The Havering Council meeting on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, saw a series of decisions made regarding the council's constitution, including changes to planning and pension committee procedures, and the adoption of new meeting start times. The council also debated and passed several motions on topics ranging from children's social care to the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Constitution Review and Meeting Procedures

The council approved significant amendments to its constitution, stemming from a review by the Governance Committee. These changes were largely driven by new national legislation concerning planning and pension functions.

Key decisions included:

• Approval of Amendments to the Constitution: A total of 48 votes to 3 approved amendments to the council's constitution, as detailed in the report of the Governance Committee[^1]. These amendments were necessary to align with recent legislative changes.
• New Planning Committee Membership: The size of the new Planning Committee was set at 9 members, with a quorum of 5. This decision was agreed by 39 votes to 10, with 4 abstentions. The new regulations, the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026, mandate specific structures for planning committees.
• Revised Council Meeting Start Time: The start time for full council meetings was officially changed from 7:30 pm to 7:00 pm. This change was agreed by 46 votes to 5, with 2 abstentions. This adjustment aims to allow more time for the comprehensive discussion of agenda items.
• Delegation of Authority: Authority was delegated to the Monitoring Officer to make consequential amendments to the constitution arising from legislative changes and the proposed modifications. This was agreed unanimously.
• Appointment of Independent Person for Audit Committee: The delegation of authority for appointing the Independent Person on the Audit Committee was also approved unanimously.
• Election of Planning Committee Chairs: Councillor Kevin Ayres was elected as the Chairman of the new Planning Committee with 41 votes to 12. Councillor Sathya Maddasani was elected as the Vice-Chairman, receiving 40 votes to 13.

Motions for Debate

The council debated and voted on several motions, with amendments proposed by various groups.

• Children's Residential Social Care: A motion supporting the Local Government Association's (LGA) steps to limit private profits in children's residential social care was agreed. An amendment by the Reform UK Group, calling for the Chief Executive to write to the relevant Government Minister expressing the council's support, was also agreed by 52 votes to 0.
• Referendum to Leave London: A motion regarding a referendum to leave London saw an amendment by the Reform UK Group agreed. The substantive motion, stating the council would not spend resources on such a referendum during this term, was passed by 42 votes to 11.
• Mental Wellbeing Support: A motion calling for a review of existing mental wellbeing support provision was agreed. An amendment by the Reform UK Group, adding a call for the Executive Leadership Team to support the Cabinet, was also agreed by 53 votes to 0.
• Launders Lane: A motion concerning the ongoing issues at Launders Lane, including fires, smoke, and pollution, was debated. An amendment by the Havering Aligned Residents' Associations Group, which proposed removing a commendation of the current administration's actions, was not carried by 38 votes to 14. The original motion by the Reform UK Group was then agreed as the substantive motion by 41 votes to 12. This motion called for continued lobbying of DEFRA, the Environment Agency, and the Mayor of London for funding and intervention to resolve the crisis, and demanded a formal response from stakeholders.

Members' Questions

Fifteen questions were asked and responded to by councillors during the meeting. These questions covered a range of topics, including waste and recycling collections, road sweeping, the provision of CCTV footage, social housing fraud, flag flying, traffic schemes, education, health and care plans, respite care, and street trees.

The meeting also included the formal receipt of apologies for absence and the confirmation of minutes from a previous meeting. No declarations of interest were made.