This week in Havering:

Diamond Food & Wine Licence Review: Concerns Over Illegal Workers and Safety

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Friday 24 April 2026 to consider a critical review of the premises licence for Diamond Food & Wine, located at 135-137 New Road, Rainham, RM13 8ES. The review, initiated by a Public Protection Officer following an enforcement visit, highlighted serious concerns about the employment of individuals without the right to work in the UK, inadequate supervision, and potential public safety issues.

The enforcement visit, conducted with immigration officials, found two individuals working at the premises who had overstayed their visas. One individual was found stacking shelves and stated they were paid in cash without paying tax, while the other was serving customers. The Immigration Enforcement team submitted representations supporting the review, arguing that employing illegal workers breaches the prevention of crime and disorder licensing objective by depriving the government of tax revenue, exploiting vulnerable individuals, and creating unfair competition.

Further concerns were raised about public safety, with the fire exit to the premises found to be sealed and unable to be opened. The report also noted the absence of an alcohol refusals register, which is considered good practice for demonstrating due diligence in promoting the licensing objectives, particularly the protection of children from harm. The presence of high-strength ciders for sale was also mentioned, raising concerns in a context where the premises could not provide evidence of refused sales.

The licensing authority's view, as detailed in the report, was that the premises and its operators should no longer be entrusted to sell alcohol due to the risks associated with the extended absence of the licence holder, the apparent failure of the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), and the employment of individuals working illegally in the UK. This situation could have a direct impact on the community by potentially leading to the loss of a local business, but also highlights the council's commitment to upholding the law and protecting vulnerable workers.

The meeting also included a report from the Clerk regarding the procedure for hearings under the Licensing Act 2003[^1], which reiterates the four guiding licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

Details of the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting can be found here.

Planning Committee Considers Children's Home and House in Multiple Occupation

The Planning Committee met on Thursday 23 April 2026 to discuss two significant planning applications that could impact local communities.

Retrospective Application for Children's Home in Hornchurch

The committee considered a retrospective application for a change of use at 51 Windermere Avenue, Hornchurch. The proposal sought permission to change the property from a single dwelling house to a C2 use, specifically an Ofsted-regulated residential children's home for a maximum of two children aged between 8 and 17. This application had been deferred from a previous meeting to clarify matters including evidence of police reports of crime and anti-social behaviour in the area, and insight from the Havering Social Care Team on carer-to-child ratios.

While the report indicated an overprovision of children's homes in the borough, the limited occupancy proposed meant that any harm arising from this lack of local need was considered limited. The recommendation was to grant planning permission subject to conditions, including a management plan for the premises and a restriction on the number of young persons accommodated. This decision could provide much-needed stable accommodation for vulnerable young people, but also requires careful management to ensure it integrates positively into the neighbourhood.

Details of the application at 51 Windermere Avenue can be found in the report here.

House in Multiple Occupation Proposal in Romford

The committee also discussed a proposal at 88 Eastern Road, Romford. This application sought planning permission for a single-storey rear extension to facilitate a change of use from a residential dwelling (Use Class C3) to a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (Sui Generis) for up to 10 people. This was a resubmission of a previous application that had been refused and dismissed on appeal.

The revised proposal included a reduction in the number of car parking spaces and an increase in the size of the communal amenity space. The recommendation was to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and a legal agreement to prevent future occupiers of the HMO from obtaining car parking permits. The creation of HMOs can provide much-needed housing options, but it is crucial that such developments are well-managed and do not negatively impact the local amenity or infrastructure.

Details of the application at 88 Eastern Road can be found in the report here.

This week in Havering:

Local Pension Board Reviews Financial Health and Administration Performance

The Local Pension Board met on Tuesday 14 April 2026 to scrutinise the performance of the council's pension fund administration and review key decisions made by the Pensions Committee. The meeting provided a detailed look at the third quarter's pension administration performance and feedback on investment strategies, offering insights into how your pension contributions are being managed.

Pensions Administration Update: A Deep Dive into Q3 Performance

The board received a comprehensive update on the administration of the Local Pensions Partnership Administration (LPPA) for October to December 2025. This report, available here, detailed the LPPA's performance against crucial Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

Key performance indicators highlighted included:

• Casework Completion: The LPPA achieved a 98.7% success rate in completing pension cases within target timescales, exceeding the 95% goal. This is vital for ensuring members receive their pension entitlements promptly.
• Retirement Satisfaction: While a limited number of members responded to surveys, satisfaction levels for active retirements stood at 63.6%, and for deferred retirements at 42.9%. This feedback is crucial for identifying areas where the member experience can be improved.
• Contact Centre Efficiency: The average wait time for the contact centre was 3 minutes and 9 seconds, well within the 4-minute target. Customer satisfaction in this area was reported at 69.2%.
• Complaints Handling: Two complaints were received in Q3, with one case being upheld. This indicates a generally low complaint rate, but the thorough handling of upheld complaints is essential for maintaining trust.
• Data Quality: Common data accuracy was reported at 98.2%, and scheme-specific data accuracy at 93.2%. High data quality is fundamental for accurate pension calculations and administration.

The report also touched upon ongoing projects, including the McCloud Remedy, which faced some challenges, and the successful connection to the Pensions Dashboard. Updates on the Efficiency and Service Improvement Programme (ESIP) indicated new features for members and employers, aiming to streamline pension management.

Pensions Committee Feedback: Investment Strategy and Funding

The board also received feedback from the Pensions Committee meeting on 17 March 2026. This included a significant update on the 2025 Actuarial Valuation, which showed a substantial improvement in the fund's funding level, rising from 80% in March 2022 to 101% in March 2025. This positive development is largely attributed to more optimistic assumptions about future investment returns.

The committee also formally approved the 2026 Funding Strategy Statement (FSS) and a draft 2026 Investment Strategy Report. The revised investment strategy involves an increase in allocations to Private Equity and Property/Real Estate, and a decrease in Other Alternatives and Credit. This strategic shift aims to optimise returns while managing risk.

Fund performance for the quarter ending 31 December 2025 saw the asset value increase by £22.5 million to £1,118.9 million. However, the fund's quarterly return of 2.04% lagged behind both tactical and strategic benchmarks. Over a 12-month period, the fund achieved a return of 9.45%, outperforming the strategic benchmark but not the tactical one.

The committee also reviewed the 2025 Voting and Engagement Report, which showed that managers continued to exercise over 99% of voting rights, with a focus on climate, social responsibility, and supply-chain issues. Discussions also covered upcoming legislative changes, including requirements for an LGPS Senior Officer and an Independent Person.

Details of the Local Pension Board meeting can be found here.

Other Matters

Audit Committee Meeting

The Audit Committee met on Tuesday 14 April 2026. Further details on this meeting will be provided in future updates as information becomes available.

Details of the Audit Committee meeting can be found here.

This week in Havering:

The Drink Cellar's Licence Revoked: A Warning on Responsibility and Due Diligence

The Licensing Sub-Committee made a decisive move this week, revoking the premises licence for The Drink Cellar at 59 Chippenham Road, Romford, RM3 8HL. This decision, reached on Tuesday 7 April 2026, sends a clear message about the importance of responsible alcohol sales and the severe consequences of neglecting due diligence.

The review of the licence, prompted by concerns over poor supervision and bad practice, highlighted a worrying period where the premises appeared to be operating without clear oversight. Mr. Sally Maiden, the former owner and Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), admitted to trusting the buyer, Mr. Gurmeet Singh, to handle the licence transfer, resulting in a 14-month period where the licence remained in Mr. Maiden's name without his active management. This lapse in responsibility allowed for a situation where, as witnessed by a council officer, a single can of high-strength alcohol was sold to an individual without any checks, even after the staff member had been explicitly told that sales might be unlawful.

Representations from the Metropolitan Police and the Home Office Immigration Enforcement Team underscored the severity of the situation. PC Chris Stockton stated the police had no confidence in the venue being able to uphold the licence and objectives, citing the irresponsible sale of alcohol and the potential for illegal working. Mr. Raj Handel from the Home Office echoed these concerns, recommending revocation due to previous dealings with individuals linked to the business who had faced penalties for using illegal workers.

The committee's decision to revoke the licence was based on the cumulative impact zone considerations, the sale of high-strength alcohol, and the overall undermining of the licensing objectives. This outcome directly impacts the availability of alcohol sales at this specific location and serves as a stark reminder to all licence holders of their legal obligations to ensure public safety and prevent crime and disorder.

Details of the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting can be found here.

Transfer of Licence for The Drink Cellar Refused Amidst Concerns of Proxy Control

In a related decision on Tuesday 7 April 2026, the Licensing Sub-Committee also decided not to grant the application to transfer the premises licence and vary the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) for The Drink Cellar. This refusal further solidifies the council's stance on ensuring genuine control and accountability within licensed premises.

The application was for Ms. Hashveen Kaur Hackimzada to become the new DPS. However, objections were raised by the Metropolitan Police due to concerns about the proposed DPS's suitability and the potential for a transfer by proxy. PC Chris Stockman highlighted that the contact details provided for Ms. Hackimzada appeared to belong to her father, Mr. Gherman Singh Hackimzada, whose own premises licence was revoked in 2018. The police questioned Ms. Hackimzada's ability to exercise genuine day-to-day control, given she resides approximately 60 miles away and currently works part-time elsewhere.

While Ms. Hackimzada explained her father was guiding her due to his experience and that she intended to dedicate herself full-time to the business, the committee remained unconvinced. The lack of direct experience and the reliance on her father's guidance, coupled with the previous licence revocation of her father, led to the decision to refuse the application. This refusal means the premises cannot operate under the proposed new licence holder, reinforcing the council's commitment to upholding the licensing objectives.

Details of the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting can be found here.

This week in Havering:

Council's Build to Rent Scheme Approved Despite Scrutiny Over Risk and Delivery

Havering Council's Overview & Scrutiny Board met on Wednesday 25 March 2026 to discuss a controversial build to rent scheme, ultimately voting not to uphold a call-in of a recent Cabinet decision. This means the council can proceed with a 40-year nominations agreement with Inspired Solutions for up to 600 new homes, a decision that has raised significant questions about financial risk and the developer's track record.

The scheme aims to tackle the council's reliance on expensive temporary accommodation (TA) by providing new private rented homes. However, councillors expressed concerns about the 40-year commitment, the lack of a formal procurement process, and whether the projected savings of up to £580 million over four decades are realistic. Officers argued that the scheme offers significant cost avoidance compared to current TA expenditure, but acknowledged that only the first 71 units would directly offset TA costs, with further savings dependent on other housing projects.

Inspired Solutions, a company formed in 2020, presented its model, highlighting its ability to secure cabinet approval in another local authority and nearing contract finalisation for 229 homes. However, some councillors felt the decision-making process was rushed, with insufficient time for scrutiny. Concerns were also raised about the potential for concentrated high-needs households and how these would be managed.

Despite these reservations, the Overview & Scrutiny Board's vote resulted in a five-all tie. The Chair, Councillor Laurance Garrard, used his casting vote to not uphold the requisition, allowing the Cabinet's decision to proceed immediately. This decision will have a direct impact on the council's ability to house vulnerable residents and manage its housing stock, with the potential for significant long-term financial implications.

Details of the Overview & Scrutiny Board meeting can be found here.

Angel Way Car Park Demolition and Redevelopment Approved, Sparking Debate on Safety and Affordability

The Strategic Planning Committee met on Thursday 26 March 2026 and approved the demolition of the Angel Way multi-storey car park in Romford and its redevelopment into two residential blocks comprising 106 flats and a commercial unit. The decision, made by a vote of three to two with one abstention, was met with strong opposition from ward councillors concerned about safety, affordable housing, and the impact on local heritage.

Councillor Joshua Chapman, who called in the application, argued that the development's enclosed nature could exacerbate safety issues for women and girls, forcing them to take longer routes. He also criticised the lack of affordable housing, stating, Mercury Land Holdings is the council. This council needs affordable housing. Councillor David Taylor echoed these concerns, adding that the proposal did not align with the Romford Masterplan, particularly regarding flood mitigation and the de-culverting of the River Rom. He also highlighted objections from the Romford Civic Society and concerns about the impact on the setting of St. Edward the Confessor Church.

Despite these objections, the committee was advised that the development offered significant benefits, including the demolition of an unattractive car park, improved pedestrian access, and a substantial biodiversity net gain. The officer noted that while the Romford Masterplan SPD recommends four to six stories, the proposed eight-story buildings were considered acceptable due to the context of emerging taller developments nearby. The lack of affordable housing was attributed to viability issues, a position supported by an independent assessment.

The approval, subject to conditions and obligations, means that the current car park will be replaced by new homes, but questions remain about whether the development adequately addresses the safety and affordability concerns raised by residents and their representatives.

Details of the Strategic Planning Committee meeting can be found here.