This week in Waltham Forest:

Council to Buy 64 Homes for Temporary Housing

Waltham Forest Council plans to acquire at least 64 homes for temporary accommodation, aiming to reduce reliance on expensive private sector options. The Cabinet approved the £28.8 million scheme, funded by a Greater London Authority (GLA) grant and council borrowing.

• Councillor Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader (Housing and Regeneration), emphasized the urgent need for temporary accommodation in the borough.
• Councillor Kizzy Gardiner, Portfolio Lead Member - Children and Young People, highlighted the importance of keeping families within their communities, noting that one child in every classroom in London is living in temporary accommodation.
• The council estimates the programme will save £6 million over 10 years compared to using private sector temporary accommodation.

This decision could significantly impact vulnerable families, providing more stable and suitable housing while also saving the council money.

Leytonstone Car Park Could Become Affordable Housing

The Cabinet has agreed to consult on closing Church Lane Car Park in Leytonstone Google Maps link and potentially selling the site to Pocket Living Limited for redevelopment. The Cabinet agreed that 54% of the 134 new homes would be available for Discounted Market Rent.

• The council intends to relocate the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) and playground to a higher quality facility as part of the development.
• The council says that the site offers an excellent opportunity to release strategic value and deliver much-needed affordable housing.
• The council rejected developing the site itself due to the capital resources required.

This decision could provide more affordable housing options in the area, but may also impact local parking availability.

Council Extends Partnership with Norse Group

The council's joint venture (JV) with Norse Group Norse Group website for property services has been extended for five years, until 2032. The Cabinet approved the extension, which includes a contract variation to improve service delivery and embed new statutory requirements.

• Councillor Ahsan Khan noted that changing market conditions have affected the council's capital programme, and that the proposal addresses this changing context.
• Councillor Grace Williams, Leader of the Council, welcomed the proposal and noted the ongoing focus on risk and contract management.
• The council considered ending the JV, but discounted this option due to the financial impact and complexity of the transition.

This decision aims to ensure continued property services while adapting to changing financial realities.

Planning Committee Discusses Key Developments

The Planning Committee convened to discuss several significant planning applications across the borough. Link to the Planning Committee meeting

• 694 High Road Leytonstone: Applications for amendments to a previously approved development, including the addition of an amenity terrace, were discussed. Concerns were raised about loss of privacy, visual impact, and noise.
• 18A Hickman Avenue, Chingford: A proposal for a part 6, part 8 storey building comprising 87 self-contained flats was reviewed. Objections were received regarding excessive density, height, and impact on local character.
• 86 Brunner Road, Walthamstow: An application for a part 10 and part 17 storey building comprising 423 student accommodation units and commercial space was considered. The proposal includes affordable student accommodation and contributions towards local infrastructure.
• Units 7-17, The Antelope, 201 Church Road, E10: The committee discussed the continuation of use of the first and second floors as a ten-room large house in multiple occupation (HMO).
• Relcon Works, 35 Sutherland Road, Walthamstow: An application for the temporary change of use from industrial/commercial to residential as a house in multiple occupation (HMO) was reviewed.

Staffing Committee Considers Appointment of Corporate Director

The Staffing Committee met to consider applications for the position of Corporate Director of Adult Social Care Operations. Link to the Staffing Committee meeting

• One candidate had been shortlisted to attend stakeholder engagement panels.
• The committee was scheduled to consider whether to exclude the press and public from the remainder of the meeting due to the confidential nature of the discussions.

Pension Board to Discuss Risk Management and LGPS Consultations

The Pension Board is scheduled to meet on June 11th to discuss key issues affecting the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Link to the Pension Board meeting

• The board will review the Pension Fund Risk Register, focusing on yellow risks and mitigation strategies.
• Updates on the 'Local Government Pension Scheme (England and Wales): Fit for the Future' consultation will be provided, covering areas such as asset pooling and governance.
• The board will also discuss changes to the LGPS in England and Wales, intended to improve fairness in and access to the scheme.

Other Matters

• The Public Transport Consultative Group met on 4 June, but no transcript of the meeting was provided. Link to the Public Transport Consultative Group meeting

Upcoming Meetings:

• Pension Board - Wednesday 11 June 2025 - Risk management, training, and updates on Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) consultations. Link to the Pension Board meeting
• Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Commmittee - Tuesday 17 June 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Commmittee meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

Late-Night Burgers and Booze: Residents Object to New Licence

The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee convened this week to discuss a new premises licence application for V's Burgers, located at 507 Hale End Road, Chingford, E4 9PT. The application requested permission for late-night refreshment and recorded music until 2:00 AM daily, and the sale of alcohol both on and off the premises from 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM daily.

• Eight representations were received from local residents, citing concerns about public nuisance, crime, and disorder.
• Following discussions with the Metropolitan Police, the applicant proposed revised hours, reducing the late-night refreshment and alcohol sale times to 12:00 AM on Sundays through Thursdays and 1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Despite the revisions, all original objectors maintained their representations.

The Sub-Committee was tasked with balancing the applicant's business interests with the concerns of residents and the responsible authorities, in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003. The Sub-Committee had the option to grant the licence with or without modifications, or to reject the application entirely.

No transcript of the meeting was provided.

Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting

Other matters

• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on 3 June to discuss an asset transformation strategy, a temporary accommodation acquisition programme, and the future of the Evolve Norse joint venture. Link to the Cabinet meeting
• The Public Transport Consultative Group is scheduled to meet on 4 June. Link to the Public Transport Consultative Group meeting
• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on 3 June to discuss planning applications, including a large residential development at 18A Hickman Avenue, and a temporary change of use for Relcon Works. Link to the Planning Committee meeting
• The Pension Board is scheduled to meet on 11 June. Link to the Pension Board meeting
• The Staffing Committee is scheduled to meet on 5 June to discuss the appointment of a Corporate Director of Adult Social Care Operations. Link to the Staffing Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings:

• Cabinet - Tuesday 03 June 2025 - Asset Transformation Strategy, Temporary Accommodation Acquisition Programme, and Evolve Norse Review. Link to the Cabinet meeting
• Public Transport Consultative Group - Wednesday 04 June 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Public Transport Consultative Group meeting
• Planning Committee - Tuesday 03 June 2025 - Planning applications including 18A Hickman Avenue, 694 High Road Leytonstone, 86 Brunner Road, Units 7-17, The Antelope, 201 Church Road, and Relcon Works, 35 Sutherland Road. Link to the Planning Committee meeting
• Staffing Committee - Thursday 05 June 2025 - Appointment of Corporate Director of Adult Social Care Operations. Link to the Staffing Committee meeting
• Pension Board - Wednesday 11 June 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Pension Board meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

• The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee was scheduled to discuss a premises licence variation for The Lacy Nook, including extended hours and potential public nuisance concerns.
• The Council was scheduled to elect a new Mayor, appoint councillors to committees, and review the council's scheme of delegation.

Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application from Liber Events Ltd. to vary the existing premises licence for The Lacy Nook, Wood Street Studios, Barrett Road, Walthamstow London E17 3FU. The proposed changes included extending the hours for the sale of alcohol and the opening hours of the premises, as well as revising the premises plan.

The Lacy Nook currently operates under a premises licence granted on 14 June 2022, which allows the sale of alcohol from Wednesday to Sunday between 12:00 and 21:30, with opening hours from 10:00 to 22:00. The variation application sought to extend the sale of alcohol until 22:00 on Wednesdays to Sundays, and to extend opening hours to include Tuesdays and later closing times on Wednesdays to Sundays.

The council received representations from responsible authorities, including the AQEP – noise team, and the planning department, citing concerns about the prevention of public nuisance. Section 35 of the Licensing Act 2003 requires the Authority to hold a hearing to consider such representations.

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider the application, taking into account the views of the applicants and any representations from responsible authorities and other persons. The Sub-Committee was asked to take steps appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives¹, which include granting the licence with or without modifications, or rejecting the application.

The meeting was scheduled to follow a specific procedure, including introductions, presentations from the licensing officer, applicant, responsible authorities, and other parties, followed by summations and a decision by the Sub-Committee. The Committee may have resolved to exclude the press and public from the remainder of the meeting in accordance with Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act as amended.

Council - Thursday 22 May 2025

The Council meeting scheduled for 22 May 2025 included the election of a new Mayor, the appointment of councillors to various committees and outside bodies, and a review of the council's scheme of delegation. Councillors were also scheduled to discuss the programme of meetings for the upcoming year.

The meeting was scheduled to include the election of a councillor to serve as Mayor of the London Borough of Waltham Forest for the municipal year 2025/26. The newly elected Mayor was expected to address the council following their election. Councillor Sharon Waldron was the Mayor at the time of the previous meeting.

Councillors were scheduled to discuss the establishment and appointment of committees and other council bodies for 2025-26. According to the report pack, the council has a duty to ensure that appointments are made in accordance with regulations regarding political balance.

The council was expected to determine the number of seats on all committees, the allocation of seats to party groups, the appointment of councillors to sit on committees, and the appointment of chairs and vice-chairs of committees. The report pack also notes the memberships of the Boards of Directors of the Local Authority Trading Companies.

The following Ordinary Committees were listed for discussion: Audit & Governance Committee, Licensing (General) Committee, Pensions Fund Committee, Planning Committee, and Staffing Committee. The report pack states that principles (a), (b) and (d) of the political balance rules also apply to Overview & Scrutiny Committees and sub-committees. The Cabinet, Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Committee, and Health and Wellbeing Board are excluded from the Political Balance Rules.

The council was scheduled consider the appointment of councillors to statutory and non-statutory outside bodies for 2025-26. The list of outside bodies shows the number of seats proposed for each body in 2025-26. Some of the Statutory Appointments listed in the report pack include: Greater London Employment Forum, Henry Green Scholarship Fund, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority², Local Government Information Unit, London CIV Shareholder Representatives (Collective Investment Vehicle), London Council Leaders Committee, London Councils Grants Committee, London Councils Transport and Environment Committee, London Legacy Development Planning Decisions Committee, London Road Safety Council, Newable, North London Waste Authority, North London Waste Authority Planning Members Group, Norse Evolve (formally NPS Property Services), Inner North East London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Outer North East London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and Safer Neighbourhoods Board.

Some of the Non Statutory Appointments listed in the report pack include: 12 F (Walthamstow) Squadron on Air Training Corps, Barking and Gospel Oak Line User Group, Buxton Learning Trust, Capital Letters (London) Limited, CREATE, London Youth Games, Relate (North East London), Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Greater London, Sea Cadets - Waltham Forest Unit No. 347, Waltham Forest Citizens Advice Bureau, Waltham Forest Faith Communities Forum Core Group, Waltham Forest Race Equality Council: Executive Committee, Waltham Forest Race Equality Council: Management Board, and Walthamstow Almshouse and General Charity.

The council was scheduled to agree to the delegation of non-executive functions to officers as defined by the Local Authorities (Functions and Responsibilities) (England) Regulations 2000. The council was asked to agree to the delegations set out in the council’s constitution, and the General Scheme of Delegation, which sets out how powers are delegated to officers by the council and the Executive across a range of areas, including finance, procurement and HR.

This week in Waltham Forest:

• The Inner North East London Joint Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee discussed cancer services in north east London, including screening rates and initiatives to improve diagnosis and treatment.
• The Inner North East London Joint Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee also received a health update covering medication shortages, staff survey results, and changes to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).
• The Inner North East London Joint Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee reviewed the financial performance of the North East London Integrated Care System (NEL ICS), noting a year-to-date deficit.

Inner North East London Joint Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 13 May 2025

The Inner North East London Joint Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee (INEL JHOSC) met to discuss a health update, financial performance, cancer services and the committee's work programme. Councillor Richard Sweden was scheduled to chair the meeting. Councillors were expected to review progress against outstanding actions and recommendations.

Cancer Services in North East London

The committee discussed a report on cancer services in north east London from Femi Odewale, Managing Director, and Angela Wong, Chief Medical Officer, of the North East London Cancer Alliance. The North East London Cancer Alliance works with NHS acute providers, GPs, local authorities, public health, voluntary organisations and the local population.

The report pack included data on cancer incidence, referrals and screening in north east London. In 2023-24, 7,735 people in north east London were diagnosed with cancer, compared to 8,133 in 2022-23. The most common types of cancer were prostate (18.4%), breast (14.8%) and lung (11.4%). The total number of people living with cancer in north east London in 2025 was 52,979, compared to 51,588 last year. In the first nine months of 2024-25, 66,118 people were referred via the Faster Diagnosis Standard for suspected cancer, of whom 63,794 (96.5%) were given the all clear.

The report pack also included data on performance against national cancer standards. In December 2024, NEL's Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS) performance was 74.84%, below the 75% target. Performance against the 31-day decision to treat-to-treatment standard was 97.20%, above the 96% standard. NEL recorded a performance of 72.82% against the 62-day combined standard in December 2024, above the 70% target.

Screening rates for bowel, cervical and breast cancer were also included in the report pack. The report pack stated that uptake of lung cancer screening, a free scan of the lungs for 55-74 year olds who have ever smoked, has remained very positive in north east London. The lung health check attendance rate was approximately 61%, which is above the national average. Since going live, the programme has diagnosed over 100 lung cancers, with 77% in stages 1 or 2.

The report pack highlighted a number of initiatives to raise awareness, increase uptake of screening and reduce health inequalities, including: the You Need to Know campaign, support from Hackney Wick FC to take forward the Its Not a Game campaign, a pan-London cervical screening campaign with Olympic athletes, Cancer Awareness in Schools, Breast Screening for Women with an SMI, in collaboration with the North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT), a campaign with CoppaFeel!, interventions with the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot communities, cancer awareness sessions delivered by Achienu Cancer Support (ACS) with supporting literature in Yiddish, engagement with Gypsy and Roma Traveller (GRT) communities, and delivering Grass Roots Awareness projects.

The report pack also highlighted a number of initiatives to improve diagnosis and treatment, including: use of Artificial Intelligence in Chest X-Rays, treatment clinical animations, teledermatology at the Homerton Hospital, histopathology improvements, progress to improve Multidisciplinary Team Meetings (MDT), a NEL Breast Pain Pathway, and a new pathway in NEL to support patients who have unscheduled bleeding whilst on HRT.

The report pack also highlighted a number of initiatives to provide personalised cancer care, including: all NEL Trusts now have operational Personal Stratified Follow Up for Breast, Colorectal and Prostate, a Remote Monitoring System is live at BHRUT and Barts, with Homerton expected in Q4, and prehabilitation services have been sustained at BHRUT, Maggies and Barts Health.

The report pack also highlighted a number of initiatives to support the cancer workforce, including: an Oncology Workforce Review in NEL, Cancer MDT Enhancement, a Pan-London Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Development Lead (CDL), and cancer workforce scoping and mapping.

The report pack also highlighted a number of initiatives to improve communications and engagement, including: attending over 80 community events in 2024 to 2025, a Patient and Carer Community of Practice, support for Patients and Carers, podcasts, HSJ Awards, and website & social media.

The report pack set out the priorities for 2025 to 2026, including: operational performance against national cancer standards, early diagnosis, uptake of screening programmes, including lung cancer screening, reducing health inequalities in cancer diagnosis, treatment and care, improvements to priority cancer pathways: urological, gynae, breast and skin, optimise the use of artificial intelligence in cancer diagnosis, implement national priority recommendations from clinical audit/GIRFT reports to reduce variation in treatment in trusts not meeting the NHS-wide target, ACCEND: Supporting patient care, performance and productivity through enabling recruitment, retention and upskilling in key roles, and maintain a comprehensive approach to community and public engagement.

Health Update

Zina Etheridge, Chief Executive, NHS North East London, presented a health update. The update included information on a new careers hub, medication shortages, staff survey results and changes to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).

The new careers hub provides access to a range of tools and resources, including: skills assessments, guides to the skills and qualifications needed for different roles, employment opportunities for students with learning difficulties, disabilities and/or Autism, and guidance on becoming a volunteer or an ambassador.

The report pack stated that NHS North East London is aware that some people are currently affected by supply issues of some medications, including medication for the ongoing management of ADHD, and access to pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) medicines. NHS North East London is working closely with local pharmacies, GPs, and hospitals to ensure patients can get the medicines they need, providing advice to prescribers in GP practices on alternative brands or treatments where needed, working with a regional procurement centre to import PERT from other countries, and working with specialist teams and pharmacy services in hospitals to ensure prescribers in GP practices, and community pharmacies can access the support they need to help the patients they prescribe PERT for.

The report pack included some highlights from the staff survey results, including: the number of staff having appraisals has increased by nearly 20% (from 46% to 65%), the number of staff recommending the organisation as a place to work has increased by 7% (from 32% to 39%), there is an increase in the number of staff who feel their team has shared objectives (increasing from 55% to 65%), and staff have a more positive view of managers with scores improved across several areas, ranging from 70% to 79%.

The report pack stated that NHS England (NHSE) will reduce in size by half and be merged into the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and that Integrated Care Board (ICB) resource will need to be reduced by half as well, by quarter 3 2025/6 (October-December).

The report pack also included good news from NEL, including: transforming diabetes care for young adults in north east London, NEL shortlisted for award by Student Nursing Times, delivering more cutting-edge treatments for our patients at BHR Hospitals, quick procedure could cure high blood pressure at Barts Health NHS Trust, ELFT colleagues recognised as ‘Amazing Social Work Leaders’, new crisis support service launches in Redbridge at NELFT, and Homerton’s Research and Innovation capabilities are set to grow thanks to a share of £4.75m in funding

The report pack included operational performance data from Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Barts Health NHS Trust.

The report pack also included collaborative updates from the Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Collaborative and the Community Healthcare Collaborative.

The Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Collaborative is a partnership between the NEL Integrated Care Board (ICB), East London Foundation Trust (ELFT), North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT), and the seven place-based partnerships. The aim of the Collaborative is to work together to improve outcomes, quality, value and equity for people with, or at risk of, mental health problems and/or learning disability and autism in north east London.

The North East London NHS Community Collaborative (NELCC) aim is to improve community health services by working collaboratively across NHS trusts, local authorities, and other healthcare providers including, East London NHS FT, North East London NHS FT, Homerton Healthcare NHS FT and Barts Health NHS Trust.

The report pack included updates on dementia improvement, NEL Adult Neurodiversity Services Review, Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism in 2025/26 and Specialised Commissioning Delegation.

The report pack included key updates from Community Healthcare Collaborative Improvement Networks, including: Children's Community Nursing, Musculoskeletal (MSK), Children's autism services, Community inpatient beds, Rapid Response, Community and Intermediate Care Beds, Dietetics, and Procurement.

The report pack also included key updates from other programme areas, including: Reducing Waiting Times, Joint Planning for 2025/26, Promoting the Impact of Community Services (PICS), and Performance and Data Quality.

The report pack included local developments, including: Redbridge ‘Well House’ opened in February with seven beds to support people experiencing a mental health crisis safely out of hospital, extending opening hours to 24/7 by end of March for the Mental Health Crisis Assessment Hub at Goodmayes Hospital with four new treatment areas co-designed with service users, mental health crisis café is now out to tender in Barking and Dagenham and due to go live May 2025. Havering, Redbridge and Waltham Forest also due to go out to tender shortly, and capital bid submitted to support the creation of additional acute mental health beds at Goodmayes Hospital.

The report pack included information for information only from Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospital NHS Trust, including urgent and emergency care, reducing waiting lists, cancer targets in February, finance, 24/7 service for stroke patients and other news.

Financial Overview

The committee discussed a report from Henry Black, Chief Finance Officer, NHS North East London, providing a financial overview of the North East London Integrated Care System (NEL ICS).

The report pack stated that at month 11, the year-to-date ICS deficit is £91.5m, with a variance to plan deficit of £86.1m. This consists of providers deficit to plan of £91.5m breakeven for the ICB. The forecast deficit was £125m, but NHS England have provided additional resource of £45m to support providers, reducing the expected month 12 deficit to £80m.

The key pressures at a system level are: efficiency and cost improvement, run rate pressures, and pay costs.

The report pack set out the 2025/26 operating plan resource and application of funds principles. The ICS has a significant underlying deficit and the operating plan assumptions support financial recovery. The cost uplift factor (CuF) is a gross 4.15% uplift, with a 2% efficiency requirement leaving a net 2.15% inflation increase. NHS Providers will be funded for the 2.15% cost uplift factor.

The report pack stated that trusts are required to plan for a breakeven position and develop cost improvement plans (CIP) including service changes to meet this requirement. As a minimum, system plans must include at least the operating plan requirements for a 40% reduction in agency spend and a 15% reduction in bank staff.

The report pack included a summary of the 2025/26 system financial plan. After applying the required planning assumptions, every Provider with the exception of the Homerton, submitted a break-even plan for the year ahead. To deliver the plan (after the additional allocations), requires efficiencies of £367.69m to be delivered, of which £79.01m remains unidentified and a risk to plan delivery.

Scrutiny Report

The committee reviewed the scrutiny report, which provides an update on the committee's work programme, action tracker and recommendations tracker.

The action tracker captures all actions required of officers by the committee at the previous scrutiny meeting and provides an update on progress. The recommendation tracker captures all recommendations made by the committee at the previous scrutiny meeting.

The forward plan included items for future meetings, including: health update (to include complaints backlog), Big Conversation – the way forward, maternity review – next steps, finance, specialised commissioning, primary care, and long term conditions.

The forward plan also included items suggested by members, including: the impact of the CASS Report on the ICB Review, an update from Sexual Health Partners outlining their provisions and campaigns, the 10-year plan and the impact on NEL, Royal London's implementation of a new discharge policy following the safeguarding review and coroner's report on the JL case, funding of Enhanced Primary Care Services across NEL from 26/27, services which will be transferred to the ICBs for local commissioning, which were previously commissioned at a national or regional level, improving outcomes for black women in maternity services, improving outcomes for black men in prostate cancer treatment, NEL Community Health Services, update on the constitutional status of INEL and ONEL, response on the takeover of Operose Practices which was raised at the last meeting, and NHS Talking Therapies, for anxiety and depression programme Review (formerly known as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies, IAPT).