🏠️ Council tax support scheme and new household support fund 🏡

With the cost of living crisis ongoing and colder weather setting in, we know many of our residents are worried about rising energy bills and staying warm. We are committed to supporting those in need and continue to offer a range of support for people struggling with their finances.

Nearly £2.8 million in additional funding is now available for residents facing financial hardship. If you’re facing tough decisions and finding it hard to cover everyday essentials, you can apply for support through our Resident Support Fund.

We’ve also helped nearly 100 more local pensioners claim an average of £4,000 a year in unclaimed Pension Credit. A successful claim can be life-changing for pensioners struggling with soaring prices. However, over £2 million in Pension Credit is still going unclaimed in Brent – so please check whether you or a loved one are eligible.

And please remember, our Brent Hubs are open to anyone in need of advice or support – just pop by to talk to us, we’re here to help.

Unfortunately, following years of austerity, a sharp rise in demand for services, and sky high inflation the council is also facing unprecedented financial challenges. On top of £222m in cuts made since 2010, we need to save an additional £16 million by 2025/26. To continue to run vital services and support residents we need to achieve £5m in net savings, which is why we’re consulting on proposed changes to our Council Tax Support Scheme. We welcome your views and encourage you to share your feedback

We have also launched a consultation in response to escalating concerns about dog behavior at Paddington Old Cemetery in Kilburn. Please have your say – your feedback will be essential in shaping future regulations and ensuring a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

In Brent we face a chronic shortage of fostering households. We are dedicated to giving vulnerable children and young people we care for the best start in life, which for many of them is with local fostering families. In partnership with councils and children’s trusts, we have launched a film called ‘Everything’ to promote local authority fostering.

Finally, two important dates for the diary: don’t miss our Black History Month event tomorrow, celebrating Black excellence across Brent, and join us next Wednesday (30 October), to power up your digital skills at the Brent Digital Skills Day.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council

Crackdown on unlicensed rental homes

Enforcement officers have begun patrolling streets in Brent to check whether rental homes are licensed.

Last week, a landlord whose tenants were paying £3,500 to live in an overcrowded house of horrors, was handed a hefty fine. Willesden Magistrates Court ordered Sanjay Patel to pay £49,495 for breaches to the Housing Act.

To avoid prosecution landlords must be licenced.

Get licensed today!

Report a suspected unlicensed property!

In conversation with George the Poet

a black woman with a hand stretch out to signal "stop"

This Saturday, 26 October, The Library at Willesden Green hosts a sold out event featuring George the Poet, the world-renowned spoken word artist, poet, rapper, award-winning podcast host and author, as he speaks to Nadia Khan (Golden Threads) about his book ‘Track Record’.

Raised in Neasden, George Mpanga, aka George the Poet, draws inspiration from his community, which shaped his artistry.

In Track Record, George confronts colonialism’s history and capitalism’s racial legacy and the forces limiting Black creativity and excellence.

Fix your items for FREE

Grab your free ticket!

Come join us at the Church End and Roundwood Unity Centre for a fun day of fixing! Bring your broken items and our skilled volunteers will help you repair them for free. Everything from a faulty alarm clock to a squeaky bike. Let’s reduce waste together and learn new skills in the process.

Power up your digital skills

Join our free digital skills event on Wednesday 30 October and learn how to access essential tools for everyday life.

Whether you’re new to digital or looking to level up, expert-led sessions and one-on-one support will guide you through apps and platforms to help you manage your health, save money, stay safe online, and much more!

Reserve your free space!

Change someone’s life forever

Fostering with Brent Council means you can better support local children and young people who need a safe and nurturing home where they can grow and thrive. To become a foster carer.

Make an enquiry!

Anya-App launch

a young edward Tull Warnock

Brent Council is offering the premium version of the Anya App, free to all parents and carers for two years so that all children can get the best start in life.

Parents, carers and anyone expecting a baby can now get infant feeding support on their phones and / devices with unlimited 24/7 access to evidence-based information and support.

Find out more!

Ask the Council

Did you know that Brent’s Full Council meetings give an opportunity for local residents to submit questions for response by a Cabinet Member? If you would like to ask a question at our next Full Council meeting on Monday 18 November 2024, these can be submitted via email to the following address: committee@brent.gov.uk . Any questions will need to be with us by 5pm on Friday 25 October 2024. You’ll receive a written response and will also have the opportunity to ask a follow-up question at the meeting itself.

Whilst this meeting will be held in person, members of the public interested in following proceedings on the night will be able to do so via the Council’s Live Stream pages.