The Council meeting on Thursday, 16 July 2026, saw the approval of a significant motion reaffirming the council's commitment to trans, non-binary, and intersex inclusion, alongside the adoption of amendments to the council's constitution and the approval of the annual treasury management review. Key decisions also included the agreement on the scheme of members' allowances for 2026-27 and various appointments to council committees and outside bodies.

Trans, Non-Binary, and Intersex Inclusion in Waltham Forest

Council AGREED a motion to publicly reaffirm its commitment to trans, non-binary, and intersex inclusion as a Borough of Sanctuary. This comprehensive motion instructs the Cabinet Member for Equalities to review all relevant council policies, service specifications, and procurement conditions to ensure explicit protection from discrimination on grounds of gender reassignment. It also mandates that trans awareness and inclusion become part of mandatory equalities training for all staff and elected members, with HR policies updated to reflect best practice.

A key resolution states that, in normal circumstances, self-identification will be sufficient for accessing council facilities and services, with exceptions only in cases of reasonable suspicion of danger or where a proportionate means to achieve a legitimate aim is required. Furthermore, the council committed to ensuring that new and refurbished council-owned buildings will include non-gendered toilet and changing facilities where practicable. The Director of Public Health and the relevant Cabinet Member are tasked with working with NHS partners to address healthcare access barriers for trans, non-binary, and intersex residents. The motion also calls for the Leader of the Council to write to the Minister for Women and Equalities advocating for legislative support for trans and non-binary people. The council will also celebrate Trans Day of Visibility annually.

During the debate, Councillor Em Dean, the mover of the motion, highlighted that the council's approach allowed for case-by-case assessments, particularly concerning safety. Councillor Miriam Mirwitch spoke about the historical use of sexual deviancy myths against marginalised communities, drawing parallels to the Jim Crow era in America. Councillor Ben Copsey emphasised the importance of empathy and solidarity, stating that the council would not be inaccessible to residents based on their gender identity. Councillor Emma Best, while expressing alignment with the trans community, raised concerns about the legal standing of the motion and suggested a cross-party task and finish group.

2025-26 Annual Treasury Management Review

Council AGREED the Treasury Management activities and performance against targets for the financial year 2025-26. The report detailed that while treasury management activities remained within approved limits, the council had substantial external debt of £545.5 million, with £20.3 million in interest costs against £1.9 million in investment income. Councillor Ben Copsey, Vice Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee, highlighted the challenging financial environment inherited by the new administration, attributing it to years of austerity and a lack of council tax revaluation. He stressed the importance of transparent and careful financial management, involving residents and community organisations in shaping priorities.

Scheme of Members' Allowances 2026-27

Council AGREED that the Scheme of Members' Allowances, as resolved in February 2025 and subsequently in February 2026, would remain in effect until at least 31 March 2027. This decision included noting changes to Opposition Group Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs). Councillor Rob Gardner, who moved the report, stated that the changes recognised the responsibilities of leaders and chief whips of qualifying opposition groups, aiming to ensure that public office was accessible to a broader range of residents. Councillor Caramel Quin, speaking against the proposal, argued that the council did not have spare money and questioned the expenditure of over £26,000 on the smallest opposition group. Councillor Emma Best countered by stating that the new SRAs represented a net saving compared to previous arrangements.

Amendments to the Constitution

Council AGREED several amendments to the council's constitution. These included:

• Planning Committee Terms of Reference and Planning Code of Practice: Changes were agreed to align with new national legislation streamlining the planning process. These amendments adjust the thresholds for applications to be determined by committee, aiming to balance efficiency with democratic engagement. Councillor Rob Gardner, moving the report, highlighted the need to embrace efficiency while supporting democracy and community engagement. Councillor John Moss explained that these changes were necessitated by new laws from the Labour government that mandated the delegation of smaller developments to officers.
• Minor Amendments to the Constitution: Amendments were agreed to the Employment Procedure Rules, Staffing Committee Terms of Reference, Committee Procedure Rules, and Scrutiny Committee Terms of Reference. These changes aim to clarify delegation of temporary appointments, formalise quorums, and rebalance political representation on the Coordinating Scrutiny Committee. Councillor Rob Gardner stated these amendments served to clarify the position of councillors attending committees and ensure broader representation on scrutiny committees.

Appointments

Council AGREED a series of appointments to various committees and outside bodies. Notable appointments included Councillor Rob Gardner and Councillor Yuksel Gonul to the Scrutiny Coordinating Committee, and Councillor Martin Edobor as Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board and confirmed to the Corporate Parenting Board. Several changes were also made to representation on pension boards, SACRE, the Inner North East London Joint Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee, and various outside bodies, including the Soho Theatre Walthamstow Board and the William Morris Gallery Trust.

Minutes of the Council meeting held on 21st May 2026

Council AGREED the minutes of the Annual meeting of Council held on 21st May 2026.

The meeting also included announcements from the Mayor, Councillor Marcelo Hart-Camus, who reflected on recent civic engagements and introduced the newly appointed Youth Mayor, Nuriya Alyaskarova, and Deputy Youth Mayors, Fatimatul Sahin and Afolabi Okusaga. Councillor Paul Perkins, Leader of the Council, announced changes to Cabinet Portfolios, incorporating highways, transport, traffic, and flood resilience into the Leader's remit, parking into Housing and Regeneration, and food into Climate and Air Quality. Public statements were heard from Gail Penfold, Lauren Joanna David (read by Councillor Afzal Akram), and Peter Heatherley, addressing issues ranging from accessibility and parking to tree cover and pavement maintenance. A period of members' questions followed, covering topics such as parking, road conditions, the Edmonton incinerator, preschool provision, CCTV deployment, and the Pay to Park scheme.