 million. This programme is part of Brent's commitment to tackle homelessness and deliver genuinely affordable homes.

Brent Development Plan Documents Review

Cabinet approved an additional budget of £880,000 to support the review of Brent's Local Plan and Development Plan documents. This review is vital to ensure the local plan remains up-to-date and effectively guides new development, delivering homes, infrastructure, and spaces while protecting the borough's character. The funding will support evidence gathering, consultation processes, and public examination. Cabinet also delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Property, to approve consultation materials for the development plan review.

Complaints Annual Report 2024-2025

Cabinet noted Brent Council's performance in managing and resolving complaints for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. The report highlighted that housing-related complaints constitute almost half of all Stage 1 cases, and there was an increase in compensation cases. The Council's performance in managing complaints was positively assessed by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO), with a high compliance rate for Ombudsman recommendations. The report also included a self-assessment against the Housing Ombudsman's Complaint Handling Code and noted updates to the Council's Complaints Policy.

Treasury Management Outturn Report 2024-25

Cabinet noted the treasury management outturn for 2024-25, which detailed the Council's borrowing and investment activities. The report indicated that borrowing outstanding at 31 March 2025 was £900.02 million, an increase from the previous year, while cash investments decreased to £47.3 million. The Council complied with its Prudential Indicators for the year. The report also highlighted that the net interest cost was £17.5 million, with a total capital financing cost of £41.5 million. The Council's investment return decreased to 4.53% reflecting changes in the Bank of England's Bank Rate.

Other Matters

Cabinet also noted the apologies for absence from Councillor Mili Patel and welcomed Jehan Weerasinghe as the newly appointed Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration. No declarations of interest were made, and no items required the exclusion of the press and public. There were no urgent business items raised. The meeting concluded with a tribute to Alice Lester, Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration, who was retiring after nine years of service.