The Cabinet of Havering Council met on Wednesday 14 January 2026, approving several key strategies and policies. Decisions included the adoption of a new CCTV policy, a revised Inclusive Growth Strategy, a Social Value Guidance Policy, and an Education & Employment Skills Strategy. The Cabinet also agreed to select St Kilda's Children's Centre as the main Family Hub, with satellite hubs in Harold Hill, and approved a £300,000 contract award for Phase 1 works at Arnold's Field to mitigate fire risks. Additionally, the Council Tax base for 2026/27 was set, and proposals for former library sites were agreed.

Havering Community Safety Partnership Plan 2026-29 Approved

Cabinet agreed to the revised Havering Community Safety Partnership Plan for 2026-29. This plan, developed in line with statutory responsibilities under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, outlines the partnership's approach to tackling crime and disorder within the borough. Key priorities identified in the plan include reducing violence, tackling violence against women and girls, reducing reoffending, addressing anti-social behaviour, tackling acquisitive crime, and improving residents' feelings of safety. The plan was informed by a strategic assessment of crime and disorder trends in Havering during 2024 and public consultation.

New CCTV Policy Adopted

A new CCTV and Body Worn Video (BWV) Policy was adopted by Cabinet to improve compliance with regulations and the administration of the Council's CCTV functions. This policy is intended to enhance the lawful, proportionate, and effective use of surveillance technology, supporting statutory duties under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. The policy aims to deter offending, provide evidence for investigations, and reduce the fear of crime, while ensuring transparency and accountability.

Revised Inclusive Growth Strategy Approved

Cabinet agreed to adopt the draft revised Inclusive Growth Strategy for 2025-2030. This strategy aims to support sustainable economic growth, generate local wealth and opportunities, and attract investment in skills and careers. It acknowledges the borough's potential for growth, particularly in areas like Romford and Rainham, while also addressing challenges such as low productivity and the need for improved infrastructure. The revised strategy was developed with a light touch approach, building on existing data and acknowledging the current economic uncertainties.

Social Value Guidance Policy Adopted

The adoption of the Social Value Policy and Guidance was approved by Cabinet. This policy aims to leverage the Council's procurement activities to deliver wider social, economic, and environmental benefits for the borough and its residents. It aligns with the Council's Corporate Plan 2024-2027 and legal obligations under the Procurement Act 2023 and the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012. The policy mandates that procurements over £100,000 will allocate a minimum of 10% of the award criteria to social value, focusing on themes such as promoting local skills and employment, supporting the local economy, fostering healthier communities, and protecting the environment.

Education & Employment Skills Strategy Approved

Cabinet agreed to adopt the new Education & Employment Skills Strategy for 2025-2030. This strategy aims to ensure all Havering residents have access to high-quality education and employment pathways, promoting lifelong learning, economic inclusion, and social mobility. It is supported by secured external grants totalling £3.3 million for the Connect to Work initiative and £354,000 for the Trailblazers project. The strategy focuses on inclusive education, adult learning, skills development, and employment initiatives, with a particular emphasis on supporting those facing additional barriers.

St Kilda's Children's Centre Selected as Main Family Hub

Cabinet agreed to select St Kilda's Children's Centre in Romford as the main Family Hub for the initial phase of the Best Start Family Hubs programme. Satellite hubs will be established at Ingrebourne Children's Centre and MyPlace Youth and Community Centre in Harold Hill to ensure broad reach and delivery. This decision is supported by data indicating high levels of need in the Harold Hill area and St Kilda's central location, accessibility, and existing infrastructure. The initiative is funded by a £153,555 Department for Education grant.

Arnold's Field Phase 1 Works Contract Awarded

Cabinet agreed in principle to proposals for Phase 1 works at Arnold's Field, Launders Lane, with a maximum value of £300,000. This funding is intended for temporary remedial works to stop or significantly reduce the frequent fires and smoke emanating from the site, which has been formally designated as contaminated land. Authority was delegated to officers to procure and award a contract for these works, or to consider alternative arrangements proposed by the landowner, and to waive Contracts Procedure Rules as necessary. The works are intended to provide interim relief to residents before the summer fire season of 2026.

Joint Overview & Scrutiny Comments on Arnold's Field Addressed

Cabinet considered and responded to recommendations made by the Joint People and Place Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committees regarding Launders Lane (Arnold's Field). The Council reaffirmed its commitment to proactive communication and engagement with residents, noting that a review of communications strategies would take place. Cabinet confirmed ongoing lobbying efforts for legislative change, including support for Zane's Law, and detailed ongoing work on long-term health monitoring, data sharing partnerships with the London Fire Brigade, and environmental measures, including asbestos testing.

Education & Employment Skills Strategy Recommendations Supported

Cabinet supported a recommendation from the People Overview & Scrutiny Sub-Committee that the Education & Employment Skills Strategy should strengthen the route for residents wishing to move to higher skill levels, such as from Level 2 to Level 3.

Former Library Premises Proposals Approved

Cabinet agreed to a series of proposals regarding former library sites. For the former Gidea Park Library, Cabinet approved in principle the repurposing for a six-person accommodation facility for children with disabilities, subject to a business case, and endorsed a £120,000 capital budget request for demolition. For the former Harold Wood Library, Cabinet noted the ongoing evaluation of proposals for temporary use, including a seven-year lease with a three-year break clause, with any future decisions to be presented to Cabinet. For the former South Hornchurch Library, Cabinet agreed to its disposal and endorsed a £110,000 capital budget request for demolition, with the final decision on demolition subject to a future Cabinet decision. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director of Regeneration & Place Shaping to progress these recommendations.

Council Taxbase for 2026/27 Set

Cabinet agreed to a Council Taxbase of 91,122 band D equivalents for 2026/27. The estimated collection rate was noted as 97%, which is considered a prudent assumption reflective of current collection levels. This figure is crucial for setting the Council budget and taxbase for the upcoming financial year.