The Cabinet of Brent Council met on Monday 09 February 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the council's budget proposals for 2026-27, the disposal of council-owned commercial properties, and the adoption of a new cultural strategy for the borough. The meeting also covered plans for ICT infrastructure investment, the provision of supported accommodation for adults with mental health difficulties, and the authority to invite tenders for care and support at six supported living sites.

Budget and Council Tax 2026-27

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Council's budget proposals for the upcoming financial year. The report outlined the overall financial position facing the Council in the medium term, highlighting key risks, issues, and uncertainties. It detailed the results of consultation, scrutiny, and equalities processes undertaken in developing these proposals.

Key elements scheduled for discussion included:

• Council Tax Increase: A proposed 4.99% increase in the Council's element of Council Tax for 2026/27, comprising a 2% precept for Adult Social Care and a 2.99% general increase. This was recommended to Full Council.
• General Fund Revenue Budget: The proposed General Fund revenue budget for 2026/27 was presented for recommendation to Full Council.
• Savings Proposals: Recommendations for savings totalling £10.4 million for 2026/27 were put forward for approval by Full Council.
• Equalities Impact Assessments: The Equalities Impact Assessments on the budget proposals were noted.
• Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget: The proposed HRA budget and business plan for 2026/27 were presented for recommendation to Full Council. This included agreement on HRA rents for council dwellings, tenant service charges, and garage rents.
• Capital Programme: Recommendations for changes to the existing Capital Programme, including additions of new schemes and reprofiling, were presented for approval by Full Council. This also included agreement to recommend the use of £2.9 million of unrestricted right to buy receipts for capital works to improve HRA housing and enfranchisement.
• Strategic Strategies: Recommendations for the approval of the Capital Strategy, Investment Strategy, Treasury Management Strategy, and Minimum Revenue Provision Statement were put forward for recommendation to Full Council.
• Reserves Strategy: The Reserves Strategy and schedule of reserves were presented for agreement and recommendation to Full Council.
• Fees and Charges: The Fees and Charges Policy and Schedule of Fees and Charges were presented for agreement and recommendation to Full Council.
• Budget Consultation: The results of the budget consultation were noted.
• Legal Advice: Legal advice from the Director of Law was noted.
• Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) Allocations: New SCIL allocations were approved, including uplifts for the College of North West London, a new pedestrian crossing, and investment in Carlton Vale Boulevard.

Approval for the Disposal of Council-Owned Commercial Properties

The meeting was scheduled to discuss the approval for the disposal of three surplus General Fund property interests. These proposed disposals were deemed necessary to reduce financial pressures, mitigate increasing asset liabilities, and support strategic priorities outlined in the Council's Property Strategy 2024–27 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The properties identified for disposal were:

• 176 Preston Road (Lincoln Parade), Wembley HA9 8UA (Preston Ward)
• Grove Park Pavilion, Grove Park NW9 0JP (Kingsbury Ward)
• Freehold interest at 280 Watford Road, Northwick Park HA1 3TZ (Northwick Park Ward)

Cabinet was asked to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Regeneration to determine the most suitable disposal strategy for each property, agree final terms, and enter into necessary legal agreements. The net capital receipts were to be retained within the General Fund and used in accordance with the MTFS and Capital Programme.

Brent Creates - A Cultural Strategy for Inclusion, Wellbeing and Growth: 2026-31

The meeting was set to consider the Brent Cultural Strategy 2026–31. This strategy aims to build on the legacy of Brent's London Borough of Culture year and establish a long-term roadmap for cultural development. It seeks to position culture as a driver of inclusion, wellbeing, and growth, and has been co-produced with community input.

Key aspects scheduled for discussion included:

• Strategic Goals: The strategy is structured around six goals: Inclusive Cultural Access, Creative Skills & Careers, Cultural Health & Wellbeing, Community-Led Placemaking, Infrastructure & Investment, and Environmental Sustainability.
• Partnership Delivery: Delivery is intended to be driven through partnerships including Vi-Brent, Creative Community Brent (CPP), and the Brent Cultural Compact.
• Council's Role: The Council's role is defined as a facilitator, convenor, and advocate, rather than a direct funder or producer of major cultural events.
• Economic Impact: The cultural sector's estimated annual contribution to Brent's local economy was noted as approximately £238 million.
• Recommendations: Cabinet was asked to endorse the strategy, the establishment of a Brent Cultural Compact, the embedding of culture across wider council plans, the creation of an Impact Framework, the publication of an Annual Cultural Impact Report, and support for advocacy regarding contributions from the visitor economy.

Approval of proposal for First Wave Housing to offer supported exempt accommodation

The Cabinet was asked to approve a proposal for First Wave Housing (FWH) to launch and operate a supported accommodation scheme. This scheme aims to support care-experienced young people, residents in supported living arrangements, and residents at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The proposal seeks to increase the availability and improve the quality of supported accommodation while reducing costs to the Council. It was noted that FWH is a Registered Provider, which would allow for full Housing Benefit subsidy recovery from the DWP. The scheme would be phased, with an initial trial period.

ICT Infrastructure Investment Programme 2026 -2028

This report presented an updated Technology Roadmap for 2026-2028 for approval. It outlined a targeted, two-year plan focusing on five core areas: modernising data centres, enhancing cloud infrastructure, upgrading networks, strengthening cybersecurity, and supporting vital business applications. These investments are considered key to enabling hybrid working, safeguarding sensitive data, and ensuring the council can deliver responsive, joined-up public services. Cabinet was asked to approve the ICT Infrastructure Capital Investment for 2026-2028 totalling £6.7 million.

Authority to invite tenders for care and support at six supported living sites for adults with Mental Health Difficulties

The meeting was scheduled to seek approval to invite tenders for care and support services at six supported living sites for adults with mental health difficulties. These services are crucial for supporting vulnerable adults with varying levels of mental illness, aiming to enable them to move towards more independent living. The procurement was to be divided into two Lots, with an estimated total contract value of £7,566,793 over an initial seven-year term. The report also detailed the pre-tender considerations, evaluation criteria, and potential risks associated with the procurement.

The meeting also included supplementary agenda items, such as background papers related to the Brent Creates Cultural Strategy, and a formal resolution from the Council Tax Setting Committee regarding the Council Tax for 2026/27.