Looking out for each other this winter

Earlier this month, I told you that your council has some tough decisions to make about next year’s budget. Like local authorities up and down the country, we have no choice but to find further savings. Still, during a cost-of-living crisis, we are determined to prioritise support for people who need it the most.

As well as our campaign helping residents to access financial help this winter, I’m really pleased that we’re on the cusp of opening the New Horizons Centre near Harlesden. Alongside our partners Sufra NW London, we’ll be helping households on low-incomes with affordable groceries and healthy meals, plus things like immigration advice and debt support. Keep your eyes peeled for more news on the opening.

What’s more, next week, we’ll celebrate the grand opening of Wembley Library – with its brand-new Resident Hub, more study areas, and a fantastic space for children to fuel their imagination, empathy and curiosity. Libraries play such an important role in community life, and investments like this are investments in the long-term future of the people of Brent.

Finally, last week was a cold one, and I wanted to remind you that our libraries are warm, welcome spaces with free hot drinks and public toilets that anyone can use without judgement. Please spread the word and let’s look out for each other this winter.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council

Have your say on council spending

The council has published draft budget proposals for 2025-26, and we want to hear your views.

Like households across the country, councils are facing unprecedented financial challenges. Our core funding from central government has fallen by 78% over the last 14 years, coupled with rising demand for our services and inflation. This means we need to find a further £16 million of savings next year.

We know that this budget will be difficult and it’s important that we take these tough choices together. The feedback form only takes a few minutes to complete and your views will help to inform our decision-making. Alternatively, you can attend a Brent Connects session.

Grand opening of Wembley Library

Come and celebrate the reopening of the new Wembley Library and Resident Hub with a day of fun for everyone!

There’s something for all the family at the grand reopening of Wembley Library. Bring your little ones to hear stories and rhymes, with special guest star Santa Claus, and for those that like to get a bit messy there’s face painting, craft workshops and so much more fun activities. To stay up to date with what’s happening in your borough there will be waste, recycling and climate change information stalls.

Where: Wembley Library

When: Saturday 7 December, 11am – 4pm

Speak up for women’s safety

To mark 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, join a public meeting and share your views on women’s safety in public, online and in the home.

A panel of speakers, including local police, gender violence experts, and community leaders, will lead discussions on topics like violence prevention, public safety, and support services for survivors. All are welcome to join.

When – Wednesday, December 4 · 6 – 8pm

Where – Brent Civic Centre, Wembley

This international campaign is led by the United Nations to raise awareness about gender-based violence. During the 16 days, the council is hosting a number of events to honour those affected, and to reaffirm our commitment to keeping women in Brent safe and supported.

Applications open for primary school places

Applications for primary school places in Brent for September 2025 are now open.

Parents and carers have until 15 January 2025 to apply for their child’s preferred primary school. Families with children turning four between September 2024 and August 2025 are eligible to apply for a place in reception.

Submit school application

Share your views on the new Bridge Park Centre

The Council is working on redeveloping Bridge Park and we want to hear from you.

The plans which will be shown at two exhibitions in November, show the new Bridge Park Leisure Centre will be more than double the size of the current building, have a new state-of-the-art swimming pool, and lots more great amenities.

Get involved by attending the exhibition at Brent Start, Twybridge Way, London NW10 0ST on Thursday 28 November, from 3 to 7pm or Saturday 30 November, from 10am to 2pm

Alternatively you can fill out the form online

Fill out form

A warm welcome in Brent Libraries

This winter, you’ll get a warm welcome at any of Brent Libraries. Drop into any of our libraries for a free hot drink and a warm welcome. Please bring your own reusable cup to help support recycling.

You can also donate your once-loved adult or children’s coat at Wembley Library, Ealing Road Library and The Library at Willesden Green and help keep someone in need warm this winter.

Check Library opening times

Be a part of tackling Islamophobia

Over the last year Islamophobic hate crimes increased 365% in the UK, reaching a record high.

On Tuesday 26th November we hosted an evening dedicated to raising awareness about Islamophobia and empowering local people to combat discrimination.

Contributions from community leaders and local artists brought the theme of this year’s national Islamophobia Awareness Month to life. “Seeds for change” is all about the power that small actions have in contributing to big change.

A lively panel discussion took place at the end of the event, which involved all of our different speakers taking questions from the audience and debating a wide range of relevant issues.

Barrister, broadcaster, and author, Hashi Mohamed’s closed the evening with a powerful speech. Hashi provided some welcomed positivity in his reminder that, whilst there is still lots of work to do, we should be proud of the progress that has been made in Brent.

Show your support

Do you need help switching to eVisa?

The UK Government is replacing physical immigration documents with digital proof of immigration status, called an eVisa.

The council is offering drop-ins, where trained staff can help you to:

Create your UKVI account

Learn how to access and use your eVisa

If you use a biometric residence permit, card or visa vignette in your passport to prove your rights in the UK, you will need to make the change to eVisa.

Check you’re registered to vote!

Every year, we check that the electoral register is up to date. We do this to make sure that everyone who has the right to vote can have their say. If you’ve received a letter from us, please follow the instructions and make sure that your details are up to date.

We are knocking on the doors of people who have not yet replied to ask for these details. If someone calls at your home, please help them with their work.

If you have questions, our elections team are happy to help. You can give them a call on 020 8937 1372 or email electoral.services@brent.gov.uk

Free school meals for more children

Brent ran a data check to identify families who were eligible but not currently claiming this support. The council contacted eligible families to explain how to apply and as a result, nearly 250 pupils are now receiving healthy, nutritious lunchtime meals and Brent schools have secured an extra £330,000 in pupil premium funding

Find out more

New homes in Kilburn reach milestone

The development of 125 new homes for residents reached a milestone moment on Thursday 21 November, bringing us one step closer to delivering modern, energy-efficient homes to Brent.

There will be 80 one, two and three-bedroom homes available for affordable rent. Additionally, there will be 45 one-bedroom flats designed to support independent living as part of Brent’s New Accommodation for Independent Living (NAIL) project. The homes are specifically designed to meet the needs of vulnerable residents, featuring communal spaces, a lounge, activity rooms and landscaped front and back gardens. Residents will also benefit from the assistance of care staff.