Another Councillor Review

Today is the day I usually do my six month review looking at both past and future.  I guess the main subject here is waste and recycling.

This was an early objective of Brent's Labour administration, and i think we have achieved a lot.  Our manifesto target was focused on recycling.  We inherited a declining recycling rate of less than 30% and have pushed it up to 43% or thereabouts.  That is good, but we have currently reorganised to push it up still further.

We have also started to focus more on reduction and re-use.  I think West London Waste Authority is probably a pioneer in this respect.  We recently agreed a contract for more recovery.  This will divert from greenhouse bad emissions to electricity generation.

For other sections, I think we need to turn more to the economic agenda for each section.  For example, libraries are offering lots of training opportunities.  This could supply opportunities in the creative industries in particular.

On the more casework side, hopefully I have kept people informed about Station Approach, Harlesden Town Centre, improvements to parks and the ward in general.  We have had. Couple of hiccups at St Marks Church, as the keys were changed.

In terms of Brent Council as a whole, we currently confront the worst financial situation the Borough has ever faced.