The Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee of Brent Council met on Wednesday 21 January 2026 to discuss a range of important issues affecting the borough. Key topics on the agenda included a detailed report on anti-social behaviour, an update on the council's work programme, and findings from task groups on kerbside management and the budget.

Anti-Social Behaviour in Brent

The committee was scheduled to receive a comprehensive report on anti-social behaviour (ASB) within the borough. This report aimed to provide a detailed account of the scale, nature, and management of ASB, enabling the committee to assess performance, understand key responsibilities, and identify areas for improvement. The report outlined the council's definition of ASB, distinguishing between behaviours that cause harassment, alarm, or distress, and those that constitute nuisance or annoyance. It also clarified what is not considered ASB, such as acceptable everyday activities or minor neighbourly disputes. The report categorised ASB into personal, nuisance, and environmental types, highlighting that tackling ASB is crucial for community confidence and can prevent increased crime. Areas identified with the highest ASB activity were noted to be adjacent to town centres, with issues such as street drinking, illicit drug activity, graffiti, and fly-tipping having a detrimental impact. The report also detailed the council's policy statement on tackling ASB, emphasising early intervention, partnership working, and enforcement. It outlined various tools and powers available, including Community Protection Notices, injunctions, Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), and closure powers, with data on their usage and outcomes. The report also detailed resident reporting routes and future challenges and opportunities in managing ASB.

Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

An update on the Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee's work programme for the 2025/26 municipal year was presented. This report served as a flexible document intended to adapt to recent developments. Amendments noted included changes to the membership of the Kerbside Management Scrutiny Task Group and the appointment of a new Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion. The work programme itself outlines the items the committee is scheduled to consider throughout the year, contributing to the council's overall strategic context and Borough Plan priorities.

Kerbside Management Scrutiny Task Group Findings

The committee was scheduled to receive the findings and recommendations from the Kerbside Management Scrutiny Task Group. This task group had reviewed how kerbside space in Brent could be more effectively utilised. The aim of this review was to support sustainable and inclusive travel, enhance public spaces, and deliver equitable community benefits and environmental outcomes.

Budget Scrutiny Task Group Findings

The findings report from the Budget Scrutiny Task Group was presented for adoption by the committee. This report would have provided an overview of the task group's review of the council's budget.

Community Engagement and Consultation

A report was scheduled to provide an overview of the council's approach to community engagement and consultation. This report was intended to explain how the council facilitates effective communication with residents, enables ongoing dialogue, and creates meaningful opportunities for local people to participate in decisions that affect them.

Scrutiny Progress Update - Recommendations Tracker

The committee was to review the scrutiny recommendations tracker. This report presents the progress of any previous recommendations, suggestions for improvement, and information requests made by the committee. It serves to track the implementation and outcomes of these items, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement within the council's services.

Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Sector in Brent

A report was scheduled to provide detailed updates on the council's work to develop and support the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in Brent. This included information on the sector itself, current grant funding, and capacity-building support. The report also noted initial findings from the VCSE Shaping the Future Summit and subsequent planned initiatives to further develop and support the sector in line with the council's vision for a thriving and resilient VCSE sector. The report also summarised how the council was responding to recommendations from the Local Government Association's Corporate Peer Review regarding strengthening relationships and support for the VCSE sector.

Procurement Improvement Programme and Emerging Procurement Strategy

An update was provided on developments following the Procurement Peer Review and the established Procurement Improvement Programme. This included information on the emerging Procurement Strategy and opportunities arising from adopting a new definition of local suppliers and engaging Brent businesses. The report aimed to outline tangible improvements delivered through the programme and key successes achieved.

Social Value: Draft Policy and Whole-Council Approach

A report was presented outlining the case for a new approach to social value, rooted in national policy developments and Brent's local priorities. It proposed a shift from a narrow, procurement-only focus to a whole-council, place-based model that embeds social value in all council activities. This report responded to feedback highlighting the need for a more consistent, strategic, and outcomes-focused approach to social value across the council.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, deputations, and the minutes of the previous meeting.