This week in Waltham Forest:

Community Safety Plan Aims to Reduce Violence, Support Vulnerable Women

The Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee met to discuss strategies for reducing violence and supporting women and girls at risk. The discussion included the Violence Reduction and Community Safety Summer Plan and Safer Streets 2025, and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) specialist services. Link to the Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee meeting

Summer Safety Plan Shows Promising Results

The committee reviewed the Violence Reduction and Community Safety Summer Plan and Safer Streets 2025, which aimed to reduce crime and improve community safety during the summer months.

• The plan focused on youth spaces, travel hubs, parks and green spaces, business engagement, and partnership working.
• Activities included youth engagement, patrols, weapon sweeps, business safeguarding awareness, and school-based safety education.
• The report stated that Summer 2025 recorded the lowest levels of serious violence in four years, with offences involving under-18s down by 52% compared to non-summer periods.

The plan's success highlights the importance of targeted interventions and collaborative efforts in addressing crime and improving community safety.

Concerns Raised Over Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Services

The committee discussed specialist services for individuals who have experienced or are at risk of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

• The council's approach includes directly delivered and commissioned specialist services, based on the 'Ending Violence against Women and Girls Strategy'.
• Commissioned core services include advocacy and therapeutic support for survivors, delivered by Solace Women's Aid.
• The Waltham Forest VAWG Model promotes community mobilisation and ownership through training delivered across non-traditional community settings and the upskilling of local champions.
• The report stated that the short-term financial stability of the VAWG specialist service has been confirmed until contract expiry in 2027.

The discussion was expected to cover what support would be available following a reduction of these services due to funding.

Scrutiny Report Reviewed

The committee reviewed its forward plan for the ongoing municipal year and made recommendations as necessary. The forward plan outlines the work programme for the committee, factoring in statutory reports, major decisions, themed reviews, and policy areas of interest to the committee.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday 25 November 2025 to discuss a premises licence application for Good Day Lounge. Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting
• The Budget Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 25 November 2025 to discuss fees and charges for the upcoming financial year, review the council's reserves, and receive an update on the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). Link to the Budget Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Pension Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 26 November 2025. Link to the Pension Committee meeting
• The Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 27 November 2025. Link to the Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 02 December 2025. Link to the Planning Committee meeting
• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 02 December 2025. Link to the Cabinet meeting
• The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 03 December 2025. Link to the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

Retrofitting Council Homes Falls Behind Schedule, Air Quality Concerns Mount

Waltham Forest's Climate Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the slow progress of retrofitting council homes and ongoing concerns about air quality in the borough. The committee heard that the council is struggling to meet its climate action plan targets for energy efficiency in council housing, and that emissions of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) remain a significant threat to public health. Link to the Climate Scrutiny Committee meeting

Ambitious Housing Retrofit Targets Face Financial Reality

The committee discussed a report revealing that only a small fraction of council homes currently meet the council's energy efficiency targets.

• The council's 2020 Climate Action Plan set a target for 80% of council homes to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) 'B' rating by 2030, but as of September 2025, just under 13% of council homes were rated EPC B or higher.
• Reaching the Climate Action Plan target would require retrofitting 6,674 homes at an estimated cost of £110 million, or over £20 million per year.
• The Housing service revised its internal energy efficiency targets to ensuring 90% of council homes reach at least EPC C by 2030, which as of September 2025, 75% of the council's 10,136 homes were rated EPC C or above. It was estimated that reaching this target could cost approximately £25 million.

The report highlighted successful past projects, such as the installation of solar panels on council homes and housing blocks, but acknowledged that significant investment is needed to meet future targets. The committee discussed the financial challenges of retrofitting council homes and the need for innovative funding solutions.

Air Quality Concerns Focus on PM2.5 Emissions

The committee also received an update on air quality actions in the borough, with a particular focus on tackling PM2.5 emissions.

• Air pollution is the biggest environmental threat to human health, and that particular focus should be given to tackling the emissions of fine particulates (PM2.5).
• Two key sources of PM2.5 emissions in London and Waltham Forest are wood and other solid fuel burning in residential as well as commercial properties.
• The whole borough of Waltham Forest is a designated Smoke Control Area (SCA) under the Clean Air Act 1993.

The report proposed to consolidate the council's existing Smoke Control Orders (SCOs) into a new single SCO covering the whole borough, which is expected to generate greater public awareness, provide clarity for residents and businesses and allow for more effective enforcement. The new SCO will also include moored vessels for the first time, in line with the amendments to the Clean Air Act 1993 made by the provisions of the Environment Act 2021.

The committee discussed the need for greater public awareness of the dangers of PM2.5 emissions and the importance of enforcing smoke control regulations.

Wood Street Café Licence Review Postponed Again

The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting to review the premises licence for Wood Street Café, scheduled for Thursday, November 13th, has been postponed. This is the second time this meeting has been postponed, leaving the café's future uncertain. Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting

• The review was prompted by concerns about persistent nuisance from smoking in the outside area, with the licensing team seeking a one-month suspension of the licence for staff training.
• Residents have reportedly complained about exposure to second-hand smoke, littering, and anti-social behaviour.

The continued delays leave the café and the community in limbo, with the issues surrounding the licence review unresolved.

Public Transport Consultative Group Meeting Held

The Public Transport Consultative Group met on Thursday, November 13th. No video was provided. Link to the Public Transport Consultative Group meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025 to discuss violence against women and girls, community safety initiatives, and a review of the committee's work programme. Link to the Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Budget Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 25 November 2025. Link to the Budget Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Pension Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 26 November 2025. Link to the Pension Committee meeting
• The Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 27 November 2025. Link to the Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

Housing Strategy Under Fire as Temporary Accommodation Costs Soar

Waltham Forest Council's cabinet has approved a new strategy to tackle the growing crisis of temporary accommodation, where costs are forecast to reach £23 million this year. The plan, described as one of the most ambitious in London, acknowledges that the supply of suitable housing is failing to meet demand, forcing families into minimum-standard temporary accommodation that harms their health and life chances. Link to the Cabinet meeting

• The strategy prioritizes preventing homelessness, securing good-quality temporary accommodation, and supporting residents to move into long-term homes.
• Faced with rising demand, the council admits it will need to look outside Waltham Forest more often to find affordable homes.
• Councillor Grace Williams, Leader of the Council, emphasized the council's responsibility to support vulnerable residents while managing taxpayer finances.

The strategy comes as the council faces increasing pressure to address the housing crisis, with critics pointing to the gap between the council's stated ambitions and the reality for many residents struggling to find secure and affordable housing.

Mental Health Services Get a Boost with New Partnership Agreement

The cabinet has approved a new five-year agreement with North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT) to provide integrated mental health services for residents. The agreement aims to build on 15 years of joint working, incorporating improvements to strengthen outcomes and align with national NHS goals and the council's Mission Waltham Forest. Link to the Cabinet meeting

• The agreement will focus on clarifying roles, mapping pathways, strengthening links with primary care, and measuring person-centered outcomes.
• A key priority is to improve early intervention and prevention services, and to introduce a new service priority for carers of those with mental health needs.
• Councillor Louise Mitchell, Portfolio Lead Member - Adults and Health, highlighted the strong shared commitment to the partnership and the importance of multi-disciplinary collaboration.

The decision reflects the council's commitment to providing comprehensive mental health support, but the success of the agreement will depend on its ability to deliver tangible improvements in access to services and outcomes for residents.

Planning Committee Approves New Homes Amidst Local Concerns

The Planning Committee has approved planning permission for two new housing developments, including the construction of two three-bedroom houses at the rear of 2 Lyndhurst Drive, Leyton, and a single-storey side extension at 2 The Mile End, Walthamstow. The decisions have sparked debate about the balance between meeting housing needs and protecting local amenities. Link to the Planning Committee meeting

Lyndhurst Drive Development Faces Objections

The Lyndhurst Drive development was approved despite seven objections from the public, raising concerns about overdevelopment, parking, traffic, and environmental impact.

• The planning officer's report stated that the development was revised to reduce the number of homes from three to two, and that a car-free designation will be secured through a legal agreement.
• The committee noted written statements from residents Anne Mitchell, Kim Stanislas-Regisford and Remi Connolly Taylor regarding the application.

The Mile End Extension Approved

The committee also approved a single-storey side extension at 2 The Mile End, Walthamstow, after concluding that the design would not harm the character of the property or the surrounding area.

Other Matters

• The Children and Families Scrutiny Committee discussed the Safeguarding Children Partnership Strategic Plan, the SEND Strategy, the Corporate Parenting Board annual report, and a Local Government Ombudsman report on complaints management. Link to the Children and Families Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Pension Board discussed the pension fund's annual report and accounts, investment performance, risk management, administration, training, and a consultation on scheme improvements. Link to the Pension Board meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Climate Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 12 November 2025 to discuss retrofitting council homes and air quality. Link to the Climate Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Public Transport Consultative Group is scheduled to meet on Thursday 13 November 2025. Link to the Public Transport Consultative Group meeting
• The Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Commmittee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025. Link to the Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Commmittee meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

Wood Street Café Faces Licence Review Over Smoking Complaints

The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee was scheduled to convene on Thursday 30 October 2025 to review the premises licence for Wood Street Café, following an application from the council's licensing team citing concerns about persistent nuisance from smoking in the outside area. However, the meeting was postponed. Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting

• The licensing team is seeking a one-month suspension of the premises licence to allow for staff training on preventing smoking in the front area of the premises.
• Residents have reportedly raised concerns about exposure to second-hand smoke, littering, and anti-social behaviour.
• The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider a resolution to exclude the press and public from the meeting.

The concerns raised by residents highlight the challenges of balancing the needs of businesses with the rights of residents to a peaceful and healthy environment. The outcome of this review could have significant implications for the café and the surrounding community.

Other Matters

• The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee was scheduled to convene to review a premises licence and to determine whether to exclude the press and public from the meeting. The meeting was postponed. Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 04 November 2025 to discuss a new strategy for temporary accommodation and a partnership agreement for mental health services. Link to the Cabinet meeting
• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 04 November 2025 to discuss planning applications for a house extension in Walthamstow, and two new houses in Leyton. Link to the Planning Committee meeting
• The Children and Families Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 05 November 2025 to discuss a review of complaints management, the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) strategy, the Corporate Parenting Board's annual report, and the Safeguarding Children Partnership's strategic plan. Link to the Children and Families Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Pension Board is scheduled to meet on Thursday 06 November 2025 to discuss the fund's annual report and accounts, investment performance, risk management and training. Link to the Pension Board meeting
• The Climate Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 12 November 2025. Link to the Climate Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Public Transport Consultative Group is scheduled to meet on Thursday 13 November 2025. Link to the Public Transport Consultative Group meeting