Decision

Report title: Comments of Overview and
Scrutiny Board on the Council's Budget 2026/27
 
Presented by: Councillor Laurance Garrard,
Chair of the Overview & Scrutiny Board
 
At its meeting on 4th February 2026, the
Overview and Scrutiny Board scrutinised the Council’s
proposed Budget for 2026/27.
 
As the Board made recommendations and comments
for Cabinet to consider and respond to, under the Overview and
Scrutiny Procedure Rules, a report must be submitted to Cabinet.
These recommendations and comments are shown above and Cabinet is
required to give a response to each of these as well as indicate
whether it wishes to change or continue with the proposed
Budget.
 
1.         That
Officers explore aligning the Improvement and Transformation Plan
with the Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS)
 
Response:
The plan was already aligned with the budget in the background.
Following Overview & Scrutiny comments, the alignment has now
been made explicit in the latest Cabinet report.
 
2.         That
Officers undertake alternative modelling on the impact of reducing
street trading licence fees.
 
           
Response: Officers need further time for modelling.
A formal written
response will be returned to Overview & Scrutiny Board once
work is completed
 
3.         That
Officers review the wording within the Discretionary Fees and
Charges section to ensure it reflects a compassionate approach to
sensitive issues
 
           
Response: Wording has already been amended to reflect a
compassionate approach, noting, the fee is not payable by bereaved
residents. The council will claim costs from the Children’s
Fund for burials.
 
4.         That the
Board be provided with information on the cost implications of
extending 30 minutes free parking across all areas of Havering
 
           
Response: A pilot in Hornchurch was implemented just before
Christmas. Only two months of data currently available; more months
are required. Work is ongoing with finance officers to produce
reliable modelling and assumptions.
 
5.         That
Officers confirm to the Board the value of the shortfall created by
the National Insurance increase
 
           
Response: Officers responded during the meeting. A written
follow?up will also be provided to the
Overview &Scrutiny Board
 
6.         That
Officers explore a pilot scheme delivering a single, coordinated
bulky waste collection within a defined geographical area given
sufficient bulky waste demand exists
           
           
Response: Officers have taken this issue away for further
investigation on feasibility and implementation.
 
7.         That
Officers consider the feasibility and potential benefits of
introducing individually licensed fly tipping collectors
 
           
Response: This issue is still under consideration; work is
ongoing
 
8.         That
Officers explore opportunities to enhance communications with
residents regarding Green Flag status and achievements within local
parks.
 
           
Response: Officers noted that this recommendation
doesn’t have clear budget implications. Communications is
already strong regarding Green Flag park status (e.g., photo shoots
and publicity).
Additional
interpretation: The Overview & Scrutiny Board may have intended
a perception survey linked to the Parks Strategy and
anti?social behaviour work.
 
Overall Conclusion
 
None of the
recommendations listed require budget changes.
 
Officers have
either completed actions, are in progress, or will provide
follow?up information in writing.