This week in Waltham Forest:

Rent Hikes Loom for Council Tenants as Budget Pressures Mount

Waltham Forest Council is proposing a significant increase in rents for tenants living in council-owned properties. The Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee discussed the proposed Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget for 2026/27, which includes a recommended 4.8% increase in dwelling rents. This rise, the maximum allowed by the Regulator of Social Housing's Rent Standard, translates to an average weekly increase of £6.41 per household.

This decision directly impacts thousands of council tenants, many of whom are already struggling with the rising cost of living. The council attributes these proposed increases to significant financial pressures, including inflation, rising interest rates, and the costs associated with meeting new regulatory requirements like those stemming from the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Building Safety Act 2022.

Beyond dwelling rents, the proposals also include increases for service charges, garage rents, and traveller's rents, all aiming for full cost recovery. A particularly sharp rise of 14% above Local Housing Allowance (LHA) levels is proposed for temporary accommodation rent charges.

The committee was also set to review the council's 10-year Capital Programme for the HRA, which outlines substantial investment in housing stock. However, the immediate concern for many residents will be the impact of these rent increases on their household budgets. The council's Rent Setting Policy and an Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA) were presented to help understand the implications of these changes.

The committee was asked to review the information and make recommendations. The full details of the proposed budget and its potential impact can be found in the report presented to the Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee.

Children's Health Services Face Recommissioning Amidst Growing Challenges

Vital services supporting the health and wellbeing of children and young people in Waltham Forest are set for a significant overhaul. The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss the recommissioning of the Healthy Child Programme (0-19), the Best Start Service (0-5), and Universal and Targeted Services for Children (0-5) and their Parents. These contracts are due to expire in June 2027.

The report highlights that while current services are effective, there's a need for better integration and alignment with national initiatives. However, the context for this recommissioning is increasingly challenging. Rising child poverty, overcrowding, and increased use of temporary accommodation are placing greater strain on families. Simultaneously, there's a rise in children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and workforce pressures within health services, including high caseloads and reliance on agency staff, are significant concerns.

The recommissioning aims to ensure services are safe, equitable, and responsive to these evolving local needs, with a vision for a neighbourhood-based, integrated care model. This process is crucial for safeguarding and improving the health outcomes for Waltham Forest's youngest residents.

The committee was also due to review the outcome of a recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Adult Social Care services, which achieved a 'Good' rating but identified areas for improvement. Additionally, discussions were planned regarding a new Section 75 Partnership Agreement for the Better Care Fund, which pools health and social care budgets to deliver person-centred care.

More details on these critical discussions can be found in the report for the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee.

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

Council Cabinet Addresses Evening Economy and EV Charging

The Cabinet met to discuss strategies for boosting Waltham Forest's evening and nighttime economy and expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The proposed EV Charging Point Strategy aims to ensure 95% of households without off-street parking are within 200 metres of a charging point by 2030, with a focus on accessibility and affordability.

Link to the Cabinet meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 05 February 2026 to consider a premises licence application for Budgens in Coronation Square, Leyton, and for Gro Green on Forest Road. Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting
• The Scrutiny Coordinating Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 04 February 2026 to review the council's Corporate Impact Framework and the outcomes of recent task and finish workshops on Adult Social Care, Temporary Accommodation, and SEND services. Link to the Scrutiny Coordinating Committee meeting
• The Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 11 February 2026. Link to the Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Commmittee meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

Temporary Homes for 10 Years: Council Tackles Housing Pressures

Waltham Forest Council is looking to secure temporary accommodation for households facing homelessness by adopting 10-year leases for properties. This move comes as the council grapples with significant financial pressures, having overspent £14.4 million on temporary accommodation. The decision, made by Councillor Ahsan Khan, Signature Deputy Leader and Portfolio Lead Member for Housing and Regeneration, aims to increase housing supply and reduce costs.

Currently, the council houses around 1,700 households in temporary accommodation. By extending lease terms to over 10 years, the council can reclaim 100% of the rent charged from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), potentially saving up to £3 million annually. This is a significant financial incentive, as current leases shorter than 10 years only allow the council to reclaim 90% of the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate, creating a subsidy gap of approximately £6,500 per property each year.

The new leases will be incorporated into the existing Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS), a shared procurement platform used by Waltham Forest and neighbouring boroughs. While the terms of these leases will include provisions for repairs, management, and rent increases, they will also feature break clauses allowing either party to end the agreement with three months' notice. Crucially, these changes will not affect residents currently in temporary accommodation, as their existing agreements will remain unchanged.

This decision directly impacts vulnerable residents who rely on the council for housing. By securing longer-term leases, the council aims to provide more stable accommodation options and manage its finances more effectively, a key pledge in its commitment to ensuring housing security for all residents.

Link to the Executive Decision meeting

Health and Wellbeing Board Focuses on Integrated Care and Obesity

The Health and Wellbeing Board convened to discuss a range of critical health and social care initiatives, with a particular focus on integrating services and tackling the growing issue of obesity. Key discussions included the progress of the Better Care Fund (BCF), the development of a new Neighbourhood Health Delivery Model, and strategies for promoting wellbeing across the borough.

Better Care Fund: Streamlining Services

The Board received an update on the Better Care Fund (BCF) for 2025/26, including the formal sign-off of its quarterly reports. A significant development is the planned creation of a new Section 75 agreement, which underpins the pooling of budgets and joint working between the North East London (NEL) Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Waltham Forest Council. This new agreement aims to streamline governance and reduce administrative costs by being open-ended with termination clauses, rather than requiring regular renewals. The BCF allocation for 2026/27 has seen a 4.4% uplift, and strategic priorities for the coming year are being developed to align with national, regional, and local objectives. This integration is vital for ensuring that health and social care services work seamlessly together, particularly for older residents and those with complex needs.

Tackling Obesity and Long-Term Conditions

A series of reports addressed the significant challenge of obesity and its impact on long-term health conditions. Discussions covered the Healthy Weight Strategy, highlighting local initiatives such as policies on hot food takeaways and the promotion of active travel. The financial burden of obesity on health and social care systems was also examined, with a focus on its role as a driver of multimorbidity. Furthermore, the meeting reviewed specialist weight management services and access to weight loss medication across North East London, signalling a commitment to addressing this growing public health concern. This focus is crucial for preventing future health crises and reducing the strain on healthcare resources.

Neighbourhood Health Delivery Model

The Board also discussed the development of a Neighbourhood Health Delivery Model, aiming to define the role of an Integrator within local health services. This initiative seeks to improve how healthcare is delivered at a neighbourhood level, ensuring services are more accessible and responsive to community needs. Key recommendations included establishing a formal Neighbourhood Health Alliance and embedding Primary Care Network (PCN) Directors into its executive management.

SEND Improvement Plan

An update on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Improvement Plan was presented, noting achievements such as the completion of the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) backlog and investment in support services. However, challenges remain, including inconsistencies in partnership working and delays in EHCP timeliness due to a shortage of educational psychologists. Future priorities include sustaining investment in therapies and improving co-production with families.

Link to the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting

Children and Families Scrutiny Committee Addresses Violence and Exploitation

The Children and Families Scrutiny Committee met to discuss critical issues affecting young people in Waltham Forest, including school improvement, violence affecting Black boys, and child sexual and criminal exploitation.

Thematic Review: Violence Affecting Black Boys

A significant focus was placed on the Thematic Review into Violence Affecting Black Boys, a local child safeguarding practice review. This review examined incidents where children, predominantly Black boys, came to serious harm. The findings highlighted concerns about interrupted schooling, special educational needs and disability (SEND), and missed opportunities for intervention. Six recommendations are being actioned, focusing on enhanced safeguarding, closer work with schools, rebuilding trust between young people and the police, expanding youth provision, and improving mental health support. This review underscores the council's commitment to protecting vulnerable young people and addressing systemic issues that contribute to violence.

Joint Review: Child Sexual and Criminal Exploitation

The committee also reviewed the council's arrangements for identifying and responding to Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE). While national assessments indicate effective information sharing, the council and its partners have strengthened multi-agency arrangements. A Strategic Multi Agency Child Exploitation (MACE) panel has been established to monitor safeguarding responses and allocate resources, demonstrating a proactive approach to protecting children from these serious harms.

School Improvement Partnership

The committee considered proposals for a Waltham Forest Education Partnership, aiming to deliver school improvement initiatives. This partnership, jointly funded by the council and maintained schools, seeks to ensure continued high standards in education across the borough.

Link to the Children and Families Scrutiny Committee meeting

Other Matters

Climate Scrutiny Committee Considers Green Infrastructure

The Climate Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to review a new Green and Blue Infrastructure Vision and Strategy, aimed at enhancing the borough's natural and water-based environments. The committee also received a report on climate engagement with schools.

Link to the Climate Scrutiny Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Waltham Forest Stop and Search Group is scheduled to meet on Monday 26 January 2026. Link to the Waltham Forest Stop and Search Group meeting
• The Audit and Governance Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 27 January 2026. Link to the Audit and Governance Committee meeting
• The Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 28 January 2026. Link to the Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny is scheduled to meet on Thursday 29 January 2026. Link to the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny meeting
• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 03 February 2026. Link to the Planning Committee meeting
• The Scrutiny Coordinating Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 04 February 2026. Link to the Scrutiny Coordinating Committee meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

Towering Ambitions: 18-Storeys Proposed for Hoe Street, Walthamstow

A significant development proposal at 278-284 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, London, E17 was on the agenda for the Planning Committee. The proposal involves demolishing existing buildings to construct an 18-storey, mixed-use building featuring 66 Build to Rent (BtR) residential units and commercial space. This ambitious project aims to deliver much-needed housing, with 26% of the units designated as Discount Market Rent (DMR) homes, providing a more affordable option for some residents.

The development is being assessed against national and local planning policies, including the London Plan (2021) and the Waltham Forest Local Plan LP1 (2024). Key considerations include the provision of affordable housing, design quality, impact on local amenity, transport, and sustainability. The proposal includes significant cycle parking and a car-free development approach, with contributions towards station upgrades and walking/cycling improvements.

While the development promises new homes and potential economic benefits, the scale of the 18-storey building raises questions about its impact on the existing streetscape and the amenity of neighbouring properties. The report details assessments of daylight, sunlight, overshadowing, and privacy, which will be crucial for residents living nearby.

The committee was also set to review the details of a Section 106 legal agreement, which will secure various contributions from the developer, including affordable housing, highways works, and employment and skills initiatives. This agreement is vital for ensuring that the development benefits the wider community.

Link to the Planning Committee meeting

Evolve Norse: A Mid-Year Check on Property Services and Financial Performance

The Shareholder Committee reviewed the performance of Evolve Norse, a joint venture between the council and the Norse Group, which provides property services and built environment solutions. The meeting focused on the company's performance from April to September 2025, assessing its delivery against its annual business plan.

Evolve Norse plays a crucial role in supporting the council's capital investment strategy, particularly in schools maintenance and capital works, with over £49 million allocated between 2025/26 and 2029/30. Key projects include a £3.2 million schools' capital repairs programme and work on the new Crematorium in Chingford. The company is also involved in delivering Temporary Accommodation schemes and feasibility studies for new Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision.

However, the financial performance of Evolve Norse presents a concern. The company is forecasting a net operating profit of £11,000 for the year, a significant shortfall from its target of £86,000. At the mid-year point, Evolve Norse had incurred a net operating loss of £21,000. The report highlights a reliance on SEN project commissions in the fourth quarter to achieve profitability, with a risk of ending the year in a loss. While this loss would be absorbed by the Norse Group, meaning no direct financial exposure to the council, it signals potential challenges in the JV's commercial viability.

The council has indicated its intention to extend the joint venture agreement from 2027 to 2032, suggesting a continued commitment to this partnership despite the current financial performance.

Link to the Shareholder Committee meeting

Council Cabinet Tackles Evening Economy, EV Charging, and School Funding

The Cabinet met to address a range of critical issues impacting residents and services across Waltham Forest. Key discussions included the development of a new framework for the borough's evening and nighttime economy, the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, and the crucial matter of school funding formulas.

Boosting Waltham Forest's Nighttime Economy

A new Evening and Nighttime Economy Framework was considered, aiming to create safer, more inclusive, and accessible spaces for leisure and culture after 6 pm. This initiative seeks to support businesses, promote employment, and enhance safety and wellbeing in key nighttime areas. The framework aligns with the council's commitment to building an economy that benefits everyone and fostering secure neighbourhoods.

Powering Up with EV Charging

The proposed Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Point Strategy for 2026-2030 sets an ambitious target: to ensure 95% of households without off-street parking are within 200 metres of a charging point by 2030. The strategy prioritises accessible and inclusive charging sites, future-proofing capacity, and maintaining affordable charging costs, all while ensuring the provision is cost-neutral to the council. This move is crucial for supporting the transition to cleaner transport and reducing air pollution across the borough.

Ensuring Fair School Funding

The Cabinet also discussed the draft Local Funding Formula (LFF) for schools for the 2026-27 academic year. This formula dictates how the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) is allocated to schools and academies. The proposed formula aims to distribute funding based on pupil numbers and characteristics, with a focus on maximising the Minimum Funding Guarantee. The report acknowledges an expected increase in the Schools Block funding and outlines measures to mitigate financial risks for schools, a vital step in supporting educational outcomes for all children.

Link to the Cabinet meeting

Other Matters

Children's Social Care Leadership Appointments

The Staffing Committee met to consider applications for the senior role of Corporate Director of Children's Social Care. This crucial position oversees the strategic direction and operational management of services designed to improve the lives of children and young people in the borough, ensuring their safety and wellbeing. The appointment process involved shortlisted candidates attending stakeholder engagement panels, with the committee reviewing applications to ensure the best candidate is selected to lead this vital service.

Link to the Staffing Committee meeting

Health System Faces Financial Pressures

The Inner North East London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee received a stark financial update, revealing a significant deficit within the Integrated Care System (ICS). The system faced a year-to-date deficit of £69.8 million, a substantial adverse variance to its plan. This financial strain is driven by provider deficits and a shortfall in planned efficiencies. The committee also discussed the closure of Richard House Children's Hospice and the transition of care for affected families, highlighting the ongoing challenges within the health sector.

Link to the Inner North East London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Waltham Forest Stop and Search Group is scheduled to meet on Monday 26 January 2026. Link to the Waltham Forest Stop and Search Group meeting
• The Audit and Governance Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 27 January 2026. Link to the Audit and Governance Committee meeting
• The Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 28 January 2026. Link to the Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny is scheduled to meet on Thursday 29 January 2026. Link to the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny meeting
• The Executive Decision meeting is scheduled to consider temporary accommodation and the adoption of ten-year leases on Thursday 22 January 2026. Link to the Executive Decision meeting
• The Climate Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 21 January 2026. Link to the Climate Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to meet on Monday 19 January 2026. Link to the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting
• The Children and Families Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 20 January 2026. Link to the Children and Families Scrutiny Committee meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

Walthamstow Trades Hall New Year's Eve Event Faces Noise Objections

Residents near the Walthamstow Trades Hall & Institute, located at 17 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, E17 4SB, may have faced potential disruption over the New Year period. The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee met on Monday to consider a temporary event notice (TEN) application for the premises. The Air Quality & Environmental Protection Service had objected to the TEN, citing concerns about the prevention of public nuisance following noise complaints from a previous event. Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting

• The application sought permission for the retail sale of alcohol on 30 and 31 December 2025, from 11:00 to 01:00 hours, with an estimated maximum attendance of 230 people.
• Christina Zervou, Air Quality & Environmental Protection Service Manager, stated that the service received numerous complaints from local residents regarding music and noise following an event on 22 November 2025, and that the service opposes the proposed events, unless demonstrable evidence of significant changes in the noise mitigation action plan are provided.
• The sub-committee was able to either grant or refuse the temporary event notice¹.

The sub-committee may have resolved to exclude the press and public from the remainder of the meeting. No video was provided.

This decision could significantly impact the quality of life for residents in the area, particularly during the New Year period.