The council is creating a crucial new Cabinet role to meet growing demand in Brent

Brent Council has created a new cabinet role whose portfolio will focus on “helping residents get secure jobs, supporting innovation across the council and tackling the climate emergency”. The council said demand for some services was “outstripping our dwindling resources”, particularly in housing and social care for adults.

Cllr Jake Ruben, who represents Roundwood ward since 2022, was appointed to the new position of Brent Council’s cabinet member for employment, innovation and climate action at last weeks annual full Council meeting (May 22). The ceremony also saw the election of the district’s new mayor, Cllr Tariq Dar MBE.

The meeting also confirmed the remainder of the Cabinet and Mayoral posts, as well as the election of Cllr Muhammed Butt as leader of the council for the twelfth consecutive year. Cllr Butt believes the new role will be “vital” in enabling the council to better address the issues councils face in delivering effective public services.

He said: “We know it won’t be an easy road, but there are still reasons to remain radically optimistic. I am delighted that with this new role in Cabinet, we are looking for a brighter future by promoting digital and green skills so that residents can continue to thrive in an ever-changing world.”

He added: “This new portfolio area combines these ambitions into one and will also be crucial to exploring how we unleash the power of innovation and embrace new technologies to work smarter, while focusing on how in which we can do all in the power of this board to play. our role in combating climate change.”

Cllr Milli Patel has been re-elected as deputy leader of the council and retains her cabinet position. It means the new Cabinet (below) will be made up of ten councillors, who are responsible for setting the council’s strategic direction.

• Cllr Muhammed Butt – Leader
• Cllr Mili Patel – Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources
• Cllr Jake Rubin – Cabinet Member for Employment, Innovation and Climate Action
• Cllr Promise Knight – Cabinet Member for Housing
• Cllr Gwen Grahl – Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools
• Cllr Neil Nerva – Cabinet Member for Health and Community Wellbeing
• Cllr Harbi Farah – Cabinet Member for Public Safety and Partnerships
• Cllr Krupa Sheth – Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement
• Cllr Fleur-Donnelly-Jackson – Cabinet Member for Resident Support and Culture
• Cllr Shama Tatler – Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Growth

Cllr Butt said: “We have always believed that no person is bigger than the mission itself – and with this in mind I am proud to announce another talented Cabinet drawn from across the council, maintaining our reputation for more women in the Cabinet than most councils in London.”

He added: “We face a historic challenge before us: after 14 years of austerity, residents are crying out for investment in the public services we all rely on. Over the next 2 years, this council faces its own perfect storm, with demand for emergency housing and adult social care outstripping our dwindling resources.”

During the ceremony, former mayor Cllr Orleen Hylton handed over the reins to Cllr Dar, who represents Cricklewood and Mapesbury Ward. Cllr Dar first arrived in the UK in 1965 and was awarded an MBE in 2019 for services to the community – including working with the Sufra Food Bank for a decade.

He serves as a trustee for Brent Central Mosque, Cricklewood Library and Friends of Gladstone Park, as well as overseeing a winter homeless shelter and a Covid-19 food bank at the Pakistan Community Centre, where he is chairman. Cllr Dar has chosen the Pakistan Community Center as the charity he will fundraise for during his time in the role.

He said: “I feel extremely privileged to be here in front of you all to accept the role of Mayor of Brent. Being the Mayor of Brent is a great personal honour. I arrived in Britain in 1965 and have been a champion for residents ever since (…).”

I will work closely with my teams to capitalize on the many strengths, attributes and talents of my colleagues. I believe that to achieve good results there must be cohesion, trust and a strong working relationship. At a time of uncertainty for many in Brent, I hope to use the role of Mayor to bring our communities together.”