The Council meeting on 22 July 2026 addressed several key issues, including environmental policy, local infrastructure, and community recognition. The council agreed to rescind its previous declaration of a Climate Emergency, called for greater transparency regarding Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) revenue and its reinvestment in Havering, and congratulated Hornchurch Football Club on their promotion. A Member Champion of Faith was also established.

Climate Emergency Declaration Rescinded

The council agreed to rescind its previous declaration of a Climate Emergency. The motion, brought forward by the Reform UK Havering Group, argued that the declaration had created a policy direction that was disproportionate, financially burdensome and insufficiently balanced against the Council's wider responsibilities. The motion also called for future environmental activity to be considered within a balanced framework of affordability, value for money, and resident impact. An amendment proposed by the Havering Aligned Residents' Associations Group, which sought to review the Climate Emergency Strategy and explore grant opportunities, was not agreed by 32 votes to 13, with one abstention. The substantive motion to rescind the declaration was agreed by 32 votes to 13, with one abstention.

Call for ULEZ Transparency and Investment

A motion calling for greater transparency on Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) revenue and reinvestment in Havering was agreed as the substantive motion without division. The Reform UK Havering Group's motion highlighted concerns about the lack of clarity regarding revenue generated from Havering residents and the proportion of funds reinvested locally. The council agreed to call upon the Mayor of London and Transport for London to publish detailed breakdowns of ULEZ and Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) revenue by borough, as well as scrappage funding and transport and environmental reinvestment. The motion also urged for a fairer share of ULEZ-related funding to be allocated to Havering for local pollution reduction initiatives, transport improvements, and other environmental projects. An amendment by the Havering Aligned Residents' Associations Group, which sought to include specific data on emissions and the impact of major roads, was not carried by 32 votes to 12, with two abstentions.

Hornchurch Football Club Congratulated

The council agreed, without division, to congratulate Hornchurch Football Club on their promotion to the National League. The motion, brought by the Labour Group, recognised the club's achievement as significant for both the club and the borough, highlighting its role in fostering community pride and raising Havering's profile. The council also committed to continuing its support for grassroots and semi-professional football.

Member Champion of Faith Established

A motion to establish a Member Champion of Faith was agreed by 32 votes to 0, with 13 abstentions. The Reform UK Havering Group proposed the role to recognise the importance of faith within the borough. Following the agreement of the motion, Councillor Henry Williams was appointed as the Member Champion of Faith.

Youth Justice Plan Approved

The Havering Youth Justice Plan 2026-27 was agreed without division and resolved to be approved for publication. The report, presented by the Chief Executive, outlined how youth justice services will be delivered and governed locally. The plan includes an action plan and outcomes framework to track the effectiveness of interventions and ensure resources are prioritised towards the most impactful activities.

Petitions Presented

Several petitions were presented to the council:

• Councillor Julie Wilkes presented a petition requesting the installation of CCTV at the junction of Maybank Avenue and Lancaster Drive to address illegal parking.
• Councillor Stephanie Nunn presented a petition from residents of Kilmartin Way requesting the introduction of a one-way system due to road width concerns.
• Councillor Matthew Stanton presented a petition from residents of Waldon Avenue and Queens Gardens calling for traffic calming measures to combat speeding.

Announcements

The Mayor announced her chosen charity for the year as CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young). The Leader of the Council provided details on the published 100-day plan, highlighting recent actions and future plans for the borough. The Chief Executive thanked members for agreeing to the change of date for the meeting, which had been moved due to school holidays.

Members' Questions

Nine questions were asked and responded to by councillors. Topics covered included contaminated land at Launders Lane, planning applications for additional bedrooms, violence against women and girls, the Romford Master Plan, issues at Gallows Corner, parcel theft, property purchases, council debt and overspend, and the reopening of libraries. Answers to questions not addressed within the time limit will be circulated.