Waiting times: A simple enquiry takes a minimum of six weeks to receive a reply--utterly…read moreunacceptable for a public body funded by taxpayers. Broken promises: I have spent 12 months trying to set up a direct-debit for my council tax. Despite multiple emails, and online forms, Brent still hasn't managed--nor even bothered--to do it. Disrespectful tone: After life threw me a curveball and I fell three months behind on payments, the council sent letters filled with language that was hostile, threatening, and frankly degrading. Their wording sits far below basic standards of courtesy, let alone "British values." Exploiting the uninformed: Brent serves a community with many newcomers to the UK who may not yet know their rights. Instead of guiding people, the council appears to rely on intimidation--an abuse of power that no public authority should tolerate. Lack of accountability: Local papers have already exposed performance issues at Brent, yet nothing changes. The culture of indifference--and sometimes outright contempt--toward residents persists. Bottom line: Brent Council is not fit for purpose in its current state. If you've had a similar experience, raise your voice. Don't be afraid to file a formal complaint. Only collective pressure will force Brent to treat residents with the respect we deserve.

AVOID BRENT COUNCIL IF YOU CAN. UNTRUSTWORTHY AND DECEITFUL COUNCIL…read more This council provided me with accommodation in the 020 7 telephone area from my temporary accommodation in Harrow 9 years ago so I do now really feel part of London. I've had a few sweeteners along the way such as winning expensive rugby tickets, a tour of Wembley Stadium, a fabulous day of White Water Rafting at the Olympic centre in Hertfordshire and just now a pair of expensive tickets to the very posh Christmas dinner and party for the Mayor of Brent which I enjoyed immensely. I've also won a £30 Marks & Spencer voucher from my own towerblock. The reception area of my towerblock take in courier packages for me which I find helpful and the estate cleaning lady, Kathleen does a fantastic job and I get on very well with her. You've got to watch Brent Council a bit however. I paid enough money to cover my first month's Council Tax one year with an accompanying phone call and instead of crediting the first month they just removed the amount from my entire bill so it was still due in the April which could have caused difficulty for me as I was on a long holiday. When my Australian partner bought me my flat under the Right To Buy I received a rent statement a month after they had received the money showing I was going into arrears which could have affected my credit rating if I'd not jumped up and down. I've had 2 leaks from the flat above and 2 horrendous overnight parties but it's calmed down a lot now. I will be checking carefully my leasehold service charge bills especially as Eric Pickles has, I think, put a cap on leasehold major repairs bills. Loony Leftie council probably. I don't really approve of the fact that most of the social housing goes to immigrants but I usually get on quite well with my neighbours and am not bothered on my estate. It is with regret that I have downgraded my star rating as the issue with noise in the flat above me has returned on a fairly regular basis. The Kilburn Square Housing Co-op are denying that they can see the tenant entering the block at night on CCTV which I believe to be a lie. They even denied it after a friend staying with me experienced a stressful night due to noise nuisance. Noise nuisance team and Co-op seem to take the person breaking the rules side which is actually a form of bullying against me. Other neighbours on his floor used to complain and received the same cover up from management so it's not just me. DO NOT EXPECT BRENT COUNCIL TO STICK UP FOR YOU IF YOU DO THE RIGHT THING AND FOLLOW THE RULES, PAY YOUR BILLS ON TIME OVER THOSE WHO HAVE PROBABLY NEVER DONE A DAY'S WORK IN THEIR LIVES AND ARE BREAKING THE RULES.

It's queues and a mass of noisy humanity but in the chaos they do try to make some order and…read moreprovide help. The ladies at information desk knew before I finished my sentence where and what I needed and who I needed to see. Thank you ladies! After 20 min of waiting I was helped by a lovely council tax person who pointed out. I've been overpaying for where I live and gave me tips on finding cheaper places to live and explained how these letting agents make their money. His explanation. Say the rent is 200/week the letting agents add their 50/week and they keep that for the duration of the letting agreement! That's a lot for just a letting service! So his advice to me was to find someone before they get to a letting agent! Not likely! But how sweet of him to try to help! It's like any government facility but I found them to be personable and knowledgeable. I couldn't ask for more. =)

William Shakespeare (bapt. 26[b] April 1564 - 23 April 1616)[c] was an English playwright, poet and…read moreactor. He is regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist.[2][3][4] He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon" (or simply "the Bard").[5][d] His extant works, including collaborations, consist of some 39 plays,[e] 154 sonnets, three long narrative poems, and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.[7] He remains arguably the most influential writer in the English language, and his works continue to be studied and reinterpreted.

This is one of the most well-stocked public libraries I have used…read more It is crammed with all manner of lendable materials and they host useful community talks. The extensive bilingual section for children was extremely helpful to me when I was teaching in primary school. There is a great range of DVDs, language instruction materials and local area information. One star off for the staff. Not unwilling to help, but mostly unable. When I smile and say good afternoon, it is nice to have it reciprocated. That has never happened to me here.

Great library. It's improved immeasurably since it's refit, and it has a great stock of books. The…read moregraphic novel section in particular is very good with a great selection of alternative titles as well as the usual suspects. The staff are helpful and there's a nice atmosphere. There's a fair few PCs too, and members can use the internet for free.