The Cabinet of Waltham Forest Council met on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, to discuss a range of important issues affecting the borough. Key topics on the agenda included the development of a new framework for the evening and nighttime economy, strategies for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and proposals related to school improvement, admissions, and funding.

Waltham Forest's Evening and Nighttime Economy Framework

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the proposed new Evening and Nighttime Economy Framework for Waltham Forest. This framework is intended to guide the Council's approach to supporting businesses and residents in key nighttime areas across the borough, focusing on improving the nighttime experience through curation and promotion, supporting employment opportunities, strengthening licensing and regulation, and enhancing safety and wellbeing. The framework aims to foster inclusive, safe, sustainable, and accessible places for leisure and culture into the evening, aligning with the Council's broader missions to build an economy that works for everyone and create safe neighbourhoods.

Electric Vehicle Charging Point Strategy 2026-2030

A review of the outcomes of the 2020-2025 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Point Strategy was scheduled, alongside the presentation of proposed updates for the 2026-2030 strategy. The report highlighted the significant increase in EV uptake in the borough and outlined plans to expand the public charging network to meet anticipated demand. Key objectives for the new strategy include ensuring widespread access to charging points, designing accessible and inclusive charging sites, maintaining capacity for future expansion, encouraging EV adoption through public engagement, ensuring public charging remains affordable, and achieving cost neutrality for the Council in the provision and maintenance of charging points.

School Improvement Procurement

The Cabinet was asked to approve the procurement of an external School Improvement Partner. This initiative aims to address concerns raised by maintained school heads regarding the lack of an appropriate school improvement offer, which has impacted the Council's ability to enhance school standards and ensure inclusive practices, particularly for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). A direct award to the current provider, Haringey Education Partnership, was also proposed for the period between April 2026 and March 2027 to ensure continuity of service while the procurement process is undertaken.

School Admissions Determined Arrangements 2027/28

The Cabinet was to consider and approve the proposed admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools in Waltham Forest for the 2027/28 academic year. These arrangements, which include oversubscription criteria, are required to be determined annually by the Local Authority as the admissions authority for these schools. The report indicated that no changes were proposed to the existing arrangements, which are designed to comply with statutory requirements and promote fairness in school place allocations.

Draft Local Funding Formula for Schools 2026-27

A proposal for the draft Local Funding Formula (LFF) for schools in Waltham Forest for the 2026-27 academic year was scheduled for discussion. This formula is used to allocate the Schools Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) to schools and academies. The draft LFF, developed in consultation with Schools Forum, aims to allocate funding based on pupil numbers and characteristics, with provisions for adjustments to ensure all funding is allocated and to support schools through a Minimum Funding Guarantee. The report also outlined proposals for the use of any residual funds and the application of the Growth Fund.