The Cabinet of Havering Council met on Wednesday 10 December 2025 to discuss several key issues, including the implementation of a new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) unit at Royal Liberty School, proposals for former library sites, and the extension of the Adults Drug & Alcohol Contract. Decisions were made regarding the approval of funding for the SEND unit, the disposal of former library sites, and the contract extension.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Unit at Royal Liberty School

Cabinet approved the release of funding up to £2.7 million for SFAET LTD to proceed with the construction of a new 30-place SEND unit at The Royal Liberty School¹. This unit will support pupils aged 11-16 with Communication and Interaction needs, including those with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Speech and Language Communication Needs (SLCN). The decision was made in response to increasing pupil numbers and predicted rises in SEND needs within the secondary sector in Havering. The funding for the construction works will come from the High Needs Provision Capital Allocation (HNPCA).

Councillor Michael White, a Cabinet member, raised concerns about potential cost overruns and the council's existing deficiency in its Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) high-needs block. Councillor Oscar Ford, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, assured that the council would cover any cost overruns through the capital programme and that the new unit would lead to significant revenue savings by reducing the need for more expensive out-of-borough placements. Councillor Keith Darvill questioned the timeline for the project, and officers clarified that the final payment is scheduled for March 2027, with an estimated opening in September 2027.

Future Proposals for Former Library Premises

Cabinet agreed to the disposal of the former South Hornchurch library site, with the final decision on demolition being subject to the evaluation of offers received following marketing of the site. They also approved in principle the repurposing of the former Gidea Park Library site for a 6-person accommodation facility for children with disabilities, subject to a separate business case. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director of Regeneration & Place Shaping to progress and conclude these asset disposals. Capital expenditure of £120,000 was endorsed for the demolition of the Gidea Park library building, and £110,000 for the demolition of the South Hornchurch library building, pending the evaluation of offers. The ongoing evaluation of a proposal from the Harold Wood Foundation for the former Harold Wood library premises was noted.

Councillor Michael White expressed concerns about the lack of firm development plans and confirmed business cases for the library proposals, questioning the commitment of up to £230,000 for potential revenue expenditure funded from reserves. Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, clarified that the report was for noting and that decisions would only be made once full business cases were presented. Councillor Kathy Freeman, Director of Starting Well, clarified that the business case for Gidea Park would follow in January, while the disposal of South Hornchurch was a straightforward disposal not linked to a business case. Councillor Christopher Wilkins, Cabinet Member for Finance, raised concerns about the potential for revenue expenditure and the lack of firm proposals. Councillor Keith Darvill questioned the report's status, suggesting it was premature for decision-making.

Adults Drug & Alcohol Contract Extension

Cabinet approved a three-year extension to the Adults Drug & Alcohol Service contract with Change, Grow, Live Services Limited, commencing on 1st April 2026 and running until 31st March 2029. This extension includes an uplift of £501,206 over the three-year period, funded from the Public Health grant, bringing the total contract value to £4,474,904. The uplift is to address sustained inflationary pressures. Councillor Gillian Ford, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, presented the report, highlighting the rising substance misuse, alcohol-related mortality, and unmet treatment needs in Havering. Councillor Michael White questioned the steps being taken to improve communications and engagement with residents, noting low returns from previous consultations. Councillor Gillian Ford acknowledged this and welcomed any councillor support in advertising future consultations. Councillor Michael White also questioned the evidence for Havering delivering strong value for money compared to similar boroughs, and Councillor Gillian Ford responded that Havering had doubled the number of people in treatment.

Private Sector Housing Enforcement Scheme

Cabinet agreed to designate a new Additional Licensing area covering the whole of the London Borough of Havering from 18th March 2026 for a five-year period. They also agreed to designate a new Selective Licensing area in seven wards: Beam Park, Harold Wood, Rainham & Wennington, Rush Green & Crowlands, Squirrels Heath, St Albans, and St Edwards, also for a five-year period from 18th March 2026. This decision follows a 12-week public consultation which indicated support from residents and businesses, though opposition from landlords and agents regarding the proposed fees and conditions. Councillor Paul McGeary, Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, presented the report, highlighting the increased geographical coverage of these schemes. Councillor Michael White raised concerns about the council's enforcement powers and the potential for landlords to become unlicensed due to the new regulations. Councillor Natasha Summers, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Housing Need, clarified that the schemes do not grant additional powers but widen the geographical coverage. Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, welcomed the report and the broadening of the scheme, and Councillor Christopher Wilkins, Cabinet Member for Finance, confirmed that the schemes are intended to be cost-neutral.

Bridge Close Regeneration - Compulsory Purchase Order

Cabinet agreed to the Council making Compulsory Purchase Order(s) (CPO) pursuant to statutory powers to facilitate the acquisition of all property and other proprietary interests on the land for the purpose of securing the comprehensive regeneration of Bridge Close, Romford. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, the Strategic Director of Resources, and the Deputy Director of Legal Services, to make the CPO, appoint necessary professionals, settle documentation, take all necessary steps for its confirmation and implementation, and to facilitate acquisitions by agreement. They also agreed that the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Leader, Strategic Director of Resources, and Deputy Director of Legal Services, be authorised to secure vacant possession following confirmation of the CPO. Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, presented the report, outlining the progress made on land assembly and the need for CPO powers to ensure the delivery of the regeneration scheme. Councillor Michael White inquired about the estimated CPO-related costs, the viability assumptions underpinning the affordable housing range, and the minimum level of affordable housing the cabinet was prepared to guarantee. It was noted that specific cost details were in an exempt appendix.

Corporate Plan - Q2 Performance Report (2025/26)

Cabinet noted the Corporate Plan Q2 performance report, which indicated that 48.44% of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were rated 'Green' (on or above target), 18.75% were 'Amber' (below target but within tolerance), and 32.81% were 'Red' (below target). Councillor Michael White indicated he had many questions but was happy to move on, acknowledging the Leader's generosity. Cabinet agreed to the recommendations in the report.

The meeting concluded with the Leader of the Council, Councillor Ray Morgon, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.