The Council of Brent Council's meeting agenda for Monday 14 September 2026 includes discussions on constitutional changes, treasury management outturn, and reports from scrutiny committees. The meeting is also set to address deputations concerning divestment and climate commitments, as well as questions from the public and opposition members.

Deputations on Divestment and Climate Action

The meeting agenda includes two public deputations. Sheila Guhadasan, representing the Brent & Harrow Palestine Solidarity Campaign, is listed to speak on progress towards divestment. Additionally, Elaine Sheppard, representing Action on the Climate and Ecological Emergency (ACE) Brent, is listed to address engagement of council members in monitoring progress on the delivery of the Council's climate and biodiversity commitments and in setting future priorities in relation to Brent's Climate & Ecological Strategy and delivery plan.

Treasury Management Outturn Report 2025-26

A report detailing the Council's Treasury Management Activities for the 2025-26 financial year is scheduled for discussion. This report, presented by the Corporate Director of Finance & Resources, Oliver Simms, outlines the outturn for borrowing and investment decisions. The report notes that the Council has complied with its Prudential Indicators for 2025/26. Borrowing at 31 March 2026 stood at £1,074.0 million, an increase of £174.0 million compared to the previous year. Cash investments decreased to £43.8 million. The Council's Capital Financing Requirement, which represents the underlying need to borrow, increased by £58.5 million to £1,412.3 million. The average interest rate for the Council's total borrowing rose to 3.9%, and the rate of return on cash investments decreased to 3.81%. The Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) charge to the General Fund for 2025/26 was £16.5 million. The report was previously noted by the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee and considered by Cabinet.

Changes to the Constitution

The Council is set to consider proposed changes to its Constitution. These changes include updates to the terms of reference for the Planning Committee, consequential amendments to Full Council meeting standing orders, and adjustments to the Members' Allowance Scheme. The Planning Committee reforms are being introduced to align with the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026, which come into effect on 31 October 2026. These regulations introduce national changes to planning powers, specifying which applications must be delegated to officers and which may be referred to the Planning Committee. The report, presented by Marsha Henry, Director of Law and Monitoring Officer, also proposes codifying rules for Council Tax Setting debates within standing orders and increasing the remuneration for the Independent Chair of the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee from £1,561pa to £5,332pa, aligning it with the Special Responsibility Allowance paid to the Chair of the Audit and Standards Committee.

Reports from Scrutiny Committees

Updates are expected from the Chairs of the Council's Scrutiny Committees. The Community & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee, chaired by Councillor Sai Karthik Madabhushi, will provide an update on its meetings and activities, including discussions on safeguarding reports for both adults and children. The Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee will also present its report. Additionally, a report from the Vice Chair of the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee, updating Council on the Committee's work, is scheduled.

Questions from Members of the Public and Opposition

The meeting will include opportunities for questions from both the public and from Opposition and other Non-Cabinet Members. Two questions from the public have been received. One, from Sushil Rapatwar to Councillor Gwen Grahl (Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member Finance & Resources), concerns Brent's council tax arrears, which are reported as the highest in London, and the Council's reserves. The other, from Stephen Thomas to Councillor Liz Dixon (Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health), addresses concerns about the inconsiderate and dangerous use of e-bikes and scooters in the Alperton area.

Questions from the Opposition include one from Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson to Councillor Liz Dixon regarding the feasibility of commissioning a study for a new public lido or People's Pool in Brent, citing growing public demand and public health benefits. Councillor Trevor Blackman has submitted a question to Councillor Jake Rubin (Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Employment & Climate Action) about Brent's work to ensure the Government's Youth Guarantee is rolled out in the borough and whether the Council will develop its own Brent Youth Opportunity Guarantee. Councillor Jayanti Patel has posed a series of questions to Councillor Promise Knight (Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets, Transport & Public Realm) concerning highway works carried out by contractors and utility companies, including defective works, financial deductions, and quality assurance checks. Councillor Barbara Want has asked Councillor Matt Kelcher (Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Planning) about actions Brent Council is taking regarding fears of toxic dust and airborne contaminants during the proposed redevelopment of the former Kensal Gas Works site. Finally, Councillor Najib Warsame has questioned Councillor Jake Rubin and Councillor Liz Dixon about reviewing the Youth Justice strategy in light of recent fatal stabbings of young people.

Other Agenda Items

The agenda also includes items for the appointment of members to Committees and Outside Bodies, and the appointment of Chairs/Vice Chairs. There will be an opportunity for Mayor's Announcements and consideration of any petitions or motions submitted. A report concerning a resolution to approve a reason for a councillor's non-attendance at meetings, pursuant to Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972, is also listed.