The Brent Cabinet met on Monday 15 January 2024, discussing the council's financial position, the expansion of the public mortuary, and the acquisition of a property for a children's care home. Key decisions included approving the budget for the mortuary expansion, authorising the acquisition of a property for a children's care home, and noting the council's financial forecast for the third quarter of the 2023/24 financial year.

Quarter 3 Financial Report 2023/24

The Cabinet received an update on the council's financial forecast for the General Fund revenue budget, Housing Revenue Account, Dedicated Schools Grant, and Capital Programme as at Quarter 3 of the 2023/24 financial year. A forecast overspend of £13 million against the General Fund revenue budget was noted, which was broadly consistent with the previous quarter's report. This overspend is attributed to significant financial challenges stemming from the current economic environment, government austerity measures, and increased demand for homelessness services and temporary accommodation. The report also highlighted pressures on the Housing Revenue Account due to economic conditions, rent limitations, and increased demand for repairs. Despite these challenges, the council is implementing measures to control expenditure and maintain a balanced budget, while continuing to support residents through initiatives like the Resident Support Fund. Cabinet resolved to note the overall financial position and the actions being taken, as well as to approve the virements detailed in the report.

Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2023/24

The Cabinet reviewed the Treasury Management activity for the first half of the 2023/24 financial year. The report detailed the council's investment and borrowing activities and strategy, noting that the council had fully complied with the Prudential Indicators set as part of the annual strategy. The report highlighted the impact of higher interest rates on borrowing costs and investment income, with the council benefiting from higher returns on its short-dated investment portfolio. Cabinet resolved to note the mid-year report and refer it to Full Council.

Acquisition of a property in Wembley for the Brent Childrens Care Home Project

Councillor Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, presented a report on the proposed acquisition of a property in Wembley for the Brent Children's Care Home Project. The acquisition aligns with the Brent Children's Residential Home Business Case, aiming to reduce the cost of out-of-borough placements and provide care closer to home. The projected annual saving is approximately £290,000. Cabinet resolved to approve the acquisition of the property, delegate authority for agreeing the terms of the purchase, and noted the need for completion by the end of January 2024 to meet grant agreement deadlines with the Department for Education.

Northwick Park Public Mortuary Expansion Business Case

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, introduced a report detailing a business case for the expansion of Brent Mortuary at Northwick Park Hospital. The expansion is necessary to meet the storage capacity requirements outlined by the Human Tissue Authority, driven by an increase in deaths investigated by HM Coroner and longer average lengths of stay. The project, undertaken in collaboration with Harrow and Barnet Councils, will add 80 storage spaces at a total cost of £2.63 million. Brent's contribution is £900,621, to be funded by Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL). Cabinet resolved to note the need for additional mortuary capacity, support the proposed expansion option, approve the business case and Brent's contribution, and delegate authority for lease agreements and potential business case amendments.

Petitions (if any)

Implementation and Operation of Blue Bag Recycling Scheme

Sheila Darr presented a petition with 3,422 signatures expressing concerns about the practical and operational aspects of the new blue bag recycling scheme. Issues raised included the design and quality of the bags, potential contamination, data protection concerns regarding personal information on discarded paper and cardboard, and a lack of support for elderly or disabled residents. A request was made for an immediate review of the scheme. Councillor Muhammed Butt, responding on behalf of Councillor Krupa Sheth, thanked the petitioner and residents for their feedback. He stated that concerns regarding bag design and quality were being addressed with the supplier, and replacement bags were available. He highlighted a significant increase in paper and cardboard recycling rates since the scheme's introduction and confirmed that a review was scheduled to consider its impact and potential changes.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

Cabinet resolved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 11 December 2023 as a correct record.