The Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 16 September 2026 to discuss community cohesion and resilience, the implementation of new legislation concerning tobacco and vapes, and the committee's future work programme. The meeting will also include updates from the Metropolitan Police and the North East BCU Independent Advisory Group.

Community Cohesion and Resilience

A report is scheduled for discussion regarding the council's approach to community cohesion and resilience in Waltham Forest. The document outlines that community cohesion in the borough is generally strong, with high levels of belonging and satisfaction with local areas, and positive relationships between people from different backgrounds. However, it notes that these benefits are not experienced equally across all communities, and strengthening inclusion, participation, and trust remains a priority. The report details the council's strategy, which is organised into four pillars: strengthening community relationships, tackling hate crime, preventing radicalisation and extremism, and monitoring community tensions. It highlights that community cohesion is influenced by various factors, requiring a coordinated approach across the council and its partners, including statutory responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015. The report also details performance measures and identifies challenges such as the under-reporting of hate crime and the impact of online harms.

Implementation of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026

The committee is set to review preparations for the implementation of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026. This legislation aims to create a smoke-free generation by progressively prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to individuals born after 1 January 2009. The Act also introduces measures to reduce youth access to vaping products, strengthen product regulation, and enhance local authority enforcement powers. The report details the new enforcement responsibilities for Trading Standards and Premises Licensing, including the anticipated introduction of a mandatory licensing scheme for tobacco, vape, and nicotine retailers. It outlines the timeline for implementation, with key provisions coming into effect from October 2026. The report also discusses the implications for the council, including the need for updated enforcement policies, officer training, and public communications. The council's Trading Standards Service has already undertaken significant enforcement activity, seizing over 12,000 packets of illicit cigarettes and 11,000 non-compliant vapes between April 2023 and March 2026.

The Scrutiny Report

The committee will review its future work programme for the 2026-27 municipal year. This includes reviewing suggested items for the forward plan and making additional suggestions. The report also invites the committee to review and comment on the Action Tracker, which details actions required of officers from previous meetings and their progress. Recommendations made by the committee in previous meetings will also be captured in a Recommendation Tracker, outlining the council's response to these suggestions. The committee's remit covers areas such as community safety, crime and disorder, community cohesion, and environmental health.

Metropolitan Police Borough Update

A verbal update is scheduled from the Metropolitan Police Service regarding current community safety activities and priorities within the borough.

North East BCU Independent Advisory Group Update

The committee will receive a verbal update from the Chair of the North East BCU Independent Advisory Group, focusing on current community safety priorities and performance.