The Cabinet of Havering Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, with a packed agenda covering significant developments in education, planning, resident services, and the council's long-term strategy. Key discussions are expected to include the expansion of educational facilities, the future of local planning, and the outcomes of a critical assessment of adult social care services.

Implementation of a School-Based Nursery and Expansion of the SEND Unit at R J Mitchell Primary School

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to proposals concerning R J Mitchell Primary School. The report pack indicates that the Cabinet will consider the implementation of an 18-place school-based nursery and the expansion of the existing Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) unit. This expansion would increase the unit's capacity from 21 to 50 places. The proposals aim to address a documented shortage of childcare places in the Elm Park ward and meet the growing demand for SEND support within the borough, particularly for children with Communication and Interaction needs. The report pack details that the estimated total capital cost for both projects is approximately £2.8 million, to be funded through a combination of Department for Education grants and the Local Authority's Childcare Expansion Capital Grant.

Local Plan Timetable and Notice of Intention to Commence

The Cabinet is scheduled to review the implications of a new national process for adopting a Local Plan, introduced in March 2026. This report focuses on the initial getting ready stage, which involves establishing a timetable for the preparation of Havering's new Local Plan and submitting a formal notice of intention to commence this process. The current Havering Local Plan, adopted in 2021, is due for review. The new national system aims to streamline the process with a 30-month timetable and includes gateway checks to assess progress. The report highlights the need to procure consultancy support for this initial stage, with funding of £300,982 already allocated from earmarked reserves.

CQC Local Authority Assessment Outcome and Improvement Plan

This item addresses the findings of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment of Havering's Adult Social Care functions. The report pack indicates that the CQC assessed Havering as 'Requires Improvement', with all reviewed quality statements scoring two, signifying some shortfalls. While acknowledging positive areas such as timely occupational therapy assessments and strong partnership working, the assessment identified areas needing improvement, including assessment and review waiting times, support for unpaid carers, transitions from children's to adult services, market sufficiency, and information accessibility. An Improvement Plan has been developed, structured around key CQC themes, with actions requiring sustained senior oversight and potentially additional capacity and investment.

Housing Resident Engagement Strategy

The Cabinet will consider the Housing Tenant Engagement Strategy for 2026-2029. This strategy aims to build trust by listening to residents, encouraging participation in community services, and ensuring a consistent approach to consultation and engagement. It seeks to embed the Gunning Principles¹ and foster collaboration, strengthening engagement in the development and delivery of housing services and programmes. The strategy also intends to provide intelligence for council-wide policy development and evolve towards empowering residents. The report pack notes that the strategy will be delivered using existing resources and has no direct financial implications for the Council.

2040 Strategy

This agenda item concerns the first stage of the Havering 2040 Strategy, which outlines the Council's long-term vision to create London's Super Suburb. This strategy aims to move the Council from short-term response to a clear, evidence-led plan for the borough's future, focusing on three strategic missions: Build Havering (place-led transformation), Grow Havering (creating economic powerhouse zones), and Improve Havering (enhancing quality of life through public services). The strategy is being developed in two stages to align delivery projects with the budget-setting process, with this first stage focusing on setting out Cabinet's priorities.

1st Quarter Revenue and Capital Monitoring Report 2026/27

This report provides the first of three in-year financial monitoring updates for the Cabinet. It details the Council's financial position as of June 2026 for the General Fund, Housing Revenue Account, and Dedicated Schools Grant budgets. The report indicates a forecast underspend of £22.8 million against the approved General Fund budget, which will still necessitate the use of approximately £54.2 million in Exceptional Financial Support². The report also includes an update on the capital programme, showing a forecast spend of £296.4 million against a budget of £423.1 million, indicating slippage into future years.

Forward Decision Plan (for information)

The Cabinet will receive the Forward Decision Plan for information. This document outlines decisions that are intended to be made by the Leader of the Council, Cabinet, individual Cabinet Members, or Officers within the four-month period from 1 October 2026 to 31 January 2027. It details the decisions to be taken, by whom, the lead member, the expected date of the decision, and contact details for making representations.