The Cabinet meeting on 9 March 2026 saw the approval of a new procurement strategy aimed at enhancing community wealth building and effective contract management, alongside a significant £7.8 million allocation for the Crisis and Resilience Fund to support residents facing financial hardship. Key decisions also included the appointment of a new director for the council's housing companies, i4B Holdings Ltd and First Wave Housing Ltd, and the approval of their respective business plans for 2026/27.

Tiverton Green Lighting

A petition requesting the installation of lighting in Tiverton Green was discussed, with Cabinet members acknowledging the concerns raised by residents about safety after dark. Officers will now undertake a scoping exercise to explore potential lighting solutions, considering factors such as cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, and suitability for the park setting.

Housing Company Appointments and Business Plans

Jonathan Kaye was appointed as a director for both i4B Holdings Ltd and First Wave Housing Ltd for a three-year term, succeeding Sadie East. Cabinet approved the 2026/27 business plans for both i4B Holdings Ltd and First Wave Housing Ltd, which outline strategies for increasing affordable housing supply, improving tenant satisfaction, and ensuring financial viability. The plans also detail priorities for delivering safe and sustainable homes, including implementing asset management and decarbonisation strategies.

Crisis and Resilience Fund

Cabinet approved the council's approach to allocating the £7.8 million Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) for 2026-2027. This fund, which replaces the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments, will provide crucial support to residents experiencing financial hardship. Key allocations include £1.6 million for discretionary housing payments, £100,000 for homelessness prevention, and £2.1 million for free school meal holiday vouchers. The fund also supports partnerships with organisations like SUFRA and Citizens Advice Brent to tackle debt and promote financial resilience.

Procurement Strategy 2026-2030

Brent Council's new Procurement Strategy for 2026-2030 was approved. This strategy aims to leverage the council's £659 million annual spending power to deliver value for money, strengthen local supply chains, and promote fair employment practices. Key pillars of the strategy include Community Wealth Building, Effective Contract Management, and Leadership, Commercial Capability and Innovation. The strategy also emphasizes the importance of social value and environmental sustainability in procurement decisions.

Q3 Corporate Performance Report 2025-26

The Q3 Corporate Performance Report for 2025-26 was presented, showing that 52% of the Borough Plan indicators were rated green, meaning they met or exceeded their targets. However, 23% of indicators were rated red, indicating significant variance from targets. Key areas of concern highlighted include pressures related to temporary accommodation, children's social care demand, and workforce recruitment and retention. Improvement plans are in place for these areas.

Children's Public Health Services Contract

Cabinet approved the direct award of a 23-month contract to Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust (CLCH) for Children's Public Health Services, including Health Visiting and School Nursing. This direct award, made under the Provider Selection Regime Process C, allows for continuity of service while enabling a review of future service needs following national and regional NHS changes. The contract will continue to deliver essential services like health visiting and school nursing, with a focus on improving outcomes for children and young people. Vision and hearing screening elements will be adjusted to align with current national guidance.

Inter Authority Agreement with Harrow Council for Telecare Services

Cabinet approved the establishment of an Inter Authority Agreement with Harrow Council for the provision of telecare services for vulnerable people and their carers. This partnership aims to ensure continued, high-quality telecare provision while allowing for future technological advancements and potential economies of scale.

Recycling Contracts with West London Waste Authority

Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director, Neighbourhood & Regeneration, in consultation with the Lead Member for Public Realm & Enforcement, to award contracts for the transportation and reprocessing of co-mingled recycling materials and paper and card. These contracts, managed by the West London Waste Authority (WLWA), are crucial for maximising recycling rates and supporting the council's environmental ambitions. The contracts will have an initial term of three years with options to extend.

Secure Cycle Parking Contract

A contract for the purchase and management of secure cycle parking, including bike hangars and nests, was awarded to Lock It Safe Ltd for an initial five-year period with an option to extend for a further two years. This initiative, funded in part by NCIL funding, aims to increase the availability of secure cycle storage across the borough, encouraging active travel, improving public realm, and contributing to the council's climate and environmental goals.

i4B Holdings Ltd and First Wave Housing Ltd Business Plans and Service Level Agreements

Cabinet approved the 2026/27 business plans and revised Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for i4B Holdings Ltd and First Wave Housing Ltd. These plans detail strategies for increasing affordable housing, improving tenant satisfaction, and ensuring financial viability. The SLAs outline the services Brent Council will provide to the housing companies, including corporate, landlord, and asset management support. The approval also delegates authority to the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources to agree terms for enforcing key performance indicators within the SLAs.