The Havering Council Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, 12 June 2024, covered several significant topics, including the revision of the Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy, the renewal of a lease for Sainsbury’s Billet Lane Car Park, the adoption of the revised Havering Climate Change Action Plan 2024-27, the approval of the Corporate Plan 2024-2027, and the endorsement of the Poverty Reduction Strategy.

Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy Revision

The Cabinet approved the revised Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy, which was initially established in December 2017. The policy has been updated to align with changes in legislation, enforcement options, and updated fees and charges. The revision aims to ensure the policy remains current and effective. Despite the slight increase in the scope of the enforcement team's work, it is expected that the existing team of three staff members will manage the additional workload without requiring extra resources.

Lease Renewal for Sainsbury’s Billet Lane Car Park

The Cabinet approved the renewal of the lease for the land having frontage to North Street, also known as Sainsbury’s Billet Lane Car Park, in Hornchurch, RM11 1TS. The previous lease expired on 14 November 2021, and new terms have been agreed upon with Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd. The Deputy Director of Legal & Governance Services has been authorised to implement the proposed grant.

Havering Climate Change Action Plan 2024-27

The Cabinet adopted the revised Havering Climate Change Action Plan (HCCAP) 2024-27, presented by Councillor Keith Darvill. The plan builds on actions introduced in the 2021 HCCAP and provides a framework for the Council’s efforts to become carbon neutral by 2040 or sooner. The HCCAP focuses on reducing greenhouse gases and interlinks with other Council strategies such as the Local Plan, Parks and Open Spaces Strategy, Health & Wellbeing Strategy, Cycling and Walking Strategy, Air Quality Action Plan, Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy, and the Reduction & Recycling Plan.

Corporate Plan 2024-2027

The Cabinet approved the Corporate Plan 2024-2027, which aligns with the Council’s Vision and the three corporate priority themes: People, Place, and Resources. The plan outlines the Council’s key outcomes, actions, and metrics required to monitor progress.

Poverty Reduction Strategy

The Cabinet endorsed the Poverty Reduction Strategy 2024, introduced by Councillor Keith Darvill on behalf of Councillor Gillian Ford. The strategy aims to address the underlying causes of poverty, facilitate community action, and build resilience to alleviate the effects of poverty. The Havering Place-based Partnership will work collaboratively to embed this approach across all programmes of work.