Cllr Muhammed Butt

New website for Cllr Muhammed Butt

2011-01-15T23:59:00.000Z

Hi

thanks for following me on my blogger page, but i have now setup my own personal website, which holds more information and is easily accessible.

Please use the following link to my website:

www.muhammedbutt.com

Kind regards

Muhammed

Tenants to be forced out of homes by Govt, housing Benefit cuts.

2010-10-28T11:12:00.000Z

Mass exodus of tenants from their homes

London boroughs are planning for a mass exodus of social tenants as Labour accuses the Government of ‘social and economic cleansing’ by increasing rents to 80% of market rates and cutting housing benefits.

Councils are warning that 82,000 families – or 200,000 people – could leave the Capital due to an expensive private rental market and social tenants being unable to afford to live in wealthy inner London areas, according to reports in the Observer.

The newspaper reported a minister as saying the move was similar to the Highland Clearances of Scotland in the late 18th Century as well as Labour MP for Dagenham, Jon Cruddas, stating it was the ‘social and economic cleansing’ of the Capital.

London local authorities have been block-booking bed-and-breakfasts and private accommodation in the surrounding South-east since June - as far as Hastings, Reading and Luton – in an attempt to find housing for social tenants.

It is expected that other cities with expensive rental markets, such as Brighton, will also be hit by the hike in social rents.

The move comes after work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith caused controversy last week by claiming unemployed people should ‘get on the bus’ to look for work.

Housing organisations and charities have already criticised the cuts in social housing budgets.

Chief executive of the National Housing Federation, David Orr, has called the housing benefit cuts ‘truly shocking’ and Rob Campbell, CEO of Shelter, has described the cuts as the Government ‘denying responsibility for an entire generation’.

Simon Hughes, Liberal Democrat deputy leader, has stated he will be tabling amendments to cuts in housing benefits. Shadow work and pensions minister Karen Buck has claimed the situation could affect a million homes across the country.

http://www.localgov.co.uk/index.cfm?method=news.detail&id=92796

unfair cuts by Libdem & Tory coalition

2010-10-28T11:09:00.000Z

Government UNFAIR cuts hit Brent Hard

Commenting on the CONDEM governments Comprehensive Spending Review, Councillor Muhammed Butt, Deputy Leader of Brent Council, said:

“The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in Government have hit Brent hard with the most sweeping, unfair cuts that we have seen since the 1920s. The picture will get clearer, but we already know that Brent’s community will lose tens of millions of pounds that support vital public services.

“By taking aim at affordable housing, council tax benefits and police officers, their unfair cuts hit Brent especially hard. Our community, with so many disadvantaged people, needs support to move forward.

“Many services that the Council currently runs will be reduced or closed as a result of these Government cuts. No aspect of the Council’s work will be untouched.

“We now know that the Government is planning to force a massive increase in council and social rents for many families, abolition of secure tenancies and housing benefit cuts. Many Brent families will face eviction at a time when funding for new affordable homes is slashed.”

“The real shame is that the Government did not have to cut so hard or so fast and they did not have to target their cuts at communities like Brent.

“We in Brent Labour are on the side of our community. We will target the money we have to tackle poverty, raise our children’s achievement and work for a fairer borough. Working as a community Brent must send a strong message to the Government – stop your unfair cuts.”

200,000 people to moved out of London

2010-10-24T11:10:00.000Z

Ministers were accused last night of deliberately driving poor people out of wealthy inner cities as London councils revealed they were preparing a mass exodus of low-income families from the capital because of coalition benefit cuts.
Representatives of London boroughs told a meeting of MPs last week that councils have already block-booked bed and breakfasts and other private accommodation outside the capital – from Hastings, on the south coast, to Reading to the west and Luton to the north – to house those who will be priced out of the London market.
Councils in the capital are warning that 82,000 families – more than 200,000 people – face losing their homes because private landlords, enjoying a healthy rental market buoyed by young professionals who cannot afford to buy, will not cut their rents to the level of caps imposed by ministers.

This government who has no mandate for the cuts they are making are becoming the nasty party day by day.

remodeling means closing libraries

2010-09-21T17:02:00.001Z

all libraries are now under threat thanks to the " big society" which does not cater for everyone.

http://www.dcms.gov.uk/news/ministers_speeches/7223.aspx

prostitutes of god

2010-09-20T10:34:00.001Z

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/prostitutes-of-god-2082290.html

Make sure your are registered to vote.

2010-09-16T14:22:00.000Z

The annual registration canvass of the electorate has started.

Every household in Brent will receive the voters' registration form. When you receive this form you must respond to it as soon as possible using the following options.

1. If there are no changes the you can re-register by telephone, internet or SMS text message (details are on the form).

2. If you are registering for the first time at the property then you must complete and return your form by post.

3. If you wish to add or remove residents details or make any other changes then you must return your form by post.

If you have no changes to make to the voters registration form you can let us know via phone on 0808 146 0115, the internet at www.online-register.co.uk or by text message to 07538 683 954. You will need the security codes printed on the form to use these options.

Failure to register by telephone, internet, text message or post may result in your name, and names of those in your household, being removed from the register and you won't be able to vote.

Anne Franks Tree of hope toppled by high winds

2010-09-13T22:56:00.000Z

The tree that anne Frank used to watch from her window has succumbed to disease and eventually fell after nearly 2 years of fighting to save the historic tree.

The tree had developed fungus and was set to be felled in 2007 due to concerns for the safety of the 1 million people who visit Anne Frank's house each year.

But officials and conservationists later agreed to secure it with a steel frame to prolong its life and saplings from the tree were planted last year in an Amsterdam park and other cities around the world.

Arnold Heertje, a member of the Support Anne Frank Tree group said there were no plans to plant a sapling on the site or preserve the tree's remains.

"You have to bow your head to the facts. The tree has fallen and will be cut into pieces and disappear. The intention was not to keep this tree alive forever. It has lived for 150 years and now it's over and we're not going to extend it," he said.

Parts of the tree, located on a residential property adjacent to the Anne Frank House, were later being offered for sale on Dutch auction website marktplaats.nl. The highest offer was 10 million euros ($12.72 million)

Anne Frank wrote on 23 February 1944: "From my favourite spot on the floor I look up at the blue sky and the bare chestnut tree, on whose branches little raindrops shine, appearing like silver, and at the seagulls and other birds as they glide on the wind."

She died, aged 15, the following year in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.

Crest Academies saved

2010-08-11T15:11:00.000Z

Brent Council has welcomed the Government announcement to give the go ahead for the £41.6 million rebuilding of Brent's two Crest academy schools.

It has approved the provisional allocation of the capital needed to rebuild and expand the Crest Boys' and Crest Girls' academies in Dollis Hill, Neasden.

Leader of Brent Council, Councillor Ann John, said: "I am delighted that, after careful consideration, the Government has provided the money to rebuild the two Crest academies.

"Brent Council wants to provide modern schools for our pupils and find the extra school places we badly need. This project was a crucial one and this decision is great news for children and families in Brent."

The existing school buildings - the former John Kelly boys and girls colleges - are in very poor condition.

Over five years, an extra 300 pupils will be taught in the new buildings.

New waste vision on waste and recycling

2010-08-11T14:57:00.000Z

On Wednesday 11 August Brent Council's Executive will consider plans to consult on changes to the borough's waste and recycling services from summer 2011.

The council's draft waste collection strategy set out how waste management will be delivered in Brent over the next five years with a goal of 60 per cent reuse, recycle and composting by 2020.

The draft strategy proposes to extend the council's recycling services to include all flats as well as street level properties. It also proposes expanding the range of materials collected. The new service is expected to save around £1 million after the first two years of operation.

Residents will be asked for their views through a variety of channels including a survey in the October edition of The Brent Magazine, the council's website and local area forums.

The plans reflect successful schemes already operating in all of the top 20 best performing councils in England and Wales. The draft strategy covers household waste only.

In the financial year 2009/10 the council spent almost £9 million on the costs of disposing of waste in landfill, when rubbish is buried in the ground. The draft strategy proposes a modern waste service, responsive to residents' needs and environmental concerns that will reduce the amount going to landfill and allow residents to recycle more materials at the kerbside.

Michael Read, Assistant Director of Environment and Culture at Brent Council said: "Brent introduced compulsory recycling in 2008 and the response from residents has been excellent. Recycling rates have increased from 22 per cent in 2006 to more than 28 per cent this year, with no enforcement action necessary. Brent people clearly want to recycle more and we need as many views as possible during the consultation period in September and early October.

"In future residents will have more space to recycle as small green boxes are replaced with larger wheelie bins. We want to get opinions on everything from ease of access to the type of material collected. Under the new proposals there will be very little of what we might have called 'rubbish' as most of what we throw away can be recycled."

fraudster mother loses home

2010-08-11T14:54:00.002Z

A single mum of two - who didn't live in her council flat and fraudulently claimed benefits - was convicted and her home repossessed on Monday (21 June)

Ms Sindi Duma, was tried in her absence, sentenced to nine months custody and ordered to pay legal costs of over £6,000.

The Kilburn resident who is believed to have fled the country, first approached the council in 2001 claiming to be homeless and unemployed. Brent found her a flat in Albert Road where she began to claim benefits. But - following a tip off - council investigators discovered Ms Duma was living on the other side of London and fraudulently claiming Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

Further investigations found evidence that Ms Duma had been living in the Thamesmead area since at least 2004. And her children attended schools in Greenwich between 2004 to 2007.

Following criminal proceedings at Harrow Crown Court, a civil case was heard against Ms Duma at Willesden County Court on 21 June for rent arrears of £1950.95. Baliffs were instructed to repossess the property.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, Lead Member for Resources, said: "We are desperately short of council housing in Brent and we need to make sure it goes to those who really need it.

"Not only was this person claiming benefits she was not entitled to she was stopping a vulnerable person from being housed. I applaud the court's decision to repossess the property and urge anyone who knows of fraudulent activity to get in touch with our investigation team."

In total Ms Duma has received £25,647.07 of Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit that she was not entitled to between January 2004 to December 2008.

The fraud was brought to the attention of investigators as a result of anonymous information from a member of the public. If you know anyone claiming benefits they are not entitled to, call free phone 0800 937 777.

family convicted of farud

2010-08-11T14:52:00.002Z

A family of fraudsters - who owned property in Brent and Harrow and drove high performance cars - were convicted of benefit fraud and sent to prison today (29 June).

Four members of the family were sent straight to prison for their part in fraudulently claiming £170k of benefits. Three other members of the same family were given suspended custodial sentences. And an eighth member of the same family will be sentenced in July (16).

All eight family members acted together to fraudulently claim Housing Benefits while in reality they were property owners who drove Mercedes, BMW and Porsche cars.

They submitted Housing Benefit applications for properties where they lived when they either owned the home, lived with the owner or provided false information to support each other.

Two of their properties were next door to each other and shared a garden and conservatory. Despite this the family claimed to have no knowledge of their neighbours.

All eight were convicted of a variety of charges relating to fraudulently obtained Housing and Council Tax Benefit.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, Brent Council's Lead Member for Resources, said: "This was a challenging case involving many months of diligent investigation work by my investigators unpicking a complicated web of deceit. Working with Harrow Council we were able to unearth a fraud worth in excess of £150,000, which had been deliberate from the outset.

"I don't underestimate how difficult these cases are for juries to follow and commend them for reaching the right verdict."

Cllr Graham Henson, Portfolio Holder for Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services on Harrow Council, said: "This was a cynical and premeditated scam by a family bent on living the high life while honest taxpayers footed the bill.

"We're therefore very pleased with the court's decision and will now be taking steps to recover the money and return it to the public purse. In these tough economic times its essential housing benefit goes to those people in real need, and not to fraudsters driving around in Porsches and BMWs.

"This prosecution showed how well councils and their investigation teams share intelligence to catch out fraudsters. I hope the verdict sends a clear message that if you claim money you are not entitled to, we will catch up with you."

Family members found guilty are:
Kalaivany Premkumar, 40, (wife of Premkumar Pathmanathan) was found guilty on all counts by a unanimous verdict. She was given a 12 month suspended sentence and ordered to do 150 hours unpaid work. She claimed HB from for a house in Clayton Avenue but did not declare that her husband was joint owner of the property. She provided false landlord details in order to further the fraud. Value of benefit obtained was £53,712. (HB £49,554.86; CTB £4157.20).
Sivakumar Pathmanathan, 43, (brother) was found guilty on all counts by a unanimous verdict. He was given a 15 month custodial sentence. He assisted the fraud by signing false documents and accepting the fraudulently obtained benefit in relation to Clayton Avenue (his sister-in-law Kalaivany's false claim) into his bank account even though this was not a commercial tenancy.
Pathmanathan Pathmakumar, 44, (brother; husband of Kajani Pathmakumar) was found guilty on all counts by a unanimous verdict. He was remanded in custody for sentencing on July 16. He claimed Housing Benefit stating he lived at Minehead Rd and that his landlord lived at Clayton Avenue. But he was found to be living at Clayton Avenue which he jointly owned with his brother Premkumar. The Housing Benefit claim at Minehead Rd was fraudulent as he was not living at the address for which he claimed £49,625.37 (HB £43,083.41; CTB £6542.37).
Shamini Kowridas , 38, (sister) was found guilty on all counts by a unanimous verdict and given a six month custodial sentence today. She was the owner of a Minehead Rd property. She stated that she lived at Clayton but lived at the Minehead property she owned. She provided false documents to support her brother Pathmanathan Pathmakumar claims.
Nalliah Kowridas, 43, (husband of Shamini) was found guilty on all counts by a unanimous verdict. He was given a 15 month custodial sentence. He assisted his wife in providing false documents in support of his brother-in-law's fraudulent claims. He also had HB paid into his bank account in relation to this fraudulent claim.
Three other members of the family had pleaded guilty before the trial.
Premkumar Pathmanathan, 36, (brother; husband of Kalvainy) was given a 14 month custodial sentence. He claimed at Meyrick Rd but did not declare ownership of properties. Value of benefit obtained was £8113.82 and appears to be unconnected to other fraud. In addition he was claiming HB in relation to a property in Martin Drive, Northolt. At this address he claimed benefit knowing that he did not have a commercial tenancy with the landlord (Sittampalam Soundrasritharan - his brother-in-law). Value of benefit obtained was £2720. Furthermore he pleaded guilty on the day of trial to a number of charges of obtaining property by deception and false accounting relating to his fathers fraudulent claim
Sinniah Pathmanathan, 78, (father) pleaded guilty before trial having claimed from Clayton and was given a 12 month suspended sentence. He did not declare that he was the father of the owners of the property. He disguised this by naming Sittamplam Soundrsritharan as the agent for the property. He stated that he was renting only one room in the property from the agent. Again it was found that this was not a genuine commercial tenancy. Value of benefit obtained was £54,054.99 (HB only).
Sittampalam Soundrasritharan, 51, (in-law) owner of Martin Drive was given a ten months suspended sentence. He provided documents in support of Sinniah's claim, and that he was the agent knowing that he was not party to a commercial tenancy. In doing so he stated that he was living at Clayton when in fact he was living in the property he owned at 14 Martin Drive, Northolt. Furthermore he stated that he lived at 48 Clayton and sublet a room to Sinniah who it turned out was his father in law.
Kajani Pathmakumar (wife of Pathmakumar) was found not guilty.

The combined total of the fraud is £168,226.24.

Brent and Harrow Council will both be pursuing repayment of the monies fraudulently obtained via confiscation proceedings.

Benefits cheat gets 5 years

2010-08-11T14:51:00.000Z

A benefit fraudster who raked in over £40,000 in taxpayers money despite working for five years, has been found guilty and sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for two years (12 July 2010).

Janet Bowen of 32 Mitchell Way, St Raphael’s Estate, has been ordered by Harrow Crown Court to wear a tag for the next four months, abide by a curfew and has entered into an arrangement with Brent Council to pay back all the money she falsely claimed.

Bowen started claiming benefits back in 1999 after suffering depression following the death of her son which left her unable to work.

But a joint investigation between the Job Centre Plus and the council revealed she had been receiving benefits and working for five years between 2003 and 2008.

Not content with the money she was receiving from the state, Bowen bagged herself two jobs. One as a supervisor with F.E Thorpe’s and Sons taking home £2,500 a month and soon after leaving that post, in 2007, got a casual drivers job with Brent Community Transport earning her more than £1,300 a month.

In an interview with investigators Bowen admitted to working and failing to declare her employment to the relevant authorities and pleaded guilty to four counts of benefit fraud at court.

Simon Lane Head of Audit and Investigations said: “The benefit system for many can act as a support during difficult periods in their lives. Once a persons circumstances change then they have a duty to notify the council so we can stop making payments and direct the money to where it’s needed most.

“The system was there for this woman when she needed it most. Unfortunately however, she took the decision to abuse it for five years - and got caught.”

Brent council praised by Government

2010-08-11T14:49:00.000Z

Brent Council in North West London has been chosen by a Government department as an exemplar for others to follow in developing a new funding formula for free nursery places for three-year-olds.

The council was one of the first wave of local authorities in England to introduce the Early Years Single Funding Formula (EYSFF) which funds the extended free entitlement to nursery education. From September 2010 this entitlement increases from 12.5 hours to 15 hours a week. However, since September 2008 over 90 per cent of Brent's private nurseries and a number of primary schools have been offering 15 hours as part of a national pilot.

The government initially instructed all local authorities to implement the EYSFF by April 2010 but following pressure from private nurseries and sector lobby groups the deadline was extended until April 2011. Brent, however, was well advanced with the formula and ready to implement from April 2010. The government recognised the significant progress made with developing the EYSFF involving all stakeholders and Brent was allowed to implement the formula from last April.

The council has now been singled out by the Government Office for London and the Department for Education as an example of good practice. Brent will share its experience with other local authorities to help them get ready for the April 2011 deadline.

Cllr Mary Arnold, Lead Member for Children and Families, said;
"It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our early years team that Brent Council has been singled out for praise. Thanks to the new scheme nearly 250 more three years olds have been able to access nursery education."

Denise Burke, Interim Head of Early Years at Brent Council, said;
"The council has worked successfully in partnership with early years providers across the borough to ensure a smooth transition to this new way of funding. We are looking forward to working with our colleagues in other local authorities to help them achieve the same success."

unpaid council tax

2010-08-11T14:47:00.000Z

A self employed father from Brent narrowly escaped prison on Tuesday (3 August 2010) for refusing to pay his council tax.

Council tax debtor Lawrence Toussaint, of Ecclestone Place, Wembley, “buried his head in the sand” and failed to pay his council tax for a number of years.

Brent Council made several attempts to recover the money – including calling in the bailiffs. But Mr Toussaint still refused to pay up and Brent Council took him to court. Brent Magistrates court decided that he was guilty of “culpable neglect” in not paying his Council Tax and sentenced him to eight weeks imprisonment - suspended for two years. He now must pay the £5,360.15 arrears in monthly instalments, failure to pay these will result in prison.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, Lead Member for Resources, said: “The council will relentlessly pursue non-payers and - if no other methods of recovery are available - we will not hesitate to push for a custodial sentence.”

“I would urge anyone in arrears to contact us or they too may face a prison sentence.”

Brent spends around £900 million each year. This pays for 83 schools and the up-keep and cleaning of 477 kilometres of roads and pavements, as well as funding 100 parks and open spaces. Twelve libraries are paid for out of the money, along with four sports centres and the weekly rubbish collection from 107,000 households.

Approximately 11 percent of the £900 million spent each year is raised through council tax. The vast majority of the remainder comes from government grants plus charges that are paid directly by service users for use of sports facilities, parking, home help and meals on wheels. But with the recession increasing the pressure on public services and public spending councils are under greater pressure to collect what's owed and make significant savings as well.

Independent debt advisors recommend payment of council tax should rank behind only mortgage or rental payments. Mr Toussaint was paying other debts that he could have agreed reduced payments.

For more information on council tax call 0208 937 1790 For debt advice contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or Nation Debtline.

Disabled badge misuse

2010-08-11T14:45:00.000Z

A fraudster - who used her mum's disabled badge to park near West London's Westfield shopping centre - has been found guilty today (9 August), fined and ordered to pay court costs.

Brent Council took Sandra Temple of Buchanan Gardens, Willesden, to court for fraudulently using her mother's disabled Blue Badge on three occasions while she visited her boyfriend or went shopping.

An eagle-eyed member of the public spotted the fraud and reported it to the local council.

Dave Verma, Brent Council's Audit Investigations Manager, said: "Westfield is a notorious place where people misuse badges so they can go shopping. Their selfish actions are depriving genuinely disabled people from using parking spaces."

Ms Temple fraudulently used the Blue Badge while her mother was either in hospital receiving care as an in patent or at home receiving care.

The area where she was parking in W12 was a restricted area where a visitor permit with a pay and display ticket or a local residents' permit are required.

Throughout the trial at Willesden Magistrates Court, Sandra Temple claimed she was not guilty despite strong evidence to the contrary. She now has a criminal record.

Mr Verma said: "Blue badges are issued to people in genuine need and it is unacceptable that some people in our society seek to misuse these badges and deprive those in genuine need.

"Anyone caught committing Blue Badge fraud should be warned - Brent Council will pursue a criminal conviction to protect spaces for those who genuinely need them."

If you suspect someone in Brent of committing Blue Badge fraud please call 0800 937 777.

Which appliances use the most electricity? the answer is here.

2010-08-01T14:03:00.000Z

On average, electrical appliances consume a quarter of our home energy use each year. As a total of our energy consumption this may not seem like a great deal with gas making up the remaining 75%.
This is true for the majority of properties heated by gas central or communal heating systems.
What is interesting however is that if we make the same comparison for our CO2 emissions, the proportion of CO2 form electricity consumption in relation to gas is much greater and can be as much as 45% for CO2 emissions from electricity and costing as much as 50% of total energy costs.

This is because emissions and running costs from electrical energy use is much higher in relation to the actual energy used due to the emissions produced at our power stations when usually coal or gas is burnt, and the higher cost for a unit of electricity.

This fact highlights the importance of using electrical appliances thoughtfully and efficiently as well as heating.

In order to do this it can be useful to consider the amount of electricity each appliance is consuming when it is use. The table below offers a summary of some of the most common appliances we have at home and the amount each consumes (on average) each hour of use.

Now the Govt. is resorting to taking money from children

2010-08-01T13:47:00.000Z

Babies born this weekend will be the last in the UK to receive the full payment to Child Trust Funds.

Vouchers for £250 from the government - to be invested until the child is 18 - will be paid until Monday, when payments will fall to £50, or £100 for low-income families.

The payments were introduced in September 2002 to encourage parents to invest for their children via a Child Trust Fund - often in shares - for when they enter further education or live by themselves.

Until this weekend, parents of newborns had received a voucher for £250 and the same again when the child reached the age of seven.

If the child was born into a family where the annual household income was £16,190 or less, then the initial payment was for £500.

Parents, family and friends could then put up to £1,200 a year into the Child Trust Fund with any income or gain tax free.

Children in Wales turning seven will continue to receive a £50 top-up to their Child Trust Fund, or £100 for low-income families, funded by the Welsh Assembly.

"It is crucial that we invest in the future of our children and young people, especially those from less well off backgrounds," said a Welsh Assembly spokesman.

"We are doing everything we can to explore ways in which our existing investment in setting up Child Trust Funds in Wales can be protected and to see what we can do to maintain our commitment to Wales' children and young people in the future."

Children could be taught in shops and shed.

2010-07-31T08:34:00.000Z

Empty shops could be converted into schools within five months, says a multinational building consultancy.

The EC Harris building group says it is already in discussion with parents' groups about providing premises for free schools.

The firm estimates it would cost about £13m to £17m to create a school using an existing shell - saving about a third on starting a new building.

The government wants to open the first free schools in September 2011.

These will be state-funded independent schools run by groups of parents or charities, outside of the control of local education authorities.

The building consultancy says that using empty retail space will be an affordable and rapid way of providing extra school space.

'More for less'
The London-based firm says it has been talking to groups interested in opening free schools, which are publicly funded, but independent from government control.

"David Cameron" rebuked for misuse of economic data

2010-07-31T08:31:00.000Z

David Cameron rebuked by Sir Alan Budd over 'inappropriate use' of economic data
Sir Alan Budd, head of the UK's economic watchdog, has rebuked David Cameron for using the independent body's forecasts for political gain.

In his opening remarks to the Treasury Select Committee, Sir Alan, chairman of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), said it was "not appropriate" to use OBR data to extrapolate comparisons on public sector employment numbers, as the Prime Minister had done two weeks ago.
Sir Alan's decision to bring forward by a day the publication of figures showing that plans to slash spending would cost 600,000 public sector jobs by 2016 raised questions about the fledgling body's independence. The decision was taken, Sir Alan said, to clarify old figures leaked to a newspaper.

Read more here.

Legal to be slashed. The vulnerable will be denied access to the law

2010-07-31T08:27:00.000Z

Officials working for Kenneth Clarke, the Justice Secretary, have drawn up plans to cut “hundreds of millions” of pounds from the £2.2 billion budget for Legal Aid.
The plan is among blueprints for cuts in public spending worth more than £40 billion handed to the Treasury.

The Whitehall cuts could amount to £32 billion over four years. Spending in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland could be cut by another £12.
David Cameron admitted yesterday that voters are “worried” about the scale and impact of the cuts, but insisted they were necessary to ensure Britain’s long-term economic stability.
He said: “Everyone is worried about cuts. I'm not doing this because I want to. I'm doing this because I have to. The last Government left a huge mess, a big black hole of debt and deficit and we’re having to take the steps to get the country back on track again.”

Read more here.

can you stomach this!!!!

2010-07-31T08:23:00.000Z

Sisters Ravindra and Meeta Singh both had their stomachs removed to beat the cancer which had killed five members of their family.

They both carry the rare mutant E-cadheri gene, seen in around 100 families worldwide, which makes them more prone to stomach cancer and breast cancer.

Ravindra, 30, already had stomach cancer by the time she had her operation, Meeta decided on the surgery as a preventative measure.

Almost a year after surgery the sisters, from Liverpool, say they are learning to live again, but admit things have been very hard.

"I am a lot better than I was in the earlier months, but obviously there are still side effects from having no stomach," said Ravindra, who says she often feels tired and dizzy.

If you have not got a stomach then you have to have lots of small meals”

"It's a year since the surgery and I'm still scared to go out and enjoy a meal out," she said.

"When I first came out of surgery the amount I could eat was very minimal, almost spoonfuls. But almost a year has gone by now and I probably eat about a third of what I used to be able to eat - so it is improving.

"But if I overeat, a few moments after I've finished eating, I'll feel discomfort, indigestion, have some acid reflux and then you get what's called 'dumping' syndrome which is unfortunately just what it sounds like - urgent diarrhoea."

Bonuses for senior Home Office staff amid pay freeze

2010-07-31T08:20:00.000Z

Hundreds of thousands of pounds in bonuses are to be paid to Home Office staff amid a public sector pay freeze.

Immigration minister Damian Green told the Commons home affairs select committee that the payments to senior officials would total £773,000.

But he said it was in effect a pay cut because the amount set aside for bonuses last year was £1.4m.

I would be happy with a pay cut like this.

click here to read more.

More economic misery for everyone to come thanks Mr Osborne

2010-07-31T08:18:00.000Z

Economy set for triple whammy, admits Bank chief
Senior economist warns of deteriorating outlook
Growth prospects hit hard by Osborne Budget
Unemployment and inflation likely to soar

By Sean O'Grady, Economics Editor

The British economy faces a triple whammy of higher inflation, lower growth and rising unemployment, according to one of the Bank of England's most senior policy makers. Living standards over the next few years will rise only "minimally".

In an interview with The Independent, the Bank's chief economist, Spencer Dale, said that he did not expect inflation to return to its 2 per cent official target before the end of next year, about a year later than previously hoped, partly because of the hike in VAT to 20 per cent from January announced in the Budget.

And, although Mr Dale acknowledged that the emergency Budget had done much to avoid the risk of a UK sovereign debt crisis and a rise in interest rates, he also acknowledged that the Budget would mean lower growth. Mr Dale agreed that he would not be surprised if unemployment went higher in the next few months. For the next "three, four, five years, demand in the economy will be "incredibly anaemic" relative to previous recoveries.

Click here to read more

Zac Goldsmiths and his expenses

2010-07-31T08:14:00.000Z

How many MP's have used the LETTER of the law to maximise their expenses spend on the election.

The video is very interesting to watch

Click here to read more

election spend not quite right for MP

2010-07-31T08:11:00.000Z

Exclusive: as the Electoral Commission reviews Zac Goldsmith's election campaign costs, a Channel 4 News investigation finds further puzzling figures on forms submitted by MPs. Education minister Sarah Teather is one of the new names.

Lib Dem Sarah Teather is one of five MPs under scrutiny over election campaign costs following a joint investigation by Channel 4 News and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism.

Click here to read more!!

smart meters a bit too smart for my liking.

2010-07-31T08:09:00.000Z

A leading computer scientist has warned of the security risks of using smart meters in controlling utility supplies.

A programme is underway to replace Britain’s 47 million meters with smart meters that can be turned off remotely. Utilities welcome the move because it will greatly simplify the process of collecting meter reading and controlling supply at times of high demand. As an added bonus the technology also makes it easier to switch subscribers to new (higher) tariffs if they persistently fail to pay their bill on time.

Click here to read more

Olympic volunteers wanted - Apply now!

2010-07-31T08:00:00.000Z

Olympic volunteers wanted - Apply now!

28/07/2010

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson is on the look out for Olympic Ambassadors to help visitors during the London 2012 Games.

To coincide with two years to go to the London 2012 Games, the Mayor has launched the 'London Ambassadors Programme' which aims to recruit volunteers who will provide help and advice to visitors during the Olympics and Paralympics.

Up to 14 million people are expected to visit London during the summer of 2012 and the London Ambassadors will play a vital role in providing an outstanding welcome to London's visitors.

Around 8,000 volunteers will be based at 35 sites across London which include Games Venues, transport hubs and tourist attractions.

Applicants must be 16 years old by 1 January 2012 and the application process opens in January 2011.

For more information and to register your details go to www.londonambassadors.org.uk

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games have opened the volunteering application process for Specialist Games Makers. From today (27 July 2010) pre-identified people can apply for specialist positions such as doctors, anti-doping personnel and scoreboard. Specialist Games Makers will need specialist skills or qualifications in order to fulfil their role, such as sport or medical training.

The application process for Generalist Games Makers opens on 15 September 2010.

Summer reading challenge

2010-07-31T07:56:00.000Z

July and August 2010

This summer, take a giant leap into the final frontier - at your local library. Join Space Hop, and we will help get you hooked on books!

Every year, thousands of families all over the country are involved in the UK's biggest reading event for children in libraries, the Summer Reading Challenge. For 2010, the Challenge is called Space Hop.

The aim of the challenge is to get children to read six books from their library during the summer holidays.

Contact us at libraries@brent.gov.uk or call 020 8937 3400

Can you write a book, Mills & Boon are looking for you.

2010-07-31T07:51:00.000Z

Mills and Boon are looking for fresh new writers
If you think you have got what it takes, join Mills and Boon author Heidi Rice for a romantic writing workshop. Heidi is the author of sexy, sassy and romantic reads.

In this workshop you will:

find out more about Heidi and her books
try your hand at writing romantic fiction
get hints and tips on how to take popular emotional themes and develop them through innovative, dramatic and compelling storytelling
submit a chapter.

Date: Friday 6 August 2010
Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Venue: Willesden Green Library Centre

Please book in advance at the library or call 020 8937 3400

Kensal Rise: Special school is hit by funds claims

2010-07-31T07:47:00.000Z

Kensal Rise: Special school is hit by funds claims

03 August 2010

A primary school has misspent funds intended for children with severe special educational needs, a whistleblowing teacher has claimed, writes Kate Ferguson.

Kensal Rise Primary School, in Harvest Road, Kensal Rise, received tens of thousands of pounds to pay for Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) which do not exist, claims the teacher.

And statemented children with severe difficulties with language, who should be taught in a specialist language unit, are being educated in mainstream classes without adequate support, the teacher, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of losing their job, adds.

Brent Council confirmed it has received complaints of alleged malpractice at the school, and are assessing whether there were grounds to launch an official investigation.

A teacher first tried to lift the lid on the alleged malpractices at the school in January by writing to Ofsted setting out the allegations.

In a letter seen by the Times, dated January 31, the teacher wrote: 'There are two language units where children are signed in the register, but they can integrate 100 per cent of the time without LSAs.

'This has been happening in one case since at least September 2009 and another since October 2009.

'There are numerous children with statements who have no LSA, yet their statements say they are approved an LSA.

'In one case Westminster paid for an LSA for at least two years and yet no LSA has ever worked with this child.'

This integration, the teacher claims, is not needs led or properly monitored, but done because Kensal Primary does not have sufficient numbers of staff trained in special educational needs to cope with demand.

In a response sent in February, Ofsted said it could not investigate because the complaint was outside its remit.

Several parents and a former teaching assistant have contacted the Times with similar allegations.

Mr Abukar Awale, a former parent, teaching assistant and governor at Kensal Rise Primary School, claims his daughter, who attended the school from September 2005 until July 2009, was eligible for 19 and a half hours of teaching with a designated LSA, which, he claims, she never received.

In a letter seen by the Times, Mr Awale, raised his concerns with the head teacher, but claims he never received an official response to the query.

Mr Awale said: "I translated at numerous meetings where parents clearly stated their concerns that their children had statements showing that their child was entitled to learning support, the council was paying for that support, yet their children did not have the learning support staff which was being paid for."

Harbi Farah, director of the Help Somalia Foundation, a community group which supports Somali in Brent, said he has been contacted by several parents with similar concerns.

Mr Farah said: "We have had a number of complaints from parents from Kensal Rise Primary school.

"There was a parent who came to us and claimed their child had been statemented by the school behind their back.

"We have tried to contact the school but we got no response at all."

Brent Council confirmed it is assessing the allegations, but refused to confirm whether an investigation has been launched.

A Brent Council spokeswoman said: "The council has recently received a number of allegations regarding Kensal Rise School through its whistleblowing procedure.

"These allegations are currently being assessed and evaluated to establish whether any investigation is warranted.

"We will make no further comment at this time or during the course of any investigation, should one be necessary.

Child Tax credits over payments

2010-07-31T07:42:00.000Z

Many more people will have to pay back some of the money paid to them as tax credits in the future, experts say.

At the moment credits are based on a family's own estimate of income for the coming year, with households allowed to earn an extra £25,000 before they have to pay money back to the government.

But over the next 18 months that buffer will be reduced to £5,000, meaning that many families could face repayments.

One expert warned the number of overpayments would "rocket".

The warning comes on the last day that people can renew this year's claims for either working tax credit or child tax credit.

Sarah Teather playing by the book, but who's book, Lib Dem Fiddling book.

2010-01-19T21:55:00.001Z

Thanks to the source who emailed to draw Scrapbook’s attention to the fact that, in relation to this week’s expenses revelations, Sarah Teather has in fact been “playing it by the book”.

Unfortunately for taxpayers, the book concerned isn’t Parliament’s Green Book on the appropriate use of expenses but the Liberal Democrats’ internal manual on fiddling the system, which was leaked to The Telegraph last autumn. The presentation describes “grey areas” in regulations, encouraging its MPs to “be imaginative” with public money and “spend to the limit”

Looks like there will be more to come.

Watch this space or political scrapbook

The Lyons enquiry needs to happen sooner rather than later.

Lib Dem lies over Sarah Teather office rentScrapbook blogged

2010-01-18T17:35:00.000Z

Lib Dem lies over Sarah Teather office rentScrapbook blogged last week on the continuing sleaze investigation into the office expenses of Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather. The former ‘Baby of the House’ shares her taxpayer-funded constituency premises with the political campaign wing of the local party, despite parliamentary rules that outlaw sub-lets and state that ”claims cannot relate to party political activity of any sort”.

The saga continues and hopefully there will be a full investigation before the elections, the article is suggesting that this could be misuse of public funds.

The fallen angel of lib dems

2010-01-18T17:28:00.000Z

looks like the saintly sarah teather is not so saintly after all.

After accusing Mp's of what planet they were living on ( expenses), what planet is sarah teather living on.

She is being accused of sub letting her office to Brents lib dem, this could be a breach of parliamentary rules, The standards committee for parliament may have start an investigation, hopefully this side of the elections.

what planet is sarah teather living on ?????

2010-01-17T12:50:00.000Z

If stories emenating from Brent East pan out then expenses “saint” Sarah Teather may be forced to dismount her trusty high horse. An standards investigation from John Lyons is currently in full swing. Could the sermonising return to haunt the diminutive Liberal Democrat?

The allegation made relates to the tenancy on her constituency office, which is also used for political activities by Teather’s local party. Liberal Democrat office-sharing shenannigans and opaque practices such as unincorporated, unauditable “printing societies” have been the obsession interest of Mancunian blogger Chris Paul (though – sadly – not the media) for some months.

Scrapbook has heard whisper that – should Lyons find against her – she may be getting a bill for £75,000.

Ouch.

Sarah Teather Mp to be investigated accused of sub letting office

2010-01-17T12:37:00.000Z

AN MP in Brent has been accused of sub-letting her constituency office in High Road, Willesden.

A letter was written to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, John Lyons, whose office confirmed it will be investigating the complaint made against Sarah Teather, MP for Brent East.

But a spokesman for Ms Teather MP said: “Sarah will be replying to John Lyons’ enquiry in the fullest terms.

"Sarah was described as an expenses “saint” by the Daily Telegraph, as “beyond reproach” by the Guardian and cleared by Sir Thomas Legg’s enquiry.

Boxing Day sales shoppers face parking charges chaos

2009-12-16T14:53:00.000Z

The AA said: 'There are some councils that do their best to milk as much as they can from drivers. There is real risk of people being caught out.

'I would urge people to appeal against fines if the rules are not clear.'
The British Shops and Stores Association said: 'It is absolutely ludicrous to hit people with parking fines on Boxing Day.'
Consumer Affairs Minister Kevin Brennan said: 'I would hope that councils show commonsense and restraint.
'Given that many consumers will not know Boxing Day is not an official bank holiday they will feel it is extremely unfair if they get a ticket

Take care in parking during the holiday period.

Brent's Boxing day parking chaos as councils cash in on parking confusion

2009-12-16T14:52:00.000Z

Beware Boxing day parking in BRENT not

I wanted to bring to everyone's attention that this years boxing day will fall on a saturday and according to the Evening standard there will be no free parking and all parking will be enforced as a normal day.

Our council just does not seem to get it that the day after chrismas is normally a day when people get up late, go shopping and visit friends and family, but our Lib Dem led council sees another opportunity to raise money, even scrooge would have been proud of them.

They have not made it clear to everyone that they will be enforcing parking rules on Boxing day, they need to get the message out very quickly, otherwise they will have made a mess of lot of people's christmas break.

I have attached a link from the Evening standard's website detailing my concerns that I have raised before.

Please read my other news espcially about the monies that the monies raised by our council and about the incorrectly issued tickets.

Please do not hesitate to let me know of your stories regarding parking issue and problems.

Regards

Muhammed

Labour Govt. Invests £80 Million into Brents Schools

2009-11-25T12:33:00.001Z

LABOUR INVESTS ANOTHER £80 MILLION TO MODERNISE REBUILD BRENT SCHOOLS

Following extensive lobbying by Brent Labour councillors and local Labour MPs Dawn Butler and Barry Gardiner, the Labour government has agreed to provide an additional £80 million under its ‘Building Schools for the Future’ programme. This means that secondary schools in the borough will be rebuilt or expanded as part of the government’s programme to modernise all secondary schools. Those programmed in the first phase are Alperton, Cardinal Hinsley in Harlesden, Queen’s Park Community School (which is to be expanded) and Copland School in Wembley.

Labour’s Education Spokesperson, Councillor Mary Arnold, said:

“One again our Labour government has put its money where its mouth is and invested in education. In recent years, the Labour government has given Brent the second highest increase school budgets in the entire country and now they are giving us this huge additional capital investment to improve the fabric of our schools. Before Labour came to power, Brent school students were taught in overcrowded classrooms sometimes with leaking roofs and in some cases in corridors. That situation has massively improved under Labour and this new money gives us the chance to ensure that every Brent child receives a first class education in modern schools with state of the art facilities”.

The ‘Building Schools for the Future’ programme allows for expansion as well as modernisation and Labour fears that the Lib Dem/Tory council may use the money merely to expand schools rather than modernise them. They have so far failed to rebuild primary schools despite receiving the money from the government to do so and their failure to take urgent action when they came to power four years ago has resulted in a critical shortage of school places.

Brent christmas light switch on

2009-11-11T17:39:00.000Z

British Olympic athlete Jade Johnson and her 'Strictly Come Dancing' partner, Ian Waite, take time out from dancing to switch on the Wembley Christmas lights on Friday 20 November 2009 as part of a magical day in Wembley.

This event takes place at the new Wembley Central Square starting at 2pm and finishing at 5.30pm with the lights being switched on at 5pm.

There will also be food stalls, a street theatre with colourful Christmas characters, stage entertainment, carols and goodies from town centre businesses.

For more information contact 020 8937 5064.

Brents Budget 2010/11 ZERO % demanded for Brent residents.

2009-11-10T13:18:00.000Z

Brent council is starting its budget setting process and I would like to remind and encourage the residents of Brent that they can actively take part in the process and have their say.

Our first reading of the budget is due to take place on 23rd November 2009 at full council and this meeting will give everyone an opportunity to tell their elected representatives where our money should be spent.

Brent’s lib dem led council is planning to make £50 million of cuts, cut staff levels and raise fees and charges, even though we have had 40% increase in the amount of monies given to councils since 1997 and Brent has received one of the largest increases in schools funding every year for the past four years.

The labour group will remind the LIB DEM council that 8 London labour borough have declared a zero %age rise in council tax and that we expect the same for all our Brent council tax payers.

The council intends to raise money by increasing fees and charges that could mean an increase in parking charges and fines, adult day care charges, burial and cremation charges and the possibility of new charges.
The council has produced an efficiency action plan and part of the action plan is to stop and withdraw “Low priority services “ that could mean closure of libraries or even regeneration work taking a back seat, which is already stalling in Stonebridge, Wembley and Kilburn.

Is the council including meals on wheels, improvement grants, dog wardens, street lighting, licensing, allotments, the Dial-a-ride service and learning disability services as low priority services?

Brent councils own damning report states that Brent is a relatively high cost authority and is falling behind other top performing councils.
Restricting access or managing access to council’s services could become a reality, reducing street cleaning and recycling services, reducing grants to voluntary organisations, reviewing terms and conditions for staff are some of the methods that could be adopted by councils to become cost effective.

We have major problems around council and social housing, demands on children’s social care services, school places, roads and traffic, leisure services and cemeteries, you can help us to deliver these and other services that you want.

I need you to contact me and let me know what your views are, what concerns you or your friends and family have, without your input your council will do what it wants and that means cuts, cuts, cuts!!!

Tel: 020 8840 7116 / 07710 309 056
Cllr.muhammed.butt@brent.gov.uk www.brentbrain.org.uk/cllrmuhammedbutt

Britains NHS voted the best in the world

2009-11-05T15:32:00.000Z

Britain's family doctors, not noted for their optimism about the NHS, delivered a boost to the Government yesterday by rating the health care delivered in the UK as equal to the best in the world.

A survey of more than 10,000 primary care doctors in 11 countries worldwide found that the NHS was ranked top in six categories, including biggest improvement in quality of care, and close to the top in most of the rest by the frontline staff who deliver the care. Its lowest ranking was on the level of bureaucracy.

The annual survey by the US Commonwealth Fund, published in the journal Health Affairs, was welcomed by ministers for demonstrating that the massive investment in the NHS over the last decade has paid dividends. The 11 countries involved in the survey were Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, the US and the UK.

The Health Secretary Andy Burnham, who is visiting Washington, congratulated NHS staff on a "magnificent achievement". He said: "This is an important moment for the NHS. The journey to overhaul the quality of care over the last 10 years has paid off."

Brent school Deputy sacked and head resigns.

2009-11-04T21:49:00.000Z

A DISGRACED former deputy head has been sacked from his position for gross misconduct and the head teacher has resigned, writes Alex Wellman.

Dr Richard Evans, former deputy head of Copland Community School in Cecil Avenue, Wembley, was dismissed on the grounds of gross misconduct in relation to serious financial irregularities by the schools Interim Executive Board (IEB) on Monday November 2.

The disciplinary panel, made up of three members of the school's IEB, heard evidence from Brent Council's head of Audit and Investigation before reaching its conclusion.

Dr Evans, who chose not to attend the hearing, has the right to appeal against the board's decision.

The school's Bursar Columbus Odukoro is due to appear before a disciplinary panel in December.

The school's head teacher, Sir Alan Davis was also asked to appear before a disciplinary panel this week.

However, he formally resigned from his position on October 14.

The former head of human resources at the school, Michelle Bishop, also resigned following her suspension in August this year.

All four were embroiled in a scandal which saw thousands of pounds of school cash go on extravagant bonuses.

It is not possible to take disciplinary action leading to dismissal against staff once they have resigned.

The school is taking legal advice on further action to be taken.

Roy Evans, chairman of Copland's IEB said: "The school's prime focus is the welfare and development of the students.

"Despite the recent events, the school's board and acting head teacher are continuing to maintain good educational standards and have already made many improvements to the buildings and equipment.

"We have had strong positive support from Brent Council during this difficult period. Morale is high within the school and we will continue to move forward."

A Brent Council spokeswoman said: "Brent Council fully supports the decision of the Interim Executive Board to dismiss Dr Richard Evans from his post as deputy headteacher at Copland Community School.

"The council acted swiftly when it was made aware of the allegations of serious financial mismanagement at the school.

"We suspended four senior members of staff, took control of the school's budget, established an Interim Executive Board to oversee the running of the school and with them, installed a new Acting Head to take the school forward.

"We will continue to work with the school in achieving further progress.

Crime Maps for Brent "keep em peeled"

2009-11-04T15:09:00.000Z

Click on the title to access the link to more information.

You can take a look at the crime maps for your area and see the levels of crime.

Take my ward in Tokyngton the levels of crime increased by 54% compared to same 3 month period last year.

You can take a look at the types of crime being committed, ie Burglary ,Robbery ,Vehicle crime, Violence and Anti-social behaviour.

I recommend you use the data to speak to your councillors and Safer neighbourhodd teams so that you can prioritise the types of crime you want targetted first.

Our Lib-dem - conservative led coalition made a lot of the drops in crime levels for the previous year, does the increase in all levels of reported crime on the met website suggest that the council has taken their eyes of the ball when it comes to crime.

I sincerey hope not, but would like to hear what their reasons will be.

During sept 09 Kenton and Northwick Park wards each had 63 reported crimes and at the other end of the spectrum we had Harlesden with 180 crimes reported and Stonebridge with 170 crimes reported.

If you have concerns that you want to discuss please do not hesitate to contact me :

1 cllr.muhammed.butt@brent.gov.uk
2 www.twitter.com/lwxmb19
3 020 8840 7116
4 07710 309 056, you can also send me a text.

"keep em Peeled"
As Shaw Taylor used to sign off on the program Police 5 ,the program was on our screens on ITV for 30 years and was about reducing crime working with New Scotland yard.

Voluntary Sector funding Main programme 2010 to 2013

2009-11-04T13:21:00.000Z

The council's main funding programme is the main programme grant administered by the voluntary sector service.

A few examples of the grants that have been given in the past are listed below:
summer play scheme
luncheon clubs
youth activities
recreational activities e.g. drama
Saturday supplementary schools
family counselling & bereavement services
educational and training services
health and social care services

Grants are available to voluntary organisations that provide the majority of their services to residents of Brent.

Organisations need to be properly constituted with a management committee or a registered charity.

Private individuals or a trading company cannot apply for funding.

From 2009/10 the Council has moved from an annual grant making process and implement a 3 year funding programme for voluntary organisations. The funding under the new process will have a themed approach, which will be chosen by the Executive each year. The themes will be based on specific elements of the Council's strategic priorities set out in the Council's Corporate Strategy 2006/10. To be considered for this grant organisations will need to meet specific funding criteria.

The funding period will be for three years starting April 2010. The ceiling for this grant is £25,000 per year, and priority will be given to organisations not currently in receipt of the 3 year MPG funding programme.

The selected theme for funding for April 2009/12 is Children's and Young Peoples Services. Up to £774,597 was allocated to 22 organisations over three years.

The Council has recently agreed that the next theme for its 3 year funding commencing on 1st April 2010 to 31 March 2013 will be Crime, Community Safety & Regeneration.

Applications are now invited from organisations that provide projects related to this theme. The closing date for receiving completed applications is 12.00 noon Monday 7 December 2009. Please download an application pack below and advert (.doc, 25Kb) and e-mail the completed application and supporting documents to main.programme1013@brent.gov.uk

Please note that two information workshops have been arranged on 24 November 2009 at New Bridge Park Complex from 10.00am – 12.00pm and 2.00pm – 4.00pm respectively, where further information about the application process will be provided. If you would like to attend one of these workshops please book your place by e-mail to main.programme1013@brent.gov.uk or by phone on 020 8937 3673.

104,775 Parking tickets in Brent and 3,232 Towed away for our last year 20089-09.

2009-11-03T14:30:00.000Z

104,775 Parking tickets in Brent and 3,232 Towed away for our last year 20089-09.

These figures are the latest figures that have been published, works out to over 400 tickets every working day or nearly £25000.00 a day for every £60.00 ticket or £50000.00 every day if people had to pay the full £120.00 charge.

Click on the title for all the details.

Dangers of Mixed messages on drugs by Gordon Brown

2009-11-03T13:42:00.000Z

Gordon Brown today hit back in the drugs row, insisting he was right to overrule scientists on cannabis.

In an exclusive interview with the Standard, he said the public backed him against calls for softer sentences related to drug abuse and he warned against the danger of giving “mixed messages” to young people targeted by dealers.

"We'll get tougher on drugs,” declared the Prime Minister, defying threats of resignations by supporters of the sacked former chief drugs
adviser Professor David Nutt.

“A tough policy on drugs is essential and it is what the public want,” Mr Brown said. “I've seen the damage that drugs can do and people can see it in estates in London. I think I share the public concern about the effect that drugs have.”

Click on the title for th elink to full interview.

Democracy Live

2009-11-03T13:00:00.000Z

The BBC have launched a new site that is dedicated to Politics.

It gives you access to everything that is happening in British, Welsh, scottish and NI politics and across the pond in Europe.

I would recommend everyone to use the site to keep yourself informed of what is happening and occurring that will and could impact their lives.

Click on the title to access the BBC democracy site.

Brents school children betrayed

2009-04-30T19:38:00.000Z

How much more must the children of Brent suffer with the failings of the lib dem led council.

they have delayed the Academy in Brent by at least 16 months and this will lead to further delays before it actually opens and Cllr Wharton wants to ease the difficulties, if he knew about the difficulties of having to take his children to two different schools because there are not enough places then he would not be talking about easing difficulties, but finding and implementing solutions.

Read the article below.

http://mbutt.newsvine.com/_news/2009/04/30/2757377-willesden-and-brent-times-betrayal-of-pupils-is-slated

Community payback, vote now for Brent places.

2009-04-23T11:33:00.000Z

Community Payback is a punishment that can be handed out by the courts. It's demanding work, carried out by criminals in the community. Offenders have to wear bright orange jackets marked Community Payback, so you will see them paying back for their crimes. Members of the public can have their say on where offenders will be working and the kind of work they will be doing. Led by the Probation Service, it is a national scheme that is delivered locally.

Please vote for the area that you would like to be done first.

Brent & County court kicks out community organisation in Stonebridge

2009-04-17T08:47:00.000Z

Afri-Caribbean People's Organisation (ACPO) will not be given a new lease on the building and will have 28 days to vacate the property.

That was the decision taken by Willesden county court on 8th April 2009, after Brent council took the ACPO to court.

The group ACPO, which will not be allowed to appeal the decision, had been allowed to stay in it after paying £8,448.17 they owed the council in rent, following an earlier county court hearing in June 2008.

Please use the links below to have your say.

http://www.brentbrain.org.uk/BRAIN/brainZones.nsf/0/E6BB81BA219B99B68025759B002F5688?opendocument&Z=3

Ex Libem Councillor pleads guilty to fraud.

2009-04-09T22:15:00.000Z

An elected ex lib dem councillor has pleaded guilty to about 11 counts of fraud, amounting to about £50,000.

Leaders of Brent's political parties have called for his resignation, but the lib dems have decided that they do not have a view.

If he does do the honourabl thing and rsign then there will most likely be a by election soon.

What do you think of Boris Johnsons's performance so far?

2009-04-09T12:11:00.001Z

Boris has been in control of London for nearly a year now, what do you think of his performance so far, has he been a good mayor of London, how was he at the olympics, how has he dealt with our olympics, would be good to find out people's views.

Dumpers Charter in Brent

2009-04-06T13:41:00.000Z

I dont know why, but there seems to be a proliferation of dumped rubbish on the streets of Brent.

The Lib dems with their partners the Tories have bought in a charge of £25.00 to pick up your bulk rubbish.

This charge is probably the reason why we see so much being dumped every where, and now the service is not even breaking even so the charge is now costing us the council tax payer even more money.

The bulk rubbish used to get picked up for free under the previous administration, with just a simple phone call.

The council should re-instate the free service again and encourage people to dispose of their rubbish through the proper channels and encourage people to use the sellers service of taking the items away at point of delivery.