Brent Council

Brent councillor Michael Maurice argues that councils and residents need stronger powers to limit concentrations of betting shops and gaming centres, citing more than 80 gambling premises across Brent and six within 600 metres on Harlesden High Street. He says the 2005 Gambling Act left councils unable to refuse applications despite serious local concerns, and calls for tougher advertising restrictions, revised licensing rules and further devolution of authority to local government.

Brent Council’s Green Group leader Mary Mitchell argues that the borough’s parks, squares and other open spaces must be protected despite pressure to build housing and commercial facilities. She highlights campaigns in South Kilburn, Wembley Park and Northwick Park, says green spaces are vital for community life, health and heatwave resilience, and contends that homes can be delivered without sacrificing public land. Mitchell proposes valuing existing natural assets, creating new parklets and revitalizing pocket parks through partnerships between residents, community groups and the council.

Brent Council deputy leader Gwen Grahl outlines a vision to make Brent a borough of play by expanding affordable access to sport and leisure. Measures include free holiday swimming for children aged 16 and under, about £1.5 million in leisure-centre improvements and a feasibility study for a new lido. She also highlights plans for a new leisure centre at Bridge Park, which could help unlock around £600 million of wider investment in Stonebridge after the Government helped resolve a legal obstacle.

Brent Liberal Democrat councillor Anton Georgiou praises the borough’s volunteers, charities and residents’ associations for supporting local people, improving public spaces and holding the council accountable. He highlights the Wembley Central and Alperton Residents’ Association and Friends of the Grand Union Canal as examples of effective civic action, while arguing that Brent Council should listen to and partner with communities rather than expect them to compensate for shortcomings in public services.

Concerns are raised about the fairness of Brent’s School Street enforcement after more than 73,000 penalty charge notices were issued in a year, with wide variation between locations. High volumes of fines at certain schools are attributed to unclear or hard‑to‑read signage that can mislead drivers, despite official compliance with regulations. Suggestions include adding clearer, eye‑level warnings similar to measures used in Wandsworth. While supporting the aims of School Streets, the argument stresses that drivers must receive fair and adequate notice before entering restricted areas.

Brent’s new mayor, Amer Agha, was welcomed at a civic reception celebrating the borough’s cultural diversity and strong Irish community ties. Irish musician Caroline Regan performed to honour Brent’s longstanding Irish heritage, which is symbolised by the Mayor’s Chain gifted by the Guinness family in 1966. The event highlighted the contributions of Irish residents to Brent’s social and cultural life. Agha, representing Welsh Harp ward, will serve as First Citizen during his mayoral year, supporting community events and local organisations.