The Brent Cabinet met on Monday 27 July 2026 to discuss a range of financial, regeneration, and service delivery matters. Key decisions included noting the 2025-26 financial outturn and approving the Quarter 1 financial forecast for 2026-27, which highlighted significant pressures in housing needs and temporary accommodation. The Cabinet also approved proposals for the regeneration of the Bridge Park complex, including a revised leisure centre facility mix and phasing, and agreed to proceed with a trial of cross-pavement charging solutions for electric vehicles.

Financial Outturn and Forecast

The Cabinet noted the Financial Outturn Report for 2025-26¹, which detailed a £18.3 million General Fund overspend, primarily driven by pressures in adult social care and homelessness services. Despite these challenges, the Council reported a reduction in historic debt and improvements in council tax and business rates collection. The Quarter 1 Financial Forecast for 2026-27² indicated a projected £9.5 million General Fund overspend, concentrated in homelessness and temporary accommodation. Mitigation strategies are being implemented, but further savings may be required. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) is forecasting an £18.2 million deficit for 2026-27.

Bridge Park Complex Regeneration

A significant decision was made regarding the Bridge Park Complex Regeneration Proposals³. The Cabinet approved a revised facility mix for the new leisure centre, including a learner/teaching pool alongside the main pool, and agreed to a phased delivery approach with the leisure centre as Phase 1 and an Adult Education and Community Building as Phase 2. A capital budget of £53.50 million was approved for Phase 1, to be funded through a combination of land sale agreements, Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL), and borrowing. The Cabinet also agreed to delegate authority for awarding pre-construction services and main works contracts.

West London Waste Plan Consultation

The Cabinet approved the publication of the proposed submission version of the West London Waste Plan Regulation 19 Consultation⁴ for public consultation. This plan, developed jointly with other West London boroughs, aims to ensure sufficient capacity for waste management and promote recycling. The Cabinet agreed that the plan, in its current form, is 'sound' and recommended it for submission to the Secretary of State for examination, subject to the conclusion of the consultation.

Electric Vehicle Charging Trial

A trial of Cross-Pavement Charging Solutions for Electric Vehicles on the Public Highway⁵ was approved. This initiative aims to assess the suitability of pavement channels for EV charging for residents without off-street parking. The trial will run for 12 months, with a budget of £183,100 allocated for initial site assessments and the Council's contribution to the charging channels, funded by Department for Transport grant.

Housing Damp and Mould Policy

Brent's new Housing Damp and Mould Policy⁶ was endorsed. This policy sets out a proactive, resident-focused, and zero-tolerance approach to tackling damp and mould in council homes, aligning with Awaab's Law. It establishes clear service standards and response times for inspections, repairs, and remediation.

Corporate Performance and Better Care Fund

The Cabinet considered the Corporate Performance Q4 2025/26 Performance Summary⁷, noting strong results in environmental services, libraries, and health initiatives, while acknowledging ongoing pressures in housing and adult social care. They also approved the proposal to enter a new S75 Shared Funding Agreement between West and North London Integrated Care Board and Brent Council⁸ for the Better Care Fund 2026-27, with a pooled budget of £57,025,104.

Fostering Recruitment and Retention

The Council agreed to enter into a new West London Fostering Recruitment and Retention Programme⁹ collaboration agreement. This aims to expand the regional model towards an end-to-end service for recruiting, assessing, and training foster carers, aligning with Department for Education reforms.

Infrastructure Funding Statement

The Brent Infrastructure Funding Statement 2024-25¹⁰ was noted and approved for publication. This statement details CIL and S106 income and expenditure, outlining how developer contributions are used to fund infrastructure projects across the borough, including significant allocations for schools, parks, and regeneration.