The Cabinet of Havering Council met on Wednesday 14 January 2026 to discuss and approve a range of strategies and policies aimed at improving community safety, economic growth, and resident well-being. Key decisions included the adoption of the Havering Community Safety Partnership Plan 2026-2029, a new CCTV policy, and revised strategies for Inclusive Growth, Social Value, and Education & Employment Skills. The Cabinet also approved the site selection for a new Family Hub and a contract award for temporary works at Arnold's Field to address ongoing fire risks.

Havering Community Safety Partnership Plan 2026-2029

The Cabinet approved the revised Havering Community Safety Partnership Plan for 2026-2029. This plan outlines the partnership's strategy for tackling crime and disorder within the borough over the next three years. The priorities identified in the plan include reducing violence, tackling violence against women and girls, reducing re-offending, addressing anti-social behaviour, tackling acquisitive crime, and improving residents' feelings of safety. The plan was developed following an annual strategic assessment of crime and disorder trends in Havering and incorporates feedback from a public survey and multi-agency workshops.

New CCTV Policy Adopted

A new CCTV and Body Worn Video (BWV) Policy was adopted by the Cabinet. This policy aims to improve compliance with regulations and the administration of the Council's CCTV functions, ensuring the lawful, proportionate, and ethical use of surveillance technology. The policy underpins the Council's statutory obligations under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, which require the Council to consider crime reduction and address serious violence.

Revised Inclusive Growth Strategy Approved

The Cabinet approved the revised Inclusive Growth Strategy for 2025-2030. This strategy aims to support economic growth within the borough by focusing on four key priorities: providing foundations for growth through improved transport and digital infrastructure, supporting enterprise and innovation, increasing inward investment, and regenerating key growth locations such as Romford Town Centre and the Rainham Strategic Industrial Area. The strategy acknowledges the borough's potential for growth, driven by its location, regeneration programmes, and diverse business base, while also addressing challenges such as low productivity and the need to match housing growth with employment opportunities.

Social Value Policy Adopted

The Cabinet approved the adoption of the Social Value Policy and Guidance, along with an outcomes matrix. This policy will be incorporated into the revised Contract Procedure Rules. The Social Value Policy mandates that for contracts over £100,000, a minimum of 10% of the award criteria will be dedicated to social value, aiming to deliver economic, social, and environmental benefits for the borough's residents and businesses. The policy focuses on four main themes: promoting local skills and employment, supporting the local economy and growth, fostering healthier, safer, and more resilient communities, and protecting and improving the environment.

Education & Employment Skills Strategy Approved

The Cabinet agreed to adopt the new Education & Employment Skills Strategy for 2025-2030. This strategy aims to ensure all Havering residents have access to high-quality education and employment pathways, promoting lifelong learning, economic inclusion, and social mobility. It is designed to work in conjunction with the Inclusive Growth and Social Value Strategies. The strategy outlines key objectives across three pillars: Inclusive Education, Adult Learning & Lifelong Skills, and Employment & Economic Inclusion. It is largely funded by external grants, including £3.3 million for the Connect to Work initiative and £354,000 for the Trailblazers project.

Family Hub Site Selection Approved

The Cabinet agreed to select St Kilda's Children's Centre in Romford as the main Family Hub for the initial phase of the programme, with satellite hubs at Ingrebourne Children's Centre and MyPlace Youth and Community Centre in Harold Hill. This decision is based on data analysis indicating the highest levels of need in the Harold Hill area and St Kilda's central location, accessibility, existing infrastructure, and high service usage. The Family Hub initiative, funded by a £153,555 Department for Education grant, aims to provide integrated support across health, education, and social care for families.

Arnold's Field Works Contract Award (Phase 1) Approved

The Cabinet agreed in principle to proposals for Phase 1 works at Arnold's Field, Launders Lane, with a maximum value of £300,000. This decision aims to temporarily mitigate the ongoing fire risks and associated health hazards to residents. Authority was delegated to officers to procure and award a contract for these remedial works, or to consider alternative arrangements proposed by the landowner. The Contracts Procedure Rules were waived to facilitate the timely execution of these works, which are crucial before the next fire season.

Council Taxbase for 2026/27 Confirmed

The Cabinet agreed to a Council Taxbase of 91,122 Band D equivalents for the 2026/27 financial year. This figure is used to estimate the revenue generated from Council Tax and is calculated based on Council Tax records as of 30 November 2025. The estimated collection rate was noted to remain at 97%, reflecting current collection levels.

Overview and Scrutiny Comments on Launders Lane (Arnold's Field) Noted

The Cabinet considered and responded to recommendations made by the Joint People and Place Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committees regarding Launders Lane (Arnold's Field). The Council reaffirmed its commitment to proactive communication and engagement with residents, and noted the concerns raised regarding legislative tightening, long-term health monitoring, and data sharing with the London Fire Brigade. Updates on these matters will be provided to Scrutiny in due course.

Overview and Scrutiny Comments on Education & Employment Skills Strategy Noted

The Cabinet supported the recommendation from the People Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee to strengthen the strategy's route for residents wishing to move to higher skill levels, such as from Level 2 to Level 3.

Future Proposals for Former Library Premises Approved

Following a call-in by the Overview and Scrutiny Board, the Cabinet clarified its decisions regarding the future use of former library sites. The Gidea Park Library site will be repurposed for a six-person accommodation facility for children with disabilities, subject to a business case approval and a capital budget of £120,000. The Harold Wood Library site will be subject to ongoing evaluation for temporary use, with any final decisions on its long-term future to be presented to a future Cabinet meeting. The South Hornchurch Library site will be disposed of, with officers instructed to report back on the outcome of marketing evaluations to achieve best value. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director of Regeneration & Place Shaping to progress these recommendations.