The Cabinet of Brent Council met on Monday 19 January 2026 to discuss a range of financial, strategic, and service-related matters. Key topics included a review of the council's financial performance, treasury management activities, and proposals for future investment in digital infrastructure and school places. The meeting also addressed plans for a district heat network in South Kilburn and the admission arrangements for schools.

LGA Corporate Peer Challenge - Progress Review Report

The Cabinet was scheduled to receive an update on the progress made against recommendations from the Local Government Association's Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC). This review, undertaken in November 2025, aimed to provide feedback on the council's advancements since the initial CPC visit. The report was expected to outline the process and outcomes of this progress review, offering insights into the council's ongoing development and transformation efforts.

Q3 Financial Forecast 2025-26

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the financial forecast for the General Fund revenue budget, the Housing Revenue Account, the Dedicated Schools Grant, and the Capital Programme as of Quarter 3 2025-26. The report detailed the projected financial position against the budget, highlighting any overspends or underspends across various service areas. It also outlined the current economic environment, local government funding updates, and the strategies in place for maintaining financial control. Recommendations included noting the overall financial position, approving virements, and amendments to the capital budget.

Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2025-26

Members were provided with an update on treasury activities for the first half of the financial year 2025-26. This report detailed the council's borrowing and investment decisions in light of prevailing economic conditions and assessed the council's treasury management performance. It was noted that the council had complied with its Prudential Indicators and that borrowing had increased to fund the capital programme. The report also highlighted the economic background, including inflation and interest rate trends, and provided a summary of the council's debt and investment portfolio.

Proposal for Buckinghamshire Pension Fund to join London CIV

The Cabinet was asked to consider and approve the admission of the Buckinghamshire Pension Fund as a member of the London LGPS CIV Limited (London CIV). This proposal was presented as part of the government's reforms to strengthen LGPS governance and achieve greater scale through asset pooling. The report indicated that the admission of Buckinghamshire Pension Fund would be financially neutral to existing shareholders and was expected to benefit from increased pooled assets, potentially leading to reduced costs and stronger negotiating power with asset managers.

Brent Digital Roadmap 2026-28

A report outlined a two-year digital roadmap designed to leverage digital technology for transformation and cost savings from 2026-28. This roadmap was developed in response to pressing financial challenges and the rapid pace of technological change. It focused on three core ambitions: improving resident experience, empowering the organisation, and harnessing data for collaboration. The Cabinet was asked to agree the roadmap and approve a capital budget of over £8.7 million for its implementation, funded by prudential borrowing.

Phase II Capital Investment Programme for School Place Sufficiency for Children and Young People with SEND

This report detailed proposals for delivering an additional 212 Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) places within the borough at a cost of £10.6 million. The programme aimed to reduce the financial cost of SEND provision, provide more local specialist places, and support the management of expenditure on the Council's Special Needs Transport budget. The proposals were presented as a way to address the ongoing demand for SEND provision and align with the Brent School Place Planning Strategy.

Brent Council's School Admission Arrangements and Schemes of Co-ordination 2027/2028

The Cabinet was asked to agree the proposed admission arrangements for Brent community schools and schemes of co-ordination for all maintained schools and academies in Brent for the 2027/2028 academic year. The report indicated that there were no significant changes proposed to the existing arrangements that would require consultation, with only minor drafting amendments to dates and the renaming of a school.

South Kilburn District Heat Network - Tender Outcome & Financial Model Report

This report sought approval to proceed to the preferred bidder stage for the design, build, operate, and maintain (DBOM) contract for the South Kilburn District Heat Network. The report summarised the procurement process and the required financial modelling, highlighting the project's role in delivering low-carbon, affordable heat and supporting the South Kilburn Regeneration Programme. The Cabinet was asked to approve the selection of Vital Energi Utilities Limited as the preferred bidder and an increase in the total capital budget for the project.

Exclusion of Press and Public

Certain agenda items, specifically appendices related to the Buckinghamshire Pension Fund's admission to London CIV and the South Kilburn District Heat Network tender outcome, were scheduled for exclusion from public view. This was due to the information being classified as exempt under the Local Government Act 1972, relating to financial or business affairs.