The Cabinet of Redbridge Council met on Wednesday 17 June 2026. The meeting agenda included a review of the council's financial outturn for the 2025/26 year, a discussion on the regionalisation of fostering recruitment, assessment and support, and the preparation and programme for a new Local Plan.

Budgetary Control Report Outturn for 2025/26

The council's financial performance for the 2025/26 year was reviewed. The General Fund reported an overspend of £26.811 million, with significant pressures in Place, Communities & Enterprise (£21.443 million) due to increased demand and costs for temporary accommodation, and in Adult Social Care (£23.283 million) driven by rising care purchasing costs and staffing pressures. The Children and Education directorate also reported an overspend of £3.525 million. To mitigate the overspend, Earmarked Reserves were reduced by £10.371 million, and the General Fund Balance was drawn down by £16.440 million, leaving a reduced balance of £7.854 million.

The report also detailed the Capital Programme outturn of £107.643 million against a revised budget of £107.679 million, with a total slippage of £243.547 million across the year. Savings delivered against the 2025/26 target were £14.448 million out of a planned £21.815 million. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) reported a surplus of £4.686 million, while the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) showed an overspend of £14.624 million. The Cabinet noted the financial outturn.

Regionalisation of Fostering Recruitment, Assessment and Support

The Cabinet discussed Redbridge's continued participation in the Department for Education's (DfE) Renewing fostering: homes for 10,000 more children programme. This involves ongoing involvement in the Local Community Fostering Recruitment Hub, led by Waltham Forest Council, which partners with Tower Hamlets and Havering. The programme is expanding to encompass the full fostering recruitment and assessment pathway by September 2026, aligning with national reforms. The discussion aimed to improve regional fostering capacity, ensure access to DfE funding, and ultimately reduce reliance on high-cost independent fostering and residential placements, thereby improving outcomes for children in care.

Preparation and Programme for a new Local Plan

The Cabinet discussed the commencement of the review and preparation of a new Local Plan for Redbridge. This is a statutory requirement, with new legislation mandating that Local Plans be completed within 30 months. The current Local Plan was adopted in 2018, and an updated plan is needed to shape future development, attract investment, and address key priorities such as climate change, affordable housing, job creation, and infrastructure development. The process will involve significant engagement with residents, including children and young people, to ensure the plan reflects community needs and aspirations. The estimated cost for the Local Plan review over four years is £4.651 million, with growth already set aside in the budget.

Forward Plan

The Cabinet noted the items included in the Forward Plan for the period July to October 2026, which outlines upcoming key decisions and other items to be considered by the Cabinet. This included items such as the Budgetary Control Report Outturn for 2025/26, the Regionalisation of Fostering Recruitment, Assessment and Support, and the Preparation and Programme for a new Local Plan, all of which were discussed at this meeting. Other items noted for future consideration included the Leisure and Culture - Future Service Delivery Options, and the Expansion of New Rush Hall Special School.