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Weekly updates
Redbridge Bridge Costs Soar, SEND Failures, Lifeline Changes
This week in Redbridge:
Bridge Closure Costs Mount as Council Seeks Funding for £80m Replacement
The Redbridge Council cabinet met to discuss the ongoing Broadmead Road Bridge closure and consider options for its future. The bridge, closed to vehicular traffic since July 2023, has caused significant disruption, and the council is now seeking funding for a complete rebuild, estimated to cost £80 million[^119]. No video of the meeting was provided.
- Preferred Option: The cabinet approved the recommendation to rebuild the bridge using
Option 5a,
which involves replacing the span over the Central Line[^3] and using a reinforced soil wall for the remaining structure. - Funding Challenge: The council is actively seeking funding from Transport for London (TfL)[^5] and central government, including the £1 billion infrastructure fund. Without external funding, the project is at risk[^124].
- Impact on Residents: The continued closure of the bridge is worsening congestion, increasing journey times, and impacting emergency services[^125, 127]. The report also acknowledges the significant impact on children and young people accessing education[^129].
The council has engaged with residents through webinars, meetings, and a dedicated webpage[^116, 120, 144]. However, they do not intend to carry out a formal public consultation at this stage[^123, 155].
The report states that the council has worked closely with technical consultants to assess the condition of the bridge and develop the options report.
The report also states that the council has proactively engaged with key stakeholders, including the emergency services, Transport for London, neighbouring boroughs such as Waltham Forest and Essex County Council, the local school, and Members of Parliament.
The report states that the council has maintained regular dialogue with key operational stakeholders including emergency services, London Underground, neighbouring authorities such as Waltham Forest and Essex, and local schools.
The report states that the council has delivered resident engagement to date including a public webinar, an in-person meeting, and by regularly updating the dedicated engagement page with key information, FAQs, and published reports to ensure transparency and accessibility.
The report states that since the closure of the bridge, Council Members have led a sustained and coordinated political effort to secure external funding for a long-term solution.
The report states that the council has maintained regular dialogue with key operational stakeholders including emergency services, London Underground, neighbouring authorities such as Waltham Forest and Essex, and local schools.
The report states that the council does not intend to carry out a formal public consultation at this stage.
The report states that without confirmed funding contributions from partners such as TfL and DfT, the Council's preferred option is put at risk.
The report states that failing to act will mean the continued closure of Broadmead Road Bridge, worsening congestion, increasing journey times, and placing additional pressure on surrounding roads and local communities.
The report states that there is inherent uncertainty around the scale and complexity of utility diversions, as well as potential requirements for TfL rail closures and rail replacement bus service replacements during construction.
The report states that since the bridge has been closed emergency services are using the prescribed diversionary routes of the A406 and the continued closure of the bridge is impacting upon the operations of emergency services.
The report states that a full EqIA will be conducted during detailed design of the proposed option, or should the decision be taken to demolish the bridge due to structural concerns.
The report states that the closure of Broadmead Road Bridge his having a significant impact on children and young people in the local area, particularly in relation to access to education and daily mobility.
The report states that there are no staffing implications as a result of this report.
The report states that there are no implications for crime and community safety however it is noted and acknowledged that emergency service provision as a whole can be affected by the bridge closure, as emergency services are not exempt from the bridge closure restriction.
The report states that funding options for the preferred option for the bridge (which is a new single span bridge over the Central Line with soil reinforced approach ramps), are to be set out within a separate Funding Strategy for the bridge.
The report states that it remains the intention of the Council to continue to work with partner organisations to secure external funding.
The report states that at its meeting in February 2025, full Council approved additional revenue funding of £0.375m to support the Council in its statutory obligations to inspect and repair defects for its bridges and other structures (the full 2025/26 revenue allocation is £0.677m).
The report states that the Council has the power under Section 1 of the Localism Act 2011 and Section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972 to do anything that an individual may do unless constrained by other legislation.
The report states that the recommended option which aims to reinstate full vehicular access over the bridge, restoring the original function of the structure by procuring a design and build contractor through a competitive tendering process would be enabled under the power of Section 1 of the Localism Act 2011 and Section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972.
The report states that Section 1 of the Local Government (Contract) Act 1997 provides that every statutory provision conferring or imposing a function on local authority confers power on the local authority to enter into a contract with another person for the provision or making available of assets or services, or both, (whether or not together with goods) for the purpose of, or in connection with, the discharge of function by the local authority.
The report states that from the information supplied, there is no reason to believe that the proposed procurement for suitable design and build contractor will not be undertaken in accordance with the Council's Contract Standing Orders, the Public Contractors Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023.
The report states that the Council has the power under Section 1 of the Localism Act 2011 and Section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972 to do anything that an individual may do unless constrained by other legislation.
The report states that the recommended option which aims to reinstate full vehicular access over the bridge, restoring the original function of the structure by procuring a design and build contractor through a competitive tendering process would be enabled under the power of Section 1 of the Localism Act 2011 and Section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972.
The report states that Section 1 of the Local Government (Contract) Act 1997 provides that every statutory provision conferring or imposing a function on local authority confers power on the local authority to enter into a contract with another person for the provision or making available of assets or services, or both, (whether or not together with goods) for the purpose of, or in connection with, the discharge of function by the local authority.
The report states that from the information supplied, there is no reason to believe that the proposed procurement for suitable design and build contractor will not be undertaken in accordance with the Council's Contract Standing Orders, the Public Contractors Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023.
The report states that the Council's approach reflects the feedback and preferences shared by local residents through numerous correspondence.
The report states that the Council has actively engaged with residents through a public webinar, a face-to-face meeting, and by regularly updating the dedicated engagement page with key information, FAQs, and published reports to ensure transparency and accessibility.
The report states that since the closure of the bridge, Council Members have led a sustained and coordinated political effort to secure external funding for a long-term solution.
The report states that this has included extensive formal correspondence with Secretaries of State, direct engagement with government ministers, and securing the active support of all four Redbridge MPs to lobby for investment.
The report states that the Leader and Members have also held meetings with the Deputy Mayor of London and senior officials at Transport for London (TfL) to highlight the s urgent need for support.
The report states that in parallel, a dedicated working group was established with key partners, including emergency services and local schools, to ensure a joined-up response.
The report states that public affairs activity has been supported by strategic media engagement with appearances and quotes from Members, and advocacy through London TravelWatch, who independently raised the issue with the TfL Commissioner.
The report states that alongside officer work, Council Members continue to press politically for access to the £1bn national infrastructure fund and remain in active dialogue with ministers and TfL to unlock the investment required to deliver the preferred longterm solution.
The report states that the Council has maintained regular dialogue with key operational stakeholders including emergency services, London Underground, neighbouring authorities such as Waltham Forest and Essex, and local schools.
The report states that these conversations have focused on keeping them informed, seeking their input, and securing support for the proposed way forward.
The report states that TFL and Government are fully aware of the state of the bridge and the proposed solution.
The report states that the Council will continue to engage with key operational stakeholders throughout the procurement, design, and build process.
The report states that as the recommended option aims to reinstate full vehicular access over the bridge, restoring the original function of the structure, the Council does not intend to carry out a formal public consultation at this stage.
The report states that without confirmed funding contributions from partners such as TfL and DfT, the Council's preferred option
Read more about the cabinet meeting here.
SEND Inspection Reveals Systemic Failures
in Redbridge
A recent inspection of Redbridge's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)[^29] services has found widespread and/or systemic failures,
according to a report considered by the cabinet. The inspection, conducted by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC), assessed the Redbridge Local Area SEND Partnership, which includes Redbridge Council and the North East London Integrated Care Board (ICB). No video of the meeting was provided.
- Areas for Improvement: The report identifies
areas for priority action
that the partnership must address. The specific areas were not detailed in the report. - Action Plan Required: The partnership is required to prepare and submit an action plan to address the identified failures.
- Impact on Vulnerable Children: The findings raise serious concerns about the quality of support and services provided to children and young people with SEND in Redbridge.
The report pack notes that the inspectors did find some areas of strength and acknowledged that the partnership recognised that improvements were needed and had begun an improvement journey but overall, the Redbridge local area partnership was judged to have widespread and/or systemic failures. The partnership must now prepare and submit an action plan to address the identified areas for priority action.
Read more about the cabinet meeting here.
Council Considers Outsourcing Lifeline Service
The cabinet is considering outsourcing the Redbridge Lifeline Service to Alcove, a provider of Care Tech as a Managed Service.
The Lifeline service provides emergency assistance to vulnerable residents, and the proposed change aims to improve the technology offered beyond a basic alarm service. No video of the meeting was provided.
- Continuity of Service: The council states that outsourcing to Alcove will ensure continuity of service for all Lifeline clients.
- Improved Technology: The new service promises to offer preventative solutions that promote independence for Redbridge clients.
- Staff Consultation: The council will consult with affected staff regarding the proposed outsourcing.
The report pack states that a recommendation is being made for the outsourcing of the service to external provider Alcove, an established provider who offer 'Care Tech as a Managed Service'.
The report pack notes that the option to outsource the service to Alcove achieves the aim to provide continuity of service for all Lifeline clients and vastly improves the offer of technology solutions beyond just an alarm service, introducing preventative solutions that promote the independence of Redbridge clients.
Read more about the cabinet meeting here.
Other Matters
- The cabinet approved a new agreement for the Redbridge Better Care Fund, which pools funding to integrate health, social care, and housing services. Read more about the cabinet meeting here.
- The cabinet reviewed the Budgetary Control Report for Month 2 of 2025/26, noting a forecast overspend of £45.8 million in the General Fund Service Directorate Revenue Budget. Read more about the cabinet meeting here.
- The cabinet reviewed the Redbridge Corporate Performance Report for Quarter 4 of 2024/25, which demonstrates progress towards delivering the council's key priorities. Read more about the cabinet meeting here.
- The Planning Committee was scheduled to hear developer presentations for sites in Chadwell Heath and Ilford, and scheduled applications for developments in Ilford and Wanstead. No video of the meeting was provided.
- The Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss the Area Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) inspection, Broadmead Bridge Options, and the Building Maintenance Capital Programme 2025-26. No video of the meeting was provided.
Upcoming Meetings:
- Licensing Sub-Committee - 22 July 2025 - Application for a new premises licence for Popeyes, 109 High Street, Ilford, IG1 1DE. Link to meeting
- Licensing Sub-Committee - 22 July 2025 - Application for a new premises licence for Rio's Piri Piri, 171 Ilford Lane in Ilford. Link to meeting
- General Purposes Committee - 23 July 2025 - Discussion of a review of polling places in the borough. Link to meeting
Redbridge Schools Face Funding Crisis; Councillor Accused
This week in Redbridge:
Schools Face Funding Crisis as High Needs Deficit Soars
The Redbridge Schools Forum met to discuss critical financial challenges facing schools, particularly concerning the growing deficit in the High Needs Block, which funds education for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). No video of the meeting was provided.
- Projected Deficit: A £5.143 million in-year deficit is projected for 2025/26, adding to an existing £0.747 million deficit, resulting in a total cumulative High Needs deficit of £5.889 million by the end of the year. This could mean reduced support and resources for vulnerable students with SEND.
- Rising Costs: The forum reviewed a table comparing budget allocations against expenditure, revealing significant overspending in areas such as mainstream primary and special schools. For example, special schools within the borough are projected to overspend by £3.969 million, supporting 658 children and young people.
- Falling Enrolments: Reception rolls across schools are declining and projected to fall further by 2033, potentially leading to school closures or reduced staffing. By 2026/27, the Published Admission Number (PAN) will have dropped by 360 places since 2019/20.
The Schools Forum also discussed the School Organisation Plan 2025-33, which is based on population projections and recent trends. The report pack stated that the decline in primary school enrolments is now shifting to the secondary sector, where consideration should be given to managing PANs.
The Schools Forum was scheduled to note that the LA recognises that schools face significant financial challenges in the future due to increasing costs and uncertainty of funding. The LA will continue to monitor school balances during 2025-26 and expect schools to have in place clear plans and intentions for the use of balances within a reasonable timeframe.
Read more about the Redbridge Schools Forum meeting here.
Councillor Accused of Anti-Semitic Social Media Posts
The Governance and Assurance Committee was scheduled to review the outcome of an investigation into a complaint against Councillor Kabir Mahmud regarding offensive social media posts. No video of the meeting was provided.
The investigation, conducted by Wilkin Chapman LLP, concluded that Councillor Mahmud had breached the Member Code of Conduct by:
- Failing to treat others with respect.
- Failing to promote equalities and unlawfully discriminating against persons.
- Bringing his role and the Council into disrepute.
The report detailed the complaint, which stated that Councillor Mahmud had posted extremely offensive and highly inflammatory comments made on social media, very anti-semitic, very pro Palestinian using foul language
. The investigation considered relevant legislation and protocols, including the Localism Act 2011, the Council's Code of Conduct, and its Email and Internet Policy, and Social Media Protocol for Members.
The report included additional submissions from both the complainant and Councillor Mahmud, as well as a detailed reasoning for the conclusion that Councillor Mahmud had breached the Code of Conduct. The report also referenced the Council's public statements on the situation in Gaza, including a statement from Councillor Jas Athwal, Leader of the Council, expressing thoughts for Jewish neighbours in Redbridge.
The committee was also scheduled to consider the Annual Report of the Monitoring Officer for 2024/25, which included updates on complaints against members, training on the Code of Conduct, and constitutional changes.
Read more about the Governance and Assurance Committee meeting here.
A-Level Performance Declining in Redbridge Schools
The Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee was scheduled to receive a presentation on Key Stage 5 (KS5) performance and improvement, revealing declining A-level outcomes in Redbridge schools. No video of the meeting was provided.
- Below National Averages: Overall A-level performance is below national averages, with negative differences in biology, chemistry, physics, and government and politics. This could limit students' opportunities for higher education and future careers.
- Contributing Factors: The report identified socio-economic factors, systemic issues such as teacher quality, and legacy factors like students' mental health as potential contributors to the current A-level outcomes.
- Improvement Strategies: The School Improvement Service had formed a Sixth Form Strategy Group in September 2023 to strategise an approach for improving KS5 outcomes. All 11 maintained schools with sixth forms had committed to the group, and academies were to be invited from September 2025.
The report outlined improvement strategies at three key levels: Redbridge Local Authority (LA) approach, school-level approach, and a collaborative approach through the Sixth Form Strategy Group.
The committee was also scheduled to receive a verbal report on school policies relating to the use of smartphones in schools, and to consider a report on education attendances.
Read more about the Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting here.
Upcoming Meetings:
- Overview and Scrutiny Committee - 14 July 2025 - Discussion of the Area Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) inspection, Broadmead Bridge Options, and the Building Maintenance Capital Programme 2025-26. Link to meeting
- Planning Committee - 16 July 2025 - Planning applications for developments on Greenway Court, Valentines Road and High Street, Wanstead. Link to meeting
- General Purposes Committee - 17 July 2025 - Discussion of a review of polling places in the borough. Link to meeting
- Cabinet - 17 July 2025 - Reports on the Broadmead Road Bridge, special educational needs provision, the Hainault Business Park, building maintenance, the Redbridge Lifeline service, the Better Care Fund, budgetary control and corporate performance. Link to meeting
- Licensing Sub-Committee - 22 July 2025 - Application for a new premises licence for Popeyes, 109 High Street, Ilford, IG1 1DE. Link to meeting
- Licensing Sub-Committee - 22 July 2025 - Application for a new premises licence for Rio's Piri Piri, 171 Ilford Lane in Ilford. Link to meeting
Late-Night Pub Licence, Youth Council Successes, & Mental Health
This week in Redbridge:
Late-Night Licence for Ilford Pub Faces Objections
The Licensing Sub-Committee met on July 1st to consider an application for a new premises licence for The Cauliflower Public House, located at 553 High Road, Ilford, IG1 1TZ. No video of the meeting was provided. The applicant, Temidayo Adeleke, is seeking a licence to allow licensable activities including live music, recorded music, performances of dance, late night refreshment and the supply of alcohol, with operating hours extending until 5:00 AM on weekends.
The application has faced opposition from the Metropolitan Police Licensing Team and the Council's Licensing Enforcement Team, as well as from local residents, due to concerns regarding crime and disorder, public safety, the protection of children from harm, and the prevention of public nuisance.
The premises are located within the Ilford Town Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ). The council's Statement of Licensing Policy outlines that within a CIZ, there is a presumption that applications for new premises licences will be refused, unless the applicant can demonstrate that granting the application will not add to the cumulative impact.
The Licensing Sub-Committee was asked to consider the report and representations, with regard to the Statutory Guidance issued by the Home Office, the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy, and all other relevant information, and then decide whether to grant, partially grant, or reject the application.
Read more about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting here.
Youth Council Presents Achievements and Plans to External Scrutiny Committee
The Redbridge Council External Scrutiny Committee met on July 3rd to receive updates from the Youth Council, the Metropolitan Police, and Transport for London (TfL). No video of the meeting was provided.
The Redbridge Youth Council, including Anusha Hossain (Youth MP), Yusuf Shobair (Youth MP) and Inaaya Ijaz (Deputy Youth MP), presented their annual update, highlighting their activities, achievements, and future plans. Key initiatives and achievements included:
- Environmental commitment: Participating in events like the Youth Climate and Sustainability Conference and supporting the Plastic Clever Schools initiative.
- House of Commons speech: Advocating for issues affecting young people, with a focus on increasing the national minimum wage.
- Real Talk Café: Collaborating with Box Up Crime Ilford to host sessions, providing a safe space for young people to discuss important issues like street safety, mental health, and poverty.
- Amplified Youth Voice Conference: Planning a conference to bring young people together with teachers and professionals to share their voices and ideas.
- Youth Academic Achievement Award Event: Organising a celebration event for GCSE and A-Level students to recognise their academic and personal achievements.
The Youth Council also outlined plans for future initiatives, including working with the Digital Team to improve online platforms, planning a football match between young people and the police to build positive community relations, and exploring the idea of installing an outdoor calisthenics gym to promote community cohesion, health, and fitness.
Read more about the External Scrutiny Committee meeting here.
Health and Wellbeing Board Discusses Mental Health Investment and Better Care Fund
The Health and Wellbeing Board met on June 30th to discuss a number of health and social care issues, including updates on social care and health systems, the response to a Regulation 28 notice, and the Better Care Fund. No video of the meeting was provided.
Doug Tanner, Head of Start Well, Redbridge Place Based Partnership, North East London Integrated Care Board (NEL ICB), presented an update on the response to a Regulation 28 Report to Prevent Future Deaths notice, which was issued following the inquest into the death of a 12-year-old with a history of self-harm. The update included information on the allocation of the Mental Health Investment Standard (MHIS), which has been adjusted to bring Redbridge into financial parity with comparable boroughs.
Caroline Martindale, Strategic Commissioning Manager in the Council, presented the Better Care Fund (BCF) plan for 2025-2026. The BCF brings together funding streams to support people to live healthy, independent, and dignified lives by integrating health, social care, and housing services.
The Health and Wellbeing Board also received verbal updates on various aspects of the health and social care system in Redbridge, including Public Health, Adult Social Care and Community Health, the Redbridge Borough Partnership, and the Voluntary and Community Sector.
Read more about the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting here.
Other Matters
- The Governance and Assurance Committee is scheduled to meet on 7 July 2025 to discuss several key reports, including the annual report from the Monitoring Officer, the outcome of a standards sub-committee hearing regarding Councillor Kabir Mahmud, the draft annual governance statement, and the internal audit plan. Link to meeting
- The Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on 8 July 2025, to discuss A-level performance, smartphone use in schools, and education attendance. Link to meeting
Upcoming Meetings:
- Governance and Assurance Committee - 7 July 2025 - Discussion of the annual report from the Monitoring Officer, the outcome of a standards sub-committee hearing regarding Councillor Kabir Mahmud, the draft annual governance statement, and the internal audit plan. Link to meeting
- Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee - 8 July 2025 - Discussion of A-level performance, smartphone use in schools, and education attendance. Link to meeting
- Overview Committee - 16 July 2025 - No agenda available. Link to meeting
- Cabinet - 17 July 2025 - No agenda available. Link to meeting
- Licensing Committee - 17 July 2025 - No agenda available. Link to meeting
Redbridge debates e-scooters, disability benefit cuts & more
This week in Redbridge:
Council to Debate E-Scooter Regulation Amid Safety Concerns
Redbridge Council is set to debate a motion calling for stricter regulation and enforcement of e-scooters, addressing the rising concerns over the dangerous use of illegal electric scooters and illegally adapted electric bikes in the borough. Councillor Jo Blackman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, is scheduled to move the motion at the upcoming Council meeting on June 26th.
The motion highlights alarming statistics:
- In 2022, over 1,400 casualties involving e-scooters occurred across the UK, including 12 fatalities.
- The motion calls on the government to regulate all e-scooters and e-bikes.
- The motion calls on the Metropolitan Police to increase checks and enforcement on illegal e-scooters and e-bikes in Redbridge.
- The motion calls on companies to ensure they are clearly advising customers of the legal status of e-scooters.
- The council would also commit to undertake awareness raising work to educate the public about the risks associated with illegal e-bikes and e-scooters.
If passed, this motion could lead to increased safety for pedestrians and road users, but also potential restrictions on e-scooter use for those who rely on them for transportation.
Read more about the upcoming Council meeting here.
Disability Benefit Cuts Face Opposition
Councillor Rosa Gomez is scheduled to move a motion at the Council meeting on June 26th expressing strong opposition to proposed government cuts to disability benefits. The motion highlights the potential impact on vulnerable residents, including:
- Restricting access to Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
- Moving thousands of people currently too ill to work into the main Universal Credit category.
- Reducing and freezing benefit rates.
The motion proposes several actions:
- Writing to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
- Working with local disability organisations to assess the impact of these changes.
- Calling on all local MPs to oppose these cuts.
- Exploring ways to support disabled residents locally.
- Collaborating with other councils to pass similar motions.
If passed, this motion would send a clear message to the government about the council's concerns regarding the proposed cuts and its commitment to supporting disabled residents.
Read more about the upcoming Council meeting here.
Council to Review Constitution and Committee Appointments
Redbridge Council is scheduled to discuss a report on the review and redrafting of the council's constitution at the Council meeting on June 26th. The council is undertaking work to refresh and modernise the constitution, with support from the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny.
The review is expected to be divided into two phases, with the first phase focusing on immediate changes to:
- Council Standing Orders
- Committee Procedure Rules
- Procedure Rules, and terms of reference, associated with committees of the council tasked with activity around grievance and disciplinary arrangements relating to certain senior officers.
The council is also scheduled to consider a report regarding changes to appointments to committees that were agreed at the annual council meeting on 15 May 2025.
Read more about the upcoming Council meeting here.
Planning Committee to Review Major Developments
The Planning Committee met on June 23rd to discuss several significant planning applications across the borough. No video of the meeting was provided.
Applications under consideration included:
- A five-storey building comprising 18 flats in Seven Kings.
- A mixed-use development with 96 flats in Chadwell Heath.
- The demolition of existing buildings and construction of a community hall, 19 flats, and 9 townhouses at Holy Trinity Church Church Hall and Vicarage in South Woodford.
- The demolition of sheltered housing units and erection of a four-storey care home in Wanstead.
Read more about the Planning Committee meeting here.
Other Matters
- The Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to meet on June 30th to discuss a number of reports and updates, including an update on the response to a Regulation 28 notice.
- The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on July 1st to consider an application for a new premises licence for The Cauliflower Public House.
- The Overview Committee is scheduled to meet on July 3rd, but no agenda is currently available. Link to meeting
Upcoming Meetings:
- Health and Wellbeing Board - 30 June 2025 - Update on Regulation 28 notice, annual health protection report, and Better Care Fund agreement. Link to meeting
- Licensing Sub-Committee - 1 July 2025 - Application for a new premises licence for The Cauliflower Public House. Link to meeting
- Overview Committee - 3 July 2025 - No agenda available. Link to meeting
- West Area Committee - 7 July 2025 - No agenda available. Link to meeting
- East Area Committee - 8 July 2025 - No agenda available. Link to meeting
Redbridge Overspend; Late Night Licence; Transport Strategy
This week in Redbridge:
Council Budget Overspend Sparks Concern
Redbridge Council's Cabinet reviewed the Budgetary Control Report for 2024/25, revealing a significant overspend of £15.317 million. Councillor Vanisha Solanki, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, presented the report, attributing the overspend to pressures in homelessness services and adult social care.
Key drivers of the overspend include:
- Homelessness: A £14.979 million overspend in Communities, largely due to the high cost of temporary accommodation. This could mean fewer resources for preventative measures and support services for vulnerable residents.
- Adult Social Care: A £22.865 million overspend in the People Directorate, driven by increased demand for care packages and the use of agency staff. This could lead to longer waits for assessments and reduced quality of care for elderly and disabled residents.
- Reduced Reserves: The overspend has significantly reduced Earmarked Reserves by £15.721 million, potentially limiting the council's ability to respond to future financial challenges.
The report also highlighted that unbudgeted pressures rolling forward into 2025/26 include £17.151m in housing and £16.333m in adult social care.
The Cabinet reviewed the report at their meeting on 19 June 2025. Read the full report here.
Late-Night Licence Sparks Resident Concerns in South Woodford
The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Lounge 71, located at 190 George Lane, South Woodford, E18 1AY. The applicant, Fidez HZ Limited, seeks to extend operating hours for live music, late-night refreshment, and alcohol sales until 2:00 AM on weekends.
The application has faced strong opposition from local residents and councillors, who fear it will exacerbate existing issues with noise, anti-social behaviour, and crime in the area.
- Anthony Bexley, a local resident, stated that the area has faced persistent issues for more than twenty years, particularly relating to the three neighbouring licensed properties within this parade, and that extending operating hours until 2:00am is likely to increase noise, anti-social behaviour, and crime.
- Councillor Beverley Brewer, Councillor for South Woodford, raised concerns from local residents about the lateness of the application, the fact that the previous occupants had no alcohol licence, and that the applicant wants to stay open later than is usually allowed by the Licensing Policy in quiet, residential areas. Councillor Beverley Brewer also noted that the application is in the name of FIDES HZ LTD, a company whose nature of business at Companies House is listed as
Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate,
and that its predecessor company Fides HN Ltd went into liquidation last August. - Councillor Joe Hehir also submitted a representation echoing the concerns raised by Councillor Beverley Brewer and local residents.
- Stephen Wright, a local resident, also objected to the application, stating that the addition of a further late night license will create a greater draw to the area as a late night spot, and that a 2am license will cause further issues until at least 2.30am for local residents.
Lounge 71 is located within the South Woodford Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ). The council's Statement of Licensing Policy states that there is a rebuttable presumption that applications for new premises licences within a CIZ will be refused, unless the applicant can demonstrate that granting the application will not add to the cumulative impact.
The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to discuss the application on 17 June 2025. Read the full report here.
Sustainable Transport Strategy Adopted to Tackle Climate Emergency
The Cabinet formally adopted the revised Sustainable Transport Strategy (STS), a 17-year plan to shape the borough's transport priorities and guide capital investment. Councillor Jo Blackman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, highlighted that the strategy identifies short, medium, and long-term actions to achieve sustainable transport ambitions and address the climate emergency.
The strategy focuses on four key themes:
- Active and safer travel for healthier lifestyles
- Making transport and travel accessible
- Enhancing the environment and responding to the climate emergency
- Keeping Redbridge's economy moving
The public consultation revealed that the most important challenges to tackle were congestion and limited travel options. The final strategy includes an action plan with short, medium, and long-term actions, considering the needs of vulnerable groups such as cyclists, pedestrians, disabled people, and the elderly.
The Cabinet adopted the strategy at their meeting on 19 June 2025. Read the full report here.
Other Matters
- The Health Scrutiny Sub-committee agreed on their work programme for 2025/26, including updates on health protection and relevant bodies. Read more about the meeting here.
- The Cabinet approved the Redbridge Local Plan Authority Monitoring Report (AMR) for 2023/24, highlighting under-delivery on housing targets and the resulting limitations on enforcing local plan policies. Read the full report here.
- The Standards Sub-Committee met to consider allegations of misconduct against a councillor. Read more about the meeting here.
- The Licensing Committee agreed to establish a Licensing Sub-Committee for the municipal year 2025/26 and recommended that the Full Council adopt the Licensing Policy at its meeting on 18 September 2025. Read more about the meeting here.
Upcoming Meetings:
- Council - 26 June 2025 - Motions on the LGA's Debate Not Hate campaign, e-scooter regulation, and proposed government cuts to disability benefits. Link to meeting
- Planning Committee - 23 June 2025 - Planning applications for developments in Seven Kings, Chadwell Heath, and Wanstead. Link to meeting
- Health and Wellbeing Board - 30 June 2025 - No agenda available. Link to meeting
- Licensing Sub-Committee - 1 July 2025 - Application for a new premises licence for The Cauliflower Public House. Link to meeting
- Overview Committee - 3 July 2025 - No agenda available. Link to meeting
Recent meetings
The Redbridge Council licensing sub-committee was scheduled to convene to consider a new premises licence application for Popeyes, a Louisiana chicken restaurant on Ilford High Road. The application sought permission for late night refreshment, with the restaurant closing to the public at 1am but continuing delivery services until 3am. Councillors were expected to consider the application in light of objections from the police, the council's licensing enforcement team, and public health officials.
The Redbridge Council licensing sub-committee was scheduled to convene to consider an application for a new premises licence. The application was for Rio's Piri Piri, located at 171 Ilford Lane, to be granted a licence for late night refreshment. The sub-committee was also scheduled to discuss procedure for licensing hearings.
Here is a summary of the topics that were scheduled for discussion at the Redbridge Council Cabinet meeting on 17 July 2025.
The Redbridge Council Planning Committee was scheduled to discuss several planning applications, including developer presentations for sites in Chadwell Heath and Ilford, and scheduled applications for developments in Ilford and Wanstead. The committee was also expected to review the minutes from a previous meeting.
Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the Redbridge Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 14 July 2025. The agenda included updates from the chairs of policy development committees, the annual report from scrutiny and policy development committees, and pre-decision scrutiny of executive reports concerning building maintenance, bridge options, and a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) inspection.
The Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee for Redbridge Council was scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, to discuss several topics related to education in the borough. The agenda included the election of a chair and vice-chair, a verbal report on smartphone use in schools, a report on education attendances, and a presentation on Key Stage 5 (KS5) performance and improvement. The committee was also scheduled to review the minutes from their previous meeting.
The Redbridge Schools Forum met to discuss school funding, budget allocations, and financial monitoring, as well as updates to the school organisation plan. The forum was also scheduled to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant outturn for 2024-25, and the grant allocations for 2025-26. Additionally, the forum was set to review the activities of the High Needs Funding sub-group and the 2025/26 High Needs Block position.
The Governance and Assurance Committee for Redbridge Council met on Monday 7 July 2025 to discuss several key reports and strategies. The agenda included the election of a chair and vice-chair, the annual report of the Monitoring Officer, and the review of the draft Annual Governance Statement. Also scheduled for discussion were the Internal Audit Charter, Mandate, Strategy, and proposed plan, as well as an update on Internal Audit and Counter Fraud activities.
The Redbridge Council External Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 3 July 2025, to discuss updates from the Youth Council, the Metropolitan Police, and Transport for London (TfL). The committee received presentations and updates from the Youth Council on their annual activities and plans, and from the Metropolitan Police regarding local policing and crime statistics. The committee also received a verbal update from TfL.
Here is a summary of the topics that were in the report pack for discussion at the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting.