The Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider a range of important topics, including the business plan for Mercury Land Holdings, updates on the food waste service, and a review of the School Streets programme. The committee will also examine the Active Travel Strategy Consultation.

Pre-Decision Scrutiny - Mercury Land Holdings Business Plan

A key item on the agenda is the pre-decision scrutiny of the business plan for Mercury Land Holdings. This will involve a review of the plan, with a report to follow. Mercury Land Holdings is the council's wholly-owned development company, established to deliver new homes and regenerate areas across the borough. The business plan is expected to outline the company's strategic objectives, financial projections, and development pipeline for the upcoming period.

Active Travel Strategy Consultation

The sub-committee is scheduled to review the Active Travel Strategy Consultation and an accompanying Active Travel Summary. This strategy outlines a 15-year vision for promoting walking, cycling, and other sustainable modes of transport within Havering, aligning with national and regional policies. The strategy's objectives include reducing car dependency, improving connectivity, and supporting health and environmental goals. Key targets mentioned in previous discussions include increasing active travel trips, reducing car ownership, and ensuring a significant proportion of residents live within accessible cycling routes. The strategy aims to integrate behavioural change programmes, infrastructure improvements, and complementary measures such as cycle storage and active travel hubs.

Food Waste Service Update

An update on the Food Waste Service is also scheduled for discussion. This service plays a role in delivering Havering's Climate Change Action Plan 2024-2027, aiming to reduce waste and increase recycling. The report will likely cover the introduction of food waste collections for households, a requirement under the Environment Act 2021. Havering has received capital funding towards the purchase of vehicles and containers for this service, which is expected to commence from October 2026. The council's Communications Team will continue to update the public on the service rollout to ensure residents are well-informed and to encourage good take-up.

School Streets Programme Review

The sub-committee will review the School Streets Programme, which has been developed since 2020. Initially implemented as a COVID-19 social distancing measure, the programme has evolved through several phases. The review is expected to cover the programme's alignment with national and local transport policies, including commitments to sustainable travel and reducing single-occupancy car use. Monitoring data from previous phases has indicated positive outcomes, such as reductions in traffic incidents near schools and improved perceptions of safety. The review will likely address supporting measures, such as walking maps and cycle training, and the borough's achievements in TfL accreditation.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The sub-committee will also consider the minutes of its previous meeting held on 4 November 2025. These minutes will be presented for approval as a correct record, and the Chairman will be authorised to sign them. Previous discussions included an update on Homes in Multiple Occupancy (HMOs), where members sought to understand the position of both licensed and unlicensed properties in Havering. The discussion covered the HMO Consultation Response, reports of suspected unlicensed HMOs, inspections, and enforcement measures.

The agenda also includes standard procedural items such as Chairman's Announcements, apologies for absence, and the disclosure of interests.