This week in Waltham Forest:

Council Proposes Senior Management Shake-Up to Save Cash

Waltham Forest Council is planning a major restructure of its senior management team, aiming to save £23.3 million for 2025/26 and an additional £10.6 million by 2027/28. The Cabinet is set to discuss the proposals, which could see a 14% reduction in senior management positions.

• The council says leadership positions account for nearly 17% of its staffing budget, and that senior management headcount has grown by 23% since March 2022.
• The proposed changes involve deleting 34 full-time equivalent posts and creating 25 new ones, with a focus on streamlining management and improving accountability.
• Two vacant Corporate Director roles, including those for Climate & Behaviour Change and Destinations & Culture, are proposed to be scrapped.
• The council claims an Equalities Impact Assessment found no significant negative impact on protected characteristics, though some disproportionalities were noted in age, disability, and race.

The restructure could lead to significant savings, but raises questions about the potential impact on council services and the loss of expertise in key areas like climate change.

Marmot Review: Council Highlights Progress on Health Inequalities

The Cabinet will receive an update on the first year of Waltham Forest's response to the Marmot Review, which examined health inequalities in the borough. The Cabinet will discuss a report highlighting progress against commitments made in response to the review, focused on employment, housing, and local places.

• The council says its work on the Marmot Review has led to a strategic shift towards prevention, aiming to build resilience in communities and reduce pressure on acute services.
• Key initiatives include targeted support for residents with disabilities and South Asian women, efforts to improve housing conditions for private renters and older residents, and projects to create greener and healthier spaces in deprived areas.
• The council's new Local Plan includes a focus on health equity, requiring Health Impact Assessments for all major developments.

While the council touts its progress, it remains to be seen whether these initiatives will translate into tangible improvements in health outcomes for the borough's most vulnerable residents.

Council to Review Evolve Norse Performance Amid Financial Pressures

The Shareholder Committee is scheduled to discuss the business plan for Evolve Norse Ltd, a joint venture between Waltham Forest Council and the Norse Group, and to review the company's performance in 2024/25. The Shareholder Committee will also be asked to endorse the Evolve Norse business plan for 2025/26.

• Evolve Norse is a key delivery agent for the council's capital investment strategy, with a particular focus on the schools capital delivery programme, which aligns to the priorities established in Mission Waltham Forest.
• The previous business plan for 2024/25 had three primary objectives: supporting the delivery of the council's capital investment strategy, enhancing service delivery outcomes through continuous improvement, and ensuring the JV remains commercially successful while delivering value-for-money services.
• The company provided the council with a forecast profit share (volume discount) of £66,000 for 2024/25, and delivered an overall gross operating profit of £126,000.
• The Evolve Norse business plan for 2025/26 forecasts a net operating profit of £86,000.

With the council facing significant financial challenges, the performance of Evolve Norse will be under close scrutiny.

Other Matters

• The Audit and Governance Committee is scheduled to meet on 15 July 2025 to discuss the external audit plan, review treasury management, and receive updates on anti-fraud measures, risk management, and data protection compliance. Link to the Audit and Governance Committee meeting
• The Scrutiny Coordinating Committee will meet on 16 July 2025 to review corporate performance, workforce and culture updates, the Waltham Forest Max programme, and the scrutiny annual report. Link to the Scrutiny Coordinating Committee meeting
• The Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to meet on 14 July 2025, to discuss a range of health and wellbeing issues in the borough, including updates on promoting wellbeing, community engagement with the Romanian community, a long-term conditions strategy, and the Better Care Fund. Link to the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting
• The Council is scheduled to meet on 17 July 2025. The agenda includes a Labour Group motion on the importance of play, and the approval of minutes from the previous meeting. Link to the Council meeting
• The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for 11 July 2025 has been postponed. Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting
• The Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee met on 8 July 2025 to discuss integrated neighbourhoods, a health update from NHS providers, and a proposed Superloop bus route. No transcript was provided. Link to the Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Budget Scrutiny Committee met on 9 July 2025 to review the 2024/25 capital and revenue outturn, receive an update on local government funding reforms, and discuss the scrutiny report. No transcript was provided. Link to the Budget Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Planning Committee met on 8 July 2025 to address several planning applications, including residential developments and infrastructure projects. No transcript was provided. Link to the Planning Committee meeting
• The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny met on 10 July 2025 to discuss the first year of the council's response to the Marmot report, a health protection, vaccination and screening update, and the scrutiny report. No transcript was provided. Link to the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• Audit and Governance Committee - Tuesday 15 July 2025 - External audit plan, treasury management, anti-fraud measures, risk management, and data protection compliance. Link to the Audit and Governance Committee meeting
• Scrutiny Coordinating Committee - Wednesday 16 July 2025 - Corporate performance, workforce and culture updates, the Waltham Forest Max programme, and the scrutiny annual report. Link to the Scrutiny Coordinating Committee meeting
• Health and Wellbeing Board - Monday 14 July 2025 - Promoting wellbeing, community engagement with the Romanian community, a long-term conditions strategy, and the Better Care Fund. Link to the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting
• Cabinet - Tuesday 15 July 2025 - Senior management restructure, Marmot Review update, Housing Compact annual report, procurement policy update, and capital and revenue outturn. Link to the Cabinet meeting
• Council - Thursday 17 July 2025 - Labour Group motion on the importance of play, and approval of minutes from the previous meeting. Link to the Council meeting
• Shareholder Committee - Tuesday 15 July 2025 - Evolve Norse business plan and performance. Link to the Shareholder Committee meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

SEND Services Still Failing Children, Report Finds

The Children and Families Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss the findings of a recent Ofsted/CQC inspection of Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) services in Waltham Forest. The meeting was held on 1 July 2025, but no transcript was provided.

• The inspection found inconsistent experiences and outcomes for children with SEND, requiring joint improvements from the local area partnership.
• Strengths were noted in inclusive settings, multi-agency family hubs, integrated neuro-diversity assessments, and adult health transitions.
• Areas needing improvement included long waiting times for specialist health interventions (including CAMHS¹ and wheelchair services), underdeveloped data use, and inconsistent co-production work.
• A SEND Local Area Improvement Plan has been developed to address these issues.

The findings highlight the ongoing challenges in providing adequate support for vulnerable children and young people in the borough.

Council Landlord Service Needs Improvement, Regulator Finds

The Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss a report on the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) inspection of the council's housing landlord service. The meeting was held on 2 July 2025, but no transcript was provided.

• The RSH awarded the council a C2 grading, the second highest grade against the consumer standards, following an inspection under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023.
• Strengths included accurate record-keeping of home conditions, health and safety compliance, effective work on antisocial behaviour, and tenant involvement.
• Areas for improvement included increasing the number of homes meeting decent homes standards, improving repair timeliness, clarifying tenancy management policies, and completing fire risk assessment remedial actions.

The report underscores the need for continued efforts to improve the quality and responsiveness of the council's housing services.

Housing Compact Aims to Raise Social Housing Standards

The Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee was also scheduled to discuss the Waltham Forest Housing Compact, a partnership with registered providers (housing associations) to improve social housing. The meeting was held on 2 July 2025, but no transcript was provided.

• The Waltham Forest Housing Compact 2024-29 was approved in March 2024 and launched in July 2024.
• Achievements include protocols to address domestic abuse, progress on a new nominations protocol, and a pilot with Furnishing Futures to furnish homes for domestic abuse survivors.
• Priorities for 2025/26 include improving multi-agency working on mental health, reviewing homelessness referrals, and supporting new affordable homes.

The Compact aims to address the housing crisis in Waltham Forest by working with partners to deliver better outcomes for residents.

Pension Committee Meeting Postponed

The Pension Committee meeting scheduled for 2 July 2025 has been postponed. The meeting was set to cover investment strategy, regulatory compliance, pension administration, and consultations on the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

Other Matters

• The Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee was also scheduled to discuss internal analysis of Housing Ombudsman severe maladministration determinations, and to review the forward plan for the ongoing municipal year. The meeting was held on 2 July 2025, but no transcript was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

• Planning Committee - Tuesday 08 July 2025 - Planning applications including Garages at Rear Of 10 Chingford Mount Road and 1 Field Close, Land adj. 68 Davies Lane, Leytonstone, 4 West Avenue, Walthamstow, and Low Hall Depot, Argall Avenue, Leyton. Link to the Planning Committee meeting
• Budget Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 09 July 2025 - Capital and revenue outturn for 2024-25, update on local government funding reforms, and review of the committee's scrutiny report. Link to the Budget Scrutiny Committee meeting
• Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny - Thursday 10 July 2025 - First year of the council's response to the Marmot report, updates on vaccination and screening programmes, and forward planning for the committee's future work. Link to the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny meeting
• Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee - Friday 11 July 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting
• Outer North East London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 08 July 2025 - Health update from NHS North East London, integrated neighbourhoods, and a proposed Superloop bus route. Link to the Outer North East London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting
• Health and Wellbeing Board - Monday 14 July 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting
• Shareholder Committee - Tuesday 15 July 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Shareholder Committee meeting
• Cabinet - Tuesday 15 July 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Cabinet meeting
• Audit and Governance Committee - Tuesday 15 July 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Audit and Governance Committee meeting
• Scrutiny Coordinating Committee - Wednesday 16 July 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Scrutiny Coordinating Committee meeting
• Council - Thursday 17 July 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Council meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

Street Lighting Upgrade Aims for Greener Borough

The Climate Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the borough's street lighting and its impact on carbon emissions. The council aims to reduce its carbon footprint through a phased upgrade to energy-efficient LEDs¹.

• Over the past decade, carbon emissions from street lighting have been cut by over 70%, now representing 55% of the council's total carbon emissions.
• Following the energy crisis in 2022-23, the council invested £4 million in the street lighting network, already achieving an 18% reduction in energy consumption.
• The council plans to replace older lamp columns with energy-efficient LED equivalents by March 2027.

This initiative aligns with the council's commitment to environmental sustainability and could lead to significant energy savings.

Link to the Climate Scrutiny Committee meeting

Scrutiny Committee Plans Ahead

The Climate Scrutiny Committee also reviewed its forward plan for the 2025/26 cycle, outlining its work programme for the year.

• The forward plan is drafted by the Chair, Vice-Chair, committee members, council officers, and the Scrutiny team.
• The committee also reviewed the Action Tracker from the previous meeting, and the Recommendations Tracker.

Link to the Climate Scrutiny Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• Children and Families Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 01 July 2025 - SEND Inspection Findings and SEND Improvement Plan. Link to the Children and Families Scrutiny Committee meeting
• Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 02 July 2025 - Waltham Forest Housing Compact, Social Housing Regulation, and Housing Ombudsman Findings. Link to the Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee meeting
• Planning Committee - Tuesday 08 July 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Planning Committee meeting
• Budget Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 09 July 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Budget Scrutiny Committee meeting
• Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny - Thursday 10 July 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny meeting
• Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee - Friday 11 July 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

Tanya Restaurant Licence Approved Despite Safety Concerns

The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee convened to consider an application for a new premises licence for Tanya Restaurant, located at 624 High Road Leytonstone. Despite objections from Councillor Marie Pye, who cited concerns about public safety and antisocial behaviour in an area already struggling with street drinking and violence, the licence was approved with conditions.

• The restaurant sought permission to sell alcohol, play live and recorded music, and provide late-night refreshment, with extended hours on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.
• Representations from the police and the council's licensing team were initially submitted, raising concerns about crime, disorder, public nuisance, and the protection of children.
• These objections were withdrawn after the applicant agreed to implement additional conditions, including CCTV, staff training, a Challenge 25 policy¹, restrictions on alcohol sales and outside area use, and the keeping of an incident book.
• Councillor Pye's concerns that the premises could exacerbate existing issues with outside drinking appear to have been outweighed by the applicant's concessions.

The decision highlights the tension between supporting local businesses and addressing community safety concerns.

Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting

New Strategic Director of Place Appointed

The Staffing Committee met to interview candidates for the position of Strategic Director of Place, a key role responsible for housing, regeneration, planning, property, and commercial estate. The committee, chaired by Councillor Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader (Housing and Regeneration), made an appointment to the role.

• The Strategic Director of Place manages a net revenue budget of £36 million and a capital budget of approximately £712 million from 2024/25 to 2034/35, overseeing around 450 staff.
• The role involves providing strategic direction, operational leadership, and financial control for the Place Directorate, ensuring services align with council priorities.
• The Strategic Director of Place reports to the Chief Executive, Linzi Roberts-Egan.

This appointment is crucial for shaping the future of Waltham Forest, influencing key areas like housing development and urban regeneration.

Link to the Staffing Committee meeting

Community Safety Partnership Revamped to Tackle Violence and ASB

The Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee discussed the redesign of SafetyNet, the Waltham Forest Community Safety Partnership (CSP). The aim is to create a more efficient and effective framework for tackling crime, disorder, antisocial behaviour, substance misuse, and reoffending.

• The review found that the existing SafetyNet structure had become too large, leading to unclear roles and responsibilities.
• Proposed changes include restructuring the strategic board, establishing thematic sub-groups focused on issues like violence against women and girls (VAWG) and serious violence, and reviewing local delivery and case management processes.
• New priorities for the CSP include keeping people safe from violence and exploitation, reducing antisocial behaviour, promoting community cohesion, ending violence against women and girls, and protecting communities from drug and alcohol-related harm.

The changes aim to improve coordination and accountability in addressing key safety concerns across the borough. The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 requires local authorities, police, fire and rescue services, health services, and probation services to work together to reduce crime.

Link to the Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee meeting

Other Matters

• The Climate Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on 24 June 2025, to discuss the borough's street lighting, and to review the committee's forward plan. Link to the Climate Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Pension Committee is scheduled to meet on 25 June 2025. Link to the Pension Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings:

• Climate Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 24 June 2025 - Street Lighting and Forward Plan. Link to the Climate Scrutiny Committee meeting
• Pension Committee - Wednesday 25 June 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Pension Committee meeting
• Children and Families Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 01 July 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Children and Families Scrutiny Committee meeting
• Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 02 July 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee meeting