The Cabinet of Brent Council met on Monday 9 March 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the allocation of the new Crisis and Resilience Fund, the business plans for the council's housing companies, and the adoption of a new procurement strategy. The meeting also covered updates on corporate performance and proposals for children's public health services.

Crisis and Resilience Fund

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the council's proposed approach to the use and allocation of the new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF). This fund, established by the government to replace the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments, aims to provide crisis support and strengthen resilience within local communities. The report outlined Brent's allocation of over £7.7 million per annum for the first two years, with a slight reduction in the third year. The proposed approach focuses on four key strands: crisis support, housing-related support, resilience initiatives, and prevention. Specific allocations were detailed for initiatives such as the Resident Support Fund, free school meal holiday vouchers, immigration support services, and funding for debt advice and credit unions. The report also highlighted the fund's alignment with Brent's existing prevention delivery model and its focus on supporting vulnerable groups.

Housing Company Business Plans and Governance

Two significant reports concerned the council's wholly-owned housing companies: i4B Holdings Ltd (i4B) and First Wave Housing Ltd (FWH). The Cabinet was asked to approve the final draft Business Plans for both companies for the 2026/27 financial year. These plans set out the companies' strategies for increasing the supply of affordable housing, delivering safe and sustainable homes, running viable businesses, and providing a consistently good housing service. The reports also detailed progress against the 2025/26 business plans, highlighting operational performance, financial considerations, and risk management. Alongside the business plans, the Cabinet was also asked to approve the revised Service Level Agreements (SLAs) between the council and these companies, which define the services provided and performance targets. A separate report sought approval for the appointment of Jonathan Kay as a Director to the boards of both i4B and FWH, following the departure of Sadie East.

Procurement Strategy 2026-2030

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider Brent Council's new Procurement Strategy for 2026-2030. This strategy aims to guide the council's procurement activity, ensuring it delivers value for residents and communities. It is built on three key pillars: Community Wealth Building, Effective Contract Management, and Leadership, Commercial Capability and Innovation. The strategy emphasizes using the council's significant spending power to foster local economic participation, strengthen local supply chains, ensure fair employment practices, and promote environmental sustainability. The report detailed key actions under each cornerstone, including increasing opportunities for local suppliers, implementing robust contract management, and enhancing commercial capability across the organisation. The strategy aligns with national procurement policies and the council's own Procurement Improvement Programme.

Corporate Performance Update

A report was presented to provide the Cabinet with an update on the council's performance for the third quarter (Q3) of the 2025-26 financial year, using the Borough Plan performance scorecard. The scorecard tracks 60 key indicators across five priority areas: Prosperity and Stability in Brent, A Cleaner, Greener Future, Thriving Communities, The Best Start in Life, and A Healthier Brent. The report detailed the performance of each indicator, categorised as Red, Amber, or Green, with a breakdown of the number of indicators in each category for each priority area. It highlighted areas of strong performance, such as recycling rates and library visits, as well as areas requiring attention, including homelessness pressures and children's services demand.

Children's Public Health Services Contract

The Cabinet was asked to approve the direct award of a contract for Children's Public Health Services (0-19 years), encompassing Health Visiting and School Nursing, to the current provider, Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust (CLCH). This direct award, for a 23-month period from May 2026 to March 2028, is being recommended under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Process C due to a lack of market interest following an initial market engagement event. The report outlined the rationale for the direct award, the scope of the services, and proposed changes to vision and hearing screening elements of the service. The contract value was estimated at £13.89 million, funded by the ring-fenced Public Health Grant and the Best Start in Life grant.

Telecare Services Agreement with Harrow Council

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider proposals for a new Inter Authority Agreement (IAA) with Harrow Council for the provision of telecare services for vulnerable people and their carers. This partnership aims to ensure continued and enhanced telecare provision, incorporating flexibility for future technological developments. The proposed agreement would cover alarm monitoring, equipment provision, installation, repairs, and out-of-hours cover. The report highlighted the benefits of working with a trusted provider like Harrow Council, including shared expertise, economies of scale, and security of service. The estimated value of the contract over three years with potential extensions is £3.45 million.

Recycling Contracts

The Cabinet was asked to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Neighbourhood & Regeneration, in consultation with the Lead Member for Public Realm & Enforcement, to authorise the West London Waste Authority (WLWA) to award contracts for the transportation and reprocessing of co-mingled and paper and card recycling materials. These contracts, with a proposed commencement date of June 2026, cover Lot 1 (Co-Mingled Recycling Materials) and Lot 2 (Paper & Cards). The proposed contract length is three years with options to extend for up to four additional years. The report detailed the estimated costs for Lot 1 (£12.2 million over seven years) and the projected income from Lot 2. The procurement is being managed by WLWA under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.

Secure Cycle Parking Contract

The Cabinet was asked to approve the award of a contract for the purchase and management of future bike hangars/nests, and the management and maintenance of current facilities, to Lock It Safe Ltd. This contract, for an initial five-year period with an option to extend for a further two years, has an estimated value of £1.5 million. The binding element of the contract includes the installation of 100 new bike hangars funded by NCIL, with the remaining costs to be covered by Transport for London (TfL) grant and Section 106 contributions. The report detailed the procurement process, evaluation criteria, and financial implications, emphasizing the alignment with the council's sustainability and active travel objectives.