This summer, we are thrilled to be one of the London boroughs receiving new Summer Streets funding from the Mayor of London, which will bring new energy to Wembley High Road, Ealing Road, Kingsbury and Willesden Green. With an exciting programme of activities on the horizon, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy al fresco dining, live music, cultural performances, market stalls and family-friendly events from 2027.
From celebrating Brent's Little India on Ealing Road to creating welcoming outdoor spaces in Willesden Green and encouraging more people to spend time in our town centres, the programme is designed to support local businesses, strengthen community connections and showcase the very best of Brent.
At the same time, we remain committed to building healthier, safer and more resilient communities. Earlier this week, Brent took the significant step of declaring a Gambling Harms Emergency, recognising the serious impact gambling can have on individuals, families and communities. Gambling harm is not simply a personal issue; it is a public health issue that can contribute to debt, poor mental health, family breakdown and inequality. Brent has at least 81 licensed gambling premises, the second-highest number in London, and 6.2 per cent of Brent residents are considered to be gambling at the highest level of risk, more than double the national average of 2.9 per cent.
For too long, local authorities have had limited powers to prevent the spread of gambling premises, even where communities have made clear they do not want them. Brent has been at the forefront of the national campaign for reform working alongside MPs, councils and campaigners to call for stronger protections, greater public health oversight and more local control. While we welcome recent changes that will strengthen councils' ability to act, there is still more work to do.
We have already seen the strength of local feeling on this issue. Recently, an application for a new adult gaming centre in Willesden Green was rejected by Brent Council's Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee following more than 200 objections from residents, ward councillors and community representatives.
Alongside these initiatives, we have also taken the first step in preparing Brent's new Local Plan. Our timetable and formal intention to commence have now been published, marking the start of an important conversation about the future of our borough. The new Local Plan will help guide decisions on homes, jobs, infrastructure and open spaces for years to come. Later this year, residents, businesses and community groups will have the opportunity to take part in an early public consultation, helping to shape the priorities and vision for Brent's future.
July is also Disabled People's Empowerment Month, and this year's theme is "Brent Works Better With Us". Throughout the month we will be celebrating the contribution of disabled residents and promoting greater inclusion across our borough.
I would encourage residents to join us for two key events in particular: a screening of I Swear, the BAFTA-winning drama telling the true story of John Davidson, a Scottish activist with Tourette syndrome, at The Lexi Cinema on 14 July, and our Disabled People's Empowerment Month event at the Civic Centre on 29 July, featuring panels, speakers and performances.
In the meantime, there is plenty to enjoy across Brent this summer. Through our Summer in Brent programme residents can discover a wide range of activities, events and support available across the borough. I encourage everyone to take a look at what's on, try something new and enjoy a fantastic summer in Brent.
