Here's a summary of the Redbridge Council meeting on 17 July 2025:

The Cabinet approved a new Sustainable Transport Strategy, a report on local plan monitoring, and measures for contract waivers. They also discussed budgetary control, including an overspend, and agreed to items in the forward plan. A key decision was made to support rebuilding Broadmead Road Bridge, contingent on securing external funding.

Broadmead Bridge

The Cabinet agreed to support the option to rebuild Broadmead Road Bridge, recommending Option 5a (Option 3 in the Broadmead Bridge Options Report) for detailed design, procurement, and construction, pending funding. This option involves replacing the span over the Central Line and using a reinforced soil wall for the remaining structure.

The decision was made because the bridge has been an important route for decades, and its closure cuts communities in half and adversely impacts economic activity . The chosen option was seen to offer the best value for money and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

The council will seek funding from Transport for London and central government, including applying to the £1 billion infrastructure fund. Should external funding not be secured, the report noted that long-standing financial pressures plus the high prevailing costs of borrowing may well mean a self-funded solution proves unviable .

The report also noted that if the bridge's structural integrity deteriorates further, demolition may become necessary, which would severely disrupt the Central Line.

Budgetary Control

The Cabinet noted the General Fund Outturn for 2024/25, which showed an overspend of £15.317m. This included overspends in Communities, the People Directorate, Regeneration and Culture, and Strategy, offset by an underspend in Resources.

As a result of the overspend, there has been a significant reduction in Earmarked Reserves, reducing by £15.721m. The report noted that this has a notable impact on the Council's financial resilience and there will need to be significant focus on cost reduction in 2025/26 to avoid further reductions in reserves, along with the development of a plan to replenish reserves used in recent years.

The report also noted that unbudgeted pressures rolling forward into 2025/26 include £17.151m in housing and £16.333m in adult social care.

The Capital Programme outturn and revised budget are £133.181m for the year.

The amount of Council Tax collected at the end of March 2025 was 95.82%, and the amount of Business Rates collected was 92.67%.

Sustainable Transport Strategy

The Cabinet approved changes to the draft Sustainable Transport Strategy (STS), based on feedback from public consultation, and adopted the final STS, its easy-read version, and the associated Action Plan long list. The strategy will shape transport priorities and inform a capital programme investment plan over the next 17 years, addressing highways, transportation, and the climate emergency.

Redbridge Local Plan Authority Monitoring Report

The Cabinet approved the Authority Monitoring Report (AMR) for the period 2023/24. The report reviews progress against indicators to assess the effectiveness of the council's Local Plan, as required by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004¹.

The report noted a small increase in homes delivered and exceeded targets for planning approvals. It also highlighted progress towards the corporate climate change strategy and affordable housing through the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). However, the council continues to face challenges in securing new housing delivery against regional targets.

Contract Waiver Monitoring

The Cabinet noted the contract waivers and awarded contracts for the period 1 January 2025 to 31 March 2025, as reported by the Procurement Department, in compliance with the council's Contract Standing Orders.

Area SEND Inspection

The Cabinet noted the findings of the Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of the Redbridge Local Area Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) Partnership. The inspection found widespread and/or systemic failures in the partnership, requiring an action plan to address priority areas. The local area partnership will be subject to a monitoring inspection within 18 months, followed by a full inspection within 3 years.

Hainault Business Park Business Improvement District Renewal Ballot

The Cabinet endorsed a renewal ballot process to extend the Hainault Business Park Business Improvement District (BID) for a fifth term, beginning on 1 April 2026. They delegated authority to the Chief Executive to act as Returning Officer and hold the ballot between 30 October 2025 and 27 November 2025, declaring the result on 28 November 2025.

The report noted that supporting the BID aligns with the council's ambitions to create the right environment for enterprise and achieve economic growth.

Building Maintenance Capital Programme

The Cabinet agreed that the Department of Education School Condition Grant allocation for Redbridge schools of £8.973m be added to the Council's School Conditioning Capital Programme. They also approved the allocation of expenditure of £1.500m from the Corporate Capital programme and the Schools Conditioning capital programme of £8.973m to be spent on outline schemes identified in the report, and delegated authority to officers to undertake procurement activity and substitute schemes from a reserve list to manage cost variations.

Outsourcing of Redbridge Lifeline Service

The Cabinet approved the recommendation to outsource the Lifeline Service to external provider Alcove, and to proceed with consultation with affected staff. They also approved the progression of the agreed procurement route to direct award the contract, as agreed at Strategic Commissioning Board.

The decision was made to ensure continuity of service for Lifeline clients during the digital switchover and to provide an enhanced technology offer that will increase independence.

Approval of a new S75 Agreement for the Redbridge Better Care Fund

The Cabinet agreed that the council enter into a s75 agreement² with Redbridge Place (as part of the NHS North-East London Integrated Care Board) as required by the Better Care Fund conditions.