POVERTY COMMISSION REPORT

A fairer future

Cash will go towards rolling out ‘money mentors’, tackling period poverty and programmes which help those who are struggling with their energy bills.

The independent Poverty Commission, which was chaired by Lord Richard Best, recommended 40 ways to making Brent fairer last August.

Rafael Lima completed a construction apprenticeship with Brent Works and is looking forward to a permanent role. COVID-19 has exposed the urgency of this issue and it is crucial that ‘‘ we keep up the pace over the next year and continue to work to create a fairer future for local people‘‘

Cllr Southwood, Brent’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Welfare Reform

This landmark report picked out the soaring cost of rent in private housing, access to well-paid work, and debt as among the biggest problems. A year on from receiving those recommendations, a coordinated effort has been underway to confront the causes and consequences of poverty in Brent.

A place to call home

Nearly 500 families have now moved into a new council home. Brent has one of London’s most ambitious homebuilding programmes and is ahead of schedule to reach its target of 1,000 new council homes by 2024.

Wherever the council builds, it also invests in the local neighbourhood. Take Stonebridge resident, Rehan, who spotted a work placement opportunity advertised on a noticeboard outside the Hillside and Milton Avenue development, where building work is well underway. He applied and started shadowing the Quantity Surveying team on site this July. Now he is excited about his future in the construction industry.

“I’ve been trusted by my team to help with certain tasks and given insight on what’s to come for when I graduate,” said Rehan Keeping away the loan sharks

More than £2.2m has been given out in emergency financial relief through Brent’s Resident Support Fund, which was set up to help people get through short-term money worries as a result of COVID-19.

The council is also working with credit unions to help local people who aren’t eligible for the grants to access interest-free loans, rather than resorting to loan sharks.

Brent Hubs have continued to support local communities, putting people before process and working with individuals to sort out complex issues, from housing to benefits, wellbeing and employment.

One resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, told us her story. “In July 2020, I found myself homeless unexpectedly. The situation I found myself in left me so stressed that it affected my physical health. Brent Hubs helped me find practical solutions, which means I am now seeing my health improve.” Work that pays

Over the past year, many people lost their jobs, were furloughed or had their hours and pay cut. Brent Works was a lifeline for anyone who needed help getting back on their feet, supporting 220 people back into work during the pandemic with connections to local employers, 1-1 advice and training opportunities.

The council is also championing the Living Wage, which is based on the real costs of living. As well as being an accredited employer, Brent works has also put in place a range of incentives to encourage more local businesses to follow suit.

“We are doing all in our gift to eradicate poverty in Brent”, said Cllr Southwood, Brent’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Welfare Reform. “By working across the council and linking up with local partners, we are addressing the underlying problems which push people into poverty.” “COVID-19 has exposed the urgency of this issue and it is crucial that we keep up the pace over the next year and continue to work to create a fairer future for local people.”

Rehan featured centre, meeting Brent Councillors