The Cabinet meeting on 28 January 2026 saw the approval of a significant new build housing programme, including the acquisition of 329 homes across three development sites and the procurement for 148 new social rented homes across five schemes. The meeting also addressed the Council's Medium-Term Financial Strategy for 2026-2029, proposing a General Fund Revenue Funding Requirement of £487.758 million and a 2% Adult Social Care precept increase, alongside a 2.99% rise in general Council Tax.

Key decisions included the approval of a pilot Retail Rent Support Scheme to assist small businesses facing financial hardship due to rent increases, and the continuation of the Reduction and Recycling Plan with a focus on expanding food waste collections and improving infrastructure. The Cabinet also agreed to offer 10-year leases at nominal rents to Shadwell Community Projects and Weavers Adventure Playground Association, a departure from the standard VCS Premises Policy, to ensure their continued operation and community benefit.

Further discussions covered the procurement of main works contracts for several new build housing projects, including Albert Jacob House and Brunton Wharf, which will deliver a total of 148 new social rented homes. The Cabinet also noted the Record of Corporate Director Actions for Quarter 2 of the 2025-2026 financial year, which detailed actions taken under Rule 10 of the Council's constitution regarding the waiving of procurement procedures.

Child and Youth Participation Guide

Councillor Maium Talukdar, Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning, introduced the Child and Youth Participation Guide. The guide, developed in collaboration with young people, outlines the Council's vision for a child-friendly borough where young people are listened to and can meaningfully influence decisions affecting them. The guide emphasizes the Lundy Model of participation, focusing on space, voice, audience, and influence, and provides examples of how this is being implemented through various forums, events, and recruitment processes. The Mayor and Cabinet expressed their appreciation for the co-production work undertaken by the Youth Council.

Budget Report 2026-27 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2026-29 - Final

Councillor Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, presented the Council's proposed budget for the 2026-29 Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The report detailed the financial pressures faced by local government, including rising service demand and constrained resources. The Council's strategy aims to maintain investment in frontline services while delivering transformation programmes. Key proposals included a net General Fund budget requirement of £487.758 million for 2026-27, a 2% Adult Social Care precept increase, and a 2.99% increase in general Council Tax. The strategy also outlined revised reserve policies, including an increase to the risk reserve, and approved the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) rent and service charge increases. The Chief Executive added a recommendation to fast-track measures addressing statutory recommendations, empowering the Strategic Director of Change and Improvement to prioritise these actions. The Cabinet agreed to these recommendations, including the proposed budget, council tax increases, and capital programme allocations.

Contracts Forward Plan – Quarter Three (FY2025-2026)

Councillor Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, presented the Contracts Forward Plan for Quarter 3 of the 2025-2026 financial year. This report provided Cabinet with visibility of high-value supply and service contracts, with an opportunity to request further information. The Cabinet was asked to review the plan, confirm agreement, and identify any contracts requiring further discussion before award.

Record of Corporate Director Actions 2025/26 Q2

Andy Grant, Corporate Head of Procurement, presented the Record of Corporate Director's Actions for Quarter 2 of the 2025-2026 financial year. The report detailed actions taken under Rule 10 of the Council's constitution, concerning the waiving of procurement procedures. It was noted that strengthened controls for the RFQ system had been implemented. The Chief Executive confirmed that quarterly updates on statutory recommendations would be provided to the external auditor.

Adventure Play Premises - Lease Proposals

Councillor Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, introduced a report proposing 10-year leases at nominal rents for Glamis Adventure Playground (operated by Shadwell Community Projects) and Weavers Adventure Playground (operated by Weavers Adventure Playground Association). These proposals represented a departure from the Council's VCS Premises Policy, offering a 100% community benefit rent reduction grant, which would result in no rent being payable. This approach was justified by the unique circumstances of these long-standing community services, the need for lease stability to secure external funding, and the significant benefits they provide, particularly in addressing child poverty and promoting physical activity. The Cabinet agreed to these proposals, noting the departure from the standard policy.

Retail Rent Support Scheme Pilot

Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, presented a report proposing a pilot scheme to support small businesses in Council-owned retail premises facing financial hardship due to rent increases. The scheme would offer a rent support grant based on assessed community value, with a maximum value of £532,000 of income forgone over five years, supporting up to 10 businesses. The Cabinet approved the development and implementation of this pilot scheme and delegated authority to the Community Benefit Rent Reduction Panel for individual award approvals.

Reduction and Recycling Plan Progress Report – Quarter 2, 2025-26

Councillor Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, presented the progress report on the Reduction and Recycling Plan. The report highlighted a significant improvement in recycling performance, with the household recycling rate increasing to 19.92% and contamination rates decreasing. Key achievements included infrastructure upgrades at numerous blocks of flats, extensive community engagement, and the successful piloting of food waste collections. Future priorities include the borough-wide roll-out of food waste services, landlord accountability measures, and expanding community engagement. The Cabinet noted the report.

Seeking approval to progress the procurement and delivery of new build housing projects: Albert Jacob House, Brunton Wharf, Caxton Grove, Copenhagen Place and Rushmead

Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, introduced this report, supported by David Joyce, Corporate Director for Housing and Regeneration, and Hannah Dalgliesh, Director of Regeneration & Development. The Cabinet was asked to approve the progression of procurement and delivery for 148 new social rented homes across five schemes. These projects are part of the Council's self-delivery programme and aim to address the borough's housing needs, reduce overcrowding, and support vulnerable residents. The Cabinet approved the progression of procurement and the award of contracts, with delegated authority given to the Corporate Director of Housing and Regeneration in consultation with the Mayor.

New Build Block Acquisition Programme

Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, presented a report seeking approval for a programme to acquire new build residential blocks. The proposal included the acquisition of up to 329 homes across three development sites: Poplar Riverside (223 homes), Aberfeldy Village (38 homes), and London Dock Side (68 homes). These acquisitions are intended to increase the supply of social rented homes, particularly larger family-sized properties, and are contingent on securing GLA grant funding. The Cabinet approved the acquisition programme, the bidding for associated grant funding, and the execution of legal agreements, with delegated authority for final terms to the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Development in consultation with the Mayor.

Record of Corporate Director Actions 2025/26 Q2

Councillor Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, presented the Record of Corporate Director's Actions for Quarter 2 of the 2025-2026 financial year. The report detailed actions taken under Rule 10 of the Council's constitution, concerning the waiving of procurement procedures. It was noted that strengthened controls for the RFQ system had been implemented. The Chief Executive confirmed that quarterly updates on statutory recommendations would be provided to the external auditor. The Cabinet noted the report.

The meeting concluded with the Mayor thanking all involved and noting the importance of the decisions made.