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Council - Wednesday, 22 July 2026 - 7.30 pm
July 22, 2026 at 7:30 pm Council View on council websiteSummary
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The Council meeting on Wednesday 22 July 2026 saw significant debate and decisions on environmental policy, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), and the Havering Youth Justice Plan. Key outcomes included the rescinding of the council's Climate Emergency declaration, a call for greater transparency and reinvestment of ULEZ revenue into Havering, and the approval of the Havering Youth Justice Plan 2026-27.
Climate Emergency Declaration Rescinded
The council voted to rescind its previous declaration of a Climate Emergency. The motion, brought forward by the Reform UK Havering Group, argued that the declaration created a policy direction that was disproportionate, financially burdensome and insufficiently balanced against the Council's wider responsibilities.
It proposed that future environmental activity should be considered through a balanced framework focusing on affordability, value for money, statutory responsibility, deliverability, resident impact, and local environmental benefit. An amendment by the Havering Aligned Residents' Association Group, which sought to review the Climate Emergency Strategy rather than rescind the declaration, was not agreed. The substantive motion was passed by 32 votes to 13, with one abstention.
Calls for ULEZ Transparency and Reinvestment
A motion brought by the Reform UK Havering Group called upon the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) to provide greater transparency regarding ULEZ revenue collection, enforcement income, and borough-level reinvestment. The motion highlighted concerns about the lack of publicly available borough-by-borough financial breakdowns and the impact of the ULEZ on outer London boroughs like Havering, which face higher levels of car dependency. It specifically requested a breakdown of ULEZ and Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) revenue generated by borough, as well as scrappage funding and transport and environmental reinvestment by borough. The motion further urged for a fairer share of ULEZ-related funding to be allocated directly into Havering to support local pollution reduction initiatives, transport improvements, electric vehicle infrastructure, cleaner buses, anti-idling measures, tree planting, and assistance for residents and businesses impacted by the scheme. An amendment by the Havering Aligned Residents' Association Group, which sought to include consideration of emissions data and the impact of the M25 and A127 on Havering's air quality, was not agreed. The Reform UK motion was passed without division.
Havering Youth Justice Plan Approved
The council approved the Havering Youth Justice Plan 2026-27. The report, presented by the Chief Executive, outlined how youth justice services will be delivered and governed locally. The plan emphasizes judging services by their impact on children, young people, families, and communities, aligning with the Youth Justice Inspection Framework. It includes an action plan and outcomes framework to track children's needs, risks, and vulnerabilities, as well as the support provided and the outcomes achieved. The multi-agency youth justice management board will provide strategic oversight, reviewing performance data, case audits, and feedback to ensure interventions are effective and resources are directed appropriately.
Other Business
The council also received petitions regarding the introduction of CCTV at the junction of Maybank Avenue and Lancaster Drive, the introduction of a one-way system in Kilmartin Way, and traffic calming measures in Waldon Avenue and Queens Gardens. The Mayor announced her chosen charity for the year as CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young). The Leader of the Council detailed the published 100-day plan, and the Chief Executive thanked members for agreeing to the change of date for the meeting.
Councillor Henry Williams was appointed as the new Member Champion of Faith.
The council congratulated Hornchurch Football Club on their promotion to the National League.
Members' questions covered a range of topics including contaminated land at Launders Lane, planning applications for additional bedrooms, violence against women and girls, the Bromford Master Plan, Gallows Corner, parcel theft, property purchases, council debt and overspend, and the reopening of libraries.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Havering Council on 22 July 2026 approved recommendations. There were no disclosures of interests.
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PETITIONS
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Havering Council on Wednesday 22 July 2026 approved recommendations regarding petitions. The petitions presented concerned requests for CCTV on Maybank Avenue and Lancaster Drive, a one-way system in Kilmartin Way, and traffic calming measures in Waldon Avenue and Queens Gardens.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE MAYOR, BY THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL OR BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Havering Council on Wednesday 22 July 2026 approved recommendations. The Mayor announced her chosen charity as CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young). The Leader gave details on the published 100 day plan. The Chief Executive thanked members for accepting the change of date for the Council meeting.
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MINUTES
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Havering Council approved the minutes of the Council meeting held on 27 May 2026. The decision was made on 22 July 2026.
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RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Havering Council approved the Havering Youth Justice Plan 2026-27 on 22 July 2026. This plan outlines how youth justice services will be delivered and governed locally to meet statutory duties.
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Havering Council on 22 July 2026 approved recommendations regarding apologies for absence. Apologies were received from Councillors Kevin Ayres, Petru Eugen Dinsorean, Diane Smith, Russell Smith, Geoff Starns, John Tyler, Lesley Tyler, Christine Vickery and Tom Vickery.
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MEMBERS' QUESTIONS
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Havering Council approved recommendations on 22/07/2026. Nine questions were asked and responded to, with a summary to be attached to the minutes. Answers to questions not asked were circulated after the meeting.
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MOTIONS FOR DEBATE
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Havering Council resolved to congratulate Hornchurch Football Club on their promotion to the National League and requested the Mayor write to the club. The Council also resolved to establish a Member Champion of Faith, appointing Councillor Henry Williams to the role. Finally, the Council rescinded its previous Climate Emergency declaration and resolved to ensure future environmental activity is considered through a balanced framework.
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