Supporting Communities

Brent’s strength lies in its communities. From neighbourhood groups and faith organisations to local volunteers and grassroots projects, people across the borough work every day to bring others together and improve where they live. Yet after 15 years of Labour, too many community groups feel underfunded, overlooked or forced to compete for limited resources through complex processes.

A Council that truly supports communities must do more than offer warm words. Funding for community-led events should be accessible and fairly distributed, not overly bureaucratic or unclear. Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding should be transparent, responsive to local priorities and easy for residents and groups to engage with. Council-owned buildings should support community use, with fair and affordable social rent levels that allow groups to thrive rather than struggle.

Liberal Democrats believe strong communities are built through partnership, trust and practical support. By reforming how funding is allocated and how community spaces are managed, the Council can empower local people to take pride in their neighbourhoods and strengthen community life across Brent.

The following proposals set out how we will better support communities, unlock local potential, and ensure the Council works with, rather than against, the people who make Brent such a special place to live.

1. We will restore funding for community groups in Brent to hold events that bring people together, including Navratri, Eid, Diwali, Christmas, and other non-religious cultural and community celebrations. The Labour administration scrapped these grants, preventing many groups from running events that mean so much to residents and contribute to community cohesion. By supporting these celebrations, we will strengthen local communities, celebrate Brent’s diversity and ensure that all residents have the opportunity to take part in the cultural life of the borough.
   
    
2. We will reform the way Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding is allocated to community groups in Brent, creating a system that is fair, transparent, and effective. Labour have failed to devise a process that works, leaving residents and local groups frustrated, under-supported and many questioning the integrity of decision making. Our approach will combine Councillor input with direct consultation with residents, ensuring that funding is spent on projects that genuinely improve local areas and reflect the priorities of the communities themselves.
   
    
3. We will introduce social rent levels for all Council-owned buildings in Brent, making it easier for community groups and voluntary organisations to access these spaces and deliver vital services to residents. Under current arrangements, high rents often prevent smaller groups from using Council facilities, limiting their ability to run events, provide support, or engage with the community. By setting rents at socially responsible levels, we will empower local organisations, strengthen the voluntary sector, and ensure that Council buildings are used to benefit the people of Brent.