Brent Council insists that it is pleased with its performance this year, despite hitting less than half of its targets relating to its borough plan and ‘Brent 2020’ vision.

A second quarter report presented to its cabinet yesterday showed that things were on track in 45 out of 103 priority areas.

It reviewed the council’s current borough plan – which promotes the concept of ‘better lives, better place and better locally’ – and where it would like to be in two years’ time.

There are some concerns over recycling and waste disposal, volunteering in the borough and housing services.

Tackling homelessness and dealing with certain potholes were also below target levels, though they are expected to balance out later in the year.

And Cllr Margaret McLennan, deputy leader of Brent Council, believes that, overall, the picture is a positive one.

She said: “We are meeting a lot of the areas of priority and, where we are not, we have action plans in place.

“The trajectory is moving upwards – in terms of employment and skills, we are putting things in place – and we are doing well in terms of the overall project.”

There was special praise reserved for Willesden Green Library, which had to cope with a flooding incident during this quarter.

Cllr Krupesh Hirani, who is responsible for culture and leisure, noted the success of the library’s Windrush exhibition and the fact that, despite its struggles, general activity was only marginally below target.

Council leader Cllr Muhammad Butt agreed that the council can be generally proud of its position but said it must always be “mindful” of performance.