Here's a summary of the key discussions and decisions from the Brent Council Cabinet meeting:

The Brent Council Cabinet made decisions on a range of issues, including approving the relocation of Islamia Primary School, allocating community infrastructure levy funding, and setting a new Gypsy, Roma and Traveller strategy. The Cabinet also took time to thank Alice Lester, the outgoing Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration, for her service to the council.

• Islamia Primary School Relocation

  The Cabinet approved the relocation of Islamia Primary School, Brent's only state-funded Muslim primary, to the Gwenneth Rickus site on Brentfield Road, effective September 2027. This decision aims to provide the school's 400 pupils with a better learning environment, consolidating the split-site arrangement into purpose-built classrooms with improved facilities.

  During the meeting, representatives from the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - Neasden Temple, including Jitu Patel, Chair of the Board of Trustees, raised concerns about the site's potential use as part of their long-term vision for the area, and offered to acquire the site from the council, leasing it back to Islamia School. Zafar Ashraf, Executive Director of the Yusuf Islam Foundation, highlighted the extensive work undertaken to find a viable solution for the school, supporting the relocation proposal.

  The Cabinet addressed concerns about community cohesion, emphasising the school's commitment to interfaith understanding and the Yusuf Islam Foundation's willingness to work with the local community. Councillor Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Schools, assured that the land would remain for educational use, and Councillor Promise Knight, Cabinet Member for Customer Experience, Resident Support & Culture, pledged support for Neasden Temple's regeneration proposals.

  The Yusuf Islam Foundation will take ownership of the Gwenneth Rickus site, held in trust for Islamia Primary School, preventing future eviction.

• Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Projects

  The Cabinet approved an £8 million investment programme for over 60 projects funded through the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL). These projects aim to improve streets, green spaces, and community services across Brent.

  Key projects include:

  • £1 million for cleaner, safer neighbourhoods (expanded patrols, street bins, pothole repairs, cycle parking).
  • £1.5 million for greener spaces (tree planting, rain gardens, green corridors).
  • £600,000 for cost of living programmes and learning spaces.
  • £200,000 for culture and identity through the Brent Beats and Roots project.
  • £200,000 for community safety (new patrols, crime reduction projects).

  Councillors Ryan Hack, Mayor of Brent, and Tarek Dar advocated for the Irish heritage component of the Brent Beats and Roots project, including funding for a permanent Irish monument in Cricklewood. Councillor Jake Rubin, Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Community Power, thanked them for their work and affirmed the Irish community's contribution to Brent.

• Brent Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Strategy

  The Cabinet endorsed the direction of travel for developing a new Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Strategy, including a draft Pitch Allocation Policy and a site search. The Cabinet also approved a reduction in the weekly pitch rate at Lynton Close Traveller Site from £185.13 to £138.96 and endorsed capital investment of up to £500,000 from 2026/27 for site improvements.

  During the meeting, John O’Donnell spoke on behalf of residents from Lynton Close Travellers site, and Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Housing and Residents Services, welcomed the engagement with the Traveller community.

• Brent, Barnet, Harrow Mortuary Service

  The Cabinet approved entering into an inter-authority agreement between Brent, Barnet, and Harrow for a shared mortuary service at Northwick Park until 2040. The agreement includes a major refurbishment to expand capacity, including bariatric units, by 2027. Councillor Donnelly-Jackson commended the professionalism of the mortuary team, and Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, acknowledged their often-unseen work.

• Tri-Borough Leisure Contract Procurement

  The Cabinet approved withdrawing from the current Tri-Borough leisure procurement with Ealing and Harrow, and commencing 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 and strengthen local control over pricing and programming. Councillor Neil Nerva, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Leisure, highlighted the importance of getting more people active.

• Council Homes Acquisition Programme Delivery

  The Cabinet approved the delivery of the Council Homes Acquisition Programme (CHAP) to acquire 15 homes for temporary accommodation, supported by a £1.8 million GLA grant. The Cabinet also approved a total capital budget of £11,733,750 for the acquisition and refurbishment of the properties. Councillor Teo Benea, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property, highlighted the programme's role in providing safe and secure homes quickly.

• Brent Development Plan Documents Review

  The Cabinet approved an additional £880,000 for the review of Brent's Local Plan and Development Plan documents. This review aims to ensure the plan reflects modern times and addresses challenges related to building safety, housing, and climate change. Councillor Benea emphasised that this is Brent's plan for Brent .

• Complaints Annual Report

  The Cabinet noted the Complaints Annual Report 2024-2025, highlighting that most complaints related to housing. Councillor Donnelly-Jackson acknowledged the high proportion of compensation awarded related to housing, linking it to the shortage of suitable temporary accommodation.

• Treasury Management Outturn Report

  The Cabinet noted the Treasury Management Outturn Report 2024-25, highlighting a borrowing balance of over £900 million and halved cash investments.

• Tribute to Alice Lester

  Councillor Butt thanked Alice Lester, Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration, for her nine years of service to Brent Council, recognising her contributions to planning, regeneration, and development in the borough. Councillor Benea echoed the sentiment, wishing her well in retirement.