This week in Havering:

Schools Face Funding Squeeze as High Needs Deficit Soars

Havering's schools and early years settings are grappling with significant financial pressures, as the Schools Funding Forum met to discuss proposed funding allocations for the 2026-27 academic year. The stark reality is a projected £31.4 million deficit in the High Needs Block for the current financial year, a figure that balloons to a staggering £67.7 million when carried forward balances are included. This shortfall, exacerbated by a lack of national funding increases for this critical block, means any rise in the number of children requiring Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) or increased provision costs will directly worsen the deficit.

The forum discussed a consultation on schools funding, which aims to align more closely with the National Funding Formula. While proposals include a potential transfer of 0.5% of Schools Block funding to the High Needs Block, and adjustments for pupil growth, the core issue remains the insufficient funding for children with the most complex needs. This could translate into longer waiting times for assessments and support, and increased strain on already stretched school resources.

• High Needs Block Deficit: The current forecast for the High Needs Block shows an in-year deficit of £31.404 million, rising to £67.740 million overall.
• No National Increase: Crucially, there has been no national increase in funding for the High Needs Block for 2026-27, despite rising costs and demand.
• Impact on Children: This lack of funding directly impacts children with EHCPs, potentially leading to reduced support or longer waits for essential services.
• Mitigation Efforts: The High Needs Working Group is exploring new funding approaches for individual children and reviewing policies for resource provisions and alternative provision.

The forum also reviewed the Central Schools Services Block (CSSB) funding, noting that Havering is a loss-protection authority, meaning its funding has not risen as much as anticipated under the National Funding Formula. For Early Years, while hourly rates are set to increase, a move to a termly census for entitlements could impact funding accuracy.

The decisions made here have a profound impact on the most vulnerable children in our borough, those with the greatest needs, and the schools that support them. The council's ability to provide adequate resources for these children is directly tied to the funding allocated through these forums.

Details of the Schools Funding Forum meeting can be found here.

Community Safety Plan Approved: Tackling Violence and Anti-Social Behaviour

Havering Council's Cabinet has given the green light to the Havering Community Safety Partnership Plan for 2026-2029, a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing crime and disorder across the borough. The plan, developed following a strategic assessment of crime trends and a resident survey, prioritises key areas of concern for Havering's communities.

The plan's core priorities are:

• Reducing Violence: Including a specific focus on tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG).
• Reducing Re-offending: Aiming to break the cycle of crime.
• Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB): Addressing nuisance and disorder that impacts daily life.
• Tackling Acquisitive Crime: Focusing on theft and burglary.
• Improving Feelings of Safety: Ensuring residents feel secure in their neighbourhoods.

Councillor Barry Mugglestone, Cabinet Member for Environment, presented the plan, highlighting that its adoption has no direct financial implications, as project costs will be met through existing external funding streams. However, the effectiveness of this plan hinges on the successful implementation of its strategies and the continued collaboration between the council, police, and community groups.

The discussion around the plan revealed resident concerns about the perception of crime and the need for visible police presence. Councillor Keith Darvill raised the issue of ward panels having poor attendance, suggesting a need for greater public involvement and support to make them more effective. The council acknowledged these points, with efforts underway to improve communication and engagement, including utilising the Living magazine and the Met Engage platform.

The approval of this plan is a crucial step, but its success will be measured by its tangible impact on reducing crime and improving the safety and well-being of all Havering residents, particularly those in areas identified with higher crime statistics.

Details of the Cabinet meeting can be found here.

New CCTV Policy Adopted: Balancing Surveillance with Privacy

A new CCTV and Body Worn Video (BWV) Policy has been adopted by Havering Council, aiming to ensure the lawful, proportionate, and effective use of surveillance technology. The policy is designed to support statutory duties under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Serious Violence Duty, providing a framework for how CCTV and BWV are deployed and managed.

Councillor Barry Mugglestone, Cabinet Member for Environment, explained that the policy is primarily aimed at improving compliance with regulations. While there are no direct financial implications from adopting the policy itself, failure to do so could expose the council to financial risks from legal challenges. An Equalities Impact Assessment indicated a neutral effect across the borough.

The discussion around the policy touched upon the use of dummy cameras, which was rejected due to potential legal risks if an incident occurred in an area with a non-functional camera. The committee also explored how priority areas for CCTV would be determined, with a commitment to a data-led approach, including qualitative data from residents. The use of AI-enabled cameras was also discussed, with assurances that data protection impact assessments are in place and reviewed annually to safeguard residents' privacy.

The rollout of new cameras is ongoing, with plans to cover town centres like Romford, Hornchurch, and Collier Row. The policy's adoption signifies a commitment to using surveillance technology responsibly, but ongoing scrutiny will be vital to ensure it effectively balances public safety with the protection of individual privacy.

Details of the Cabinet meeting can be found here.

Other Matters

Education and Employment Skills Strategy Approved

The Cabinet also approved the draft Education & Employment Skills Strategy for 2025-2030. This strategy aims to provide residents with pathways to upskill, enter the workforce, and achieve lifelong learning, supported by £3.3 million in grant funding for the Connect to Work initiative and £354,000 for the Trailblazers project. The strategy focuses on inclusive education provision, adult learning, and employment and economic inclusion, aligning with the council's broader regeneration and social value goals.

Family Hubs to be Established

St Kilda's Children's Centre in Romford has been designated as the main Family Hub for the initial phase, with satellite hubs at Ingrebourne Children's Centre and MyPlace Youth and Community Centre in Harold Hill. This decision, supported by Department for Education funding, aims to provide integrated support across health, education, and social care for families, particularly those in areas of highest need.

Arnold's Field Works Contract Awarded

The Cabinet agreed in principle to proposals for Phase 1 works at Arnold's Field, with a maximum value of £300,000. These temporary works are intended to mitigate the frequent fires and smoke emanating from the site, which have a detrimental impact on residents' health. The council is seeking external funding for future phases of remediation.

Former Library Sites: Decisions Made

Decisions were made regarding the future use of three former library sites. The former Gidea Park Library site is to be repurposed for a six-person accommodation facility for children with disabilities, subject to a business case. The former Harold Wood Library site is under evaluation for temporary use, with any final decisions to be presented to a future Cabinet. The former South Hornchurch Library site is to be disposed of, with officers instructed to report back on achieving best value.

Council Tax Base Set for 2026/27

The Cabinet agreed to a Council Tax base of 91,122 Band D equivalents for 2026/27, an increase of 971 from the previous year. This figure is a statutory requirement for setting the tax base for the following year.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• The Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee will meet on Tuesday 27 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Cabinet will meet on Wednesday 28 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Governance Committee will meet on Thursday 29 January 2026. Link to meeting

This week in Havering:

Library Futures Hang in the Balance: Council to Reconsider Former Sites

The future of three former library buildings in Havering is back on the agenda, with a motion before the Council calling to halt their disposal and explore community-led proposals. The debate comes after the Overview & Scrutiny Board requisitioned a Cabinet decision regarding the future of former library premises, highlighting significant resident concerns about the process and the lack of detailed business cases for alternative uses.

The Appointments Sub Committee met on Tuesday 6 January 2026 to discuss the appointment of an Assistant Director - Public Realm. The report detailing this appointment was classified as restricted information, meaning its contents were not disclosed to the public. The committee also considered excluding the public from the meeting due to the sensitive nature of the business. Details of the meeting can be found here.

The Overview & Scrutiny Board met on Thursday 8 January 2026 and voted to uphold a requisition of a Cabinet decision concerning the future of former library premises in Gidea Park, Harold Wood, and South Hornchurch. This means the Cabinet's original decision will be reconsidered, taking into account the Board's concerns. The requisition was raised due to a perceived vagueness in proposals, a lack of detail on alternative options, and questions surrounding financial implications.

• Harold Wood Library: Concerns were raised about the timescales for the meanwhile use of the building and a lack of detail in the proposals. The Harold Wood Foundation is seeking a seven-year lease with a break clause after three years, reflecting the Cabinet's long-term aspiration to develop the site for housing. The building has also been registered as an Asset of Community Value¹.
• Gidea Park Library: Questions were asked about rejected alternatives for the site and the suitability of a respite centre being located next to a building site. The Cabinet's proposal is to re-purpose the site for a six-person accommodation facility for children with disabilities, intended to mitigate costs for Children Services.
• South Hornchurch Library: Similar concerns were raised about vague proposals and a lack of clarity on how future receipts from disposal would be spent. The Cabinet's decision was to agree to the disposal of the site, with a portion of the capital receipt earmarked for improvements to the adjacent community hall.

The Board's decision to uphold the requisition was based on several points, including questions over the size and proximity of the Gidea Park site for a respite centre, clarity on the Harold Wood Library's position after the break clause, and issues surrounding the delegation of decisions from Cabinet members to officers. The Board agreed that a written summary of these points would be prepared for the forthcoming Cabinet meeting. Details of the meeting can be found here.

Why it Matters:

The decisions regarding former library sites have a direct impact on community spaces and services. The requisition by the Overview & Scrutiny Board highlights a desire for greater transparency and detailed consideration of alternatives, particularly when vulnerable groups, such as children with disabilities, are involved. The potential disposal of these assets raises questions about how the council balances generating capital receipts with preserving community assets and ensuring adequate provision for essential services.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• The Governance Committee will meet on Tuesday 13 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The People Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee will meet on Tuesday 13 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Cabinet will meet on Wednesday 14 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee will meet on Wednesday 14 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee will meet on Tuesday 20 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Council will meet on Wednesday 21 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Strategic Planning Committee will meet on Thursday 22 January 2026. Link to meeting

This week in Havering:

Hornchurch Residents Object to Off-Licence: Licensing Committee to Decide

The Licensing Sub-Committee is set to decide on an application for a new premises licence for Rasa Food & Wine, a convenience store and off-licence on Station Lane, Hornchurch. The meeting has attracted significant local opposition, with residents raising concerns about potential increases in crime, anti-social behaviour, public nuisance, and harm to children.

Key Points:

• Cumulative Impact Zone: The proposed location is within a Cumulative Impact Zone¹, meaning the council already considers the area to have a high concentration of licensed premises.
• Resident Concerns: Ten representations from local residents detail fears that the new off-licence will exacerbate existing problems with anti-social behaviour, noise, litter, and underage drinking.
• Licensing Objectives: Residents argue that granting the licence would undermine all four licensing objectives: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm.
• Applicant's Conditions: The applicant has proposed conditions to mitigate concerns, including limited hours and restrictions on the sale of high-strength alcohol.

Resident Voices:

Mr Ismail Gozel, a Station Lane resident, fears the shop will become a feeder point for pre-drinking before visits to nearby pubs, and that it will increase the risk of theft. Asine lemeghe, another resident, worries about the impact on her health and safety now that she is pregnant, and suggests that the proposed shop is likely to bring more harm than good.

Why it Matters:

The Licensing Sub-Committee's decision will directly impact the quality of life for residents in Hornchurch. The council must carefully weigh the potential economic benefits of a new business against the concerns of residents about crime, disorder, and public nuisance. This case highlights the challenges of balancing commercial interests with community well-being, particularly in areas already struggling with alcohol-related problems.

Pension Board Reviews Performance and Strategy: Focus on Regulatory Changes

The Local Pension Board met to discuss pension administration, the pension administration strategy, and feedback from recent Pensions Committee meetings. The meeting focused on the performance of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and updates to the Pensions Administration Strategy.

Key Points:

• Administration Performance: Overall performance against Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for the second quarter of the year is 98.7%, exceeding the 95% target.
• Regulatory Changes: The board discussed a consultation launched by the MHCLG² on proposals to amend the Normal Minimum Pension Age (NMPA) from 55 to 57 from 6 April 2028, reinstate access to the LGPS for councillors and mayors, simplify the process for multi-academy trusts³ to apply for their staff from different schools geographically to be administered in a single pension fund, and implement new Fair Deal protections ensuring transferred employees retain access to the LGPS.
• Pensions Dashboards: The new connection date has been set as 15 December 2025 and no further problems have been identified during testing to date.
• Funding Strategy: The Pensions Committee approved the Draft Funding Strategy Statement (FSS) for consultation.

Why it Matters:

The Local Pension Board plays a crucial role in overseeing the management of the council's pension fund, ensuring the financial security of current and future retirees. The board's discussions on administration performance, regulatory changes, and investment strategy have a direct impact on the retirement savings of council employees and other members of the LGPS.

Planning Committee Meeting

The Planning Committee met on Thursday 18 December 2025. The meeting No video was provided.

This week in Havering:

SEND School on Playing Fields: Committee Weighs Education Needs Against Green Space Loss

The Strategic Planning Committee met to consider a planning application for a new special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school on Balgores Lane, Romford, sparking a debate about the balance between providing essential educational facilities and preserving valuable green space. The meeting saw the committee ultimately resolve to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and external approvals, despite objections from Sport England and concerns raised by local residents.

Key Points:

• 300 Pupils: The proposed school would cater for 300 pupils aged 4-19 with complex learning needs, including social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) difficulties and autistic spectrum conditions (ASC).
• Playing Field Loss: The development would be located on Balgores Fields, currently used as playing fields by the nearby Squirrels Heath Infant School, leading to objections from Sport England.
• GLA Concerns: The Greater London Authority (GLA) raised concerns about the application's compliance with the London Plan, particularly regarding land use, transport, and sustainability.
• Community Use: The legal agreement includes a Community Use Obligation (CUO) to secure community access to designated facilities outside of school hours, including the MUGA¹, sports pitch, sports hall, and hydrotherapy pool.
• Financial Contributions: The developer will contribute towards highway works, electric vehicle charging provision, and travel plan monitoring.

Resident Concerns:

A member of the public, Jane, raised concerns about the transport consultation, parking provisions, environmental impact, and overdevelopment of the site. Councillor Keith Prince echoed these concerns, stating that engagement with ward councillors had been appalling and that the application had changed significantly since the original proposal.

Councillor Concerns:

Councillor David Taylor acknowledged the huge need for a special needs provision and schooling in Havering but questioned the suitability of the location, citing its proximity to residential properties and a busy road.

The Committee's Decision:

Despite the objections and concerns, the committee ultimately resolved to grant planning permission, subject to referral to the Secretary of State and the Mayor of London, and subject to a legal agreement covering highways, carbon offsetting, biodiversity enhancement, and community use.

Why it Matters:

The decision to approve the SEND school highlights the council's commitment to providing essential educational facilities for children with complex needs. However, it also raises questions about the trade-offs between development and green space preservation, and the importance of addressing community concerns in the planning process.

Havering Islamic Community Centre: Committee Reviews Mosque Proposal

The Strategic Planning Committee also received a development presentation regarding a proposal for a new Havering Islamic Community Centre at 222-226 South Street, Romford. The meeting allowed the applicant to address concerns raised at a previous meeting regarding transport, movement, and building design.

Key Points:

• 1200 Worshippers: The new building would accommodate up to 1200 worshippers.
• Transport and Movement: The presentation focused on addressing concerns about the number of attendees, times of use, arrival and departure patterns, and the capacity of pedestrian crossings and car parks.
• Community Benefits: The development would contribute towards a new signalised pedestrian crossing over Old Church Road, providing additional capacity and options for pedestrians crossing the Ring Road.

Councillor Concerns:

Councillor Ray Best expressed concerns about the safety of residents crossing the road to the mosque, while another councillor questioned the parking arrangements and the potential for traffic congestion.

Why it Matters:

The proposed Havering Islamic Community Centre would provide a new place of worship and community hub for Muslims in Havering. However, it is important to address concerns about traffic, parking, and the impact on the surrounding area to ensure that the development benefits the entire community.

Cabinet Approves Private Sector Housing Enforcement Scheme

The Cabinet approved the Private Sector Housing Enforcement Scheme, focusing on new designations for additional licensing for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and selective licensing. The meeting aims to improve the condition and quality of properties in the private rented sector.

Key Points:

• Borough-wide HMO Licensing: The scheme would apply to all HMOs except those that require a mandatory HMO licence.
• Selective Licensing: The scheme would apply to all privately rented homes (excluding HMOs) within seven wards to address the prevalence of poor housing conditions.
• Affected Wards: The seven wards proposed for selective licensing are Beam Park, Harold Wood, Rainham & Wennington, Rush Green & Crowlands, Squirrels Heath, St Albans, and St Edwards.

Why it Matters:

The Private Sector Housing Enforcement Scheme aims to improve housing standards and protect tenants in the private rented sector. The new licensing requirements could lead to better property conditions, increased tenant safety, and a reduction in rogue landlords.

Pensions Committee Discusses Fund Valuation, Performance, and Climate Risk

The Pensions Committee met to discuss the fund's valuation, performance, and climate-related disclosures, as well as updates on the government's Fit for the Future proposals for the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). The meeting included consideration of the initial results of the 31 March 2025 triennial valuation and a draft Funding Strategy Statement (FSS). No video was provided.

Key Points:

• Fit for the Future: The committee received an update on the government's Fit for the Future proposals, which would require administering authorities to delegate the implementation of their investment strategy to their asset pool.
• TCFD Report: The committee reviewed the fund's position concerning the 11 climate-related disclosures under the scope of the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) for the year ending 31 March 2025.
• Pension Fund Performance: The total value of the Fund's assets increased to £1,096.4 million as at 30 September 2025, with an overall fund performance of 5.0% over the quarter.
• Valuation Update: The committee discussed the initial results of the 31 March 2025 triennial valuation, including a discount rate of 5.5% and CPI inflation of 2.6%.

Cabinet Approves Library Site Disposals Amidst Financial Concerns

The Cabinet met to discuss the future of former library premises, a corporate plan performance report, and private sector housing enforcement schemes. The meeting approved the recommendations in the report, but agreed that further questions could be submitted to Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration.

Key Points:

• Library Disposals: The Cabinet approved the disposal of the former South Hornchurch Library site and endorsed a request for capital expenditure for the Gidea Park Library site.
• Financial Concerns: Councillor Michael raised concerns about the timing of the expenditure, questioning why the Cabinet was being asked to commit funds before key information was available.
• Harold Wood Foundation: The Cabinet noted the ongoing evaluation of proposals received from Harold Wood Foundation for the Harrowood Library site.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• The Licensing Sub-Committee will meet on Friday 19 December 2025 to consider an application for a new premises licence for Rasa Food & Wine in Hornchurch. Link to meeting
• The Local Pension Board will meet on Tuesday 16 December 2025 to discuss the pension administration, the pension administration strategy, and to receive feedback from recent meetings of the Pensions Committee. Link to meeting
• The Planning Committee will meet on Thursday 18 December 2025. Link to meeting