The Cabinet of Redbridge Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday 17 June 2026 to discuss a range of important financial and strategic matters. Key topics on the agenda include the final budgetary control report for the 2025/26 financial year, proposals for the regionalisation of fostering recruitment, assessment, and support services, and the preparation and programme for a new Local Plan for the borough.

Budgetary Control Report Outturn for 2025/26

The Cabinet is scheduled to receive the final outturn position for the council's revenue, capital programme, Housing Revenue Account (HRA), and Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for the 2025/26 financial year. The report indicates a General Fund outturn of an overspend of £26.811 million. This overspend is attributed to various directorates, with significant pressures noted in Place, Communities & Enterprise, and Adults Social Care. The report details movements in earmarked reserves and the impact on the General Fund Balance, which is projected to reduce to £7.854 million. The capital programme outturn is £107.643 million, with a significant slippage of £243.547 million reported. Collection rates for Council Tax and Business Rates are also noted, alongside the outstanding debt position. The Housing Revenue Account shows a surplus of £4.686 million, while the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) has an overspend of £14.624 million.

Regionalisation of Fostering Recruitment, Assessment and Support

A report is scheduled for discussion regarding the council's continued participation in the Department for Education's (DfE) Renewing fostering: homes for 10,000 more children programme. Since May 2024, Redbridge has been part of a regional fostering recruitment service with Waltham Forest, Tower Hamlets, and Havering. National reforms published in January 2026 aim to expand the programme's expectations, requiring regional hubs to manage the full fostering recruitment and assessment pathway by September 2026. The report seeks approval for Redbridge's continued involvement, for Waltham Forest to remain the lead local authority, and for the delegation of decision-making authority to the Executive Director of Children Services to enable the timely implementation of an expanded end-to-end fostering remit. This initiative is expected to improve regional fostering capacity and consistency, potentially leading to economies of scale and reduced reliance on high-cost independent fostering and residential placements.

Preparation and Programme for a New Local Plan

The Cabinet is scheduled to consider the preparation and programme for a new Local Plan for Redbridge. This new plan is intended to shape the borough's environment, influencing the location and form of new development to deliver high-quality homes, neighbourhoods, and facilities. It aims to attract investment to address key priorities such as tackling climate change, inequality, delivering affordable homes, creating local jobs, and improving infrastructure, while protecting green spaces and heritage assets. The report highlights the statutory duty to have an up-to-date Local Plan and notes that new legislation requires plans to be completed within 30 months. An indicative timetable and budget for the review process are presented, with an estimated cost of £4.651 million over four years. The plan will be developed with significant resident engagement, including children and young people, to ensure Redbridge is a child-friendly borough.

Forward Plan

The Cabinet will also review the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period of July to October 2026. This plan outlines upcoming key decisions intended to be taken by the council's executive.

References and Comments from Committees

The Cabinet is scheduled to receive any references and comments from the Overview Committee, Governance & Assurance Committee, Licensing Committee, and Planning Committee. These will be presented for response by the Cabinet/Executive.

Public Question Time

An opportunity for members of the public to submit statements and questions to be heard at the meeting.

Apologies for Absence and Declarations of Interest

Standard procedural items, including receiving apologies for absence and reminding members to declare any interests in matters on the agenda.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous Cabinet meeting held on 23 April 2026 are scheduled for confirmation, pending their availability.

Any Other Items which the Chair Decides are Urgent

A provision for any urgent items that the Chair deems necessary to bring to the Cabinet's attention.

Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next Cabinet meeting is scheduled for 16 July 2026.