The Council meeting on 4 September 2024 saw significant debate and decisions regarding the future of the borough's libraries and building safety regulations. After extensive discussion, the council voted to consider all options for keeping libraries open, including conversion into multi-use venues, and to review building safety requirements for major developments and tall buildings in light of the Grenfell Inquiry report.

Proposed Library Closures

The council debated a motion to immediately halt the closure of any libraries and convert those under threat into multi-use venues. An amendment from the Labour Group sought to halt consideration of closures until all financial means were examined and consultation outcomes were known, also proposing a review of multi-use venue conversions. A further amendment from the Havering Residents' Association Group acknowledged that the administration was considering all options, including multi-use conversions.

Following debate, the Labour Group's amendment was not carried. However, the amendment from the Havering Residents' Association Group was agreed as the substantive motion. This means the council has resolved to recognise that the administration is considering all options before any library closures, including the conversion of libraries into multi-use venues.

Building Safety

A motion from the Conservative Group called for the Havering Local Plan to be updated with stricter building safety requirements, going beyond legal requirements, referencing the example of Kensington and Chelsea. An amendment from the Havering Residents' Association Group proposed that the forthcoming review of the Local Plan should consider stricter building safety requirements for major developments and tall buildings, going beyond the current London Plan and reflecting emerging legislation. A Labour Group amendment also called for the Local Plan to be updated to robustly evidence minimum regulatory building safety requirements and go above and beyond legal requirements.

After debate, the amendment from the Havering Residents' Association Group was agreed as the substantive motion. The council resolved to recognise the publication of the Grenfell Inquiry report and reaffirm its commitment to resident safety. It further called for the forthcoming review of the Local Plan to consider stricter building safety requirements for major developments and tall buildings, exceeding those in the current London Plan and reflecting existing and emerging legislation.

Other Matters Discussed

The meeting also included the election of Councillor Matt Stanton as Vice-Chair of the Places Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee. The Havering Youth Justice Service Strategy 2024-2027 was approved and endorsed. Annual reports from Member Champions for the Armed Forces, the Over 50s, and the Voluntary Sector were received.

Fifteen members' questions were asked and answered, covering a range of topics including visitor parking permits, the refurbishment of the A1306 Trunk Road, the Urbaser waste collection contract, the East Havering Data Centre, the London Climate Resilience Review, highway tree maintenance and inspections, traffic enforcement, council tenant home maintenance, unregistered children's homes, parking arrangements on the new Waterloo Estate, the Cottons Park play area, funding for road repairs, CCTV upgrades, and community safety discussions in light of recent national events.

A motion regarding anti-social behaviour in parks was withdrawn by the Conservative Group. Procedural motions were debated regarding extending the time for debate, with a motion to suspend standing orders indefinitely not being agreed, but a motion to continue until 10:30 pm being carried.