The Cabinet of Waltham Forest Council met on Tuesday 02 June 2026 to discuss several key service areas. The Cabinet approved the proposed 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, including the preferred delivery model, contract term and contract value. A competitive procurement process will now 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 to recommission these services was made after considering various options, balancing affordability with the need to maintain service quality and safeguard outcomes. Funding for these services has reduced in real terms, necessitating a focus on core statutory requirements. While this approach prioritises stability and avoids immediate service disruption, careful management of pressures such as high caseloads and increasing demand will be crucial for long-term service resilience. Savings of £60,000 per annum will be delivered by reducing investment in the discretionary Healthy Living offer. The Family Nurse Partnership (FNP), which provides intensive support to vulnerable first-time young parents, will continue, reflecting its established effectiveness and the risks associated with its withdrawal.

Regionalisation of Fostering Recruitment, Assessment and Support

Cabinet approved Waltham Forest's continued involvement in the Local Community Fostering initiative as one of four participating local authorities. The council will continue to act as the lead local authority for the programme. 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 was made after considering options to continue within the regional service with Waltham Forest as the lead, continue with a different lead authority, or exit the regional service. The recommended option was chosen because the region has been recognised as a top-performing fostering hub, exceeding Department for Education targets. Continuing as the lead authority allows the council to shape a model that reflects local needs and meets national requirements, ensuring influence over programme design. Changing the lead authority at this stage was deemed to introduce significant transitional risk, and exiting the programme would diverge from government reforms and inhibit access to 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 planning guidance for residents on how to alter their homes in line with Local Plan policies concerning character-led intensification and sustainable design. It also incorporates advice on retrofit measures to address the climate emergency, reduce carbon emissions, and improve energy efficiency.

Upon adoption of this new SPD, the existing Residential Extensions and Alterations Supplementary Planning Document, adopted in 2010, was revoked. The new SPD updates and expands upon the previous document, offering clearer guidance on retrofit measures, outbuildings, and garden design, and is developed as a 'Design Code' in line with national guidance. The adoption of this SPD is crucial as it will be a material consideration in planning decisions, and it needed to be adopted before 30 June 2026, the deadline for adopting SPDs before they are replaced by a new 'Supplementary Plans' framework.

Housing Repairs Service Procurement Strategy

Cabinet agreed to the recommended procurement strategy for the Housing Repairs Service. This involves re-tendering two repairs partner contracts: a Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Repairs Partnering Contract for a maximum of 15 years, with an estimated annual revenue value of £6.061 million and capital value of £12 million; and a General Repairs Partnering Contract for 16 years, with an estimated annual revenue value of £9.763 million and capital value of £12 million.

In addition to these two main contracts, specialist contractors will be procured for high-risk service areas including roofing/scaffolding, damp and mould, legal disrepair, gas, asbestos, voids, and fire safety, to enhance capacity and resilience. Authority has been delegated to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Strategic Director of Resources and the Housing Portfolio Lead Member, to agree the final terms and conditions of these contracts. The contract values are within the approved HRA budgets for repairs.

The strategy was developed after considering options for in-house delivery, a single external repairs partner, and two external repairs partners. The two-partner model was identified as the preferred option due to its balance of 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 procurement process will be competitive, with evaluation criteria weighted at 60% for quality and 40% for price, including 10% for Social Value.