Here's a summary of the Cabinet Meeting held by Brent Council on 13 October 2025:

The Brent Council Cabinet met to discuss financial performance, youth justice, housing, and planning, among other key issues. They approved measures to address financial challenges, support youth services, improve housing standards, and manage development in the borough.

• Youth Services

  • The Cabinet approved the Brent Youth Justice Plan 2025-2028, which aims to reduce youth violence and re-offending through prevention, mentoring, and anti-racist practices. Councillor Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Schools, highlighted a 44% drop in serious youth violence since 2016-17.
  • A £4 million capital investment in youth services infrastructure was approved, with funding allocated to local youth organisations. The decision on where the money should go was shaped by a panel of young people. Councillor Gwen Grahl said that this programme gives youth organisations the facilities that they deserve .

• Housing

  • The additional HMO licensing scheme was renewed for another five years to ensure safe housing standards for private renters. Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Housing and Residents Services, stated that a good home is the foundation of a good life . The scheme aims to raise standards in the private rented sector and tackle issues such as overcrowding and poor maintenance.
  • A £3.15 million retrofit project was approved to replace oil, gas, and electric systems with ground source heat pumps and improved insulation in two social housing blocks, The Oaks and Pharamond. This initiative aims to cut carbon emissions and reduce household energy bills. Councillor Jake Rubin, Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Community Power, noted that climate action and cost of living go hand in hand .

• Financial Matters

  • The Cabinet discussed the quarter two financial forecast, noting a £14.5 million overspend. Despite financial challenges, the council aims to balance the budget through careful management and innovation. Councillor Mili Patel, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, stated that the report reflects the council's commitment to balancing ambition with responsibility.
  • The Cabinet agreed to delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Finance and Resources to finalise a £40 million loan facility for I4B¹ to secure long-term accommodation for residents.

• Planning and Regeneration

  • A temporary planning position statement was approved to review student accommodation in Wembley and ensure a mix of housing that meets local needs. Councillor Teo Benea, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property, emphasised the need to balance development with community needs.

• Other Business

  • The Cabinet addressed a petition regarding the rebuild and renovation of Roe Green Playground, with Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Enforcement, confirming that funding had already been allocated for refurbishment and that the council would work with local stakeholders to deliver improvements by 2026.
  • The Corporate Performance Update for Quarter 1 was noted, highlighting strong performances in employment, skills, environment, and community engagement.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the key discussion points:

Roe Green Playground Petition

Julia Cenalia, representing residents of Roe Green and Kingsbury, presented a petition requesting the council to rebuild, renovate, and modernise Roe Green Playground and the surrounding park. She described the playground as tired, worn and neglected with broken and outdated equipment, damaged gates, cracked and uneven pathways, too few benches, not enough bins and streetlights that don't work properly . She requested a space that's safe, inclusive, well-lit, and well-maintained for children, families, and older residents.

Councillor Krupa Sheth responded that funding had already been allocated for improvements and that the council would work with local residents to deliver the project by early 2026. Anna, another resident, suggested that more external funds should be sought to enhance the project further. Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, assured the petitioners that the council would explore all funding opportunities.

Q2 Financial Forecast 2025-26

Councillor Mili Patel presented the quarter two financial forecast, highlighting the difficult financial conditions faced by councils across the country. The report indicated a £14.5 million overspend, with pressures focused on people-related services.

Councillor Mili Patel stated:

This report reflects the council that continues to balance ambition with responsibility. Across the country, councils are facing some of the toughest financial conditions in every memory. Rising costs, high demand and shrinking funding. Yet here in Brent, through careful management and collective discipline, we remain on course to balance our budget this year.

Councillor Grau expressed frustration with the bleak financial predictions and called for bolder action from central government. Councillor Muhammed Butt emphasised the need to redouble efforts in cost avoidance measures and ensure residents receive the support they need.

The Cabinet approved the recommendations to note the report, continue the necessary work, and delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Finance and Resources to agree to the terms of the £40 million loan facility to I4B.

Brent Youth Justice Plan 2025-2028

Councillor Gwen Grahl presented the Brent Youth Justice Plan 2025-2028, celebrating the fall in youth violence and re-offending rates. She credited the success to partnership working and a shift towards prevention and fairness.

Councillor Donnelly-Jackson highlighted the child-first approach and the recognition of neurodivergence as contributing factors. Councillor Rubin commended the work in preventing crime and investing in the causes of crime.

The Cabinet agreed to approve the plan for formal sign-off and adoption by the Full Council.

Youth Facilities Capital Investment Programme

Councillor Gwen Grahl introduced the report on the youth facilities capital investment programme, highlighting the biggest investment in Brent youth services infrastructure in a generation. She noted that a panel of young people shaped the proposal, choosing where the money should go.

Councillor Knight praised the place-based policymaking and co-production, while Councillor Rubin expressed pleasure in making the investment after years of cuts to youth services. Councillor Bonilla thanked the planning team for allocating the Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) for these purposes.

The Cabinet agreed to approve the youth facilities capital investment programme and the use of £4 million of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy to fund the programme.

Additional HMO Licensing Scheme

Councillor Donnelly-Jackson presented the report seeking renewal of the borough-wide additional licensing scheme for smaller houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) for a further five years. She emphasised the scheme's vital role in raising standards across Brent's private rented sector.

Councillor Grahl noted the scheme's importance for private renters and residents dealing with antisocial behaviour. Councillor Patel welcomed the renewal to safeguard living standards for tenants. Councillor Rubin congratulated the work, stating that it would make a huge difference to people's lives.

The Cabinet agreed to approve the recommendations and take the scheme forward.

Authority to Proceed with New Energy Efficient Heating for The Oaks and Pharamond

Councillor Rubin presented the report seeking approval to proceed with a £3.15 million retrofit project at The Oaks and Pharamond, replacing oil, gas, and electric systems with ground source heat pumps and improved insulation.

Councillor Rubin stated that climate action and cost of living go hand in hand. He also noted that the Oaks in his ward would see this investment.

The Cabinet agreed to approve the recommendations and spend the £3 million going forward.

Corporate Performance Update & Q1 Performance Monitoring 2025-26

Councillor Rubin presented the corporate performance update, highlighting strong performances across employment, skills, environment, and community engagement.

Councillor Muhammed Butt thanked everyone for their work and emphasised the importance of keeping an eye on things and identifying issues early on.

The Cabinet agreed to approve the recommendations.

Brent Purpose Built Student Accommodation Planning Position Statement

Councillor Benea introduced the report on the Brent Purpose Built Student Accommodation Planning Position Statement, seeking approval for publication for consultation.

Councillor Grahl raised questions about a proposed student accommodation development in her ward, while Councillor Muhammed Butt emphasised the need to review the type of accommodation needed in Brent.

The Cabinet agreed to approve the recommendation and start the consultation.