The Cabinet of Havering Council met on Wednesday 09 April 2025, approving a new strategy to combat violence against women and girls, and agreeing to award a contract for project management consultancy services. The meeting also saw decisions made regarding building safety works, the joint waste plan, and a review of the corporate plan.

Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy

The Cabinet approved the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy 2025-2029. This strategy aims to address violence against women and girls within the borough, with no direct financial implications as it will be implemented using existing budgets and grant funding. The strategy has been developed following consultation, though concerns were raised about the sample size of 157 responses, with officers acknowledging this limitation but highlighting the depth of information gathered. The strategy will be delivered over a four-year period, with an action plan reviewed annually to adapt to emerging issues. A VAWG strategic group will report into the community safety partnership meeting. Discussions also touched upon the need to strengthen key services and priority areas to effectively address VAWG in Havering, with a commitment to take away specific questions on this for further response. The Overview and Scrutiny Board had previously recommended that VAWG training be included in new member induction and licensing chairs training, which the Cabinet agreed to.

Award of Contract for Project Management Consultancy Services

A contract for project management consultancy services was awarded, with the aim of improving efficiency and reducing costs. This framework contract, for two years with a potential for two further two-year extensions, will be used for projects where the council lacks the necessary in-house skills. The estimated spend is between £5 to £6 million, based on historic data, though this will depend on actual project needs. A key aspect of the contract is a 10% social value requirement, which will be integrated into each project. This approach aims to drive further efficiencies and provide greater opportunities for local organisations and small to medium enterprises through mini-competitions rather than direct awards. The council anticipates savings of approximately 4.9% through this new procurement method.

Building Safety Works for High-Rise Buildings

The Cabinet approved recommendations for building safety works across the council's high-rise residential buildings. Following the implementation of the Building Safety Act 2022, the council has a legal duty to register these buildings and commission safety case reports. These reports have identified the need for repairs and improvements to ensure fire safety standards are as close to current building regulations as possible. A multidisciplinary construction consultancy firm, Calford Seedon, has been appointed to survey the buildings and develop designs. A two-stage tender process is proposed, with works to be tendered through the Fusion 21 portal. The indicative value of the project is £13.4 million, with tenders evaluated on a 60% quality, 30% price, and 10% social value basis. Leaseholders may be charged for certain elements of the work, such as sprinkler installations and LD1 smoke and heat detection, with appropriate consultation to take place. Concerns were raised about potential delays from the Building Safety Regulator, but the programme includes contingency for these issues. The council also committed to engaging ward councillors and exploring social value opportunities within these estates.

Highfield Towers Cladding Removal and Fire Improvement Works

The Cabinet approved recommendations for cladding replacement and associated fire improvement works at Highfield Towers in Collier Road. The Building Safety Regulator will need to approve these significant works, which will also aim to improve the building's energy efficiency. The project includes window replacement, automatic opening vent replacement, roof replacements, and the installation of sprinklers and LD1 fire alarms. Calford Seedon has been appointed as the consultancy firm, and a two-stage tender process will be used, with works tendered through the LHC cladding remedial framework. The indicative value of the project is £7.5 million. The combined approach to these works is expected to generate cost savings, particularly through the reuse of scaffolding, and minimise disruption to residents.

Joint Waste Plan Consultation

The Cabinet agreed to proceed with the statutory consultation (Regulation 19) for the updated London Joint Waste Plan. This update was necessary due to changes in the London Plan, national waste policy, waste management technology, and increased development pressures since the previous plan in 2012. The plan largely focuses on ensuring East London has sufficient waste facilities, which the report confirms is the case. The consultation will last for six weeks, starting in late May, and will be undertaken contemporaneously with the other three partner boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Newham, and Redbridge. The council's position within the East London grouping is noted as being stronger, as Havering does not require further waste sites within the borough, unlike its partners. The report also sought approval for the latest Local Development Scheme for the period 2025-2027.

Corporate Plan Review

A light-touch review of the Corporate Plan for 2025-2027 was presented, with minor adjustments made to align with current financial constraints. The Cabinet discussed the importance of maintaining alignment between the council's long-term vision and the deliverability of the plan within its budget. While targets are considered aspirational, they are set within a realistic budget framework. The council is actively working with partners through the Havering Place-Based Partnership to ensure targeted services and avoid duplication, particularly in light of potential funding reductions in health and social care. Performance monitoring and accountability mechanisms are in place, with regular reporting to Cabinet and scrutiny by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Discussions also touched upon potential future announcements regarding social care funding and the local government settlement, which could impact the corporate plan.