The Cabinet met on Thursday 9 May 2024 to discuss housing complaints, the Soho Theatre Walthamstow project, and Private Finance Initiative (PFI) schools. Decisions were made regarding the Soho Theatre budget and PFI schools, and improvements to housing services were noted.

Housing Ombudsman Complaints and Improvement Plans

The Cabinet noted trends and patterns in housing complaints upheld by the Housing Ombudsman and the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. Councillor Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader (Housing and Regeneration), introduced the report, highlighting that substantial work had been undertaken to improve housing services and that officers were aware of concerns and gaps. He stressed the importance of learning from the ombudsman's judgements. Councillor Grace Williams, Leader of the Council, welcomed the report, stating it was an opportunity to get housing services right for residents and thanked Councillor Khan and the relevant officers for their hard work. The Cabinet noted the steps being taken to address issues raised by the Ombudsman and to mitigate future complaints, as well as improvement plans for the corporate complaints service.

Soho Theatre Walthamstow Project Update

Councillor Ahsan Khan also introduced the report on the Soho Theatre Walthamstow project, speaking of the many benefits the development would bring across London. He thanked Mr Joe Garrod, Acting Strategic Director, Place, Dan Stapleton – Director of Major Projects, and all other officers involved for their hard work. The Leader echoed these thanks. The Cabinet noted the programme and construction update, which advised of practical completion in late September 2024, and the initial proposals and programme for the Welcome Festival. They also agreed and noted the revised project budget, which was detailed in an exempt appendix.

Private Finance Initiative (PFI) Schools Update, Expiry Activities and Resourcing Plan

Councillor Kizzy Gardiner, Portfolio Lead Member - Children and Young People, introduced the report on the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) schools update, thanking relevant officers for their work. The Leader echoed these thanks to officers across the Regeneration and Education teams. The Cabinet noted and approved the Resource Plan for the New Schools (Leyton) PFI Project (Lammas School). This included approving funding of up to £95,000 from corporate contingency for asset condition surveys, and noting that resource costs of £58,000 for Project Management / Technical and Commercial support in 2024 would be funded by the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA). Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Property and Delivery to proceed with the procurement of technical advisers, staff, and surveys to support the PFI expiry process, and to award contracts within available resources. Furthermore, authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Resources to increase the future budget for the New Schools (Leyton) PFI Project (Lammas School) expiry activities up to a maximum allocation of £500,000 for future expenditure.

Votes of Thanks

The Leader expressed her thanks to the Cabinet Commissioners for their hard work in supporting Cabinet Members with priorities for residents, noting their work over the past municipal year was hugely appreciated and looking forward to continuing to work with them. She also thanked Ms Linzi Roberts-Egan, Chief Executive, the Elections Team, and all officers involved in the election for a very smooth election process, confirming that Waltham Forest performed well compared to other London Boroughs due to the professionalism of the officers.