The Council meeting on Wednesday 3 September 2025 addressed several key issues, including housing policy, local services, and council operations.

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and Article 4 Directions

The council agreed to ask the planning policy team to prepare the necessary evidence to extend or replace current Article 4 Directions. This aims to remove permitted development rights for the change of use from C3 (dwellinghouses) to C4 (HMOs) for all detached homes across the borough. The council also committed to beginning the consultation and legal preparation process for this introduction, following due process and submission of evidence to the Secretary of State. This decision was made after considerable discussion, with councillors highlighting concerns about increased parking congestion, waste, overcrowding, and the erosion of community cohesion in affected neighbourhoods.

Mercury Land Holdings Business Plan

The council debated the business plan of Mercury Land Holdings, a wholly-owned council developer. A motion proposed by the Conservative Group recommended revising the business plan to focus on delivering much-needed social homes and reducing temporary accommodation costs. An amendment by the Havering Residents Association Group, which recognised the existing plan's focus on delivering homes and affordable housing, was not carried. Ultimately, the Conservative motion was agreed, recommending a revision to Mercury Land Holdings' business plan to prioritise social housing and reduce temporary accommodation costs. This decision followed a debate that highlighted the significant waiting list for council housing and the need for more affordable housing options.

Other Key Discussions and Decisions:

• Allotments: It was agreed that the council would seek to designate the four remaining 'temporary' allotment sites as statutory, providing them with greater protection against development.
• Exemption Bays: The council noted that road markings and parking signs are installed according to regulations, with regular inspections carried out by highway inspectors. Processes are in place for reporting and inspecting any concerns about road markings, with repairs expected within 28 days.
• Capital Receipts: The Cabinet Member for Finance confirmed that the council had not yet taken out direct borrowing associated with Exceptional Financial Support applications, with a £18.1 million capitalisation directive for 2024 being fully funded from capital receipts.
• Speed Enforcement: The council outlined its ongoing work in road safety education and school street schemes. While the council has no direct enforcement powers for 20mph zones, it is exploring feasibility for further zones and other traffic calming measures, subject to public consultation.
• Havering Volunteer Centre Rent: The council confirmed that the Havering Volunteer Centre had been offered various accommodation options on three-year leases at market rent, providing greater security than their current tenancy. The centre has been asked to confirm their preferred option, after which the impact on their rent will be assessed.
• Fly-Tipping Enforcement: The council highlighted its increased enforcement actions against fly-tipping since 2021, with 261 Fixed Penalty Notices issued since January 2024, resulting in £30,400 in fines. A suggestion for a 'wall of shame' to identify offenders was to be discussed with officers.
• Recycling Sacks: The waste team contacted a local church and a community hub in Harold Wood regarding recycling sack collection. The church cannot assist due to staffing limitations, and the hub is currently unable to help due to commercial reasons but is open to a follow-up in six months. A roll of 16 orange sacks is delivered to each household every 13 weeks, with eight locations offering smaller rolls.
• FCC Performance: The council's monitoring team regularly inspects weed growth and street cleansing standards. FCC has introduced three manual weed removal teams to combat hotspots, and an additional treatment will be carried out next year.
• Illegal HMOs: The council outlined that operating an unlicensed HMO is an offence for which civil penalties or criminal prosecution can be pursued. However, there is no legislative provision to directly shut down an unlicensed HMO without creating a duty to rehouse occupants. An emergency prohibition order can be served in cases of imminent risk of serious harm.
• Anti-idling Campaign: The council highlighted its established programme supporting schools with anti-idling initiatives, which has seen 89% of drivers pledge to cease idling after being spoken to by pupils. A further five schools will be supported in the new academic year.
• Section 106 Funds: Clarification was provided that the question likely related to Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding rather than Section 106 (S106) funds. S106 funds are tied to specific planning applications for mitigation, while approximately £4 million in CIL funds is unallocated, primarily for highway improvements and carbon reduction projects.
• PCN Discounts: The council explained the decision to remove the automatic 50% discount for unsuccessful Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) challenges, stating it aimed to reduce speculative challenges and free up council resources. Data indicated a reduction in challenges and an increase in successful appeals at the tribunal stage.
• Working Abroad: Figures were provided showing the number of staff and councillors who had requested and received approval to work from abroad, with a maximum of 90 days now being granted to improve council security.
• Resident Notification for School Street Zones: The council outlined its established procedures for notifying residents about new school street zones, including letters to those within the zone, school newsletters, public consultations, and site notices.
• Review of Licensing Policy: An amendment was carried to bring forward an urgent review of the council's Licensing Policy, given the increasing pressure for later night food and drink licences in residential and commercial areas.
• Green Forum: The council recognised the value of the Green Forum and committed to enabling its influence by publishing its meeting dates and actions on the eLiving platform and a dedicated Facebook Group, fostering two-way communication.
• Tree Inspections: A motion to continue the council's programme of regular tree inspections across the borough was withdrawn and will be resubmitted to the next meeting.