The Cabinet of Waltham Forest Council met on Tuesday 2 June 2026. Decisions were made regarding the commissioning approach for children's services, the regionalisation of fostering recruitment, and the adoption of a new Supplementary Planning Document for residential alterations and retrofits. A procurement strategy for housing repairs was also agreed.

Recommissioning of the Healthy Child Programme (0-19), Best Start Service (0-5) and Universal and Targeted Services for Children (0-5) and their Parents

The Cabinet approved a commissioning approach for the Healthy Child Programme (0-19), Best Start Service (0-5), and Universal and Targeted Services for Children (0-5) and their Parents. A competitive procurement process will commence under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR). Authority has been delegated to the Strategic Directors for Adult Services and Children Services, in consultation with relevant Portfolio Holders and the Section 151 Officer, to finalise procurement documentation, evaluate tenders, and award the contract.

The decision was made to balance affordability with the need to maintain service quality and safeguard outcomes, acknowledging that funding has reduced in real terms. The approach prioritises the continued delivery of mandated Healthy Child Programme and Family Hub services within existing budgets to ensure stability and avoid immediate service disruption. Savings of £60,000 per annum will be delivered by reducing investment in the discretionary Healthy Living offer. The Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) will continue, reflecting its established effectiveness and the significant risks to vulnerable families if it were discontinued.

Regionalisation of Fostering Recruitment, Assessment and Support

The Cabinet approved Waltham Forest's continued involvement in the Local Community Fostering initiative as one of four local authorities in the region, with Waltham Forest continuing to act as the lead local authority. Authority has been delegated to the Strategic Director for Children's Services, in consultation with the Strategic Director of Resources, to progress and decide on the expansion of the service's scope and remit, including the development of an end-to-end regional fostering recruitment and assessment model, in line with the Government's fostering reform agenda.

This decision supports the Department for Education's (DfE) Renewing Fostering: Homes for 10,000 More Children programme. The region has been recognised as a top-performing fostering hub. Continuing this partnership allows the authorities to shape a model that reflects local needs and meets national requirements. Exiting the regional service was not recommended due to divergence from government reforms and potential loss of future funding.

The Adoption of the Residential Alterations and Retrofit Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

The Cabinet adopted the Residential Alterations and Retrofit Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This document provides detailed guidance on implementing Local Plan policies related to character-led intensification and exemplar design. It aims to support residents and small developers in creating high-quality, sustainable home improvements, extensions, and alterations that enhance local character and address the climate emergency through carbon-reducing retrofit measures.

Upon adoption, the existing Residential Extensions and Alterations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) from 2010 will be revoked. The new SPD incorporates detailed design guidance, retrofit advice, and clarity on household-scale changes, addressing topics not covered in the previous document such as low carbon retrofit measures, air source heat pumps, outbuildings, water efficiency, biodiversity, and garden design. This adoption is relevant as 30 June 2026 is a date for adopting SPDs before a new framework is introduced.

Housing Repairs Service Procurement Strategy

The Cabinet agreed to a procurement strategy for re-tendering the council's housing repairs partner contracts. This includes procuring a Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Repairs Partnering Contract for a maximum of 15 years, with an estimated annual revenue cost of £6.061m, and a General Repairs Partnering Contract for 16 years, with an estimated annual revenue cost of £9.763m, from the financial year 2027/28. Additionally, specialist contractors will be procured for high-risk service areas such as roofing, damp and mould, legal disrepair, gas, asbestos, voids, and fire safety.

Authority has been delegated to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Strategic Director of Resources and the Portfolio Lead Member for Housing and Regeneration, to agree the final terms and conditions of these contracts. The contract values are within the approved HRA budgets. The strategy retains the preferred two-partnership model, evaluated against objectives including efficient contract management, strong control over service delivery, promotion of innovation, operational flexibility, value for money, reliable data management, and high-quality resident engagement. The decision aims to provide the council with greater control over repairs delivery, enhance supply chain capacity, improve operational resilience, and deliver value for money through reduced contractor overheads and increased competition.