Brent Council has committed to working with neighbouring boroughs and the government to secure funding for the proposed West London Orbital Railway (WLOR), following a council meeting on Monday, September 14, 2026.

A scatter plot illustrating internal investments, comparing average return against credit risk for London & Met Boroughs and Brent on 31/03/26.
A scatter plot illustrating internal investments, comparing average return against credit risk for London & Met Boroughs and Brent on 31/03/26.

Councillors debated a motion to advance the project, which aims to create an 18.5-kilometre rail route with new stations at Harleston and Kneesden. Councillor Byrne, who moved the motion, highlighted the railway's potential to transform journey times, connect residents to jobs and education, and support new homes and employment opportunities.

It's not a marginal upgrade. It means better connections to jobs, to education and to opportunity, Councillor Byrne stated. He added that the project would also offer significant environmental benefits, including less car use, less congestion, cleaner air and a real contribution to our climate goals.

The WLOR is projected to support more than 15,000 homes and 11,500 jobs, with approximately 4,100 of these homes located in Brent. Councillor Byrne emphasised that the project would lead to new homes being built and new jobs being created.

However, an amendment proposed by the Green Party, moved by Councillor Suzanne Gallagher, sought to prevent further spending on the project. Councillor Gallagher described it as a billion-pound hypothetical rail scheme with no secure funding and a delivery horizon stretching into the 2030s. She argued, Local authorities simply do not have the funding to commit. This should be funded by TFL, DFT and others, rather than Brent, who continue to support the funds we have.

Councillor Gallagher also noted that while the Mayor had lobbied Central Government in 2024 to progress the West London Orbital, an inquiry about the progress yielded a response of No.

Despite these reservations regarding the project's timeline and funding, the motion, as amended by the Green Party's proposals, was carried by the council. This means Brent Council is committing to work with neighbouring boroughs and the government to secure a secure funding profile in order that the West London Orbital Railway could be delivered.

Further details on the council's agenda and reports can be found in the Agenda frontsheet Monday 14 September 2026 and the Public reports pack Monday 14 September 2026.