This week in Havering:

Licence Review for The Triangle Sparks Resident Concerns Over Noise and Disruption

A key decision point is approaching for The Triangle, a venue at 290 North Street, Romford RM5 3AB, as the Licensing Sub-Committee prepares to consider its application for a premises licence. The application, which seeks permission for live music, recorded music, late-night refreshment, and alcohol sales, has generated significant opposition from local residents and ward councillors. Thirty-two representations have been lodged against the application, citing concerns that echo common issues faced by communities dealing with late-night entertainment venues.

The core of the objections revolves around the potential for increased noise disturbance, anti-social behaviour, parking congestion, and inadequate crowd management, all of which could negatively impact the quality of life for those living nearby. These concerns are amplified by the venue's history; its previous licence was revoked in March 2026 following an intervention by the Home Office's Immigration Enforcement Team. This past revocation raises questions about the current management's ability to uphold licensing objectives.

In response to the objections, the applicant has proposed revised operating hours, significantly reducing the requested late-night extensions. They have also agreed to several conditions, including limiting alcohol sales to seated customers with meals, ensuring music is played indoors at a low volume, and implementing a Public Nuisance Policy. The committee will weigh these proposed changes against the residents' concerns and the venue's history when making its decision. The outcome will directly affect the local environment and the peace of mind for many residents.

The committee will also review the standard procedure for hearings under the Licensing Act 2003, which guides how such applications are considered, focusing on the four licensing objectives: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm.

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

Governance Committee to Address Poyntz Charity Crisis

The Governance Committee is set to discuss the precarious situation of the Poyntz Charity, a local organisation that provides benefits for the poor and manages two almshouses in North Ockendon. The charity is facing an uncertain future due to a critical shortage of active trustees and committee members.

The council appoints three trustees to the Poyntz Charity. However, the position of Chair, traditionally held by the Parish Priest of St Mary Magdalene's, North Ockendon, is currently vacant, with no new vicar appointed yet. Compounding this, the long-serving Secretary resigned in December 2024, leaving only one committee member with limited availability. This lack of capacity has prevented the Trust from meeting, raising concerns about the continued provision of support for those who rely on its services. The committee's discussion will likely focus on how the council can support the charity to find new trustees and ensure its vital work can continue.

The committee will also review appointments to various external organisations for the upcoming municipal year. This includes considering the practice of proxy voting for council representatives unable to attend meetings of external bodies, a measure designed to ensure Havering's voice is heard.

Details of the Governance Committee meeting can be found here.

Other Matters

Licensing Sub-Committee to Consider Best One Licence Transfer

The Licensing Sub-Committee will also consider an application to transfer the premises licence and vary the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) for Best One, located at 5-7 Boxmoor Road, Romford RM5 2SH. The Police have objected to both the transfer and the DPS variation, citing concerns about the proposed applicant's distance from the premises and the potential continued involvement of Mr Gurmeet Singh Hakimzada, who has a history of licensing issues. The Police have stated they lack confidence that the licensing objectives will be promoted effectively under the proposed arrangements.

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

Licensing Sub-Committee Meeting

A further Licensing Sub-Committee meeting is scheduled, though no specific agenda items have been published yet.

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

Cabinet Meeting

The Cabinet is scheduled to meet, with no specific agenda items published at this time.

Details of the Cabinet meeting can be found here.

This week in Havering:

New Mayor and Council Leader Elected: A Shift in Havering's Political Landscape

Havering Council convened on Wednesday 27 May 2026 for a pivotal meeting that saw the election of a new Mayor and a new Leader of the Council. Councillor Maggie Themistocli was elected as the Mayor of Havering for the 2026-27 municipal year, marking a historic moment as the first Mayor of Greek Cypriot origin and the first Reform UK Mayor in London. Following this, Councillor Keith Prince was elected as the Leader of the Council for a significant term ending at the annual council following the 2030 elections.

Councillor Maggie Themistocli Becomes Mayor

Councillor Maggie Themistocli secured the mayoral chain with 41 votes, surpassing Councillor Barry Mugglestone's 11 votes. Councillor Themistocli, representing the Reform UK Havering Group, expressed her commitment to serving the borough with dignity and pride. The outgoing Mayor, Councillor Sue Ospreay, reflected on her successful year, highlighting the £88,000 raised for her chosen charity, the MCA Trust, which supports local children with cancer and their families. Councillor Christine Vickery was appointed as Deputy Mayor.

Councillor Keith Prince Takes the Helm as Council Leader

Councillor Keith Prince was elected Leader of the Council with a substantial majority of 43 votes. He pledged to lead Havering with honesty, transparency and decency, announcing his intention to publish a 100-day plan and longer-term ambitions for the borough, aiming to make Havering cleaner, safer, greener, leaner. Councillor Prince also confirmed that the administration would not pursue leaving the Greater London Authority, stating there was no well-researched proposal demonstrating benefits to residents. He announced his cabinet members, including Sue Benjamin as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, and Graham Day as Cabinet Member for Adults and Health Care.

The council also agreed to the appointment of various committees and sub-committees, and the creation of four additional Member Champion positions: Anti-knife crime, Disabilities, Veterans, and Wildlife.

Details of the Council meeting can be found here.

Governance Committee Reviews Children's Complaint Procedures

The Governance Committee held two meetings this week, on Wednesday 27 May and Friday 29 May 2026, to review the procedures for handling Stage Three Children's Complaints. These reviews are essential for ensuring that vulnerable young people have a robust and fair process when raising concerns about council services.

Ensuring Fair Hearings for Young People

The committee focused on Stage Three Children's Complaint Review Panel Reports, which represent a final review within the council's internal procedures. The process is designed to be inquisitorial, meaning the panel actively asks questions to gather information. The panel's role is to review what has already occurred and make recommendations to Children's Services, which can either dismiss or uphold the complaint and suggest actions for rectification.

Guidance notes for complainants were also reviewed, outlining the procedure for hearings. These notes explain that complainants can be accompanied and represented at hearings. The process also includes information on escalating complaints to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. Parts of these meetings may have been held in private to discuss exempt information under Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, which is common when dealing with sensitive personal details.

Details of the Governance Committee meeting on 27 May 2026 can be found here. Details of the Governance Committee meeting on 29 May 2026 can be found here.

This week in Havering:

Children's Complaints Process Under Scrutiny: Ensuring Fair Hearings for Young People

The Governance Committee met on Friday 22 May 2026 to review the procedures for handling children's complaints and to consider specific case reports. These meetings are crucial for ensuring that vulnerable young people have a clear and fair process when they need to raise concerns about council services.

Guidance Notes for Complainants: Clarity for Those Seeking Resolution

The committee reviewed guidance notes designed to help complainants navigate the process of raising concerns about children's social care. These notes explain the role of the Hearings Panel, which is made up of three independent members. The process is described as inquisitorial, meaning the panel will actively ask questions to understand the situation fully.

The guidance clarifies that the panel's role is to review what has already happened and make recommendations to Children's Services. They can either dismiss a complaint or uphold it, deciding on the necessary actions. Importantly, the panel cannot conduct its own investigations or consider information that wasn't part of the earlier stages of the complaint. This ensures that the process remains focused and efficient, aiming for timely resolutions for children and their families.

The notes also detail the timeline for reporting and the council's response, as well as how to escalate concerns to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman if needed. This transparency is vital for building trust and ensuring that children's voices are heard and acted upon.

Stage Three Children's Complaint Review Panel Reports: Examining Specific Cases

The committee also considered Stage Three Children's Complaint Review Panel Reports. These reports, identified by reference numbers such as HAV300948 and HAV650746, are not made public. This is often due to the sensitive nature of the information involved, which may include personal details about children and families.

The purpose of these reports is for the panel to review a specific complaint and make recommendations to Children's Services. The panel's decision-making is based on the written information and what is discussed during the hearing. The process aims to provide a thorough review of the issues raised, with the ultimate goal of improving services and ensuring the well-being of children in Havering.

Details of the Governance Committee meeting on 22 May 2026 can be found here.

Details of the Governance Committee meeting on 22 May 2026 can be found here.

This week in Havering:

Licence Adjourned: Concerns Over Notification Halt Review for Local Convenience Store

A crucial licensing review for Best One, a convenience store located at 5-7 Boxmoor Road, Romford, RM2 2SH, was unexpectedly adjourned on Tuesday 05 May 2026. The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting was halted due to claims from the premises' legal representation and the Home Office that they had not been properly notified of the hearing. This adjournment means the decision on the application to transfer the premises licence and vary the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) is postponed.

The application, made by Mrs Gurmeet Kaur Hakimzada, faced significant objections from both the Immigration Enforcement Licensing Compliance Team and the Metropolitan Police. The Immigration Enforcement team, acting on behalf of the Secretary of State, raised concerns that granting the application could facilitate illegal working. Their objection highlighted that the contact details provided in the application appeared to belong to a Mr Gurmeet Singh Hakimzada, not the proposed applicant. Mr. Hakimzada has a history of immigration and licensing issues, and the Home Office suspects Mrs. Hakimzada might be acting as a proxy, potentially undermining transparency. This echoes concerns seen in previous cases where individuals have faced penalties for employing illegal workers.

The Police also objected, citing doubts about the legitimacy of the proposed DPS and premises licence holder arrangement. They noted that the contact details linked to Mr. Gurmeet Singh Hakimzada, whose own premises licence was revoked in 2018 after illegal tobacco was seized and alcohol was sold during a licence suspension. The Police argued that the proposed applicant living in Southall, approximately 60 miles away, raises questions about her ability to provide genuine day-to-day control of the premises. This situation risks weakening the safeguards of the Licensing Act 2003, which aims to uphold responsible alcohol sales and prevent crime.

The adjournment means that the future of the licence for Best One remains uncertain for now. The council's commitment to ensuring accountability and preventing illegal activities within licensed premises is at the forefront of these objections.

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

Other Matters

No other council meetings were held in the last 7 days.