This week in Waltham Forest:

Council Gears Up to Appoint New Senior Leaders for Highways and Community Safety

Waltham Forest Council is set to make crucial appointments to two senior leadership roles: Corporate Director of Highways and Parking, and Corporate Director of Community Safety and Public Protection. These appointments, discussed by the Staffing Committee on 14 and 15 April respectively, will shape the delivery of essential services impacting the daily lives and safety of residents.

Filling Key Leadership Roles

The Staffing Committee met on Tuesday, 14 April, to consider candidates for the Corporate Director of Highways and Parking role. This position is vital for overseeing the borough's road infrastructure and parking services, managing a substantial budget of £56 million. The recruitment aims to bring stable leadership and strategic direction to these services, which are crucial for the smooth functioning of the borough. The report highlighted the need for a candidate with significant senior strategic management experience, capable of managing diverse activities and substantial budgets. The role also involves direct line management of four heads of service, leading a team of over 90 staff.

Just a day later, on Wednesday, 15 April, the Staffing Committee also convened to discuss the appointment of a new Corporate Director of Community Safety and Public Protection. This pivotal role will lead the council's efforts to ensure safe and green neighbourhoods, overseeing services such as community safety, emergency planning, licensing, food safety, and trading standards. The post holder will manage a budget of £19 million and is responsible for developing a new directorate and leading the borough's statutory Community Safety Partnership. The report emphasised the need for strong leadership to ensure robust community safety strategies and operational tasking.

These appointments are part of the council's ongoing efforts to ensure effective leadership and service delivery across critical areas. The recruitment processes are being conducted in accordance with the Council's Recruitment & Selection Policy and Procedure and relevant legislation, including the Local Government Act 1989.

Link to the Staffing Committee meeting on 14 April Link to the Staffing Committee meeting on 15 April

Council Cabinet Discusses Housing Delivery, Procurement, and Fellowship Square Homes

The Waltham Forest Cabinet met on Tuesday, 14 April, to address key strategic priorities, including the council's Annual Procurement Plan, a new Housing and Inclusive Growth Delivery Plan, and the acquisition of new homes at Fellowship Square. These decisions are central to the council's commitment to providing housing and ensuring value for money in its spending.

Driving Housing Growth and Affordability

A significant focus was placed on the Housing and Inclusive Growth Delivery Plan. This plan outlines the council's ambitious target to deliver 27,000 new homes by 2035, as set out in its Local Plan. The strategy involves a multi-pronged approach, utilising council-led projects, development agreements, and partnerships with private developers and registered providers. A key element is the council's intention to partner with the Greater London Authority (GLA) under its London Social and Affordable Homes Programme to maximise the delivery of affordable homes. The report also highlighted the council's success in securing £18.2 million in grant funding to acquire 77 homes for temporary accommodation and refugee resettlement, demonstrating a commitment to addressing immediate housing needs.

Boosting Social Rent Stock at Fellowship Square

The Cabinet was also set to consider the acquisition of up to 81 new build homes at Hepworth Place, within the Fellowship Square neighbourhood. These homes are intended to be let at social rent, a crucial step in increasing the availability of genuinely affordable housing. The acquisition would convert these homes from private to social rent tenure, increasing the overall affordable housing provision at Fellowship Square from 50% to 67%. This move is seen as a strategic opportunity to maximise the use of Right to Buy (RTB) receipts and GLA grant funding, while also allowing the council to influence the unit mix to better meet the demand for family-sized homes. The report indicated that this acquisition would contribute to a reduction in expenditure on temporary accommodation.

Transparency in Procurement

The Annual Procurement Plan for 2026/27 was also on the agenda. This plan details proposed procurement projects exceeding £172,000 for supplies and services, or £1,000,000 for works contracts. The plan aims to provide transparency for potential suppliers and ensure that all procurements align with the Council's Contract Procedure Rules and executive decision-making processes. The report stressed that all listed procurements would be scrutinised by the Strategic Commissioning Board to ensure value for money, sustainability, and legal compliance, supporting the council's strategic priorities.

Link to the Cabinet meeting

East London Brewing Company Seeks Premises Licence Amidst Resident Concerns

The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee met on Thursday, 16 April, to consider an application for a premises licence for the East London Brewing Company, located at Unit 2, Lockwood Way, Walthamstow, E17 5RB. The application, which seeks to permit the supply of alcohol for both on and off-premises consumption and extend operating hours, has generated significant concern among local residents.

Extended Hours and Noise Worries

The application requests operating hours until midnight on Thursdays and Fridays, and until 10:00 pm on other days, with non-standard timings for specific holidays. Six representations were received from residents and other interested parties, primarily focusing on concerns related to the licensing objectives of preventing public nuisance and crime and disorder.

Objectors, including residents of the nearby Walthamstow Wetlands, have raised worries about potential noise pollution from outdoor music and its impact on the local environment and wildlife. Concerns were also voiced about the cumulative impact of multiple licensed premises in the Lockwood Way area. Some residents noted that the application notice was not prominently displayed, potentially limiting awareness among those affected.

The Sub-Committee was tasked with weighing these concerns against the applicant's proposals and deciding whether to grant the licence in full, in part, or refuse it. The decision will have a direct bearing on the local amenity and the quality of life for those living in the vicinity.

Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting

Other Matters

Shareholder Committee Meets

The Shareholder Committee met on Tuesday, 14 April. The attendees included Councillor Grace Williams (Leader of the Council), Councillor Paul Douglas (Portfolio Lead Member - Finance and Resources), Councillor Ahsan Khan (Deputy Leader (Housing and Regeneration)), Councillor Clyde Loakes (Deputy Leader (Climate and Air Quality)), Mark Hynes, Rob Manning, and Joe Garrod. No summary of the meeting's discussions or decisions is currently available.

Link to the Shareholder Committee meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

Council Moves to Acquire New Homes at Fellowship Square, Boosting Affordable Housing

The Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 08 April 2026, to discuss a significant proposal: the acquisition of up to 81 new build homes at Hepworth Place, within the Fellowship Square neighbourhood. This move, set to be considered by Cabinet on 14 April, aims to increase the council's stock of social rented housing and reduce reliance on costly temporary accommodation.

The homes, part of a development by Countryside Partnerships (CP), were originally intended to be part of a Build to Rent (BTR) scheme. However, due to market challenges and a lack of viable offers from Registered Providers (RPs), the council has the opportunity to acquire them. This acquisition is seen as a strategic move to maximise the use of Right to Buy (RTB) receipts and GLA grant funding, ensuring these homes are let at social rent.

The report highlighted several key benefits:

• Increased Affordable Housing: The acquisition would boost the affordable housing percentage at Fellowship Square from 50% to 67%.
• Reduced Temporary Accommodation Costs: An estimated £1 million per annum saving is projected by reducing the need for temporary accommodation.
• Improved Housing Stock: The council can influence the unit mix to better meet the demand for family-sized homes.
• Financial Viability: The acquisition is deemed financially viable within the Housing Revenue Account's (HRA) Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).

The report also noted that the construction of these blocks has not yet commenced, allowing the council to set a detailed specification. An Equality Impact Assessment screening indicated no negative impacts on protected characteristic groups, with positive impacts noted for disability due to the inclusion of adaptable homes and disabled parking.

The committee also reviewed the council's scrutiny work programme, including updates on the Forward Plan and an Action Tracker. The Acquisition of Social Rent Homes at Fellowship Square was identified as a key decision for Cabinet.

Link to the Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee meeting

Council Faces Decisions on Pension Fund Strategy and Investment

The Waltham Forest Pension Fund's financial strategies and investment plans are under review as the Pension Committee prepares to examine key documents. While the specific outcomes of these discussions are not yet available, the documents themselves outline the critical decisions being made to ensure the long-term security of pensions for council employees and other eligible individuals.

The committee is set to review:

• Funding Strategy Statement: This document details how the fund will meet its future pension liabilities.
• Business Plan: This outlines the operational objectives and priorities for the fund over the next two years.
• Investment Strategy Statement: This dictates how the pension fund's assets will be invested to generate returns.

These documents are crucial for the financial health of the fund. The Fit for the Future report will assess the fund's structure and operations, while updates on the London Collective Investment Vehicle (CIV) will shed light on pooled investment strategies. The committee will also review performance reports, management expenses, and the draft budget for 2026-27.

The implications of these strategies are far-reaching, directly impacting the security of pensions for current and future retirees.

Link to the Pension Committee meeting

Other Matters

Cabinet to Consider Housing Delivery and Procurement Plans

The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, with a significant agenda focused on housing delivery and procurement. Key discussions will include the Housing and Inclusive Growth Delivery Plan, which aims to deliver 27,000 new homes by 2035. The Cabinet will also consider the acquisition of new build homes at Fellowship Square, as detailed in the Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee's recent discussions. Furthermore, the Annual Procurement Plan 2026/27 will be reviewed, outlining proposed procurement projects and ensuring transparency for potential suppliers. A new Section 75 Partnership Agreement for the Better Care Fund and discussions on Schools and Early Years Budgets for 2026/27 are also on the agenda.

Link to the Cabinet meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

Adult Gaming Centre Licence Application Sparks Concerns Over Vulnerable Residents

The Gambling Act Sub-Committee met on Tuesday, 31 March, to consider a contentious application for a premises licence for an adult gaming centre, Merkur Slots, at 220 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, London E17 3AY. The decision carries significant weight for the local community, particularly regarding the potential impact on vulnerable individuals and the prevention of crime and disorder.

The application, submitted by Merkur Slots UK Limited, faced opposition from six interested parties. Concerns were primarily focused on the potential for gambling to become a source of crime or disorder and, crucially, the need to protect children and other vulnerable persons from harm or exploitation.

The report pack detailed the legal framework under the Gambling Act 2005, which sets out the licensing objectives. These objectives are fundamental to ensuring that gambling activities are conducted responsibly and do not negatively impact the community.

Objections were raised by various stakeholders, including residents, Youth Services, Citizens Advice Waltham Forest, the Area Regeneration Team, and the Public Health team. These concerns highlighted potential increases in anti-social behaviour, the impact on young people due to the proximity of schools, and the cumulative effect of multiple gambling premises in the area. The Public Health team specifically noted that the local area has a high risk for gambling-related harms, with particular worry about the impact on children, young adults, and those living in areas of deprivation.

The applicant's submissions included operational standards and social responsibility measures. However, the objections also pointed to a recent fine issued to the operator by the Gambling Commission for social responsibility failings, raising questions about their track record.

The Sub-Committee was asked to decide whether to grant or reject the licence, a decision that will directly affect the local environment and the well-being of residents.

Link to the Gambling Act Sub-Committee meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

Pension Fund Faces Scrutiny Over Funding Strategy and Investment Plans

The Waltham Forest Pension Fund is under the spotlight as its Pension Committee convenes to review crucial financial documents, including the Funding Strategy Statement, Business Plan, and Investment Strategy. These documents are vital for ensuring the long-term financial health of the fund, which provides pensions for council employees and other eligible individuals.

The committee will examine the Funding Strategy Statement for March 2026[^1]. This statement is a cornerstone of pension fund management, outlining how the fund intends to meet its future pension liabilities. The accompanying summary of key changes[^2] will help members understand any significant shifts in the fund's financial approach.

Furthermore, the Pension Fund Business Plan for 2026-2028[^3] will be reviewed. This plan sets out the operational objectives and priorities for the fund over the next two years. The specific objectives for the London Borough of Waltham Forest Pension Fund (LBWFPF)[^4] will be a key focus, detailing how the fund aims to achieve its goals.

The Investment Strategy Statement and Strategy for March 2026[^5] will also be considered. This document dictates how the pension fund's assets will be invested to generate returns and meet its long-term obligations. Alongside this, the committee will look at the Fit for the Future report[^6], which assesses the pension fund's structure and operations, including appendices on independent advisors[^7], draft guidance on pooling[^8], and fund governance[^9]. The implications of these strategies are significant, as they directly influence the security of pensions for current and future retirees.

An update on the London Collective Investment Vehicle (CIV)[^10], an organisation pooling pension assets from London local authorities, is also on the agenda. This update includes an appendix on the Investment Management Agreement (IMA) for a partner fund[^11]. The committee will also review performance reports, management expenses, and the draft budget for 2026-27[^12], alongside service performance statistics for the third quarter of 2025[^13].

The committee will also receive updates on training[^14] and regulatory changes from The Pension Regulator[^15], as well as the Pension Committee Action Tracker[^16] and administration services[^17]. The meeting will begin with verbal tributes to John Turnbull and Rob Manning.

Link to the Pension Committee meeting

Council Services and Digital Transformation Under Review

The Scrutiny Coordinating Committee met to discuss key updates on resident experience, digital services, and the progress of the Communities and Participation Programme. These discussions are crucial for understanding how council services are evolving and how they impact the daily lives of Waltham Forest residents.

Modernising Resident Experience and Digital Services

A significant focus was placed on the Resident Experience Programme and the Customer Resolution Centre (CRC). This programme, backed by an investment of £3.109 million, aims to modernise how residents interact with the council, improve the website, and transform the contact centre. The report indicated that the programme is projected to deliver £0.914 million annually in financial benefits and is expected to break even by 2028/29.

Key areas for website redesign include Council Tax, Housing Rent, the Housing Register, Adult Social Care, Schools Admissions, Large Item Collections, and the SEND Online Offer. The website is being developed to meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards, ensuring it is usable for people with disabilities. The report also detailed a surge in calls to the CRC in March 2025, which led to a task force identifying root causes and implementing changes. Since these changes, daily calls have fallen by 36.3%, call answering rates have increased to 85.5%, and average wait times have reduced to under 7 minutes. These improvements directly affect residents seeking support and information from the council.

Strengthening Community Partnerships

The committee also received an update on the Communities & Participation Programme, which supports the voluntary and community sector (VCS) and aims to build stronger relationships between the council and community groups. This programme contributes to the council's Building Stronger Communities initiative, focusing on early intervention and prevention.

Key developments include the establishment of Waltham Forest Council for Voluntary Services (WF CVS) as an independent charity with £100k in start-up funding. A refreshed approach to strategic engagement with community partners is also underway, including the evolution of the Community Resilience Alliance (CRA) and the development of a new Together for Waltham Forest Partnership and a shared Council–VCS Covenant. The Community Health Champions (CHC) programme, which trains residents to share health information, was also discussed. Additionally, the VCS Lease and Rent Policy, offering a 80% discount on market rent for VCS organisations accessing council buildings, was highlighted. Support for VCS-led food projects, moving towards preventative models, was also on the agenda.

Data and Insight in Scrutiny

The committee was also provided with an overview of the use of data and insight in scrutiny. High-quality data is essential for effective scrutiny, enabling councillors to ask informed questions and provide constructive challenge. Sources of insight include quantitative data from the Corporate Impact Framework (CIF) and qualitative insights from resident engagement, such as the annual resident insight survey and the contributions of Young Advisers. The recently published Local Outcomes Framework (LOF), a national framework for assessing progress against key priorities, was presented as an additional source of data for scrutiny.

The committee was also scheduled to review its own work programme and forward plans, including the Forward Plan for the ongoing municipal year and the Scrutiny Prioritisation Tool, which helps determine the significance of potential scrutiny items.

Link to the Scrutiny Coordinating Committee meeting

Climate Scrutiny Committee Meeting

The Climate Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 26 March 2026. The attendees included Councillor Caramel Quin, Councillor Elizabeth Baptiste, Councillor Shabana Dhedhi, Councillor Kira Lewis, Councillor Rhiannon Eglin, Councillor Jemma Hemsted, Councillor Sam O'Connell, and Debbie Porter.

Link to the Climate Scrutiny Committee meeting