The Cabinet of Waltham Forest Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 03 November 2026, with a key focus on the adoption of the Local Plan Part 2 (LP2) and its subsequent implementation. The meeting will also address the procurement of buildings insurance for the council's leasehold properties and the recommissioning of Short Breaks Services for disabled children and young people.

Adoption of Local Plan Part 2 (LP2) and Next Steps for its Implementation

A significant item on the agenda is the proposed adoption of the Local Plan Part 2 (LP2) and the subsequent steps for its implementation. This plan is crucial as it allocates specific sites for development, aligning with the adopted Local Plan Part 1 (LP1). An independent Planning Inspector has concluded that LP2 is legally compliant and sound, subject to agreed modifications, and has recommended its adoption.

The adoption of LP2 is intended to ensure that Waltham Forest maintains an up-to-date, locally determined development plan. This will strengthen the Council's ability to manage growth, guide development, and secure essential elements such as housing (including affordable housing), employment opportunities, infrastructure, and environmental improvements, all in line with local priorities. In the context of proposed increases in housing targets and ongoing national planning reforms, the adoption of LP2 will help ensure that growth in Waltham Forest is planned locally, reducing the risk of speculative development proposals and ensuring planning outcomes are determined by locally agreed policies rather than external bodies like the Greater London Authority (GLA) or the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

The report outlines that LP2 identifies a capacity for 22,833 homes between 2027/28 and 2034/35, providing a buffer to account for potential delivery challenges. This positions the Council favourably in relation to the new housing targets set out in the draft London Plan. The adoption of LP2 is also seen as vital for retaining local control over planning decisions, particularly in light of expanded powers for the Mayor of London to call in planning applications for developments of 50 homes or more.

The report also seeks endorsement for a new Local Development Scheme (LDS) covering 2026-2030, which details the programme for reviewing the Local Plan. Preliminary evidence review work for the borough's next Local Plan is scheduled to commence in Spring 2027.

Procurement of Council's Leasehold Properties Buildings Insurance

The Cabinet will consider the procurement of buildings insurance for the council's leasehold properties for the period of 01 April 2027 to 31 March 2034. The council's existing agreement for this insurance is due to expire on 31 March 2027, necessitating a new procurement process. The proposed open competitive procurement aims to access the insurance market transparently and assess tenders based on price, policy coverage, claims handling, and service quality. The estimated total value of this arrangement is £5.9 million over five years. The procurement process will involve statutory consultation with affected leaseholders, in accordance with the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Service Charges (Consultation Requirements) (England) Regulations 2003.

Short Breaks Recommissioning

The meeting will also address the recommissioning of the Council's SEND Short Breaks Services. This involves a competitive procurement process to establish a new multi-lot contractual arrangement from 01 April 2027. The Council has statutory duties to provide short break services for disabled children and young people and their families, and the existing contracts are nearing their end. The proposed procurement model aims to maintain established services while fostering greater innovation and co-production with families. A dedicated Family Designed Short Breaks and Innovation lot is included to allow for collaborative development of services. The total estimated contract value over a maximum five-year term is £5.095 million. Robust contract management and performance monitoring will be in place, focusing on outcomes for children, young people, and families.

Other Items

The agenda also includes the minutes of the previous Cabinet meeting.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at 2:00 pm in the Council Chamber at Waltham Forest Town Hall. It will be viewable online via the Council's Civico site.