This week in Waltham Forest:

Late-Night Kebab Shop Licence Sparks Noise and Safety Fears

Waltham Forest Council's Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee met this week to consider a controversial application for a premises licence for German Doner Kebab, located at 706 High Road, Leytonstone, London E11 3AJ. The application sought permission for late-night refreshment hours, extending to 1:00 am on Sundays to Thursdays and 3:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The decision carries significant weight for residents in Leytonstone, particularly concerning public nuisance and crime. Two representations were received from other persons raising serious worries. One resident, Braden Fletcher, highlighted concerns about an increase in begging, loitering, and anti-social behaviour since the premises opened, fearing these issues would escalate with later operating hours, especially as patrons disperse from nearby bars. Public safety, particularly for women, was also cited as a concern in the area.

Melissa Darragh echoed these anxieties, detailing increased begging and anti-social behaviour, alongside issues of loitering, inadequate bin storage, and potential fire risks. Significant noise nuisances, including a persistent hum from a refrigeration unit and noise from staff operating fridge/freezer doors, were also reported. Darragh also pointed to a local planning rule that discourages takeaways near children's facilities, noting the proximity of Harvey House Nursery.

The applicant, HGJ Foods Group Ltd, stated their commitment to upholding licensing objectives. They proposed measures such as a CCTV system, staff training, and notices requesting customers to leave quietly. Children under 16 would only be permitted on the premises if accompanied by an adult after 10:00 pm.

The Sub-Committee was tasked with deciding whether to grant the licence in full, in part, or refuse it. The outcome will directly impact the local environment and the quality of life for residents in Leytonstone.

The meeting also included a review of the Procedure at Licensing Sub-Committee, which outlines the process for considering licence applications.

Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting

Council Approves Budget and Council Tax Hike Amidst Financial Strain

Waltham Forest Council convened for a crucial meeting to set its budget and Council Tax for the 2026/27 financial year, a decision that will directly affect every household in the borough. The council is facing substantial financial challenges, with a projected £32.973 million overspend in the General Fund for the current year.

To address this deficit and fund essential services, the Council approved a 4.99% increase in Council Tax. This rise includes a 2% adult social care precept and a 2.99% increase for core council services. For a Band D property, this translates to an annual increase of £89.75. This decision highlights the difficult balancing act the council faces between providing vital services and managing its finances in a challenging economic climate.

The budget proposals reveal significant pressures, particularly in areas like Temporary Accommodation, where the number of households has risen sharply, and Social Care, with increasing client numbers and costs. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit also remains a concern.

In response to these pressures, the council is seeking £19 million in Exceptional Financial Support from central government. This funding is intended to provide breathing room for a council-wide service re-design programme aimed at prioritising preventative support and community interventions.

The council also approved its Treasury Management Strategy, Pay Policy Statement, and Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026/27. The Treasury Management Strategy outlines how the council will manage its borrowing and investments, prioritising security and liquidity. The Pay Policy Statement confirms the council's approach to chief officer remuneration, and the Members' Allowances Scheme will remain unchanged from the previous year.

Minor changes were also proposed to the Council's Scrutiny Committee structure to rationalise its operations. The council also addressed the political balance of its committees to ensure fair representation following changes in its composition.

Link to the Council meeting

Other Matters

Council Property Company Evolve Norse Faces Financial Scrutiny

The Shareholder Committee reviewed the mid-year performance of Evolve Norse, the joint venture between Waltham Forest Council and the Norse Group responsible for property services. While Evolve Norse plays a key role in delivering projects like school maintenance and the new Chingford Crematorium, its financial performance is a concern. The company is forecasting a significantly reduced profit, with a risk of ending the year in a net operating loss. This situation, while not directly exposing the council to financial risk, raises questions about the long-term viability of the joint venture, even as the council considers extending their agreement.

Link to the Shareholder Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 03 March 2026. Link to the Planning Committee meeting
• The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 10 March 2026. Link to the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny meeting
• The Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 11 March 2026. Link to the Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

Council Faces Tough Choices on Budget and Council Tax

Waltham Forest Council is set to make critical decisions this week regarding its budget for the upcoming year and the level of council tax residents will pay. The Cabinet met on Thursday, 19 February, to discuss proposals that include a 4.99% increase in council tax, comprising a 2% rise for adult social care and a 2.99% for general services. For a Band D property, this means an annual increase of £89.75.

These proposed increases come as the council faces significant financial pressures, including rising service demands, the cost of living crisis, and uncertainty in local government funding. The council is projecting a substantial overspend of £32.973 million for the current financial year (2025/26), largely driven by pressures in Adults and Children's Social Care, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and Temporary Accommodation.

To balance the budget for 2026/27, the council is seeking £19 million in Exceptional Financial Support from central government. This funding is intended to provide breathing room for necessary service redesign and savings delivery, with the aim of achieving financial sustainability by 2029/30.

The proposed budget also includes a significant Capital Programme of £733.427 million over the next decade, aimed at supporting strategic priorities like new affordable homes and regeneration projects. However, the immediate impact for residents will be the increased council tax bill.

The Budget Scrutiny Committee reviewed these proposals on Tuesday, 17 February, noting the council's challenging financial position and its reliance on council tax. They highlighted the need for transparency regarding the council's financial health and the use of Exceptional Financial Support.

The full Council will make the final decision on the budget and council tax at their meeting on Thursday, 26 February.

Link to the Cabinet meeting Link to the Budget Scrutiny Committee meeting Link to the Council meeting

Rent Hikes for Council Tenants on the Horizon

Thousands of council tenants in Waltham Forest could see their rents increase by 4.8% from April 2026. This proposed rise, the maximum allowed by the Regulator of Social Housing's Rent Standard, would mean an average weekly increase of £6.41 per household.

The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget for 2026/27, discussed by the Cabinet on Thursday, 19 February, outlines these proposed increases. The council attributes these rises to escalating costs from inflation, higher interest rates, and the significant investment required to meet new regulatory standards, such as those introduced by the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Building Safety Act 2022.

Beyond dwelling rents, proposals also include increases for service charges, garage rents, and traveller's rents, all aimed at covering operational costs. A notable increase of 14% above Local Housing Allowance (LHA) levels is also proposed for temporary accommodation rent charges.

These changes directly affect residents who rely on council housing, many of whom are already facing financial strain due to the cost of living. The council's 10-year Capital Programme for the HRA, which promises investment in housing stock, is presented alongside these rent increases.

Link to the Cabinet meeting

Council's Financial Health and Risk Management Under Scrutiny

The Audit and Governance Committee met on Wednesday, 18 February, to review the council's financial controls and risk management strategies. A key concern highlighted was the Breakdown in financial strategy and resilience risk, which has seen its inherent likelihood rating increase from amber to red on the Corporate Risk Register.

The committee received an update on the external audit for the 2024-25 financial year and reviewed proposed changes to accounting policies, including the recognition of interest costs on qualifying assets. They also considered the annual review from the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO), which noted concerns about delays in responding to enquiries and the quality of responses.

Discussions also covered the Treasury Management Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement, and Annual Investment Strategy for 2026-27, focusing on ensuring the security, liquidity, and yield of the council's investments.

The committee was also presented with an update on the Corporate Anti-Fraud Team's progress, detailing significant achievements in recovering properties and preventing fraudulent applications, with total cashable savings of £61,250.63.

Link to the Audit and Governance Committee meeting

Other Matters

New Alcohol Licence for German Doner Kebab

The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider a new premises licence for German Doner Kebab at 706 High Road, Leytonstone, E11 3AJ on Wednesday, 25 February. The application seeks permission for late-night refreshment until 1:00 am on Sundays to Thursdays and 3:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Two representations have been received from local residents raising concerns about public nuisance, crime and disorder, and potential impacts on public safety, particularly for women. The applicant has agreed to conditions proposed by the licensing authority, which may lead to the withdrawal of some objections.

Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 25 February 2026. Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting
• The Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 26 February 2026 to set the budget and council tax for 2026/27. Link to the Council meeting
• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 03 March 2026. Link to the Planning Committee meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

Community Equipment Service Continues Under New Agreement

Waltham Forest Council has moved to ensure the continued provision of essential community equipment for residents by agreeing to a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the London Borough of Newham. This agreement is vital for the smooth operation of the Waltham Forest Integrated Community Equipment Service (ICES), which provides daily living aids to help residents maintain independence at home.

The ICES was rapidly re-established with Enabled Living, a company associated with Newham Council, following the insolvency of the previous provider, NRS Healthcare. This new arrangement ensures that residents needing equipment such as beds, hoists, or specialist seating can continue to receive it without disruption. The service is critical for enabling timely hospital discharges and preventing unnecessary hospital admissions, directly impacting the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals.

The direct award of the SLA to Newham Council was previously approved by the council's Strategic Commissioning Board and an Executive Decision in late 2025. The agreement is set for an initial six-month period, with an option to extend for a further six months. A key aspect of the new arrangement is the implementation of a new decontamination route, which will allow for equipment reuse, potentially leading to cost savings.

The report highlighted that the ICES supports statutory duties under the Care Act 2014, which focuses on prevention and wellbeing, as well as aiding in hospital discharge protocols and safeguarding responsibilities. While a full Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) was not completed due to the emergency nature of the contract, initial analysis suggested positive impacts for vulnerable residents. A noted adverse impact is the 3% commission paid on new equipment purchased via Newham Council, with measures in place to monitor this. The estimated spend for the six-month period is £600,000, with a projected annual cost of £1.2 million.

Link to the Executive Decision meeting

Council Grapples with Budget Pressures and Potential Tax Increases

Waltham Forest Council is facing significant financial challenges, with a projected £32.973 million overspend in the General Fund for the current financial year (2025/26). This situation is leading to difficult decisions regarding the upcoming budget and council tax levels for 2026/27.

The council is proposing a 4.99% increase in council tax, which includes a 2% adult social care precept. For a Band D property, this would mean an annual increase of £89.75. This rise is attributed to rising service demands, the cost of living crisis, and a reduction in central government funding. The council is seeking £19 million in Exceptional Financial Support from the government to help balance the budget in the short term.

The proposed budget includes planned savings of £10.084 million for 2026/27, but underlying service pressures, particularly in Adults and Children's Social Care, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and Temporary Accommodation, are driving the significant overspend. The report indicates that the council is aiming for financial sustainability by 2029/30.

These financial decisions directly impact residents, as they will determine the level of council services and the cost of local taxation. The council's commitment to supporting vulnerable communities is being tested against these considerable financial constraints.

Link to the Cabinet meeting Link to the Budget Scrutiny Committee meeting

Neighbourhood Policing and Counter-Terrorism Preparedness Discussed

The Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee met to review progress on neighbourhood policing initiatives and the council's preparedness for new counter-terrorism legislation.

Citizens' Assembly Recommendations on Policing

The committee received an update on the implementation of recommendations from the Citizens' Assembly on the Future of Neighbourhood Policing. This initiative, a collaboration between Waltham Forest Council and the Metropolitan Police Service, aims to foster stronger community relations and improve safety. The report highlighted a positive increase in trust in the police, with a recent survey showing 73% of residents expressing trust, aligning with the London average. A key focus is the Inclusive Mentoring pilot, designed to build positive interactions between young people and the police in safe environments.

Preparedness for Martyn's Law

The committee was also briefed on the council's readiness for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn's Law. This legislation mandates that those responsible for certain premises and events consider their response to a terrorist attack. The council is identifying its own premises and events that fall under the Act's scope, which ranges from standard duty premises (200-799 individuals) to enhanced duty premises and qualifying events (800+ individuals). The report indicated that the council has been providing counter-terrorism training to staff since May 2024.

Link to the Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee meeting

Other Matters

Audit and Governance Committee to Review Financial Controls

The Audit and Governance Committee is scheduled to meet next week. Key agenda items include a review of the external audit findings for the 2024-25 financial year, updates on accounting policies, and the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman's annual review. The committee will also consider the Treasury Management Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement, and Annual Investment Strategy for 2026-27. A significant point of discussion will be the update on the Strategic Risk Register, which notes an increased risk level for Breakdown in financial strategy and resilience.

Link to the Audit and Governance Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Audit and Governance Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 18 February 2026. Link to the Audit and Governance Committee meeting
• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Thursday 19 February 2026 to set the council's budget and council tax for 2026/27. Link to the Cabinet meeting
• The Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 26 February 2026. Link to the Council meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

New Alcohol Licences for Gro Green and Budgens Spark Resident Concerns

Waltham Forest Council's Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee met this week to consider new premises licences for two businesses, Gro Green and Budgens, raising concerns among local residents about potential increases in public nuisance and crime.

Gro Green: Late-Night Alcohol Sales on Forest Road

The sub-committee considered an application for a premises licence for Gro Green, located at 3-5 Market Parade, 325-327 Forest Road, E17 6DY. The application sought permission for the off-sale of alcohol between 06:30 and 23:30, Monday to Sunday, with the premises open to the public from 06:00 to 00:00 daily.

Three representations were received from the public, expressing worries about public nuisance and crime and disorder. While the applicant agreed to conditions proposed by the licensing authority, the initial objections highlight community anxieties about the potential impact of extended alcohol sales hours. The sub-committee had the power to grant the licence in full, in part, or refuse it.

Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting

Budgens: Late-Night Alcohol Sales in Leyton

A similar application was heard for Budgens, located at Unit E2, 1 Coronation Square, Leyton, London E10 5UN. This application requested permission for off-sale alcohol and for the premises to be open from 06:00 to 00:00 daily.

One resident, Wai Yin Chan, raised concerns about potential increases in street drinking, anti-social behaviour, noise, and littering, particularly regarding the protection of children from harm. The applicant proposed revised hours of 07:00 to 23:00 on Sundays to Thursdays, and 07:00 to 00:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, in an effort to address these concerns. The sub-committee's decision on this application will directly affect the local environment and the well-being of residents in Coronation Square.

Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting

Council Scrutiny Committee Reviews Performance and Service Pressures

The Scrutiny Coordinating Committee met to review the council's performance framework and discuss the outcomes of in-depth workshops examining critical service areas facing significant pressure.

Corporate Impact Framework: Measuring Progress

The committee received an update on the council's Corporate Impact Framework (CIF), which measures progress against key priorities. The CIF is designed to ensure the council's strategic objectives are being met and resources are used effectively. Discussions included metrics on building an inclusive economy and adult social care demand, highlighting the council's commitment to transparency and accountability in its service delivery.

Deep Dives into Adult Social Care, Temporary Accommodation, and SEND

The committee reviewed the findings from task and finish workshops focused on Adult Social Care (ASC), Temporary Accommodation (TA), and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services. These areas are experiencing high demand and financial pressure.

• Adult Social Care: Discussions likely covered an £8.5 million overspend and the progress of the Transformation Programme, with concerns about residential placement costs.
• Temporary Accommodation: The challenges of increasing supply, prevention work, and the financial impact of the national housing crisis were on the agenda, with a £14 million forecasted pressure.
• SEND: The committee likely addressed significant overspends driven by a high rate of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and associated costs, including delays in EHCP completion.

These discussions are crucial for understanding the real-world impact on vulnerable residents and for identifying strategies to improve service delivery and financial stability.

Link to the Scrutiny Coordinating Committee meeting

Other Matters

Planning Committee Meeting Cancelled

The Planning Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 3 February 2026, was cancelled. No further information is available regarding the reasons for the cancellation or any rescheduled dates.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 11 February 2026. Link to the Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Executive Decision meeting is scheduled to consider a direct award of a Service Level Agreement (SLA) for community equipment supply on Wednesday 11 February 2026. Link to the Executive Decision meeting
• The Public Transport Consultative Group is scheduled to meet on Thursday 12 February 2026. Link to the Public Transport Consultative Group meeting
• The Budget Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 17 February 2026. Link to the Budget Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Audit and Governance Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 18 February 2026. Link to the Audit and Governance Committee meeting
• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Thursday 19 February 2026. Link to the Cabinet meeting