The Cabinet meeting on 19 January 2026 focused on the council's financial future, including budget proposals and savings, as well as the extension of voluntary sector grants and the London Councils Grants Scheme. Key decisions were made regarding the detailed budget proposals for 2026/27, the extension of the Corporate Voluntary Sector Grants Programme, and the council's contribution to the London Councils Grants Scheme.

Detailed Budget Proposals 2026/27

The Cabinet reviewed the detailed budget proposals for the upcoming financial year, which included new savings totalling £7.253 million for 2026/27 and £42.674 million across the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) period. These savings are intended to deliver efficiencies and increase income to protect essential services for residents and businesses. The proposals also included the reversal of some previously agreed savings, amounting to £9.467 million for 2026/27 and £18.177 million across the MTFS period. These adjustments reflect evolving expectations and the council's ongoing modernisation programme. The council noted government announcements regarding the Local Government Policy Statement, the Fair Funding Review 2.0, the Autumn Budget, and the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement, which indicated an increase of £61.5 million for Redbridge over three years, though this still leaves the authority underfunded relative to its needs. The budget proposals are part of the council's commitment to setting a balanced budget for 2026/27 and subsequent years.

Corporate Voluntary Sector Grants Programme Extension

Cabinet agreed to extend the Corporate Voluntary Sector Grants Programme by 12 months. This extension will allow for the design and launch of a new grants programme that aligns with the council's new Corporate Plan and Vision for Redbridge, due to be published in mid-2026. The extension ensures the continuity of services provided by commissioned organisations and community groups funded through the programme, which have demonstrated significant community impact. This decision was made to maintain strategic alignment, ensure continuity of essential services, and mitigate risks associated with ceasing funding, which could disproportionately affect vulnerable groups and increase demand on statutory services.

London Councils Grants Scheme - Budget Proposals 2026/27

The Cabinet agreed to a Redbridge Council subscription of £0.238 million for the London Councils Grants Scheme for 2026/27. This represents an increase of £0.003 million on the base figure of £0.235 million for 2025/26. This contribution is a statutory requirement for London boroughs and is essential for the scheme's continuation. The scheme supports voluntary sector organisations across London, addressing issues such as homelessness and sexual and domestic violence, which in turn benefits children and young people in Redbridge affected by these issues. The decision was made following consultation and consideration of the budget proposals from the London Councils Grants Committee.

Redbridge Corporate Performance Report Quarter 2 2025/26

Cabinet noted the progress made towards delivering the council's key priorities as outlined in the Redbridge Plan 2022-2026, based on outturn data and achievements between July and September 2025. The report indicated that 64% of performance measures met their set targets for the quarter. However, several areas were highlighted as requiring attention, including the number of households in temporary accommodation, the percentage of children looked after with multiple placements, and the timeliness of Freedom of Information requests and complaints handling. Specific actions are being taken to address these Red measures, including targeted performance clinics and service reviews.

Allocations Policy Amendments

Cabinet approved amendments to the Housing Allocation Policy to comply with recent case law and statutory guidance, aiming to increase opportunities to prevent homelessness, reduce the use of temporary accommodation, and improve fairness for working and Gypsy and Traveller households. Key changes include enabling households fleeing domestic abuse and care-experienced young people from other local authorities to qualify for the housing register, allowing homeless households to retain a 'reasonable preference' if they secure private rented accommodation, and renaming the banding system to reduce confusion. The income threshold for multi-person households to qualify for the housing register was also increased to £79,000 per year. A local lettings plan for the Northview Caravan Site for Gypsy and Traveller allocations was also approved. These amendments are expected to lead to cost savings in temporary accommodation provision and improve the transparency and fairness of the allocation process.

Housing Management Restructure Business Case

Cabinet approved the proposed restructure of the Property & Assets Service within the Place directorate. This restructure aims to ensure the team has the necessary competencies and capacity to deliver its Service Plan and contribute to the Corporate Plan. The changes involve renaming the team to Property and Major Programmes to distinguish it from housing-focused assets, creating new roles, deleting vacant or redundant posts, and assimilating existing staff. The restructure has a net zero financial impact and affects teams including Facilities Management, Capital, Commercial, and Health and Safety.

Adults Emergency Duty Team Section 75 Agreement

Cabinet approved entering into a new 5-year Section 75 Agreement for the Adults Emergency Duty Team (EDT) with North-East London Foundation NHS Trust (NELFT). This agreement, which commenced on 1 April 2025 and ends on 31 March 2030, provides an essential emergency social care service outside of normal office hours for Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and Waltham Forest. Redbridge's contribution to the agreement over the five years is £1,115,079.75. The agreement was approved with Havering as the lead borough.

Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2026/27

Cabinet agreed to retain the 2025/26 Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2026/27, with an increase of 3.8% applied to current non-dependant deductions, based on the Consumer Price Index. The council also committed to continuing the £1 million Discretionary Hardship Fund to provide additional support for those in severe financial hardship. This decision was made to ensure the scheme remains affordable and sustainable within the council's overall budget, given low government funding and increased service demands.

Agreement of the SEND and Alternative Provision Priority Action Plan

Cabinet agreed the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Priority Action Plan. This plan was developed in response to an inspection by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) which identified widespread and/or systematic failures in the Redbridge Local Area SEND Partnership. The plan, developed through extensive consultation, includes actions focused on co-production with communities and embedding this approach into Education, Health and Care Plans. Cabinet also noted the progress made against the delivery of this plan as of October 2025.

Re-procurement of Specialist Integrated Sexual Health Services (ISHS)

Cabinet approved the commissioning intentions for Specialist Sexual Health (SRH) services, including a direct award of contract to Barts Health NHS Trust for an 8-year term (5 years with three optional one-year extensions) with an estimated maximum value of £3,964,198. They also approved seeking approval to procure a contract with Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Trust (BHRUT) under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR), with delegated authority to the Director of Public Health to decide on the procurement route and award. This approach is recommended due to satisfactory performance of incumbent providers, no significant change in contract value or scope, and the lack of a competitive market for such specialist services. Newham Council is leading the process for Barts Health on behalf of several NEL authorities, while Barking and Dagenham is leading for BHRUT.