The Cabinet of Havering Council is scheduled to consider several key business plans and financial updates. These include proposals for the Housing Revenue Account, regeneration projects in Rainham and Beam Park, and the Bridge Close development.

Housing Revenue Account Business Plan and Capital Programme

A significant item on the agenda is the update to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan for 2026/27 and the associated Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2030/31. Councillor Paul McGeary, Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, is scheduled to present this report. The proposals include an agreed increase of 4.8% for rents on general needs Council properties, supported housing, and temporary accommodation, effective from April 2026. Service charges, heating and hot water charges, garage charges, and intensive housing management support charges are also proposed to increase by 4.8%. The report also outlines the HRA Major Works Capital Programme and the HRA Capital expenditure and financing for the 12 Estates Joint Venture and other regeneration and acquisition opportunities, which will be referred to Full Council for final ratification.

Havering Wates Regeneration Joint Venture Business Plan

Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, is expected to present an update to the Havering and Wates Joint Venture Business Plan. The Cabinet will be asked to approve this plan for 2026/27. The proposals include delegating authority to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with Councillor Williamson, to enter into Pre-Construction Services Agreements (PCSAs) for regeneration schemes. This delegation also extends to entering an overarching framework contract and a demolition contract for Phase 1 of the Farnham and Hilldene regeneration. Furthermore, authority will be sought to progress any necessary land appropriation and to agree terms for acquiring outstanding property interests, including a proposed land swap with St Andrew’s Church Hall. The report also notes that work on later phases of the regeneration is currently paused and likely to remain so for the next 12 months.

Rainham and Beam Park Business Plan Update

Another regeneration project to be discussed is the Rainham and Beam Park Business Plan Update for 2026/27, also presented by Councillor Graham Williamson. The Cabinet is expected to note the current status of the Rainham and Beam Park Regeneration LLP in light of delayed regeneration plans. The report includes proposals to note and approve a management strategy for commercial and residential sites now owned by the Council, as well as a placemaking strategy to influence the development plan for the area. The Cabinet will also be asked to approve the necessary financial support to deliver these recommendations.

Bridge Close Regeneration LLP Business Plan Refresh

The Bridge Close Regeneration LLP Business Plan Refresh for 2026/27 is also scheduled for consideration, with Councillor Graham Williamson presenting the report. The Cabinet will be asked to approve the draft Business Plan for 2026-2027. This includes agreeing the provision of a budget for the funding and delivery of the regeneration of Bridge Close, which will be included within the proposed HRA Capital Programme. The Leader of the Council, after consultation, will be asked to approve detailed business cases, funding arrangements, and legal agreements. The report also notes that discussions will continue with the Havering Islamic Community Centre (HICC) regarding its relocation and with the London Ambulance Service (LAS) concerning the acquisition of a portion of Romford Ambulance Station land.

Comments from Place Overview & Scrutiny on MLH and Business Plans

The Cabinet will also receive comments from the Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub-Committee regarding the Mercury Land Holdings (MLH) and Business Plans. The report, presented by Councillor David Taylor, Chair of the Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub-Committee, outlines recommendations made by the sub-committee. These include a request for an explicit commitment in the MLH Business Plan that MLH will not sell units direct to another Council, and for further information on the impact of MLH developments on lowering the demand for temporary accommodation. The sub-committee also recommended that the commitment of MLH to support the Council’s Social Values Strategy should be stated more explicitly. For all Business Plans, the sub-committee requested that they be brought for scrutiny at an earlier stage in future.